The Captain.
There's not much more that needs to be said about David Wright that you haven't already heard if you're a fan of the New York Mets, or just a fan of baseball. The man was everything about a leader that you could want in a human being playing a game for a living. He never retreated from a tough question. He never quit trying even after a stress fracture in the back, spinal stenosis, shoulder and neck surgeries. He always was there for his teammates. He led by example. His baseball acumen had him on a Hall of Fame career track, but those aforementioned injuries derailed any chance of that years ago.
Last night the fans returned the favor to Wright for one last time at Citi Field. A packed house of over 43,000 brought signs to show their adoration of him, serenaded him with cheers, and stood while applauding the greatest position player the Mets have ever known. Apologies to Carlos Beltran, who came up with Kansas City before joining the Mets as a free agent.
Wright drew a walk in the first inning, and you would have thought he hit one over the Shea Bridge from the response it drew from the crowd. In the second inning he handled his only chance in the field, making a smooth throw across the diamond to retire the Marlins Bryan Holaday. He'd come to bat one final time in the fourth. He popped out to Peter O'Brien, who snagged the ball in foul territory and was vehemently booed by the Citi Field faithful on a level that rivaled other hated opponents in Mets history like Chase Utley and John Rocker. He took his place in the field at third base one last time in the top of the fifth and was removed by Mets manager Mickey Callaway to a standing ovation. He embraced his infield partner Jose Reyes and then made his way to the dugout, where all of his teammates awaited to shake his hand one last time as an active player.
Wright's career highlights are numerous for me and most other die hard Mets fans. His first hit, way back in 2004, a double down the third base line at Shea Stadium against the Montreal Expos. His amazing barehanded, over-the-shoulder catch while on a dead sprint in San Diego has to be a top 10 defensive moment of all time. His walk-off hit to beat Mariano Rivera and the crosstown rival Yankees in a regular season Subway Series matchup. He probably wins NL MVP in 2007, but the Mets epic collapse in losing the division to Philadelphia cost him. His monstrous home run in Game 3 of the 2015 World Series that had Citi rocking like the Shea days.
Here are my favorite moments. I witnessed Wright homer in person only twice, since I live in South Florida I only catch a few games per season. He hit a three-run bomb in 2008 as part of a 13-0 Mets win over the Marlins. Dinger number two would come in June of 2014, as Wright provided the only run of the night to support Zack Wheeler's shutout of the Fish. His heroics for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic stir up some fond memories of me drinking heavily in an Irish bar in 2009 and going completely batshit when Wright drove in the winning run to avoid elimination against Puerto Rico. His grand slam in the 2013 WBC also brought me to my feet as Captain America was truly born there. When Wright returned from a long DL stint in 2015, he hit a mammoth home run in Philadelphia in his first plate appearance back. I was watching on my phone while waiting for my flight to leave LaGuardia Airport when he launched that ball to the fucking moon. I may have scared some of the airport security with my outburst. Finally, in Game 1 of the 2015 NLDS against the Dodgers, I happened to be visiting New York and watching the game with a ton of other fans at a small bar in Bellmore. Wright ripped a two-run single putting the Mets up 3-0 and giving all of us some breathing room. I've never enjoyed high-fiving and hugging a bunch of strangers any more than that night.
Thank you for the memories, David.
Thank you, Captain.
Sunday, September 30, 2018
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Spreading a little Mets love on Valentine's Day
On this Valentine's Day, I'm not here to write about flowers, boxes of chocolate, or one of those cute, stuffed teddy bears holding a big, red heart embroidered with those three little words your significant other wants in her ear. Maybe it's the fact that I'm going on seven years without a steady girlfriend or maybe just because I never needed a Hallmark-generated holiday to tell the women I've loved in life how I felt about them. I'd much rather take the time writing about my true always and forever. The love that always returns to me in mid-February as pitchers and catchers report to spring training and lasts (hopefully) into late-October. Yep, I'm talking about baseball. More specifically, the New York Mets.
In 2017, the Mets were an absolute disaster. Injuries, poor performances on the field, trading away talented players for small returns, and even a rally dildo in the locker room (See, this clearly is a very special Valentine's Day blog). It was the kind of relationship you'd like to set on fire and never speak of again. So, I won't. 2018 is here and Cupid will be firing his love-inducing arrows into the asses of Mets' fans everywhere today that look to baseball as their true love.
