Bleacher Report - Articles by Ed Duffy

The All Class All-Star Team

Ed Duffy — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:42:23 -0400

There is just not enough good news in sports these days. While thinking about All Star snubs and slights , I thought about those players that represent themselves and the game in a way that the fans appreciate. Thus, here is my list of the Class Acts of the game by position. Some of the players are very young and a few are among the games elders at their respective positions, however all exude the class an organization can be proud of. Like any list there is plenty of room for debate, and this is simply one mans opinion but here we go!

Begin Slideshow

Does the All-Star Game Matter Anymore?

Ed Duffy — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:41:25 -0400

It used to be, sometime many years ago, baseball’s All-Star Game actually meant something.

The winning and losing I mean; players really played, really cared about beating the other league. It was a true rivalry.

Ask Pete Rose, or Ray Fosse.

Pitchers actually pitched more than an inning. Starters played sometimes the entire game, and if not played the majority of the game.

Really, it’s true. You could look it up.

In 1967, the game went 15 innings, and the American league used only five pitchers, none of which walked a batter. Imagine that happening in the 2009 All-Star Game?

It was just seven years ago that Joe Torre and Bob Brenly ran out of pitchers after just 11 innings, forcing the game to end in an embarrassing tie.

There are 13 pitchers on each roster this year, while in 1967, the AL had eight and the NL had seven. Catfish Hunter took the loss for the AL that year, when Tony Perez homered in the 11th. Hunter pitched five innings. The AL actually had three pitchers it did not use.

In 1965 Mays, Aaron, Torre, Banks, and Rose played the entire game for the National League. This went on for years.

Think there will bea player who plays the entire game this year?

No way, although I will tell you that with the game being played in St Louis there should be one, Albert Pujols. The problem? There are four first baseman on the roster. Yes, four. Along with Pujols you have Adrian Gonzalez, Ryan Howard, and Prince Fielder.

The American league also has four after Joe Madden decided to add his own Carlos Perez to replace Dustin Pedroia instead of another second baseman, Ian Kinsler whom many thought should have been the choice to start anyway.

The roster size was changed this year to 33 players per side. I bet the managers were not too happy with that. After all, it’s another player that they, as managers are obligated to get in the game.

Many players have All-Star bonuses attached to their contracts. Yes, Alex we will pay you $25 million to play and oh by the way if you are selected to the All-Star team, you get a bonus!

Of course it's difficult to compare different era’s, and I used the 60’s games randomly.

There are many reasons why the game has changed, many of those having to do with money. Do you want your multi-million dollar star hurt playing a full game? Do you want your All-Star pitcher throwing more than an inning or two?

The players themselves have so much more movement these days with the leagues watered down to 30 teams, with free agency, as well as interleague play that the difference between the leagues is minimal. The rivalry is non-existent.

The highlight of the All-Star game isn’t even the game itself anymore; it’s arguably the Home Run Derby the night before, a true example of an exhibition, and although it drags on too long, it’s fun to watch.

Making the winner of the All-Star game getting home field advantage in the World Series has done little to change the game itself.

Maybe those players on teams that are leading or challenging for their respective divisions pay a little more attention, but it certainly has not changed the way managers manage the game. Rarely is the case when a player does not make an appearance.

Is it all so bad? Maybe it's only to those of us who where around to see the game the way it was.

The Dice (K) Are Not Rollin

Ed Duffy — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:49:50 -0400

Daisuke Matsuzaka stunk it up again Friday night against the Braves and, in affect, pitched himself out of the Red Sox rotation.

The Sox announced Saturday that Dice K would not make his next scheduled start, which would have come Thursday.

Instead John Smoltz will make his first Red Sox start against the Nationals.

Matsuzaka underwent an MRI Saturday, and, while the news was good in terms of structural damage, the Sox said there was some “weakness,” and therefore Dice K will be shelved on the disabled list for the time being.

Francona again brought up the WBC and thinks that Dice K having to “ramp up” so early in the year is the main cause of his poor performance.

But is it?

Maybe it’s more than that. Maybe the WBC played a part, but maybe the problem lies more between Dice K’s ears, meaning his confidence in his own ability to pitch like he has in the past.

Theories abound.

One of those is that it is in the third year that Japanese pitchers slide, pointing to the careers of Hideki Irabu, Kaz Ishi, Hideo Nomo, and Masato Toshii.

When he first arrived, Matsuzaka could get the fastball up in the 97-mph range. Lately, it averages around 91-92, with the occasional 94 that usually is no where near the strike zone.

Instead of the confident power pitcher we saw early in year one, we now see a nibbler lucky to get to the fifth inning before he reaches 100 pitches.

Francona has said this will not be a mere 15-day DL, that it would be a “long road” to try and get Dice K back to where he once was.

Fortunately, the Red Sox have depth in starting pitching, more than any other organization at this point.

Accordingly, this will enable them to take their time in getting Matsuzaka the treatment they feel is necessary, whatever that may be.

The program to strengthen the shoulder the Red Sox use has certainly helped Brad Penny, who said that had he not signed with the Red Sox and undergone their program, he probably would not be pitching.

In any case, Matsuzaka is under contract through the 2012 season, and it remains to be seen if he will be able to come back and become an important cog again in the Boston rotation.

The NBA: The Way They Were

Ed Duffy — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 11:39:49 -0400

It’s inevitable. As you sports fans age, you will look back on your youth and feel the teams of that era were much better than those of the current era.

Personally the NBA is where I look most. Growing up a Boston Celtics fan, I was spoiled.

There was championship after championship.

There were great stars, of course. Russell, Havlicek, Cowens, Jones, White, and the list goes on.

But it was the teamwork, the fundamental basketball, the unselfish play that I remember so well, and for the most part do not see today.

Obviously the players of today have more natural ability. They are bigger, stronger, faster, jump higher, etc.

They also have so many more advantages the players of the '60s and '70s did not have.

First of all, they don’t need a second job to earn a living. Now, I’m sure a lot of the 20-something’s are wondering what I’m even talking about here.

Yes, they had offseason jobs. They did not make the millions that even the scrubs make today.

Coaching staffs? What staff? The head coach in many cases was not only the only coach—he was the GM, the head scout, the marketing director, and the CFO.

