Results tagged ‘ Washington Nationals ’
Welcome Back, Strasburg!
Before I got to Midway Stadium for the deciding Game Five of the American Association Division Series, I had MLB AtBat 11 in my ears with Charlie Steiner and Rick Monday calling the Dodgers-Nationals game on Labor Day. Eventually, the Nats ruined Kuroda’s day by the Anacostia River.
Yet, the former Dodger and Cub outfielder announced something even more buzzowrthy: Stephen Strasburg’s major league return from Tommy John Surgery.
That was tonight. The former top draft choice faced Ted Lilly on a humid Tuesday night south of the Capitol. He did well…five shutout innings worth. His numbers were fine through five frames: 56 pitches with 40 strikes called. He struck out four, but had a hand on retiring ten in a row after a Dee Gordon hit early in the game.
Strasburg threw a 99 MPH fastball – something that everyone wondered if he could do after the surgery. Heck, he even helped himself out on offense with a bunt inducing an error to score Wilson Ramos. Strasburg left the mound with the Nats in the lead 3-0.
Then, his own team let him down.
Or, rather, the Dodgers took advantage of not having Strasburg on the mound anymore. They rallied for seven runs to take the win.
The hype’s over for now. Strasburg is back in a major league uniform. It may be simply too late for the Nats to run to the postseason, but with the phenom back – it’s spoiler time!
TWO PERSONAL NOTES: The St. Paul Saints will begin the American Association Championship Series on Wednesday at Midway Stadium against Grand Prairie. Tickets start at $5.00 and up. There is a possibility I will not make the series, but that’s no excuse for you not to do so, either. If you want to see a championship in the Twin Cities – just go!
Also, I will be in Chicago as early as this coming Monday. I have some automotive-related business there, so it may be a quick trip. If any of the Chicago-based MLBloggers want to say “whaddup,” let me know!
Photo of Stephen Strasburg courtesy of Major League Baseball
“I Got a Promotion at Work!”
Photo by Will Bentzel/MiLB.com - Courtesy of Minor League Baseball.com
Fireworks went off…and Bryce Harper landed in Harrisburg just in time. Coincidence? Perhaps…
BRYCE ARRIVES IN HARRISBURG: On July 4, Bryce Harper was given a promotion. After proving his worth in Single-A Hagerstown, he took a ride up Interstate 81 to arrive in the middle of the Susquehanna River – on Harrisburg’s City Island.
Pennsylvania’s capital is no stranger to high profile draft picks. Remember a guy named Stephen Strasburg. He was the Senators’ big draw at the beginning of 2010 before jumping to Syracuse, DC and the disabled list.
Now, it’s Harper’s turn to wow the fans of South Central Pennsylvania. His first outing at Metro Bank Park certainly matched his marquee value. Harper batted 2 for 3, scoring one run and drew one walk. Yesterday, Harper earned his first RBI in the Senators’ victory over Erie.
So far, a great start. However, he is not eligible for the Eastern League All-Star Game, since he already made his presence in the South Atlantic League’s classic in Salisbury, Maryland. A hitless presence, but one that helped earn him the two-step promotion to Harrisburg nonetheless.
THE COUNTDOWN TO PHOENIX: The All-Star rosters…well…they’re not bad, really. Actually, I happen to like these lineups…despite a few issues.
On the AL side, it is quite Yankees heavy. Then again, when you give a person a chance to stuff the ballot 25 or more times, they’ll vote based on their prejudice for their favorite team. Therefore, Robinson Cano, Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter and Curtis Granderson will represent the Pinstripers next Tuesday inside Chase Field. Joining them will be Adrian Gonzalez and Big Papi of the Red Sox, Jose Bautista of the Blue Jays, Josh Hamilton of the Rangers and Alex Avila of the Detroit Tigers. Avila is actually a great choice to start as he represents a new class of catcher coming through in a post-Joe Mauer future behind the plate.
