Awards Wrap-up

Hey everyone, I am officially a college graduate, woohoo! I'm still in disbelief, not that I actually graduated from college, but that the Miami Dolphins actually won a game this season. Though if not for a Matt Stover missed field goal, the Dolphins losing season would still be in tact.

Oh well, I know I haven't really written a true post since Thanksgiving, so hopefully I can make up for most of it. This will finally be the awards wrap-up I've been meaning to get to for awhile, if I have the time, I'll analyze the transactions made since Thanksgiving. But first, the Silver Sluggers:

National League

C- Russell Martin (Los Angeles Dodgers)
1B- Prince Fielder (Milwaukee Brewers)
2B- Chase Utley (Philadelphia Phillies)
3B- David Wright (New York Mets)
SS- Jimmy Rollins (Philadelphia Phillies)
OF- Carlos Beltran (New York Mets)
OF- Carlos Lee (Houston Astros)
OF- Matt Holiday (Colorado Rockies)
P- Micah Owings (Arizona Diamondbacks)

Russell Martin is a clear and obvious choice for the catcher spot. His 540 ABs, 87 runs, 158 hits, 19 homers, 253 total bases, 67 walks, 21 stolen bases, and a .293 average are all tops among National League catchers. His slugging percentage is .469. If it wasn't for Brian McCann's 92 RBIs (to Martin's 87) and Miguel Olivo's 4 triples (to Martin's 3), Martin would be leading in every single offensive category for catchers in the NL. McCann is second, and carried a .452 slugging percentage.

Prince Fielder is definately the Silver Slugger at first base, but clearly not the best hitter (Albert Pujols). Fielder put up very gaudy power numbers in only his second year in the league with 50 homers, 119 RBIs, and a .618 slugging percentage. Pujols hit .327 with 32 homers and 103 RBIs; he carried a .568 slugging percentage. Fielder will fortunately end up being nothing like his father (a fat mess), and a perennial MVP contender. Just, he can never be Albert Pujols.

In the NL at second base, there is Chase Utley, then there is everyone that wishes they were Chase Utley. I guess Brandon Phillips isn't too far off but after Phillips there is a huge drop-off. Keep in mind Utley lost roughly 100 at bats due to injury and his numbers are amazing for anyone let alone a second baseman: .332 AVG, 22 homers, and 103 RBIs (.566 SLG). Forget Jimmy Rollins, this guy should have been MVP over him (though not quite as deserving as Matt Holiday).

Sorry David, while I'd say your the second-best all-around third baseman in baseball (A-Rod), this award didn't belong to you either, though you were a close second. Miguel Cabrera of the Marlins (now Tigers) deserved it more. Miggy's .320 average, 34 homers, 119 RBIs and .565 slugging percentage exceeded Wright's 30 homers, 119 RBIs and his .546 slugging percentage (but not Wright's .325 average). It's close and both are extremely talented, but I think it should have went to Cabrera. Chipper Jones of the Altanta Braves wasn't too far off either (.337 AVG, 29 homers, 102 RBIs, and a .604 slugging percentage). Well you still got a lot to worry about Wright, this will probably be Ryan Braun's award next year.

Jimmy Rollins was a good choice here. Though Hanley Ramirez of the Marlins is a close second. Rollins hit .296 with 30 homers and 94 RBIs (.531 SLG) while Ramirez hit .332 with 29 homers and 81 RBIs (.562 SLG). Rollins had the first 20-20-20-20 season ever (doubles, triples, homers and steals). Gotta give credit where it's due.

With the outfielders Lee and Holliday are clear-cut, but Beltran; not so much. It's unfortunate but no where even near consideration was someone who truly deserved the Silver Slugger: Brad Hawpe of the Colorado Rockies. But he's no monster like Holliday so he'll never be noticed. Hawpe had a dynamite season hitting .291 with 29 homers, 116 RBI, and a .539 slugging percentage. Beltran hit .276 with 33 homers, 112 RBIs and a .525 slugging percentage. It's really too bad Hawpe was in Holliday's shadow all year.

Micah Owings is the only pitcher I've tracked down on mlb.tv games just to see him hit. In 60 at bats Owings hit .333 with 4 homers and 15 RBI, good for a .683 slugging percentage. That's right, that slugging percentage is the highest in the majors, for any regular! Granted he only plays every five days but still. He's the only pitcher to exceed 10 RBIs and the next highest slugging pitcher was Dontrelle Willis of the Marlins at.508 (still impressive). That includes a game on August 16th against the Atlanta Braves where Owings went 4 for 5 with two homers and six RBIs. Unbelievable.

Fast Forward a few days....

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Now for the AL

American League

C- Jorge Posada (New York Yankees)
1B- Carlos Pena (Tampa Bay Devil Rays)
2B- Placido Polanco (Detroit Tigers)
3B- Alex Rodriguez (New York Yankees)
SS- Derek Jeter (New York Yankees)
OF- Vladimir Guerrero (Los Angeles Angels)
OF- Ichiro Suzuki (Seattle Mariners)
OF- Magglio Ordonez (Detroit Tigers)
DH- David Ortiz (Boston Red Sox)

Jorge Posada, can't argue with that at all. All his stats are either first or second (Victor Martinez) amongst catchers. He hit .338 with 2o homers and 90 RBIs with a .543 SLUG, while Martinez hit .301 with 25 homers and 114 RBIs with a .505 SLUG. In a career year, even though Martinez isn't too far off, you can't take this away from Posada.

Ahh, now here's a nice ending for the comeback player of the year in the American League. Still this is no charity case, Carlos Pena blew away everyone in the AL. He hit .282 with 46 homers and 121 RBIs. Mark Teixeira might have given him a run for his money had he stayed in the AL with the Texas Rangers but he went to the Braves near the deadline. Not bad for a guy who hit a third as many RBIs this season as he had over the past six.

Placido Polanco is an interesting call. I like the pick because of his .341 average but not because of his 9 homers and 67 RBIs. I think Robinson Cano of the Yankees deserved it more. Cano hit .306 with 19 homers and 97 RBIs good for a .488 slugging percentage. He also led 2nd basemen in at-bats. Polanco was more than justified in winning the gold glove, not really the Silver Slugger.

I don't really need to talk about Alex Rodriguez. No one can top hitting .314 with 54 homers and 156 RBIs (.645 SLUG). Mike Lowell of the Red Sox (.324, 21 homers, 120 RBIs, and a .501 SLG) is a distant second.

Here's a unique situation, Derek Jeter actually deserves this award. He hit .322, 12 homers, 73 RBIS, and a .452 slugging percentage. He also led all AL shortstops in at-bats and games played (as you may have noticed, season longevity earns major points in my book). Carlos Guillen of the Tigers had a great year too (.296, 21 homers, 102 RBIs, .502 SLG) but Jeter deserved it this year.

Vlad and Maggs were no questions, Ichiro was a bit questionable. He did play in a ridiculous 161 games and had 678 at-bats though and hit .351. But he only had 6 homers and 68 RBIs. Ehh, he should get his props for average and longevity, and no one out there really blows you away. Though if I had to choose, Nick Markakis's .300 avg, 23 homers and 112 RBIs would be up there. Still, I like the overall outfield picks.

I personally think a DH Silver Slugger is a bit redundant but it's really David Ortiz, then everyone else. I still wish there wasn't a DH but oh well.

Okay, and for the other awards....

MVP

Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees (AL)
Jimmy Rollins, Philadelphia Phillies (NL)

A-Rod deserves this hands down, no questions asked. Now Jimmy Rollins, thats another story. Matt Holliday owned (.344 avg, 36 homers and 137 RBIs) while Rollins had a great year but not close to Holliday's numbers (.296 avg, 30 homers and 94 RBIs). Both players meant immense amounts to their teams, but I still think the Phillies could have hung around without Rollins. The Rockies would be nowhere without Holliday (and Kaz Matsui of course).

CY Young

C.C. Sabathia, Cleveland Indians (AL)
Jake Peavy, San Diego Padres (NL)

Sabathia had an outstanding year (19-7, 3.21 ERA, 209 strikeouts and 4 complete games in 241 innings). But his batterymate, Fausto Carmona had an equally outstanding year (19-8, 3.06 ERA, 137 strikeouts and 2 complete games in 215 innings). As did Josh Beckett (20-7, 3.27 ERA, 194 strikeouts and 1 complete game in 200.2 innings). It pains me how much superior the AL is to the NL, uggh... But anyway it's a toss-up, I take Sabathia on his track record. Jake Peavy is the only pitcher in the NL who had an ERA under 3 and 19 wins. That is rather sad for a weak NL one pitcher with a sub 3 ERA? Maybe they'll be a change in power soon, yeah, soon like in maybe 5 years soon...

Rookie of the Year

Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox (AL)
Ryan Braun, San Diego Padres (NL)

Pedroia is a no-brainer. He hit .317, the highest average ever by a rookie second baseman. Not bad for someone who was hitting .182 on May 1st. He led all Major League rookies in doubles with 39 and was second in on-base percentage (.380) and third in runs (86). Dynomite! Delmon Young of the Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays and Brian Bannister (shudder...) of the Kansas City Royals were a distant second and third. But in the NL, Braun had a monster year in only 113 games by hitting 34 homers and slugged .634 (an NL rookie record). He just edged out Troy Tulowitzki of the Colorado Rockies who hit .291 with 24 homers and 99 RBIs and had an insane year in the field. His .987 fielding percentage and 5.39 zone rating led Major League shortstops, and Tulowitzki committed only 11 errors in 155 games. In retrospect, I like the Braun pick now.

