The NBA season is slowly winding down as April creeps in for another year. The L.A. Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers have separated themselves from the pack, but what about the rest of the playoff contenders? The Western race is as tight as a pair of Air Jordan shoe laces tied securely. Several teams are separated by just a few games. The Easter conference also has some final post-season punchers in a neck-and-neck heat but the teams who will miss the playoffs are a lot clearer. Here’s a look at which Eastern teams could advance past April 15th, when the regular season comes to a conclusion (and those income taxes are due might I remind you).
The Cavs own a 60-13 overall record and the NBA’s most wins at home this year. Cleveland should finish with the best record, edging out the Lakers. The defense has stepped up this year to resemble an impenetrable rock. The brick-force Cavaliers are lead by none other than MVP candidate, LeBron James. James’ championship-level scoring and rebounding efficiency are the only real elements needed to take the team to the finals this year. Mo Williams doesn’t have a grandiose aire about him, but he assists James, and along with other capable shooters, provides depth in the starting five. Ben Wallace’s injury is of little concern right now because the team is 16-0 without him. Thanks to Joe Smith and James, the Cavs are poised for a championship ring. LeBron’s free-throw shooting will have to be on target against the Eastern elite teams in order for the goal of a trip to the Finals to come true. The front-running Cavs simply play smart ball and decimate opponents.
The Boston Celtics are defending champs for a reason, but now have a tall order in protecting their title and repeating. The Cavs have outclassed Boston this year and are breathing down their backs to claim the East. Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and company are unstoppable when a healthy and focused sea of green jerseys. Garnett will miss time due to his knee so it’s on the shoulders of Rondo, Pierce and Ray Allen to tweak their games and become court marshalls. Allen has to avoid suffering a heavy workload that could lead to burnout. The elite Boston defense makes them a heavy favorite this postseason, and their experience does help. Even with the star power on this team though, the Celtics must depend and rely on reserve players picking up the slack. The big men cannot handle all the shooting and physically will be drained if they are forced to. The Boston bench becomes that more important now. The Celtics have shown vulnerability and have been tried and tested during the season by teams with more heart but less talent.
The Orlando Magic have the potential to reach the semifinals if they stick with their strong defense and see Dwight Howard emerge as a playoff all-star. Stan Van Gundy deserves credit for keeping Orlando focused under pressure. The Magic’s Rashard Lewis may have to find a way to assist Howard in the perimeter and in rebounding and assists in order for Orland to make a splash. I like the Magic brand of basketball and they are the team playing the best ball right now. They hold a 55-18 record that is currently a notch above Boston. If Orlando does not have to face Detroit in round one of the playoffs, they will be in good shape for a deep run. For some reason, the Pistons have their number. Orlando is a threat because they can dominate up front and apply full court pressure.
The Miami Heat are lead by superstars, Dwyane Wade and Jermaine O’Neal. Mario Chalmers is also a basher on the boards. He has quietly pieced together a solid season down south. Wade is the man in the driver seat though, and if not for LeBron, would be the hands-down best player in the conference. If Miami plays to their strongest attributes, team quickness, they will win some playoff games. If not, Miami could be one and done. The Heat are a poor rebounding team and not efficient enough defensively. First year head coach, Erik Spoelstra, should aim to improve his team’s chances around the rim on defense. The team lost to the Pacers but were able to beat the Bucks in a high scoring affair recently. The inconsistency has lead to only 39 wins, but the in East, that is enough to make the playoffs.
Detroit is lacking something the former Pistons championship teams have embodied. Even with Rasheed Wallace and Allen Iverson together in the lineup, they haven’t exactly lit up the boards or been a confident winning team. I remember when I used to think AI was as smooth as a sea otter on the hardwood. Now he doesn’t look like the master carrying the sword in a Pistons uniform. He looks to me more like an anomaly. Iverson needs to pass more and the team needs to fully commit to playing their standard defensive style basketball. If the Piston aspire to advance past Boston or Cleveland, they also need to be healthy.
Say this much about the Chicago Bulls: they pulled off a terrific trade by landing the impact, John Salmons, during the season. The Bulls have perhaps one of the most favorable scheduled left to end the year. This stretch run should guarantee the Bulls a trip to the post-season, but beyond that, they are not expected to pull off many upset wins.
The Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks, NJ Nets and NY Knicks were all gearing up for an 8th seed ticket to the playoffs two weeks ago. Much has changed since. The Knicks are nixed. New Jersey is currently staring at a glaring 5 game losing streak and their “tragic” number continues to dwindle.
I like the Hawks’ Joe Johnson a lot. I feel his ability will lengthen Atlanta’s invite in the playoffs. Al Horford is a gamer and force too, but the Hawks have to find help in the rebounding department. The most recent homestand found Atlanta losing three crucial games to the Lakers, Celtics and Spurs. The defeats did nothing to prove themselves to anybody. Although the Hawks had surprise success in 2008, they might need more than a little smoke and mirrors to help their case in 2009.
The Sixers are mediocre and have had low expectations all year. The nothing-to-lose attitude could be a challenge to contending teams. Samuel Dalembert’s season came to a halt when he suffered an injured calf. Philly will be hard-pressed to overcome Dalembert’s interior play but with their fast tempo, could wreck havoc this Spring.
Parting points: Today is a good day for some Beastie Boys songs.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Opportune Opening
The first storm of the Spring signaled April showers are on the way last night. Wonderful is the word to describe one week from today. Opening Day of the 2009 Major League Baseball season will be wonderful. Rain delays are bound to happen in the beginning of the baseball year, but let’s hope next Monday’s skies are clear and friendly.
The New York Yankees are putting together the finishing touches on Spring training and finalizing their roster spots. The cross-town Mets are figuring out what they have in their returning pitching prowess and on the mend position players. Both New York managers are still toying with their team’s loaded lineups.
The Yankees five starting pitchers will go about their final tune-ups before the season officially begins. C.C. Sabathia is slated to sling his first strike in pinstripes when the game starts at 4:05 in Baltimore April 6th. Sabathia will also get the call for the home opener. The centerfield job is no longer up in the air now that field boss, Joe Giradi, named Brett Gardner his guy. Joe is intent on shaking things up this year and doing away with the old order. Gardner beat out Melky Cabrera by hitting well and running down routine fly balls with great speed and excellent accuracy in Tampa. Cabrera has a better arm but Gardner earned the chance and opportunity to begin April as the starting centerfielder in the new Yankee stadium. Gardner represents the Yankees’ speed. He runs better than any other player on this team and he very well could steal 50 bases this season.
Melky can play any outfield position and will make a menace of himself coming off the bench. The switch hitting Cabrera and fellow pine rider, Nick Swisher, provide an upgrade to the pinstripe bench this year. Gardner will light up the bottom of the order without Arod present as long as he continues to shine his hefty bat. Melky played 109 games at the position he no longer can claim his in 2009. His offense was very underwelming however. He was even demoted to Triple A in the middle of August. Melky is still learning but I feel he won’t be the megastar New York once believed he could turn into. He does give the Bombers security on the bench if Gardner loses his preseason prowess and touch.
The Yankees had an open competition for the final long reliever and the field was narrowed to three. Brett Tomko, Alfredo Aceves, and Dan Giese were all being considered this weekend. Girardi’s decision is leaning towards Jonathan Albaladejo now. Albaladejo is not equipped to be a long reliever. The 26 year old right-hander joins a sufficient bullpen of Mariano Rivera, Phil Coke, Brian Bruney, Jose Veras, Damaso Marte and Edwar Ramirez. Girardi could go with Coke and Albaladejo in shorter relief roles when the starters are pulled. Both pitchers will be crucial when the Yankees limit the innings of starter, Joba Chamberlain. Tomko has shown he can still pitch effectively this Spring. If Girardi ultimately decides to keep a long reliever, Brett is the leading candidate. It’s hard to project how elbow surgery will affect Tomko in the long run. Brett’s ERA is good but it might be a gamble for Giradi to put faith and trust in him. I was never completely sold on Albaladejo’s ability either though.
Twenty-two year old, Ramiro Pena, and veteran Angel Berrora, are also hoping to earn a roster position this summer. Pena is the heir apparent to Derek Jeter if all goes well for the youngster. Playing time in the majors would help him but Pena would see more at-bats and in the minors. Berrora has had a good Spring and might be the better choice with Rodriguez on the mend. Cody Ransom is slotted to fill in for Arod for the majority of the MVP’s downtime.
Jeter’s decreased range at shortstop isn’t he only concern about the captain’s skills heading into Opening Day. His on-base-percentage went down in 2008, and now Girardi is considering moving him to the leadoff spot. That would spell a swap of Damon for Jeter. Damon is ideally suited for the one hole because he can get to first off his left-handed swing quicker than Derek. But the move might be okay. Yankee fans should be grateful they have flexibility in their lineup varieties.
I know you shouldn’t put a lot of stock in Spring training numbers, but Amazin’ fans have to be concerned about their pitching staff. Most notably, the performances of Mike Pelfrey, health of John Maine, and overall attitude of Oliver Perez, are discerning. Pelfrey has all the tools and an upbeat persona to perform at this level. But his Spring numbers have not been suitable. Everyone recalls his string of seven straight wins beginning last June and ending in July. He looked on his way to ace status. Now it’s possible he may not even be the Mets’ fifth starter come Opening Day. Perez signed a brand spanking new bloated contract to return to the Mets rotation. His conditioning was called into question recently and his work habits were scrutinized. Crazy Ollie has a tendency to beat great teams and flop when facing feeble ones. Changes are needed in all aspects of his dispassionate and unconcerned mindset. John Maine’s inconsistency and inability to remain strong and healthy are creating red flags around the Mets camp. Maine has to be able to give the team solid starts every five days. John was on his way to winning anywhere in the range of 12-20 games a season ago. Something happened to his form late in the summer and he never recovered completely. After Johan Santana, the New York rotation could be very, very good or just plain morbid.
Luis Castillo and Ryan Church are players praying for profiting play. Castillo was re-signed and assigned the second base position after the worst year of any second baseman in my Mets recent memory. Luis has creaky veteran knees that Mets fans are hoping will hold up all year. I think fans are willing to give him a second chance but the minute he goes into a slump, the boobirds will come out. It does not help that Manuel is considering moving him to the leadoff spot. Castillo does not make things happen the way Jose Reyes does and increasing his workload is not astute. An intelligent idea would be have Reyes remain the force he is and stop trying to turn the shortstop into something he is not: a power hitter. Church had a terrific Spring, only to be knocked out, literally, by mid-summer. He never rebounded and wasn’t the same player the rest of 2008. Church will be manager, Jerry Manuel’s, Opening Day outfielder.
I am personally looking forward to one fresh face in camp for the Mets. Daniel Murphy looks like a real player who could have a breakout year. His impact was felt late in 2008 and most fans are suspecting a seismographic season for young Murphy. Comparisons are being made to Don Mattingly. Even though Murphy was born on April Fools’ Day, let’s not be a fool. He has a long way to go before he reaches Donnie Baseball status. While I am not about to put the horse before the cart, I do think Daniel will deliver in his first test as the Mets’ left fielder. Perhaps the forgotten man in all of this is Nick Evans, who also produced some highlights last year. Evans is being overshadowed and lost in the shuffle because of Murphy hogging the spotlight. Nick and Daniel should give Mets fans reasons to purchase their tickets to the new Citi Field.
Manuel’s leadership and influence provide the backbone of the 2009 New York Mets. He is well-respected in a clubhouse of men who must redeem their team from consecutive September collapses. Jerry is a player’s manager and that works in the Mets system. It might not suffice in the Bronx. Girardi is too much an intellectual coach who manages by the book. This should be the year the Mets return to the playoffs. The Phillies are still the division and league favorites, and rightly so. Next week when the Mets open play against the Reds, their stud Santana will show why New York still shines.
Here’s hoping both New York teams start the new season with a storming statement game next week.
Parting points: Happy Birthday to Ian Ziering
The New York Yankees are putting together the finishing touches on Spring training and finalizing their roster spots. The cross-town Mets are figuring out what they have in their returning pitching prowess and on the mend position players. Both New York managers are still toying with their team’s loaded lineups.
The Yankees five starting pitchers will go about their final tune-ups before the season officially begins. C.C. Sabathia is slated to sling his first strike in pinstripes when the game starts at 4:05 in Baltimore April 6th. Sabathia will also get the call for the home opener. The centerfield job is no longer up in the air now that field boss, Joe Giradi, named Brett Gardner his guy. Joe is intent on shaking things up this year and doing away with the old order. Gardner beat out Melky Cabrera by hitting well and running down routine fly balls with great speed and excellent accuracy in Tampa. Cabrera has a better arm but Gardner earned the chance and opportunity to begin April as the starting centerfielder in the new Yankee stadium. Gardner represents the Yankees’ speed. He runs better than any other player on this team and he very well could steal 50 bases this season.
Melky can play any outfield position and will make a menace of himself coming off the bench. The switch hitting Cabrera and fellow pine rider, Nick Swisher, provide an upgrade to the pinstripe bench this year. Gardner will light up the bottom of the order without Arod present as long as he continues to shine his hefty bat. Melky played 109 games at the position he no longer can claim his in 2009. His offense was very underwelming however. He was even demoted to Triple A in the middle of August. Melky is still learning but I feel he won’t be the megastar New York once believed he could turn into. He does give the Bombers security on the bench if Gardner loses his preseason prowess and touch.
The Yankees had an open competition for the final long reliever and the field was narrowed to three. Brett Tomko, Alfredo Aceves, and Dan Giese were all being considered this weekend. Girardi’s decision is leaning towards Jonathan Albaladejo now. Albaladejo is not equipped to be a long reliever. The 26 year old right-hander joins a sufficient bullpen of Mariano Rivera, Phil Coke, Brian Bruney, Jose Veras, Damaso Marte and Edwar Ramirez. Girardi could go with Coke and Albaladejo in shorter relief roles when the starters are pulled. Both pitchers will be crucial when the Yankees limit the innings of starter, Joba Chamberlain. Tomko has shown he can still pitch effectively this Spring. If Girardi ultimately decides to keep a long reliever, Brett is the leading candidate. It’s hard to project how elbow surgery will affect Tomko in the long run. Brett’s ERA is good but it might be a gamble for Giradi to put faith and trust in him. I was never completely sold on Albaladejo’s ability either though.
Twenty-two year old, Ramiro Pena, and veteran Angel Berrora, are also hoping to earn a roster position this summer. Pena is the heir apparent to Derek Jeter if all goes well for the youngster. Playing time in the majors would help him but Pena would see more at-bats and in the minors. Berrora has had a good Spring and might be the better choice with Rodriguez on the mend. Cody Ransom is slotted to fill in for Arod for the majority of the MVP’s downtime.
Jeter’s decreased range at shortstop isn’t he only concern about the captain’s skills heading into Opening Day. His on-base-percentage went down in 2008, and now Girardi is considering moving him to the leadoff spot. That would spell a swap of Damon for Jeter. Damon is ideally suited for the one hole because he can get to first off his left-handed swing quicker than Derek. But the move might be okay. Yankee fans should be grateful they have flexibility in their lineup varieties.
I know you shouldn’t put a lot of stock in Spring training numbers, but Amazin’ fans have to be concerned about their pitching staff. Most notably, the performances of Mike Pelfrey, health of John Maine, and overall attitude of Oliver Perez, are discerning. Pelfrey has all the tools and an upbeat persona to perform at this level. But his Spring numbers have not been suitable. Everyone recalls his string of seven straight wins beginning last June and ending in July. He looked on his way to ace status. Now it’s possible he may not even be the Mets’ fifth starter come Opening Day. Perez signed a brand spanking new bloated contract to return to the Mets rotation. His conditioning was called into question recently and his work habits were scrutinized. Crazy Ollie has a tendency to beat great teams and flop when facing feeble ones. Changes are needed in all aspects of his dispassionate and unconcerned mindset. John Maine’s inconsistency and inability to remain strong and healthy are creating red flags around the Mets camp. Maine has to be able to give the team solid starts every five days. John was on his way to winning anywhere in the range of 12-20 games a season ago. Something happened to his form late in the summer and he never recovered completely. After Johan Santana, the New York rotation could be very, very good or just plain morbid.
Luis Castillo and Ryan Church are players praying for profiting play. Castillo was re-signed and assigned the second base position after the worst year of any second baseman in my Mets recent memory. Luis has creaky veteran knees that Mets fans are hoping will hold up all year. I think fans are willing to give him a second chance but the minute he goes into a slump, the boobirds will come out. It does not help that Manuel is considering moving him to the leadoff spot. Castillo does not make things happen the way Jose Reyes does and increasing his workload is not astute. An intelligent idea would be have Reyes remain the force he is and stop trying to turn the shortstop into something he is not: a power hitter. Church had a terrific Spring, only to be knocked out, literally, by mid-summer. He never rebounded and wasn’t the same player the rest of 2008. Church will be manager, Jerry Manuel’s, Opening Day outfielder.
I am personally looking forward to one fresh face in camp for the Mets. Daniel Murphy looks like a real player who could have a breakout year. His impact was felt late in 2008 and most fans are suspecting a seismographic season for young Murphy. Comparisons are being made to Don Mattingly. Even though Murphy was born on April Fools’ Day, let’s not be a fool. He has a long way to go before he reaches Donnie Baseball status. While I am not about to put the horse before the cart, I do think Daniel will deliver in his first test as the Mets’ left fielder. Perhaps the forgotten man in all of this is Nick Evans, who also produced some highlights last year. Evans is being overshadowed and lost in the shuffle because of Murphy hogging the spotlight. Nick and Daniel should give Mets fans reasons to purchase their tickets to the new Citi Field.
Manuel’s leadership and influence provide the backbone of the 2009 New York Mets. He is well-respected in a clubhouse of men who must redeem their team from consecutive September collapses. Jerry is a player’s manager and that works in the Mets system. It might not suffice in the Bronx. Girardi is too much an intellectual coach who manages by the book. This should be the year the Mets return to the playoffs. The Phillies are still the division and league favorites, and rightly so. Next week when the Mets open play against the Reds, their stud Santana will show why New York still shines.
Here’s hoping both New York teams start the new season with a storming statement game next week.
Parting points: Happy Birthday to Ian Ziering
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Aptitude At Any Altitude
Colorado’s collective club may cooperate with the mile high mountain air in Denver’s Rockies. As a professional hitter, pasting the ball at Corrs Field is a pretty painless proposition. Throughout the young franchise’s history, men have been swinging and stipulating shots past the outfield wall on an everyday basis. Opposing hitters look forward to breaking out of slumps when in town to visit. The park is so conducive to homerun hitting and unfriendly to pitchers. Pitchers’ careers can be ruined with one outing at Corrs. Hitters can go on tears and streaks after appearing at the Colorado home plate.
Denver is a city more fascinated by their beloved Broncos and awe-inspired by the re-developing Avalanche. Baseball flies under the radar but the Rockies are quietly establishing themselves as a contending team. Their dugout looks in decent shape coming off a World Series appearance two years ago. That late charge resulted in respect and you can no longer discount this dedicated bunch of ballplayers. This year’s version of the NL West team needs to corroborate a combative and corruptive force, particulary on the mound.
The Rockies released their top run producer when Matt Holliday signed a free agent contract with Oakland. Colorado’s core of sluggers configure to make up for some of Holliday’s numbers. First baseman, Todd Helton, is 35 years old but poised for a comeback year. Helton returns from a balky back that kept him hurt all off-season. Helton only drove in 29 RBIs in 2008 as a result of his back problems. He will be an adequate replacement for Holliday offensively. Manager, Clint Hurdle, will take it easy on the fleet footed Helton this season. Todd will rest for portions of the season as he saves himself for sporadic power surges. Helton’s 12 year big league experience has produced many all-star seasons. Number 17 is one of the most well-known and lovable Rockies. Last year was the first time in his career he failed to hit at least .300. The lifetime Colorado Rockie has 310 career long balls and close to 2,000 career hits since 1997. His .328 average makes him one of the most underrated players in the past decade. Helton, a household name in Denver, is a cut above your everyday veteran major leaguer.
Third baseman, Garrett Atkins, broke out in his first spring game in two weeks. Atkins belted a homerun in 10-6 Colorado victory. Garrett garners to be a steady slugger as long as he can improve his .225 batting average with runners in scoring position. The California-born righty should anchor the cleanup spot. Atkins’ approach at the plate is an undisciplined one but he hits for power and with a quick swing, can club one out of Corrs or any other ballpark. Garrett is a gamer and one of the premier third basemen in the National League.