There is plenty to possibly love about the 2018 version of the Mets. Leading that love fest is the new man in charge. manager Mickey Callaway comes over from the Cleveland Indians, where he served as pitching coach to the best staff in the majors last year. That staff lead the majors in team ERA and strikeouts. His exuberance for the game and being installed as field general of the Mets has been evident since his introductory press conference. Yesterday, when asked about his current pitching staff, he said, "This is the best group of arms and stuff I've ever seen." I'm swooning over that glowing endorsement and Mickey's words in general about this team and is plans to restore it to relevance.
That brings me to the pitching staff. Last season was a blazing dumpster fire for nearly everyone not named Jacob deGrom. Noah Syndergaard was his typical dominant self until the end of April when he tore a lat muscle that caused him to miss most of the season. He returned in September to toss a couple of innings and was able to pop triple digits with his fastball, so the Mets should have a solid 1-2 punch with Thor and Jake the Great at the top of the rotation.
Now, things get dicey. Matt Harvey, Steven Matz, Zack Wheeler, Robert Gsellman, and Seth Lugo all suffered through injuries and huge stretches of ineffectiveness. They've all reported to camp healthy and early reports or promising. Mets beat reporter Rich Coutinho tweeted that Harvey looks great and the late movement on his fastball that made him so effective in past years has returned. Matz, who had the same ulnar nerve surgery this off season that deGrom had prior to last season, says he's good to go, and should be the lone lefty in the rotation. Wheeler, Gsellman, and Lugo are healthy and will battle for the remaining spot, or spots, if Callaway sticks to his plan of using a six-man rotation at times. The bullpen will be lead by the once-again healthy Jeurys Familia, lefty Jerry Blevins, last year's late-season addition AJ Ramos, and free agent Anthony Swarzak, who came over after a career year with the Milwaukee Brewers.
On offense, the longball, which chicks and dudes alike dig, has become all the rage in MLB. The Mets will have no shortage of home run power with a healthy Yoenis Cespedes leading the way. Cespedes was hampered by various leg injuries last year, but still smacked 17 homers in just 81 games. Michael Conforto earned his first All-star game appearance during his breakout season that saw him bash 27 homers while posting a .939 OPS in just 373 at bats before a freak shoulder injury ended his year in late-August. Free agency brought back Jay Bruce and his 36 long balls on a three-year deal. Todd Frazier also signed on for the next tow seasons to provide high OBP, great defense at third base, and yes, more home run pop. A full year of former top prospect Amed Rosario at shortstop will provide better infield defense, and if he can improve his patience at the plate, the lookout for a star in the making. There could be a battle for the first base job in spring between newly-added veteran Adrian Gonzalez and young prospect Dominic Smith. Smith showed up to camp "in the best shape of his life", but Gonzo has the inside track with his proven track record in the bigs.
The training staff was also revamped in the off season, as head trainer Ray Ramirez, aka the Grim Reaper, aka Mr. Walking Boot, was relieved of his duties. At the very least, this has to improve the Mets mojo, right?
There will be plenty to love about the 2018 Mets if all falls into place. 2015 and 2016 saw a World Series trip and a wildcard berth, respectively, with many of these same players, so it's not completely crazy. So to all my fellow Mets fans out there without a valentine today, take solace and place your love in the Mets. Just hope that they show us some love back in 2018.
LGM
In 2017, the Mets were an absolute disaster. Injuries, poor performances on the field, trading away talented players for small returns, and even a rally dildo in the locker room (See, this clearly is a very special Valentine's Day blog). It was the kind of relationship you'd like to set on fire and never speak of again. So, I won't. 2018 is here and Cupid will be firing his love-inducing arrows into the asses of Mets' fans everywhere today that look to baseball as their true love.
There is plenty to possibly love about the 2018 version of the Mets. Leading that love fest is the new man in charge. manager Mickey Callaway comes over from the Cleveland Indians, where he served as pitching coach to the best staff in the majors last year. That staff lead the majors in team ERA and strikeouts. His exuberance for the game and being installed as field general of the Mets has been evident since his introductory press conference. Yesterday, when asked about his current pitching staff, he said, "This is the best group of arms and stuff I've ever seen." I'm swooning over that glowing endorsement and Mickey's words in general about this team and is plans to restore it to relevance.