Personal trainers? No.

Nutritionists? The term wasn’t even heard of.

Film sessions? You mean a movie after the game, right?

And yet, this simple game just doesn’t seem the same. Teams today are dominated usually by one star in which the entire game is built around.

Gimme the ball fellas, and get out of the way. Oh, and by the way, if I drive to the hoop I’m going to get fouled anyway. Whether there is one or not.

In the old days most teams had an enforcer; mostly it was the big guy in the middle. You want to come down the lane? You will pay.

A 20 point lead back in the day? Game over. No comebacks from that. Today? It seems like an every other game occurrence. This leads too many hoop fans I know to say, "we just watch the fourth quarter."

ESPN? Huh? Maybe the local news had 15 seconds of highlights. And it sure as heck wasn’t a highlight of a jam with the team up by 20 and then a pic of the jammer pounding his chest.

In those days, you pounded your chest, you got hammered next time down the court.

But, in those days you didn’t do it. There was more respect for the opposition, more humility, more focus on the game.

It was much more about team. Not about me.

This is not to say today’s players don’t care. It’s not to say they can’t play.

Maybe it’s all a bit to easy for them today.

Or maybe it’s all about the cynicism that comes with middle age.

Boston Red Sox Report

Ed Duffy — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:02:02 -0400

You probably didn’t hear it here first, but just in case you missed it:

The Red Sox 7-0 win against the Yankees Tuesday night was the sixth in a row for the Sox versus the Yankees this season. The clubs are now tied atop the AL East.

The two clubs have similar offensive numbers this far. The Yankees are out hitting the Sox .278 to .271, and have an edge in slugging .482 to .448. The teams are tied with a .356 on base percentage. The Yankees have a decided edge in home runs 92 to 66.

In the pitching category the Sox have a large edge in era 4.19 to 4.82, and they lead the league in K’s as well as save percentage.

Josh Beckett was dominant again tonight going six innings and 93 pitches allowing only one hit. He now has 7 wins and 7 consecutive quality starts.

Jason Bay was plunked in the ribs by Jose Veras in the sixth making the total hit by pitches against the Yankees this season at 9 versus just two for the Yankees. Delcarmen tried to drill Jeter but missed later in the game.

Bay is 11-21(.524) against the Yanks this season

Jacoby Ellsbury is day to day after straining his right shoulder when he slid awkwardly Sunday and then further aggravated when he made an outstanding catch in centerfield later in that same game. Tests revealed no structural damage, a break for Ellsbury and the Sox.

Is David Ortiz starting to look a lot more like the real Big Papi? He hit a long home run in the first inning and finished with just that one hit but has now hit in six straight and looks much more confident at the plate.

The Sox drafted Reymond Fuentes of Manati, P.R. with their first pick (28th) in the amatuer draft today.

Fuentes was born in Orlando and moved to Purto Rico at age nine. He is the nephew of Mets star centerfielder Carlos Beltran.

Fuentes is a projected leadoff hitter with bazing speed and power to boot. He could rise fast.

Francona and pitching coach John Farrell has done a good job in breaking in Daniel Bard. Coming into tonights game in which he pitched a scoreless 9^{th Bard had pitched 10 innings with a .90 era and 10 k's.}

Broadcaster and Hall of Fame pitcher Dennis Eckersly thinks the current Sox bullpen is on of the best he has ever seen.

Speaking of getting his feet wet, Eckersly has proved very entertaining while sitting in for the recovering Jerry Remy. Remy is an icon in Boston and in the booth but if he did decide to step down (and hopefully it would have nothing to due with a health issue) Eckersly would seem the obvious choice to step in permanently.

It looks like Jed Lowrie is getting close to beginning a rehab assignment. Francona said he wanted to look at him a few more days in workouts and the if all continues to go well he will get minor league at bats.

What happens after that should be interesting as it has become very obvious that Francona is much more comfortable with Nick Green at short than Julio Lugo.

Tim Wakefield faces Chien-Ming Wang tomorrow night in an ESPN game. Wang has made a couple of good relief appearances and was not good in his only start since coming off the DL.

Dice-K Matsuzaka continues to be an enigma for the Sox. Although Dice K did not walk a batter in his last start he again did not get thriought he sixth inning while allowing 10 hits. It was only the sixth time in 74 starts as a red sox that he has not allowed a walk.

Meanwhile, John Smoltz has been extending himself longer and longer in each rehab start. Smoltz pitches again this Thursday for the Pawsox and then it should be up to Boston. The question is who gets demoted from the rotation?

Many in the media have made the assumption that Brad Penny could be moved to make room. Penny who signed a 1 year deal can not be traded until June 15th.

Josh Freeman. A Reach For The Bucs?

Ed Duffy — Thu, 14 May 2009 00:02:28 -0400

Tampa Bay fans were not very happy when the Bucs chose Kansas State QB Josh Freeman with the 17^th pick in the NFL draft.

Buc fans were sure the organization would go with a defensive player to help rebuild a defense that for so long had been a staple in Tampa but let them down last season.

The Bucs started 9-3 last season and seemed headed for a run at a playoff position but dropped it’s last four to finish 9-7 .and out of the playoff picture. It also led to the firing of Head Coach John Gruden.

Defensive backs coach Raheem Morris was elevated to replace Gruden and bring a new direction and new attitude to the organization.

Soon gone were longtime linebacker and 11 time Pro-Bowler Derrick Brooks as well as linebacker Kato June. The team then traded for Browns Tight End Kellen Winslow and signed free agent QB Byron Leftwich and former Giants running back Derrick Ward. It all seemed to lead to a defensive player to be the pick. But, Freeman it was and the future of the Bucs was clear.

Freeman becomes the first QB selected in round one by the Bucs since 1994 when they drafted Trent Dilfer.

Morris who at 32 becomes the youngest Head Coach in the NFL is no stranger to Freeman. He was the defensive coordinator at Kansas State in 2006 when Freeman was a freshman.

“We didn’t have a whole lot of talent around us but every time he’d walk on the field you felt you had a chance to win with this guy leading you.” Morris said.

