Bleacher Report - MLB

Will Decision By Cuban Defector Diminish Red Sox Chances Of Signing Him?

Jeffrey Brown — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:49:36 -0500

If you have never heard of Aroldis Chapman, or if you have only heard dribs and drabs about him, then you had better get ready—because over the course of the next few weeks and months you are going to hear an awful lot about him.

I first read about him last spring while preparing for one of my fantasy baseball auctions. The rules in one of my leagues provides for a reserve roster, and permits team owners to acquire ANY player for its reserve roster, including players from the NL (notably, those who may become free agents), collegiate baseball, and international baseball.

I Googled the word “defect” and the phrase “Cuban baseball players” and up popped the name Aroldis Chapman—time after time. Various reports said he is a left-hander who can throw 100 miles an hour. As you might imagine, the reports were intriguing.

The only question was how long he would last in the reserve draft. I wanted him, but there are a couple of other guys in the league who likewise are enamored of acquiring hidden gems from overseas—players who can be controlled at low salaries for several years (Daisuke Matsuzaka was acquired in this manner).

I passed on Chapman in round one—selecting Red Sox 1B prospect Lars Anderson instead. I wanted Chapman in round two, but by the time my selection came around again, he was already drafted.

Chapman, 22, is frequently described as a “phenom." He’s much younger than some of the other high-profile free agent pitchers who have come to the US from Cuba.

Jose Contreras was 31 when he came to the United States; Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez was 32. The pitcher who Chapman can be most closely compared to, in terms of age and “buzz," is Hernandez’s younger brother, Livan, who was just 21 years old when he arrived in the States.

Chapman defected from the Cuban national team while attending the 2009 World Port Tournament, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in July.

While there he connected with Edwin Mejia, of Athletes Premier International, on the recommendation of a childhood friend of Chapman. Soon thereafter, Mejia was serving as his agent.

Mejia took Chapman to Barcelona, Spain, where Chapman lived and trained throughout the remainder of the summer. The two men later moved to Andorra, a small principality on the border of France and Spain, where Chapman officially established residency.

A week later, Major League Baseball awarded him status as a free agent.

Last month, Mejia took Chapman to New York and Boston to begin the process of negotiating with interested ball clubs, including the Red Sox, Mets, and Yankees.

It is known the Red Sox have a keen interest in the southpaw, and many in Boston had hoped that Mejia (a native of Boston) might give the Red Sox some small advantage when wooing the hurler.

But Chapman has now switched agents, choosing to cut ties with Mejia—who has never represented a major leaguer—and instead secure the services of veteran agents Randy and Alan Hendricks.

Red Sox fans remember the brothers Hendricks—they formerly represented one-time Boston ace Roger Clemens.

Could Mejia’s presence in the process have provided the Sox with an advantage in signing Chapman? Probably not, but now we will never know. His departure certainly won’t help…

Scouting Report on Chapman:

Height: 6′4″
Weight: 180 lbs

Tall… lean… long arms and legs… whippy body.

Repertoire: His four-seam fastball regularly sits in the mid-90s but has been clocked as high as 102 mph; two-seam fastball will generally hit 91-92; and he possesses a hard slider that registers in the low-80s with really good sink. He lacks a third pitch.

Scouts say he does not have a “feel” for pitching. They consider his command to be below-average to average, despite the fact he repeats his delivery well, has smooth mechanics and creates velocity with easy arm action.

In spite of these shortcomings, scouts consider him the best left-handed pitching prospect in the world.

ESPN writer Buster Olney recently referred to Chapman “a left-handed Stephen Strasburg”.

Question: Is he REALLY just 21 years old?

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Joe Mauer's Potential Trade Destinations, Minnesota's Worst-Case Scenario

Jeremiah Graves — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:42:58 -0500

It’s almost time to let the real “Hot Stove Season” begin in earnest. Barring some unforeseen blunder by the Baseball Writers Association of America, Joe Mauer will be crowned the 2009 American League Most Valuable Player on Monday afternoon. When that announcement becomes official, the clock starts. The clock will be counting down the remaining days of Joe Mauer’s relationship with the Minnesota Twins. By the time pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training the clock very well may have reached zero—as it did for Johan Santana two years ago—or it may have restarted to the tune of six-years and $100+ million. Mauer’s agent, Ron Shaprio, has no doubt avoided starting any real negotiations regarding an extension with Minnesota until after the MVP announcement, and for good reason. It’s one thing to ask for $100+ million for a three-time batting champion and it’s a whole different business to ask for $100+ million for a three-time batting champion and reigning AL MVP. If Shapiro had started negotiations before the announcement, he’d have been going into a gunfight with an empty chamber. After Monday’s announcement, he’ll come out fully-loaded and guns a-blazing. It should be noted, however, that Shapiro was the agent for both Cal Ripken and Kirby Puckett, both of whom were able to work out deals to stay with their original clubs. Shapiro is the antithesis of Scott Boras, in the sense that although he’s looking for a big payday for his client, he’s not looking to loot and plunder the organization in the process. Mauer, 27, is due $12.5 million next season and, despite saying he is unconcerned with being the highest-paid player in the game, he is due a hefty raise going forward. In fact, to say he is due a “hefty raise” may be underscoring his overall value. Mauer is just entering his prime, plays a premium position, and is undoubtedly one of the game’s best pure hitters. In just five full-seasons in the big leagues, Mauer has been voted to three All-Star teams, won three batting titles, three Silver Sluggers, two Gold Gloves, and should win his first AL MVP Monday afternoon. It would be pure naiveté to assume that Mauer isn’t at least thinking about the big money he could make if he played in Los Angeles, New York, or Boston. Despite historically being one of baseball stingiest franchises, Minnesota figures to make an honest attempt to extend Mauer’s contract beyond 2010 and well into the next decade. No one in the front-office has so much as batted an eyelash at rumblings of the first $100+ million contract in franchise history. That fact notwithstanding, there is still a chance that, much like with Santana, the extension talks could crumble. If that is the case, one has to wonder what Mauer’s trade value would be. Obviously, Mauer would command far more than the package general manager Bill Smith received for Santana two years ago. Any team dealing with the Twins may be reluctant to give up front-line talent, given that acquiring Mauer will also include a substantial monetary investment, but the fact of the matter remains the same as it was with Santana, it’s now or never. You pony-up the prospects and trade for him, or you’ll never get your hands on him. Period. Many fans in New York and Boston were lobbying for the Yankees and Red Sox, respectively, to hold onto their precious young talent rather than trade for Santana two years ago. The mindset among those fans was that their clubs could just buy Santana and, in turn, keep their prospects too the following offseason. Santana, however, never hit free agency. The Mets stepped in with an offer that was considerably less desirable than any the Yankees or Red Sox had reportedly offered, but it was the only offer left and the Twins took it. Take heed now delusional fans of big market ballclubs, Joe Mauer will not hit free agency after next season. His contract situation has an endgame with one of two possibilities. A) The Twins will re-sign the hometown boy to the largest contract in franchise history and the fairy tale will come to a happy ending. Fans along the upper east coast will cry. B) The Twins will trade Mauer to one of baseball’s big market clubs in exchange for a slew of top prospects and the big market club will promptly sign him to one of baseball’s richest contracts. Everyone in Minnesota will cry. With those two options in mind, it’s time to take a look at the potential suitors that could arise for Mauer’s services if contract negotiations with the Twins fall through.

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Exploring Much Needed Bench Options for the Minnesota Twins

Eric Johnson — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:28:16 -0500

What do Brendan Harris and Gene Larkin have in common?

In a perfect world, the answer would be simple: nothing (aside from having last names that sort of seem like they could be first names, but don’t completely seem like they could be first names).

The correct answer, however, is that both players were the best option off the bench for their respective Twins teams. For the 1991 Twins, this was a good thing. For the 2009 Twins, this was…well…less good.

Considering the 1991 Twins also had Randy Bush and Scott Leius/Mike Pagliarulo as potential pinch hitters, Pedro Munoz as the young-guy-who-gets-called-up-when-someone-gets-injured-because-he’s-in-our-future-plans-so-we-don’t-want-him-toiling-on-the-bench, and Al Newman as Al Newman, the bench was solid overall.

(By the way, when googling Randy Bush, I found out there is a moderately attractive French female singer of the same name. I don’t know what my point is; I just thought you should know.)

Unlike the 1991 version, the 2009 Twins bench was the furthest thing from solid. In fact, it was awful. Led by Harris—a bad hitter and even worse fielder—the 2009 Twins featured exactly zero players anyone was happy to see step in as a pinch hitter. I defy you to argue otherwise.

(If you are wondering, Nick Punto sported a better OBP than Harris, .337 to .310, while Harris sported a better SLG percentage, .364 to .284, for respective OPS’s (OPSi?) of .672 and .612. Translation? They both suck.)

Really, other than Carlos Gomez defensively replacing Delmon Young, there wasn’t a single guy who was an upgrade in any facet of the game over a starter. While backups are obviously on the bench for a reason, they should still have at least some value to their team. Brendan Harris, et al. did not.

Currently, the outlook for the 2010 Twins bench is equally bleak. The team looks something like this:

Lineup
Span CF
Mauer C
Morneau 1B
Cuddyer RF
Kubel DH
Hardy SS
Young LF
Valencia/Harris 3B
Punto 2B

Bench
Tolbert/Casilla IF
Harris/Valencia/Whoever IF
Pridie OF
Morales C

Other than a mix-and-match of potential infielders, there really aren’t many other options for the 2010 roster.

Anyone else longing for Roberto Kelly, Darrin Jackson, and Chip Hale right about now?

I’m going to make a bold claim, and feel fairly comfortable doing so: As it stands, the 2010 Twins will have the worst bench in franchise history.

Depressing. I know.

So how can the bench be fixed? Well, fairly simply, actually.

For starters, the Twins should non-tender Harris. Someone, please, give me one compelling reason why the Twins should retain Harris for $1ish million in arbitration. Is there one?

I mean, I guess he kind of has nice hair.

As I stated earlier, Harris is a bad hitter and an even worse fielder. Honestly, he is one of the worst infielders I have ever seen. I am not exaggerating when I say I was at game when Harris missed a ground ball he literally could have fielded by taking one step. His reaction time is that bad.

If the ball isn’t hit right at him, Harris will not field it. (I don’t know if the defensive statistics back this up, because UZR and its fellow fielding statistic friends are pointless and arbitrary—although feel free to convince me otherwise if you disagree.)

One million dollars couldn’t be spent on something better than Brendan Harris? Color me skeptical. Actually, color me beyond skeptical.

For example, how about Eric Hinske and Rocco Baldelli for a combined $2 million (based on 2009 salaries)?

Hinske and Baldelli are exact type of players the Twins are lacking (and have been for several years, for that matter).

Look out how much better a bench with Hinske and Baldelli would be:

Hinkse 1B/RF
Baldelli OF
Tolbert/Casilla/Other IF
Morales C

Signing Hinske and Baldelli would give the Twins decent left-handed and right-handed hitting options off the bench (Hinkse and Baldelli), a speed guy (mystery infielder), someone who can allow Morneau to DH occasionally without moving Cuddyer to 1B (Hinske again), and a defensive replacement for Young (Baldelli again).

Any legitimate contender needs depth, and adding Hinske and Baldellig would give the Twins just that. And, while de-starting Punto would be preferable, adding a third baseman and a pair of hitters off the bench would be enough offense to make Punto’s lack of hitting irrelevant.

So, while creating crazy fantasies about obtaining big names like Roy Halladay is fun, adding depth this offseason is just as important. And far more realistic.

Gene Larkin won the 1991 World Series, after all.

www.undomed.blogspot.com

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Why Joe Mauer Is a Lock to Win The American League MVP

PJ Ross — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:14:34 -0500

The 2009 American League MVP award will be handed down on Monday, and Joe Mauer is the front-runner to take home the trophy.

There are a number of players in pursuit of the Golden Boy, including Derek Jeter and Mark Teixiera.

Jeter has certain unmeasurable qualities that have earned him the title of Yankee Captain, and Teixiera was the most powerful weapon on the best team in the majors.

But Mauer is no slouch as far as leadership goes, and his prowess at the plate was just as daunting to opposing pitchers as Teixiera.

Mauer came up as a highly-touted superstar and hometown hero, and he has delivered on both fronts during his time with the Twins.

Then, tucked away in Detroit and somewhat forgotten after the Tigers late-season collapse, we have Miguel Cabrera who quietly mounted an outstanding offensive campaign.