That brings me to the pitching staff. Last season was a blazing dumpster fire for nearly everyone not named Jacob deGrom. Noah Syndergaard was his typical dominant self until the end of April when he tore a lat muscle that caused him to miss most of the season. He returned in September to toss a couple of innings and was able to pop triple digits with his fastball, so the Mets should have a solid 1-2 punch with Thor and Jake the Great at the top of the rotation.
Now, things get dicey. Matt Harvey, Steven Matz, Zack Wheeler, Robert Gsellman, and Seth Lugo all suffered through injuries and huge stretches of ineffectiveness. They've all reported to camp healthy and early reports or promising. Mets beat reporter Rich Coutinho tweeted that Harvey looks great and the late movement on his fastball that made him so effective in past years has returned. Matz, who had the same ulnar nerve surgery this off season that deGrom had prior to last season, says he's good to go, and should be the lone lefty in the rotation. Wheeler, Gsellman, and Lugo are healthy and will battle for the remaining spot, or spots, if Callaway sticks to his plan of using a six-man rotation at times. The bullpen will be lead by the once-again healthy Jeurys Familia, lefty Jerry Blevins, last year's late-season addition AJ Ramos, and free agent Anthony Swarzak, who came over after a career year with the Milwaukee Brewers.
On offense, the longball, which chicks and dudes alike dig, has become all the rage in MLB. The Mets will have no shortage of home run power with a healthy Yoenis Cespedes leading the way. Cespedes was hampered by various leg injuries last year, but still smacked 17 homers in just 81 games. Michael Conforto earned his first All-star game appearance during his breakout season that saw him bash 27 homers while posting a .939 OPS in just 373 at bats before a freak shoulder injury ended his year in late-August. Free agency brought back Jay Bruce and his 36 long balls on a three-year deal. Todd Frazier also signed on for the next tow seasons to provide high OBP, great defense at third base, and yes, more home run pop. A full year of former top prospect Amed Rosario at shortstop will provide better infield defense, and if he can improve his patience at the plate, the lookout for a star in the making. There could be a battle for the first base job in spring between newly-added veteran Adrian Gonzalez and young prospect Dominic Smith. Smith showed up to camp "in the best shape of his life", but Gonzo has the inside track with his proven track record in the bigs.
The training staff was also revamped in the off season, as head trainer Ray Ramirez, aka the Grim Reaper, aka Mr. Walking Boot, was relieved of his duties. At the very least, this has to improve the Mets mojo, right?
There will be plenty to love about the 2018 Mets if all falls into place. 2015 and 2016 saw a World Series trip and a wildcard berth, respectively, with many of these same players, so it's not completely crazy. So to all my fellow Mets fans out there without a valentine today, take solace and place your love in the Mets. Just hope that they show us some love back in 2018.
LGM
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Bullpens, bullpens, bullpens....
Major League Baseball has seen bullpen usage rise over the decade. You can say the increase in managing highly paid starters' pitch counts and yearly inning caps is a big part of it. You can say having lefty specialists to get that one big late-inning out is another. You can also say that it serves as a way of shortening the game, a plan that the Kansas City Royals executed perfectly last season on their run to a World Series appearance. The Royals would hope and pray that their starting pitcher could get through six innings, then Kelvin Herrera took the seventh, Wade Davis the eighth, and finally Greg Holland would shut things down in the ninth.
Personally, I find the overuse of bullpens annoying. I have always been a proponent of having the best pitchers on your team. Your starting five should be your five best pitchers. Why? Well, they are the ones toeing the rubber every fifth day. They are the ones expected to pitch deep into games and get all batters out. Say it's Game 7 of the World Series. Would you not pitch Clayton Kershaw against an all right-handed hitting lineup? Not throw Felix Hernandez against a lineup stacked with lefties? Obviously, those guys pitch, and they pitch against anyone because they are two of the best, and that's what every starting five should be comprised of -- the best. Now, bullpens. Shouldn't the same theory apply? Put the next best arms available in your bullpen and go to war with those guys.
This brings me to the Mets and their current dilemna. Josh Edgin was all set to be the main (and possibly only) lefty out of the bullpen this season. A stretched ligament in his pitching elbow that might require Tommy John surgery put the Mets in a bad spot. The other lefties in camp include Sean Gilmartin, a Rule 5 pickup with no major league experience; Scott Rice, coming of a surgery of his own; Jack Leathersich, a young minor league prospect with a knack for the strikeout (15.4 per nine innings) and a bit of a walk problem (4.6 per nine); and Dario Alvarez, who has logged an entire seven innings of experience above A ball.
