Frank Thomas hit career home run number 500.
Craig Biggio reached 3000 hits.
Frank Thomas hit the fourth pitch of his first AB, with a 1-2 count, as a three run home run which happened to be number five hundred for him. He became the 21st player to join the 500 home run club. He is only the fourth active player to be on the list. Toronto were visiting Minnesota for a four game series, and it was Carlos Silva who gave up Frank Thomas' 500th home run. Unfortunately for the Jays, they lost the game by a score of 8-5.
Craig Biggio hit the third pitch of his fourth AB, with a 2-0 count, to center fielder Willy Taveras, his 3000th. He singled, but was sprinting from the start right around first, and was out at second base. Just seeing the replay one can see why he is the leadoff man. He is the only active player with 3000 or more hits. He was three hits shy going into the game, and ended the night with 3002, as he went 5-6. To top it off, Carlos Lee hit a walk off grand slam home run to win the game for the Astros in the 11th. The Colorado Rockies were the visiting team. Willy Taveras, who got Biggio out at second on the outfield assist, was a former Houston Astro, therefore obviously a former teammate of Biggio's. Also to note, Willy Taveras is the leadoff hitter for Colorado. Finally, Aaron Cook was the pitcher who gave up hit 3000 to Biggio.
Further reading:
Thomas launches No. 500 at Metrodome
Biggio reaches 3,000-hit milestone
Pair of milestones make for historic day
National Baseball Hall of Fame - The 3,000 Hit Club
500 Home Runs Club by Baseball Almanac
Friday, June 29, 2007
Saturday, June 16, 2007
1 win away from sweeping the ex Expos
So the Toronto Blue Jays are one win away from sweeping the ex Expos, oh, the Washington Nationals, in Toronto. It is a three game set, and the only three they are playing together, as now the Orioles are the interleague rival for the Nationals. When the Expos played the Blue Jays, in the past, the winner of the interleague games won the Pearson Cup. The last two years, 2003 and 2004 resulted in a 3-3 tie.
When the Expos first moved I definitely rooted against the Nationals, but now I don't care as much, however it will be nice to see them swept by the Jays! The odds of them winning the World Series anytime too soon isn't very likely. Also it seems they have inherited the same injury trouble the Expos had, and even worse. In 2003 as the Expos they lost 869 man games to injury, in 2004, 825. in 2005 in Washington now, they lost 1434 man games to injury, and in 2006, 1615! Currently now they already have 519! So looks like they won't exceed 1625, but will probably end around 1200!
Slowly I am moving towards getting into the Jays again. I liked them around the late nineties, when they had Shannon Stewart, Carlos Delgado, Shawn Green, and Tony Batista.
It would be nice to see baseball in Montreal again, maybe once Bud Selig is out of the picture. It definitely would have been something to have had a downtown ballpark, just down the street from where the Canadiens play now, with the Montreal buildings as a backdrop over center field. Here is what it potentially could have looked like. The image above shows where it would have been had all gone well, instead condominiums are going up, if not already, as that image is circa summer 2005. And had that happened, Vlad would have been hitting homers there. Also the thought of a ballpark somewhere along the water would have been nice, in latter years, a la San Francisco. Again, maybe once Selig is gone.
In the meantime, Go Jays!
When the Expos first moved I definitely rooted against the Nationals, but now I don't care as much, however it will be nice to see them swept by the Jays! The odds of them winning the World Series anytime too soon isn't very likely. Also it seems they have inherited the same injury trouble the Expos had, and even worse. In 2003 as the Expos they lost 869 man games to injury, in 2004, 825. in 2005 in Washington now, they lost 1434 man games to injury, and in 2006, 1615! Currently now they already have 519! So looks like they won't exceed 1625, but will probably end around 1200!
Slowly I am moving towards getting into the Jays again. I liked them around the late nineties, when they had Shannon Stewart, Carlos Delgado, Shawn Green, and Tony Batista.
It would be nice to see baseball in Montreal again, maybe once Bud Selig is out of the picture. It definitely would have been something to have had a downtown ballpark, just down the street from where the Canadiens play now, with the Montreal buildings as a backdrop over center field. Here is what it potentially could have looked like. The image above shows where it would have been had all gone well, instead condominiums are going up, if not already, as that image is circa summer 2005. And had that happened, Vlad would have been hitting homers there. Also the thought of a ballpark somewhere along the water would have been nice, in latter years, a la San Francisco. Again, maybe once Selig is gone.In the meantime, Go Jays!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Watch "The Rocket" Roger Clemens free tonight on mlb.com
Roger Clemens is making his second minor league start tonight, and probably his last, this time for the Yankee's Double A affiliate, the Trenton Thunder. The Thunder will host the Portland Sea Dogs. The game will be streamed free online at mlb.com and milb.com, and more specifically milb.tv, as far as the minor league site goes. The Sea Dogs are a Boston Red Sox affiliate, so although not nearly as fierce as the MLB rivalry between their respective teams, I'm sure there still is somewhat of a rivalry, at the very least at the fan level for sure.
His first minor league start this year was May 18th for the Class A Advanced Tampa Yankees. In that game he pitched a solid four innings, he did not get the win officially as he only pitched the four innings, despite leaving the game with the lead which Tampa went on to win by. The Tampa Yankees hosted the Fort Myers Miracle, who are a Minnesota Twins affiliate.
Roger Clemens pitching for the Yankees attracted a Florida State League record attendance of 10,275, when the previous game between the same two teams attracted 1108 fans. A large crowd is expected tonight in Trenton.
They've been saying he may be the best pitcher ever. I won't go into numbers, but at best it would only be arguable, as there's plenty of other great pitchers to choose from. Anyway, if anyone wants to catch the game, and cannot see it in person, or on ESPN2, it can be seen (yes I am repeating myself) on mlb.com, and milb.com/milb.tv.
His first minor league start this year was May 18th for the Class A Advanced Tampa Yankees. In that game he pitched a solid four innings, he did not get the win officially as he only pitched the four innings, despite leaving the game with the lead which Tampa went on to win by. The Tampa Yankees hosted the Fort Myers Miracle, who are a Minnesota Twins affiliate.
Roger Clemens pitching for the Yankees attracted a Florida State League record attendance of 10,275, when the previous game between the same two teams attracted 1108 fans. A large crowd is expected tonight in Trenton.
They've been saying he may be the best pitcher ever. I won't go into numbers, but at best it would only be arguable, as there's plenty of other great pitchers to choose from. Anyway, if anyone wants to catch the game, and cannot see it in person, or on ESPN2, it can be seen (yes I am repeating myself) on mlb.com, and milb.com/milb.tv.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Alive and Well!
It's been a long time. 2006 was the year I least followed baseball in quite a while, although I did enjoy watching the postseason. Reason being I was back into hockey after the lockout. Anyway, another year, more former Expos leave D.C.
The biggest deal being 2B Jose Vidro leaving for Seattle. He was traded for OF Chris Snelling and RHP Emiliano Fruto. Cash considerations also went to Seattle. This deal happened December 18th, 2006. Another deal worth noting is RHP Livan Hernandez going to Arizona in exchange for RHP Garrett Mock and LHP Matt Chico on August 7, 2006.
On October 3, 2006, RHP Zach Day, and LHP Joey Eischen were released. Zach Day signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals on December 20, 2006. Joey Eischen also signed a minor league deal, however with the Detroit Tigers on January 25. Both were then assigned to minor league camp, March 28 and March 19 respectively.
On February 14, Tony Batista was invited to spring training, and signed a minor league deal, so he finds his way back to what used to be the Expos organisation. He was designated for assignment by the Twins not even halfway through the season last year, on June 14, and released on the 19th.
So far with the Omaha Royals, Zach day has started twice, pitching 1.2 innings, then 3. Both times walking 3 batters, and allowing one run each start. The one hit in his first start was a triple, he also got a strikeout in that start. In his second start he gave up 2 hits. Joey Eischen is on the disabled list (DL) with the Toledo Mud Hens, so he has not played yet.
Players that remain with the organisation, on the 40-Man roster, that were with the Expos include RHP Luis Ayala, RHP Chad Cordero, RHP Shawn Hill, RHP John Patterson, RHP Jon Rauch, C Brian Schneider, 1B Larry Broadway (only in the minors), 1B Nick Johnson, and OF (RF to be specific) Ryan Church.
So stay tuned to this blog, as I plan on posting a little more frequently than twice a year! Feel free to add this blog to your RSS reader!
The biggest deal being 2B Jose Vidro leaving for Seattle. He was traded for OF Chris Snelling and RHP Emiliano Fruto. Cash considerations also went to Seattle. This deal happened December 18th, 2006. Another deal worth noting is RHP Livan Hernandez going to Arizona in exchange for RHP Garrett Mock and LHP Matt Chico on August 7, 2006.
On October 3, 2006, RHP Zach Day, and LHP Joey Eischen were released. Zach Day signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals on December 20, 2006. Joey Eischen also signed a minor league deal, however with the Detroit Tigers on January 25. Both were then assigned to minor league camp, March 28 and March 19 respectively.
On February 14, Tony Batista was invited to spring training, and signed a minor league deal, so he finds his way back to what used to be the Expos organisation. He was designated for assignment by the Twins not even halfway through the season last year, on June 14, and released on the 19th.
So far with the Omaha Royals, Zach day has started twice, pitching 1.2 innings, then 3. Both times walking 3 batters, and allowing one run each start. The one hit in his first start was a triple, he also got a strikeout in that start. In his second start he gave up 2 hits. Joey Eischen is on the disabled list (DL) with the Toledo Mud Hens, so he has not played yet.
Players that remain with the organisation, on the 40-Man roster, that were with the Expos include RHP Luis Ayala, RHP Chad Cordero, RHP Shawn Hill, RHP John Patterson, RHP Jon Rauch, C Brian Schneider, 1B Larry Broadway (only in the minors), 1B Nick Johnson, and OF (RF to be specific) Ryan Church.
So stay tuned to this blog, as I plan on posting a little more frequently than twice a year! Feel free to add this blog to your RSS reader!
Monday, July 17, 2006
(Long time gone) Two more former Expos leave D.C.
I have not been following baseball like last year, and especially prior to that. Anyway, point being this blog is not dead. On with the show.
Two more former Expos have left the District of Columbia. The whole deal was as follows: the Nationals Acquired OF Austin Kearns, SS Felipe Lopez and RHP Ryan Wagner from the Cincinnati Reds, while the Reds received RHP Gary Majewski, LHP Bill Bray, INF Brendan Harris, SS Royce Clayton and RHP Daryl Thompson from the Nationals.