The big right-hander hits the ball about as hard as anyone in the league, but his impact on the field just doesn't stack up to that of Mauer.

There are also some that might argue for Cy Young winner Zack Greinke to win the award because of the dominant numbers he put up on the mound for a terrible Kansas City team.

I just don't think you can hand the award to a player on a last place team; I mean after all, if the Royals didn't have Greinke they still would have finished last.

It doesn't take anything away from the season Grienke mounted, but the other players I will break down had more of an impact on helping their team to success than did Greinke.

With that out of the way, here is how I think voting in the top five will shake out:

1. Mauer (.365/28/96)

Joe Mauer flat out mashed the ball in 2009.

After missing time early in the season due to a back injury, Mauer exploded onto the scene on May 1.

One of the few abilities Mauer left to desire in the past was his low power output, as he hit just 16 homeruns in 2007 and 2008 combined.

Then, in his first at-bat of the season, he slammed a 2-0 pitch for a solo homerun over the left center field wall.

That moment set the pace for the following 137 in which he played, as Mauer set career highs in all three triple crown categories with a batting average of .365, 28 home runs, and 96 RBI.

Not only did he increase his power output, but he also recorded 13 more walks than strikeouts (76 BB/63 K) while doing so.

2. Miguel Cabrera (.324/34/103)

After losing a considerable amount of weight in the offseason, Cabrera decreased his strikeout total from 126 in 2008 down to 106 in 2009, and he also worked 12 more walks.

His power numbers did go down slightly from 2008 (37/127), but there's no denying that without Cabrera in the Tigers order they wouldn't have had a lead in the division to blow down the stretch.

3. Derek Jeter (.334/18/107 runs/30 SB)

Jeter won his first Gold Glove since 2006 and his average ballooned by 34 points from last season.

The Yankees' captain is an irreplaceable asset for his team, but not as irreplaceable as Mauer in Minnesota.

4. Mark Texiera (.292/39/122)

The switch-hitter led the league in homeruns and RBIs even after getting off to his normal slow start to the season.

He played a Gold Glove first base, and deserves a lot more credit for just how dynamic he is in the field.

Teixiera has excellent hands and saves his infielders from countless errors, either by scooping a ball out of the dirt or coming off the bag to make a tag.

5. Ichiro (.352/11/88 runs/26 SB)

He finished second to Mauer in batting average and recorded his ninth consecutive 200-hit season. Ichiro also won his ninth Gold Glove in a row and his third Silver Slugger award of his career.

Also, would you believe that the singles specialist led the league in intentional walks?

A lot of people might think it's outrageous that Cabrera would finish in front of both Jeter and Teixeira, but I see the latter two splitting votes and keeping each other out of the second spot.

Let me say this: I would put Teixiera as the runner-up, Jeter third, and Cabrera fourth, but I believe that the voters will be divided on the two Yankee candidates and it will result in Cabrera leaping over the both of them.

In regards to Mauer, he just had far too dominant of a season for any of the other players to steal the award from him.

For those that still can't trust the numbers I've outlined, I can't stress enough that neither Cabrera nor Jeter led the league in any of the major stat categories, while Mauer led in a number of areas.

There is the issue that Mauer missed the entire month of April with an injury.

I argued during the NL Cy Young race that Chris Carpenter shouldn't win the award because he failed to register 200 innings.

Mauer still started in 105 games—seventh amongst AL catchers—and the big difference is that when he came back, he played every day.

Carpenter ranked 26th in the NL in innings pitched.

It works out to be a little unfair to Carpenter, but since he didn't get to play every day and instead took the mound every fifth day, the time he missed was too much to overcome.

By playing nearly every day upon returning, Mauer was able to fight his way back into enough games to be accepted for the award.

All of that being said, Mauer is the clear-cut MVP in my book.

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Atlanta Braves' Offseason Options: About Those Predictions...

Cameron Britt — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:32:22 -0500

Remember when I said that in a month I'd hate that set of predictions in my last article?

Yeah...

It's been approximaetly eight days, and I hate them already.

Why?

It's really quite simple: A bunch of revelations.

Since then, Gonzalez has become a Scott Boras client, Rafael Soriano has been hyped as the best reliever on the market, and the Marlins have, according to several reports, pulled back on the level of urgency to dump Jorge Cantu and Dan Uggla.

I said that it was early, and it still is, but this has become a completely different market since the free agents officially became free agents.

Here are a few things that have become virtual givens:

1. Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano will not return together.

Maybe this was likely before last week, but now it looks certain.

These guys are, according to several free agent rankings, are the best two relievers on the market.

Even the Yankees couldn't keep these guys together (OK, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit).

But upwards of $20 million for two injury-prone relievers?

The more I think about it, no thanks.

2. Kenshin Kawakami will not be the odd man out when a trade is made.

The Braves have (or maybe it's more like David O'Brien and Mark Bowman) asserted their desire to trade one of their starters.

As the offseason has progressed over its first full week, only Derek Lowe and Javier Vazquez have appeared as the sole "tradables" from the rotation and I don't expect that to change unless less-than-market-value deals are all the Braves get.

3. We should probably expect more than Juan Rivera at this point.

My thinking when I wrote that last article was simple: Get high value at low cost.

Since then, it's looking as if the Braves are saying: Get high value without losing too much.

With names like Carl Crawford (please?) and Derek Lee looking more and more like legitimate possibilities, this could be a much larger offseason than I originally thought.

I was pretty confident with my projections/actions.

Now, it looks like the Braves are setting their sights towards players that pack a much larger punch.

Red Sox May Take a Step Back in 2010, to Take Two Steps Forward in 2011

Sean Kennedy — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:39:27 -0500

In my estimation, the Red Sox are in a precarious position right now, and could very well return with essentially the same team next season.

They weren't good enough to beat the Yankees this year, and that may not change next year.

The Sox can only hope for the best from Mike Lowell and David Ortiz. Both player's salaries are essentially $12M in 2010, and both contracts expire at season's end. The Sox will live or die with this pair of veterans. They are stuck with both players, for better of worse, and will have to ride out those contracts.

When those pacts expire after next season, the Sox will have about $25M to play with in next year's free agent market. This year's crop isn't particularly enticing anyway.

The Sox have spots to fill at shortstop and in left field. Beyond that, they have young, affordable, franchise players that they would be loathe to trade (Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis), or overpriced, underperforming players that will be very difficult to trade (Ortiz, Lowell, JD Drew).

Look for the Sox to give Alex Gonzalez a low dollar, one-year deal, with the notion that Jose Iglesias is waiting in the wings.

You can forget the Marco Scutaro talk; he a Type A free agent and, assuming Toronto offers him arbitration, the Red Sox will not surrender two picks for a 34-year-old player of his caliber.

Going after Adrian Gonzalez would gut the Red Sox farm system; Jed Hoyer will ask for the moon and stars, as he should. Clay Buchholz would certainly be required in any such deal, leaving a gaping hole in the Sox' rotation.

Junichi Tazawa and Michael Bowden are not ready for the Majors. Therefore, the Red Sox would need to acquire a free agent pitcher to replace Buchholz. There are few enticing candidates beyond John Lackey.

I'm skeptical that the Red Sox will sign a big star, other than Jason Bay. And if they lose Bay, don't be the least bit surprised if they acquire some lesser player, such as Xavier Nady, Rick Ankiel or Cody Ross, to platoon with Jeremy Hermida.

Prepare yourself for the distinct possibility of a very underwhelming replacement/acquisition. It won't likely be Matt Holliday.

The Red Sox have inquired about the Marlins' Dan Uggla, envisioning him as a potential replacement for Bay in left field. Uggla, 29, projects to earn approximately $8 million in arbitration. In four major-league seasons, he has averaged 30 homers and 90 RBIs.

So, Uggla has Bay-like numbers at less than half the cost. He would give the Sox more leeway to acquire another big-time hitter or pitcher.

One interesting possibility is that the Sox could still acquire the two-time All Star, even if they re-sign Bay. In that scenario, the Sox would move Pedroia, a college shortstop, back to his natural position, and have Uggla play second, his current position with the Marlins.

Expect Bay to be back with the Sox. It would be surprising if any team offers him more than four years, at $15M annually. He can't carry a team by himself, and he was very streaky this year.

Bay is 31, has hit .300 just once, and is coming off a career year. At this stage of his career, he won't get any better. You can only hope that his production remains consistent and that he doesn't decline during the contract.

Even if the Sox retain Bay, that won't be enough to get it done in 2010. It wasn't enough this year. More would still need to be done.

With Ortiz and Lowell aging/declining, plus a fairly weak free agent class, there is a distinct possibility that the Sox might not be quite so close to the top of the American League next season.

The club may choose to ride out the final year of Otiz' and Lowell's contracts and hope to retool after the 2010 season, when Joe Mauer, Carl Crawford, Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee might all be free agents.

As much as we love Big Papi, the Red Sox will never again have such a one-dimensional player on their roster; all stick, no glove.

The Sox need a more versatile, multi-dimensional DH/position player going forward. Bay would provide the Red Sox the ability to play DH and the outfield, even if his defensive skills erode slightly during the course of the contract.

One interesting question is whether the Sox would possibly trade Josh Beckett, particularly if contract extension talks stall?

Obtaining a pitcher (like John Lackey) and hitter (Bay) through free-agency would be helpful because the Red Sox could then devote a package of young players toward someone like Adrian Gonzalez.

Becket may seem more appealing than Lackey, but he hasn't quite been the stud that the Red Sox were expecting when they traded Hanley Ramirez for him.

Since arriving in Boston, Beckett's ERA is 4.04, which is good, but not ace-like; his WHIP is 1.20; he's never struck out 200 batters in a season; and opponents have batted .300 against him.

Four years is a pretty good sample size. Beckett has been good, but not great. He's going to want a big-money deal after taking the hometown discount last time, and you have to wonder if the Sox might determine that money could be better spent elsewhere.

Lackey is not as desirable as Beckett, especially since his agent is seeking an A.J. Burnett-type contract (five years, $82.5 million).

Lackey will be an asset to any team's rotation; he has a career 3.81 ERA, all in the AL. He's reached 200 innings in four seasons, and 198 in another.

However, Lackey hasn't come close to 200 the last two seasons, missing a month-plus in each due to arm trouble. In 2008 he made just 24 starts, and this year he made 27.

The big Texan is 31 and has never won more than 19 games. Overall, he has won just 102 games in eight seasons—an average of 13 wins per year. And he has never struck out 200 batters in any season, though he did fan 199 in 2005.

The reality is that Lackey is worth about four years at $15M annually—tops.

Though he is not a true frontline ace, he would be a No. 1 on most teams and he would be a great No. 2 on the Red Sox.

Signing Lackey would also give the Red Sox the ability to leverage Beckett in a deal for more offense.

Acquiring Felix Hernandez will cost the farm; Lackey will only coast money, and the Sox have plenty of it since they didn't spend it on Mark Teixeira last winter.

After restructuring Tim Wakefield's contract, which will save the Sox $1.5 million on the competitive balance tax, Theo Epstein made an interesting statement.

"That's important because there's some things we want to do this winter and we don't have a ton of room under the CBT," Epstein said.

The tax threshold for 2010 will be $170 million; the Sox were around $122 million in 2009. Is Epstein really planning that much additional spending?

The club obviously has plenty of payroll space for Roy Halladay or some other superstar acquired via trade.

However, the Red Sox have a long history of going after talented—but previously injured— pitchers still seen as having a strong upside: think Wade Miller, Bartolo Colon, Brad Penny and John Smoltz..

The club deemed these acquisitions "low risk, high reward" since they were all signed to short-term contracts. Yet, not one of them worked out well.

Despite this, expect the Sox in on Ben Sheets, Rich Harden, Eric Bedard, and/or Carl Pavano.

If that doesn't seem inspiring, prepare yourself. This may be a very unexciting winter for Red Sox Nation.

Signing Jason Bay will not put the Red Sox over the hump, and the rest of the free agent field is thin.

While free agents only cost money (which the Red Sox have plenty of), trades will cost prospects, and the Red Sox do not have a lot of upper-level depth in their system.

Acquiring Felix Hernandez, Roy Halladay or Adrian Gonzalez would cost the Red Sox so much minor league talent that it could take years for the system to recover.

The Red Sox may instead wait until next year, when some of their big contracts expire, when the free agent field will be more attractive, and when more of their minor league talent is better developed.

In the meantime, they may look for bargains—the arbitration-eligible players that small-market teams can no longer afford. These types of players will either be traded (like Jeremy Hermida) or simply non-tendered.