Manager of the Year

Eric Wedge, Cleveland Indians (AL)
Bob Melvin, Arizona Diamondbacks (NL)

I don't really know how to judge non-New York managers so here's what mlb.com says about them:

The Baseball Writers' Association of America named the 39-year-old Wedge his league's top skipper after he guided the Tribe to a 96-66 regular-season record and its first AL Central title in six years. He's the first Indians manager to win the award.

Bob Melvin may downplay the role he played in getting the D-backs to a National League-best 90 wins and the playoffs this past season, but it doesn't appear that postseason awards voters are buying it. Melvin was named NL Manager of the Year by the Baseball Writers' Association of America on Wednesday, the second such award he has captured. Last month, he won a similar award from The Sporting News, which was voted on by his fellow managers.

Delivery Man of the Year Award

Jonathan Papelbon, Boston Red Sox (AL)

Papelbon posted a 1.85 ERA, converting 37 of 40 save opportunities in the regular season. In 58 1/3 innings, he allowed just 30 hits while striking out 84 in becoming the first Red Sox pitcher to notch 30 saves two times. Though his numbers were awesome, Joe Nathan (the pride of Stony Brook University) of the Minnesota Twins and J.J. Putz were also lights out. Nathan had a 1.88 ERA, 37 saves, and 77 strikeouts in 71.2 innings. Putz though, this is just ridiculous. He posted a 1.38 ERA, 40 saves, and 82 strikeouts in 71.2 innings. Papelbon only pitched 58.1 innings. Papelbon might be up there with Mariano Rivera one day as a top all-time closer, but I'm not so sure we'll ever see another year like Putz had for awhile. It's gotta go to Putz.

Hank Aaron Award (the best hitter in each league)

Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees (AL)
Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Breweres (NL)

You just simply can't say enough about Alex Rodriguez. Let me just post his numbers one more time. .314 AVG, 54 homers, 156 RBIs, 583 at-bats, 183 hits, 31 doubles, 376 total bases, and a .422 on-base percentage. Prince Fielder had a great second year by hitting .288 with 50 homers, 119 RBIs, and a .618 slugging percentage. But I wish the MLB would look past the power numbers. The best pure hitter in the NL this season was Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals. He hit .332, 22 homers, 103 RBIs, .429 OBP, 58 strikeouts, and 99 walks in 565 at-bats. Not that the power numbers aren't there of course, but only 58 strikeouts with less than 100 walks but still still over a .400 OBP....that's very, very impressive. It should have been Pujols in the NL.


Alright everyone, sorry I haven't posted in awhile I've been extremely busy. As for the Mitchell Report, it's nothing but a witch hunt. That's not to say that I don't throughly enjoy it and not think it is necessary. It's become clear that releasing this document, at least for the near future, is only to keep people who used performance enhancers out of the Hall of Fame (Barry Bonds, Rafael Palmiero, Mark McGwire, Roger Clemens). So far, it's serving its purpose. I guess we shall see as Bud Selig is taking the document on a "case by case" basis.

My next post will be an update on the impact moves and signings. I won't be able to catch all of them but I'll get most of them.

Merry Christmas everyone!!!!

The Mitchell Report

Hey everyone, enjoying x-mas shopping and studying for finals? Haha. I graduate on Sunday yay! So I would like to say that most likely my next post will be Sunday night but I can't guarantee anything because I'll probably be going out to dinner.

But anyway, I don't anticipate anything major like the Mitchell Report happening between now and then. Don't worry, I'll wrap up everything I've missed since the last post as well with awards wrap-ups like I promised. With school over and winter coming, I'll try to have my posts be more consistent, like I said, I'm shooting for a new post every Sunday.

This little piece right here I just copied and pasted from espn.com. For all of you who don't want to read the whole 409-page Mitchell report but want a basic comprehensive list of players and the who, what, when, why, and how of it here you go.

Also linked, is the actual Mitchell Report on pdf file. Enjoy my fellow readers, and happy holidays.

Information Learned During this Investigation Concerning BALCO and Major League Baseball (9 players/3 active in MLB in 2007)
From the report: "I requested interviews of all the major league players who had been publicly implicated in the BALCO case."
Name	Report/Reaction	In Report | Read it
Armando Rios	Conte told the [IRS] agents that he had sold "the cream" and "the clear," and advised on their use, to dozens of elite athletes, including several players in Major League Baseball whom he named in the interview: Barry Bonds; Jason Giambi; Jeremy Giambi; Armando Rios; and Gary Sheffield.	Page 116
Marvin Benard	According to [Giants manager Dusty] Baker, Benard admitted he had used steroids previously but said that he had stopped. Baker did not report Benard's admission to anyone in Giants management or the Commissioner's Office.	Page 127
Barry Bonds	Harvey Shields was Bonds's personal trainer between 2000 and 2004 and continued to provide training services to Bonds as a Giants employee from 2004 through 2006. He said in an interview that Greg Anderson provided Bonds with a cream to use on his elbow, which Shields said he believed was an over-the-counter "arthritis cream." Shields also said that Anderson provided Bonds with a clear liquid that Bonds ingested by placing drops under his tongue. Shields did not know where Anderson obtained the clear liquid. When asked how many times he and Bonds had taken the "clear," Shields would say only "more than once."	Page 128
Bobby Estalella	Estalella's apparent use of performance enhancing substances was noticed by club officials. After the 2003 season, the Los Angeles Dodgers considered signing Estalella as a free agent. During a three-day meeting of Dodgers officials in late October 2003, assessments were made of many players, including the possible use of steroids by some players. Ellen Harrigan, an administrator in the Dodgers' scouting department, kept detailed notes of the discussion. Among the comments she recorded was an observation by one of the participants that Estalella was a "poster boy for the chemicals."	Page 130
Jason Giambi	Giambi said that he injected himself with approximately "one cc" (cubic centimeter) of Deca-Durabolin each week for the remainder of the 2001 season, always administering the drug to himself and always at home. He purchased an additional supply of Deca-Durabolin from the same source before the 2002 season, and he followed the same weekly regimen of use of that substance throughout the 2002 season.	Page 131
Jeremy Giambi	[Former minor leaguer Ethan] Stein said that during one of those conversations in 1996, Giambi admitted that both he and his brother used steroids and told Stein that he could get him steroids. Stein responded that he was not interested. When Stein later saw Giambi during spring training in 1997, his physique had changed dramatically. He noticed increased muscular development, as well as hair loss and back acne.	Page 133
Benito Santiago	At the end of the 2003 season, Mike Murphy, a Giants clubhouse attendant, was cleaning out Santiago's locker when he found a sealed package of syringes. Murphy brought the syringes to the training room, handed them to [Victor] Conte, and told Conte that he had found them in Santiago's locker. Conte responded that he "would take care of it."	Page 134
Gary Sheffield	In September 2003, when federal agents executed a search warrant on Greg Anderson's condominium, they cited a February 2003 FedEx receipt from Gary Sheffield to BALCO as evidence of probable cause to conduct the search. In his 2007 book entitled Inside Power, Sheffield acknowledged he had received a bill from BALCO for what he called "vitamins" and claimed he did not know whether the "cream" he acknowledged using during his grand jury testimony had contained steroids.	Page 136
Randy Velarde	Randy Velarde admitted to us, through his lawyer, that he had used performance enhancing substances he obtained from Greg Anderson. According to his lawyer, if interviewed, Velarde would have told us he received the "cream" and the "clear" from Anderson in a transaction that occurred in a parking lot during spring training in 2003.	Page 137