The former Expos in question would be Brendan Harris, and Gary Majewski. Combined they only had 36 games of experience with the big club, however they did don the Expos uniform. LHP Bill Bray was drafted 13th overall in 2004 by the Expos, however in 2004 he was with the Brevard County Manatees.
Since my last post, way back on April 16th, the Nationals reacquired Zach Day. He was dealt before the trade deadline last year, read about it from mlb.com. On July 13th, 2005, the Nationals acquired Preston Wilson from the Colorado Rockies for Zach Day, J.J. Davis and a player to be named later (PTBN) or cash. He was reacquired by being claimed off of waivers April 26th. Reason being the Nationals were in need of pitchers. He was taken out of rotation last year after turning his back on Frank Robinson when he came to the mound to replace him. He was then used as a reliever which he did not like. I'm sure both of those reasons caused him to be traded, and time heals all wounds, so Frobby wanted him back knowing he is a good pitcher. Since returning to D.C. he has started five games, one in April after being reacquired, and four in May. He left his last game started with shoulder soreness, and has not been back since. He was almost dealt May 31st of last year, but had to go on the DL with a fractured right wrist.
More former Expos that may go before the trade deadline include, Livan Hernandez, Tony Armas Jr., and Jose Vidro.
Two more former Expos have left the District of Columbia. The whole deal was as follows: the Nationals Acquired OF Austin Kearns, SS Felipe Lopez and RHP Ryan Wagner from the Cincinnati Reds, while the Reds received RHP Gary Majewski, LHP Bill Bray, INF Brendan Harris, SS Royce Clayton and RHP Daryl Thompson from the Nationals.
The former Expos in question would be Brendan Harris, and Gary Majewski. Combined they only had 36 games of experience with the big club, however they did don the Expos uniform. LHP Bill Bray was drafted 13th overall in 2004 by the Expos, however in 2004 he was with the Brevard County Manatees.
Since my last post, way back on April 16th, the Nationals reacquired Zach Day. He was dealt before the trade deadline last year, read about it from mlb.com. On July 13th, 2005, the Nationals acquired Preston Wilson from the Colorado Rockies for Zach Day, J.J. Davis and a player to be named later (PTBN) or cash. He was reacquired by being claimed off of waivers April 26th. Reason being the Nationals were in need of pitchers. He was taken out of rotation last year after turning his back on Frank Robinson when he came to the mound to replace him. He was then used as a reliever which he did not like. I'm sure both of those reasons caused him to be traded, and time heals all wounds, so Frobby wanted him back knowing he is a good pitcher. Since returning to D.C. he has started five games, one in April after being reacquired, and four in May. He left his last game started with shoulder soreness, and has not been back since. He was almost dealt May 31st of last year, but had to go on the DL with a fractured right wrist.
More former Expos that may go before the trade deadline include, Livan Hernandez, Tony Armas Jr., and Jose Vidro.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Opening day aces
To differentiate this blog from others I try to post some interesting things, stuff that is not normally out there, or at least not easily found. So I thought it would be interesting to compare opening day pitching matchups for every team. This will show who is the team's ace, or at least for opening day, or the time being.
There were many sub par starts, especially from C.C. Sabathia and Mark Buehrle, going only 6.1 innings combined! Must be the pressure of being the very first game of the 2006 season!
The best pitchers duel belonged to Dontrelle Willis and Roy Oswalt in Houston, where neither starter gave up any runs. Oswalt won the duel, going 8 innings, and giving up only 5 hits, one base on balls, and striking out 8. Willis went 5 innings only allowing one hit, however he gave up 3 base on balls, and only struck out three. Aside from the difference in hits, Willis threw 107 pitches (61 strikes), while Oswalt threw 91 (62 strikes). Check out the wrap and box score.
The next best duel went to Brandon Webb and Jason Jennings in Colorado. They both went 7 innings, Webb gave up 5 hits, while Jennings gave up 6. They each gave up one run, both earned. Webb walked 2, Jennings walked 1. Webb struck out 2, while Jennings struck out 6. Both faced 27 batters. Both pitched 98, 66 strikes for Webb, 62 for Jennings. So all in all they both pitched pretty evenly.
Some other good starts went to Kenny Rogers, Randy Johnson, Jake Peavy, and Roy Halladay. Not a good start for Barry Zito, only pitching 1.1 innings, and giving up 7 runs, all earned. Not a great start for Jon Lieber either going 3.1 and giving up 8 runs, again, all earned.
So below, see the matchups, and numbers for yourself. The statistical abbreviations are at the top only. Mind the formatting, as it wasn't easy, putting all the data in!
IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
April 2nd
Cleveland Indians at Chicago White Sox
C.C. Sabathia 2.1 3 3 3 1 3 0 11.57
Mark Buehrle 4.0 4 3 3 1 1 1 6.75
April 3rd
Boston Red Sox at Texas Rangers
Curt Schilling (W, 1-0) 7.0 5 2 2 1 5 1 2.57
Kevin Millwood (L, 0-1) 5.0 7 5 5 1 3 1 9.00
Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Baltimore Orioles
Scott Kazmir (L, 0-1) 4.0 8 6 6 3 4 3 13.50
Rodrigo Lopez (W, 1-0) 7.0 7 6 5 1 2 2 6.43
Detroit Tigers at Kansas City Royals
Kenny Rogers (W, 1-0) 6.0 3 1 1 0 5 0 1.50
Scott Elarton (L, 0-1) 5.2 7 2 2 3 3 2 3.18
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Seattle Mariners
Bartolo Colon 5.0 8 3 3 1 4 1 5.40
Jamie Moyer 6.2 9 3 3 1 2 1 4.05
New York Yankees at Oakland Athletics
Randy Johnson (W, 1-0) 7.0 5 1 1 0 3 1 1.29
Barry Zito (L, 0-1) 1.1 4 7 7 4 3 1 47.25
Washington Nationals at New York Mets
Livan Hernandez (L, 0-1) 6.0 8 3 3 1 4 1 4.50
Tom Glavine (W, 1-0) 6.0 6 1 1 3 5 0 1.50
Pittsburgh Pirates at Milwaukee Brewers
Oliver Perez 5.1 3 1 1 3 9 1 1.69
Doug Davis 6.0 6 2 2 4 6 0 3.00
Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati Reds
Carlos Zambrano 4.2 7 5 5 5 5 2 9.64
Aaron Harang (L, 0-1) 5.0 9 9 6 3 3 1 10.80
St. Louis Cardinals at Philadelphia Phillies
Chris Carpenter (W, 1-0) 5.0 9 4 4 1 4 2 7.20
Jon Lieber (L, 0-1) 3.1 9 8 8 1 3 1 21.60
Arizona Diamondbacks at Colorado Rockies
Brandon Webb 7.0 5 1 1 2 2 0 1.29
Jason Jennings 7.0 6 1 1 1 6 0 1.29
Atlanta Braves at Los Angeles Dodgers
Tim Hudson 4.0 6 5 5 3 3 0 11.25
Derek Lowe (L, 0-1) 5.0 9 8 7 1 2 2 12.60
Florida Marlins at Houston Astros
Dontrelle Willis 5.0 1 0 0 3 3 0 0.00
Roy Oswalt (W, 1-0) 8.0 5 0 0 1 8 0 0.00
San Francisco Giants at San Diego Padres
Jason Schmidt (L, 0-1) 7.0 7 4 4 1 2 2 5.14
Jake Peavy (W, 1-0) 7.0 4 1 1 1 5 0 1.29
April 4th
Minnesota Twins at Toronoto Blue Jays
Johan Santana (L, 0-1) 5.2 10 4 4 1 3 1 6.35
Roy Halladay (W, 1-0) 7.2 5 3 2 0 4 2 2.35
There were many sub par starts, especially from C.C. Sabathia and Mark Buehrle, going only 6.1 innings combined! Must be the pressure of being the very first game of the 2006 season!
The best pitchers duel belonged to Dontrelle Willis and Roy Oswalt in Houston, where neither starter gave up any runs. Oswalt won the duel, going 8 innings, and giving up only 5 hits, one base on balls, and striking out 8. Willis went 5 innings only allowing one hit, however he gave up 3 base on balls, and only struck out three. Aside from the difference in hits, Willis threw 107 pitches (61 strikes), while Oswalt threw 91 (62 strikes). Check out the wrap and box score.
The next best duel went to Brandon Webb and Jason Jennings in Colorado. They both went 7 innings, Webb gave up 5 hits, while Jennings gave up 6. They each gave up one run, both earned. Webb walked 2, Jennings walked 1. Webb struck out 2, while Jennings struck out 6. Both faced 27 batters. Both pitched 98, 66 strikes for Webb, 62 for Jennings. So all in all they both pitched pretty evenly.
Some other good starts went to Kenny Rogers, Randy Johnson, Jake Peavy, and Roy Halladay. Not a good start for Barry Zito, only pitching 1.1 innings, and giving up 7 runs, all earned. Not a great start for Jon Lieber either going 3.1 and giving up 8 runs, again, all earned.
So below, see the matchups, and numbers for yourself. The statistical abbreviations are at the top only. Mind the formatting, as it wasn't easy, putting all the data in!
IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
April 2nd
Cleveland Indians at Chicago White Sox
C.C. Sabathia 2.1 3 3 3 1 3 0 11.57
Mark Buehrle 4.0 4 3 3 1 1 1 6.75
April 3rd
Boston Red Sox at Texas Rangers
Curt Schilling (W, 1-0) 7.0 5 2 2 1 5 1 2.57
Kevin Millwood (L, 0-1) 5.0 7 5 5 1 3 1 9.00
Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Baltimore Orioles
Scott Kazmir (L, 0-1) 4.0 8 6 6 3 4 3 13.50
Rodrigo Lopez (W, 1-0) 7.0 7 6 5 1 2 2 6.43
Detroit Tigers at Kansas City Royals
Kenny Rogers (W, 1-0) 6.0 3 1 1 0 5 0 1.50
Scott Elarton (L, 0-1) 5.2 7 2 2 3 3 2 3.18
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Seattle Mariners
Bartolo Colon 5.0 8 3 3 1 4 1 5.40
Jamie Moyer 6.2 9 3 3 1 2 1 4.05
New York Yankees at Oakland Athletics
Randy Johnson (W, 1-0) 7.0 5 1 1 0 3 1 1.29
Barry Zito (L, 0-1) 1.1 4 7 7 4 3 1 47.25
Washington Nationals at New York Mets
Livan Hernandez (L, 0-1) 6.0 8 3 3 1 4 1 4.50
Tom Glavine (W, 1-0) 6.0 6 1 1 3 5 0 1.50
Pittsburgh Pirates at Milwaukee Brewers
Oliver Perez 5.1 3 1 1 3 9 1 1.69
Doug Davis 6.0 6 2 2 4 6 0 3.00
Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati Reds
Carlos Zambrano 4.2 7 5 5 5 5 2 9.64
Aaron Harang (L, 0-1) 5.0 9 9 6 3 3 1 10.80
St. Louis Cardinals at Philadelphia Phillies
Chris Carpenter (W, 1-0) 5.0 9 4 4 1 4 2 7.20
Jon Lieber (L, 0-1) 3.1 9 8 8 1 3 1 21.60
Arizona Diamondbacks at Colorado Rockies
Brandon Webb 7.0 5 1 1 2 2 0 1.29
Jason Jennings 7.0 6 1 1 1 6 0 1.29
Atlanta Braves at Los Angeles Dodgers
Tim Hudson 4.0 6 5 5 3 3 0 11.25
Derek Lowe (L, 0-1) 5.0 9 8 7 1 2 2 12.60
Florida Marlins at Houston Astros
Dontrelle Willis 5.0 1 0 0 3 3 0 0.00
Roy Oswalt (W, 1-0) 8.0 5 0 0 1 8 0 0.00
San Francisco Giants at San Diego Padres
Jason Schmidt (L, 0-1) 7.0 7 4 4 1 2 2 5.14
Jake Peavy (W, 1-0) 7.0 4 1 1 1 5 0 1.29
April 4th
Minnesota Twins at Toronoto Blue Jays
Johan Santana (L, 0-1) 5.2 10 4 4 1 3 1 6.35
Roy Halladay (W, 1-0) 7.2 5 3 2 0 4 2 2.35
Monday, February 13, 2006
Links aplenty!
