Here's the deal: I only have 1 year, 1 month and 15 days of teenagehood left. And I have been decidedly more invested in baseball this season than I was in the past two. Also, it would be a crying shame for this blog to just die (although it kind of has). So I'm going to try to keep this up again (but I won't promise anything).
Anyway, let's get caught up with what's been happening since I blogged last. The Phillies were bad, and then surprisingly good to start the season and now pretty bad again. I'd like to chalk it up to the tough competition they been facing lately (9 of their last 12 games have been against the Cubs and the Nationals, arguably the best two teams in the league), but while I don't think that the Phillies are AS bad as they have been lately, they are a .500 team at best this season and I've come to accept that. I'll hopefully do a more detailed piece later on most of the parts of this team, but I've definitely been impressed by some young players lately (here's looking at you Aaron Nola) and I am hopeful that this team will contend in the not to distant future. My personal goal is a above .500 season and playoff contention before I graduate college (I'm in college now, did I mention that?).
Also, the Nationals are continuing to make me very very jealous. I know there's an alternate universe out there where I'm a Nationals fan, where I've just become the owner of a new Daniel Murphy jersey (because how unbelievable is he?) which joins my collection of t-shirts that includes Morse, Desmond and possibly Zimmermann (Jordan). In reality, I still really enjoy watching these Nationals play ball. So many of the key pieces that I listened to back in 2011-2012 are still with the club, and the new faces are either familiar (Revere) or good enough that they replaced my previous favorites (Murphy). This is such a fun ball club to watch and because I'm spending most of the summer with my grandparents, watch them I will. I'm totally rooting for this team to take down the Cubs and bring the trophy back to the DC area. WAH.
So, I'm back. We'll see how it goes. Cheers.
~TBC
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Jimmy Rollins and Rebuilding
Welp...week 1 of baseball season (plus a little bit) has concluded. Its been a struggle trying to get back into it. I don't recognize half of the players on the Phillies (or for that matter the Nationals) . I guess injuries and rebuilding and stuff do that to a team. I'm pretty much willing to put up with anything this season in order to start the rebuilding process for this team because they so desperately need it. Honestly though, with the GM that they I wouldn't be surprised if he totally messes up the entire process. I honestly think that RAJ is my least favorite person in baseball because of the things he has done to this team in the past couple of years. I still love the Phillies though, I just miss the glory days (but don't we all).
Speaking of the glory days, I'm not really sure what to think of the fact that Jimmy Rollins is playing on a team other than the Phillies. On one hand, I happy that he has the opportunity to play on a better team (although I have no idea how good or bad the Dodgers are, but pretty much any team would be better than the trainwreck that is the Phillies). At least he might have a shot at the playoffs this year. On the other hand, I do feel kind of betrayed. Rollins spent 13 years with the Phillies and was reaching the end of his time as a productive player. He could have vetoed any trade that Amaro tried to make and ended his career with this Phillies. It just feels like he gave up on the team, but then again, if he is going to only play a few more seasons I guess he kind of deserves to spend them on a team that has a chance of winning. I don't even know, I've always been more of an Utley girl anyway, so it doesn't bother me all that much.
I'll be back next week some time (hopefully with some useful analysis lol)
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
well, this is a thing...
why hello there...it's been a while (and by a while I mean entirely too long). so...um, this blog was a thing that I used to do and it's a thing I want to continue doing. However, with all of the stress and distractions of senior year I have been totally and completely out of the loop for the past several months, and by totally and completely I mean like no contact whatsoever with the baseball world. And so now my mission is to attempt the impossible and try to write an interesting, slightly intelligent blog post on something I am just now trying to wrap my head around (that being the current state of baseball). We will start with the Phillies and the Nationals and if I get around to anything great and if not there is always next time.
Welp...the Phillies lost on Opening Day again. It's honestly not that big of a deal because I don't expect much from them this year plus Cole Hamels usually has a rough start his first time out anyway. Also, the lack of offense is old news as is most of the roster (seriously, like it's been almost 10 years with most of these guys). Oh well it should be an interesting year, especially with Cliff Lee injured. Also, I'm not sure what happened to the farm system because the Phils haven't had an actually good prospect in I have no idea how long. As for a wild prediction, I'd say maybe 70 wins? Who the heck knows...
As for the Nationals, it looks like they have the rotation of any baseball fans dreams. I mean, flipping Gio Gonzalez is their FIFTH starter. Gio Gonzalez the one they traded top prospects for. I remember back in 2011 when the Phillies had this kind of rotation. What I can say to all National fans is to enjoy this while it lasts. Just look what has happened to the Phillies now. In four years, only one of the four stars they had in 2011 is still healthy and pitching. The rest have either retired or are on their way to retirement. Anyway back to the Nationals. What they need to dominate the division this year is a solid defense. Unearned runs cost them the win on Opening Day, and will prove to be extremely costly throughout the entire season unless the defense can get it together. Also, injuries are already becoming an issue. With three regulars out early, it is going to take key contributions from both those called to fill holes and the stars still remaining to be able to match the 2011 Phillies. If this happens, the Nationals have a great chance of going all the way this year. Also, it's weird having Dan Uggla on the team.
Well, that went better than expected. Hopefully that made sense/was interesting. I think that I'm going to try to stick to a weekly update schedule, but I'm not promising anything.
Peace out.
Welp...the Phillies lost on Opening Day again. It's honestly not that big of a deal because I don't expect much from them this year plus Cole Hamels usually has a rough start his first time out anyway. Also, the lack of offense is old news as is most of the roster (seriously, like it's been almost 10 years with most of these guys). Oh well it should be an interesting year, especially with Cliff Lee injured. Also, I'm not sure what happened to the farm system because the Phils haven't had an actually good prospect in I have no idea how long. As for a wild prediction, I'd say maybe 70 wins? Who the heck knows...
As for the Nationals, it looks like they have the rotation of any baseball fans dreams. I mean, flipping Gio Gonzalez is their FIFTH starter. Gio Gonzalez the one they traded top prospects for. I remember back in 2011 when the Phillies had this kind of rotation. What I can say to all National fans is to enjoy this while it lasts. Just look what has happened to the Phillies now. In four years, only one of the four stars they had in 2011 is still healthy and pitching. The rest have either retired or are on their way to retirement. Anyway back to the Nationals. What they need to dominate the division this year is a solid defense. Unearned runs cost them the win on Opening Day, and will prove to be extremely costly throughout the entire season unless the defense can get it together. Also, injuries are already becoming an issue. With three regulars out early, it is going to take key contributions from both those called to fill holes and the stars still remaining to be able to match the 2011 Phillies. If this happens, the Nationals have a great chance of going all the way this year. Also, it's weird having Dan Uggla on the team.
Well, that went better than expected. Hopefully that made sense/was interesting. I think that I'm going to try to stick to a weekly update schedule, but I'm not promising anything.
Peace out.
Saturday, October 18, 2014
World Series 2014 - The Story
When most TV shows and movies are in the editing room, producers have some idea of the story that they want to tell and are able to portray that story throughout the course of the show. With live sports, there is a story being told everyday, albeit one that is not controlled by editors or producers. Everyday of the baseball season is a part of a six month marathon show, and with every episode, twists that are unforeseen to the whole world are added to the story. Players emerge as superheroes. Triumph and tragedy blossom.