Freeman is big at 6-6 248 lbs and has the big arm to go with it. He fits the bill as the prototypical NFL QB. He now becomes the fifth QB on the roster along with Leftwich, Brian Griese, Luke McCown and 2008 draftee Josh Johnson.

So the question becomes how soon does Freeman step in and if not now or not soon then was this pick a reach considering next years draft also brings some potentially high QB choices in Sam Bradford, Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy.

Freeman himself believes he deserves a shot and also believes he is as good as the two quarterbacks drafted ahead of him (number one overall pick Mathew Stafford to the Lions and USC’s Mark Sanchez to the Jets).

“I feel like I’m the better Quarterback but they’re getting all the hype” he said.

“They’re good quarterbacks; I’m not taking anything away from them. If I had a pick, I’d take myself…..I have the rest of my career to prove to everybody that I’m the best guy. And I’m looking to do everything within my power to make that so.”

It took Freeman less than a month into his freshman year to win the job at Kansas State and the Bucs hope he can continue along that path although there will be plenty of competition in camp and no guarantees. Most experts feel it will be a few years before the raw Freeman develops into a number one quarterback in the NFL.

“We all know you can’t win in this league without a quarterback. You just can’t do it.” Morris said.

Time will tell if the decision to draft Josh Freeman proves Morris and new general manager Mark Dominik right. Their futures depend on it.

Manny Being..........Barry?

Ed Duffy — Thu, 07 May 2009 16:54:52 -0400

Say it ain’t so Manny! Say it was a mistake by the doctor. Say I didn’t mean to take it. Say it wasn’t my fault.

“Recently I saw a physician for a personal health issue. He gave me a medication, not a steroid, which he thought was ok to give me,” Ramirez said in a statement issued by the major league players union.

Hogwash!

Not in 2009 folks. You just can’t use these bogus excuses anymore. Not knowing what we now know. Not having gone through the recent history of Bonds, Clemons, ARod, etc.

Major league ballplayers are told explicitly prior to the season that you cannot put anything in your body without making sure it is an approved substance and is not on any list of prohibited substances.

Players are given a list that clearly gives all banned substances. There should be no excuses.

If there is any question in your or your doctor’s mind, then get to your team doctor, get to your team trainer, get to the league and find out.

You have to be smarter than that. But, wait, we are talking about Manny Ramirez here.

MLB Network broadcaster Bob Costas said today that after talking to a medical expert on steroids that there is no reason for a 36 year old man to take the drug he did other than to mask steroid use.

The drug in question is HGC which is a woman’s fertility drug and is also used to raise testosterone levels or stimulate testosterone production in the body of males which can and usually are lowered after steroid use. It is used when coming off a steroid cycle.

So Ramirez, who signed a 2 year contract this past off season for $45 million, is gone for 50 games.

Manny was hitting .348 with 6 home runs and 20 rbi’s at the time of his suspension.

He was not only the best player on the team and in his division, he was looked up to by the young players on this Dodger team as a leader, as the guy who turned the team around after being obtained in a three way trade last summer from the Red Sox.

How that part affects the team will be interesting to see.

All in all this is another chapter in the sad story of the need by players to use performance enhancing drugs.

Baseball Loses Three Special Talents

Ed Duffy — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:49:06 -0400

In a few days time, Major League Baseball has lost three members of its baseball family, all three of which were memorable talents in different respects, but all will be missed, mourned and remembered.

The Angles' top prospect and starting pitcher Nick Adenhart, the Phillies longtime broadcaster Harry Kalas, and former Tiger phenom Mark “The Bird” Fidrych all passed away this past week.

The three, at different stages of life, were all admired by teammates and friends as special people, not just for their special talents.

Adenhart was at the beginning of his promising career; Fidrych was, at 54, in middle age; and Kalas at 73, was close to retirement as he finished up a legendary broadcasting career.

Nick Adenhart (1986-2009)

Adenhart was killed tragically in a hit-and-run accident caused by a drunk driver that also killed two other passengers in the vehicle Adenhart was traveling in.

The drunk driver has since been charged with three counts of murder, and faces other charges as well.

At 22, Adenhart had just begun his major league career, entering the season ranked as the Angels' top prospect by Baseball America. In his first start of 2009, he pitched six strong innings against the Oakland A’s and looked like he was ready to deliver on the predicted stardom.

Adenhart was drafted in the 14th round of the 2004 MLB Draft, fresh out of Williamsport High School in Maryland. He was projected as one of the top five picks, but hurt his elbow two weeks before the draft and needed Tommy John surgery to repair the injury.

He fought back from the injury to become the Angels' top prospect going into the 2009 season, and on a staff that was riddled by injuries, his strong spring had boosted the team's regular-season hopes.

His personality in the clubhouse was embraced by his teammates. Former minor league and current major league teammate, shortstop Brandon Wood, said, "I never met anyone who didn’t like Nick."

Harry Kalas (1936-2009)

On clear nights during the summer in Southern Connecticut, if you played with the dial, you could pick up the Philadelphia Phillies' radio broadcast.

Transplanted Phillie fan, you ask? Hardly.

The reason I listened was to hear the great Harry Kalas work his magic in calling a game.

If you appreciate baseball on the radio, like the Dodgers' Vin Scully, Kalas was a pleasure to listen to. He had one of the greatest and most recognizable voices in sports, if not in all of broadcasting. His "outta here" call of Phillie home runs became a staple.

Kalas joined the Phillies' broadcast team in 1971 and remained its voice until his death on on Monday. His career spanned farther than Phillies' Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt's major league career, as Kalas called every one of Schmidt's 548 career home runs.

Kalas collapsed in the press box prior to the Phillies-Nationals game in Washington D.C., and was rushed to the hospital, but was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.

Many fans will also remember Kalas and his distinct tone as a voice over narrator for NFL films.

Past and present Phillies' players and employees spoke about Kalas as a friend and as someone who brought a smile to your face each time you saw him.

"We lost our voice," said Phillies team president David Montgomery.

Mark Fidrych (1954-2009)

Mark Fidrych exploded into the MLB in what has become one of the most memorable rookie season of all time.

Fidrych died at his home in Northborough, Mass., on Monday while working on his dump truck at the age of 54.