Information Regarding Purchases or Use of Performance Enhancing Substances by Players in Major League Baseball (62 players/23 active in MLB in 2007)
From the report: "The following discussion is organized in roughly chronological order. Records do not exist to document every transaction described by witnesses. [Kirk] Radomski stated that, with one exception noted below, the payments he received from professional baseball players were for performance enhancing substances, as opposed to personal training or other services, and this assertion was confirmed by those players who agreed to speak with us about their dealings with him."
Name	Report/Reaction	In Report | Read it
Lenny Dykstra	Since approximately 2000, the Commissioner's Office has been aware that Dykstra used anabolic steroids during his playing career. At that time, senior vice president for security Kevin M. Hallinan, his deputy Martin Maguire, and then-executive vice president for baseball operations Sandy Alderson met with Dykstra and his doctor in an attempt to increase their understanding of steroids. Hallinan said that Dykstra admitted to using steroids, saying that he used them to "keep his weight up" during the season. According to Hallinan, Dykstra said using steroids eliminated the need for him to work out during the season.	Page 149
David Segui	In 1994, while Segui was playing for the Mets, he and Radomski became friends. According to Radomski, Segui admitted to him that he used steroids during that season. Radomski recalled that either at the very end of Segui's time with the Mets (1995) or shortly thereafter, Segui showed him a bottle of anabolic steroids he had received from Mexico (these were veterinary steroids, according to Radomski). In a subsequent meeting, Radomski gave Segui without charge a bottle of Deca-Durabolin and told Segui to try it.	Page 150
Larry Bigbie	Radomski retrieved from his banks three checks written by Bigbie. ... The second, dated March 5, 2005, in the amount of $1,200, was for human growth hormone. This check is shown below. The third check, dated May 6, 2005, in the amount of $1,300, with a memo stating "Supplements," was for two kits of human growth hormone. Bigbie believes this check was most likely for an amount outstanding from an earlier purchase for performance enhancing substances.	Page 152
Brian Roberts	According to Bigbie, however, in 2004 Roberts admitted to him that he had injected himself once or twice with steroids in 2003. Until this admission, Bigbie had never suspected Roberts of using steroids.	Page 158
Jack Cust	At the beginning of the 2003 season, Cust and Larry Bigbie were both playing for Baltimore's class AAA affiliate in Ottawa. Bigbie's locker was next to Cust's. Cust eventually asked Bigbie if he had ever tried steroids. Bigbie acknowledged he had, and Cust said that he, too, had tried steroids. Cust told Bigbie that he had a source who could procure anything he wanted, but Bigbie informed him he already had a friend who could supply him.	Page 159
Tim Laker	Laker and David Segui were teammates on the 1995 Montreal Expos. According to Radomski, Segui introduced him to Laker. Although Radomski could recall only one or two cash transactions with Laker in the late 1990s involving Deca-Durabolin and testosterone, Laker acknowledged a total of four transactions during our interview of him.	Page 159
Josias Manzanillo	Radomski said that he did not sell any steroids to Manzanillo and that his only substance-related involvement with Manzanillo was when he injected him with steroids in the clubhouse. Radomski stated that he remembered the event clearly because it was the only time he ever injected a player with steroids.	Page 161
Todd Hundley	Radomski stated that, beginning in 1996, he sold Deca-Durabolin and testosterone to Hundley on three or four occasions. At the beginning of that year, Radomski told Hundley that if he used steroids, he would hit 40 home runs. Hundley hit 41 home runs in 1996, having never hit more than 16 in any prior year. After the season, Radomski said, Hundley took him out to dinner.	Page 163
Mark Carreon	Radomski said that he provided Carreon with Dianabol pills toward the end of his tenure with the Giants (Carreon was with San Francisco from 1994 through the middle of the 1996 season). He believes that Carreon paid by check. According to Radomski, Carreon told him that the "ball was jumping off his bat" and that he could hit farther because of the anabolic steroids he used.	Page 163
Hal Morris	Radomski said that he sold Deca-Durabolin and testosterone to Morris in late 1999 when Morris was with the Reds. Morris paid by check. Morris's name, with an address we have confirmed was his, is listed in the address book seized by federal agents from Radomski's residence.	Page 164
Matt Franco	Radomski said he met Franco when he played for the Mets and that he came to know Franco "very well." Radomski said that he sold Franco steroids on one occasion in 2000 after Franco called him to place the order. This call occurred, according to Radomski, after Radomski ran into Franco at an event. ... Franco denied ever purchasing or using any performance enhancing substance. Franco also denied that he ever met, knew, or talked with Radomski, asserting that he had never even heard of Radomski before the publicity over Radomski's guilty plea.	Page 165
Rondell White	According to Radomski, White started buying performance enhancing substances from him in 2000. White bought both human growth hormone and Deca-Durabolin. In our first interview, before he had access to all the checks his banks were able to supply, Radomski estimated he had engaged in "six to ten" transactions with White, some paid for with cash, others paid by check. Subsequently, Radomski was able to produce seven checks that he deposited drawn on White's checking account.	Page 165
Roger Clemens	Toward the end of the road trip which included the Marlins series, or shortly after the Blue Jays returned home to Toronto, Clemens approached [former Yankees trainer Brian] McNamee and, for the first time, brought up the subject of using steroids. Clemens said that he was not able to inject himself, and he asked for McNamee's help. Later that summer, Clemens asked McNamee to inject him with Winstrol, which Clemens supplied. McNamee knew the substance was Winstrol because the vials Clemens gave him were so labeled. McNamee injected Clemens approximately four times in the buttocks over a several-week period with needles that Clemens provided. Each incident took place in Clemens's apartment at the SkyDome. McNamee never asked Clemens where he obtained the steroids.	Page 166
Andy Pettitte	McNamee traveled to Tampa at Pettitte's request and spent about ten days assisting Pettitte with his rehabilitation. McNamee recalled that he injected Pettitte with human growth hormone that McNamee obtained from Radomski on two to four occasions. Pettitte paid McNamee for the trip and his expenses; there was no separate payment for the human growth hormone.	Page 175
Chuck Knobloch	McNamee said that he acquired human growth hormone from Radomski for Knoblauch in 2001. Beginning during spring training and continuing through the early portion of the season, McNamee injected Knoblauch at least seven to nine times with human growth hormone.	Page 175
Jason Grimsley	In our first interview, conducted before Radomski obtained complete records from his banks, Radomski estimated he had engaged in at least seven or eight sales to Grimsley involving human growth hormone, Deca-Durabolin, and diet pills from 2000 through 2003. Radomski ultimately produced fourteen checks written by Grimsley (including cashier's checks for which Grimsley was the remitter) from June 2, 2001 through July 29, 2005, totaling $35,400.	Page 177, 249
Gregg Zaun	...in September 2002 Luis Perez, a bullpen catcher for the Montreal Expos, was arrested for possession of a pound of marijuana. In January 2003, he was interviewed by investigators from the Commissioner's Office. Perez told those investigators that he had personally supplied anabolic steroids to Zaun and seven other major league ball players.	Page 179
David Justice	Radomski said he made one sale to Justice, which occurred after the 2000 World Series. Justice played for the Yankees that year. Justice paid Radomski by check for two or three kits of human growth hormone. Radomski said that he cashed this check.	Page 181
F.P. Santangelo	Radomski believed that Santangelo was referred to him by David Segui when both played for the Expos between 1995 and 1997. Radomski produced one check from Santangelo dated October 23, 2000 in the amount of $1,400, which Radomski said was payment for a kit of human growth hormone.	Page 182
Glenallen Hill	Radomski said that Hill told him that he was getting human growth hormone in San Francisco and was "not feeling anything." Radomski thereafter sent Hill a "sample bottle" of human growth hormone without charge and told him to try it. Hill tried it and told Radomski that he "felt everything you told me I would feel." ... According to Hill, he never used the anabolic steroids that he bought from Radomski.	Page 183
Mo Vaughn	Radomski recalled that Vaughn had an ankle injury and called him for advice. Radomski told Vaughn that human growth hormone would help his ankle heal faster. Radomski said that thereafter he sold human growth hormone to Vaughn. Radomski also provided Vaughn with a program for the use of the human growth hormone. Radomski said that he delivered the substances to Vaughn personally. Radomski produced three checks deposited into Radomski's accounts and drawn on Vaughn's checking account: two checks for $3,200 each, and one check for $2,200.	Page 186
Denny Neagle	Radomski said that from 2000 to 2004 he engaged in five or six transactions with Neagle involving human growth hormone and anabolic steroids. Neagle always paid by check. At one point, Neagle had another major league player send a check to Radomski because that player owed Neagle money. Radomski stated that he never sold human growth hormone or steroids to the other player.	Page 187
Ron Villone	Villone first purchased human growth hormone from Radomski during the 2004 season. Radomski sent this order to Villone at the Seattle Mariners' clubhouse. For the second transaction, Radomski met Villone during the 2004-05 off-season at a diner where Radomski personally delivered the human growth hormone to him. Villone's third purchase from Radomski took place during the 2005 season. Radomski sent that package to Villone's residence in Seattle.	Page 188
Ryan Franklin	On August 2, 2005, Ryan Franklin was suspended for ten games for a positive test for anabolic steroids that was conducted in May 2005. Upon the announcement of Franklin's suspension, he is reported to have said he had no idea how he tested positive.	Page 190
Chris Donnels	Donnels said that he told Dodgers athletic trainer Matt Wilson that he was considering using performance enhancing substances. Wilson told him to "look it up on the computer" and said "I don't need to hear anything about it."	Page 190
Todd Williams	In 2001, a season in which Williams played in both Major League Baseball and the minor leagues, Radomski stated that he sold Winstrol to Williams once.	Page 194
Phil Hiatt	Radomski first spoke to Hiatt while he was with the Dodgers in 2001. Over the span of several seasons, Radomski sold Hiatt both human growth hormone and Deca-Durabolin. According to Radomski, he sold these performance enhancing substances to Hiatt on two or three occasions.	Page 194
Todd Pratt	Sometime in 2000 or 2001, while he was still with the Mets, Pratt asked to buy anabolic steroids. Radomski made one or two sales of small amounts of steroids to Pratt. Radomski also recalled having a few discussions with Pratt regarding their use.	Page 195
Kevin Young	While Radomski could not remember who introduced him to Young, he did remember that he was asked to bring two kits of human growth hormone to this first meeting. Radomski said that he went to lunch with Young and afterward went up to Young's hotel room where Radomski sold him one or two kits of human growth hormone.	Page 195
Mike Lansing	During the search of Radomski's residence, an undated, partial shipping label was seized with Lansing's name on it and a Colorado address. We have confirmed that Lansing resided at this address when he played with the Rockies. Lansing's name, with an address and two telephone numbers, is listed in the address book seized from Radomski's residence by federal agents.	Page 196
Cody McKay	McKay's name is listed in the address book seized by federal agents from Radomski's residence, along with a telephone number that is still listed to and used by McKay. McKay's address in the address book is the clubhouse address for the Indianapolis Indians, a minor league team where McKay played in 2003.	Page 197
Kent Mercker	Radomski produced one check from Mercker to Radomski in the amount of $1,600. The check number and date are not legible. ... During the search of Radomski's home, federal agents seized a copy of an Express Mail receipt indicating a shipment to Mercker on October 29, 2002.	Page 198
Adam Piatt	We later interviewed Piatt, who voluntarily admitted his use of performance enhancing substances. He accepted full responsibility for his actions and said that he had learned an important life lesson as a result.	Page 199
Miguel Tejada	Radomski recalled receiving a call from Piatt during which he said he needed extra testosterone because "one of the guys wanted some." In a later conversation, Piatt told Radomski that the testosterone was for his teammate, Miguel Tejada. Radomski never spoke, or sold performance enhancing substances, directly to Tejada.	Page 201
Jason Christiansen	Radomski produced a check dated July 2, 2002 from Christiansen to Radomski in the amount of $1,600. ... Radomski stated that this was payment for one kit of human growth hormone and that this was a one-time transaction.	Page 205
Mike Stanton	Radomski met Stanton around 2001 while he was pitching for the Yankees. Radomski recalled making two sales of human growth hormone to Stanton. The first occurred in 2003, during Stanton's first season with the Mets. Early in that season, Radomski mailed two kits of human growth hormone to Stanton at his residence. Stanton paid Radomski $3,200 by money order.	Page 205
Stephen Randolph	Radomski said that he spoke to Randolph several times about human growth hormone and then told Randolph to do some research before using it. Radomski said that he sold Randolph human growth hormone thereafter, in 2003 or 2004. Randolph's name, with a telephone number, is listed in the address book seized from Radomski's residence by federal agents. Radomski mailed the package of human growth hormone to the address listed in his address book.	Page 206
Jerry Hairston Jr.	Hairston was referred to Radomski by David Segui, his teammate on the Orioles from 2002 to 2004. Radomski said that he sold human growth hormone to Hairston on two or three occasions during 2003 and 2004. Radomski produced one check from Hairston dated June 16, 2003.	Page 207, 251
Paul LoDuca	Radomski produced copies of three checks from Lo Duca, each in the amount of $3,200. All are included in the Appendix. Radomski said that each check was in payment for two kits of human growth hormone. Lo Duca's name, with an address and telephone number, is listed in the address book seized from Radomski's residence by federal agents.	Page 208
Adam Riggs	Radomski produced five checks and money orders that he received from Riggs and deposited into his bank accounts. The dates ranged from July 10, 2003 to November 30, 2005. Four checks totaled $1,150; the other check amount was illegible.	Page 211
Bart Miadich	Radomski described Miadich as a frequent purchaser of small quantities of testosterone and Winstrol from 2002 to 2005. Radomski also said that Miadich advised him that he was getting human growth hormone elsewhere. According to Radomski, Miadich called him regularly, including when Miadich was playing in Japan in 2005, when he called to buy performance enhancing substances for use during the upcoming off-season.	Page 212
Fernando Vina	Radomski stated that he sold anabolic steroids or human growth hormone to Vina six to eight times during 2000 to 2005. Radomski produced three checks from Vina. Radomski stated that these checks reflected a March 2003 purchase by Vina of human growth hormone, an April 2003 purchase by Vina of steroids, most likely Winstrol, and a July 2005 purchase by Vina of Deca-Durabolin.	Page 213
Kevin Brown	In the notes of the October 2003 meetings among Dodgers officials, it was reportedly said of Brown: "Kevin Brown -- getting to the age of nagging injuries ... Question what kind of medication he takes ... Effectiveness goes down covering 1st base or running bases. Common in soccer players and are more susceptible if you take meds to increase your muscles -- doesn't increase the attachments. Is he open to adjusting how he takes care of himself? He knows he now needs to do stuff before coming to spring training to be ready. Steroids speculated by GM."	Page 214
Eric Gagne	Although he is not sure when, Radomski recalled that Lo Duca called Radomski and told Radomski that Gagné was with him and wanted to buy human growth hormone. Gagné then came onto the phone and asked Radomski a question about how to get air out of a syringe. This is the only time Radomski spoke to Gagné. Radomski said that Lo Duca thereafter placed orders on Gagné's behalf.	Page 217
Mike Bell	Bell said that he purchased and received one shipment of human growth hormone from Radomski while in the minor leagues during the 2003 off-season. Bell never met Radomski but recalled hearing his name during the two seasons (1998 and 1999) that he spent in the Mets' minor league system. When asked how he came to know that Radomski could obtain performance enhancing substances for him, Bell said that "a lot of people knew him and knew what he did."	Page 219
Matt Herges	Radomski produced one check from Herges dated November 1, 2005 in the amount of $3,240. ... Radomski said that this check was in payment for two kits of human growth hormone, plus $40 for shipping. A piece of an undated shipping receipt to Herges and a copy of an Express Mail receipt dated November 2, 2005 sent to the same address were seized from Radomski's residence by federal agents.	Page 221
Gary Bennett Jr.	Radomski said that Denny Neagle referred Bennett to him. Neagle and Bennett were teammates in 2001 and 2002 with the Colorado Rockies. Radomski recalled one transaction with Bennett in July 2003 for two kits of human growth hormone. Radomski produced one check from Bennett payable to Kirk Radomski in the amount of $3,200 dated July 13, 2003.	Page 222
Jim Parque	Radomski did not recall who referred Parque to him but said that he made two sales of human growth hormone to him. Radomski said that during the 2003 off-season Parque sent Radomski a bottle of Winstrol to "check out." Radomski determined it was "no good" and discarded it. Radomski produced two checks from Parque. The first was dated October 18, 2003 in the amount of $3,200; the second was dated December 6, 2003 in the amount of $1,600.	Page 223
Brendan Donnelly	Radomski said that Donnelly was referred to him by Adam Riggs. Both Riggs and Donnelly played for the Angels in 2003 and 2004. Radomski recalled that Donnelly called him in 2004 looking for Anavar, an anabolic steroid. Radomski made one sale to Donnelly of Deca-Durabolin for which Donnelly paid $250 to $300.	Page 224
Chad Allen	According to Allen, the 2003 off-season was the only occasion when he used steroids. Allen explained that he did not want his teammates to know that he used steroids, and he did not want to use anything during the season because he "did not want to be on a different playing field from his teammates." He also was concerned about testing positive.	Page 225
Jeff Williams	Radomski said that he sold the steroids Anavar and Dianabol to Williams. Radomski produced one check from Williams dated December 10, 2004 in the amount of $1,820.	Page 227
Howie Clark	According to Radomski, Clark was introduced to him by Larry Bigbie. Radomski said that Clark called him several times before buying anything. Radomski recalled that Clark had done his own research about human growth hormone and had decided to use it. Radomski said that he made four or five sales of human growth hormone to Clark and that Clark paid him by money order or check.	Page 228
Exavier "Nook" Logan	Rondell White, a Tigers teammate, referred Logan to Radomski. Radomski stated that he sold Logan one kit of human growth hormone just before federal agents searched Radomski's house in December 2005. Radomski mailed the package to Logan, who paid by money order.	Page 229
Mike Judd	[Albuquerque Dukes strength and conditioning coach Todd] Seyler observed Lo Duca and Judd inject themselves with either Deca-Durabolin or Winstrol, although Seyler could not remember where they injected themselves or which of the two substances they used.	Page 230
Ricky Stone	Seyler further observed Stone inject himself in the thigh with Deca-Durabolin.	Page 231
Derrick Turnbow	According to statements by Gene Orza, chief operating officer of the Players Association, Turnbow had tested positive [during training camp for the U.S. Olympic baseball team the previous October] as the result of taking androstenedione, which was not a prohibited substance under the Major League Baseball joint drug program at the time. Orza reportedly said: "Derrick Turnbow did not test positive for a steroid. He tested positive for what the [International Olympic Committee] and others regard as a steroid, but the U.S. government does not."	Page 83
Wally Joyner	In an interview for this investigation, Joyner told us that he struggled with the decision whether to try steroids, but eventually he decided to use them. After taking the drugs three times, Joyner decided that he had made a mistake, discarded the rest of the pills, and never tried illegal performance enhancing substances again.	Page 73
Rafael Palmeiro	On August 1, 2005, Major League Baseball announced that Baltimore Orioles first baseman and designated hitter Rafael Palmeiro had violated the league's joint drug program and would be suspended for 10 games. Palmeiro subsequently acknowledged that he had tested positive for the anabolic steroid stanozolol, the generic name for Winstrol, but he repeatedly denied that he had ever "intentionally taken steroids."	Page 103
Paxton Crawford	In an article in 2006, a similar story was recounted by Paxton Crawford, a pitcher who was on the roster of the Boston Red Sox in 2000 and 2001. Crawford admitted to using steroids and human growth hormone while with the Red Sox. He described an incident in which syringes he had wrapped in a towel were spilled onto the floor of the Red Sox clubhouse, which he said caused laughter among his teammates.	Page 111
Ryan Jorgensen	In September 2007, Cincinnati Reds catcher Ryan Jorgenson also was suspended for 50 games based on non-analytic evidence that he had violated the joint program.	Page SR-14
Ricky Bones	In late June 2000, a clubhouse attendant with the Florida Marlins brought a paper bag to the club's athletic trainers that had been found in the locker of Marlins pitcher Ricky Bones. The bag contained over two dozen syringes, six vials of injectable medications -- stanozolol and nandrolone decanoate, two anabolic steroids that are sold under the names Winstrol and Deca-Durabolin, respectively -- and a page of handwritten instructions on how to administer the drugs. Soon thereafter, the athletic trainers returned the bag and its contents to Bones at his request.	Page 92
Ken Caminiti	[Astros director of team travel Barry] Waters did not deliver the vials to Caminiti, but believing incorrectly that there was no policy requiring him to report the incident, he did not report the matter to anyone else with the Astros or to the Commissioner's Office. Caminiti later admitted that he had used steroids during his playing career in a widely read Sports Illustrated article that was published in June 2002.	Page 109

