SULLY BASEBALL

Stange Endings... Post Season Series that didn't end normally

2012-02-02T07:25:00.001-08:00

I am in the middle of a one of my big Sully Baseball blog post series. I want to honor each pitcher who has ever clinched a post season series.

I've already done it for the Red Sox and the Phillies.
But as I started up writing each team's entry, I realized that I should write a separate post about each player to end a post season series with a walk off hit.

Then another bizarre revelation hit me. I needed to create a whole new category.

Some series didn't end with an out to clinch.

Some series didn't end with a walk off hit or sacrifice fly.

Some had stranger endings. There are a few wild pitches, a bases loaded walk, a caught stealing and even one series ending with a base hit by the LOSING team.

So let's list them here. The strange and difficult to categorize finishes to post season series.

1926 World Series
Game 7
Cardinals 3, Yankees 2

Babe Ruth is caught stealing to end the World Series.

One of the most memorable games in World Series history ended in a truly bizarre and anticlimactic manner. The Yankees and Cardinals went back and forth in a do or die Game 7 that featured Grover Cleveland Alexander coming out of the bullpen on no days rest to strike out Tony Lazzeri with the bases loaded in the 7th.

In the bottom of the 9th with St. Louis clinging to a 1 run lead and 2 outs, Babe Ruth walked and represented the tying run. Hard hitting Long Bob Meusel was at the plate, the man who led the league in home runs and RBI just the year before. It was a classic confrontation against the future Hall of Famer Alexander. Except it never happened.

Ruth, never known as a speed demon, took off to steal second and put himself in scoring position. Cardinals catcher Bob O'Farrell threw to second baseman and manager Rogers Hornsby and Ruth was nailed. The World Series was over with the greatest Yankee looking like a dope on the ground.

1927 World Series
Game 4
Yankees 4, Pirates 3

The juggernaut Yankees clinch the World Series on a wild pitch

The 1927 Yankees were considered for generations to be one of if not THE greatest team of all time. They won 110 out of 154 games, had Babe Ruth slug 60 homers and Lou Gehrig chipped in with 47 of his own with a .373 average. They were Murderers Row and had a solid pitching staff to boot. They finished 19 games ahead of the Philadelphia Athletics for the pennant and went on to sweep the Pirates in the World Series.

But to be fair, the Pirates didn't just lay down to the Yankees. Game 1 and 4 were one run games and it was a Pittsburgh mistake, not Yankee power, that clinched it.

With the score tied in the bottom of the 9th of Game 4, Pirates pitcher Johnny Miljus walked Earle Combs to lead it off. After a single and a wild pitch, he walked Babe Ruth intentionally. He then struck out Lou Gehrig and Bob Meusel and looked like he was going to get out of the jam. But facing Tony Lazzeri, he threw his second wild pitch of the inning, scoring Combs and winning the World Series.

Murderers Row had won the World Series on a rally where the ball never left the infield.

1972 National League Championship Series
Game 5
Reds 4, Pirates 3

Bob Moose's wild pitch ends the Pirates dream to repeat

The 1972 Pirates were the Defending World Champions and looked ready for a return date in the World Series where they would face the winner of the A's and Tigers ALCS. They had a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the 9th and Dave Giusti, the NL leader of saves in 1971 and had posted 22 in 1972, was on the mound.

But Johnny Bench hit a lead off homer to tie the game and Tony Perez and Denis Menke both singled, suddenly putting Cincinnati in the position to win the pennant. Bob Moose came in and got Cesar Geronimo and Darrel Chaney out. Meanwhile pinch runner George Foster moved to third when Hal McRae came to the plate as a pinch hitter.

Moose let a pitch get away scoring Foster and sending the Reds to the World Series. The Pirates, the only team to lose a post season series on a wild pitch, pulled off the feat twice.

1999 National League Championship Series
Game 6
Braves 10, Mets 9

One of the greatest post season series ever played ends with a whimper and a bases loaded walk

The 1999 NLCS was one of the wildest, most unpredictable and heart stopping playoff series I have ever seen. The Mets lost the first three to the Braves in agonizingly close games including a 1-0 bang your head against the wall Game 3. The Mets won a 15 marathon Game 5 where they were 3 outs from elimination and Robin Ventura hit his "Grand Slam Single." Then the Mets came back from a 5-0 first inning hole to send Game 6 into extras. They had a chance to be the first team to be down 3-0 to force a Game 7.

In the bottom of the 11th, Mets pitcher Kenny Rogers let up a lead off double to Gerald Williams and a sacrifice by Bret Boone put the Braves pennant on third with one out. Mets manager Bobby Valentine ordered a pair of intentional walks hoping to set up a force at home. But Rogers never found his control and walked Andruw Jones to bring in the pennant winning run.

The idea of walking in the winning run will always boggle my mind. How can a pitcher not just throw it down the heart of the plate? The worst case scenario is a walk off grand slam. But make the HITTER connect with it. Instead a series filled with come from behind rallies and starting pitchers coming out of the bullpen ended with a thud.

2003 National League Division Series
Game 4
Marlins 7, Mets 6

Pudge holds onto the ball and the Marlins eliminate the Giants

The Giants responded to their heart breaking 2002 World Series loss with a powerhouse 2003 season where they ran away with the NL West and looked like the team to beat. The Wild Card Marlins, who eliminated the Giants in 1997, didn't look to pose much of a threat. But Florida came back to win Game 2 and won Game 3 in extra innings when they were one strike from losing.

In Game 4, Dontrelle Willis and the Marlins jumped ahead to a 5-1 lead but the Giants tied the game and it remained so until the 8th. In the bottom of the 8th the Marlins took the lead, in part when Pudge Rodriguez crashed into Yorvit Torreabla at home plate, jarring the ball loose. In the 9th inning the Giants rallied and put the tying run at second base in the form of J. T. Snow. Manager Felipe Alou had run out of pinch runners, but that wouldn't be a factor, right?

Jeffrey Hammonds hit a single to left and Snow rounded third to try and tie the game. Jeff Conine threw home to Rodriguez who made the tag and held onto the ball after the collision. That was the clear difference between Torreabla and Rodriguez.

It was not only the first time a post season series ended with the tying run being thrown out at the plate but it is the only time a series ended with the losing team getting a hit.

I was in my bedroom listening to the game on the radio, putting on my tuxedo getting ready for my wedding. When the series was over, I looked at my mom who was helping me with my cuff links. We raised our eye brows, shrugged and I put my shoes on.

So there you have 5 series whose endings defy regular categories.
None were walk off hits.
None were the pitcher recording the final out.

All were agonizing for the losing team and no doubt made the winning team think "Oh boy, we got away with one."

Can the Pirates leap frog into the 2012 playoffs?

2012-02-01T12:20:00.001-08:00

Ah... another Pirates post from your pal Sully.
For a few weeks in 2011, things seemed magical in Steel Town. They had a 1/2 game lead for the NL Central title on July 19.

On July 25th they were tied for first place. They were 53-47. They needed to go 29-33 the rest of the way to secure their first winning season since 1992.

Instead they went 19-43 to secure their 7th straight 90 loss season.

So here we are on the 20th anniversary of their last winning year. Is there hope?
I say yes for reasons that have to do with the Bucs and their division.

First of all the core of the team that played well in the middle of the year is back.

Granted, nobody is confusing this group with the 1979 Fam-A-Lee.

But there is talent here. Andrew McCutchen is a legit All Star building block. Neil Walker is a solid second baseman. They have talent in the starting rotation with James McDonald, Jeff Karstens and Charlie Morton when he is healthy. And in the pen Joel Hanrahan can close out games. It's not the 1995 Braves, but where there is talent there is the chance for some wins. Adding veteran Rod Barajas behind the plate can't hurt.

Plus Pedro Alvarez, who had a miserable sophomore season, could bounce back.

And maybe, just maybe tasting some success in mid season and strife down the stretch would be a good learning tool for the Pirates. They might learn how to deal with adversity.

An 85 win season isn't outlandish. It is no less likely than the Diamondbacks going from 65 wins in 2010 to 94 wins and the Division Title last season.

But there are a few other factors that could make Pittsburgh and interesting baseball city for 2012.

The National League Central Division is in flux.

The Reds look damn good, especially with the inclusion of Mat Latos and Ryan Madson. But what if Latos' success was the result of pitching friendly PetCo Park? What if the Phillies were right to let Madson walk instead of inserting him into the closer role?

The defending Division Champion Milwaukee Brewers just had a double Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom like experience of having their hearts ripped out. Prince Fielder is gone and Ryan Braun will be sitting out the first 50 games. What should be a glorious renaissance in Milwaukee after their first LCS appearance since 1982 will be very somber. They'll probably take a step back.

The defending World Champion Cardinals are coming back intact... except for Hall of Fame manager Tony LaRussa... and pitching coach guru Dave Duncan who can make any mediocre pitcher into a 15 game winner... and a first baseman named Pujols. Other than that, nobody important.

The Cubs will be taking steps in the right direction but even Theo knows that the team is a mess and will need to shed some of their mammoth contracts before they make great strides.

And the Astros as a mess. They are a mismatch of veterans, AAA players and a lack of direction. They can't even figure out if they are going to change their name or not.

This is a Division that is ripe for a surprise team to emerge.
Sure I am guessing the Reds will be the consensus pick to win the NL Central. If I were a betting man, I'd probably pick them too.

But how often do consensus picks, especially when they are popular based on the weakness of the competition, fall short? I am sure if you made predictions for the 2011 season, you wrote the Red Sox, Braves and Giants in ink.

A young talented Pirates team on a steady diet of Astros and Cubs games and low expectations could sneak up on a moping Brewers team, a Cardinals squad having an identity crisis and a Reds team not fulfilling expectations.

Keep an eye on them.
They could sneak in.

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The Sully Baseball Show 01/30 by Seamheads... the end of the Jason Keidel conversation

2012-01-30T19:25:00.000-08:00

I know Jason Keidel and I talked the last 2 weeks.
But we talk about all sorts of things including Jim Rice homers, Albert Pujols and wherever our minds wander to.

It's a good talk

The Sully Baseball Show 01/30 by Seamheads | Blog Talk Radio

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Dave Duncan, the 1982 Mariners and lost glory - My Latest for The Hardball Times

2012-01-30T10:36:00.000-08:00

In my latest for The Hardball Times, I take a look at Dave Duncan and his legacy. He coached the White Sox into the playoffs and molded World Champion pitching staffs in Oakland and St. Louis, all the while turning unlikely pitchers into aces and Cy Young Award winners.

For one season he ran the pitching for the Seattle Mariners. Could he have put together a championship caliber rotation and bullpen there? If the stats on the 1982 Mariners were any indication, Seattle missed a big opportunity when they let Duncan go after his one year.

Go ahead and read the article here.

The Rangers were 1 pitch away 15 times

2012-01-28T21:31:00.001-08:00

A lot of people have written about how twice the Rangers were one pitch away from winning the 2011 World Series. But my friend Gar Ryness (better known as The Batting Stance Guy) pointed out an interesting fact.

They were an out from winning the World Series in back to back innings, but they weren't one pitch away from winning twice.

They were one pitch away from winning the 2011 World Series 15 TIMES!

On 15 different occasions, a Ranger pitcher threw a pitch that could have clinched the World Series if a reasonable scenario took place.

In the 9th inning with one out and runners on first and second, Allen Craig came up where a ground ball could have turned into a World Series clinching double play.

Yeah both David Freese and Lance Berkman had their at bats go down to the final strike, but they could have popped up or grounded out on the first, second or third pitches.

And I am not coming up with outlandish "Line Drive Triple Play" scenarios nor counting the four balls thrown to Albert Pujols when he was intentionally walked in the 10th inning.

Remembering my brother in Curse of the Bambino dialing my uncle for each pitch the Red Sox could have clinched in 1986, I know all too well that the expectation of excitement builds with each pitch.

Rangers fans, I feel for you.

And let's review all 15 pitches.

Bottom of 9th inning
Neftali Feliz Pitching
Texas 7, St. Louis 5
2 on, 1 out.

Batter Allen Craig

PITCH 1 - Low, 1 Ball 0 Strikes.
PITCH 2 - Low, 2 Balls 0 Strikes.
PITCH 3 - Called Strike, 2 Balls 1 Strike.
PITCH 4 - Lined Foul to left, 2 Balls 2 Strikes.
PITCH 5 - Popped foul behind the plate, 2 Balls 2 Strikes.
PITCH 6 - Called Third Strike

2 Outs

Batter David Freese

PITCH 7 - Low and Outside, 1 Ball 0 Strikes.
PITCH 8 - Called strike on inside corner, 1 Ball 1 Strike.
PITCH 9 - Swinging strike, 1 Ball 2 Strikes.
PITCH 10 - 2 Run Triple to Right Field to tie the Game

Bottom of 10th inning
TEXAS 9, ST. LOUIS 8
Scott Feldman pitching
2 on, 2 outs

Batter Lance Berkman

PITCH 11 - Fouled back out of play, 0 Balls 1 Strike.
PITCH 12 - Inside, 1 Ball 1 Strike.
PITCH 13 - Swinging strike, 1 Ball 2 Strikes.
PITCH 14 - Low, 2 Balls 2 Strikes.
PITCH 15 - RBI Single to Center Field to tie the Game.

Pain.
Agony.

After Berkman's single, the Rangers were never a pitch away again.
Of the 15 pitches, 9 came with 2 outs, where a pop up in the infield or a grounder (or Nelson Cruz timing his leap correctly) would have made champs out of Texas.

Alas, 15 pitches weren't enough.

I hope you have a Jim Kern Day... NOT a Warren Brusstar Day

2012-01-28T01:01:00.001-08:00

I never saw Jim Kern pitch.
Not live at least. If I saw him on TV, I have no memory of it.

But yet I remember Jim Kern vividly. I didn't remember the fact that he was a 3 time All Star and finished 4th in the 1979 AL Cy Young Award balloting.

Nope. I remembered that every year it seemed like he just looked happy on his baseball card.

I mean just look at his 1979 Topps Card.

The guy is loving life!
He's playing for a 90 loss Indians team going nowhere in a hurry, but he's laughing away.

He's an All Star with mess up hair and the bad ass "Tomahawk C" hat and a full set of teeth,

This guy is ready to take the mound and have a great time.

In 1979 he switched teams to Texas and won the Rolaids Relief Award. That would put a smile on anyone's face.

I distinctly remember being 7 years old and laughing when I saw this card.

Later in Texas he grew some ridiculous facial hair but that obviously didn't put a damper on his mood.

I have no idea if he was a cool guy or not.

But I remember thinking even as a kid that he looked like he was having fun and savoring being a ball player.

Jim Kern was a state of mind. A way to look at life.

It was about positivity and being happy with where you are.

Now contrast that with Warren Brusstar.

Man this guy always looked mad.

Maybe he was ticked off that his hat didn't quite cover his curly hair, giving him a "White Oscar Gamble" quality.

Maybe it was playing in the rough Veterans Stadium in some intense playoff caliber actions.

Maybe he was grinding his teeth in pain from all the shoulder injuries he piled up as a sinker ball pitcher

Or perhaps, unlike Kern, Brusstar had a thankless job. He wasn't a starter and he wasn't a closer. He piled up neither wins (he got 28 over 9 big league seasons) nor saves (14 total in his career) in an era when those two stats seemed to be the only yard stick people had to measure a pitcher's value.