Troy Tulowitski is a talented and tenacious shortstop but has been ailing some injuries and has had a slow Spring. Troy is not hitting well so far but creates a balance in Hurdle’s lineup as a right-handed stick. Troy will continue to grow as he emerges as a top tier infielder and he has a high ceiling as a player. Tall for his position at 6’3”, Tulo grabbed the attention of fans during Colorado’s post-season run in 2007. He tosses and throws well in the field and has double-play capabilities.
Ryan Spilborghs is also a fluid righty hitter and most likely will leadoff. He provides pop and can get on base frequently. Spilborghs has the speed to be a leading base-stealer. Ryan earned the CF spot over Willy Taveras. Catcher, Chris Iannetta and Clint Barnes are additional right-handed roster hitters. Iannetta, nicknamed “Dreamy”, is a 25 year old with exceptional skills. The surging Iannetta was supposed to be the catcher of the future but has established he can hit already in just his first stint. He has a chance to be the opening day catcher if he continues to shine on the grand stage.
The back end of the Rockies rotation has some serious question marks. Number one and two likely will go to righties, Aaron Cook and Ubaldo Jimenez. Both are formidable starters, and with Jeff Francis out of the year, need to step up. The front-line starter Francis’s slider will be a missing Colorado component in competition this season. Jason Marquis is a veteran who is capable of double digit wins. Francis might meet expectations and be the third man in Colorado’s mix. Number four starter, Jorge de la Rosa, finished 2008 well. His low ERA late last fall were good but the left-handed Jorge needs to become a consistent pitcher. Greg Smith and Franklin Morales will compete for fifth starter. The polished Smith has finesse for a lefty and Morales’ candidacy rests on whether he can command his pitches or not.
Huston Street was a force for the A’s as a deft closer. Street will replace Brian Fuentes in relief. Manuel Corpes will probably set up Huston with fearsome fireballer, Taylor Bucholtz sidelined for some time. Interestingly, Corpes can earn the closer role. He answered back on Friday in a solid effort and Street now has competition. The depth of the bullpen is deep enough to be effective. Right-handed Jason Grilli and Ryan Speier, along with the lefty veteran, Alan Embree, have quality arms as long as they are not overworked. Juan Morillo is a viable thrower who has handled pressure situations so far this Spring. Morillo cannot be sent to minors so he needs to make himself known in order to make the team. Juan is out of options but the bullpen could be his home if he continues to earn the manager’s respect. Glendon Rusch is another left-hander with versatility as a reliever.
Bench-wise, Colorado seats a deep one with OF Matt Murton, Jeff Baker and Omar Quintanilla. Murton’s right-handed bat has had a solid Spring. Matt was acquired from Oakland for infield prospect, Cory Wimberly. He can spank the ball when called off the bench, as proven as 2006 Cub reserve. He adds flexibility along with Baker. Baker can play the corner outfield positions well and has a powerful swing. Quintanilla is a useful utility man and defensively refined. Dan Ortmeier is a switch hittter who could be an extra outfielder too. Seth Smith, Ian Stewart and Carlos Gonzalez all reported to Rockies camp looking for a backup role or chance to play the outfield regularly. Smith might be the leader for the left field job. Yorvit Torrealba is also a backstop on the Rockies roster.
Colorado is a work in progress but a watchable team. The Rockies need to find ways to stop leaving men on base and deliver runs with men in scoring position. They were only .256 in those situations last year, so some creativity is needed on the offensive side of the ball. They were also 8th in the league in scoring runs. Given they play in bandbox Corrs Field, that is unacceptable. I believe the team will get better in terms of both statistics in 2009. The pitching is puzzling. Hurdle’s challenge will be keeping his starters in the game late and allowing the bullpen some rest. The Rockies need to establish a formidable rotation or they will not scare anybody this year. The field factor plays against them so that is the one challenge facing Colorado’s starters. Focusing on guys who pitch well at home is key. The ability is there and if the Rockies can put all the pieces together, should have a year to remember. They may not reach the post-season, but a winning record would be an accomplishment.
Parting points: I started a new book- “Yankee For Life” by Bobby Murcer. It looks like an easy, enjoyable engagement.
Denver is a city more fascinated by their beloved Broncos and awe-inspired by the re-developing Avalanche. Baseball flies under the radar but the Rockies are quietly establishing themselves as a contending team. Their dugout looks in decent shape coming off a World Series appearance two years ago. That late charge resulted in respect and you can no longer discount this dedicated bunch of ballplayers. This year’s version of the NL West team needs to corroborate a combative and corruptive force, particulary on the mound.
The Rockies released their top run producer when Matt Holliday signed a free agent contract with Oakland. Colorado’s core of sluggers configure to make up for some of Holliday’s numbers. First baseman, Todd Helton, is 35 years old but poised for a comeback year. Helton returns from a balky back that kept him hurt all off-season. Helton only drove in 29 RBIs in 2008 as a result of his back problems. He will be an adequate replacement for Holliday offensively. Manager, Clint Hurdle, will take it easy on the fleet footed Helton this season. Todd will rest for portions of the season as he saves himself for sporadic power surges. Helton’s 12 year big league experience has produced many all-star seasons. Number 17 is one of the most well-known and lovable Rockies. Last year was the first time in his career he failed to hit at least .300. The lifetime Colorado Rockie has 310 career long balls and close to 2,000 career hits since 1997. His .328 average makes him one of the most underrated players in the past decade. Helton, a household name in Denver, is a cut above your everyday veteran major leaguer.
Third baseman, Garrett Atkins, broke out in his first spring game in two weeks. Atkins belted a homerun in 10-6 Colorado victory. Garrett garners to be a steady slugger as long as he can improve his .225 batting average with runners in scoring position. The California-born righty should anchor the cleanup spot. Atkins’ approach at the plate is an undisciplined one but he hits for power and with a quick swing, can club one out of Corrs or any other ballpark. Garrett is a gamer and one of the premier third basemen in the National League.
Troy Tulowitski is a talented and tenacious shortstop but has been ailing some injuries and has had a slow Spring. Troy is not hitting well so far but creates a balance in Hurdle’s lineup as a right-handed stick. Troy will continue to grow as he emerges as a top tier infielder and he has a high ceiling as a player. Tall for his position at 6’3”, Tulo grabbed the attention of fans during Colorado’s post-season run in 2007. He tosses and throws well in the field and has double-play capabilities.
Ryan Spilborghs is also a fluid righty hitter and most likely will leadoff. He provides pop and can get on base frequently. Spilborghs has the speed to be a leading base-stealer. Ryan earned the CF spot over Willy Taveras. Catcher, Chris Iannetta and Clint Barnes are additional right-handed roster hitters. Iannetta, nicknamed “Dreamy”, is a 25 year old with exceptional skills. The surging Iannetta was supposed to be the catcher of the future but has established he can hit already in just his first stint. He has a chance to be the opening day catcher if he continues to shine on the grand stage.
The back end of the Rockies rotation has some serious question marks. Number one and two likely will go to righties, Aaron Cook and Ubaldo Jimenez. Both are formidable starters, and with Jeff Francis out of the year, need to step up. The front-line starter Francis’s slider will be a missing Colorado component in competition this season. Jason Marquis is a veteran who is capable of double digit wins. Francis might meet expectations and be the third man in Colorado’s mix. Number four starter, Jorge de la Rosa, finished 2008 well. His low ERA late last fall were good but the left-handed Jorge needs to become a consistent pitcher. Greg Smith and Franklin Morales will compete for fifth starter. The polished Smith has finesse for a lefty and Morales’ candidacy rests on whether he can command his pitches or not.
Huston Street was a force for the A’s as a deft closer. Street will replace Brian Fuentes in relief. Manuel Corpes will probably set up Huston with fearsome fireballer, Taylor Bucholtz sidelined for some time. Interestingly, Corpes can earn the closer role. He answered back on Friday in a solid effort and Street now has competition. The depth of the bullpen is deep enough to be effective. Right-handed Jason Grilli and Ryan Speier, along with the lefty veteran, Alan Embree, have quality arms as long as they are not overworked. Juan Morillo is a viable thrower who has handled pressure situations so far this Spring. Morillo cannot be sent to minors so he needs to make himself known in order to make the team. Juan is out of options but the bullpen could be his home if he continues to earn the manager’s respect. Glendon Rusch is another left-hander with versatility as a reliever.
Bench-wise, Colorado seats a deep one with OF Matt Murton, Jeff Baker and Omar Quintanilla. Murton’s right-handed bat has had a solid Spring. Matt was acquired from Oakland for infield prospect, Cory Wimberly. He can spank the ball when called off the bench, as proven as 2006 Cub reserve. He adds flexibility along with Baker. Baker can play the corner outfield positions well and has a powerful swing. Quintanilla is a useful utility man and defensively refined. Dan Ortmeier is a switch hittter who could be an extra outfielder too. Seth Smith, Ian Stewart and Carlos Gonzalez all reported to Rockies camp looking for a backup role or chance to play the outfield regularly. Smith might be the leader for the left field job. Yorvit Torrealba is also a backstop on the Rockies roster.
Colorado is a work in progress but a watchable team. The Rockies need to find ways to stop leaving men on base and deliver runs with men in scoring position. They were only .256 in those situations last year, so some creativity is needed on the offensive side of the ball. They were also 8th in the league in scoring runs. Given they play in bandbox Corrs Field, that is unacceptable. I believe the team will get better in terms of both statistics in 2009. The pitching is puzzling. Hurdle’s challenge will be keeping his starters in the game late and allowing the bullpen some rest. The Rockies need to establish a formidable rotation or they will not scare anybody this year. The field factor plays against them so that is the one challenge facing Colorado’s starters. Focusing on guys who pitch well at home is key. The ability is there and if the Rockies can put all the pieces together, should have a year to remember. They may not reach the post-season, but a winning record would be an accomplishment.
Parting points: I started a new book- “Yankee For Life” by Bobby Murcer. It looks like an easy, enjoyable engagement.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Closet Cleaning
It’s almost the time of year when yard sales spring up every weekend. Garage sales are an annual rite of Spring for me. The intrigue of browsing other people’s trinkets and treasures is irresistible. I used to hold my own annual yard sales and it was amazing how much junk I actually found lying around my house to sell. Today I did some Spring cleaning and discovered a closet satiated with sports stuff. If I could arrange an online yard sale, here is what I might advertise. Honestly, I don’t think I could really sell any of these items, but if anyone is seriously considering buying, I will entertain offers.
Let’s start in my Yankee locker…
A can of flat Spaulding tennis balls, anyone? I found the deflated plastic tube down on the bottom shelf looking desperate buried behind a combination lock I must have used in high school. I think this was the can I kept for emergencies in case I had a quick or impromptu match.
Exibit B: Two pairs of striped, long and thick baseball socks. One black, one blue. These garments from middle school replaced the uncomfortable stirrup socks I was forced to use in Little League. The last time I was seen wearing these was the Halloween I dressed as a baseball player. Or, I could have worn them one time on my paper route in the middle of a cold winter.
One teal Wilson shock absorber dangles in the corner of the bottom shelf. Perhaps I should relegate this small tennis item to the free box.
Red, white and blue are the colors of a Pepsi soccer ball inside a blue drawstring bag resembling a net. This shiny object was a freebie my mother sent for when the soft drink giant had a rebate offer. I used it a few times, but never for the intended purpose of playing soccer.
Another drawstring bad, a peach-colored mesh and not see-through, is empty. It was always too small to use as a gym bag, so I carried my sandals and suntan lotion in it whenever our family went to the beach or pool. The bag says my name on the outside, clearly reducing its value to a potential purchaser.
Franklin blue and white batting gloves that are as stiff as a board. Surprisingly, the hand coverings do not have any holes in them, but they are definitely scuffed. I keep them as distinct memories of hitting a softball. They also remind me of Easter morning because that cleaver bunny would bring me a new pair every year. Maybe someone could get some use out of them as gardening gloves. I will try that as a selling approach as many people begin planting bulbs this Spring.
White jump rope with metal handles. Do I really have a jump rope in my locker? I went out and bought it as a training tool when I was trying to get in shape for tennis one season. I never did use it that I can recall. So, in essence, it’s still unused and has actual worth to playground children or cheap athletic directors needing equipment for gym class.
Worn-in black leather Optima Gold Series Wilson baseball glove. I could never part with this gem. Even if I did decide to sell my old ball glove, it might bring bad luck. I broke my left wrist wearing it. I also pitched a shutout all-star game, striking out the side three innings with it. Maybe it isn’t so unlucky after all. When I first picked the glove out in the store, I didn’t think my dad would really spend the money for it. As a kid, I thought the world of this glove but looking back now, it was just as ordinary as any other I could have chosen.
Wristbands are an acquired taste. Some tennis players wear them all the time to keep sweat from getting to their palms and racquet handles. I tried using wristbands when I first started playing. I still have a navy blue Nike one I keep for the very reason it is navy and Nike. I also have a pair of unopened Head wristbands. To me, it was like dressing up to play a sport and I wanted nothing to do with that. The less accessorizing an athlete, the better in my opinion.
Sheepishly, I confess I had foot issues as a tennis player. I developed tennis toe in high school and it chewed away an entire toenail on my big toe. Gross, yes, but I was saved by Dr. Scholls and ace bandage tape. I’ll offer both in a package deal. The sneaker inserts are brand new and wrapped and the tape is about halfway done. Not a bad combination for careful but hard-on-their-feet people.
Just so my locker doesn’t seem like a pharmaceutical factory, my final item is a pair of Nike softball cleats. They are filthy and my mother has insisted I toss them in the trash. I just can’t do it. My splendid spikes are complete with solid mud, worn down soles and droopy laces. I am sure they can still get the job done because they lasted an entire 5 years of playing ball in rain, wet grass, sludge and sand.
My closet of sports equipment and memorabilia is something to write home about. The first thing I came across while cleaning was a skateboard. My Maple deck still looks to be in fairly good shape. The grip tape is a bit torn, but she rides just fine. It was my second skateboard and I bought it with my own money in 7th grade.
A lime green hockey stick. My sister had a matching pink one, and we’d play in our driveway all the time during the summer. I am almost positive this will never be used again unless someone takes me up on a game of street hockey. I still love to play the game but it just isn’t the thing to do these days. Today I use it mostly to grab something that is too far to reach by guiding it with the long wooden handle. That reminds me. As a project in 7th grade, we had to invent something. I decided to invent the “Ball-cro”. It was a wooden stick with Velcro attached to the end and was used to pick up tennis balls. This was before more sophisticated people came up with more sophisticated products. (ie hoppers). I think the “Ball-cro” is at my parent’s house, or in a faraway dumpster.
One of those really cool giant tennis balls is on the floor in my cluttered closet. You can see them at any of the major Grand Slams in the stands. Fans like to have the players autograph them and they are in fact, nifty.
It’s hard to be objective when it comes to my mother, but I have to say she has always been trendy. She accidentally bleached my favorite Yankees baseball hat when I was young. The navy blue insignia hit the wash one morning and the next time I saw it, it was pink as punch. I was not a happy Yankee fan and I flipped out on my mother for an innocent mistake. The hat would actually be quite popular today with sports fans’ fascination with fancy fashion. Gotta hand it to my talented washing mother for be “in” back then.
Folded neatly but a wrinkled mess, I discovered an oversized Ohio State sweatshirt. I never fit into this 4XL Buckeye basic but had to have it. I only wear it around my apartment as lounge wear and I think I donned it on a crisp morning during a bike ride. Anything with the red O on it should be worth something, right? Woody Hayes’ famous ball cap has nothing on my scarlet and gray over shirt.
Ancient, outdated tennis racquets are practically a yard sale staple. Mine is a junior Wilson in a purple case. Because it has sentimental value that can never be repeated, it’s not for sale. Sorry.
My college backpack sits behind a stack of folder winter sweaters. The book bag is made by O’Neill and is completely empty save for one pen in the penholder. It’s like buying a used wallet and finding a penny buried inside. There are so many compartments to this bag, I might yet find another use for it. But, I am willing to bargain if you are interested too.
Women’s K-Swiss tennis sneaker, size 8. Any takers? They are still the most comfortable shoes I think I’ve ever owned and definitely wearable. I just needed an upgrade after so many matches.
Two racquetball balls squished into the corner are for sale. Asking price: buy one, get one free at .50 cents. I remember when we had family yard sales, if we couldn’t come up with a price, Mom would tell us to label it .50 cents. Her reasoning was people consider a dollar too high and are skeptical about anything that costs a quarter.
I came across a memento/souvenir from when my dad took me to see the Army Black Knight hockey play in West Point. It’s a miniature wooden hockey stick so probably doesn’t have much use. But it sure it cute. Some sucker would pay for it at a garage sale.
Another purposeless item: a blowup Yankee baseball bat. Definitely a keeper though.
The strangest thing I came across in my closet was my 1996 tribute to Andy Pettitte. It’s a cardboard cutout awarding the pitcher the CY Young for his solid performance that season. He didn’t win the real thing, but he will always have my hand-crafted artwork. Maybe Andy would like to purchase this piece?
A shoebox of sports articles cut out from newspapers and magazines. I could throw the entire box away, but there are probably some well-written articles from memorable historical sports moments. I get a sincere kick out of re-reading them from time to time.
My album of baseball cards. There is no discussion about this closet stuffer. It will be with me forever.
So that completes my first Spring cleaning. I might do some more later. Which item would you like to buy? Which item would you like to see me just get rid of?
Parting points: “I’d give it all away if you if you give me one last try”- Foo Fighters, Learn to Fly
Let’s start in my Yankee locker…
A can of flat Spaulding tennis balls, anyone? I found the deflated plastic tube down on the bottom shelf looking desperate buried behind a combination lock I must have used in high school. I think this was the can I kept for emergencies in case I had a quick or impromptu match.
Exibit B: Two pairs of striped, long and thick baseball socks. One black, one blue. These garments from middle school replaced the uncomfortable stirrup socks I was forced to use in Little League. The last time I was seen wearing these was the Halloween I dressed as a baseball player. Or, I could have worn them one time on my paper route in the middle of a cold winter.
One teal Wilson shock absorber dangles in the corner of the bottom shelf. Perhaps I should relegate this small tennis item to the free box.
Red, white and blue are the colors of a Pepsi soccer ball inside a blue drawstring bag resembling a net. This shiny object was a freebie my mother sent for when the soft drink giant had a rebate offer. I used it a few times, but never for the intended purpose of playing soccer.
Another drawstring bad, a peach-colored mesh and not see-through, is empty. It was always too small to use as a gym bag, so I carried my sandals and suntan lotion in it whenever our family went to the beach or pool. The bag says my name on the outside, clearly reducing its value to a potential purchaser.
Franklin blue and white batting gloves that are as stiff as a board. Surprisingly, the hand coverings do not have any holes in them, but they are definitely scuffed. I keep them as distinct memories of hitting a softball. They also remind me of Easter morning because that cleaver bunny would bring me a new pair every year. Maybe someone could get some use out of them as gardening gloves. I will try that as a selling approach as many people begin planting bulbs this Spring.
White jump rope with metal handles. Do I really have a jump rope in my locker? I went out and bought it as a training tool when I was trying to get in shape for tennis one season. I never did use it that I can recall. So, in essence, it’s still unused and has actual worth to playground children or cheap athletic directors needing equipment for gym class.
Worn-in black leather Optima Gold Series Wilson baseball glove. I could never part with this gem. Even if I did decide to sell my old ball glove, it might bring bad luck. I broke my left wrist wearing it. I also pitched a shutout all-star game, striking out the side three innings with it. Maybe it isn’t so unlucky after all. When I first picked the glove out in the store, I didn’t think my dad would really spend the money for it. As a kid, I thought the world of this glove but looking back now, it was just as ordinary as any other I could have chosen.
Wristbands are an acquired taste. Some tennis players wear them all the time to keep sweat from getting to their palms and racquet handles. I tried using wristbands when I first started playing. I still have a navy blue Nike one I keep for the very reason it is navy and Nike. I also have a pair of unopened Head wristbands. To me, it was like dressing up to play a sport and I wanted nothing to do with that. The less accessorizing an athlete, the better in my opinion.
Sheepishly, I confess I had foot issues as a tennis player. I developed tennis toe in high school and it chewed away an entire toenail on my big toe. Gross, yes, but I was saved by Dr. Scholls and ace bandage tape. I’ll offer both in a package deal. The sneaker inserts are brand new and wrapped and the tape is about halfway done. Not a bad combination for careful but hard-on-their-feet people.