Players of that variety may not be superstars or headline grabbers, but they are easily affordable options to a team like the Red Sox, who may take a step back in 2010 to take two steps forward in 2011.

Brace yourself for that possibility.

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Cincinnati Reds Report Cards: Jonny Gomes

Cliff Eastham — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:49:33 -0500

This is the fifth report card I have given out to the starting players for the Cincinnati Reds.

I started it by giving first baseman Joey Votto an A, followed by Brandon Phillips, whom I graded a solid B.

Next up was shortstop Paul Janish, who inherited the starting role when Alex Gonzalez was sent to the Boston Red Sox. Janish barely made muster as he received a disappointing D+ due to his anemic bat.

He was followed by third baseman Scott Rolen, who came in after approximately 3/4 of the season was over. Scott received a B+ performing both offensively and defensively with a very respectable measure.

Jonny Gomes didn't make the club coming out of spring training. His tenacity and hard work paid off for him as he was brought up from Louisville on May 22 in a home series with the Cleveland Indians.

Largely used as a pinch-hitter during most of his first several games, he began platooning with Laynce Nix among others playing left field and right field.

Gomes' power was highlighted as he hit 20 HR in only 314 plate appearances. Based on a 502 AB, that would yield 32 round-trippers.

His average was up .042 from his career total up through last (2008) season, .267 to .235. His OPS+ this year was a very respectable 127.

The highlight of his season came on August 13 at home against the Washington Nationals. He blasted three home runs and drove in five in four at bats.

He had one other game in which he left the yard more than once, belting two in a game against the San Diego Padres.

Although far from flashy in the field, and certainly not fleet of foot, Gomes committed only two errors this season.

He is not the best base-runner on the squad but did manage three steals while being thrown out only once.

A pretty decent year for a man who didn't make the team originally.

Cliff Eastham is a B/R Featured Columnist for the Cincinnati Reds

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2010 New York Mets Bullpen Breakdown: Bobby Parnell

Phil Hoops — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:58:15 -0500

Prior to the 2009 season, Bobby Parnell knew that he was—by no means—guaranteed to make the Opening Day roster. Nevertheless, he worked hard and pitched very well in Spring Training, which him earned a spot on the 25-man roster.

His role with the team was supposed to be the seventh inning bridge to J.J. Putz and Francisco Rodriguez , and for the first half of the year that's exactly what occurred.

Parnell embraced his spot in the bullpen rather nicely, and in the first two months of the season he compiled a very impressive 2.13 ERA, in addition to a respectable K:BB ratio of 19:9.

After getting roughed up a bit in the month of June, Parnell returned to form in July by pitching 10.1 scoreless innings.

What impressed me the most about Parnell was his velocity. At times, his fastball was clocked at 100 mph, and normally hovered somewhere within the 94 mph range.

Unfortunately for Parnell, he was thrust into somewhat uncharted territory mid-way through the season—just like many other teammates—when he was called upon to join the starting rotation.

To be fair, Parnell had spent his minor league career as a starter, but he never really showed that he was more than an average in the role. During his four years in the Mets farm system, his ERA generally hovered near five.

On August 15th, Parnell made his first start for the Mets, going up against the San Francisco Giants. His debut was stellar, as he pitched six scoreless innings while striking out seven batters.

The success was short-lived as Parnell was rocked in his next three outings against division rivals Atlanta and Philadelphia, as well as the Cubs.

In those three games alone, Parnell was clobbered for 22 earned runs in only 12.2 innings. In simpler terms, he gave up nearly two runs per inning.

Despite not having much success—aside from another shut-out performance—Parnell remained in the rotation until mid-September due to the team not having any other options.

Upon being sent back to the bullpen, he finished the year strong by hurling 6.1 innings and only allowing one run.

One of the main reasons behind Parnell’s lack of success last year was the fact that many of his secondary pitches were unpolished and he ended up relying too much on his fastball.

While a pitcher may be able to get away with throwing fastball after fastball for an inning or so, it just doesn’t work when they face the same batters two or three times in a game.

I know it’s been suggested before, but Parnell really needs to develop secondary pitches in order to become an effective starter. Surprisingly, when the Mets wanted to send him to winter ball to work on these pitches, the righty declined , citing fatigue.

Until he has better command of his “other stuff”, Parnell should remain in the bullpen where he has shown he can flourish.

Final Verdict:

Unless he is shipped out in a trade, Bobby Parnell should be in a New York Mets uniform next year and rightfully so. Despite not having much success as a starter in 2009, he did prove to be a very effective reliever.

On top of that, Parnell made the league minimum of $400,000 last year, which is cheap when you consider that even with his struggles his performance was valued at two million dollars.

Next year, I envision Parnell taking the spot that once belonged to J.J. Putz, which was setting up for Frankie Rodriguez. Depending on how well he performs, it wouldn’t surprise me if one day he took over the role as closer after Rodriguez departs.

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Atlanta Braves: If I Was Frank Wren...

Gavin Andrews — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:36:58 -0500

I love playing GM for professional sports, especially baseball. I always have, and I probably always will. Building my own team with my kind of personnel, and my type of players gets me excited.

I just did an article for the Rays, so I'll enter a shameless plug here .

However, I'll stop at two teams: my Rays and my Braves.

The spots in question are: an extra starting pitcher, a closer, an outfield spot, and first base.

The Braves have a good problem to have: too much starting pitching. Tommy Hanson, Javier Vazquez, Derek Lowe, Jair Jurrjens, Kenshin Kawakami, and Tim Hudson are all viable starters. Hanson and Jurrjens aren't going anywhere, and not many teams will want Kawakami and Hudson, so that leaves Atlanta with Lowe and Vazquez to trade.

With both Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano free agents, Atlanta will need to find a closer. The preference would be to resign one of these guys, but if not, they have a couple options in free agency.

In the outfield, the Braves have one surefire starter: Nate McLouth. Jason Heyward is on his way, and Matt Diaz can certainly be of use, but until Heyward is absolutely ready, they will need an outfielder to take his spot.

Lastly, to preview the Braves question marks, Adam LaRoche is a free agent, causing the Braves to need a first baseman.

Okay, we'll start off in the outfield. Heyward will have a shot at the right field job in Spring Training, but will probably start off in the minors. Hopefully, he'll be ready very soon though.

That leaves Diaz and McLouth in the outfield. Atlanta needs a leadoff hitter with speed, and McLouth is not that. In my plan, Atlanta gets Coco Crisp to sign a two year deal; long enough to get Schafer ready to play in the bigs. Crisp would play center, McLouth in right, and Diaz in left. When Heyward gets called up, McLouth, Crisp, and Diaz would play matchups, and the hot hand.

Move: sign Coco Crisp.

At the closer spot, the Atlanta's best option is Rafael Soriano, but he might just command a bigger contract than Atlanta would be willing to make. Atlanta absolutely needs to resign Gonzalez, for a left handed presence in the bullpen. I think Soriano leaves, but Gonzalez stays, leaving Atlanta in need of a set up man.

Move: sign Mike Gonzalez.

Duaner Sanchez is a lottery ticket, but could pay off huge dividends. Chad Cordero is a solid reliever that can close if Gonzalez goes down.

Move: sign Sanchez and Cordero.

Now, onto the starters. We've already established that Vazquez and Lowe are the two to trade. Vazquez had a tremendous year, and his stock might not ever be higher, so this offseason would be the time to trade him. Lowe had a bad year last year, but history tells us that it was purely an anomaly. The last time Lowe had that bad of a year was in 2004, with Boston.

I would rather have Vazquez on the team, but Lowe's stock is so low, Vazquez would be much easier to trade. I read an article by Tab Bamford that suggested a straight up Vazquez for Derrek Lee trade.

To me, this seems like an outstanding trade for both sides. Chicago can move Jake Fox to first base full time, and solidify their starting rotation. Atlanta gets a first baseman with power, average, clutch ability, and leadership.

Move: trade Javier Vazquez for Derrek Lee.

Finally, Chipper Jones needs a true backup. Juan Uribe is a very underrated replacement, and could easily provide good numbers in place of Chipper.

Move: sign Juan Uribe.

To finish, I'll post the roster if I was the Braves GM.

Catcher: Brian McCann

First Base: Derrek Lee

Second Base: Martin Prado

Shortstop: Yunel Escobar

Third Base: Chipper Jones

Left Field: Matt Diaz/Nate McLouth

Center Field: Coco Crisp

Right Field: Nate McLouth (until Heyward)/Jason Heyward

Bench: Kelly Johnson, Omar Infante, Gregor Blanco, Brandon Jones, Juan Uribe

Rotation: Tommy Hanson, Jair Jurrjens, Derek Lowe, Tim Hudson, Kenshin Kawakami

MRP: Duaner Sanchez, Peter Moylan, Boone Logan, Manny Acosta, Kris Medlen, Jo Jo Reyes

Set Up: Chad Cordero, Eric O'Flaherty

Closer: Mike Gonzalez

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Tampa Bay Rays: Playing GM

Gavin Andrews — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:27:49 -0500

Alright, along with being a professional baseball player, and a sportswriter for ESPN, The Mag, a general manager for an MLB team is on my short list of dream jobs. Fantasy baseball has filled the craving to play with rosters, but playing with rosters that will actually go out and play against 29 other teams excites me tremendously.

I thought about it, and thought why not write about a fantasy of tinkering with a real team?

The Tampa Bay Rays are not very many pieces away from contending for a World Series, but those pieces, along with inconsistency from areas thought as strong spots, kept the Rays out of the playoffs.

So what's on Tampa Bay's concise wishlist this offseason? Bullpen, specifically a closer, a catcher, and a right fielder are all spots in question going into next year.

Without further ado, we'll begin at catcher.

Last year, the backstop was a massive problem for the Rays. Dioner Navarro, an All Star just the year before, suddenly couldn't hit, and his platoon mate, Greg Zaun, was...well, Greg Zaun.

Is it possible Navvy had an off year, and could bounce back with much more respectable numbers next year? Sure, but Tampa Bay will need some insurance if he doesn't.

Free-agent catchers are very weak in depth, with a huge drop off after Bengie Molina. I doubt the Rays will want to spend the money to get Molina, which leaves us with two players that caught my eye: Miguel Olivo and Jason Kendall. I looked into Yorvit Torrealba, Rod Barajas, and Brian Schneider, but because of their salaries and performances compared to Olivo's and Kendall's, Olivo and Kendall are the best options.

Miguel Olivo would certainly be the most attractive option at catcher, and he would be a great power bat in a high powered Tampa Bay offense.

In a terrible Royals offense, Olivo hit .249 with 23 homers and 65 rbis in only 390 at bats. However, Olivo strikes out a ton; striking out almost once every three at bats. Because of this, his on base percentage was .292, and would be more of a feast or famine option offensively.

Based on past salaries, Olivo is less expensive than Kendall, earning over two million dollars each of the past three years.

Jason Kendall would probably start the year in a platoon with Navarro for Tampa Bay, but he could take over the starting job if Navvy is as bad as he was last year. Although Kendall has only hit in the .240's the past three years, he doesn't strike out nearly as much as the other candidates in free agency, and can be the veteran presence behind the plate that the young Rays pitchers need.

The biggest downside to Kendall is his salary; he commanded a $5 million salary this year.

Unfortunately, all of the seasoned defensive backstops are expensive, so if the Rays don't want to spend money at catcher, we may be gambling on Navarro.

The move: Miguel Olivo, for a two-year deal, if he commands less than three million per year. If he asks for too much, we stay with Navvy and Michel Hernandez. I would prefer Kendall, because of his leadership and defensive skills, but he would probably ask too much.

Now we look into relievers and closers.

The Rays blew a ton of saves last year, and, although they have good relievers in Dan Wheeler, Grant Balfour, and JP Howell, none were consistent enough to take the closer job and run with it. The Rays need a steady closer to come in and just keep the lead.

The candidates? We could stay in the system and go with Howell, Wheeler, Balfour, or call upon the young Jake McGee. The free agent closers are Mike Gonzalez, Fernando Rodney, Rafael Soriano, Billy Wagner, Jose Valverde, and JJ Putz.

Gonzalez pitched very well last year, with a 2.42 ERA, striking out 90 batters in 74 and a third innings pitched, while only allowing 56 hits. He earned just under $3.5 million last year.

Rodney is nice because he earned $2.7 million last year. His stats aren't overwhelming, with a 4.4 ERA, but he did manage 37 saves, allowing 70 hits in 75 innings, and blew only one save.