Either way, as a kid, I thought he looked really mean.

And he kept looking mean as the years went on.

Being a part of a World Champion and pitching in the 1980 World Series didn't put a smile on his face..

Even a hair cut and moving to The Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field couldn't cheer him up.

Come on man! You are a big league pitcher with a World Series ring! Cheer up!

So that's my advice to you my dear readers.
Embrace the Jim Kern within.
Wear that smile. He may not have a won a World Series, but he seemed to have more fun along the way.

Phillies pitchers who clinched a post season Series: From Ruthven to Hamels

2012-01-27T00:45:00.001-08:00

With Brad Lidge leaving Philadelphia for the Nationals today, I realized that exactly 1/2 of the pitchers who have clinched a World Series for the Phillies switched teams. The late Tug McGraw was the other one.

I asked the Phillies fans to pay to pay their respects to Lidge today. But later I realized that the fraternity of Phillies pitchers to clinch a post season series is actually very very small.

Despite being a member of the National League since the 19th century, the Phillies went from 1903, the year of the first World Series, to 1979, a World Series I remember watching, without a single post season series victory. They lost the 1915 and 1950 World Series. They lost the 1976, 1977 and 1978 NLCS. And less said about 1964 the better.

In fact if the Houston Astros got another hit in the 9th inning of Game 4 of the 1980 NLCS, their searched for post season victory would have been prolonged.

So like I did for The Red Sox, I decided to honor each and every Phillies pitcher who threw the last pitch of a post season series.

Here are the pitchers, the game they pitched, and how was the last out recorded.

DICK RUTHVEN
1980 National League Championship Series - Game 5
Phillies, 8, Astros 7

October 12, 1980
At The Astrodome, Houston

2 innings of relief of five pitchers for the win.
LAST OUT: Enos Cabell flew out to center fielder Garry Maddox.

TUG McGRAW
1980 World Series - Game 6
Phillies 4, Royals 1

October 21, 1980
At Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia

Two innings of relief to save the game for starter Steve Carlton.
LAST OUT: Strikeout of Willie Wilson.

AL HOLLAND
1983 National League Championship Series - Game 4
Phillies 7, Dodgers 2

October 8, 1983
At Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia

1 2/3 innings of relief for starter Steve Carlton and reliever Ron Reed.
LAST OUT: Strikeout of Bill Russell.

MITCH WILLIAMS
1993 National League Championship Series - Game 6
Phillies 6, Braves 3

October 13, 1993
At Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia

One inning of relief and the save for starter Tommy Greene and reliever David West.
LAST OUT: Strikeout of Bill Pecota.

BRAD LIDGE
2008 National League Division Series - Game 4
Phillies 6, Brewers 2

October 5, 2008
At Miller Park, Milwaukee

1 inning of relief for starter Joe Blanton and reliever Ryan Madson.
LAST OUT: Jason Kendall grounded to Jimmy Rollins at shortstop who threw to Ryan Howard at first for the out.

2008 National League Championship Series - Game 5
Phillies 5, Dodgers 1

October 15, 2008
At Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles

1 inning of relief for starter Cole Hamels and reliever Ryan Madson.
LAST OUT: Nomar Garciaparra popped up foul to catcher Carlos Ruiz for the out.

2008 World Series - Game 5
Phillies 4, Rays 3

October 29, 2008
At Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia

1 inning of relief for starter Cole Hamels and relievers Ryan Madson and J.C. Romero.
LAST OUT: Strikeout of Eric Hinske.

2009 Division Series - Game 4
Phillies 5, Rockies 4

October 12, 2009
At Coors Field, Denver

1/3 of an inning for the save in relief of Cliff Lee, Ryan Madson and Scott Eyre.
LAST OUT: Strikeout of Troy Tulowitzki

2009 National League Championship Series - Game 5
Phillies 10, Dodgers 4

October 21, 2009
At Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
1 inning of relief for pitchers Cole Hamels, J. A. Happ, Chad Durbin, Chan Ho Park and Ryan Madson.
LAST OUT: Ronnie Belliard flies out to center fielder Shane Victorino.

COLE HAMELS
2010 National League Division Series - Game 3
Phillies 2, Reds 0

October 10, 2010
At Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati

Complete Game five hit shutout.
LAST OUT: Strikeout of Scott Rolen.

So there you have it, Phillies fans. All 10 Post Season Series that the Phillies won are listed here.
And how about some more respect for Brad Lidge?

He clinched HALF of them!

I thought for sure they would have added to this list in 2011.
The window is slowly closing on this squad.

Maybe I'll add Papelbon.

But remember, they won't have Harry Kalas call it.
Let's savor his 2008 call.

Hey Phillies fans... pay your respects to Brad Lidge!

2012-01-26T15:22:00.000-08:00

Brad Lidge signed today with the Washington Nationals, joining his former teammate Jayson Werth. I guess the Nation's capitol is where Phillies champions go to cash in.

I am not saying the Phillies should have retained him. They took away my club's closer in Papelbon and it was was probably time to say good bye in Philadelphia.

I've had a lot of fun at Brad Lidge's expense over the years.

Heck I have talked about his deal with the Devil.

And yes he gave the Phillies headaches throughout 2009 and lost that key Game 4 of the World Series.

But Phillies fans... say good bye and salute the man.

Don't focus on his bizarre and grotesque 2009. Don't bring up the Pujols homer, the Podsednik homer and losing 2 games in the 2005 World Series and his horrible last 2 years in Houston.

Remember Lights Out Lidge.
Remember how he arrived in Philadelphia basically as a reclamation project in exchange for Michael Bourn and he turned into the closer the Phillies were searching for.

Remember how he went a perfect 41 for 41 in save opportunities in the 2008 regular season.
And then remember the 7 for 7 he went in saves for the post season, including the glorious moment of striking out Eric Hinske to win the World Series.

Also remember that despite being dreadful in 2009, Lidge closed out both the Division Series and clinched the National League pennant, picking up 3 saves and a win before his World Series meltdown.

For many Philadelphia fans, Lidge's strikeout of Hinske was the first championship they experienced in their lives. Using my "You don't follow a team until you are 7 years old" formula, any Philadelphia fan 32 years or younger had gone their whole lives without seeing one of their teams winning a title.

Now? They've got a Phillies World Championship. And they would not have made it past the Mets, Brewers, Dodgers nor the Rays without the anchor in the bullpen.

The lights are out.
Give him his due respect, Phillies fans.

And thank him for THIS!

The Tigers make a more sensible deal than the Angels

2012-01-24T18:59:00.000-08:00

In 2021 when Prince Fielder is limping along, 9 year older and heavier, finally has his overblown contract expire, Tiger fans can look at Angel fans and say "Hey! We're out of this deal! You've got one more with Albert Pujols!"

Remember Fielder is at least 4 years younger than Albert (assuming that Pujols' birthday is correct) and appears to have a few more peak seasons.

Don't get me wrong, giving 9 years to a fat slugger could be a horrifically terrible idea.
But its better to give one to someone who still has 2 years in his twenties left to play.

Man if that gut gets any bigger... this could be Mo Vaughn all over again!

Jason Keidel and I keep talking on The Sully Baseball Show

2012-01-23T18:24:00.000-08:00

Last week Jason Keidel and I talked... and talked and talked and talked.

I played part of the conversation last week.
There was a lot more to the talk, so I included it for tonight's Podcast.

It's the second half of the Seamheads National Podcasting Monday Night broadcast.

Whats on Second The Seamheads.com Radio Hour/The Sully Baseball Show 01/23 by Seamheads | Blog Talk Radio

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Sully Baseball Salutes... Willie Harris

2012-01-23T15:02:00.001-08:00

The Cincinnati Reds signed utility infielder Willie Harris today. It is hardly an earth shattering move. His job is to provide the Reds with some depth in their infield to allow them to develop Paul Janish and Zack Cozart.

Harris was a utility player for the Mets last year and has the kind of career that fascinates me.

He was a 24th round pick by the Orioles in 1999.
Very few of the players drafted after him that year played a single game in the majors. Most of those who did had brief cameos (the Sean Henns and Darren Clarkes of the world.) Jason Frasor and Mike Jacobs were drafted after Harris, but no other big leaguer of note.

Instead of being a career minor leaguer with perhaps one cameo in the show, Harris has now played in 11 different seasons in the majors, starting games in left field, center field, second base, third base, shortstop and right field.

He hit for a good average in the minors and stole a lot of bases and made his big league debut on September 2, 2001 where he was in the same lineup as Cal Ripken Jr.

A survivor in baseball, he went from the Orioles, to the White Sox to the Red Sox to the Braves to the Nationals to the Mets.

He played with Ramirez and Ortiz and the Big Hurt. He played under Frank Robinson and Bobby Cox.

(His time in Atlanta must have been sweet for Harris, a Georgia native, as evidently his family roots for the Braves no matter team he plays on!)

Future Hall of Famers Ivan Rodriguez and John Smoltz were his teammates. And when Stephen Strasburg made his electrifying debut on June 8, 2010, he was lifted for a pinch hitter. Guess who the hitter was? Willie Harris.

But of the many highlights, game saving catches and stolen bases in his career, he was front and center in a historic franchise's greatest moment.

For whatever reason, the White Sox are always short changed in the National attention department and the "beloved" status.

But in 2005, a year after the Red Sox lifted their curse and 2 years after the Cubs blew a chance to erase theirs, the White Sox stormed through the playoffs.

In the Division Series against the defending champion Red Sox, Harris smacked a pinch hit RBI single in the 14-2 blow out victory. He didn't appear in the ALCS but stole a base as a pinch runner in the White Sox extra innings victory in Game 3 of the World Series.

Then came Game 4. With the White Sox on the verge of winning their first World Series title since 1917 (and erasing memories of the 1919 World Series scandal), Chicago and Houston were in a scoreless stalemate in the 8th.

Freddy Garcia was masterful but manager Ozzie Guillen lifted him for pinch hitter Willie Harris. He led off the inning with a single to left off of Brad Lidge and moved to second base on a sacrifice by Scott Podsednik. With 2 outs in a game where both teams squandered scoring opportunities, eventual World Series MVP Jermaine Dye hit a 1-1 pitch up the middle scoring Harris. (Picture above).

It was the only run of the game.
The White Sox won 1-0.
They won the World Series.
Willie Harris forever can be called a World Champion.

And it should be noted that three times in that post season he was called off the bench. All three times he delivered. When a runner was in scoring position, he drove him in. When he was asked to pinch run, he stole a base. When asked to lead off, he started a World Series winning rally.

And do you wonder how a 24th round pick always manages to find work in the big leagues? Because he plays every position and delivers when asked.

Is he a star? Nope. Never will be. But he's played more than a decade of major league baseball, was a regular for several of those seasons, has a World Series ring and earned a few million dollars along the way.

Not bad.

I have a feeling the Reds will be happy with this signing.

All “Born After Jamie Moyer’s Debut” Team - A 25 Man Roster

2012-01-22T08:21:00.001-08:00

Jamie Moyer is going to try and keep pitching. He’s sitting on 267 wins and signed with the Colorado Rockies (always a good place for pitchers to revive their career) at age 49.

More than one person has noted that Moyer has pitched in the majors longer than some players have been alive. And that’s true, seeing that he’s logged 24 years in the show. But we here at Sully Baseball don’t just make idle statements. We create 25 man rosters.

So here a 25 man roster of the best players born after Jamie Moyer’s big league debut. I used June 16, 1986 as the absolute oldest date allowed for this roster. He pitched 6 1/3 innings at Wrigley Field that day, earning the win for the Cubs against the Phillies. He beat future Hall of Famer Steve Carlton that day. He got future Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt to ground into a double play.

Every single player on this roster was born AFTER that day.

Felix Hernandez, Billy Butler and Yovani Gallardo were born in 1986, but before his debut, so I excluded them.

But don’t worry. There are All Stars, World Series heroes and even a Cy Young Award winner who can honestly say that Jamie Moyer has been a big leaguer longer than they’ve been alive.

All “Born After Jamie Moyer’s Debut” Team

Starting Catcher
Buster Posey

The 2010 Rookie of the Year gave the Giants a much needed spark in their lineup and helped propel them to the World Series title. His season ending injury in 2011 probably ended his catching career. He has 32 career starts at first base.

Posey was born on March 27th, 1987, just before Moyer began his second season in the majors.

Starting First Baseman
Freddie Freeman

One of the brightest young stars in the game, Freeman finished second in the 2011 Rookie of the year vote. He smacked 21 homers and hit to a .282 clip.

Freeman was born on September 12, 1989, two days after Moyer threw a complete game victory for the Rangers against the Orioles.

Starting Second Baseman
Gordon Beckham

The White Sox first round draft pick in 2008 has made his mark at second base. He finished 5th in the 2009 Rookie of the Year vote, slugging 14 homers and posting an .808 OPS.

Beckham was born on September 16, 1986, the day after Moyer pitched 5 innings to defeat the Expos in Montreal, getting future Hall of Famer Andre Dawson to ground out to end a rally.

Starting Shortstop
Elvis Andrus

Andrus, stolen from the Braves organization in the Mark Teixeira deal, has been the spark plug for the Rangers back to back pennant winners. He has at least 32 steals in all three of his seasons and stole 4 bases in the Rangers ALCS upset over the Yankees in 2010.

Andrus was born August 26, 1988, three days after Moyer threw a complete game 9-3 victory over the Astros, helped by a home run by future Hall of Famer Andre Dawson.

Starting Third Baseman
Pablo Sandoval

The beloved “Kung Fu Panda” exploded onto the scene and into the hearts of Giants fans in 2008. He posted an OPS above .900 in both 2009 and 2011 and provided much needed home run pop. He struggled in the Giants World Series title run but clubbed a key RBI double in the NLCS against Philadelphia.

Sandoval was born on August 11, 1986, the same day Jamie Moyer and the Cubs lost 10-7 to Pittsburgh.

Starting Left Fielder
Mike Stanton

One of the most exciting young sluggers in the game, Stanton made the Marlins squad in 2010 at age 20 and hit 22 homers. He followed that with 34 jacks in 2011 and an 141 OPS+.

Stanton was born on November 8, 1989. Moyer had finished his first season with Texas then and had 32 career big league wins.

Starting Center Fielder
Andrew McCutchen

McCutchen, a rare Pirates draft pick that wasn’t a bust, is the electric and multi talented centerpiece to the franchise. Super fast with power and a flare for the dramatic, he made the 2011 All Star team with 23 homers, 23 stolen bases, 89 RBI and a 127 OPS+.

McCutchen was born on October 10, 1986, 15 days after Moyer pitched 7 solid innings against the eventual World Champion New York Mets.

Starting Right Fielder
Justin Upton

The first pick in the 2005 draft made it to the Diamondbacks in time to play in the 2007 NLCS. He broke out in 2009 and last year was one of the best players in the National League, displaying 31 homer power, 21 stolen base speed, an OPS of .898 and helped propel Arizona back into playoffs. He crushed 2 homers in the Division Series against Milwaukee.

Upton was born on August 25, 1987, 5 days before Moyer got roughed up by Atlanta in a 13-4 Cubs loss.

Designated Hitter
Jay Bruce

A key part in the Reds turnaround, Bruce was a consistent home run threat and an All Star in 2011. His walk off homer clinched the NL Central title for the Reds in 2010 and was one of the most dramatic moments in Reds history.

