From many reports that have been surfacing recently, it appears that the Red Sox are in the thick of things when it comes to Josh Hamilton, Mr. Former MVP and Mr. Prime Free Agent of 2012/13. So far there have been two points indicating that he might could be headed to Beantown. First, the obvious one, there have been reports that Cherington has started regular contact with Hamilton's agent. Second, and a bit more telling, is GM Ben Cherington coming out and saying that the Red Sox will likely have one of the top payrolls in baseball. Considering that the Sox only have $45 million on the book so far for 2013, you have to think that they will make a huge splash somewhere. Pitcher Zach Greinke seems unlikely considering the recent troubles with big free-agent pitcher acquisitions. Whatever it is, I think that it is necessary that the Red Sox find a player that can help them contend again.
P.S. With the MVP voting coming out today, it is notable to say that no Sox player garnered a single MVP top-10 vote
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Monday, November 12, 2012
Immediate Reaction: Rookie of the Year
I don't think that the AL Rookie of the Year Award surprised anyone that has any sort of knowledge of baseball. The question wasn't really whether Mike Trout was the best rookie this year, but rather if he have the best season ever, in any sport. Now it is hard to compare cross-sport, to the seasons of Lawrence Taylor, Wilt Chamberlain, etc., so I will just compare it to the other great rookie seasons in baseball. One season that comes to mind is Ichiro, one of two players in MLB history to win MVP and ROY in the same season. This shouldn't have even happened though. To say that Ichiro was a rookie is a complete slap in the face to the NPB, because he played at the highest level available to him for a number of years, enduring the normal gruel of a regular season.
The only other player that really comes close is the other dual MVP/ROY ever, Fred Lynn. When it comes down to it, he really won the MVP because of a weak field that year. Nothing against Lynn's season, but it happened in a year where no one else was particularly spectacular. For me, Trout takes it. The level of talent he displayed at every facet of the game was incredible, and, in my mind, the best we have ever seen in a rookie year.
This season, though, Miguel Cabrera put on one of the most spectacular hitting displays ever seen in a single season. The vote that has yet to be tallied is whether the best hitting display, combined with average to above average displays in the other categories, outweighs a top-5 performance in every category imaginable.
The Rookie of the Year race in the NL was much more contested. Going into the unveiling, it was entirely conceivable that any of the three finalists could win the award. The final voting was close as well, but there were little signs that indicated it really wasn't. Bryce Harper was the only player named on all 32 ballots. He received the most 1st place votes, Wade Miley received the most 2nd place votes, and Todd Fraizer received the most 3rd place votes. Despite the hubbub around this race, the votes played out very normally. In the "disaster" scenario some were predicting, Harper might have received 20 first place votes, but only been named on 24 ballots. That, of course, did not happen, and justice was served. In my opinion, the best two rookies won their respective rookie of the year awards.
The only other player that really comes close is the other dual MVP/ROY ever, Fred Lynn. When it comes down to it, he really won the MVP because of a weak field that year. Nothing against Lynn's season, but it happened in a year where no one else was particularly spectacular. For me, Trout takes it. The level of talent he displayed at every facet of the game was incredible, and, in my mind, the best we have ever seen in a rookie year.
This season, though, Miguel Cabrera put on one of the most spectacular hitting displays ever seen in a single season. The vote that has yet to be tallied is whether the best hitting display, combined with average to above average displays in the other categories, outweighs a top-5 performance in every category imaginable.
The Rookie of the Year race in the NL was much more contested. Going into the unveiling, it was entirely conceivable that any of the three finalists could win the award. The final voting was close as well, but there were little signs that indicated it really wasn't. Bryce Harper was the only player named on all 32 ballots. He received the most 1st place votes, Wade Miley received the most 2nd place votes, and Todd Fraizer received the most 3rd place votes. Despite the hubbub around this race, the votes played out very normally. In the "disaster" scenario some were predicting, Harper might have received 20 first place votes, but only been named on 24 ballots. That, of course, did not happen, and justice was served. In my opinion, the best two rookies won their respective rookie of the year awards.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Going Retro
It looks like we officially have a trend in baseball, at least with regards to the fashion worn on the field. On Friday, the Houston Astros unveiled their "new" logos to the fans, and I approve. Generally, I am on the positive side when it comes to fashion-forward uniforms, such as the many variations of the Oregon Ducks' football uniforms or the NFL's and NBA's obsession with replacing everything white on a jersey with black. Baseball has found a new way to make a fashion statement: go retro.