On the home…er, NL, side, it is strangely enough a Sconnie-heavy side with Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder and Rickie Weeks representing the Brewers. Joining the Sconnie squad are Matt Kemp of the Dodgers, Brian McCann of the Braves, Jose Reyes of the Mets and Placido Polanco of the Phillies. The one choice that made me scratch my head was Lance Berkman of the Cardinals. I get it…he’s having a happier year than the last two in Houston and the Bronx respectively.
What we have yet to hear are the starting pitching assignments, but from what I gathered amongst the picks made last Sunday, it should be a tough choice in both leagues. If you’re Ron Washington, could you go with Felix Hernandez to start? Or, go with your own guy, C.J. Wilson? If I was Mr. Washington, I pick neither of them. Jered Weaver would be my AL starter – just look at his year so far!
As for Bruce Bochy, his job isn’t as easy as Ron Washington’s. He could go with Tim Lincecum or Matt Cain – but, why? Not when the best pitcher in the NL is Jair Jurrjens! That would be my pick based on the great year Jurrjens is having so far as well.
Don’t forget about the final vote! I made my picks. Some of you will think I’m crazy for them – Andre Ethier and Adam Jones. Just sayin’…
FRIENDS AND THE GAME – 2011 EDITION: I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who are friends, acquaintances or associates that have patronized ballgames this season so far. Your Facebook and Twitter messages warm my heart to know that you support this game. The photos pretty much put me over the top – positively, might I add.
Now, I’m not just talking my fellow MLBloggers. Our support comes pretty much automatic – hence why we do this sort of thing. It’s the ones I know outside our little realm. Your presence at places, such as Target Field, Wrigley Field, Sun Life Stadium, Chase Field, Nationals Park, Yankee Stadium, Miller Park…and various others I probably don’t have the brain power to recall right now…cemented a love for the game that we all share.
It also makes this work a much happier experience.
Quitters
In this economy, why would anyone want to quit their job in the first place?
Sure, we may not like our bosses, our co-workers, may feel harassed (even if the law is on our side) or just can’t deal with the crap work throws at you. But, you have to wonder when two managers all of the sudden resigned in a short manner that something is amiss on these ball clubs.
First, it was Edwin Rodriguez resigning as the manager of the Florida Marlins. Yes, they’re in last place in the National League East, but they’re not in bad shape. After all, the Fish had been 46-46 under Rodriquez, yet no one offered any concrete explanation behind his departure. The division’s tightening up, but that’s no excuse for the manager to simply quit.
Just minutes after his team beat the Seattle Mariners at home today, Jim Riggleman tendered his resignation to Mike Rizzo and the Washington Nationals. This one I don’t get. Riggs has the Nats over .500 and in third place in NL East. They’re nine games out of first, but they’re over .500.
There was some information regarding Riggs’ departure: His contract. It appeared that he wanted to meet with Rizzo regarding issues around the manager’s contract. Apparently Rizzo turned him down. Riggs claimed that he was “too old to be disrespected.”
Well! How juicy is that! Rizzo certainly lived up to his reputation as being a tough negotiator who will get what he wants. That’s not going to make friends in this game. To upset Riggleman to point of tendering a resignation – that’s gall.
I don’t get why managers would have to resign to exit out of their current situation. What motivates one to simply walk away from a huge salary and massive responsibility?
If someone has the answer…fire away.
Seriously, no one likes a quitter.
The Golden Child Syndrome
A year ago, Stephen Strasburg captured our imagination. His debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates was document not only here, as well as across the blogosphere. On every pitch…every at-bat…we marveled at what this young man accomplished as soon as he hit the rubber at Nationals Park.
On August 27 of 2010, the honeymoon ended. Strasburg underwent Tommy John Surgery at the tender age of 22. We await his return, but it is taking a while.
The crash of Stephen Strasburg foretold a heed of caution to anyone expecting the same kind of boost the Nationals’ pitcher got in a short period of time. Strasburg was the golden child who broke our hearts when his ulnar collateral ligament broke.
This year’s Amateur Draft yielded some of the same lofty expectations upon the first several picks as we placed upon Strasburg and Bryan Harper. There is so much pressure to out-pitch or out-hit the top picks – the same amount of pressure a top draft pick in the National Football League or the National Basketball Association endures when they hit their respective training camps.
