Is it Time for Cleveland to Cut Bait on Grady Sizemore?
Let's go back in time to 2008. The Cleveland Indians had one of the most exciting, young players in Major League Baseball in Grady Sizemore. If there ever was a five-tool player, it was Sizemore. He just came off the first 30/30 for Cleveland since Joe Carter in 1987, won his 2nd consecutive Gold Glove award in center field and took home his 1st Silver Slugger. Cleveland had the 25-year old locked up for four more years with a great contract. All for a player who had played in at least 157 games or more each of his four full seasons in the big leagues. Everything looked great for the Indians lineup with Sizemore entering his prime. Then the injuries happened.
This is the actual list of injuries to Grady Sizemore since the start of the 2008 season:
Sprained ankle breaking his streak of 382 straight games played
Injured groin in 2009 that had him pull out of World Baseball Classic
Left elbow surgery that had plagued him all of 2009
Hernia surgery; might as well get that done while out with the hurt elbow
Microfracture surgery on his left knee in 2010
Injured right knee TWICE in 2011
SECOND hernia surgery in 2011
And announced today, a lower back micro disectomy that will shelve Sizemore for 8-12 weeks
Sizemore has been knocked out more than those suckers that faced Mike Tyson early in his career. When do you hit the point where it's just time to move on? At full strength, Sizemore is among the most talented players in MLB. Can he ever be at that again? From the looks of it, probably not. If the Tribe can get anything for him at the trade deadline when he comes back from another injury, they seriously need to look into it. It'll add another chapter in the big book of Cleveland sports what ifs.
Thursday, March 01, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
The Strange, but True Story of an MLB Fan Cave Reject
When I decided to go all out for the MLB 2012 Fan Cave, I had every friend tell me this is perfect for you. "There isn't anyone I know that knows as much about baseball as you" and "you already watch almost every game anyway" was the things I heard most often. The support from my friends and family really pushed me to try out for the Fan Cave. I changed my Twitter handle to @Mapes4FanCave. I started a plan to get support from MLB players. I made what I thought was an entertaining, though not technically perfect video. My followers went from 90 to over 200 in a pretty quick span. I made extra videos inspired by Jeremy Guthrie and Logan Morrison that they enjoyed. I got ESPN's Matthew Berry to shout me out to 338,000 followers with praise. Hell, if you searched MLB Fan Cave on Twitter, I came up in the first five things! For the first time in a long time, I felt like I was doing something right. I watched as many applications on YouTube as I could. I thought oh that person is good, but I think I've still got this. I was pretty confident, heading into the top 50 that on a pre-planned trip to Boston for a Celtics game, turned into making my friends wander around Fenway Park for two hours, while I wore a sandwich board to have material ready for right when I made the top 50. (Thanks again Jenn and Jason)
Then February 8th happened. The day I had been waiting for. Top 50 announcement day. I checked at midnight, no top 50. I checked at 3AM no top 50. Then I got a text from my brother, "Sorry dude, I don't get it." Don't get what? I refreshed the page again and searched every person, there's Ricardo, there's Ricky, there's Lindsay, where am I? I refreshed over and over looking for me and it hit me, I didn't make it. First stage was shock. Then I looked through and wondered how did these people get in over me? Even though I has watched their videos on YouTube before I watched Andrew Burdick's video again, it's 1:16 long and he's sitting next to a half empty scotch bottle! Are you kidding me?!?! The rules said no alcohol! How did he get in? In came the second stage of anger. I threw a couple things as I watched video after video that I didn't even think would make it cause the "rules" said so. I couldn't believe when the number of people that didn't follow them hit double digits. I really just wanted to know why. I called the casting manager after finding his number on his website to no avail. I got an answer from the Fan Cave through DM on Twitter about violations being considered, but not grounds for a disqualification. As the afternoon went through, I received text after text, tweet after tweet, Facebook post after Facebook post, saying that they were proud of me and I did everything I could. That's when things changed. It wasn't really about making it anymore, just knowing that all these people cared, completely changed my perspective.
I had my "pre-top 50" friends Abby Mollenhauer, Ricardo Marquez, Ricky Mast, and Steve Sievwright. We'd hit each other up on Twitter and I was glad that most of them had made it through. (Sorry Abby) I said to myself, if I'm not in. I have to make sure one of them do. Soon after came the announcement that it would be narrowed to a top 30 with them going to Arizona for Spring Training. I had never been so jealous in my life. I still thought I belonged. I don't know why, I don't know how, but there were people in the top 50 who thought the same. I exchanged tweets with Kelsey Shea Weinrich and Travis Miller. Then it was Megan Washington and Taylor Hensley. I started to really like these people. Let's be honest. I saw the first nights of the tiny chat on Twitter and wanted to come hang out, so badly. Not just to talk baseball, but I just wanted to know more about these people. They just seemed so awesome. Still not sure how I was the anointed, adopted top 50 (and top 30), but I had never been so happy to be invited to something so random. It felt like I belonged. Baseball really is the game that brings people together more than any other.
Over the past two weeks, I've met so many amazing people that have made me laugh, smile, and yes even dance. I hope that I've done the same for them. It's so weird to care that much about people that you've never even met in person. The worst part for me, is knowing that there are at least 13 people that I care about, that will have the same heartbreak as me. I will be there for them, the same way that they were there for me. Would I go back and change it so I made the top 50? Of course I would. I'm happy with how it all ended though. The Fan Cave would've only lasted eight months. However, I made friends that will last for longer.
On the last day of voting. These are the people that I think deserve your vote to get to the top 30. In no particular order:
Ricardo Marquez
My brother from a Latino mother. You were the first friend I made in this contest and I truly believe you've got one of the best chances to make it to NYC. Hell even our brothers follow each other. This would be awkward for most people, but for us it's awesome. No one has made me laugh the way you have. You're the funniest person in the competition. Use it to your advantage. Be careful on the nut shots though. (Sidetrack idea: What if you said here comes another nut shot then cut to a shot of you doing shot glass of peanuts, I'll be quiet now)
Ricky Mast
Somewhere I think the casting agency sat in the room and said well we have this funny Braves fan (me) and we have this funny Braves fan (you). You made it and you deserved it. I was at happy hour at Chili's saw your video on YouTube and said to my friend uh oh, this guy is good. I hope you can make it so they #PutABraveInTheCave
Steve Sievwright
When I first started the contest, I went through a lot of the applications on YouTube and a lot of it was crap. Pure crap. Then I watched yours and it was the first one that actually made me laugh. Congrats.
Kelsey Shea Weinrich
I still don't like that your middle name is after Shea Stadium. Your facial expressions kill me every time. Crazy hair Kelsey is one of my favorite people, ever. Why a certain company would hide that inside a costume, I don't know. You've probably grown the most in the last two weeks and you seem truly happy. Oh and join the fantasy baseball league with Ricardo :)
Lindsay Guentzel
I have a secret. I was really jealous of you before the announcement. I told my friends at work "I can't believe the stupid girl in Minnesota got on morning radio already." There was no surprise to me when you made the top 50. Then I actually talked to you after the top 50. You're the total package. Smart, funny, attractive, comfortable on TV/Radio, hard-working and most important you're a great person. In my opinion, there isn't a person in this contest that has tried harder than you and you deserve to make it all the way. Plus, you look AMAZING in a Braves starter jacket.
Travis Miller
Thanks for wanting me to be a part of this group. When you commented that if I can't make it in, please make sure this guy does it meant a lot. It was a pretty sweet reverse jinx on your part. The effort you've put forth to bring the top 50 together is unparalled. Ugh why am I saying so many nice things to a Mets AND Marist guy. If you're ever in New York (aside from the Fan Cave) you know to hit me up. Miller, Mapes, and Marquez in the morning I still say is ratings gold.
Megan Washington
The adorable girl that wait what likes wrestling?! Are you serious bro? If you don't make it all the way I really hope you come down to Wrestlemania in Miami for dinner and drinks on me.
Ben Christensen
The phenomenon of the MLB Fan Cave top 50. No one has gotten more national media attention than you. I hate tattoos, really really hate. You've made me second guess this. I thought it was all beard and tattoos, but there might not be another person in this contest that knows as much about baseball as you. You are gonna go far. Don't trim anything either!
Matthew James
In my opinion, you had the best put-together video in the entire competition. I feel bad that you had to re-edit it because you were worried about getting DQ'd and it ended up not mattering. Plus, I need you to teach me how to make a QR code for 2013. Just watched your last video, had to go back and add that it was awesome.