Lots of new links can be found to the right!
I have added links to online newspapers, and their respective sections for their MLB team. The idea came to me while I was checking out one of the sites sections for their MLB team. I believe I was on the Miami Herald site for the Marlins, looking for new news about their possible future relocation. Anyway, for those people out there that are like me (maybe two or three!), they should enjoy all of the links. Seriously though, when the Expos were still around, and if they beat so and so, I'd like to see the local viewpoint on that loss. Also, generally reading about a team from the local perspective is of interest as well. Nowadays with the information superhighway as popular as it is, there is a wealth of information to be found, so that is also why I added the links. Many people probably wouldn't think of going to say kansascity.com to check out their viewpoint on the Royals. The next big player is probably there waiting to be traded, a la Johnny Damon, or Carlos Beltran. Also, many people are fans of more than one sport, so going to said kansascity.com, can also yield local information on the Kansas City Chiefs.
I also added a few general links, such as Field of Schemes, which is a good site to see status of future ballparks, as well as other places to get MLB stats, such as Yahoo. More links to come too!
I have added links to online newspapers, and their respective sections for their MLB team. The idea came to me while I was checking out one of the sites sections for their MLB team. I believe I was on the Miami Herald site for the Marlins, looking for new news about their possible future relocation. Anyway, for those people out there that are like me (maybe two or three!), they should enjoy all of the links. Seriously though, when the Expos were still around, and if they beat so and so, I'd like to see the local viewpoint on that loss. Also, generally reading about a team from the local perspective is of interest as well. Nowadays with the information superhighway as popular as it is, there is a wealth of information to be found, so that is also why I added the links. Many people probably wouldn't think of going to say kansascity.com to check out their viewpoint on the Royals. The next big player is probably there waiting to be traded, a la Johnny Damon, or Carlos Beltran. Also, many people are fans of more than one sport, so going to said kansascity.com, can also yield local information on the Kansas City Chiefs.
I also added a few general links, such as Field of Schemes, which is a good site to see status of future ballparks, as well as other places to get MLB stats, such as Yahoo. More links to come too!
Monday, January 23, 2006
Former Expos, Leaving D.C.
So, finally, as promised, the post where I show former Montreal Expos that have left the Nationals, along with the ones sticking around.
I'll start with players that left the organisation before they became the Nationals. More specifically, after the 2004 trade dealine. It was the day of the deadline that Boston received Orlando Cabrera, but I won't get into that one. In one of my first blog entries, I talk about that trade. So, the first deal that went down after that was sending Alex Gonzalez to San Diego, when they needed a shortstop badly to hopefully get them to the postseason. Khalil Greene had broken his right index finger. Alex Gonzalez played only 35 games with Montreal. He is now a free agent after having a season with the Devil Rays. Details on that deal were as follows:
9/16/04: Traded SS Alex Gonzalez to the Padres for a player to be named later or cash considerations.
That was before they were officially destined to the U.S. Capital. The rest until their inaugural return to DC goes as follows:
10/6/04: Declined the club option on C Einar Diaz, making him a free agent.
11/8/04: Released RHP Rocky Biddle.
11/19/04: Acquired OF Jose Guillen from the Angels in exchange for OF Juan Rivera and INF Maicer Izturis.
12/8/04: Sold the contract of OF Valentino Pascucci to the Chiba Lotte Marines of the Japanese Pacific League.
12/11/04: Released LHP Chad Bentz.
12/13/04: Signed 1B Wil Cordero to a one-year contract and designated OF Ron Calloway for assignment.
1/19/05: Designated RHP Sun-Woo Kim for assignment.
3/17/05: Re-assigned RHP Sun-woo Kim to minor league camp.
Einar Diaz had 55 games as an Expo. He went on to be the backup catcher in St. Louis,not playing once in the postseason. Now he is back with Cleveland, albeit a minor league deal, and an invitation to srping trainging.
Rocky Biddle, I imagine is waiting for his phone to ring. That is, waiting for some sort of deal to get back in the majors. He had plenty of ups and downs with the Expos, mostly as a closer. However in 2004, towards the end of the season, injuries to the pitching staff forced him to become a starter, as he should have been all along. Anyway, he excelled as a starter for the first few starts, but then he started struggling again. Check out this October 12th, 2005 blog entry (fifth paragraph down) of mine for a paragraph about how the Expos getting Rocky Biddle was one of Omar Minaya's bad trades (had Orlando Hernandez pitched for the Expos in a 1-2 punch along with his brother, it may have been a different story!).
Juan Rivera just signed a two year deal with the Los Angeles Angels, and Maicer Izturis is still with the Angles.
Valentino Pascucci played in a mere 32 games with the Expos, which amounted to 62 at bats. He only started 17 games.
Chad Bentz had 36 games as an Expo. He was born with a deformed right hand, similar to Jim Abbott. He was signed to the Marlins with a minor league contract, and played only 4 games, or 2 innings with the big club. On January 19th, he was signed to a minor league contract with the 2005 World Series champion Chicago White Sox.
Wil Cordero was resigned. Along with Joey Eischen, they are the only two who were with the team in 1994, when they should have been contenders for the World Series. Joey Eischen, however stayed with the team as they moved. Wil Cordero left after the 2003 season. Ron Calloway played in 172 games over 2003 and 2004, 126 and 46 respectively. With Omar Minaya in charge with the Mets, he found himself with a minor league deal with the Mets in 2005, however played no games with them, and at the end of 2005 opted for minor league free agency.
Sun-woo Kim, I imagine they weren't able to deal him. He pitched in 4 games in 2002, 4 in 2003, and 43 in 2004, after starting his MLB career in Boston in 2001. 2004 being the year the Expos went downhill without Vladimir Guerrero, among others.
Onto much more recent times. Players that stuck around with the Expos/Nationals during the move, only to be shipped out in time.
5/14/05: Acquired CF Marlon Byrd from Phillies in exchange for CF Endy Chavez.
5/26/05: Designated RHP Claudio Vargas for assignment.
6/10/05: Acquired 2B Junior Spivey from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for RHP Tomo Ohka.
7/13/05: Acquired OF Preston Wilson from the Colorado Rockies for RHP Zach Day, OF J.J. Davis and a PTBN or cash.
7/25/05: Released 1B/OF Wil Cordero. He had been designated for assignment on July 20.
8/5/05: Announced RHP Sun-Woo Kim was claimed off waivers by the Colorado Rockies.
8/8/05: Designated OF Matt Cepicky for assignment.
12/13/05: Acquired INF Alfonso Soriano in exchange for OF Brad Wilkerson, OF Terrmel Sledge and RHP Armando Galarraga from the Texas Rangers.
Sticking around:
12/13/05: Signed 1B/OF/C Robert Fick and LHP Joey Eischen to one-year contracts
12/29/05: Signed RHP Tony Armas Jr. to a one-year contract.
1/5/06: Signed INF Jamey Carroll to a one-year contract.
1/9/06: Signed RHP Luis Ayala to a two-year contract
1/17/06: Signed C Brian Schneider to a four-year contract and 1B Nick Johnson to a one-year contract.
Endy Chavez, after being a bench warmer in Philadelphia, is now with the Mets, having been signed by Omar Minaya.
Claudio Vargas was claimed off waivers by Arizona, and he was just re-signed with the Diamondbacks to a one year deal.
Tomo Ohka is still with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Zach Day is still with the Colorado Rockies.
Wil Cordero is a minor league free agent as stated above.
Sun Woo Kim is still with the Colorado Rockies.
Matt Cepicky is still in limbo.
Brad Wilkerson stayed in Texas, as that is who they wanted, however Terrmel Sledge (who got the final home out in Montreal Expos history) was dealt to San Diego in a trade that sent three players each way, including Adam Eaton to Texas.
The players sticking around are pretty self explanatory.
So former Expos still with the Nationals include:
Joey Eischen, Tony Armas Jr., Jamey Carroll, Luis Ayala, Brian Schneider, Nick Johnson, Francis Beltran, Chad Cordero, Livan Hernandez, Gary Majewski, John Patterson, Jon Rauch, Brendan Harris, Jose Vidro, and Ryan Church.
However with most of those players they weren't Expos long enough for most people to be too attached in any way.
Finally, a couple others to note, 3B Tony Batista went to play in Japan, after the 2004 season. And LHP Rigo Beltran, who only had 2 games with the Expos, was signed to a minor league contract and invitation to spring training, by the Brewers December 1st, 2004, only to be released March 18th, 2005. During spring training I'd imagine.
I'm sure I must have seen a website with spring training stats around, I'll have to go looking for it, or any other! So I'll end on that note! Feel free to comment, or link back to this post on your website/blog, as I am guessing this is probably one of the better lists out there of recent Expos leaving the Nationals. No ego there, just happily accepting plugs for my work!
I'll start with players that left the organisation before they became the Nationals. More specifically, after the 2004 trade dealine. It was the day of the deadline that Boston received Orlando Cabrera, but I won't get into that one. In one of my first blog entries, I talk about that trade. So, the first deal that went down after that was sending Alex Gonzalez to San Diego, when they needed a shortstop badly to hopefully get them to the postseason. Khalil Greene had broken his right index finger. Alex Gonzalez played only 35 games with Montreal. He is now a free agent after having a season with the Devil Rays. Details on that deal were as follows:
9/16/04: Traded SS Alex Gonzalez to the Padres for a player to be named later or cash considerations.