The epic of the regular season is often overshadowed by the epilogue that is provided by the playoffs, and ultimately the World Series. Each postseason takes on a distinctly different flavor from the one before it. Cinderella stories, curses, dominance and despair often compose this unique story. This year, the playoffs have given rise to two vaguely similar yet wildly different glory stories, those of the Giants and the Royals.
In San Francisco, fans are hardly new to the idea of postseason dominance. For 2 of the past 4 years, the Giants have emerged victorious at the end of October led by a cast of homegrown talent and timely imports. The Giants have fallen from their October glory in each of the following seasons but have emerged from the ashes twice, seemingly caught in a cycle of glory and disaster. Although the Giants are no strangers to the postseason, their is a different type of story surrounding the team this year. After barely making the playoffs, they have dominated the offences of the Pirates, Nationals and Cardinals, allowing only 24 earned runs in 98 innings (a 2.20 ERA). Their MVP has been Madison Bumgarner, a player who has matured over the Giants incredible five-year journey from a rookie fourth-starter who had yet to gain the trust of many to a playoff machine, an ace who has pitched almost a third of the Giants total innings. His supporting staff, three equally competent albeit less dominant starters, an electric bullpen and an offence that provided just enough support to win, have helped the Giants reach a third consecutive World Series in an even year.
Halfway across the country, a Cinderella of a very different kind has arisen from the city that nobody is sure exactly where it is (Kansas? Missouri?), one almost 30 years in the making. The Royals have become yet another poster child for the team that rises from obscurity just the year before to make the playoffs. However, unlike so many of these teams that have fizzled out once they faced the pressure of the playoffs, the Royals have excelled under the October competition, blazing through the competition and going undefeated on their way to the World Series. Although it's been close and they have pulled out many one-run games, it is the way in which the Royals wins that make their run so exciting. In the age of the long ball, the Royals have won by playing small ball, relying on bunting and speed to keep games close until they win them in the most dramatic fashion possible. Wonder Twins Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas have both brought their fare share of dramatics, finally showing the potential that the baseball community has seen in them for years.
The story is unfinished. The final chapter is yet to be told. Nobody knows how the tale will end, but we all hope that it is a fitting end to a crazy postseason.
~TBC
The epic of the regular season is often overshadowed by the epilogue that is provided by the playoffs, and ultimately the World Series. Each postseason takes on a distinctly different flavor from the one before it. Cinderella stories, curses, dominance and despair often compose this unique story. This year, the playoffs have given rise to two vaguely similar yet wildly different glory stories, those of the Giants and the Royals.
In San Francisco, fans are hardly new to the idea of postseason dominance. For 2 of the past 4 years, the Giants have emerged victorious at the end of October led by a cast of homegrown talent and timely imports. The Giants have fallen from their October glory in each of the following seasons but have emerged from the ashes twice, seemingly caught in a cycle of glory and disaster. Although the Giants are no strangers to the postseason, their is a different type of story surrounding the team this year. After barely making the playoffs, they have dominated the offences of the Pirates, Nationals and Cardinals, allowing only 24 earned runs in 98 innings (a 2.20 ERA). Their MVP has been Madison Bumgarner, a player who has matured over the Giants incredible five-year journey from a rookie fourth-starter who had yet to gain the trust of many to a playoff machine, an ace who has pitched almost a third of the Giants total innings. His supporting staff, three equally competent albeit less dominant starters, an electric bullpen and an offence that provided just enough support to win, have helped the Giants reach a third consecutive World Series in an even year.
Halfway across the country, a Cinderella of a very different kind has arisen from the city that nobody is sure exactly where it is (Kansas? Missouri?), one almost 30 years in the making. The Royals have become yet another poster child for the team that rises from obscurity just the year before to make the playoffs. However, unlike so many of these teams that have fizzled out once they faced the pressure of the playoffs, the Royals have excelled under the October competition, blazing through the competition and going undefeated on their way to the World Series. Although it's been close and they have pulled out many one-run games, it is the way in which the Royals wins that make their run so exciting. In the age of the long ball, the Royals have won by playing small ball, relying on bunting and speed to keep games close until they win them in the most dramatic fashion possible. Wonder Twins Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas have both brought their fare share of dramatics, finally showing the potential that the baseball community has seen in them for years.
The story is unfinished. The final chapter is yet to be told. Nobody knows how the tale will end, but we all hope that it is a fitting end to a crazy postseason.
~TBC
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Something...
Why hello there! I'm finally back after another multi-month break (blame senior year!), and today I will be writing...something...I guess it will be like a postseason preview but not really since the postseason already started lol. Bear with me...
Sooooooooo....anyway, postseason baseball is back and I am so excited! I have a good feeling about these playoff teams because there really isn't one team I have anything against personally, and I have rooted for a lot of the teams in playoffs past. I honestly have not tried making any predictions because I am actually rooting for a specific team and I think that clouds my judgment a bit...also, I was basically psychic last year and I don't feel like embarrassing myself. Let's take it series by series:
Nationals vs Giants: I guess that we should probably get this one out of the way right off the bat (no pun intended). Those who pay attention will know that although I am a Phillies fan first and foremost, when they're out of it I wholeheartedly root for the Nationals and that is not about to change! It is honestly so exciting watching a Nationals team that continues to become a force to be reckoned with and basically rolled to a division title unchallenged this year. I feel like I've been on a journey with these player since 2011 when the team almost finished .500 for the first time, and that I've watched so many of these player mature. It amazes me how much of the Nationals talent is home-grown and I am super happy that Desmond, Rendon, ZNN and others have been doing so well! So good for them, and although they are down 1-0 at the time of this post, I think that they will come back and makes this series exciting and hopefully pull out the win. Although if they don't, I won't be that mad because the Giants are actually a pretty cool team too, and while I don't have a long-term vested interest in the team, I did realize the other day that some of my all-time sentimental favorite players have found a spot on this team. Buster Posey has been one of my favorites since I started actually watching baseball and Pablo Sandoval is honestly so funny that you cant help rooting for him. It also helps that Hunter Pence, who I wanted on the Phillies as soon as he was a viable option, and Michael Morse, who might just be my personal favorite Nationals player (BEAST MODE!), play on the Giants too. So overall, I'm rooting for the Nationals, but won't be upset if the Giants win.
Dodgers vs Cardinals: And here we come to the series I care least about! I guess I'm rooting for the Cardinals here, but for no reason other than I feel like it, and they'll probably win even if I don't want them to...seriously they been in the NCLS for 3 years in a row so whatever honestly, I just don't want either of these teams in the World Series so there's that. And I hope that the series goes to game 5 so that Kershaw and Wainwright cant pitch 3 times in the NCLS . Although considering ow last night went maybe I want them to pitch as much as possible...it's funny how that played out...two aces outpitched by two rookies (in Anaheim).
Orioles vs Tigers: Here we have the team that are always contenders vs the upstart team who plays an hour away from me and had Delmon Young on their team...it's pretty obvious who I'm rooting for! I'm kidding about the Delmon Young part (you knew that right?) but it is pretty cool to see a local team doing so well! I'm picking this post up after a multiday break so the series is now over (I got to see the end live!), but I'm so glad that the Orioles let the Tigers know who's boss because I'm sick of the Tigers!
Royals vs Angels: Well, this series is over and went exactly like I wanted it to! I don't have much to say about it but I'm so excited about an Orioles vs Royals ALCS and one of those teams in the WS!