But, why should they take on so much pressure to succeed. When a player is drafted, they get the benefit of the development opportunities a Major League club has. From the Development and Fall Leagues through the farm system, a player learns to hone in their skills towards a Major League skill set along with learning to become a mature member of the community along the way.
The latter point is exactly why everyone went bonkers when Harper blew a kiss at the pitcher he jacked a home run off of this past week. It is also why the Nats are not looking to promote him any time soon. Harper needs work on his maturity.
It is also why Strasburg was given a quick track towards his debut a year ago. At 21, Strasburg had the opportunity to play at a NCAA Division I baseball program. He was taught by one of the best: Tony Gwynn at San Diego State University. His poise and maturity was seen as an asset when he walked onto Spring Training last year in Viera.
Now with Gerrit Cole and Trevor Bauer coming out of UCLA, the same expectations of maturity and the chance to develop their game towards a Major League skill set are heaped upon these young men. Will the Pittsburgh Pirates and Arizona Diamondbacks take heed on the lessons of the Washington Nationals in developing top draft picks? It will depend on how ready Cole and Bauer be for the grind of the Development and Fall Leagues in the next few months – depending on when they sign with their respective ball clubs.
Considering the elevation of Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas onto the Kansas City Royals (and Dee Gordon with the Los Angeles Dodgers), teams can develop players at a pace that ensures player maturity in athletic ability, game skills and personality. Look at how Danny Valencia of the Minnesota Twins and Andrew McCutchen of the Pirates evolved into contributors for the team in their young careers? These things are possible – if only Cole and Bauer can grow into their roles over a good period of time and avoid the “Golden Child Syndrome.”
Photo of Gerrit Cole (above) courtesy of CollegeBaseball360.com
The Minors – 2011
Thursday calls for yet another slew of Opening Days – the Minors. You think there’s a trend happening here…
Last year, the big openers featured two of the most anticipated pitchers of the time: Aroldis Chapman and Stephen Strasburg. While Strasburg began his journey to DC on the road in Altoona with the Harrisburg Senators, Toledo hosted the arrival of the Cuban phenom and his Louisville Bats. Now, Chapman is on the Cincinnati Reds 25-man roster while Strasburg is on track towards recovery from surgery.
This Minor League opener has a few big prospects to watch. Want to know where to watch them? (All times are Eastern)
7:00PM – ROME, GA: Last year’s top draft pick, Bryce Harper, will begin his journey to the Nats at State Mutual Stadium. His Hagerstown Suns will open 2011 on the road against the South Atlantic League’s Braves up in deep North Georgia. Don’t expect the fans to love him up there – Rome is a solid baseball town and they know their game. And, they know all about Harper. No worries, Harper will debut in front of the home crowd at old Municipal Stadium on Friday, April 15 against the Lakewood Blue Claws.
7:05PM – ALLENTOWN, PA: Before he was traded to the Detroit Tigers for Curtis Granderson, Austin Jackson was the big name with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees. Now that Jackson is the lad off for the Tigers, the Yanks still have a deep farm system to supplant their former stars. This year, Jesus Montero takes his spot in Dundler Mifflin country as the distant understudy to Jorge Posada. Montero will catch for a series of Yankees prospects ready to throw down this season en route to the Bronx. The SWB Yanks will start their 2011 campaign at Coca-Cola Park against the host Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
9:35PM – ALBUQUERQUE: They’re Royals no more! The Omaha Storm Chasers begin a new chapter with a new image and a new ballpark in the suburbs. With a lineup laden with top prospects, the Chasers start their 2011 campaign at Isotopes Park with the returning Ivan De Jesus, Jr. to lead the charge for the ‘Topes. The Chasers have their own power trio: Pitcher Mike Montgomery, infielders Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas. The pundits have been targeted these three players to not only boost the former O-Royals (and newly christened Werner Park), but to hopefully arrive at the big club in Kansas City to get them out of the cellar. Keep your eyes on these three soon-to-be-Royals.
