Bleacher Report - Articles by Kale Tunnessen

Jeter Plunked, Yanks Debunked: Joe Girardi says, "That Was Ugly"

Kale Tunnessen — Tue, 20 May 2008 17:19:58 -0400

Quite frankly, Joe, that was ugly.

On a day of high hopes—the day of A-Rod's return—the Yankees needed all the help they could get.

Tuesday's game against the Orioles began with Mike Mussina being replaced by former Princeton standout, Ross Ohlendorf, after two-thirds of an inning in which Moose gave up seven runs (one earned).

The Yankees gave up two more runs in the second, then lost Derek Jeter in the third when he was hit in the hand by a Daniel Cabrera fastball. X-rays were negative, and Jeter is day-to-day.

Later, in the sixth, after seeing how ugly the game was already, and realizing there wasn't anything better to do, LaTroy Hawkins decided to throw fastballs at Luke Scott's head in his attempt to avenge Jeter's injury.

As you would probably expect from this stellar Yankee pitching staff, Hawkins missed with both pitches.

Both benches cleared, but when the O's saw Giambi with his jersey off and his gold thong sticking out the top of his pants, they decided to back off. No punches were thrown.

A-Rod would later homer, and Giambi ended up going 2-3 (I wonder why), but the Yankees still ended up losing 12-2 to the surging Orioles.

The Yanks play Baltimore again on Wednesday. The game starts at 7:05, which gives the Yankees about 20 hours to find whatever else is buried at Yankee Stadium before the whole team starts wearing sparkly lingerie.

Do The Yankees Miss Joe Torre...And Maybe Even George Steinbrenner?

Kale Tunnessen — Mon, 19 May 2008 17:54:19 -0400

Last year, the Dodgers finished fourth (behind the Padres) in the NL West. The Yankees finished with 94 wins in the AL East, second only to the eventual World Series Champions.

As of right now, the Yankees still have one of the most potent offenses in all of baseball, and what should be one of the premier pitching rotations. That being said, they are currently last in their division, while the Dodgers are second in theirs—behind only the best team in baseball.

So, what's changed?

Well, I do recall Joe Torre turning down a ludicrous offer and setting up shop in LA. Then, at around the same time, Hank Steinbrenner started opening his mouth—more often than he already did—the Yankees hired skipper Joe Girardi instead of Donnie Baseball, who was the absolute perfect fit.

Honestly, Joe Girardi has done a terrible job with the Yankees thus far, while Mr. Torre has done a fine job with a less talented club.

But the real problem is Hank Steinbrenner. His father knew what to say and when to say it (for the most part), and I'd like to think he knew what he was doing most of the time, since he had such a successful career.

But it looks like Hank will always be just distraction. He's already lost any credibility he had from having a successful father. And he never has anything positive, let alone insightful, to say. His job consists mostly of calling people out in public and destroying the Yankees' morale.

I love it. I love it. I love it.

And yes, the Yankees have had injuries, but so has every other team. They also have the players and money to fill in what they need. There's no excuse for being in last place, even this early in the season.

Also, someone commented on my other Hank Steinbrenner article before I had it deleted and re-published. He was saying I couldn't call Hank ignorant because the Yankees have won 26 World Series.

Well, first of all, that's totally irrelevant. And second, what exactly did Hank have to do with those championships? And what have the Yankees done since he's had any power whatsoever?

If you somehow have any other response other than nothing, please post it below.

MLB Debate: The Greatest Hitters Of All Time

Kale Tunnessen — Mon, 19 May 2008 11:45:43 -0400

Below is my attempt to identify the nine greatest hitters of all time. I thought about making it a nice round ten, but there should never be ten hitters aloud to hit for one team—the EH, that's ridiculous.

I did not include any current players, so there very well could be someone on your television right now that you think deserves to be on my list. That is another list for another time. So I guess this is really my attempt to identify the nine greatest hitters of all time who haven't picked up a bat in at least 30 years. At least we can assume that none of the players were too juiced up.

The main statistics I used to organize this list were H, R, HR, RBI, BB, BA, and OBP—all of which I averaged over a 162 game season. I know it's not perfect, but at least the numbers will be consistent for everyone. I also tried to factor in the era in which they played by comparing each players stats to other dominant hitters during the same era.

Well, here is the list. Feel free to chime in with any comments or questions.

1. Babe Ruth

As closed-minded as it my sound, I will never listen to an argument that involves someone other than Babe Ruth being the greatest hitter of all time. Anyone who argues this point is obviously just trying to sound educated, while proving they know nothing about baseball. Ruth is King. No matter how much you hate the Yankees, or think he was a fat son of a bitch (which he wasn't), one cannot deny how great he really was.

162 Game Averages:

BA: .342 OBP: .474 H: 186 R: 141 HR: 46 RBI: 143 BB: 133

2. Lou Gehrig

Lou Gehrig was a guy who was always being overshadowed by the greatest of greats, while he continued to put up phenomenal numbers of his own. When comparing Gehrig's seven statistical categories against those of Babe Ruth, it's unbelievable how similar they are.

