Both the American League and National League have started their respective divisional series, so it is officially playoff time! Enough with this stupid one game wildcard stuff. Real series, where the depth of the pitching staff is tested, rather than hoping your one ace can win a game for you. We gathered the entire WeMakeItRain staff, plus our friend Tony to discuss our predictions for this round. Our gathering took place last week, but I am just now getting around to putting our collective thoughts on screen. Here are the predictions from WeMakeItRain to you ...
Pepster: OK fellas. It's playoff baseball time, a glorious time of year to be a sports fan. Let's jump right into the series. The marquis series features 100 win teams but since both of the historic rivals Boston and New York play in the same division, one - the Yankees - ended up the Wild Card. Thus, they travel to Boston to start the series. This is interesting here because Hopps is a lifelong Sox fan and Tony is a lifelong Yankees fan. We will go with home-field advantage first, so Hopps?
Hopps: Red Sox. Best team in baseball. HARD STOP.
Tony: Are you kidding me? Yankees. They may not have won 108 games, but they are better than the Red Sox, and I will rejoice when Fenway collapses on them.
Hopps: I have glaucoma, and even I can see that isn't the case. If we played just our "B" guys - Betts, Benintendi, Bogaerts and Bradley we win.
Tony: Until we start a fight, and then Judge and Stanton pummel the entire Sox nation.
Pepster: Woah, woah, woah, guys. Let's not make this too personal.
Hopps: Red Sox/Yankees IS personal.
Tony: Don't you mean Yankees/Red Sox.
Pepster: Ok, moving along. Sinickal?
Sinickal: F'in Cubs.
Pepster: Great analysis there. I guess that leaves me. The Sox are thin in starting rotation, and even thinner in the bullpen. If there "star"ters - Sale and Price - can get into the 7th or 8th innings, the Sox will win. Only needs to happen twice, as the Sox can win one slugfest as they have bats all up and down the order. As does New York. I will go with Boston as 108 wins is 108 wins. What did Bill Parcells use to say? "You are what your record says you are". So - Boston. Next up - Houston and Cleveland.
Tony: Indians. After Houston won the World Series last year, Cleveland just wants it more.
Hopps: That is exactly why I am picking the Astros. They are defending champs, and they defended their title with quite possibly the quietest 103 win team ever. They keep rolling.
Pepster: I am with you Hopps. The pitching is phenomenal and Alex Bregman has joined Altuve, Correa and Springer as a top bat. Tough to pitch to this lineup.
Sinickal: (Mumbling) Up four, end up tied for the division. Lose the play-in, then lose the wildcard.
Pepster: Huh?
Sinickal: F'in Cubs.
Pepster: Speaking of the Cubs, let us turn to the National League where the surprising Milwaukee Brewers won the NL Central to earn the home-field advantage against the Rockies.
Sinickal: I hate you.
Pepster: Hopps?
Hopps: I hate you too! Ha. So I am going with Milwaukee. Just a guess.
Tony: Leave it to the Sox fan to "take a guess". Take a stand you idiot. I am picking Milwaukee because they are a great team and are hungry.
Pepster: I get the hungry part. Milwaukee was supposed to be a year away, from being a year away.Then, they go out and pick up Lorenzo Cain, Mike Moustakas and likely NL MVP Christian Yelich - man I wish the Marlins could get a player like Yelich. So, I am taking Milwaukee. F'in Marlins.
Sinickal: Are the Marlins even a team?
Pepster: Fair question. Last series. Dodgers hosting Atlanta. Really good young talent in Acuna and Albies, and another team that is supposed to be a year away from being a year away. But that Dodgers lineup - Wow. They have guys on the bench that would be stars, not just starters, on any other club. Plus, they have two Cubans. Dodgers in a walk.
Tony: I also am picking the Dodgers; great team and they are hungry.
Hopps: Are you sure it isn't YOU that is hungry? Dodgers. Atlanta still can't win in the post season.
Sinickal: F'in Cubs.
Pepster: And there you have it. Our divisional series round-up. Be back shortly for the ALCS and NLCS.
Showing posts with label MLB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MLB. Show all posts
Saturday, October 6, 2018
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
World Series Roundtable
As Game 1 is underway, it is time to reveal our discussions and predictions for the World Series.
Hopps, since you predicted each of the divisional series correctly, would you like to go first, or last.
Hopps: I'll go last. Sinickal, you're up!
Sinickal: I look up and down each of the rosters and the Texas Rangers are just better than the Cardinals. With the possible exception of Carpenter as ace, and Pujols as best overall player (but not by much over Hamilton), the Rangers are better top-to-bottom. That means the Rangers should win this thing, and I will say in 6.
However, if we fast forwarded ten days or so and you told me that the Cardinals won, for some reason I would not be surprised. Such a victory would have to be based upon the pure power of Albert Pujols, just willing this team to a World Series victory as part of his goodbye St. Louis victory tour.
That being said, I still say Rangers in 6.
Pepster: Sinickal, as much as I agree with the fact that Pujols can do what Prince Fielder didn't, and that is lead his team in the playoffs before heading out of dodge, where is he going to go? The Red Sox and Yankees are set, for big money, at first base, Pujols is too athletic to DH and Fielder is younger such as to have a bit more value in free agency. The Dodgers like Loney, although he is nowhere near the player Pujols is, the Angels could be a candidate, or .... AH HA! You are pushing Pujols for the Cubs! I knew there was an ulterior motive to your honoring Pujols despite picking against the Cardinals.
Wow - that was pretty good psychology right there.
Anyway, I am going to agree with your Rangers in 6. Carpenter wins at least 1 so the series goes 6, but that Rangers lineup is loaded! Hamilton has yet to hit his postseason groove, if Nelson Cruz's next hit is for extra bases, he ties the record of consecutive post-season extra base hits held by the immortal Jayson Werth, and Young, Beltre, Kinsler, Napoli, et. al all have power. And I keep preaching the value of Elvis Andrus, and at some point he is going to explode. The Rangers have enough pitching, and they were here last year. I think it all adds up.
Hopps, your opinion?
Hopps: Texas.
Pepster: Anything else to add?
Hopps: Nope.
Sinickal: Why not?
Hopps: I don't have to justify anything, I was perfect the last round we did this. OUT!
Hopps, since you predicted each of the divisional series correctly, would you like to go first, or last.
Hopps: I'll go last. Sinickal, you're up!
Sinickal: I look up and down each of the rosters and the Texas Rangers are just better than the Cardinals. With the possible exception of Carpenter as ace, and Pujols as best overall player (but not by much over Hamilton), the Rangers are better top-to-bottom. That means the Rangers should win this thing, and I will say in 6.
However, if we fast forwarded ten days or so and you told me that the Cardinals won, for some reason I would not be surprised. Such a victory would have to be based upon the pure power of Albert Pujols, just willing this team to a World Series victory as part of his goodbye St. Louis victory tour.
That being said, I still say Rangers in 6.
Pepster: Sinickal, as much as I agree with the fact that Pujols can do what Prince Fielder didn't, and that is lead his team in the playoffs before heading out of dodge, where is he going to go? The Red Sox and Yankees are set, for big money, at first base, Pujols is too athletic to DH and Fielder is younger such as to have a bit more value in free agency. The Dodgers like Loney, although he is nowhere near the player Pujols is, the Angels could be a candidate, or .... AH HA! You are pushing Pujols for the Cubs! I knew there was an ulterior motive to your honoring Pujols despite picking against the Cardinals.
Wow - that was pretty good psychology right there.
Anyway, I am going to agree with your Rangers in 6. Carpenter wins at least 1 so the series goes 6, but that Rangers lineup is loaded! Hamilton has yet to hit his postseason groove, if Nelson Cruz's next hit is for extra bases, he ties the record of consecutive post-season extra base hits held by the immortal Jayson Werth, and Young, Beltre, Kinsler, Napoli, et. al all have power. And I keep preaching the value of Elvis Andrus, and at some point he is going to explode. The Rangers have enough pitching, and they were here last year. I think it all adds up.
Hopps, your opinion?
Hopps: Texas.
Pepster: Anything else to add?
Hopps: Nope.
Sinickal: Why not?
Hopps: I don't have to justify anything, I was perfect the last round we did this. OUT!
Friday, September 30, 2011
MLB Divisional Series Roundtable
As the first playoff game begins, Hopps, Sinickal and myself all knock off work a bit early to have a quick roundtable discussion on the MLB divisional series. For our collective thoughts and picks, let's begin with the first game, Tampa Bay Rays at Texas Rangers. Hopps?
Hopps: Screw you!
Pepster: My bad - I probably shouldn't have started with the Red Sox fan on this one. Sinickal, your thoughts?
Sinickal: I am going with Tampa. I think they will have a short hangover, but ultimately an easy series. They are a really good team from the best division. Four games.
Pepster: I have to disagree. I think that the Rangers just have too much for the Rays. The Rays are supposed to have pitching and defense, but they are starting Matt Moore in only his second MLB start in Game 1. Texas's lineup is stacked now that everyone is healthy, and it is about time people realize that Elvis Andrus is going to be really, really good. Also in four games.
Hopps: Damn. Now no matter who I select I have to agree with one of you. I am going to say Texas, as the Rays just won their World Series.
Pepster: Now to the marquee American League matchup, Detroit and New York Yankees. I think that nobody has really been talking about Detroit all year outside of Verlander, but that lineup is good and deep. The Yankees lineup is deep too, but guys like Miguel Cabrera are just too dumb to realize they are supposed to lose to the Yankees. Plus, I don't think Verlander will even have to pitch two games in this series. Tigers in 4.
Sinickal: Verlander gets to pitch games 1 and 5. That means that the Yankees have to win 3 straight in the middle. I don't seem them getting that done.
Hopps: Detroit - Verlander. That's all.
