New Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine has banned beer from the clubhouse this season. Smart move. If you recall, the Bostons collapsed in September last year with reports that some starting pitchers (Beckett, Lackey) were spending time in the clubhouse during games drinking beer and eating fried chicken.
Many teams have banned beer in the clubhouse. I salute them. All teams should ban beer in the clubhouse. There is no need for it there and you don't want players driving drunk. That didn't end up well a few years ago for Cardinals pitcher Josh Hancock who died in a car accident after drinking in the clubhouse following a game.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Every Team...My Faves.
Knowing how difficult it is to reach the Major Leagues and knowing how far short I fell in that quest, I’ve always admired guys who made it. The worst player in the big leagues is an unbelievable baseball player who navigated untold numbers of land mines along the way to make it to the show.
Some guys get washed out in little league. Some guys get told it’s over in high school or summer leagues. Some guys plateau in college or summer leagues. Others get signed to a pro contract, which is difficult in itself, and then peak in rookie ball. Or A ball. Or maybe AA or AAA. Some guys big league careers last one game. Still, I admire every guy that makes it to “The Show” be it for a cup of coffee or a lengthy career. Shoot, I admire any guy who puts on a uniform at any level and gets out there an plays the greatest game ever invented by man.
With all that in mind, I’ve decided to come up with a list of my favorite players from each Major League team. This is just off the top of my head so if I forget a guy from the past, I’ll eventually remember him and add him to the list.
Mind you, being a favorite of mine doesn’t necessarily mean he was a great player. He may have been, or is, a favorite by the way he wore his socks. Or the way he was in interviews. Or maybe he was simply a scrappy player who caught my eye or I liked his batting stance. Some guys I know from broadcasting minor league baseball or playing against them in high school or summer leagues. Whatever. Here is my list of all-time Major League favorites, in no particular order, from every team. For guys who played on multiple teams, I’ll list them on the team I remember them most.
1) Yankees: Bobby Murcer, Thurman Munson, Don Mattingly, Derek Jeter, Ron Guidry, Goose Gossage, Willie Randolph, Mariano Rivera, Tino Martinez, Jorge Posada, Bernie Williams, Graig Nettles, Roy White, Horace Clarke, Sparky Lyle, Lou Piniella, Reggie Jackson, Catfish Hunter.
2) Red Sox: Jason Varitek, Dwight Evans.
3) Orioles: Mark Belanger, Paul Blair, Cal Ripken, Jim Palmer, Gary Roenicke, John Lowenstein.
4) Blue Jays: John Olerud, Rance Mulliniks, Kevin Brown (the catcher not the pitcher).
5) Rays: Travis Harper, Toby Hall, Evan Longoria.
6) White Sox: Harold Baines, Bob Molinaro, Mike Squires, Wilbur Wood, Scott Podsednik.
7) Twins: Harmon Killebrew, Rob Wilfong, Bert Blyleven, Kirby Puckett.
8) Indians: Toby Harrah, Duane Kuiper, Sam McDowell, Jack Heidemann
9) Tigers: Al Kaline, Gates Brown, Bill Freehan, Mark Fidrych, Alan Trammel,
Lou Whitaker, John Hiller, C.J. Nitkowski.
10) Royals: George Brett, Freddie Patek, Paul Splittorff, Frank White, Mike Sweeney.
11) Rangers: Al Oliver, Jim Sundberg, Michael Young, Ian Kinsler.
12) Athletics: Walt Weiss, Sal Bando, Vida Blue, Rollie Fingers, Eric Chavez.
13) Angels: Fred Lynn, Wally Joyner, Frank Tanana.
14) Mariners: Rich Amaral, Ichiro Suzuki, Jaime Moyer.
15) Rockies: Todd Helton, Mark Little, Larry Walker, Carlos Gonzalez, Clint Barmes, Chris Nelson.
16) Giants: Johnnie LeMaster, Chili Davis, Will Clark, Tim Lincecum, Cody Ross, Willie Mays.
17) Dodgers: Steve Garvey, Rick Monday, Mike Scioscia, Orel Hershiser.
