1898 DMB World Series-Game #1

post from DMB Historic World Series Replay on 20 November 2009 05:28:10 PM. © DMB Historic World Series Replay

Doc McJames vs Kid Nichols 10/3/1898, @ South End Grounds III LONG?S SINGLE IN THE 8TH DRIVES IN GAME WINNER FOR THE BEANEATERSHerman Long committed 1096 errors during his career, the all-time record for fielding futility.Herman Long popped a 2 out single in the bottom of the 8th to drive in 2 runs and snap a [...]

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Tigers Set 40 Man Roster

post from TigerBlog on 20 November 2009 05:20:03 PM. © TigerBlog

The Tigers added four players to 40 man roster today in anticipation of the midnight deadline. All four were position players and they included future second baseman Scott Sizemore. Audy Ciricao (shortstop), Ryan Strieby (first base) and Brennan Boesch (outfield) were all protected as well.That leaves quite a few pitchers unprotected heading into the Rule [...]

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The Death of Tradition

post from The Ghost of Babe Ruth on 20 November 2009 05:06:00 PM. © The Ghost of Babe Ruth

So maybe you've heard that this year's two Cy Young Awards have gone to guys who "won" 15 and 16 games. And a bunch of old-timers are up in arms about it.

Now, as I've mentioned before, I don't believe in tradition. To quote myself:

My very existence was against the tradition of baseball, but instead of changing my ways, I changed baseball.

So I'm all for smart guys using newfangled statistics to help them figure out who's better than who. And the first casualty in this battle between old and new should be pitcher "wins." Last I checked, it takes a full team to win a baseball game, hitters, fielders, and pitchers. So why should one guy get credit for a win when everybody's working together?

Also, why should we penalize a pitcher if he plays for a bad offensive team? Or reward a guy who pitches for a good hitting team?

Just look at my favorite team, the '27 Yanks. We had one 22-game winner, a 19-game winner, and an 18-game winner. But the 18-game winner struck out only 35 batters all year in 200 innings, or less than one per game! So how did he win 18? 'Cuz we scored a crapload of runs for him. I mean, we only got shut out once all season long.

I'm not saying the guy sucked, but he was 36 years old and it turned out to be his last year in baseball. Yet he "won" 18 games for us.

In this day and age, when pitchers rarely complete their games, the wins statistic makes even less sense. Yet tradition requires that we still pay attention to it.

I say, Enough!

And I say congratulations, BBWAA voters, for helping end the tyranny of wins in baseball.

Now get back to your typewriters and start writing about my Yankees. It's been a couple of days since you've talked about us.

---
Read more at www.theghostofbaberuth.com

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Bill Madlock

post from My First Cards on 20 November 2009 04:59:00 PM. © My First Cards

Bill “Mad Dog” Madlock looks pretty happy here, and why shouldn’t he? In 1981,[...]

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Andre's Biggest Games - 11 Games of 5 RBIs or
More

post from Andre Dawson for the Hall of Fame on 20 November 2009 04:48:00 PM. © Andre Dawson for the Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame players have big games; they can carry an offense and intimidate a pitching staff on any given day, which was often the case in Andre's career. He had 11 games during his career of at least 5 RBIs or more.*

1977, July 4th - vs. Chicago Cubs, Won 19-3
Game Stats: In 6 ABs - 1 HR, 5 RBIs, 3 Hits, and 2 Runs

1985, April 27th - vs. St. Louis Cardinals, Won 8-3
Game Stats: In 5 ABs - 1 HR, 5 RBIs, 4 Hits and 2 Runs

1985, Sept. 24th - vs. Cubs, Won 17-15
Game Stats: In 6 ABs - 3 HRs, 8 RBIs, 4 Hits and 3 Runs
(Became 2nd player in history to hit 2 home runs in same inning, pair of 3-run shots in the 5th inning.)