So that was just about the most random thing but its something! I'll try to post before the World Series (but I'm not promising anything...)
~TBC
Sooooooooo....anyway, postseason baseball is back and I am so excited! I have a good feeling about these playoff teams because there really isn't one team I have anything against personally, and I have rooted for a lot of the teams in playoffs past. I honestly have not tried making any predictions because I am actually rooting for a specific team and I think that clouds my judgment a bit...also, I was basically psychic last year and I don't feel like embarrassing myself. Let's take it series by series:
Nationals vs Giants: I guess that we should probably get this one out of the way right off the bat (no pun intended). Those who pay attention will know that although I am a Phillies fan first and foremost, when they're out of it I wholeheartedly root for the Nationals and that is not about to change! It is honestly so exciting watching a Nationals team that continues to become a force to be reckoned with and basically rolled to a division title unchallenged this year. I feel like I've been on a journey with these player since 2011 when the team almost finished .500 for the first time, and that I've watched so many of these player mature. It amazes me how much of the Nationals talent is home-grown and I am super happy that Desmond, Rendon, ZNN and others have been doing so well! So good for them, and although they are down 1-0 at the time of this post, I think that they will come back and makes this series exciting and hopefully pull out the win. Although if they don't, I won't be that mad because the Giants are actually a pretty cool team too, and while I don't have a long-term vested interest in the team, I did realize the other day that some of my all-time sentimental favorite players have found a spot on this team. Buster Posey has been one of my favorites since I started actually watching baseball and Pablo Sandoval is honestly so funny that you cant help rooting for him. It also helps that Hunter Pence, who I wanted on the Phillies as soon as he was a viable option, and Michael Morse, who might just be my personal favorite Nationals player (BEAST MODE!), play on the Giants too. So overall, I'm rooting for the Nationals, but won't be upset if the Giants win.
Dodgers vs Cardinals: And here we come to the series I care least about! I guess I'm rooting for the Cardinals here, but for no reason other than I feel like it, and they'll probably win even if I don't want them to...seriously they been in the NCLS for 3 years in a row so whatever honestly, I just don't want either of these teams in the World Series so there's that. And I hope that the series goes to game 5 so that Kershaw and Wainwright cant pitch 3 times in the NCLS . Although considering ow last night went maybe I want them to pitch as much as possible...it's funny how that played out...two aces outpitched by two rookies (in Anaheim).
Orioles vs Tigers: Here we have the team that are always contenders vs the upstart team who plays an hour away from me and had Delmon Young on their team...it's pretty obvious who I'm rooting for! I'm kidding about the Delmon Young part (you knew that right?) but it is pretty cool to see a local team doing so well! I'm picking this post up after a multiday break so the series is now over (I got to see the end live!), but I'm so glad that the Orioles let the Tigers know who's boss because I'm sick of the Tigers!
Royals vs Angels: Well, this series is over and went exactly like I wanted it to! I don't have much to say about it but I'm so excited about an Orioles vs Royals ALCS and one of those teams in the WS!
So that was just about the most random thing but its something! I'll try to post before the World Series (but I'm not promising anything...)
~TBC
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Trade Deadline Scorecard
So, I figured since I'm all always away right before the trade deadline (I am this year too, I'm writing this post before I leave), I never really give my opinions on anything that happens around that time. So...I thought that it would be fun to look back on the trades that the Phillies and the Nationals have made in the past three years and reminisce on the good old times...
2011: The Phillies trade for Hunter Pence from the Astros. Back story: Pence had just made a terrific throw from left field in the All-Star Game to help to NL to a win. His name had been linked to the Phillies in trade rumors before, and that moment made notice him. When the rumors intensified, I got really excited and I was so stoked when the trade finalized. It turned out to be a pretty good deal too...although Pence would be traded at the deadline the very next year. But it was a great year with Pence and I will always remember him as the most awkward player ever... :)
2012: This was the year the Phillies blew up their outfield by trading Pence and Victorino. At the time, I was annoyed, because I was attached to the team, and they had been so successful the year before, but in reality I know now that trading both of these guys was the best for the team and I am now prepared for any trades that may happen this year. I also am pretty sure that this year was the year the Nats traded for Kurt Suzuki...which was not a bad move, because none of their catcher can stay on the field.
2013: I cant really remember what happened last year (oops). Must not have been anything major.
2014: Who knows?
~TBC
2011: The Phillies trade for Hunter Pence from the Astros. Back story: Pence had just made a terrific throw from left field in the All-Star Game to help to NL to a win. His name had been linked to the Phillies in trade rumors before, and that moment made notice him. When the rumors intensified, I got really excited and I was so stoked when the trade finalized. It turned out to be a pretty good deal too...although Pence would be traded at the deadline the very next year. But it was a great year with Pence and I will always remember him as the most awkward player ever... :)
2012: This was the year the Phillies blew up their outfield by trading Pence and Victorino. At the time, I was annoyed, because I was attached to the team, and they had been so successful the year before, but in reality I know now that trading both of these guys was the best for the team and I am now prepared for any trades that may happen this year. I also am pretty sure that this year was the year the Nats traded for Kurt Suzuki...which was not a bad move, because none of their catcher can stay on the field.
2013: I cant really remember what happened last year (oops). Must not have been anything major.
2014: Who knows?
~TBC
Bring back the old Home Run Derby!
So, I was less than impressed by the Home Run Derby this year. I didn't watch the whole thing because it went really late (#eastcoastprobs) but I was the most bored watching it that I had been in years (well, since I started watching it...) I think that the problem was that the new bracket format put in place this year. Here's why...
First of all, 7 outs vs 10 outs. By lowering the number of outs that the hitters have in each round, MLB is essentially decreasing the chance that any particular player will be able to start a hot streak by 30%. This is clearly evident by the fact that the highest round score was 10 in the first round by Jose Bautista. The main draw of this event is every home run hit, and by implementing a change that lowered the number of home runs substantially, some of the excitement is drained out of the event.
Also, the bracket form itself severely inhibits the flow of the event. Because the league are now separated until the final round, there is a higher chance that the final two, or even the winner, will not be the best home run hitter in the event. When the leagues are pooled together, the two players with the highest numbers of home runs will always advance. Although this usually results in the American League killing the National League, it make for a more entertaining event and thus should be the format followed in future years.
Finally, adding an extra player to each leagues team did absolutely nothing but extend the already tedious first round. If MLB thought that having more players would cause more excitement, they were sorely mistaken, as I was done with the derby by the end of the first round, in part because so many of the hitters failed to hit even 5 home runs.
So those are my thoughts on the new home run derby format. Better luck next year, I guess?
~TBC
First of all, 7 outs vs 10 outs. By lowering the number of outs that the hitters have in each round, MLB is essentially decreasing the chance that any particular player will be able to start a hot streak by 30%. This is clearly evident by the fact that the highest round score was 10 in the first round by Jose Bautista. The main draw of this event is every home run hit, and by implementing a change that lowered the number of home runs substantially, some of the excitement is drained out of the event.
Also, the bracket form itself severely inhibits the flow of the event. Because the league are now separated until the final round, there is a higher chance that the final two, or even the winner, will not be the best home run hitter in the event. When the leagues are pooled together, the two players with the highest numbers of home runs will always advance. Although this usually results in the American League killing the National League, it make for a more entertaining event and thus should be the format followed in future years.
