It is entirely possible that it is just me, but I have felt a lack of attention towards the milestone that Alex Rodriguez is about to reach in his illustrious career. It seems as if it is being mentioned during Yankee games, but if you are not tuned in then you may not hear a word about him until he actually hits his 500th homerun.
With all of the headlines these days it is understandable if A-Rod is a little bit lost in the shuffle of milestones and records. Not as if more publicity or media attention needs to be directed his way, but still.
The talk has been about Barry Bonds and his quest of the all-time home run record for some time now and will obviously continue until he hits number 756. This is arguably the most recognizable record in all of professional sports and should be treated like such.
But are we missing something due to lack of interest because so much energy and time has been spent following one guy for, what it seems like, the last 60 home runs? I believe we are and we need to stop a minute and recognize Alex Rodriguez's accomplishment while we put a close to this "all Barry all the time" thing that the baseball world is stuck in the middle of.
There are a few possible explanations to this problem that come to mind other than the fact that Bonds is on the brink of the all-time home run record.
It seems like we can already, even before Bond's hits 756, label 2007 as "The Year Of The Milestone". I assume it is possible that the majority of baseball watchers are a little milestoned-out as it seems one important thing is happening every other week.
Frank Thomas hit his 500th career homerun earlier this year and that was a big thing that needed to be celebrated to put a stamp on his great career. Thomas was one of the most feared hitters in the 90's and it was a perfect cap to his run to reach a plateau that will get him into Cooperstown.
Then we had Craig Biggio record his 3,000th career hit in what was an emotional night. Biggio is the epitome of a "ballplayer", so that surely had to be given its share of attention.
But come on people, as baseball fans we should treat this season not like we are running out of energy or patience, but as a season that will go down as one of the most historic of our time. The game is rewarding us with its fruits and yet it seems like we are leaving some on the table.
It is difficult at times to truly appreciate each milestone because they are packed so tightly together and don't allow enough time to ponder and reminisce. I realize that and am not naive to that fact. Regardless, that is no excuse to let great memories slip by without soaking every bit out of them. Even now is not the time to lay down and die because Bonds still officially needs to tie and break Hank's record and Tom Glavine is one win shy of 300 for his career!
The other reason that I believe may be contributing to the fact A-Rod is not getting the attenion his accomplishment deserves is the fact that he has done it so fast. His ability is almost working against him as it is hard to keep up with the numbers he is putting up in his career.
500 career homeruns used to be looked at as a huge milestone for a player that he reached at the end of his career and carried on into the Hall Of Fame. Frank Thomas' case, for example, was just that. It was a special stamp on a great career.
But Rodriguez reaching this milestone barely past his 32nd birthday? That is unfathomable and is therefore the reason why it is not a bigger deal than it should be. We realize that Rodriguez is barely halfway through his career and may just be into his prime. Due to that, there are many more homers to come. That is leading to the downplay of his 500th career homerun because as fans we see that he is going to go so far beyond this "major milestone" that it isn't even funny.
Nonetheless, this is a number that is considered a big deal in the game of baseball and so it should be treated as such. Even if a player reaches it at 32 years old. So it is only right to take a break from the Barry Bond's watch and put some of it onto A-Rod for the moment as he is reaching a major mark in his career as well. At the pace we are going, we are going to miss the rest of his greatness without truly relishing the moments. After our next blink Rodriguez will not only have broken Bonds' all-time homerun record but he will be winding down his career with the record set somewhere in the 800s.
There is plenty of time and media to spread around two ballparks right now as two of the game's greatest hitters are making news. It would be a shame not to make both great events. Now only if a veteran southpaw could get some love.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Induction Time Brings Refreshing Memories
Hall Of Fame Weekend is always a special time as thousands of fans gather to honor the greatest players in the history of baseball at the most historic site baseball has ever known. Legends upon legends assemble to share stories of the past and welcome the "rookies" to the all-time fraternity.
This year could not welcome in two better players than Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr. Both represented baseball in their own form of class and respect, and they signify not only what baseball is about, but what about athletics and competition is about.
This day and age is not the healthiest for sports in general as there seems to be a new scandal every weekd. Baseball has been stuck in the "Steroid Era" for almost 10 years and I am afraid the speculation will never come to an end.
Millions of words have been printed about the allegations regarding Barry Bonds and Balco that it is easy to forget that there are actually great baseball games being played by great players. It is common to drift towards the popular sotry or headline, but that is a challenge that everybody in every business needs to accept.
The common themes are worn out and baseball is gracious enough to give us plenty of underlying stories. So in a time when the game and the purity of it is being quesitoned, we can always drift away into oblivion for one weekend in the summer and regain feeling of the foundation baseball was built on. The truly special talents that grind through season after season.
An entire book could be written about each 2007 inductee. Today, contract negotiations become so heated that holdouts and agents play a much bigger role in the business. Ripken was not some average man who showed up and decided to be a great baseball player. Lets not forget that he had an enormous amount of god given ability.
In my opinion, that makes his story all that more special. For such a talented player to take that much pride in being reliable each day for over 16 straight seasons was a gift that doesn't come around too often. Each field of work needs the people who show up every day to give their best. So in that regard, Cal Ripken Jr. resembles much more than a great baseball player this weekend in Cooperstown. A great person and a great human being is what will be celebrated.
Tony Gwynn will is cut from much of the same cloth as Ripken, although I see Gwynn as a master of knowing himself and specializing in his ability. Gwynn knew what type of player he was capable of becoming and was satisfied in being the best in that area. You would not call Tony Gwynn a "role" player by any means because that term would be used for someone who doesn;t play everyday.
Gwynn was a superstar who knew what his "role" was in baseball, and he just happened to put in enough work to become the best in that area. It is not about finding shortcuts to do the things that you aren't capable of. In fact, no player in the game is so great at every facet. That is why baseball is a team sport and therefore requires different types of players to gel in order to creat a winning formula.
So on Sunday when two brand new plaques are introduced into baseball history, I will remeber the uniqueness that comes with each one. The heart and soul that was worked day in and day out is what will shine through at the Hall Of Fame during a time where baseball, and all sports, need men that put their values before riches and media hype.
This year could not welcome in two better players than Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr. Both represented baseball in their own form of class and respect, and they signify not only what baseball is about, but what about athletics and competition is about.
This day and age is not the healthiest for sports in general as there seems to be a new scandal every weekd. Baseball has been stuck in the "Steroid Era" for almost 10 years and I am afraid the speculation will never come to an end.
Millions of words have been printed about the allegations regarding Barry Bonds and Balco that it is easy to forget that there are actually great baseball games being played by great players. It is common to drift towards the popular sotry or headline, but that is a challenge that everybody in every business needs to accept.