We all agree on that one. Let's go to another series where we should all agree, Philadelphia and St. Louis. Hopps?
Hopps: St. Louis. They are playing good baseball. This is the upset of the playoffs.
Pepster: They do have Pujols, but there is no way that I can pick them. It's Philly. There offense has not been the typical Philly offense all year, but they still have Victorino, Rollins, Utley, Howard, et. al. And they have pitching! Philadelphia in 4.
Sinickal: Best team in baseball with great pitching in a short series. This might be a sweep.
And for the last series - Milwaukee or Arizona?
Sinickal: Arizona plays in the equivalent of the NFC West. Good team and bad division v. Great team. I'll pick Milwaukee.
Hopps: I will also take Milwaukee. They win at home; best home winning percentage in the majors.
Pepster: I will make it 3 for 3, even though Justin Upton could be the best player in baseball that nobody talks about. Sneaky good pitching, and Braun/Fielder is a helluva one-two punch, especially with Hart and McGehee showing some power as well. Brewers in 4.
That wraps up our divisional roundtable. But what would this conversation be without mentioning our Patron Saint, Adam Jones, helping to eliminate the Red Sox from the playoffs.
Hopps: That isn't the same Adam Jones. I hate you.
Pepster: Oh, my bad, maybe I just wanted to mention that the Sox collapsed. See you back here for the League Championship Series roundtable.
Hopps: Screw you!
Pepster: My bad - I probably shouldn't have started with the Red Sox fan on this one. Sinickal, your thoughts?
Sinickal: I am going with Tampa. I think they will have a short hangover, but ultimately an easy series. They are a really good team from the best division. Four games.
Pepster: I have to disagree. I think that the Rangers just have too much for the Rays. The Rays are supposed to have pitching and defense, but they are starting Matt Moore in only his second MLB start in Game 1. Texas's lineup is stacked now that everyone is healthy, and it is about time people realize that Elvis Andrus is going to be really, really good. Also in four games.
Hopps: Damn. Now no matter who I select I have to agree with one of you. I am going to say Texas, as the Rays just won their World Series.
Pepster: Now to the marquee American League matchup, Detroit and New York Yankees. I think that nobody has really been talking about Detroit all year outside of Verlander, but that lineup is good and deep. The Yankees lineup is deep too, but guys like Miguel Cabrera are just too dumb to realize they are supposed to lose to the Yankees. Plus, I don't think Verlander will even have to pitch two games in this series. Tigers in 4.
Sinickal: Verlander gets to pitch games 1 and 5. That means that the Yankees have to win 3 straight in the middle. I don't seem them getting that done.
Hopps: Detroit - Verlander. That's all.
We all agree on that one. Let's go to another series where we should all agree, Philadelphia and St. Louis. Hopps?
Hopps: St. Louis. They are playing good baseball. This is the upset of the playoffs.
Pepster: They do have Pujols, but there is no way that I can pick them. It's Philly. There offense has not been the typical Philly offense all year, but they still have Victorino, Rollins, Utley, Howard, et. al. And they have pitching! Philadelphia in 4.
Sinickal: Best team in baseball with great pitching in a short series. This might be a sweep.
And for the last series - Milwaukee or Arizona?
Sinickal: Arizona plays in the equivalent of the NFC West. Good team and bad division v. Great team. I'll pick Milwaukee.
Hopps: I will also take Milwaukee. They win at home; best home winning percentage in the majors.
Pepster: I will make it 3 for 3, even though Justin Upton could be the best player in baseball that nobody talks about. Sneaky good pitching, and Braun/Fielder is a helluva one-two punch, especially with Hart and McGehee showing some power as well. Brewers in 4.
That wraps up our divisional roundtable. But what would this conversation be without mentioning our Patron Saint, Adam Jones, helping to eliminate the Red Sox from the playoffs.
Hopps: That isn't the same Adam Jones. I hate you.
Pepster: Oh, my bad, maybe I just wanted to mention that the Sox collapsed. See you back here for the League Championship Series roundtable.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Draft Genius
Before we head into the college and pro football seasons, I want to take a brief respite to discuss baseball, or more importantly the future of baseball, especially since the future is so very bright. Now I know that there are problems with the game: lack of attendance, super low television ratings, football's popularity and not to mention that home field advantage for the world series is determined by the All-Star game. That being said, the future of the on-field game is very bright.
The number of young, extremely talented players is astonishing. Justin Verlander is 28, Prince Fielder is 27 as is Tim Lincecum. Felix Hernandez is 25. Not to mention the talented players that are even younger than those All-Stars, like Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro, Giants catcher Buster Posey, Yankees pitcher Ivan Nova, the Marlins trio of Mike Stanton, Gaby Sanchez and Logan Morrison, the Braves duo of Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman, the dramatic possibilities of Stephen Strasbourg and Bryce Howard, and former Hurricanes Jon Jay and Ryan Braun. In fact, it is Ryan Braun that led me to this column.
While reading about Braun one day, I decided to look up his draft class, and boy was I shocked at what I saw; simply the greatest draft class of all time (Ed. Note - not every draft class was reviewed before making this assertion). At least this draft class should be spoken about in baseball circles like the 1983 NFL draft and the 2003 NBA draft, Here are some of the selections in the 2005 MLB amateur draft.
1. Justin Upton - Diamondbacks
2. Alex Gordon - Royals
3. Jeff Clement - Mariners
4. Ryan Zimmerman - Nationals
5. Ryan Braun - Brewers
6. Ricky Romero - Blue Jays
7. Troy Tulowitzki - Rockies
9. Mike Pelfrey - Mets
10. Cameron Maybin - Tigers
11. Andrew McCutcheon - Pirates
12. Jay Bruce - Reds
16. Chris Volstad - Marlins
19. John Mayberry, Jr. - Rangers
23. Jacoby Ellsbury - Red Sox
25. Matt Garza - Twins
26. Craig Hansen - Red Sox
28. Colby Rasmus - Cardinals
30. Tyler Greene - Cardinals
40. Luke Hochever - Dodgers
42. Clay Buchholz -Red Sox
And that was just the first rounders. Uptown, Braun, Zimmerman, Tulowitzki, McCutcheon, Ellsbury and Buchholz are stars, Bruce has been an All-Star, and everyone else listed (except for Jeff Clement) is or has been a major contributor to their major league squad. That is 19 out of 42!
Makes me wonder, in hindsight of course, what Mariners General Manager Bill Bavasi was thinking in passing on all of that talent for Clement. Bavasi was fired on June 16, 2008. He has found employment as the special assistant to the General Manager for the Cincinnati Reds. Quite a bit of a fall compared to the ceilings of these present and future stars.
Baseball is indeed in good hands.
The number of young, extremely talented players is astonishing. Justin Verlander is 28, Prince Fielder is 27 as is Tim Lincecum. Felix Hernandez is 25. Not to mention the talented players that are even younger than those All-Stars, like Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro, Giants catcher Buster Posey, Yankees pitcher Ivan Nova, the Marlins trio of Mike Stanton, Gaby Sanchez and Logan Morrison, the Braves duo of Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman, the dramatic possibilities of Stephen Strasbourg and Bryce Howard, and former Hurricanes Jon Jay and Ryan Braun. In fact, it is Ryan Braun that led me to this column.
While reading about Braun one day, I decided to look up his draft class, and boy was I shocked at what I saw; simply the greatest draft class of all time (Ed. Note - not every draft class was reviewed before making this assertion). At least this draft class should be spoken about in baseball circles like the 1983 NFL draft and the 2003 NBA draft, Here are some of the selections in the 2005 MLB amateur draft.
1. Justin Upton - Diamondbacks
2. Alex Gordon - Royals
3. Jeff Clement - Mariners
4. Ryan Zimmerman - Nationals
5. Ryan Braun - Brewers
6. Ricky Romero - Blue Jays
7. Troy Tulowitzki - Rockies
9. Mike Pelfrey - Mets
10. Cameron Maybin - Tigers
11. Andrew McCutcheon - Pirates
12. Jay Bruce - Reds
16. Chris Volstad - Marlins
19. John Mayberry, Jr. - Rangers
23. Jacoby Ellsbury - Red Sox
25. Matt Garza - Twins
26. Craig Hansen - Red Sox
28. Colby Rasmus - Cardinals
30. Tyler Greene - Cardinals
40. Luke Hochever - Dodgers
42. Clay Buchholz -Red Sox
And that was just the first rounders. Uptown, Braun, Zimmerman, Tulowitzki, McCutcheon, Ellsbury and Buchholz are stars, Bruce has been an All-Star, and everyone else listed (except for Jeff Clement) is or has been a major contributor to their major league squad. That is 19 out of 42!
Makes me wonder, in hindsight of course, what Mariners General Manager Bill Bavasi was thinking in passing on all of that talent for Clement. Bavasi was fired on June 16, 2008. He has found employment as the special assistant to the General Manager for the Cincinnati Reds. Quite a bit of a fall compared to the ceilings of these present and future stars.
Baseball is indeed in good hands.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Talkin' Baseball
While discussing many of life's important issues, your authors, (Yes, all three of us), turned to the baseball playoffs. Yes, we know that 3 series have already started, but we had our conversation and predictions at lunch yesterday. Just getting to the post toda. Here are our respective predictions, along with the transcript of our exact converstion.
Pepster: Hey Hopps, Sinickal, good to speak with you guys again. How are you doing?
Sinickal: Not too bad, lots of golf over the weekend. Got to get all the east coast golf in that I can before it gets too cold, and I have to concentrate on only Arizona golf.
Hopps: Besides the fact that the family is driving me crazy? I'm doing great.
Pepster: Good, Good. So, playoffs starting today. After that Minnesota-Detroit play-in game, I am ready for some good playoff baseball.