I guess the trend officially started last season when both the Orioles and the Blue Jays decided to revisit the glory days and remodel their logos after when they were most successful. For the Jays, it was the 1992-93 seasons, the only times they have appeared in (and won) a world series, along with the last time they even won the AL East. The Orioles returned to the cartoon bird, which brings back a time when they won their last AL pennant and world series (1983).
For the O's, the move was a clear success. By moving away from the design that hung over them during the worst years in franchise history, it was easy for the baseball world to love them again. A younger, spunkier team with a fun logo makes everyone want to hop on board the bandwagon.
The Blue Jays had considerably less success, finishing the season with 89 wins, barely enough to not be in last place. They had shown a small spark the year before, which, much like the Orioles, probably triggered the move to the new logo. Unfortunately, the Blue Jays will have to wait their turn, as the AL East is still the toughest division in baseball.
Overall, I am really impressed with the changes. Making something new and different isn't always the way to go, and I'm glad that going back has worked for a few organization.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
AWARD PREDICTION: NL Rookie of the Year Edition
The race for the NL ROY is much close than the American League contest. There are three candidates that most of the media has anointed as frontrunners, and a few more that lurk very close behind. Depending on which statistics or metrics or viewpoints you use, a whole host of players could be your favorite. Let's look into the candidates that might be getting some votes:
Todd Frazier
.273 AVG, 19 HR, 67 RBI, 26 2B, .829 OPS
One of the key frontrunners that I wouldn't be surprised if he won, Frazier was one of the key cogs that led the Reds to an NL Central championship. When Scott Rolen went down, and later Joey Voto, he stepped right in and kept the Big Red Machine truckin' on. Overall, he might have had the most quality offensive performance by a rookie, but it was a very quiet quality and awards like this are about the excitement of a player in his first year lighting it up with the best in the business, and he didn't really provide that.
Wilin Rosario
.270 AVG, 28 HR, 71 RBI, 19 2B, .843 OPS
Rosario had an even quieter campaign than Frazier, mostly because of his small-market Rockies that didn't come within shouting distance of the playoffs. At 23-years-old, he already appears to be one of the best offensive catchers in the majors, up there with the likes of Posey, Mauer, and Molina. It's too bad that there are three clear cut leaders in this race, because he does deserve a few votes.
Anthony Rizzo
.285 AVG, 15 HR, 48 RBI, 15 2B, .805 OPS
Rizzo was a steal for the Cubs, who got him for relief pitchers Andrew Cashner before the 2012 season. A highly touted prospect in the Red Sox organization, he quickly blossomed with the Cubs once he got his chance. He played less than half of the season, which will certainly hurt him a lot, but it won't hurt him down the road when future homerun leaders are up for grabs.
Wade Miley
16-11, 3.33 ERA, 144 K, 37 BB, 194.2 IP
While he didn't lead his Diamondbacks to the playoffs, that is not as important to this award as it is for the MVP and Cy Young awards. Putting up a 3.33 is impressive regardless of age, but it did take place in the NL West (possibly the weakest division in baseball). Despite his relatively easy season, I feel that this is where the writers will lean towards, as 4 of the last 6 ROY winners have been pitchers.
Bryce Harper
Todd Frazier
.273 AVG, 19 HR, 67 RBI, 26 2B, .829 OPS
One of the key frontrunners that I wouldn't be surprised if he won, Frazier was one of the key cogs that led the Reds to an NL Central championship. When Scott Rolen went down, and later Joey Voto, he stepped right in and kept the Big Red Machine truckin' on. Overall, he might have had the most quality offensive performance by a rookie, but it was a very quiet quality and awards like this are about the excitement of a player in his first year lighting it up with the best in the business, and he didn't really provide that.
Wilin Rosario
.270 AVG, 28 HR, 71 RBI, 19 2B, .843 OPS
Rosario had an even quieter campaign than Frazier, mostly because of his small-market Rockies that didn't come within shouting distance of the playoffs. At 23-years-old, he already appears to be one of the best offensive catchers in the majors, up there with the likes of Posey, Mauer, and Molina. It's too bad that there are three clear cut leaders in this race, because he does deserve a few votes.
