The team is struggling of late. Not only are we not producing runs, but we are giving up an alarmingly high number of hits. Three of our last five games have featured our opponents collecting at least 17 hits...that's a no-no.
Our starting rotation, from 1-6, has struggled mightily of late which is not a good sign. Hopefully we can turn things around tonight against Thunder Bay. For whatever reason, this season, we have had their number. Yeah, they are at the bottom of the division, but they aren't so far down that everyone beats up on them like we do...As a matter of fact, we have the best record against them than anyone else. Nothing wrong with beating up on the bad teams.
I am a huge Texas Rangers fan and I am so excited for their success. It is the first summer in four years I have not worked in the Rangers press box so instead of spending my summer at The Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, I am spending it at Mills Field here in Brainerd.
Anyway, I was reading a Rangers article the other day and came across this quote from Rangers left-handed starting pitcher, C.J. Wilson, when comparing the Rangers and their division rival, the LAAAAAAAAA of AAAAA Angels.
"We're the better team, 100 percent. When we play up to our capabilities, it might not be that close. We have a better balance to our team. They have good pitching. We have more wins. It's pretty simple. I'd rather take our offense. I'd rather take our defense. I'd much rather have our bullpen."
Pretty poignant, huh? In my experiences dealing with C.J., he is a very bright and fun person to be around and, what media members love most about him, is that he speaks his mind.
After he heard the comments, Angels centerfielder Torii Hunter said the most sensible thing an athlete could say in response to the comments when he brushed aside any hard feelings and suggested that everyone feels that way about their team. I love Torii Hunter and love him even more with that response.
C.J.'s comments were mildly controversial but I do not know why. He did not slight the Angels, simply commented on his team and their abilities over the Angels. He pointed out Rangers advantages and strengths rather than Angels disadvantages and shortcomings...
A friend of mine warned me that it would provide bulletin board material and I snapped...
Bulletin board material. You hear it all the time, mostly in football when teams take stabs at each other during the week. But what is it? To me, it is a sports cliche that the media likes to use to create a storyline, but nothing of any kind of substance...
Does a player offended by those comments think to himself: Man, I can't believe he said that. **** him, I am going to play harder now!
I hope not. If they do, I don't know that I want that person on my team. I don't want someone who needs others to motivate him and bring out his best work ethic. Rather, I want guys who will play their best and work their hardest because of their purest desire to win.
I believe most professional athletes have this burnign competitive desire and that bulletin board material truly does not exist. Do players take heed of what is and is not said? Sure. If a player is attacked in the media by another player, might that attackee seek out the attacker with the intent of responding with some extra aggression? Yeah. That happens without a doubt. But does that extra aggression help his team win? No. If anything, it might only hurt his team.
I wish professional athletes would speak their mind more often, though I understand they have reasons for not doing so...I just hope their fear of creating bulletin board material is not one of them.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
07.24.2010: Farewell, Ray!
I have played sports all my life at a very high and competitive level. Like most budding young athletes, I wanted to play professional sports. At 21, it doesn't seem likely I will accomplish my professional dreams (possible comeback?), but I have had the fortune (misfortune if they beat me in the playoffs) of playing with and against several current or soon-to-be professional athletes. What did almost all of these guys have in common? They had "it." What is "it?" I don't know, but it's theirs. I think it is a combination of raw talent, a strong work ethic, and a mental toughness that overcomes any and all obstacles--but I don't think that even covers it all. I also think that "it" is different from guy-to-guy.
There are some professional athletes that truly do not have "it" and they simply work their way to the top--though those cases are rare and don't often have staying power. I am not saying professional athletes don't work hard, but a lot of the pro athletes that people laud for "working" their way to the pros, have tons and tons of raw talent with it, but because they are smaller in height or stature, apparently it doesn't count for the same. These guys that have "it" have a first class ticket to the professional ranks. I don't think that off-the-field problems can get in the way because I feel like a part of this "it" package is the knowledge and awareness to stay out of self induced trouble. The only thing that can get in their way? Injury or incredibly bad luck.
This summer I have broadcasted a guy that truly has "it." That guy? Ray Black. The very hard throwing right-handed reliever has dominated on the field, converting all eight of his save opportunities, climbing near the top of the league's leaderboard in that category, despite having the closer role for only half of the season. He has been in jams and faced some of the league's best hitters, always coming out on top. I will never forget his long battle with Steve Nyisztor, the shortstop for St. Cloud who is in the discussion for League MVP. The tying run was at third with only one out. Nyisztor kept battling and battling but on the tenth pitch of the at-bat, Ray blew a 97 mph fastball by the All-Star.
Ray has the personality, the charisma, and the confidence of someone who simply knows he is better than you and isn't afraid to show it. He also has a screw loose upstairs--and I mean that in the best of ways. I don't mean that to suggest he has a disability or anything in a negative fashion. But, he is crazy. He doesn't back down from anyone or any situation. He simply doesn't care. He has the perfect mentality for a closer. In Ray's mind, there is no one he can't get out-and I mean no one, MLB players included. And you know what? I wouldn't challenge him on that one. Oh, and not to mention, his work ethic is pretty unreal.