The common themes are worn out and baseball is gracious enough to give us plenty of underlying stories. So in a time when the game and the purity of it is being quesitoned, we can always drift away into oblivion for one weekend in the summer and regain feeling of the foundation baseball was built on. The truly special talents that grind through season after season.
An entire book could be written about each 2007 inductee. Today, contract negotiations become so heated that holdouts and agents play a much bigger role in the business. Ripken was not some average man who showed up and decided to be a great baseball player. Lets not forget that he had an enormous amount of god given ability.
In my opinion, that makes his story all that more special. For such a talented player to take that much pride in being reliable each day for over 16 straight seasons was a gift that doesn't come around too often. Each field of work needs the people who show up every day to give their best. So in that regard, Cal Ripken Jr. resembles much more than a great baseball player this weekend in Cooperstown. A great person and a great human being is what will be celebrated.
Tony Gwynn will is cut from much of the same cloth as Ripken, although I see Gwynn as a master of knowing himself and specializing in his ability. Gwynn knew what type of player he was capable of becoming and was satisfied in being the best in that area. You would not call Tony Gwynn a "role" player by any means because that term would be used for someone who doesn;t play everyday.
Gwynn was a superstar who knew what his "role" was in baseball, and he just happened to put in enough work to become the best in that area. It is not about finding shortcuts to do the things that you aren't capable of. In fact, no player in the game is so great at every facet. That is why baseball is a team sport and therefore requires different types of players to gel in order to creat a winning formula.
So on Sunday when two brand new plaques are introduced into baseball history, I will remeber the uniqueness that comes with each one. The heart and soul that was worked day in and day out is what will shine through at the Hall Of Fame during a time where baseball, and all sports, need men that put their values before riches and media hype.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Answer From Within
Baseball is officially four days away from the trade deadline that for many teams could be the deciding factor on whether a playoff run is possible or not. Or is it? Each year there seems to be a at least a few big pieces that can greatly impact a team and there potential to win. This year is obviously not one of those years.
Without that bonafide hitter on the market, with the exception of Mark Teixeira who will be extremely difficult to move, teams are going to struggle to significantly upgrade their offense. The Dodgers, Braves, Red Sox, and Angels who would be interested in a big bat are not going to be able to find one in return for a couple throw in prospects.
The pitching is in the same boat as the hitting. The only starter that could possibly be an impact arm would be Dontrelle Willis of the Florida Marlins. The Marlins have been sticking to their original statement that Dontrelle is not available, and with Willis' extremely disappointing year thus far it is hard to imagine him finding a new home.
Starting rotation help is coming in the form of Steve Trachsel? When Octavio Dotel is the hottest commodity on the market, that is a pretty good sign that teams need to figure out a new solution to their problems.
That solution is right in front of them down on the farm. The Yankees have gotten a temporary boost from throwing Shelley Duncan into the lineup. These changes may not last for the enitre year, but they will help for the moment being. When they stop working, you go back to the drawing board.
As tough as it may be for GM's to stand pat and trust that the players they have developed in their farm system to do a good job, it is necessary because it is not worth it to pay such a high price for a piece that would normally come very cheap simply because the market is at an all-time low.
Prospects are great pieces to hold onto and mix into the big league club when they prove ready. It has been made very clear, just see the Yankees for an example, that teams cannot go to free agency and trades for all answers. Bringing in established players does not always work.
There are positives to giving a hungry kid an opportunity to put himself on the map and make a difference on a major league roster. Teams who are looking to improve or jolt their current roster simply need some fresh blood on the field. That does not have to cost you a top minor league pitcher when you may only get to use the guy you traded for for a couple of months.
After all of the time and money put into scouting, drafting, and player development, it is time to show a little faith in the talent teams have accumulated. The answer to winning isn't the hottest name or the popular choice. A player is who hungry to make a difference and has enough talent to compete at the major league level will overcome the inexperience issue very quickly. Trust the kids and don't ruin the frm system for the future.
Without that bonafide hitter on the market, with the exception of Mark Teixeira who will be extremely difficult to move, teams are going to struggle to significantly upgrade their offense. The Dodgers, Braves, Red Sox, and Angels who would be interested in a big bat are not going to be able to find one in return for a couple throw in prospects.
The pitching is in the same boat as the hitting. The only starter that could possibly be an impact arm would be Dontrelle Willis of the Florida Marlins. The Marlins have been sticking to their original statement that Dontrelle is not available, and with Willis' extremely disappointing year thus far it is hard to imagine him finding a new home.
Starting rotation help is coming in the form of Steve Trachsel? When Octavio Dotel is the hottest commodity on the market, that is a pretty good sign that teams need to figure out a new solution to their problems.
That solution is right in front of them down on the farm. The Yankees have gotten a temporary boost from throwing Shelley Duncan into the lineup. These changes may not last for the enitre year, but they will help for the moment being. When they stop working, you go back to the drawing board.
As tough as it may be for GM's to stand pat and trust that the players they have developed in their farm system to do a good job, it is necessary because it is not worth it to pay such a high price for a piece that would normally come very cheap simply because the market is at an all-time low.
Prospects are great pieces to hold onto and mix into the big league club when they prove ready. It has been made very clear, just see the Yankees for an example, that teams cannot go to free agency and trades for all answers. Bringing in established players does not always work.
There are positives to giving a hungry kid an opportunity to put himself on the map and make a difference on a major league roster. Teams who are looking to improve or jolt their current roster simply need some fresh blood on the field. That does not have to cost you a top minor league pitcher when you may only get to use the guy you traded for for a couple of months.
After all of the time and money put into scouting, drafting, and player development, it is time to show a little faith in the talent teams have accumulated. The answer to winning isn't the hottest name or the popular choice. A player is who hungry to make a difference and has enough talent to compete at the major league level will overcome the inexperience issue very quickly. Trust the kids and don't ruin the frm system for the future.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
The Ups And Downs Of Baseball
No other game in all of professional sports can take a player or a team on as many twists and turns than baseball. That can be mostly attributed to the fact that baseball's 162-game regular season is by far the longest in any sport, but it is the actual game itself that will lift one up to produce great moments and then turn around the next day and drive the same guy into the dirt to humble him.
There are countless examples in the day to day grind, but this is very apparent in the overall big picture as well. All you have to do is take a look at the divison races each year. It always comes down to at least the last couple of weeks in the worst division, and sometimes the last game in september in the best division. It is absolutely vital to keep the finish line in sight and the goal of reaching the postseason right out in front of you throughout the long months of summer.
Every year the fans, media, and even casual sports watchers will bury or praise teams for the efforts 60-70 games into a 162-gme schedule! We all do it because the world is based on evaluations and every business is projecting and trying to predict the future as best as possible.
The basketball legend John Wooden once said, "You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It is a weakness to get caught up in either one."