Taylor Hensley
TayyyyyyyTayyyyyyyy everyone thinks you're all just cute and bikinis. There's a lot of baseball love in there too and it shows. Next photo shoot get a Rollie Fingers mustache on. There hasn't been a person in this contest that my friends are more jealous of that I know personally.
Christy McGaugh
The funniest girl in the top 50, but still full of class. I'm glad that if I'm ever in Arizona, I've got some one to hang out with. Use your homefield advantage well in the top 30!
Mike Heidner
My favorite of the I can't believe that many Tigers fans made it in. I envy the fan cave in your house.
Kurt Peter
The only person with the balls to make a new video almost everyday in the top 50. They were all good, day 4 is still my favorite. Happy birthday and I hope you get a ticket to Arizona for it.
Jeremy Dorn
Why the hell won't Corbin Bernsen retweet you? Seems like great PR for him. Best of luck stealing Taylor Swift away from Travis in Arizona.
Brad Jeffers
The breakout star of the "St*ff that MLB Fan Cave Finalists Say" video. Everything you did in that was gold. Still waiting for you to get in a bikini though, I'll hit you up with a hundred votes.
Dan Sharp
I'm supposed to hate you because you're a Phillies fan. I can't hate on your dedication though. Get off your damn roof and go have fruity pebbles with Taylor though, before I do.
Brian Boynton
The Rangers lost the World Series last year because of me. I bought celebratory shots of Patron for a friend to take when they won in Game 6. It's all on me. I'm sorry.
Brian Pasnik
Anything that spoofs "Rookie of the Year" is great in my book. You're one of my brothers favorites, but he's a Cubs fan too, so take it with a grain of salt.
Ally Williams
Last, but not least. Please dance one time. PLEASE. I'll do anything.
That covers everyone. I'm 99% sure. AbbyMo I know you didn't make the top 50 either, but we're both gonna learn from this and make it in 2013. You have an open invite to come visit and I'll take you to a Yankee game.
Thank you again to all of you for everything. If any of you ever need anything, you know where to find me. I know you all can't make it to NYC, but I truly hope you all make it to Arizona. Just make it the most amazing time of your life. Any time you have doubts just remember I'd give anything to have your chance right now.
When I decided to go all out for the MLB 2012 Fan Cave, I had every friend tell me this is perfect for you. "There isn't anyone I know that knows as much about baseball as you" and "you already watch almost every game anyway" was the things I heard most often. The support from my friends and family really pushed me to try out for the Fan Cave. I changed my Twitter handle to @Mapes4FanCave. I started a plan to get support from MLB players. I made what I thought was an entertaining, though not technically perfect video. My followers went from 90 to over 200 in a pretty quick span. I made extra videos inspired by Jeremy Guthrie and Logan Morrison that they enjoyed. I got ESPN's Matthew Berry to shout me out to 338,000 followers with praise. Hell, if you searched MLB Fan Cave on Twitter, I came up in the first five things! For the first time in a long time, I felt like I was doing something right. I watched as many applications on YouTube as I could. I thought oh that person is good, but I think I've still got this. I was pretty confident, heading into the top 50 that on a pre-planned trip to Boston for a Celtics game, turned into making my friends wander around Fenway Park for two hours, while I wore a sandwich board to have material ready for right when I made the top 50. (Thanks again Jenn and Jason)
Then February 8th happened. The day I had been waiting for. Top 50 announcement day. I checked at midnight, no top 50. I checked at 3AM no top 50. Then I got a text from my brother, "Sorry dude, I don't get it." Don't get what? I refreshed the page again and searched every person, there's Ricardo, there's Ricky, there's Lindsay, where am I? I refreshed over and over looking for me and it hit me, I didn't make it. First stage was shock. Then I looked through and wondered how did these people get in over me? Even though I has watched their videos on YouTube before I watched Andrew Burdick's video again, it's 1:16 long and he's sitting next to a half empty scotch bottle! Are you kidding me?!?! The rules said no alcohol! How did he get in? In came the second stage of anger. I threw a couple things as I watched video after video that I didn't even think would make it cause the "rules" said so. I couldn't believe when the number of people that didn't follow them hit double digits. I really just wanted to know why. I called the casting manager after finding his number on his website to no avail. I got an answer from the Fan Cave through DM on Twitter about violations being considered, but not grounds for a disqualification. As the afternoon went through, I received text after text, tweet after tweet, Facebook post after Facebook post, saying that they were proud of me and I did everything I could. That's when things changed. It wasn't really about making it anymore, just knowing that all these people cared, completely changed my perspective.
I had my "pre-top 50" friends Abby Mollenhauer, Ricardo Marquez, Ricky Mast, and Steve Sievwright. We'd hit each other up on Twitter and I was glad that most of them had made it through. (Sorry Abby) I said to myself, if I'm not in. I have to make sure one of them do. Soon after came the announcement that it would be narrowed to a top 30 with them going to Arizona for Spring Training. I had never been so jealous in my life. I still thought I belonged. I don't know why, I don't know how, but there were people in the top 50 who thought the same. I exchanged tweets with Kelsey Shea Weinrich and Travis Miller. Then it was Megan Washington and Taylor Hensley. I started to really like these people. Let's be honest. I saw the first nights of the tiny chat on Twitter and wanted to come hang out, so badly. Not just to talk baseball, but I just wanted to know more about these people. They just seemed so awesome. Still not sure how I was the anointed, adopted top 50 (and top 30), but I had never been so happy to be invited to something so random. It felt like I belonged. Baseball really is the game that brings people together more than any other.
Over the past two weeks, I've met so many amazing people that have made me laugh, smile, and yes even dance. I hope that I've done the same for them. It's so weird to care that much about people that you've never even met in person. The worst part for me, is knowing that there are at least 13 people that I care about, that will have the same heartbreak as me. I will be there for them, the same way that they were there for me. Would I go back and change it so I made the top 50? Of course I would. I'm happy with how it all ended though. The Fan Cave would've only lasted eight months. However, I made friends that will last for longer.
On the last day of voting. These are the people that I think deserve your vote to get to the top 30. In no particular order:
Ricardo Marquez
My brother from a Latino mother. You were the first friend I made in this contest and I truly believe you've got one of the best chances to make it to NYC. Hell even our brothers follow each other. This would be awkward for most people, but for us it's awesome. No one has made me laugh the way you have. You're the funniest person in the competition. Use it to your advantage. Be careful on the nut shots though. (Sidetrack idea: What if you said here comes another nut shot then cut to a shot of you doing shot glass of peanuts, I'll be quiet now)
Ricky Mast
Somewhere I think the casting agency sat in the room and said well we have this funny Braves fan (me) and we have this funny Braves fan (you). You made it and you deserved it. I was at happy hour at Chili's saw your video on YouTube and said to my friend uh oh, this guy is good. I hope you can make it so they #PutABraveInTheCave
Steve Sievwright
When I first started the contest, I went through a lot of the applications on YouTube and a lot of it was crap. Pure crap. Then I watched yours and it was the first one that actually made me laugh. Congrats.
Kelsey Shea Weinrich
I still don't like that your middle name is after Shea Stadium. Your facial expressions kill me every time. Crazy hair Kelsey is one of my favorite people, ever. Why a certain company would hide that inside a costume, I don't know. You've probably grown the most in the last two weeks and you seem truly happy. Oh and join the fantasy baseball league with Ricardo :)
Lindsay Guentzel
I have a secret. I was really jealous of you before the announcement. I told my friends at work "I can't believe the stupid girl in Minnesota got on morning radio already." There was no surprise to me when you made the top 50. Then I actually talked to you after the top 50. You're the total package. Smart, funny, attractive, comfortable on TV/Radio, hard-working and most important you're a great person. In my opinion, there isn't a person in this contest that has tried harder than you and you deserve to make it all the way. Plus, you look AMAZING in a Braves starter jacket.
Travis Miller
Thanks for wanting me to be a part of this group. When you commented that if I can't make it in, please make sure this guy does it meant a lot. It was a pretty sweet reverse jinx on your part. The effort you've put forth to bring the top 50 together is unparalled. Ugh why am I saying so many nice things to a Mets AND Marist guy. If you're ever in New York (aside from the Fan Cave) you know to hit me up. Miller, Mapes, and Marquez in the morning I still say is ratings gold.
Megan Washington
The adorable girl that wait what likes wrestling?! Are you serious bro? If you don't make it all the way I really hope you come down to Wrestlemania in Miami for dinner and drinks on me.
Ben Christensen
The phenomenon of the MLB Fan Cave top 50. No one has gotten more national media attention than you. I hate tattoos, really really hate. You've made me second guess this. I thought it was all beard and tattoos, but there might not be another person in this contest that knows as much about baseball as you. You are gonna go far. Don't trim anything either!