Alleged Internet Purchases of Performance Enhancing Substances By Players in Major League Baseball (16 players/8 active in MLB in 2007)
From the report: "Since the initial news reports of the raid by New York and Florida law enforcement officials on Signature Pharmacy and several rejuvenation centers, the names of several current and former major league players have appeared in the media as alleged purchasers of performance enhancing substances through these operations."
Name	Report/Reaction	In Report | Read it
Rick Ankiel	In comments to reporters after the story was published, Ankiel initially admitted that he had used human growth hormone while recovering from ligament surgery in 2003, but he then invoked medical privacy laws to decline further comment. Ankiel said that "[a]ll and any medications that I have received in my career has (sic) always been under a doctor's care, a licensed physician."	Page 243
David Bell	According to [a Sports Illustrated] article, Bell reportedly purchased six packages of human chorionic gonadatropin ("HCG") from the pharmacy in April 2005 while he was playing for the Philadelphia Phillies. HCG is a hormone that is produced during pregnancy; it is used by steroid abusers to counteract the effects of steroid use on the body's natural production of testosterone.	Page 244
Paul Byrd	In public comments in response to [a San Francisco Chronicle] article, Byrd admitted that he had been taking human growth hormone but said that he had been using it to treat a tumor on his pituitary gland. Byrd reportedly said that he had never taken "any hormone or drug that was not prescribed" to him by a doctor.	Page 245
Jose Canseco	In a later telephone interview with my investigative staff, however, [Canseco lawyer Robert] Saunooke confirmed that Canseco had purchased human growth hormone over the internet on several occasions, both before and after his retirement from baseball. Saunooke said that Canseco had taken a blood test in connection with these purchases.	Page 246
Jay Gibbons	The Commissioner's Office met with Gibbons on September 18, 2007 to discuss the news reports. On December 6, 2007, the Commissioner's Office announced a 15-day suspension of Gibbons for violation of the joint drug program, to take effect at the start of the 2008 season. After the suspension was announced, Gibbons said: "I am deeply sorry for the mistakes that I have made. I have no excuses and bear sole responsibility for my decisions. Years ago, I relied on the advice of a doctor, filled a prescription, charged the HGH, which is a medication, to my credit card and had only intended to help speed my recovery from my injuries and surgeries."	Page 247
Troy Glaus	Glaus reportedly met with officials from the Commissioner's Office in September 2007. On December 6, 2007, the Commissioner's Office announced that there was insufficient evidence of a violation of the joint program in effect at the time of the conduct in question to warrant discipline of Glaus.	Page 248
Jose Guillen	In an article on November 6, 2007, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that Seattle Mariners outfielder Jose Guillen purchased human growth hormone, testosterone, and other steroids through the Palm Beach Rejuvenation Center in multiple transactions over a three-year period between 2002 and 2004 and possibly also in 2005.	Page 249
Darren Holmes	Holmes reportedly admitted to reporters that he ordered human growth hormone after searching the internet for solutions to his shoulder pain but claimed that he never used it. He also reportedly said that he had not ordered the testosterone that was included in the package, which aroused his suspicion. After discussing whether to use the human growth hormone with his wife, Holmes reportedly said that he "threw the box away and never used it."	Page 251
Gary Matthews Jr.	Several weeks after [a Sports Illustrated] report appeared, Matthews issued a statement in which he said "I have never taken H.G.H., during the 2004 season or any other time. Nobody has accused me of doing so, and no law enforcement agency has said I am a target of any investigation for doing so." In his statement, Matthews did not deny that human growth hormone had been shipped to him, and he declined to answer reporters' questions about that omission.	Page 252
John Rocker	In March 2007, Sports Illustrated reported that, according to the Applied Pharmacy Services database, former pitcher John Rocker received two prescriptions for human growth hormone (somatropin) between April and July 2003. Rocker initially denied the allegations, but his spokesperson later reportedly said that Rocker had been prescribed human growth hormone in connection with shoulder surgery.	Page 254
Scott Schoenweis	On October 1, 2007, ESPN reported on its website that New York Mets pitcher Scott Schoeneweis had received six shipments of steroids from Signature Pharmacy at Comiskey Park while he was playing for the Chicago White Sox in 2003 and 2004. Dr. Ramon Scruggs of the New Hope Health Center (the suspended California physician who also was reported to have issued prescriptions for Troy Glaus) reportedly prescribed the drugs. According to ESPN, Schoeneweis spent $1,160 on steroids, including testosterone and stanozolol. Schoeneweis denied the report.	Page 254
Ismael Valdez	According to [the San Francisco Chronicle], on September 7, 2002, while he was playing with the Mariners, Valdez "used a credit to card to buy nearly $2,500 worth of human growth hormone," which was shipped to him at the Texas Rangers ballpark in Arlington, Texas where Valdez had been playing until he was traded to the Mariners the prior month. Ten days later, Valdez reportedly purchased Novarel, clomiphene, and Arimidex from the center, all of which are used to counteract the effects of steroid abuse.502 The article reported that "Valdez's prescriptions were written by the same dentist who prescribed drugs to [Paul] Byrd, [Jose] Guillen and [retired infielder Matt] Williams."	Page 255
Matt Williams	The [San Francisco Chronicle] reported that Williams admitted that a doctor told him that human growth hormone might help him heal from an ankle injury that he had suffered in 2002. "He said he learned about the Florida center from a health magazine and went through a battery of tests before obtaining a prescription for growth hormone in 2002." Williams reportedly said that he did not know that a dentist had written prescriptions for him. He did not comment on whether he had ordered or used steroids or drugs intended for use by women, as reportedly reflected in the records.	Page 255
Steve Woodard	In a September 7, 2007 article, the New York Daily News reported that Steve Woodard, a former pitcher who played with four different major league clubs over seven seasons ending in 2003 (the Milwaukee Brewers, Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, and Boston Red Sox), received a shipment of steroids and human growth hormone from The Health and Rejuvenation Center, the same Palm Beach Gardens anti-aging center that reportedly supplied St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Rick Ankiel. The article did not state when the shipment to Woodard allegedly occurred.	Page 257