Fidrych, nicknamed “The Bird” because of his resemblance to the Sesame Street character, would manicure the pitching mound with his hands before innings and talk to the ball before pitches. He would enthusiastically shake the hand of teammates that had made a good play while he was on the mound.

He became an instant star at a time when baseball had few characters like him.

He went 19-9 in his rookie season, pitched an impressive 24 complete games, and had a league-leading 2.34 ERA.

He won Rookie of the Year and was the starting pitcher for the American League in the All-Star game. He drew record crowds in Detroit and wherever he appeared, despite pitching for team with a losing record.

During the 1977 season, he suffered knee and arm injuries and was never the same.

Fidrych would only win 10 more games in his career, and will go down in history as the most famous and remembered pitcher to finish with 29 career wins, but it was as much for his demeanor and sense of humor than his skills as a pitcher.

Fidrych gave us some memorable sound bytes, and among them, he was once quoted as saying, "Sometimes I get lazy and let the dishes stack up, but they don’t stack up too high. I only have four dishes.”

He also said, "When you’re a winner, you are always happy, but if you’re are happy as a loser, you will always be a loser."

Mark Fidrych was no loser.

It's been a tough few days for the baseball community.

Wins and the losses have been secondary to the loss of three of its family.

Random Thoughts On Sport and Opening Day

Ed Duffy — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:15:18 -0400

Random Thoughts on Sport and Opening Day…

I don’t know about you, but……

Does anybody else wonder if there is any thought at all in putting together the major league baseball schedule?

Boston vs Tampa Bay, a rematch of last seasons championship series, great idea right? Right. But why schedule it in Boston?

Hello, it’s April 6, it’s still cold. It rains a lot. Result? Rained out.

KC vs Chicago, in Chicago? Result? Rained/snowed out. Minnesota vs Seattle, two dome teams open against each other? LA vs Oakland, two warm weather locals play each other. Huh?

Might we wanna go Boston IN Tampa to start the season? How about Chicago in LA, and KC in Oakland?

With all the excitement the opening of the season brings, it’s not like you have to have a rivalry match up to create interest. How about we worry about the games actually being played.

Do ya think it’s about time Plaxico Burris hired a driver? He gets pulled over in Florida the other day for the fifth time in the span of a month.

It’s nice to see that A-Rod is ahead of schedule in his rehab from hip surgery and may be back in early May. Maybe that mirror he was kissing in the Details Magazine was a magic mirror.

I found it admirable that Courtney Paris, the star of Oklahoma’s Lady Sooners basketball team says she will pay back the money she received in scholarship after her team was eliminated by Louisville Sunday night after making the promise earlier in the season.

I kinda think though, that the school has received its money’s worth in the four time All American. She is a classy young lady and the school will reap the benefits of having her play there for many years to come.

I still find it hard to believe Jay Cutler couldn’t have just picked up the phone and arranged a one on one face to face with Broncos coach Josh and ironed out their differences.

Does Cutler realize Brandon Marshall, and the rest of the Broncos receiving corp aren’t going to Chicago with him?

You may like him, you may hate him, but if everyone in this country brought the enthusiasm for their job that Dick Vitale does every day, we not be in such bad shape.

CC Sabathia got off to a slow start last year (1-5 7 plus era). Do you think there might be a little heat in the Bronx if that happens this year?

Opening day of the baseball season is a special day, when fans of all teams believe they have a shot, as long as some may seem. It’s about possibility, and the hope that special things can happen, that this is the year. It’s about the onset of spring, leaving the cold of winter behind.

Play Ball!

Predictions, Predictions...and More 2009 Baseball Predictions

Ed Duffy — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:12:21 -0400

With the opening pitch of the 2009 season just hours away, why not drop in my two cents on what will happen, who will happen, and who won't. So, one man makes his picks on the 2009 season.

AL MVP

1. Kevin Youkilis, 1b, Boston: Youk went from an on-base machine to a power hitter (29 HRs) who still gets on base close to .400.

He will bat fourth in this powerful lineup and have protection in front and behind. A career year awaits.

2. Miguel Cabrera 1b, Detroit

3. Carl Crawford, OF, Tampa Bay

NL MVP

1. Albert Pujols, 1b, St. Louis

Tough to pick against this guy as long as his healthy. His team around him should be improved enough to contend for a wild card, and that will make him the favorite.

2. Jose Reyes, SS, NY Mets

3. Jimmy Rollins, SS, Philadelphia

AL Cy Young

1. Roy Halladay, Toronto

This is the fairest award in the sense that your team does not have to be the best to win. Halladay is the best.

2. Jon Lester, Boston

3. Matt Garza, Tampa Bay

NL Cy Young

1. Johan Santana, NY Mets

Like Halladay, this guy is simply the best and should have a better bullpen to support him this year.

2. Cole Hamels, Philly

3. Brandon Webb, Arizona

AL Rookie

1. Matt Weiters, C, Baltimore

Like Longoria last year, he starts the season in the minors, but expect him up soon and expect a star. Think Joe Mauer with more pop.

2. David Price, SP, Tampa Bay

3. Travis Snider, OF, Toronto

NL Rookie

1. Pablo Sandoval, 3b-C, San Francisco

He came up late last year and impressed with his versatility, as well as his big bat. A natural born hitter.

2. Tommy Hanson, SP, Atlanta

3. Jordan Schaeffer, OF, Atlanta

AL Manager

1. Eric Wedge, Cleveland

The Indians win the Central after a bad 2008, and Wedge goes from one of the underrated mangers in the game to one of the best.

2. Terry Francona, Boston

3. Trey Hillman, Kansas City

NL Manager

1. Tony La Russa, St Louis

A lot is keyed to Cris Carpenter coming back and solidifying the pitching staff, as well as Ryan Ludwick proving he was not a fluke. Still, La Russa always gets his teams to play at their best.

2. Bobby Cox, Atlanta

3. Bruce Bochy, San Francisco

AL Comeback Player

1. John Smoltz, SP, Boston

The Red Sox are going very slow with Smoltz and all spring he chomped at the bit. He should make his first start sometime late May or early June and there is no question what he can bring if he stays healthy through October.