Matthew James
In my opinion, you had the best put-together video in the entire competition. I feel bad that you had to re-edit it because you were worried about getting DQ'd and it ended up not mattering. Plus, I need you to teach me how to make a QR code for 2013. Just watched your last video, had to go back and add that it was awesome.
Taylor Hensley
TayyyyyyyTayyyyyyyy everyone thinks you're all just cute and bikinis. There's a lot of baseball love in there too and it shows. Next photo shoot get a Rollie Fingers mustache on. There hasn't been a person in this contest that my friends are more jealous of that I know personally.
Christy McGaugh
The funniest girl in the top 50, but still full of class. I'm glad that if I'm ever in Arizona, I've got some one to hang out with. Use your homefield advantage well in the top 30!
Mike Heidner
My favorite of the I can't believe that many Tigers fans made it in. I envy the fan cave in your house.
Kurt Peter
The only person with the balls to make a new video almost everyday in the top 50. They were all good, day 4 is still my favorite. Happy birthday and I hope you get a ticket to Arizona for it.
Jeremy Dorn
Why the hell won't Corbin Bernsen retweet you? Seems like great PR for him. Best of luck stealing Taylor Swift away from Travis in Arizona.
Brad Jeffers
The breakout star of the "St*ff that MLB Fan Cave Finalists Say" video. Everything you did in that was gold. Still waiting for you to get in a bikini though, I'll hit you up with a hundred votes.
Dan Sharp
I'm supposed to hate you because you're a Phillies fan. I can't hate on your dedication though. Get off your damn roof and go have fruity pebbles with Taylor though, before I do.
Brian Boynton
The Rangers lost the World Series last year because of me. I bought celebratory shots of Patron for a friend to take when they won in Game 6. It's all on me. I'm sorry.
Brian Pasnik
Anything that spoofs "Rookie of the Year" is great in my book. You're one of my brothers favorites, but he's a Cubs fan too, so take it with a grain of salt.
Ally Williams
Last, but not least. Please dance one time. PLEASE. I'll do anything.
That covers everyone. I'm 99% sure. AbbyMo I know you didn't make the top 50 either, but we're both gonna learn from this and make it in 2013. You have an open invite to come visit and I'll take you to a Yankee game.
Thank you again to all of you for everything. If any of you ever need anything, you know where to find me. I know you all can't make it to NYC, but I truly hope you all make it to Arizona. Just make it the most amazing time of your life. Any time you have doubts just remember I'd give anything to have your chance right now.
Monday, February 06, 2012
Now for the victims of the MLB offseason. If there are winners, there of course have to be losers as well. Here are the teams that are wondering what just happened?
New York Mets
Let's start off with calling them the New York Mess. Alright, glad we got the obvious joke of the way. We can move on now. This all started trading Carlos Beltran at the deadline last season and not getting as much as everyone thought they could for a great player, but at least they got something for a player they weren't going to be able to keep anyway. The ownership issues have gotten so out of hand, that they're selling minority stakes to raise money, even having their own network, SportsNet New York, buy $80 million in shares of the team to help them with their debt obligations. SNY's theory is if we invest in the Mets, the ratings will be better for the network. From what the Mets did this offseason, SNY must be hoping that ratings help is coming in 2013.
The co-face of the franchise (Jose Reyes) is gone. 2010 darling turned 2011 disaster Angel Pagan was dealt for older 2010 darling turned 2011 bigger disaster Andres Torres. There are still question marks with Johan Santana's health. In the previous post I said the Blue Jays upgraded their bullpen by dumping the closing tandem of Frank Francisco and Jon Rauch. Want to guess who the Mets new closing tandem is? Frank Francisco and Jon Rauch! Uh oh.
The best news of the Mets offseason? They are going to use the black alternate jersey less and their new jerseys are nicer. I've seen a ton of Mets fans though clamoring for the blue "Los Mets" jerseys that they wore last season become the new alternate jersey, but to no avail.
2nd best news of the Mets offseason? They moved the fences in at Citi Field! Maybe it'll help Jason Bay finally get over a dozen home runs in a season, maybe not. I'll stop piling on now, sorry Mets fans.
Milwaukee Brewers
If I was going to try and define "bad offseason" having your best player and MVP from the previous season get suspended for 50 games, while your 2nd best player signs with another team would be a pretty solid definition. Mix in losing two above average setup men in the bullpen in LaTroy Hawkins and Takashi Saito and the road back to the playoffs for the Brew Crew is much more difficult. Milwaukee fans even lost the magic that is Craig Counsell's batting stance to retirement. They did sign Aramis Ramirez, which is an upgrade over Casey McGehee at 3B, but Ramirez is turning 34 this season and the decline may begin. Not the best of times in the Badger State.
St. Louis Cardinals
Silver lining for Brewers fans is that NL Central rival St. Louis also is an offseason victim. After the magical run though for the 2011 World Series, this is a little easier to bear for Cards fans. Obviously Albert Pujols is gone, arguably the greatest player in the franchise's history. The other two pillars of St. Louis consistency Tony LaRussa and Dave Duncan are also gone. Duncan could be back after taking care of some family issues, but without those three in the Cardinals dugout, things are likely to take a turn for the worse in 2012.
The return of Adam Wainwright from Tommy John surgery will soften the blow a little bit, as will signing Carlos Beltran. However, the odds of the Cardinals making another run to the World Series are long.
Oakland Athletics
With the success of "Moneyball" in theaters, even the average baseball fan is on to the tricks of Billy Beane in Oakland. This offseason though seems like a rough one for Beane and the A's. 80% of the Athletics opening day starting rotation is gone for the start of this year. Gio Gonzalez? Dealt to the Nationals. Trevor Cahill? Now a Diamondback. Brett Anderson? Tommy John surgery. Dallas Braden? Shoulder surgery and might not be ready for opening day. In is Bartolo Colon, who was great last year with the Yankees, but turns 39 in May.
The bullpen wasn't safe either. 2009 AL Rookie of the Year Andrew Bailey is now the closer for the Red Sox. Craig Breslow was sent to Arizona with Cahill. Guillermo Moscoso was traded to the Rockies. The closer role now belongs to Brian Fuentes again, he's like the cockroach of closers at this point, every time you think he's done, he's in line for saves again.
The lineup also has a lot of turnover. As much as I like Seth Smith. The losses of Josh Willingham, David DeJesus, and Hideki Matsui outweigh it. Their projected #3 hitter Josh Reddick, doesn't even have a seasons worth of games under his belt. It's gonna take a lot of magic for the A's to compete in the AL West with the moves the Angels and Rangers made.
Other victims of the offseason:
Chicago White Sox: Closer Sergio Santos is the biggest blow possibly. We will have to see if Matt Thornton can finally handle that role. Long-time fan favorite Mark Buerhle traded the Windy City for South Beach. Carlos Quentin was traded to the Padres. The worst part though is Adam Dunn with a big contract and a .159 batting average in 2011 still clogging up the middle of the lineup. Dunn will need to turn it around for the White Sox to have a chance.
Chicago Cubs: They whiffed on getting Albert Pujols or Prince Fielder to reside in the friendly confines. They did get a nice piece for the future in Anthony Rizzo as the back-up 1B plan. Plus, they got SOMETHING for Carlos Zambrano, which was better than the nothing they would've gotten from cutting him. Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer aren't miracle workers, it's gonna take some time to turn the Cubbies around. Yes, I've realized I have half of the NL Central as offseason victims, plus the Astros still aren't very good. Could this possibly be the Pirates year?
The beauty of looking at these things in February is it will change a millions times over the course of the season. Maybe Josh Reddick is the answer for Oakland, maybe the Cardinals new regime can continue their tradition. I would be a little suprised though if these six teams improved from what they accomplished in 2011. I do want to thank the people at mlbdepthcharts.com this site is fantastic tool for the baseball fan. Jason Martinez and his team do a great job. Give them a follow @MLBDepthCharts on Twitter.
The Victors and Victims of the MLB Offseason
Albert Pujols is at the tail end of his prime at 32 years old, but he is still one of the premier players in the game. A 10-year deal is long, but almost guarantees that The Machine will end his career with the Halos, the marketing from Pujols hitting his 500th, 600th, 700th and making a run at Barry Bonds' (or Alex Rodriguez's) home run record, factors into this deal as well. What this move did though is make a gluttony of power hitting first baseman on the Angels roster. Pujols, plus 2011 AL Rookie of the Year runner-up Mark Trumbo, and a hopefully returning Kendrys Morales gives them three players with 30-35 home run potential for two spots is intriguing. Will Trumbo transition to third base or outfield? Can Morales only DH? Does this designate Bobby Abreu to a role as a bench player? Will future star Mike Trout have to start the season in the minors? Is there another move to be made? All of these questions need to be sorted out during spring training, but I believe the way the Angels will go is to give Morales a chance to prove he's healthy and deal him for whatever help they need at the trade deadline. While Trout, is the odd man out....for now.