Information Provided by a Former Major League Player
Name	Report/Reaction	In Report | Read it
Dan Naulty	During his telephone interview, Naulty admitted to using steroids, on and off, for seven years, and human growth hormone for one year. Naulty used performance enhancing substances while playing in both Major League Baseball and in the minor leagues.	Page 232

Just Keeping Everyone Posted

Hello, hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving and caused some Black Friday havoc. Unfortunately I have been very busy with graduation, christmas shopping, and jagabombs! Not really, but I should after coming to the realization the Mets average age will be in the late 30's next season.

But anyway, I was finally able to get my pictures from Cooperstown. Many of them came out like crap but some came out okay, I'll scan those and post them here. I'll get the others from my friend that came with me, I know his came out good.

I graduate December 16th (yay) and my school is pretty much over so from now on Sundays will be when I write my blog posts. This Sunday, I'll be wrapping up the Silver Sluggers, MVPS, recent trades and FA signings.

Apparently, according to Jayson Stark at ESPN.com, the Mitchell Report is being released before Christmas so I'll be writing about that soon.

Take care all, and post damn it!!

Bonds Indicted/ 2007 Gold Gloves in Review

Flashing the Trivia: Who is the only position player in MLB history to not commit an error during a full 162-game season? (answer at bottom)

" People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. "
~Rogers Hornsby


Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Enjoying the cold weather as the hot stove heats up? I am. You know why? Because the Jets finally won a damn game! But I'm rather confident that things will return to normal when Tony Romo and Company roll over the Jets. As long as Kellen Clemens throws a deep touchdown pass I'll be happy.


So lets start with the biggest (and obvious) news in baseball. To everyone's surprise (pfft...) Barry Bonds was indicted last Thursday on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. The charges stemmed from his testimony to a grand jury about his alleged steroid usage. He faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison if convicted.

"I'm surprised," said one of his lawyers, John Burris, "but there's been an effort to get Barry for a long time. I'm curious what evidence they have now they didn't have before."

I wonder what they found, I'd put my money on "the clear."

Bud Selig claimed it was a very sad day for baseball, but I think it's great. Making a public example of the league's all-time home run hitter should help deter any players (as great as Bonds once was before the performance enhancers) from taking performance enhancing drugs in the future.

On the topic of asterisks, I don't believe in them at all. A record is a record, it would only disgrace the sport of baseball if any record had an asterisk next to it (though it is quite comical that home run number 756, has a big asterisk stamped on it).

Remember the player that Bonds once was, not the big-headed fool that he has become. Remember the Barry Bonds who from 1990-1998 had the best eight-year stretch of any player in recent memory. Top-10 MVP finishes every year (except 1995), three MVP awards in this span. Averages, RBIs, and Stolen bases exceeding .300, 100, and 30 respectively every year (except 1994 and 1998). A 30-30 year (HRs and SBs) every year (except 1991). This man was clearly one of the best players of our generation, performance enhancers or not.

Remember for every Bonds theres an Alex Rodriguez, for every Mark McGwire there's an Albert Pujols, and for every Sammy Sosa there's a Grady Sizemore. Baseball has a bright future, and will continue to do so for many years to come.

2007 Gold Glove Awards

National League:

P-Greg Maddux (San Diego Padres)
C- Russell Martin (Los Angeles Dodgers)
1B- Derrek Lee (Chicago Cubs)
2B- Orlando Hudson (Arizona Diamondbacks)
3B- David Wright (New York Mets)
SS- Jimmy Rollins (Philadelphia Phillies)
OF- Jeff Francoeur (Atlanta Braves)
OF- Andruw Jones (Atlanta Braves)
OF (tie)- Aaron Rowand (Philadelphia Phillies), Carlos Beltran (New York Mets)

I agree with some of these picks. In his career, spanning 21 years, Greg Maddux has had 50 errors, the last two he's had only 1. Put it this way, Hanley Ramirez of the Marlins made half as many errors this year alone. This is Maddux's record 17th Gold Glove Award.

