Finger wagging Rafael Palmiero is on the Hall of Fame ballot for the first time. How can you keep him out of the Hall with career numbers of 569 homers, 1,835 RBI's and 3,020 hits? Oh, steroids. Of course.
The guy who defiantly denied using steroids before congress in March of 2005, was popped for steroid use a few months later.
He shouldn't be elected for simply being a dumbass. With the new testing and the increased awareness of steroids, why would he take the chance of getting caught, especially towards the very end of his career? That's just being stupid and probably arrogant as well.
Without the steroids, he's a sure Hall of Famer. Although I can't give you one signature moment in his career since he played for lousy teams while compiling great numbers, he still wold have gotten in.
I will give Palmiero credit for one thing though. The guy had one of the sweetest swings I've ever seen. Smooth and almost effortless. But, to me, the steroids thing makes him a cheat and a bum. Keep him out of the Hall.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Tulo and Jorge
Good news for Rockies fans.
The team has locked up Troy Tulowitzki through the 2020 season with a 7-year, 134-million dollar contract extension.
They also agreed to terms with lefthanded pitcher Jorge De La Rosa. They'll need him to be healthy and productive if they plan on overtaking the pitching-rich Giants in the NL West. Remember, for the final 4 months of the 2009 season, George Of The Rose was the best pitcher in baseball. Then he was injured early in 2010 and never got back to where he was in 2009. De La Rosa, if he can stay healthy, could win around 18 games. That would give the Rockies a tremendous one-two punch with Ubaldo Jimenez. That would be on par with the Tim Lincecum-Matt Cain duo with the Giants.
Meanwhile, I'm sure that Carlos Gonzalez and his agent Scott Boras (oh no, not that guy), have taken note of Tulo's contract. Is Gonzalez worth more than the 19-million a year that Tulo will start making in 2014? I'm sure Boras is saying, "Oh hell yes."
Can the Rockies afford to sign Gonzalez? Can they afford not to sign him? Those are questions for another day. Right now Rockies fans should be pretty pleased with today's news.
The team has locked up Troy Tulowitzki through the 2020 season with a 7-year, 134-million dollar contract extension.
They also agreed to terms with lefthanded pitcher Jorge De La Rosa. They'll need him to be healthy and productive if they plan on overtaking the pitching-rich Giants in the NL West. Remember, for the final 4 months of the 2009 season, George Of The Rose was the best pitcher in baseball. Then he was injured early in 2010 and never got back to where he was in 2009. De La Rosa, if he can stay healthy, could win around 18 games. That would give the Rockies a tremendous one-two punch with Ubaldo Jimenez. That would be on par with the Tim Lincecum-Matt Cain duo with the Giants.
Meanwhile, I'm sure that Carlos Gonzalez and his agent Scott Boras (oh no, not that guy), have taken note of Tulo's contract. Is Gonzalez worth more than the 19-million a year that Tulo will start making in 2014? I'm sure Boras is saying, "Oh hell yes."
Can the Rockies afford to sign Gonzalez? Can they afford not to sign him? Those are questions for another day. Right now Rockies fans should be pretty pleased with today's news.
Baseball Art
Stumbled upon a neat website this morning.
If you like baseball artwork, then take a look at www.graigkreindler.com. Awesome baseball paintings.
If you like baseball artwork, then take a look at www.graigkreindler.com. Awesome baseball paintings.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Jack Morris
How is this guy not in the Hall of Fame? Seriously, how the hell is Jack Morris not in the Hall of Fame?
The baseball writers who vote on the Hall of Fame are idiots.
Also, why do only baseball writers vote on the Hall of Fame? What, Vin Scully isn't qualified? Bob Costas can't vote? Ridiculous. The system needs to be revamped.
The baseball writers who vote on the Hall of Fame are idiots.
Also, why do only baseball writers vote on the Hall of Fame? What, Vin Scully isn't qualified? Bob Costas can't vote? Ridiculous. The system needs to be revamped.
Mattingly
While watching MLB Network today, they were doing a piece on the All-Time team of the 1980's.
The first baseman, of course, was Don Mattingly.
For some youngsters, they might find it hard to believe that the Yankees weren't always in the post-season. Those 1980's Yankees teams weren't very good but Don Mattingly is one guy who made watching the Yanks worthwhile.
There are only a few batters that make you stop what you are doing to watch them hit. You could be running out of the house because of a fire but would stop if Mattingly was coming to bat on TV.
Watching some of his highlights today makes it easy to remember why he was one of the most popular Yankees ever. Too bad that he, like Bobbby Murcer, played on a lot of bad teams.
I'll have a dilemma this upcoming season. While the Rockies are my adopted National League team, I'll also have to pull for the Dodgers since Donnie Baseball is their manager. I mean, how can I root against one of my favorite players of all-time?
I'm looking forward to seeing how Mattingly does as a manager. A lot of great players turned out to be horrible managers. Maury Wills and Ted Williams come to mind. On the flip side, a lot of mediocre players ended up being great managers, like Walter Alston and Sparky Anderson.
So while Mattingly was a must see at-bat when he was playing, I found myself watching him again today, making him a must see highlight. Some players you miss watching when they are done playing. Mattingly is one of those guys. As for his glove, he's the second best first baseman I've ever seen, behind Keith Hernandez.
What a player he was. Just a shame that his back went out on him and he never reached his full potential. He was a Hall of Fame player, without question. His stats just fall short due to injury. Very similar to Todd Helton's career path.
The first baseman, of course, was Don Mattingly.
For some youngsters, they might find it hard to believe that the Yankees weren't always in the post-season. Those 1980's Yankees teams weren't very good but Don Mattingly is one guy who made watching the Yanks worthwhile.
There are only a few batters that make you stop what you are doing to watch them hit. You could be running out of the house because of a fire but would stop if Mattingly was coming to bat on TV.
Watching some of his highlights today makes it easy to remember why he was one of the most popular Yankees ever. Too bad that he, like Bobbby Murcer, played on a lot of bad teams.
I'll have a dilemma this upcoming season. While the Rockies are my adopted National League team, I'll also have to pull for the Dodgers since Donnie Baseball is their manager. I mean, how can I root against one of my favorite players of all-time?
I'm looking forward to seeing how Mattingly does as a manager. A lot of great players turned out to be horrible managers. Maury Wills and Ted Williams come to mind. On the flip side, a lot of mediocre players ended up being great managers, like Walter Alston and Sparky Anderson.
So while Mattingly was a must see at-bat when he was playing, I found myself watching him again today, making him a must see highlight. Some players you miss watching when they are done playing. Mattingly is one of those guys. As for his glove, he's the second best first baseman I've ever seen, behind Keith Hernandez.
What a player he was. Just a shame that his back went out on him and he never reached his full potential. He was a Hall of Fame player, without question. His stats just fall short due to injury. Very similar to Todd Helton's career path.
Fields Of Yesterday
Did you know that if you wanted to play ball at Tiger Stadium, you can? Well, the stadium is gone but the field is still there. Detroit, being Detroit, demolished old Tiger Stadium but didn't have anything to put in its place. So the field remains and people go there and play ball on the now beat up diamond. Some people try to care for the open lot by moving the grass and removing any debris.
You can also play on the spot that League Park stood in Cleveland. It's in a rough neighborhood but while the stadium is gone there is an open field still there.
There is a football field where Sportsman's Park stood in St. Louis.
A football/soccer stadium sits where Braves Field in Boston was.
If you are a parking lot guy, you can play on pavement where Comiskey Park in Chicago was, where Shea Stadium in New York stood or where Mile High Stadium was in Denver, the first home of the Colorado Rockies.
I remember taking a trip to Philadelphia and visiting the site of old Shibe Park, later named Connie Mack Stadium, in 1982. The park was gone and a vacant square city block, overgrown with weeds was left remaining. It was hard to believe that a stadium could fit in that area. A few years later a huge church was built on that spot.
You can also play on the spot that League Park stood in Cleveland. It's in a rough neighborhood but while the stadium is gone there is an open field still there.
There is a football field where Sportsman's Park stood in St. Louis.
A football/soccer stadium sits where Braves Field in Boston was.
If you are a parking lot guy, you can play on pavement where Comiskey Park in Chicago was, where Shea Stadium in New York stood or where Mile High Stadium was in Denver, the first home of the Colorado Rockies.
I remember taking a trip to Philadelphia and visiting the site of old Shibe Park, later named Connie Mack Stadium, in 1982. The park was gone and a vacant square city block, overgrown with weeds was left remaining. It was hard to believe that a stadium could fit in that area. A few years later a huge church was built on that spot.
V-Mart to D-Town
The Tigers signed catcher/first baseman Victor Martinez to a 4-year, 50-million dollar contract.
He won't play too much first base with Miguel Cabrera manning that spot. However, he will help the Tigers behind the plate. At least for a year or two. Beyond that I don't know.
Martinez missed 35 games last season with injuries. He'll be 32 next month, at an age when players, especially catchers start to decline. Is it a risk to sign him to a 4-year contract? Of course.
I was just wondering, what does a guy who lives in depressed Detroit, who may have lost his job or is struggling to stay afloat, think when he opens the paper and sees that his hometown team just signed a guy for 50-million?
He won't play too much first base with Miguel Cabrera manning that spot. However, he will help the Tigers behind the plate. At least for a year or two. Beyond that I don't know.