That was before they were officially destined to the U.S. Capital. The rest until their inaugural return to DC goes as follows:
10/6/04: Declined the club option on C Einar Diaz, making him a free agent.
11/8/04: Released RHP Rocky Biddle.
11/19/04: Acquired OF Jose Guillen from the Angels in exchange for OF Juan Rivera and INF Maicer Izturis.
12/8/04: Sold the contract of OF Valentino Pascucci to the Chiba Lotte Marines of the Japanese Pacific League.
12/11/04: Released LHP Chad Bentz.
12/13/04: Signed 1B Wil Cordero to a one-year contract and designated OF Ron Calloway for assignment.
1/19/05: Designated RHP Sun-Woo Kim for assignment.
3/17/05: Re-assigned RHP Sun-woo Kim to minor league camp.
Einar Diaz had 55 games as an Expo. He went on to be the backup catcher in St. Louis,not playing once in the postseason. Now he is back with Cleveland, albeit a minor league deal, and an invitation to srping trainging.
Rocky Biddle, I imagine is waiting for his phone to ring. That is, waiting for some sort of deal to get back in the majors. He had plenty of ups and downs with the Expos, mostly as a closer. However in 2004, towards the end of the season, injuries to the pitching staff forced him to become a starter, as he should have been all along. Anyway, he excelled as a starter for the first few starts, but then he started struggling again. Check out this October 12th, 2005 blog entry (fifth paragraph down) of mine for a paragraph about how the Expos getting Rocky Biddle was one of Omar Minaya's bad trades (had Orlando Hernandez pitched for the Expos in a 1-2 punch along with his brother, it may have been a different story!).
Juan Rivera just signed a two year deal with the Los Angeles Angels, and Maicer Izturis is still with the Angles.
Valentino Pascucci played in a mere 32 games with the Expos, which amounted to 62 at bats. He only started 17 games.
Chad Bentz had 36 games as an Expo. He was born with a deformed right hand, similar to Jim Abbott. He was signed to the Marlins with a minor league contract, and played only 4 games, or 2 innings with the big club. On January 19th, he was signed to a minor league contract with the 2005 World Series champion Chicago White Sox.
Wil Cordero was resigned. Along with Joey Eischen, they are the only two who were with the team in 1994, when they should have been contenders for the World Series. Joey Eischen, however stayed with the team as they moved. Wil Cordero left after the 2003 season. Ron Calloway played in 172 games over 2003 and 2004, 126 and 46 respectively. With Omar Minaya in charge with the Mets, he found himself with a minor league deal with the Mets in 2005, however played no games with them, and at the end of 2005 opted for minor league free agency.
Sun-woo Kim, I imagine they weren't able to deal him. He pitched in 4 games in 2002, 4 in 2003, and 43 in 2004, after starting his MLB career in Boston in 2001. 2004 being the year the Expos went downhill without Vladimir Guerrero, among others.
Onto much more recent times. Players that stuck around with the Expos/Nationals during the move, only to be shipped out in time.
5/14/05: Acquired CF Marlon Byrd from Phillies in exchange for CF Endy Chavez.
5/26/05: Designated RHP Claudio Vargas for assignment.
6/10/05: Acquired 2B Junior Spivey from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for RHP Tomo Ohka.
7/13/05: Acquired OF Preston Wilson from the Colorado Rockies for RHP Zach Day, OF J.J. Davis and a PTBN or cash.
7/25/05: Released 1B/OF Wil Cordero. He had been designated for assignment on July 20.
8/5/05: Announced RHP Sun-Woo Kim was claimed off waivers by the Colorado Rockies.
8/8/05: Designated OF Matt Cepicky for assignment.
12/13/05: Acquired INF Alfonso Soriano in exchange for OF Brad Wilkerson, OF Terrmel Sledge and RHP Armando Galarraga from the Texas Rangers.
Sticking around:
12/13/05: Signed 1B/OF/C Robert Fick and LHP Joey Eischen to one-year contracts
12/29/05: Signed RHP Tony Armas Jr. to a one-year contract.
1/5/06: Signed INF Jamey Carroll to a one-year contract.
1/9/06: Signed RHP Luis Ayala to a two-year contract
1/17/06: Signed C Brian Schneider to a four-year contract and 1B Nick Johnson to a one-year contract.
Endy Chavez, after being a bench warmer in Philadelphia, is now with the Mets, having been signed by Omar Minaya.
Claudio Vargas was claimed off waivers by Arizona, and he was just re-signed with the Diamondbacks to a one year deal.
Tomo Ohka is still with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Zach Day is still with the Colorado Rockies.
Wil Cordero is a minor league free agent as stated above.
Sun Woo Kim is still with the Colorado Rockies.
Matt Cepicky is still in limbo.
Brad Wilkerson stayed in Texas, as that is who they wanted, however Terrmel Sledge (who got the final home out in Montreal Expos history) was dealt to San Diego in a trade that sent three players each way, including Adam Eaton to Texas.
The players sticking around are pretty self explanatory.
So former Expos still with the Nationals include:
Joey Eischen, Tony Armas Jr., Jamey Carroll, Luis Ayala, Brian Schneider, Nick Johnson, Francis Beltran, Chad Cordero, Livan Hernandez, Gary Majewski, John Patterson, Jon Rauch, Brendan Harris, Jose Vidro, and Ryan Church.
However with most of those players they weren't Expos long enough for most people to be too attached in any way.
Finally, a couple others to note, 3B Tony Batista went to play in Japan, after the 2004 season. And LHP Rigo Beltran, who only had 2 games with the Expos, was signed to a minor league contract and invitation to spring training, by the Brewers December 1st, 2004, only to be released March 18th, 2005. During spring training I'd imagine.
I'm sure I must have seen a website with spring training stats around, I'll have to go looking for it, or any other! So I'll end on that note! Feel free to comment, or link back to this post on your website/blog, as I am guessing this is probably one of the better lists out there of recent Expos leaving the Nationals. No ego there, just happily accepting plugs for my work!
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Johnny Damon, New York Yankee
Enough time has passed, so I should probably post once again! I have been meaning to for a while now. Anyway...
The big news is that Johnny Damon, probably the biggest name on the free agent market this offseason, is now officially a New York Yankee. Without a doubt, a shot was heard 'round the world in Red Sox Nation. Upon briefly checking out their MLB forum, there was plenty of disgust to go around, since he signed with THE rival team. So when his first at bat in Fenway rolls around next year, I'm sure the boos will outweigh the cheers. Cheers coming from the people who are nice enough to thank him for his service as a Red Sock. Cheers Orlando Cabrera received plenty of, as a member of a non rival team.
Personally I would have preferred seeing him go to another team, but it really doesn't make a difference to me, as I am not a hardcore Red Sox fan. And he was my favourite Red Sock, due to his quirky personality (not his hair, heck no! Which is now much better clean cut, even if that was in recent years his identity), also his batting stance is quite similar to mine. One quote of his which stuck, was "I'm gaining weight the right way: drinking beer". Although I rarely drink, it is good to know some aren't using 'roids. Damon had been alleged, but when he was on Conan he said he was fully grown into a mans body by age 15, or thereabouts. This I believe also was in his book.
So these days are definitely not like those of yesteryear, where money wasn't as big an issue. I'm sure it was even going back many decades, but not in the same way as today at all. I'm one hundred percent sure Red Sox fans would have preferred to see him as a Dodger, even if that was just no more than a rumour, or anywhere else for that matter. I remember hearing at some point in the 2005 season how someone said George Steinbrenner likes Johnny Damon, so it comes as no surprise. I believe now the Yankees will have a better shot at a WS title, however, more likely, the Blue Jays, and Orioles, maybe even the Devil Rays (!!!) will have a better shot at the wildcard in 2006.
Further Reading:
Yanks Add Centerpiece in Damon (New York Times - December 21)
Damon jumps to Yankees (Boston Globe - December 21)
It's Damon's Turn at Center of a Yankees Myth (New York Times - December 27)
Johnny Damon at Wikipedia
The first two are New York Times, and Boston Globe articles announcing the trade, as being official, next is a good read about NYY centerfielders. Finally Johnny Damon's article at Wikipedia. If it is needed to register to view either of the first three articles, I recommend BugMeNot
My next post in the upcoming days will be about former Expos that are no longer in Washington. Most recently of note, Brad Wilkerson.
The big news is that Johnny Damon, probably the biggest name on the free agent market this offseason, is now officially a New York Yankee. Without a doubt, a shot was heard 'round the world in Red Sox Nation. Upon briefly checking out their MLB forum, there was plenty of disgust to go around, since he signed with THE rival team. So when his first at bat in Fenway rolls around next year, I'm sure the boos will outweigh the cheers. Cheers coming from the people who are nice enough to thank him for his service as a Red Sock. Cheers Orlando Cabrera received plenty of, as a member of a non rival team.
Personally I would have preferred seeing him go to another team, but it really doesn't make a difference to me, as I am not a hardcore Red Sox fan. And he was my favourite Red Sock, due to his quirky personality (not his hair, heck no! Which is now much better clean cut, even if that was in recent years his identity), also his batting stance is quite similar to mine. One quote of his which stuck, was "I'm gaining weight the right way: drinking beer". Although I rarely drink, it is good to know some aren't using 'roids. Damon had been alleged, but when he was on Conan he said he was fully grown into a mans body by age 15, or thereabouts. This I believe also was in his book.
So these days are definitely not like those of yesteryear, where money wasn't as big an issue. I'm sure it was even going back many decades, but not in the same way as today at all. I'm one hundred percent sure Red Sox fans would have preferred to see him as a Dodger, even if that was just no more than a rumour, or anywhere else for that matter. I remember hearing at some point in the 2005 season how someone said George Steinbrenner likes Johnny Damon, so it comes as no surprise. I believe now the Yankees will have a better shot at a WS title, however, more likely, the Blue Jays, and Orioles, maybe even the Devil Rays (!!!) will have a better shot at the wildcard in 2006.
Further Reading:
Yanks Add Centerpiece in Damon (New York Times - December 21)
Damon jumps to Yankees (Boston Globe - December 21)
It's Damon's Turn at Center of a Yankees Myth (New York Times - December 27)
Johnny Damon at Wikipedia
The first two are New York Times, and Boston Globe articles announcing the trade, as being official, next is a good read about NYY centerfielders. Finally Johnny Damon's article at Wikipedia. If it is needed to register to view either of the first three articles, I recommend BugMeNot
My next post in the upcoming days will be about former Expos that are no longer in Washington. Most recently of note, Brad Wilkerson.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Marlins will explore relocation/Everything must go!