Russell Martin was an interesting, yet viable choice. He led all catchers in every fielding statistical category because he clearly had the most chances. Interestingly enough he also led all catchers in errors and was near the bottom in fielding percentage. But he also led in runners thrown out, caught stealing %, and my favorite fielding category range factor ((put outs + assists)/ innings). Catcher is a very difficult and enduring position, all and all I like the pick as Martin gets his first career Gold Glove. Though Brian McCann of the Atlanta Braves is a close second.

Now Derrick Lee, not so much. Still trying to figure out why he was handed this award over Todd Helton of the Colorado Rockies. Todd Helton made 2 errors this year in 1337 innings, good for a .999 fielding percentage. Helton is near the top in range factor, innings, chances, put outs, and games played. While Derrick Lee is just kind of floating in the middle of the pack. I'm not sure how this happened exactly... Anyway this is Lee's 3rd Gold Glove.

I like the Orlando Hudson pick. Since second basemen get so many chances, the statistics are all over the place. Everyone, except Hudson and Brandon Phillips of the Cincinnati Reds that is. They are the only second baseman that is in the top-5 of all fielding categories. Consistency is the key at the middle infield positions. Hudson is there every year, this is his third consecutive Gold Glove. Phillips actually blew away the rest of the leagues second basemen in total chances and innings. He's also up there in least amount of errors, fielding percentage, and double plays. Either choice would have been fine with me.

Now as a Met fan, I looooveeee this pick. Haha, not really, Ryan Zimmerman of the Washington Nationals was robbed. Wright was the flashy choice as Wright got to a ridiculous 87 balls outside of his third base zone. Though inside the zone Zimmerman had a .811 percentage to Wright's .771. Zimmerman started 39 double plays, which leads all corner infielders. Sorry D-Wright, because of Zimmerman this will be your first and probably last Gold Glove for years to come.

Jimmy Rollins? Come on! Since Omar Vizquel of the San Francisco Giants is in the National League, as long as he put up an above-average year (which he definitely did) he should get the award hands-down unless someone puts up ridiculous numbers. Interestingly enough, that happened. Troy Tulowitzki of the Colorado Rockies had the best defensive year for any middle infielder in recent memory. In 834 total chances (which blew away the second most with Rollins at 717), Tulo lead all infielders by having 114 double plays , 262 put outs, 561 assists, and an absurd range factor of 5.39. Rollins, is in Derrick Lee territory fielding-wise. An average fielding season should not equal a gold glove. This is Rollins' first Gold Glove.

Hit the nail right on the head with these outfielders. Jones and Beltran have superior range, Francoeur has an amazing arm, and Aaron Rowand has both combined with the heart of a lion. Francoeur led all outfielders with 19 assists, Rowand was second with 11. Everything lines up, no arguments or even runners-up should be mentioned here. It was clear-cut.

Update: The Jets just got killed 34-3, all is now right with the world...

American League:

P- Johan Santana (Minnesota Twins)
C- Ivan Rodriguez (Detroit Tigers)
1B- Kevin Youkilis (Boston Red Sox)
2B- Placido Polanco (Detroit Tigers)
3B- Adrian Beltre (Seattle Mariners)
SS- Orlando Cabrera (Los Angeles Angels)
OF- Grady Sizemore (Cleveland Indians)
OF- Ichiro Suzuki (Seattle Mariners)
OF- Torii Hunter (Minnesota Twins)

The American League picks were almost perfect. The only pick I didn't like here was Johan Santana which was of course the flashy pick. This should have been Fausto Carmona's Gold Glove hands-down. Carmona had 64 total chances, 39 assists, and 23 putouts. Santana did have no errors to Carmona's 2 but the chances should make up for it. Carmona's rotation-mate C.C. Sabathia wasn't too far off. But you can't give the Gold Glove to a pitcher who had a whopping 1 putout all year. This is Santana's first Gold Glove.

There's not much more you can say about Ivan Rodriguez. This would be his 13th Gold Glove. He had 10 consecutive Gold Gloves as a backstop from 1992-2001, including an AL MVP in 1999. Pudge clearly had an above average fielding year with only 6 errors, .993 fielding percentage and a 7.56 range factor, thus giving him the award based on reputation alone. If Pudge happened to be in the National League, the award clearly would have went to Kenji Johjima who threw out a ridiculous 40 of 86 baserunners (.465 pct) to Pudge's .309. Johjima somehow also managed to start 15 double plays behind the plate, thus displaying his athleticism. He also led the league in innings and games played showing his durability behind the plate. Can't doubt I-Rod, but Johjima really deserved it.

Kevin Youkilis is a clear choice. Looking at his stats I never realized how much of the Boston Red Sox pitching staff are fly ball pitchers. Despite playing in 1094 innings, 135 games, and having 1080 total chances, he only has 990 putouts (good for a distant 8th for first basemen in the AL). Still that last comment holds no bearing, Youkilis is the clear-cut choice. This is Youk's first Gold Glove. Runner-up: Sean Casey of the Detroit Tigers in a distant second.

I'm gonna hold off writing about Placido Polanco, you'll see why later. All I can write here is that no one even came a close second to Polanco.

Adrian Beltre is one of those rare steroids-era players whose defense wasn't affected by him laying off the juice (there's been no proof of this but check out his offensive numbers from 2000-2003, then his contract year of 2004, then his 2005-2007 stats, I believe it says it all). While his offense has suffered slightly (He's a decent offensive third baseman, but he's no Silver Slugger as in 2004), his defense has always been there. But his numbers this year are nothing special. In fact, no one's numbers are really all that "hot" at the "hot corner." Though Mike Lowell of the Red Sox has stats that stand out a bit. He had 1324 total innings (second to A-Rod), 384 total chances, 105 putouts, and umm errors too were all top-3 among third baseman (Beltre led all third baseman in errors with being second in total chances). It's a toss-up but I think Lowell would have been the better choice. Despite his defensive rep, this is only Beltre's 1st Gold Glove award.

Orlando Cabrera was the right choice at shortstop. He was top-2 in all fielding categories including only 11 errors in 665 chances. Jhonny Peralta of the Cleveland Indians almost had the numbers to hang with Cabrera, but still remained a distant second. This is Cabrera's 2nd Gold Glove.

Grady Sizemore, Ichiro Suzuki and Torii Hunter. I only need to mention Sizemore here. He fielded the most innings of any outfielder. Tops in zone rating at .916 though his range factor is only 2.57. Being steady is the key though, that can explain why Ichiro and Hunter are here like always. This is Sizemore's first Gold Glove, Ichiro's 7th consecutive Gold Glove, and Hunter's 7th consecutive Gold Glove.


The Latest on the Hot Stove.....

Free Agents

The most notable free agent signing since my last post was obviously Alex Rodriguez's 10-year $275 million deal ($27.5 million a year). I should have seen this coming though I obviously didn't (if you looked at my poll A-Rod's possible destination's did not include signing with the Yankees). If it wasn't for a cell phone call with Warren Buffet, though, A-Rod would probably be headed elsewhere. He finally stood up for himself and went over Scott Boras's head to sign with the Yankees (apparently he really does enjoy being with the team). This surprised me, but it has happened before (Andruw Jones in 2002, though look at his numbers now, Boras could have locked him up long-term then for more money). Here A-Rod actually ends up losing potential money (the Rangers are now saved $21 million over the next 3 seasons, thus having A-Rod lose money the Yankees could have given him when the contract expired in 3 years). He couldn't wait three years for his incredible payday (granted he still got the richest contract in baseball history). Whatever, A-Rod got the money, and the Yankees have another Hall of Famer that will don a Yankee hat in the Hall after he retires as the probable (hopefully) all-time home run king.

The next notable signing was that of Mike Lowell (3-years $37.5 million). Lowell also claimed he had left more money on the table (Probably the Yanks at first base). He's always been in the Jason Varitek mold, he loves being a part of Red Sox Nation (yes, I'm well aware I said he'd be gone, I'd thought he be the Yankees first baseman, I underestimated his loyalty).

The next was Mariano Rivera resigning with the Yanks (3-years, $45 million). Rivera called the Yankees bluff and demanded a 4th year. But backed down in the end. He's still the highest paid (rightfully so, he's the best all-time) closer in the game. Though I don't think he'll ever trump Trevor Hoffman's 524 all-time saves.

The Mets resigned second baseman Luis Castillo to a four-year contract worth $25 million. Castillo usually isn't out too much due to injury but has lingering knee problems causing his stolen base production to significantly drop off. I would have appreciated a two-year deal. Four-years is too much for a guy with creaky knees.

Starting Pitcher Tom Glavine signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Braves worth $8 million. Everyone saw this coming. Glavine should be a good number 3 starter behind Smoltz and Hudson. With Mike Hampton and Jair Jurrjens rounding out the rotation, the Braves rotation will give the Phillies rotation a run for their money in the NL East.

Centerfielder Torii Hunter signed a five-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels in a deal worth $90 million. With Gary Matthews future up in the air because of recent steroid allegations, the Angels signed the most sought after outfielder on the market. With an outfield of Reggie Willits, Hunter, and Vladimir Guerrero, the Angels will be wielding one of the best in the majors.