Knowing how Terry Collins loves leaning on his lefties, there could be a big problem brewing. How to solve this problem is easy. Take the best seven pitchers north to fill out the bullpen when the regular season begins.
MLB writer Michael Baron of JustMets.net seems to agree with me.
Personally, I find the overuse of bullpens annoying. I have always been a proponent of having the best pitchers on your team. Your starting five should be your five best pitchers. Why? Well, they are the ones toeing the rubber every fifth day. They are the ones expected to pitch deep into games and get all batters out. Say it's Game 7 of the World Series. Would you not pitch Clayton Kershaw against an all right-handed hitting lineup? Not throw Felix Hernandez against a lineup stacked with lefties? Obviously, those guys pitch, and they pitch against anyone because they are two of the best, and that's what every starting five should be comprised of -- the best. Now, bullpens. Shouldn't the same theory apply? Put the next best arms available in your bullpen and go to war with those guys.
This brings me to the Mets and their current dilemna. Josh Edgin was all set to be the main (and possibly only) lefty out of the bullpen this season. A stretched ligament in his pitching elbow that might require Tommy John surgery put the Mets in a bad spot. The other lefties in camp include Sean Gilmartin, a Rule 5 pickup with no major league experience; Scott Rice, coming of a surgery of his own; Jack Leathersich, a young minor league prospect with a knack for the strikeout (15.4 per nine innings) and a bit of a walk problem (4.6 per nine); and Dario Alvarez, who has logged an entire seven innings of experience above A ball.
Knowing how Terry Collins loves leaning on his lefties, there could be a big problem brewing. How to solve this problem is easy. Take the best seven pitchers north to fill out the bullpen when the regular season begins.
MLB writer Michael Baron of JustMets.net seems to agree with me.
At this point (its early), but #mets might be better suited taking the best group of 7 relievers north right now. Lefty situation a mess.
— Michael Baron (@michaelgbaron) March 12, 2015
Hell, he might have even got the idea from me.
@scottyc9 at this point that might be a way to go.
— Michael Baron (@michaelgbaron) March 12, 2015
I want the best arms in my bullpen. Edgin's injury opens up a spot for prospect Rafael Montero to possibly shine in relief. Maybe one of the aforementioned lefties puts it together during the rest of spring and takes the job. Regardless, whoever is the best should be the guy that makes the roster.Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Through my eyes: A day on the backfields with the New York Mets
Spring training is a magical time for me. It's nothing like going to a regular season game where thousands of fans pack into a giant stadium, and unless you have great seats you aren't getting close enough to the players to where you can actually hear their conversations. That's the great thing about spring in Port St. Lucie, Florida with the Mets. All the guys that you live and die with during the regular season are right there in front of you to watch. Whether you're an autograph seeker or someone like me who just loves the purity of baseball, a spring training workout is something every baseball fan should experience.
Workouts usually start up around 9:30 a.m. I arrived a little early this warm, sunny morning and snapped a few pictures with my smartphone before ambling up to one of the fields where four young minor leaguers (Rafael Montero, Hansel Robles, Gabriel Ynoa and Dario Alvarez) sat stretching and just joking around with each other. I'd tell you what they were talking about, but it was in Spanish. Still, it stirred memories of when my childhood friends and I would get up early on a day off from school and hit the local park. Playing ball all day and goofing on each other, while pretending to be some major leaguer. Darryl Strawberry or Dwight Gooden were my go-to guys.
More players began to trickle out of the clubhouse and the hundred or so spectators made their way to the fence to get a look at the young pitchers that are expected to lead this current Mets renaissance. The relief corps of Jennry Mejia, Jeurys Familia, and the very bearded threesome of Vic Black, Bobby Parnell and Josh Edgin. Then appeared Zack Wheeler. Last year's NL Rookie of the Year Jacob deGrom. The Dark Knight himself, Matt Harvey, alongside Jonathan Niese and Dillon Gee. The two top prospects looking to break into the majors some time in the near future Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz. All the arms that the Mets and their fans hope can return them to the playoffs this year. All standing just 30 feet away and once again I transform into a 12-year old. Oh, and did I mention World Champions Wally Backman and Frank Viola are also a stone's throw away, now serving as coaches in the organization.