Sinickal: Can you believe how the term "Play-in" game has become so widespread? Just because the NCAA tourney wanted to have 34 at large teams. Ridiculous.
Pepster: I know. They even had a "play-in" game in my kickball league this season.
Hopps: You clowns still playing kicball?
Pepster: Yep.
Sinickal: Not exactly playing since the Achilles incident.
Hopps: Dopes.
Pepster: Anyway, let's start with the Yankees/Twins series, since the Yankess outdistanced everyone else in the Major Leagues by 6 whole games.
Hopps: You know I hate them. I'll just say Yankees in 4.
Pepster: Excellent analysis Hopps.
Hopps: Shut up. I just hate them soooo much.
Pepster/Sinickal: We know. We know.
Sinickal: I think that the Twins are just on a real hot streak right now. Mauer is as good as they come with the bat, Kubel and Spann have been hitting machines this year. Plus, remember that run the Rockies went on a couple of years ago. I don't think that the Twins will win, but they will play the Yanks tough. Yankess in 5.
Pepster: Interesting. Don't forget how well Young has been hitting the last 6 weeks or so too. Bottom line, the Twins are spent. Morneau would have made a big difference as well. Sabathia's inninngs have been lowered, so he's rested, and the bullpen is just lights out. I think the Yankees sweep.
Sinickal: So, we all agree on the Yankees. Let's turn to the other American League series. Hopps, what do you think about this one.
Hopps: Sox will win it all!!!!
Sinickal: So you expect them to beat the Angels.
Hopps: I expect them to beat the Yankees.
Sinickal: They aren't playing the Yankees.
Hopps: Who cares. Sox sweep!
Sinickal: Pepster, your take?
Pepster: I think I am in the minority in this room. I think the Angels will win, in 4.
Sinickal/Hopps: What?!
Pepster: I know, I know. Sox have won 9 of the last 10 in the playoffs against the Angels, but I just have a different feel about this series. It used to be the Angels were Vlad Guerrero at the plate, and hope Glaus, Kotchman or somebody else could hit with him, and maybe Figgins get on base. Not so this year. Kendry Morales hit over .300 with his 34 homers and over 100 RsBI.
Sinickal: Just stop it with your RsBI. I know it is Runs Batted In, not Run Batted Ins, but call them RBIs anyway.
Pepster: Like I was saying, Morales has flat out hit, Torii Hunter, Mike Napoli and Howie Kendrick have had solid seasons, and Abreu will take about 1,000 pitches, wearing down the Sox staff. Although Ortiz has been coming along, Youkilis doesn't seem the same, and he is incredibly important for the Sox.
Sinickal: All true and good points, except that the Angels pitching staff remains the same. Lackey, Saunders, Santana. Kazmir doesn't seem to be himself. Beckett is a big-game pitcher. Sox in 3.
Pepster: Don't I know that. Beckett is money.
Sinickal: Shut up - don't bring up 2003 with me.
Pepster: Why not? Because Beckett shut down your Cubs? Are you going to predict the Cubs will win next year for the 108th consecutive year? (Purposefully not mentioning the word "Bartman").
Sinickal: Find some fans. Really. Like there are more than 14 Marlins fans in the world.
Hopps: OK, guys, that seems like a good time to switch to both of your beloved National League. Before we start, let me remind you that my team is the only one in the playoffs.
Pepster/Sinickal: Shut up.
Hopps: Dodgers-Cardinals. Who you got?
Pepster: I would think that this will be a split-decision amongst ourselves. You can't find 5 bigger Manny Ramirez fans in the country (not named Ramirez) than me. However, Pujols is the best player on the planet. That alone is worth one game. The Holliday and DeRosa pick-ups have proven to be the best mid-season moves in baseball. I say Cardinals in a hard fought 5. Wow - I didn't even talk about pitching.
Sinickal: Carpenter/Wainwright. Enough said. Cardinals in 4.
Hopps: Really? Ramirez is just as deadly at Pujols, because he just doesn't care if he fails in a big spot. That makes him that much more dangerous. Ethier and Kemp are incredible in the field, and at the plate. And you really want to pitch to either Ramirez or Ethier at the plate in a big spot? Billingsley and Kershaw have incredible stuff. Not as good over the full season as Carpenter and Wainwright, but for any given game, those guys can pitch with anyone. Dodgers in 4.
Pepster: What about the Phillies series?
Hopps: The Rockies are a formidable enough team to win 1 game. Phillies in 4.
Sinickal: I would love to give some fascinating analysis about this series, but it isn't really worth it. Phillies sweep.
Pepster: I concur.
Pepster: Gentlemen, it has been a pleasure. I'll call you both before the LCS starts. Closing thoughts?
Hopps: My analysis is a little hindered and blinded by my fandom, but with Lester and Beckett, the Sox have two power, power pitchers to go in any series. That gives them a huge advantage. I just hope that they can take advantage of it.
Pepster: Now I know that we are nowhere near being what others would call emotional guys, but I have to give props to how the Angels have handled the Nick Adenhart situation. Great celebration when they clinched the playoff spot. That would be a great story if that continued. Sinickal - how 'bout our Bears?
Sinickal: Doing great so far. Glad Gould is better than each of the other kickers he has faced so far. Cutler is definitely worth it to date. But, they have a bye this week, so go Syracuse.
Pepster: They are 2-3, going against West Virginia this week. Make that 2-4.
Hopps: And you have to root for Paulus. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
Sinickal: Yeah, well Harvard may run the world, but Syracuse writes, produces and directs it.
Hopps/Pepster: Yeah, yeah. Like we haven't heard that before.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
This Day in Sports History
As the Hot Stove League heats up with stories of C.C. Sabathia signing with the New York Yankees (like none of us saw this coming - really, "I want to play on the West Coast", "I want to stay in the National League where I can hit", I mean "I want to make a boatload of money!"), and Francisco Rodriguez cashing in with the New York Mets, let us gaze into yesteryear into what eventually turned out to be one of the most lopsided trades ever made during the baseball off-season.
On December 10, 1971, the New York Mets traded talented, but wild pitcher Nolan Ryan along with three other players to the artists formerly known as the California Angels for, drum roll please ...., Jim Fregosi. Let me repeat that for those of you that just fell on the floor and bumped your head causing short term memory loss. The Mets traded Nolan Ryan to the California Angles for Jim Fregosi.
All the Angels received was 138 wins, 156 complete games, 40 shutouts, 2,416 strikeouts, 5 All-Star appearances, and 4 No-Hitters in 8 years. Ryan eventually beat the hell out of Robin Ventura, and was ultimately elected to the Hall of Fame, on the first ballot. The Mets received, well, a future manager, who eventually managed, among others, Nolan Ryan.
I think that the Angels made out pretty well in that deal.
Is this the most lopsided trade in baseball history? I know Sinickal doesn't think so (Ernie Broglio for Lou Brock, right?). Place your worst trades ever in the comments. We don't even have to limit them to baseball.
Monday, July 21, 2008
A Florida Marlins Home Game
This Saturday I had the pleasure of attending the Florida Marlins/Philadelphia Phillies game played at 3:55 in the afternoon. After gathering up some peeps, we make the hour drive down to Dolphin Stadium for the important NL East matchup.
Now, the game was great, with the Marlins winning 9-4 behind 3 homers, while Pat Burrell of the Phillies, and formerly of the "U", hitting two of his own. Kevin Gregg entered in the 9th in a non-save situation and needed a close play at second by Hanley Ramirez with the bases loaded to end the game, cutting the Phillies lead over the Marlins to 1 1/2 games (it is now only 1/2 game). Our seats were upper level but right behind home plate, with the sun on our backs. Believe me, you want the sun at your back and not in your face for a July afternoon home game at Dolphin Stadium, otherwise you just absolutely melt.
Plus, just going to a game is very relaxing. You have the sun, the game, keeping score, peanuts, hot dogs and of course, beer.
But besides the game, I wanted to enlighten all of you about the Florida Marlin experience that is Dolphin Stadium, that was Pro Player Stadium, that was Joe Robbie Stadium. I will do this while simultaneously answering the question, "Why doesn't anyone go to the Marlins games, they are a good team?".
Under absolutely no worries whatsoever about finding tickets for the game, we stroll up to the ticket window and notice that the ticket prices are astronomical for a team that is having problems drawing fans. At the lower level behind home plate the tickets are $58 and $48 for each baseline to the bases. That in and of itself isn't awful for tickets, but they are when you can't fill the seats. At the back of the lower level, the "club" sections, the prices are $71 for right behind home plate and $66 for the baselines, again ending at the bases. As the base lines extend the prices are $39. If you prefer to sit in the outfield, the left field seats are $46 while right field is a bargain at $15 and $26. Although these prices aren't awful for some seats, the sight lines are ridiculously bad as the stadium is constructed for football, and thus all the baseline seats face the "football field", not angled toward the pitcher and/or batter's box. This is why we chose the upper deck with its view of the entire field. In addition, there are no kids prices for tickets whatsoever. Not that I had any kids with me, but just an observation that the Marlins might want to rectify in an attempt to win younger fans and fill the seats. Problem #1 - Ticket Prices.
Now the attendance for this game was 25,650, which is way above the Marlins' 15,493 average, but a good 1/3 to 1/2 of the fans were visibly cheering for the Phillies. Problem #2 - No Home Field Advantage (or too many visiting team fans).
As I make the ride up the escalator to the 400 level of seats, we notice that almost all of the concessions stands are closed/not open/dark. The team and/or stadium, knowing their likely attendance, just closes portions of the concession stands. Concessions did not turn out to be a problem for us whatsoever, as the concession stands right outside of the entrance to our seats was open, and nobody seemed to have a problem with lines. However, this is a symptom of a big problem. The team cannot even draw enough fans to keep the concessionaires working. Because of this, those fans in the sections with the closed concessions had to walk a ways to simply get food and drink, thus missing more of the game. Problem #3 - Inconveniencing Fans.