Just so my locker doesn’t seem like a pharmaceutical factory, my final item is a pair of Nike softball cleats. They are filthy and my mother has insisted I toss them in the trash. I just can’t do it. My splendid spikes are complete with solid mud, worn down soles and droopy laces. I am sure they can still get the job done because they lasted an entire 5 years of playing ball in rain, wet grass, sludge and sand.
My closet of sports equipment and memorabilia is something to write home about. The first thing I came across while cleaning was a skateboard. My Maple deck still looks to be in fairly good shape. The grip tape is a bit torn, but she rides just fine. It was my second skateboard and I bought it with my own money in 7th grade.
A lime green hockey stick. My sister had a matching pink one, and we’d play in our driveway all the time during the summer. I am almost positive this will never be used again unless someone takes me up on a game of street hockey. I still love to play the game but it just isn’t the thing to do these days. Today I use it mostly to grab something that is too far to reach by guiding it with the long wooden handle. That reminds me. As a project in 7th grade, we had to invent something. I decided to invent the “Ball-cro”. It was a wooden stick with Velcro attached to the end and was used to pick up tennis balls. This was before more sophisticated people came up with more sophisticated products. (ie hoppers). I think the “Ball-cro” is at my parent’s house, or in a faraway dumpster.
One of those really cool giant tennis balls is on the floor in my cluttered closet. You can see them at any of the major Grand Slams in the stands. Fans like to have the players autograph them and they are in fact, nifty.
It’s hard to be objective when it comes to my mother, but I have to say she has always been trendy. She accidentally bleached my favorite Yankees baseball hat when I was young. The navy blue insignia hit the wash one morning and the next time I saw it, it was pink as punch. I was not a happy Yankee fan and I flipped out on my mother for an innocent mistake. The hat would actually be quite popular today with sports fans’ fascination with fancy fashion. Gotta hand it to my talented washing mother for be “in” back then.
Folded neatly but a wrinkled mess, I discovered an oversized Ohio State sweatshirt. I never fit into this 4XL Buckeye basic but had to have it. I only wear it around my apartment as lounge wear and I think I donned it on a crisp morning during a bike ride. Anything with the red O on it should be worth something, right? Woody Hayes’ famous ball cap has nothing on my scarlet and gray over shirt.
Ancient, outdated tennis racquets are practically a yard sale staple. Mine is a junior Wilson in a purple case. Because it has sentimental value that can never be repeated, it’s not for sale. Sorry.
My college backpack sits behind a stack of folder winter sweaters. The book bag is made by O’Neill and is completely empty save for one pen in the penholder. It’s like buying a used wallet and finding a penny buried inside. There are so many compartments to this bag, I might yet find another use for it. But, I am willing to bargain if you are interested too.
Women’s K-Swiss tennis sneaker, size 8. Any takers? They are still the most comfortable shoes I think I’ve ever owned and definitely wearable. I just needed an upgrade after so many matches.
Two racquetball balls squished into the corner are for sale. Asking price: buy one, get one free at .50 cents. I remember when we had family yard sales, if we couldn’t come up with a price, Mom would tell us to label it .50 cents. Her reasoning was people consider a dollar too high and are skeptical about anything that costs a quarter.
I came across a memento/souvenir from when my dad took me to see the Army Black Knight hockey play in West Point. It’s a miniature wooden hockey stick so probably doesn’t have much use. But it sure it cute. Some sucker would pay for it at a garage sale.
Another purposeless item: a blowup Yankee baseball bat. Definitely a keeper though.
The strangest thing I came across in my closet was my 1996 tribute to Andy Pettitte. It’s a cardboard cutout awarding the pitcher the CY Young for his solid performance that season. He didn’t win the real thing, but he will always have my hand-crafted artwork. Maybe Andy would like to purchase this piece?
A shoebox of sports articles cut out from newspapers and magazines. I could throw the entire box away, but there are probably some well-written articles from memorable historical sports moments. I get a sincere kick out of re-reading them from time to time.
My album of baseball cards. There is no discussion about this closet stuffer. It will be with me forever.
So that completes my first Spring cleaning. I might do some more later. Which item would you like to buy? Which item would you like to see me just get rid of?
Parting points: “I’d give it all away if you if you give me one last try”- Foo Fighters, Learn to Fly
Friday, March 27, 2009
Hoops Houdini Has Half
Pristine Pittsburgh fed off the fiery play of LeVance Fields to overcome a deficit and defeat Xavier last night. I could watch Fields in his dew gray digs all night the player is so captivating to the cranium. LeVance drained a three point shot with 50 seconds left that all but sealed the significant but uneasy win. DeJuan Blair’s sure-handed steal of Xavier senior, B.J.Raymond, facilitated the shot in the final minute. Sean Miller’s Xavier team took it to the wire but unquestionable strategy of shooting behind the arch enabled the Panthers to creep back. The Muskies missed easy lay ups and inside shots in the second half. The Panthers have been winning games holding on by a hair all post-season. They have a way of rallying that is unprecedented. Pittsburgh, with their backs constantly against the wall, find ways to beat anybody. The key against the Musketeers was cutting the points allowed in the second half. The Panthers permitted only 18 points after halftime. Pitt reaches the Elite 8 for the first time in school history. Jamie Dixon has his team poised to pounce and punch a ticket to Detroit.
Fascinating Fields was just one of the Big East players dominating the fine play of last night’s Sweet 16. His teammate Blair had 17 rebounds. The Big East took care of business, with three teams moving on and the entire East bracket is now represented by the conference. The unambiguous brackets are shaping up fine for me, with the best conference winning three of three games last night. Kudos to the Big 12 for having three of their own remaining in the tourney.
I correctly guessed all four teams, so I am halfway there in my Elite 8 prognostication. I wouldn’t call myself a magician, but I was one of the few actually picking Missouri to upset Memphis. Memphis had a chip on their shoulder since the start of the tournament but I have the Big 12 Champion Missouri Tigers making the Final Four. It is their first trip back to the Elite 8 round in 7 years. Mike Anderson’s club, while he coached UAB, was the last team to knock out John Calipari in a conference divisional game. Anderson’s Missouri men, led by J.T. Tiller, did the same thing last night in a game they once led by as much as 19 points. Once Mizzou settled into a groove, they did not look back or let up. The Tigers simply sprinted. You have to commend the Tigers for scoring 102 points against the best defensive team in the nation. It was the first time in nine years the team gave up over 100 points. Memphis missed 14 free throws and could not defend against a Tiger attack. Calipari’s timid team could not claw their way back even though Tyreke Evans gave a serviceable presentation. The 27 game winning streak, longest in the nation, went down the tubes as quick as the Missouri Tigers were able to get to the basket against Memphis. Calipari and his fans glorified this team but where are the Memphis chants and backers now?
The coy, crisp, confident but controversial Connecticut did not trail one second during their dominating victory against Purdue. Purdue failed to shoot inside as well as A.J. Price, Hasheem Thabeet and the Huskies. Price and Thabeet each had 15 points. AJ is the anchor and Thabeet the oar for the Big East‘s number one seed. The Boilermakers could not overcome the size of the Huskies but incorporated a few opportunities to take the lead. Whenever they came close, Purdue was punished by Thabeet and his double-double performance. I have Connecticut falling to Missouri Saturday in the next round of play. Even though they are offensively astounding and have more experience in big games, the Tigers are a complex puzzle on the hardwood. I think Missouri is capable of countering the Connecticut assault. Both teams are mightily ambitious however.
Dante Cunningham had a hand in the 77-54 Villanova crushing of Duke. Cunningham had 11 rebounds in out dueling the Devils. Surging Scottie Reynolds added 16 buckets. The Wildcats put the nail in the coffin in Boston in the second half of the game. It was not as close as I thought it would be. Duke could not hit their shots. The Devils developed some leeway early but all breathing room went to under-sized Villanova late. Duke went on a five point run to begin the contest but the lead was erased on the ensuing Wildcat drive. The candid shooting of Villanova proved too much for depleted Duke. The Wildcats’ perimeter defense dictated the tempo of the game. Even Reggie Redding came off the bench to factor into the Nova knockout. The zone-oriented, thrashing Wildcats embarrassed Duke offensively. I was imploring the ACC’s number two seeded Blue Devils to score some jumpers. Coach K’s team’s 26% shooting was the lowest of the year for Duke. They looked uninspired and tepid, and fizzled at the finish line in what became a blemishing blowout.
The only reservation I have about Friday evening’s four games is the Syracuse-Oklahoma pairing. I think the Orange will squeeze out a win against Blake Griffin and the Sooners. I am picking Louisville to top ‘Zona, Kansas to down Michigan State and the Tarheels to finish off Gonzaga. The games should be good and I am looking forward to a Friday fest of fine frolic on the courts. TGIF!
Parting points: “Semi-charmed life” by Third Eye Blind
Fascinating Fields was just one of the Big East players dominating the fine play of last night’s Sweet 16. His teammate Blair had 17 rebounds. The Big East took care of business, with three teams moving on and the entire East bracket is now represented by the conference. The unambiguous brackets are shaping up fine for me, with the best conference winning three of three games last night. Kudos to the Big 12 for having three of their own remaining in the tourney.
I correctly guessed all four teams, so I am halfway there in my Elite 8 prognostication. I wouldn’t call myself a magician, but I was one of the few actually picking Missouri to upset Memphis. Memphis had a chip on their shoulder since the start of the tournament but I have the Big 12 Champion Missouri Tigers making the Final Four. It is their first trip back to the Elite 8 round in 7 years. Mike Anderson’s club, while he coached UAB, was the last team to knock out John Calipari in a conference divisional game. Anderson’s Missouri men, led by J.T. Tiller, did the same thing last night in a game they once led by as much as 19 points. Once Mizzou settled into a groove, they did not look back or let up. The Tigers simply sprinted. You have to commend the Tigers for scoring 102 points against the best defensive team in the nation. It was the first time in nine years the team gave up over 100 points. Memphis missed 14 free throws and could not defend against a Tiger attack. Calipari’s timid team could not claw their way back even though Tyreke Evans gave a serviceable presentation. The 27 game winning streak, longest in the nation, went down the tubes as quick as the Missouri Tigers were able to get to the basket against Memphis. Calipari and his fans glorified this team but where are the Memphis chants and backers now?
The coy, crisp, confident but controversial Connecticut did not trail one second during their dominating victory against Purdue. Purdue failed to shoot inside as well as A.J. Price, Hasheem Thabeet and the Huskies. Price and Thabeet each had 15 points. AJ is the anchor and Thabeet the oar for the Big East‘s number one seed. The Boilermakers could not overcome the size of the Huskies but incorporated a few opportunities to take the lead. Whenever they came close, Purdue was punished by Thabeet and his double-double performance. I have Connecticut falling to Missouri Saturday in the next round of play. Even though they are offensively astounding and have more experience in big games, the Tigers are a complex puzzle on the hardwood. I think Missouri is capable of countering the Connecticut assault. Both teams are mightily ambitious however.
Dante Cunningham had a hand in the 77-54 Villanova crushing of Duke. Cunningham had 11 rebounds in out dueling the Devils. Surging Scottie Reynolds added 16 buckets. The Wildcats put the nail in the coffin in Boston in the second half of the game. It was not as close as I thought it would be. Duke could not hit their shots. The Devils developed some leeway early but all breathing room went to under-sized Villanova late. Duke went on a five point run to begin the contest but the lead was erased on the ensuing Wildcat drive. The candid shooting of Villanova proved too much for depleted Duke. The Wildcats’ perimeter defense dictated the tempo of the game. Even Reggie Redding came off the bench to factor into the Nova knockout. The zone-oriented, thrashing Wildcats embarrassed Duke offensively. I was imploring the ACC’s number two seeded Blue Devils to score some jumpers. Coach K’s team’s 26% shooting was the lowest of the year for Duke. They looked uninspired and tepid, and fizzled at the finish line in what became a blemishing blowout.
The only reservation I have about Friday evening’s four games is the Syracuse-Oklahoma pairing. I think the Orange will squeeze out a win against Blake Griffin and the Sooners. I am picking Louisville to top ‘Zona, Kansas to down Michigan State and the Tarheels to finish off Gonzaga. The games should be good and I am looking forward to a Friday fest of fine frolic on the courts. TGIF!
Parting points: “Semi-charmed life” by Third Eye Blind
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Thursday Take Twos
Tonight resumes the remaining anticlimactic NCAA matches. I say anticlimactic because there is only one double digit seed and most of the teams who prevailed did so by nobody’s surprise.
The most compelling match-up of the Sweet 16 is tonight’s late game between the Duke Blue Devils and Villanova Wildcats. Corey Fisher and Scottie Reynolds are the solid stars for Villanova and have a chance to reign supreme for the Big East. The ACC is represented by Duke and North Carolina, with the Tar Heels having the easier road to the championship. I like Villanova and a notion they will knock Duke out tonight. The Blue Devils have a ton of momentum heading into the game and it will be great overall contest. Nova is a stronger team without debate. They do not have as many flaws as Duke but the ACC has something to prove this tournament. Duke will come to play. They are well-coached and have a Philadelphia native in Gerald Henderson. Henderson chose Duke after weighing his option of signing with Villanova. Jay Wright deserves credit for his coaching since taking over the Wildcats. They have been legitimate tournament teasers each year. Bragging rights are on the line for Duke and the ACC, but I have an inkling the Big East will come out on top.
Connecticut has done nothing but answer the call after being named a top seed. Memphis may have felt a stigma and snubbed by the selection committee, but just look at how well the Huskies have played the first two rounds. They abolished their opponents each game and look like a team that does not know how to lose. Will the recent recruiting allegations be a distraction? I don’t think it will hurt their chances of overtaking Purdue. Purdue is excellent defensively with the 6 ft 10 inch sophomore, JaJuan Johnson. But the Huskies bring their own version of a beast in Hasheem Thabeet. A.J. Price has been priceless, no pun intended. The guy delivers the goods and has been the team’s mainstay on offense. Thabeet can block as well as anyone in college basketball and should give Johnson a tough time all night.
Pitt plays against a Xavier team who has overextended themselves this March. Head coach, Sean Miller, is a former Panther player who led the school in assists and free throw percentage when he graduated in 1992. Miller was Pitt’s assistant coach four years later and probably wants to prove to his alma matter he can also keep them from reaching the Elite Eight. Pitt’s struggles in this round are well-known in recent years. This is the most physical the Panthers have been though, and their up-front players will be too much for the mid major Xavier.
I am looking forward to the Michigan State-Kansas rematch from January. In that game, the Jayhawks lost despite Sherron Collins’ 25 points and 8 assists. Collins will need another big game, with just as many assists. He also cannot turn the ball over because the Spartans are good at exploiting weaknesses and taking advantage of turnovers. Cole Aldrich is coming off a career tournament game and Michigan State’s handling of the rabid rebounding machine will speak volumes as to which team moves on. I am sticking with the defending national champion Jayhawks. In other words, two Big 10 teams are going down tonight.
In the pros, Lebron James is unstoppable. He excels extremely and excessively and has gotten exponentially better with age. Cleveland is a powerhouse at home and will be a dangerous team in the playoffs. So will the Orlando Magic, who defeated Boston last night. The Celtics are capable of collapsing and choking, as proven by yesterday’s defeat.
Have you heard of Steve Strasburg? I have a feeling you will if you do not know he is the number one college baseball prospect in America. The Nationals have the first pick in the upcoming draft and are expected to go hard after the San Diego State stud pitcher. Strasburg’s fastball last clocked in at 101 mph and the kid is considered the best prospect in the last ten years. Thrilling and exciting indeed.
NFL fans may soon be able to cherish a cramped schedule. Commissioner, Roger Goodell, is trying to saturate the market even more with a 17 or 18 game regular season schedule. Preseason games would be reduced and that is a good idea to me. The more the merrier.
Kim Clijsters is another athlete who is deciding to un-retire. Yes, Kim announced she has a craving to return to the tennis courts. I missed her and felt she left the game too early, so I am all for a comeback attempt. Other players have done it, so the idea is warranted. Speaking of tennis, keep an eye on Russian Vera Zvonareva this tour season. She is ripping through the WTA after being somewhat of a disappointment. I think she will be a contender in the French Open in May. She gave an impressive run as a 20 year old in the Aussie Open and has all the talent to compete with the best.
The Ohio State Buckeye men’s tennis team downed Pepperdine earlier this week for their 9th consecutive victory. The Buckeyes are 17-1 overall, equating to a #6 ranking. Ty Tucker’s team has the #1 ranked player from 2008 in freshmen, Chase Buchanan. Chase made his college debut at second singles against the Waves but suffered a 4-6, 4-6 loss to a junior. Senior, Bryan Koniecko, won last year’s ITA indoor singles title and leads the way for Ohio State this year. Sophomore, Matt Allare is also alluring with his 16 consecutive singles wins. The Buckeyes are all about streaks it seems. They have 81 consecutive home match wins. No other Big 10 team in any sport can claim that!
I was reminiscing about my own college tennis experience. I remember tryouts. They were much different from high school, where summer’s heat still held a heavy and dense pressure in the air. School had not started and everyone was still in vacation mode. I used to have 8am practice in high school and they would last three hours each day leading up to the new school year. I lived for those August morning tryouts. Our coach would display the “challenge” ladder next to the fence on the glossy green courts. Warm-up drills, suicide sprints, ball machine workouts and short court exercise were always on tap. Our team prepared for the start of the regular season in style. We blasted a stereo from court one while doing routine training drills at the baseline or net. In between challenge matches, some of us would brag about summer vacation trips and go on and on about the people we met. We would gossip about teacher and recount previous season memories. Tryouts were never boring back then because we made them exciting. I didn’t think I could be any happier as a student athlete. Until college. That first time approaching a different situation, new coach and unfamiliar teammates was unnerving at first. But once I figured things out on my own I was fine. I took out my Wilson racquet from the bag and tied my white Wilson sneakers. I knew I belonged as soon as my teammates smiled to welcome me to the team. Everyone was great and made me feel accepted. I made instant friendships and thought I was in heaven. Playing everyday before and after class was blissful. I used to sit in the lecture hall during the day and write in a college bound spiral notebook about the workouts I would do. I loved to hit the weight room with the team. One day we would work on shoulders and backs. The next day would be biceps and triceps. Abs with medicine balls, rows and squats, the fun did not end pumping iron. Our team did cross-training too. The college tryout experience was very different but the experience was just as memorable and great. I watch in envy as high school athletes and college players head to the courts this March in hopes of making a team or being the next walk-on star. I hope they appreciate their opportunity. Maybe someday they will too.
Parting points: An excerpt from my favorite poem:
“Some boy too far from town to learn baseball,
Whose only play was what he found himself,
Summer or winter, and could play alone.”- Birches by Robert Frost
The most compelling match-up of the Sweet 16 is tonight’s late game between the Duke Blue Devils and Villanova Wildcats. Corey Fisher and Scottie Reynolds are the solid stars for Villanova and have a chance to reign supreme for the Big East. The ACC is represented by Duke and North Carolina, with the Tar Heels having the easier road to the championship. I like Villanova and a notion they will knock Duke out tonight. The Blue Devils have a ton of momentum heading into the game and it will be great overall contest. Nova is a stronger team without debate. They do not have as many flaws as Duke but the ACC has something to prove this tournament. Duke will come to play. They are well-coached and have a Philadelphia native in Gerald Henderson. Henderson chose Duke after weighing his option of signing with Villanova. Jay Wright deserves credit for his coaching since taking over the Wildcats. They have been legitimate tournament teasers each year. Bragging rights are on the line for Duke and the ACC, but I have an inkling the Big East will come out on top.
Connecticut has done nothing but answer the call after being named a top seed. Memphis may have felt a stigma and snubbed by the selection committee, but just look at how well the Huskies have played the first two rounds. They abolished their opponents each game and look like a team that does not know how to lose. Will the recent recruiting allegations be a distraction? I don’t think it will hurt their chances of overtaking Purdue. Purdue is excellent defensively with the 6 ft 10 inch sophomore, JaJuan Johnson. But the Huskies bring their own version of a beast in Hasheem Thabeet. A.J. Price has been priceless, no pun intended. The guy delivers the goods and has been the team’s mainstay on offense. Thabeet can block as well as anyone in college basketball and should give Johnson a tough time all night.
Pitt plays against a Xavier team who has overextended themselves this March. Head coach, Sean Miller, is a former Panther player who led the school in assists and free throw percentage when he graduated in 1992. Miller was Pitt’s assistant coach four years later and probably wants to prove to his alma matter he can also keep them from reaching the Elite Eight. Pitt’s struggles in this round are well-known in recent years. This is the most physical the Panthers have been though, and their up-front players will be too much for the mid major Xavier.