Bruce was born on April 3, 1987, 4 days before Moyer would throw 1/3 inning of relief for the Cubs in their 9-3 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Rotation

Clayton Kershaw

One of the most dynamic young pitchers in the game, Kershaw had dynamic stuff right out of the minor leagues. But everything came together in a magnificent 2011. He led the league in wins, ERA, strikeouts, WHIP and hits per nine innings and winning the Cy Young Award over favorites Roy Halladay, Tim Lincecum, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels.

Kershaw was born on March 19, 1988, just before Moyer was to begin his third season in the major leagues.

Tommy Hanson

A 22nd round draft pick, Hanson worked his way up the Braves system to become a mainstay in their rotation. He has a career 3.28 ERA over 460 1/3 innings pitched during his three years in Atlanta. Hanson started a game in the 2010 Division Series against the Giants.

Hanson was born on August 28, 1986, the day after Moyer lost a 7-1 game for the Cubs in Houston.

Jaime Garcia

Garcia finished third in the 2010 Rookie of the Year vote when he won 13 games to a 2.70 ERA for the Cardinals. He won 13 games the next year and started 5 games in the post season. He had a 1.80 in over 10 innings in the 2011 World Series.

Garcia was born on July 8, 1986, 2 days before Moyer lasted only 2/3 of an innings in the Cubs 11-4 loss to the Dodgers.

Jeremy Hellickson

After losing Matt Garza and many other key members to their pitching staff, the Rays needed to look within for the 2011 season. They found Jeremy Hellickson who went 13-10 with a 2.95 ERA over 189 innings. He won the Rookie of the Year and helped pitch the Rays to their third playoff berth in four years.

Hellickson was born on April 8, 1987, 5 days before Moyer pitched 8 strong innings, striking out 12 to win the game for the Cubs over the Phillies.

Daniel Hudson

Once a top prospect for the White Sox, Hudson flourished with the Diamondbacks in 2011. He won 16 games and logged 222 innings as Arizona made it back to the playoffs. He also batted .277 and won the Silver Slugger Award.

Hudson was born on March 9, 1987 as Moyer was in spring training getting ready for his second big league season.

Bullpen

Neftali Feliz

Another part of the terrific Mark Teixeira trade, Feliz became the Rookie of the Year in 2010 and clinched the Rangers first ever pennant. He closed out their second pennant the next year and came within a strike of clinching the World Series. At age 24, he has become one of the top closers in the game.

Feliz was born on May 2, 1988, the same day Jamie Moyer pitched 6 innings and got the win for the Cubs in Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego.

Aroldis Chapman

“The Cuban Missile” arrived on American shores with an arm that seemed super human. He averaged 12.8 strikeouts per inning pitched and has almost a 2 to 1 strikeout to walk ratio while hitting triple digits on the radar gun.

Chapman was born on February 28, 1988, just as Jamie Moyer was reporting to spring training after 2 seasons in the bigs.

Craig Kimbrel

Kimbrel was brought up to help the Braves during the stretch run in 2010 and his 17.4 strikeouts per 9 innings gave Atlanta an outstanding pen. The next year he kept up his dazzling numbers, saving 46, striking out 127 and walking only 32 in 77 innings. He won Rookie of the Year in 2011.

Kimbrel was born on May 28th, 1988, 4 days after Moyer pitched into the 10th inning of a hard luck 3-0 Cubs loss to the Atlanta Braves.

Ivan Nova

“The Super Nova” gave the Yankees an unlikely source of depth on the staff in 2011. After an unremarkable promotion in 2010, he received Rookie of the Year consideration in 2011, winning 16 games and throwing 165 1/3 innings. In the suspended Game 1 of the Division Series, Nova won the game with 6 1/3 effective relief innings.

Nova was born on January 12, 1987, after Moyer’s first season in the majors.

Vance Worley

With a team loaded with Cy Young contenders, Worley gave the 2011 Phillies outrageous pitching depth. He went 11-3 with a 3.01 ERA and gave the Phillies help with long relief as well.

Worley was born on September 25, 1987, two days after Moyer and the Cubs lost 5-0 to the Phillies in Wrigley Field

The Bench

Reserve Infielder
Starlin Castro

Castro became one of the elite shortstops in the game before he could legally buy a drink. A solid hitter with some pop, he finished 5th in the 2010 Rookie of the Year vote. The next year he made the All Star team while leading the league in hits. Off the field problems are already haunting him, but they are unresolved as of this writing.

The first big leaguer born in the 1990s, Castro was born on March 24, 1990 just as Moyer was beginning his second season with the Texas Rangers.

Reserve Infielder
Pedro Alvarez

The left handed power hitting third baseman provided some pop for the Pirates when he arrived in Pittsburgh during the 2010 season. His numbers tailed off during his second year in the Steel City but remains an important piece in the Pirates hopes for 2012 and beyond.

Alvarez was born on February 6, 1987, just as pitchers and catchers were reporting for Cubs spring training and Jamie Moyer was preparing for his second season.

Reserve Outfielder
Jason Heyward

The J-Hey Kid homered in his first at bat and became an instant fan favorite in Atlanta. He wound up hitting 18 homers posting a 131 OPS+ and finishing second in the Rookie of the Year vote as the Braves returned to the playoffs. He tailed off badly in his second year but remains a big reason for the Braves optimism for the years to come.

Heyward was born on August 9th, 1989 while Jamie Moyer was recovering from injuries. He would come back to the Rangers that September.

Reserve Outfielder
Austin Jackson

Acquired from the Yankees in the Curtis Granderson deal, Jackson gave the Tigers a solid centerfielder with speed and extra base power. He finished second in the 2010 Rookie of the Year vote. The next season he led the league in triples and played a key part in Detroit’s Division Title.

Jackson was born on February 1, 1987 as Moyer was preparing for his second big league season.

Reserve Catcher
Alex Avila

The All Star and Silver Slugger catcher had his breakout season in 2011, helping the Tigers win the Division and make it to the ALCS.

When Avila was born on January 29, 1987, Moyer had 7 career big league victories.

25th Man
Madison Bumgarner

There are several choices for the 25th man, but I am going with Bumgarner for the way he shone on the biggest stage. The 20 year old Bumgarner already showed he had great stuff for the 2010 Giants, but in Game 4 of the World Series he threw 8 shutout innings against the hard hitting Rangers to earn the victory and put San Francisco on the cusp of the title. He won 13 games and pitched to a 3.21 ERA over 204 2/3 innings in 2011 helping create an incredible 1-2-3 punch in the Giants rotation with Lincecum and Cain.

Bumgarner was born on August 1, 1989 as Moyer was rehabbing and a month before he returned to the Texas rotation on September 5th.

That is a solid 25 man roster with some other names left off.

Rick Porcello, Michael Pineda and Chris Volstad are all talented arms. Matt Moore has already had post season glory. Alicides Escobar and Gerardo Parra have had their moments. Mike Trout will probably become a big star.

And Colby Rasmus is in my doghouse, so forgive me if I went with 5 other outfielders.

And Jamie Moyer can come up to each of these players and say “Hey, I’ve been doing this longer than you’ve been on this Earth!”

Good luck Jamie.
I hope you get those 300 wins!

Welcome to the Red Sox, Clayton Mortensen

2012-01-21T23:50:00.001-08:00

OK, show of hands, Red Sox fans.
How many of you heard of Clayton Mortensen before today?

I can't raise my hand. He's 27 years old and has been bounced around a few times.

He had a 9.42 ERA in 64 innings last year... in AAA.
That's disconcerting.
But he pitched OK for the Rockies in 16 games.

And he was a decent enough prospect in the A's and Cardinals system that maybe he can be a decent arm out of the pen.

I for one am sad to see Marco Scutaro go. I liked him. He played hard and played anywhere on the infield. Plus it is fun to hear Boston fans say "MAH-co."

In fact because this trade happened on the Eve of the Patriots/Ravens game, I am guessing that most Sox fans missed this trade... and come spring training when Jose Iglesias is struggling, a bunch of Sox fans will say "Wheh is MAH-co?"

And when informed that he is with the Rockies in exchange for Clayton Mortensen, the general response will be "WHO?"

And then there will be a frantic Google Search that will lead you all to this page.

Good luck, Clayton. You need a nickname.
Pitch well and we'll forget MAH-Co.

Was Carmona or Heredia the good pitcher?

2012-01-20T13:37:00.001-08:00

I know it is a scandal that Fausto Carmona has two identities and is actually Roberto Hernandez Heredia. But it is hardly a surprise.

He's always pitched like he was two different people.
One pitcher was a kick butt starter who made the All Star team one year and contended for a Cy Young Award the next.

The other was a disastrous "Doesn't belong in the Major Leagues" chump who four times had ERAs over 5. The Indians tried him as a closer and in 4 straight appearances lost or blew the lead every time.

And people are surprised he had an identity crisis?
I could have told you that years ago.

I'm guessing Carmona was the pitcher who struck out A-Rod and went 9 during the "Midges Game" and Heredia was the pitcher who kept getting rocked.

The key for the Indians is to only employ Carmona and they'll be in good shape.

The All "Welcome Back!" Sentimental Yankee Team - A 25 Man Roster

2012-01-20T00:58:00.001-08:00

The Yankees love to bring stars to the Bronx, but do you know what they love more?
Bringing back Yankees!

As I wrote before, the Yankees are underrated in their gooey sentimentality and nostalgia. But I wondered about the Steinbrenner era and how many former Yankees came back for a second tour of duty.

How many times have the Yankees got fans cheering by bringing back a hero of old with the implied promise of "It's Going To Be Just Like Before!"

George kept triumphantly bringing back old heroes. Hank and Hal seem ready to continue the tradition.

And I created a 25 man roster of Yankee heroes who had an encore... often times an anticlimactic one.

As always, my 25 man roster will have a starter at each position, 5 starting pitchers, 5 relievers, 2 reserve infielders, 2 reserve outfielders, a backup catcher and a 25th player.

The All "Welcome Back!" Sentimental Yankee Team

Starting Catcher – MIKE STANLEY

First Tour (1992-1995) Became an All Star and Silver Slugger Award winner when he crushed 26 homers, batted .305 and posted a .923 OPS in 1993. He was a key part of the 1994 team whose Division Title hopes were dashed by the strike. In the 1995 Division Series he homered, batted .313 and slugged .500. Super popular, he was passed over for Joe Girardi and headed to Boston.

Second Tour (1997) For the August stretch run, the Yankees traded Tony Armas Jr. to the Red Sox to bring Stanley back. He played 28 games with the 1997 Yankees, the only team between 1996 and 2000 to NOT win the World Series! What rotten luck.

Starting First Baseman – TINO MARTINEZ

First Tour (1996-2001) Took over for Don Mattingly and became one of the best big game players on the Yankees. The AL MVP runner up in 1997, he slugged a game turning grand slam in Game 1 of the 1998 World Series and homered off of Tom Glavine in the Yankees come from behind Game 3 victory in the 1999 World Series. But most famously launched a 2 out 2 run Game Tying homer in Game 4 of the 2001 World Series. When the Yankees let him walk to St. Louis to make room for Jason Giambi, many Yankee fans were disgusted.

Second Tour (2005) In the wake of the 2004 ALCS collapse and Giambi being linked to steroids, the Yankees needed some positive old time Yankee feeling in the clubhouse. Fans cheered the return of Tino Martinez. He had some pop left in his bat but he was no longer the elite first baseman. He was hitless in the 2005 Division Series and retired.

Starting Second Baseman – LUIS SOJO

First Tour (1996-1999) Picked up on waivers for the stretch run, Sojo contributed to the 1996 World Series title, collecting 3 hits in 5 at bats. He was a fan favorite, batting .307 as a part time player in 1997. He looked like a regular guy, played every position and embodied the selflessness image of the Joe Torre Yankees.

Second Tour (2000-2001) Sojo went to the Pirates for the start of the 2000 season but was rescued by his old team when the Yankees dealt for him in the stretch run. With Chuck Knoblauch's fielding woes regulating him to DH, Sojo started Game 5 of the 2000 World Series and with 2 outs in the top of the 9th, drove in the winning run. He also played in the 2001 World Series and came out of retirement to play in 3 games in 2003.

Starting Shortstop – RANDY VELARDE

First Tour (1987-1995) Velarde played through some of the lean years in the Bronx. He played all over the infield and wasn't flashy but steady. In the 1995 Division Series, he drove in the 11th iining go ahead run in the decisive Game 5 off of Randy Johnson. Alas, Edgar Martinez drove in the winning runs, negating Velarde's heroism. He left the team for the Angels in the off season.

Second Tour (2001) The Yankees traded for Velarde in August in a deal with Texas. He finally got to play in the World Series. He went 1-9 in the post season and played 2002 with the "Moneyball" Oakland A's. He has become a key witness in the Bonds trial as Velarde was evidently a juicer. That would explain his 100 career homers over 16 seasons.

Starting Third Baseman – CHARLIE HAYES

First Tour (1992) In the last truly rotten year in Yankee history, Hayes gave New York some stability and pop at third base and played hard for an also ran team and in front of small crowds.

Second Tour (1996-1997) Even though the Yankees had future Hall of Famer Wade Boggs at third, they dealt for Charlie Hayes for the 1996 stretch run. In the World Series, he started 3 games and caught the final out of the Game 6 clincher.

Starting Left Fielder - OSCAR GAMBLE

First Tour (1976) The left handed slugger with a huge afro (but reduced in the Bronx) was a favorite of manager Billy Martin. He slugged 17 homers and helped the Yankees reach the World Series for the first time since 1964. But the arrival of Reggie Jackson made his spot on the roster unnecessary and was dealt to the White Sox for Bucky Dent during spring training 1977.

Second Tour (1979-1984) Gamble returned to the Bronx in a trade that sent Mickey Rivers to Texas. Reunited with Martin, he batted .358 with a 1.065 OPS in 1979. He would have won the batting title if he had enough at bats. He powered the Yankees past the Brewers in the Divisional Playoff Series of 1981.

Starting Center Fielder - ROBERTO KELLY

First Tour (1987-1992) In the Yankees last horrible stretch, Kelly was the hope of the future. He seemed like he was going to be a multiple tool star. He had power. He had speed. He had defense. And he represented the Yankees at the All Star Game. His numbers were good, but not great. But what else did the Yankees have? Suddenly they dealt him to the Reds for Paul O'Neill. And we all know how THAT ended up.

Second Tour (2000) The two time defending World Champion Yankees brought back their one time star in 2000. He played 10 games in April but that was it. He was done for the year and never played in the bigs again.

Starting Right Fielder – JIM LEYRITZ

First Tour (1990-1996) The King toiled on the wretched early 1990s Yankees squads to become an outspoken and unusually clutch post season hitter. He never played more than 95 games in a season and always was a platoon or part time player, he smashed two of the most dramatic homers in recent Yankee history. His 2 run 14th inning walk off shot ended Game 2 of the 1995 Division Series against Seattle. But it was his 3 run shot off of Mark Wohlers in Game 4 that turned the tide of the 1996 World Series for the Yankees. The Braves never led again in the series.