These words ring completely true for baseball, from a teams perspective and a players perspective. Two examples of this come to mind immediately considering how certain teams have been playing lately. There are more example than the two I am thinking of, but these will be fine to make my point.
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim got off to the best start in club history and were being discussed on a regular basis with the Red Sox in regards to the best team in baseball. This type of praise was well deserved considering these teams were competing for the best record in the game.
The Angels are currently 57-42 and are holding onto a 2 1/2 game leade over the Mariners. After the first two months of play, we quickly said they have plenty of pitching to carry them and they are the epitomy of team baseball. Not to say that these statements are false, but there is a much different perspective around Anaheim for the past week or so.
The Angels have dropped the last 2 games to the Oakland A's because they have not gotten the pitching that is expected from their rotation, and the offense always struggles when Vladimir Guerrero isn't at his best. I still believe the Angels will win the AL West because they are clearly the best team in their division. The Mariners are, to their credit, playing well beyond their potential and will cool off in the near future as they are already showing signs of slowing down. On the flip side, the Angels are lucky they are still in first place considering how they have played in their last three series against Tampa Bay, Minnesota, and Oakland. It doesn't get easier with Detroit coming to town this weekend.
Now looking at the other side of the baseball world, you have to talk about the Yankees. Practically the entire baseball world was in shock when the Yankees fell 14 1/2 games behind the Boston Red Sox and most quickly wrote them off saying this would be the first year they have missed the playoffs since Derek Jeter took over at shortstop.
We sure were quick to assume on that one too. The Yankees are currently 53-46 and are 7 1/2 games behind Boston. That is still a substantial gap to close, but nothing is impossible in this game, as the lead has already been cut in half before August. The Yankees offense was struggling, they couldn't buy a healthy pitcher, and all of the critics were laughing because this was finally the chance the lower-payroll teams could watch the Empire suffer. Not so fast there.
The Yankees have won five in a row and 8 of their last 10. The pitching is holding up and getting deeper into games which is only going to aid their depleted bullpen. Philip Hughes is expected to be back within another couple of weeks and that should make the rotation that much stronger. The offense has certainly found its groove as the Yankees are scoring runs like they will be off limits once the month comes to a close.
The Angels and Yankees prove that no matter what end of the spectrum a team may be on before September rolls around, it is not over by any means. That is how the game of baseball works and that is what keeps more and more fans coming to the park and writers sitting in the press box. When it comes down to it, anyone involved with the game is a fan at heart and appreciates the grind of the baseball season. I would never be in favor of shortening it because finding a way to be at your best 162 different days is what makes baseball a remarkable sport.
Not only does the body have to be ready as it is taxed, but there are no medical tests or player evaluations that can attest for the roller coaster ride the mind endures from April through October. The fact is, we can make our best guesses, but thats exactly what they are. Pure guesses. Things change and it is imperative for all teams and players to keep this in mind no matter how they or the team is doing. If everything was so cut and dry, we would not have anything to get excited about down the stretch and there would be no great postseason stories such as Kirk Gibson or Joe Carter. Now tell me one other sport that can offer all of that in the same season?
There are countless examples in the day to day grind, but this is very apparent in the overall big picture as well. All you have to do is take a look at the divison races each year. It always comes down to at least the last couple of weeks in the worst division, and sometimes the last game in september in the best division. It is absolutely vital to keep the finish line in sight and the goal of reaching the postseason right out in front of you throughout the long months of summer.
Every year the fans, media, and even casual sports watchers will bury or praise teams for the efforts 60-70 games into a 162-gme schedule! We all do it because the world is based on evaluations and every business is projecting and trying to predict the future as best as possible.
The basketball legend John Wooden once said, "You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It is a weakness to get caught up in either one."
These words ring completely true for baseball, from a teams perspective and a players perspective. Two examples of this come to mind immediately considering how certain teams have been playing lately. There are more example than the two I am thinking of, but these will be fine to make my point.
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim got off to the best start in club history and were being discussed on a regular basis with the Red Sox in regards to the best team in baseball. This type of praise was well deserved considering these teams were competing for the best record in the game.
The Angels are currently 57-42 and are holding onto a 2 1/2 game leade over the Mariners. After the first two months of play, we quickly said they have plenty of pitching to carry them and they are the epitomy of team baseball. Not to say that these statements are false, but there is a much different perspective around Anaheim for the past week or so.
The Angels have dropped the last 2 games to the Oakland A's because they have not gotten the pitching that is expected from their rotation, and the offense always struggles when Vladimir Guerrero isn't at his best. I still believe the Angels will win the AL West because they are clearly the best team in their division. The Mariners are, to their credit, playing well beyond their potential and will cool off in the near future as they are already showing signs of slowing down. On the flip side, the Angels are lucky they are still in first place considering how they have played in their last three series against Tampa Bay, Minnesota, and Oakland. It doesn't get easier with Detroit coming to town this weekend.
Now looking at the other side of the baseball world, you have to talk about the Yankees. Practically the entire baseball world was in shock when the Yankees fell 14 1/2 games behind the Boston Red Sox and most quickly wrote them off saying this would be the first year they have missed the playoffs since Derek Jeter took over at shortstop.
We sure were quick to assume on that one too. The Yankees are currently 53-46 and are 7 1/2 games behind Boston. That is still a substantial gap to close, but nothing is impossible in this game, as the lead has already been cut in half before August. The Yankees offense was struggling, they couldn't buy a healthy pitcher, and all of the critics were laughing because this was finally the chance the lower-payroll teams could watch the Empire suffer. Not so fast there.
The Yankees have won five in a row and 8 of their last 10. The pitching is holding up and getting deeper into games which is only going to aid their depleted bullpen. Philip Hughes is expected to be back within another couple of weeks and that should make the rotation that much stronger. The offense has certainly found its groove as the Yankees are scoring runs like they will be off limits once the month comes to a close.
The Angels and Yankees prove that no matter what end of the spectrum a team may be on before September rolls around, it is not over by any means. That is how the game of baseball works and that is what keeps more and more fans coming to the park and writers sitting in the press box. When it comes down to it, anyone involved with the game is a fan at heart and appreciates the grind of the baseball season. I would never be in favor of shortening it because finding a way to be at your best 162 different days is what makes baseball a remarkable sport.
Not only does the body have to be ready as it is taxed, but there are no medical tests or player evaluations that can attest for the roller coaster ride the mind endures from April through October. The fact is, we can make our best guesses, but thats exactly what they are. Pure guesses. Things change and it is imperative for all teams and players to keep this in mind no matter how they or the team is doing. If everything was so cut and dry, we would not have anything to get excited about down the stretch and there would be no great postseason stories such as Kirk Gibson or Joe Carter. Now tell me one other sport that can offer all of that in the same season?