2. Travis Hafner, DH, Cleveland

3. Rocco Baldelli, OF, Boston

NL Comeback Player

1. Chris Carpenter, SP, St. Louis

He has always been among the best when healthy and looked to be all spring. As a matter of fact, he looked dominant. He may be more of a key to any team’s success than any other player in the Major leagues.

2. Jeff Francoeur, OF, Atlanta

3. Rickie Weeks, 2B, Milwaukee

AL Breakout Non-Rookie

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Boston

He had an excellent rookie year, finishing third in the ROY balloting and now stands ready to add more pop to go along with his blazing speed. Also, he won’t have to look over his shoulder at Coco Crisp.

2. Billy Butler, OF-DH, Kansas City

3. Alex Gordon, 3B, Kansas City

NL Breakout Non Rookie

1. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Washington

He missed nearly two months last season and had nobody around him in the lineup. This year, healthy, and with a bit more support, he joins the ranks of the elite. Expect 30-100-.310.

2. Stephen Drew, SS, Arizona

3. Chris Iannetta, C, Colorado

AL Bust

1. AJ Burnett, SP, NY

This guy is off one year and on the next, and guess what year this is? This is one category you hate to pick and hate to be right, but…

2. Cliff Lee, SP, Cleveland

3. Matt Holliday, OF, Oakland

NL Bust

1. Manny Ramirez, OF, LA

Now that he has his contract, let's see how Man-Ram behaves. He will still put up numbers, but the expectations are ridiculous.

2. Francisco Rodriguez, RP, NY

3. Carlos Marmol, RP, Chicago

AL Surprise Team: Kansas City Royals

They will not be a playoff team, but will show up as the most improved team in the AL, as Butler, Gordon and Teahen lead the offense and the young pitchers continue to grow. Greinke may emerge as a serious CY candidate.

NL Surprise Team: Cincinnati Reds

Although I’m not a big fan of Dusty Baker, the Reds young talent is very impressive and Alex Gonzalez should be back healthy to solidify the infield defense.

Votto, Bruce, Phillips, Volquez, Cueto are all future stars. Actually, Phillips is already there.

AL Playoff Teams

East Boston

Central Cleveland

West LA Angels

Wild Tampa Bay

NL Playoff Teams

East Philly

Central Chicago

West Arizona

Wild NY Mets

The Five Biggest Mistakes Fantasy Players Make

Ed Duffy — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:10:45 -0400

The fantasy baseball season is here upon us. We sit Six days away from the first pitch of the regular season and draft boards are filling in everywhere.

Today there are so many options for the fantasy baseball buff. There leagues of all kinds and sizes and competition levels from beginner to so called “expert”.

There are the standard rotisseries leagues, 5x5 leagues, points’ leagues, NL or AL only leagues, huge 20 plus team leagues, or even just a few buds getting together for some baseball talk and a few laughs.

There is no right or wrong, it comes down to pure personal preference. But, if you are going to play, you might as well win. After all, there is nothing like having bragging rights all winter.

Some prefer a live in person draft with all the fixings and of course tons of trash talk.

“Dude, Schilling retired you idiot!”

Others prefer a less personal online experience, these save gobs of time. The live online draft is a lot of fun, but you have to be ready!

With that in mind let’s take a look at the five biggest or most common mistakes fantasy players make.

You don’t prepare properly for the draft.

Many players simply don’t do anything and then make excuse after excuse as to why they take a beating each year. These are the same ones that usually lose interest and stop participating which can ruin the league.

Simply buying a magazine is not enough. Depending on the type of league and how serious the competition is, you must do much more. The internet has a wealth of information, and most everything you need is free somewhere.

A couple of suggestions (believe me, this is not rocket science boys and girls!):

Have depth charts of all the teams in front of you, and understand which players could easily slide from starter to backup or vice versa. I find the best way to do this is to list all teams, the starter and any player behind that player that could incur major playing time at some point. Think upside!

Have a list of each position again but this time ranked by best to worst, with dollar values attached if you use them.

Highlight players that you really want to shoot for and decide if you may have to jump a bit in the draft in order to get them. If so, they better produce!

Make a list of what you or someone that writes fantasy that you respect sees as sleepers, and decide if you can get maybe one or two of these guys. Don’t go crazy, because they are sleepers for a reason.

Target one or two rookies you think might make an impact or maybe even a prospect that you feel will come up at some point and help. You need to be careful here, especially with rookie pitchers, they tend to disappoint. And depending on the number of players allowed or the amount of teams in the league there may not be room for a rook.

The key point is make a plan and work it. Know the players, know who is hurt, know who lost a job or might soon, and look for those on the rise!

Draft your plan, but have a backup.

Once you have the prep done, the draft itself becomes more fun, and easier to manage. There is nothing worse than stumbling around in the fourth round wondering who you want!

The draft will rarely go the way you want, so have a backup! Too many players fall out of their chairs when the guy they wanted goes right before they pick, and they let it destroy their next few round. Move on, attack!

Decide for example when and where each player should go, and just because someone drafts a closer too early for example, it doesn’t mean you have to, stay with the plan.

Many times I see a player picked too early, the rookie catcher for example and you see a run on this position for the next three or four picks. Be happy this happens; it means better players are sliding!

Don’t fall in love with your players!

This is probably the most common mistake after lack of preparation. Some owners draft a guy and two minutes after the draft he is buying all his memorabilia, shirts, cards, and pictures on EBay.

Ok, maybe this is a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the point. The player is a tool toward reaching your goal of winning. Don’t overate or fall in love with the player. It only hurts you in potential trading the guy down the road.

He is not your employee, or friend. You will make some great picks and some bad picks. It’s all part of the game. Don’t let your ego get in the way!

Don’t panic too early!

You don’t always get off to a great start and neither do your players. Good players will usually reach their career numbers. There will be sharks out there hunting and preying on the weak and meek. They will take advantage.

If your number one starter gets pounded in his first two starts, somebody will offer you a backup outfielder for him. Beware and be strong!

On the other hand, look for these situations where you can be the one taking advantage! But, play nice!

Always be looking to improve your team!

The first thing you should be looking at in the morning is the transaction wire, and the injury report! Certainly not how your guys did. You can’t control that, but you can get a jump on pickups for those injured, released or guys sent down to the minors.