At this point, I notice who else is watching nearby. Special assistant to the general manager, J.P. Ricciardi walks past me and happily returns the "hello" I extend to him. I wonder to myself how many fans here actually recognize Ricciardi, or am I the lone baseball super freak. I notice a couple of the Mets newspaper beat writers talking making small talk. Mike Puma of the New York Post expresses his current state of boredom while watching drills and then went on to elaborate on his dinner adventures from the prior evening - the Ale House in nearby Jensen Beach. By the way, Mr. Puma, I'll gladly trade jobs with you if you find it that boring.
Two older gentlemen are looking over the roster and one of them remarks that "This guy here was born in 1973." The other exclaims, "I thought this one a young team?" Well, that's Bartolo Colon, of course. Big Bart is one of the few elder statesmen on this team at the age of 42, but no less effective. He won 15 games last year, leading the staff. Fans fascinate me since I'm so involved in this team. Some know so little about the roster, but nonetheless love the team as much as someone like myself who could recite all of the minor league affiliates to you in a moments notice. Others just love certain players. David Wright and Matt Harvey clearly being the crowd favorites, and backup catcher Anthony Recker also being mentioned by many of the women in attendance. Hmmm, must be dat ass, eh #MetsTwitter?
By now the position players have joined the workout. Wright and Wilmer Flores are fielding grounders at third and shortstop, respectively. Both look strong as both have much to prove this season. Wright tries to rebound from his worst season in the pros that was ruined mostly by a shoulder injury he suffered in June. Flores is young and has the bat to stay in the majors, but his ability to field well enough at shortstop remains a question mark. Harvey, Niese and deGrom walk past as Wright is fielding, and The Captain remarks that his arm is "a cannon" now as he rifles a throw across the diamond. the offseason rehab and strength training work for his shoulder looks like it has paid off at least early in camp from my perspective. Flores also looks good. Yes, to all the doubters, I know it's just practice, but the alternative right now is Ruben Tejada and we've seen over the last few years that he does not hit nearly enough to deserve a starting job. Flores has hit at every level. He's only 23. Let's see what he can do over a full year.
All-Star second baseman Daniel Murphy talks to outfielder Matt den Dekker while warming up. The pair discuss heading down I-95 to Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter later in the day to watch the University of Florida baseball team battle Florida Atlantic. Den Dekker is a UF alum and Murphy is a big Gator fan who grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. Inside my brain, I say I'd like to join them, seeing as how I went to college at both of those schools. Of course, I keep my trap shut and smile. Murphy comes over the the fence and signs a ball for a little kid at this point. Both sides smiling the whole time. Seeing this type of thing warms my heart and I think back to every autograph I ever got. I still have every one of them because they remind me of those players, whether they were stars or not. They made a little kid smile and that's what counts.
A couple of young minor league sluggers jump into the batting cage to take some cuts. Much maligned Cesar Puello hits some absolute bombs. Sweet swinging lefty Brandon Nimmo also shows off the lumber with a couple of long balls. This kid is the goods. I really believe Mets fans will be enjoying his smooth stroke at the plate for many years to come when he's ready for prime time in a year or two.
A few minutes later on the adjacent field Wright, Gold Glove center fielder Juan Lagares and new acquisition Michael Cuddyer enter the cage. Cuddyer's swing looks healthy as he strokes would-be doubles into the left-center field gap. Lagares is next, but the main event is to follow. Wright hits the cage and immediately starts ripping shots opposite field into right-center field, his usual power spot. Cuddyer is doing commentary at this juncture. Every opposite field rope that Wright hits, Cuddyer exclaims just one word. "Sexy." I couldn't agree more. Cuddyer then says, "How about pulling one?" to which Wright answers by hammering the next pitch over the left field fence. The Captain is back.
The workout goes on and slowly winds down. Fans line the fences for autographs and the players oblige. It's a great day and didn't cost me a penny.
There's no other place where you can really just enjoy the sights and sounds of baseball like a spring training workout. No scoreboard. No stats being tracked. No feeling bad if your team happened to lose.
Simple and fun like those days on the sandlot.
Just baseball.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Sherman bringing the Boom
By now everyone has heard the post game rant from Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman. The word "classless" has been thrown around to describe his reactions and obvious disdain for 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree.