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Ugly Division Gets Uglier
The National League Central could be considered the worst division in baseball. The MIlwaukee Brewers are a big surprise this year with 54-41 record. They are a good ballclub with some young talent, but even if they do hang on to win the divison, I don't expect much out of them in the playoffs. A good record nonetheless, but you can't help but think that it's a bit inflated since they play Pittsburg, Houston, St. Louis, and Cincinnati all in their own divison.
That being said, the Cubs have been rather dormant this year until their recent surge. It was hard to believe that with Alfonso Soriano, Aramis Ramirez, and Derek Lee in the lineup, Carlos Zambrano, Ted Lilly, and Rich Hill in the rotation, and Lou Pinella at the helm that the Cubbies could be as bad as they had shown earlier in the year.
They are starting to play somewhere near they are capable of with the kind of talent they have. Chicago is too much of a good baseball city, and there is obviously way too much tradition at Wrigley Field, to put a minor league team out on the field. They are only 3 1/2 games behind the Brewers and I think they will catch them in this race.
If the Cubs get into the playoffs, sure they probably won't be a favorite in the Division Series, but I wouldn't be surprised if they made some noise. They have plenty of leaders on that club, especially with the recent addition of Jason Kendall, and we all know Sweet Lou doesn't waste any time lighting fires under his players.
The problem with the Cubs is that the rotation is good, but it is not a proven thing. Lilly and Zambrano both have their bad days, and as good as Hill has been, he came out of nowhere this year and is on the map. It takes more than one season to be heavily relied on to win a division.
Even at 9 1/2 games back, I wasn't completely ruling out the St. Louis Cardinals if they could put their pitching staff back together, starting by getting Mark Mulder and Chris Carpenter back in the rotation. Well after learning today that Carpenter will need Tommy John surgery and will miss part of 2008 as well, the season is officially done for the Cards. If that offense, Rolen and Edmonds mainly, is healthy, it can carry a ballclub like it did down the stretch last year.
Who knows where St. Louis is heading now without Carpenter coming back at all this year. Sure they have been without him for a while, but this is the final nail in the coffin and therefore officially makes the NL Central the worst division in baseball.
That being said, the Cubs have been rather dormant this year until their recent surge. It was hard to believe that with Alfonso Soriano, Aramis Ramirez, and Derek Lee in the lineup, Carlos Zambrano, Ted Lilly, and Rich Hill in the rotation, and Lou Pinella at the helm that the Cubbies could be as bad as they had shown earlier in the year.
They are starting to play somewhere near they are capable of with the kind of talent they have. Chicago is too much of a good baseball city, and there is obviously way too much tradition at Wrigley Field, to put a minor league team out on the field. They are only 3 1/2 games behind the Brewers and I think they will catch them in this race.
If the Cubs get into the playoffs, sure they probably won't be a favorite in the Division Series, but I wouldn't be surprised if they made some noise. They have plenty of leaders on that club, especially with the recent addition of Jason Kendall, and we all know Sweet Lou doesn't waste any time lighting fires under his players.
The problem with the Cubs is that the rotation is good, but it is not a proven thing. Lilly and Zambrano both have their bad days, and as good as Hill has been, he came out of nowhere this year and is on the map. It takes more than one season to be heavily relied on to win a division.
Even at 9 1/2 games back, I wasn't completely ruling out the St. Louis Cardinals if they could put their pitching staff back together, starting by getting Mark Mulder and Chris Carpenter back in the rotation. Well after learning today that Carpenter will need Tommy John surgery and will miss part of 2008 as well, the season is officially done for the Cards. If that offense, Rolen and Edmonds mainly, is healthy, it can carry a ballclub like it did down the stretch last year.
Who knows where St. Louis is heading now without Carpenter coming back at all this year. Sure they have been without him for a while, but this is the final nail in the coffin and therefore officially makes the NL Central the worst division in baseball.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Yankees Better Lock Them Up
There is never a shortage of topics to discuss on the subway in New York City, truly making it the "City That Never Sleeps". Well, the Yankees may be the "Front Office That Never Sleeps" pretty soon as a few major roster decisions loom ahead after the conclusion of the 2007 season. We all know about Alex Rodriguez and his opt-put clause after this season. Will he go? Will he stay? That has been talked about endlessly over the past month.
Frankly, everything having to deal with A-Rod, and unfortuantely his wife, has been scattered around the Bronx lately. It is only natural, not only in baseball but in all entertainment venues, to focus the majority attention to the biggest star and their situation even if the topic at hand is rather irrelevent. When that happens, many other important issues are lost in the shuffle.
The Barry Bonds homerun saga has been on the front of every sports issue for over a year now. The baseball world stopped for a millisecond to recognize Craig Biggio and Frank Thomas as they passed major career milestones. That is exactly what is happening with the Yankees right now.
All the talk is about Rodriguez and trying to renegotiate a contract extension to keep him from opting out. This is an important move for the Yankees as it would be a huge move for any other team simply because Alex Rodriguez is the best player in baseball. It would be huge to lock up that bat for another eight years. But, believe it or not, this is not the most important contract negotiations taking place in the Bronx.
Two major cornerstones of this franchise will also be made available to the free agent market this winter. The first one is catcher Jorge Posada. Posada has only known Yankee Pinstripes and is one of the few players that you honestly cannot picture playing in any other uniform.
The Yankees need to take his situation seriously. He is still in great shape for the stage in his career that he is at. He is very productive- currently hitting .326- and is arguably the best defensive catcher in baseball. Not only will Posada put up steady seasons for another 3-4 years, but he knows what is liek to win and he will be a staple for the Yankees in the postseason.
But the production is not even Posada's most valuable trait. That would be the leadership and toughness that he brings to the clubhouse and the pitching staff. The Bombers are holding on to a few veterans in their starting rotation while they are trying to slowly insert prospects one by one. They need Posada to help Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain take over the Yankee rotation. He will be a great influence for them among the other crop of high-ceiling arms they are stockpiling that are only a year to three years away from the big leagues.
The other piece that is vital to the Yankees success for the next three seasons is closer Mariano Rivera. Rivera will retire as the best closer in postseason history without a doubt. The overall best could be argued, even though it would be tough to take away from Trevor Hoffman since he has the all-time record and is still piling on the saves in San Diego. Rivera is cold as ice when it comes to pitching in October, where the pressure is so great in New York that even Lady Liberty tends to wilt during the span of seven games.
The signing of Rivera wouldn't be such a huge deal if they had a young kid groomed to take over that role for the next decade. The problem is that they don't have any bullpen pieces to take over any role for even the remainder of this season. Farnsworth is at the end of his run and I am not sure how long the Yanks are going to keep running out aging lefthanded specialists in Mike Meyers and Ron Villone.