Finally, adding an extra player to each leagues team did absolutely nothing but extend the already tedious first round. If MLB thought that having more players would cause more excitement, they were sorely mistaken, as I was done with the derby by the end of the first round, in part because so many of the hitters failed to hit even 5 home runs.
So those are my thoughts on the new home run derby format. Better luck next year, I guess?
~TBC
Monday, July 14, 2014
What makes a star?
Heyyy, I'm back with more random babbles. I'm very sorry that I didn't post anything last week but I was away pretty much the entire week (yes, I'm making excuses).
Anyway, the other day I was thinking about how some player are recognized as stars even if they have an average year (say 6 on a scale of 1-10) and how others are ignored even if they have several very solid seasons (let's say 8 on the same scale).
For example, let's compare these players (they will remain nameless for now) (also note, I meant to write this earlier so the stats I found are a couple of weeks old):
Player A (Career Stats): .269/52 HR/ 191 RBI/ 1208 AB
Player B (Career Stats): .273/43 HR/127 RBI/ 1043 AB
If you look at the stats, these players appear to be very similar. Except for the fact that one is a star and one is not. See, player A is the vastly underrated Josh Donaldson of Oakland. Player B is Bryce Harper. Both are early draft picks (although Harper was first overall and Donaldson was 48th) , many baseball fans on the east coast have never heard of Donaldson while basically ever baseball fan ever knows of Harper and has since he was a teenager. So why? why, out of these two very similar players only one is famous?
First thing: Career track record and reputation. Harper was a mega-prospect, a star since before he was drafted. Donaldson was not. Donaldson emerged as a legitimate major league player in 2012, Harper has been dubbed the next Babe Ruth since 2010. Basically, Harper has enough buzz surrounding him that even though he has been injured a lot recently, he is still hyped to be one of the best players in baseball.
Also, Harper plays in a bigger baseball market than Donaldson, so he has more national exposure than Donaldson. Although Oakland has the best record in baseball, the Bay Area is dominated by the Giants. Harper plays in the rapidly growing Washington market and is on the east coast (which for some reason means more coverage automatically...I don't know).
Basically, that's two reasons why the perception of these two players is so different. I thought that this was an interesting issue with the All-Star Game tomorrow (because,all the starters are never the most deserving...) Enjoy Donaldson in the Home Run Derby tonight folks!
~TBC
Anyway, the other day I was thinking about how some player are recognized as stars even if they have an average year (say 6 on a scale of 1-10) and how others are ignored even if they have several very solid seasons (let's say 8 on the same scale).
For example, let's compare these players (they will remain nameless for now) (also note, I meant to write this earlier so the stats I found are a couple of weeks old):
Player A (Career Stats): .269/52 HR/ 191 RBI/ 1208 AB
Player B (Career Stats): .273/43 HR/127 RBI/ 1043 AB
If you look at the stats, these players appear to be very similar. Except for the fact that one is a star and one is not. See, player A is the vastly underrated Josh Donaldson of Oakland. Player B is Bryce Harper. Both are early draft picks (although Harper was first overall and Donaldson was 48th) , many baseball fans on the east coast have never heard of Donaldson while basically ever baseball fan ever knows of Harper and has since he was a teenager. So why? why, out of these two very similar players only one is famous?
First thing: Career track record and reputation. Harper was a mega-prospect, a star since before he was drafted. Donaldson was not. Donaldson emerged as a legitimate major league player in 2012, Harper has been dubbed the next Babe Ruth since 2010. Basically, Harper has enough buzz surrounding him that even though he has been injured a lot recently, he is still hyped to be one of the best players in baseball.
Also, Harper plays in a bigger baseball market than Donaldson, so he has more national exposure than Donaldson. Although Oakland has the best record in baseball, the Bay Area is dominated by the Giants. Harper plays in the rapidly growing Washington market and is on the east coast (which for some reason means more coverage automatically...I don't know).
Basically, that's two reasons why the perception of these two players is so different. I thought that this was an interesting issue with the All-Star Game tomorrow (because,all the starters are never the most deserving...) Enjoy Donaldson in the Home Run Derby tonight folks!
~TBC
Monday, June 30, 2014
My All-Star Ballot 2014 Edition
So...I've had a crazy couple weeks, but I'm finally getting around to posting again. Today I realized that I hadn't voted for the All-Star Game yet, so I figured it's a good time to make that the subject of my post. Since I've been a little out of the loop, I'm just using the stat comparison that they offer on the ballot to decide, and also voting for some old favorites.
1. First Base
American League: Jose Abreu (CWS).
So...Abreu has 25 home runs...that is crazy at this point in the season. I was contemplating putting Miggy here because he is a monster...but 25 home runs...
National League: Paul Goldschmidt (ARI)
This decision was ultimately between Goldschmidt and Justin Morneau, because they both had similar stats, but the deciding factor was Goldschmidt's 7 stolen bases, which is a good amount for a first basemen at this time of the year.
2. Second Base
American League: Ian Kinsler (DET).
This pick was a real struggle...the real question was whether to value the traditional second base stats (average, stolen bases) or Kinsler's power (10 HR). I decided on the latter.
National League: Chase Utley (PHI)
Because loyalty. And because he is one of the only good things about the Phillies this year.
3. Shortstop
American League: Derek Jeter (NYY)
None of the shortstops really impressed me...so I voted for Jeter because it is his last season and he is one of the greatest players of his generation.
National League: Troy Tulowitzki (COL)
The numbers don't lie. Nobody else was close.
4. Third Base
American League: Josh Donaldson (OAK)
For some reason I am rewarding power hitters this year as Donaldson is only hitting .250, but has 18 home runs. Oh well, maybe if all of the power hitter make it then we will actually have an exciting game this year....
National League: Todd Frazier (CIN)
I remember when this guy was battling Bryce Harper for Rookie of the Year...good for him I guess...again...leading in almost every category...
5. Catcher
American League: Brian McCann (NYY)
I don't even know...good for you for escaping the Braves...lol
National League: Jonathon Lucroy (MIL)
Again...he was statistically the best...and now I'm running out of things to say...
6. Designated Hitter
American League: Edwin Encarnacion (TOR)
Because most people think of the DH as a power hitter, it is pretty obvious that this choice is between one of the 25 home run guys (Edwin and Cruz) and I decided to reward the one that wasn't just suspended for PED use.
7-9. Outfield
American League: Mike Trout (LAA), Jose Bautista (TOR), Adam Jones (BAL)
Three historically solid guys having pretty awesome seasons!
National League: Giancarlo Stanton (MIA), Carlos Gomez (MIL), Andrew McCutchen (PIT)
Again, all of these guys have been good in the past...they deserve it.
So there you have it!...my All-Star Ballot for 2014...I was literally deciding as I wrote this post so I'm sorry that my thought were less organized the more I wrote...but hey, at least it's something...
Hopefully there will be more to come in the next couple of days...
~TBC
1. First Base
American League: Jose Abreu (CWS).
So...Abreu has 25 home runs...that is crazy at this point in the season. I was contemplating putting Miggy here because he is a monster...but 25 home runs...
National League: Paul Goldschmidt (ARI)
This decision was ultimately between Goldschmidt and Justin Morneau, because they both had similar stats, but the deciding factor was Goldschmidt's 7 stolen bases, which is a good amount for a first basemen at this time of the year.
2. Second Base
American League: Ian Kinsler (DET).