When we did make our way to the concessions stands, we noticed that some of the bars on the exterior of the concourse were open in addition to the main stands built into the interior of the concourse. While at the main concessions you could order anything, at the exterior bars you could only order beer, a few liquor drinks and peanuts. Think of them as an express lane, but with tip jars. Now, since we made several trips to the concession stands we noticed something peculiar. All of the ladies working the windows at the main concession were black, while those that worked the stand-alone bar were not. I am not drawing any definitive conclusions here since this observation was based upon a very limited sample size (the one primary concession stand and one stand-alone bar that I visited), but after discussing the observation with a couple of people, I determined that I was not the only person who noticed this peculiarity. It turns out the situation was very noticeable.
Now, I have not seen or reviewed the concessions contract, nor do I know whether the concessionaires that I saw worked for a different company from those manning the bar, so this may just be a coincidence. Nevertheless, it was very noticeable. If this situation is pervasive, then it could be a big problem for a team, and a sport, that seems to be losing black fans, be they African-American or Latin-American blacks. Problem #4 - Subconscious Racism?
Add these 4 problems to the list of the general problems which include the fact that the stadium is in the middle of absolute nowhere, with nothing bordering the stadium to accentuate the game day experience (i.e. bars, restaurants, stores), the temperature, the fact that you can never tell what the weather at the stadium is going to be and generally unrecognizable players from year-to-year (hopefully changing with the Hanley Ramirez contract extension), and you can understand why nobody at all attends the Marlins games. And yes, these pictures were taken from Saturday's game.
Nevertheless, a day at the park is still a great experience, and I might even watch another game this year.
Now, the game was great, with the Marlins winning 9-4 behind 3 homers, while Pat Burrell of the Phillies, and formerly of the "U", hitting two of his own. Kevin Gregg entered in the 9th in a non-save situation and needed a close play at second by Hanley Ramirez with the bases loaded to end the game, cutting the Phillies lead over the Marlins to 1 1/2 games (it is now only 1/2 game). Our seats were upper level but right behind home plate, with the sun on our backs. Believe me, you want the sun at your back and not in your face for a July afternoon home game at Dolphin Stadium, otherwise you just absolutely melt.
Plus, just going to a game is very relaxing. You have the sun, the game, keeping score, peanuts, hot dogs and of course, beer.
But besides the game, I wanted to enlighten all of you about the Florida Marlin experience that is Dolphin Stadium, that was Pro Player Stadium, that was Joe Robbie Stadium. I will do this while simultaneously answering the question, "Why doesn't anyone go to the Marlins games, they are a good team?".
Under absolutely no worries whatsoever about finding tickets for the game, we stroll up to the ticket window and notice that the ticket prices are astronomical for a team that is having problems drawing fans. At the lower level behind home plate the tickets are $58 and $48 for each baseline to the bases. That in and of itself isn't awful for tickets, but they are when you can't fill the seats. At the back of the lower level, the "club" sections, the prices are $71 for right behind home plate and $66 for the baselines, again ending at the bases. As the base lines extend the prices are $39. If you prefer to sit in the outfield, the left field seats are $46 while right field is a bargain at $15 and $26. Although these prices aren't awful for some seats, the sight lines are ridiculously bad as the stadium is constructed for football, and thus all the baseline seats face the "football field", not angled toward the pitcher and/or batter's box. This is why we chose the upper deck with its view of the entire field. In addition, there are no kids prices for tickets whatsoever. Not that I had any kids with me, but just an observation that the Marlins might want to rectify in an attempt to win younger fans and fill the seats. Problem #1 - Ticket Prices.
Now the attendance for this game was 25,650, which is way above the Marlins' 15,493 average, but a good 1/3 to 1/2 of the fans were visibly cheering for the Phillies. Problem #2 - No Home Field Advantage (or too many visiting team fans).
As I make the ride up the escalator to the 400 level of seats, we notice that almost all of the concessions stands are closed/not open/dark. The team and/or stadium, knowing their likely attendance, just closes portions of the concession stands. Concessions did not turn out to be a problem for us whatsoever, as the concession stands right outside of the entrance to our seats was open, and nobody seemed to have a problem with lines. However, this is a symptom of a big problem. The team cannot even draw enough fans to keep the concessionaires working. Because of this, those fans in the sections with the closed concessions had to walk a ways to simply get food and drink, thus missing more of the game. Problem #3 - Inconveniencing Fans.
When we did make our way to the concessions stands, we noticed that some of the bars on the exterior of the concourse were open in addition to the main stands built into the interior of the concourse. While at the main concessions you could order anything, at the exterior bars you could only order beer, a few liquor drinks and peanuts. Think of them as an express lane, but with tip jars. Now, since we made several trips to the concession stands we noticed something peculiar. All of the ladies working the windows at the main concession were black, while those that worked the stand-alone bar were not. I am not drawing any definitive conclusions here since this observation was based upon a very limited sample size (the one primary concession stand and one stand-alone bar that I visited), but after discussing the observation with a couple of people, I determined that I was not the only person who noticed this peculiarity. It turns out the situation was very noticeable.
Now, I have not seen or reviewed the concessions contract, nor do I know whether the concessionaires that I saw worked for a different company from those manning the bar, so this may just be a coincidence. Nevertheless, it was very noticeable. If this situation is pervasive, then it could be a big problem for a team, and a sport, that seems to be losing black fans, be they African-American or Latin-American blacks. Problem #4 - Subconscious Racism?
Add these 4 problems to the list of the general problems which include the fact that the stadium is in the middle of absolute nowhere, with nothing bordering the stadium to accentuate the game day experience (i.e. bars, restaurants, stores), the temperature, the fact that you can never tell what the weather at the stadium is going to be and generally unrecognizable players from year-to-year (hopefully changing with the Hanley Ramirez contract extension), and you can understand why nobody at all attends the Marlins games. And yes, these pictures were taken from Saturday's game.
Nevertheless, a day at the park is still a great experience, and I might even watch another game this year.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
All-Star Revue
In lieu of the traditional "Thoughts From the All-Star Game" type format of analyzing last night's game, I thought that we here at "We Make It Rain" would just give you the synopsis of our thoughts on the festivities as our thoughts occurred.
As background, Sinickal and I were at completely different bars in completely different states, but through the wonderful world of technology were able to have the following conversations, some of which are printed here (Who on earth knows where Hopps was during all of this). Second, some of the conversations are not exact quotations, but rather revised and massaged for mass consumption, which means that we edited some of the conversations so that inside jokes and the like make more sense to anyone who may read this.
With that being said, the thoughts and conversations are time stamped. Other sentiments are editorials on last night's festivities are interspersed. Here we go:
Great idea having all of the Hall of Famers on the field. However, the crowd is what makes this part of the "ceremony" interesting.
8:19 - Sinickal - "How about boos for the Red Sox players, and Wade Boggs wearing a Yankee hat!"
8:20 - Pepster - "We were just commenting on that. Ridiculous."
Now keep in mind, the "ridiculous" was for both parts of Sinickal's observation, the boos and Boggs' hat. At least he didn't offer the Rays the chance for him to wear their hat for $25,000.
8:22 - Sinickal - "There are 1000 Cubs standing on the field."
8:23 - Pepster - "Except Ron Santo."
Yep, I am going to hell for that one. We love Ron Santo here at We Make It Rain, and may he give much joy to anyone that watches and/or listens to a Cubs game for many, many years. I sure hope that covers it.
8:24 - Pepster - "There are 1000 Cubs fans in this bar."
Which was true. No wonder the Marlins can't draw anyone to the game (more on this later).
8:25 - Sinickal (as Willie Mays is announced) - "Do you think he is muttering 'Where is my Godson?"
8:25:41 - Pepster - "Well Played."
Like him or not, Bonds should be playing somewhere if he wants, and there is no doubt in my mind he would have been in this game.
8:33 - Sinickal - "Look, its Tony Gwynn times 3."
9:25 - Sinckal (about Yogi Berra) - "Lawrence Peter? Did you know that?"
9:26 - Pepster - "I did not."
I mean honestly, hasn't he always been Yogi? His mama call him Yogi, Imma call him Yogi.
10:08 - Sinickal (in a familiar refrain) - "It is always Jeter in big spots!"
So true. Forget about how players perform in the clutch, Jeter always happens to have an at bat in a big spot. Now that we have mentioned it, look for it and you will see. Even during the World Baseball Classic Jeter had several key at bats during the tournament. Not key because of what happened, but he is just always hitting in the most crucial situations.
10:54 - Pepster - "Girardi is warming up K-Rod. Guys I am with just called him 'the fluffer'."
What other manager would do something like that? Let me see, LaRussa - no. Torre - no. Grady Little? - Oh, sorry. This is one of the reasons why Girardi should still be in Florida. Curse you Loria, boy did you blow that situation!
11:00 - Pepster - "Having a debate over whether Tejada is 45 or 53."
11:01 - Sinickal - "He's that young?"
11:33 - Sinickal - "About time someone got thrown out," when Navarro threw out Christian Guzman.
Sometimes there does have to be some actual baseball analysis.
11:37 - Pepster - "Drew is set up nicely to be the MVP. Good thing Dempster is 'closing'. He thrives so well in that situation." [Ed. note, Dempster struck out the side in the 9th, including Drew]. Too bad he couldn't do that when he was an actual "Closer".
11:41 - Sinickal - "I just wanted Papelbon to get the loss so that we could hear the NY media tomorrow."
11:59 - Sinickal - "Your Marlins clearly had money on this game. All 3 errors and non clutch hitting. What's up with that?"