Catcher Jason Kendall signed a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Brewers worth an undisclosed amount (I'd say $3 million). Kendall is not what he used to be, though he is very durable. The Brewers had no choice after they let Johnny Estrada go to the Mets for Guillermo Mota.

The Detroit Tigers resigned their closer Todd Jones to a one-year $7 million deal. They were hoping that Joel Zumaya would fall into this role but to no avail. Guitar Hero can truly destroy people's careers...

Right-handed reliever Hiroyuki Kobayashi signed a two-year deal with the Cleveland Indians worth $6 million with a $3.25 million option for 2010. Yeah, I don't know much about this guy but according to MLB.com he's supposed to "solidify the back-end of the Indians bullpen." I'll guarantee that he's the closer by June. Joe Borowski (who's option was picked up for some reason) won't last.

Greg Maddux resigned with the San Diego Padres with a one-year deal worth $10 million. He's solid. Perhaps the Padres overpaid, it's worth it for him to tutor the youngins trying to crack the rotation.

Left-hander J.C. Romero signed a three-year, $12 million contract extension with the Philadelphia Phillies. Romero was solid last year posting a 1.24 ERA with Philly. He'll be a good 7th inning man, leaving to set-up man Tom Gordon, then closer Brad Lidge.

Pitcher Curt Schilling resigned with the Boston Red Sox with a one-year deal worth $8 million with incentives that could make the contract worth $14 million. He's an icon in Boston, I can't see him pitching anywhere else.

Matt Stairs resigned with the Toronto Blue Jays with a two-year deal worth $3.25 million. Stairs will be splitting time with outfielder Reed Johnson in left. Stairs hit .289 with 21 homers and 64 RBIs were his highest marks since 2003 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. I'm not buying this, Stairs will revert to being a below-average offensive outfielder once again this year.

Juan Uribe resigned with the Chicago White Sox with a one-year deal worth $4.5 million. Uribe is a below- average shortstop who hit .234 in 2007. He's consistent and durable, not so sure a backup is worth $4.5 million but whatever.

Omar Vizquel was resigned to a one-year contract worth $5.3 million and an option for the 2009 season. Vizquel only hit .246 this year but he's a veteran with well-above average defense. His veteran prowless is well worth the money.

Reliever Scott Linebrink signed a four-year deal with the Chicago White Sox worth $19 million. Linebrink has been solid his whole career, his numbers dipped last year and it will be hard adjusting to the American League. I still expect him to post a 4.00 ERA which is pretty good for the AL, he'll be a good seventh-inning man.

Chan Ho Park signed a minor league deal with the LA Dodgers with an invite to spring training. His best years were with the Dodgers as he had struggled with everyone else. I believe this move will amount to nothing.

Club Options exercised...

Bobby Abreu (NY Yankees), Moises Alou (NY Mets), Joe Borowski (Cleveland Indians), Paul Byrd (Cleveland Indians), Adam Dunn (Cincinnati Reds), Aaron Fultz (Cleveland Indians), Scott Hatteberg (Cincinnati Reds), Al Reyes (Tampa Bay Devil Rays), Julian Taverez (Boston Red Sox), Javier Valentin (Cincinnati Reds), Tim Wakefield (Boston Red Sox).


Notable Trades

The Los Angeles Angels send shortstop Orlando Cabrera to the Chicago White Sox for RHP Jon Garland.

This is a trade that works out well for both teams. Juan Uribe was not going to cut it at short (as I stated earlier). Cabrera is solid at short (he won a Gold Glove) and good with the bat too (he hit .301 with 8 homers and 86 RBIs in 2007). Garland is only one year off of back-to-back 18 win seasons. He's a great back-end starter for this team, he'll strive in this new role.

The Milwaukee Brewers send catcher Johnny Estrada to the New York Mets for RHP Guillermo Mota.

Not sure how this trade ever happened. Mota has Armando Benitez disease. He has nasty stuff when it's working, it hasn't since he was the Florida Marlins closer in 2004. The Mets get a former All-Star and switch hitter in Johnny Estrada. Estrada's opposing basestealer numbers were quite suspect though as he only threw out 11 of 73 baserunners (.131%). But Estrada was playing with a sore right shoulder all year, his 2006 percentage was more respectable (.290). The Mets don't have to commit beyond this year, so they can look for a long-term catcher in next year's catcher's market. Estrada hit .278 with 10 homers and 54 RBIs. Pretty much what LoDuca did. Estrada is more quiet and gives you quality production. The Brewers got raped in this deal.


I was going to dedicate this to all the awards handed out recently but I want to go further in-depth. I decided to just focus on the Gold Gloves so I could report the other happenings. Silver Slugger analysis will be in the next post. The Cooperstown pictures will go up eventually.

Enjoy the cold weather and the Turkey everyone! Happy Black Friday Shopping!


Flashing the Trivia answer: Placido Polanco did not commit an error this year in 683 total chances en-route to his first Gold Glove, the first position player ever to do so.

Weekly Rewind

"Flashing the Trivia: Who is the only other player to homer for the Braves (Boston, Milwaukee, Atlanta) more than 15 seasons in a row other than Hank Aaron? (answer at bottom)

"One of the beautiful things about baseball is that every once in awhile you come into a situation where you want to, and where you have to, reach down and prove something."
-Pete Rose

Only 146 days left until the 2008 season! It's quite depressing isn't it? Especially here in New York with the way the Jets, Giants, Knicks, Nets, Rangers and Devils are playing (yeah, anyone else notice the Islanders are actually in first place? I gotta start watching hockey again...)

Well a relatively active week in the baseball world as GMs from both leagues embarked on their pre-winter meetings which end tomorrow. The aftermath should clear up some of the destinations for the top free agents (A-Rod, Tori Hunter, Posada, Rivera, Andruw Jones) and some of the trade bait (Miguel Cabrera, Joe Crede, Coco Crisp, Scott Kazmir, Brian Fuentes).

The top story over the past week was clearly the managerial hirings for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees. As all of you know Joe Torre (who just announced bench coach Don Mattingly and third-base coach Larry Bowa are coming with him) was hired by Ned Colletti and the Dodgers, while 2006 Manager of the Year, Joe Girardi, was hired to replace Torre in the Bronx. Torre was signed to a three-year-deal worth $13 million while Girardi was signed also to a three-year-deal but worth $7.5 million.

In looking at the Yankees, Hank Steinbrenner appears eager to develop the younger talent in the organization and endure a few years of growing pains (it's about freakin' time!). Hiring Girardi will give him the time he needs to have an effect on the younger players with his hands-on coaching. But this hands-on style, I don't think will work too well with the veterans on the team.

There are still too many egos on the Yankees to corral them and develop a championship team. This is why Mattingly would have been the ideal choice to replace Torre in the short-term, his coaching style appears very similar to Torre's "let the veterans play their game and guide the kids" type of mentality. But the younger Steinbrenner recognized a change was necessary. Mattingly would have led the Yankees to the playoffs (and inevitably first round exits) for the next three years or so.

Don't get too confident Yankee fans, this first-round-and-out thing will happen to Girardi for the next few years too. But in about four years, Girardi might just end up being one of the better Yankee coaches ever (as long as the young talent is harnessed correctly, of course). In watching what he did with the young Marlins, I don't have much doubt Girardi will be an eventual (and perennial) success in New York.


As good as Girardi is for the Yankees long-term, Torre is just as good for the Dodgers. Torre takes over a franchise who has been through a lot of up and down years for the better part of the last decade.

Today the Dodgers are a team, that as talented as they are, remain both divided and without an identity. Just by walking into the clubhouse, out of respect, Torre will be able to mend some fences. Though obviously there will be more then a few that will take some time (Jeff Kent, Nomar Garciaparra, Brad Penny, Shea Hillenbrand). It will also help that some of his former Yankee counterparts will be with him (Don Mattingly, Larry Bowa, Scott Proctor). Look for Mattingly to succeed Torre as coach after his deal expires and Torre coasts into retirement. By then Mattingly's son Preston should be in at least Triple-A.

Round the League....
The Atlanta Braves send Edgar Renteria to the Detroit Tigers for minor leaguers 21-year-old RHP Jair Jurrjens and 20-year-old centerfielder Gorkys Hernandez.

This I believe will be a good trade for both teams. In the short-term, the Braves freed up $9 million which will probably be used to help bolster the rotation and bullpen. Too bad for the Braves that Brad Lidge went to the Phillies yesterday, Rafael Soriano is okay, but more suited to be a set-up man while Octavio Dotel definately is not. In the long-term, the Braves get a pitcher who should eventually be a solid third or fourth starter in Jair Jurrjens. The true star of this deal for the Braves is Gorkys Hernandez, a speedster who plays solid defense, but he's still yet to grow into his power. If all goes well for the team, he'll eventually be the long-term solution in center field. But he will remain in Single-A for now.

Renteria will allow Carlos Guillen to move from shortstop to first, helping solidify an infield that includes veterans Brandon Inge and Placido Polanco. Also with the recent addition of Jacque Jones from the Cubs, the Tigers should be a good team both offensively and defensively.

The Houston Astros send RHP Brad Lidge and utilityman Eric Bruntlett to the Philadelphia Phillies for RHP Geoff Geary, third base prospect Mike Costanzo, and centerfielder Michael Bourn.

This trade, at least in the short-term, is a landslide in the Phillies favor. Seeing that the free agent pitching market is thin, they acquired an all-star closer with an overpowering fastball and sharp slider while allowing Brett Myers to reassume the number two spot in the rotation. Now the Phillies have the best rotation in the NL East with Cole Hamels, Brett Myers, Kyle Kendrick, and Jamie Moyer as their top four.