With the huge splash of signing Pujols, the big splash of getting the best starting pitcher on the free agent market almost seemed like an afterthought but it shouldn't. Wilson has transitioned magnificently from being a closer into an All-Star starting pitcher. Wilson has become an innings eater, with 200+ innings the past two seasons. When coupled along with Jered Weaver, Dan Haren, and Ervin Santana will take a ton of pressure off the Angels weak spot, the bullpen. The signing gives the Angels FOUR starters with finished in the top 30 of ERA in 2011. Even better, all of those starters went at least 228 innings in 2011. No other American League team can make that claim. This is now the best starting rotation in the AL on paper.
Other signings for the Angels include LaTroy Hawkins who will help as a righty out of the bullpen.
Miami Marlins
New name, new uniforms, new stadium, new manager and new players. The Marlins made themselves heard early and often. The biggest fish they reeled in was shortstop Jose Reyes from, the division rival Mets, with a six-year, 106-million dollar deal. Reyes gives them a dynamic player at the top of the lineup who with a healthy Hanley Ramirez and Emilio Bonifacio gives Miami the fastest 1-2-3 at the top of the lineup in the majors. If any of those three can reach base in the 1st inning, it might become a double with a stolen base and sets the table for superstar in-the-making Mike Stanton. I expect the Marlins to be among the league leaders in 1st inning runs in 2012. The more I look at the top of the Marlins lineup the more scared I get as a Braves fan.
That's not the only move the Marlins made though as they splurged on two pitchers in Heath Bell and Mark Buerhle. With the confusion of Leo Nunez/Juan Carlos Oviedo's identity situation, Miami locked down one of the best closers in the game. If Oviedo is still on the team he can return to a setup role with less pressure. Buerhle left Chicago after 12 seasons with the White Sox and will finally be adding some color to his uniform (a lot of it), but the most important move is going to the National League where he could have a sub 3.50 ERA. For my fantasy baseball friends, Buerhle is one of those unsexy, late round picks who by midseason you think to yourself wow he's doing it again. Lastly, how many starting pitching free agents have had 11 straight years of 200+ innings? Exactly.
The big unknown, the culture shock in the clubhouse from going from 80 year-old Jack McKeon to lightning rod Ozzie Guillen. I'm not sure exactly what's going to happen in Miami this season, they might need a season to mesh, but I know for sure it's going to be entertaining. For those of you looking for a solid MLB jersey investment, 22 year-old Mike Stanton with the new Marlins jersey, has to be in the top 5.
Other pickups include trading for Carlos Zambrano from the Cubs who desperately needed a change of scenery and Wade LeBlanc from the Padres. Those two will more than likely battle for the 5th rotation spot coming out of spring training, the loser being rotation insurance.
Other victors:
Detroit Tigers: Barely, Detroit signed Prince Fielder to a huge deal, but lost Victor Martinez to a torn ACL. Octavio Dotel is a nice bullpen piece. The biggest winners though from the Tigers dealings? Fantasy baseball keeper/dynasty league players with Miguel Cabrera and his 3B eligibility he'll gain early this season. I know I'm giddy about that.
Texas Rangers: Lost CJ Wilson, but if Yu Darvish is for real, they may have upgraded. Also a risk in Joe Nathan as the closer, but allows Texas to move Neftali Feliz to the rotation.
Washington Nationals: Didn't do anything too flashy, but trading for Gio Gonzalez and signing Edwin Jackson, gives the Nationals a quietly good rotation. Plus, Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmerman have another offseason to get fully healthy.
Toronto Blue Jays: No moves really made big headlines. However, Alex Anthopoulos completely rebuilt the Jays bullpen that was pretty bad with Frank Francisco and Jon Rauch. They gave up a good prospect for Sergio Santos to be the closer, with Francisco Cordero and Darren Oliver in the mix, plus Casey Janssen and Jason Frasor still there. One of the Toronto's biggest weaknesses in 2011 could now be a strength.
That's who I have as the biggest winners this offseason. Coming up soon will be the victims who got burned by the hot stove.
With Super Bowl XLVI in the books, it's time to put the full focus on baseball season. My father used to say, the best part of the Super Bowl, is it's 6 weeks til pitchers and catchers report! Things have changed a little big with the Super Bowl being played later and later, we sit ONLY 12-14 days away for most teams to report for spring training. Even better, only 6 days if you're a Mariners fan! I've been in full baseball mode, but for those of you that are just coming back to America's pastime. Here's what you need to know as the hot stove starts to cool down.
The Big Victors
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Well to start off for the Angels, they signed this guy.
Albert Pujols is at the tail end of his prime at 32 years old, but he is still one of the premier players in the game. A 10-year deal is long, but almost guarantees that The Machine will end his career with the Halos, the marketing from Pujols hitting his 500th, 600th, 700th and making a run at Barry Bonds' (or Alex Rodriguez's) home run record, factors into this deal as well. What this move did though is make a gluttony of power hitting first baseman on the Angels roster. Pujols, plus 2011 AL Rookie of the Year runner-up Mark Trumbo, and a hopefully returning Kendrys Morales gives them three players with 30-35 home run potential for two spots is intriguing. Will Trumbo transition to third base or outfield? Can Morales only DH? Does this designate Bobby Abreu to a role as a bench player? Will future star Mike Trout have to start the season in the minors? Is there another move to be made? All of these questions need to be sorted out during spring training, but I believe the way the Angels will go is to give Morales a chance to prove he's healthy and deal him for whatever help they need at the trade deadline. While Trout, is the odd man out....for now.
With the huge splash of signing Pujols, the big splash of getting the best starting pitcher on the free agent market almost seemed like an afterthought but it shouldn't. Wilson has transitioned magnificently from being a closer into an All-Star starting pitcher. Wilson has become an innings eater, with 200+ innings the past two seasons. When coupled along with Jered Weaver, Dan Haren, and Ervin Santana will take a ton of pressure off the Angels weak spot, the bullpen. The signing gives the Angels FOUR starters with finished in the top 30 of ERA in 2011. Even better, all of those starters went at least 228 innings in 2011. No other American League team can make that claim. This is now the best starting rotation in the AL on paper.
Other signings for the Angels include LaTroy Hawkins who will help as a righty out of the bullpen.
Miami Marlins
New name, new uniforms, new stadium, new manager and new players. The Marlins made themselves heard early and often. The biggest fish they reeled in was shortstop Jose Reyes from, the division rival Mets, with a six-year, 106-million dollar deal. Reyes gives them a dynamic player at the top of the lineup who with a healthy Hanley Ramirez and Emilio Bonifacio gives Miami the fastest 1-2-3 at the top of the lineup in the majors. If any of those three can reach base in the 1st inning, it might become a double with a stolen base and sets the table for superstar in-the-making Mike Stanton. I expect the Marlins to be among the league leaders in 1st inning runs in 2012. The more I look at the top of the Marlins lineup the more scared I get as a Braves fan.
That's not the only move the Marlins made though as they splurged on two pitchers in Heath Bell and Mark Buerhle. With the confusion of Leo Nunez/Juan Carlos Oviedo's identity situation, Miami locked down one of the best closers in the game. If Oviedo is still on the team he can return to a setup role with less pressure. Buerhle left Chicago after 12 seasons with the White Sox and will finally be adding some color to his uniform (a lot of it), but the most important move is going to the National League where he could have a sub 3.50 ERA. For my fantasy baseball friends, Buerhle is one of those unsexy, late round picks who by midseason you think to yourself wow he's doing it again. Lastly, how many starting pitching free agents have had 11 straight years of 200+ innings? Exactly.
The big unknown, the culture shock in the clubhouse from going from 80 year-old Jack McKeon to lightning rod Ozzie Guillen. I'm not sure exactly what's going to happen in Miami this season, they might need a season to mesh, but I know for sure it's going to be entertaining. For those of you looking for a solid MLB jersey investment, 22 year-old Mike Stanton with the new Marlins jersey, has to be in the top 5.
Other pickups include trading for Carlos Zambrano from the Cubs who desperately needed a change of scenery and Wade LeBlanc from the Padres. Those two will more than likely battle for the 5th rotation spot coming out of spring training, the loser being rotation insurance.