You need to always be looking to improve the team, this is obviously more important in keeper leagues but never the less you want to catch the guy ahead of you!

Look at your strengths and try to match it up with a weakness on another team. Make an offer! What have you got to lose?

Most of all have fun; it’s a great game and gives all a reason to watch Royals–Mariners in August!

Yanks Make It Official, Sign Tex As Boras Smiles

Ed Duffy — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:42:33 -0500

Call me a cynic but...

Mark Teixeira wanted to play with the Yankees all along. Whoa, stop the presses. You mean to tell me he didn’t want to sign with one of the ole hometown teams?

You know, like the conquering hero returns to lead the poor Nationals or Orioles to the Promised Land.

Well maybe if THEY had signed Sabathia, Burnett, Manny, and Abreu, and actually had a pitching staff it would have had a bit more lull.

But, they didn’t and they don’t.

And of course once we heard that he was actually wearing a Yankee cap to the ballpark in Baltimore as a kid it all began to make more sense.

In addition as he said in the press conference Maryland is really just a hop skip and a jump to Yankee stadium so that his family can come see him play. I guess they don’t have planes that leave Baltimore and fly to California or Boston?

This can’t actually mean that he used all those other teams to up the bidding, can it?

No, good old Scott Boras wouldn’t do that, would he?

And how about Mr. Boras’ other big client?

You know, the one that was finishing up, (well, almost finished up) his eight year mega deal and was traded?

He then proceeded to go on a tear to match any all time tear yet can’t seem to find anybody to pay him. That guy, Man-Ram.

Seems the Dodgers are the only team interested and yet they have already taken their two-year offer off the table?

Yep, the Rangers were said to have interest just the other day but have said no can do. Same for the Dodgers rival, the Giants. Ditto with the Angels. The Nats? Nope.

Maybe it’s just me but do ya think the fact that Mr. Happy might not be so happy no matter where he goes if he doesn’t get that four-year $100 million he believes he so rightly deserves?

He wouldn’t actually quit on his team would he? No, those silly Boston Red Sox made that all up.

On another note, the Cubs have signed Milton Bradley to a reported three-year $30 million deal. I guess Lou Piniella needed some one in that dugout to match his intensity.

Bradley had a great year last year with the Rangers, but it’s kinda hard to see Uncle Milty as a full time outfielder. He is only 31 yet has only played more than 94 games in the outfield once in his entire career and that was in 2004 with the Dodgers.

Pat Burrell has found a new home with the Rays. It is a bit of a surprise to see the Rays spend some money in the free agent market. The deal is reportedly two-years at $8 million per year which seems like a reasonable deal for a guy that slugs over .500 each year.

Burrell can be expected to have a bit of a hard time adjusting to both the DH position as well as the pitchers in a new league. He hit only .215 after the all-star break and thus the Phils thought Raul Ibanez would be a better fit.

And how bout those Cleveland Indians giving No Show Pavano a free agent deal? Carl took most of the three years of his Yankee contract off, pitching in only 145 innings in total during those three years.

But hey, everybody needs pitching. Still out there among free agent pitchers are Derek Lowe (who turned down a reported 3 years and $36 million from the Mets), Livan Hernandez, Pedro Martinez, Randy Wolf, Andy Pettitte, Oliver Perez, and John Smoltz.

Mr. Lowe believes he should get a five year deal. Maybe he is getting his advice from Manny.

Pettitte is upset with and has turned down the Yankees offer of one year at $10 million which is $6 million less than he made last year with the Yanks when he led the team in innings pitched.

Jeez, what’s another $6 million when you have already dropped $423 million?

On a final note Jason Varitek is till waiting for the Red Sox or somebody else to give him the four-year $40 million dollar deal Mr. Boras says he deserves.

And after all, Mr. Boras knows the market better than anyone. Just ask him

2009 New Years Wishes Around The World Of Sports

Ed Duffy — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 09:36:51 -0500

2008 has come to a close and the onset of a new year, with all the promise it brings is now upon us.

Each year there are promises made and promises broken, wishes told and the disappointment of those never fulfilled.

In sports, like in life the New Year brings hope of championships and magical seasons. It brings hope of comeback stories and miracle finishes, of stars emerging from beneath the rubble, the arrival of the latest phenom, career years from all our favorites, the down slide of former stars halted, of all things good.

For 2009 here are a few of those things, both good and some not so good:

For the Detroit Lions: A new coach and general manager that may bring a win, just one single solitary stinkin win!

For College Football fans: a real playoff system, 8 teams, no plus one, and certainly no BCS.

For the Pittsburgh Pirates: They’ll take anything.

For he KC Royals fans: That their billionaire owner will spend some of his cash on their team and retain the young talent they develop.

For Barry Bonds: Nothing. Stay away.

For Roger Clemens: See Barry Bonds.

For Hockey Fans: A real TV contract.

For the MLB Network: Success!

For the NFL Network: Entry on basic cable.

For John Smoltz: A healthy shoulder and a return to the game.

For the Boston Red Sox: The return to health of Mike Lowell, David Ortiz, and Josh Beckett.

For the Florida Marlins: A new stadium in South Florida.

For Raiders fans: That Al Davis sells the team.

For Al Davis: Retirement.

For Mike Shanahan, Eric Mangini, Rod Marinelli, and Romeo Crennel: New jobs.

For the Dallas Cowboys: Inner peace.

For Terrell Owens: A muzzle.

For Plaxico Burress: A holster.

For Micheal Vick: A second chance with a new team and a contract that includes serious financial donations to the welfare of animals.

For the NY Giants: Steve Spagnuolo turns down the Jets and others and stays on.

For the NY Jets: A return of a healthy Brett Favre.

For Brett Favre: The ability to make a quick decision.

For Mike Holmgren: Happy Retirement!

For Charles Barkley: A designated driver.

For Tiger Woods: Nothing. The man has it all!

For John Daley: See Charles Barkley.

For Josh Bard: A crash course from Doug Mirabelli on catching the knuckler.

For Stephon Marbury: Continuation in purgatory.

For Manny Ramirez: That he gets the $100 million deal he wants so bad…from the Chinichi Dragons.

For the Chinichi Dragons: My apologies.