This pick was a real struggle...the real question was whether to value the traditional second base stats (average, stolen bases) or Kinsler's power (10 HR). I decided on the latter.
National League: Chase Utley (PHI)
Because loyalty. And because he is one of the only good things about the Phillies this year.
3. Shortstop
American League: Derek Jeter (NYY)
None of the shortstops really impressed me...so I voted for Jeter because it is his last season and he is one of the greatest players of his generation.
National League: Troy Tulowitzki (COL)
The numbers don't lie. Nobody else was close.
4. Third Base
American League: Josh Donaldson (OAK)
For some reason I am rewarding power hitters this year as Donaldson is only hitting .250, but has 18 home runs. Oh well, maybe if all of the power hitter make it then we will actually have an exciting game this year....
National League: Todd Frazier (CIN)
I remember when this guy was battling Bryce Harper for Rookie of the Year...good for him I guess...again...leading in almost every category...
5. Catcher
American League: Brian McCann (NYY)
I don't even know...good for you for escaping the Braves...lol
National League: Jonathon Lucroy (MIL)
Again...he was statistically the best...and now I'm running out of things to say...
6. Designated Hitter
American League: Edwin Encarnacion (TOR)
Because most people think of the DH as a power hitter, it is pretty obvious that this choice is between one of the 25 home run guys (Edwin and Cruz) and I decided to reward the one that wasn't just suspended for PED use.
7-9. Outfield
American League: Mike Trout (LAA), Jose Bautista (TOR), Adam Jones (BAL)
Three historically solid guys having pretty awesome seasons!
National League: Giancarlo Stanton (MIA), Carlos Gomez (MIL), Andrew McCutchen (PIT)
Again, all of these guys have been good in the past...they deserve it.
So there you have it!...my All-Star Ballot for 2014...I was literally deciding as I wrote this post so I'm sorry that my thought were less organized the more I wrote...but hey, at least it's something...
Hopefully there will be more to come in the next couple of days...
~TBC
Monday, June 9, 2014
I'm Back!
Well hello there! I realize that it's been forever since I posted anything on here and that the season has been going on for two months already, but with finals and AP exams and other projects I have just now been able to catch my breath :) Anyway, I really have no real structure in place for this post yet but we will see what happens.
So...on a road trip my family took recently I decided to download a whole week of baseball podcasts to my iPod and listened to them all in a row to try to get caught up on the happening around the game of baseball. I realize that I probably should have taken notes because now I forget what I was thinking then (yay for planning!) but I can think of a couple things of the top of my head (again, I totally plan every post ;)
1. Apparently Jose Fernandez of the Miami Marlins blew out his elbow and required Tommy John surgery. That is sad because Fernandez was one of my favorite new players last year and he had a real shot to be one of the best pitchers in the game this season. Luckily, most players recover from this surgery and some of the best pitcher in the game ( or may just half of the Nationals staff) have gone on to have great careers because of this. Also another Marlins note: Why are they actually good this year???????? Anyway, whenever I think of the Marlins beating the Phillies is immediately think of this:
And laugh...(by the way for those who don't understand the above it is Marlins president David Samson being voted off first on Survivor: Cagayan.)
In all seriousness, I'm not really sure what is going on with them and will have to investigate further but I think that it probably has to do with Giancarlo Stanton because he is a monster.
2. So now the Rays are terrible and have the worst record in baseball. Hm...thinking about it, at first this surprised me but then I realized that when the Rays are winning they are doing so with player who ardent supposed to be great but end up performing well. Basically, all that needs to happen for the Rays to have a bad year is for some of the gambles that they took this offseason to fail miserably and for some of there reliable players to get injured. My best guess is this is what happened this year.
Also, not surprised that the Phillies are pretty bad this year, but I'm wondering if there is anything in the farm system to make the situation better at all if not this year than next...my guess would be not. Oh well, at least the Nationals are tied for first.
And that's all!
~TBC
So...on a road trip my family took recently I decided to download a whole week of baseball podcasts to my iPod and listened to them all in a row to try to get caught up on the happening around the game of baseball. I realize that I probably should have taken notes because now I forget what I was thinking then (yay for planning!) but I can think of a couple things of the top of my head (again, I totally plan every post ;)
1. Apparently Jose Fernandez of the Miami Marlins blew out his elbow and required Tommy John surgery. That is sad because Fernandez was one of my favorite new players last year and he had a real shot to be one of the best pitchers in the game this season. Luckily, most players recover from this surgery and some of the best pitcher in the game ( or may just half of the Nationals staff) have gone on to have great careers because of this. Also another Marlins note: Why are they actually good this year???????? Anyway, whenever I think of the Marlins beating the Phillies is immediately think of this:
In all seriousness, I'm not really sure what is going on with them and will have to investigate further but I think that it probably has to do with Giancarlo Stanton because he is a monster.
2. So now the Rays are terrible and have the worst record in baseball. Hm...thinking about it, at first this surprised me but then I realized that when the Rays are winning they are doing so with player who ardent supposed to be great but end up performing well. Basically, all that needs to happen for the Rays to have a bad year is for some of the gambles that they took this offseason to fail miserably and for some of there reliable players to get injured. My best guess is this is what happened this year.
Also, not surprised that the Phillies are pretty bad this year, but I'm wondering if there is anything in the farm system to make the situation better at all if not this year than next...my guess would be not. Oh well, at least the Nationals are tied for first.
And that's all!
~TBC
Saturday, November 30, 2013
I wish I was a (blank) fan
So in light of RAJ's latest run of signings, I realized that sometimes I really don't want to root for the Phillies. But I'm not a traitor, and I'm not about to give up on my team just because the GM is an idiot. However, it does make me jealous that other teams have front offices that, you know, actually think. So I've decided to write a post on the team I wish I rooted for...
If I was starting a MLB team I would first look for two things, players who are young, but still somewhat proven, and veterans who still have something left in their tanks. I would back that up with solid drafts picks, great young pitching, and one or two superstar players. That would be my recipe for success not only because I've seen it somewhat work with the 2012 Nationals, but I've seen a mini-dynasty of a franchise emerge from the Midwest. Yes, I'm talking about the St. Louis Cardinal's. Don't get me wrong, often times I find myself rooting against GM John Mozeliak's team, and the Redbirds have caused me much heartbreak, but they always find a way to position themselves really well coming into the postseason. They have only won one division title in the past 3 years, yet have 3NLCS appearances, 2 Nationals League Titles, and 1 World Series Championship. Not to mention they have done this with a core of players that they themselves drafted. This is the team that I look at jealously when RAJ makes another moronic move. I thought that the Freese-Bourjos trade was great way to fill a need, and it accounted for the possibility of Carlos Beltran leaving the team by adding yet another competent outfielder to the team. I also like the Jhonny Peralta, because, as much as I dislike anyone with a PED background, the Cardinals were in desperate need of a SS and I believe that a clean Peralta can still put up decent numbers for that position. I fully expect to see the Cardinals in playoff position come next September, and I can't wait to see what they pull together next season. As for the Phillies...I can't say as much...but I'll still be loyally rooting for them come opening day.
Honorable mention goes to the Rays, who always seem to be in the Postseason mix despite one of the lowest payrolls in the game. But the Cardinal's postseason reputation give them the slight edge for me.
As for blogs this off season, they will be few and far between, but I'm sure I will have something up around Christmas Break.