Martinez missed 35 games last season with injuries. He'll be 32 next month, at an age when players, especially catchers start to decline. Is it a risk to sign him to a 4-year contract? Of course.
I was just wondering, what does a guy who lives in depressed Detroit, who may have lost his job or is struggling to stay afloat, think when he opens the paper and sees that his hometown team just signed a guy for 50-million?
Dead Guys
There is a morbid website called www.thedeadballera.com. It chronicles the deaths of Major League ballplayers.
There are different categories of death. Such as dying by murder, accident, suicide and illness.
These days you never hear of somebody dying of "consumption." But pre-1900, a lot of ballplayers died from consumption. I thought that meant they drank themselves to death. But consumption was actually another word for tuberculosis.
In 1886, Ed Duffy died from "Chronic Nephritis complicated by a Coma."
Also in 1886, Dave Lenz passed away from "Phithisis Pulmonalis." I don't know what that is either but I'm guessing the pulmonalis part deals with the heart.
Typhoid Pneumonia was also a common way for people to die in the old days.
In 1891, John Cassidy died from "dropsy." It's fluid build up and swelling under the skin or in body cavities. I looked it up. Doesn't sound like fun does it?
I was surprised at how many big leaguers killed themselves and many in brutal fashion. In 1940, while still active, Willard Hershberger of the Reds, at the age of 30, killed himself during the season by slashing his throat. He was hitting .309 at the time and died with a career average of .316.
Doug Ault, who hit two home runs in the Blue Jays first game ever in 1977, shot himself in the head in 2004 at the age of 54.
A horrifying suicide was committed by John Mohardt in 1961 at the age of 63. He cut his femoral artery. Ouch. He only had two plate appearances in the majors, with the Tigers in 1922. He walked and had a hit so his lifetime average was 1.000.
I don't understand suicide but if someone is determined to end their life, then there isn't too much you can do about it. But I wonder why some people do it in such a gruesome way. If I was going to commit suicide I would try to do it in the least painful way possible. I'm too much of a wussbag to cut my femoral artery or shoot myself in the head.
Anyway, the Deadballera.com website is interesting if you are ever in a morbid mood and want to learn how many Major Leaguers met their demise.
There are different categories of death. Such as dying by murder, accident, suicide and illness.
These days you never hear of somebody dying of "consumption." But pre-1900, a lot of ballplayers died from consumption. I thought that meant they drank themselves to death. But consumption was actually another word for tuberculosis.
In 1886, Ed Duffy died from "Chronic Nephritis complicated by a Coma."
Also in 1886, Dave Lenz passed away from "Phithisis Pulmonalis." I don't know what that is either but I'm guessing the pulmonalis part deals with the heart.
Typhoid Pneumonia was also a common way for people to die in the old days.
In 1891, John Cassidy died from "dropsy." It's fluid build up and swelling under the skin or in body cavities. I looked it up. Doesn't sound like fun does it?
I was surprised at how many big leaguers killed themselves and many in brutal fashion. In 1940, while still active, Willard Hershberger of the Reds, at the age of 30, killed himself during the season by slashing his throat. He was hitting .309 at the time and died with a career average of .316.
Doug Ault, who hit two home runs in the Blue Jays first game ever in 1977, shot himself in the head in 2004 at the age of 54.
A horrifying suicide was committed by John Mohardt in 1961 at the age of 63. He cut his femoral artery. Ouch. He only had two plate appearances in the majors, with the Tigers in 1922. He walked and had a hit so his lifetime average was 1.000.
I don't understand suicide but if someone is determined to end their life, then there isn't too much you can do about it. But I wonder why some people do it in such a gruesome way. If I was going to commit suicide I would try to do it in the least painful way possible. I'm too much of a wussbag to cut my femoral artery or shoot myself in the head.
Anyway, the Deadballera.com website is interesting if you are ever in a morbid mood and want to learn how many Major Leaguers met their demise.
Worst Contract Ever?
The Yankees, in 2006, paid 26-million dollars to the Hanshin Tigers of the Japanese League for the rights to sign left-handed pitcher Kei Igawa. This on the heels of the Red Sox signing Daisuke Matsuzaka. If the Bostons singed a Japanese pitcher then damn it the Yankees were going to sign one.
So the Yankees inked Igawa to a 5-year, 20-million dollar contract. That's 46-million dollars total to get the then 26-year old pitcher, who was 86-60 with a 3.14 ERA in Japan.
In the Major Leagues, a different story for Igawa. He's only appeared in 16 games total for the Yankees, in the 2007 adn 2008 seasons. His career record a dismal 2-4 with a devilish 6.66 ERA. He's spent much of his time in Scranton.
Let's break it down. That's 23-million dollars per win. Nice.
Igawa makes Carl Pavano's 38-million for 9 wins over four years look like a bargain.
Why I was thinking of Kei Igawa today, I don't know.
So the Yankees inked Igawa to a 5-year, 20-million dollar contract. That's 46-million dollars total to get the then 26-year old pitcher, who was 86-60 with a 3.14 ERA in Japan.
In the Major Leagues, a different story for Igawa. He's only appeared in 16 games total for the Yankees, in the 2007 adn 2008 seasons. His career record a dismal 2-4 with a devilish 6.66 ERA. He's spent much of his time in Scranton.
Let's break it down. That's 23-million dollars per win. Nice.
Igawa makes Carl Pavano's 38-million for 9 wins over four years look like a bargain.
Why I was thinking of Kei Igawa today, I don't know.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Five Baseball Dinner Guests
I like hypothetical questions. Some find them stupid. Those people are usually boring and stupid themselves. Hypothetical questions can be interesting and thought provoking.
Here is my hypothetical question to you. Who are your Top 5 Baseball Dinner Guests, past or present, that you would love to sit down and have dinner with and simply pick their brains?
Here are mine and the reasons why.
1) Babe Ruth. In an era when kids can't even tell you the current players on their hometown teams they all know Babe Ruth. How a guy who last played in 1935 is still well known by everybody amazes me. At dinner, I would hope to get a sense of his obviously off-the-charts charisma. Plus, I would like to see his voracious appetite up close, although it might be a little repulsive. Finally, I'm guessing The Bambino would pick up the check.
2) Ty Cobb. I would like to see if he really was this hard-ass philistine off the field as he was on the field. I've heard plenty of stories that he was an absolute boor off the field. But I've also heard he was also a Southern gentleman. I'd like to find out who the real Ty Cobb was. I guess he would make me pick up the check.
3) Jackie Robinson. A trailblazer, I really would love to hear about all the things he faced on and off the field when he came up. I would particulary like to hear some stories that haven't been publicized. I would hope that this would be a 5-hour dinner conversation. Of course, Ty Cobb wouldn't be invited to this table. I would gladly pay the check but I'm guessing Jackie would reach for it first.
4) Sandy Koufax. One of my favorite players ever and I never even saw him pitch. I think he would just be a pleasant guy to have dinner with and talk baseball. I would really like to know just how scared some batters were of him and if he could sense that, especially when he was in high school. A first class guy, he would probably pick up the check as well. What I really admire about Koufax is that he hasn't lived off his name like so many players. There is a mystery surrounding Koufax and I love the fact that he's not a media hog or one of those "back when I played the game" kind of guys. He just strikes me as a regular guy who simply was one of the greatest pitchers of all time.
5) Joe Jackson. I love reading and learning about old-time baseball. If I lived back when Shoeless Joe was playing, he would have been one of my favorite players. I'd love to talk to him about all the old timers and especially chat with him about the infamous 1919 World Series. Seems like he would be a pleasure to sit down with and eat a meal and talk baseball. Another guy I guess would pick up the check, so long as he didn't have to sign a credit card slip!
Honorable mentions:
Christy Mathewson.
John McGraw.
Casey Stengel.
Ernie Banks.
Sandy Koufax.
Joe DiMaggio.
Rich Amaral (the only Major Leaguer born on the exact same day as me).
Mickey Mantle.
Bobby Murcer.
Bob Feller.
Willie Mays.
The list goes on and on. These are the guys who immediately came to mind.
There ya go.
Here is my hypothetical question to you. Who are your Top 5 Baseball Dinner Guests, past or present, that you would love to sit down and have dinner with and simply pick their brains?
Here are mine and the reasons why.
1) Babe Ruth. In an era when kids can't even tell you the current players on their hometown teams they all know Babe Ruth. How a guy who last played in 1935 is still well known by everybody amazes me. At dinner, I would hope to get a sense of his obviously off-the-charts charisma. Plus, I would like to see his voracious appetite up close, although it might be a little repulsive. Finally, I'm guessing The Bambino would pick up the check.
2) Ty Cobb. I would like to see if he really was this hard-ass philistine off the field as he was on the field. I've heard plenty of stories that he was an absolute boor off the field. But I've also heard he was also a Southern gentleman. I'd like to find out who the real Ty Cobb was. I guess he would make me pick up the check.
3) Jackie Robinson. A trailblazer, I really would love to hear about all the things he faced on and off the field when he came up. I would particulary like to hear some stories that haven't been publicized. I would hope that this would be a 5-hour dinner conversation. Of course, Ty Cobb wouldn't be invited to this table. I would gladly pay the check but I'm guessing Jackie would reach for it first.