1987, June 1st - vs. Houston Astros, Lost 5-6
Game Stats: In 5 ABs - 2 HRs, 5 RBIs, 2 Hits and 2 Runs

1987, June 2nd - vs. Houston Astros, Won 13-2
Game Stats: In 5 ABs - 2 HRs, 7 RBIs, 2 Hits and 2 Runs

1987, Aug. 1st - vs. Philadelphia Phillies, Won 5-3
Game Stats: In 4 ABs - 3 HRs, 5 RBIs, 3 Hits and 3 Runs

1988, May 3rd - vs. San Diego Padres, Won 13-5
Game Stats: In 4 ABs - 2 HRs, 5 RBIs, 3 Hits and 2 Runs

1990, Aug. 4th - vs. Montreal Expos, Won 10-2
Game Stats: In 4 ABs - 1 HR, 5 RBIs, 2 Hits and 1 Run

1991, April 21 - vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, Lost 12-13
Game Stats: In 6 ABs - 1 HR, 5 RBIs, 3 Hits and 1 Run

1992, May 2nd - vs. Cincinnati Reds, Won 10-3
Game Stats: In 5 ABs - 1 HR, 5 RBIs, 2 Hits and 2 Runs

1995, Aug. 16 - vs. Atlanta Braves, Won 8-5
Game Stats: In 4 ABs - 2 HRs, 5 RBIs, 3 Hits and 2 Runs

Ask any pitcher that faced The Hawk in those 11 games and I bet they would tell you that he should be in the Hall of Fame without a doubt!

* www.baseball-reference.com

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Peter Gammons on the Marlins

post from FishStripes on 20 November 2009 04:31:00 PM. © FishStripes

I don't how many of you can see all of this since it is pay for view, but if you can, Mr. Gammons speaks highly of the Marlins organization. While I could quibble with a point or two, it is a very nice article about the Marlins.

Since it is pay for view, I can only highlight so much. So here goes: Marlins aren't your typical small-market team.

It is about the Marlins and their seven-year record vis-à-vis their divisional rivals in New York, not to mention the Braves and the fact that Florida has finished ahead of Atlanta in each of the past two seasons.
---
It's bad enough to have the Yankees and Phillies staring at them, but the fact remains that in the last seven years the Mets have won fewer games and had fewer winning seasons than the Marlins. And that in 2008 and 2009 the Braves won fewer games than the Marlins.

Basically Mr. Gammons likes Beinfest and his team of scouts. I do too. Sure, they miss one every now and then, but there overall track record is quite stellar.

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Braves Top-10 Minor League Relief Pitchers (6-10)

post from Talking Chop on 20 November 2009 04:15:00 PM. © Talking Chop

Kevin Gunderson will need to improve his left/right splits if he hopes to earn a spot in Atlanta's bullpen.

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The fact is, most effective Major League relievers are converted starters. But, that's no reason to ignore the crop of pitchers performing primarily as relievers in the Braves' Minor League system, as the tops names are each not only talented but have succeeded as they've moved up the ladder.

6. Kevin Gunderson B/T: R/L Born: 9/16/1984 Ht: 5'10" Wt: 165

The nephew of former Major Leaguer Eric Gunderson, the diminutive lefty was drafted in the 5th round in 2006 after making a name for himself by leading Oregon State to a College World Series title by pitching effectively as both a starter and a reliever. Gunderson has only pitched out of the bullpen as a pro though, working his funky low 3/4 delivery for a 3.01 career ERA. After pitching the second half of 2008 with Mississippi, he returned to AA in 2009 and succeeded, collecting a 1-3 record, 2.55 ERA, and 1.31 WHIP in 49.1 innings.

When he was drafted it was believed that Gunderson would be able to move through the minor leagues quickly, but three and a half seasons later he's only played 2 games above AA. The good news is that he's remained effective throughout his career. While he doesn't have overpowering stuff, he still gets good movement on his fastball, good break on his slider, and, when he is able to harness it, his changeup is a weapon. Unfortunately, he didn't show much ability to negate lefthanded batters last season, allowing a .322 average against lefties compared to just a .211 average against righties.

Gunderson will likely be invited to Major League Spring Training with Atlanta to see if he can earn a bullpen spot, but he'll probably be spending the majority of 2010 with Gwinnett trying to refine his game. If he can continue to remain an effective reliever he'll certainly be looked at as a Major League option, but if he isn't able to get lefites out at a better rate he won't have much success at the highest levels.

T7. Luis Valdez B/T: R/R Born: 5/5/1984 Ht: 6'2" Wt: 205

Valdez is proof that Minor League free agent signings shouldn't be overlooked. After struggling to harness his talent in four seasons with various Pirates A ball teams, mostly working as a starter, he was signed by Atlanta prior to the 2008 season to provide bullpen depth for Mississippi. He went on to shine as the team's closer, collecting 28 saves in an All-Star season. He followed up that performance by collecting another 27 saves in 2009 for Gwinnett, while also racking up a 5-4 record with a 3.28 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in 71.1 innings. He made his Major League debut with the Braves in July, pitching one game then and two others late in the season.

