Bleacher Report - Articles by Eli Nachmany

A King is Crowned: Seattle's Hernandez due the Cy Young Award

Eli Nachmany — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:56:24 -0400

The radar gun pops as a Felix Hernandez fastball hits the high 90s. A little on the inside half perhaps, but with Kenji Johjima's reputation around the league his pitchers will get a close call every now and again.

Strike one.

This heat-gunning phenom began what seems like ages ago (late 2005), and is now a Major League veteran at the age of 23. He sure seems like one.

This year, the ever-smiling righty struck out 217 batters in 238 innings pitched. He would usually rack up punch outs in single games instead of being orthodox about his totals.

What separates him from the league, as well as other elite hurlers such as Tim Lincecum is just that; he's unorthodox. From his sideways cap to his and Lincecum's funky deliveries, unorthodox is becoming the norm for the Major Leagues.

In an era where the batter who lets his stick rest at the oddest angle is the best hitter (Pujols), maybe it is these signature styles that both separate these players from their counterparts, but make them worthy of recognition.

Felix Hernandez is worthy of this year's AL Cy Young.

He lifts his leg and coils himself up, then darts out in one smooth motion. Curveball in the dirt, hacked at, strike two.

Competing with the likes of C.C. Sabathia and Justin Verlander is always daunting, but Hernandez was 19-5 with a sparkling 2.49 ERA. Sure, he may not have Verlander's strikeouts or Sabathia's winning machine of a team, but he has something else.

He has his youth. He still smiles and pumps his fist when a great play is made in the outfield, and you just know he loves to see his teammates do well too.

He is a reminder of how baseball should be played, and sparks nostalgia of the game when it was just a game. As salaries skyrocket, baseball is undoubtedly a business.

This is not true for Felix Hernandez, the happy-go-lucky hurler who pitches for Seattle and may just win the Cy Young award this year.

Fastball down the middle, strike three called.

Stopper: Billy Wagner More Than Just a Setup Guy for Boston Red Sox

Eli Nachmany — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 01:51:24 -0400

A 96 mph heater crosses home plate, and strike three is called.

It's a heartbreaking night for the Mets, as another loss sucks more faith from the die-hards.

But one heartwarming story has made it all the way back to Queens. A story of struggle, grit, and an unwillingness to give up.

A story of perseverance.

It's the story of Billy Wagner.

Recently activated after making a full and very successful recovery from Tommy John surgery, Wagner is headed to the possibly playoff-bound Red Sox in search of his first championship.

He's going to get it.

Up and down the Red Sox lineup is players of world class. Jacoby Ellsbury is developing into a top leadoff hitter.

Batting second is reigning MVP Dustin Pedroia, while the second-most coveted Trade Deadline bat hits third in Victor Martinez.

One of the top outfield power threats in the AL hits in this lineup, Jason Bay, while Kevin Youkilis continues to impress.

You get the point.

Then you go to the pitching staff, and one of baseball's best anchors the staff in Josh Beckett, along with complementary pieces at Nos. 2-5. The stopper is Jonathan Papelbon, arguably today's best closer (Mariano-worshippers, realize I built myself a safety net with "arguably").

But where is the fire?

In this team, I don't see the hunger for a World Series victory. I see a team which is satisfied with their 2007 rings and happy to put up a fight, yet not go out of their way to do the jobs they are paid millions to do.

Welcome to Red Sox Nation.

Their scruffy, new, lefty setup man brings that fire. As his career winds down, is he going to come away from baseball with a World Series ring?

It's a realistic question he has asked himself many a time.

And this will be the year he comes home with one. The team he joins is the second-best team in the MLB, and with the hunger he will bring, they have to be World Series bound.

His scrappy, "Here I am, rock you like a hurricane" mentality is just what the Red Sox need. With one player on a video game cover and another practicing the Irish jig in his spare time, having a guy in the locker room who's going to light a fire can't hurt this team.

With this move close to done, I'd like to announce my World Series pick:

The Boston Red Sox.