Second Tour (1999-2000) After stops in Anaheim, Boston, Texas and San Diego (where he continued to club post season homers) Leyritz returned to the Bronx for the 1999 stretch run. Surprise! He picked up another World Series homer in Game 4 against the Braves. He was traded to the Dodgers the next year and retired. He was mainly a catcher but that position was plentiful in creating this roster.

Designated Hitter – BOBBY MURCER

First Tour (1965-1966, 1969-1974) When Murcer was first called up from the minor leagues, the Yankees were still the defending AL Champs and on a run stretching back to the late 1940s. His teammates were Whitey Ford, Elston Howard, Tony Kubek, Bobby Richardson, Roger Maris and another slugger from Oklahoma named Mickey Mantle. By 1969, Murcer was the new face of the franchise and put up All Star numbers toiling for some truly bad teams. He had the AL's highest on base percentage in 1971 (and had the best OPS and OPS+, but nobody knew that.) The next year he had the most total bases in the league. But after 1974 he was sent packing to San Francisco for Bobby Bonds, a trade that helped neither player.

Second Tour (1979-1983) Murcer returned to the Yankees, missing the two World Championship seasons of 1977 and 1978. He famously delivered the eulogy for Thurman Munson and then hit a 3 run homer and 2 run walk off single to lead the Yankees that night against the Orioles. A connection to past Yankee glory, he finally played in a World Series when the Yankees lost to the Dodgers in 1981. He retired in 1983 and became an announcer until he passed away in July of 2008. He was mourned as one of the most beloved figures in Yankee history.

Starting Rotation

ROGER CLEMENS

First Tour (1999-2003) The fading former Red Sox ace magically became great again with back to back Cy Young seasons in Toronto and found himself in the Bronx. Yankee fans were slow to embrace him, especially after a pair of subpar seasons in 1999 and 2000. But he helped win a pair of World Series, getting the victory in 1999 clincher and firing a bat at Piazza during his Game 2 win in 2000. He won another Cy Young Award in 2001 and won a critical game against the Diamondbacks in the World Series and pitched well in the Game 7 finale. He won his 300th game as a Yankee and walked off the mound in Game 4 of the 2003 World Series, presumably the last game of his career.

Second Tour (2007) Surprise! He stuck around and went to Houston, picking up yet another Cy Young Award and pitched in another World Series. Then, with the Yankees in desperate need for pitching in 2007, made a mid game announcement from the Steinbrenner box that he was returning with the assumption he still had his Cy Young stuff. Suzyn Waldman loved it. But alas the magic was gone. He went 6-6 and lasted only 2 1/3 innings in his last ever start in the 2007 Division Series. His retirement has been one ugly scandal after another.

ORLANDO “EL DUQUE” HERNANDEZ

First Tour (1998-2002) The mysterious and ageless Cuban star joined the Yankees during the 1998 season. He was good in the regular season but special in the post season. He won his first 8 post season decisions, usually posting a sub 2.00 ERA and won the 1999 ALCS MVP against the Red Sox. He would finish 9-3 over 102 post season innings with the Yankees.

Second Tour (2004) El Duque was traded first to the White Sox and then the Expos but played for neither team in 2003 as injuries wiped out his season. The pitching strapped Yankees brought him back for 2004. When healthy he pitched well and Joe Torre gave him the ball for Game 4 of the ALCS. If Rivera had held onto the lead, El Duque would have been credited with the victory, no doubt adding to his legend. He joined the White Sox the next year and helped them win a World Series.

ANDY PETTITTE

First Tour (1995-2003) The 22nd round draft pick skyrocketed through the Yankees system and was one of the top rookies in 1995. By 1996 he was a Cy Young contender and won a critical World Series game when he outdueled John Smoltz 1-0 in Game 5. He piled up wins and continued to perform well in the post season, winning the 2001 ALCS MVP and winning three games in the 2003 post season after a Yankee loss. But the Yankees nickle and dimed him after the 2003 World Series and he left for Houston.

Second Tour (2007-2010) After experimenting with one flop pitcher after another, the Yankees corrected their past mistake and brought Pettitte (and Clemens) back for the 2007 season. He continued to win games and log innings, even though his mediocre ERA indicated that he benefited from the Yankees explosive offense. He was so loved by the fans that even his PED use didn't dent their affection for him. He won the 2009 World Series clincher and retired an All Star after the 2010 season. He is the best home grown Yankee starter since Ron Guidry.

DAVID WELLS

First Tour (1997-1998) Signed to replace his former Blue Jays teammate Jimmy Key, the larger than life Wells embraced the Yankees from the start and the fans loved him. And in those two years he showed he was more than a boisterous beer guzzling chicken wing eating lovable lug. He threw 5 complete game shutouts in 1998 including a perfect game. He had the best winning percentage and WHIP that year as well, finishing third in the Cy Young vote. In the post season, he went 5-0 and won the 1998 ALCS MVP. But after the season he was sent back to Toronto in the Roger Clemens trade.

Second Tour (2002-2003) Wells returned to the Yankees for 2002 and continued to pile up wins, winning 19 in 2002 and 15 the next year. But his overgrown frat boy image was losing its charm in the dugout and he alienated himself from the team with his over the top biography published in 2003. But his biggest sin was his two post season failures. The Angels bombarded him in the clinching game of the 2002 Division Series. And his conditioning finally caught up with him when he could only throw a single inning in the critical Game 5 of the 2003 World Series. It was his last game as a member of the Yankees.

DWIGHT GOODEN

First Tour (1996-1997) George Steinbrenner pulled his Father Flanagan act by bringing the Mets biggest but most troubled stars from the 1986 title over to the Bronx. Gooden's drug problems cost him the 1995 season and his Mets career. But he rebounded with the Yankees, throwing a no hitter on May 14, 1996. He started the season 10-2 but faltered down the stretch and was left off of the post season roster. He wound up going 20-12 in the two seasons in the Bronx.

Second Tour (2000) After a few years in Cleveland and quick stops in Tampa Bay and Houston, Gooden returned to the Yankees and pitched well as a spot starter and middle reliever. He pitched in the playoffs for that Yankee squad and finished his career as a World Champion. Sadly his retirement has been one drug related scandal after another.

Bullpen

RICH GOSSAGE

First Tour (1978-1983) Gossage was already a 3 time All Star before he arrived in New York. The Yankees already had a Cy Young Award winning reliever in Sparky Lyle, but the idea of a Lyle and Gossage bullpen would make the defending World Champs unstoppable. Lyle tailed off but Gossage responded to new manager Bob Lemon and became the best reliever in the league. He closed out the Bucky Dent Game, the ALCS and the World Series to clinch the repeat. Goose had three top 5 Cy Young finishes and won the 1978 Rolaids Relief Award. He built the bulk of his Hall of Fame career in the Bronx but left for San Diego after the 1983 season.

Second Tour (1989) Gossage was on the eventual National League champion Giants in 1989 and pitching rather well, but the Yankees claimed him off of Waivers. He finished the season in the Bronx with a truly mediocre Yankee squad. On August 21st, he struck out Red Sox centerfielder Ellis Burks to record his final save in a Yankee uniform. The Yankees manager? Bucky Dent.

JEFF NELSON

First Tour (1996-2000) Nelson came over with Tino Martinez from Seattle after Buck Showalter was not retained. He provided a reliable arm in middle relief as Torre created a bridge first to John Wetteland and later to Mariano Rivera. Nelson was an often overlooked but vital member to four World Series titles. When he returned to Seattle for the 2001 season, Torre named him to the All Star team.

Second Tour (2003) The Yankees were so desperate for middle relief in 2003 that they actually traded for Armando Benitez. They needed a Jeff Nelson type and decided to go for the real McCoy, sending Benitez packing for Nelson. At age 36 his All Star stuff was no longer there. He did throw 4 shutout innings in the 2003 World Series, but he was gone the next season.

RAMIRO MENDOZA

First Tour (1996-2002) The ultimate Jack of All Trades pitcher, Mendoza could start, close or throw long relief. In 1998 he won 10 games and threw both a shutout and saved a game. And his durable arm was vital in the post season. He should have won the ALCS MVP in 1999 as he shut down the Red Sox in two key rallies and picked up the pennant winning save.

Second Tour (2005) Mendoza played for the 2004 World Champion Red Sox and picked up his ring wearing a Sox uniform on opening day... then turned around and went back into the Yankees dugout. He recovered from shoulder surgery all year and pitched one game in September. Despite many comeback attempts, he never pitched in the big leagues again.

MIKE STANTON

First Tour (1997-2002) A veteran of many Bobby Cox Braves playoff teams, Stanton joined the Yankees for the World Series defense in 1997. He gave Joe Torre depth in the pen and an unstoppable bridge to Mariano Rivera and made the All Star team in 2001. He wound up being the winning pitcher in two games in the 2000 World Series.

Second Tour (2005) The Yankees needed bullpen depth after the 2004 ALCS collapse. They brought Stanton back to be a old reliable arm to link to Mariano. Unfortunately he was only old. His 7.07 ERA wasn't going to cut it and was cut by July. By the end of the year, he was with the Red Sox.

STERLING HITCHCOCK

First Tour (1992-1995) Hitchcock was one of the Yankees top pitching prospects during their lean years. In 1994, his Columbus teammates included Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada. Who knows? If he wasn't included in the Tino Martinez trade, he might have been an all time beloved Yankee as well!

Second Tour (2001-2003) Hitchcock was part of the 1998 Padres who were swept by the Yankees in the World Series. He returned to the Bronx in 2001 to add depth to the rotation. He was the winning pitcher out of the bullpen for Game 5 of the 2001 World Series. He was dealt to the Cardinals midway through 2003.

The Bench

Reserve Infielder – MIGUEL CAIRO

First Tour (2004) Cairo was brought in from St. Louis to give the Yankees infield depth. He provided a surprisingly potent bat, batting .292 and only striking out 49 times in 408 plate appearances. He also got a key walk to start the Yankees come from behind rally in Game 2 of the 2004 Division Series.

Second Tour (2006-2007) Cairo spent 2005 with the Mets and came back to the Yankees for 2006. There was no pop in his bat this time. He was let go by the Yankees midway through the 2007 season.

Reserve Infielder – REY SANCHEZ

First Tour (1997) When Luis Sojo couldn't play second base during the stretch of 1997, the Yankees dealt with the Cubs for Sanchez. He responded by batting .312 and helping the Yankees get back into the post season. In the off season, the Yankees dealt for Chuck Knoblauch and made Sanchez expendable.

Second Tour (2005) In the wake of the 2004 collapse, the Yankees assembled a strange combination of former Yankees and players who had once beaten the Yankees. Sanchez returned but was not a factor in his 23 games.

Reserve Outfielder – LUIS POLONIA

First Tour (1989-1990) The Yankees dealt Rickey Henderson back to the A's back when New York had the crappy team and Oakland had the juggernaut. The Yankees were thinking long term and Polonia was the spark plug for the future. That is until they dealt him a year later for veteran Claudell Washington.

Second Tour (1994-1995) OK... We're serious. THIS time, the Yankees were going to have Polonia be their long term solution in the outfield. A commitment that lasted a year and a half.

Third Tour (2000) The Tigers cut Polonia who was an awful defensive outfielder and got caught stealing a lot. So naturally the Yankees brought him back to be a defensive replacement and pinch runner. This time he played for a World Champion. He made his final big league appearance in the 2000 World Series.

Reserve Outfielder – RUBEN SIERRA
First Tour (1995-1996) The Yankees swapped surly DH's with the A's when Danny Tartabull was sent packing for Ruben Sierra. He homered twice in the 1995 Division Series and hit a 2 out game tying double in the bottom of the 12th inning to save Game 2. But he famously clashed with Joe Torre in 1996 and was traded for Cecil Fielder. When leaving he tried to insult the Yankees by saying "All they care about is winning."
Second Tour (2003-2005) Sierra returned to the Yankees as a humble former star who realized he may have squandered a Hall of Fame career. He mended his fences with Torre and became a stable veteran in the clubhouse and a productive part time player. He hit a dramatic 3 run game tying home run in the 8th inning of Game 4 of the 2004 Division Series that set up the extra innings clincher.

Reserve Catcher – RICK CERONE

First Tour (1980-1984) The Yankees dealt Chris Chambliss to Toronto for Cerone, a New Jersey native and Seton Hall Graduate. He had the impossible task of becoming the Yankees full time catcher after the death of Thurman Munson. He did well his first season, playing in 147 games and finishing 7th in the MVP vote. He would pass the 100 game mark as a Yankee only one more time as the team went on to employ a Merry Go Round of part time catchers.

Second Tour (1987) The Yankees catching situation was a mess in 1986. Butch Wynegar, Ron Hassey, Joel Skinner and Juan Espino all split time behind the plate. Manager Lou Piniella had played with Cerone and brought him back for 1987. He started 86 games behind the plate and even pitched 2 innings.

Third Tour (1990) Bucky Dent, another former teammate turned manager, brought Cerone back in 1990, presumably to mentor the young and inept Yankees. If he provided any leadership, it wasn't reflected in the standings. The Yankees lost 95 games and he only played in 49 of them. To be fair, he hit .302 as a part time player that year. After his retirement, he was one of the founders of the independent Newark Bears.

25th Man – TOMMY JOHN

First Tour (1979-1982) By 1979, John was already a Cy Young contender and a pioneer in receiving the experimental surgery that bears his name. The Yankees signed him as a free agent before the 1979 season and he continued his winning ways in the Bronx. He won 21 games in 1979 was the Cy Young runner up. He won 22 in 1980 and led the league in shutouts. He was traded back to Southern California when the Yankees and Angels worked out a deal during the 1982 season.

Second Tour (1986-1989) With the Yankees desperately in need for young pitchers, they brought back the 43 year old John in 1986. In 1987 he had his last solid year, logging 13 wins and throwing 187 2/3 innings. In his final season, he was teammates with many players who weren't born when he made his big league debut.

Doesn’t even include Chris Chambliss’ bizarre “coming out of retirement pinch hit appearance” in 1998, nor the return of Nick Johnson Claudell Washington and Javier Vazquez

So when people call the Yankees "The Evil Empire" don't believe it!
They are a gooey and sentimental.

Bigger romantics? Yankee fans or Twilight fans?

2012-01-18T16:30:00.000-08:00

Don't answer right away. It's a tougher question than you think!
As I wrote before, the Yankees as an organization, for all the corporate pinstripe all business image they have, they are really a bunch of softies.

The organization and the fans are all about nostalgia and they can't let go of their favorite stars. They don't forgive them of their weaknesses. They don't recognize the short comings even exist.

Listen to the fans wanting the Yankees to sign Jeter to a long term deal, or making excuses for Posada quitting on the team or Pettite's PED use and tell me they are more rational than those screaming for Team Edward or Team Jacob!

It's not just that they love their players. They never want them to go away. EVER.
Bernie Williams was on the most recent Hall of Fame vote and I bet I can find a few fans who think he should still be playing on the team.

And now there is discussion of how to fill the DH hole on the team with Posada retiring. "WHY? COME BACK JORGE!"

More than one site has said the hole should be filled by either Johnny Damon or Hideki Matsui.

Of course it should.
Because the Yankees need to get more players on the downside of their career clogging up their lineup.

Matsui is 38 years old and no longer an elite player. Not 100% how OPS+ works, but I am guessing "92" isn't a great score.

Damon is also 38 and his on base percentage has dropped each of the last 3 seasons.