With his low to mid 90s fastball, diving slider, and show-me changeup, Valdez is the typical reliever. His stuff is good enough to make him dominant out of a Minor League bullpen and he should have little problem adapting to Major League hitters. By getting knocked around in his early career with the Pirates, he learned a lot about who he is as a pitcher and what he needs to do to succeed. The reason he's been so successful with the Braves is that he's cut back the types of pitches he throws and has trusted his stuff.

Valdez is likely to be given a chance to earn a spot in Atlanta's bullpen out of Spring Training in 2010 and there's little reason to doubt that he'll be able to earn one. No matter what Frank Wren works out with the back of the bullpen, there's likely to be a spot or two up for grabs and Valdez has both the physical stuff and the mental makeup to claim one of those positions.

T7. Ryan Weber B/T: R/R Born: 8/12/1990 Ht: 6'0" Wt: 170

After playing for the Juinor National Team in high school, Weber was thought of as a possible 1st round draft pick, but scared teams off on draft day with his contract demands and wasn't picked until the 12th round by the Phillies. He opted to go to Junior College, hoping for a better result a year later, but fell even further in the draft, as the Braves picked him in the 22nd round. The team managed to sign him right near the deadline and they were rewarded with their dilligence as he pitched well in 10.1 innings for the Orlando Braves in the GCL, working a 1.74 ERA and 0.77 WHIP while striking out 13 and walking none.

Weber is smallish but he's also deceptive, with a delivery that hides the ball from the hitter, a whip-like arm action, and a low 3/4 arm slot. His fastball is a plus pitch, working with a ton of movement in the mid 90s, and he combines it with a big, looping slider that rolls in in the low 80s. He'll be just 19 entering the 2010 season and though he'll start with Rome, his unique skill set indicates that he might be able to blow through Atlanta's Minor League system.

T9. Lee Hyde B/T: R/L Born: 2/14/1985 Ht: 6'2" Wt: 185

Before 2009 there was a rumor that Lee Hyde was a myth. After a standout career at Georgia Tech the Atlanta native was drafted in the 4th round of the 2006 draft by the Braves and pitched well in 16 games between Danville and Rome. But then he suddenly disappeared into the mythical realm of Big Foot, the Loch Ness Mosnter, and Marlins fans. The stats say he pitched 16 games between 07 and 08, but nobody could be found to actually verify this. The Legend of Lee continued in in early 2009 as he was nowhere to be found once again. But, in May, something strange happened, Hyde was actually able to take the mound and by the end of the year he had pitched in 26 games, 45% of his career total, and pitched well, with a 5-2 record, 2.27 ERA, and 1.03 WHIP in a career high 35.2 innings while striking out 11.4 batters per 9 innings.

While Hyde hasn't always been able to show his pitching ability, one thing his recovery from Tommy John surgery has shown is his determination and work ethic. A former starter, Hyde mixes a low 90s fastball with run on it with a mid 80s slider and a developing knuckle-curve, which could become his best pitch. He's been as effective against lefties as he has against righties and has an advanced feel for pitching.

Pitching in the Arizona Fall Leauge, a league roundly known for the quality of its hitters, Hyde has performed well, striking out 13 in 12 innings while allowing 4 runs and a.167 average against. He was added to the Braves' 40-Man roster today and while he'll like return to AA Mississippi to start 2010, his age, he'll be 25 at the start of the season, combined with his talent, indicate that he could find himself in Atlanta's bullpen by the end of the season.

T9. Brett Butts B/T: R/R Born: 4/24/1986 Ht: 6'1" Wt: 190

The nephew of longtime Atlanta strength coach Allan Butts, Brett was drafted out of Auburn in the 19th round in 2007. He's moved throughtthe system quickly, succeeding at every level and made huge strides for AA Mississippi in 2009 as he led the team with 53 appearances collecting a 7-3 record, 2.58 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in 73.1 innings.

Butts doesn't have overpowering stuff, working with an average fastball, slider, and changeup, but he's an advanced college player who knows how to pitch and, more importantly, how to pitch out of the bullpen. Like Valdez, Gunderson, and Hyde, he'll likely be invited to Atlanta's Major League Spring Training, and though he's apt to spend the majority of the season with AAA Gwinnett, there's a good chance that he could find himself as an option out of Atlanta's bullpen at some point in 2010.

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Laynce Nix a free agent, Daryl Thompson
outrighted off 40-man roster

Laynce Nix a free agent, Daryl Thompson outrighted off 40-man roster

Mark Sheldon tweets it. I think we all expected Nix to get nixed with so many better, cheaper options, and Thompson shouldn't be a surprise either. Dude's been riddled with injuries. Remember his debut at Yankee Stadium though? That was awesome.