I am looking forward to the Michigan State-Kansas rematch from January. In that game, the Jayhawks lost despite Sherron Collins’ 25 points and 8 assists. Collins will need another big game, with just as many assists. He also cannot turn the ball over because the Spartans are good at exploiting weaknesses and taking advantage of turnovers. Cole Aldrich is coming off a career tournament game and Michigan State’s handling of the rabid rebounding machine will speak volumes as to which team moves on. I am sticking with the defending national champion Jayhawks. In other words, two Big 10 teams are going down tonight.
In the pros, Lebron James is unstoppable. He excels extremely and excessively and has gotten exponentially better with age. Cleveland is a powerhouse at home and will be a dangerous team in the playoffs. So will the Orlando Magic, who defeated Boston last night. The Celtics are capable of collapsing and choking, as proven by yesterday’s defeat.
Have you heard of Steve Strasburg? I have a feeling you will if you do not know he is the number one college baseball prospect in America. The Nationals have the first pick in the upcoming draft and are expected to go hard after the San Diego State stud pitcher. Strasburg’s fastball last clocked in at 101 mph and the kid is considered the best prospect in the last ten years. Thrilling and exciting indeed.
NFL fans may soon be able to cherish a cramped schedule. Commissioner, Roger Goodell, is trying to saturate the market even more with a 17 or 18 game regular season schedule. Preseason games would be reduced and that is a good idea to me. The more the merrier.
Kim Clijsters is another athlete who is deciding to un-retire. Yes, Kim announced she has a craving to return to the tennis courts. I missed her and felt she left the game too early, so I am all for a comeback attempt. Other players have done it, so the idea is warranted. Speaking of tennis, keep an eye on Russian Vera Zvonareva this tour season. She is ripping through the WTA after being somewhat of a disappointment. I think she will be a contender in the French Open in May. She gave an impressive run as a 20 year old in the Aussie Open and has all the talent to compete with the best.
The Ohio State Buckeye men’s tennis team downed Pepperdine earlier this week for their 9th consecutive victory. The Buckeyes are 17-1 overall, equating to a #6 ranking. Ty Tucker’s team has the #1 ranked player from 2008 in freshmen, Chase Buchanan. Chase made his college debut at second singles against the Waves but suffered a 4-6, 4-6 loss to a junior. Senior, Bryan Koniecko, won last year’s ITA indoor singles title and leads the way for Ohio State this year. Sophomore, Matt Allare is also alluring with his 16 consecutive singles wins. The Buckeyes are all about streaks it seems. They have 81 consecutive home match wins. No other Big 10 team in any sport can claim that!
I was reminiscing about my own college tennis experience. I remember tryouts. They were much different from high school, where summer’s heat still held a heavy and dense pressure in the air. School had not started and everyone was still in vacation mode. I used to have 8am practice in high school and they would last three hours each day leading up to the new school year. I lived for those August morning tryouts. Our coach would display the “challenge” ladder next to the fence on the glossy green courts. Warm-up drills, suicide sprints, ball machine workouts and short court exercise were always on tap. Our team prepared for the start of the regular season in style. We blasted a stereo from court one while doing routine training drills at the baseline or net. In between challenge matches, some of us would brag about summer vacation trips and go on and on about the people we met. We would gossip about teacher and recount previous season memories. Tryouts were never boring back then because we made them exciting. I didn’t think I could be any happier as a student athlete. Until college. That first time approaching a different situation, new coach and unfamiliar teammates was unnerving at first. But once I figured things out on my own I was fine. I took out my Wilson racquet from the bag and tied my white Wilson sneakers. I knew I belonged as soon as my teammates smiled to welcome me to the team. Everyone was great and made me feel accepted. I made instant friendships and thought I was in heaven. Playing everyday before and after class was blissful. I used to sit in the lecture hall during the day and write in a college bound spiral notebook about the workouts I would do. I loved to hit the weight room with the team. One day we would work on shoulders and backs. The next day would be biceps and triceps. Abs with medicine balls, rows and squats, the fun did not end pumping iron. Our team did cross-training too. The college tryout experience was very different but the experience was just as memorable and great. I watch in envy as high school athletes and college players head to the courts this March in hopes of making a team or being the next walk-on star. I hope they appreciate their opportunity. Maybe someday they will too.
Parting points: An excerpt from my favorite poem:
“Some boy too far from town to learn baseball,
Whose only play was what he found himself,
Summer or winter, and could play alone.”- Birches by Robert Frost
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Suffering & Smiling Seattle
In the spirit of Pearl Jam re-releasing their Ten album, I thought it the best time to break down the band’s hometown Mariners. The Seattle grunge era seems like eons ago but I still remember all the music coming from this great state starting in 1990. It seems just as long ago that the Mariners were a relevant playoff team.
Ichiro was the hero of the World Baseball Classic Monday night when he drove in the winning run for Japan in extra innings against Korea. Perhaps Suziki’s shining moment is an omen for an officially ominous Mariners team. Seattle had high expectations beginning in 2008, but all hopes came crashing to a bleak, battered and bitter ending. Today is George Sisler’s birthday. Most baseball experts agree Ichiro is comparable to Sisler more than any other old-timer. Sisler was a slap-hitter and Ichiro mimics that style. Years ago, Ichiro was not a replaceable player. All he did was bang out hit after hit. The Gold Glove, All-Star centerfielder, drew worldwide crowds and was one of the most productive hitters in the game. A decade ago, another centerfielder was a beloved idol. Number 24, Ken Griffey, Jr. was “The Kid” but he was “The Man” to most Seattle fans. Griffey’s smile lit up the stadium and filled fans’ hearts with joy. Griffey is back in a Mariners’ uniform this year and will probably spend the rest of his days with the club. His popular presence is one of the things Seattle fans have to look forward to after a losing season in which managers, Bill Bavasi and John McLaren, were fired. The team needs to inject some power into the offense and into ticket sales, and signing Griffey will do just that. He was a Seattle staple even before Starbucks took over the city.
New no-nonsense skipper, Don Wakamatsu, takes over full time. Wakamatsu has an important decision to make when it comes to his use of Griffey. Ken has spent some time playing left field this Spring. He hasn’t played the position since the 2002 season with the Reds. Most managers in the organization feel Griffey should stick soley to DH in Seattle, but he is still testing the waters in the outfield. The Mariners made important off-season moves that could help shape the best defensive outfield in the AL. With Ichiro manning CF and the signings of Endy Chavez and Franklin Gutierrez, why risk having Ken get a dirty glove? Chavez does not have a great on base percentage but Endy makes all the plays on the field. Griffey’s shimmering slugging ability to tie the game with one swing of the bat may factor into whether or not he is the everyday leftfielder. Griffey’s numbers scream Hall-Of-Famer, but the veteran may have to designate himself to the DH role.
Gutierrez has been working on his outfield play by watching videos of opposing hitters. The Mariners traded closer, J.J. Putz for Gutierrez in the winter anticipating a defensive boost to their outfield. The 26 year old Franklin is only in his second season but already understands the importance of learning how to read hitters when they make contact. He’s a smart player and one of the young studs playing for Seattle this year. He played right field for the Indians starting in 2007, and all of last season. But scouts predict he will make a better outfielder in center. His arm discourages runners from trying to take extra bases because his timing is excellent. Franklin struggles at the plate, hitting under .250 last year. His focus this year will be executing bunts and doing little things to help Seattle score runs.
A promising plethora of pitching has fans in paradise up in the northwest. Felix Hernandez is the king of the staff. The right-handed Venezuelan leads the rotation. While Ichiro is the mainstay symbol of the Mariners, Hernandez is the sheriff of the town. The 22 year old phenom went 9-11 in 2008 and 14-7 in 2007, while keeping an ERA under 3.92. He allowed fewer homers, runs and hits each year and projects to be even more efficient for the M’s as he progresses. Felix is a top five pitcher on a bad team. He could use some run support and work on becoming more consistent. Hernandez has unheralded talent and the Mariners should allow him to pitch as much as possible.
Erik Bedard and Jarrod Washburn are the lefties in the rotation. Bedard was a big disappointment after arriving with something to prove from Baltimore. He was considered one of the best AL East aces back then but had trouble with a move west. He went 6-4 in only 81 injury-pegged innings last season for the M’s. Erik will probably spend more days on the DL this year as well. Washburn’s had a solid career and made a name for himself in the Anaheim organization. The 34 year veteran is 98-100 in his 11 year span of a career. It would be nice if Jarrod could jolt his record to the winning side. Since becoming a Mariner in 2006, Washburn’s ERA has fluctuated and failed to return to a respectable under 4.0 mark. His pitches are fluent and flowing but he figures to have some bad outings at Safeco again in 2009. His playoff numbers are staggering to say the least. Should Seattle sneak and slip into the post-season, Washburn will have to find a way to rattle the opposition.
Carlos Silva is a right-hander with poor statistics and susceptibility of being racked by AL homer-hungry hitters. Silva’s 4.15 record and 6.46 ERA were dismal reminders of a pitcher needing a new direction. The balls flying out of the park courtesy of Carlos do not help his case for a permanent job. He only fanned 69 batters in 2008. Carlos needs to make improvements or will not crack the Seattle rotation. He has lost some weight, so maybe that will make him a better mound manager.
Brandon Morrow and Ryan Rowland-Smith. If Morrow’s elbow is sore to start April, Rowland-Smith will fill his shoes. Rowland-Smith is a mid-rotation arm who has matured quicker than most scouts thought. He is an Austrailian lefty with pinpoint control. Rowland-Smith went 5-3 with 77 strikeouts in 2008. Morrow’s curveball dazzled the Yankees last year and Brandon looks to be a solid starter in 2009. He needs to work on his fastball more than Smith, who throws in the upper 90’s. Morrow’s makeup shows potential because he has the mechanics to be a quality starter. Brandon was a 2006 first round draft pick for Seattle. He is supposed to be the third starter in the rotation but may have to build strength in the minors initially. Rookie Chris Jakubauskas is another pitcher who has exceeded Wakamatsu’s expectations so far. The tenacious youngster mixes pitches well and has an aggressive attitude.
RHPs Tyler Walker and David Aardsma are bullpen arms who could replace the former M’s closer, Putz. Putz was as good as gold in the closer role and will now try his luck as a setup man for the New York Mets. Walker was brought over from the Giants and Aardsma arrives from Boston with his 10-3 record and zero saves. Seattle may be looking at a closer-by-committee situation if nobody convincingly emerges. R.A. Dickey left Washington and signed in the Twin cities. He was a long reliever last year for Seattle, but the Mariners will hardly miss him walking batters by the bunches. Righty, Miguel Batista, remains an option for closer also, but is a quality arm with experience in relief roles. He doesn’t allow many homeruns and he did win 16 games just two years ago for the organization. Roy Corcoran and Mark Lowe concoct two more right-handed hurlers for Wakamatsu. Roy makes an ideal righty set up man but closing games has not been officially ruled out. The sinkerballer Corcoran had a very effective 2008 and is one of the top groundball pitchers in the league. His fastball is not dominant but with a 3.76 career ERA, you can’t argue Roy’s success in getting the job done. Lowe is more of a power pitcher with impressive velocity and strikeout success. Cesar Jimenez, a 24 year old lefty, has a chance to snag a support stint in the pen too. Another lefty, Ryan Feierabend, is out of action after having Tommy John surgery.
Ichiro is the right-handed leadoff man with 315 stolen bases and 380 base-on-balls in his career. Suziki has hit at least .300 in every season since his 2001 rookie debut in the USA. He’s also made at least 640 at-bats each season, meaning the man knows what hard work is. At 35, Ichiro continues to drive in 100 RBIs and slap the ball for singles tremendously. Shortstop, Yuniesky Betancourt, 2B Jose Lopez, 3B Adrian Beltre and C Jeff Clement make up the infield but are not penciled in permanently. Adjustments can still be made in any of the infield spots for Seattle before Opening Day. It’s anyone’s guess what the actual batting order will look like to start the year. Wakamatsu will toy with his options throughout the remainder of Spring training until he likes what he sees.
Betancourt is a gifted player who had 7 homeruns last year. His Spring numbers make him the leading candidate to start at short. Yuniesky is a little guy but he works well with other middle infielders. His crisp footwork and light touch are good assets for a shortstop. At the plate, he has success when swinging at the first pitch. In first pitch swings, Betancourt batted .335 last season. Lopez is a powerful hitter with higher than average offensive numbers for most second basemen. The 25 year old Venezuelan had 277 RBIs to his credit in 4 seasons with Seattle. He also enjoyed an efficient on base and slugging percentage. Ronny Cedeno is a utility SS/2B who could steal time from Lopez or Betancourt. Cedeno was traded to Seattle this off-season from the Cubs. Mike Sweeney and Russell Branyan, two 1B/DH veteran players, were also free-agent pickups. Branyan and Griffey will split duties at the plate. If Branyan increased his playing time, it would benefit the him because Safeco Field is friendly to left-handed bats.
The hot corner belongs to Beltre and he is the potential cleanup batter. His average won’t wow anyone, but Adrian comes to play. He can accumulate all-star numbers quickly and quietly, as he has proven in the past. Adrian should try to be more patient at the plate to reduce his bloated strikeout amount. He’s a seasoned fielder though, and red-hot low outside pitches are his speciality. The righty is in his prime but is also coming off shoulder problems this winter. He had to skip the World Baseball Classic because of soreness.
Catcher Clement could start 2009 in Triple-A. Ron Johnson is the team’s backup catcher and has superior defensive skills. That would leave Kenji Johjima taking over behind the plate. If Clement isn’t on the big league roster in April, Kenji won’t have to split time with the youngster. The 32 year old Japanese native is a .272 hitter whose RBIs, homeruns and runs scored have steadily declined the past three years. With Clement waiting to take over completely, the M’s would like to run Johima out of Seattle as soon as they can. His fielding has also descended, with fewer and fewer put outs each season.
Chris Shelton and Mike Morse are two reserves looking to land the final bench spot. Other possible players you could see playing in Seattle are pitchers, Chad Cordero and Randy Messenger. Cordero will be sidelined for at least a month, but come May, could take over the closer job. Messenger is a nice 9th inning specialist. Garrett Olson, another pitcher, could be a potential 5th starter if all else fails. One intriguing storyline to follow is how the M’s will replace their top RBI man, Raul Ibanez. Will Griffey be a suitable replacement? How will Seattle play coming off a 101 loss season? Only time will tell. At least the fans will be buzzing with Griffey back on their side and maybe the M’s will make a run to remain in the playoff hunt.
Parting points: “Destiny is something we've invented because we can't stand the fact that everything that happens is accidental.”- Annie Reed, Sleepless in Seattle
Ichiro was the hero of the World Baseball Classic Monday night when he drove in the winning run for Japan in extra innings against Korea. Perhaps Suziki’s shining moment is an omen for an officially ominous Mariners team. Seattle had high expectations beginning in 2008, but all hopes came crashing to a bleak, battered and bitter ending. Today is George Sisler’s birthday. Most baseball experts agree Ichiro is comparable to Sisler more than any other old-timer. Sisler was a slap-hitter and Ichiro mimics that style. Years ago, Ichiro was not a replaceable player. All he did was bang out hit after hit. The Gold Glove, All-Star centerfielder, drew worldwide crowds and was one of the most productive hitters in the game. A decade ago, another centerfielder was a beloved idol. Number 24, Ken Griffey, Jr. was “The Kid” but he was “The Man” to most Seattle fans. Griffey’s smile lit up the stadium and filled fans’ hearts with joy. Griffey is back in a Mariners’ uniform this year and will probably spend the rest of his days with the club. His popular presence is one of the things Seattle fans have to look forward to after a losing season in which managers, Bill Bavasi and John McLaren, were fired. The team needs to inject some power into the offense and into ticket sales, and signing Griffey will do just that. He was a Seattle staple even before Starbucks took over the city.
New no-nonsense skipper, Don Wakamatsu, takes over full time. Wakamatsu has an important decision to make when it comes to his use of Griffey. Ken has spent some time playing left field this Spring. He hasn’t played the position since the 2002 season with the Reds. Most managers in the organization feel Griffey should stick soley to DH in Seattle, but he is still testing the waters in the outfield. The Mariners made important off-season moves that could help shape the best defensive outfield in the AL. With Ichiro manning CF and the signings of Endy Chavez and Franklin Gutierrez, why risk having Ken get a dirty glove? Chavez does not have a great on base percentage but Endy makes all the plays on the field. Griffey’s shimmering slugging ability to tie the game with one swing of the bat may factor into whether or not he is the everyday leftfielder. Griffey’s numbers scream Hall-Of-Famer, but the veteran may have to designate himself to the DH role.
Gutierrez has been working on his outfield play by watching videos of opposing hitters. The Mariners traded closer, J.J. Putz for Gutierrez in the winter anticipating a defensive boost to their outfield. The 26 year old Franklin is only in his second season but already understands the importance of learning how to read hitters when they make contact. He’s a smart player and one of the young studs playing for Seattle this year. He played right field for the Indians starting in 2007, and all of last season. But scouts predict he will make a better outfielder in center. His arm discourages runners from trying to take extra bases because his timing is excellent. Franklin struggles at the plate, hitting under .250 last year. His focus this year will be executing bunts and doing little things to help Seattle score runs.
A promising plethora of pitching has fans in paradise up in the northwest. Felix Hernandez is the king of the staff. The right-handed Venezuelan leads the rotation. While Ichiro is the mainstay symbol of the Mariners, Hernandez is the sheriff of the town. The 22 year old phenom went 9-11 in 2008 and 14-7 in 2007, while keeping an ERA under 3.92. He allowed fewer homers, runs and hits each year and projects to be even more efficient for the M’s as he progresses. Felix is a top five pitcher on a bad team. He could use some run support and work on becoming more consistent. Hernandez has unheralded talent and the Mariners should allow him to pitch as much as possible.
Erik Bedard and Jarrod Washburn are the lefties in the rotation. Bedard was a big disappointment after arriving with something to prove from Baltimore. He was considered one of the best AL East aces back then but had trouble with a move west. He went 6-4 in only 81 injury-pegged innings last season for the M’s. Erik will probably spend more days on the DL this year as well. Washburn’s had a solid career and made a name for himself in the Anaheim organization. The 34 year veteran is 98-100 in his 11 year span of a career. It would be nice if Jarrod could jolt his record to the winning side. Since becoming a Mariner in 2006, Washburn’s ERA has fluctuated and failed to return to a respectable under 4.0 mark. His pitches are fluent and flowing but he figures to have some bad outings at Safeco again in 2009. His playoff numbers are staggering to say the least. Should Seattle sneak and slip into the post-season, Washburn will have to find a way to rattle the opposition.
Carlos Silva is a right-hander with poor statistics and susceptibility of being racked by AL homer-hungry hitters. Silva’s 4.15 record and 6.46 ERA were dismal reminders of a pitcher needing a new direction. The balls flying out of the park courtesy of Carlos do not help his case for a permanent job. He only fanned 69 batters in 2008. Carlos needs to make improvements or will not crack the Seattle rotation. He has lost some weight, so maybe that will make him a better mound manager.
Brandon Morrow and Ryan Rowland-Smith. If Morrow’s elbow is sore to start April, Rowland-Smith will fill his shoes. Rowland-Smith is a mid-rotation arm who has matured quicker than most scouts thought. He is an Austrailian lefty with pinpoint control. Rowland-Smith went 5-3 with 77 strikeouts in 2008. Morrow’s curveball dazzled the Yankees last year and Brandon looks to be a solid starter in 2009. He needs to work on his fastball more than Smith, who throws in the upper 90’s. Morrow’s makeup shows potential because he has the mechanics to be a quality starter. Brandon was a 2006 first round draft pick for Seattle. He is supposed to be the third starter in the rotation but may have to build strength in the minors initially. Rookie Chris Jakubauskas is another pitcher who has exceeded Wakamatsu’s expectations so far. The tenacious youngster mixes pitches well and has an aggressive attitude.
RHPs Tyler Walker and David Aardsma are bullpen arms who could replace the former M’s closer, Putz. Putz was as good as gold in the closer role and will now try his luck as a setup man for the New York Mets. Walker was brought over from the Giants and Aardsma arrives from Boston with his 10-3 record and zero saves. Seattle may be looking at a closer-by-committee situation if nobody convincingly emerges. R.A. Dickey left Washington and signed in the Twin cities. He was a long reliever last year for Seattle, but the Mariners will hardly miss him walking batters by the bunches. Righty, Miguel Batista, remains an option for closer also, but is a quality arm with experience in relief roles. He doesn’t allow many homeruns and he did win 16 games just two years ago for the organization. Roy Corcoran and Mark Lowe concoct two more right-handed hurlers for Wakamatsu. Roy makes an ideal righty set up man but closing games has not been officially ruled out. The sinkerballer Corcoran had a very effective 2008 and is one of the top groundball pitchers in the league. His fastball is not dominant but with a 3.76 career ERA, you can’t argue Roy’s success in getting the job done. Lowe is more of a power pitcher with impressive velocity and strikeout success. Cesar Jimenez, a 24 year old lefty, has a chance to snag a support stint in the pen too. Another lefty, Ryan Feierabend, is out of action after having Tommy John surgery.