The only piece that has had any value to the Yankees in front of Rivera is Scott Proctor and he has had his share of problems as well. The Yankees await the emergence of their young prospects, but the majority of them are starters. That is not a bad problem at all because the Yankees will need all of those arms, if not to fill out the rotation, to use as trade bait to address the bullpen issue.
These are only a few things that George Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman will be forced to face this winter. As big a deal as Alex Rodriguez is being made out to be, he is not the biggest concern. The Yankees can replace a power bat, as they have used their bottomless pockets to do so plenty of times in the past. If winning championships is really in the cards for Steinbrenner's club in the near future, they need to lock up the heart and sole that has shown the city nothing but winning. That begins with Posada and Rivera, who only know how to wear Yankee pinstripes.
Frankly, everything having to deal with A-Rod, and unfortuantely his wife, has been scattered around the Bronx lately. It is only natural, not only in baseball but in all entertainment venues, to focus the majority attention to the biggest star and their situation even if the topic at hand is rather irrelevent. When that happens, many other important issues are lost in the shuffle.
The Barry Bonds homerun saga has been on the front of every sports issue for over a year now. The baseball world stopped for a millisecond to recognize Craig Biggio and Frank Thomas as they passed major career milestones. That is exactly what is happening with the Yankees right now.
All the talk is about Rodriguez and trying to renegotiate a contract extension to keep him from opting out. This is an important move for the Yankees as it would be a huge move for any other team simply because Alex Rodriguez is the best player in baseball. It would be huge to lock up that bat for another eight years. But, believe it or not, this is not the most important contract negotiations taking place in the Bronx.
Two major cornerstones of this franchise will also be made available to the free agent market this winter. The first one is catcher Jorge Posada. Posada has only known Yankee Pinstripes and is one of the few players that you honestly cannot picture playing in any other uniform.
The Yankees need to take his situation seriously. He is still in great shape for the stage in his career that he is at. He is very productive- currently hitting .326- and is arguably the best defensive catcher in baseball. Not only will Posada put up steady seasons for another 3-4 years, but he knows what is liek to win and he will be a staple for the Yankees in the postseason.
But the production is not even Posada's most valuable trait. That would be the leadership and toughness that he brings to the clubhouse and the pitching staff. The Bombers are holding on to a few veterans in their starting rotation while they are trying to slowly insert prospects one by one. They need Posada to help Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain take over the Yankee rotation. He will be a great influence for them among the other crop of high-ceiling arms they are stockpiling that are only a year to three years away from the big leagues.
The other piece that is vital to the Yankees success for the next three seasons is closer Mariano Rivera. Rivera will retire as the best closer in postseason history without a doubt. The overall best could be argued, even though it would be tough to take away from Trevor Hoffman since he has the all-time record and is still piling on the saves in San Diego. Rivera is cold as ice when it comes to pitching in October, where the pressure is so great in New York that even Lady Liberty tends to wilt during the span of seven games.
The signing of Rivera wouldn't be such a huge deal if they had a young kid groomed to take over that role for the next decade. The problem is that they don't have any bullpen pieces to take over any role for even the remainder of this season. Farnsworth is at the end of his run and I am not sure how long the Yanks are going to keep running out aging lefthanded specialists in Mike Meyers and Ron Villone.
The only piece that has had any value to the Yankees in front of Rivera is Scott Proctor and he has had his share of problems as well. The Yankees await the emergence of their young prospects, but the majority of them are starters. That is not a bad problem at all because the Yankees will need all of those arms, if not to fill out the rotation, to use as trade bait to address the bullpen issue.
These are only a few things that George Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman will be forced to face this winter. As big a deal as Alex Rodriguez is being made out to be, he is not the biggest concern. The Yankees can replace a power bat, as they have used their bottomless pockets to do so plenty of times in the past. If winning championships is really in the cards for Steinbrenner's club in the near future, they need to lock up the heart and sole that has shown the city nothing but winning. That begins with Posada and Rivera, who only know how to wear Yankee pinstripes.
Young Phenoms Squaring Off
It is the first night back of Major League acrtion since the All-Star break, much like the first night home from a long vacation. A great sense of comfort and familiarity brings you back to the place where summer nights are written. That is baseball, and this is America's pastime, so lets start off the second half with a bang.
There may be no bigger fan than me of great pitching matchups, especially if it is two young talents going at it. Nothing is better than seeing the players that will be the face of baseball for the next fifteen years.
Tonight in Seattle, the Detroit Tigers and Mariners are beginning their series with Andrew Miller on the hill for Detroit and Felix Hernandez throwing for the M's. I am writing this as I watch Miller effortlessly bring mid-90's heat to the inside and outside corners. Mix in that vicious, Randy-Johnson like slider, and it truly is a stroke of beauty.
The Tigers have the advantage as it is 2-0 in the bottom of the third inning. We have this perception that power must come from a big frame, with a lot of muscle and a big arm. It may be so that most power pitchers are on the bigger side, but they don't have to be and it isn't their extra weight that is allowing them to throw the hell out of a 5 oz. baseball.
Tonight we get to see power and dominance in two very different forms. With Hernandez, you get a big frame that is also very thick. Every pitcher must get their power from their legs, because the arm simply is incapable of delivering that much force. Felix will pump his fastball up the high-90's, but it may be his breaking ball that is his best pitch. The thing is down right nasty, and throwing that in the mid-80's is pretty unfair to say the least. But the thing that stands out about Hernandez, is I simply see a little extra effort being used in his delivery. He really gets after it with the upper body instead of allowing his big lower half to do the work. But I am not one to critique Major League pitchers, so I will do what I normally do which is sit back and marvel at his ability.
With Miller, you get the tall lanky frame and whip like arm. It is obvious that Miller is much more explosive, which creates his enormous velocity. This kid is special and it all comes out so fluid. The ball seems to come out of his hand possessed as it explodes by the hitter and through the strike zone. This should be on the of the games we look back on as a great matchup. Lucky for us, there should be many more like it to come.
There may be no bigger fan than me of great pitching matchups, especially if it is two young talents going at it. Nothing is better than seeing the players that will be the face of baseball for the next fifteen years.
Tonight in Seattle, the Detroit Tigers and Mariners are beginning their series with Andrew Miller on the hill for Detroit and Felix Hernandez throwing for the M's. I am writing this as I watch Miller effortlessly bring mid-90's heat to the inside and outside corners. Mix in that vicious, Randy-Johnson like slider, and it truly is a stroke of beauty.
The Tigers have the advantage as it is 2-0 in the bottom of the third inning. We have this perception that power must come from a big frame, with a lot of muscle and a big arm. It may be so that most power pitchers are on the bigger side, but they don't have to be and it isn't their extra weight that is allowing them to throw the hell out of a 5 oz. baseball.