4) Sandy Koufax. One of my favorite players ever and I never even saw him pitch. I think he would just be a pleasant guy to have dinner with and talk baseball. I would really like to know just how scared some batters were of him and if he could sense that, especially when he was in high school. A first class guy, he would probably pick up the check as well. What I really admire about Koufax is that he hasn't lived off his name like so many players. There is a mystery surrounding Koufax and I love the fact that he's not a media hog or one of those "back when I played the game" kind of guys. He just strikes me as a regular guy who simply was one of the greatest pitchers of all time.
5) Joe Jackson. I love reading and learning about old-time baseball. If I lived back when Shoeless Joe was playing, he would have been one of my favorite players. I'd love to talk to him about all the old timers and especially chat with him about the infamous 1919 World Series. Seems like he would be a pleasure to sit down with and eat a meal and talk baseball. Another guy I guess would pick up the check, so long as he didn't have to sign a credit card slip!
Honorable mentions:
Christy Mathewson.
John McGraw.
Casey Stengel.
Ernie Banks.
Sandy Koufax.
Joe DiMaggio.
Rich Amaral (the only Major Leaguer born on the exact same day as me).
Mickey Mantle.
Bobby Murcer.
Bob Feller.
Willie Mays.
The list goes on and on. These are the guys who immediately came to mind.
There ya go.
Take Out Your Pen and Sign Your Name
Apparently the Yankees offered free-agent shortstop Derek Jeter a three-year deal worth 45-million dollars. That's 15-mil a year for those of you, like me, who are mathematically challenged.
My advice to Jeter would be...SIGN THE CONTRACT!
He isn't a 15-million dollar a year player anymore. Who is actually? But Jeter will be over-paid because he is Derek Jeter, closing on in 3,000 hits and the owner of 5 World Series rings. They aren't paying him for his .270 average this past year and hios diminishing range at shortstop.
Jeter is one of my favorite players ever. He's been classy all the way. But the Yankees offer is more than fair. It is generous.
Jeter is said to want more years and that is the sticking point. Well, if he plays well the next three seasons he'll get another contract, won't he?
Can you imagine Jeter signing elsewhere? A few years ago, perhaps. But what team would give Jeter, at the age of 36, a contract of five or more years for 20-million a season. No team would.
Jeter should just sign the contract and play.
My advice to Jeter would be...SIGN THE CONTRACT!
He isn't a 15-million dollar a year player anymore. Who is actually? But Jeter will be over-paid because he is Derek Jeter, closing on in 3,000 hits and the owner of 5 World Series rings. They aren't paying him for his .270 average this past year and hios diminishing range at shortstop.
Jeter is one of my favorite players ever. He's been classy all the way. But the Yankees offer is more than fair. It is generous.
Jeter is said to want more years and that is the sticking point. Well, if he plays well the next three seasons he'll get another contract, won't he?
Can you imagine Jeter signing elsewhere? A few years ago, perhaps. But what team would give Jeter, at the age of 36, a contract of five or more years for 20-million a season. No team would.
Jeter should just sign the contract and play.
Bye Bye Barmie
Clint Barmes is no longer a Colorado Rockie. The Rocks sent him to the Astros for righthander Felipe Paulino.
Obviously the Rockies are looking for an arm since Jorge De La Rosa will probably sign elsewhere. Plus, Paulino is cheaper than Barmes and just about all of the Rockies moves involve trimming payroll. Paulino made $415,000 last year while Barmes pocketed $3,325,000 last season.
I don't understand this move. Sure you can never get enough pitching, but Paulino? The Rockies couldn't get anyone better than this guy? Barmes, a plus glove, a streaky hitter with some pop in his bat, couldn't bring back someone other than Paulino, a guy with a career record of 6-21 with a 5.83 ERA?
Again, it comes down to money. The Rockies simply don't want to spend money. When you have the pitching-rich Giants in your division, you need to keep a guy like De La Rosa, and maybe they still will, although I seriously doubt it.
Barmes will get a shot to start at shortstop in Houston, his favorite position. But he's a solid citizen and quality teammate so if the Astros told him to play outfield or catch, Barmes would do it in a heartbeat.
When I think of Barmes, I think immediately of Opening Day 2005 when he belted a 2-run, walk-off homer, against Trevor Hoffman to give Colorado a dramatic 12-10 win.
Barmes is a good player who will be missed by the Rockies and who will help the Astros.
As for Paulino, he'll walk a lot of guys, he'll have a high ERA and will end up with a losing record in a Rockies uniform before getting released. Or maybe he'll make a decent pitcher in Colorado Springs (AAA).
Obviously the Rockies are looking for an arm since Jorge De La Rosa will probably sign elsewhere. Plus, Paulino is cheaper than Barmes and just about all of the Rockies moves involve trimming payroll. Paulino made $415,000 last year while Barmes pocketed $3,325,000 last season.
I don't understand this move. Sure you can never get enough pitching, but Paulino? The Rockies couldn't get anyone better than this guy? Barmes, a plus glove, a streaky hitter with some pop in his bat, couldn't bring back someone other than Paulino, a guy with a career record of 6-21 with a 5.83 ERA?
Again, it comes down to money. The Rockies simply don't want to spend money. When you have the pitching-rich Giants in your division, you need to keep a guy like De La Rosa, and maybe they still will, although I seriously doubt it.
Barmes will get a shot to start at shortstop in Houston, his favorite position. But he's a solid citizen and quality teammate so if the Astros told him to play outfield or catch, Barmes would do it in a heartbeat.
When I think of Barmes, I think immediately of Opening Day 2005 when he belted a 2-run, walk-off homer, against Trevor Hoffman to give Colorado a dramatic 12-10 win.
Barmes is a good player who will be missed by the Rockies and who will help the Astros.
As for Paulino, he'll walk a lot of guys, he'll have a high ERA and will end up with a losing record in a Rockies uniform before getting released. Or maybe he'll make a decent pitcher in Colorado Springs (AAA).
Mets To Decide Soon
There are four managers under consideration for the Mets job.
They are former Astros and Angels manager Terry Collins, former Diamondbacks skipper Bob Melvin, current Mets third base coach Chip Hale and former Mets player and minor league manager Wally Backman.
Even though I hate the Mets and always have, they should listen to me here.
If they hire Terry Collins, they'll get a guy who will be tough on the players, which is what this lackadaisical bunch of underachieving numbskulls needs. But eventually the players will tune him out and he'll alienate everyone until he gets fired in year two or three.
Bob Melvin? Probably would be a decent manager if he had a mature, veteran roster. But he excites nobody and he doesn't seem to be the kind of guy to light a fire on this group.
Chip Hale. No. I would want to show anyone and everyone connected with this mess the past few years gone. No offense Chippy, it's just bidness.
Wally Backman? The same Wally Backman who was named Diamondbacks manager in 2004 only to be fired four days later after the team discovered serious financial and legal issues? Yes, that Wally Backman. Nice job by the way Diamondbacks doing your due diligence and background check in that case.
Anyway, of this group of four I would hire...Backman in a heartbeat.
Here's why. The other three choices, Collins, Melvin and Hale would all be safe picks. They might have some moderate success, they might not. But they would likely be easy to control and the front office wouldn't have to worry too much about them. Low maintenance.
As for Backman, who has had great success in the minor leagues and manages like he played the game...scrappy, aggressive and demanding, he's the wildcard. He could be a wildly successful and beloved manager by the fans, like Billy Martin. Or, he could be a total disaster and could flame out under the harsh glare of the New York spotlight. I don't think there is a middle ground for Backman. He'll either be great or he'll be the worst managerial hiring since the Mariners hired Maury Wills.
I'd roll the dice if I were the Mets and give Backman a shot. He certainly would bring some fire to the organization. Yes, the front office would have to hold their breath each day and hope that Wally doesn't fly off the handle. But he will get this team to play hard, something they haven't done in years.
I'm guessing the Mets will hire someone else and that having Backman as a "candidate" was just a PR ploy.
They are former Astros and Angels manager Terry Collins, former Diamondbacks skipper Bob Melvin, current Mets third base coach Chip Hale and former Mets player and minor league manager Wally Backman.
Even though I hate the Mets and always have, they should listen to me here.
If they hire Terry Collins, they'll get a guy who will be tough on the players, which is what this lackadaisical bunch of underachieving numbskulls needs. But eventually the players will tune him out and he'll alienate everyone until he gets fired in year two or three.
Bob Melvin? Probably would be a decent manager if he had a mature, veteran roster. But he excites nobody and he doesn't seem to be the kind of guy to light a fire on this group.
Chip Hale. No. I would want to show anyone and everyone connected with this mess the past few years gone. No offense Chippy, it's just bidness.
Wally Backman? The same Wally Backman who was named Diamondbacks manager in 2004 only to be fired four days later after the team discovered serious financial and legal issues? Yes, that Wally Backman. Nice job by the way Diamondbacks doing your due diligence and background check in that case.
Anyway, of this group of four I would hire...Backman in a heartbeat.
Here's why. The other three choices, Collins, Melvin and Hale would all be safe picks. They might have some moderate success, they might not. But they would likely be easy to control and the front office wouldn't have to worry too much about them. Low maintenance.