The Brightest Tool in The Box: 5-Tool Stars Becoming More Common

Eli Nachmany — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:12:11 -0400

The sun sets on a blistering night in Texas. Ian Kinsler and Josh Hamilton are sitting together in the clubhouse, watching some TV and cracking jokes. The Texas Rangers have won another game, and their future looks as bright as their now.

It's these two superstars who propel the Rangers in their climb to the top of the vicious AL West. In a division where frugal Billy Beane scours the market for today's latest bargain, and Angels owner Arte Moreno showcases an unrivaled desire to win with every move he makes, these hotshot Rangers could be a flash in the pan.

With their two stars, will they be? Naw.

They're more. Much more.

Kinsler and Hamilton are among an elite brand of ballplayers, blessed with all the five tools that scouts look for—contact, power, speed, arm, and fielding. They have taken drastically different paths to be stars on this club, but have ended up the same. As soon as the words "Play ball!" are yelled, Hamilton and Kinsler are the cornerstones of the franchise.

In the tough AL Central, where a game in the dog days of July could end up being the difference between playing in October or golf reservations, Kenny Williams is on the phone, discussing potential moves. The Tigers' Justin Verlander battles a hitter to regain respect as a top hurler after a year to forget. Mark Shapiro of the Indians goes over the budget again with top executives.

And Joe Mauer chases .400. A pure contact hitter? Naw.

He's more. Much more.

Mauer is also part of this "elite brand", combining his ability to put the ball in play with rapidly developing power, good speed, a respectable reputation as a catcher, and an even better arm. Joe Mauer leads the Twins as they prepare for their next series. The calm, laid-back catcher is ready for another day at work.

Then on the east coast, in the bustling city of New York, a sea of pinstripes is visible in the Bronx, as grown men and women alike show support for their Bombers. Go a bit north and you'll find Boston, a city known for its sports passion. A certain Canadian outfielder patrols the hallowed left field of Fenway Park. Jason Bay.

He is glad to have the chance to compete, finally, after spending many years with the lowly Pirates. The two fours on his back tell only a part of the story. Why must it be four? He is a five-tool player.

Epstein acquired him last year from the Pirates in a three-way deal that sent Manny Ramirez packing for Boston. And while Ramirez lingers as the big name from that deal, Bay has done nothing but produce while keeping a low profile—a welcome thing to Boston management after the Manny saga.

But a player who punches the clock and shuts up? Naw.

He's more. Much more.

This year, Bay bats .286 with 19 home runs and 69 RBI. His speed doesn't show much on the bases, but does in the plays he makes look routine in left field. Bay, along with scrapper Dustin Pedroia and speedster Jacoby Ellsbury, leads a Boston massacre that has been slightly weakened by a slumping David Ortiz.

Call them spark-plugs if you'd like, but these consistent ballplayers are models of how the game should be played. It isn't much different in the NL. Players like Russell Martin, Corey Hart, Carlos Beltran, and Nate McClouth showcase their various skills everyday on the diamond.

They are the new wave. It's good to see that power isn't as important as it was, and that Mauer's pursuit of .400 is more interesting than gaudy hot streaks in power by some players. The five-tools make or break a player, and the good ones have them all. The new wave of players—Tate, Rasmus, Wieters—look to continue the trend.

But is this special set of abilities, just a trend to be continued? Naw.

It's more. Much more.

Highly Tate-d: San Diego's Donovan Looks To Bring Excitement to Padres

Eli Nachmany — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:35:05 -0400

A wobbly Bud Selig waddled up to the podium, tired eyes peering through powerful spectacles at a sizable audience. All who occupied Studio 42 held their breath, awed by the mysterious air of Draft Day.

These players, just kids, had so much room to succeed or fail. It was the culmination of a year's scouting, and it was time for the number three pick to be made. John Hart directed a crooked smile at the audience, and Bud Selig cleared his throat.

"With the third pick in the 2009 First Year Player Draft, the San Diego Padres select," Selig started.