But for the long-term, and if Lidge is a bust, this trade might just be in the Astros favor. Geoff Geary is a decent late inning guy, but not really a set-up man, more of a seventh inning guy. He should be fine behind new closer Chad Qualls, who had a decent time last year as the set-up man for Dan Wheeler (who filled in for Brad Lidge during his erratic moments) and posted a 3.05 ERA. Michael Bourn is a gamble (is he Wily Tavares or Joey Gathright?) with his great speed, glove, and gap-hitting ablities. He'll be the new leadoff hitter for the Astros, and should be a good compliment to mashers Hunter Pence, Carlos Lee, and Lance Berkman. Mike Costanzo is an above average third baseman who spent the year in Double-A. If he can control his strikeouts (he had 157 last year), he may make current third baseman Ty Wigginton trade bait during next August's deadline. Though it doesn't matter too much, the Astros got a long way to go if they want the be in contention next year.

The Detroit Tigers send utility infielder Omar Infante to the Chicago Cubs for leftfielder Jacque Jones.

Jacque Jones will be solid as the most likely either 5th or 6th hitter and also help balance a lineup that is predominantly right-handed (only Curtis Granderson and switch-hitter Carlos Guillen are the exceptions). He'll probably be part of a platoon with Marcus Thames as the team usually platoons the left and right outfield spots (when Gary Sheffield is the designated hitter.)

Free Agents
On the free agent watch the most notable re-signing was that of Curt Schilling who got a one-year deal. The two biggest names (not named A-Rod) next to be signed will probably be Tom Glavine (one year deal with the Braves), Mike Lowell (who has a three-year deal with the Boston Red Sox on the table that he will probably respond to later in the week), Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera (who have 4 year and 3 year deals respectively waiting on the table).

Steroids/HGH
On the performance-enhancing watch, Seattle Mariners free agent outfielder Jose Guillen and retired third baseman Matt Williams both recieved shipments of HGH and steroids from the Palm Beach Rejuvenation Center in 2002. Makes sense, during this time both players were trying to revive their careers (or recover from an ankle injury as Matt Williams says...right). Guillen is a decent player though, despite his attitude, look for him to reach a one-year deal to start somewhere in 2008.

Instant Replay
Also, something that many of you may not have heard about. It was announced that during the winter meetings, baseball general managers voted by a 25-5 margin that instant replay (in limited use) should be used to help umpires make difficult decisons next season. By limited use, they mean that boundary calls such as balls being fair or foul, fan interference, or whether or not a ball was a home run or hit off the outfield fence. Quite similar to the way instant replay is used in hockey. This is contingent upon the approval of the players' association and MLB umpires.

Though I'm usually a traditionalist, I like this idea. But I do believe this is only right in these boundary calls. Baseball is a judgment game, it's very important it remains that way.

I've been quite busy so I haven't been able to put up the pictures from Cooperstown so I probably will not until I graduate Stony Brook in December. Also I wanted to keep some of the baseball news organized so my next post will be predominantly about the recent awards handed out (Rookie of the Year, Gold Gloves, Silver Sluggers, and probably MVP in a few more days).

Alright, take care everyone.


Flashing the Trivia answer: Braves pitcher Warren Spahn hit at least one homer for 15 straight seasons for both the Boston and Milwaukee Braves franchises.

Red Sox- Rockies Wrap-Up......and A-Rod!!

Flashing the Trivia: Where was the beer "Blue Moon" first brewed? (answer at bottom)

"God blessed Jon Lester with cancer just to show a lot of people that you can overcome something that's so hard in your life you think, 'I'm not gonna make it.' He's going to be able to take his faith in God and the strength God gave him and tell a lot of other people a great story."

-- Boston Red Sox reliever, Mike Timlin

A-ROD OPTED OUT OF
HIS CONTRACT
WITH THE YANKEES!

Oh and the Red Sox won the World Series, but whatever...



I've decided to start each of my blogs with a trivia question and a quote. I liked that quote pretty much because Jon Lester and the Boston Red Sox should have been the story of last night's game, but it wasn't, it was Alex Rodriguez. I'll get to that later, first, let's do a quick wrap-up.

The Boston Red Sox-Colorado Rockies World Series was about as shocking as it was uneventful. As you all know already Boston wrapped up the series in a four-game sweep with a 4-3 victory. A game that didn't really provide a tense moment until Hideki Okajima let up a Garrett Atkins 2-run home run drawing the Rockies within one run.

Then again when you have Jonathan Papelbon and his 0.00 ERA in 10.2 innings this postseason on the mound with a 3-0 series lead, how tense could a situation possibly be.

The team was led by rookies Jacoby "Free Taco" Ellsbury, probable Rookie of the Year Dustin Pedroia, and World Series MVP Mike Lowell who combined went 18-49 (.367 BA) and had 11 RBIs in the series. While the Rockies, as a team, only hit .218 with 10 RBIs.

But it was clear the World Series was won, like it always is, by quality pitching as the Red Sox had a team ERA of 2.50, with only 10 walks in all four games combined. Perhaps this was also a sign of the Colorado Rockies overaggressiveness at the plate as the Red Sox also tallied up 36 strikeouts in 36 total innings pitched.

This clip here, pretty much sums up the Rockies postseason.



I mean, I knew the National League was bad, but when a team sweeps their way through the postseason only to get totally dominated in the World Series? I think the National League needs a DH, as much as I love the National League game and hate to admit it. But that's a argument for another day.

I was expecting more out of this series as I thought it would be much closer than it was. Come on, I figured they would at least win next year's ace Ubaldo Jimenez's start.

But I did get to see something I didn't expect...the birth of a dynasty. That's right Yankee fans after 86 years of being cursed/inept/having Mo Vaughn, a dynasty is on the horizon for those hated Soooxxxx and their Soooooxxxxx Nation. I'm rather shocked this hasn't been mentioned much, the Red Sox have what it takes to be a truly dominant team. Of course this doesn't come close to guaranteeing a championship.


Who can deny that the Red Sox will unquestionably have the best rotation in baseball (well pending what happens this offseason) with a top-4 of Josh Beckett, a seasoned Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jon Lester, and an up-and-comer who has already thrown a no-hitter Clay Buchholz.

I don't really need to talk about their dynamite offense and the back-end of their bullpen. Only their middle relief needs some patchwork. But they are definitely a solid middle reliever or two away from being an 100-win team.


Oh and my predictions. I wasn't all that far off, they're for fun anyway. I hit Game 3 head-on. I didn't know about Jon Lester until it was too late. Though for the Red Sox it was a great move for both baseball and the franchise considering what Lester has been through. Also they were up 3 games to none, they could afford to lose a game.

I seriously have no idea why Clint Hurdle thought it was a good idea to start Aaron Cook who hadn't pitched in months. Get with it!. Francis was your top gun this year, if your gonna go down, Francis should have had his chance to keep the ship afloat. He would have been especially fired up because of a chance at redemption from his Game 1 performance (which I did not expect).


Now for Mister "Uno Tres" himself and his love-to-hate-him agent, Scott Boras. I did not want to know during the eighth inning of Game 4 that A-Rod was opting out of his contract with the Yankees. I wanted to enjoy the spectacle of the World Series. Like Peter Gammons (the only baseball analyst who knows what hes talking about besides Ron Darling) said:

"What’s unfortunate here is the total disrespect for the game of baseball. This is the World Series. [Boston’s] Dustin Pedroia and Jon Lester are doing what Alex has never done: playing in a World Series game. And to want the attention on this day is kind of a sad commentary and it might be a bit of a ‘buyer beware,’ because, again, he’s never played in a World Series game…maybe there’s a reason.”

When it comes to baseball I'm very much a traditionalist, but as a businessman, I can appreciate the move as soulless as it was. There was no bigger of a stage to set-up the prime free agent this off-season. It was a brilliant move from a business perspective, it's what Scott Boras does best. I don't dislike A-Rod, I love what he does for the game on the field. I'm rather confident that he's doing what he's always been doing without steroids (though seriously I'll be devastated if I ever find out he was juicing or on HGH or whatever). And I will be first in line to celebrate when he breaks Bonds's record. But how he's hurting the game off the field is impossible to ignore.

I was listening to Tony Paige on WFAN on the radio tonight and what he said made perfect sense. A-Rod (well really Scott Boras, who has A-Rod by a string because it's his financial job to do so) only gave hints at not opting out during the season so the Yankees would offer him a ballpark figure of a contract offer that would set the bar for a bidding war to begin with other teams. Integrity has long gone out the window for these two (this move really undermines the Yankees franchise), but like most of what Boras does, it was a great business move. Let the bidding begin at $27 million! (I'd say it ends at $30 million a year for five years, A-Rod doesn't want to be tied down for too long, "greener" pastures are always looming.)





I'll close my post with talking about the true MVP of the World Series.






Well it's of course gotta be Jacoby Ellsbury. Because of whom today, (October 30th), I enjoyed a free taco. Since he was called up in September, Ellsbury was always fun to watch and instantly became one of my favorite players in baseball because of his small-ball offense (bunting and stealing bases), big time defense, and the fact that he's actually part of an Indian tribe (he's of Navajo decent) in Colorado.

I was considering buying his shirt off of Ebay, but at this point I feel obligated. Any sports star who contributes to me getting a free taco is high up on my list.

Here's to my new favorite Major League Baseball player, Mr. Ellsbury.

Yeah, so I lied about the longest post thing....


Flashing the Trivia answer: Coors Field, that's right, there's a Microbrewery inside of Coors Field and Blue Moon was actually developed there.