18) Diamondbacks: Craig Counsell, Luis Gonzalez, Eric Byrnes.
19) Padres: Tony Gwynn, Randy Jones, Trevor Hoffman.
20) Astros: Nolan Ryan, Terry Puhl, Jose Cruz, Joe Sambito, Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio.
21) Cubs: Ryne Sandberg, Mark Grace, Ferguson Jenkins, Ron Santo, Bob Dernier.
22) Brewers: Paul Molitor, Jim Gantner, Robin Yount, Pete Vukovich.
23) Pirates: Willie Stargell, Mike Easler, Kent Tekulve, Brian Giles, Jack Wilson.
24) Reds: Pete Rose, Barry Larkin, Billy Hatcher, Sean Casey, Jack Billingham,
25) Cardinals: Jim Edmonds, Mike Ramsey, Ozzie Smith.
26) Braves: Phil Niekro, Ralph Garr, Zane Smith, Greg Maddux, Dale Murphy.
27) Marlins: Jeff Conine, Preston Wilson.
28) Phillies: Larry Bowa, Lenny Dykstra, John Kruk, Jim Kaat, Del Unser.
29) Expos/Nationals: Jamey Carroll, Gary Carter, Andre Dawson, Tom Foley
30) Mets: Tom Seaver, Rusty Staub.
Some guys get washed out in little league. Some guys get told it’s over in high school or summer leagues. Some guys plateau in college or summer leagues. Others get signed to a pro contract, which is difficult in itself, and then peak in rookie ball. Or A ball. Or maybe AA or AAA. Some guys big league careers last one game. Still, I admire every guy that makes it to “The Show” be it for a cup of coffee or a lengthy career. Shoot, I admire any guy who puts on a uniform at any level and gets out there an plays the greatest game ever invented by man.
With all that in mind, I’ve decided to come up with a list of my favorite players from each Major League team. This is just off the top of my head so if I forget a guy from the past, I’ll eventually remember him and add him to the list.
Mind you, being a favorite of mine doesn’t necessarily mean he was a great player. He may have been, or is, a favorite by the way he wore his socks. Or the way he was in interviews. Or maybe he was simply a scrappy player who caught my eye or I liked his batting stance. Some guys I know from broadcasting minor league baseball or playing against them in high school or summer leagues. Whatever. Here is my list of all-time Major League favorites, in no particular order, from every team. For guys who played on multiple teams, I’ll list them on the team I remember them most.
1) Yankees: Bobby Murcer, Thurman Munson, Don Mattingly, Derek Jeter, Ron Guidry, Goose Gossage, Willie Randolph, Mariano Rivera, Tino Martinez, Jorge Posada, Bernie Williams, Graig Nettles, Roy White, Horace Clarke, Sparky Lyle, Lou Piniella, Reggie Jackson, Catfish Hunter.
2) Red Sox: Jason Varitek, Dwight Evans.
3) Orioles: Mark Belanger, Paul Blair, Cal Ripken, Jim Palmer, Gary Roenicke, John Lowenstein.
4) Blue Jays: John Olerud, Rance Mulliniks, Kevin Brown (the catcher not the pitcher).
5) Rays: Travis Harper, Toby Hall, Evan Longoria.
6) White Sox: Harold Baines, Bob Molinaro, Mike Squires, Wilbur Wood, Scott Podsednik.
7) Twins: Harmon Killebrew, Rob Wilfong, Bert Blyleven, Kirby Puckett.
8) Indians: Toby Harrah, Duane Kuiper, Sam McDowell, Jack Heidemann
9) Tigers: Al Kaline, Gates Brown, Bill Freehan, Mark Fidrych, Alan Trammel,
Lou Whitaker, John Hiller, C.J. Nitkowski.
10) Royals: George Brett, Freddie Patek, Paul Splittorff, Frank White, Mike Sweeney.
11) Rangers: Al Oliver, Jim Sundberg, Michael Young, Ian Kinsler.
12) Athletics: Walt Weiss, Sal Bando, Vida Blue, Rollie Fingers, Eric Chavez.
13) Angels: Fred Lynn, Wally Joyner, Frank Tanana.