10:05PM – LAKE ELSINORE, CA: They’re talking Three-Peat in the South Bay. The San Jose Giants owned the California League for the past two seasons and everyone is pointing to them to actually take a third title in 2011. This speaks volumes as to the job the Giants have done in the draft and minor league free agency to cultivate future talent up in San Francisco. For example: Buster Posey and Tim Lincecum. The Giants, starring top draft picks Gary Brown and Zach Wheeler, open up their defense of the Cal League championship down in the Perris Valley near the shores of Lake Elsinore – at one of the best minor league ballparks I ever been to! This should be a good season in the Cal League.
I’m certain I’m missing a whole slew of prospects. But, hey, it’s a larger field that’s coming on line tomorrow. This should be an exciting year down on the farm.
Opening Day 2011: The Heirloom’s Guide to Tomorrow’s Festivities
Photo courtesy of The Telegraph.co.uk
All of us who love this wonderful game are excited for Opening Day. This is the first time that it will fall on a Thursday. No, seriously…
It is odd, but, hey, this game has been through so many changes since Bud Selig showed up to work as Commissioner. Some of these changes are dumb, but what can you do…
If you’re wondering when to actually celebrate the start of the regular season, here’s a primer of events for tomorrow (all times are Eastern)…
11:00AM – CINCINNATI: Joe Morgan is set to be the Grand Marshall of the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade – the traditional first act of the baseball season. The parade usually runs through downtown Cincinnati until it reaches the gates of the Great American Ballpark. This should be a special parade as the Reds are celebrating last year’s NL Central pennant.
1:05PM – THE BRONX: This is perhaps the first time in a long while that the Yanks would be the first to throw the first pitches of the season. They start their 109th season with the usual fanfare as expected from the Yanks as they open up against another AL original – the Detroit Tigers. Moose – yes, Mike Mussina – will toss the ceremonial first pitch o the delight of the fans inside the New Cathedral. Haley Swindal will sing the National Anthem. Who’s Haley Swindal? The Boss’ granddaughter who happens to be on a cast of some Broadway production somewhere…
1:05PM – THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: Where South Capitol Avenue meets the Anacostia River, the Nats will start the NL off with the rival Atlanta Braves in tow. The President of the United States will not throw out the first pitch. That honor will be in charge of five members of the armed forces – one from each branch. The U.S. Navy Band will play the National Anthem instead of singing it. After all, the ballpark is a few blocks from the Navy Yard and it is one of the most powerful cities in the world. Not to mention that “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” will soon be history (I hope for sure), I have no problem propping up our armed forces! Ironically, Livan Hernandez will start for the Nats…
2:10PM – CINCINNATI: The parade may be over, but the party will be in full swing. The Reds meet Nyjer Morgan and the Milwaukee Brewers for their first game of the season. Edinson Volquez gets the nod against Yovani Gallardo when the pleasantries begin. Prior to Volquez taking the mound, the former police chief of Cincinnati, Tom Streicher, will toss out the first pitch. Better still, Brian McKnight and his two sons will sing the National Anthem. I’d go just for that!
4:10PM – KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI: Kaufmann Stadium returns to the Opening Day ritual with the Los Angeles Angels in tow. By then, the Yankees-Tigers and Nationals-Braves games would be finished, just in time for Luke Hochevar and Jared Weaver to trade pitches. As I was trying to find out who will throw out the first pitch or do the National Anthem, a curious bit of hoopla is scheduled to occur before the game: A bridge opening. Not just any bridge mind you – one with George Brett’s name on it. I’m sure it’ll be just fun…
4:15PM – ST. LOUIS: Across Missouri, along Interstate 70, is yet another opener…the Cardinals! Chris Carpenter will get the ball against Tim Stauffer and the San Diego Padres. That also means Albert Pujols will be there, too! To celebrate all things Cardinals, there will be pep rallies outside the ballpark and inside. After all, there is a new nation on this planet – Cardinal Nation. Nikko Smith, formerly of American Idol, will sing the National Anthem and Jim Edmonds will toss out the ceremonial first ball.