Tonight we get to see power and dominance in two very different forms. With Hernandez, you get a big frame that is also very thick. Every pitcher must get their power from their legs, because the arm simply is incapable of delivering that much force. Felix will pump his fastball up the high-90's, but it may be his breaking ball that is his best pitch. The thing is down right nasty, and throwing that in the mid-80's is pretty unfair to say the least. But the thing that stands out about Hernandez, is I simply see a little extra effort being used in his delivery. He really gets after it with the upper body instead of allowing his big lower half to do the work. But I am not one to critique Major League pitchers, so I will do what I normally do which is sit back and marvel at his ability.
With Miller, you get the tall lanky frame and whip like arm. It is obvious that Miller is much more explosive, which creates his enormous velocity. This kid is special and it all comes out so fluid. The ball seems to come out of his hand possessed as it explodes by the hitter and through the strike zone. This should be on the of the games we look back on as a great matchup. Lucky for us, there should be many more like it to come.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Tulowitzki Quietly Making Mark
The Colorado Rockies are filled with young talent which is finally graduating from a rich farm system. No young player is more important in that organization than rookie shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. Tulowitzki, drafted 7th overall in 2005 out of Long Beach State, has been in the middle of Colorado's emergence in the National League West.
The Rockies only sit 5 1/2 games behind the San Diego Padres, and much of that is attributed to the young core which is about all the city can hang onto now as Todd Helton is really the only meaningful veteran. But that is great news for Rockies fans. Tulowitzki is a leader and will be the face of the organization for many years to come. When you think of Colorado, Helton still is the first one to come to mind, but he really is not the core of this team any longer. That belongs to Tulowitzki, Matt Holliday, and Catcher Chris Iannetta.
The Rockies have usually been deep into the loss column by now and are often overlooked since they haven't made a difference in any playoff race in recent years. The West Coast teams already struggle to get their attention on a national scale, but there is something to be excited about in Colorado that has not yet been brought to the surface. The Rockies are for real, and they are run by the young, energetic blood in the organization.
Tulowirtzki is quietly batting .286 at the all-star break after overcoming some early season struggles. His 9 homeruns and 38 rbi are more than Ichiro Suzuki can show for, and that is a man who is about to sign a 9-figure contract. Granted the batting average doesn't match up, but Tulowitzki's 50 runs are not too shabby either. This guy is not a burner and will be asked to drive in runs more than score them.
The reality is that the rookie will hit .300, hit 25-30 homeruns, drive in and score over 100 runs a year. That is all on the offensive side without even mentioning his glove.
Tulowitzki does not have the range as, say, Derek Jeter, but he makes all routine plays with ease and has a cannon. Balls in the hole and up the middle will not be difficult for him to catch, plant, and gun down runners at first. There hasn't been much talk about this guy in the rookie of the year race for the NL, but I will venture to say that he will bring home the award this year.
If Colorado can add some pitching depth behind Jeff Francis, this team would have the makings to be very good and young for quite a few years. We all know about the pitching staff in San Diego, and the Russell Martin-led attack in Los Angeles, but don't close the books on this ballclub in Denver just yet. Their shortstop won't let it happen.
The Rockies only sit 5 1/2 games behind the San Diego Padres, and much of that is attributed to the young core which is about all the city can hang onto now as Todd Helton is really the only meaningful veteran. But that is great news for Rockies fans. Tulowitzki is a leader and will be the face of the organization for many years to come. When you think of Colorado, Helton still is the first one to come to mind, but he really is not the core of this team any longer. That belongs to Tulowitzki, Matt Holliday, and Catcher Chris Iannetta.
The Rockies have usually been deep into the loss column by now and are often overlooked since they haven't made a difference in any playoff race in recent years. The West Coast teams already struggle to get their attention on a national scale, but there is something to be excited about in Colorado that has not yet been brought to the surface. The Rockies are for real, and they are run by the young, energetic blood in the organization.
Tulowirtzki is quietly batting .286 at the all-star break after overcoming some early season struggles. His 9 homeruns and 38 rbi are more than Ichiro Suzuki can show for, and that is a man who is about to sign a 9-figure contract. Granted the batting average doesn't match up, but Tulowitzki's 50 runs are not too shabby either. This guy is not a burner and will be asked to drive in runs more than score them.
The reality is that the rookie will hit .300, hit 25-30 homeruns, drive in and score over 100 runs a year. That is all on the offensive side without even mentioning his glove.
Tulowitzki does not have the range as, say, Derek Jeter, but he makes all routine plays with ease and has a cannon. Balls in the hole and up the middle will not be difficult for him to catch, plant, and gun down runners at first. There hasn't been much talk about this guy in the rookie of the year race for the NL, but I will venture to say that he will bring home the award this year.
If Colorado can add some pitching depth behind Jeff Francis, this team would have the makings to be very good and young for quite a few years. We all know about the pitching staff in San Diego, and the Russell Martin-led attack in Los Angeles, but don't close the books on this ballclub in Denver just yet. Their shortstop won't let it happen.
Free Agent Crop Thinning Out
Every day it now it seems as if another big name is coming off the free agent market. With reports indicating that Ichiro Suzuki and the Seattle Mariners are close to reaching a 5 year deal worth around $100 million dollars, the all of the sudden potential wealth of outfielder is coming down to one man. This winter is going to be the Torii Hunter Show. If Ichiro is demanding $20 million for five years, who knows what kind of money will be thrown Hunter's way.
Hunter will produce much more with the bat than Ichiro will. Take into account the stolen base edge that Ichiro has over Hunter, which is only 23 to 11, and that does not outweigh the homeruns and rbi's that Hunter brings to the table. I think it is almost impossible to choose a side when it comes to defense because both are spectacular and the Gold Glove for centerfield will be a toss up.
With Andrew Jones struggling mightly in Atlanta, his stock is dropping daily. So when it comes down to it, is somebody going to throw $120 million at Torii Hunter? It is obvious the Twins cannot match that type of money, but at this rate, how much of a home-town discount would be reasonable? If Torii Hunter's market value is $110 million or more, I don't think he can drop that price down enough to match an offer from Minnesota.
Andrew Jones will still get substantial money in the scheme of things, but it will not be what Ichiro or Hunter will be getting. Jones is a perennial all-star struggling in his walk year. That is all there is to it. But baseball is a business and it is too bad for Jones' sake that this year will be the one that is heavily looked at, and not his productive seasons before.
It will be quite an intense bidding war over Hunter since many teams are looking for that impact bat, with defense usually coming in second. With Hunter you get both, and that is why I am led to believe that his asking price may be outrageous. I don't want to say Soriano money just for the sake of jaws dropping like they did when that deal hit the news, but I wouldn't be surprised if he gets close to that.