Anthony Rizzo
.285 AVG, 15 HR, 48 RBI, 15 2B, .805 OPS
Rizzo was a steal for the Cubs, who got him for relief pitchers Andrew Cashner before the 2012 season. A highly touted prospect in the Red Sox organization, he quickly blossomed with the Cubs once he got his chance. He played less than half of the season, which will certainly hurt him a lot, but it won't hurt him down the road when future homerun leaders are up for grabs.
Wade Miley
16-11, 3.33 ERA, 144 K, 37 BB, 194.2 IP
While he didn't lead his Diamondbacks to the playoffs, that is not as important to this award as it is for the MVP and Cy Young awards. Putting up a 3.33 is impressive regardless of age, but it did take place in the NL West (possibly the weakest division in baseball). Despite his relatively easy season, I feel that this is where the writers will lean towards, as 4 of the last 6 ROY winners have been pitchers.
Bryce Harper
.270 AVG, 22 HR, 59 RBI, 26 2B, 9 3B, 18 SB, .817 OPS
This would be my vote for NL Rookie of the Year, and it wouldn't even be close. Now, a lot of people will criticizing me for being lazy, but hear me out. His stats may not jump off of the page as being above and away better than his competitor, but I ask you to use the eye test. And if you use the eye test, I don't see how you could possibly dismiss him as all hype. He plays the game in a pure, dirt-and-grime, hard-nosed way. His value in the outfield is measureless; whenever there is a ball hit to the gaps, regardless of how hard, it is never a guaranteed hit. With everything he does on the field, I want to watch it over and over and just marvel at how he plays with such passion and heart. The hype isn't undeserved either, as many people have said. There is a reason he was on the cover of Sports Illustrated at 15-years-old: he is an electrifying player that turns heads with every play he makes.
Bryce Harper for NL Rookie of the Year
Pedro to Return to the Red Sox Organization
According to reports, a standing offer has been made to former Red Sox great Pedro Martinez to rejoin the team as a special consultant. Much like Jason Varitek's current role, Martinez would serve mostly as an advisor to GM Ben Cherington. "[Martinez] knows there is a role waiting for him when the time is right," Cherington says. The hope, presumably, is that once Pedro learns the ins an outs of the organization, he will be installed as a coach.
Varitek was one of the long-shots for the managerial job before the trade was made for John Farrell. After serving within the organization's front office, he seems to have embraced the off-the-field aspect of the game. Hopefully, if Martinez accepts the offer, he can go through the same motions and will join the Red Sox as a coach down the road.
Varitek was one of the long-shots for the managerial job before the trade was made for John Farrell. After serving within the organization's front office, he seems to have embraced the off-the-field aspect of the game. Hopefully, if Martinez accepts the offer, he can go through the same motions and will join the Red Sox as a coach down the road.
Friday, November 2, 2012
The New Era of Baseball
As we continue to move away from the troubling Steroid Era, we are looking for something to replace it. We as humans feel the need to label everything, and thus we're looking for the next era in baseball. Because of the rise of pitching that has happened in the past few years (16 no-hitters since 2010), it would be easy to say that this are the Year of the Pitcher 2.0. Now we might be able to say this about the past three years, but this is not a sign of things to come. It is merely a transition time in the offensive structures that rule baseball. Long gone are the 'roided sluggers and the pitchers are reaping the benefits. The TRUE new era of baseball is just beginning though, and it has nothing to do with the pitchers. It is becoming a hitters game once again, in the Smash and Dash Era.
All you need for evidence is to look at the game's "future," the rookies and the prospects. Out of the past four seasons, this years group of rookies had the most players with double digits of both stolen bases and homeruns (4), even though the group had the fewest number of rookies that played in 100+ games (12). The two players that epitomize this the most are Mike Trout (lock for AL ROY) and Bryce Harper (contender for NL ROY). Trout led all rookies with 30 homeruns and 49 stolen bases and had the second most triples (8). Harper finished fourth in both homers and stolen bases (22 and 18 respectively) while pacing rookies with nine triples.
Their talents didn't stop and the plate and on the basepaths. Night after night, both players made highlight reel plays in the field. A well-known player back in high school, where he would play catcher and throw 96 MPH fastballs on the mound, Harper attempted plays that no one with an ounce of self-preservation would ever dream of. He dove, crashed, and speed across the outfield every night. Trout became famous throughout this season (among other things) for his four spectacular homerun robberies, most notably against the Orioles.