Ichiro is the right-handed leadoff man with 315 stolen bases and 380 base-on-balls in his career. Suziki has hit at least .300 in every season since his 2001 rookie debut in the USA. He’s also made at least 640 at-bats each season, meaning the man knows what hard work is. At 35, Ichiro continues to drive in 100 RBIs and slap the ball for singles tremendously. Shortstop, Yuniesky Betancourt, 2B Jose Lopez, 3B Adrian Beltre and C Jeff Clement make up the infield but are not penciled in permanently. Adjustments can still be made in any of the infield spots for Seattle before Opening Day. It’s anyone’s guess what the actual batting order will look like to start the year. Wakamatsu will toy with his options throughout the remainder of Spring training until he likes what he sees.
Betancourt is a gifted player who had 7 homeruns last year. His Spring numbers make him the leading candidate to start at short. Yuniesky is a little guy but he works well with other middle infielders. His crisp footwork and light touch are good assets for a shortstop. At the plate, he has success when swinging at the first pitch. In first pitch swings, Betancourt batted .335 last season. Lopez is a powerful hitter with higher than average offensive numbers for most second basemen. The 25 year old Venezuelan had 277 RBIs to his credit in 4 seasons with Seattle. He also enjoyed an efficient on base and slugging percentage. Ronny Cedeno is a utility SS/2B who could steal time from Lopez or Betancourt. Cedeno was traded to Seattle this off-season from the Cubs. Mike Sweeney and Russell Branyan, two 1B/DH veteran players, were also free-agent pickups. Branyan and Griffey will split duties at the plate. If Branyan increased his playing time, it would benefit the him because Safeco Field is friendly to left-handed bats.
The hot corner belongs to Beltre and he is the potential cleanup batter. His average won’t wow anyone, but Adrian comes to play. He can accumulate all-star numbers quickly and quietly, as he has proven in the past. Adrian should try to be more patient at the plate to reduce his bloated strikeout amount. He’s a seasoned fielder though, and red-hot low outside pitches are his speciality. The righty is in his prime but is also coming off shoulder problems this winter. He had to skip the World Baseball Classic because of soreness.
Catcher Clement could start 2009 in Triple-A. Ron Johnson is the team’s backup catcher and has superior defensive skills. That would leave Kenji Johjima taking over behind the plate. If Clement isn’t on the big league roster in April, Kenji won’t have to split time with the youngster. The 32 year old Japanese native is a .272 hitter whose RBIs, homeruns and runs scored have steadily declined the past three years. With Clement waiting to take over completely, the M’s would like to run Johima out of Seattle as soon as they can. His fielding has also descended, with fewer and fewer put outs each season.
Chris Shelton and Mike Morse are two reserves looking to land the final bench spot. Other possible players you could see playing in Seattle are pitchers, Chad Cordero and Randy Messenger. Cordero will be sidelined for at least a month, but come May, could take over the closer job. Messenger is a nice 9th inning specialist. Garrett Olson, another pitcher, could be a potential 5th starter if all else fails. One intriguing storyline to follow is how the M’s will replace their top RBI man, Raul Ibanez. Will Griffey be a suitable replacement? How will Seattle play coming off a 101 loss season? Only time will tell. At least the fans will be buzzing with Griffey back on their side and maybe the M’s will make a run to remain in the playoff hunt.
Parting points: “Destiny is something we've invented because we can't stand the fact that everything that happens is accidental.”- Annie Reed, Sleepless in Seattle
Monday, March 23, 2009
Golden Gate Glitches
Bleak and black has been a recurring theme by the Bay since the Giants’ Championship season. San Francisco has not been able to return to the high-profile elite of the National League. Where are Willie McCovey and Orlando Cepeda when you need them? General manager, Brian Sabean, has established a nice blend of pitchers but the Giants’ offense has not been able to overcome the loss of Barry Bonds. The rotation remains the strength of this NL West club in 2009. New arrivals will help but do not mean the lineup is solidified. Iffy hitters and players looking to rejuvenate their careers make up the mollified San Fran team. No longer do the fans have to put up with the number one clubhouse cancer Bonds, and the organization seems to have calmed down. San Francisco now has a bunch of kids running the show, which seems fitting with Sabean at the helm.
Randy Johnson, the tall and talented tower, came over from Arizona during an off-season move. The lefty is five wins short of 300 and will be a big boost to the young rotation. The Big Unit is on a one-year deal and joins former CY Young winner, Barry Zito in the middle of the Giants’ starting rotation. Zito is being demoted and will not start Opening Day for the first time in two years with San Francisco. The reason the curveball specialist won’t be on the mound when the season kicks off is because of last year’s CY Young winning righty, Tim Lincecum.
Zito has been a disappointment since signing one of the biggest free agent contracts out of the Oakland farm system. The $126 dollar Barry believes in himself, but many fans are fed up with the fickle flamethrower. Matt Cain posted a 3.78 ERA in 2008 and is looking like the number two starter this year. The right-handed Cain has been the talk of trade rumors this winter. Sabean could still move the 24 year old to acquire a slugger during the season. Chances are though, Matt will be a Giant for the entire year. His trade potential won’t be high if he continues to pile on the hits and walks. He went 8-14 last year but wasn’t helped any by his hapless hitting team. Cain is discretely looking to break out and produce his first winning season since 2006. Lincecum is a modest and mound magician, and many scouts expect him to be the top ace in the league behind New York’s Johan Santana. Number 55 wins flew under the radar last year. Tim notched 18 w’s and only lost 5 games in which he started. That amounted to a startling 2.62 ERA and 265 strikeouts. Nobody noticed the novice, slender and shaggy-haired second year pitcher last year until he won the CY Young. His only knock is perhaps his control but he is only in his second big league year. Lincecum threw two complete games and one shutout in 2008. If he can do more than that in 2009, the Giants are guaranteed another 18 win season from their number one producer. The stage is set for lefty, Johnathan Sanchez to earn the fifth spot if he can beat out Noah Lowry. Sanchez is the favorite, with his impeccable strikeout-per-inning ratio. Last year, he had 157 of them in 158 innings. The 26 year old represented Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. He went 9-12 last year and like Lincecum, should concentrate on controlling his pitches. Lowry is back and healthy and has a chance to be a contribution to the team. His shoulder cost him an entire season and he will likely begin the Spring on the DL. The Pepperdine product is effective in providing innings but is not a strikeout pitcher.
Johnson and Zito formulate a fierce three-four for the Giants. Both have colossal curves and outstanding off-speed stuff in their repertoires. When they are at the top of their games, they are arguably two of the best leftys of the modern era. Johnson will one day make a speech in Cooperstown and is a familiar figure throughout the league. The once-feared hurler is at the end of the road career-wise, but has proven he can still pitch. His ERA remains very low and he doesn’t walk very many batters. Cavalier Johnson has 37 shutouts and pitched over 4,000 innings in a span of two decades in the majors.
Zito has a deceptive curveball but his out-over-the-plate approach to throwing the fastball leaves him prone to the long ball. I loved Zito as an Oakland A and would love nothing more than to see him get back his 20 game winning ways in San Fran. He seems ideal pitching for the National League but is already 30 years old. Hitters no longer fear Zito’s stuff. I think he needs to be less predictable on the mound and strive to give up less earned runs. Barry boasts a winning record of 123-93 and is credited with four post-season wins in his career. Zito is quite the workhorse and keeps himself in good shape so he is durable. Once, he also looked incredibly invincible. The one problem with Barry is he is slow to the plate. Therefore, the Giant hurler is susceptible to being run on. When men get on base, he has to be careful they don’t steal on him. Being a lefty helps, but Zito allows too many men on base and endures long innings.
Relievers resolving issues and returning to the bullpen in the bay include closer Brian Wilson, Alex Hinshaw, Sergio Romo and Keichii Yabu. Wilson was without question the shining star of the pen in an all-star 2008 campaign. Brian brings quality to the closer position with his feature fastball. He was second most in saves, with 41, in the NL last year. The phenomenal 27 year old is a quick worker on the mound and rarely concedes hits. Hinshaw is a young left-hander with an anticipatory relief role. His 3.40 ERA included 47 strikeouts and a 2-1 record in 48 games a year ago. He will need to impress management in order to make the Opening day roster. The same goes for the righty, Romo. Both made debuts in 2008. Romo projects to be more of a middle-man with his low WHIP and strikeout ability. The California native allowed 13 runs in just 29 games. Sabean acquired two professional and prolific pitchers last winter in Jeremy Affeldt and Bobby Howry. They were brought in to put out the fire and are capable of pitching in long relief. Affeldt had a 3.33 ERA for the Reds in 2008 and for a southpaw, can stifle right-handed sluggers. Howry was a free agent who pitched for the Cubs last year but originally grew up in the Giants organization. Luis Perdomo, a Rule 5 draft selection, is also making his Giants debut in 2009. Yabu could be the player to pick up the slack and be a major mop up man if he can reclaim himself. He still has a lot to prove coming off a 3-6 year. Many are projecting a late season call up if need be. For the start of the year, Yabu will test the waters in Triple-A Fresno. Although there are still holes, the Giants are going to rely mainly on Affeldt and Howry and look to Wilson to be the fine finisher. Three right-handers are no longer with the team due to free agency signings in the off-season. Kevin Correria, Brad Hennessey and Tyler Walker all have new homes but all were replaceable to begin with. Jack Taschner will see relief work as a left-handed specialist. The 30 year old has quietly thrown 140 innings in four San Francisco seasons. Taschner gets important outs and doesn’t allow many out of the park.
At the plate, the Giants’ RF, Randy Winn, is slated to lead off. Winn is a better than average player and a veteran hitter. He had a .306 average in roughly 600 at-bats last year. Randy is 34 years old though, and his body is breaking down. I expect he will share time in the field. Edgar Renteria is the biggest position player the Giants acquired. Renteria is an all-star at shortstop and will hit second in the order. 3B Pablo Sandoval, C Bengie Molina and LF Fred Lewis make up the heart of the order. Sandoval is a free-swinger and switch-hitter and Molina can hit well in the clutch. Rocket arm Bengie decks and drives the ball. Molina’s diligence behind the plate has made him the best of the Molina brothers in MLB. Lewis’ leadoff capabilities are present, but the Giants would like to see their left-fielder be more forceful at the plate. His patience in the number one hole brought Lewis 51 free trips to first on walks. In his rookie year, Fred flourished with a .282 plate average. The lefty is estimated to improve all aspects of his game and moving him to the fifth slot in the order shows the team has confidence in him.
Sixth hitter, Aaron Rowand, plays a mean CF and bats behind Lewis. Aaron adds RBIS near the bottom of the order and is a singles-hitter. He has post-season experience in both leagues, with the ChiSox and the Phillies. In 57 trips to the plate, Rowand scored 9 runs on 13 hits in the playoffs. His outfield defense ranks him among the elite in the league. Rowand also is a fierce base runner and excellent slider. Travis Isikawa is the team first basemen and 7th hitter. Travis is a natural at the position but will sit the bench when fill-in, Sandoval, moves to first base. Isikawa has clubbed several homeruns this Spring and the Giants are thrilled with his power. Second base is still up in the air but among the competitors are Eugenio Velez, Emmanuel Burriss and Kevin Frandsen. Velez is likely to become a mere pinch hitter and runner. The potential final batter, Frandsen, makes contact but lacks power. He also is not as quick as Burriss. Burriss is the favorite because he is batting .396 this spring and plays brilliant on the field. The Kent State switch hitter drove in 18 runs in 2008. If Frandsen wins the job though, Burriss will be on the outside looking in.
Juan Uribe is the cream of the crop when it comes to infield Giant reserves. Uribe can back up short or third. The Olympian, Nate Schierholtz, has the edge for the go-to utility outfielder and Catcher Buster Posey could get a rookie call up. Schierholtz is recovering from an injury and strikes out too often but produced an over .300 average as a 2008 Giant. Posey is a top prospect with a solid glove. He can make plays behind the plate and gun down base runners well. Jesus Guzman was signed from the A’s and is only 24 years old. The Giants allowed Guzman to try out for an infield spot and Jesus hasn’t disappointed yet. He hit a shot to clear the wall in a 7-5 win over the Brewers earlier this Spring. His .943 slugging percentage have made noise, but he had several throwing and fielding errors at third base.
This is not the most endearing team to watch or root for. Manager, Bruce Bochy certainly has his hands full with glitches on offense and defense. The anomalies won’t suffice if adjustments aren’t made soon. The bullpen was last year’s major weakness and although improved, still is the Achilles’ heel. The do have one of the superior pitchers in Lincecum and Rowand is a tough out, ruthless fielder and the team rock. Rowand’s combative style and Molina’s leadership will be ignitions to a San Fran team frantic for wins. The way I see it, the Giants are legitimate. They just need to be a little more aggressive on offense and more stingy on defense. The pitching is great enough to sustain marginal leads as long as the hitters can put up some runs and the fielders can minimize extra base hits. If not, this team could be gentle Giants and cellar-dwellers again.
Parting points: I guessed 13 of the 16 NCAA teams left in my bracket, so I am in decent shape.
Randy Johnson, the tall and talented tower, came over from Arizona during an off-season move. The lefty is five wins short of 300 and will be a big boost to the young rotation. The Big Unit is on a one-year deal and joins former CY Young winner, Barry Zito in the middle of the Giants’ starting rotation. Zito is being demoted and will not start Opening Day for the first time in two years with San Francisco. The reason the curveball specialist won’t be on the mound when the season kicks off is because of last year’s CY Young winning righty, Tim Lincecum.
Zito has been a disappointment since signing one of the biggest free agent contracts out of the Oakland farm system. The $126 dollar Barry believes in himself, but many fans are fed up with the fickle flamethrower. Matt Cain posted a 3.78 ERA in 2008 and is looking like the number two starter this year. The right-handed Cain has been the talk of trade rumors this winter. Sabean could still move the 24 year old to acquire a slugger during the season. Chances are though, Matt will be a Giant for the entire year. His trade potential won’t be high if he continues to pile on the hits and walks. He went 8-14 last year but wasn’t helped any by his hapless hitting team. Cain is discretely looking to break out and produce his first winning season since 2006. Lincecum is a modest and mound magician, and many scouts expect him to be the top ace in the league behind New York’s Johan Santana. Number 55 wins flew under the radar last year. Tim notched 18 w’s and only lost 5 games in which he started. That amounted to a startling 2.62 ERA and 265 strikeouts. Nobody noticed the novice, slender and shaggy-haired second year pitcher last year until he won the CY Young. His only knock is perhaps his control but he is only in his second big league year. Lincecum threw two complete games and one shutout in 2008. If he can do more than that in 2009, the Giants are guaranteed another 18 win season from their number one producer. The stage is set for lefty, Johnathan Sanchez to earn the fifth spot if he can beat out Noah Lowry. Sanchez is the favorite, with his impeccable strikeout-per-inning ratio. Last year, he had 157 of them in 158 innings. The 26 year old represented Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. He went 9-12 last year and like Lincecum, should concentrate on controlling his pitches. Lowry is back and healthy and has a chance to be a contribution to the team. His shoulder cost him an entire season and he will likely begin the Spring on the DL. The Pepperdine product is effective in providing innings but is not a strikeout pitcher.
Johnson and Zito formulate a fierce three-four for the Giants. Both have colossal curves and outstanding off-speed stuff in their repertoires. When they are at the top of their games, they are arguably two of the best leftys of the modern era. Johnson will one day make a speech in Cooperstown and is a familiar figure throughout the league. The once-feared hurler is at the end of the road career-wise, but has proven he can still pitch. His ERA remains very low and he doesn’t walk very many batters. Cavalier Johnson has 37 shutouts and pitched over 4,000 innings in a span of two decades in the majors.
Zito has a deceptive curveball but his out-over-the-plate approach to throwing the fastball leaves him prone to the long ball. I loved Zito as an Oakland A and would love nothing more than to see him get back his 20 game winning ways in San Fran. He seems ideal pitching for the National League but is already 30 years old. Hitters no longer fear Zito’s stuff. I think he needs to be less predictable on the mound and strive to give up less earned runs. Barry boasts a winning record of 123-93 and is credited with four post-season wins in his career. Zito is quite the workhorse and keeps himself in good shape so he is durable. Once, he also looked incredibly invincible. The one problem with Barry is he is slow to the plate. Therefore, the Giant hurler is susceptible to being run on. When men get on base, he has to be careful they don’t steal on him. Being a lefty helps, but Zito allows too many men on base and endures long innings.
Relievers resolving issues and returning to the bullpen in the bay include closer Brian Wilson, Alex Hinshaw, Sergio Romo and Keichii Yabu. Wilson was without question the shining star of the pen in an all-star 2008 campaign. Brian brings quality to the closer position with his feature fastball. He was second most in saves, with 41, in the NL last year. The phenomenal 27 year old is a quick worker on the mound and rarely concedes hits. Hinshaw is a young left-hander with an anticipatory relief role. His 3.40 ERA included 47 strikeouts and a 2-1 record in 48 games a year ago. He will need to impress management in order to make the Opening day roster. The same goes for the righty, Romo. Both made debuts in 2008. Romo projects to be more of a middle-man with his low WHIP and strikeout ability. The California native allowed 13 runs in just 29 games. Sabean acquired two professional and prolific pitchers last winter in Jeremy Affeldt and Bobby Howry. They were brought in to put out the fire and are capable of pitching in long relief. Affeldt had a 3.33 ERA for the Reds in 2008 and for a southpaw, can stifle right-handed sluggers. Howry was a free agent who pitched for the Cubs last year but originally grew up in the Giants organization. Luis Perdomo, a Rule 5 draft selection, is also making his Giants debut in 2009. Yabu could be the player to pick up the slack and be a major mop up man if he can reclaim himself. He still has a lot to prove coming off a 3-6 year. Many are projecting a late season call up if need be. For the start of the year, Yabu will test the waters in Triple-A Fresno. Although there are still holes, the Giants are going to rely mainly on Affeldt and Howry and look to Wilson to be the fine finisher. Three right-handers are no longer with the team due to free agency signings in the off-season. Kevin Correria, Brad Hennessey and Tyler Walker all have new homes but all were replaceable to begin with. Jack Taschner will see relief work as a left-handed specialist. The 30 year old has quietly thrown 140 innings in four San Francisco seasons. Taschner gets important outs and doesn’t allow many out of the park.
At the plate, the Giants’ RF, Randy Winn, is slated to lead off. Winn is a better than average player and a veteran hitter. He had a .306 average in roughly 600 at-bats last year. Randy is 34 years old though, and his body is breaking down. I expect he will share time in the field. Edgar Renteria is the biggest position player the Giants acquired. Renteria is an all-star at shortstop and will hit second in the order. 3B Pablo Sandoval, C Bengie Molina and LF Fred Lewis make up the heart of the order. Sandoval is a free-swinger and switch-hitter and Molina can hit well in the clutch. Rocket arm Bengie decks and drives the ball. Molina’s diligence behind the plate has made him the best of the Molina brothers in MLB. Lewis’ leadoff capabilities are present, but the Giants would like to see their left-fielder be more forceful at the plate. His patience in the number one hole brought Lewis 51 free trips to first on walks. In his rookie year, Fred flourished with a .282 plate average. The lefty is estimated to improve all aspects of his game and moving him to the fifth slot in the order shows the team has confidence in him.
Sixth hitter, Aaron Rowand, plays a mean CF and bats behind Lewis. Aaron adds RBIS near the bottom of the order and is a singles-hitter. He has post-season experience in both leagues, with the ChiSox and the Phillies. In 57 trips to the plate, Rowand scored 9 runs on 13 hits in the playoffs. His outfield defense ranks him among the elite in the league. Rowand also is a fierce base runner and excellent slider. Travis Isikawa is the team first basemen and 7th hitter. Travis is a natural at the position but will sit the bench when fill-in, Sandoval, moves to first base. Isikawa has clubbed several homeruns this Spring and the Giants are thrilled with his power. Second base is still up in the air but among the competitors are Eugenio Velez, Emmanuel Burriss and Kevin Frandsen. Velez is likely to become a mere pinch hitter and runner. The potential final batter, Frandsen, makes contact but lacks power. He also is not as quick as Burriss. Burriss is the favorite because he is batting .396 this spring and plays brilliant on the field. The Kent State switch hitter drove in 18 runs in 2008. If Frandsen wins the job though, Burriss will be on the outside looking in.