Here's the thing, if you have ever played sports, you should know that there is a competitive fire that is driving the bus for those few hours. On the field of play you take on a warrior-like persona and your emotions can get the best of you. He was locked up defending Crabtree all game and I can guarantee that there was of barrage of trash talk tossed around by both. Sherman had just leaped up and tipped a Colin Kaepernick pass intended for Crabtree in the end zone that was subsequently intercepted by teammate Malcolm Smith, preserving a 23-17 victory that sent the Seahawks to the Super Bowl. While many would have thought Sherman might have shown a little more joy in his interview with Erin Andrews after securing a trip to the big game, I don't see anything wrong with his reaction.
He said he's the best corner in the league and if you check the statistics, he's correct. He has allowed the lowest passer rating against when thrown at, and no one has more interceptions than Sherman's 20 since he entered the league in 2011.
There is nothing classless about Richard Sherman. The Andrews' interview showed an emotional, reactionary on-field warrior, much more than the man. The man who has a communications degree from Stanford. The man who does charitable work through his Blanket Coverage foundation providing clothing and school supplies for children.
Sherman and the rest of the Seahawks' Legion of Boom have one more test ahead of them to prove they are the best. Peyton Manning and the high-octane offense of the Denver Broncos will look to prove them wrong in Super Bowl 48.
Here's the thing, if you have ever played sports, you should know that there is a competitive fire that is driving the bus for those few hours. On the field of play you take on a warrior-like persona and your emotions can get the best of you. He was locked up defending Crabtree all game and I can guarantee that there was of barrage of trash talk tossed around by both. Sherman had just leaped up and tipped a Colin Kaepernick pass intended for Crabtree in the end zone that was subsequently intercepted by teammate Malcolm Smith, preserving a 23-17 victory that sent the Seahawks to the Super Bowl. While many would have thought Sherman might have shown a little more joy in his interview with Erin Andrews after securing a trip to the big game, I don't see anything wrong with his reaction.
He said he's the best corner in the league and if you check the statistics, he's correct. He has allowed the lowest passer rating against when thrown at, and no one has more interceptions than Sherman's 20 since he entered the league in 2011.
There is nothing classless about Richard Sherman. The Andrews' interview showed an emotional, reactionary on-field warrior, much more than the man. The man who has a communications degree from Stanford. The man who does charitable work through his Blanket Coverage foundation providing clothing and school supplies for children.
Sherman and the rest of the Seahawks' Legion of Boom have one more test ahead of them to prove they are the best. Peyton Manning and the high-octane offense of the Denver Broncos will look to prove them wrong in Super Bowl 48.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Three get in, many deserving others left out
Following up on yesterday's entry, the Baseball Writers' Association of America voted in three new members to the Baseball Hall of Fame: Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and Frank Thomas.
Maddux led the way receiving 555 of a possible 571 votes, that's 97.2% of the necessary 75% needed for election. I'd like to say that those sixteen members that didn't vote for Maddux clearly should have their voting rights revoked. I'd love to hear your explain why you didn't vote for him. Of course, only 157 writers made their ballot public, so all those cowards that didn't choose Maddux can continue to hide and do their judging from their own private soap box.
Craig Biggio missed election by two votes. I guess enough voters lumped him in with the Steroid Era. Biggio should get in next year, thankfully. Another guy getting lumped in that tainted era is Mike Piazza. Statistically the greatest catcher ever to play the game, Piazza only received 62.2% of the vote. There has never been any hard evidence that Piazza used during his playing days. Only rumors and innuendo. Oh, and that he had back acne. I ask all the baseball writers this. If you wrote a story based on rumors and innuendo, what kind of credibility would you have? Not very much in my opinion. Shame on these writers for forgetting what journalism is supposed to be based upon. The facts are the key to reporting news. Not heresay. Not what an unnamed source whispers about from the shadows. The facts. Piazza's statistics are facts. He's a Hall of Famer.
Biggio struggle face after missing the Hall by two votes.
Soon, Mike. If not, we riot.