But wait, are those the players that indicate this new era? Gosh, no! We do need to look a little further down into the professional baseball system. Out of MLB.com's top 53 position prospects, 21 had 10+ homeruns and stolen bases in the past season. Some of the players that stand out (and that you should be watching for in the coming years):
George Springer, OF, Astros Organization
.302/.383/.536, 128 G (split A/AA),109 R, 21 2B, 10 3B, 24 HR, 32 SB
A glimmer of hope remains in Houston with the promise of this kid, along with prime pitching prospects. If they can just figure out how to hang onto their good young talent after they blossom in the majors, we might see them as contenders in 5-7 years.
Jurickson Profar, SS, Rangers
.281/.368/.452, 126 G (AAA), 76 R, 26 2B, 7 3B, 14 HR, 16 SB
One of the prospects that actually got to show off his chops at the major league level, Profar did not disappoint. While he only had three hits in his short stint, they consisted of two doubles and a homer, not bad for a 19-year-old kid making his debut. Kind of makes you reminisce about a former young SS breaking out in the AL West...
Gary Sanchez, C, Yankees Organization
.290/.344/.485, 116 G (A/A+), 65 R, 29 2B, 1 3B, 18 HR, 15 SB
Sanchez is following in the footsteps of another catcher that used to be in the Yankees organization, Jesus Montero,. He is an offensive-minded catcher who will eventually learn the backstop position well enough to play in the majors. Unlike Montero, though, he still has a way to go before arriving, maybe 3-5 years.
Whether this is what baseball evolves into is still to be seen, but what is evident is that there is a new wave of players coming into the league that are more athletic than baseball players in any other time in history.
All you need for evidence is to look at the game's "future," the rookies and the prospects. Out of the past four seasons, this years group of rookies had the most players with double digits of both stolen bases and homeruns (4), even though the group had the fewest number of rookies that played in 100+ games (12). The two players that epitomize this the most are Mike Trout (lock for AL ROY) and Bryce Harper (contender for NL ROY). Trout led all rookies with 30 homeruns and 49 stolen bases and had the second most triples (8). Harper finished fourth in both homers and stolen bases (22 and 18 respectively) while pacing rookies with nine triples.
Their talents didn't stop and the plate and on the basepaths. Night after night, both players made highlight reel plays in the field. A well-known player back in high school, where he would play catcher and throw 96 MPH fastballs on the mound, Harper attempted plays that no one with an ounce of self-preservation would ever dream of. He dove, crashed, and speed across the outfield every night. Trout became famous throughout this season (among other things) for his four spectacular homerun robberies, most notably against the Orioles.
But wait, are those the players that indicate this new era? Gosh, no! We do need to look a little further down into the professional baseball system. Out of MLB.com's top 53 position prospects, 21 had 10+ homeruns and stolen bases in the past season. Some of the players that stand out (and that you should be watching for in the coming years):
George Springer, OF, Astros Organization
.302/.383/.536, 128 G (split A/AA),109 R, 21 2B, 10 3B, 24 HR, 32 SB
A glimmer of hope remains in Houston with the promise of this kid, along with prime pitching prospects. If they can just figure out how to hang onto their good young talent after they blossom in the majors, we might see them as contenders in 5-7 years.
Jurickson Profar, SS, Rangers
.281/.368/.452, 126 G (AAA), 76 R, 26 2B, 7 3B, 14 HR, 16 SB
One of the prospects that actually got to show off his chops at the major league level, Profar did not disappoint. While he only had three hits in his short stint, they consisted of two doubles and a homer, not bad for a 19-year-old kid making his debut. Kind of makes you reminisce about a former young SS breaking out in the AL West...
Gary Sanchez, C, Yankees Organization
.290/.344/.485, 116 G (A/A+), 65 R, 29 2B, 1 3B, 18 HR, 15 SB
Sanchez is following in the footsteps of another catcher that used to be in the Yankees organization, Jesus Montero,. He is an offensive-minded catcher who will eventually learn the backstop position well enough to play in the majors. Unlike Montero, though, he still has a way to go before arriving, maybe 3-5 years.
Whether this is what baseball evolves into is still to be seen, but what is evident is that there is a new wave of players coming into the league that are more athletic than baseball players in any other time in history.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)