" 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.
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