14) Mariners: Rich Amaral, Ichiro Suzuki, Jaime Moyer.
15) Rockies: Todd Helton, Mark Little, Larry Walker, Carlos Gonzalez, Clint Barmes, Chris Nelson.
16) Giants: Johnnie LeMaster, Chili Davis, Will Clark, Tim Lincecum, Cody Ross, Willie Mays.
17) Dodgers: Steve Garvey, Rick Monday, Mike Scioscia, Orel Hershiser.
18) Diamondbacks: Craig Counsell, Luis Gonzalez, Eric Byrnes.
19) Padres: Tony Gwynn, Randy Jones, Trevor Hoffman.
20) Astros: Nolan Ryan, Terry Puhl, Jose Cruz, Joe Sambito, Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio.
21) Cubs: Ryne Sandberg, Mark Grace, Ferguson Jenkins, Ron Santo, Bob Dernier.
22) Brewers: Paul Molitor, Jim Gantner, Robin Yount, Pete Vukovich.
23) Pirates: Willie Stargell, Mike Easler, Kent Tekulve, Brian Giles, Jack Wilson.
24) Reds: Pete Rose, Barry Larkin, Billy Hatcher, Sean Casey, Jack Billingham,
25) Cardinals: Jim Edmonds, Mike Ramsey, Ozzie Smith.
26) Braves: Phil Niekro, Ralph Garr, Zane Smith, Greg Maddux, Dale Murphy.
27) Marlins: Jeff Conine, Preston Wilson.
28) Phillies: Larry Bowa, Lenny Dykstra, John Kruk, Jim Kaat, Del Unser.
29) Expos/Nationals: Jamey Carroll, Gary Carter, Andre Dawson, Tom Foley
30) Mets: Tom Seaver, Rusty Staub.
Gary Patches
Good move by the Mets to announce that they will wear patches on their uniforms to honor Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter who passed away last week from brain cancer. Carter was one of the few likable Mets in the mid-80's. Ok, the only likable Met from those teams.
My only question about the patches, which will be Carter's #8 and a home plate, is how can they afford to buy patches? You know, with the Mets finances and all. Maybe they can get a sponsor like little league teams do.
My only question about the patches, which will be Carter's #8 and a home plate, is how can they afford to buy patches? You know, with the Mets finances and all. Maybe they can get a sponsor like little league teams do.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Posada Overrated?
I stumbled upon a link in my e-mail that invited me to go to a website called bleacherreport.com. I've been there and it can be an entertaining if not always illuminating website.
What caught my attention was a list of the 50 most overrated baseball players of all time, compiled by someone named Shaun McPartlin.
I clicked on number 50 and the recently retired Jorge Posada made the list. Overrated? I don't think so but I read what McPartlin had to say. I have an open mind and he might have some valid points.
He says that Posada was known more for his hitting than catching skills. True. But I would argue he was an underrated defensive catcher. The writer goes on to say that he only threw out 27% of runners attempting to steal. I would counter, other than Andy Pettitte, which Yankee pitcher was good at holding runners on? I would say not many. Mike Mussina maybe?
But here is where I have a beef. He said Posada averaged 15 homers and 60 RBI's per season which he says is "middle of the road."
Those totals seemed very low to me so I went to my favorite website www.baseballreference.com to do some investigating.
In 1995, Posada made his Major League debut. He caught the last inning of one game and didn't make a plate appearance.
The next season, he played a total of 8 games with a whopping total of 14 at-bats. Since baseball-reference includes those seasons as years played, McPartlin included those years in his yearly averages!
In 1997, as a part-time player, splitting his true rookie season with Joe Girardi, Posada played in a mere 60-games.
Since McPartlin counted those three seasons in his "yearly averages" total, of course his numbers will look smaller. His deceptive practice was made to enhance his weak "overrated" argument.
If you take Posada's 8 seasons from 2000-2007, he averaged 20 home runs per season and 89 RBI's per season. That is not a one or two year sample. That is a large sample for a player manning the most physically demanding position on the diamond. Plus, the writer conveniently didn't mention Posada's post-season contributions and playing on four World Series championship teams.