As for Backman, who has had great success in the minor leagues and manages like he played the game...scrappy, aggressive and demanding, he's the wildcard. He could be a wildly successful and beloved manager by the fans, like Billy Martin. Or, he could be a total disaster and could flame out under the harsh glare of the New York spotlight. I don't think there is a middle ground for Backman. He'll either be great or he'll be the worst managerial hiring since the Mariners hired Maury Wills.
I'd roll the dice if I were the Mets and give Backman a shot. He certainly would bring some fire to the organization. Yes, the front office would have to hold their breath each day and hope that Wally doesn't fly off the handle. But he will get this team to play hard, something they haven't done in years.
I'm guessing the Mets will hire someone else and that having Backman as a "candidate" was just a PR ploy.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Swoboda Reponds
Read the post, two below, titled, "Swoboda 26th?"
In that post I talked about a catch Ron Swoboda made for the Yankees in the early 70's that might have been even better than his World Series catch in 1969 with the Mets.
I went to Ron's website (www.ronswoboda.com) and asked him if he recalled that great catch against the short rightfield fence at the original Yankee Stadium.
Here is Ron's response:
Hey Bill,
Funny thing about that catch I made with the Yankees. I just came back from St. Croix and spent some time with Reggie Smith. I asked him if he remembered the catch and he was cloudy about it. I know it was either off him or Yazstremski...who hit right after him. I think I caught the ball off Reggie and then Yaz banged one out and we lost by a run. It wasn't so much the usher who kept me on the field. I timed the ball well but hit the low wall on an angle and it bruised my left thigh a bit...
Cheers,
Ron Swoboda
Pretty awesome that he got back to me so quickly.
I then sent Ron a follow-up e-mail.
1) Was that Yankee Stadium catch a better/tougher catch than the World Series catch?
2) Is there any footage of the Yankee Stadium catch remaining? I saw it live, I saw the replays right after the catch...and I've never seen it again since although it is burned into my memory bank. I've looked on YouTube and other places but came up empty.
3) Bobby Murcer was my hero growing up. I copied his hunched over batting stance which promptly put me in a 4-year slump. What kind of teammate was Bobby and what do you remember most about him?
His response:
Hey Bill,
The answers to your questions are (1) no...(2) no and (3) Bobby Murcer was great to play with and a perfect hitter for the Yankee Stadium short porch.
Cheers,
Swoboda
Too bad there isn't any footage of it although you never know when things will turn up like the reel of Game 7 of the 1960 World Series that was recently discovered in Bing Crosby's wine cellar.
Thanks Ron. Your insight is greatly appreciated.
In that post I talked about a catch Ron Swoboda made for the Yankees in the early 70's that might have been even better than his World Series catch in 1969 with the Mets.
I went to Ron's website (www.ronswoboda.com) and asked him if he recalled that great catch against the short rightfield fence at the original Yankee Stadium.
Here is Ron's response:
Hey Bill,
Funny thing about that catch I made with the Yankees. I just came back from St. Croix and spent some time with Reggie Smith. I asked him if he remembered the catch and he was cloudy about it. I know it was either off him or Yazstremski...who hit right after him. I think I caught the ball off Reggie and then Yaz banged one out and we lost by a run. It wasn't so much the usher who kept me on the field. I timed the ball well but hit the low wall on an angle and it bruised my left thigh a bit...
Cheers,
Ron Swoboda
Pretty awesome that he got back to me so quickly.
I then sent Ron a follow-up e-mail.
1) Was that Yankee Stadium catch a better/tougher catch than the World Series catch?
2) Is there any footage of the Yankee Stadium catch remaining? I saw it live, I saw the replays right after the catch...and I've never seen it again since although it is burned into my memory bank. I've looked on YouTube and other places but came up empty.
3) Bobby Murcer was my hero growing up. I copied his hunched over batting stance which promptly put me in a 4-year slump. What kind of teammate was Bobby and what do you remember most about him?
His response:
Hey Bill,
The answers to your questions are (1) no...(2) no and (3) Bobby Murcer was great to play with and a perfect hitter for the Yankee Stadium short porch.
Cheers,
Swoboda
Too bad there isn't any footage of it although you never know when things will turn up like the reel of Game 7 of the 1960 World Series that was recently discovered in Bing Crosby's wine cellar.
Thanks Ron. Your insight is greatly appreciated.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Ralph Branca Moment...No, Not That One.
When you mention the name Ralph Branca to a baseball fan they immediately think of him serving up Bobby Thomson's home run in 1951 that won the pennant for the Giants. That was 59-years ago and there probably isn't a day that goes by that someone doesn't remind Branca of that.
Branca is still alive at the age of 84. Unfortunately, Bobby Thomson passed away earlier this year.
So where is this going? Oh yeah, Wally.
My father in-law Wally Gantter was in Denver recently, along with my mother-in-law Carol, for my recent book launch.
I was showing Wally some great pictures of Ebbets Field that I found on the internet. He then shared with me a vivid memory he had at Ebbets Field when his Brooklyn Dodgers swept a doubleheader from the Cubs. He told me it was July 10th, 1947 and Ralph Branca won both games of the twinbill.
Not that I doubted my father-in-law but I looked it up on baseball-reference.com.
Sure enough, on Thursday July 10th, 1947, Branca won both games of a doubleheader against the Cubs.
He started the first game, pitching 8.1 innings, in the Dodgers 5-3, victory. It was Branca's 13th win of the season.
In the second game, Branca pitched 2.2 innings in relief of Harry Taylor and earned his 14th win, a 4-3 10-inning verdict for Brooklyn.
In the doubleheader, Branca pitched 11-innings, allowing 11-hits, 5 runs (only 3 earned), with 5 strikeouts and 1 walk.
The 21-year old Branca ended the 1947 season with 21 wins, his only 20-win season.
Can you imagine a team today allowing a 21-year old pitcher to start a game and then come on in relief in the second game? The manager and pitching coach would be fired immediately.
So while many people remember Branca for being the guy to give up Thomson's legendary "The Giants Win The Pennant" home run, one gentleman now in his 70's remembers Branca for winning both games of a doubleheader in Brooklyn in 1947 when as a young man he was just one of 34,475 in attendance at long-gone but never forgotten Ebbets Field.
Branca is still alive at the age of 84. Unfortunately, Bobby Thomson passed away earlier this year.
So where is this going? Oh yeah, Wally.
My father in-law Wally Gantter was in Denver recently, along with my mother-in-law Carol, for my recent book launch.
I was showing Wally some great pictures of Ebbets Field that I found on the internet. He then shared with me a vivid memory he had at Ebbets Field when his Brooklyn Dodgers swept a doubleheader from the Cubs. He told me it was July 10th, 1947 and Ralph Branca won both games of the twinbill.
Not that I doubted my father-in-law but I looked it up on baseball-reference.com.
Sure enough, on Thursday July 10th, 1947, Branca won both games of a doubleheader against the Cubs.
He started the first game, pitching 8.1 innings, in the Dodgers 5-3, victory. It was Branca's 13th win of the season.
In the second game, Branca pitched 2.2 innings in relief of Harry Taylor and earned his 14th win, a 4-3 10-inning verdict for Brooklyn.
In the doubleheader, Branca pitched 11-innings, allowing 11-hits, 5 runs (only 3 earned), with 5 strikeouts and 1 walk.
The 21-year old Branca ended the 1947 season with 21 wins, his only 20-win season.
Can you imagine a team today allowing a 21-year old pitcher to start a game and then come on in relief in the second game? The manager and pitching coach would be fired immediately.
So while many people remember Branca for being the guy to give up Thomson's legendary "The Giants Win The Pennant" home run, one gentleman now in his 70's remembers Branca for winning both games of a doubleheader in Brooklyn in 1947 when as a young man he was just one of 34,475 in attendance at long-gone but never forgotten Ebbets Field.
Swoboda 26th?
The other night I watched MLB Network's Top 75 catches of all-time.
As with any list, there will be disagreements and discussion. That is what it is all about.
Of course, many great catches in MLB history weren't included since they occurred when there was no video. I'm sure Ty Cobb made some spectacular catches in the Tigers outfield but there is no film of it. So maybe it should be "The Top 75 Catches Of All-Time That We Have Footage Of."
While watching I predicted that Jim Edmonds catch, when he was with the Angels and dove with his back to the plate to grab a long drive would be number one. It was the best catch I've ever seen. That was number two on the list.
Willie Mays' catch against Vic Wertz in the 1954 World Series was rated the top catch of all time. OK, I get it. It was in the World Series and we've seen the highlight a million times. I don't think it was the greatest catch ever. Willie even said that he made better catches in his career. If this particular catch was made in the regular season it probably wouldn't even have made the list. At least not at number one.
But the stunning selection to me was that Ron Swoboda's diving catch in rightfield on Brooks Robinson in Game 4 of the 1969 World Series was listed at 26 all-time. I think this has to be top 5 or even the best catch ever.
Top of the 9th at Shea, first and third, one out, Brooks Robinson lines a Tom Seaver pitch to right. Swoboda dives and makes an incredible backhanded stab. Frank Robinson scored from third on the Sac Fly but that tied the score at 1-1 with two outs and the Mets won in the 10th inning to take a 3-1 series advantage.
If Swoboda misses the ball, it rolls to the wall, two runs score, man on third with one out and Baltimore likely ties the series. Considering the catch itself and the circumstances I would call that a catch that should have been ranked much, much higher.