MLBTraderumors also says Craig Tatum was claimed off waivers by the Orioles. Plenty of roster clean-up going on with deadline to set the 40-man fast approaching.

Update at 4:04 PM (by BK):
We have a list of players added to the 40-man roster:
RHP Enerio Del Rosario
OF Chris Heisey
RHP Logan Ondrusek
RHP Jordan Smith
IF Chris Valaika
LHP Philippe-Alexandre Valiquette
LHP Travis Wood

No shockers there, and Wood and Heisey get protection from the Rule 5. Anyone you think should have been protected but wasn't?

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Japanese Baseball vs American Baseball

I?m in the midst of reading a book recommended to me from a coworker entitled ?You Gotta Have Wa,? and while only half way through the book, I can already say it?s one for the most classic, passionate fans.

Written by Robert Whiting, it encompasses the culture of baseball oversees and it?s dramatic differences in philosophy as compared to what we are use to in America in regards to Major League Baseball.

?Baseball is more than just a game. It has eternal value. Through it, one learns the beautiful and noble spirit of Japan,?
- Suishu Tobita (1886-1965),
Japan?s original ?God of Baseball.

Although organized/professional baseball in Japan did not start until 1935, a notable 66 years following the start of professional ball in the states, Japan dates the existence of the sport back to 1867 (2 years before MLB began with the Cincinnati Red Stockings) with an American teacher named Horace Wilson. It all started when he introduced his students to the simple tools of the game- the ball and the bat. Five years later, Albert Bates developed the first organized contest between two teams, but it wasn?t until 1878 that an avid Red Sox fan, Hiroshi Hiraoka came to establish the first ever Japanese baseball team, consisting of blue collar workers who even wore ?geta? (wooden sandals) while running the bases.

Their passion for the game is remarkable. Japanese baseball started on a right and moral path. Simply put, Japanese baseball is a prideful tradition, one that brings honor to their culture and depicts their way of life. They view baseball in the same light as living a peaceful, moral and upstanding life, and therefore it?s easy to see why baseball literally is life to the Japanese.

?This country has got its national flag all wrong. Instead of a rising sun in the center, there should be a baseball,? - British Tourist.

Whiting adds, ? The Japanese found the one-on-one battle between pitcher and batter similar in psychology to sumo and the martial arts. It involved split-second timing and a special harmony of mental and physical strength. As such, the Ministry of Education deemed it good for the national character,? (page 28). And thus, baseball was worshipped.

The Japanese believe that suffering builds character and in turn the difference between winning and losing is determined. They even view training as being more important than the game itself. In late baseball in Japan, ending a game in a tie was a sign of respect so that no one team would be inferior to another. The score was not the importance, instead the emphasis was put on the preparation and execution of their talents. The abundance of strict rules and the work horse mentality guided these players into a prideful representation of their country which over time has transformed into a harmonious, selfless, loving and patient culture of individuals.

On page 60 of the book, Whiting writes, ?For American?s baseball is a job. For the Japanese it is a way of life.? Personally, I have always believed that any valuable life lesson can be taught through sports, especially baseball. It?s one reason my parents got me into softball and basketball when I was growing up. It?s as simple as instilling a coach to help your child listen, and as in-depth as teaching them how to trust in the unity of people. Want to teach them how to work with others towards a common goal? Teach them to hit a fly to right to get the runner in from third. Do you want them to be a leader? You teach them patience at the plate and the value of a walk. Japanese baseball gets it. The entire philosophy behind baseball in Japan encompasses my entire passion for the game. It not only tests you physically and mentally, but socially and morally.

When I think of Japanese baseball I think of Ryne Sandberg?s induction speech into the Baseball Hall of Fame. I think of the emphasis of sacrificing, the importance of moving runners over, and the quality of the individuals that believe in those words. I have a lot of respect for the Japanese Culture because of what I have learned from it through baseball. I have the absolute and utmost respect for any ballplayer, whether it be high school, college, or professional who plays the game with passion, selflessness, and with respect to the people on his team, in the stands, and most importantly for the ones who have come before him.

Happy Offseaon,
-S

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-baseball.html

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A Pitchf/x Look at Passed Balls and Wild Pitches

Catcher defense is one of the more enigmatic areas of baseball study. It has developed relatively independently of other position player defensive analysis. This is probably because, although catchers field some ground balls and pop ups, their main[...]

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