8:00PM – CHAVEZ RAVINE: Last, but not least, it’s the Dodgers and the Giants. They get the nightcap as they renew their absolute hatred for each other fueled by the Jints’ World Series title. But, remember, this is Los Angeles! San Francisco may have the better opera opening night gala – but the Dodgers have Placido Domingo (pictured above), the General Director of the LA Opera, singing the National Anthem. That’s how they do it in Los Angeles!
There’s your agenda for Thursday. What are you watching/listening/following?
Governor Walker, Meet Nyjer Morgan!
Photo courtesy of Major League Baseball (c) 2011
The teams have wrapped up their Spring Training camps. Opening Day is Thursday. What else can happen until then? Fine tuning the 25-man roster, for starters…
THE MINNESOTA TWINS INFIELD UTILITY POSITION SWEEPSTAKES WINNER IS… In the end, Matt Tolbert won the final spot on the roster.
Luke Hughes had a great spring. The Bloke from Perth gave it his all, showing the club his power at the plate and strength at third and second base. But, he ended up batting .246, struck out 17 times in 65 at-bats and was not as sharp playing shortstop.
Gardy was looking for a backup shortstop to Alexi Casilla. Tolbert can play short, as well as every other position in the dirt. It made the decision to option Hughes much easier that way. The Minnesota Twins infield utility position sweepstakes goes to Tolbert.
Hughes knew he had a good spring. He said it himself. But, it’s not all bad news. When he starts off in Rochester for the Red Wings, he knows he’ll have to stay healthy and kick serious butt. I’ll be keeping tabs on him as he returns to West Central New York State.
The Minnesota Twins will also have platooning closers. The solution to the Joe Nathan-Matt Capps issue may be to have both pitchers be designated as closers. That’s fine as it gives Nathan a better chance to properly heal his arm before taking on heavier duty during the grind of the season. It also gives Capps a chance to shine. This may be a temporary solution. Come trade deadline, I have a feeling Capps is going away – if not sooner. That is, of course, given Nathan is back to his dominating form prior to September of 2009.
SCONNIE’S NEXT BIGGEST HEADACHE: Dear Doug Melvin, are you out of your *bleeping* mind?
The Milwaukee Brewers General Manager did the one thing only the Oakland Raiders (if they were a baseball team) would do: Pick up a head case off waivers. That head case is Nyjer Morgan. The Washington Nationals simply had enough of the hotheaded shortstop and threw him onto the waiver wire. I would’ve thrown him to an American Association or Cam-Am League team.
Morgan does create an interesting situation in Sconnie: Carlos Gomez is the current starter in center field. The problem with Go-Go is that he is unfocused at bat, according to the Brewers. No. He’s unfocused period! So, if you were Ron Roenicke, whom would you choose to play in center on Opening Day? Tough choice if you want to win the NL Central this season.
I would consider the arrival of Morgan a just reward for a state that took away collective bargaining rights from its unionized workers. Therefore, Governor Walker – you piss off majority of the people in your state, you get a bigger head case for your trouble! Have fun with that…
JUST SHUT UP, BUCK! There is another reason to despise the Baltimore Orioles: Buck Showalter’s mouth.
The ex-New York Yankees manager who is now in charge in Balmer made some comments about Boston Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein to reporters prior to the spring game matching the O’s and the Sox yesterday in Sarasota. Showalter called Epstein “overrated” in a Men’s Journal article among other attacks on rival personalities in the AL East.
The Sox’ Manager Terry Francona was asked about the article prior to yesterday’s spring training game. Francona defended his boss and wasn’t all that happy with Showalter saying it in print. To squash this controversy, Showalter called Francona to apologize that evening.
The Orioles’ GM Andy McPhail pretty much left Showalter off the hook over his comments: “If that’s how he feels, that’s how he feels.” Could this be the quote of the year, perhaps? Everyone has opinions. Everyone has criticisms. Everyone should take their criticisms with at least a grain of salt. But, what if it was based without context? I could go on pontificating this…but, c’mon, Buck, shooting at Theo (and Derek Jeter) is shooting nothing but air. If you want a piece of the AL East race, get your guys to play at the level of the Sox, Yanks and Rays – and leave your jealousy off the glossies!