Here's one for you that I'm sure many people have forgotten or not even known about. When Swoboda was playing for the Yankees in the early 70's, he made a remarkable catch, maybe better than his World Series grab. On a fly ball to right, he went up against the low right field wall at the Original Yankee Stadium, jumped as high as he could in front of the 344-foot marker, and caught what would have been a home run. As he came down, falling into the stands, an usher bent over, braced himself against the back of the outfield wall and Swoboda landed on the usher and didn't tumble onto the cement in the first row. Great catch, and a great job by the usher to prevent Swoboda from injuring himself. Does anyone else remember that catch? I was watching on TV as a 10 or 11 year old and something tells me it was the first game of a doubleheader against the Red Sox. Anyone?
Hell, I think I might just try to look up Swoboda just to see if he even remembers. But I bet he recalls that amazing World Series catch.
As with any list, there will be disagreements and discussion. That is what it is all about.
Of course, many great catches in MLB history weren't included since they occurred when there was no video. I'm sure Ty Cobb made some spectacular catches in the Tigers outfield but there is no film of it. So maybe it should be "The Top 75 Catches Of All-Time That We Have Footage Of."
While watching I predicted that Jim Edmonds catch, when he was with the Angels and dove with his back to the plate to grab a long drive would be number one. It was the best catch I've ever seen. That was number two on the list.
Willie Mays' catch against Vic Wertz in the 1954 World Series was rated the top catch of all time. OK, I get it. It was in the World Series and we've seen the highlight a million times. I don't think it was the greatest catch ever. Willie even said that he made better catches in his career. If this particular catch was made in the regular season it probably wouldn't even have made the list. At least not at number one.
But the stunning selection to me was that Ron Swoboda's diving catch in rightfield on Brooks Robinson in Game 4 of the 1969 World Series was listed at 26 all-time. I think this has to be top 5 or even the best catch ever.
Top of the 9th at Shea, first and third, one out, Brooks Robinson lines a Tom Seaver pitch to right. Swoboda dives and makes an incredible backhanded stab. Frank Robinson scored from third on the Sac Fly but that tied the score at 1-1 with two outs and the Mets won in the 10th inning to take a 3-1 series advantage.
If Swoboda misses the ball, it rolls to the wall, two runs score, man on third with one out and Baltimore likely ties the series. Considering the catch itself and the circumstances I would call that a catch that should have been ranked much, much higher.
Here's one for you that I'm sure many people have forgotten or not even known about. When Swoboda was playing for the Yankees in the early 70's, he made a remarkable catch, maybe better than his World Series grab. On a fly ball to right, he went up against the low right field wall at the Original Yankee Stadium, jumped as high as he could in front of the 344-foot marker, and caught what would have been a home run. As he came down, falling into the stands, an usher bent over, braced himself against the back of the outfield wall and Swoboda landed on the usher and didn't tumble onto the cement in the first row. Great catch, and a great job by the usher to prevent Swoboda from injuring himself. Does anyone else remember that catch? I was watching on TV as a 10 or 11 year old and something tells me it was the first game of a doubleheader against the Red Sox. Anyone?
Hell, I think I might just try to look up Swoboda just to see if he even remembers. But I bet he recalls that amazing World Series catch.
Crybaby Morneau
Twins first baseman Justin Morneau wants the fences at Target Field in Minnesota moved in. He says it is too tough to hit home runs there as evidenced by the Twins 52 round-trippers in their new park this past season.
Taking a closer look, the Twins did have the best home record in baseball at 53-28. So, does Morneau want to hit more home runs for his personal gain or does he want to enjoy the home field advantage the Twins seemed to have at Target Field?
If I'm the Twins I do nothing to the park. The pitchers seemed to like it. Hey, some parks are hitters parks and some aren't. You have to earn your home runs at Target Field.
I suggest that Morneau pipe down and worry about coming back from his concussion that kept him out of the lineup for 3-months instead of moaning about the distance of the fences.
By the way, the Twins are spending 6-million dollars for renovations to Target Field. The ballpark is less than a year old, why do they need renovations? Just wondering.
Taking a closer look, the Twins did have the best home record in baseball at 53-28. So, does Morneau want to hit more home runs for his personal gain or does he want to enjoy the home field advantage the Twins seemed to have at Target Field?
If I'm the Twins I do nothing to the park. The pitchers seemed to like it. Hey, some parks are hitters parks and some aren't. You have to earn your home runs at Target Field.
I suggest that Morneau pipe down and worry about coming back from his concussion that kept him out of the lineup for 3-months instead of moaning about the distance of the fences.
By the way, the Twins are spending 6-million dollars for renovations to Target Field. The ballpark is less than a year old, why do they need renovations? Just wondering.
Hurdle Rides Again
I can't figure out why Clint Hurdle took the Pirates managerial position. Is he that desperate to manage again? Nothing wrong with that but why would you go into a situation where you are set up to fail?
He was in the running for the Mets job, not a plum spot either, but anything would be better than managing the Pirates.
The Pirates don't want to win. They are perfectly happy losing and turning a profit thanks to luxury tax money. A once proud franchise is a flat out joke with no chance of winning until there is new ownership in place and a new mindset. They are worse than an expansion franchise and it is sad considering the rich history of the Pirates.
For the Pirates though, it's a great hire. Hurdle is continually positive and encouraging. He can take the heat and has shown, at times, that he's a decent manager. I said decent, not good or great but not horrid either. He's also a good spin doctor so that will come in handy when he faces the media during a 12-game losing streak.
The Pirates have posted 18-consecutive losing seasons and counting. A record for futility. Clint Hurdle isn't going to change that. The Bucs lost 103-games last season. I do see Hurdle taking the Pirates to that coveted 63-win plateau though. That would be a successful campaign for Robert Nutting, the horrifyingly bad Pirates owner. What a bum. I just feel bad that a good man like Hurdle will be managing that mess of a franchise. He should have held out for a better job.
He was in the running for the Mets job, not a plum spot either, but anything would be better than managing the Pirates.
The Pirates don't want to win. They are perfectly happy losing and turning a profit thanks to luxury tax money. A once proud franchise is a flat out joke with no chance of winning until there is new ownership in place and a new mindset. They are worse than an expansion franchise and it is sad considering the rich history of the Pirates.
For the Pirates though, it's a great hire. Hurdle is continually positive and encouraging. He can take the heat and has shown, at times, that he's a decent manager. I said decent, not good or great but not horrid either. He's also a good spin doctor so that will come in handy when he faces the media during a 12-game losing streak.
The Pirates have posted 18-consecutive losing seasons and counting. A record for futility. Clint Hurdle isn't going to change that. The Bucs lost 103-games last season. I do see Hurdle taking the Pirates to that coveted 63-win plateau though. That would be a successful campaign for Robert Nutting, the horrifyingly bad Pirates owner. What a bum. I just feel bad that a good man like Hurdle will be managing that mess of a franchise. He should have held out for a better job.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Tulo vs Shawon
When writing about the Gold Gloves a moment ago, I was thinking about Troy Tulowitzki's arm from short. I believe he has, by a wide margin, the best throwing arm at the position in the game.
The only other player that has a rocket arm of that caliber would be former Cubs shortstop Shawon Dunston.
Those guys have the two best arms from short I've ever seen. I can't talk about guys from before my time. But with my own two eyeballs, those guys threw the hardest in my opinion.
So, who do I think has/had the better arm between Tulowitzki and Dunston? Wow, I really don't know. If I had to pick one I would say...Dunston by a fraction.
The only other player that has a rocket arm of that caliber would be former Cubs shortstop Shawon Dunston.
Those guys have the two best arms from short I've ever seen. I can't talk about guys from before my time. But with my own two eyeballs, those guys threw the hardest in my opinion.
So, who do I think has/had the better arm between Tulowitzki and Dunston? Wow, I really don't know. If I had to pick one I would say...Dunston by a fraction.
Gold Gloves
People are squawking about Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter winning his 5th Gold Glove this week. A lot of folks, like Rob Neyer of ESPN would have you think that Jeter was the worst shortstop to ever put on a glove.
OK, Jeter's range isn't what it once was. But the guy made 6 errors all-season long. His fielding percentage led the American League at .989, four points higher than the runner up, Cesar Izturis of the Orioles who had a .985 fielding percentage.
Is Jeter the best fielding shortstop in the league? No. But he's not the piece of crap that some people make him out to be.
Here's one for ya...with the game on the line, bases loaded, two-outs, you are up by a run, do you want a ball hit to Jeter or to someone else? Jeter will make the play, that I can tell you.
Meanwhile, in the National League, Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki won his first Gold Glove as did Rocks outfielder Carlos Gonzalez. Both well deserving.
The funny thing about the Gold Glove awards are it doesn't use fielding percentage, range, errors or any other statistical data to determine the winner. Managers and coaches vote on the award and they can't vote for players on their own team. Many players who have won the award have won it because of their offense. Offense generates headlines and the managers and coaches just vote for whoever comes to mind.
Also, when a player wins a Gold Glove, they tend to keep winning them.
Perfect example in 1999. Rafael Palmiero, who won the Gold Glove at first base for the Rangers in 1997 and 1998 when he played the position in more than 150 games, also won it in 1999 when he DH'ed 135 times and played first base in a grand total of 28 games.