The other huge name could also be off the market due to a contract extension, and that is Alex Rodriguez. Reports say that the Yankees are willing to work out an extension to his original 10-year deal, given that Rodriguez does not exercise his opt-out clause after the season. Unless Rodriguez has been continually lying, you have to believe that he really wants to stay in New York and bring a championship back to the Bronx.
The Yankees udoubtedly have the money to get any deal done that they want since they use the New York market to their advantage year after year. Alex Rodriguez will demand at least the $25 million a year he got in his contract with Texas, but that figure will probably be raised to around $30 million a year, especailly after the season he is having right now. But in the end, I believe that he will work out a deal with New York because I feel like he for once fits in there and that he truly wants to win in pinstripes. Of course, 30 homeruns and 86 rbi's at the all-star break will help any player fit in to any city.
Hunter will produce much more with the bat than Ichiro will. Take into account the stolen base edge that Ichiro has over Hunter, which is only 23 to 11, and that does not outweigh the homeruns and rbi's that Hunter brings to the table. I think it is almost impossible to choose a side when it comes to defense because both are spectacular and the Gold Glove for centerfield will be a toss up.
With Andrew Jones struggling mightly in Atlanta, his stock is dropping daily. So when it comes down to it, is somebody going to throw $120 million at Torii Hunter? It is obvious the Twins cannot match that type of money, but at this rate, how much of a home-town discount would be reasonable? If Torii Hunter's market value is $110 million or more, I don't think he can drop that price down enough to match an offer from Minnesota.
Andrew Jones will still get substantial money in the scheme of things, but it will not be what Ichiro or Hunter will be getting. Jones is a perennial all-star struggling in his walk year. That is all there is to it. But baseball is a business and it is too bad for Jones' sake that this year will be the one that is heavily looked at, and not his productive seasons before.
It will be quite an intense bidding war over Hunter since many teams are looking for that impact bat, with defense usually coming in second. With Hunter you get both, and that is why I am led to believe that his asking price may be outrageous. I don't want to say Soriano money just for the sake of jaws dropping like they did when that deal hit the news, but I wouldn't be surprised if he gets close to that.
The other huge name could also be off the market due to a contract extension, and that is Alex Rodriguez. Reports say that the Yankees are willing to work out an extension to his original 10-year deal, given that Rodriguez does not exercise his opt-out clause after the season. Unless Rodriguez has been continually lying, you have to believe that he really wants to stay in New York and bring a championship back to the Bronx.
The Yankees udoubtedly have the money to get any deal done that they want since they use the New York market to their advantage year after year. Alex Rodriguez will demand at least the $25 million a year he got in his contract with Texas, but that figure will probably be raised to around $30 million a year, especailly after the season he is having right now. But in the end, I believe that he will work out a deal with New York because I feel like he for once fits in there and that he truly wants to win in pinstripes. Of course, 30 homeruns and 86 rbi's at the all-star break will help any player fit in to any city.
Monday, July 9, 2007
What To Do...
For all of us baseball lifers who center many of our days around watching Johan Santana carve up another major league lineup, or Alex Rodriguez launch beautiful tape-measure shots to right-center field, or even just the pure enjoyment of the oppossing team helping out a grounds crew (a la Philadelphia Phillies at Coors Field), the All-Star break can be quite a down time. Yes, we have the Homerun Derby, which by the way is never quite as entertaining as you think it is going to be. Yet for some reason we still keep looking forward to the next one with just as much anticipation. Why? That is baseball at its best and it keeps giving us opportunities to be excited about. The All-Star game is great for the fans and is the best way to showcase the amazing talents that fill the game, but it too is a little on the downer side. Nothing can match the day-to-day battles that we get to enjoy which some would call meaningless games in the middle of a gruelingly long schedule. That is where the passion takes over and pulls you in to enjoy the stories unfold during game 73 of 162. So with that I truly know what the rest of you baseball fanatics are feeling right now. Three days of no real game action feels like a life time. So to pass the time, here are just some thoughts during the break:
Honestly, I am ready for Barry Bonds to break this record so we all can move on and focus more attention on the other things in the game that are deserving. This is a big record, I know, I get it. But it isn't my fault that I am a little tired of the coverage when it seems like the countdown to Aaron's record started around 700. There needs to be a great celebration when he breaks it because it is that huge. It is a great accomplishment, one that will stand only until Alex Rodriguez decides which number he wants to set the new record at. The fact that the media is now spending the majority of the day debating whether it is right or wrong for Barry Bonds to be in the homerun derby blows my mind as well. Sure I would love to see it and it would be a great thing. But he is not going to do it. I wish players would just say that they are not interested in doing it and that they really are resting naggin injuries. Using age and fatigue are just excuses, even if they are somewhat valid. Lets hail Barry Bonds on the night he ties and breaks the homerun record, and then lets focus our energy to creating new stories.
I am excited that Matt Holliday was chosen to round out the Homerun Derby field. This guy is one of the most exciting players in baseball in my opinion and is truly becoming one of the best hitters. He hits for power and average and can launch balls out of any part of a baseball field. He is simply country strong, and his party isn't being ruined by steroid allegations. Those might just well come though when he hits 50 homers a year which he is capable of doing. It is sad that our society has come to that type of questioning when an amazing talent comes through. But nonetheless, I love this guy and the way he plays the game, and am thrilled to see him be in the spotlight tonight. He deserves it.
The White Sox finally came to their senses and worked out a deal to keep Mark Buehrle in Chicago for another four years. It is refreshing to see a player like Mark Buehrle handle negotiations the way he did. There is no reason to believe that Buehrle couldn't of gotten a contract around $100 million if he opten for free agency the way the market is booming right now. But for a man who is entering the prime of his career to admit that he is happy where he is and is willing to take a huge paycut to give his home team a chance to keep him around is a great thing to see. Buehrle may have lost out in the total dollar amount on paper, but when it comes down to it, he really didn't lose out on anything. There is no proper price take for happiness and being comfortable agt a home that you enjoy. For some reason, that always takes a backseat to the total dollar number these days. Players are willing to pack up their families and move to a brand new city in order to get more millions. That is their choice, and I understand it is a business. But it is great to see someone recognize all that he does have that money cannot buy. $56 million is a ton of money. Nobody needs upwards of $100 million. Mark Buehrle understands this and kudos to him for appreciating the life that he has been given and placing his family ahead of the dollar sign.
That will do it for now since there is no need to beat any more subjects into the ground. I will just have to endure this three day break like the rest of the baseball world. Man, this is going to be tough.