Juan Uribe is the cream of the crop when it comes to infield Giant reserves. Uribe can back up short or third. The Olympian, Nate Schierholtz, has the edge for the go-to utility outfielder and Catcher Buster Posey could get a rookie call up. Schierholtz is recovering from an injury and strikes out too often but produced an over .300 average as a 2008 Giant. Posey is a top prospect with a solid glove. He can make plays behind the plate and gun down base runners well. Jesus Guzman was signed from the A’s and is only 24 years old. The Giants allowed Guzman to try out for an infield spot and Jesus hasn’t disappointed yet. He hit a shot to clear the wall in a 7-5 win over the Brewers earlier this Spring. His .943 slugging percentage have made noise, but he had several throwing and fielding errors at third base.
This is not the most endearing team to watch or root for. Manager, Bruce Bochy certainly has his hands full with glitches on offense and defense. The anomalies won’t suffice if adjustments aren’t made soon. The bullpen was last year’s major weakness and although improved, still is the Achilles’ heel. The do have one of the superior pitchers in Lincecum and Rowand is a tough out, ruthless fielder and the team rock. Rowand’s combative style and Molina’s leadership will be ignitions to a San Fran team frantic for wins. The way I see it, the Giants are legitimate. They just need to be a little more aggressive on offense and more stingy on defense. The pitching is great enough to sustain marginal leads as long as the hitters can put up some runs and the fielders can minimize extra base hits. If not, this team could be gentle Giants and cellar-dwellers again.
Parting points: I guessed 13 of the 16 NCAA teams left in my bracket, so I am in decent shape.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Hooray for Spring. Here are two poems I wrote with Spring and Summer in mind:
Without Worry (Healing Hyacinth)
Willowy waves of water dripped droplets of dew down my brow
The wet sweat of sumptuous summer was a spawn of sweet hyacinth
The bulbous beads of worry broke out as I make my set
A softball stitched smoothly and leather-bounded held ready to prowl
Spring fragrances flowed like the figurative flower
Planted in March and blossoming in July
My arm wobbled weakly in winter only to strengthen now
Without worry, I wound up and wallowed a delivery so dour
She stole a glance as deep as the purple petals produce a dense dye
The whip-like whiff as wispy as the papery and skin-like cover
My ball grafted the glove awaiting the strike
A busy bee beside the starfish-shaped hyacinth when high
A symbol of sport or play is the grown bell-shaped plant
A young girl without worry is reborn on the field
Waxy leaves protect the surface of a sensitive natural wonder
Unconditional love heals hopeless hearts where other kinds can’t
A New Day Of Promises
It’s not quite daylight but the night is done
Hazy summer mornings arrive with a new sun
I see the ocean’s calm waves tumbling at my right
The boardwalk is spacious, not a crowd in sight
My fingers grip the rubber handlebars and I settle down
The planks of wood under my tires are a sandy brown
I know today holds promises as I patiently pedal
The dark night has changed to black coffee in a kettle
No wind whips now, but a warm breeze gives me life
A beach, a breakfast, a bike--and not a single strife
Bare feet bottoms boil on Earth’s grainy ground
As gulls glance gleefully, landing on salt without a sound
I want to see the equator, although imaginary
A banana-seat boat with wheels would let the sea carry
I don’t want to find a pot of gold or hidden treasure
For those only bring burdens, poor luck and bad weather
Instead, it is my hope and wish to discover
I was born a true ocean lover
Seaweed and shellfish smell find in my hand
But the homes of the creatures are scattered and sheltered in sand
My home is right here at the end of the ride
A new day of promises pours in like the tide
Parting points: “Alright, don’t worry, we’ll all float on…” -Modest Mouse
Without Worry (Healing Hyacinth)
Willowy waves of water dripped droplets of dew down my brow
The wet sweat of sumptuous summer was a spawn of sweet hyacinth
The bulbous beads of worry broke out as I make my set
A softball stitched smoothly and leather-bounded held ready to prowl
Spring fragrances flowed like the figurative flower
Planted in March and blossoming in July
My arm wobbled weakly in winter only to strengthen now
Without worry, I wound up and wallowed a delivery so dour
She stole a glance as deep as the purple petals produce a dense dye
The whip-like whiff as wispy as the papery and skin-like cover
My ball grafted the glove awaiting the strike
A busy bee beside the starfish-shaped hyacinth when high
A symbol of sport or play is the grown bell-shaped plant
A young girl without worry is reborn on the field
Waxy leaves protect the surface of a sensitive natural wonder
Unconditional love heals hopeless hearts where other kinds can’t
A New Day Of Promises
It’s not quite daylight but the night is done
Hazy summer mornings arrive with a new sun
I see the ocean’s calm waves tumbling at my right
The boardwalk is spacious, not a crowd in sight
My fingers grip the rubber handlebars and I settle down
The planks of wood under my tires are a sandy brown
I know today holds promises as I patiently pedal
The dark night has changed to black coffee in a kettle
No wind whips now, but a warm breeze gives me life
A beach, a breakfast, a bike--and not a single strife
Bare feet bottoms boil on Earth’s grainy ground
As gulls glance gleefully, landing on salt without a sound
I want to see the equator, although imaginary
A banana-seat boat with wheels would let the sea carry
I don’t want to find a pot of gold or hidden treasure
For those only bring burdens, poor luck and bad weather
Instead, it is my hope and wish to discover
I was born a true ocean lover
Seaweed and shellfish smell find in my hand
But the homes of the creatures are scattered and sheltered in sand
My home is right here at the end of the ride
A new day of promises pours in like the tide
Parting points: “Alright, don’t worry, we’ll all float on…” -Modest Mouse
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Moore Miscue Makes Matta Mad
Foul failure finalizes Fran’s fairytale
The MAAC conference Siena Saints were dancing in Dayton during a double-overtime defeat of Ohio State. The number 9 seeded Saints forced an extra session against the Buckeyes and won the game in front of a heavily-favored Ohio crowd. OSU is the better team and should have beat Siena, but that is why the games are played. This one went down to the wire. Buckeye head coach, Thad Matta, was puzzled by his team’s failure to foul Siena’s Ronald Moore before the tying shot in regulation.
The dazzling darlings of the Big Dance last year were the Saints as they knocked off Vanderbuilt in an upset. Siena strategy seemed to operate well again this March. Last night, the clutch performer, Moore, delivered the goods and sent Siena into the next round against the best team in the country, Louisville. The 3 point shot with 3.9 seconds left in the second overtime was the defining basket for Fran McCaffery’s underdog team. Moore hit a similar shot to send the game into the second overtime. Ohio State lost 72-74 and takes an early exit and another loss for the Big 10. Michigan, Purdue, Wisconsin and Michigan State represent the conference now. The Badgers were bailed out in another late night overtime thriller against fifth-seeded, Florida State.
The Buckeyes’ leading scorer, Evan Turner, missed his final shot from 15 feet that would have sent the game into a third overtime. Siena carelessly committed 22 turnovers and looked like they were going to suffer a lopsided loss early in the game. The ouster of OSU came as a surprise because the Saints overcame an 11 point Buckeye lead in the second half of regulation. McCaffery commended his team’s defense and gutsy play, especially the offensive rebounding. Siena ended the game with 23 overall. Ohio State fans outnumbered Siena by thousands, but it mattered little to Moore and his motivated pals. Edwin Ubiles, Kenny Hasbrouck and Moore led the Saints, while Turner, P.J. Hill, and William Buford starred for Ohio State. B.J. Mullens scored 10 points, coming in off the bench for Matta. The Buckeyes did not make their three point shots and it came back to haunt them in the end. Guard, Jon Diebler missed 9 of 11 attempts from the three point line. The Buckyes held a close 65-62 lead at the end of the fourth quarter thanks to two Hill free throws. But, Moore drove hard against the defense and nailed a three pointer with 9.1 ticks on the clock. Diebler missed a free throw before the final horn and overtime one was established.
Ryan Rossiter scored 16 points with 15 rebounds in an underrated performance for Siena. Ryan grabbed 5 of Siena’s 14 first-half rebounds. The scrappy Saints were the veteran-laden team last night because OSU lacks a single senior on the starting squad. The game got away from the Bucks despite Turner doing all he could for the young team. Ohio State came into the NCAA tournament field of 65 with a loss to Purdue in the Big 10 championship game. They were the heralded and well-respected powerhouse coached by Matta but many were thinking upset against the heart-filled Siena Saints. Ohio State could not put the game away, thus suffered a very disheartening loss at the hands of a less talented team. The Saints were successful in slowing down the Buckeyes and going on important runs when the game was on the line.
I’ve visited the picturesque, beautiful Siena campus in Albany. I’m happy for McCaffery because he deserves more recognition than he receives. Siena seems to find a way to beat tougher teams when the pressure is on. The small school from upstate NY took down the monster Matta Buckeyes by simple enacting a game plan that confused the men wearing scarlet and gray. Many times the second round games are not as compelling when Cinderella teams advance. I cannot see Siena winning against Louisville because Rick Pintino’s Cardinals are entirely different beast. However, I do believe the Saints will be prepared to play and give the Cardinals a good game from beginning to end. Will Siena bust some brackets tomorrow? Most likely not, but it’s fun to pretend.
Parting points: A song for Hasbrouck- “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth
The MAAC conference Siena Saints were dancing in Dayton during a double-overtime defeat of Ohio State. The number 9 seeded Saints forced an extra session against the Buckeyes and won the game in front of a heavily-favored Ohio crowd. OSU is the better team and should have beat Siena, but that is why the games are played. This one went down to the wire. Buckeye head coach, Thad Matta, was puzzled by his team’s failure to foul Siena’s Ronald Moore before the tying shot in regulation.
The dazzling darlings of the Big Dance last year were the Saints as they knocked off Vanderbuilt in an upset. Siena strategy seemed to operate well again this March. Last night, the clutch performer, Moore, delivered the goods and sent Siena into the next round against the best team in the country, Louisville. The 3 point shot with 3.9 seconds left in the second overtime was the defining basket for Fran McCaffery’s underdog team. Moore hit a similar shot to send the game into the second overtime. Ohio State lost 72-74 and takes an early exit and another loss for the Big 10. Michigan, Purdue, Wisconsin and Michigan State represent the conference now. The Badgers were bailed out in another late night overtime thriller against fifth-seeded, Florida State.
The Buckeyes’ leading scorer, Evan Turner, missed his final shot from 15 feet that would have sent the game into a third overtime. Siena carelessly committed 22 turnovers and looked like they were going to suffer a lopsided loss early in the game. The ouster of OSU came as a surprise because the Saints overcame an 11 point Buckeye lead in the second half of regulation. McCaffery commended his team’s defense and gutsy play, especially the offensive rebounding. Siena ended the game with 23 overall. Ohio State fans outnumbered Siena by thousands, but it mattered little to Moore and his motivated pals. Edwin Ubiles, Kenny Hasbrouck and Moore led the Saints, while Turner, P.J. Hill, and William Buford starred for Ohio State. B.J. Mullens scored 10 points, coming in off the bench for Matta. The Buckeyes did not make their three point shots and it came back to haunt them in the end. Guard, Jon Diebler missed 9 of 11 attempts from the three point line. The Buckyes held a close 65-62 lead at the end of the fourth quarter thanks to two Hill free throws. But, Moore drove hard against the defense and nailed a three pointer with 9.1 ticks on the clock. Diebler missed a free throw before the final horn and overtime one was established.
Ryan Rossiter scored 16 points with 15 rebounds in an underrated performance for Siena. Ryan grabbed 5 of Siena’s 14 first-half rebounds. The scrappy Saints were the veteran-laden team last night because OSU lacks a single senior on the starting squad. The game got away from the Bucks despite Turner doing all he could for the young team. Ohio State came into the NCAA tournament field of 65 with a loss to Purdue in the Big 10 championship game. They were the heralded and well-respected powerhouse coached by Matta but many were thinking upset against the heart-filled Siena Saints. Ohio State could not put the game away, thus suffered a very disheartening loss at the hands of a less talented team. The Saints were successful in slowing down the Buckeyes and going on important runs when the game was on the line.
I’ve visited the picturesque, beautiful Siena campus in Albany. I’m happy for McCaffery because he deserves more recognition than he receives. Siena seems to find a way to beat tougher teams when the pressure is on. The small school from upstate NY took down the monster Matta Buckeyes by simple enacting a game plan that confused the men wearing scarlet and gray. Many times the second round games are not as compelling when Cinderella teams advance. I cannot see Siena winning against Louisville because Rick Pintino’s Cardinals are entirely different beast. However, I do believe the Saints will be prepared to play and give the Cardinals a good game from beginning to end. Will Siena bust some brackets tomorrow? Most likely not, but it’s fun to pretend.
Parting points: A song for Hasbrouck- “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth
Friday, March 20, 2009
Ryan’s Rebounding, Rebuilding Rangers
Nolan Ryan, the former major league pitcher, recognizes the Rangers are in a rebuilding and rebounding phase. New pitching coach, Mike Maddux, was hired to be the central figure in Texas. The Rangers’ pitching reeks, and always has been the team’s downfall. Manager, Ron Washington, is stressing strong fielding as another general principle focus this Spring. The sloppy play performances as of late for the Rangers won’t float in the American League. One significant switch occurring earlier in the winter was Michael Young’s transition from shortstop to third base. Texas’ commitment to their young shortstop prospect, Elvis Andrus, has created a stirring and stimulating Spring storyline. Young was reluctant to move at first and took offense to the notion of making the transition to the hot corner. The All-Star shortstop finally conceded his position to the 20 year old Caracas, Venezuela native. The Rangers were quiet and did not swing too many off-season deals. They play in one of the league’s hitter-friendly parks and that only hurts their pitching staff more. The announcements of arrivals Derrick Turnbow and Eddie Guardado off the free agent market were relatively immaterial. The most imperative trade was catcher, Gerald Laird, to Detroit. Because Texas has depth at catcher, it was not a huge loss. It also opens up the competition between Jarrod Saltalamacchi and Taylor Teagarden for the starting backstop. In addition to Laird, the Rangers also parted ways with two right-handed pitchers, Kameron Loe and Jamey Wright, and the malcontent but competent outfielder, Milton Bradley. Bradley signed with the Cubs this winter.
Ryan is a great influence and a hailed hero in Texas. He remains focused on delivering the goods pitching-wise and emphasizing durability. Nolan has spent a sizable amount of time of on team development, maturity and bondage. The rotation is comprised of two veterans Kevin Milwood and Vincente Padilla. Both rightys need to give the Rangers more innings and step up as the number one and two arms, respectfully. Millwood’s production last year was awful and he only won 9 games for Texas. It was Kevin’s worst season as a Ranger. He needs to rebound and find his form. Millwood had 16 wins in 2006 and 10 wins in 2007. He isn’t the same pitcher he once was in Atlanta, but can give solid outings with enough run support. Padilla, the 31 year old, had a winning 14-8 record in 2008. His 4.7 ERA was average and his homerun total was too high. Consistency can definitely improve for Vincente, although he doesn’t walk many batters so his control is respectable. The Rangers have question marks at the middle and back-end of their rotation. Brandon Mcarthy has a devastating slurve, but has been ineffective as a Texas starter. The above-average pitch won’t be a winning formula unless Brandon actually takes the mound. He only threw 22 innings last year because he couldn’t stay on the field. If McCarthy’s health comes into question again, it could pave the way for the team’s top prospects, Derek Holland or Neftali Feliz. Scott Feldman is expected to join the party when the season kicks off in Arlington. Feldman was surprisingly reliable last year and could be the third starter. Scott was the team’s best pitcher and threw the most innings. In 151 innings, Feldman’s ERA was 5.29. The 26 year old doesn’t have the stuff to be an ace and he doesn’t strike out many hitters. But, he’s good enough to start and if he eats innings in 2009, Texas should be able to win some games with his arm. Left-hander, Matt Harrison, has a grand total of 90 days in the majors. The youngster is part of the mix for Washington’s inept pitching staff though. The 9-3 2008 record is promising and the Rangers are hopeful Matt will mature this summer.
The Texas bullpen welcomes back closers, C.J. Wilson and Frank Francisco. Each has success pitching in the closer role last year. Wilson is a lefty who amassed 24 saves but Francisco has the inside track because he is more effective in the final innings. The security of the two should benefit Texas’ relief effort during the season. Francisco has a good ERA to go along with a tight fastball. Wild Wilson I like for some reason despite his inconsistency and erratic statistics. He would be better suited to set up Francisco. Texas should seek to add relievers near the trade deadline if they want a half-chance at winning the AL West. The Angels and A’s both have better and more productive overall staffs, and better fielders. Righty, Joaquin Benoit is one of the Rangers’ long-relievers. However, the durable Benoit will miss half the season with a torn rotator cuff. Turnbow, or three other rightys on the roster, will replace him. Warner Madrigal, Josh Rupe and Dustin Nippert are all unproven which is why Turnbow was a good addition. Rupe was 3-1 in 46 games last year, Nippert went 3-5 in 20 games, and Madrigal pitched 36 innings with no wins and two losses. I like the Wheeling, W.V. native, Nippert, to be the leading candidate for long-relief, assuming he is not injured. Guardado is a fragile lefty but he gets the job done more often than not. Perhaps the two prospects waiting in the wings, Feliz and Holland, will get late season call ups to provide relief aid.
Texas’ effort at the plate is their greatest asset, especially at home. Outfielder, Josh Hamiliton, had a career, all-star, season in 2008. He was arguably the first-half league MVP. Josh bats third and plays right field. He clubbed 32 homeruns, batted .304 and batted in a whopping 130 last year. This Spring, Josh is hitting over .400 and his work ethic is excellent. The outlook for Hamilton is good because he’s a player playing in his prime at age 27. Josh has the physique and physical strength and traits of a major leaguer. Because Hamilton and hammering Hank Blalock are both left-handed, Washington will probably slate to RF Nelson Cruz to hit cleanup. DH Blalock is the preferable choice with his good attitude and solid bat. He won’t see a lot of time at 3B with Young being the Gold Glove caliber infielder. But Hank is also sidelined with soreness this Spring that has hindered his play the past two seasons. Blalock has to get back on track and that will only happen with more plate time and good health. Young will likely hit second behind Ian Kinsler. Young is one of my favorite players in baseball. I consider him one of the most dexterous fielders and he can also lace the ball. He is used to batting cleanup and playing shortstop so it will be interesting to see how he adapts to the new position on the field and the order. The career .300 hitter is good for at least 100 runs each year with his speed. The Rangers can do more on the bases with Michael hitting higher in the order. Kinsler plays second base and as a leadoff hitter, has excessive power. Kinsler’s improvement last year was indicative in his .319 average and 18 homeruns. He strikes out more often than he walks, which is usually a problem for the number one hitter. But Ian is young enough to improve and practice patience now. He’s a tall, big kid with a bright future and good makeup. Marlon Byrd and David Murphy could platoon the LF position. Byrd is a middle of the order slugger and could see time at DH when Blalock sits. He isn’t a quality starting player although has the ability to hit for a high average. Byrd is reliable in late inning and pinch hitting situations. Murphy is a nice lefty bat for Texas who could see quality time against right-handed pitchers. He went to Baylor and was born in Houston. Chris Davis, Saltalamacchia and Andrus are the bottom three hitters in the Ranger lineup. First baseman Davis is very young but has power potential. He had 17 long balls and 51 runs in his 295 at-bat rookie season last year. Davis has extra-base hit promise too. Saltalamacchia’s glove is valuable and his stick sturdy. Jarrod won’t hit a lot of homeruns nor will he have a low strikeout total. The 23 year old does provide a solid catcher and can give the Rangers at least 100 games.
On the bench for the rebounding Rangers are veteran infielder, Omar Vizquel and utility player, Max Ramirez. Ramirez can play the infield, DH and be the teams’ third string catcher if he makes the team. Travis Metcalf is an infield reserve player competing in camp this Spring too. Vizquel is Washington’s primary utility man and has one of the best gloves in recent history at the shortstop position. The 41 year old should prove a commodity to young Andrus at short. Teagarden is expected to split time with Saltalamacchia and will add to the Rangers’ deficient bench.