Clearly Sinickal forgot about Hanley Ramirez's 2-3 with a run scored. Wait, never mind, there goes error number 3 for Uggla.
12:31 - Sinickal - "Can a Marlin help here?"
Nope, not if you are counting on Dan Uggla.
After that - well, we pretty much got sick of the game. Hope you enjoyed the game as much as possible, given that it lasted until well after 1:00 a.m. E.D.T.
As background, Sinickal and I were at completely different bars in completely different states, but through the wonderful world of technology were able to have the following conversations, some of which are printed here (Who on earth knows where Hopps was during all of this). Second, some of the conversations are not exact quotations, but rather revised and massaged for mass consumption, which means that we edited some of the conversations so that inside jokes and the like make more sense to anyone who may read this.
With that being said, the thoughts and conversations are time stamped. Other sentiments are editorials on last night's festivities are interspersed. Here we go:
Great idea having all of the Hall of Famers on the field. However, the crowd is what makes this part of the "ceremony" interesting.
8:19 - Sinickal - "How about boos for the Red Sox players, and Wade Boggs wearing a Yankee hat!"
8:20 - Pepster - "We were just commenting on that. Ridiculous."
Now keep in mind, the "ridiculous" was for both parts of Sinickal's observation, the boos and Boggs' hat. At least he didn't offer the Rays the chance for him to wear their hat for $25,000.
8:22 - Sinickal - "There are 1000 Cubs standing on the field."
8:23 - Pepster - "Except Ron Santo."
Yep, I am going to hell for that one. We love Ron Santo here at We Make It Rain, and may he give much joy to anyone that watches and/or listens to a Cubs game for many, many years. I sure hope that covers it.
8:24 - Pepster - "There are 1000 Cubs fans in this bar."
Which was true. No wonder the Marlins can't draw anyone to the game (more on this later).
8:25 - Sinickal (as Willie Mays is announced) - "Do you think he is muttering 'Where is my Godson?"
8:25:41 - Pepster - "Well Played."
Like him or not, Bonds should be playing somewhere if he wants, and there is no doubt in my mind he would have been in this game.
8:33 - Sinickal - "Look, its Tony Gwynn times 3."
9:25 - Sinckal (about Yogi Berra) - "Lawrence Peter? Did you know that?"
9:26 - Pepster - "I did not."
I mean honestly, hasn't he always been Yogi? His mama call him Yogi, Imma call him Yogi.
10:08 - Sinickal (in a familiar refrain) - "It is always Jeter in big spots!"
So true. Forget about how players perform in the clutch, Jeter always happens to have an at bat in a big spot. Now that we have mentioned it, look for it and you will see. Even during the World Baseball Classic Jeter had several key at bats during the tournament. Not key because of what happened, but he is just always hitting in the most crucial situations.
10:54 - Pepster - "Girardi is warming up K-Rod. Guys I am with just called him 'the fluffer'."
What other manager would do something like that? Let me see, LaRussa - no. Torre - no. Grady Little? - Oh, sorry. This is one of the reasons why Girardi should still be in Florida. Curse you Loria, boy did you blow that situation!
11:00 - Pepster - "Having a debate over whether Tejada is 45 or 53."
11:01 - Sinickal - "He's that young?"
11:33 - Sinickal - "About time someone got thrown out," when Navarro threw out Christian Guzman.
Sometimes there does have to be some actual baseball analysis.
11:37 - Pepster - "Drew is set up nicely to be the MVP. Good thing Dempster is 'closing'. He thrives so well in that situation." [Ed. note, Dempster struck out the side in the 9th, including Drew]. Too bad he couldn't do that when he was an actual "Closer".
11:41 - Sinickal - "I just wanted Papelbon to get the loss so that we could hear the NY media tomorrow."
11:59 - Sinickal - "Your Marlins clearly had money on this game. All 3 errors and non clutch hitting. What's up with that?"
Clearly Sinickal forgot about Hanley Ramirez's 2-3 with a run scored. Wait, never mind, there goes error number 3 for Uggla.
12:31 - Sinickal - "Can a Marlin help here?"
Nope, not if you are counting on Dan Uggla.
After that - well, we pretty much got sick of the game. Hope you enjoyed the game as much as possible, given that it lasted until well after 1:00 a.m. E.D.T.
Never Surrender
Later we will have a more detailed post filled with interesting observations from the MLB All-Star Game, but for now I just wanted to write briefly (which is generally difficult for me) about the main point I took from the game: Corey Hart needs to be banned from baseball. Yes, yes I know that the Milwaukee Brewers are finally in a legitimate playoff race, and that Hart is a big part of their lineup, but he made two egregious mistakes last night.
First, and foremost, he enters the game without any sunglasses. This might be a bad pun on Canadian rocker two-hit wonder Corey Hart's song Sunglasses at Night, but shouldn't he be required to wear them. If it isn't already, this should be a law. I mean, what on earth is our Congress working on? Iraq? Gas Prices? Foreclosure Bailouts? IndyMac? Please. We are talking important stuff. Especially since this was an exhibition game.
Second, how can a young right-fielder from the heart of the good ole U.S. of A. not be able to throw out a slow-footed Canadian at the plate on an average depth fly ball to the outfield off the bat of Michael Young. Especially since right fielders are supposed to have the strongest arms. It's not like Ben Johnson and Donovan Bailey were on the base paths. I'll bet Ichiro would have thrown him out.
Perhaps the Brewer Corey Hart decided to take a little vacation during the All-Star break and replaced himself with the Canadian Corey Hart, who actually wanted his compatriot Justin Morneau to score the game-winning run.
Or, he just wanted the game to finally be done, which if this was the case, I will gladly hear his petition for reinstatement.
First, and foremost, he enters the game without any sunglasses. This might be a bad pun on Canadian rocker two-hit wonder Corey Hart's song Sunglasses at Night, but shouldn't he be required to wear them. If it isn't already, this should be a law. I mean, what on earth is our Congress working on? Iraq? Gas Prices? Foreclosure Bailouts? IndyMac? Please. We are talking important stuff. Especially since this was an exhibition game.
Second, how can a young right-fielder from the heart of the good ole U.S. of A. not be able to throw out a slow-footed Canadian at the plate on an average depth fly ball to the outfield off the bat of Michael Young. Especially since right fielders are supposed to have the strongest arms. It's not like Ben Johnson and Donovan Bailey were on the base paths. I'll bet Ichiro would have thrown him out.
Perhaps the Brewer Corey Hart decided to take a little vacation during the All-Star break and replaced himself with the Canadian Corey Hart, who actually wanted his compatriot Justin Morneau to score the game-winning run.
Or, he just wanted the game to finally be done, which if this was the case, I will gladly hear his petition for reinstatement.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same
Sinickal beat me to the punch on my opening day thoughts, but I still feel mine need to be reduced to the written word for memorializing. Sinickal wrote about his beloved Cubbies and his hometown Braves (for now at least). Myself, I think I need to comment on Sinickal's beloved Cubbies, and my beloved and hometown Marlins.
For the Cubbies, change seems to be on the horizon. Oh, several normal ailments exist in Cubland:
1. Big Z, Carlos Zambrano being taken off the field with an injury while throwing an absolute gem;
2. At least one fan has already uttered, "Wait 'til next year;
3. The bullpen collapsing with Kerry Wood doing his best Ryan Dempster impersonation; and
4. Cubs fans worrying about what Kerry Wood has left.
However, the Cubs have been afflicted with a much more serious ailment than these. They have caught FUKUDOME FEVER. Cubs right fielder Kosuke Fukudome (whose jersey I will be purchasing post haste), had a tremendous game, finishing 3 for 3, with a walk, 1 run scored, 3 RBIs and a home run in the 9th inning off Brewers reliever Eric Gagne. On top of all that, he had a double off Ben Sheets, and threw out 4 runners on the base paths. (OK, I made that last part up). But Cubs fans, be careful, if left untreated Fukudome Fever can lead to an even more dangerous disease, Optimism. The more things change, indeed.
With regard to my Marlins (and yes they might as well be mine, nobody else likes them), I could not attend in person because I am now in the middle of changing jobs, but I listened to the broadcast in the office. What was the most astonishing fact from this game? It wasn't that Johan Santana absolutely hammered the fish, as that was to be expected. Nor was it that 35,308 people attended the game, since they were all New Yorkers anyway. Could it be that the Marlins payroll is $21 million dollars, $7 million less than A-Rod is scheduled to make this year? No. The most astonishing fact is that Luis Gonzalez, the Marlins starting right fielder with Jeremy Hermida on the DL, has played in 479 more games than the rest of the Florida Marlins starters, combined. That is absolutely ridiculous. It just goes to show that there are lots of kids on this team who nobody knows, and it is going to be a really long year. The more things stay the same.
For the Cubbies, change seems to be on the horizon. Oh, several normal ailments exist in Cubland:
1. Big Z, Carlos Zambrano being taken off the field with an injury while throwing an absolute gem;
2. At least one fan has already uttered, "Wait 'til next year;
3. The bullpen collapsing with Kerry Wood doing his best Ryan Dempster impersonation; and
4. Cubs fans worrying about what Kerry Wood has left.
However, the Cubs have been afflicted with a much more serious ailment than these. They have caught FUKUDOME FEVER. Cubs right fielder Kosuke Fukudome (whose jersey I will be purchasing post haste), had a tremendous game, finishing 3 for 3, with a walk, 1 run scored, 3 RBIs and a home run in the 9th inning off Brewers reliever Eric Gagne. On top of all that, he had a double off Ben Sheets, and threw out 4 runners on the base paths. (OK, I made that last part up). But Cubs fans, be careful, if left untreated Fukudome Fever can lead to an even more dangerous disease, Optimism. The more things change, indeed.