BUT THEY WON RINGS WITH THE YANKEES!
Bring them back!

They can't let go. It's all romance.

Actually there is an obvious solution to the Yankees' DH hole.
A-ROD!

Seriously, the Yankees should just plop him at DH.

Have you noticed he hasn't played 130 games at third for a season since 2008?

Last year he played third base 89 times.

The Yankees are better with his bat in the lineup, so make HIM the DH and have a younger player who can actually play the field at the hot corner.

Ahhh but there's the rub. DH for the Yankees needs to be filled by a beloved Yankee, something that A-Rod for some reason will NEVER be.

If Matsui and Damon are like Jacob and Edward, then A-Rod is the notorious Aro, trying to bring the Yankees into the Volturi.

And if you think for a second that I have any clue what I just wrote, then you are crazier than any Twilight/Yankee fan out there.

Sorry... I'm not blacking out today

2012-01-18T10:50:00.001-08:00

I am NOT for SOPA.
I hope it doesn't get passed.
I don't believe for a second that it will.

But I am not going on a self imposed internet strike either for the same reason that I never protested baseball after the strike. I went to games right after the strike/lockout and I am posting on the internet today.

I enjoy baseball games and I enjoy updating the blog. And I really don't think my Congressman is going to say "Holy Crap! Sully isn't updating his blog? Let's not pass SOPA."

So strike it down. Make it sink into the ocean. And in the meantime, while I still can write posts the way I like to, enjoy the blog.

Rob of Down the RF Line and Jason Keidel join the Sully Baseball show

2012-01-16T22:23:00.000-08:00

Rob from the Marlins YouTube channel Down the RF Line joins the Sully Baseball podcast to talk Marlins.

Then part 1 of a fun, rambling and opinionated exchange with old friend, WFAN's Jason Keidel finishes up the show.

Take a listen, it's a part of the Seamheads National Podcasting Network.

The Sully Baseball Show 01/16 by Seamheads | Blog Talk Radio

Listen to internet radio with Seamheads on Blog Talk Radio

Padilla joins the Sox... hide the booze

2012-01-16T21:43:00.000-08:00

After a year when booze and dysfunction in the pitching staff destroyed the Red Sox season, what better way to turn the page than bring a guy with a reputation of disruption, drinking and who shot himself.

OK, fine it is for one season and maybe he has his stuff together.
I just wonder if he would have fit in with Lackey, Beckett and Lester's in game toga parties.

It's odd, however. He's been accused of being too drunk to pitch in the 2002 All Star Game by some people, thus making it end in a tie.

He pitched 2 innings that game. Only Curt Schilling, the game's starter threw more pitches on the NL team that year. A 15 second internet search led me to that information.

Welcome to the Sox Vincente.
Try not to party too much.

Bartolo Colon is the EXACT OPPOSITE of what the A's need

2012-01-15T20:43:00.000-08:00

The A's need to get leaner...
Younger...
Hungrier...

Exactly what part of Bartolo Colonlooks leaner, young or hungry?

All things being equal, I would have been a Pittsburgh Pirates fan

2012-01-14T08:45:00.000-08:00

I've been a Red Sox fan has long as I could remember.

I remained loyal even when I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area, New York and Los Angeles.
My Red Sox fan credentials are solid. Don't believe me? Turn on HBO.

But I wonder what my fandom would have been if I didn't grow up in New England.
What team would I have picked if geography didn't play such a factor?

Simple. I would have been a Pittsburgh Pirates fan.
And anyone who reads this blog regularly would see why.

My theory that you truly start following a team when you are 7 or 8 years old have the Pirates playing a huge part of my baseball life.

The 1979 World Series was the first one I remember watching, and I can remember it like it was yesterday. The Orioles were terrific but the Pirates were just cool. Their players seemed to be more fun, their uniforms were bonkers and the players were dancing to disco in the dugout.

I've written a lot about the 1979 Pirates, including this post which is my personal favorite one.

Willie Stargell remains one of my favorite players ever. I banged the drum loudly for Bert Blyleven's Hall of Fame candidacy and for Dave Parker as well. And to this day, I get goose bumps when I hear Sister Sledge's We Are Family and can close my eyes and see Pops take McGregor deep.

Years later, I got emotionally attached to another Pirates team. I rooted for the 1990 and 1991 Pittsburgh Pirates to win their Division and in the NLCS. They lost a pair of heart breakers.

But it was the 1992 team that I really loved.

I was first and foremost a Red Sox fan in 1992, but that edition was a truly boring team.

Boggs and Burks were finishing out their time with the Sox. Veterans like Greenwell and Jack Clark were hurt and Tom Brunansky led the team with 15 homers. Clemens was still great but the team was a non contender. (Back then the Red Sox and Yankees were boring, losing non contenders. Go figure.)

I found myself following the Pirates, who were supposed to finish behind the Mets after Bobby Bonilla defected to Queens (along with new comer Bret Saberhagen.)

Instead the Pirates got off to a 12-2 start. The fought with the Cardinals, Mets and Expos until mid season they blew the competition away. An 11 game winning streak in late July and early August made a joke of the race. And there was a sense of urgency with the team.

They knew that Barry Bonds and Doug Drabek were going to be free agents and this would be their best shot to win a pennant. And if you saw me during the 1992 NLCS, you would have thought I was born and raised in Pittsburgh. And after the Francisco Cabrera hit stabbed Pittsburgh in the throat, I was crushed more than any baseball event since 1986.

On the blog, I've constantly got on the Pirates for their awful drafts, their lousy trades and I was so excited for them last summer when for a few months they looked like contenders.

But I also find myself being drawn to the Pirates of the past.

I have an obsession with 1925 World Series hero Red Oldham.

I wrote about the alternate history of a potentially integrated Pirates team in 1938.

I watched the MLB Network rebroadcast of Game 7 of the 1960 World Series.

I am currently reading a book about the 1971 Pirates and have a Roberto Clemente book next on my shelf.

I have a Pirates fascination.
It is easier to root and follow a team now with MLB.com, XMRadio, etc. If I had all of that back in 1979, maybe I wouldn't be a Sox fan. Maybe I would have been a die hard Pirates fan.

Then again, if that were the case I would have missed out on 2004 and 2007 and I'd have had no winning season since that 1992 season.

Maybe it is best.

But let the record show, I am rooting for the Pirates. The NL Central is winnable. The 7 year old version of me is cheering you on.

And one final Pirates obsession... I LOVE this video about Dock Ellis and his no hitter.
Enjoy.

A very interesting trade...

2012-01-13T19:27:00.000-08:00

Michael Pineda for Jesus Montero.

I am not sure what to make of this trade between the Mariners and the Yankees.

On the one hand it seems to make sense for both teams.

On the other hand it makes sense for neither team.

It's not often a trade can be so perplexing but at the same time refreshing.

For the Yankees, they got Michael Pineda. At 23 years old he has already made the All Star team and gives New York youth they desperately need in the pitching staff.

Then again, he tailed off badly in the second half and seemed to pitch better in pitcher friendly Safeco Field. And the AL East beat him like a drum. And his home run rate rose dramatically in the second half.

Cause for concern?

Meanwhile the Jesus Montero era in New York lasted a whopping 18 regular season and 1 post season game.

The future home grown slugger is heading to the Pacific Northwest and presumably his #63 will never be retired in Monument Park.

He's a right handed masher who was ranked one of the top 5 prospects in all of baseball in back to back seasons.

Maybe he's not a long term solution at catcher but he could have caught a season with Russell Martin and split DH duties.

He might have been part of a NEW "Core Four!"

But off he goes. A homegrown talent going to spend his career elsewhere.

Some Mariner blogs are comparing him to Miguel Cabrera.

Then again lots of bloggers complained to me when I didn't call Colby Rasmus an elite player. It's one thing to be a prospect.

It's another thing to produce.

(I'm looking at YOU Alex Ochoa.)

And hitting doesn't win titles. Pitching does. The Yankees were banking on the likes of Freddy Garcia, Phil Hughes and A. J. Burnett to keep them in 60% of their games. You can always sign a hitter, but 23 year old All Star pitchers don't grow on trees?

Pineda joins a staff where he, Ivan Nova and Phil Hughes would all be under 26. Suddenly the rotation isn't so ancient. They are a turn around season from Hughes away from Cashman's vision of a young core of pitchers backing up Sabathia.

Throw in David Robertson and suddenly the Yankees might have their pitching foundation for the next 6 or 7 years.

(Just ask Joba Chamberlain.)

Provided Pineda isn't a one year fluke who gets torched in Yankee Stadium. (Remember how Jeff Weaver was going to be the young ace of the team?)

But there is more than one team in this deal.

The Mariners stink.

They've lost 95 or more games 3 of the last 4 years.

And with Ichiro in the final year of his deal, his Mariner tenure will likely end without a single World Series appearance.

The same was said for Griffey's time in Seattle...

And Edgar Martinez's...

And Randy Johnson's...

And Alex Rodriguez's...

And no doubt Felix Hernandez's time will end pennant-less in the Pacific Northwest.

They need to mix it up. And a player that Brian Cashman once said could be a new Manny Ramirez.

Maybe put Montero along side young Justin Smoak and Dustin Ackley and the Mariners will build a nice line up.

But I thought the Mariners best hopes to finally win the pennant was to take the Giants blue print. Stockpile pitching and win around your dynamic ace.

And the West could be won with great pitching. And shut down an East, Central or Wild Card opponent in a short series then play a National League style World Series... that was the Mariners ticket.

And I thought Michael Pineda could have been the Matt Cain to Hernandez's Lincecum.

So what's my take on the trade?

I literally have no clue.

It could be great for both or blow up in both of their faces.

The Yankees could have their young rotation and the Mariners could get a dominant lineup.

Or the Yankees could have a bust pitcher while the Mariners picked up a hitter with no position who can't handle big league pitching.

Maybe they should have stayed on their original teams.

Scott Proctor signs in Korea... hopes Torre won't follow him

2012-01-12T15:33:00.000-08:00

Reliever and former Joe Torre whipping boy Scott Proctor has left the country. He will pitch next year for the Doosan Bears of the Korean League next year.

Now Joe Torre ran his arm into the ground in both New York and Los Angeles. Seeing that Torre would cross a continent to continue wear him down, Proctor figured Torre probably wouldn't cross an ocean to do so.

Not so fast, Scott.

Torre resigned from his job at MLB.

You had better hope his Dodger bid is accepted. If its not, Torre will go back home to Hawaii... and that's half way to Korea. And I hear the Bears need a new manager.

I'm just saying.

Ten Hall of Fame Thoughts

2012-01-10T15:59:00.001-08:00

Another year another name in the Hall of Fame and more thoughts from me.

1. Barry Larkin isn't sexy, but he's worthy.

Actually Barry Larkin is a handsome guy, so maybe someone DOES think he's sexy.

But it isn't like when Reggie Jackson or Rickey Henderson or Cal Ripken got into the Hall of Fame where there was a national buzz.

It probably would be a more exciting day if he had been elected with Blyleven and Alomar last year, but hey. Larkin deserves it. He was a great player who nobody seems to have a bad word about him. Maybe after sharing the spotlight with Ozzie Smith and Cal Ripken then later Alex Rodriguez, Nomar Garciaparra and Derek Jeter it is appropriate that Larkin has the stage to himself.

2. Tim Salmon got two votes? Really?

There were a few players who got more than one vote and they fascinate me more than the ones with one vote. Both Eric Young and Javy Lopez got a single vote and chances are they were from a sports writer who liked them and tipped the proverbial cap to those players.

But 6 put Vinny Castilla on there? 5 put Salmon? 4 put Bill Mueller? 2 said "Brad Radke belongs in the Hall of Fame?"

One of these years someone will be voted in with those sympathy votes and I will laugh like hell.

3. No votes for Ruben Sierra...

Sierra doesn't belong in the Hall of Fame. His career came way short. But you'd think if someone could put Brad Radke's name on their ballot then someone would rustle up a sympathy vote for a man who for a time truly was an elite player.

For a stretch he was a legit MVP candidate (and probably could have beaten Robin Yount for the 1989 AL MVP.)

Sierra himself has acknowledged that he squandered some of his talent but the one time Diva became one of the games good guys by the end of his career. Not enough for Cooperstown, but odd that he didn't get an Eric Young pity vote.

4. If Jack Morris gets in next year, they should put his plaque next to Jim Rice's

Seriously, other than Don Sutton, Phil Rizzuto and Bill Mazeroski, I haven't such vitriol for a Hall of Fame case than Jack Morris and Jim Rice.

I've supported both and I admit that I am biased. They impressed me as a kid and I want to believe the great players from my youth are worthy to stand shoulder to shoulder with Hank Aaron, Stan Musial and Sandy Koufax.

Yeah yeah yeah, I understand the arguments against him. I'm still rooting for him. He's inching closer but has only 2 more chances. The showdown will be the next two years.

If he gets in, but his plaque next to Rice so their detractors can get all of their anger out at once.

5. We are going to be nostalgic for the Jack Morris and Jim Rice debates next year.

With those two people compare stats, memories, new stats, traditional stats and it is a rational (if passionate) argument.

Next year? We have the man who holds the single season and All Time home run record on the ballot. We have the man with more Cy Young Awards than anyone in history. We have one man who broke Roger Maris' mark joining the other man. And the ballot also includes a member of the 3,000 hit and 500 home run club! It should be one of the greatest classes in baseball history. And it is going to SUCK!

What bigger names bring up the ugly head of Steroids more than Clemens, Bonds, Sosa, McGwire and Palmeiro. It's a Mount Rushmore of juicers. (Yeah, Mount Rushmore has only 4 heads, but they broke THAT record as well.

The debate will turn away from stats (they all have stats that are worthy) and to if they are worthy. It is going to be a sea of "Not Fun!"

Trust me, you'll become nostalgic for Jack Morris' ERA.

6. It's a shame Juan Gonzalez fell off the ballot

I don't think he belongs in the Hall of Fame. Under normal circumstances, his 2 MVP awards would be compelling but the needles found on his trip to Toronto are more interesting to voters.

So why is it a shame he's off the ballot?

It would have been nice to see McGwire, Sosa, Bonds, Clemens, Palmeiro and Gonzalez on the ballot together.

It would be a Mitchell Report reunion.

7. You will hear "Back Acne" and "Friends with Ken Caminiti" more than you want to next year.

Mike Piazza will be on the ballot. Jeff Bagwell is returning to the ballot. Normally they'd be preparing their speeches, but the whispers of PEDs for both of them might prevent their induction.

Think that's unfair? Perhaps. But remember how the likes of McGwire, Clemens, Bonds and Sosa were celebrated? Remember how Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz, Andy Pettitte and Alex Rodriguez all got standing ovations?

This is the pendulum swinging the other way. The voters want to make sure they don't have to deal with the specter of putting a guy in and THEN finding out he's a juicer. If Jim Rice and Bert Blyleven can wait a decade and a half, then so can some of these guys.

8. My endorsement of Alan Trammell didn't amount to crap

I thought I had more pull in the baseball world.

I said that I believe he is a Hall of Famer and he gets a measly 36.8% of the vote?

He only has 4 more ballots to pick up 38.2% of the vote in order to get him over the top.

I better get some more power for next year.