No one is expecting the Rangers to run away with any division titles. That may be the motivating factor for a team on the rebound. Hamilton and Blalock are team leaders and Vizquel adds a much-needed all-star veteran to the clubhouse. Texas did sign the former promising pitcher, Kris Benson, to a minor league deal. If Benson can get his act together, he could be the x-factor for a winning Texas season. The fielding was given a pass to the mediocre pitching in 2008, but perhaps it was the most important reason the Rangers missed the playoffs. Their error total needs to be reduced and the hitters need to keep their averages on the high end. Ryan has this team composed to players ready to prove themselves but it might not be enough to actually win ballgames. The offense does not have one guy who really tears the cover off the ball but there are certain guys who can make statements offensively. I can see the Rangers making a late playoff push but expect they will stall at the start of the season. The temperamental tossers and slapdash sluggers spell disaster down South.
Parting points: Book off my shelf: A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway
Song for the day: “Here in Your Bedroom”- Goldfinger
Ryan is a great influence and a hailed hero in Texas. He remains focused on delivering the goods pitching-wise and emphasizing durability. Nolan has spent a sizable amount of time of on team development, maturity and bondage. The rotation is comprised of two veterans Kevin Milwood and Vincente Padilla. Both rightys need to give the Rangers more innings and step up as the number one and two arms, respectfully. Millwood’s production last year was awful and he only won 9 games for Texas. It was Kevin’s worst season as a Ranger. He needs to rebound and find his form. Millwood had 16 wins in 2006 and 10 wins in 2007. He isn’t the same pitcher he once was in Atlanta, but can give solid outings with enough run support. Padilla, the 31 year old, had a winning 14-8 record in 2008. His 4.7 ERA was average and his homerun total was too high. Consistency can definitely improve for Vincente, although he doesn’t walk many batters so his control is respectable. The Rangers have question marks at the middle and back-end of their rotation. Brandon Mcarthy has a devastating slurve, but has been ineffective as a Texas starter. The above-average pitch won’t be a winning formula unless Brandon actually takes the mound. He only threw 22 innings last year because he couldn’t stay on the field. If McCarthy’s health comes into question again, it could pave the way for the team’s top prospects, Derek Holland or Neftali Feliz. Scott Feldman is expected to join the party when the season kicks off in Arlington. Feldman was surprisingly reliable last year and could be the third starter. Scott was the team’s best pitcher and threw the most innings. In 151 innings, Feldman’s ERA was 5.29. The 26 year old doesn’t have the stuff to be an ace and he doesn’t strike out many hitters. But, he’s good enough to start and if he eats innings in 2009, Texas should be able to win some games with his arm. Left-hander, Matt Harrison, has a grand total of 90 days in the majors. The youngster is part of the mix for Washington’s inept pitching staff though. The 9-3 2008 record is promising and the Rangers are hopeful Matt will mature this summer.
The Texas bullpen welcomes back closers, C.J. Wilson and Frank Francisco. Each has success pitching in the closer role last year. Wilson is a lefty who amassed 24 saves but Francisco has the inside track because he is more effective in the final innings. The security of the two should benefit Texas’ relief effort during the season. Francisco has a good ERA to go along with a tight fastball. Wild Wilson I like for some reason despite his inconsistency and erratic statistics. He would be better suited to set up Francisco. Texas should seek to add relievers near the trade deadline if they want a half-chance at winning the AL West. The Angels and A’s both have better and more productive overall staffs, and better fielders. Righty, Joaquin Benoit is one of the Rangers’ long-relievers. However, the durable Benoit will miss half the season with a torn rotator cuff. Turnbow, or three other rightys on the roster, will replace him. Warner Madrigal, Josh Rupe and Dustin Nippert are all unproven which is why Turnbow was a good addition. Rupe was 3-1 in 46 games last year, Nippert went 3-5 in 20 games, and Madrigal pitched 36 innings with no wins and two losses. I like the Wheeling, W.V. native, Nippert, to be the leading candidate for long-relief, assuming he is not injured. Guardado is a fragile lefty but he gets the job done more often than not. Perhaps the two prospects waiting in the wings, Feliz and Holland, will get late season call ups to provide relief aid.
Texas’ effort at the plate is their greatest asset, especially at home. Outfielder, Josh Hamiliton, had a career, all-star, season in 2008. He was arguably the first-half league MVP. Josh bats third and plays right field. He clubbed 32 homeruns, batted .304 and batted in a whopping 130 last year. This Spring, Josh is hitting over .400 and his work ethic is excellent. The outlook for Hamilton is good because he’s a player playing in his prime at age 27. Josh has the physique and physical strength and traits of a major leaguer. Because Hamilton and hammering Hank Blalock are both left-handed, Washington will probably slate to RF Nelson Cruz to hit cleanup. DH Blalock is the preferable choice with his good attitude and solid bat. He won’t see a lot of time at 3B with Young being the Gold Glove caliber infielder. But Hank is also sidelined with soreness this Spring that has hindered his play the past two seasons. Blalock has to get back on track and that will only happen with more plate time and good health. Young will likely hit second behind Ian Kinsler. Young is one of my favorite players in baseball. I consider him one of the most dexterous fielders and he can also lace the ball. He is used to batting cleanup and playing shortstop so it will be interesting to see how he adapts to the new position on the field and the order. The career .300 hitter is good for at least 100 runs each year with his speed. The Rangers can do more on the bases with Michael hitting higher in the order. Kinsler plays second base and as a leadoff hitter, has excessive power. Kinsler’s improvement last year was indicative in his .319 average and 18 homeruns. He strikes out more often than he walks, which is usually a problem for the number one hitter. But Ian is young enough to improve and practice patience now. He’s a tall, big kid with a bright future and good makeup. Marlon Byrd and David Murphy could platoon the LF position. Byrd is a middle of the order slugger and could see time at DH when Blalock sits. He isn’t a quality starting player although has the ability to hit for a high average. Byrd is reliable in late inning and pinch hitting situations. Murphy is a nice lefty bat for Texas who could see quality time against right-handed pitchers. He went to Baylor and was born in Houston. Chris Davis, Saltalamacchia and Andrus are the bottom three hitters in the Ranger lineup. First baseman Davis is very young but has power potential. He had 17 long balls and 51 runs in his 295 at-bat rookie season last year. Davis has extra-base hit promise too. Saltalamacchia’s glove is valuable and his stick sturdy. Jarrod won’t hit a lot of homeruns nor will he have a low strikeout total. The 23 year old does provide a solid catcher and can give the Rangers at least 100 games.
On the bench for the rebounding Rangers are veteran infielder, Omar Vizquel and utility player, Max Ramirez. Ramirez can play the infield, DH and be the teams’ third string catcher if he makes the team. Travis Metcalf is an infield reserve player competing in camp this Spring too. Vizquel is Washington’s primary utility man and has one of the best gloves in recent history at the shortstop position. The 41 year old should prove a commodity to young Andrus at short. Teagarden is expected to split time with Saltalamacchia and will add to the Rangers’ deficient bench.
No one is expecting the Rangers to run away with any division titles. That may be the motivating factor for a team on the rebound. Hamilton and Blalock are team leaders and Vizquel adds a much-needed all-star veteran to the clubhouse. Texas did sign the former promising pitcher, Kris Benson, to a minor league deal. If Benson can get his act together, he could be the x-factor for a winning Texas season. The fielding was given a pass to the mediocre pitching in 2008, but perhaps it was the most important reason the Rangers missed the playoffs. Their error total needs to be reduced and the hitters need to keep their averages on the high end. Ryan has this team composed to players ready to prove themselves but it might not be enough to actually win ballgames. The offense does not have one guy who really tears the cover off the ball but there are certain guys who can make statements offensively. I can see the Rangers making a late playoff push but expect they will stall at the start of the season. The temperamental tossers and slapdash sluggers spell disaster down South.
Parting points: Book off my shelf: A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway
Song for the day: “Here in Your Bedroom”- Goldfinger
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Playful Poetry
Stopping to Smell the Fresh Grass
Before the fans fill the stands
The speakers blare and the eagle lands
Before the vendors come around
And the grounds crew prepares the mound
No wind-ups, called strikes or stolen bases
Not even a chance to tie a cleats’ laces
The game will commence
Balls pulled over the fence
Hot shots up the middle are likely today
Line drives, high fives, the chance of a triple play
The highlight reel will reveal the best
From this one spectacular baseball content
But unless you first stop to smell the grass
You’ll miss the fresh start and the moment will pass.
The Natural
The crack of the bat makes my heart skip a beat
The force from the wood sounds too sweet
Unified in silence for that brief second
The audience holds their breath, I do reckon
I came to witness this inexplicable thrill
Where an athlete so effortlessly displays his skill
How rudimentary it must seem to swing
A stroke perfected long ago, a natural thing
Ode To Lou
Decades gone by but the words and pictures remain
You were special back then and more revered now
It wasn’t the glove or even the bat
But the well-mannered expressions, humility and grace
Enchanting, exciting, elegant, strong, solid, proud and pure
Your breath was bliss, but cut off too soon
And after you spoke, the fireworks never seemed the same
Good for you, Lou
You accepted your fate
And instilled in all of us
A lesson and legend to date
Sacrifice
How do you bunt a guy to third
When “homerun hitter” is all you’ve heard?
How do you hand the ball to him again
When last time he let down the entire pen?
Why do you hit a high fly to right
Just to tie the score on Opening night?
Why do you tolerate a hit-by-pitch
Just to enable the carving of your teams’ nitch?
Before the fans fill the stands
The speakers blare and the eagle lands
Before the vendors come around
And the grounds crew prepares the mound
No wind-ups, called strikes or stolen bases
Not even a chance to tie a cleats’ laces
The game will commence
Balls pulled over the fence
Hot shots up the middle are likely today
Line drives, high fives, the chance of a triple play
The highlight reel will reveal the best
From this one spectacular baseball content
But unless you first stop to smell the grass
You’ll miss the fresh start and the moment will pass.
The Natural
The crack of the bat makes my heart skip a beat
The force from the wood sounds too sweet
Unified in silence for that brief second
The audience holds their breath, I do reckon
I came to witness this inexplicable thrill
Where an athlete so effortlessly displays his skill
How rudimentary it must seem to swing
A stroke perfected long ago, a natural thing
Ode To Lou
Decades gone by but the words and pictures remain
You were special back then and more revered now
It wasn’t the glove or even the bat
But the well-mannered expressions, humility and grace
Enchanting, exciting, elegant, strong, solid, proud and pure
Your breath was bliss, but cut off too soon
And after you spoke, the fireworks never seemed the same
Good for you, Lou
You accepted your fate
And instilled in all of us
A lesson and legend to date
Sacrifice
How do you bunt a guy to third
When “homerun hitter” is all you’ve heard?
How do you hand the ball to him again
When last time he let down the entire pen?
Why do you hit a high fly to right
Just to tie the score on Opening night?
Why do you tolerate a hit-by-pitch
Just to enable the carving of your teams’ nitch?
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Bracket Blogging & Bragging
My Final Four picks contain two number one seeds and two Big 12 teams. Pittsburgh and Kansas are teams I favor every year. I am a sucker for Jayhawk and Panther basketball. I am also a supporting fan of both coaches, Jamie Dixon of Pitt, and Bill Self of Kansas. So, it’s no surprise to me I’ve selected both to represent their regions in the NCAA Final Four in Detroit.
My other two teams with the best chance to reach the finals are North Carolina and Missouri. I chose the Tigers out of the West region based on a gut feeling. Their road to the Final Four is tough because they face a potential meeting with the best defensive team in college basketball, Memphis, in the Sweet 16. If Missouri can shoot and squeeze by Cornell and the winner of Marquette-Utah State, their foe will most likely be Memphis. I believe Missouri can beat Connecticut if they face the Huskies too.
The Tarheels were an easy choice and the odds they win the championship are 7-1 last time I checked. Those are the most favorable odds of all teams, including the number one overall seed, Louisville. I am hoping for a N.C.-Syracuse match in the Elight Eight round. The South region has strong teams in Gonzaga, Syracuse and Oklahoma, but N.C. is a battle-tested, experienced squad. They do not play very good defense so that may set their chances of winning a championship back. What sets the Tarheels apart from the rest of the field is their excellent coaching and veteran players.
I always hesitate when picking the Pittsburgh Panthers in big situations, but this year’s team is just great. I liked Louisville as the overall Big East favorite team coming out of the conference championship and at the end of the season, the Cardinals got hot at the right time. I am hoping Kansas can pull of the upset and be Rick Pitino’s roadblock to a Final Four appearance. The Jayhawks just may be motivated to shut down the Cardinals in a thrilling bird basketball bloodbash. Wake Forest is a team that will challenge the Cardinals in the Midwest bracket too. Michigan State is a force as well and a team trying to earn more respect coming from the Big 10. They do not scare me, but still have the talent to compete with any of the higher seeded teams in their bracket. I am entirely excited about a second round West Virginia-Kansas pairing if it happens. WVU is underrated and mad, coming off a loss to Syracuse in the Big East semifinals. I would have enjoyed having the Mountaineers go deep into the tournament if it didn’t mean knocking of Kansas. But the luck of the draw has them meeting in the second round. I still like the chances of the defending national champion Jayhawks.
One team with an outside chance to make a run is Florida State. I think the Seminoles are a sleeper team with one of the top ACC players in point guard, Toney Douglas. Despite losing to Duke in the ACC title game, they know how to beat teams in a bunch of ways and are defensively enjoyable to watch. I don’t see Florida State getting by DuJuan Blair and the problem-posing Panthers though. Blair has a knack for knocking anyone in his way and when he is on his game, there is no one that can stop Pitt. North Carolina’s chances of beating Pitt rest on the status of Ty Lawson. He is expected to play in the tournament. Without Lawson, N.C. doesn’t stand a chance against the Panthers.
I chose Missouri to reach the Final Four because I liked what I saw from the number 3 seed coached by Mike Anderson. It will be Anderson’s first trip to the tournament so perhaps I crave a feel-good story too. The confident Tigers have a deep bench and led the nation in assists and steals. Their two leading players are forward studs, DeMarre Carroll and Leo Lyons. Remember those names because I think they will be impact players this March. The Tigers won the Big 12 championship and never lost two straight games during the season. Missouri is a team that likes to take risks, and that will either make or break them. The further they advance in the tournament, the more focused they have to get. They start strong and best when dictating tempo and applying pressure. The Tigers’ forte is forcing opponents to turn the ball over. J.T. Tiller is an excellent defensive guard and is perfectly capable of holding off players like Kansas’ Sherron Collins. That being said, I still can’t pick against Self and Kansas. The Jayhawks lost to Baylor in the Big 12 quarterfinals. Interestingly, Missouri had no trouble handling the Bears. But Kansas’ ability to rise to the occasion will help them master mighty Mizzou. Playing far from home could help Kansas keep distractions at a minimum. They cannot try to do too much but must stick to their game plan of consistency. Center, Cole Aldrich and guards Collins, Conner Teahan, Tyrel Reed and Tyshawn Taylor are key Kansas cogs. My concerns are their inexplicable early season losses to Arizona, Syracuse and Michigan State. They also fumbled down the stretch but so did Pittsburgh. The Panther especially disappointed during the Big East tournament. Neither team has any momentum heading into March Madness, but I am gambling on them acquiring some fairly quickly.
My final assessment is the Jayhawks facing off against the Panthers in the title game. But Kansas will not be repeat national champions. Pitt will recover in time with their frequent firepower and ball-handling to put away Kansas in the final quarter. The final score won’t even be that close. The Panthers’ up front, physical presence will be too much for Kansas. LeVance Fields runs the show in Pittsburgh and every athlete on the team, from Blair to Sam Young to Jermaine Dixon, knows how to bring it.
Last year, I correctly predicted Kansas would win it all. Not to brag, but I was right. Let’s see if the Panthers can make me look good again.
Parting points: Here’s hoping Martin Brodeur breaks Pat Roy’s record tonight against the Blackhawks.
Song of the day- “No You Girls”- Franz Ferdinand
My other two teams with the best chance to reach the finals are North Carolina and Missouri. I chose the Tigers out of the West region based on a gut feeling. Their road to the Final Four is tough because they face a potential meeting with the best defensive team in college basketball, Memphis, in the Sweet 16. If Missouri can shoot and squeeze by Cornell and the winner of Marquette-Utah State, their foe will most likely be Memphis. I believe Missouri can beat Connecticut if they face the Huskies too.
The Tarheels were an easy choice and the odds they win the championship are 7-1 last time I checked. Those are the most favorable odds of all teams, including the number one overall seed, Louisville. I am hoping for a N.C.-Syracuse match in the Elight Eight round. The South region has strong teams in Gonzaga, Syracuse and Oklahoma, but N.C. is a battle-tested, experienced squad. They do not play very good defense so that may set their chances of winning a championship back. What sets the Tarheels apart from the rest of the field is their excellent coaching and veteran players.
I always hesitate when picking the Pittsburgh Panthers in big situations, but this year’s team is just great. I liked Louisville as the overall Big East favorite team coming out of the conference championship and at the end of the season, the Cardinals got hot at the right time. I am hoping Kansas can pull of the upset and be Rick Pitino’s roadblock to a Final Four appearance. The Jayhawks just may be motivated to shut down the Cardinals in a thrilling bird basketball bloodbash. Wake Forest is a team that will challenge the Cardinals in the Midwest bracket too. Michigan State is a force as well and a team trying to earn more respect coming from the Big 10. They do not scare me, but still have the talent to compete with any of the higher seeded teams in their bracket. I am entirely excited about a second round West Virginia-Kansas pairing if it happens. WVU is underrated and mad, coming off a loss to Syracuse in the Big East semifinals. I would have enjoyed having the Mountaineers go deep into the tournament if it didn’t mean knocking of Kansas. But the luck of the draw has them meeting in the second round. I still like the chances of the defending national champion Jayhawks.
One team with an outside chance to make a run is Florida State. I think the Seminoles are a sleeper team with one of the top ACC players in point guard, Toney Douglas. Despite losing to Duke in the ACC title game, they know how to beat teams in a bunch of ways and are defensively enjoyable to watch. I don’t see Florida State getting by DuJuan Blair and the problem-posing Panthers though. Blair has a knack for knocking anyone in his way and when he is on his game, there is no one that can stop Pitt. North Carolina’s chances of beating Pitt rest on the status of Ty Lawson. He is expected to play in the tournament. Without Lawson, N.C. doesn’t stand a chance against the Panthers.
I chose Missouri to reach the Final Four because I liked what I saw from the number 3 seed coached by Mike Anderson. It will be Anderson’s first trip to the tournament so perhaps I crave a feel-good story too. The confident Tigers have a deep bench and led the nation in assists and steals. Their two leading players are forward studs, DeMarre Carroll and Leo Lyons. Remember those names because I think they will be impact players this March. The Tigers won the Big 12 championship and never lost two straight games during the season. Missouri is a team that likes to take risks, and that will either make or break them. The further they advance in the tournament, the more focused they have to get. They start strong and best when dictating tempo and applying pressure. The Tigers’ forte is forcing opponents to turn the ball over. J.T. Tiller is an excellent defensive guard and is perfectly capable of holding off players like Kansas’ Sherron Collins. That being said, I still can’t pick against Self and Kansas. The Jayhawks lost to Baylor in the Big 12 quarterfinals. Interestingly, Missouri had no trouble handling the Bears. But Kansas’ ability to rise to the occasion will help them master mighty Mizzou. Playing far from home could help Kansas keep distractions at a minimum. They cannot try to do too much but must stick to their game plan of consistency. Center, Cole Aldrich and guards Collins, Conner Teahan, Tyrel Reed and Tyshawn Taylor are key Kansas cogs. My concerns are their inexplicable early season losses to Arizona, Syracuse and Michigan State. They also fumbled down the stretch but so did Pittsburgh. The Panther especially disappointed during the Big East tournament. Neither team has any momentum heading into March Madness, but I am gambling on them acquiring some fairly quickly.
My final assessment is the Jayhawks facing off against the Panthers in the title game. But Kansas will not be repeat national champions. Pitt will recover in time with their frequent firepower and ball-handling to put away Kansas in the final quarter. The final score won’t even be that close. The Panthers’ up front, physical presence will be too much for Kansas. LeVance Fields runs the show in Pittsburgh and every athlete on the team, from Blair to Sam Young to Jermaine Dixon, knows how to bring it.
Last year, I correctly predicted Kansas would win it all. Not to brag, but I was right. Let’s see if the Panthers can make me look good again.
Parting points: Here’s hoping Martin Brodeur breaks Pat Roy’s record tonight against the Blackhawks.