With regard to my Marlins (and yes they might as well be mine, nobody else likes them), I could not attend in person because I am now in the middle of changing jobs, but I listened to the broadcast in the office. What was the most astonishing fact from this game? It wasn't that Johan Santana absolutely hammered the fish, as that was to be expected. Nor was it that 35,308 people attended the game, since they were all New Yorkers anyway. Could it be that the Marlins payroll is $21 million dollars, $7 million less than A-Rod is scheduled to make this year? No. The most astonishing fact is that Luis Gonzalez, the Marlins starting right fielder with Jeremy Hermida on the DL, has played in 479 more games than the rest of the Florida Marlins starters, combined. That is absolutely ridiculous. It just goes to show that there are lots of kids on this team who nobody knows, and it is going to be a really long year. The more things stay the same.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Wh, What's Your Fantasy
My fantasy baseball draft was a couple of weekends ago. Now, ordinarily I would never want to bore our readers with my tremendously insightful logic about who I picked in what round and why. However, since the fantasy draft took place during a Saturday night I was unable to attend my live draft. That makes it much more entertaining for me to completely fabricate all of the reasons for my draft. It is this type of insightful analysis that should carry you to your fantasy baseball season championship.
The ground rules for our league: 12 teams; serpentine draft; 6 x 6 rotisserie scoring (average, HRs, RBIs, SBs, OPS, W, K, S, Holds, ERA, WHIP); 24 rounds; Standard offensive starters with 9 pitchers (4 SP, 4RP, 1P). I received the 12th pick in the draft. Onward to my draft.
The obvious picks of ARod (1st), Pujols (6) and Johan Santana (10th) were already gone, as were David Wright (2nd), Hanley Ramirez (3rd), Ryan Braun (4th), Jose Reyes (5th), Alfonso Soriano (7th), Chase Utley (8th) and Matt Holliday (9th). Due to Braun, Soriano, Wright and Utley all being over selected, I was going to be left with 2 of my third, fifth and sixth ranked selections. When the pick in front of me selected Miguel Cabrera (my preseason number 3 ranked player ... and rising), I ended up with Ryan Howard in my lap. Since I also had the wrap-around pick to start he second round, I also selected Carl Crawford. So far so good in this draft.
A note on my rankings. I pre-selected my top 60 (5 rounds approximately), but I did so by legitimately placing the top 20, then overstuffing the next 10-15 picks with pitchers to make sure I received a ton of good pitchers, then rounding out the last set with players from various positions. This should enable me to receive more than 5 rounds worth of my selections before yahoo starts automatically dumping players onto my roster.
The second round sees a lot of familiar names, Ichiro, Fielder, Rollins and Peavy, and also Chris Young the outfielder, Carlos Beltran and Lance Berkman stretches. Some nice picks in the third round, Magglio Ordonez going 35 for example, but some more early stretches for position, Russell Martin, Mark Texeira and Chone Figgins. The draft allows Manny Ramirez (my 18th rated player) to fall to me at 36 [Ed. Note - Ramirez is on pace to score 162 and drive in 648 runs]. I also pick Brandon Webb (my 20th rated player) of Arizona with the 37th pick. So far I have average, power, speed with Crawford and the ability to score and drive in runs. Although only 1 pitcher, he is a perennial Cy Young candidate, and remember, I overstocked my rankings with pitchers.
Some nice players drafted in the 4th round, Sabathia, Alex Rios, Adam Dunn, Aramis Ramirez, and the first closer, Papelbon, but some real stretches also, like Troy Tulowizki and Brian Roberts, and some injury questions like Josh Beckett. The 5th round is more of the same, although I was a bit distraught to see Cole Hamels taken 3 spots in front of me, the only real pick that I was upset about in those two rounds. With the 60th and 61st picks, I get Carlos Zambrano and Roy Halladay. Can you believe it? Three pitchers, three Cy Young candidates.
A quarter of the way through my draft and my team looks like this (I am very pleased at this point, by the way):
C, 1B - Ryan Howard, 2B, 3B, SS, OF - Carl Crawford, OF, Manny Ramirez, OF, Util
SP - Brandon Webb, SP - Carlos Zambrano, SP - Roy Halladay, SP, RP, RP, RP, RP, P
The sixth and seventh round eliminate Justin Verlander, Carlos Pena, Roy Oswalt, Aaron Harang, Scott Kazmir, Joe Mauer and Gary Sheffield from the draft pool, but the likes of Adrian Gonzalez, Torii Hunter and Brian McCann are also taken. Once again, I am not displeased with the progression of these rounds. This leads to my selctions, in the seventh and eighth rounds respectively, of Felix Hernanzez and Ben Sheets. Hernandez has a ton of potential, and remember is still incredibly young, despite his experience. If Sheets can stay healthy, he is an absolute stud on the mound. More pitching for me.
Tim Lincecum, Ryan Zimmerman and Mariano Rivera are the most interesting names that are taken in the eighth and ninth rounds ahead of me, but Brett Myers and Chad Bilingsley are available when I pick. Brett Myers and Chad Billingsley are great because they count both as starters and relief pitchers in the yahoo leagues due to their appearances last year, although they will both be used as starters. Billingsley has had a very subpar spring training, but he has outstanding stuff. Looking forward to watching him pitch in the next few years. More importantly, I am through ten rounds without having yahoo assign me one single player.
Rounds 11 and 12 bring me Johnny Damon and Rickie Weeks. With Damon, he should score a ton of runs at the top of that lineup and have decent production [Ed. note - notice me talking myself into this pick]. Thank God defense isn't a criteria in fantasy sports. He might just have a weaker arm than Juan Pierre. Maybe. With Weeks, decent production from the 2B spot. I still hope that yahoo does me a bit better for this position. [Ed. Note - Foreshadowing].
Halfway through the draft my team looks like this (and I am still very much pleased):
C, 1B - Ryan Howard, 2B - Rcikie Weeks, 3B, SS, OF - Carl Crawford, OF, Manny Ramirez, OF - Johnny Damon, Util
SP - Brandon Webb, SP - Carlos Zambrano, SP - Roy Halladay, SP - Felix Hernandez, RP - Brett Myers, RP - Chad Billingsley, RP, RP, P - Ben Sheets
At this point I need a few position players (and yes, closers, I know this). Yahoo does not let me down with my next four picks being Matt Kemp of the Dodgers, Jarrod Saltalamacchia of the Rangers, Josh Fields of the White Sox and Jhonny Peralta of the Indians. Kemp has the capability of being a really nice fantasy player, as do Saltalamacchia and Fields. Unfortunately for me, Saltalamacchia and Fields will both most likely start the season in the minors. Peralta is a great pick because (a) he is a great fantasy pick in the 16th round; and (b) every team needs at least one player that cannot spell his own name. The next round brings my relief pitching in the form of B.J. Ryan and Pat Neshak. Neshak is an absolute beast in a league where holds are a scoring category. Great WHIP, great ERA, a ton of holds. He helps everywhere. They only players I was upset at missing during this quarter of the draft were Kosuke Fukudome (round 14 - mostly because of his name), Kevin Youkilis (round 15) and Hideki Okajima (round 17). I had Okajima and Neshak in my bullpen last year and they were amazing.
My team to this point (still pleased, but cognizant of holes to be filled):
C - Jarrod Saltalamachia, 1B - Ryan Howard, 2B - Rickie Weeks, 3B - Josh Fields, SS - Jhonny Peralta, OF - Carl Crawford, OF, Manny Ramirez, OF - Johnny Damon, Util - Matt Kemp
SP - Brandon Webb, SP - Carlos Zambrano, SP - Roy Halladay, SP - Felix Hernandez, RP - Brett Myers, RP - Chad Billingsley, RP - B.J. Ryan, RP - Pat Neshek, P - Ben Sheets
At this point I am just drafting to fill holes, as I have at least one player at each of my starting positions. Time to bring in another catcher, another middle infielder, some more runs scored, and not hurt my batting average. On to the last six rounds.
The 19th round brings the absolute steal of the draft. Placido Polanco, second baseman of the Tigers. IN THE 19TH ROUND. He hit .341 and scored 105 runs last year. He is hitting second in a lineup behind Granderson (when he returns), and in front of Cabrera, Ordonez AND Sheffield. Are you serious? I'll take this pick anytime.
My next picks are all position players as well. Next is Edwin Encarnacion, who provides me with insurance in case Fields starts the season in the minors. He hit .289 last year with 16 homers, 76 RBIs, 66 runs scored and 8 stolen bases. He is followed by Colby Rasmus (who?), Julio Lugo, Casey Kotchman, and Paul LoDuca. LoDuca helps because he will actually play and Saltalamacchia might not. Lugo is a shortsop, and you always need shortstops. Kotchman and Rasmus have already been cut for more pitching, including Schilling, who I immediately placed on the DL just in case he does come back, David Weathers (for saves) and Matt Guerrier for bullpen help.
After the draft, my team looks like this:
C - Jarrod Saltalamachia, 1B - Ryan Howard, 2B - Placido Polanco, 3B - Edwin Encarnacion, SS - Jhonny Peralta, OF - Carl Crawford, OF, Manny Ramirez, OF - Johnny Damon, Util - Matt Kemp, B - Rickie Weeks, B - Josh Fields, B - Julio Lugo B - Paul LoDuca, B - Colby Rasmus (since waived) and B - Casey Kotchman (since waived).
SP - Brandon Webb, SP - Carlos Zambrano, SP - Roy Halladay, SP - Felix Hernandez, RP - Brett Myers, RP - Chad Billingsley, RP - B.J. Ryan, RP - Pat Neshek, P - Ben Sheets
Take a look at the team again, but think of it as an actual lineup.