Here it came. The pick that could define a franchise. Bud Selig's lips parted, and the words came out as quick as a whip. A whip that slapped the faces of many other organization's scouting heads.

"Donovan Tate."

Harold Reynolds grinned as he stated the importance of Tate to the Padres. To paraphrase, Reynolds called the Padres a boring squad and said that Tate would be the spark-plug.

As it stands, Tate has committed to playing both football and baseball at the University of North Carolina, on a scholarship. An extremely talented athlete, he would rise quickly through the Padres minor league system. The question is, can the Padres sign him?

Obviously, the Padres and Kevin Towers will be willing and able to spend on their new prized possession. The Georgia outfielder hit .525 this season, launching 10 long balls. He has all the five tools, but the question is if the hitting will develop the way Padres executives hope for it to.

According to most scouts, he should develop an above-average glove and average power. We're looking at a guy who may be a perennial 20-20 candidate who can also get it done in the field.

Advantageous to the Padres is that glove. Playing at the spacious PetCo Park, San Diego's ball club will need an agile ballplayer who can cover a lot of ground to man center field for them. Donovan Tate is that guy.

Donovan Tate was the guy for San Diego on Draft Day. Let's see if he'll be the guy to lead them back to the playoffs.

Major Prospects in the 2008 MLB Draft Make for a Fun Affair

Eli Nachmany — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:13:27 -0400

In Seacaucus, NJ, Matt Vasgersian highlights the big plays in last night's games. Harold Reynolds weighs in with his opinions on players in slumps or pitchers who are dominating. The tile on the floor shines with newness as Victor Rojas walks across to his office.

It's baseball heaven.

It's been a long road here, to Seacaucus, for some young players. It will be soon that they will participate in the beginning event of their budding Major League career, the Amateur Player Draft of 2009.

Promising future stars like Stephen Strasburg, Grant Green, Alex White, and Dustin Ackley have scouts drooling like rain on a normal day in Seattle.

And it is in Seattle that Mariners brass eagerly awaits their pick. After stumbling to disheartening mediocrity in the last season, this team is fortunate enough to garner the No. 2 overall pick in the '09 draft.

Time will tell who goes to this franchise, and time is passing fast—in just a small amount of hours will these Mariners decide the future of their franchise. This player, handpicked by Mariners higher-ups, will team with current Mariners prospects Phillipe Aumont, Greg Halman, and Carlos Triunfel to make a winner.

We already know that going at No. 1 to the Nationals and acting GM Mike Rizzo is the hard-throwing righty Stephen Strasburg. This hurler can bring the gas, frequently clocked at 103 MPH with his fastball, also featuring a slider in the 90 MPH range. He is a phenomenal 13-1 on the year, with a sparkling 1.32 ERA and a sterling strikeout total of 195.

Funny; in each number there was a "one" (the one in the number 13, the first number of the ERA, the hundreds digit of the strikeout total)—maybe it's just fitting that Strasburg looks to be the No. 1 pitcher in all of MLB in a few years.

On another note, Dustin Ackley looks to be a successful player. Scouts rave about his ability as a hitter, and he draws comparisons to Josh Hamilton, ability-wise. It is to be seen how he transitions from metal to wooden bats, but I wonder if that would make much difference with his talent.

These and other draft prospects go to sleep tonight as amateur players, and sleep tomorrow night as pros. Some will be destined for a long career riding buses in the minors, and not accomplishing anything at the MLB level. But others will make noise at the Major League level—and we wonder who.

It's been a long road to Seacaucus, but it's a much, much longer road to Cooperstown.

New York Mets Swap a Backstop: Stick with Santos over Castro

Eli Nachmany — Sat, 30 May 2009 00:34:21 -0400

It was a moist night in New York when Omir Santos came up to the plate. He stopped a second to ponder what he meant to this team. Brian Schneider was finally healthy, and Ramon Castro seemed a mainstay in the dugout. After this, he could possibly be the third string catcher.