Spring Training 2011: Now on Stage in Viera: Bryce Harper
Last year, baseball went ga-ga over Stephen Strasburg. Rightfully so – he did impress a lot of people. After being drafted out of San Diego State, Strasburg was closely watched as he made his debut in the Arizona Fall League in 2009. After an impressive Spring Training, the Washington Nationals sent Strasburg down to Double-A Harrisburg as he went on a rapid ascent to the majors and his impressive 14-strikeout debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
After flirting with All-Star talk, the Strasburg show came to an abrupt end with a serious injury requiring Tommy John Surgery. Not exactly the ending you want for the so-called “National Treasure,” but it brought up many debates in the afterglow of an amazing first half for the young pitcher.
The Nationals now have a similar situation with Bryce Harper. The top draft pick for 2010 out of the College of Southern Nevada, Harper had his debut in the Arizona Fall League and had everyone take notes. Just like Strasburg, Harper was invited to his first Spring Training at Viera, Florida less than nine months after being drafted. The talk had been whether Harper can be on the 25-man roster by March 31 or not. If not, how far up will Harper be placed on the minor league food chain.
Could we see a replay of Strasburg, but as an outfielder? Not if Jayson Werth can help it. Not only has Mike Rizzo, the Nats’ General Manager, been grabbing the finest young talent through the amateur draft, but he has also been wheeling and dealing with veterans. With Adam Dunn gone to the Southside of Chicago, Rizzo got Werth on the fly and Manager Jim Riggleman has sort of ensured Werth the right field spot.
Today, Harper collected his first Spring Training hit at Viera against the New York Mets. He did so by pinch-hitting for Jayson Werth – irony, anyone?
Why do the Nats do this? Why do they fast track their hottest prospect into Spring Training every year? This question would have been asked of the Tampa Bay Rays when they had a lock on the lowest numbers on the draft order for years – yielding the likes of Evan Longoria and David Price. Strabsurg’s injury last August was exactly the consequence of fast tracking we were hoping wouldn’t happen.
What about Harper’s chances? Based on the experience of Strasburg, I would take a more conservative approach to the soon-to-be-19-year-old. The best I would place Harper would be in Double-A Harrisburg since his youth may need to catch up to his athleticism. I wouldn’t place him lower than Advanced-A Potomac – and the P-Nats are a great training ground for future Nats looking to move up through the system.
The only way Harper would make the big club is if someone in the outfield had a major flame out – whether by injury or behavioral reasons. This is where Nyjer Morgan comes in. One of the big concerns both Riggleman and Rizzo have is Morgan’s attitude and history of losing his temper and acting up. If management’s concerns prove to be true – a Morgan departure could be an opportunity for Harper to move up.
For now, we’ll just have to monitor Harper closely – even as Strasburg is working towards his recovery and return to the Nats’ lineup.
OTHER SPRING TRAINING NOTES: Joe Nathan returned to the mound after a year away from Tommy John Surgery. He showed up in the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox in Fort Myers as Nathan pitched a scoreless frame giving up a walk in the process. The Twins reported that Nathan was happy with his seven pitches, three of them recorded as strikes. I think Nathan was happy that he was able to get into a game situation for the first time since the 2009 Postseason.
Various discussions with other Twins fans locally have Nathan as the closer with Matt Capps as set-up (the same situation as Brian Fuentes last season). From all reports, Nathan continues to show improvement at every stride as he tries to become the closer by Opening Day.
No Mauer or Morneau in today’s 5-0 loss against the Red Sox. Luke Hughes did not play today, either.
The Heirloom 2011 Preview: Randy’s Players to Watch
They could be cheering for one of the players listed below… Photo by Randy Stern
OK, three is the magic number, right? In the last post, three teams were discussed previously. It means I have to discuss which three players to watch?
Three, I say? Just three? Why not do this like last year and list five?