So it basically is a popularity contest and we shouldn't get too worked up over the Gold Glove awards. Some guys deserve them and some guys don't.
OK, Jeter's range isn't what it once was. But the guy made 6 errors all-season long. His fielding percentage led the American League at .989, four points higher than the runner up, Cesar Izturis of the Orioles who had a .985 fielding percentage.
Is Jeter the best fielding shortstop in the league? No. But he's not the piece of crap that some people make him out to be.
Here's one for ya...with the game on the line, bases loaded, two-outs, you are up by a run, do you want a ball hit to Jeter or to someone else? Jeter will make the play, that I can tell you.
Meanwhile, in the National League, Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki won his first Gold Glove as did Rocks outfielder Carlos Gonzalez. Both well deserving.
The funny thing about the Gold Glove awards are it doesn't use fielding percentage, range, errors or any other statistical data to determine the winner. Managers and coaches vote on the award and they can't vote for players on their own team. Many players who have won the award have won it because of their offense. Offense generates headlines and the managers and coaches just vote for whoever comes to mind.
Also, when a player wins a Gold Glove, they tend to keep winning them.
Perfect example in 1999. Rafael Palmiero, who won the Gold Glove at first base for the Rangers in 1997 and 1998 when he played the position in more than 150 games, also won it in 1999 when he DH'ed 135 times and played first base in a grand total of 28 games.
So it basically is a popularity contest and we shouldn't get too worked up over the Gold Glove awards. Some guys deserve them and some guys don't.
Dave Niehaus Passes
Sad day in the baseball broadcasting world as another legendary announcer has left us.
Mariners announcer Dave Niehaus passed away yesterday at the age of 75 from a heart attack at his Washington home.
The Mariners franchise began in 1977 and Niehaus was there and continued to be there for all 34 M's seasons through this past season.
I've mostly heard Niehaus highlights and very few times calling a full game. But he obviously had a great feel for the game, an enthusiasm for the sport and the Mariners.
The people of the Northwest are sadder today because of his passing. A baseball announcer comes into our homes, cars and offices and they become a big part of our our lives. They become family. Because baseball is an every day sport, they are there every day. For us. Through good times and bad.
When Phil Rizzuto died, I felt that I lost not just a baseball announcer I enjoyed but a beloved uncle.
We are beginning to lose too many of our wonderful voices of the past. Harry Kalas, Ernie Harwell and now Niehaus.
Seattle fans and baseball fans everywhere will miss the great Hall of Fame voice of Dave Niehaus. I just wish I could have heard more of his broadcasts.
Mariners announcer Dave Niehaus passed away yesterday at the age of 75 from a heart attack at his Washington home.
The Mariners franchise began in 1977 and Niehaus was there and continued to be there for all 34 M's seasons through this past season.
I've mostly heard Niehaus highlights and very few times calling a full game. But he obviously had a great feel for the game, an enthusiasm for the sport and the Mariners.
The people of the Northwest are sadder today because of his passing. A baseball announcer comes into our homes, cars and offices and they become a big part of our our lives. They become family. Because baseball is an every day sport, they are there every day. For us. Through good times and bad.
When Phil Rizzuto died, I felt that I lost not just a baseball announcer I enjoyed but a beloved uncle.
We are beginning to lose too many of our wonderful voices of the past. Harry Kalas, Ernie Harwell and now Niehaus.
Seattle fans and baseball fans everywhere will miss the great Hall of Fame voice of Dave Niehaus. I just wish I could have heard more of his broadcasts.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Steinbrenner and Billy
The late George Steinbrenner and his former, five-time manager Billy Martin are both on the Hall of Fame veterans committee ballot when it comes out this month.
I was a big fan of Martin. I just wish he didn't have such a temper, many times triggered by booze. It would have been interesting to see what he would have accomplished if he wasn't a brawling drunkard. Still, in the history of baseball, at least in my lifetime, if I had to win one game, I would want Martin as my manager.
As for Steinbrenner, he changed the face of baseball when it came to free-agency and winning at all costs. There were times I liked the guy and times I hated him. He always wanted to win and as a Yankees fan I appreciated that, although the way he went about it was frequently misguided.
When you look at Steinbrenner's record though, he only won 7 World Series titles and 11 American League pennants in 37-years of ownership. The way the Steinbrenner family spins it you would think he won 15 or so titles in that time span. Granted, if you are a Cubs fan you would take that kind of success in a heartbeat. Shoot, you would take one World Series title in that time frame. But for the Yankees it's not all that impressive.
So, should Steinbrenner and Martin get inducted into the Hall of Fame?
No and no. They both fall short in my opinion.
By the way, a tidbit on Billy Martin. He's buried in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, New York, in Westchester, County, about a 20-minute drive from Yankee Stadium. His resting place is about 100-feet from Babe Ruth's grave. So, if you visit The Babe's grave site, you might as well stop by and pay your respects to Billy. The guy could manage and in his playing days had some clutch moments for the Yankees, particularly in the 1953 World Series.
I was a big fan of Martin. I just wish he didn't have such a temper, many times triggered by booze. It would have been interesting to see what he would have accomplished if he wasn't a brawling drunkard. Still, in the history of baseball, at least in my lifetime, if I had to win one game, I would want Martin as my manager.
As for Steinbrenner, he changed the face of baseball when it came to free-agency and winning at all costs. There were times I liked the guy and times I hated him. He always wanted to win and as a Yankees fan I appreciated that, although the way he went about it was frequently misguided.
When you look at Steinbrenner's record though, he only won 7 World Series titles and 11 American League pennants in 37-years of ownership. The way the Steinbrenner family spins it you would think he won 15 or so titles in that time span. Granted, if you are a Cubs fan you would take that kind of success in a heartbeat. Shoot, you would take one World Series title in that time frame. But for the Yankees it's not all that impressive.
So, should Steinbrenner and Martin get inducted into the Hall of Fame?
No and no. They both fall short in my opinion.
By the way, a tidbit on Billy Martin. He's buried in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, New York, in Westchester, County, about a 20-minute drive from Yankee Stadium. His resting place is about 100-feet from Babe Ruth's grave. So, if you visit The Babe's grave site, you might as well stop by and pay your respects to Billy. The guy could manage and in his playing days had some clutch moments for the Yankees, particularly in the 1953 World Series.
Miller and Morgan OUT!
ESPN will have a new Sunday night broadcasting crew next season, replacing Hall of Fame announcer Jon Miller and Hall of Fame player Joe Morgan.
I'm not happy that Miller won't be on Sunday night baseball, although he may move to the radio side. I like Miller a lot. I remember when I first heard him calling Baltimore Orioles games on the radio and thinking, "Wow, who is that guy? He's good." I was a fan immediately. Unfortunately for Baltimore fans, owner Peter Angelos is an idiot and got rid of Miller because he was either a) too popular with fans, b) too critical of the team or c) both of the above.
While I'll miss Miller, I won't miss Joe Morgan. For someone who has been in the game as long as he has, he has the baseball knowledge of a 12-year old. The guy would just say things that made no sense or he would throw out inaccurate "facts" with conviction. He obviously did no homework and lived off the fact that he's Joe Morgan. Bottom line is Morgan was a moron in the booth and I'm glad he's gone.
I'm not happy that Miller won't be on Sunday night baseball, although he may move to the radio side. I like Miller a lot. I remember when I first heard him calling Baltimore Orioles games on the radio and thinking, "Wow, who is that guy? He's good." I was a fan immediately. Unfortunately for Baltimore fans, owner Peter Angelos is an idiot and got rid of Miller because he was either a) too popular with fans, b) too critical of the team or c) both of the above.
While I'll miss Miller, I won't miss Joe Morgan. For someone who has been in the game as long as he has, he has the baseball knowledge of a 12-year old. The guy would just say things that made no sense or he would throw out inaccurate "facts" with conviction. He obviously did no homework and lived off the fact that he's Joe Morgan. Bottom line is Morgan was a moron in the booth and I'm glad he's gone.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Sparky
Sparky Anderson passed away yesterday at the age of 76.
I thought he was older. Anderson looked 76 when he managed the Reds.
When I think of Anderson, I first picture him in a Reds uniform. So it is a little surprising to me, as I look at his managerial stats, that he only piloted Cincinnati for 9-seasons. Then he took over the Tigers and managed them for 17-years. Yet I still think of him first with the Reds and then the Tigers. What a mistake for the Reds to not keep Anderson.
I liked Anderson and obviously he was a great manager. But I remember being annoyed at him during the 1976 World Series when he made comments that I felt disparaged Yankees catcher Thurman Munson.
Anderson is another example of a guy who didn't have a great playing career but turned out to be a great manager.
His only season playing in the majors, 1959, he hit just .218 with the Phillies with 104 hits, no home runs and 34 RBI's.
Also, I always find it funny when grown men are referred to as Sparky...or Buck, or any baseball nickname really. If George Lee Anderson wasn't a baseball manager and was a regular businessman, I don't think he would be referred to as Sparky. But in baseball it's alright.
RIP Sparky. A credit to the game and a true Hall of Fame manager.
I thought he was older. Anderson looked 76 when he managed the Reds.
When I think of Anderson, I first picture him in a Reds uniform. So it is a little surprising to me, as I look at his managerial stats, that he only piloted Cincinnati for 9-seasons. Then he took over the Tigers and managed them for 17-years. Yet I still think of him first with the Reds and then the Tigers. What a mistake for the Reds to not keep Anderson.