What truly went through Santos' mind as he dug in, we may never know. But what we do know is that he looped a bleeding single over a drawn-in Marlins infield, and the Mets won yet another exciting ballgame. Omir had a huge smile on his face as he got to first, and Gary Sheffield crossed home plate with the winning run.

And so, with Santos having already hit a solo home run in the game and having immense success so far at the big league level, a catching dilemma developed.

With Brian Schneider, Omir Santos, and Ramon Castro all manning the position, the Mets were hard-pressed to find an appealing solution. Around the league, teams secretly anticipated the market to expand for a backup catcher. Who would be the odd man out?

With Schneider's defensive prowess too good to ignore (also the fact that both Castro and Santos are not proven everyday catchers), and Santos and Castro being similar in their playing style, Omir's speed and hot bat put him over the top. Castro would have to be moved. In the interest of a trade, Minaya phoned Kenny Williams.

Eventually, a deal was struck. White Sox pitcher Lance Broadway would be a Met, and Castro would go to the White Sox. Broadway will be reassigned to AAA Buffalo, and is 0-1, 5.06 on the year. Generally the scouting reports on him look positive, so his performance so far shouldn't raise too many red flags.

So the Mets place their trust in the young kid, something we've wanted for so long. What if they had put trust in Kazmir, or better yet Ryan? We can only wonder what the future holds for Santos.

In other news, the Mets acquired 34-year old OF Emil Brown from the San Diego Padres.

Seriously, Just Get Out: 10 MLBers Who Should Just Leave

Eli Nachmany — Thu, 28 May 2009 23:08:33 -0400

Some players just irk me. Whether it be delaying an inevitable retirement (yes, I'm calling out Brett Favre in a slideshow for MLBers) or just failing at the game, these players are not worthy of a job at the professional level and should really just get out. Seriously.

This is my first slideshow and some of the players I—okay wait a second how is slideshow a misspelling? Way to fail, spell check. You too get out—criticize aren't totally deserving, and it is all in good humor. The reasoning will be real but a bit exaggerated. I was going to do the Nachmany Nine, but felt obliged to leave that creative idea to Schottey. Way to take that idea first Schottey, now get out. See what I mean? :)

So here we go. Time to profile the MLBers who should really just get out. And when I say get out, I mean get out.

Begin Slideshow

Phillies Raul Ibanez Is The Best Hitter in Baseball

Eli Nachmany — Wed, 27 May 2009 15:52:37 -0400

It's a cloudy, drizzly day in the City of Brotherly Love. The Phillies are trying to distance themselves from the streaking Mets, as the two teams are just a half-game apart.

Joe Blanton has just hurled a great game, mowing down 11 batters. Jayson Werth is attempting to break out of his slump as manager Charlie Manuel gives him chance after chance to turn it around.

And Raul Ibanez is the best hitter in baseball.

It's been a long road for Ibanez, as he has played on mostly losing teams for his entire career. Raul has always been a serviceable player, four times hitting over 20 home runs (including a career high 33 with Seattle in 2006), and once hitting over .300.

He has muddled through years with a Kansas City team that was still wishing for a final go-around with George Brett, although he had been retired for some time. Ibanez has seen a team stumble to a losing record, although their payroll was above $100 million.

Ibanez has seen it all, perhaps, and now the only thing Raul can see are towering blasts hop off of his bat, slightly illuminating an otherwise dark Philadelphia night.

Ibanez single-handedly powered the Phillies past the Yankees recently. Over three games he went 5-13, launching two home runs and knocking in three runs. The Phillies won the series, 2-1, Ibanez's home run in the last game being the difference.

If his high at-bat totals in the past few seasons are indicative of how durable he is, Raul will have no problem fitting in on a blue-collar Philadelphia team that fights to win. If you weren't a Met fan (or a Ray fan) last year, the feel-good Phillies made people remember what baseball is all about, and sparked hope in fans.

Hard-nosed second baseman Chase Utley hitting to the gaps and hustling the basepaths was inspiring to young kids as they watched him embody the tough ballplayer America fell in love with circa 1950.

