Saturday, July 29, 2006
Hall of Fame and Trade Deadline thoughts
Latest Baseball Takes
Read an interesting article in the New York Times last week about cheater Mark McGwire’s upcoming Hall of Fame candidacy. He will be on the ballot for the first time when they are mailed out December 1st. Obviously, the Clarion and other supporters of a strongly anti-cheating platform do not want to see McGwire get into the Hall. The New York Times has good news, a rare occurrence in these stark days. In their straw poll of fifty of the writers eligible to vote for the Baseball Hall of Fame, only 16% said they would vote for McGwire, whereas 52% were outright opposed, and the rest were some hue of undecided. This bodes well if one is against McGwire's elevation, players need 75% of the vote to get into the Hall. With two other sure fire first ballot Hall of Famers eligible at the same time, Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr., McGwire’s selection appears unlikely, for now. Stay vigilant.
NY Times McGwire article
ESPN agrees McGwire HOF prospects are dim
Guys currently on the Clarion’s list of the Screwed (eligible and should be getting into the Hall of Fame…but haven’t as yet)
Bert Blyleven link to Blyleven's career stats
Jim Rice link to Rice's career stats
Davey Concepcion link to D. Concepcion's career stats
Forgot to mention the other day in the comments on how the Yanks ought to trade with the N.L. East, a couple other guys, besides Smoltz and Soriano, that I think they ought to pursue. One is Bobby Abreu, the Clarion likes his talent, his on-base-percentage, his speed and defense. Might even be willing to part with a young player for Abreu. Also would be interested in getting “Flash” Gordon back from the Phillies. I would be much, more comfortable with him, rather than Farnsworth, in the 8th inning role the rest of the season. With Scott Proctor and Ron Villone pitching so well, Gordon and Mariano would be well rested going into the playoffs. Gordon’s acquisition would change the Yankee bullpen from being an area of concern to being a strength. (just whisps and thoughts...know Yanks may get no more than one or even none of these players.)
Also would add that I am not interested in the Yankees pursuing Barry Zito. When I have heard him on the Jim Rome show he sounds like an engaging personality. However, I think he is weak in a big spot on the field. He is the classic non New York guy, would rather win 15-18 for no pressure, and little shot at winning it all in a small market, than compete for the World Series in a big market. Reminiscent of a Jamie Moyer or Kenny Rogers…
Speaking of the big market, how’s about the Yankees fielding a line-up at one point during Wednesday night’s big comeback win that would have been worthy of the Florida Marlins. During a win that gave the Yanks the Wild Card lead in the American League and drew them within a game and a half of the BoSox for the A.L. East division lead the Yanks line-up simultaneously included such familiar luminaries as Nick Green, Aaron Guiel, T.J. Beam, Andy Phillips, Sal Fasano and Melky Cabrera. WOW. And they won! How’s about the job Joe Torre is doing this year?!? It is nothing short of amazing, what with the fans turning on A-Rod, now Cano’s injury, Randy Johnson’s relatively inconsistency, the list goes on and on. However, I am also most impressed with the way he and Cashman have been patient and haven’t pushed the panic button in the face of the corner outfield injuries.
Box Score from Wednesday
One more trade thought…with Tod Jones showing his edge and melting in the Summer heat, wouldn’t hurt the Tigers to get Flash Gordon, either. Have him and Jones to go combo closer.
Read an interesting article in the New York Times last week about cheater Mark McGwire’s upcoming Hall of Fame candidacy. He will be on the ballot for the first time when they are mailed out December 1st. Obviously, the Clarion and other supporters of a strongly anti-cheating platform do not want to see McGwire get into the Hall. The New York Times has good news, a rare occurrence in these stark days. In their straw poll of fifty of the writers eligible to vote for the Baseball Hall of Fame, only 16% said they would vote for McGwire, whereas 52% were outright opposed, and the rest were some hue of undecided. This bodes well if one is against McGwire's elevation, players need 75% of the vote to get into the Hall. With two other sure fire first ballot Hall of Famers eligible at the same time, Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr., McGwire’s selection appears unlikely, for now. Stay vigilant.
NY Times McGwire article
ESPN agrees McGwire HOF prospects are dim
Guys currently on the Clarion’s list of the Screwed (eligible and should be getting into the Hall of Fame…but haven’t as yet)
Bert Blyleven link to Blyleven's career stats
Jim Rice link to Rice's career stats
Davey Concepcion link to D. Concepcion's career stats
Forgot to mention the other day in the comments on how the Yanks ought to trade with the N.L. East, a couple other guys, besides Smoltz and Soriano, that I think they ought to pursue. One is Bobby Abreu, the Clarion likes his talent, his on-base-percentage, his speed and defense. Might even be willing to part with a young player for Abreu. Also would be interested in getting “Flash” Gordon back from the Phillies. I would be much, more comfortable with him, rather than Farnsworth, in the 8th inning role the rest of the season. With Scott Proctor and Ron Villone pitching so well, Gordon and Mariano would be well rested going into the playoffs. Gordon’s acquisition would change the Yankee bullpen from being an area of concern to being a strength. (just whisps and thoughts...know Yanks may get no more than one or even none of these players.)
Also would add that I am not interested in the Yankees pursuing Barry Zito. When I have heard him on the Jim Rome show he sounds like an engaging personality. However, I think he is weak in a big spot on the field. He is the classic non New York guy, would rather win 15-18 for no pressure, and little shot at winning it all in a small market, than compete for the World Series in a big market. Reminiscent of a Jamie Moyer or Kenny Rogers…
Speaking of the big market, how’s about the Yankees fielding a line-up at one point during Wednesday night’s big comeback win that would have been worthy of the Florida Marlins. During a win that gave the Yanks the Wild Card lead in the American League and drew them within a game and a half of the BoSox for the A.L. East division lead the Yanks line-up simultaneously included such familiar luminaries as Nick Green, Aaron Guiel, T.J. Beam, Andy Phillips, Sal Fasano and Melky Cabrera. WOW. And they won! How’s about the job Joe Torre is doing this year?!? It is nothing short of amazing, what with the fans turning on A-Rod, now Cano’s injury, Randy Johnson’s relatively inconsistency, the list goes on and on. However, I am also most impressed with the way he and Cashman have been patient and haven’t pushed the panic button in the face of the corner outfield injuries.
Box Score from Wednesday
One more trade thought…with Tod Jones showing his edge and melting in the Summer heat, wouldn’t hurt the Tigers to get Flash Gordon, either. Have him and Jones to go combo closer.
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