I liked Anderson and obviously he was a great manager. But I remember being annoyed at him during the 1976 World Series when he made comments that I felt disparaged Yankees catcher Thurman Munson.
Anderson is another example of a guy who didn't have a great playing career but turned out to be a great manager.
His only season playing in the majors, 1959, he hit just .218 with the Phillies with 104 hits, no home runs and 34 RBI's.
Also, I always find it funny when grown men are referred to as Sparky...or Buck, or any baseball nickname really. If George Lee Anderson wasn't a baseball manager and was a regular businessman, I don't think he would be referred to as Sparky. But in baseball it's alright.
RIP Sparky. A credit to the game and a true Hall of Fame manager.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Stunning!
Former Ray and Nationals outfielder Elijah Dukes, 26, has been arrested. Again. This time apparently because he allegedly failed to pay child support.
Not a whole lot went right for the Nationals in 2010 but getting rid of Dukes prior to the season was one of the smart things they did.
I would list all of Elijah's transgressions here, some very serious, but I just don't have the time or energy to do it now. Put it this way, it's lengthy.
By the way, Dukes didn't play in the Majors last year. Nobody wanted him or his baggage. Too bad though since he is sitting on 199 career hits. Won't someone let Dukes come back and take a shot at getting number 200?
Not a whole lot went right for the Nationals in 2010 but getting rid of Dukes prior to the season was one of the smart things they did.
I would list all of Elijah's transgressions here, some very serious, but I just don't have the time or energy to do it now. Put it this way, it's lengthy.
By the way, Dukes didn't play in the Majors last year. Nobody wanted him or his baggage. Too bad though since he is sitting on 199 career hits. Won't someone let Dukes come back and take a shot at getting number 200?
Shibe Park/Connie Mack Stadium
Bob Diddlebock is a writer and a friend of mine. He currently writes for Time Magazine.
He lives in Colorado but grew up in Philadelphia so he took the Phils loss to the Giants in the NLCS hard.
During an e-mail exchange, I asked him if he ever attended a game at Shibe Park, later renamed Connie Mack Stadium.
Here was Bob's reply and I share it because, if you are "ballpark guy," like I am you will enjoy it.
Saw a countless number of games at Connie Mack as a kid in the 1960s. Still had dreams about that place until a few years ago: slowly picking our way down the concrete steps from the concourse -- otherwise dark, save for the narrow shafts of sunlight that sneaked through the big shuttered windows -- to our seats on the 3rd base side of the first level, with the colors -- the uber-dark green grass, the chocolate-milk-brown infield, the cherry-red-and-gunship-gray seats -- exploding all around. (Ironically, I have three seats -- wooden slats/forged-iron frames -- from Shibe Park in my Tech Center apartment.) To this day, I can still smell and taste the freshly roasted (!) peanuts.
Loved that place, even though it was the Mecca of (usually lousy) Phils beisbol. Saw all the huge stars -- Mays, Musial, Aaron, Marichal, Koufax, Pete Rose (in his rookie year of 1963, no less, when he still had that crew cut), Clemente, Richie Allen, you name 'em. (One friend tells a great story about his childhood encounter with Phillies 1st baseman/all-time blockhead Dick Stuart at Connie Mack one afternoon.)
But the amenities were lousy; the place always reminded me (especially from the outside) of my dad's meat-packing plant on Girard Avenue, not far away. Connie Mack was a factory-like building that had a smell all its own -- something between a mix of scrapple/Ortlieb's beer/hot tar and (from what I've read over the decades) a 1920s New Orleans brothel (sans the piano player, but with a kitchen, wet bar, etc.) on a hot, sticky evening. The place was always in ramshackle condition, and parking was a verrry scary proposition, due to the sketchy neighborhood (22nd & Lehigh Avenue, just down the street from the old Baker Bowl -- the original, turn-of-the-century home of the Phils and Athletics), the logistics, etc.
By Saam, the Phillies long-time announcer who went to his reward years ago, put it best: "Connie Mack Stadium? It was a shit house."
I then wrote Bob, "I've always loved the tower at the entrance of the park. I heard that was Connie Mack's office. I've never seen a picture of the inside of that office. Have you ever seen what the inside looked like? It's a mystery that has always peaked my interest." I also asked him where Baker Bowl was in relation to Shibe Park.
Bob's response: The Baker Bowl was literally one block up -- toward Lehigh Avenue -- from Connie Mack. Long gone, even when I was a kid. My dad, who grew up in Philadelphia, never remembered going to a game there. I think part of it burned down at one point -- may have been in the late teens or early 1920s -- and it never re-opened. It, along with Archbold Stadium at Syracuse U., was one of the world's first buildings to incorporate what was then modern structural steel -- a huge, new concept in big-time construction -- on such a large scale.
I have seen photos of Connie Mack's office. Looked a lot like the owner's suite in THE NATURAL. When I get home, I'll check some of my Phillies history books, if I still have them, to see if I can find a few of those old photos for you.
Used to be a bar behind the right-field wall at Connie Mack. Big hangout for players, as well as bullpen guys during games, so the lore went. Grover Cleveland Alexander was one of baseball's best pitchers back in the teens and 1920s, as well as a world-class drunk. Craved whiskey so much that as he was drinking, he'd also rub gin into the skin on his arms, so that his body could (presumably) absorb even more alcohol. In turn, so the story/theory went, he could get even more soused. I'll ask my doc about that at my next appointment ...
Thanks Bob. Good stuff.
He lives in Colorado but grew up in Philadelphia so he took the Phils loss to the Giants in the NLCS hard.
During an e-mail exchange, I asked him if he ever attended a game at Shibe Park, later renamed Connie Mack Stadium.
Here was Bob's reply and I share it because, if you are "ballpark guy," like I am you will enjoy it.
Saw a countless number of games at Connie Mack as a kid in the 1960s. Still had dreams about that place until a few years ago: slowly picking our way down the concrete steps from the concourse -- otherwise dark, save for the narrow shafts of sunlight that sneaked through the big shuttered windows -- to our seats on the 3rd base side of the first level, with the colors -- the uber-dark green grass, the chocolate-milk-brown infield, the cherry-red-and-gunship-gray seats -- exploding all around. (Ironically, I have three seats -- wooden slats/forged-iron frames -- from Shibe Park in my Tech Center apartment.) To this day, I can still smell and taste the freshly roasted (!) peanuts.
Loved that place, even though it was the Mecca of (usually lousy) Phils beisbol. Saw all the huge stars -- Mays, Musial, Aaron, Marichal, Koufax, Pete Rose (in his rookie year of 1963, no less, when he still had that crew cut), Clemente, Richie Allen, you name 'em. (One friend tells a great story about his childhood encounter with Phillies 1st baseman/all-time blockhead Dick Stuart at Connie Mack one afternoon.)
But the amenities were lousy; the place always reminded me (especially from the outside) of my dad's meat-packing plant on Girard Avenue, not far away. Connie Mack was a factory-like building that had a smell all its own -- something between a mix of scrapple/Ortlieb's beer/hot tar and (from what I've read over the decades) a 1920s New Orleans brothel (sans the piano player, but with a kitchen, wet bar, etc.) on a hot, sticky evening. The place was always in ramshackle condition, and parking was a verrry scary proposition, due to the sketchy neighborhood (22nd & Lehigh Avenue, just down the street from the old Baker Bowl -- the original, turn-of-the-century home of the Phils and Athletics), the logistics, etc.
By Saam, the Phillies long-time announcer who went to his reward years ago, put it best: "Connie Mack Stadium? It was a shit house."
I then wrote Bob, "I've always loved the tower at the entrance of the park. I heard that was Connie Mack's office. I've never seen a picture of the inside of that office. Have you ever seen what the inside looked like? It's a mystery that has always peaked my interest." I also asked him where Baker Bowl was in relation to Shibe Park.
Bob's response: The Baker Bowl was literally one block up -- toward Lehigh Avenue -- from Connie Mack. Long gone, even when I was a kid. My dad, who grew up in Philadelphia, never remembered going to a game there. I think part of it burned down at one point -- may have been in the late teens or early 1920s -- and it never re-opened. It, along with Archbold Stadium at Syracuse U., was one of the world's first buildings to incorporate what was then modern structural steel -- a huge, new concept in big-time construction -- on such a large scale.
I have seen photos of Connie Mack's office. Looked a lot like the owner's suite in THE NATURAL. When I get home, I'll check some of my Phillies history books, if I still have them, to see if I can find a few of those old photos for you.
Used to be a bar behind the right-field wall at Connie Mack. Big hangout for players, as well as bullpen guys during games, so the lore went. Grover Cleveland Alexander was one of baseball's best pitchers back in the teens and 1920s, as well as a world-class drunk. Craved whiskey so much that as he was drinking, he'd also rub gin into the skin on his arms, so that his body could (presumably) absorb even more alcohol. In turn, so the story/theory went, he could get even more soused. I'll ask my doc about that at my next appointment ...
Thanks Bob. Good stuff.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Greenberg Caves
Texas Rangers owner Chuck Greenberg, was forced by Major League Baseball honchos, to apologize to the Yankees and their fans after saying during an ESPN radio in Dallas interview, “I thought Yankee fans, frankly, were awful. They were either violent or apathetic, neither of which is good. So I thought Yankee fans were by far the worst of any I've seen in the postseason. I thought they were an embarrassment."