Ciao!
~TBC
If I was starting a MLB team I would first look for two things, players who are young, but still somewhat proven, and veterans who still have something left in their tanks. I would back that up with solid drafts picks, great young pitching, and one or two superstar players. That would be my recipe for success not only because I've seen it somewhat work with the 2012 Nationals, but I've seen a mini-dynasty of a franchise emerge from the Midwest. Yes, I'm talking about the St. Louis Cardinal's. Don't get me wrong, often times I find myself rooting against GM John Mozeliak's team, and the Redbirds have caused me much heartbreak, but they always find a way to position themselves really well coming into the postseason. They have only won one division title in the past 3 years, yet have 3NLCS appearances, 2 Nationals League Titles, and 1 World Series Championship. Not to mention they have done this with a core of players that they themselves drafted. This is the team that I look at jealously when RAJ makes another moronic move. I thought that the Freese-Bourjos trade was great way to fill a need, and it accounted for the possibility of Carlos Beltran leaving the team by adding yet another competent outfielder to the team. I also like the Jhonny Peralta, because, as much as I dislike anyone with a PED background, the Cardinals were in desperate need of a SS and I believe that a clean Peralta can still put up decent numbers for that position. I fully expect to see the Cardinals in playoff position come next September, and I can't wait to see what they pull together next season. As for the Phillies...I can't say as much...but I'll still be loyally rooting for them come opening day.
Honorable mention goes to the Rays, who always seem to be in the Postseason mix despite one of the lowest payrolls in the game. But the Cardinal's postseason reputation give them the slight edge for me.
As for blogs this off season, they will be few and far between, but I'm sure I will have something up around Christmas Break.
Ciao!
~TBC
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
To Doc
Dear Roy Halladay,
If this truly is the end of your career in the Phillies pinstripes, know that you will be sorely missed by all Phillies fans. Even though it didn't end well, we will always hold on to the memories of your 4 seasons in Philadelphia. The perfect game, the postseason no-hitter, the Cy Young Award, and the 20-win season all have a special place in our hearts. For myself personally, the first time I saw you pitch was the 2010 NLCS and you stole my heart with you tenacity and ability to keep your team in the game even when the chances were slim. I can't imagine a whole season with out your leadership and grit. I noticed that whenever you went on the DL, the team went on to an extended slump. People say that intangibles don't play a factor in winning games, but I know that we have an exception with you. I literally don't even want to think about the possibility of you wearing another uniform next year. You are such an inspiration to me and the rest of the Phillies fandom. Um...I know that I had more to say but I can't put it into words. If you decide to call it a career, just know that I consider you a sure-fire Hall of Fame pitcher. I mean I can't even put it into words how much I appreciate you!!!!!! You were my first favorite player, and they say the first one is the sweetest. Cheers to your career!
Sending you Brotherly (sisterly?) Love from...well not really the City of Brotherly Love but close enough.
~ Teenaged Baseball Chick <3
If this truly is the end of your career in the Phillies pinstripes, know that you will be sorely missed by all Phillies fans. Even though it didn't end well, we will always hold on to the memories of your 4 seasons in Philadelphia. The perfect game, the postseason no-hitter, the Cy Young Award, and the 20-win season all have a special place in our hearts. For myself personally, the first time I saw you pitch was the 2010 NLCS and you stole my heart with you tenacity and ability to keep your team in the game even when the chances were slim. I can't imagine a whole season with out your leadership and grit. I noticed that whenever you went on the DL, the team went on to an extended slump. People say that intangibles don't play a factor in winning games, but I know that we have an exception with you. I literally don't even want to think about the possibility of you wearing another uniform next year. You are such an inspiration to me and the rest of the Phillies fandom. Um...I know that I had more to say but I can't put it into words. If you decide to call it a career, just know that I consider you a sure-fire Hall of Fame pitcher. I mean I can't even put it into words how much I appreciate you!!!!!! You were my first favorite player, and they say the first one is the sweetest. Cheers to your career!
Sending you Brotherly (sisterly?) Love from...well not really the City of Brotherly Love but close enough.
~ Teenaged Baseball Chick <3
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Nationals Park Journal
So for those of you without access to my G+ page, I must explain. Last night I went to the Nationals-Phillies game. I decided to do a live journal. Below is my experience.
5:41pm- We just got off 270 onto 495. Looks to be about 20 minutes until we get there. I'm super excited and can't wait to get there We've got seats that are pretty much in the stratosphere on the right field side. I'm pretty bummed that we aren't on the Phillies side, but I'm glad that we get to see this great pitching match-up. GPS says we are getting there at 6:11.
7:05pm- Middle of the 1st- We got to our seats just as the game was beginning. Our seats are pretty good. We are pretty much right behind the foul pole. 3 up 3 down for Gio, and Denard Span extends his hit streak to 25 in his first at bat. Hamels walks Zim, not off to a good start.
7:54pm-End of the 3rd-Well the Nationals went up right after I put my pad away. It's been a pretty good game, with enough hits for it not to be boring, but few ruins. Only regular not in either lineup is LaRoche. Ruiz with a long double into the left hand corner. Gio has been sharp, Hamels fair. Nats 1, Phils 0
8:37pm-End of the 5th-Phils had a huge top of the 5th, scoring four off Gio and taking the lead. Started with Mayberry's eleventh homer and you could tell who the Phillies fans were because there were random people on their feet cheering. Galvis with a single just now. It ended with Ruiz's bases clearing double and just like that it was 4-1 Phils. Nats answer was Span getting on leading off and stealing second and third. Nats 1, Phils 4
9:42pm-That was a nail biter. Nationals score three on four Phillies pitchers. Harper with the big double. I was literally shaking! Rosenberg finally gets Ramos for the third out of the inning and the Phils barely escape with their lives. Nats 4, Phils 5
10:26pm-Papelbon gets Ramos to groundout to Rollins to end the game. Phillis win 5-4
So...That's my journal! I had a great time! One other note they played "Take on Me" during the seventh inning stretch :) See even the ballpark misses Michael Morse!
I have lots of pictures that I will post as soon as I get them uploaded!
~TBC
5:41pm- We just got off 270 onto 495. Looks to be about 20 minutes until we get there. I'm super excited and can't wait to get there We've got seats that are pretty much in the stratosphere on the right field side. I'm pretty bummed that we aren't on the Phillies side, but I'm glad that we get to see this great pitching match-up. GPS says we are getting there at 6:11.
7:05pm- Middle of the 1st- We got to our seats just as the game was beginning. Our seats are pretty good. We are pretty much right behind the foul pole. 3 up 3 down for Gio, and Denard Span extends his hit streak to 25 in his first at bat. Hamels walks Zim, not off to a good start.
7:54pm-End of the 3rd-Well the Nationals went up right after I put my pad away. It's been a pretty good game, with enough hits for it not to be boring, but few ruins. Only regular not in either lineup is LaRoche. Ruiz with a long double into the left hand corner. Gio has been sharp, Hamels fair. Nats 1, Phils 0
8:37pm-End of the 5th-Phils had a huge top of the 5th, scoring four off Gio and taking the lead. Started with Mayberry's eleventh homer and you could tell who the Phillies fans were because there were random people on their feet cheering. Galvis with a single just now. It ended with Ruiz's bases clearing double and just like that it was 4-1 Phils. Nats answer was Span getting on leading off and stealing second and third. Nats 1, Phils 4
9:42pm-That was a nail biter. Nationals score three on four Phillies pitchers. Harper with the big double. I was literally shaking! Rosenberg finally gets Ramos for the third out of the inning and the Phils barely escape with their lives. Nats 4, Phils 5
10:26pm-Papelbon gets Ramos to groundout to Rollins to end the game. Phillis win 5-4
So...That's my journal! I had a great time! One other note they played "Take on Me" during the seventh inning stretch :) See even the ballpark misses Michael Morse!