This compilation of the 50 most overrated players was compiled last April. It should have met the delete button immediately.
I didn't look at who the other 49 most overrated players were. I had enough time wasted by reading the inaccurate and misleading garbage McParlin posted on Posada.
Overrated? No. Not at all. He might even end up in the Hall of Fame and deservedly so.
What caught my attention was a list of the 50 most overrated baseball players of all time, compiled by someone named Shaun McPartlin.
I clicked on number 50 and the recently retired Jorge Posada made the list. Overrated? I don't think so but I read what McPartlin had to say. I have an open mind and he might have some valid points.
He says that Posada was known more for his hitting than catching skills. True. But I would argue he was an underrated defensive catcher. The writer goes on to say that he only threw out 27% of runners attempting to steal. I would counter, other than Andy Pettitte, which Yankee pitcher was good at holding runners on? I would say not many. Mike Mussina maybe?
But here is where I have a beef. He said Posada averaged 15 homers and 60 RBI's per season which he says is "middle of the road."
Those totals seemed very low to me so I went to my favorite website www.baseballreference.com to do some investigating.
In 1995, Posada made his Major League debut. He caught the last inning of one game and didn't make a plate appearance.
The next season, he played a total of 8 games with a whopping total of 14 at-bats. Since baseball-reference includes those seasons as years played, McPartlin included those years in his yearly averages!
In 1997, as a part-time player, splitting his true rookie season with Joe Girardi, Posada played in a mere 60-games.
Since McPartlin counted those three seasons in his "yearly averages" total, of course his numbers will look smaller. His deceptive practice was made to enhance his weak "overrated" argument.
If you take Posada's 8 seasons from 2000-2007, he averaged 20 home runs per season and 89 RBI's per season. That is not a one or two year sample. That is a large sample for a player manning the most physically demanding position on the diamond. Plus, the writer conveniently didn't mention Posada's post-season contributions and playing on four World Series championship teams.
This compilation of the 50 most overrated players was compiled last April. It should have met the delete button immediately.
I didn't look at who the other 49 most overrated players were. I had enough time wasted by reading the inaccurate and misleading garbage McParlin posted on Posada.
Overrated? No. Not at all. He might even end up in the Hall of Fame and deservedly so.
Braun Off The Hook
Ryan Braun won his appeal of his 50-game drug suspension for elevated levels of testosterone.
Today he faced the media and one of the things that struck me was his comment, "
I truly believe in my heart and I would bet my life that the substance never entered my body at any point.”
That's a pretty strong statement. Even if he did take performance enhancing drugs and got away with it that is still a bold thing to say.
Personally, I believe Braun. He's a smart guy and his stats have been pretty consistent. His body hasn't grown to massive proportions like Sosa, Bonds and McGwire.
Major League Baseball's reaction was pretty classless too in my estimation. MLB VP Rob Manfred said that he "vehemently disagrees" with the decision of independent arbitrator Shayam Das, a guy who has been doing this for baseball for 11-years.
We've heard players before deny use of performance enhancing drugs like Rafael Palmeiro and a host of others. But Braun's denial was so strong and vigorous and when you add his high caliber reputation, you have to really wonder. How did this happen in the first place.
If Braun is telling the truth, and again I believe he is, then there is a major and dangerous problem in Major League Baseball. If a sample is taken from a player, and disappears for 44 hours as in the case of Braun, who knows who can tamper with it or what the elements, heat or cold, can do to it.
In the end I believe justice prevailed and Manfred can cry all he wants. If the suspension was upheld and Braun was truly innocent, that would have been a tragedy. As it stands now, to all players in the big leagues and minor leagues...beware.
Today he faced the media and one of the things that struck me was his comment, "
I truly believe in my heart and I would bet my life that the substance never entered my body at any point.”
That's a pretty strong statement. Even if he did take performance enhancing drugs and got away with it that is still a bold thing to say.
Personally, I believe Braun. He's a smart guy and his stats have been pretty consistent. His body hasn't grown to massive proportions like Sosa, Bonds and McGwire.