Explore they will. And that comes as no surprise to Montreal Expos fans who have gone through that process, and had to deal with it. Jeffrey Loria and David Samson, the ones who essentially made Montreal a lame duck team (among others) are at it again in So. Florida! Now Marlins fans know what we went through! The way it looks now is that they will stick around in Dolphins Stadium until the end of the 2007 season when their lease expires, or 2010 at the very longest when their series of leases expires. But it sounds more likely the former. So, unless a stadium deal gets finalised, looks like they will become the Las Vegas Gamblers, or the Portland Western Meadowlarks. East Rutherford, N.J., Puerto Rico, and also Monterrey, Mexico are also interested. That makes five, and David Samson says seven cities, counting South Florida, have expressed interest in building a new stadium for the team.
Had Loria not let the lease expire on the downtown Montreal lot where a new stadium was going to be built, this is where Vlad should have been hitting homers. Instead condos are going up. Talk about an eyesore!
So as it is, it sounds like the Expos all over again, but wait, there's more! A mere day after it was announced that the Marlins would explore relocation, even though it was unofficial prior to that, as they needed a new stadium, Carlos Delgado is shipped to the Mets for three no name players (1B Mike Jacobs, RHP Yusmeiro Petit and INF Grant Psomas). Reason: Marlins are financially strapped. The day after that, Josh Beckett, Mike Lowell and Guillermo Mota are sent to the Red Sox for four no name players (SS Hanley Ramirez, RHP Anibal Sanchez, RHP Harvey Garcia, and RHP Jesus Delgado). Reason for Lowell: his future with the team depended on a new ballpark, he apparently understands Loria's predicament in a low revenue generating stadium.
Next up, Luis Castillo is off to the Twins for RHP Travis Bowyer and RHP Scott Tyler. And finally... Paul Lo Duca is off to the Mets for RHP Gaby Hernandez and another pitcher to be named later. Reason: "The Marlins continued their salary purge." Juan Pierre is expected to be traded by the end of the Winter Meetings. So obviously they are loading up for the future (a future elsewhere?), with young players. Not counting Juan Pierre, that is 4949 games of experience traded away for a whopping 40 in return!
So with all those star players gone, I imagine they'll make the money back with loads of people heading out to the ballpark to see the young players! Seriously though, the Marlins fire sale is very reminiscent of the Expos over the years, and also after the Marlins won the World Series in 1997. It will also be interesting to see what the 2006 New York Mets payroll will be. Possibly creeping close to the Red Sox for second on that list. I'm not even going to try and bother doing the math on that! Anyway, maybe the Next Year is Now Mets should have been the Next Year is Next Year Mets. Meaning, maybe 2006 will give them a better shot at the postseason. I can tell you one team that won't be in it, yes, you guessed it, the Florida Marlins. NL East is now officialy four teams!
This just in David Samson paid a visit to San Antonio. He is also expected to visit Las Vegas, Portland, oh and a few other cities he did not disclose. That was fast!
Had Loria not let the lease expire on the downtown Montreal lot where a new stadium was going to be built, this is where Vlad should have been hitting homers. Instead condos are going up. Talk about an eyesore!
So as it is, it sounds like the Expos all over again, but wait, there's more! A mere day after it was announced that the Marlins would explore relocation, even though it was unofficial prior to that, as they needed a new stadium, Carlos Delgado is shipped to the Mets for three no name players (1B Mike Jacobs, RHP Yusmeiro Petit and INF Grant Psomas). Reason: Marlins are financially strapped. The day after that, Josh Beckett, Mike Lowell and Guillermo Mota are sent to the Red Sox for four no name players (SS Hanley Ramirez, RHP Anibal Sanchez, RHP Harvey Garcia, and RHP Jesus Delgado). Reason for Lowell: his future with the team depended on a new ballpark, he apparently understands Loria's predicament in a low revenue generating stadium.
Next up, Luis Castillo is off to the Twins for RHP Travis Bowyer and RHP Scott Tyler. And finally... Paul Lo Duca is off to the Mets for RHP Gaby Hernandez and another pitcher to be named later. Reason: "The Marlins continued their salary purge." Juan Pierre is expected to be traded by the end of the Winter Meetings. So obviously they are loading up for the future (a future elsewhere?), with young players. Not counting Juan Pierre, that is 4949 games of experience traded away for a whopping 40 in return!
So with all those star players gone, I imagine they'll make the money back with loads of people heading out to the ballpark to see the young players! Seriously though, the Marlins fire sale is very reminiscent of the Expos over the years, and also after the Marlins won the World Series in 1997. It will also be interesting to see what the 2006 New York Mets payroll will be. Possibly creeping close to the Red Sox for second on that list. I'm not even going to try and bother doing the math on that! Anyway, maybe the Next Year is Now Mets should have been the Next Year is Next Year Mets. Meaning, maybe 2006 will give them a better shot at the postseason. I can tell you one team that won't be in it, yes, you guessed it, the Florida Marlins. NL East is now officialy four teams!
This just in David Samson paid a visit to San Antonio. He is also expected to visit Las Vegas, Portland, oh and a few other cities he did not disclose. That was fast!
Sunday, November 27, 2005
One month later, much to discuss!
One month later, I am back posting! I have been meaning to write since the WS ended, as that is when all the free agent, and moving about of players started. Those who frequent Wikipedia may know that a good amount of depth can be found there, by that I mean much more than a single entry on baseball. With that said, they have a good article about the different types of transactions, it can be found here.
So onto the goings on of the off season. Four days after winning the WS, the White Sox declined the club option on Carl Everett, and exercised the 2006 player option on Frank Thomas. Four days after that, the White Sox exercised a buyout of Frank Thomas' player option. Therefore he became a free agent. Cliff Politte and Chris Widger will remain for at least a year, well, for now anyway.
The big CWS deal is Jim Thome heading back to the AL to play for the South Side, along with cash considerations, in exchange for Aaron Rowand, LHP Dan Haigwood and a Minor League player to be named later, who'll be heading to Philadelphia.
Elsewhere...
Declining has been going on since the regular season ended, some of note, in chronological order:
October 7th: Minnesota Twins: Declined the 2006 club option on P Joe Mays.
October 13th: Toronto Blue Jays: C Ken Huckaby and INF Frank Menechino are free agents after declining assignments to Triple A Syracuse.
October 25th: Pittsburgh Pirates: Declined the club option on RHP Jose Mesa making him a free agent.
October 28th: Cincinnati Reds: The Reds and INF Rich Aurilia mutually agreed to decline his 2006 contract option.
Chicago Cubs: Declined a mutual option on OF Jeromy Burnitz.
November 1st: Florida Marlins: Declined the club option on RHP Antonio Alfonseca.
Oakland Athletics: Decline to exercise contract option on DH Scott Hatteberg for the 2006 season.
Seattle Mariners: Declined the club option on the contracts of INF Pokey Reese, a member of the 2004 Boston Red Sox World Series champions.
November 8th: New York Yankees: Declined the club option on 1B Tino Martinez.
November 10th: St. Louis Cardinals: Declined club option on OF Larry Walker, making him a free agent. Will be interesting to see if he plays again, and where he may end up if he does.
And finally...
November 15th: New York Mets: Declined options on LHP Felix Heredia and LHP Kazuhisa Ishii.
Alright, I'll end this post now. I'll post again soon talking about the possibly doomed Florida Marlins! As well as other transactions happening, and whatever else I can think of.
So onto the goings on of the off season. Four days after winning the WS, the White Sox declined the club option on Carl Everett, and exercised the 2006 player option on Frank Thomas. Four days after that, the White Sox exercised a buyout of Frank Thomas' player option. Therefore he became a free agent. Cliff Politte and Chris Widger will remain for at least a year, well, for now anyway.
The big CWS deal is Jim Thome heading back to the AL to play for the South Side, along with cash considerations, in exchange for Aaron Rowand, LHP Dan Haigwood and a Minor League player to be named later, who'll be heading to Philadelphia.
Elsewhere...
Declining has been going on since the regular season ended, some of note, in chronological order:
October 7th: Minnesota Twins: Declined the 2006 club option on P Joe Mays.
October 13th: Toronto Blue Jays: C Ken Huckaby and INF Frank Menechino are free agents after declining assignments to Triple A Syracuse.
October 25th: Pittsburgh Pirates: Declined the club option on RHP Jose Mesa making him a free agent.
October 28th: Cincinnati Reds: The Reds and INF Rich Aurilia mutually agreed to decline his 2006 contract option.
Chicago Cubs: Declined a mutual option on OF Jeromy Burnitz.
November 1st: Florida Marlins: Declined the club option on RHP Antonio Alfonseca.
Oakland Athletics: Decline to exercise contract option on DH Scott Hatteberg for the 2006 season.
Seattle Mariners: Declined the club option on the contracts of INF Pokey Reese, a member of the 2004 Boston Red Sox World Series champions.
November 8th: New York Yankees: Declined the club option on 1B Tino Martinez.
November 10th: St. Louis Cardinals: Declined club option on OF Larry Walker, making him a free agent. Will be interesting to see if he plays again, and where he may end up if he does.
And finally...
November 15th: New York Mets: Declined options on LHP Felix Heredia and LHP Kazuhisa Ishii.
Alright, I'll end this post now. I'll post again soon talking about the possibly doomed Florida Marlins! As well as other transactions happening, and whatever else I can think of.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Chicago White Sox, 2005 World Series Champions
One day shy of a year after the Red Sox won their first World Series title in 86 years, the Chicago White Sox win their first in 88 years!
Turned out game 4 had the best pitchers duel, when it was probably least expected. Which made for an entertaining game. I believe Phil Garner will, or rather has been, under fire from fans and media for some decisions, but getting the Astros to the WS, and last year to the NLCS, and almost the WS is still quite an accomplishment.
To see the look of disappointment on George H.W. Bush's face, priceless! I think I may have been rooting more for the Astros to lose, but either way, that amounts to rooting for the White Sox. Both teams, the Astros, and White Sox beat the teams I wanted to see in the WS, the Cardinals, and Angels respectively. The White Sox also beat the Red Sox, which didn't really bother me that much, only reason I was rooting for them for the most part was if the Yankees beat the Angels. However I was happy to see the Angels beat the Yankees.
One thing worth mentioning that most highlight reels will skip, is Carl Everett's job in grounding out to second, to advance Willie Harris to third, who then scored on the next batter, Jermaine Dye's single to centerfield. This off closer Brad Lidge. Oh, yeah, and Carl Everett was an Expo for half a season! He was brought in as a replacement of sorts for Vladimir Guerrero. Had he played as well as he did with the White Sox when he was with the Expos, he would have been much closer to a Vlad replacement, but even then, Vlad is pretty much impossible to replace! In his first game back as a White Sock, July 19th, 2004, he went 2 for 5, drew on BB, and scored twice, including a solo homer!