He was also overshadowed in 1934, when he won the triple crown with Ruth on his team, yet failed to win the American League MVP. It was given to Mickey Cochrane of the Detroit Tigers.

162 Game Averages

BA: .340 OBP: .447 H: 204 R: 141 HR: 37 RBI: 149 BB: 11

3. Ted Williams

We all know that Teddy Ballgame was the last player to hit .400 in a season. He was also one of only two players to win the triple crown twice—the other being Rogers Hornsby.

Maybe more importantly, during his Hall-of-Fame speech in 1966, Williams was quoted as saying, "I've been a very lucky guy to have worn a baseball uniform, and I hope some day the names of Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson in some way can be added as a symbol of the great Negro players, who are not here only because they weren't given a chance." This statement is now regarded as one of the bigger steps taken to ultimately include deserving Negro League players into Cooperstown

162 Game Averages

BA: .344 OBP: .482 H: 188 R: 127 HR: 37 RBI: 130 BB: 14

4. Rogers Hornsby

This is where it gets difficult. Cobb and Jackson could just as easily be placed at number four without much of an argument from me. I think the fact that Hornsby was a right-handed hitter helped his cause a little bit, simply because the game favors lefties so much.

I'm sure some of you will try to tell me that Jimmie Foxx was the greatest right-handed hitter of all time—and maybe he was, but also keep in mind that Hornsby was a second baseman hitting 22 home runs a year (162 game avg.) all throughout the 20s, which I think is pretty absurd.

162 Game Averages

BA: .358 OBP: .434 H: 210 R: 113 HR: 22 RBI: 114 BB: 74

5. Ty Cobb

Ty Cobb was one of the first five inductees into Cooperstown. He received the highest percentage of votes (98.2) in a class that included Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson, and Walter Johnson. He also still holds the record for career batting average at .366.

No one can deny that Cobb was probably the meanest, most racist ballplayer to ever play the game. Just don't forget that he was also very good at hitting a baseball.

162 Game Averages:

BA: .366 OBP: .433 H: 224 R: 120 HR: 6 RBI: 103 BB: 67

6. Joe Jackson

Shoeless Joe Jackson was involved in one of the most disappointing stories in baseball history. Because of this, he will probably never be elected to the Hall, and we'll never know how great his numbers could have been. However, during the period in which he did play, his numbers were spectacular, placing him at number six on this list.

162 Game Averages:

BA: .356 OBP: .423 H: 216 R: 106 HR: 7 RBI: 95 BB: 63

7. Jimmie Foxx

At 32 years, 336 days, Jimmie Foxx is second only to Alex Rodriguez on the list of youngest players to reach 500 home runs. He is a rare breed of power hitter that also has a career BA of .325. It's a shame his name isn't mentioned more with the Gehrigs, DiMaggios, and Mays of the world. This is another name that could definitely be higher on the list.

162 Game Averages:

BA: .325 OBP: .428 H: 185 R: 122 HR: 37 RBI 134 BB: 102

8. Joe DiMaggio

Joe DiMaggio got a hit in 56 straight baseball games. That stat alone gets him on this list. The Yankee Clipper was the most graceful player to ever play the game. He was an offensive machine that was just as talented in center field. Sometimes people see Joe as such an iconic figure because of his relationship with Marilyn Monroe, as well as his New York persona, that they forget how awesome his numbers really were.

162 Game Averages:

BA: .325 OBP: .398 H: 207 R: 130 HR: 34 RBI: 143 BB: 74

9. Stan Musial

As much as I would have liked to put Stan higher on the list, I think number nine is perfect. One of my favorite players, and the greatest to ever wear a Cardinal uniform, Stan the Man will go down as one of the nicest men ever. He was also a bangin' baseball player.

162. Game Averages:

BA: .331 OBP: .417 H: 194 R: 104 HR: 25 RBI: 104 BB: 86

Well, that's it. Let me know what you think.

Paul Pierce Lifts Boston to Game Seven Victory over Cleveland Cavaliers

Kale Tunnessen — Sun, 18 May 2008 13:32:00 -0400

LeBron James scored 45 points against the Celtics Sunday—only to be outhustled and outplayed by Paul Pierce. Pierce was stellar in the 97-92 victory, in which he scored 41 points.

In a night where Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Rajon Rondo combined to go 10-30 from the floor, one could have easily made the case that Paul Pierce was the best player on the court. Matching LeBron's every move, Pierce was doing everything from draining threes in James' face to knocking down clutch free throws—not to mention outhustling LeBron James to recover a loose ball, in what turned out to be a pivotal moment for the Celtics.

P.J. Brown, who has been known to be a great mentor to younger players, showed that he can still have an impact on a championship-caliber team such as the Celtics. He was one of only three players on the team to score in double figures, but his biggest contribution was a 21-foot jump shot to put the Celtics up three with less than 90 seconds remaining.