Rafael Soriano is definitely the flashiest pickup of any of the experienced closers, saving 27 games last year with a 2.92 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 102 strikeouts in 75-2/3 innings. However, he is going to be very pricey, as he earned a little under $6.5 million last year.

JJ Putz is the wild card, because he was hurt last year, and we don't know what he will be asking for. He made six million last year, but had an abysmal year before he was hurt. He saved 15 games the year before last year, and 40 the year before that. An interesting choice, he might ask for a one-year deal loaded with incentives, with a lower starting salary.

Valverde is the most consistent of the bunch but is also the priciest. He earned $8 million last year but would definitely give Rays fans comfort going into the ninth inning. His ERA in the past three years has been 2.33, 3.38, and 2.66. He has saved 25, 44, and 47. He would be my favorite pickup of these guys, but the Rays would have to break the bank with a big deal, and I don't see them doing that.

Billy Wagner, although he earned more than Valverde last year, probably wouldn't get more than him this year. We all saw that Wagner could still bring it last year for the Red Sox, and he wants to close for a contender. The Rays could be that contender, but he would still ask for a lot of money.

We have four in house candidates. Dan Wheeler has pitched very well in Tampa Bay, with an ERA under 3.30 both years. Wheeler saved 13 games two years ago, and could be the Rays emergency closer this year.

Grant Balfour is a set-up man in the mold of a flame throwing righty. He had an off year last year, but showed stretches where he was unhittable. He should have a bounceback year next year.

JP Howell was our closer this year, saving 17 games with an ERA of 2.84. He blew eight saves, and that is the only reason the job is not locked up. He does have the clear advantage to closer if the Rays don't go out and get someone. However, crafty lefties aren't typically ideal closers.

Last but not least is Jake McGee, a hard throwing lefty prospect who has been a starter in the minors. He didn't pitch too well last year, but has progressed enough to be thought of as a closing option. I do not think he'll begin the year as closer, but if they don't get the ninth inning job locked down, McGee could be thrust into the job.

The move: to start out with JP Howell. If he falters, try Balfour, then McGee. No closer by committee is wanted by me; I would rather have one guy.

Getting one from the free agent market will be too expensive for Tampa Bay, so I would try Howell, Balfour, and McGee in that order. McGee could be the closer of the future, so I would almost be tempted to try him ahead of Balfour, if he is ready.

I would get another reliever, just to be sure of the bullpen. Takashi Saito would be a great move, as he only commanded $1.5 million last year and could take over as closer if needed.

Ben Zobrist will probably start the year at second, leaving right field open. I would love to see Desmond Jennings swoop in and answer this problem, or Matt Joyce to come through. The other solution would be to put Zobrist back in right, and put Sean Rodriguez or Reid Brignac at second. Neither one of these solutions requires Tampa Bay to get someone on the market.

Longoria and Tim Beckham are the clear futures of the Tampa Bay infield, but where Beckham will play is a huge question. Sean Rodriguez is a possibility to take over at first for Pena, and Brignac can play second, so that's a possibility, however it is unclear exactly what Rodriguez and Brignac's roles with the team will be.

As far as Burrell goes, I think you have to give him one more try at DH. If he doesn't work out, it wouldn't be so bad just to put Aybar, Rodriguez, or Joyce at DH.

So, to finish up, this would be my lineup if I was GM of the Rays.

Catcher: Miguel Olivo (depending on offer)/Dioner Navarro

First Base: Carlos Pena

Second Base: Ben Zobrist/Reid Brignac

Shortstop: Jason Bartlett

Third Base: Evan Longoria

Left Field: Carl Crawford

Center Field: BJ Upton

Right Field: Desmond Jennings (if ready)/Matt Joyce (if Jennings isn't)/Zobrist

DH: Pat Burrell

Bench: Brignac, Sean Rodriguez, Willy Aybar, Gabe Gross, Gabe Kapler, Fernando Perez

Rotation: Shields, Garza, Price, Niemann, Davis (no particular order)

MRP: Dan Wheeler, Jake McGee, Jeff Bennett, Jesse Chavez

SU: Grant Balfour, Takashi Saito

Closer: JP Howell

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San Diego Padres Notes: Adrian Gonzalez, Henry Blanco, Mike Cameron

Todd Kaufmann — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:11:33 -0500

As the San Diego Padres approach the Winter Meetings under new owner Jeff Moorad and new general manager Jed Hoyer, there are decisions that this team will need to make to shape the 2010 squad.

One decision that the team is already working on is the future of first baseman, and the new face of the franchise, Adrian Gonzalez.

With Trevor Hoffman in Milwaukee and Jake Peavy a member of the Chicago White Sox, the Padres will do everything they can to ensure Gonzalez remains a Padre for years to come.

There was a report from ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick that Hoyer had met with John Boggs, the agent for Gonzalez, to discuss the first baseman's future with the club. But Crasnick was told that it was more of a "getting acquainted session."

"There wasn't any kind of negotiating or exchanging of numbers or anything like that," Boggs told Crasnick. "I'm sure we're going to keep the dialogue open, but nothing is imminent at this point. The way we're looking at it, Adrian is a Padre until something happens. And they're the ones who are really in control of the situation.''

Adrian is owed $10.25MM over the next two seasons and that's assuming the Padres pick up his option for the 2011 season.

Another decision the Padres will mull over prior to the Winter Meetings is bringing back catcher Henry Blanco. Blanco did a nice job not only mentoring young catcher Nick Hundley but also did an adequate job with the Padres' young pitching staff.

Though there's been no official word from the Padres about bringing back Blanco, the White Sox have made their interest in Blanco known, so San Diego will have to compete to bring back the veteran catcher.

The Padres have four arbitration eligible players they will need to take care of prior to next season. Pitchers Heath Bell, Kevin Correia and Mike Adams as well as third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff. All of which may earn up to $12 million, collectively.

Speaking of pitching, it's the one thing that the Padres may not go outside their own club to set their starting rotation.

Chris Young as the team's new ace, young hard throwing right hander Mat Latos and left-hander Clayton Richard seemingly locks for the first three spots. The Padres can decide between Sean Gallagher, Aaron Poreda, Tim Stauffer, Cesar Ramos, and Wade LeBlanc for the fourth and fifth spots respectively.

One name that the Padres could have interest in bringing back is outfielder Mike Cameron, a fan favorite during his first stint with the club in 2006-07. If Cameron is willing to sign a one-year deal with the club, it could be a great addition for San Diego.

The only thing that may keep Cameron from dawning the home blue and white again is still having Chase Headley and Kyle Blanks occupying the left field spot.

The Padres are set in center field, with Tony Gwynn Jr, and right field with Will Venable, so what do you do with the aforementioned Headley and Blanks?

There's a lot of talk that the Padres could trade Headley for another right-handed bat, something this team desperately needs in the lineup. But trading Headley still leaves you with what to do about Kyle Blanks.

The 6'6" 285 lbs Blanks hit .250 last season with 10 home runs, all of which came after the All Star break, and drove in 19 of his 22 runs after that point as well. He has hit some tape measure home runs and has shown the power that the Padres knew he had.

Knowing that, it would lead you to believe that having him in the lineup, along with Adrian Gonzalez, would make this lineup a lot stronger.

San Diego might have a little wiggle room to sign a free agent or two and those signings may or may not come during the winter meetings. The one thing that could happen, though it may be a long shot, is the trading of Adrian Gonzalez to the Boston Red Sox who tried to acquire him at the trade deadline last season before the Padres sent Jake Peavy to the White Sox.

The team has decisions to make and not much time to make them. But Moorad and Hoyer could turn this team into a definite contender. They may make the moves this team couldn't make under former owner John Moores and general manager Kevin Towers.

The jury is still out, but once this team reports to spring training in February, we could see a very different and possibly much better team than that of the 2009 season.

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Less Is Mauer: Why Zack Greinke Is the AL MVP

Lewie Pollis — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:09:09 -0500

In discussing the Cy Young award, the debate is hindered by the question of what, exactly, the voters are judging the players on.

In the 2009 NL Cy Young race, for example, people who look primarily to players’ skill sets supported Tim Lincecum. Writers who decide based on the impact a pitcher has on a team endorsed Chris Carpenter. And voters with limited cognitive abilities to analyze statistics cast their ballots for Adam Wainwright.

Luckily, the Most Valuable Player award has the criterion right in the title; the winner is (theoretically) the player who contributes most to the success of a team.

The best way to measure that, of course, is Win Probability Added (also known as Win Percentage Added or WPA). If you are unfamiliar with sabermetrics, a team’s Win Probability is the winning percentage of teams in all games with identical situations since 1956. A player’s WPA is the difference between what the WP is before he takes the mound or steps into the batter’s box and after the at-bat.

For example, if CC Sabathia starts the game by striking out Jacoby Ellsbury, the Red Sox’ chances of winning the game would go from 50 percent to maybe 48 percent. Sabathia will be credited with 0.02 WPA, while Ellsbury would lose an equal amount.

If Dustin Pedroia steps up to the plate and lines the first pitch into the bleachers, Boston’s chances might improve to, say, 61 percent. Pedroia would have earned 0.13 WPA, while Sabathia loses the same amount, bringing his composite to -0.11.

Who has the highest WPA in the American League?

It isn’t MVP frontrunner Joe Mauer, though the 3.64 wins he added to the Twins’ record were certainly meaningful.

It isn’t Mark Teixeira (3.58) or Miguel Cabrera (1.59), and it certainly isn’t Derek Jeter (1.41).

It was Zack Greinke.

Greinke broke out in a big way in 2009. With a WHIP of 1.07 and a K/BB ratio of 4.75 to go along with his ML-leading 2.16 ERA, he ran away with the AL Cy Young.

Greinke's 6.07 WPA wasn’t just tops in the AL—it was the best of any pitcher in baseball.

You think the Royals were bad this year? Without their ace, they would have been equal with the Nationals in the standings.

Mauer wasn’t even the most valuable hitter in the American League. He finished a full 0.69 games behind Ichiro Suzuki, with Jason Bay, Ben Zobrist, Johnny Damon, and Franklin Gutierrez sandwiched in between. Don’t say that’s because of the games Mauer lost to injury—he had more plate appearances than Zobrist.

When subjected to the next-best way to approximate a player’s worth, Wins Above Replacement, Mauer’s case looks better.

WAR is a formula that uses composite statistics to estimate value using skill sets (as opposed to WPA’s emphasis on individual successes). Mauer’s 8.2 WAR ranks third among MLB hitters, just 0.2 behind Albert Pujols.

Unfortunately for Mauer, the top-ranked hitter is Zobrist (8.6), and even he finished way behind Greinke (9.4).

Of course, there are some intangibles that cannot be quantified. Mauer’s offensive numbers are not adjusted for his position when factored into WPA and WAR, though it’s doubtful that the discrepancy would fully compensate for Greinke's enormous leads (2.43 WPA, 1.2 WAR).

I’m not a big believer in judging a player’s worth by the success of his team, but it’s hard to dispute the role Mauer played in the Twins’ late-season comeback to win the division—especially after Justin Morneau’s injury.

It’s one of those prickly situations where the numbers don’t tell the whole story. While the statistics strongly favor Greinke, there’s certainly a case to be made for Mauer.

Of course, Greinke doesn’t have a chance. Most mainstream analysts would sooner write about their love of Satan than express support for sabermetrics. The media loves subjective intangibles, even ones that aren’t all that important (sorry, Harold Reynolds, but Derek Jeter is not the MVP).

I’m hoping Mauer wins, because none of the other supposed front runners deserve it. But no matter what the BBWAA says, the numbers conclude that Greinke is the MVP.

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Kane Kalas Recalls His Father's Greatness Outside The Booth

Shay Roddy — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:55:07 -0500

There was a void at Citizens Bank Park this year. Everything was the same on the baseball field, but for any fan or member of the organization it was just not the same. Harry was gone. “We lost our voice,” as David Montgomery so eloquently put it.

Each win just wasn’t as sweet without Harry Kalas, the 38-year voice of Phillies baseball.

It’s hard to comprehend how a single man could mean so much to a city.

He was unbelievable behind a microphone. But so were many of his colleagues. His calls- legendary. But outside the booth was where Harry was at his finest. That’s what made him spectacular and a legend who will live on forever.

His son Kane is following right in his father’s footsteps, and I got the privilege and honor to speak with him the other night about his incredible father.

---

Send e-mail to sroddy@highhopesblog.com. For more of Shay's work visit his Phillies blog, High Hopes.