For all the great sports fans out there: A second place finish behind all my teams and a healthy, happy and prosperous year for you!

A Sports Fan's New Year's Resolutions

Ed Duffy — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 04:21:56 -0500

This time each year we decide what we want to fix, do better, or change in the up coming year. I usually pass, as there are just too many possibilities, and, after all, the holidays are depressing enough to some, so why add to it?

This year, however, I have decided to make a few resolutions in regard to my sports fanaticism. So, here we go.

First, I will not bash the Yankees, their lavish spending, and their fans. After all, it’s only money, and it is their money. I will not bash the signing of CC Sabathia who finished last season as hot as anybody short of Man-Ram (more on him later).

Of course, once the playoffs started, like the previous year, he couldn’t get it done. And, of course, that will surely put him in very hot water in the Bronx if that happens next October. If they get there. Can you say opt-out clause?

I will also not bash the AJ Burnett signing. I will wonder to myself how you give a 32-year-old pitcher who is finally had a year minus a disabled list appearance a five-year deal. But I will not bash.

I will not bash the Teixeira signing, either. After all, this was a no brainer for the Yankees. Who did they have to play first base? Nick Swisher and his .240 BA? I think not!

Tex is 28, and in his prime, does not look for the limelight, leaving it all for their prime time regular season star A-Rod, which should play well in the clubhouse. On top of that, he plays Gold Glove defense. And hey, the man in his first postseason appearance hit .467 against the Red Sox. I will not tell you all he hit were singles, and he failed to drive in a run in the series, because I am resolved not to.

I will not bash the fact that the Yankees have no center fielder. After all, Johnny Damon admitted he had slowed to the point where left field makes more sense at this point in his career. And Damon should surely approach the numbers he put up last season.

They still may end up with Mike Cameron from Milwaukee if they can find a prospect to add along with Melky Cabrera. Hmmm, wasn’t it just a year ago that Melky was gunna be Mickey Mantle? I won’t say that this next year!

I will not bash the signing of Kevin Cash as their backup catcher. Now, paranoid Red Sox fans would say that this signing was another slap in the face to their beloved Sawx, and who is going to catch Wake now? It never stops!

But enough on the Yankees. I will also not bash the Lakers; after all, their Christmas day win, at home, versus the Celtics pretty much assures an NBA championship, doesn’t it?

I will be positive toward the Dallas Cowboys and their passionate fans. Maybe they can get by Philadelphia this week and make the playoffs, and end the 20-year drought without a playoff win. Hey, they’re not America’s team for nothing.

You have to give credit to Jerry Jones for letting us all know before the season ended that Wade Phillips would be back as head coach, with his staff intact. After all, I doubt he gave coach in waiting Jason Garrett an actual time table as to when he would take over.

And this gives all those teams looking for a new head man a chance to move down to their second choices and regroup.

I will not hammer T.O. He has a right to say whatever stupid things he wants to. Romo should throw every ball his way, and forget about that Witten guy

I will not hammer Brett the Jet when the inevitable should I play or should I go now game begins sometime shortly after his season ends this week. I just won’t.

I will not criticize Manny for his genius plan to leave that awful city of Boston and the organization and fans that stood by him and his zany antics for seven plus years.

After all, look how it has played out. There are teams lining up to sign what many have called the greatest right handed hitter ever. Aren’t there?

I will also not be so quick to judge athletes when they fail drug tests, test positive for banned substances, shoot themselves, call out teammates, and coaches, drink and drive, let their entourage beat guys up, beat their wives or girlfriends, have a whole bunch of kids with different women, skip team meetings, show up fat, or simply not play well.

These are humans too, and just because they are paid millions doesn’t mean they should be treated differently than you or me.

It’s going to be a great 2009, and if it is not, you won’t hear it from me.

Dustin Pedroia wins A.L. MVP...One for the Little Guys

Ed Duffy — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:22:59 -0500

He is the little engine that could. He is the little guy with the big swing.

Dustin Pedroia followed up his Rookie of the Year with a Gold Glove, a Silver Slugger Award, and now an MVP.

Pedroia becomes only the third player in Major League history, joining Cal Ripken Jr. and Ryan Howard, to win the Rookie of the Year Award and follow it up with the MVP.

The Red Sox spark plug garnered 16 of the 28 first place votes to comfortably beat out Justin Morneau, who had seven first place votes for the 2008 A.L. MVP.

Pedroia led the A.L. in hits with 218, runs with 118, doubles with 54 (a Red Sox record), and multi-hit games with 61. He also hit 17 home runs from that compact frame and stole 20 bases. His OPS, the most telling of the stats was .915 after the All-Star break.

And with that huge swing of his he struck out only 52 times in 653 at-bats.

The numbers are good no doubt, and there were others with numbers that deserved recognition.

The numbers do not tell the entire story of this season for Pedroia. The fire that he plays with every day, every play, and every at-bat is inspirational to his teammates. In just his second year his personality and enthusiasm have even veterans like David Ortiz looking up to him as a leader on the Red Sox.

Pedroia is listed at 5'9" and 180 lbs, yet realistically is more like 5’6” or 5’7”.

After a grand slam versus the Yankees in late August this year Pedroia jokingly proclaimed to his teammates that he was “the strongest 165-pound man in baseball.”

Pedroia was drafted in the second round of the amateur draft in 2004 by the Red Sox and many thought it was a mistake. Although he had a great career at Arizona State, hitting .384 over his three years, most thought he was too small, too slow, and had too big of a swing to make it on the Major League level.

Pedroia came up late in 2006 for a cup of coffee at the end of the season, and when Red Sox GM let 2B Mark Loretta go after the season, the job was handed to Pedroia.

He started miserably at bat hitting only .172 on May 1, but never let it get to him. His confidence level is second to no one, and things started to click in early May. He finished hitting .317 with 39 doubles and an on base percentage of .380.

There will be critics who will say that Pedroia won because he is a great story more than he had the best numbers. This gets back to the age old argument about the MVP. What is the definition? Is it the best numbers, or is it the player who actually proved to be the most valuable to his team? Does the team have to contend? Make the Playoffs?

But let’s look at some of those numbers.