OF - Carl Crawford
2B - Placido Polanco
1B - Ryan Howard
OF - Manny Ramirez
DH - Matt Kemp
3B - Edwin Encarnacion
C - Jarrod Saltalamacchia
SS - Jhonny Peralta
OF - Johnny Damon
More importantly, check out the pitching rotation: Brandon Webb, Carlos Zambrano, Roy Halladay, Felix Hernandez, Ben Sheets, Brett Myers and Chad Billingsley with a bullpen consisting of B.J. Ryan, David Weathers, Pat Neshek and Matt Guerrier. A little short on saves, but other than that, completely solid. You couldn't find one team in the majors that would want to face this pitching staff.
The ground rules for our league: 12 teams; serpentine draft; 6 x 6 rotisserie scoring (average, HRs, RBIs, SBs, OPS, W, K, S, Holds, ERA, WHIP); 24 rounds; Standard offensive starters with 9 pitchers (4 SP, 4RP, 1P). I received the 12th pick in the draft. Onward to my draft.
The obvious picks of ARod (1st), Pujols (6) and Johan Santana (10th) were already gone, as were David Wright (2nd), Hanley Ramirez (3rd), Ryan Braun (4th), Jose Reyes (5th), Alfonso Soriano (7th), Chase Utley (8th) and Matt Holliday (9th). Due to Braun, Soriano, Wright and Utley all being over selected, I was going to be left with 2 of my third, fifth and sixth ranked selections. When the pick in front of me selected Miguel Cabrera (my preseason number 3 ranked player ... and rising), I ended up with Ryan Howard in my lap. Since I also had the wrap-around pick to start he second round, I also selected Carl Crawford. So far so good in this draft.
A note on my rankings. I pre-selected my top 60 (5 rounds approximately), but I did so by legitimately placing the top 20, then overstuffing the next 10-15 picks with pitchers to make sure I received a ton of good pitchers, then rounding out the last set with players from various positions. This should enable me to receive more than 5 rounds worth of my selections before yahoo starts automatically dumping players onto my roster.
The second round sees a lot of familiar names, Ichiro, Fielder, Rollins and Peavy, and also Chris Young the outfielder, Carlos Beltran and Lance Berkman stretches. Some nice picks in the third round, Magglio Ordonez going 35 for example, but some more early stretches for position, Russell Martin, Mark Texeira and Chone Figgins. The draft allows Manny Ramirez (my 18th rated player) to fall to me at 36 [Ed. Note - Ramirez is on pace to score 162 and drive in 648 runs]. I also pick Brandon Webb (my 20th rated player) of Arizona with the 37th pick. So far I have average, power, speed with Crawford and the ability to score and drive in runs. Although only 1 pitcher, he is a perennial Cy Young candidate, and remember, I overstocked my rankings with pitchers.
Some nice players drafted in the 4th round, Sabathia, Alex Rios, Adam Dunn, Aramis Ramirez, and the first closer, Papelbon, but some real stretches also, like Troy Tulowizki and Brian Roberts, and some injury questions like Josh Beckett. The 5th round is more of the same, although I was a bit distraught to see Cole Hamels taken 3 spots in front of me, the only real pick that I was upset about in those two rounds. With the 60th and 61st picks, I get Carlos Zambrano and Roy Halladay. Can you believe it? Three pitchers, three Cy Young candidates.
A quarter of the way through my draft and my team looks like this (I am very pleased at this point, by the way):
C, 1B - Ryan Howard, 2B, 3B, SS, OF - Carl Crawford, OF, Manny Ramirez, OF, Util
SP - Brandon Webb, SP - Carlos Zambrano, SP - Roy Halladay, SP, RP, RP, RP, RP, P
The sixth and seventh round eliminate Justin Verlander, Carlos Pena, Roy Oswalt, Aaron Harang, Scott Kazmir, Joe Mauer and Gary Sheffield from the draft pool, but the likes of Adrian Gonzalez, Torii Hunter and Brian McCann are also taken. Once again, I am not displeased with the progression of these rounds. This leads to my selctions, in the seventh and eighth rounds respectively, of Felix Hernanzez and Ben Sheets. Hernandez has a ton of potential, and remember is still incredibly young, despite his experience. If Sheets can stay healthy, he is an absolute stud on the mound. More pitching for me.
Tim Lincecum, Ryan Zimmerman and Mariano Rivera are the most interesting names that are taken in the eighth and ninth rounds ahead of me, but Brett Myers and Chad Bilingsley are available when I pick. Brett Myers and Chad Billingsley are great because they count both as starters and relief pitchers in the yahoo leagues due to their appearances last year, although they will both be used as starters. Billingsley has had a very subpar spring training, but he has outstanding stuff. Looking forward to watching him pitch in the next few years. More importantly, I am through ten rounds without having yahoo assign me one single player.
Rounds 11 and 12 bring me Johnny Damon and Rickie Weeks. With Damon, he should score a ton of runs at the top of that lineup and have decent production [Ed. note - notice me talking myself into this pick]. Thank God defense isn't a criteria in fantasy sports. He might just have a weaker arm than Juan Pierre. Maybe. With Weeks, decent production from the 2B spot. I still hope that yahoo does me a bit better for this position. [Ed. Note - Foreshadowing].
Halfway through the draft my team looks like this (and I am still very much pleased):
C, 1B - Ryan Howard, 2B - Rcikie Weeks, 3B, SS, OF - Carl Crawford, OF, Manny Ramirez, OF - Johnny Damon, Util
SP - Brandon Webb, SP - Carlos Zambrano, SP - Roy Halladay, SP - Felix Hernandez, RP - Brett Myers, RP - Chad Billingsley, RP, RP, P - Ben Sheets
At this point I need a few position players (and yes, closers, I know this). Yahoo does not let me down with my next four picks being Matt Kemp of the Dodgers, Jarrod Saltalamacchia of the Rangers, Josh Fields of the White Sox and Jhonny Peralta of the Indians. Kemp has the capability of being a really nice fantasy player, as do Saltalamacchia and Fields. Unfortunately for me, Saltalamacchia and Fields will both most likely start the season in the minors. Peralta is a great pick because (a) he is a great fantasy pick in the 16th round; and (b) every team needs at least one player that cannot spell his own name. The next round brings my relief pitching in the form of B.J. Ryan and Pat Neshak. Neshak is an absolute beast in a league where holds are a scoring category. Great WHIP, great ERA, a ton of holds. He helps everywhere. They only players I was upset at missing during this quarter of the draft were Kosuke Fukudome (round 14 - mostly because of his name), Kevin Youkilis (round 15) and Hideki Okajima (round 17). I had Okajima and Neshak in my bullpen last year and they were amazing.
My team to this point (still pleased, but cognizant of holes to be filled):
C - Jarrod Saltalamachia, 1B - Ryan Howard, 2B - Rickie Weeks, 3B - Josh Fields, SS - Jhonny Peralta, OF - Carl Crawford, OF, Manny Ramirez, OF - Johnny Damon, Util - Matt Kemp
SP - Brandon Webb, SP - Carlos Zambrano, SP - Roy Halladay, SP - Felix Hernandez, RP - Brett Myers, RP - Chad Billingsley, RP - B.J. Ryan, RP - Pat Neshek, P - Ben Sheets
At this point I am just drafting to fill holes, as I have at least one player at each of my starting positions. Time to bring in another catcher, another middle infielder, some more runs scored, and not hurt my batting average. On to the last six rounds.
The 19th round brings the absolute steal of the draft. Placido Polanco, second baseman of the Tigers. IN THE 19TH ROUND. He hit .341 and scored 105 runs last year. He is hitting second in a lineup behind Granderson (when he returns), and in front of Cabrera, Ordonez AND Sheffield. Are you serious? I'll take this pick anytime.
My next picks are all position players as well. Next is Edwin Encarnacion, who provides me with insurance in case Fields starts the season in the minors. He hit .289 last year with 16 homers, 76 RBIs, 66 runs scored and 8 stolen bases. He is followed by Colby Rasmus (who?), Julio Lugo, Casey Kotchman, and Paul LoDuca. LoDuca helps because he will actually play and Saltalamacchia might not. Lugo is a shortsop, and you always need shortstops. Kotchman and Rasmus have already been cut for more pitching, including Schilling, who I immediately placed on the DL just in case he does come back, David Weathers (for saves) and Matt Guerrier for bullpen help.
After the draft, my team looks like this:
C - Jarrod Saltalamachia, 1B - Ryan Howard, 2B - Placido Polanco, 3B - Edwin Encarnacion, SS - Jhonny Peralta, OF - Carl Crawford, OF, Manny Ramirez, OF - Johnny Damon, Util - Matt Kemp, B - Rickie Weeks, B - Josh Fields, B - Julio Lugo B - Paul LoDuca, B - Colby Rasmus (since waived) and B - Casey Kotchman (since waived).
SP - Brandon Webb, SP - Carlos Zambrano, SP - Roy Halladay, SP - Felix Hernandez, RP - Brett Myers, RP - Chad Billingsley, RP - B.J. Ryan, RP - Pat Neshek, P - Ben Sheets
Take a look at the team again, but think of it as an actual lineup.
OF - Carl Crawford
2B - Placido Polanco
1B - Ryan Howard
OF - Manny Ramirez
DH - Matt Kemp
3B - Edwin Encarnacion
C - Jarrod Saltalamacchia
SS - Jhonny Peralta
OF - Johnny Damon
More importantly, check out the pitching rotation: Brandon Webb, Carlos Zambrano, Roy Halladay, Felix Hernandez, Ben Sheets, Brett Myers and Chad Billingsley with a bullpen consisting of B.J. Ryan, David Weathers, Pat Neshek and Matt Guerrier. A little short on saves, but other than that, completely solid. You couldn't find one team in the majors that would want to face this pitching staff.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Spearing Some Marlins
As the calendar turns to March, those of us in South Florida automatically start to think about baseball. Spring training abounds, and northern baseball fans make their yearly pilgrimage to my town in order to watch their favorite team, escape the horrid winter weather, and take my parking spots at my regular pubs. Ahhh baseball. Since it is now March, it seems a perfect time to write my first, and quite possibly only, preseason preview. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Florida Marlins.