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1350-AM and York Revolution Embark on a Three-Year Partnership

Devon Teeple — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:22:39 -0500

WOYK 1350-AM, and the York Revolution of the Atlantic League have come together on a three-year partnership. The agreement was announced by Revolution general manager Matt O’Brien and WOYK general manager Vince Grande.

“We’re excited to be broadcasting on the area’s most powerful AM signal,” O’Brien stated in a news release. “Being a sports station, WOYK 1350 broadcasts York College basketball, the NFL playoffs, the Super Bowl and now the York Revolution. It’s a great fit.”

Previously, the official station of the club was WSBA 910-AM.

Any partnership that a sports franchise has is a tremendous feat. You have endless opportunities to promote your team, your players, your city, and the image that you are trying to present to the fans. Now with the latest technology, media outlets and gadgetry in our mainstream society, even the smallest franchise in any sport can have a word-wide voice.

The underlying issue in all of this is the switch in affiliates and the “cause and effect” it will have on the current coverage in the neighboring areas.

WOYK has been broadcasting Baltimore Orioles’ games for the past three seasons, and WSBA was a affiliate of the Orioles for 20 years, before picking up the Revs games in 2007.

Currently, it is unclear which, if any, station will be broadcasting the Oriole games in the 2010 season, not including WHVR-AM 1280 in Hanover, a continued associate of the Oriole’s radio network.

Darrell Henry will remain as the team’s play-by-play announcer, despite the switch.

“They trusted me enough to broadcast all of York College’s athletics before I started here,” Henry stated in a release. “I’ve always been grateful for that and I’m excited to come back with Revs play-by-play on 1350.”

Along with Henry continuing his pregame show, to coincide with his 10-minute postgame show, programming will include year-round weekly sports shows. Shows, that will feature team reports, player call-ins and live remote broadcasts from team events in the surrounding area.

“As a community-based sports radio station, we couldn’t be happier to be partnered with our home-town team,” Grande stated. “Not only do we broadcast all local high school sports, but now for every pitch of every game, WOYK will be there to give the community the best broadcast of exciting Revolution baseball action.”

This article can also be found on The GM's Perspective.

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Washington Redskins: Road to Relevance Begins in Dallas

Jarrett Carter — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:58:42 -0500

Two weeks ago, it wasn’t a stretch to assume that the Redskins would lose the balance of their schedule, finish 2-14, and pioneer new ways to draft everything other than offensive linemen. But a funny thing happened on the way to national ridicule and complete fan revolt.

Washington scored more than 17 points for the first time all year. And they won.

So today’s Redskins-Cowboys game holds much more than bragging rights and NFC East intrigue. Depending on the execution and proficiency of the Redskins’ offense, today’s result could make the difference between that 2-14 debacle and a 6-10 flop of a season.

This isn’t to say that the Cowboys are a legitimate playoff contender or a team by which the Redskins can measure their improving offensive profile. In fact, a great performance against the Cowboys will go as far as their play against the free-falling Denver Broncos did a week ago.

But at the very least, a win against the Cowboys will have demonstrated key principles of the Redskins that are necessary to have a respectable remainder of the year.

If the Redskins win, it will be the result of a consistent running game out of Ladell Betts, which means good offensive line play. Jason Campbell will have made quick decisions in the pocket and made the most of the few passes he attempted.

The Redskins defensive line is not likely to find great success against the Cowboy offensive line, but there will be opportunities for the secondary to exploit Mr. Erratic Tony Romo. Pressure from the defensive backs and Brian Orakpo seem to be the most obvious order for greatness, but we’ve seen the obvious turn oblivious real fast with these ‘Skins.

Suffice it to say, the game won’t be a gimme for Washington.

But there is more than a legitimate chance for this team to get a much-needed divisional road win, and the confidence to face the remainder of the murderer’s row schedule. And who knows; for a team that can run off six-game streaks in either direction, it could be the start of something ‘Skins fans could hang their hopes on.

Or at least, a few cleverly-critical signs.

Technorati Tags: Dallas Cowboys , Washington Redskins

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Halladay Will Not Re-Sign With Toronto

Tom Dougherty — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:57:46 -0500

ESPN.com reports that Roy Halladay will not re-sign with the Toronto Blue Jays after his contract expires at the end of the 2010 season assuming that he is still a Blue Jay for this coming season.

Toronto went public during the summer that they would listen to offers for the right-handed pitcher, and it ultimately got to a point to no return for the Blue Jays.

Halladay wants to play for a winner, and that's not Toronto. At this point in his career, he's made enough money. Every player's goal is to win a World Series, and Halladay knows that won't happen with the Jays.

He's not the kind of guy that would use the media to help him get out of a bad situation. Throughout the craziness that was July, Halladay never once said that he wanted to be traded, or that he wanted out of Toronto.

Instead, Halladay said all the right things, but if you can read body language, it shouted "get me out of here". After the trade deadline past and he was still a Jay, you could see the disappointment in his face.

Toronto can no longer salvage the situation, they have to get something for the six-time All-Star and 2003 A.L. Cy Young award winner. He's too good to let go without receiving something other than a draft pick.

Former Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi failed to find a proposal that floated his boat, and it cost him his job among other reasons like signing Vernon Wells and Alex Rios to terrible extensions.

In case you haven't realized with the multiple rumors thus far into the off-season, Toronto is desperate to trade Halladay. Why else would they say that they would trade him to Boston or New York?

And while thinking about it, why would they call the Chicago Cubs, who have never really been linked to Halladay before, to seek their interest. The Jays are said to be talking to the Dodgers to boot.

Yesterday, I wrote that the Phillies should jump back into the Doc Halladay sweepstakes stating that they have the assets, drive, and financial flexibility to do so.

Despite having over $100-million committed to 12 players next season, the Phils have no financial restraints from the ownership. They'll spend money if they see it as a way of making the team better.

That may surprise you depending on if you believed that a few years ago, David Montgomery was unwilling to spend money for big-name players, but that's this new era of baseball in Philadelphia.

Winning a World Series in 2008 opened the eyes of Montgomery, showing him that spending money to go for the crown every year will lead to more money made from attendance and merchandise.

The prospective of making it to the dance three years in a row, and becoming a dynasty in the process, is something that has never been a reality with the Phillies in their history.

Acquiring Halladay will not be as hard as it was during the regular season as the asking price will not be as high, and if it is, look for Toronto to screw the pooch once again with the handling of Halladay.

At this point in time, they have to get one top prospect, or a Major League ready player in return for Doc. In July, they could have got a high return, now they could still get one, but it seems unrealistic.

Look at the Twins a few years ago, and how they handled trading Johan Santana. They didn't ship him at the deadline when they could've got a big package, but waited until the winter, and got nothing.

Toronto already failed to get the most they can get for him since they didn't trade him at the deadline, but now they have a chance to redeem themselves while getting a top prospect.

The Jays have no leverage, however, so finding a partner who is willing to give them a blue-chip prospect or a ML-ready player like J.A. Happ, who they could still realistically get if they were to trade with the Phils.

Ruben Amaro Jr. doesn't have starting pitching as a top priority this winter as they have to find a new third baseman, restructure the bullpen, and strengthen a crappy bench.

However, if Toronto came calling offering Halladay for Happ, and two mid-level prospects, it's hard to believe that Amaro wouldn't pull the trigger.

Come to think of it, it'll cost more than Happ and mid-level prospects to get Halladay. The Yankees or Red Sox will probably get him by trading Joba Chamberlin or Clay Buccholz.

For more Phillies coverage, please go to my blog: Phillies Phandom

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Team 86: The 2008 Tigers

Blake VandeBunte — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:18:21 -0500

Year: 2008
Record: 74-88
Win %: .457
Win % Change: -86
Run Differential: -36
Pythagorean Record: 78-84
AL Finish: 12th of 14
Manager: Jim Leyland
Best Transaction: Trading for Miguel Cabrera. Jury is probably still out on this one a bit, but Cabrera sure is good. The Tigers gave up six prospects to bring Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis to Detroit. You have to wonder: If this reverse trade were offered to the Tigers RIGHT NOW, would they take it? With the Tigers looking to unload contracts, would they give up these two big ones for six prospects? Let’s focus on facts. Cabrera, while very pricey, has hit 71 homers in two years with Detroit, including a .300-plus average and back-to-back seasons of at least 100 RBI.
Worst Transaction: Trading Jair Jurrjens and Gorkys Hernandez for Edgar Renteria. The Tigers brought Renteria in with hopes that he would help boost their offense. He did the opposite. While Edgar was slumping through his single season in Detroit, Hernandez was blossoming in the Braves minor league system and Jurrjens was showing off his stuff as a pretty dominant starting pitcher in the big leagues. At a time when young, affordable starting pitching is king in pro baseball, the Tigers gave it up for an aging shortstop with a history of failing in the American League.
Upper: Miguel Cabrera. Cabrera was the silver-lining to a pretty awful season in Detroit. The young slugger made major strides at playing a new position (first base) and also won the American League home run crown. While Cabrera is set to make about $20 million a year for next century, he sure is exciting to watch and is often worth the price of admission.
Downer: The team was a downer, but the pitching was a real issue. They used 25 different pitchers. Ten started at least three games, including guys like Chris Lambert and Eddie Bonine. The pitching staff ranked 12th in the American League in ERA, 13th in walks and didn’t toss a single shutout all season. Yikes. This was also a team that was two years removed from a World Series appearance and were coming off an 88-win season. They went out in the offseason, traded prospects and spent money, all in hopes of getting back to the postseason. Instead, they finished in last place in the AL Central, behind the Kansas City Royals. Justin Verlander led the league in losses with 17 while Kenny Rogers lost 13 in his final season.
Summary: This one stunk and it still stings a little bit. This was a team that had every hole exposed during this season. We learned that Nate Robertson and Dontrelle Willis are no longer big league pitchers. We found out that Todd Jones and Rogers had finally reached the end and we got confirmation that Renteria just does not belong in the American League. It wasn’t all doom and gloom though as the club got good performances from Miguel Cabrera, Curtis Granderson and Armando Galarraga.

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Max Scherzer: Ready To Take on a Larger Role in 2010?

Jimmy Hascup — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:58:54 -0500

Also featured on Rotoprofessor.com !

When healthy, the Arizona Diamondbacks have a top-five one-two punch, in Dan Haren and Brandon Webb. After undergoing shoulder surgery at the beginning of this past season though, we cannot be certain that Webb will come back and be the force he once was, at least initially.

The Diamondbacks have a lot of nice pieces, but no team gets anywhere without pitching. Thus, with the question marks surrounding Webb for next season, the D-Backs need someone to step-up and keep the rotation afloat. Max Scherzer has to be that guy.

With a rotation of Haren, Webb and two others spots flux at this point, Scherzer needs to lift his game to another level. If this year is any indication, Scherzer seems to be ready for some increased expectations:

9 Wins
170.1 Innings
4.12 ERA
1.34 WHIP
174 Strikeouts (9.19 K/9)
63 Walks (3.33 BB/9)
.323 BABIP

You look at that win total and you probably are inclined to cross Scherzer off your wish list for next season’s draft. Hopefully, the Rotoprofessor and I have groomed a more intellectual bunch who know more than to look at the basics and make quick assumptions.

Scherzer had nine wins, but his team also finished 22 games under .500. It’s all about looking at it based on some context.

Scherzer was the 11th overall selection in the 2006 draft who made his major league debut in 2008. Prior to last season, he was rated the fourth best prospect in the Diamondback’s organization, in addition to being slotted in as a four-star prospect on Baseball Prospectus.

I’m sure when he was promoted to the big leagues in 2008, fantasy owners were proclaiming him as the next game-changing pitcher. His 2.72 ERA in 53 innings, with just 35 hits against and 79 strikeouts at Triple-A before the promotion had many hoping they had the top waiver claim in their league.

In his debut season, Scherzer flashed some of his brilliance, but he also struggled and the D-Backs kept a close eye on his innings. Thus, the moral of the story, time and time again with pitchers, is to keep those expectations tempered in the first year of action.

2009 saw Scherzer pitch 170.1 innings at the major league level, a near 70-inning jump from the previous year. After a dreadful August, tallying the value of a touchdown for an ERA, Scherzer settled down to finish September with a 3.48 ERA. Especially for youngsters, it’s always nice to finish the year off on a good note.