Run differential was a mere +6 for the White Sox over the Astros, which tied the 1950 New York Yankees who swept the Philadelphia Phillies. The next three lowest run differentials in WS history goes as follows (all sweeps):
1963 +8 Los Angeles Dodgers over the New York Yankees
1914 +10 Boston Braves over the Philadelphia Athletics
1966 +11 Baltimore Orioles over the Los Angeles Dodgers
Maybe next year should be the Cubs turn! Regardless, it will be an interesting off season!
Turned out game 4 had the best pitchers duel, when it was probably least expected. Which made for an entertaining game. I believe Phil Garner will, or rather has been, under fire from fans and media for some decisions, but getting the Astros to the WS, and last year to the NLCS, and almost the WS is still quite an accomplishment.
To see the look of disappointment on George H.W. Bush's face, priceless! I think I may have been rooting more for the Astros to lose, but either way, that amounts to rooting for the White Sox. Both teams, the Astros, and White Sox beat the teams I wanted to see in the WS, the Cardinals, and Angels respectively. The White Sox also beat the Red Sox, which didn't really bother me that much, only reason I was rooting for them for the most part was if the Yankees beat the Angels. However I was happy to see the Angels beat the Yankees.
One thing worth mentioning that most highlight reels will skip, is Carl Everett's job in grounding out to second, to advance Willie Harris to third, who then scored on the next batter, Jermaine Dye's single to centerfield. This off closer Brad Lidge. Oh, yeah, and Carl Everett was an Expo for half a season! He was brought in as a replacement of sorts for Vladimir Guerrero. Had he played as well as he did with the White Sox when he was with the Expos, he would have been much closer to a Vlad replacement, but even then, Vlad is pretty much impossible to replace! In his first game back as a White Sock, July 19th, 2004, he went 2 for 5, drew on BB, and scored twice, including a solo homer!
Run differential was a mere +6 for the White Sox over the Astros, which tied the 1950 New York Yankees who swept the Philadelphia Phillies. The next three lowest run differentials in WS history goes as follows (all sweeps):
1963 +8 Los Angeles Dodgers over the New York Yankees
1914 +10 Boston Braves over the Philadelphia Athletics
1966 +11 Baltimore Orioles over the Los Angeles Dodgers
Maybe next year should be the Cubs turn! Regardless, it will be an interesting off season!
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Game 3 Hero (Geoff Blum) Started in Montreal
As I write this now, game 4 remains scoreless. However, thanks to Geoff Blum, the hero from game 3, the White Sox have essentially guaranteed a World Series win.
Geoff Blum came in as a defensive substitution for Tadahito Iguchi in the bottom of the 13th. So with two out, Jermaine Dye singled, and Paul Konerko grounded into a 543 double play, Geoff Blum lined one out of Minute Maid Park in a hurry, and gave the White Sox a lead in the top of the 14th. What all the play by play people, FOX, the international feed, and journalists, would have mentioned, was that he was in San Diego this year before becoming a member of the White Sox, of course that he was an Astro as well, and went to Tampa Bay for game 4 starter, Brandon Backe, but more than likely, unless they went in depth, which I doubt in most cases, is that he started his career as a Montreal Expo. Of course it was also mentioned his first WS at bat was that one. His first postseason AB he popped out 2B Tony Graffanino, and stayed in the game at first base as a defensive substitution for Paul Konerko. Geoff Blum was selected in the 7th round of the free-agent draft, on June 2, 1994.
Two other former Expos made their 2005 postseason debuts last night, C Chris Widger, and RHP Dustin Hermanson. Chris Widger started in Seattle, but spent the most of his time in Montreal. He was traded with Trey Moore and Matt Wagner, in exchange for Jeff Fassero and Alex Pacheco, October 29th, 1996. Dustin Hermanson started in San Diego (originally selected by Pittsburgh in 1991, but did not sign), selected in the first round, 3rd overall in 1994, and found his way to Florida, November 21, 1996, and then along with Joe Orsulak went to Montreal, in exchange for Cliff Floyd.
All three were Montreal Expos together for a short time, in 1999 and 2000. However before that, Dustin Hermanson and Chris Widger were teammates from 1997 until 2000.
Dustin Hermanson was credited with the blown save last night, however in the end it did not matter. After allowing a game tying double to Jason Lane, he got Brad Ausmus out on strikes. Chris Widger struck out at his first at bat, but his next two he drew walks, the latter giving him an RBI, and an insurance run for the White Sox, their 7th, making it 7-5.
Orlando Hernandez made his 2005 WS debut last night as well, but that isn't too exciting as I have mentioned he had zero games played as an Expo, but he was an Expo, along with his brother Livan! Oh, and time wise, it was the longest World Series game ever, (tied innings wise, 14) and it broke a few other records! Alright, a few include walks by a team, Houston, overall walks, pitchers used by one team, Chicago, total pitchers used, total players used, and total LOB. That is what I remember.
Geoff Blum came in as a defensive substitution for Tadahito Iguchi in the bottom of the 13th. So with two out, Jermaine Dye singled, and Paul Konerko grounded into a 543 double play, Geoff Blum lined one out of Minute Maid Park in a hurry, and gave the White Sox a lead in the top of the 14th. What all the play by play people, FOX, the international feed, and journalists, would have mentioned, was that he was in San Diego this year before becoming a member of the White Sox, of course that he was an Astro as well, and went to Tampa Bay for game 4 starter, Brandon Backe, but more than likely, unless they went in depth, which I doubt in most cases, is that he started his career as a Montreal Expo. Of course it was also mentioned his first WS at bat was that one. His first postseason AB he popped out 2B Tony Graffanino, and stayed in the game at first base as a defensive substitution for Paul Konerko. Geoff Blum was selected in the 7th round of the free-agent draft, on June 2, 1994.
Two other former Expos made their 2005 postseason debuts last night, C Chris Widger, and RHP Dustin Hermanson. Chris Widger started in Seattle, but spent the most of his time in Montreal. He was traded with Trey Moore and Matt Wagner, in exchange for Jeff Fassero and Alex Pacheco, October 29th, 1996. Dustin Hermanson started in San Diego (originally selected by Pittsburgh in 1991, but did not sign), selected in the first round, 3rd overall in 1994, and found his way to Florida, November 21, 1996, and then along with Joe Orsulak went to Montreal, in exchange for Cliff Floyd.
All three were Montreal Expos together for a short time, in 1999 and 2000. However before that, Dustin Hermanson and Chris Widger were teammates from 1997 until 2000.
Dustin Hermanson was credited with the blown save last night, however in the end it did not matter. After allowing a game tying double to Jason Lane, he got Brad Ausmus out on strikes. Chris Widger struck out at his first at bat, but his next two he drew walks, the latter giving him an RBI, and an insurance run for the White Sox, their 7th, making it 7-5.
Orlando Hernandez made his 2005 WS debut last night as well, but that isn't too exciting as I have mentioned he had zero games played as an Expo, but he was an Expo, along with his brother Livan! Oh, and time wise, it was the longest World Series game ever, (tied innings wise, 14) and it broke a few other records! Alright, a few include walks by a team, Houston, overall walks, pitchers used by one team, Chicago, total pitchers used, total players used, and total LOB. That is what I remember.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
World Series game one.
Considerably different from last years game one that is for sure. One day shy of a year. This was definitely a pitchers duel in the making, Roger Clemens vs Jose Contreras. However in the end, the 'duel' only lasted 2 innings, as struggling Roger was pulled after 2IP 4H 3R 3ER 0BB 1SO and 1HR, due to his sore hamstring, his shortest WS start. And for the first time since game one of the ALCS Chicago did not pitch a complete game. Contreras lasted 7 innings, allowing 6H 3R 3ER 0BB 2SO and 1HR.
Not much else to say really. I am happy the Sox won, despite the fact they beat the Angels. Reason being I don't want the Astros to win. I was rooting for the Cardinals to make a big come from behind win, especially after Pujols' blast! However, to no avail, as Oswalt silenced them, and any momentum they had did not show. Pujols' home run will still go down in history, but would have been more meaningful if the Cardinals could have gone on to win the ALCS, which would have been nice!
As far as "God Bless America" goes, I felt Liz Phair's rendition was not quite that good. I'm not sure if it is as hard to sing as "The Star-Spangled Banner", but anyway, it is still better fit for voices such as Ronan Tynan, the Irish tenor who sings it at Yankee stadium. However since she is from Chicago, I imagine she couldn't resist the opportunity, especially if she is a Sox fan. And MLB would like the idea as well. Regardless, will be interesting to see who sings the anthem in the upcoming games (okay, maybe not!). Much moreso will be the next pitchers duel, Andy Pettitte versus Mark Buehrle. We shall see if the low scoring WS continues.
Not much else to say really. I am happy the Sox won, despite the fact they beat the Angels. Reason being I don't want the Astros to win. I was rooting for the Cardinals to make a big come from behind win, especially after Pujols' blast! However, to no avail, as Oswalt silenced them, and any momentum they had did not show. Pujols' home run will still go down in history, but would have been more meaningful if the Cardinals could have gone on to win the ALCS, which would have been nice!
As far as "God Bless America" goes, I felt Liz Phair's rendition was not quite that good. I'm not sure if it is as hard to sing as "The Star-Spangled Banner", but anyway, it is still better fit for voices such as Ronan Tynan, the Irish tenor who sings it at Yankee stadium. However since she is from Chicago, I imagine she couldn't resist the opportunity, especially if she is a Sox fan. And MLB would like the idea as well. Regardless, will be interesting to see who sings the anthem in the upcoming games (okay, maybe not!). Much moreso will be the next pitchers duel, Andy Pettitte versus Mark Buehrle. We shall see if the low scoring WS continues.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Pujols (and Eckstein/Edmonds)!
Nice comeback! A mere strike away from their season being over, and David Eckstein gets a base hit. That base hit deserves loads of credit. Then Jim Edmonds draws a 5 pitch walk. Which sets up Albert Pujols for his huge home run, both literally and figuratively! 0-1 count, and Lidge threw a slider that hung there, and Pujols got all of it! See the homer and the rally!
I'm happy they managed to get the win, as I'd prefer to see the Cardinals in the WS. It would be nice to see Larry Walker, fellow Canadian, and ex Expo have the chance to get a WS victory. The Cardinals only have to win one more before being tied, if they can do so, possibly have momentum in their favour. All they have to do is look to last year, when the Red Sox were down 0-3, it makes being down 1-3 seem very doable!