Song of the day- “No You Girls”- Franz Ferdinand
Monday, March 16, 2009
Sweet Sixteen
“Sweet” is one of my favorite words in the English language. I use it frequently to describe athletes, great plays and as an emotion I’m feeling when happy. Three weeks from now is Opening Day. The new Yankee stadium will have the retired numbers of former pinstriped players painted across the interior backdrop of the outfield fence. It just so happens the Bombers have 16 retired numbers (not including Jackie Robinson’s number 42, which is still worn by Mariano Rivera) In light of the NCAA tournament and today being the 16th of March, here is a look at the “sweet sixteen” Yankees who had their numbers retired.
1 Billy Martin: Martin won several championships as a scrappy New York 2B but was traded because he was considered a bad influence on Mickey Mantle. His shining moment was the 1953 World Series against the Dodgers. Billy had an incredible .500 average during the series and hit two homeruns, two triples and a double. He also stole a base and drove in 8 runs. Martin was the Yankees manager in 1975 and returned in 1976 after coaching in Texas. He lasted only three years but came back as skipper from 1983-1988. Martin led the 1977 Yankees to their first World Series title in 15 years despite being a brash and abrasive manager.
3 Babe Ruth: George Herman needs no introduction. He is “The Babe” “Sultan of Swat” and “Bambino”. Ruth revolutionized the game when America was searching hard for a hero and baseball was losing credibility due to the Black Sox scandal. The Babe managed an .847 slugging percentage while a member of the 1920 Bomber team. It’s hard to conceive his .376 average was only fourth best in the league that year. Ruth was a part of the dreaded Murder’s Row Yankee lineup. His 60 homeruns in 1927 were the most in history at the time. Roger Maris would shatter the record in 1961 during the great homerun race with Mickey Mantle. Everybody idolized the immortal Babe and many forget he also excelled at pitching while a Boston Red Sox. The trade that sent him to the Yankees will probably forever remain a curse than haunts the Sox. The House That Ruth Built was named so for this very man. Baltimore-born Babe bounced around playfully as the Yankees everyday amusing right fielder.
4 Lou Gehrig: My favorite player of all time is a true legend and a true Yankee. Gehrig was blessed with natural talent and pure skills. He became a gifted baseball player and surpassed and exceeded all expectations on and off the diamond. Lou was not even considered the greatest player on his own team yet his accomplishments in pinstripes conceivably depict him as the best ever. Gehrig finished his shortened career with a .340 average and the most grand slams in the history of the game. The modest “Iron Horse” held the consecutive games played streak until Cal Ripken, Jr. surpassed him in the 90’s. The sure-handed first base slugger could always be counted on, was a powerful and physical presence and a lifetime New York Yankee (1923-39). The famous July 4th speech given by him is still a part of every sports fans’ lore and knowledge.
5 Joe DiMaggio: DiMaggio was an American idol and all-around athletic genius. Joe accomplished so many baseball feats during his remarkable 15 year career. His most prominent claim-to-fame is the 56 game hitting streak in 1941. The record still stands today and probably won’t ever be broken in my lifetime. DiMaggio did it all, from hitting for the cycle multiple times to winning MVPs and batting titles year in and year out. Joltin’ Joe or the Clipper, as he was affectionately called, was born in California and spent time in the service during his playing days. No one will soon forget him playing CF and his incredible instincts as a player.
7 Mickey Mantle: Fan favorite, Mickey Mantle, was every little boy’s idol growing up. The blonde-haired, baby-faced Mick looked like a baseball player. Kids mimicked his stance and swing, and aspired to be exactly like the famous #7. The switch-hitting centerfielder was as athletic and graceful as they come. Mantle pounded the baseball. His long, moon shots were the talk of the town as he terrorized opposing mounds men. The 1956 Triple Crown winner was also a 3 time AL MVP and appeared in 16 all-star games as a Yankee. Mickey replaced the legendary DiMaggio in 1952 at age 20 and practically filled his shoes nicely. Sadly, Mantle was slowed by many injuries and off the field issues late in his stellar career.
8 Yogi Berra and Bill Dickey: Yogi is one of the most recognizable baseball players and most successful Yankees. The left-handed backstop is also the most quotable in the game. Yogi’s real name is Lawrence and he was born to Italian immigrants. Berra holds the major league record for World Series games, at-bats, hits, doubles and singles. Most likely, he would not have those credentials without his awesome teammates who were so consistently dominant. The beloved Berra had an awkward and squatty shape but truly was outstanding behind the plate with the glove and bat. His solid fielding was evidenced by his low error total. Perhaps Yogi’s most shining moment as a player was catching Don Larsen’s perfect game. He also managed both New York teams and is still a famous figure in the Bronx.
Bill Dickey shared the same position and uniform number as Yogi Berra. His 1936 .362 average tied the highest for a single season for a catcher (with Mike Piazza). Dickey was an instrumental part of the Yankees’ 4 consecutive World Series titles (1936-39). Dickey’s discipline and demonstrative style were memorable. He only struck out 289 times in 6,300 at-bats. He demonstrated what playing the catching position should be all about. Bill was an 11 time all-star and his large size made him durable in such a demanding position.
9 Roger Maris: Maris enjoyed much of the same star status and success as his teammate Mantle. Roger was the anti-Mickey though. His subdued, quiet and boy-next-door characteristics were not admired by some fans. In 1960, Maris led the league in slugging percentage, RBI’s and extra-base hits. It was clear he was not intimated by playing in the Big Apple. He also won MVP in his first year as a Bomber and is considered one of the best defensive OF’s in the franchise history. Maris rivaled Mickey in all-statistical categories and aspects of the game but never really won over the NY media. During the 1962 World Series against the Giants, he made a 9th inning Game 7-saving catch. Maris also held the single season homerun record of 61 before the steroid-induced sluggers of our generation took challenged it.
10 Phil Rizzuto: The Yankee Scooter was a speedy shortstop with spunk. Rizzuto had a familiar voice as a broadcaster for the Yankees also. He was steady for 11 full seasons and earned MVP in 1950. Phil was lively but didn’t let it affect his fielding. The Scooter was close to errorless throughout his career. Rizzuto spent 40 years as a broadcaster after his career of good throws and nonchalant play in the field. He lacked power because of his small size but he was a major player for the Bombers (1941-56).
15 Thurman Munson: Akron, Ohio’s Thurman Munson was a 4th round draft pick in 1968. Munson became team captain and is the only Bomber to ever win both MVP and Rookie of the Year. Munson was an outstanding fielder and outstanding post-season performer. The mustached Munson batted .529 in the 1976 World Series and .320 in the 1977 one. Thurman’s sudden death in 1979 was tragic and felt worldwide. He died in a plane crash during the playing season and his fellow friends, Lou Piniella and Bobby Murcer, delivered eulogies during his funeral. Number 15’s locker remains empty and unoccupied in the Yankees clubhouse as a tribute to the great catcher.
16 Whitey Ford: I remember my dad telling me Whitey was one of the few Yankees he actually liked. The Chairman of the Board spent his entire 18 year career in NY, which was fitting since he was born in Astoria. Ford was calm and in command whenever he took the mound. His pitchers were not overpowering, but his pinpoint control and guile granted him many strikeouts. The 1961 CY Young winner won 236 total games. Edward Charles Ford is known for his low ERA and sky high winning percentage of .690.
23 Don Mattingly: Faithful followers of #23 are still plentiful. It’s too bad Donnie Baseball couldn’t prolong his career. He was one of the best first basemen I’ve seen play but suffered back problems and called it quits after 1995. Friendly Don played in an era when I started enjoying the game but the Yankees were not very good. Perhaps he will never make the Hall-of-Fame like the fellow Yankees with retired numbers, but he is still considered one of NY‘s most popular. Donnie had 1,099 career RBIs, 9 Gold Gloves and won the 1985 MVP. In 1987, Mattingly tied the record for hitting homeruns in 8 consecutive games and getting an extra-base hit in 10 consecutive games. He has 6 career grand slams in that one year. After coming up in 1982 for NY, most will remember he never got the chance to play in the World Series.
32 Elston Howard: The unabridged, unsung and wholesome Howard epitomized class before Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera came along. Howard was the Yankees first African American player. He started his major league career in 1955 and finished in 1968 with the enemy Red Sox. Howard has a lifetime slugging average of .427, impressive for a catcher. It was difficult to find room for Elston with Yogi Berra being the starter. Howard homered in his first World Series appearance in 1955 and was prolific in the 1958 one. Elston became a full-time catcher in the 1960’s for NY and many credit him for inventing the batting “donut”. The St. Louis baby played on 10 pennant winning teams in just 13 years. Elston was adaptable and respected throughout the organization.
37 Casey Stengel: The Old Professor, Casey Stengel, played for the Brooklyn Dodgers and NY Giants, among several other ball clubs. He was a manager for Brooklyn, Boston (Braves), and both the Yankees and Mets. As a skipper, Stengel compiled 1905 wins and 8 World Championships. Stengel was a competent player but really just average skill-wise. Casey led the Yankees to 5 consecutive championships as a manager. He was a reputed sharp tactician and captivating leader. Stengel was hands-on with players and popular among coaches and fans. Charismatic Casey is the only person to have worn the uniform of all four major league teams that played in NYC.
44 Reggie Jackson: Any rational human being couldn’t help but appreciate Jackson’s confidence. Mr. October steered his teams in the right direction come playoff time with his clutch and legendary games. The star right-fielder batted left and his 1971 homerun during the all-star game in Detroit hit a light on the roof of the stadium. Later, he would hit a ball out of that park but as a free agent added to the Bronx in 1976, Reggie did nothing but drive in runs and win. He had a rough relationship with many teammates and with his coaches, but Jackson still produced. He has a huge performance with three home runs I Game 6 of the 1976 World Series. The crowning achievements didn’t end there. Jackson finished with 10 homers, 24 RBIs, and a .357 average in 27 World Series games. He is still a cornerstone and influence to today’s young Bombers.
49 Ron Guidry: Louisiana Lightning was a proud left-handed flamethrower. The Gator had a 3.29 ERA and 170-91 record. Guidry struck out 18 batters in 1978 against the Angels on his way to winning the CY Young award. Ron mastered the slider and complemented the pitch with his sharp fastball. Ron finished second in 1978 for MVP and had the lowest ERA of any pitcher for one season. Number 49 was a leader on the field and a master teacher. He was co-captain of the ‘86 team with Willie Randolph and joined the coaching staff in NY for Joe Torre.
Nobody really wants to be seated 16th in the NCAA tournament, but I don’t think it’s so bad after all. Yes, you were the last seed selected, but look at it this way: at least you’re dancing.
Parting points: Song of the day- “No Way Back”- Foo Fighters
1 Billy Martin: Martin won several championships as a scrappy New York 2B but was traded because he was considered a bad influence on Mickey Mantle. His shining moment was the 1953 World Series against the Dodgers. Billy had an incredible .500 average during the series and hit two homeruns, two triples and a double. He also stole a base and drove in 8 runs. Martin was the Yankees manager in 1975 and returned in 1976 after coaching in Texas. He lasted only three years but came back as skipper from 1983-1988. Martin led the 1977 Yankees to their first World Series title in 15 years despite being a brash and abrasive manager.
3 Babe Ruth: George Herman needs no introduction. He is “The Babe” “Sultan of Swat” and “Bambino”. Ruth revolutionized the game when America was searching hard for a hero and baseball was losing credibility due to the Black Sox scandal. The Babe managed an .847 slugging percentage while a member of the 1920 Bomber team. It’s hard to conceive his .376 average was only fourth best in the league that year. Ruth was a part of the dreaded Murder’s Row Yankee lineup. His 60 homeruns in 1927 were the most in history at the time. Roger Maris would shatter the record in 1961 during the great homerun race with Mickey Mantle. Everybody idolized the immortal Babe and many forget he also excelled at pitching while a Boston Red Sox. The trade that sent him to the Yankees will probably forever remain a curse than haunts the Sox. The House That Ruth Built was named so for this very man. Baltimore-born Babe bounced around playfully as the Yankees everyday amusing right fielder.
4 Lou Gehrig: My favorite player of all time is a true legend and a true Yankee. Gehrig was blessed with natural talent and pure skills. He became a gifted baseball player and surpassed and exceeded all expectations on and off the diamond. Lou was not even considered the greatest player on his own team yet his accomplishments in pinstripes conceivably depict him as the best ever. Gehrig finished his shortened career with a .340 average and the most grand slams in the history of the game. The modest “Iron Horse” held the consecutive games played streak until Cal Ripken, Jr. surpassed him in the 90’s. The sure-handed first base slugger could always be counted on, was a powerful and physical presence and a lifetime New York Yankee (1923-39). The famous July 4th speech given by him is still a part of every sports fans’ lore and knowledge.
5 Joe DiMaggio: DiMaggio was an American idol and all-around athletic genius. Joe accomplished so many baseball feats during his remarkable 15 year career. His most prominent claim-to-fame is the 56 game hitting streak in 1941. The record still stands today and probably won’t ever be broken in my lifetime. DiMaggio did it all, from hitting for the cycle multiple times to winning MVPs and batting titles year in and year out. Joltin’ Joe or the Clipper, as he was affectionately called, was born in California and spent time in the service during his playing days. No one will soon forget him playing CF and his incredible instincts as a player.
7 Mickey Mantle: Fan favorite, Mickey Mantle, was every little boy’s idol growing up. The blonde-haired, baby-faced Mick looked like a baseball player. Kids mimicked his stance and swing, and aspired to be exactly like the famous #7. The switch-hitting centerfielder was as athletic and graceful as they come. Mantle pounded the baseball. His long, moon shots were the talk of the town as he terrorized opposing mounds men. The 1956 Triple Crown winner was also a 3 time AL MVP and appeared in 16 all-star games as a Yankee. Mickey replaced the legendary DiMaggio in 1952 at age 20 and practically filled his shoes nicely. Sadly, Mantle was slowed by many injuries and off the field issues late in his stellar career.
8 Yogi Berra and Bill Dickey: Yogi is one of the most recognizable baseball players and most successful Yankees. The left-handed backstop is also the most quotable in the game. Yogi’s real name is Lawrence and he was born to Italian immigrants. Berra holds the major league record for World Series games, at-bats, hits, doubles and singles. Most likely, he would not have those credentials without his awesome teammates who were so consistently dominant. The beloved Berra had an awkward and squatty shape but truly was outstanding behind the plate with the glove and bat. His solid fielding was evidenced by his low error total. Perhaps Yogi’s most shining moment as a player was catching Don Larsen’s perfect game. He also managed both New York teams and is still a famous figure in the Bronx.
Bill Dickey shared the same position and uniform number as Yogi Berra. His 1936 .362 average tied the highest for a single season for a catcher (with Mike Piazza). Dickey was an instrumental part of the Yankees’ 4 consecutive World Series titles (1936-39). Dickey’s discipline and demonstrative style were memorable. He only struck out 289 times in 6,300 at-bats. He demonstrated what playing the catching position should be all about. Bill was an 11 time all-star and his large size made him durable in such a demanding position.
9 Roger Maris: Maris enjoyed much of the same star status and success as his teammate Mantle. Roger was the anti-Mickey though. His subdued, quiet and boy-next-door characteristics were not admired by some fans. In 1960, Maris led the league in slugging percentage, RBI’s and extra-base hits. It was clear he was not intimated by playing in the Big Apple. He also won MVP in his first year as a Bomber and is considered one of the best defensive OF’s in the franchise history. Maris rivaled Mickey in all-statistical categories and aspects of the game but never really won over the NY media. During the 1962 World Series against the Giants, he made a 9th inning Game 7-saving catch. Maris also held the single season homerun record of 61 before the steroid-induced sluggers of our generation took challenged it.
10 Phil Rizzuto: The Yankee Scooter was a speedy shortstop with spunk. Rizzuto had a familiar voice as a broadcaster for the Yankees also. He was steady for 11 full seasons and earned MVP in 1950. Phil was lively but didn’t let it affect his fielding. The Scooter was close to errorless throughout his career. Rizzuto spent 40 years as a broadcaster after his career of good throws and nonchalant play in the field. He lacked power because of his small size but he was a major player for the Bombers (1941-56).
15 Thurman Munson: Akron, Ohio’s Thurman Munson was a 4th round draft pick in 1968. Munson became team captain and is the only Bomber to ever win both MVP and Rookie of the Year. Munson was an outstanding fielder and outstanding post-season performer. The mustached Munson batted .529 in the 1976 World Series and .320 in the 1977 one. Thurman’s sudden death in 1979 was tragic and felt worldwide. He died in a plane crash during the playing season and his fellow friends, Lou Piniella and Bobby Murcer, delivered eulogies during his funeral. Number 15’s locker remains empty and unoccupied in the Yankees clubhouse as a tribute to the great catcher.
16 Whitey Ford: I remember my dad telling me Whitey was one of the few Yankees he actually liked. The Chairman of the Board spent his entire 18 year career in NY, which was fitting since he was born in Astoria. Ford was calm and in command whenever he took the mound. His pitchers were not overpowering, but his pinpoint control and guile granted him many strikeouts. The 1961 CY Young winner won 236 total games. Edward Charles Ford is known for his low ERA and sky high winning percentage of .690.
23 Don Mattingly: Faithful followers of #23 are still plentiful. It’s too bad Donnie Baseball couldn’t prolong his career. He was one of the best first basemen I’ve seen play but suffered back problems and called it quits after 1995. Friendly Don played in an era when I started enjoying the game but the Yankees were not very good. Perhaps he will never make the Hall-of-Fame like the fellow Yankees with retired numbers, but he is still considered one of NY‘s most popular. Donnie had 1,099 career RBIs, 9 Gold Gloves and won the 1985 MVP. In 1987, Mattingly tied the record for hitting homeruns in 8 consecutive games and getting an extra-base hit in 10 consecutive games. He has 6 career grand slams in that one year. After coming up in 1982 for NY, most will remember he never got the chance to play in the World Series.
32 Elston Howard: The unabridged, unsung and wholesome Howard epitomized class before Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera came along. Howard was the Yankees first African American player. He started his major league career in 1955 and finished in 1968 with the enemy Red Sox. Howard has a lifetime slugging average of .427, impressive for a catcher. It was difficult to find room for Elston with Yogi Berra being the starter. Howard homered in his first World Series appearance in 1955 and was prolific in the 1958 one. Elston became a full-time catcher in the 1960’s for NY and many credit him for inventing the batting “donut”. The St. Louis baby played on 10 pennant winning teams in just 13 years. Elston was adaptable and respected throughout the organization.
37 Casey Stengel: The Old Professor, Casey Stengel, played for the Brooklyn Dodgers and NY Giants, among several other ball clubs. He was a manager for Brooklyn, Boston (Braves), and both the Yankees and Mets. As a skipper, Stengel compiled 1905 wins and 8 World Championships. Stengel was a competent player but really just average skill-wise. Casey led the Yankees to 5 consecutive championships as a manager. He was a reputed sharp tactician and captivating leader. Stengel was hands-on with players and popular among coaches and fans. Charismatic Casey is the only person to have worn the uniform of all four major league teams that played in NYC.
44 Reggie Jackson: Any rational human being couldn’t help but appreciate Jackson’s confidence. Mr. October steered his teams in the right direction come playoff time with his clutch and legendary games. The star right-fielder batted left and his 1971 homerun during the all-star game in Detroit hit a light on the roof of the stadium. Later, he would hit a ball out of that park but as a free agent added to the Bronx in 1976, Reggie did nothing but drive in runs and win. He had a rough relationship with many teammates and with his coaches, but Jackson still produced. He has a huge performance with three home runs I Game 6 of the 1976 World Series. The crowning achievements didn’t end there. Jackson finished with 10 homers, 24 RBIs, and a .357 average in 27 World Series games. He is still a cornerstone and influence to today’s young Bombers.
49 Ron Guidry: Louisiana Lightning was a proud left-handed flamethrower. The Gator had a 3.29 ERA and 170-91 record. Guidry struck out 18 batters in 1978 against the Angels on his way to winning the CY Young award. Ron mastered the slider and complemented the pitch with his sharp fastball. Ron finished second in 1978 for MVP and had the lowest ERA of any pitcher for one season. Number 49 was a leader on the field and a master teacher. He was co-captain of the ‘86 team with Willie Randolph and joined the coaching staff in NY for Joe Torre.
Nobody really wants to be seated 16th in the NCAA tournament, but I don’t think it’s so bad after all. Yes, you were the last seed selected, but look at it this way: at least you’re dancing.
Parting points: Song of the day- “No Way Back”- Foo Fighters
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