While the ERA may be a bit inflated for a fantasy owner’s liking, realize it came courtesy of a rather high .323 BABIP. Scherzer had a career 2.80 ERA in the minors, while sporting a BABIP below .300. His FIP in ‘09 was also a solid 3.87. Further, Scherzer had the ninth lowest strand-rate in baseball, 68.7 percent, further revealing some of the bad luck he faced.

We know strikeouts are a huge part of his game, he averaged near 12 per nine innings in the minors, and has one upwards of nine in the big leagues. Consequently, using Zach Greinke and Chris Carpenter, who had strand-rates near 80 percent, as models of comparison bode well for the young righty.

Power pitchers often get off the hook with runners on base because they have the stuff to wiggle out of jams. Scherzer didn’t have that luck this year.

The one detriment to Scherzer as a pitcher right now is his lack of command, which is nitpicking at best. Even with such overpowering stuff, walking over three guys per nine innings will catch up to you. Look at what walking one less batter per inning did for Edwin Jackson this year. It was definitely a reason why his ERA fell nearly a run.

With the stuff that defines a power pitcher, a fastball that sits in the mid-90s, a power slider in the mid-80s, and hard change-up, you wonder why he even messes around with hitters. You’d think he’d just go after them and let his stuff do the talking.

According to BP’s Kevin Goldstein , many see Scherzer’s future potential in the bullpen because of just that fact: he’s got a world-class fastball, but he’s “maximum effort” every pitch and his secondary pitches just haven’t developed to an adequate starter-level yet. He struggles at times because he can’t control his slider and as a result, Goldstein can see Scherzer as a closer at the big league level.

Despite the initial concerns, Scherzer might have quieted some critics this season, as he did hold his own quite well in his first full big league season. The reliever projection is something to monitor.

Next season I see Scherzer rising to the occasion, quieting the skeptics and making up for any sort of fall-off from Webb.

My projections: 184IP, 13 W, 3.95 ERA, 129 WHIP, 193K

What does everyone else think? How good could Scherzer be in 2010?

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Left-Handed Complement: Cubs Have Stockpile of Southpaw Slingers

Matt Trueblood — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:21:06 -0500

When it comes down to numbers, right-handed pitchers have an easier go of it in Major League Baseball.

Only about one-quarter of all batters in the league hit left-handed, meaning right-handed pitchers can expect to have the platoon advantage over 75 percent of the hitters they face (removing the admittedly estimable impact of tactical maneuvering).

Lefties, however, always seem to garner the most attention when it comes time to construct or evaluate a team's pitching staff.

Theory says (and the logic is sound) that having at least two or three southpaw pitchers on the Major League roster allows a manager to carefully maximize the team's advantage over opponent hitters, by making copious late-game switches to leverage platoon situations.

Most teams strive to have at least one left-handed arm in both their starting rotation and their bullpen.

Even by these well-established standards of lust for left-handedness, however, the 2010 Cubs project to have an embarrassment of riches in this respect.

Here, in order of their expected 2010 utility, are the pitchers manager Lou Piniella will be able to use to build a diversely talented pitching staff, from top to bottom.

Ted Lilly- Lilly will be out until mid- to late-April after having surgery on his throwing shoulder on Nov. 3. If he can return at full strength, however, the Cubs will be able to boast one of the NL's top three or four lefty starters.
Tom Gorzelanny- I just devoted another article on this site to Gorzelanny, whose 40 strikeouts in 38 1/3 innings for Chicago last year left many Cubs fans hoping for big things in 2010.
Sean Marshall- The once-reluctant swing-man embraced his role in 2009, appearing 46 times in relief and making nine starts for the Cubs. He has settled into the role of long reliever, and it suits him well: a 3.23 ERA out of the bullpen in 2009, fully two runs lower than his 5.24 figure as a starter. At 27, he is maturing as a pitcher, and may yet have room to improve.
John Grabow- Here is another man to whom I have already given significant attention . Readers of those previous posts will understand my reticence about him for the purposes of this piece.
John Gaub- Here, now, we reach the really fun part. Gaub is the most impressive of no fewer than three young hurlers, each under the age of 25, who stand to make meaningful contributions in 2010 and beyond. At 24, he split 2009 between Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa. In 60 combined innings, he struck out 80 and walked only 33. The Cubs rewarded Gaub, one of three pitchers procured in the Mark DeRosa trade last winter, by adding him to their 40-man roster Friday to protect him in the upcoming Rule Five Draft.
James Russell- Russell, like Gaub, played in the Arizona Fall League after the end of the 2009 season. While not the strikeout ace Gaub can be, Russell did fan 14 in 14 1/3 innings of work in the AFL, a league generally reserved for teams' higher-end prospects. Russell will turn 23 years old in January, and pitched at Iowa last season with good success. He has both started and relieved in the Minors, but projects as a pen-man at the big-league level.
Scott Maine- Hendry got Maine in his recent trade of right-handed hurler Aaron Heilman to Arizona. Maine has a low arm angle, a live fastball, and a track record of success at the higher levels of Minor League ball, where last year he whiffed 61 batters and walked just 22 in 62 innings. He, like Gaub, will be 25 when next season starts, and appears ready to be a viable option as a left-handed specialist sooner rather than later.

Obviously, having all seven on board at once would fly right by unorthodox on its way to inadvisable.

More likely, four of these will be full-time Major Leaguers in 2010, with the other three providing either insurance against injury and ineffectiveness or potential trade bait.

Still, Hendry must be pleased to have such versatility among his pitchers, and Lou Piniella can age a bit less slowly knowing he has such depth with which to work at a key position.

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Tom Gorzelanny's 2010 Outlook: A Case Study on the Verducci Effect

Matt Trueblood — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:25:26 -0500

For Cubs fans, the Verducci effect is an old and familiar foe, even if they have never heard of it. First set forth by Sports Illustrated baseball guru Tom Verducci , the theory concerns escalating innings totals for young pitchers.

If, before a player's age 26 season, his team sends him out for 30 or more professional innings (Majors and Minors combined) in excess of his previous career high, they have violated the Verducci rule (an implicit corollary), and can expect declining performance and heightened risk of injury in the following season.

Both Mark Prior and Kerry Wood were overused, by this line of reckoning, and the results were predictably catastrophic.

As they have done several times over the last decade, the hapless Pittsburgh Pirates committed just such a sin in 2007. That year, they sent left-hander Tom Gorzelanny out for 201 2/3 innings, second-most on the team and some 40 1/3 innings more than he had accrued during a 2006 campaign split between Pittsburgh and Triple-A Indianapolis.

Over the course of that season, Gorzelanny won 14 games, walked just a shade over three batters per nine innings, struck out more than six per nine innings, and surrendered just 18 home runs.

In 2008, he collapsed in spectacular fashion. Despite narrowly topping 105 innings, he gave up 20 homers. His walk rate ballooned into an unsightly 5.98 per nine innings, made all the worse by a concomitant regression in his strikeout rate, such that walked more men than he whiffed for the year.

His ERA jumped by nearly three full runs, from 3.88 in 2007 to 6.66 in 2008.

Unsurprisingly, the bumbling Pirates failed to realize their own culpability in Gorzelanny's breakdown season. Instead of allowing him to assert himself anew as a solid middle-of-the-rotation starter, they shuttled him back and forth between the parent club and Triple-A.

Gorzelanny would get only nine appearances for the 2009 Pirates, all of them coming in relief, before being traded to the Cubs one day before the July 31 trading deadline.

Though his top-line number in Chicago were pedestrian, Gorzelanny struck out 40 and walked just 13 in 38 1/3 innings after the trade.

The 27 year-old left-hander will go into the Cubs camp next spring a nose ahead of the pack vying for the fifth spot in the starting rotation, providing he remains with the organization .

Assuming for a moment that he does stay, and wins the job over fellow southpaw Sean Marshall and right-handers Jeff Samardzija and Jay Jackson , Gorzelanny has the potential to return to his 2007 form in 2010. Verducci says the negative regressions enforced by the year-after effect are generally restricted to the short term.

In fact, the likelihood seems strong that his late-season success was less an aberrational course correction than the end of his suffering due to the Pirates' abuse.

None of this is meant to suggest that Gorzelanny will suddenly supplant the Cubs' current big three and become a front-line ace. He doesn't have that kind of skill set.

But as a fourth or fifth starter, he could provide surpassingly good value over 140-150 innings, all while being paid less than $2 million.

Even if an opportunity to acquire a top-flight starter relegate him to bullpen work alongside fellow lefties Marshall and John Grabow, I think the Cubs would do well to hang onto Gorzelanny, and see what he can give them in 2010.

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The Needs, The Wants, And The Magic

Kyle Hugues — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:58:49 -0500

Question number one, what do the Dodgers have? Question two, what do they need? The questions are very simple to answer. The Dodgers have a flurry of young stars, Manny Ramirez, Gold Glovers, but no ace.

In order to play in the Fall Classic, it takes more than just one pitcher you are constantly counting on to deliver. You need that ace, that veteran, that mentor, the one who throw's a cutter that could cut you seven inches deep.

If the Dodgers hope to make it farther than the NLCS next year, they better not lose out on the best pitcher in the game today.

Roy Halladay won 17 games last season playing for the Jays. He also pitched 239 innings, completing 9 of the 32 games he started, while punching out over two hundred batters.

Derek Jeter describes him as being the best pitcher in the business. Six All-Star appearances and a Cy Young award should say it alone.

And now he is available, which means it's time for the Dodgers Management to stand tough and give what is needed to obtain the prize.

The Jays have been open about Halladay being available, and also about how much he's going to be. If ever a trade was possible it unquestionably cost at least one of the Dodgers budding regulars.

Russell Martin, Chad Billingsley, and James Loney are most likely the prime candidates. And that's just the start of what would be a multi-player deal.

Martin is a worker and had a bad season, not much different than the dreaded "sophomore slump", where players tend to fall in love with smashing the ball over the wall.

But I believe Martin to still not have reached his full potential, which if achieved would mean a trip to Anaheim this summer. So keep Martin.

Chad Billingsley showed what he can be made of in the beginning of the season, then spiralled downhill, eventually leading to not starting a single playoff game.

However Chad is getting better with his control, and impressively struck out 179 batters in 196 innings. It's no secret that he is young enough to overcome a petty second half slump, and has the makings of a top of the rotation starter.

Still, the Dodgers swept through to the NLCS without Billingsley, which is evidence of him not yet being a vital need. Trade him in a package for Halladay.

Finally we come to James Loney. Great talent, future Gold Glover, and he is going to be around for a while.

Though he has not yet hit his prime, Loney has the potential to hit possibly over 25 Home Runs if the ballpark is friendly, and probably would be in a good position for "personal finances" when arbitrary time comes.

But, if the Dodgers can somehow make a move to replace 1B, it should be done. Add Loney to the list for Halladay along with Chad, and a prospect or two, and you should have a deal.

If you’re wondering who could possibly replace Loney, look no further than San Diego. Where if negotiations with the team fail, Adrian Gonzalez awaits to be traded.

If the Dodgers manage to swing a deal for Halladay, it would be obvious who the core contender of the NL West would be, overmatching the Padres. This would make it possibly less expensive for the Dodgers, but probably still a steep price, all for being they are in the same division.

I'm thinking three to four top prospects, and a regular from the bullpen. Possibly Ethan Martin, Lucas May, Brent Leach, James McDonald, and what do you say for Juan Pierre as options.

Payroll for the team has been cut by about forty million after departures. A smart move would be to purchase Mark DeRosa, and have him be our second baseman, while spotting Blake at times. Then start spending.

Erik Bedard from the Mariners would be an incredible steal. He has ace type stuff, and would be an upgrade from Randy Wolf. Not a bad rotation if all goes well: Halladay, Kershaw, Bedard, and legitimate "X-Factor" Charlie Haeger. That still leaves one spot open in the rotation.

Who better to make a chance on than Pedro Martinez? If the man hasn't earned respect by now it would be due to ignorance. Especially after his performance against the blue crew with the Phillies.

Imagine that, Pedro back where he began, giving the team that extra formula that the team needs to concoct a championship: Magic.

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Seattle Mariners' AFL Wrap-Up: Dustin Ackley's Pro Debut a Success

Hayato Uwai — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:41:48 -0500

2009 Arizona Fall League has ended as the Peoria Javelinas defeated the Phoenix Desert Dogs 5-4 to win the league.

Seven players from the Mariners organization played for the Javelinas and some looked they're close to the big league. Let's review how they've done this fall.

Dustin Ackley 1B/LF

The Mariners drafted Ackley second overall in last year's draft. He did not sign with the club until the signing deadline so he didn't play in the minors.