I have lots of pictures that I will post as soon as I get them uploaded!
~TBC
Friday, August 16, 2013
OUTRAGE!!!!!
Okay, it's rant time!
By now, most of you have probably heard the news that Charlie Manuel was fired as manager of the Phillies, less than month from completing what would have undoubtedly been his last season with the team anyway. This is a move that completely confused and quite frankly, really bothered me. This is the guy who lead this team to one of only two world series titles they can call theirs, not to say anything about the five consecutive division titles from 2007-2011. You'd think the front office could think of a more respectful way to part ways with the man who lead one of the greatest Phillies teams of all time than dumping him mid-season. I don't care if they want Ryne Sandberg to get experience with the players (which he is getting being the third base coach, DUH!), this is a total disgrace to Charlie. Don't get me wrong, I've had my moments of frustration with Charlie, but I respect him enough to quietly let him so his own way at the end of the season.
This is the last straw for Rueben Amaro, at least in my book. I have been fed up with him for a while now, and I have had enough. Signing players like Ryan Howard to contract extensions multiple years before their previous contracts ended and making bone-headed moves like adding Delmon Young is bad enough, but totally disgracing the man who lead your team to the WORLD SERIES! loses all of my respect. Guys, it's not Charlie's fault that he has to play the Youngs and other player like them, it's the fault of the guy who put them on the team!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Amaro needs to go, ASAP!
That's enough of a rant for now :)
Charlie, know your are respected and your presence will be missed! Thanks for a great run!
~TBC
By now, most of you have probably heard the news that Charlie Manuel was fired as manager of the Phillies, less than month from completing what would have undoubtedly been his last season with the team anyway. This is a move that completely confused and quite frankly, really bothered me. This is the guy who lead this team to one of only two world series titles they can call theirs, not to say anything about the five consecutive division titles from 2007-2011. You'd think the front office could think of a more respectful way to part ways with the man who lead one of the greatest Phillies teams of all time than dumping him mid-season. I don't care if they want Ryne Sandberg to get experience with the players (which he is getting being the third base coach, DUH!), this is a total disgrace to Charlie. Don't get me wrong, I've had my moments of frustration with Charlie, but I respect him enough to quietly let him so his own way at the end of the season.
This is the last straw for Rueben Amaro, at least in my book. I have been fed up with him for a while now, and I have had enough. Signing players like Ryan Howard to contract extensions multiple years before their previous contracts ended and making bone-headed moves like adding Delmon Young is bad enough, but totally disgracing the man who lead your team to the WORLD SERIES! loses all of my respect. Guys, it's not Charlie's fault that he has to play the Youngs and other player like them, it's the fault of the guy who put them on the team!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Amaro needs to go, ASAP!
That's enough of a rant for now :)
Charlie, know your are respected and your presence will be missed! Thanks for a great run!
~TBC
Monday, August 12, 2013
Depressed...
You know it perfectly sums up the Phillies second half to say that a team who has been struggling as much as they have, the Nationals, pretty easily swept them. Let's just say that the 2013 season has been a going down hill like a snowball for the Phillies. At this point, I can say that pretty much all I'm looking forward to is the prospect of getting a high draft pick this next year. It hurts to say it, but this team really needs to rebuild.
As for the Nationals, their prospects aren't looking much brighter. I hate to say it's over, but it's practically impossible to erase a 14.5 game lead at this point in the season. A Wild Card is still a possibility though, if the Nationals use the sweep of the Phillies as a springboard to an extended winning streak.
So, I'm stuck...It's getting to be almost playoff time and I have no idea which team I want to root for. I will probably end up rooting for the Rays or the Red Sox, but I would really like to have a NL to root for as well. Maybe the Pirates (BTW, they have to win 12 more games to break the losing season streak)...
This whole thing is incredibly depressing...
~TBC
As for the Nationals, their prospects aren't looking much brighter. I hate to say it's over, but it's practically impossible to erase a 14.5 game lead at this point in the season. A Wild Card is still a possibility though, if the Nationals use the sweep of the Phillies as a springboard to an extended winning streak.
So, I'm stuck...It's getting to be almost playoff time and I have no idea which team I want to root for. I will probably end up rooting for the Rays or the Red Sox, but I would really like to have a NL to root for as well. Maybe the Pirates (BTW, they have to win 12 more games to break the losing season streak)...
This whole thing is incredibly depressing...
~TBC
Monday, August 5, 2013
That post about Biogenesis
MLB is supposed to drop their decisions on the Biogenesis scandal later today. Sources tell us that the punishment for most players will be a suspension for the rest of the year. A-Rod is the outlier, with his suspension reportedly being for all of this season and next season. As far as we know, their are about 10 players total that will be suspended. I'm ready to get this whole mess over with, but if players appeal suspensions, this may drag into next season. Personally. I can't stand the appeals process. If MLB has enough evidence to suspend you, they should be able to keep you off the field for as long as they see fit. All players are, after all, employees of MLB.
One thing that I'm glad that MLB is going to do is not re-suspend Melky Cabrera, Big Fat Bartolo Colon, and Yasmani Grandall. Since they connected their earlier suspensions to Biogenesis, there is no reason to punish them twice for the same offence.
And that's pretty much all!
~TBC
One thing that I'm glad that MLB is going to do is not re-suspend Melky Cabrera, Big Fat Bartolo Colon, and Yasmani Grandall. Since they connected their earlier suspensions to Biogenesis, there is no reason to punish them twice for the same offence.
And that's pretty much all!
~TBC
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Guys...
The Phillies are ahead of the Nationals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have major writers block, so I'm not going actually say anything meaningful. But I am leaving for vacation tomorrow and not coming back until early August, so no blog posts for the next two weeks. I will try to keep G+ updated as we move closer to the trade deadline.
I have major writers block, so I'm not going actually say anything meaningful. But I am leaving for vacation tomorrow and not coming back until early August, so no blog posts for the next two weeks. I will try to keep G+ updated as we move closer to the trade deadline.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
The Next Face of Baseball
So the other day, I was going to look at the KLaw chat transcript and noticed that ESPN had a poll as to who was the next face of baseball. So decided to complete it because I thought it would make for a good blog post. Just FYI, these were the ten names they gave you, so all I did was put them in order. Don't blame me if your fav didn't make the cut!
My Ranking:
1. Mike Trout
Like DUH! I mean honestly, who else is young, is a five tool player, and Rookie of the Year? Well, Bryce Harper, but Trout plays in the American League, which is usually the league which generates the most media buzz, and plays in a huge market in LA (Anahiem). Need anther reason? His rookie season was among the best of all time in Wins Above Replacement. So HA!
2. Bryce Harper
I guess that there's no clear number one between him and Trout. He is definitely the face of the National League, and he and Trout will be co-faces of the game for a while...The way he plays, its hard not to stare...