Those kids saw Cole Hamels flash his 'gotcha' smile every time he victimized another battle. They idolized Ryan Howard's heroics as he swung a powerful stick, a threat to go for the fences every time.

These kids now watch as Raul Ibanez plays beside these franchise faces, and as the little kid in Raul jumps out every time he clears the fence, we are all excited at what the future of baseball holds in store for us.

Perhaps it is this future that excites us because now, as the steroid era begins to end, is such a great time for baseball. We watch player after player make themselves known through their bat, glove, or arm, and we pay our hard-earned money to watch them do just this.

We see Ibanez, the MLB leader in home runs and NL leader in RBI, determined to succeed. The Phillies have certainly benefitted from his offensive prowess, standing at 25-19 on the year. The outfielder's sweet, left-handed swing showcases discipline and power, all at once, and he is making a case for the designation of the best free-agent pick up.

Among that class are Adam Dunn (15 HR, 40 RBI, .284 AVG) and Mark Teixeira (14, 37, .271), but Ibanez's stats are by far the best of the three. Raul's slugging percentage is through the roof, a gaudy .724, showing just how much power he has had through the first part of 2009.

Ibanez is no slacker on defense, either, improving his UZR (Ultimate Zone Rating) from minus-12.1 in 2008 to 4.6 with the Phils.

But it is not the league-leading stats, or the major defensive improvement, that makes Ibanez the Phillies' newest popular face. It is the attitude he has. That mentality you see in an everyday hero. The one who shows up every day for work and does what needs to be done for everything to function properly.

And Raul Ibanez is making sure the Phillies function properly, by coming through in the clutch, playing left field like it's nobody's business, and tearing the cover off of the ball. The Phillies have been kept down for so long, some of last year's hunger has trickled into 2009.

These Phillies fans suffered through a 28-year title drought in which they saw Mitch Williams give up the "biggest home run in Joe Carter's life," a player strike, a steroid era, and an upstart Rays team threaten their hopes for a title.

The Phils would not let their fans down, capturing the title in 2008. This year, Raul Ibanez isn't letting his fans down either.

The Price Is Ri-sing: Rays Pitcher Called Up

Eli Nachmany — Mon, 25 May 2009 13:25:49 -0400

David Price is back. The young lefty was called up when Scott Kazmir went to the 15-day DL due to a bad right quad.

It has been a long, winding road for Price. Just two years ago he was the Major League's No. 1 overall pick. The Rays decided to take a chance on the southpaw, as his maturity branded him for early success.

Price ascended quickly through the minors, drawing raving reports from many scouts. In 2008, he joined a young Rays pitching staff that included the likes of Matt Garza, James Shields, and Scott Kazmir.

He fit right in with the talented nucleus, throwing in five games (four of which were relief appearances) to the tune of a sparkling 1.93 ERA with 12 strikeouts in 14 innings.

His story was bigger than the Rays themselves as the miracle contenders marched through the playoffs. Surprising to most, he did not receive a spot on the Rays Major League roster as the 2009 season began.

At .500 and looking for a spark, the Rays decided that because a starting pitcher fill-in was necessary, Price was their guy. He will make his 2009 debut on Memorial Day, and the Rays are hoping this will be a start to remember.

"I [worked] on my changeup during the spring and the offseason...but what I've got works [already]," said Price when asked of adjustments he's made in preparation for receiving a spot in the rotation.

How good is Price, anyway?

"He's got a chance to rewrite a lot of the record books here if he stays healthy, I'll tell you that. I would expect him to do so," said Rays pitching coach Jim Hickey.

Price has a fastball that ranges from 94-95, but has been seen at 98. He also employs a plus slider to put away hitters and, as he said, he is working on a changeup.

He was the top prospect in the minors last year, heading a talented group that included Matt Wieters, Cameron Maybin, Colby Rasmus, Travis Snider, and other future greats.

Price looks to be the best player to ever emerge from Vanderbilt college, followed by Indians hurler Jeremy Sowers.