Ackley mainly hit lead-off for the Javelinas and he managed to hit .315 BA/.412 OBP/.425 SLG/.836 OPS. He only hit one home run but considering AFL was his pro-debut, this numbers are good enough.

He walked 12 times in 73 AB as well. He should put up decent numbers next year.

Carlos Triunfel SS

Big disappointment as he posted a poor line of .204 BA/.250 OBP/.245 SLG/.495 OPS, mainly hitting last for the Javelinas.

He did missed most of last season because of an injury, but he is the Mariners' future shortstop so everyone expected better than this from Triunfel.

He needs to stay healthy and put up good numbers to prove that he is one of the top Mariners prospects.

Joseph Dunigan OF

Dunigan hit 30 HRs along with 104 RBI and .294 BA/.355 OBP/.570 SLG/.925 OPS for Adv. A High-Desert this season.

He didn't take all of that to AFL but still managed to post line of .280 BA/.349 OBP/.467 SLG/.816 OPS. He showed he can hit for power in the Adv. A, let's see how he does at higher level next year.

Joshua Fields P

After having horrible season at AA West Tennessee, Fields was lights-out for the Javelinas, posting 1.64 ERA, 1.09 WHIP in 11.0 innings.

He didn't sign with the Mariners until February and that hold-out effected him this year, but looks like the Mariners' future closer is back on track.

He may crack the opening day roster as the Mariners look to take work-loads off from Sean White and Mark Lowe.

Phillippe Aumont P

The Mariners converted him into a reliever this year as they try to bring Aumont up quickly. He didn't look sharp, posting 12.00 ERA/2.25 WHIP in 12.0 innings.

Although his ERA was above the roof, he struck out 18 batters, good for 13.5 K/9 rate.

Still, he is considered one of the top pitching prospect on the Mariners and may make the big league debut soon.

Anthony Varvaro P

Varvaro recently made the 40-man roster. He went 1-0 with 4.05 ERA and decent WHIP of 1.13. He started the championship game, giving up a run over 2.0 innings.

It's unclear he will make the roster or not, but he did post decent ERA of 2.82 at AA West Tennessee. Adding him to the 40-man roster and sending him to AFL means Zduriencik likes something out of him.

Nick Hill P

West Point graduate posted 10.50 ERA with 2.67 WHIP in 7 starts. He struck out almost a batter per inning, but this numbers doesn't look too good.

Overall some guys had great time at AFL, some were not. But this experience at AFL should help them in the future.

It'll be interesting to watch how many of them will make the Mariners roster in the future.

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Roy Halladay Is Not the Antidote to Halting the New York Yankees' Title Defense

PJ Ross — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:17:10 -0500

We have been subjected to every theoretical trade scenario under the sun since Roy Halladay was rumored to be available via trade last season.

There are dozens of hypothetical deals that send an entire farm system worth of players in exchange for Halladay and his contract, which expires after 2010.

National League clubs see Halladay as the key to defeating the New York Yankees in the World Series.

American League clubs are of the opinion that not only can Halladay help them in the playoffs, but acquiring him can stop the Yankees from getting far enough to defend their title.

No matter where Halladay is traded, if a deal does occur, the team that gains his services will have to negotiate with him for a new contract.

Halladay has said that he will offer an exclusive negotiation window for whatever team he is dealt to, and the team will have to work a new contract within a short amount of time before the deal goes dry.

The newly re-emerging rumors that multiple teams have been in contact with the Blue Jays regarding the ace are great for rumor mills, but I don't think the supposed deals on the table are worth the cost of the 32-year old.

Let me just say that I'm not trying to devalue Halladay's ability.

He is the best pitcher in the junior circuit and still has a number of years with top-notch production remaining in his right wing.

But the team that brings him on board has to have other top-of-the-line pitchers to aid him, because his arm alone will not win a World Series.

The team that gets him needs to be committed to throwing him three times in a seven-game series, because unless you have the plan to ride your big gun through it all, then it's not worth selling the farm system for him.

We found out in the World Series between the Phillies and Yankees that the key to winning the championship does not lie in one pitcher.

Yankees' manager Joe Girardi laid out a three-man rotation, anchored by C.C. Sabathia, and stuck to it.

Girardi also had the benefit of free agent signing A.J. Burnett and the seasoned veteran Andy Pettitte to support the workhorse Sabathia.

Charlie Manuel, on the other hand, was hesitant to outline a definite postseason rotation, and his decision to not bring back his ace, Cliff Lee, on three days rest was catastrophic.

Manuel's decision was complicated by the less than impressive season turned in by former ace Cole Hamels and the lack of a solid third starter to rely upon.

By not committing to his ace, Manuel put Phillies in a poor position for Game Seven had they made it that far.

If the Phillies had managed to force a Game Seven, they wouldn't have had Lee available for the epic finale because he was used in Game Five instead of Game Four.

The decision made by Manuel relegated his ace virtually useless, and without the backup of one or two top-end arms in the starting rotation, it made the acquisition of Lee a moot point.

What I'm saying is there is no good done in trading for Halladay if you don't have a quality staff to back him up.

Even more troubling is that trading for him will require either jeopardizing your future or destroying your current roster.

Halladay has stated that he only wants to go to a winner, and that makes a trading a lot more restrictive for the Jays.

It develops into a catch-22 because whatever chips are exchanged for him can't significantly hurt the team he is going to because it might devalue the team to the point that Halladay doesn't want to pitch for them.

That leaves the other option, which is sending an army of top-end prospects for Halladay.

Sure, it sounds tempting to put all of your eggs in one basket and go for broke in 2010, but you can't run an organization in that manner.

Sending a litany of top-prospects to the Jays may sound tempting, but just ask the Seattle Mariners how their trade for, at the time, ace Erik Bedard worked out.

Bedard has battled injuries for the past two seasons while Adam Jones, the main player traded for Bedard, enjoyed an All-Star season that he recently capped off with a Gold Glove award.

Now, clearly Halladay is a much higher-caliber pitcher than Bedard, but the point to take away is that the Mariners stunted the future growth of the team by sending away the talented centerfielder Jones.

In my opinion, whichever city acquires Halladay will be sorely disappointed when he is unable to deliver a World Series title by himself and then the organization is left with little in the bank of their farm system.

There is, however, one daunting exception that could place Halladay in an elite rotation.

If Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro can secure the Doc to go along with Lee and Hamels, the Phillies will then have that scary top-three rotation to ride throughout the postseason just like the Yankees did this past fall.

And as a Dodgers fan, that scares the life out of me.

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Second Base: The Dodgers' Dilemma

Kate Spence — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:14:30 -0500

Distractions abound surrounding the future of the Dodger’s organization, but the real focus should be on filling the holes in the lineup and building a team that can muscle past the NLCS next season.

And so, our attention shifts to the ballclub’s No. 2 priority behind pitching: second base.

Orlando Hudson’s days of wearing Dodger Blue appear to be over. A four-time Golden Glove winner, O-Dog was swapped out of the starting line-up for Ronnie Belliard and his “hot bat”. Hudson handled Joe Torre’s decision like a champ to the press during the season, although it clearly was a demoralizing blow for him. Before the Dodgers even fell off the road to the World Series, Hudson had his locker packed.

Offering him arbitration is still an option, although there seems to be an underlying mutual feeling between Dodgers management and Hudson that another year with the Dodgers is not in the cards. Hudson has indicated that he felt slighted by Torre not approaching him with his decision not to play Hudson. The Dodgers, on the other hand, may not want to offer Hudson arbitration on the off-chance that Hudson accepts, and the Dodgers are forced to shell out more to Hudson than they want to pay him, especially during this tenuous financial time for the Dodgers’ ballclub.

Given these circumstances, the Dodgers have three options:

A) Make current Dodgers Blake DeWitt and Ronnie Belliard (now a Type B free agent) duke it out during Spring Training for a spot in the starting line-up.

B) Choose from the free agent pool.

C) Make a trade, and pay in talent.

Option A: Keeping It in the Family

Blake DeWitt , at 24 years old, has the potential to be a real ballplayer. He’s got a solid defensive game, but his bat is weak. With a .204 batting average and a mediocre SLG, the Dodgers could do better, unless dramatic improvements are seen during Spring Training. On the plus side, he’s a cheap option, making $405,000 this year.

Ronnie Belliard proved to be a clutch player for the Dodgers this season, subbing in for Orlando Hudson like Juan Pierre did for Manny Ramirez when the Dodgers needed him the most. He lays claim to a respectable .277 BA, and has a proven ability to hit home runs—a trait the Dodgers rightly covet. Resigning Belliard could be a little dicey, though—at 34 years old, he may be in the market for a longer contract and more money than would make sense for the Dodgers to dole out.

Option B: The Free Agent Market

Felipe Lopez , of the Milwaukee Brewers: This 29-year-old second baseman is at the height of his career, coming off a good year with the Brewers. His batting average, at .310, is good, but he doesn’t have the HR power that the Dodgers could really use. The Brewers paid him $3.5 million last year.

Mark DeRosa , of the St. Louis Cardinals: DeRosa might be a good fit for the Dodgers. He slugged 23 HRs for the Cards last season, and historically produces very well in the postseason, during which the Dodgers tend to hit turbulence. The issue—his price-tag this year—$4,750,000.

Adam Kennedy , of the Oakland A’s: Kennedy would be a cheap option to fill the 2B spot on the roster. He’s coming off a solid season with the A’s, although at 33, he has probably hit his peak. $400,000 compensation from the A’s last season.

Placido Polanco , of the Detroit Tigers: There’s been a lot of talk about Polanco becoming a Dodger, but he’s a mediocre selection at best. He’d be expensive (Tigers paid him $4.6 million this year) and his numbers are no higher than those of Lopez or even Kennedy.

Juan Uribe , of the San Francisco Giants: All right, so the guy didn’t perform for the Giants during the first half of last season, but he still managed to hit 16 home runs, have a .495 SLG and demonstrate that his BA and OBP are on the rise, not declining. Uribe’s upbeat personality and age (only 30) make him all the more attractive as a second base option for the Boys in Blue. Worth every penny of the $1 million he was paid by the Giants last season.

Option C: The Swap

Dan Uggla , of the Florida Marlins: Word on the street is that the Marlins’ bankroll is running thin, and they are looking to unload some of their more expensive talent for some cheaper, younger players. Uggla is good, no doubt, with 31 HRs, a strong OPS, and 90 RBIs this season. But what is with Dan Uggla’s attitude? Why did he feel the need to have his agent preemptively declare that he wouldn’t play any other position than second base? Compare this approach to that of class-act Nomar Garciaparra’s reaction when asked to switch positions twice for the Dodgers. Uggla sucked up $5,350,000 last season.

Alberto Collaspo , of the Kansas City Royals: Of all the options open to the Dodgers, nabbing Collaspo would be the best bang for their buck. Twenty-six year-old Collaspo has a .300 BA, a .457 SLG and is has an OSP on the rise. He was paid $415,000 by the Royals last season, and has all the markings of a great baseball player. Rumor has it that the Royals want catcher AJ Ellis for Collaspo. Give him to them.

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Halladay and Granderson Perfect Fits as Chicago Cubs—Neither Likely to Be One

Jack Stentwiller — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:20:06 -0500

Rumors ran wild this past week about the potential of the Cubs trading for Roy Halladay or Curtis Granderson.

What is sad is that the Cubs have the highest payroll in the league, and both of these players are going to be considered too expensive.

What's worse? Both of these players would fulfill enormous needs for the Cubs. In fact, they are the two biggest needs of the current Cub team.

Despite the Milton Bradley experiment, the Cubs lineup is still extremely right handed and more lefties should be targeted. Granderson would be a perfect fit. Although he does not have great OBP numbers, he does have experience at the top of the lineup and fills a need in CF.

He is also the "anti-Bradley", in the sense that he is a great clubhouse guy, Chicago native, and only 28-years old.

While I would categorize the likelihood of Granderson becoming a Cub as unlikely, Halladay coming to the Northside falls somewhere between pigs flying and Sammy Sosa turning into a white guy (wait, maybe that is a bad example). Regardless it is very unlikely.

Timing is everything. The Cubs were big spenders when they needed SP depth and corner outfielders. Two expensive dissapointments and Ted Lilly later, the Cubs are locked into expensive, long term contracts with players on the wrong side of 30.

What are their needs now? A frontline starter and CF/leadoff man. There are two for the taking, but the Cubs cannot afford to be spenders after swinging and missing on Bradley, Fukudome, and Soriano.