3. Yu Darvish
I know that most people wouldn't put a pitcher in their top three, but if you think, there has always been at least one pitcher has been at least co-face of the game. Of the pitchers listed, I think that Darvish is the only one who has the X-factor needed to standout. Don't get me wrong their are some other great names, but none of them scream "look at me" like Darvish. That and a super awesome and memorable name helps his case.
4. Buster Posey
As much as I love Posey, and believe you me I do, I really don't think he attracts enough attention to be the face of baseball, especially for non-baseball fans. He is the only candidate with an MVP under his belt though, so credit him for that.
5. Yasiel Puig
Don't get me wrong, Puig's start is incredible, but it is only a little more than a month. He won't keep this level of production up, but even at 80% of this, he's still a superstar. Playing in LA could also help him gain more name recognition.
6. Manny Machado
Machado's problem is that he plays the same position as the current face of the game, Miguel Cabrera. Machado is likely to be over-shadowed by Cabrera for a couple more years, and by that time, it is almost inevitable that someone else will have a stranglehold on the title of "the face of baseball"
7. Matt Harvey
As good as Harvey has been, I don't think he has the extra little something in that will make him the face of baseball. That doesn't mean he isn't special though. I guess he's like the J-Zimm to Darvish's Strasburg or Gio, he does what he does quietly.
8. Giancarlo Stanton
A year ago, Stanton would have been top 4 on this list, but with the emergence of so many new faces and Stanton recent injury tendency, he has been knocked down to 8. Playing with one of the worst teams in the majors hurts his visibility as well.
9. Chris Sale
To be honest, I was impressed by Sale last year, but I haven't heard much about him this year, so I wasn't expecting to see him on this list. That is reason enough for me to rank him this low.
10. Aroldis Chapman
The only reliever on this list check into last place because relievers hardly get any visibility outside of their respective teams. If one could define the game of baseball, Chapman is the one, but it's just not happening, sorry.
Okay so here is the total rankings of all counted votes when I voted, just for comparison
1.Trout
2.Harper
3.Posey
4.Puig
5. Machado
6. Harvey
7. Darvish
8. Stanton
9. Chapman
10. Sale
Comment and let me know who you think will be the next face of baseball!
~TBC
My Ranking:
1. Mike Trout
Like DUH! I mean honestly, who else is young, is a five tool player, and Rookie of the Year? Well, Bryce Harper, but Trout plays in the American League, which is usually the league which generates the most media buzz, and plays in a huge market in LA (Anahiem). Need anther reason? His rookie season was among the best of all time in Wins Above Replacement. So HA!
2. Bryce Harper
I guess that there's no clear number one between him and Trout. He is definitely the face of the National League, and he and Trout will be co-faces of the game for a while...The way he plays, its hard not to stare...
3. Yu Darvish
I know that most people wouldn't put a pitcher in their top three, but if you think, there has always been at least one pitcher has been at least co-face of the game. Of the pitchers listed, I think that Darvish is the only one who has the X-factor needed to standout. Don't get me wrong their are some other great names, but none of them scream "look at me" like Darvish. That and a super awesome and memorable name helps his case.
4. Buster Posey
As much as I love Posey, and believe you me I do, I really don't think he attracts enough attention to be the face of baseball, especially for non-baseball fans. He is the only candidate with an MVP under his belt though, so credit him for that.
5. Yasiel Puig
Don't get me wrong, Puig's start is incredible, but it is only a little more than a month. He won't keep this level of production up, but even at 80% of this, he's still a superstar. Playing in LA could also help him gain more name recognition.
6. Manny Machado
Machado's problem is that he plays the same position as the current face of the game, Miguel Cabrera. Machado is likely to be over-shadowed by Cabrera for a couple more years, and by that time, it is almost inevitable that someone else will have a stranglehold on the title of "the face of baseball"
7. Matt Harvey
As good as Harvey has been, I don't think he has the extra little something in that will make him the face of baseball. That doesn't mean he isn't special though. I guess he's like the J-Zimm to Darvish's Strasburg or Gio, he does what he does quietly.
8. Giancarlo Stanton
A year ago, Stanton would have been top 4 on this list, but with the emergence of so many new faces and Stanton recent injury tendency, he has been knocked down to 8. Playing with one of the worst teams in the majors hurts his visibility as well.
9. Chris Sale
To be honest, I was impressed by Sale last year, but I haven't heard much about him this year, so I wasn't expecting to see him on this list. That is reason enough for me to rank him this low.
10. Aroldis Chapman
The only reliever on this list check into last place because relievers hardly get any visibility outside of their respective teams. If one could define the game of baseball, Chapman is the one, but it's just not happening, sorry.
Okay so here is the total rankings of all counted votes when I voted, just for comparison
1.Trout
2.Harper
3.Posey
4.Puig
5. Machado
6. Harvey
7. Darvish
8. Stanton
9. Chapman
10. Sale
Comment and let me know who you think will be the next face of baseball!
~TBC
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
My All-Star Ballot
Pretty self explanatory :)
American League
1B - Davis, Chris
Looking at the top vote getters for first basemen, no one else was even close , vote-wise or stat-wise. I mean look at those home run numbers! Those are Jose Bautista two years ago like numbers!
2B - Pedroia, Dustin
This one was close between Pedroia and Cano. Neither really had a statistical edge so I went with my boy Dustin.
SS - Peralta, Jhonny
Really couldn't care less here. Peralta had the most votes and decent stats so went with him.
3B - Cabrera, Miguel
I actually was debating Cabrera vs Machado until I saw Cabrera's numbers. Just saying, he is a monster! Just because he didn't really deserve the MVP last year doesn't mean he doesn't put up colossal numbers year after year. Most people say that Albert Pujols is the player of the generation. I don't disagree, but Cabrera is closer to that title than most people realize. And he still has at least a couple more years of this in him!
C - Mauer, Joe
Again, couldn't care less...Mauer has had a great career though!
DH - Ortiz, David
I swear he wins this every year. At least it seems like it. More power to him!
OF - Bautista, Jose
Still a huge power threat. Don't underestimate Bautista. Could easily hit 35 homers this year.
OF - Jones, Adam
Great all around player. One of the biggest reasons for the Orioles recent success. My final spot came down to him vs teammate Nick Markakis, but Jones' numbers were much more impressive.
OF - Trout, Mike
He's not MIKE TROUT, at least not this year, but he's still one of the best in the game. Has historic potential!
National League
1B - Goldschmidt, Paul
Because a new face deserves the start! And he's pretty good :) And I'm sick of Votto :P
2B - Utley, Chase
It's called hometown loyalty :P And he actually pretty awesome! Total opinion change since 2010 when he was a failure in the NLCS.
SS - Tulowitzki, Troy
Well, this is embarrassing...meant to vote for Desi...but he wasn't going to make it anyway. Oh well, Tulo is injured...on another note: VOTE FOR DESMOND FOR THE FINAL VOTE!!!!!!!!!!!!
3B - Wright, David
He should definitely play in his hometown. Best third baseman by far.
C - Posey, Buster
Another one of my personal favorites. Will always vote for him!
OF - Brown, Domonic
One of the best stories in Philly this year, and definitely deserving of an All-Star Spot. So glad he made it :)
OF - Gonzalez, Carlos
Never really realized how great of an all around player we was. WOW.
OF - Harper, Bryce
Had to :) Who cares that he missed 30 days. He's still the future of the Nationals!
Well that's that :P
~TBC
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