Morneau, faded in September like his Twins. He hit only .267 after the All-Star break, and .243 in Sept/Oct. Mauer led the league in hitting with his .328 avg. edging out Pedroia by two points. He hit .336 after the break with an OPS of .894 yet hit only nine homers and 31 doubles.

Youkilis hit .312 with career highs in homers (29) and RBI (115), and had an OPS of .988 after the break. Youkilis also had a stint on the DL and played in 145 games which hurt his cause.

Angels closer Frank Rodriguez had two first place votes and that leads to the question whether a pitcher should win an MVP.

Many thought Youkilis and Pedroia having played on the same team would divide the votes and therefore make it tougher for either to win.

It is all open to debate, but bottom line is the diminutive one has walked away with the award. And 2009 will be another test for Pedroia who has fought the doubters his entire baseball life.

I for one, wouldn’t bet against him.

Major League Baseball: Random Thoughts on the Offseason

Ed Duffy — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:59:29 -0500

Ah, the Hot Stove League. This is the great time of year when rumors run rampant and rosters are reshaped.

Starting Friday, all teams can discuss real money with free agents like CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, AJ Burnett, Jason Varitek, and Derek Lowe, among others.

I wonder if anyone will ante up for the five or six years Scott Boras wants for "Man-Child" Ramirez.

Manny was on his best behavior in La La Land and was a monster at the plate. But will his history of behavioral problems keep the teams that can afford him at a distance?

The Dodgers seem like the best fit, but Scott Boras has already said the reported two-year deal that features a one-year team option that was offered to Ramirez is too short and probably too little in the cash area.

Can the Angels do anything but give Teixeira whatever it takes to keep him? With Vlad Guerrero, Garrett Anderson, and others getting up in age, they need to keep that bat.

It looks as though the Angels will let Frankie Rodriguez go, maybe not even making an offer as either Scott Shields or Jose Arredondo could potentially close. Arredondo, who has nasty stuff, started his career as a shortstop.

He was brought up in mid-May and had very impressive numbers (only 42 hits allowed in 61 innings pitched alongside 55 K’s).

What will the Red Sox do about Jason Varitek? As much as the organization loves his game-calling, defense, and leadership, his bat looks real slow. And let’s not forget who his agent is. Yes, it's Mr. Boras.

The Red Sox must answer this question before they move on to addressing other areas. Boston needs bullpen help, at least one backup outfielder, and probably another home run bat, as David Ortiz recently suggested.

Big Papi may just have a future as a GM when his playing career is done.

The Yankees seem poised to make a big splash this offseason.

After entrusting the back end of their 2008 rotation to Phillip Hughes and Ian Kennedy, who combined for zero wins, the Yankees are looking at only two returning starting pitchers, Wang and Chamberlain. Plus, long-time Yankee Andy Pettitte has expressed interest in coming back.

While bringing back the reliable Carl Pavano is still a possibility, it’s more likely the Yanks will back up the Brinks truck to Sabathia or Burnett's door.

Sabathia has said he wants to stay in the National League, which could mean he would like the Dodgers to get involved. Still, Sabathia, a California native, might have a hard time turning down Hank Steinbrenner’s boatloads of cash.

I don’t see Matt Holliday surviving the trading deadline in Oakland next season. However, Billy Beane did a good job in obtaining Holliday for three expendable parts, two of which he received in the Dan Haren trade.

The Marlins have started their annual talent sweepstakes, sending Mike Jacobs to the Royals for setup man Leo Nunez, and then trading left fielder Josh Willingham and enigmatic starter Scott Olsen to the Nats for three minor league players and two buckets of practice balls.

On a not-so-related note: Maybe Patti LaBelle thought she was in a dome in Philly when she opened Game Four of the World Series with one of the absolute worst renditions of our national anthem since comedian Roseanne Barr botched it brutally in 1990 prior to a Reds-Padres game.

She substituted “skylights last gleaming” for “twilight's last gleaming," and gave an all around brutal performance. But, hey, it didn’t hurt the Phils' chances, did it?

In the rumor department, it looks like the Jake Peavy sweepstakes is down to the Braves, Cubs, and Astros, with the Braves in the lead. It will reportedly cost the Braves at least one major-leaguer and two or three top prospects.

It's going to be a lot of fun, and it has just begun.

Red Sox-Rays: Hello Game Seven!

Ed Duffy — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:00:59 -0400

A few short days ago, the obituaries were being written for this 2008 Red Sox season. The Tampa Bay Rays had scored 31 runs in their three consecutive victories after losing Game One and looked like they were well on their way to their first World Series appearance.

Somebody forgot to tell the Red Sox.

After the miracle comeback on Thursday evening, the Sox sent Josh Beckett to the mound in Game Six with hopes that he was the Josh Beckett of 2007 and not the Josh Beckett we saw in his last two starts.

When Justin Upton hit one on the catwalk for a home run in the first, it looked like (actually sounded like, since TBS couldn’t turn on the game switch or thought we really would rather watch comedy reruns) it could be a short night for Beckett. Beckett, however, adjusted and found a way to gut out five innings, giving up only one additional run.

He did not have the velocity we have been used to seeing, but he was able to spot his fastball and keep the Rays hitters off balance with his other pitches. He found a way to get the Sox to where they could use the relievers they wanted—huge for the Red Sox.

Much had been written and said about Beckett in these last few days. Was the oblique injury more serious than he was letting on? Or was there something else that was wrong?

Beckett continued to say he was fine. Most said that unless Beckett was Beckett, the Sox were dead, sayonara; see you in Fort Myers next spring. Again, somebody forgot to tell Beckett and the rest of this year’s version of the comeback Sox.

Many power pitchers have difficulty later in their careers in making the adjustment when they can no longer just blow the fastball by people. Beckett had to do it in a matter or days and found a way. He is now 3-0 in postseason play when facing elimination

In the sixth inning, Jason Varitek got his first hit of the series, it left the park and gave the Sox a 3-2 lead, and as it turns out, it would be all the Sox needed, as the bullpen hurled four no-hit innings to finish of the Rays.

Varitek has struggled mightily this year and many have wondered if he is playing his last season as a member of the Red Sox. But, like Beckett, he came up big when his team needed it most.

The resilience of Beckett and Varitek has got them to Game Seven—again.