9. Tim Raines would be a nice protest vote next year

I am a big Raines supporter and his bandwagon is growing bit by bit. But with all the steroid users on the next ballot, Raines would be a perfect middle finger to the juicers.

Think about it. You are actually saying "You'd have been better off doing cocaine!"

I wonder if his stolen base total was inflated because he was on coke.

10. Lee Smith was on more than half of the ballots.

I didn't just make that up. More than half of the writers said "YES" to Lee Smith in Cooperstown.

He has 5 more chances to add 25% to his vote total. Has there EVER been a candidate with this many votes who has this low a profile candidacy?

I hear more debating over Edgar Martinez and Alan Trammell who can't even bust 40% than Smith who has a majority of the writers approval.

Yet I don't know ANYONE who thinks he's a Hall of Famer and trust me, I know a lot of baseball fans.

It's an odd candidacy to be sure.

So there you have it.

Another year and another vote. Bernie Williams is the only new name coming back and Dale Murphy has his final go round next year.

Be prepared... next year is going to be a bumpy ride.

CONGRATS BARRY LARKIN!

2012-01-09T12:00:00.001-08:00

Lots to write about but first and foremost, Barry Larkin deserves it.

Steady, sometimes overlooked but a great player.

And now the 1990 Reds have a Hall of Famer.

Great job voters. Looking forward to the Summer.

The 2012 Sully Baseball Hall of Fame ballot

2012-01-08T22:40:00.001-08:00

I don't have a Hall of Fame vote. That is a tragedy. Someday that will be changed. But for now all I can do is type from my blog and say who I WOULD vote for if I had a ballot.

Not one of the 13 new names on the ballot should be back on next year. No offense to Tim Salmon, Javy Lopez, Bernie Williams, Terry Mulholland, Ruben Sierra et al. They had wonderful careers but none of them came close to a Hall of Fame career.

(Bernie Williams for a stretch was an elite player, as was Sierra. But they didn't have the resume.)

There are some names on the ballot who were great for a stretch but not enough for the Hall (Sorry Dale Murphy and Don Mattingly.)

Some who were really good but not quite immortal level (Sorry Fred McGriff and Larry Walker.)

And there are the specialists who just missed my ballot but I will listen to the arguments pros and cons (Sorry Edgar Martinez and Lee Smith.)

And yeah, I went there before and I'll go there again... Jeff Bagwell smells fishy to me. His transformation just sounds too familiar to me. Blame McGwire if you don't like it.

So who WOULD I have on the ballot?

BARRY LARKIN
He could do it all and did it with class and dignity. An MVP, a great hitter and terrific defender, he was the National League's best shortstop for a decade.

JACK MORRIS
I know he isn't getting in, yet I still turn on the light for his eligibility. I understand the stats against him and yet I'd still want him starting a big game over several other Hall of Famers. I am sure my support for him means a lot to Morris.

TIM RAINES
An elite player for a Hell of a lot longer than most of you remember. He deserves to get in.

ALAN TRAMMELL
As I said earlier, his resume is virtually identical to Larkin's.

I think only Larkin will get the call tomorrow.
The other three deserve that call.
I have no control on the matter... yet.

Why I am rooting for the Giants to win Super Bowl XLVI

2012-01-07T11:57:00.001-08:00

I am not a big football fan.
I don't DISLIKE football. I enjoy a good football game. But I don't follow it like I follow the NBA. (Obviously not like I follow baseball.)

But I do get into the playoffs. And I don't really have a dog in the fight (insert Michael Vick not in the playoffs this year joke here.)

I am supposed to be a Patriots fan and if they win it all I won't mind.
But the Lions have never won a Super Bowl... Neither have the Falcons nor the Bengals.
The Texans have never won a playoff game.

Another title would mean so much to Denver, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Green Bay and Baltimore fans.
And a new generation of San Francisco fans can experience a 49er title.
I would have no problem with literally none of those scenarios.

And yet I am rooting for the Giants.

Why?

1. I actually was a Giants fan when I lived in New York all those years.

2. I like the idea of the Giants being the first team to win a Super Bowl in 4 consecutive decades.

3. Tom Coughlin has been rumored to be fired all year long. It would be cool to see him go from "Fire his butt" to "He's delivered multiple Super Bowl titles to the Giants" in one month.

4. I love that nobody can predict this team. One minute they look awful. One minute they look great. They are like the St. Louis Cardinals of football teams.

and finally...

5. I'd love to see Eli have 2 rings to Peyton's 1. That would make the Manning BBQs more entertaining.

So, for old time sake (like this picture of me at Candlestick Park cheering the Giants winning the 1991 NFC title) let's go Giants.

Prince Fielder... Just accept arbitration

2012-01-07T01:20:00.000-08:00

Seriously... it's time to punt.
The market isn't there right now.

It must stink to know your big payday isn't here yet. But the Marlins have spent their money. The Cardinals have closed up their payroll. The Rangers are focused on Yu Darvish and pitching. The Nationals wasted their dough on Jayson Werth and have too many options at first. The Cubs are going to try and see if Anthony Rizzo can cut it. The Red Sox and Yankees have first basemen and the Dodgers and Mets are a mess.

Take arbitration with the Brewers and have a kick butt season and try it again next year.
The fans might boo you. Smack a few homers and they'll love you.

The Mariners will have money to spend. Rizzo might not have worked in Chicago. The Nationals could be ready. The Dodgers might have a new owner willing to spend and the Mets could have their act together and the Blue Jays might have taken a step towards contending.

Try again next year... put up awesome numbers as usual.
You might have to wait a year for that 9 figure deal.

It's a nice problem to have.

The 1977 Topps Dave Duncan card is a sight to behold

2012-01-06T23:55:00.000-08:00

Seriously... take a good long look at this card.
I was about to write a post about Duncan and why I think he belongs in the Hall of Fame as a brilliant pitching coach.

But when looking for a picture for the post, I stumbled across this amazing card.

Back in the 1970s and 1980s, when a player switched teams in the off season, Topps would issue cards where a player's new team uniform and cap painted onto a picture.

Even as a 7 year old kid, I thought this practice was strange and I wasn't fooled.
The pictures often looked a little off. Like someone with a chive stuck in their teeth, you can't help but notice that it wasn't right.

This one of Dave Duncan is astounding for so many reasons.

First of all the paint job sucks.
If you painted it and are reading this blog, I'm sorry. It wasn't your best work. Everyone has done something that sucks. Kubrick had Eyes Wide Shut. Paul McCartney had Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time. You had the Dave Duncan 1977 Topps card.

It wasn't your finest hour.

Duncan, who was on the Orioles in 1976 was dealt to the White Sox for Pat Kelly in November of 1976. The editors of Topps dug up a close up of Duncan and started painting away.

The S-O-X on his cap is too squished. There is a strange attempt at a shadow on the hat. And of course the White Sox uniforms had lapels. So the artist slapped on fake lapels.

And let's face it, the blue neutral background looks kind of fake too.
So the only thing in this card of Dave Duncan that looks remotely real is his head.

It looks as real as when you stick your head in a hole to take a silly picture like I did at Pea Soup Andersen's last month.

And here's the kicker for me.
All that effort was made so when fans collecting cards could have Duncan on his current team.

Do you know how many games he played for the White Sox?

That would be zero.
He was cut in spring training and never played another game in the majors.

He went on to be the greatest pitching coach in my lifetime, turning around staffs and making mediocre pitchers into aces and multimillionaires.

He is leaving the Cardinals as a World Champion to take care of his ailing wife. I wish them both all the best and to get well.

And I hope Dave NEVER has to have lapels painted on a picture of him again.

The Cubs traded Carlos Zambrano? Theo is earning his money

2012-01-04T22:06:00.001-08:00

A year ago I lumped Carlos Zambrano in a "trade trash for trash" deal scenario with the Mets. I felt that a guy making $18 million per year who needed anger management and had to be regulated to middle relief duty while hitting 30 wouldn't fetch much on the trade market.

And today not only did Theo deal Zambrano, but he actually got a 25 year pitcher with 4 years of big league experience under his belt. Chris Volstad already has a 12 win season on his resume and doesn't have Zambrano's "has he lost his God Damned mind?" baggage.

Good move Theo. He needs to tear the Cubs down to the ground and build it up. And what better way than to say "The bad contracts are out and young kids are in"?

Yeah the Cubs will have to pay for a big chunk of his contract but hey! I thought they were going to have to take junk back for him.

A title with the Cubs might not come as quickly for Theo as it did in Boston... but if flipping Zambrano to Volstad is any indication, it will eventually happen in Chicago.

(You know... just like it was going to happen with Leo Durocher, Dallas Green, Dusty Baker and Lou Piniella.)

Hey Red Sox... sign Omar Vizquel

2012-01-03T12:17:00.001-08:00

I am dead serious. Bring him on board. How much would he cost the Sox? $1 million? $2 million for one year?

The Red Sox have wisely stayed away from this year's free agent class with the exception of Nick Punto who isn't exactly a superstar. He's there to give the Red Sox some infield depth.

But why not bring in Omar Vizquel as well?

One of the last remaining players from the 1980s is still floating out there. Why not tack on a 24th year to his career?

And what would his main purpose on the team be?

To start some games at short and help break in Jose Iglesias. What better mentor could the Red Sox shortstop of the future have than possibly the best defensive shortstop of all time?

And one who literally can say "I've been in the major leagues longer than you've been alive!"

Vizquel played 143 games in 1989.

Iglesias was born in January 1990.

Having Vizquel as depth and an unofficial coach could only help the Red Sox as they build towards 2013. $2 million to help develop the shortstop of the future is a bargain.

Compare that to the $44 million spent on Edgar Renteria and Julio Lugo.

And with 2,841 hits, the Red Sox can watch him creep slowly to 3,000.

Combine that with Tim Wakefield needing 6 wins to tie and 7 to pass Roger Clemens and Cy Young for most ever wins by a Red Sox pitcher, you could have two of the slowest and most painful build ups to a baseball milestone ever happening at the same time!

And seeing that I don't think the Red Sox are winning squat in 2012, why not have THAT reason to go to the park?

Come on Sox! It's not like he's going to cost the Red Sox a draft pick or a long term deal. Bring him on board!

Besides, if he makes it to the Hall of Fame (which I think he will) then there will be another plaque with "Boston (A.L.)" on it. And that's not bad.

Sully Baseball endorses Alan Trammell for the Hall of Fame

2012-01-03T07:03:00.000-08:00

Barry Larkin is almost certain to be elected to the Hall of Fame in about a week. He was the best National League shortstop for a decade. He was a Cincinnati native who spent his whole career with the Reds (not really a Hall of Fame factor but makes for an uncluttered plaque.)

A former MVP, winner of 9 Silver Sluggers, 3 Gold Gloves, he had a lifetime .815 OPS with power, speed and help lead the Reds to the 1990 World Series title.

And yet Alan Trammell has virtually the same resume and is considered a long shot at best.

Each played roughly the same amount of games.

Larkin - 2,180

Trammell - 2,293

Each hit close to the same amount of homers (with Larkin playing in a more home run friendly stretch.)

Larkin - 198

Trammell - 185

Their OPS+ were right around the same level

Larkin - 116

Trammell - 110

Both won multiple Gold Gloves and Silver Sluggers.

Trammell would have matched Larkin's MVP if the voters went with him instead of George Bell like many thought they should have in 1987.

Both had a solid 6 or 7 year peak in the center of their career.

And Trammell, along with Cal Ripken, transformed the shortstop position from an All Field No Hit position to a power one, paving the way for Barry Larkin and the great shortstops of the 1990s and 2000s.

I still don't understand WAR, but only 68 non pitchers have a higher WAR all time than Trammell. Right behind him are Hall of Famers Eddie Murray and Pee Wee Reese.

If I ever get around to figuring out WAR, that will impress the Hell out of me.

But his World Series MVP in 1984 and his cameo on Magnum P.I. impressed me enough to give him a second, third and fourth look.

Larkin deserves a spot in the Hall. As does Tim Raines. I've always been a big fan of Trammell's Tiger teammate Jack Morris but I am resigned to the fact that he won't get in.

But I hope Trammell gets some votes and some momentum. The next bunch of years will be some of the least fun ballots in Hall of Fame history.

Bonds and Clemens will be on soon and mixing it up with Rafael Palmeiro, Mark McGwire et al to make for some awful "Should steroid users be in the Hall?" debates.

Maybe someone like Trammell can benefit from that. A guy to vote for while that ugliness is going on.

And if so, take a look at his career.

It is no charity case.

It's a compelling one.

For 2012... ONE of these teams needs to play in October

2012-01-01T01:15:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year my readers.
Going into 2012, obviously I want the Red Sox to win it all... but I doubt that they will. They have too many holes and I want them to treat 2012 as a year to take stock.

I'd love to see my National League team, the San Francisco Giants win. I think they have a solid shot to win the N.L. West, especially if Buster Posey comes back.

And of course I'd like to see the Yankees crash and burn.

Other than that, besides drama I would really like to see one of five teams make the playoffs this year:

The Orioles, the Nationals, the Pirates, the Blue Jays or the Royals.

Not one of those 5 teams played in the post season in the 2000s.
(The Royals and the Nationals/Expos franchise didn't see October baseball in the 1990s either!)

Teams shouldn't go two decades without a post season appearance and we have 8 years to remedy the situation. The Rangers and Reds didn't play in October for any season in the 2000s but quickly changed that in the 2010's. Hell, if the Rangers got one more strike, they'd take themselves off of the "Waiting for a Championship" board.

But let's pick it up. ONE of those teams has to have a shot. Don't tell me it is hopeless. Who predicted the Rays could have won a pennant in 2008 in a division with the mighty Red Sox and Yankees?

The Red Sox are in flux and the Yankees are old. The Orioles or Blue Jays could sneak in.

Who is the powerhouse in the A.L. Central? The Tigers? A young talented Kansas City team could surprise everyone.

The Phillies are a year older and as Ryan Howard showed us, potentially prone to injuries. And the Nationals have a talented rotation. Why not them?

Why can't the Pirates, who were contending in July, put it together for a whole year in a tightly packed NL Central?

If ALL of those scenarios come true, then it will be odd.
But ONE of them? How hard could it be for ONE to come true?

Let's go.
Your fans have been waiting long enough.

The sun sets on another year...

2011-12-31T23:18:00.000-08:00

2011 was a great year for Sully Baseball, if not for the Red Sox.
More videos, more podcasts and more readers than ever.

Thanks for all of your support (and keep sharing the videos!)

2012 looks to be even better. More videos, more posts, more articles and maybe a few more surprises.

All the best.

The A.P. made their Buckner announcement correctly and with class

2011-12-31T16:58:00.000-08:00

A.P. is reporting that the Boise Hawks, a Single A team for the Cubs, has hired Bill Buckner as their new hitting coach.

Here is how the report reads:

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs have hired former star Bill Buckner as a minor league hitting coach.

Buckner will be with the Boise Hawks of the short-season Class A Northwest League. The Cubs made the announcement Friday.

Buckner played for the Cubs from 1977-84 and won the 1980 NL batting title. He was a career .289 hitter over 22 seasons.

The 62-year-old Buckner was a manager last year for Brockton, a Massachusetts team in the independent CanAm league. He previously was a hitting coach for the Chicago White Sox and held the same position in the minors for Toronto.

Did you notice what part of his biography they left out?
That's a good thing.