It is disappointing. It is, however, what happens when you make mistakes on free agents. The Yankees did it, and it took getting Jason Giambi, Carl Pavano, etc. off the books before they could make another run.

The Cubs are in the same boat. It is time for fans to be patient. This team is seriously flawed in places, but it is going to take clearing some bad contracts before the team is able to seriously address their needs.

Maybe when Halladay and Granderson are even older and on the free-agent market, the Cubs can overspend for multiple years for them then. Until then, we have to keep dreaming.

Timing is everything, and the timing simply does not work in the Cubs favor in the short term. Halladay and Granderson will help other ballclubs.

The 2010 Cubs will look an awful lot like the 2009 Cubs.

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Cecil Fielder's Home Run Joyride Nearly 20 Years Ago

Greg Eno — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:07:30 -0500

I’m a little early on this, I admit. I’m jumping the gun, but this time they can’t call me back to the starting blocks.

You heard it here first, then.

When the Tigers gather for spring training in about three months—it can’t get here fast enough, by the way—it will be 2010 and you can say it.

It’ll be 20 years since Cecil Fielder knocked 51 homers out of the confines of American League ballparks on behalf of the Tigers.

Yep—1990. Even the most mathematically challenged can figure out that 2010 minus 20 equals 1990.

Go ahead and use a calculator anyway, if you wish. But you’ll get 20 years since Cecil clubbed his way into the history books.

Fifty dingers might not seem like much nowadays, but no Tiger had hit that many since Hank Greenberg was thrilling the folks at Briggs Stadium in the 1930s and ’40s. Hank, in fact, almost hit 60—he clobbered 58 in '38.

But unlike Greenberg, who was a product of the Tigers’ farm, Cecil was an outsider. Actually, he wasn’t acquired so much as imported.

The Tigers left the continent and traveled to the Far East to wrangle Fielder away from a Japanese team, also called the Tigers (Hanshin). Big Daddy, as he was called, had fled the country either because he was attracted to sushi or because he couldn’t stand playing behind Fred McGriff. Or both.

Fielder was a Toronto Blue Jay but McGriff was dug in deep as the Jays’ first baseman. McGriff was about Cecil’s age but he was Big Daddy’s superior, at least in the Blue Jays’ eyes. McGriff swung lefty and maybe that’s what hurt the right-handed hitting Fielder.

Anyhow, Cecil played for Hanshin in 1989 and the Detroit Tigers, in need of a first sacker, remembered what Fielder could do from his days in the AL East. So they sent a team of envoys to Japan and the result was that Fielder signed with them in January 1990.

The Tigers’ first player from Japan and he was an American. Go figure.

Not much was made of the signing, other than the Tigers had filled a hole at first base. How it would turn out was anyone’s guess.

After 14 games, Fielder had three home runs. Not bad; about a 34-homer pace.

Not bad turned into pretty good, and pretty good turned into “This guy’s hotter than wasabi!”

Fielder slammed 10 home runs in his next 15 games, including three in, you guessed it, Toronto.

But it wasn’t just that Fielder hit home runs. It was how he hit them.

He looked like he was swinging a toothpick, which is what all the big dudes make even 40-ounce bats look like. Fielder was big and muscular and should have been wearing a football helmet, not a batting helmet.

He cocked his bat just before he swung—another staple from the slugger’s repertoire. And while he connected with nothing but air a whole bunch of times, pity the poor baseball that he didn’t miss.

A Cecil Fielder home run came in three varieties—towering, lasered, and crushed. No one had punished baseballs in Detroit before him, or since. He was the strongest man to wear the Old English D not named Willie Horton or Marcus Thames.

One afternoon, Fielder took Oakland A’s pitcher Dave Stewart downtown—downtown Lansing, that is. He drove a baseball over the left field roof at Tiger Stadium, which was by far the harder of the two roofs to clear.

Fielder kept knocking home runs throughout the summer of 1990, and around the All-Star break it was whispered: could Cecil hit 50? He had 28 and there was still about half a season to go.

Damon Runyon must have written the script from the afterlife and sent it down to Detroit, because going into the last game of the season—in New York, no less—Fielder had 49 dingers. If he was going to reach 50, he’d have to do it in Roger Maris-like fashion—in Yankee Stadium on the season’s final day.

Manager Sparky Anderson placed Fielder second in the batting order, to give him an extra at-bat if necessary. He didn’t need it.

In the fourth inning, with Tony Phillips on base, Fielder jacked a baseball off someone named Steve Adkins deep into the upper deck in left field in the Bronx. Number 50. Then, as if to make sure in case they added wrong, Fielder hit another, in the eighth inning. Number 51.

They usually don’t take kindly to Japanese imports in Detroit, but they made an exception in the case of Cecil Fielder.

It’ll be 20 years ago, coming up. No Tiger player—Cecil included—has come close to 50 since then.

Big Daddy, to Detroit from Toronto via Hanshin, Japan. Not the shortest route between two points, unlike his home runs. But it worked out.

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Frank Bird: From Spencer, Mass., To The St Louis Browns

Marty Civin — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:11:04 -0500

Back in the late 1930s, I used to observe a tall man, laboriously walking along Mechanic Street. Frank Bird’s affliction was that he was paralyzed on one side. Here was the story that I heard when I was a kid.

The old timers in town said that Mr. Bird had been a big league baseball player in his younger days. One extremely hot day he hit a home run. Immediately after scoring at home plate, he quenched his thirst with a drink of ice cold water. He went into shock and he remained partially paralyzed for the rest of his life.

So Spencer, Mass., had a major league ball player. That was something for a 10 or 11-year-old impressionable kid to be proud of.

I, more or less, forgot about Frank Bird for another 30 years. In the 1970's my sons, Todd and Keith played little league baseball, and one of teams was named “The Frank Birds” in honor of Spencer’s big time baseball player.

The baseball team was managed for many years by a very dedicated bachelor, with no children of his own by the name of Harold Rollins, who passed away about ten years ago from the effects of cancer.

After my sons finished their experience with Spencer Little League, I again did not think of the name Frank Bird again for another 30 or so years. About a month ago, I was enjoying a cup of coffee in the Spencer McDonald’s, and someone asked if I knew anything about Spencer’s baseball player of yore, the late Frank Bird.

I didn't, but resorted to “Google” and it told me quite a bit.

He was in the big leagues, not for long, but he did make it to the big time. He played for the defunct St. Louis Browns for two months in the year 1892. Frank Bird was born here in Spencer in 1859. His nickname was “Dodo Bird”.

He stood 5-feet-10 inches tall, and weighed 195 pounds. He batted right handed and caught right handed. He played for the St. Louis Browns for just two months from April to June, 1892. In the couple of months he played for the Browns he was at bat 50 times.

He scored nine runs. He produced 10 hits, which consisted of one triple, three doubles, five singles and one home run. I can’t help but wonder if the single home run that he hit for his team was the one that sent him into shock after his drink of ice cold water, and left him partially paralyzed for the rest of life.

The late Frank Bird passed away on May 20, 1948 at the age of 89. He is buried in Mary Queen of Rosary Cemetery.

Marty Civin is a freelance journalist from Spencer, MA. His recent boo, Memories, which chronicles his home town experiences from 1931 to the present is available by sending $19.95 to Memories, 26 High Street, Spencer, MA 01562. The book is also available for sale at Brookfield Orchards, North Brookfield, MA.

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Chien-Ming Wang Would Like To Pitch for Dodgers If He Can't Return to Yankees

Christopher Chavez — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:11:37 -0500

On Friday November 20, Chien Ming Wang spoke to reporters in Taiwan about his questionable future with the New York Yankees organization. Wang has been plagued by injuries the last two years and is no longer the Yankees ace pitcher.

When speaking to reporters in Taiwan, Wang said that the Yankees are his "first choice". But afterwards mentioned that he would be alright pitching for any other major league team.

Wang has a chance of pitching for any other Major League baseball team, if he becomes a free agent. His contract with the Yankees expires this year and his future is in their hands on whether they decide to renew his contract or not.

Reporters in Taiwan asked the Yankees pitcher what he would think of an opportunity to pitch for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Wang said it wouldn't be a bad idea.

The Taiwanese right-hander had a very close and strong relationship with current Dodgers manager, Joe Torre. Torre was Wang's manager when the pitcher broke into the majors as a rookie pitcher in April 2005. Torre would stay at Wang's side until he would leave the Yankees organization in 2007.

The Dodgers are looking for starting pitchers this off-season as that was one of the reasons that they lost to the Phillies in the National League Championship Series.

If the Yankees were to let Wang walk and the Dodgers were to get Chien-Ming Wang from the free agent market, the starting rotation in Los Angeles could look like this:

1. Chad Billingsly

2. Chien-Ming Wang

3. Hideki Kuroda

4. Clayton Kershaw

5. Vincente Padilla (if the Dodgers re-sign him)

The Dodgers have their work cut out for them this offseason. Dodgers GM Ned Colletti and assistant general manager Kim Ng will definitely be looking to strike gold with a good free agent pick up that could finally help them beat the Phillies in the NLCS. Chien-Ming Wang could be one of those big pick-ups that have a great impact during the season.

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Hair Today, More Tomorrow: The Story of Tim Lincecum's Awesome Mane

Dylan MacNamara — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:06:49 -0500

November 19th marked an important turning point in not only Tim Lincecum's baseball career, but his life as well. The 25 year old ace of the San Francisco Giants won his second NL Cy Young in as many years, becoming the first pitcher in Major League Baseball history to win back to back Cy Youngs in his first two major league seasons. Undoubtedly, the pitcher with the small frame and the big right arm has lived up to his moniker, "The Freak." As I sat at my desk watching the Giants press conference announcing that Lincecum had won the award, I began to think that maybe, just maybe, Giants fans and media were actually playing a cruel trick on poor Timmy. Was it possible that his nickname wasn't derived from his slight stature and his herky jerky delivery that would blow most pitchers' arms out, but in fact, a commentary on his ever-growing mane of awkwardness? The question fascinated me. So, I thought it appropriate to look at the evolution of Tim Lincecum's hair. What does it mean? What is he trying to tell us? And, most importantly, who the hell does he remind me of?

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Arizona Fall League Championship

Jeff Summers — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:41:08 -0500

Baseball season at the major league level has been over for a couple of weeks now but for fans in Arizona there have still been games played in the Arizona Fall League. All of that ends today with the conclusion of the Arizona Fall League Championship.

The Arizona Fall League Championship pits the two teams with the best records facing each other at Scottsdale Stadium. For the sixth consecutive year one of those teams is the Phoenix Desert Dogs.

In an era of parity throughout professional sports the consistency of the Phoenix Desert Dogs is impressive. It is even more so when you consider that the roster of the Desert Dogs is completely new each season as is the coaching staff.

When players arrived at Phoenix Municipal Stadium six weeks ago they came from different levels of minor league baseball and from different organizations. The only thing they had in common was that they now represented the Desert Dogs.

During an opening meeting the players were given the history of this team and the expectation that they needed to uphold. They were expected to play in the championship game and this year’s crop of players did not disappoint.

The Desert Dogs had the best record in the Arizona Fall League and made their way to the championship game to face the Peoria Javelinas. During the season these two teams were evenly matched splitting the series.

For Major League Baseball this was the perfect matchup. It would be Washington Nationals prospect Stephen Strasburg’s coming out party starting the game for the Desert Dogs.

Unfortunately that didn’t play out as Strasburg suffered a knee injury earlier in the week and left Arizona to meet with doctors. Good news for Nationals fans, the knee was diagnosed as not serious and no surgery is required.

The Desert Dogs began the game with a lead off triple and scored in the top of the first inning. The Javelinas showed that they belonged in this game as well and quickly came back to tie it up.

As the afternoon progressed these two teams battled back and forth with the lead changing hands several times. Finally in the bottom of the eighth inning CJ Retherford from the Chicago White Sox organization hit a monster 2-run home run out of Scottsdale Stadium for the game winner.

And for the first time in six years a team other than the Phoenix Desert Dogs stood atop the podium as the champions of the Arizona Fall League. There will undoubtedly be second-guessing by the Phoenix fans wondering what if Strasburg could have pitched.

Despite the questions it was a great day for baseball and for the 3,521 fans in attendance. Now the off-season in Arizona officially begins. The only games left to follow are those in Mexico and in the Caribbean until February 18 when pitchers and catchers report.

Congratulations to the Peoria Javelinas for dethroning the dynasty that has been the Phoenix Desert Dogs. It was indeed a great day for baseball.

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