Honestly, I am ready for Barry Bonds to break this record so we all can move on and focus more attention on the other things in the game that are deserving. This is a big record, I know, I get it. But it isn't my fault that I am a little tired of the coverage when it seems like the countdown to Aaron's record started around 700. There needs to be a great celebration when he breaks it because it is that huge. It is a great accomplishment, one that will stand only until Alex Rodriguez decides which number he wants to set the new record at. The fact that the media is now spending the majority of the day debating whether it is right or wrong for Barry Bonds to be in the homerun derby blows my mind as well. Sure I would love to see it and it would be a great thing. But he is not going to do it. I wish players would just say that they are not interested in doing it and that they really are resting naggin injuries. Using age and fatigue are just excuses, even if they are somewhat valid. Lets hail Barry Bonds on the night he ties and breaks the homerun record, and then lets focus our energy to creating new stories.
I am excited that Matt Holliday was chosen to round out the Homerun Derby field. This guy is one of the most exciting players in baseball in my opinion and is truly becoming one of the best hitters. He hits for power and average and can launch balls out of any part of a baseball field. He is simply country strong, and his party isn't being ruined by steroid allegations. Those might just well come though when he hits 50 homers a year which he is capable of doing. It is sad that our society has come to that type of questioning when an amazing talent comes through. But nonetheless, I love this guy and the way he plays the game, and am thrilled to see him be in the spotlight tonight. He deserves it.
The White Sox finally came to their senses and worked out a deal to keep Mark Buehrle in Chicago for another four years. It is refreshing to see a player like Mark Buehrle handle negotiations the way he did. There is no reason to believe that Buehrle couldn't of gotten a contract around $100 million if he opten for free agency the way the market is booming right now. But for a man who is entering the prime of his career to admit that he is happy where he is and is willing to take a huge paycut to give his home team a chance to keep him around is a great thing to see. Buehrle may have lost out in the total dollar amount on paper, but when it comes down to it, he really didn't lose out on anything. There is no proper price take for happiness and being comfortable agt a home that you enjoy. For some reason, that always takes a backseat to the total dollar number these days. Players are willing to pack up their families and move to a brand new city in order to get more millions. That is their choice, and I understand it is a business. But it is great to see someone recognize all that he does have that money cannot buy. $56 million is a ton of money. Nobody needs upwards of $100 million. Mark Buehrle understands this and kudos to him for appreciating the life that he has been given and placing his family ahead of the dollar sign.
That will do it for now since there is no need to beat any more subjects into the ground. I will just have to endure this three day break like the rest of the baseball world. Man, this is going to be tough.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Interesting Derby Field
With the annual Homerun Derby just around the corner, it is time to make our wishes for the Derby field, and then come to the realization that our wishes will never come true. Each year possesses a great selection of potential sluggers, only for the majority of them to opt out of competing in order to take the opportunity to rest. That is their decision and one that we can't techincally hold against them, but fans do sure get a little bitter over it. Wouldn't it be great to see Ken Griffey Jr. against Barry Bonds in the final of the Derby? What a story it would be for Bond's to win the Derby in San Francisco and then go and break the all-tim homerun record on the same field in a week. That isn't going to happen, so it is time to get over it. There still are some good players to be excited about this year though.
Prince Fielder will be put on the national spotlight for the first time and will take his National League leading 27 homeruns(as of 7/6/07) to San Francisco to compete for the Derby. This is a whole lot of man this Prince Fielder, and as the game does have huge, powerful sluggers, I am hesitant to believe that even Ryan Howard or anybody else has more raw power than this guy. Pair him with defending champ Ryan Howard, and McCovey Cove should be getting a lions share of homerun balls.
Justin Morneau of the Twins will put on a show, I believe, and he is my pick to take home the championship. The lefty from Minnesota possesses huge power to all fields, and it appears as if the ball jumps off his bat with minimal effort. The most efficient way to do well in this contest is to not have to change much from a player's original swing. Morneau has plenty of lift and plenty of strength to launch ball after ball into the seats. He doesn't need to change a thing. I have a feeling he will be able to calm himself and find a groove, while I see Prince swinging for the Golden Gate Bridge. I am not saying that is a bad thing, because after all, the Derby is completely for entertainment purposes.
The most interesting selection of them all is Vladimir Guerrero of the Angels. Guerrero could be the most gifted hitter in all of baseball as nobody has the talent he has when it comes to consistently hitting balls hard, extremely hard, and especially when they are out of the strike zone. An ankle-high fastball down and in might as well be belt-high and down the middle as both often land over the wall. As amazing a hitter as he is, I think Vlad is going to struggle in this competition due to his uncommon style. Vlad thrives off of hitting anything close to the strike zone. It's more amazing because nobody else in the game can do it like him. That is based purely on instincts and is not something that he can adjust for the Homerun Derby. He might be able to wait for a pitch that is atleast over the plate somewhere, but I don't see Guerrero waiting for a perfect pitch in a perfect spot to hit out of the park. The reason is that Guerrero doesn't have a perfect spot. The STRIKE ZONE is his favorite location. An interesting one to watch nonetheless.
Prince Fielder will be put on the national spotlight for the first time and will take his National League leading 27 homeruns(as of 7/6/07) to San Francisco to compete for the Derby. This is a whole lot of man this Prince Fielder, and as the game does have huge, powerful sluggers, I am hesitant to believe that even Ryan Howard or anybody else has more raw power than this guy. Pair him with defending champ Ryan Howard, and McCovey Cove should be getting a lions share of homerun balls.
Justin Morneau of the Twins will put on a show, I believe, and he is my pick to take home the championship. The lefty from Minnesota possesses huge power to all fields, and it appears as if the ball jumps off his bat with minimal effort. The most efficient way to do well in this contest is to not have to change much from a player's original swing. Morneau has plenty of lift and plenty of strength to launch ball after ball into the seats. He doesn't need to change a thing. I have a feeling he will be able to calm himself and find a groove, while I see Prince swinging for the Golden Gate Bridge. I am not saying that is a bad thing, because after all, the Derby is completely for entertainment purposes.
The most interesting selection of them all is Vladimir Guerrero of the Angels. Guerrero could be the most gifted hitter in all of baseball as nobody has the talent he has when it comes to consistently hitting balls hard, extremely hard, and especially when they are out of the strike zone. An ankle-high fastball down and in might as well be belt-high and down the middle as both often land over the wall. As amazing a hitter as he is, I think Vlad is going to struggle in this competition due to his uncommon style. Vlad thrives off of hitting anything close to the strike zone. It's more amazing because nobody else in the game can do it like him. That is based purely on instincts and is not something that he can adjust for the Homerun Derby. He might be able to wait for a pitch that is atleast over the plate somewhere, but I don't see Guerrero waiting for a perfect pitch in a perfect spot to hit out of the park. The reason is that Guerrero doesn't have a perfect spot. The STRIKE ZONE is his favorite location. An interesting one to watch nonetheless.
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