Other victors:
Detroit Tigers: Barely, Detroit signed Prince Fielder to a huge deal, but lost Victor Martinez to a torn ACL. Octavio Dotel is a nice bullpen piece. The biggest winners though from the Tigers dealings? Fantasy baseball keeper/dynasty league players with Miguel Cabrera and his 3B eligibility he'll gain early this season. I know I'm giddy about that.
Texas Rangers: Lost CJ Wilson, but if Yu Darvish is for real, they may have upgraded. Also a risk in Joe Nathan as the closer, but allows Texas to move Neftali Feliz to the rotation.
Washington Nationals: Didn't do anything too flashy, but trading for Gio Gonzalez and signing Edwin Jackson, gives the Nationals a quietly good rotation. Plus, Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmerman have another offseason to get fully healthy.
Toronto Blue Jays: No moves really made big headlines. However, Alex Anthopoulos completely rebuilt the Jays bullpen that was pretty bad with Frank Francisco and Jon Rauch. They gave up a good prospect for Sergio Santos to be the closer, with Francisco Cordero and Darren Oliver in the mix, plus Casey Janssen and Jason Frasor still there. One of the Toronto's biggest weaknesses in 2011 could now be a strength.
That's who I have as the biggest winners this offseason. Coming up soon will be the victims who got burned by the hot stove.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
"Moneyball" Grabs 2012 Best Picture Oscar Nomination, but does it Deserve A Best Baseball Picture Nomination?
There has always been a special connection with baseball fans and baseball movies. They can bring out every emotion from tears to laughter. "Moneyball" came out in October 2011 after years of uncertainty of even being released. Brad Pitt portrays Oakland A's General Manager Billy Beane as the team has lost star players Johnny Damon and Jason Giambi to free agency following the 2001 season. How can Beane replace two great players on such a small-market budget? Enter Jonah Hill's character Peter Brand (the real-life Paul DePodesta) to show off a new way of analyzing how to score runs and get wins on a shoestring budget, creating Moneyball. Pitt grabbed a Best Actor nomination for his role and Hill nominated for Best Supporting Actor. "Moneyball" received 4 other nominations including Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Sound Mixing, Best Film Editing, and of course Best Picture. Where does "Moneyball" rank among the all-time great baseball movies? I'm sure everyone's list is different, but these are my nominations for the Best Baseball Picture Oscar.
10) "Pride of the Yankees"-1942
I love that this movie actually has Babe Ruth in it. It chronicles Lou Gehrig's career, leading up to the culmination of his "Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth" speech. It may be the saddest of the movies on this list, watching the crippling disease ALS take over the body of one of the greatest players of all-time. It was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won one. Gets some bonus chuckles for Gary Cooper batting right-handed in the movie, even though Gehrig was a lefty.
9) "Bull Durham"-1988
This is where I'm going to get in trouble. A lot of trouble. I don't really like "Bull Durham" as much as everyone else. Which is surprising because 90% of the time when I have the choice I'll choose the comedy over the dramatic film. Kevin Costner is great as minor league player Crash Davis, but they movie just doesn't do it for me. The movie in general is well received and was named the #5 Best Sports (not just baseball movie) by the American Film Institute.
8) "Moneyball"-2011
I've already gone to great length talking about the movie, but this seems like the right spot for it. I may feel differently in a decade after 50 more replays of it.
7) "Rookie of the Year"-1993
Please humor me. I'm not saying that "Rookie of the Year" is the 7th best baseball movie of all-time, it's probably far from it. However, it's the movie that hardly ever left 10 year-old Bryan's VCR. Thomas Ian Nicholas plays Henry Rowengartner, a middle school afterthought who by a freak injury becomes the flamethrowing pitcher for the Chicago Cubs. Super bonus points for the only time the Cubs have won the World Series since 1908. Plus, if you're a baseball fan from ages 21-35 and you have uttered the words "funky butt-loving" or "pitcher's got a big butt" you haven't lived. Don't worry this one wasn't nominated for anything.
6) "Baseball"-1994
The perfect movie for any baseball history lover. Ken Burns documentary that chronicles the evolution of baseball through 18.5! wonderful hours. Each film goes over a different era in baseball history from the origins of the game through 1993 and was sadly released during the 1994 baseball strike. The film gave baseball fans a much needed baseball fix during the absent 1994 playoffs. A new film was released in 2010 called "The Tenth Inning" which chronicled the game from 1994-2010. Plus the 9-part VHS tapes, looked so awesome sitting on the bookshelf in the family room growing up. "Baseball" won an Emmy for Best Informational Series.
5) "A League of Their Own"-1992
A movie that I don't think gets enough respect over the years. Tom Hanks entering his acting prime, this movie came out right before "Philadelphia" and "Forrest Gump". This movie had entertaining performances from Geena Davis, Madonna, and Rosie O' Donnell. The film tells the story of the short-lived All-American Girls Professional Baseball League through the team the Rockford Peaches, while MLB is shut down for World War II. The slew of storylines from player-manager, to husband-wife, to sister-sister weaves together wonderfully. The final scene is one of the few where you didn't see it coming. Jimmy Dugan's famous line "There's no crying in baseball" is still uttered 20 years later.
4) "The Natural"-1984
When I first visited the Baseball Hall of Fame when I was an early teen, what the most exciting piece of baseball history for me? Not the plaques chronicling baseball greats, not the exhibits on the 500 HR club, 3000 hits, etc. it was the baseball movies exhibit. The piece that I still remember seeing this day? The Wonderboy bat and Robert Redford's New York Knights jersey. I even debated buying a Knights jersey in Cooperstown before I left, before settling on a Brooklyn Dodgers one. The Roy Hobbs character was just so fun from striking out The Whammer to appearing as a 35 year-old rookie for the Knights completely knocking the cover off the ball. The climax is still one of the most memorable for not just a baseball film, but any movie. Imagine if a player like Hobbs came around today in the world of around the clock sports news and social media, it'd be Tebow and Lebron wrapped into one. The movie was nominated for four Oscars, sadly none of them for Redford's role as Roy Hobbs.
3) "The Sandlot"-1993
From this list you can pretty much guess my baseball movie peak was from 1992-1994 (there's even another one on the list coming). "The Sandlot" was what I was when I was nine, a kid who went out every day and wanted to play some baseball. I was very much like Smalls, not the best player, but a kid that grew to love the game. The only difference is I actually knew who The Great Bambino was. The characters were all fun from Benny, to Ham, to Squints (and Wendy Peffercorn), to Yeah-Yeah. The story with the beast was great and was the quintessential baseball family movie.
2) "Major League" AND "Major League 2"-1989 and 1994
Please don't throw things at me for what I'm about to say. I like "Major League 2" more than the original. "Major League" is a great movie in its own right, but the young teenage silliness in me enjoyed the more ridiculous "Major League 2". The movie shows the lovable loser Cleveland Indians as they turn from a ragtag group of nobodies into a bonafide contenders. Find another baseball movie that has fans of the team actually wearing the jerseys from the movie rather that the teams own players. You know you own a Ricky "Wild Thing" Vaughn #99 jersey Indians fans, don't try to deny it. But why do I prefer #2? Except for the slight downgrade from Wesley Snipes to Omar Epps as Willie "Mays" Hayes, the entire cast is back, plus the hilarious editions of Rube Baker and Isuro Tanaka, just make the rare preference for the sequel. I still ask people if they "have no marbles", but I don't quote anything from the original.
1) "Field of Dreams"-1989
1989 was a great year for baseball cinema, with arguably the best baseball drama and comedy being released in the same year. "Field of Dreams" is based on the book "Shoeless Joe" by W.P. Kinsella. Kevin Costner plays Ray Kinsella, an Iowa farmer who hears a mysterious voice telling him "if you build it, he will come" Kinsella turns his crops into a homegrown baseball field in the middle of nowhere, while the ghosts of baseball greats like Shoeless Joe Jackson appear to play the game they loved while they were alive. The fantasy story continues as Kinsella travels to find Terence Mann (the always entertaining James Earl Jones) and "Moonlight" Graham. The ending where people will always come for the game of baseball, helps show why it is America's pasttime. It's one of the few movies that any time it is on TV, the channel doesn't get changed.
Honorable Mention:
61*, The Bad News Bears, Eight Men Out, Cobb, Little Big League, The Rookie, Catching Hell, Bang the Drum Slowly, For Love of the Game, Angels in the Outfield and Little Big League
There you have it. My personal Best Baseball Picture Oscar nominations. This no doubt is always one of the most controversial baseball topics. What's on your list? Feel free to pick apart mine, there should be no one that completely agrees with me.