OK, fine…here’s my five players to watch – and hope I get something right out these players (consider some of last year’s picks for a moment: Denard Span, Russ Ohlendorf, Johnny Damon, Pablo Sandoval and Cliff Lee…I know I’m not out of my mind…)…
PRINCE FIELDER, MILWAUKEE BREWERS: Was there any doubt that the son of Cecil would play for the Brew Crew again? Actually, yes. However, Doug Melvin brought Fielder back to the table with Mark Attanasio’s checkbook open to the tune of $15.5 Million. That’s a lot of coin to toss at your marquee player – let alone to keep him for a year. The larger question is whether Fielder will deliver in his one-long contract to get the Brewers to a NL Central flag and/or a return to the Postseason. And, how will he accomplish this? Fielder’s game is power at bat. Spot him 30 homers (and keep him away from every Dunkin’ Donuts in Southeastern Wisconsin) and see what happens.
MATT KEMP, LOS ANGELES DODGERS: Why is he here instead of Andre Ethier? Enter Davey Lopes. For the past few years, the Dodgers’ base stealing specialist of the 1970s and early 1980s helped change the offensive nature of the Philadelphia Phillies. The reason was that Lopes added an aggressive base running element to Charlie Manuel’s aggressive approach to the plate. It worked. Ask Jimmy Rollins and others about it. Now, Lopes is back in Dodger Blue to help Don Mattingly amp up its plate presence with the same base running aggression. Enter Matt Kemp – the quickest legs on the Dodger lineup.
ADRIAN GONZALEZ, BOSTON RED SOX: The former San Diego Padres first baseman will arrive in Fort Myers with all eyes on him. His presence returned Kevin Youkilis back to third base and solidifies the justification for sending Victor Martinez elsewhere. What Gonzo provides to the Sox is a bat that connects everywhere, including over the fence. Has Gonzo scaled the Green Monster? If he does – the Nation goes wild. Two years of good-on-paper deals has Theo Epstein’s reputation on line since neither of his recent transactions panned out for immediate results. I believe his job is safe with this pick-up. Gonzo will be the difference for the Sox in 2011 – even with Carl Crawford in the lineup.
VERNON WELLS, LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHEIM: The ex-Blue Jays star is an intersection of two scenarios. First, his absence in Toronto could leave a serious void in the outfield. Jose Bautista could fill this void, but one wonders whether 2010 was a fluke. If Bautista returns to his old pre-50-plus homer self, then wither the Jays. Then, there’s the situation in Anaheim between two veteran center fielders – the other being Torii Hunter. Mike Scioscia’s solution is to leave Hunter in center – moving Wells to left. Will that work? Possibly. It would also depend on Scioscia’s overall game plan for 2011 – which seems to be more of the same over the years. Perhaps with Wells (coupled with Hunter), it could work after all.
JUSTIN MORNEAU, MINNESOTA TWINS: The past two Postseasons saw the British Columbia native benched due to injury. Every pundit, blogger and fan I know always point to Morneau’s absence as one of the reasons the Twins could not advance out of the ALDS. Even when Morneau was healthy, the Twins still couldn’t get out of the first round. Therefore, the pressure is on for the first basemen to stay healthy throughout 2011 and beyond. No more concussions or anything he dealt with over the past years. We already know that Morneau is a threat at bat for the long ball from April through July. The biggest challenge is to have number 33 play in August, September and October for the first time in a while. Could he do it? Let’s hope so.
Surely, there’s more than five to watch? That’s why I’ll throw in Starlin Castro (Is the sophomore season at Wrigley an indicator of the Cubs’ fortunes?), Luke Hughes (One HR against the Tigers and the bloke from Perth is sent back down – will he stay with the Twins in 2011?), Adam Dunn (Ozzie’s latest experiment), Joe Blanton (…for purely hedonistic reasons), Nyjer Morgan (…with a bottle of sedatives ready), Vladimir Guerrero (now trying to get the O’s into the postseason – his biggest challenge ever!), Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez (Two ex-Red Sox ringbearers reunite in Tampa Bay as a stop-gap measure. Can they do it again?).
Random Acts of Wha’?