Buckner played for the Cubs and was a batting champ and has forgotten more about hitting than his critics will ever know.

Good for the A.P. for referring to him as "Former Star."
That's EXACTLY what he was.

And if you think they should have included anything in his bio about a World Series game, then kindly watch this video...

Wait... They Make Lego Baseball Players?

2011-12-31T13:42:00.001-08:00

When I was a kid I obsessed over Star Wars, Batman, Lego and baseball.
My brother and I played all 4 constantly, but there wasn't any cross over.

Chewbacca never showed up in Gotham City. There was no Lego baseball stadium.

And we had space advantures in Lego, but they were always the cool Lego spacemen with the helmet, airtank and the spaceship zooming around the moon logo on their chest and spaceships.

We played with them whenever we weren't also playing Star Wars, Batman or baseball.

There was an order to the universe.

Well this Christmas something changed in the fabric of the universe.

A friend of the family gave my boys these Lego figures of baseball players.

Specifically Kevin Youkilis and David Ortiz. They came with a Red Sox cap, the correct facial hair, a bat and also a glove. (Very interesting to see Big Papi with a glove.)

But consider the fact that there is Lego Batman now... and Lego Star Wars is everywhere, I wonder if I would have been able to deal with all of this childhood fun overlapping.

Oh who am I kidding? It would have been awesome.

A-Rod runs to Germany to hide from Father Time

2011-12-30T00:21:00.000-08:00

I have no clue what Kobe Bryant suggested to Alex Rodriguez. I hope it wasn't marital advice. But the two least favorite players for Boston Sports Fans met and evidently talked about going to Germany to get some sort of blood work done that sounds strange at best and fishy at worst.

Is it legal?
Probably.

It is a red flag that he can't find someone in America to do it?
Yeah. Sort of.

But there are two things that A-Rod can't prevent no matter how many procedures he has had and how many timezones he crosses:

Age and a lack of steroids.

He's on the wrong side of 35.
Back before the days of Performance Enhancing Drugs, that was right around the time that sluggers fell apart.

Jimmie Foxx was washed up by 35.
Frank Robinson was on the decline by then.
Dave Winfield had one more great season after 35, then fought constant injuries.
Eddie Murray was still effective, but his best years were well behind him.
Al Kaline was on his last legs.
Jim Rice was winding down.
Hank Greenberg had his last great season at age 35. He was out of baseball at 37.
Willie Mays never hit 30 homers after age 35 and was never again an MVP candidate.

Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth continued to put up amazing numbers after 35.
They were both pretty good.
And they were the exceptions.

A-Rod is no longer juicing. According to A-Rod his juicing days ended when he left Texas. He took them in Texas because of the pressure. And then he stopped (because Heaven knows there is no pressure in playing in New York.)

He was caught in 2009 and turned his year around by leading the Yankees to the World Championship... an act that bought A-Rod about 3 minutes of good will from Yankees fans. Since winning the MVP (his 3rd) in 2007, his OPS has dropped every season, his home run totals have dropped almost every year (he hit 30 in both 2009 and 2010) and he hasn't been able to avoid injuries.

A drop in power and inability to recover suddenly happening in the past few years, ESPECIALLY after the positive test was revealed? Are you SURE you stopped when your days in Texas ended?

His 1.067 OPS in 158 games in 2007 has turned into an .823 OPS in 99 games last year.
And he will be a year older.
With six years left to play in his megacontract that is set to pay him $29 million in 2012, $28 million in 2013, $25 million in 2014, $21 million in 2015, $20 million in 2016 and a mere $20 million in 2017.

He'll be 41 years old in 2017.
His body is breaking down to the point where he is doing experimental blood work in Germany to get him in playing shape at age 36!

How is this going to get BETTER over the next six years?
Yeah the Yankees have tons of money, but enough to pay a player in 6 years like a superstar even though those years seem behind him NOW?

If 2009 is already a hazy memory for Yankee fans NOW, how distant will it seem in 2017?

Good luck in Germany, A-Rod.
You better hope they found the fountain of youth there... and you had also better hope the fountain of youth isn't on the list of banned substances.

No Washington pitcher has ever clinched a post season series

2011-12-29T09:05:00.000-08:00

Anyone who reads this blog knows I have a mild obsession with pitchers who throw the last out of a playoff series and get mobbed by their teammates on the mound.

I've written about it many times including this gem.

And I'm working on a blog series on that topic. I already posted one about the Red Sox.

So going through the other teams I realized that baseball fans of the city of Washington D.C. have never experienced the site of a pitcher throwing his hands in the air and being mobbed at the end of a post season series.

Never once.

Not a World Series, LCS or Division Series.

Every other big league city has had that experience at least once. Even the two places where big league baseball doesn't exist anymore had that moment. Johnny Podres was in the middle of a mob for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Steve Rogers clinched a series for the Montreal Expos.

But three different franchises have played in Washington DC in the 20th and 21st centuries. One became the Twins. One became the Rangers. One used to be the Expos.

And in all of those years and teams they have combined for one post season series win. The 1924 World Series. But that one ended with a walk off hit: Earl McNeely's bad hop single that scored Muddy Ruel in the bottom of the 12th in Game 7.

Walter Johnson was the winning pitcher but the celebration was at the plate.

So take note Washington pitchers Gio Gonzalez, Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmermann, Tyler Clippard or Drew Storen. If you get to play October and you find yourself on the mound with a chance to win a series, you'll be giving Washington fans a sight that they have NEVER seen.

Unless of course you consider most Washington fans were Baltimore fans and they saw a lot of post season celebrations. But that's quibbling.

Will the A's have ANY big leaguers in 2012?

2011-12-28T23:32:00.001-08:00

The Red Sox are getting Andrew Bailey from the A's and I am all for this move.
But man oh man, will there be ANY reason to go to an A's game in Oakland in 2011?

They shipped off three former All Star pitchers under the age of 28.

Will they have any big leaguers in uniform?

Seriously... my idea of putting the A's in the minors and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs playing in the majors is making more and more sense.

Demote the A's to the minors and promote THE IRON PIGS

2011-12-27T13:00:00.001-08:00

The Oakland Athletics are acting like a minor league team and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs are drawing like a major league team.

So for the next few years I think the A's should be a AAA team and the IronPigs should play in the American League.

Bear with me.

It isn't even New Year's Day and the A's have waved the white flag for 2012.

They traded two of the most valuable chips in baseball, Trevor Cahill and Gio Gonzalez, both former All Star pitchers in their mid 20s and under contractual control for a few years. And in exchange they got prospects prospects and more prospects.

A. J. Cole, Derek Norris, Brad Peacock and Tom Milone were four of the gems in the Nationals farm system.

Jarrod Parker and Collin Cowgill are top prospects who already have post season experience with Arizona.

Chances are they aren't about to add to their post season totals in Oakland.

In fact the entire organization seems to be just hanging around waiting for the inevitable move to San Jose. They aren't going to draw in the Oakland Coliseum (or whatever it is called.) They won't have a decent TV contract. They won't be putting major leaguers on the field. And they have no intention of contending.

They weren't the worst team in baseball in 2011. Hell, they weren't even the worst team in their division. (That honor goes to the Mariners.)

But if they are going to put a minor league product on the field in a lousy ballpark, then they should play in the minor leagues!

If fans in the Bay Area want to see a big league club, then go across the Bay Bridge and see the Giants.

So while the A's are a major league team acting like a minor league team, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs are a minor league team acting like they are the big leagues!

Unlike the A's, ALL of their home games are televised. Unlike the A's, ALL of their games are broadcast on the ESPN radio affiliate.

And unlike the A's, they play in a state of the art stadium, Coca Cola Park in Allentown Pennsylvania. It holds 10,000 fans and they drew nearly that each game. Supposedly the A's drew around 18,000 a game in 2011. But if you happened to catch an A's game on TV, there is no way there were that many people at each game.

I doubt Coca Cola Park needs to put a tarp in the upper deck.

And between the A's and the Pigs, there is only one person in uniform that most people have heard of.
Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg is the manager of the Pigs.

And he was the Baseball America Manager of the Year leading Lehigh Valley to the championship round of the Governor's Cup.

Ryno deserves a shot to manage in the Majors. Why not with the Pigs?

Look me in the eye and tell me that the people of Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton PA wouldn't fill the stadium every night.

Tell me that IronPigs merchandise wouldn't be flying off of the shelves.

The good folks of Oakland, Berkeley, Pleasanton, Hayward and Fremont seem to be indifferent about the A's these days.

And it would only be temporary. Soon the A's will be in San Jose and the A's will be a big league product.

And the novelty of major league baseball in Lehigh Valley would wear off in a few years.

But for the next two or three seasons, switch the Pigs and A's.

Stomper the Elephant will perform for AAA teams.

Pork Chop the Iron Pig will be in the Big Leagues for a short time.

What would this mean to the Phillies, who use the IronPigs as a AAA affiliate? And what about Sacramento River Cats, who are the A's AAA affiliate?

What if the Phillies need to recall a player? Or an IronPig needs to be sent down? Or a Sacramento player has warranted a promotion?

Maybe a RiverCat can be sent to Lehigh Valley.
Or maybe an Oakland Athletic can, for the seasons they are a AAA team can be sent to Philadelphia. That would be nice symmetry going back to the Philadelphia Athletics days.

And if this arrangement bothers you and seems illogical and will cause you to write an angry post in the comment section... relax. This isn't really happening.

But it should.

Andres DuBouchet joins the Sully Baseball Show

2011-12-26T21:54:00.000-08:00

The brilliant Andres DuBouchet, Emmy nominated writer for Conan and the creator of the brilliant comedy CD "Naked Trampoline Hamlet" stopped by The Sully Baseball Show podcast tonight.

It is the second hour of the Seamheads block on Monday night after What's On Second, the flagship show of the Seamheads National Podcasting Network.

Listen to the Show here.

Listen to internet radio with Seamheads on Blog Talk Radio

Brown and Costner... a tale of two Kevins

2011-12-26T00:38:00.001-08:00

This post is about two guys named Kevin. Mentioning either of their names would elicit an eye roll from most of you.

Kevin Brown and Kevin Costner are both associated with excess, wasted money, bad decisions and alienated fans. And yet the early part of both of their careers were terrific and it is a shame that their positives have been almost wiped out of our minds after the negatives.

Let's take Kevin Brown.

What do you think about when you hear Kevin Brown? Chances are you would think of the fact that of all people HE was the first $100 million contract in baseball.

And after signing the bloated contract with the Dodgers he started demanding they pay his flights to visit his family in Georgia (as if 9 figures couldn't get some plane tickets.)

And he was such a prickly guy that Sports Illustrated called him an ornery S.O.B. on their cover.

If you are a Yankee fan you might remember he was a major bust when traded to the Bronx for Jeff Weaver.

And of course he committed two unforgivable sins in New York:

He broke his own hand against a wall down the stretch in 2004.
And in Game 7 of the 2004 ALCS he faced 9 batters, got only 4 of them out and was charged with 5 runs in 1 1/3 innings against the Red Sox... arguably the worst and most humiliating loss in the history of the team.

Yankee fans might remember how the Yankees couldn't give him away that off season and he returned in 2005 to make 13 starts and post a 6.50 ERA before his body and career finally broke down.

Yankee fans might also remember how Joe Torre described him breaking down in his tell all book. And of course he is mentioned in the Mitchell Report.

Not a great legacy.

Now take a look at Costner.

When was the last time anyone was excited to see a Kevin Costner movie?
When was the last time he was considered to be a bankable or likable star?

It's been a while.

His appearances in films like Rumor Has It or Swing Vote or Mr. Brooks didn't exactly light the world on fire.

And his career took an incredible nose dive with big bloated self aggrandizing epics like Waterworld and The Postman. (Seriously. If you haven't see The Postman... it is one of the craziest monuments to a man's ego that has ever been constructed. And yes I include the pyramids in that list.)

And maybe it all started to go wrong when he inexplicably was cast as Robin Hood in the unwatchable Robin Hood: Prince of Theives. Did nobody take note that Sir Robin of Loxsley was English?

He became a punch line of has-been stars and bloated Hollywood budgets.

But guess what?
It wasn't always that way for Costner.

There was a time where not only was he NOT a joke, but he was actually kind of awesome.

Lest we forget, baseball fans, that he starred in two of the great baseball movies ever.

He was Crash F---ing Davis!
Bull Durham remains one of the classic sports movies of all time and it aged like a vintage wine. And a huge reason for its success is Costner's funny, pained, macho, sensitive and sexy performance.

You believe he was good enough to make the show and could seduce just about any woman he wanted. You knew that Nuke owes his quick trip to the show to Crash. You believed that Annie would change her whole life for him. And no doubt he was going to be a great manager in Visalia.

And Field of Dreams is a film I do not apologize that I love.
And Costner is a big reason why it works.

He played some real crazy scenes in the film with 100% believability. Hearing the voices, seeing the ghosts of the ballplayers, meeting Burt Lancaster in the Minnesota town... those scenes would have been awful if you didn't have Costner's completely realistic performance.

I remember my dad said after seeing Field of Dreams "If I heard the voice, that's exactly how I'd react."

Beyond the baseball movies, he was great in Silverado and The Untouchables.
Yeah Dances with Wolves didn't age well and his winning the Best Director Oscar over Martin Scorsese in GoodFellas is one of the great headscratchers in Hollywood history. But he was a big enough and loved star to get a film like that off the ground.

I happen to be a fan of JFK as well. Yeah his accent was strange, but who could forget his performance in it? Right down to "Back and to the left... Back and to the left."

And while I was no fan of The Bodyguard as a movie, back then it was believable that he would not only save Whitney Houston, but that she would fall for him as well.

(Believe it or not there was a time when Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston were a pretty hot on screen couple. For my readers under the age of 25, consider your minds blown.)

So there was a reason why Costner got huge budgets and full creative control in those bloated turkeys in the past 15 years.

He was super cool for a while.

Like Costner, Kevin Brown was also once really REALLY good.

Six times Brown was an All Star, starting the 1992 game. Five times he ranked in the top ten in the Cy Young Award vote including being the runner up to John Smoltz in 1996 when he led the league with a 1.89 ERA.

He won another ERA title in 2000. In 1992 he was the first Texas Ranger in 18 years to win 20 games.

His 1996 was noteworthy because if the current trends in Cy Young voting were in vogue that year, Brown would probably have won. (He got 2 first place votes at the time.)

Smoltz had more wins (24 to Brown's 17), more strikeouts (276 to Brown's 159) and (253 2/3 to Brown's 233).

But Brown's ERA was 1.15 lower than Smoltz (1.89 to 2.94.) Brown's ERA+ was a league best 217 to Smoltz's 149. Brown also led the league in WHIP (.944 to Smoltz's 1.001). And Smoltz had the benefit for playing for the 96 win defending World Champions while Brown was on the 80 win third place Florida Marlins.

He was a workhorse, often being among the league leaders in innings pitched and complete games. Twice he had the highest WAR for pitchers.

In 1997 he threw a no hitter against the Giants and then tossed a complete game victory to clinch the pennant for the Marlins. It was Brown on the mound when the Marlins celebrated in Atlanta. The Marlins went on to win the World Series.

Shipped off to San Diego, he won 18 games and helped propel the Padres to the World Series. In the post season he out dueled Randy Johnson in Game 1 of the Division Series. In his two starts in the 4 game victory over the Astros, Brown posted a 0.61 ERA in 14 2/3 innings, striking out 21.