Speaking of the Red Sox, Pedro Martinez won it all last year, and during the celebrations, in the locker room, he referred to the 1994 Expos, and how a part of the Red Sox championship is for us Expos fans. That was nice to see! So if Larry Walker and the Cards can get to the WS, and win, then that would be another Expo from that 1994 team winning it all! Not to mention, as I said earlier, a great way to end his career!
The only former Expos on the Astros is backup catcher Raul Chavez, and when he was with Montreal, he was always the third catcher, so he logged a mere 17 games in 2 and a quarter years.
St Louis also has Mark Grudzielanek, as far as former Expos go, and he was much more prominent than Raul Chavez! He was originally selected by the New York Mets, in the 17th round, but did not sign. Two years later, he was selected by Montreal in the 11th round. Not to forget Einar Diaz as well, who was the final Expos backup catcher. He has yet to log a postseason appearance this year.
If the Cards can make it to face the White Sox, Dustin Hermanson, Carl Everett, Orlando Hernandez (although as I mentioned in an earlier entry, he played 0 regular season games), Geoff Blum, and Chris Widger (also yet to have a postseason appearance) are the former Expos there.
I'm happy they managed to get the win, as I'd prefer to see the Cardinals in the WS. It would be nice to see Larry Walker, fellow Canadian, and ex Expo have the chance to get a WS victory. The Cardinals only have to win one more before being tied, if they can do so, possibly have momentum in their favour. All they have to do is look to last year, when the Red Sox were down 0-3, it makes being down 1-3 seem very doable!
Speaking of the Red Sox, Pedro Martinez won it all last year, and during the celebrations, in the locker room, he referred to the 1994 Expos, and how a part of the Red Sox championship is for us Expos fans. That was nice to see! So if Larry Walker and the Cards can get to the WS, and win, then that would be another Expo from that 1994 team winning it all! Not to mention, as I said earlier, a great way to end his career!
The only former Expos on the Astros is backup catcher Raul Chavez, and when he was with Montreal, he was always the third catcher, so he logged a mere 17 games in 2 and a quarter years.
St Louis also has Mark Grudzielanek, as far as former Expos go, and he was much more prominent than Raul Chavez! He was originally selected by the New York Mets, in the 17th round, but did not sign. Two years later, he was selected by Montreal in the 11th round. Not to forget Einar Diaz as well, who was the final Expos backup catcher. He has yet to log a postseason appearance this year.
If the Cards can make it to face the White Sox, Dustin Hermanson, Carl Everett, Orlando Hernandez (although as I mentioned in an earlier entry, he played 0 regular season games), Geoff Blum, and Chris Widger (also yet to have a postseason appearance) are the former Expos there.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
K E2
K E2, that was how it was ruled. Going back to last year, Boston in New York, for game 6 of the ALCS, the umpires two different times got together, and made the correct call. That was not the case last night.
The way I see it is probably the way Mike Scioscia saw it. And that being that A.J. Pierzynski was rung out by the home plate umpire, therefore he was out. And if the ball does hit the dirt, or touch the dirt, the catcher always makes the tag immediately after, and if need be, throw to first. Josh Paul knew he caught it, hence the routine of heading to the dugout. The umpires getting together obviously agreed it was not clearly caught. A.J. Pierzynski and the White Sox caught a break. So bottom line is the game ends with a controversial call that was wrong. Luckily it was not a game six or seven. Possibly it will give the Angels an extra boost to play better, and get more runs on the board.
Another thing I think of, is when catchers are involved in a play at the plate, they usually have respect for eachother, and won't slam into, or make a violent play. This sort of surprised me that A.J. Pierzynski ran after Paul caught it. In the postgame press conference, he said he ran when he didn't hear the umpire call him out, and he realised he wasn't tagged, that being why he started walking away before running to first. He also said something similar happened in San Francisco last year, he was catching, and the pitcher tried to bunt, didn't get it down, ran, and was called safe. From what I understood, the pitcher started walking towards the dugout (visiting dugout on the first base side), then ran to first. Anyway, view the postgame press conference at the ALCS video page.
The way I see it is probably the way Mike Scioscia saw it. And that being that A.J. Pierzynski was rung out by the home plate umpire, therefore he was out. And if the ball does hit the dirt, or touch the dirt, the catcher always makes the tag immediately after, and if need be, throw to first. Josh Paul knew he caught it, hence the routine of heading to the dugout. The umpires getting together obviously agreed it was not clearly caught. A.J. Pierzynski and the White Sox caught a break. So bottom line is the game ends with a controversial call that was wrong. Luckily it was not a game six or seven. Possibly it will give the Angels an extra boost to play better, and get more runs on the board.
Another thing I think of, is when catchers are involved in a play at the plate, they usually have respect for eachother, and won't slam into, or make a violent play. This sort of surprised me that A.J. Pierzynski ran after Paul caught it. In the postgame press conference, he said he ran when he didn't hear the umpire call him out, and he realised he wasn't tagged, that being why he started walking away before running to first. He also said something similar happened in San Francisco last year, he was catching, and the pitcher tried to bunt, didn't get it down, ran, and was called safe. From what I understood, the pitcher started walking towards the dugout (visiting dugout on the first base side), then ran to first. Anyway, view the postgame press conference at the ALCS video page.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Red Sox, they gone!
I'll start this entry with an Expos/Red Sox reference. (And I apologise for the White Sox announcers call reference used on the now swept Red Sox! Used when a White Sox pitcher strikes out an opposing batter.)
Watching game 5 of the Yankees versus the Angels, when Giambi got on base, Mark Bellhorn took over as pinch runner. He then got to second on the defensive indifference. So while there, he reunited, albeit not for that long, with his 2004 Boston teammate Orlando Cabrera, both of whom won the World Series almost one year ago. It is mostly a Red Sox reference, but prior to the trade, Orlando was an Expo since his MLB debut. It is small things like this I tend to notice.
Now onto post season baseball. When Boston got swept out of the playoffs, at that point I was rooting for the Angels again. Reason being, had the Yankees beat the Angels, I would not have been too upset, but this was assuming Boston would meet them in the ALCS, since they make for good games against eachother. So, it was good to see the Angels move on to the ALCS. Nice pitching performance by Ervin Santana, after Bartolo Colon only went one inning.
Ervin Santana I might add is 6'2" and 160 according to his player page at MLB, although he doesn't quite look 160, he looks like he may weigh a bit more. I add this because it reminds us not all ballplayers are built like Albert Pujols, Vladimir Guerrero, and Johnny Damon, to name a few! There are still some smaller (less muscular guys), like Ichiro, who still have pop! Especially former Expo Endy Chavez, but he isn't quite at Ichiro level! Regardless, Barry Bonds was once a small guy! Oh, and say no to steroids! Johnny Damon once said how he gains weight the proper way, drinking beer! Although I don't do that much either! Anyway...
Bartolo Colon was an Expo too, for the second half of 2002. That being one of Omar Minaya's bad trades, sending him, along with Jorge Nunez to the White Sox in exchange for for Rocky Biddle, Orlando Hernandez, Jeff Liefer. Orlando Hernandez pitched a grand total of zero (0) innings for Montreal. And Rocky Biddle, well, in late 2004, as a starter, he did well! Prior to that he did have some (some being the key word!) success as a closer!
Now, to get some Red Sox fans mad! First off, I was rooting for them in 2003 and 2004. Now the part to get them mad. Since they do have the second highest payroll in baseball, one can argue, what is wrong with baseball in the way everyone refers to the Yankees, can be thought of with the Red Sox too. Their payroll for 2005 was just shy of 60% of what the Yankees' was. The Yankees tipped the scale at $208,306,817, and the Red Sox at $123,505,125. So my point being, it is good to see the big money teams gone in a way. Although it was proved last year (and other times, but last years example is too good!) piles of money still won't buy an invinsible team. In close third is the "Next Year is Now" Mets, at $101,305,821. Bringing the New York MLB total to, three hundred nine million, six hundred twelve thousand, six hundred and thirty-eight dollars! Those three teams all have over one hundred million payrolls, however the Los Angeles Angels (yes,) of Anaheim, are in fourth with $97,725,322. Would be nice to see the Kansas City Royals or the Devil Rays win the World Series for payroll reasons! Why do I not see that happening anytime too soon!
Whew, now I am tired of typing!
The NL side is much briefer, and I'll elaborate further once game one of the NLCS is over. I was happy to see the Braves choke again, having won 14 consecutive titles (notice my previous post, in regards to the NL East), and only winning one World Series. Now that is a given, win the division, lose the NLDS. Now four years in a row they have lost the NLDS, and five of their last six. Their last NLCS appearance was in 2001, losing four games to one, against Arizona. Arizona went on to beat the Yankees, and win the W.S. Hats off, Luis Gonzalez! I'll end this entry now, and use game one of the NLCS to talk about those teams. As well as the ALCS once their game two is over. Tomorrow's game for the Angels will be their fourth consecutive playoff game.
Watching game 5 of the Yankees versus the Angels, when Giambi got on base, Mark Bellhorn took over as pinch runner. He then got to second on the defensive indifference. So while there, he reunited, albeit not for that long, with his 2004 Boston teammate Orlando Cabrera, both of whom won the World Series almost one year ago. It is mostly a Red Sox reference, but prior to the trade, Orlando was an Expo since his MLB debut. It is small things like this I tend to notice.
Now onto post season baseball. When Boston got swept out of the playoffs, at that point I was rooting for the Angels again. Reason being, had the Yankees beat the Angels, I would not have been too upset, but this was assuming Boston would meet them in the ALCS, since they make for good games against eachother. So, it was good to see the Angels move on to the ALCS. Nice pitching performance by Ervin Santana, after Bartolo Colon only went one inning.
Ervin Santana I might add is 6'2" and 160 according to his player page at MLB, although he doesn't quite look 160, he looks like he may weigh a bit more. I add this because it reminds us not all ballplayers are built like Albert Pujols, Vladimir Guerrero, and Johnny Damon, to name a few! There are still some smaller (less muscular guys), like Ichiro, who still have pop! Especially former Expo Endy Chavez, but he isn't quite at Ichiro level! Regardless, Barry Bonds was once a small guy! Oh, and say no to steroids! Johnny Damon once said how he gains weight the proper way, drinking beer! Although I don't do that much either! Anyway...
Bartolo Colon was an Expo too, for the second half of 2002. That being one of Omar Minaya's bad trades, sending him, along with Jorge Nunez to the White Sox in exchange for for Rocky Biddle, Orlando Hernandez, Jeff Liefer. Orlando Hernandez pitched a grand total of zero (0) innings for Montreal. And Rocky Biddle, well, in late 2004, as a starter, he did well! Prior to that he did have some (some being the key word!) success as a closer!