Eddie House also provided a much-needed spark off the bench that helped the Celtics regain their focus. He ended the game with only four points, but added an assist, a block, a steal, a rebound, and the energy Boston needed to get past the Cavs.

LeBron's 45 points were actually the fourth-most in the history of NBA Game Sevens, but the Celtics will be the team to host Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals. They will be playing a veteran Piston team that—unlike the Celtics—has been playing together for a good five years.

The only upside for the C's is that Detroit's point guard, Chauncey Billups, will be nursing a strained right hamstring. I will admit it's not much of an upside when an All-Star player is returning to the line-up, but let's try to stay positive.

Houston Astros: Is Lance Berkman a Future Hall-of-Famer?

Kale Tunnessen — Sat, 17 May 2008 23:03:20 -0400

First of all, should I be comparing Berkman's stats with those of Hall of Fame first basemen or outfielders? Lately, he's been playing mostly first base for the Astros, but he has also played a great deal of left and right field in the past. Maybe this versatility will help him if his numbers happen to fall a little short.

Berkman is only 32, but will likely reach 300 home runs before season's end. He will also be on the verge of 1,500 hits and 1,000 RBI. According to the Bill James Handbook, James has projected Berkman's final stats to resemble something to the effect of 2449/446/.293/.410 (H, HR, BA, OBP).

Only seven other players have ended their career with 2,400 hits, 400 home runs, and a .400+ OBP. These players are: Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle, Jimmie Foxx, Stan Musial, and Mel Ott. Granted, Berkman is at the very bottom of this list in nearly every category. And these are only projections; Berkman's career is barely half over.

Lance was never an outstanding fielder, though not a bad one. And we all know 400 home runs aren't what they used to be. This certainly isn't going to change when it comes time for him to appear on the ballot. But Berkman is a switch hitter, not unlike another player I recently wrote about, which also adds to his versatility aspect. I mean, a manager never has to worry about a big righty, or a nasty lefty coming in to shut him down.

If nothing else, it could be his stylish second-place finish at the 2004 Home Run Derby that gains him access to Cooperstown. Or maybe just the fact that he didn't do steroids. Or maybe he won't even get in. Tell me what you think, people!

Spygate's Matt Walsh: "Whine, Whine, Whine"

Kale Tunnessen — Sat, 17 May 2008 21:31:21 -0400

I could watch the clip of Bill Belichick responding to questions about Matt Walsh during his CBS interview until my eyes bleed. I think it's hilarious.

I still have no idea what Belichick says, because all I hear is "I am a genius. I have won more Super Bowls than Matt Walsh will probably ever attend. And no matter what he claims our intent to be. He can't prove anything, which only further cements the fact that I am so much smarter than everyone else."

I just wish Walsh would realize this. Maybe he does; maybe he knows he's not getting anywhere and he just wants his 15 minutes. Either way, he sounds like that kid in third grade who reports everyone's wrongdoings because no one will hang out with him.

Enough is enough. Belichick is a genius; Matt Walsh is a baby; and I'm not sure what that makes Sen. Arlen Specter, other than embarrassing.

What I do know is that we are not going to learn anything new about spygate. But if people like Matt Walsh and Arlen Specter are going to let us laugh at their stupidity, it will be entertaining nonetheless.

Chipper Jones: Talented Player or Baseball Cyborg?

Kale Tunnessen — Sat, 17 May 2008 20:49:28 -0400

It isn't easy to find a switch-hitting third baseman who's willing to play through injuries and change positions for the good of the team. This is why the Atlanta Braves jumped all over their chance to take Chipper Jones with the first pick of the 1990 draft. In turn, Chipper has played a large part in the Braves' 14 consecutive division titles including a 1995 World Series victory.

Chipper could retire tomorrow and he would still be, without a doubt, one of the greatest third basemen ever to play the game. But after 15 seasons, in which Mr. Jones has totaled over 1,300 RBI, nearly 400 homers, and a career .309 batting average, he is actually playing better than ever.

If Jones hadn't missed that exciting '94 season due to a knee injury, those numbers may be a little more impressive, and he might be playing shortstop. Imagine that.

Chipper still has at least five more good seasons in him, and if he keeps playing like he is now, there's no telling what his final stat sheet will look like. But with Jones, it's always been more about playing the game the way it's supposed to be played.

No one ever hears him complaining about money, the media, or getting thrown out in left field in the middle of his career. He just does what he's supposed to, and he usually does it better than most.

Lenny Dykstra once said, "I think Chipper Jones is not human. I think he's been created by Ted Turner and some scientists," which I think paints a pretty clear picture of Chipper. If Ted Turner were to team up with some scientists to create the perfect baseball player, I imagine he would be a lot like Chipper Jones. He is a calm, consistent, switch hitting Hall of Famer who is willing and able to play almost any position on the field with a smile on his face.