There has always been a special connection with baseball fans and baseball movies. They can bring out every emotion from tears to laughter. "Moneyball" came out in October 2011 after years of uncertainty of even being released. Brad Pitt portrays Oakland A's General Manager Billy Beane as the team has lost star players Johnny Damon and Jason Giambi to free agency following the 2001 season. How can Beane replace two great players on such a small-market budget? Enter Jonah Hill's character Peter Brand (the real-life Paul DePodesta) to show off a new way of analyzing how to score runs and get wins on a shoestring budget, creating Moneyball. Pitt grabbed a Best Actor nomination for his role and Hill nominated for Best Supporting Actor. "Moneyball" received 4 other nominations including Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Sound Mixing, Best Film Editing, and of course Best Picture. Where does "Moneyball" rank among the all-time great baseball movies? I'm sure everyone's list is different, but these are my nominations for the Best Baseball Picture Oscar.
10) "Pride of the Yankees"-1942
I love that this movie actually has Babe Ruth in it. It chronicles Lou Gehrig's career, leading up to the culmination of his "Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth" speech. It may be the saddest of the movies on this list, watching the crippling disease ALS take over the body of one of the greatest players of all-time. It was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won one. Gets some bonus chuckles for Gary Cooper batting right-handed in the movie, even though Gehrig was a lefty.
9) "Bull Durham"-1988
This is where I'm going to get in trouble. A lot of trouble. I don't really like "Bull Durham" as much as everyone else. Which is surprising because 90% of the time when I have the choice I'll choose the comedy over the dramatic film. Kevin Costner is great as minor league player Crash Davis, but they movie just doesn't do it for me. The movie in general is well received and was named the #5 Best Sports (not just baseball movie) by the American Film Institute.
8) "Moneyball"-2011
I've already gone to great length talking about the movie, but this seems like the right spot for it. I may feel differently in a decade after 50 more replays of it.
7) "Rookie of the Year"-1993
Please humor me. I'm not saying that "Rookie of the Year" is the 7th best baseball movie of all-time, it's probably far from it. However, it's the movie that hardly ever left 10 year-old Bryan's VCR. Thomas Ian Nicholas plays Henry Rowengartner, a middle school afterthought who by a freak injury becomes the flamethrowing pitcher for the Chicago Cubs. Super bonus points for the only time the Cubs have won the World Series since 1908. Plus, if you're a baseball fan from ages 21-35 and you have uttered the words "funky butt-loving" or "pitcher's got a big butt" you haven't lived. Don't worry this one wasn't nominated for anything.
6) "Baseball"-1994
The perfect movie for any baseball history lover. Ken Burns documentary that chronicles the evolution of baseball through 18.5! wonderful hours. Each film goes over a different era in baseball history from the origins of the game through 1993 and was sadly released during the 1994 baseball strike. The film gave baseball fans a much needed baseball fix during the absent 1994 playoffs. A new film was released in 2010 called "The Tenth Inning" which chronicled the game from 1994-2010. Plus the 9-part VHS tapes, looked so awesome sitting on the bookshelf in the family room growing up. "Baseball" won an Emmy for Best Informational Series.
5) "A League of Their Own"-1992
A movie that I don't think gets enough respect over the years. Tom Hanks entering his acting prime, this movie came out right before "Philadelphia" and "Forrest Gump". This movie had entertaining performances from Geena Davis, Madonna, and Rosie O' Donnell. The film tells the story of the short-lived All-American Girls Professional Baseball League through the team the Rockford Peaches, while MLB is shut down for World War II. The slew of storylines from player-manager, to husband-wife, to sister-sister weaves together wonderfully. The final scene is one of the few where you didn't see it coming. Jimmy Dugan's famous line "There's no crying in baseball" is still uttered 20 years later.
4) "The Natural"-1984
When I first visited the Baseball Hall of Fame when I was an early teen, what the most exciting piece of baseball history for me? Not the plaques chronicling baseball greats, not the exhibits on the 500 HR club, 3000 hits, etc. it was the baseball movies exhibit. The piece that I still remember seeing this day? The Wonderboy bat and Robert Redford's New York Knights jersey. I even debated buying a Knights jersey in Cooperstown before I left, before settling on a Brooklyn Dodgers one. The Roy Hobbs character was just so fun from striking out The Whammer to appearing as a 35 year-old rookie for the Knights completely knocking the cover off the ball. The climax is still one of the most memorable for not just a baseball film, but any movie. Imagine if a player like Hobbs came around today in the world of around the clock sports news and social media, it'd be Tebow and Lebron wrapped into one. The movie was nominated for four Oscars, sadly none of them for Redford's role as Roy Hobbs.
3) "The Sandlot"-1993
From this list you can pretty much guess my baseball movie peak was from 1992-1994 (there's even another one on the list coming). "The Sandlot" was what I was when I was nine, a kid who went out every day and wanted to play some baseball. I was very much like Smalls, not the best player, but a kid that grew to love the game. The only difference is I actually knew who The Great Bambino was. The characters were all fun from Benny, to Ham, to Squints (and Wendy Peffercorn), to Yeah-Yeah. The story with the beast was great and was the quintessential baseball family movie.
2) "Major League" AND "Major League 2"-1989 and 1994
Please don't throw things at me for what I'm about to say. I like "Major League 2" more than the original. "Major League" is a great movie in its own right, but the young teenage silliness in me enjoyed the more ridiculous "Major League 2". The movie shows the lovable loser Cleveland Indians as they turn from a ragtag group of nobodies into a bonafide contenders. Find another baseball movie that has fans of the team actually wearing the jerseys from the movie rather that the teams own players. You know you own a Ricky "Wild Thing" Vaughn #99 jersey Indians fans, don't try to deny it. But why do I prefer #2? Except for the slight downgrade from Wesley Snipes to Omar Epps as Willie "Mays" Hayes, the entire cast is back, plus the hilarious editions of Rube Baker and Isuro Tanaka, just make the rare preference for the sequel. I still ask people if they "have no marbles", but I don't quote anything from the original.
1) "Field of Dreams"-1989
1989 was a great year for baseball cinema, with arguably the best baseball drama and comedy being released in the same year. "Field of Dreams" is based on the book "Shoeless Joe" by W.P. Kinsella. Kevin Costner plays Ray Kinsella, an Iowa farmer who hears a mysterious voice telling him "if you build it, he will come" Kinsella turns his crops into a homegrown baseball field in the middle of nowhere, while the ghosts of baseball greats like Shoeless Joe Jackson appear to play the game they loved while they were alive. The fantasy story continues as Kinsella travels to find Terence Mann (the always entertaining James Earl Jones) and "Moonlight" Graham. The ending where people will always come for the game of baseball, helps show why it is America's pasttime. It's one of the few movies that any time it is on TV, the channel doesn't get changed.
Honorable Mention:
61*, The Bad News Bears, Eight Men Out, Cobb, Little Big League, The Rookie, Catching Hell, Bang the Drum Slowly, For Love of the Game, Angels in the Outfield and Little Big League
There you have it. My personal Best Baseball Picture Oscar nominations. This no doubt is always one of the most controversial baseball topics. What's on your list? Feel free to pick apart mine, there should be no one that completely agrees with me.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Jorge Posada by the Numbers
Long-time Yankees catcher Jorge Posada will according to reports retire on Tuesday. The member of the "Core Four" along with Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, and Mariano Rivera helped the Bronx Bombers to a dynasty at the turn of the millenium. Even more underrated is Posada's charitable work. The Jorge Posada Foundation has become one of the leading charities for craniosynostosis, a disease that harmed his son. The debate among Yankee fans for the next five years will be is Jorge Posada a Hall of Famer, if you ask any fan in the Bronx, they will overwhelmingly say yes. If you ask any Yankee hater, they answer will be overwhelmingly no. Where does the truth lie? Let's take a look at the numbers and find out.
13
The current number of catchers in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Adding Posada in here is where he would rank among catchers in the Hall of Fame in major statistical categories.
Batting Average: .273-10th
Home Runs: 275-5th
Runs: 900-6th
Runs Batted In: 1065-7th
Slugging %: .474-7th
On Base %: .374-5th
Hits: 1664-9th
176
The number of games Posada got to play at designated hitter in his career, just over a full season of games. Only Carlton Fisk played games at DH in his Hall of Fame career, with 158, Fisk played seven more seasons than Posada.