Major League Baseball's reaction was pretty classless too in my estimation. MLB VP Rob Manfred said that he "vehemently disagrees" with the decision of independent arbitrator Shayam Das, a guy who has been doing this for baseball for 11-years.
We've heard players before deny use of performance enhancing drugs like Rafael Palmeiro and a host of others. But Braun's denial was so strong and vigorous and when you add his high caliber reputation, you have to really wonder. How did this happen in the first place.
If Braun is telling the truth, and again I believe he is, then there is a major and dangerous problem in Major League Baseball. If a sample is taken from a player, and disappears for 44 hours as in the case of Braun, who knows who can tamper with it or what the elements, heat or cold, can do to it.
In the end I believe justice prevailed and Manfred can cry all he wants. If the suspension was upheld and Braun was truly innocent, that would have been a tragedy. As it stands now, to all players in the big leagues and minor leagues...beware.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Sell or Hold?
I mentioned a couple of weeks ago to Casey Bloyer that I had a Thurman Munson autograph on a 1976 Baltimore Orioles program. I wondered how much it was worth since Casey used to be in the seedy sports memorabilia business.
His jaw dropped.
"You have a Thurman Munson autograph?"
"Yeah."
"What kind of condition?"
"Perfect condition."
"Holy crap, that is worth about 2-grand."
I thought it might be worth about $50 so I was thrilled Casey said it was worth around $2,000. One reason it is worth so much is because it is rare. The Yankees first team captain since Lou Gehrig died tragically in a plane crash on August 2, 1979. One of the saddest days of my life. He didn't sign many autographs since this was before the big memorabilia craze.
I asked the Caseman to help me sell it and he refused.
"You can't sell that," he pleaded with me.
Here's the story behind the autograph.
My mom, grandpa and me took a trip to Baltimore to see the Yankees face the Orioles on July 26th, 27th and 28th at Memorial Stadium in 1976. We happened to stay in the same hotel as the Yankees, The Lord Baltimore Hotel.
The Yanks, despite having a big lead on the O's in the AL East that season, lost all three games. This is when Baltimore actually had a team.
After the loss on July 26th, I was in the hotel lobby, around midnight, just looking around. I was reading the game program that had Paul Blair on the cover. Great centerfielder and a future Yankee. Anyway, Thurman Munson came walking by on his way towards the elevators. I approached him with trepidation. This was one of my heroes, the Yankees catcher! I was apprehensive and intimidated.
I said, "Hi Thurman, can I please have an autograph?"
He didn't say anything. He took the program and signed his name. Clearly and legibly.
I said thanks and he replied, "You're welcome."
I shook his hand and he disappeared into the elevator. I was thrilled. I put the program in plastic when I got home and it has been in the plastic ever since.
To me, the big memory is just meeting Munson, or as my friends and I used to call him, "Thurm the Germ...poison to the other team." The fact that I have a program with his signature on it is nice but if I can get $2,000 for it well..."
So, question time. Should I sell the program? Should I keep it as Casey says? Or, should I hold onto it for a few more years, let the value appreciated and then sell it for more money as my radio comrade Andy Cornell says? What should I do?
His jaw dropped.
"You have a Thurman Munson autograph?"
"Yeah."
"What kind of condition?"
"Perfect condition."
"Holy crap, that is worth about 2-grand."
I thought it might be worth about $50 so I was thrilled Casey said it was worth around $2,000. One reason it is worth so much is because it is rare. The Yankees first team captain since Lou Gehrig died tragically in a plane crash on August 2, 1979. One of the saddest days of my life. He didn't sign many autographs since this was before the big memorabilia craze.
I asked the Caseman to help me sell it and he refused.
"You can't sell that," he pleaded with me.
Here's the story behind the autograph.
My mom, grandpa and me took a trip to Baltimore to see the Yankees face the Orioles on July 26th, 27th and 28th at Memorial Stadium in 1976. We happened to stay in the same hotel as the Yankees, The Lord Baltimore Hotel.
The Yanks, despite having a big lead on the O's in the AL East that season, lost all three games. This is when Baltimore actually had a team.