It was also revealed that ESPN personality and Miami Herald columnist, Dan Le Batard, allowed Deadspin.com to vote on his behalf. Deadspin put the vote in the hands of its the readers. The ten players receiving the most votes were Maddux, Thomas, Glavine, Piazza, Biggio, Edgar Martinez, Jeff Bagwell, Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds and Curt Schilling. I approve of Le Batard's actions. He allowed the masses to speak out on this issue. I think it proves that the majority of fans are fairly intelligent on who deserves to be in the Hall of Fame and I believe it allows shows that fans don't care so much about who was using steroids and who wasn't. We'll never know exactly who used what. None of these substances were even illegal by baseball rules at the time. It's time to stop the argument, and it's time to admit the greatest players of that era into the Hall. So say the fans.
Maddux led the way receiving 555 of a possible 571 votes, that's 97.2% of the necessary 75% needed for election. I'd like to say that those sixteen members that didn't vote for Maddux clearly should have their voting rights revoked. I'd love to hear your explain why you didn't vote for him. Of course, only 157 writers made their ballot public, so all those cowards that didn't choose Maddux can continue to hide and do their judging from their own private soap box.
Craig Biggio missed election by two votes. I guess enough voters lumped him in with the Steroid Era. Biggio should get in next year, thankfully. Another guy getting lumped in that tainted era is Mike Piazza. Statistically the greatest catcher ever to play the game, Piazza only received 62.2% of the vote. There has never been any hard evidence that Piazza used during his playing days. Only rumors and innuendo. Oh, and that he had back acne. I ask all the baseball writers this. If you wrote a story based on rumors and innuendo, what kind of credibility would you have? Not very much in my opinion. Shame on these writers for forgetting what journalism is supposed to be based upon. The facts are the key to reporting news. Not heresay. Not what an unnamed source whispers about from the shadows. The facts. Piazza's statistics are facts. He's a Hall of Famer.
It was also revealed that ESPN personality and Miami Herald columnist, Dan Le Batard, allowed Deadspin.com to vote on his behalf. Deadspin put the vote in the hands of its the readers. The ten players receiving the most votes were Maddux, Thomas, Glavine, Piazza, Biggio, Edgar Martinez, Jeff Bagwell, Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds and Curt Schilling. I approve of Le Batard's actions. He allowed the masses to speak out on this issue. I think it proves that the majority of fans are fairly intelligent on who deserves to be in the Hall of Fame and I believe it allows shows that fans don't care so much about who was using steroids and who wasn't. We'll never know exactly who used what. None of these substances were even illegal by baseball rules at the time. It's time to stop the argument, and it's time to admit the greatest players of that era into the Hall. So say the fans.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
The Hall calls
Today, the results of the Baseball Hall of Fame voting will be released. Here's the ten guys that would get my vote if I actually had one.
1.Greg Maddux. 355 wins. 3371 strikeouts. 18 Gold Gloves. Four straight Cy Young Awards during one of the most dominant pitching stretches in baseball history from 1992-1995. Anyone not voting for him should lose their vote forever.
2. Frank Thomas. Two-time MVP. Career .301 hitter with 521 homers and 1704 RBI. Also walked more than he struck out. Quite rare for a big slugger. Reached base 41.9% of the time. 11 seasons over 100 RBI. Mickey Mantle only did that four times if you would like a frame of reference. Big Hurt is a big lock.
3. Mike Piazza. Greatest offensive catcher ever. 427 homers and a .308 career average, mostly while playing the most difficult position on the field. All from a 62nd round draft pick. Never struck out more than 93 times in a single season, which is truly amazing for a power guy.
4. Lee Smith. When he retired he was the all time leader in saves with 478. It's time to stop disrespecting the closer position and put more of these guys in the Hall. Like punters in the NFL, they are a big part of the game, and Smith was one of the best closers in the game.
5. Mike Mussina. Tremendously consistent workhorse pitcher who spent his entire career in the hard-hitting AL East. Posted his first and only 20-win season in his final season at the age of 39. Compiled a 270-153 career record for a winning percentage of 63.8%.
6. Edgar Martinez. Much like the closer position, the designated hitter spot also gets little respect from the Hall of Fame voters. Martinez was a hitting machine. Career average of .312, 309 homers and 1261 RBI. From 1995-2001 he drove in over a 100 runs in all but one of those season. It's time for a DH to get in.
7. Tom Glavine. Crafty lefty that won two Cy Young awards and posted five, 20-win seasons as part of the Braves decade of dominance in the 90s. Finished with 305 wins and could always be counted on...unless he was pitching for the Mets on the final day of the season against the Marlins when a playoff spot was on the line. Yes, I'm still bitter, but at least I'm not holding back my vote for Tommy.