In some respects, the Florida Marlins are a model franchise. They compete for a World Series championship at least once a decade, have not lost a playoff series in their admittedly short history and their management has an incredible eye at identifying young talent. However, something seems to be missing (well, more than one thing for sure). That something is recognizable and identifiable players around whom the team is defined. That trend continues this year. Outside of Hanley Ramirez, I would doubt that any non-season ticket holder could name 5 Marlins. WAIT - they have season ticket holders?! Who knew?!
In 1997, the Marlins won their first World Series in franchise history, after making their debut in 1992. That team had not only good players, but also very recognizable players: Gary Sheffield, Devon White, Moises Alou, Kevin Brown, Al Leiter, Charles Johnson. What happened? After determining that winning a World Series did not necessarily equate with greater profits, the owner/management dismantled the team. At least they waited an entire week before releasing Alou. ONE WEEK!!!
The fan base was outraged, but in retrospect, the team did great. They packaged known talent for unknown prospects, almost all of whom seemingly hit the big time. Then, in 2003, only six years after winning their first World Series, the Marlins won their second, with an assist by two guys named Bartman and Baker. (Bartman got the blame, but Baker was the real goat in that series, by the way). That team also had stars: Josh Beckett, Pudge Rodriguez, Mike Lowell, and the emerging Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera. Then, as if on cue, the team was dismantled again, although this time much slower and subtler (if that is even a word).
As a quick aside, what teams outside of the traditional powers, wouldn't love to win a World Series every 6 to 10 years and then rebuild in between, so long as the fans new that the rebuilding would be successful and culminate in an actual chance to go and win the World Series after a few years. It could be worse, the Marlins could be the Cubs, and not win anything in, well, let's just call it 100 years. Back to the column.
Having traded Beckett and Lowell to the Red Sox, the Marlins received Hanley Ramirez and Anibal Sanchez, an emerging perennial All-Star and a pitcher who has already thrown a no-hitter. In 2006, the team had 6 rookies with at least 20 Home Runs. The team seemed on cue for another run in either 2008 or 2009 (preferably 2009 just to keep the every six years string going). They had known quantities ready for 2009, Cabrera, Ramirez and the ever popular D-Train. Then, something happened on the way to their appointed date with destiny. The Marlins traded Willis and Cabrera to the Detroit Tigers for a package of about 6 players.
Now, by all accounts the package received by the Marlins is loaded with prospects, included some very live arms, and at least one potentially potent bat. (Don't ask who - if I told you the names you could then be able to name 5 Marlins - besides, the actual prospects are irrelevant for the purposes of this column). From reading and listening to those who follow minor league baseball, the Marlins may have acquitted themselves very well in this trade, especially since it appears that the league has figured out Dontrelle Willis, whose numbers have declined in the past few seasons. But even though the Marlins may ultimately win the numbers game with this trade, the Marlins are still missing any names or personalities that will draw fans to the ballpark.
And that my friends, is the problem with the Marlins. There is absolutely no reason to watch this team. Do they have talent? Absolutely. Are a lot of the players on this team going to have long established careers in the majors? Yes. Do fans want to watch Dan Uggla flawlessly turn a double play or Miguel Olivo continue to be a league leader in hitting when swinging at the first pitch or even Jeremy Hermida play two amazing games followed by eight games in which he looks completely lost at the plate and in the field? NO!!!
What this team needs is someone for whom to root and cheer, a reason for the kids to become excited about the team and a reason for baseball fans to be excited about the possibilities, even if those possibilities are literally the proverbial "next year". They need a player that can singlehandedly be responsible for a sellout - thereby giving exposure to the guys like Uggla, Olivo, Mike Jacobs, Cameron Maybin, Andrew Miller and the almost immortal Rick VandenHurk (OK - so now you know 5 other players).
Perhaps the Marlins already have that player in Hanley Ramirez. If you are a baseball fan, he is an absolute must see. He still needs some work on defense, but he puts on a show every single night. However, given the recent history, most Marlins fans are resigned to the fact that he is going to be traded in the next couple of years in a salary-cutting deal that probably will bring several really good prospects. Since the fans already believe that Ramirez will not be around for any length of time, no need to invest any emotional capital in him now, right? (Or actual dollars - unless you want to go ahead and buy that future throwback Ramirez Marlins jersey).
Without a reason to watch this team, and without hope for any postseason titles, the Marlins fans need something to get them through baseball season. Which is why I am going to watch Pudge, D-Train and Cabrera on the Tigers. If that doesn't work, perhaps Joe Girardi can keep the players motivated - once all the prospects blossom and are traded to the Yankees. Until then, here's hoping that Anibal Sanchez's next no-hitter is pitched on the road, so perhaps some people can actually see it live and in person. Until the team's strategy changes, expect to see many more of last year's Marlins-Nationals games, where only 700 people attend.
In some respects, the Florida Marlins are a model franchise. They compete for a World Series championship at least once a decade, have not lost a playoff series in their admittedly short history and their management has an incredible eye at identifying young talent. However, something seems to be missing (well, more than one thing for sure). That something is recognizable and identifiable players around whom the team is defined. That trend continues this year. Outside of Hanley Ramirez, I would doubt that any non-season ticket holder could name 5 Marlins. WAIT - they have season ticket holders?! Who knew?!
In 1997, the Marlins won their first World Series in franchise history, after making their debut in 1992. That team had not only good players, but also very recognizable players: Gary Sheffield, Devon White, Moises Alou, Kevin Brown, Al Leiter, Charles Johnson. What happened? After determining that winning a World Series did not necessarily equate with greater profits, the owner/management dismantled the team. At least they waited an entire week before releasing Alou. ONE WEEK!!!
The fan base was outraged, but in retrospect, the team did great. They packaged known talent for unknown prospects, almost all of whom seemingly hit the big time. Then, in 2003, only six years after winning their first World Series, the Marlins won their second, with an assist by two guys named Bartman and Baker. (Bartman got the blame, but Baker was the real goat in that series, by the way). That team also had stars: Josh Beckett, Pudge Rodriguez, Mike Lowell, and the emerging Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera. Then, as if on cue, the team was dismantled again, although this time much slower and subtler (if that is even a word).
As a quick aside, what teams outside of the traditional powers, wouldn't love to win a World Series every 6 to 10 years and then rebuild in between, so long as the fans new that the rebuilding would be successful and culminate in an actual chance to go and win the World Series after a few years. It could be worse, the Marlins could be the Cubs, and not win anything in, well, let's just call it 100 years. Back to the column.
Having traded Beckett and Lowell to the Red Sox, the Marlins received Hanley Ramirez and Anibal Sanchez, an emerging perennial All-Star and a pitcher who has already thrown a no-hitter. In 2006, the team had 6 rookies with at least 20 Home Runs. The team seemed on cue for another run in either 2008 or 2009 (preferably 2009 just to keep the every six years string going). They had known quantities ready for 2009, Cabrera, Ramirez and the ever popular D-Train. Then, something happened on the way to their appointed date with destiny. The Marlins traded Willis and Cabrera to the Detroit Tigers for a package of about 6 players.
Now, by all accounts the package received by the Marlins is loaded with prospects, included some very live arms, and at least one potentially potent bat. (Don't ask who - if I told you the names you could then be able to name 5 Marlins - besides, the actual prospects are irrelevant for the purposes of this column). From reading and listening to those who follow minor league baseball, the Marlins may have acquitted themselves very well in this trade, especially since it appears that the league has figured out Dontrelle Willis, whose numbers have declined in the past few seasons. But even though the Marlins may ultimately win the numbers game with this trade, the Marlins are still missing any names or personalities that will draw fans to the ballpark.
And that my friends, is the problem with the Marlins. There is absolutely no reason to watch this team. Do they have talent? Absolutely. Are a lot of the players on this team going to have long established careers in the majors? Yes. Do fans want to watch Dan Uggla flawlessly turn a double play or Miguel Olivo continue to be a league leader in hitting when swinging at the first pitch or even Jeremy Hermida play two amazing games followed by eight games in which he looks completely lost at the plate and in the field? NO!!!
What this team needs is someone for whom to root and cheer, a reason for the kids to become excited about the team and a reason for baseball fans to be excited about the possibilities, even if those possibilities are literally the proverbial "next year". They need a player that can singlehandedly be responsible for a sellout - thereby giving exposure to the guys like Uggla, Olivo, Mike Jacobs, Cameron Maybin, Andrew Miller and the almost immortal Rick VandenHurk (OK - so now you know 5 other players).
Perhaps the Marlins already have that player in Hanley Ramirez. If you are a baseball fan, he is an absolute must see. He still needs some work on defense, but he puts on a show every single night. However, given the recent history, most Marlins fans are resigned to the fact that he is going to be traded in the next couple of years in a salary-cutting deal that probably will bring several really good prospects. Since the fans already believe that Ramirez will not be around for any length of time, no need to invest any emotional capital in him now, right? (Or actual dollars - unless you want to go ahead and buy that future throwback Ramirez Marlins jersey).
Without a reason to watch this team, and without hope for any postseason titles, the Marlins fans need something to get them through baseball season. Which is why I am going to watch Pudge, D-Train and Cabrera on the Tigers. If that doesn't work, perhaps Joe Girardi can keep the players motivated - once all the prospects blossom and are traded to the Yankees. Until then, here's hoping that Anibal Sanchez's next no-hitter is pitched on the road, so perhaps some people can actually see it live and in person. Until the team's strategy changes, expect to see many more of last year's Marlins-Nationals games, where only 700 people attend.
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