With three more weeks left in the regular season, there are a few things worth catching up on – or, at least I should’ve said something when it happened…
Eh, here’s to randomness on this blog!
NYJER MORGAN: In case you’ve under a rock or have been handwashing your Brett Favre jersey daily, let me introduce to you the hottest head in baseball. The Washington Nationals’ outfielder was last seen on the highlight queue in a fracas with the Florida Marlins’ Chris Volstad at Sun Life Stadium over a pitch thrown behind Morgan’s back. Today, Morgan is appealing his suspension over the altercation. What’s working against were a couple of other incidents involving Morgan. The night before, he ran into Marlins’ catcher Brett Hayes on a play at home. Hayes left the game with an injury to his shoulder as a result of the collision. Then, in Philadelphia a week or ago before the big brawl, Morgan threw a ball at a fan. Why is he a hot head? Look at the highlight from September 1 and tell me that his post-brawl reaction wasn’t a telling sign of his boorishness. You don’t just act like some hardcore hip-hop star from the 1990s after you induced a bench-clearing brawl! We have already seen some really crappy behavior from the likes of Milton Bradley, Carlos Zambrano, Manny Ramirez, Francisco Rodriguez, and Brandon Phillips – among many others this season. Morgan? I think we had enough.
SPEAKING OF K-ROD: When is it OK to have an altercation in the Family Room outside of a team’s clubhouse? Don’t answer that Francisco – I’ll do that for you. No. Next?
SIMPLE MINNESOTA LOGIC: The equation is simple: Brett Favre skipped training camp and it showed last night in the Vikings’ loss inside the Superdome. Meanwhile, the Twins’ are six games up on the Chicago White Sox going into this weekend’s tilt in Cleveland. Did you know that there are fans in the Twin Cities that have forgotten that the Twins own the third best record in the Majors? Just because we love our favorite Redneck-sans-mullet Jared Allen so much, we forget that Joe Mauer is batting .325 in fourth place amongst his peers. Francisco Liriano has struck out 182 batters so far this season – a tremendous comeback by a once-protégé of Johan Santana. Carl Pavano has 16 wins, Matt Capps has a total of 37 total saves, including the 26 he had with the Nats, and Delmon Young has 97 RBIs. And, as icing on the cake, I keep reading that Justin Morneau may return from his concussion by the end of the regular season. What do you have to say to that my purple-clad, horned-helmet fans?
Sorry, Brett, your pants are on the ground. You may want to pick them up before you trip over them…
A MINORS’ UPDATE: I believed I predicted correctly that the Florida State League finals would be a rematch between the Tampa Yankees and the (Port) Charlotte Stone Crabs. That should be another good one as it was last year. Kyle Drabek did not live up to his billing in the Eastern League’s North playoffs between New Hampshire and Trenton. The home Thunder simply stole – you know – from Doug’s son. The next evening at New Jersey’s state capitol, the Fisher Cats had to contend with a rehabbing Andy Pettitte on the mound. Needless to say, the Yank was comfortable in his own skin that night (rimshot). This series heads to Manchester this weekend. And, how about the Tacoma Rainiers! In the PCL Pacific playoffs, the Mariners’ Triple-A club embarrassed their hosts, the Sacramento River Cats in their first two games against them. The series switches to Cheney Stadium for a possible end to the River Cats’ season. Looks like the old ballpark in West Tacoma will not be closing shop for a while.
LAST, BUT NOT LEAST: Did you know that the second hottest ticket in the Twin Cities, next to attending Twins games at Target Field, are tours of Target Field? Normally, tours of ballparks are usually sold the day of the tour – unless you have a group together. Some are sold in advanced, and I’m certain there are ballparks where tours fill quickly more than others. Today, I figured I’d get in a tour tomorrow morning. Nope. Both tours scheduled for tomorrow are sold out. My next potential date for a tour is in two weeks. Since I have the day off to prepare for a flashmob as part of my residency with a local choral music organization, I might as well get a tour in so I can see some things that I missed during the Open House back in March.
Just a note: If anyone is visiting the Twin Cities and the team is not playing – get in a tour. But, get your tickets in advance!
Randy Stern
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