This could be just what baseball needed. Price may shift focus away from steroid allegations. With Manny and A-Rod revealed to be on the juice, baseball's image is tarnished.

While these two malcontents are not holy grail athletes, they were at the top of the game. Them being on the juice put the game into perspective for most—a bin of cheaters and liars who attain enjoyment from unfairly breaking records.

But Price seems different. He is one who seems to put integrity back into the game. With newer, seemingly honest stars coming up, is a golden age coming around?

With Price's debut on Memorial Day, let's make this an era to remember. In a good way.

Derek Jeter To Bat Leadoff for New York Yankees, Johnny Damon Slides to No. 2

Eli Nachmany — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 22:35:11 -0400

Johnny Damon has been officially relieved of the duties of being the leadoff hitter for the New York Yankees. Who but The Captain would be the individual to step up and obtain the new vacancy? Derek Jeter will be the new Yankee number one hitter. Johnny Damon will bat second.

Damon was taken under the Yankees' wing after a successful stint with the rival Boston Red Sox. Damon was forced to shave his long beard and shear his famous locks of hair that gave him the "caveman" appearance that fans associated the 2004 curse-breaking Red Sox with all too well. He became an immediate force for the Bronx Bombers in 2006, batting .285 with 24 home runs.

Leadoff material? Didn't think so.

Heart of the order material? Anyday of the week.

Then things changed. Damon, who had never seen the DL, began to feel the effects of old age (in ballplayer's years). His back was a main point of concern for him as he concluded the season with a dismal .270 batting average and a mere 12 home runs. Beginning to outstay his welcome in the Bronx, Damon became a new hitter and contributed positively to a 2008 Yankees club that fell just short of the playoffs.

In 2008, Johnny Damon broke through, parking 17 home runs and batting at a .303 clip. He also swiped 29 bases, his best single-season total since 2003. Things were looking up.

Don't worry. There are no horrible plot twists, devastating events, or dramatic episodes associated with Johnny Damon's time in the Bronx (unlike a certain third baseman we've heard a bit too much about). Damon was like any other player when he reported to Spring Training, and Girardi struck genius by pure luck.

With Jorge Posada returning to the Yankee lineup, Girardi aimed to get him more plate appearances. To do this, he made (former) leadoff hitter Johnny Damon his number two batter, temporarily. The switch worked to perfection. With Jeter batting first and Damon hitting second, the Yankees' murderers row seemed that much more complete. The Captain would be batting first - a good example for the budding Bombers as to where a good code of morals can get you in New York, as if being Derek Jeter himself isn't enough.

This is by no means an article to express hero worship towards 'Jeet'. In fact, I think Derek Jeter is highly overrated and the fact that I am a Mets fan should be evidence enough that I am not a Derek Jeter fan. But he is a baseball player, so I respect him (as much as it may kill me).

Anyway, Derek Jeter will be the Yankees' new leadoff hitter. While last season may have been his last at .300, he remains a driven ballplayer with outstanding work ethic. Jeter is the best candidate to be the leadoff hitter for the Yankees. While Damon is good, I like him better as a number two hitter now that I've seen him there. Jeter will ignite Yankee Stadium more than a free agent acquisition. He is the 'purebred Yankee'.

The Yankee lineup will be a heterogeneously talented group of players who all have a certain knack for an aspect of hitting. Derek Jeter's aspect is putting the ball in play. That is what the prototypical leadoff hitter accomplishes. The stereotypical leadoff hitter does that with a combination of blinding speed. Of course, this isn't of necessity. Jeter may yet thrive as a leadoff hitter. Only time will tell.

The question arises whether or not Girardi is 100% serious about this. It appears he is. He called Damon down to his office to discuss the lineup change. Damon has expressed immense pride in his (now Jeter's) role as leadoff batter. Consensus is that Derek Jeter bats leadoff on Opening Day and Johnny Damon bats second, barring injuries.

Another accolade for Derek Jeter. What else is new?