Now, to get some Red Sox fans mad! First off, I was rooting for them in 2003 and 2004. Now the part to get them mad. Since they do have the second highest payroll in baseball, one can argue, what is wrong with baseball in the way everyone refers to the Yankees, can be thought of with the Red Sox too. Their payroll for 2005 was just shy of 60% of what the Yankees' was. The Yankees tipped the scale at $208,306,817, and the Red Sox at $123,505,125. So my point being, it is good to see the big money teams gone in a way. Although it was proved last year (and other times, but last years example is too good!) piles of money still won't buy an invinsible team. In close third is the "Next Year is Now" Mets, at $101,305,821. Bringing the New York MLB total to, three hundred nine million, six hundred twelve thousand, six hundred and thirty-eight dollars! Those three teams all have over one hundred million payrolls, however the Los Angeles Angels (yes,) of Anaheim, are in fourth with $97,725,322. Would be nice to see the Kansas City Royals or the Devil Rays win the World Series for payroll reasons! Why do I not see that happening anytime too soon!
Whew, now I am tired of typing!
The NL side is much briefer, and I'll elaborate further once game one of the NLCS is over. I was happy to see the Braves choke again, having won 14 consecutive titles (notice my previous post, in regards to the NL East), and only winning one World Series. Now that is a given, win the division, lose the NLDS. Now four years in a row they have lost the NLDS, and five of their last six. Their last NLCS appearance was in 2001, losing four games to one, against Arizona. Arizona went on to beat the Yankees, and win the W.S. Hats off, Luis Gonzalez! I'll end this entry now, and use game one of the NLCS to talk about those teams. As well as the ALCS once their game two is over. Tomorrow's game for the Angels will be their fourth consecutive playoff game.
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Hunt for October
Okay, been a while since I posted, anyway... Now I should post more frequently as the regular season comes to a close. I'll also will attend a couple Toronto Blue Jays games versus the Kansas City Royals, so I can post some pictures, if I get any of interest. Possibly of the next big player to be shipped out of KC (Johnny Damon, Carlos Beltran, etc!), reminiscent of the Expos, unfortunately. No playoff implications, but it is still baseball.
Okay, so onto the hunt for October. Starting with the National League.
NL East
Looks like the Braves will take it again! Has looked that way for a while. I'd like to see the Phillies take it, although it doesn't look good, Atlanta won tonight, and Philadelphia lost, dropping them to 5 GB, and the magic number for the Braves is 3. Both with 7 games remaining. Had the Braves lost the division, maybe it would have been brought to people's attention that they were behind, and more than likely would have lost it in 94, if it weren't for the strike. So really (sort of), it will only be their 11th consecutive Division title, which is still good. Phillies are still looking good for the wildcard, but with a Houston win, they slip to 2 GB. Washington, and New York are on the outside looking in, with both of their elimination numbers being at 1. Florida's E# is 3, 5 GB for the wildcard, so they still could make it, but realistically speaking, they are on the outside looking in too.
NL Central
St Louis will be playing into October for sure, and it is looking like Houston may be in there as well. However it is not a given yet, and they have a tougher schedule than Philadelphia in the coming week. Two at St. Louis, and four home games hosting the Cubs. Whereas the Phillies host the Mets for three, and finish the season with three in Washington. On a personal note, I'd like to see Milwaukee end the season with another losing record, as I associate them with Bud Selig, and his daughter is there as well. They'll have to lose 5 of 8 to do so, here's hoping!
NL West
San Francisco lost today to Colorado, not exactly a game that should be lost trying to get to the postseason, and San Diego are winning right now, so with one game over .500 right now, SD will be heading to the post season. That's about it for an injury plagued NL West!
Onto the American League.
AL East
Boston or New York. It's anybody's guess as to who will win that division. Boston have one more against Baltimore, going for the sweep, then they host the Blue Jays for a four game series. New York has one more versus Toronto, the rubber match. Then they have a four game series in Baltimore. After those five games for each, they Red Sox are hosting the Yankees for the final three games. The Yankees may have it easier, as Boston will have four against Toronto. I say may, because it really is down to statistics. Which in a lot of cases is just that, statistics. My statistic being based on the first half, where Toronto played well against over .500 teams. Not sure how that stat is since the All Star Break. Earlier in the season, Terry Francona said how they could still be playing better, and I agree, well, I think they could have certainly cashed in better during the Yankees streaky first half. They ended a mere 3.5 games ahead of the Yankees. Will be interesting to see it play out.
AL Central
The American League Central is almost as close as the East, the hot Indians are only 1.5 GB the White Sox. At the All Star Break, they were 11 GB! Together the East and Central make for a good chase for the postseason.
AL West
It is looking good for Los Angeles to make the post season again, and if Oakland wants to play into October (besides the fact all teams will till October 2nd!), they'll have to catch L.A., as they are 6.5 GB right now for the wildcard, and their elimination number is 2. They won today, and it looks like L.A. will make it 8 straight. Oakland could easily catch L.A. however, as L.A. will visit Oakland for a four game series. Following which, L.A. ends their season with three in Texas, and Oakland ends with three in Seattle. So L.A. will need to keep their momentum, as Oakland will have a good opportunity to get the division. However if Vlad can get in MVP form for the last week, he could single handedly takes the Angels back to the post season like last year.
So all in all the AL final week will be the most exciting, with two teams from the East and Central battling it out, along with the AL West in their own race. Then the NL wildcard and East will be entertaining as well!
Okay, so onto the hunt for October. Starting with the National League.
NL East
Looks like the Braves will take it again! Has looked that way for a while. I'd like to see the Phillies take it, although it doesn't look good, Atlanta won tonight, and Philadelphia lost, dropping them to 5 GB, and the magic number for the Braves is 3. Both with 7 games remaining. Had the Braves lost the division, maybe it would have been brought to people's attention that they were behind, and more than likely would have lost it in 94, if it weren't for the strike. So really (sort of), it will only be their 11th consecutive Division title, which is still good. Phillies are still looking good for the wildcard, but with a Houston win, they slip to 2 GB. Washington, and New York are on the outside looking in, with both of their elimination numbers being at 1. Florida's E# is 3, 5 GB for the wildcard, so they still could make it, but realistically speaking, they are on the outside looking in too.
NL Central
St Louis will be playing into October for sure, and it is looking like Houston may be in there as well. However it is not a given yet, and they have a tougher schedule than Philadelphia in the coming week. Two at St. Louis, and four home games hosting the Cubs. Whereas the Phillies host the Mets for three, and finish the season with three in Washington. On a personal note, I'd like to see Milwaukee end the season with another losing record, as I associate them with Bud Selig, and his daughter is there as well. They'll have to lose 5 of 8 to do so, here's hoping!
NL West
San Francisco lost today to Colorado, not exactly a game that should be lost trying to get to the postseason, and San Diego are winning right now, so with one game over .500 right now, SD will be heading to the post season. That's about it for an injury plagued NL West!
Onto the American League.
AL East
Boston or New York. It's anybody's guess as to who will win that division. Boston have one more against Baltimore, going for the sweep, then they host the Blue Jays for a four game series. New York has one more versus Toronto, the rubber match. Then they have a four game series in Baltimore. After those five games for each, they Red Sox are hosting the Yankees for the final three games. The Yankees may have it easier, as Boston will have four against Toronto. I say may, because it really is down to statistics. Which in a lot of cases is just that, statistics. My statistic being based on the first half, where Toronto played well against over .500 teams. Not sure how that stat is since the All Star Break. Earlier in the season, Terry Francona said how they could still be playing better, and I agree, well, I think they could have certainly cashed in better during the Yankees streaky first half. They ended a mere 3.5 games ahead of the Yankees. Will be interesting to see it play out.
AL Central
The American League Central is almost as close as the East, the hot Indians are only 1.5 GB the White Sox. At the All Star Break, they were 11 GB! Together the East and Central make for a good chase for the postseason.
AL West
It is looking good for Los Angeles to make the post season again, and if Oakland wants to play into October (besides the fact all teams will till October 2nd!), they'll have to catch L.A., as they are 6.5 GB right now for the wildcard, and their elimination number is 2. They won today, and it looks like L.A. will make it 8 straight. Oakland could easily catch L.A. however, as L.A. will visit Oakland for a four game series. Following which, L.A. ends their season with three in Texas, and Oakland ends with three in Seattle. So L.A. will need to keep their momentum, as Oakland will have a good opportunity to get the division. However if Vlad can get in MVP form for the last week, he could single handedly takes the Angels back to the post season like last year.
So all in all the AL final week will be the most exciting, with two teams from the East and Central battling it out, along with the AL West in their own race. Then the NL wildcard and East will be entertaining as well!
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Vlad hits Number 300!
So after a drought of 16 games without a homer, or 61 ABs, Vladimir Guerrero becomes the 11th player to reach 300 under the age of 30. Many of those at bats were intentional walks, or pitching around him, even that is hard to do as Vlad can hit all over the strike zone, and put it outside the park.
On July 27th, Eric Hinske missed catching a foul ball hit by Vlad in his first at bat. Five pitches later, Vlad homered the opposite way. Obviously he made Eric Hinske wish he caught that foul ball, but my point is Vlad makes hitting home runs look very easy!
Check out homer number 300!
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Katrina
All politics aside, as fellow human beings, I think everyone should help out in any way possible, the people suffering in the affected states. So I am taking a break from baseball to point anyone who comes upon this blog to some places they can help out.
American Red Cross - 1-800-HELP-NOW
Canadian Red Cross - 1-800-418-1111
Americares - 1-800-486-HELP
America's Second Harvest - 1-800-771-2303
Plan USA - 1-800-556-7918
Salvation Army - 1-800-SAL-ARMY
United Way
Major League Baseball has donated, as will the three other major sports leagues, if not already. So has Microsoft, and they have a page with even more links and addresses of many causes. All of what I just mentioned are ones that would be expected to help out.
As is the case with all disasters, it makes life all the more valuable.
If you the reader ever feels generous, or has some money to spare, there is always good causes out there that need support.
American Red Cross - 1-800-HELP-NOW
Canadian Red Cross - 1-800-418-1111
Americares - 1-800-486-HELP
America's Second Harvest - 1-800-771-2303
Plan USA - 1-800-556-7918
Salvation Army - 1-800-SAL-ARMY
United Way
Major League Baseball has donated, as will the three other major sports leagues, if not already. So has Microsoft, and they have a page with even more links and addresses of many causes. All of what I just mentioned are ones that would be expected to help out.
As is the case with all disasters, it makes life all the more valuable.
If you the reader ever feels generous, or has some money to spare, there is always good causes out there that need support.
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