8. Jack Morris. 254 regular season wins on the mound, but really shined in the post season where he anchored the pitching staff for World Series winners in Detroit, Minnesota and Toronto. His ten inning, 1-0 shutout victory over Atlanta in Game 7 of the 1991 World Series is one of the greatest performances ever under pressure.
9. Craig Biggio. Spent all 20 years as a member of the Houston Astros collecting 3060 hits along the way. Came up as a catcher and was All Star. Then made the move to second base where he was also an All Star. His 668 doubles ranks fifth all-time and he stole 414 bases along the way.
10. Mark McGwire. Yes, he did steroids, but he also hit 49 homers as a skinny rookie in 1987, so I'm one to believe that his power was very legitimate. He was injury prone and the steroids clearly extended his career and enhanced his power numbers later in his career to monstrous levels. His home run journey to break Roger Maris' single season record in 1998 also helped baseball regain all lot of popularity that was lost following the prolonged strike that canceled a World Series in 1994. He admitted his misdeeds, so baseball needs to admit he was a legend of the game.
I'd also vote in Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, but they continue to deny their use of steroids. Both guys were Hall of Fame talent before they started using. Just admit it and people might forgive you one day.
Last year, no one got the call.
1.Greg Maddux. 355 wins. 3371 strikeouts. 18 Gold Gloves. Four straight Cy Young Awards during one of the most dominant pitching stretches in baseball history from 1992-1995. Anyone not voting for him should lose their vote forever.
2. Frank Thomas. Two-time MVP. Career .301 hitter with 521 homers and 1704 RBI. Also walked more than he struck out. Quite rare for a big slugger. Reached base 41.9% of the time. 11 seasons over 100 RBI. Mickey Mantle only did that four times if you would like a frame of reference. Big Hurt is a big lock.
3. Mike Piazza. Greatest offensive catcher ever. 427 homers and a .308 career average, mostly while playing the most difficult position on the field. All from a 62nd round draft pick. Never struck out more than 93 times in a single season, which is truly amazing for a power guy.
4. Lee Smith. When he retired he was the all time leader in saves with 478. It's time to stop disrespecting the closer position and put more of these guys in the Hall. Like punters in the NFL, they are a big part of the game, and Smith was one of the best closers in the game.
5. Mike Mussina. Tremendously consistent workhorse pitcher who spent his entire career in the hard-hitting AL East. Posted his first and only 20-win season in his final season at the age of 39. Compiled a 270-153 career record for a winning percentage of 63.8%.
6. Edgar Martinez. Much like the closer position, the designated hitter spot also gets little respect from the Hall of Fame voters. Martinez was a hitting machine. Career average of .312, 309 homers and 1261 RBI. From 1995-2001 he drove in over a 100 runs in all but one of those season. It's time for a DH to get in.
7. Tom Glavine. Crafty lefty that won two Cy Young awards and posted five, 20-win seasons as part of the Braves decade of dominance in the 90s. Finished with 305 wins and could always be counted on...unless he was pitching for the Mets on the final day of the season against the Marlins when a playoff spot was on the line. Yes, I'm still bitter, but at least I'm not holding back my vote for Tommy.
8. Jack Morris. 254 regular season wins on the mound, but really shined in the post season where he anchored the pitching staff for World Series winners in Detroit, Minnesota and Toronto. His ten inning, 1-0 shutout victory over Atlanta in Game 7 of the 1991 World Series is one of the greatest performances ever under pressure.
9. Craig Biggio. Spent all 20 years as a member of the Houston Astros collecting 3060 hits along the way. Came up as a catcher and was All Star. Then made the move to second base where he was also an All Star. His 668 doubles ranks fifth all-time and he stole 414 bases along the way.
10. Mark McGwire. Yes, he did steroids, but he also hit 49 homers as a skinny rookie in 1987, so I'm one to believe that his power was very legitimate. He was injury prone and the steroids clearly extended his career and enhanced his power numbers later in his career to monstrous levels. His home run journey to break Roger Maris' single season record in 1998 also helped baseball regain all lot of popularity that was lost following the prolonged strike that canceled a World Series in 1994. He admitted his misdeeds, so baseball needs to admit he was a legend of the game.
I'd also vote in Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, but they continue to deny their use of steroids. Both guys were Hall of Fame talent before they started using. Just admit it and people might forgive you one day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)