5
The number of World Series rings Posada won in his career. This number is probably the best ammunition for Posada to be enshrined. Five is also the number of All-Star appearances and Silver Slugger awards for Posada during his tenure.
0
The number of Gold Gloves in his career. Partly, because he ran into Ivan Rodriguez for most of his career, but Posada was not a great, or at times even a good defensive catcher. He led the league in errors by a backstop twice and was in the top 5 in the category seven times. He also had a defensive WAR (wins above replacement) of -2.9 over his career.
984
The number of stolen bases allowed in his career. He was among the worst 5 in stolen bases allowed in 11 of his 16 seasons as a full-time catcher.
44.7
Posada's total WAR for his career. For comparison, the last catcher to get into the Hall of Fame (Gary Carter) had a career war of 52.6, while the presumed next catcher in the Hall of Fame (Mike Piazza) had a career WAR of 59.1. Posada never finished higher than 10th in the ML in single season WAR in his career.
9.6
The percentage of votes that former Yankee teammate Bernie Williams received in his first year on the Hall of Fame ballot in 2012. Williams has similar if not better offensive numbers than Posada, but didn't come remotely close to the 75% of the vote needed to enter the Hall of Fame. This is the most telling number against Posada ever getting in.
Jorge Posada has earned every right to be revered by Yankee fans. He helped them win five World Series titles and was a career Yankee, which is quite the feat in today's game of free agency and trades. Posada, Rivera, Jeter, Chipper Jones, and possibly Todd Helton may be the only players baseball fans see that length of time in one uniform for a while. In the future, Posada will probably join Yogi Berra, Bill Dickey, Thurman Munson, and Elston Howard as Yankee catchers with their numbers hanging from the rafters of Yankee Stadium. Looking at the numbers though, that's all that Posada will be. A Yankees great, not an all-time one.
Long-time Yankees catcher Jorge Posada will according to reports retire on Tuesday. The member of the "Core Four" along with Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, and Mariano Rivera helped the Bronx Bombers to a dynasty at the turn of the millenium. Even more underrated is Posada's charitable work. The Jorge Posada Foundation has become one of the leading charities for craniosynostosis, a disease that harmed his son. The debate among Yankee fans for the next five years will be is Jorge Posada a Hall of Famer, if you ask any fan in the Bronx, they will overwhelmingly say yes. If you ask any Yankee hater, they answer will be overwhelmingly no. Where does the truth lie? Let's take a look at the numbers and find out.
13
The current number of catchers in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Adding Posada in here is where he would rank among catchers in the Hall of Fame in major statistical categories.
Batting Average: .273-10th
Home Runs: 275-5th
Runs: 900-6th
Runs Batted In: 1065-7th
Slugging %: .474-7th
On Base %: .374-5th
Hits: 1664-9th
176
The number of games Posada got to play at designated hitter in his career, just over a full season of games. Only Carlton Fisk played games at DH in his Hall of Fame career, with 158, Fisk played seven more seasons than Posada.
5
The number of World Series rings Posada won in his career. This number is probably the best ammunition for Posada to be enshrined. Five is also the number of All-Star appearances and Silver Slugger awards for Posada during his tenure.
0
The number of Gold Gloves in his career. Partly, because he ran into Ivan Rodriguez for most of his career, but Posada was not a great, or at times even a good defensive catcher. He led the league in errors by a backstop twice and was in the top 5 in the category seven times. He also had a defensive WAR (wins above replacement) of -2.9 over his career.
984
The number of stolen bases allowed in his career. He was among the worst 5 in stolen bases allowed in 11 of his 16 seasons as a full-time catcher.
44.7
Posada's total WAR for his career. For comparison, the last catcher to get into the Hall of Fame (Gary Carter) had a career war of 52.6, while the presumed next catcher in the Hall of Fame (Mike Piazza) had a career WAR of 59.1. Posada never finished higher than 10th in the ML in single season WAR in his career.
9.6
The percentage of votes that former Yankee teammate Bernie Williams received in his first year on the Hall of Fame ballot in 2012. Williams has similar if not better offensive numbers than Posada, but didn't come remotely close to the 75% of the vote needed to enter the Hall of Fame. This is the most telling number against Posada ever getting in.
Jorge Posada has earned every right to be revered by Yankee fans. He helped them win five World Series titles and was a career Yankee, which is quite the feat in today's game of free agency and trades. Posada, Rivera, Jeter, Chipper Jones, and possibly Todd Helton may be the only players baseball fans see that length of time in one uniform for a while. In the future, Posada will probably join Yogi Berra, Bill Dickey, Thurman Munson, and Elston Howard as Yankee catchers with their numbers hanging from the rafters of Yankee Stadium. Looking at the numbers though, that's all that Posada will be. A Yankees great, not an all-time one.
Thursday, January 05, 2012
Dave Duncan Announces He's Leaving the Cardinals, Why St. Louis Fans Should Panic
First, Tony LaRussa announced he was leaving the Cardinals after winning the 2011 World Series in near impossible fashion. Today, pitching coach Dave Duncan said that he would be taking time off to deal with family matters. This is a HUGE deal for the Cardinals as seemingly every pitcher that Duncan has touched has turned to gold since joined St. Louis in 1996. Numerous pitchers that were roughed up in their previous spot, were able to become relevant again under Duncan's tutilage. These pitchers since 2002 include:
Edwin Jackson: Career ERA 4.46, St. Louis ERA 3.58
Ryan Franklin: Career ERA 4.14, St. Louis ERA 3.52 (and that's with his terrible 2011)
Kyle Lohse: Career ERA 4.64, St. Louis ERA 4.27
Jeff Suppan: Career ERA 4.69, St. Louis ERA 3.94
Joel Piñeiro: Career ERA 4.41, St. Louis ERA 4.14
Todd Wellemeyer: Career ERA 4.83, St. Louis ERA 4.31
Jason Isringhausen: Career ERA 3.62, St. Louis ERA 2.98
Matt Morris: Career ERA 3.98, St. Louis ERA 3.61 (with a 22-win season)
Woody Williams: Career ERA 4.19, St. Louis ERA 3.53
Darryl Kile: Career ERA 4.12, St. Louis ERA 3.54 (Kile came to STL after a 5.84 ERA in 2 seasons with the Rockies)
And of course the biggest one.
Chris Carpenter
6 seasons in Toronto
49-50, 4.83 ERA, 1.51 WHIP
8 seasons in St. Louis
95-42, 3.06 ERA, 1.13 WHIP
Even 39 year-old Chuck Finley had a better ERA than his career mark in his one season with Dave Duncan! Plus, he guided the careers from the start of great SP Adam Wainwright who will be back in 2012 after missing last season with Tommy John surgery and solid pitcher Jaime Garcia.
The only players who seemingly got worse under direction from Duncan was Mark Mulder, who was fantastic with Oakland when they had him, Hudson, and Zito, but was derailed in St. Louis by injuries. Also, Braden Looper and Brett Tomko were considerably worse, but that's probably because they were Braden Looper and Brett Tomko.
With the returning Wainwright, Carpenter, Lohse, Garcia, and the immortal Jake Westbrook (full disclosure, Westbrook's ERA is slightly worse with Duncan) in the rotation there actually seemed to stability in the Cardinals rotation for 2012. There are no more retreads like Woody Williams and Jeff Suppan to try and pull something out of nothing. Instead, the defending champs are now without the the staff's leader to show them how to get it done.
My wishes go out to Duncan's family that everything will be fine and he'll return to the dugout sooner rather than later, but I'm sure the other 15 teams in the National League hope he takes all the time he needs.
First, Tony LaRussa announced he was leaving the Cardinals after winning the 2011 World Series in near impossible fashion. Today, pitching coach Dave Duncan said that he would be taking time off to deal with family matters. This is a HUGE deal for the Cardinals as seemingly every pitcher that Duncan has touched has turned to gold since joined St. Louis in 1996. Numerous pitchers that were roughed up in their previous spot, were able to become relevant again under Duncan's tutilage. These pitchers since 2002 include:
Edwin Jackson: Career ERA 4.46, St. Louis ERA 3.58
Ryan Franklin: Career ERA 4.14, St. Louis ERA 3.52 (and that's with his terrible 2011)
Kyle Lohse: Career ERA 4.64, St. Louis ERA 4.27
Jeff Suppan: Career ERA 4.69, St. Louis ERA 3.94
Joel Piñeiro: Career ERA 4.41, St. Louis ERA 4.14
Todd Wellemeyer: Career ERA 4.83, St. Louis ERA 4.31
Jason Isringhausen: Career ERA 3.62, St. Louis ERA 2.98
Matt Morris: Career ERA 3.98, St. Louis ERA 3.61 (with a 22-win season)
Woody Williams: Career ERA 4.19, St. Louis ERA 3.53
Darryl Kile: Career ERA 4.12, St. Louis ERA 3.54 (Kile came to STL after a 5.84 ERA in 2 seasons with the Rockies)
And of course the biggest one.