After the loss on July 26th, I was in the hotel lobby, around midnight, just looking around. I was reading the game program that had Paul Blair on the cover. Great centerfielder and a future Yankee. Anyway, Thurman Munson came walking by on his way towards the elevators. I approached him with trepidation. This was one of my heroes, the Yankees catcher! I was apprehensive and intimidated.
I said, "Hi Thurman, can I please have an autograph?"
He didn't say anything. He took the program and signed his name. Clearly and legibly.
I said thanks and he replied, "You're welcome."
I shook his hand and he disappeared into the elevator. I was thrilled. I put the program in plastic when I got home and it has been in the plastic ever since.
To me, the big memory is just meeting Munson, or as my friends and I used to call him, "Thurm the Germ...poison to the other team." The fact that I have a program with his signature on it is nice but if I can get $2,000 for it well..."
So, question time. Should I sell the program? Should I keep it as Casey says? Or, should I hold onto it for a few more years, let the value appreciated and then sell it for more money as my radio comrade Andy Cornell says? What should I do?
No Mo Post Game Pies!
Thank goodness and good riddance. A.J. Burnett is no longer a Yankee. The Pirates traded a couple of warm bodies, I mean "prospects," to New York for the mercurial right-hander.
How is it a guy with such good stuff and be so consistently inconsistent. Burnett would look like Christy Mathewson for 3 innings and then look like Bill Thornton the next inning? Bill Thornton being a high school and summer league teammate and life long friend who I just felt like throwing under the bus right now for some reason. Actually, Billy could have pitched better than A.J. at times the past two seasons.
I have the reason. The guy is unfocused. It seemed to me that Burnett was more concerned with slamming guys in the face with a post game pie for a walk-off win or acquiring more tattoos than winning ballgames. That stuff is great...when you are winning 18 games with an ERA around three instead of close to six.
The Pirates have had 19 consecutive losing seasons. It isn't as if they've accomplished this dubious record by being smart.
A.J. Burnett isn't going to help the Pirates long term. Oh, he'll eat innings and serve up plenty of souvenirs to the patrons in the right and left field seats but if the Pirates ever get good again, and that's a big if with their incompetent owner Bob Nutting, Burnett will be long gone.
As for Nutting, he doesn't want to win. Winning teams cost money and he makes a fistful of dollars by losing and pocketing luxury tax money from the Yankees and Red Sox and teams of that ilk. You know, winning teams.
So, Pittsburgh, the giant roar you hear coming from the east are Yankee fans yelling, "Thank You Bucs for taking that loser Burnett off our hands."
I pull for the Pirates and hope they do well but I'm glad I'm not a full-blooded Pirates fan. That would make for a pretty tough life.
How is it a guy with such good stuff and be so consistently inconsistent. Burnett would look like Christy Mathewson for 3 innings and then look like Bill Thornton the next inning? Bill Thornton being a high school and summer league teammate and life long friend who I just felt like throwing under the bus right now for some reason. Actually, Billy could have pitched better than A.J. at times the past two seasons.
I have the reason. The guy is unfocused. It seemed to me that Burnett was more concerned with slamming guys in the face with a post game pie for a walk-off win or acquiring more tattoos than winning ballgames. That stuff is great...when you are winning 18 games with an ERA around three instead of close to six.
The Pirates have had 19 consecutive losing seasons. It isn't as if they've accomplished this dubious record by being smart.
A.J. Burnett isn't going to help the Pirates long term. Oh, he'll eat innings and serve up plenty of souvenirs to the patrons in the right and left field seats but if the Pirates ever get good again, and that's a big if with their incompetent owner Bob Nutting, Burnett will be long gone.
As for Nutting, he doesn't want to win. Winning teams cost money and he makes a fistful of dollars by losing and pocketing luxury tax money from the Yankees and Red Sox and teams of that ilk. You know, winning teams.
So, Pittsburgh, the giant roar you hear coming from the east are Yankee fans yelling, "Thank You Bucs for taking that loser Burnett off our hands."
I pull for the Pirates and hope they do well but I'm glad I'm not a full-blooded Pirates fan. That would make for a pretty tough life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