Coming Soon To a Ballpark Near You: White Sox Prospect on Fast Track to Majors

Eli Nachmany — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:03:51 -0400

While SS Tim Beckham was tabbed for greatness the second Tampa Bay announced that they would go with him at No. 1, the White Sox were sitting on their haunches, ready to strike. With the eighth pick in the 2008 MLB Amateur Draft, the ChiSox went with Gordon Beckham. Gordon shares a surname and position with Tim Beckham—but not much else.

The 21-year-old White Sox prospect produced in limited action last year for the White Sox Class A affiliate, the Kannapolis Intimidators. He batted at a .310 clip with three home runs, 18 total hits, an OBP of .365, and 11 runs scored-all in 58 at-bats (14 games). Beckham projects to be adequate defensively with a ton of pop.

He dented metal bats in college from how hard he'd smack the ball.

Beckham was invited to White Sox training camp for evaluation. He made an impact with Chicago, batting .270 with two home runs in 37 at-bats. The number that jumped out was his commendable .568 slugging percentage. The White Sox have optioned him to the Birmingham Barons, their AA affiliate, where he will start at shortstop.

This would indicate that Gordon Beckham is just two years away from the Majors. While realistically, two years is a long time to wait, this is auspicious for the South Siders. They will have some problems placing Chris Getz, Alexei Ramirez, and Beckham all in the same infield, but that's a much better problem than some other teams have.

Anderson Hernandez or Ronnie Belliard at second base? Now that's a problem. Then again, that's the Nationals. It isn't fair to make fun of the Nationals. Apologies, fans of the DC crew.

I project that Beckham will hit .290 with 25-35 home runs in his prime. Beckham should have no trouble fitting into Ozzie Guillen's 'Swing For The Fences At All Costs' lineup. Think Dan Uggla with more hype and a much better batting average.

Coming soon to a ballpark nearest you, the other Beckham. The better one?

Tim Beckham has his work cut out for him.

Hanley Ramirez and Florida Marlins Get New Stadium

Eli Nachmany — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 23:06:24 -0400

The name change worked for the Rays—why not for their state rival Marlins?

The Florida Marlins' request for a new stadium was approved by Miami-Dade county and will be built by 2012. At that time, the Florida Marlins will try to capture the magic of a name change, becoming the Miami Marlins. The new stadium will have a retractable roof, for the humid and rainy days that Miami will encounter.

The famous maxim goes, "If you build it, they will come." But does the adage apply to Jeffrey Loria's Marlins? Probably not. Interest in baseball has never been abundant in the relaxed Floridian atmosphere.

When the young 2003 Marlins marched through the playoffs and upset the Yankees to capture a World Series flag, who cared? Not enough people, as Loria did what he does best—dismantle a contender due to lack of payroll support. He took away piece-by-piece a balanced, competent roster because of the Marlins' perennial budget concerns that have become of flagrant notice to fans and analysts alike.

AJ Burnett left for the cold climate and enticing riches of Toronto, while Carlos Delgado departed for the Big Apple with teammate Paul Lo Duca. Mike Lowell and Josh Beckett left for better opportunity in Boston via trade, but the Marlins got back a young kid named Hanley Ramirez.

Little did they know, they had struck gold.

Ramirez made immediate impact and is now, arguably, the best player in baseball. He forms the best offensive (and quite possibly the worst defensive) double-play combination with Rule 5 draftee and slugger Dan Uggla—another stroke of genius for Florida (or luck, however you see it). Ramirez can't be expected to stay long with the numbers he's put up, and the Marlins history of breaking up young, playoff-caliber teams.

Remember that stadium? Apparently, the stadium is being erected in the hopes of retaining Hanley through at least 2014, which is when his current contract expires. Payroll budget, under the shrewd care of Jeffery Loria, will receive a substantial increase when the new stadium pops up. Hanley Ramirez will remain the face of the franchise.

Could the new stadium in Miami be 'The House That Hanley Built'?

Let's try to tap magic out of name changes before we start talking about such nonsense.