Chris Carpenter
6 seasons in Toronto
49-50, 4.83 ERA, 1.51 WHIP
8 seasons in St. Louis
95-42, 3.06 ERA, 1.13 WHIP
Even 39 year-old Chuck Finley had a better ERA than his career mark in his one season with Dave Duncan! Plus, he guided the careers from the start of great SP Adam Wainwright who will be back in 2012 after missing last season with Tommy John surgery and solid pitcher Jaime Garcia.
The only players who seemingly got worse under direction from Duncan was Mark Mulder, who was fantastic with Oakland when they had him, Hudson, and Zito, but was derailed in St. Louis by injuries. Also, Braden Looper and Brett Tomko were considerably worse, but that's probably because they were Braden Looper and Brett Tomko.
With the returning Wainwright, Carpenter, Lohse, Garcia, and the immortal Jake Westbrook (full disclosure, Westbrook's ERA is slightly worse with Duncan) in the rotation there actually seemed to stability in the Cardinals rotation for 2012. There are no more retreads like Woody Williams and Jeff Suppan to try and pull something out of nothing. Instead, the defending champs are now without the the staff's leader to show them how to get it done.
My wishes go out to Duncan's family that everything will be fine and he'll return to the dugout sooner rather than later, but I'm sure the other 15 teams in the National League hope he takes all the time he needs.
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
Where oh where will Prince make his new castle?
Washington seems to be new front-runner for Fielder's services, but I don't know how signing him to a long-term contract is what's best for the Nats. They already have a decent first baseman in Adam LaRoche, plus breakout player Mike Morse played 85 games at the position in 2011. The Nationals current depth chart has just Morse, Roger Bernandina, and Jayson Werth in the outfield. Why would adding another 1st baseman to the roster help that? The Nationals do have a great unknown advantage in signing Fielder. Washington D.C. is the #1 vegetarian city in America and Fielder is MLB's best-known veggie lover.
Washington seems to be new front-runner for Fielder's services, but I don't know how signing him to a long-term contract is what's best for the Nats. They already have a decent first baseman in Adam LaRoche, plus breakout player Mike Morse played 85 games at the position in 2011. The Nationals current depth chart has just Morse, Roger Bernandina, and Jayson Werth in the outfield. Why would adding another 1st baseman to the roster help that? The Nationals do have a great unknown advantage in signing Fielder. Washington D.C. is the #1 vegetarian city in America and Fielder is MLB's best-known veggie lover.
Monday, January 02, 2012
Here is my entry for the 2012 MLB Fan Cave. 500 glorious words (exactly), but I wanted to write so much on more. This was especially difficult as a Braves fan to write so positively about a player on an NL East rival, but I truly believe Mike Stanton is on his way to super-stardom. I thought the same about Matt Kemp and Ryan Braun when they came up and was right. But I also have the biggest collection of 1998 AL Rookie of the Year Ben Grieve memorabilia outside of the Grieve family. So take it with a grain of salt. And Ben if you're out there somewhere reading this, please at least give me a follow on Twitter @Mapes4FanCave you owe me it for all the allowance I spent on your rookie cards when I was fourteen. Thanks.
In a sport that is packed with budding talents like Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw, 2011 All-Stars Justin Upton, Michael Pineda, Craig Kimbrel, Starlin Castro, and Andrew McCutchen, 2010 Rookies of the Year Buster Posey and Neftali Feliz, plus future stars Jason Heyward, Mike Trout, Eric Hosmer, and Stephen Strasburg under the age of 25; I'm taking my pick for young player to become a MVP candidate to South Beach. Mike Stanton, the 22 year-old emerging superstar for the Marlins is ready to leap from young slugger to MVP candidate. The best trait that shows how great Stanton has been in his two seasons is his prodigious power. He had 34 homers for Miami in 2011 as a 21 year-old! That total has occurred three times at that age in history. He had more bombs at 21 than Griffey, Aaron, and Bonds. Stanton also had a wins above replacement of 5.7, 10th in the NL (better than Albert Pujols or Prince Fielder), he was 5th in home runs (more than NL MVP Ryan Braun), and 8th in OPS (ahead of 2010 NL MVP Joey Votto). You would think being a power hitter, would infer Stanton is a terrible defender, but he isn't. Stanton's defensive WAR of 2.1 was tied for tops in NL. Somehow, he was not voted an All-Star and received one, lonely 10th place vote for 2011 NL MVP.
How does Stanton grow in 2012? First, is continued maturation and plate discipline as he learns the game. In 2011, he struck out every 3.62 plate appearances and walked in every 8.58 PA. This was improvement from his rookie year of 3.22 PA/K and 11.65 PA/BB. This led to Stanton increasing his OBP by .30 and OPS by .60 in 2011. Better patience will make him a tougher out in the Miami lineup.
The second, underrated reason Stanton will improve is the Marlins new ballpark. During summer, the average temperature in Miami is 89 degrees with unbearable humidity. Instead of playing outdoors in a football stadium turned ballpark, that is a below average for homers, plus the 3rd worst attendance in MLB, the Marlins will have perfect conditions and more fans in a smaller stadium supporting him.
Lastly, why Stanton will be a MVP contender is new teammate Jose Reyes. Stanton had great power numbers, but didn't score or drive in enough runs. Stanton's 87 RBI was 18th in the NL, while 79 runs were only good for 29th. No offense to Emilio Bonifacio, but you'd have to think that Jose Reyes is a certain upgrade. Also, a healthy Hanley Ramirez, who played in 92 games last season hitting ahead of him will set the table to put up better counting numbers and get the respect that he deserves.
There are plenty of worthy candidates, but if I was investing in rookie cards before the season started, I believe Mike Stanton's have the best return on investment.
In a sport that is packed with budding talents like Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw, 2011 All-Stars Justin Upton, Michael Pineda, Craig Kimbrel, Starlin Castro, and Andrew McCutchen, 2010 Rookies of the Year Buster Posey and Neftali Feliz, plus future stars Jason Heyward, Mike Trout, Eric Hosmer, and Stephen Strasburg under the age of 25; I'm taking my pick for young player to become a MVP candidate to South Beach. Mike Stanton, the 22 year-old emerging superstar for the Marlins is ready to leap from young slugger to MVP candidate. The best trait that shows how great Stanton has been in his two seasons is his prodigious power. He had 34 homers for Miami in 2011 as a 21 year-old! That total has occurred three times at that age in history. He had more bombs at 21 than Griffey, Aaron, and Bonds. Stanton also had a wins above replacement of 5.7, 10th in the NL (better than Albert Pujols or Prince Fielder), he was 5th in home runs (more than NL MVP Ryan Braun), and 8th in OPS (ahead of 2010 NL MVP Joey Votto). You would think being a power hitter, would infer Stanton is a terrible defender, but he isn't. Stanton's defensive WAR of 2.1 was tied for tops in NL. Somehow, he was not voted an All-Star and received one, lonely 10th place vote for 2011 NL MVP.
How does Stanton grow in 2012? First, is continued maturation and plate discipline as he learns the game. In 2011, he struck out every 3.62 plate appearances and walked in every 8.58 PA. This was improvement from his rookie year of 3.22 PA/K and 11.65 PA/BB. This led to Stanton increasing his OBP by .30 and OPS by .60 in 2011. Better patience will make him a tougher out in the Miami lineup.
The second, underrated reason Stanton will improve is the Marlins new ballpark. During summer, the average temperature in Miami is 89 degrees with unbearable humidity. Instead of playing outdoors in a football stadium turned ballpark, that is a below average for homers, plus the 3rd worst attendance in MLB, the Marlins will have perfect conditions and more fans in a smaller stadium supporting him.
Lastly, why Stanton will be a MVP contender is new teammate Jose Reyes. Stanton had great power numbers, but didn't score or drive in enough runs. Stanton's 87 RBI was 18th in the NL, while 79 runs were only good for 29th. No offense to Emilio Bonifacio, but you'd have to think that Jose Reyes is a certain upgrade. Also, a healthy Hanley Ramirez, who played in 92 games last season hitting ahead of him will set the table to put up better counting numbers and get the respect that he deserves.
There are plenty of worthy candidates, but if I was investing in rookie cards before the season started, I believe Mike Stanton's have the best return on investment.
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