If that is what he thought of Yankees fans and that is his opinion, I have no problem with it. I grew up in New York and have attended a ton of Yankees games over the course of my life and I have no beef with Greenberg's comments. There are some Yankees fans who are complete a-holes. If you don't believe me, read about the steaming piles who spit at, and harassed, Cliff Lee's wife at the ALCS in Yankee Stadium.
The Commissioner's office warned Greenberg not to repeat his comments.
Then Greenberg issued a lame apology yesterday. Here it is:
"Earlier today, in the course of praising the extraordinary support and enthusiasm of Texas Rangers fans, I unfairly and inaccurately disparaged fans of the New York Yankees. Those remarks were inappropriate. Yankees fans are among the most passionate and supportive in all of baseball. I have spoken directly to Hal Steinbrenner and Randy Levine to apologize for my intemperate comments."
Come on, does anybody really believe that apology?
I'm really sick and tired of political correctness and this is a prime example. What, some schmucky Yankee fans might be insulted? Get over it.
Greenberg should have told the commissioner's office to stick it and that he stands by his comments. I would respect that, not a bogus apology probably written up by a PR flunky.
This is exhibit A on why baseball will do everything they can to keep Mark Cuban from becoming an owner. He's a little too outspoken for MLB's tastes. He would be a saviour though to a team like the Pirates. But baseball is too vanilla to let someone express their feelings and opinions.
What happened to freedom of speech in this country? Very sad.
If that is what he thought of Yankees fans and that is his opinion, I have no problem with it. I grew up in New York and have attended a ton of Yankees games over the course of my life and I have no beef with Greenberg's comments. There are some Yankees fans who are complete a-holes. If you don't believe me, read about the steaming piles who spit at, and harassed, Cliff Lee's wife at the ALCS in Yankee Stadium.
The Commissioner's office warned Greenberg not to repeat his comments.
Then Greenberg issued a lame apology yesterday. Here it is:
"Earlier today, in the course of praising the extraordinary support and enthusiasm of Texas Rangers fans, I unfairly and inaccurately disparaged fans of the New York Yankees. Those remarks were inappropriate. Yankees fans are among the most passionate and supportive in all of baseball. I have spoken directly to Hal Steinbrenner and Randy Levine to apologize for my intemperate comments."
Come on, does anybody really believe that apology?
I'm really sick and tired of political correctness and this is a prime example. What, some schmucky Yankee fans might be insulted? Get over it.
Greenberg should have told the commissioner's office to stick it and that he stands by his comments. I would respect that, not a bogus apology probably written up by a PR flunky.
This is exhibit A on why baseball will do everything they can to keep Mark Cuban from becoming an owner. He's a little too outspoken for MLB's tastes. He would be a saviour though to a team like the Pirates. But baseball is too vanilla to let someone express their feelings and opinions.
What happened to freedom of speech in this country? Very sad.
It's Free Agency Season!
Now that the World Series is over, there are 142 players wondering where they are going to play next year and their agents who are trying to get as much money for their clients as they can. Yes, time for free agency.
Teams have exclusive rights to sign their own free-agents for the next five days and then it's open season.
Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera are free-agents and everybody expects them to sign with the Yankees.
But what if they don't? What if the Yankees front office does something stupid (Gee, that would never happen!) and ticks off one or both? Can you imagine Jeter playing elsewhere and Rivera wearing another team's uni?
I can't imagine it and I don't want to imagine it. But it could happen I suppose. Nobody expects them to play for another team but money talks. If the Yankees low-ball either player and another team makes an outrageous offer, then who knows?
Cliff Lee is a free-agent. He said he would love to be back with the Rangers. But can the Rangers match the Yankees dollars?
One appealing free agent is Paul Konerko. If the White Sox don't sign him he won't have any lack of interest. Very underrated, Konerko would look good in a Rockies uniform. But Colorado is going to let Todd Helton play first until his contract runs out.
Teams have exclusive rights to sign their own free-agents for the next five days and then it's open season.
Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera are free-agents and everybody expects them to sign with the Yankees.
But what if they don't? What if the Yankees front office does something stupid (Gee, that would never happen!) and ticks off one or both? Can you imagine Jeter playing elsewhere and Rivera wearing another team's uni?
I can't imagine it and I don't want to imagine it. But it could happen I suppose. Nobody expects them to play for another team but money talks. If the Yankees low-ball either player and another team makes an outrageous offer, then who knows?
Cliff Lee is a free-agent. He said he would love to be back with the Rangers. But can the Rangers match the Yankees dollars?
One appealing free agent is Paul Konerko. If the White Sox don't sign him he won't have any lack of interest. Very underrated, Konerko would look good in a Rockies uniform. But Colorado is going to let Todd Helton play first until his contract runs out.
Weird Dude
If you were casting a movie and needed to find a psycho killer surfer dude, then Giants closer Brian Wilson is your man.
The guy just looks like a nutcase.
I love the interviews with him. You never know what he is going to say. I also like when the interviewer doesn't ask a question and just makes a statement how Wilson looks at the interviewer as if to say, "OK, what the hell do you want me to say? Ask me a question."
Give the guy credit, he can throw that baseball and he was pretty automatic this year for the Giants.
I wonder if he's going to keep the black beard. Speaking of casting a movie, if you needed someone to play a young Fidel Castro, maybe you bring Wilson in for an audition. The beard is the key.
The guy just looks like a nutcase.
I love the interviews with him. You never know what he is going to say. I also like when the interviewer doesn't ask a question and just makes a statement how Wilson looks at the interviewer as if to say, "OK, what the hell do you want me to say? Ask me a question."
Give the guy credit, he can throw that baseball and he was pretty automatic this year for the Giants.
I wonder if he's going to keep the black beard. Speaking of casting a movie, if you needed someone to play a young Fidel Castro, maybe you bring Wilson in for an audition. The beard is the key.
Stunning To Me Anyway
it is hard for me to fathom how Sunday night's Steelers-Saints NFL game could have higher ratings than Game 4 of the World Series.
18.1 million people watched the football game while the baseball game had just 15.5 million people.
I don't get it. The only way people should have tuned into the football game is during commercials of the World Series game.
When you look at the low ratings for the World Series, you have to think of all the great post-season moments of recent decades that were not seen because they occured too late for viewers, especially in the Eastern time zone, to see. Why invest 2 or 3 hours watching a game when you might not last long enought to take in the finish? It would be like going to a great movie but having to leave before the last 20-minutes. So you don't invest the time or effort to watch World Series games.
Still, given the choice to watch the World Series or a regular season NFL game more people selected the NFL? Wow, not a good sign for baseball.
18.1 million people watched the football game while the baseball game had just 15.5 million people.
I don't get it. The only way people should have tuned into the football game is during commercials of the World Series game.
When you look at the low ratings for the World Series, you have to think of all the great post-season moments of recent decades that were not seen because they occured too late for viewers, especially in the Eastern time zone, to see. Why invest 2 or 3 hours watching a game when you might not last long enought to take in the finish? It would be like going to a great movie but having to leave before the last 20-minutes. So you don't invest the time or effort to watch World Series games.
Still, given the choice to watch the World Series or a regular season NFL game more people selected the NFL? Wow, not a good sign for baseball.
The Wait Begins
The day after the World Series, I always look at the calendar and think, "Damn, spring training is a long way away."
Just three and a half months until pitchers and catchers report.
In between, free-agency, trades, award winners and... a lot of watching the MLB Network.
Just three and a half months until pitchers and catchers report.
In between, free-agency, trades, award winners and... a lot of watching the MLB Network.
Long Time Coming
Congrats to the San Francisco Giants for their first World Series title since their Polo Grounds days in New York in 1954.
While the Giants have great pitching, I thought for sure the Rangers would put up more of a fight. Last night 3 hits against Tim Lincecum and the night before a measly 3 hits off rookie Madison Bumgarner.
Just 6 hits at home in the final two games of the World Series for the Rangers? Wow, never saw that coming.
I'm happy for the Giants and their fans. 56-years is a long time to go between World Series championships.
With the Giants pitching, would anybody be surprised if they are back in the mix next year? I wouldn't.
As for the Series MVP, Edgar Renteria, who belted a 3-run homer last night off Cliff Lee, proved that he still has some game left. Renteria hit .412 for the series with 2 key homers and 6 RBI's. Pretty good for a guy who hit 3 homers with 22 RBI's during the regular season.
While the Giants have great pitching, I thought for sure the Rangers would put up more of a fight. Last night 3 hits against Tim Lincecum and the night before a measly 3 hits off rookie Madison Bumgarner.
Just 6 hits at home in the final two games of the World Series for the Rangers? Wow, never saw that coming.
I'm happy for the Giants and their fans. 56-years is a long time to go between World Series championships.
With the Giants pitching, would anybody be surprised if they are back in the mix next year? I wouldn't.
As for the Series MVP, Edgar Renteria, who belted a 3-run homer last night off Cliff Lee, proved that he still has some game left. Renteria hit .412 for the series with 2 key homers and 6 RBI's. Pretty good for a guy who hit 3 homers with 22 RBI's during the regular season.
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