In the NLCS, he out pitched another future Hall of Famer when his 3 hit shutout beat the Braves and Tom Glavine.

In the off season he signed the $100 million contract but actually lived up to it the first few years. He was an 18 game winner and logged 252 innings his first year with the Dodgers. In his second he pitched 230 innings with 5 complete games, winning his second ERA title. He remained healthy for only one season over the remaining five years of the contract including his disappointing year and a half in New York and his implosion late in 2004.

In 2002 he was the highest paid player in baseball and yet threw only 63 2/3 innings all year.

But hey! The Dodgers didn't pick him at random for their $100 million offer!He put together a year that would have won a Cy Young award now. He won 17 or more games four times. He had a pair of ERA titles and a no hitter and some post season glory. In 1998, the Sporting News named him Pitcher of the Year.

That's not an awful resume. And it shouldn't be TOTALLY overshadowed by what happened in the last few years of his deal.

Too bad the great parts of his career happened in relative obscurity in Texas, Florida and San Diego and the disappointments were in Los Angeles and New York.

But Brown is a Kevin worth saluting for the good in his career.
Same with Costner.

Hold Bill Conlin's honors for now

2011-12-26T00:02:00.000-08:00

I hate writing about stuff like this. And I am going to tread carefully.
Bill Conlin, the acclaimed sports writer, retired what seemed like seconds before he was accused of sexual abuse of children.

Fun stuff for a blog.

Lots of accusers including his niece have come forward and the whole situation is unraveling.
Conlin deserves his day in court and this hasn't fallen to "Penn State Level." There's no sworn testimony and eye witnesses damning Conlin.

But the Baseball Writers Association of America going out of their way to stand by him as a member in good standing felt a little odd. So did their distinction that his J.G. Taylor Spink Award he won this year, their highest honor, would not be affected by any allegations or decisions.

Am I the only who found it odd?
If they said NOTHING, I'd understand. But to go out of their way to say that the award is only a reflection of his writing and not his character felt odd to me. Many of the same writers who refused to vote for Robbie Alomar for spitting on an umpire despite his decades of apologies and charity work of penance and condemn Pete Rose, Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds for off field reasons are giving a "Stand By Your Man" stance for one of their own.

This isn't about proving innocence. This isn't about a court of law. This is about an association that creates their own laws and rules. Rescinding a J. G. Taylor Spink Award isn't taking a man's freedom away.

Saying "We're going to hold off any honors for Mr. Conlin until this situation reaches a conclusion" would not have raised anyone's eyebrows.

Their response raised mine.
I'm not talking about maintaining a mob mentality nor convicting a man before a trial.

But keeping an organization from a potentially embarrassing situation would seem smart to me.

Maybe it is just me.

That's all I've got on this topic.

Have a terrific December 25th

2011-12-25T12:47:00.000-08:00

I hope the 25th of December is a terrific day for you, my dear readers.

Whether you are celebrating Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ...
Or Osiris, Attis, Mithra and Dionysus or any other God born on December 25th.

If you have a feast for Rickey Henderson on his birthday or just having some kick butt Chinese food and will go see War Horse.

No matter what the reason, have a great December 25th. I'll be writing new posts starting tomorrow.

I'm Sully and I approve this off season for the Red Sox

2011-12-23T01:28:00.001-08:00

The Red Sox had post season dreams that fell just short... like Carl Crawford's diving attempt on the last play of the season.

The manager is gone. The closer is gone. The Captain may have played his final game.
A new GM is in charge but undermined by the owners.

It's time to make tons of changes to the Sox, right?

NO!!!!

I have been advocating that the Red Sox take a step back and heaven forbid REBUILD FROM WITHIN.

Let the Angels cough up years and picks for Albert Pujols. And 5 years for C. J. Wilson? Gee whiz I wonder if they will regret that.
Let the Marlins pony up cash for Jose Reyes and a closer like Heath Bell.
Let the Rangers pay Yu Darvish's posting fee.

Jimmy Rollins? He belongs in Philadelphia.
Carlos Beltran? It's amazing that he syncs up his best season in years with a free agency stint. Have fun in St. Louis.

Aramis Ramirez? Mark Buehrle? Grady Sizemore? Jim Thome? Jason Marquis?

Who in that group is a good long term answer for the Red Sox?

And who is left in the free agent market? Prince Fielder? Roy Oswalt? Edwin Jackson?

And forget the trade market.

Yeah the Red Sox could have had Trevor Cahill or Gio Gonzalez.

But Cahill cost Arizona some of their top prospects including Jarrod Parker, their phenom pitcher who made a cameo in the post season.

And Gio Gonzalez cost Washington some of their best young players.

The Red Sox don't need to empty their farm!
They need to try out as many PawSox as they can.
The Red Sox need to fill in holes and they don't need to do it with high priced free agents, blockbuster trades that send the future packing and surrendering draft picks.

The Sox are making smart moves.
Mark Melancon? Not sexy but talented and can help in the pen.
Nick Punto? Won't make many headlines but gives the Sox some infield depth,
Kelly Shoppach? OK, he can't hit. But how can his bat be worse than Varitek's now?

Don't be worried about making noise for December 2011.
Focus on turning the page and seeing what the team needs.
Pile up draft picks and see what gems are hidden in the system.

Let the Marlins, Angels and Nats make the splash now.
I'm thinking about 2013 and beyond.

Keep up the good work of not doing anything big.

It's not going unnoticed by THIS Sox fan.

New Sully Baseball Video - Smile At The Birdy

2011-12-21T07:20:00.000-08:00

The Latest Sully Baseball Video is up.
Today I talk about the Orioles first step to returning back to the World Series: The brought back the smiling bird cap.

My faithful readers will recognize that I first addressed this back in 2007 with this blog post.

To watch the other Sully Baseball videos, check out my ShortForm TV channel.

Not sure what the make of the Padres - Reds trade except...

2011-12-18T23:01:00.000-08:00

The Padres got the best players named Yasmani, Yonder and Edinson in all of baseball.

Actually I am not sure how Mat Latos will fare in Cincinnati. But his stats dipped last year and no doubt the Padres are banking at the 24 year old Latos's Cy Young contending season in 2010 was a fluke.

And maybe the Padres were thinking that maybe he was a PetCo Park creation.
Either way they get Yonder Alonso who was one of the top prospects in baseball before the 2009, 2010 and 2011 seasons.

They got Yasmani Grandal, a 22 year old excellent hitting catching prospect.

They got Edinson Volquez who was an All Star in 2008 and only 28 and heading into a great pitchers ballpark.

And someone named Brad Boxberger was sent to San Diego.
He's a 24 year old reliever who can strike batters out.
He struck out 93 batters in 62 innings last year. He had 6 2/3 strikeouts for every walk thrown.

I'm telling you. I said it once and I'll say it again.

The Padres have a plan.
I have so much more confidence in the Padres than many other high profile teams.

And you'll hear names like Boxberger and Yonder and Edinson and Yasmani will be in October before a lot of better known names.

New Sully Baseball Video - Raining on Pujols' Parade

2011-12-16T09:24:00.000-08:00

The latest Sully Baseball video is live.
In this one, my wife and I went to a little league park in the rain to shoot my thoughts on Albert Pujols' defection to sunny California.

It might be a sad day now... but in 10 years it will be the Angels who regret it.

To see the rest of the Sully Baseball videos, check out the ShortForm TV channel.

Red Sox pitchers who clinched a post season Series: From Dinneen to Papelbon

2011-12-15T19:05:00.000-08:00

When doing my salute to Jed Lowrie, I made a note that of the 16 post season series won by the Red Sox, three ended on an offensive walk off play by the Red Sox.

Larry Gardner hit a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning of Game 8 to end the 1912 World Series.
David Ortiz hit a walk off 2 run homer in the 10th of Game 3 to clinch the 2004 Division Series.
And Jed Lowrie slapped a series ending single in Game 4 of the 2008 Division Series.

But in double checking that fact, I reviewed the end of each series the Sox won and saw the names of each pitcher who threw the last pitch to clinch a post season series for Boston.

Some were names forgotten by all but the most studious baseball historian.
One is one of the biggest names in Red Sox history.

Two of the great clutch relievers in Boston history are on the list.
And two relievers usually associated with blowing games had a moment of glory on the mound.

Those of you who know me know I am mildly obsessed with the pitchers who are on the mound when a series ends.

And in case any other Red Sox fan is out there wondering "Who are all the pitchers to clinch a post season series for my team?" consider your question answered.

Here are the pitchers, the game they pitched, and how was the last out recorded.

BILL DINNEEN
1903 World Series – Game 8
Red Sox 3, Pirates 0

October 13, 1903
At Huntington Avenue Grounds, Boston.

Complete Game 4 hit shutout.
LAST OUT: Strikeout of Honus Wagner.

RUBE FOSTER
1915 World Series - Game 5
Red Sox 5, Phillies 4

October 13, 1915
At Baker Bowl, Philadelphia.

Complete Game victory.
LAST OUT: Pinch hitter Bill Killefer grounds out to shortstop Everett Scott who throws to first baseman Del Gainer for the out.

ERINIE SHORE
1916 World Series - Game 5
Red Sox 4, Robins (Dodgers) 1

October 12, 1916
At Braves Field, Boston.

Complete Game victory with no earned runs.
LAST OUT: Brooklyn third baseman Mike Mowrey popped up to shortstop Everett Scott.

CARL MAYS
1918 World Series - Game 5
Red Sox 2, Cubs 1

September 11, 1918
At Fenway Park, Boston.

Complete Game victory.
LAST OUT: Cubs left fielder Les Mann hit a grounder to second baseman Dave Shean who threw to first baseman Stuffy McInnes for the out.

DICK DRAGO
1975 American League Championship Series - Game 3
Red Sox 5, A's 3

October 7, 1975
At Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

1 2/3 innings to save the game for winner Rick Wise.
LAST OUT: Pinch hitter Jim Holt grounded to second baseman Denny Doyle who threw to first baseman Cecil Cooper for the out.

CALVIN SCHIRALDI
1985 American League Championship Series - Game 7
Red Sox 8, Angels 1

October 15, 1986
At Fenway Park, Boston

2 innings to save the game for winner Roger Clemens.
LAST OUT: Three pitch strike out of pinch hitter Jerry Narron.

PEDRO MARTINEZ
1999 American League Division Series - Game 5
Red Sox 12, Indians 8

October 11, 1999
At Jacobs Field, Cleveland.

Out of the bullpen for 6 no hit innings in relief of starter Bret Saberhagen and reliever Derek Lowe.
LAST OUT: Strikeout of Omar Vizquel.

DEREK LOWE
2003 American League Division Series - Game 5
Red Sox 4, A's 3

October 6, 2003
At Network Associates Coliseum, Oakland.

1 inning of relief to save the game for winner Pedro Martinez.
LAST OUT: Called third strike of pinch hitter Terrence Long.

ALAN EMBREE
2004 American League Championship Series - Game 7
Red Sox 10, Yankees 3

October 20, 2004
At Yankee Stadium, New York.

1/3 of an inning of relief for winner Derek Lowe and relievers Pedro Martinez and Mike Timlin.
LAST OUT: Pinch hitter Ruben Sierra grounded to second baseman Pokey Reese who threw to first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz for the out.

KEITH FOULKE
2004 World Series - Game 4.
Red Sox 3, Cardinals 0

October 27, 2004
At Busch Stadium, St. Louis

1 inning of relief to save the game for winner Derek Lowe.
LAST OUT: St. Louis shortstop Edgar Renteria grounded back to Foulke who threw to first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz for the out.

ERIC GAGNE
2007 American League Division Series - Game 3
Red Sox 9, Angels 1

October 7, 2007
Angel Stadium, Anaheim

1 inning of relief for winner Curt Schilling
LAST OUT: Pinch hitter Robb Quinlan flies out to right fielder J. D. Drew.

JONATHAN PAPELBON
2007 American League Championship Series - Game 7
Red Sox 11, Indians 2

October 21, 2007
Fenway Park, Boston
2 innings of relief to save the game for starter Daisuke Matsuzaka
LAST OUT: Casey Blake hits a long drive to centerfield where Coco Crisp crashes into the wall for the catch

2007 World Series - Game 4
Red Sox 4, Rockies 3

October 28, 2007
Coors Field, Denver
1 2/3 innings relief to save the game for starter Jon Lester.
LAST OUT: Strikeout of pinch hitter Seth Smith.

So there you have it.
Papelbon is the only one to have done it twice. And I am sure Calvin Schiraldi and Eric Gagne are honored to be on a list with Pedro Martinez.

I love that Pedro relieved Lowe in 1999...
Lowe saved Pedro's clincher in 2003...
And Pedro came out of the bullpen to relieve Lowe in 2004.

There is a nice circle of life there.

And I'm glad to see solid veterans like Dick Drago and Alan Embree here.

All of them deserve Red Sox fan's respect (yes even Calvin and Gagne.)

Hopefully I can add to this list soon.

Until then, enjoy 2007 again.

Sully Baseball Salutes... Jed Lowrie

2011-12-14T13:36:00.000-08:00

The Red Sox traded Jed Lowrie and Kyle Weiland to the Astros for reliever Mark Melancon.

It's a smart trade. The Red Sox need to rebuild their bullpen and Jed Lowrie is not a long term answer for the infield. Melancon is talented, piled up saves for an awful Astros team and has a good ERA+. And he's only 26 years old.

But before we bid good bye to Jed Lowrie, let's salute him.
He was part of that 2005 First Round crop that supposedly was going to replenish the Red Sox.

Jacoby Ellsbury has held up his end of the bargain.
When healthy Clay Buchholz has been a stud.
Craig Hansen was supposed to be a the next bullpen ace. It didn't work out that way.
And Jed Lowrie was going to provide depth SOMEWHERE in the infield.

The Sox got the Lowrie pick as a result of losing Orlando Cabrera to the Angels.

And it was against the Angels that he had his greatest moment.

In 2008 Division Series, the Red Sox were the defending World Champions but the Angels were the best team in the American League. If any team looked like they were in a position to unseat the World Champs, it was this Angels team. But the Sox took the first two games in Anaheim and then lost an extra inning thriller in Game 3.

Game 4 was a back and forth affair with the Angels tying the game in the 8th. In the 9th, Jason Bay dropped a bloop double in front of Reggie Willits. With 1 out, Mark Kotsay hit a linedrive that looked like it was going to clinch the series but Mark Teixeira made a diving catch at first base.

Up stepped Jed Lowrie who swung at Scot Shields' first pitch and smacked it into right field. Bay came around to score and the Red Sox were off to the ALCS.

It was the 16th post season series won by the Red Sox.
(7 World Series, 4 ALCS and 5 Division Series).

And as of this writing, it was the last playoff series won by Boston.

In those 16 post season series victories, only 3 ended with a walk off hit.
The 1912 World Series ended when Larry Gardner hit a 10th inning sacrifice fly.
The 2004 Division Series ended with a David Ortiz home run.
And the 2008 Division Series ended with Jed Lowrie's single.

We all jumped up and celebrated that night.

So before you head off to Houston, let's salute Jed Lowrie and say thank you.

And hopefully the number of Red Sox who ended a post season series with a walk off hit will increase before long.