Ray Black has "it." You know what else he has? Awful luck. Most pitchers sustain tons and tons of arm injuries to keep them from reaching their potential but Ray has been plagued by a handful of "normal person" injuries. Yeah, he had Tommy John in high school but he has come out of that throwing in the mid-to-high 90's. He had a bad knee injury, a hand injury, and a mid-body injury, among others. Last night, while warming up to close out the Lunkers 6-2 win over the Beetles, something didn't feel right in his arm and his night ended before he even threw a pitch.
There are just above 3 weeks left in the season and, at this point, even the most minor of injuries will end a guy's season. Unfortunately, such is the case for Ray, who will shut it down for the remainder of the summer to rest his arm. When Ray walked off the mound last night I was sick to my stomach. Not because I was pretty sure it was the last time Ray Black would take the hill in between the lines this summer. Not because he my favorite player to watch. Because he deserves better--someone with that much talent, that hard of a work ethic, and that big of a heart, deserves better.
Ray will bounce back. Not because he has "it," because injuries still derail guys that have "it," but because Ray has something "more." Heck, if I can't define "it," I am not even going to try to define "more." If his bad luck rides off into the sunset, Ray Black will be the first player in Lunkers history to make it to the Major Leagues.
I admire Ray for all he has been through. People seem to always hear about the pitchers that, now, come back better from Tommy John. What you don't hear are the large group of pitchers who don't. Also, they don't just have surgery and get better...they work their absolute tail off to get back to that point. Ray has gone through much more than that, though, and he is still fighting. He still has the swagger and he still has the work ethic. He's got something else...I don't know what it is...but whatever it is, he has "it"...but he's also got something much "more."
While Ray Black, the closer, will be missed a ton by the Lunkers team as they look to hold onto the first place in the North Division's 2nd half standings, it is without question that Ray Black, the person and the teammate, will be missed much more.
For Tomorrow: HSO's on LeBron James and the Overall Champion in the Young Corps Debate
There are some professional athletes that truly do not have "it" and they simply work their way to the top--though those cases are rare and don't often have staying power. I am not saying professional athletes don't work hard, but a lot of the pro athletes that people laud for "working" their way to the pros, have tons and tons of raw talent with it, but because they are smaller in height or stature, apparently it doesn't count for the same. These guys that have "it" have a first class ticket to the professional ranks. I don't think that off-the-field problems can get in the way because I feel like a part of this "it" package is the knowledge and awareness to stay out of self induced trouble. The only thing that can get in their way? Injury or incredibly bad luck.
This summer I have broadcasted a guy that truly has "it." That guy? Ray Black. The very hard throwing right-handed reliever has dominated on the field, converting all eight of his save opportunities, climbing near the top of the league's leaderboard in that category, despite having the closer role for only half of the season. He has been in jams and faced some of the league's best hitters, always coming out on top. I will never forget his long battle with Steve Nyisztor, the shortstop for St. Cloud who is in the discussion for League MVP. The tying run was at third with only one out. Nyisztor kept battling and battling but on the tenth pitch of the at-bat, Ray blew a 97 mph fastball by the All-Star.
Ray has the personality, the charisma, and the confidence of someone who simply knows he is better than you and isn't afraid to show it. He also has a screw loose upstairs--and I mean that in the best of ways. I don't mean that to suggest he has a disability or anything in a negative fashion. But, he is crazy. He doesn't back down from anyone or any situation. He simply doesn't care. He has the perfect mentality for a closer. In Ray's mind, there is no one he can't get out-and I mean no one, MLB players included. And you know what? I wouldn't challenge him on that one. Oh, and not to mention, his work ethic is pretty unreal.
Ray Black has "it." You know what else he has? Awful luck. Most pitchers sustain tons and tons of arm injuries to keep them from reaching their potential but Ray has been plagued by a handful of "normal person" injuries. Yeah, he had Tommy John in high school but he has come out of that throwing in the mid-to-high 90's. He had a bad knee injury, a hand injury, and a mid-body injury, among others. Last night, while warming up to close out the Lunkers 6-2 win over the Beetles, something didn't feel right in his arm and his night ended before he even threw a pitch.
There are just above 3 weeks left in the season and, at this point, even the most minor of injuries will end a guy's season. Unfortunately, such is the case for Ray, who will shut it down for the remainder of the summer to rest his arm. When Ray walked off the mound last night I was sick to my stomach. Not because I was pretty sure it was the last time Ray Black would take the hill in between the lines this summer. Not because he my favorite player to watch. Because he deserves better--someone with that much talent, that hard of a work ethic, and that big of a heart, deserves better.
Ray will bounce back. Not because he has "it," because injuries still derail guys that have "it," but because Ray has something "more." Heck, if I can't define "it," I am not even going to try to define "more." If his bad luck rides off into the sunset, Ray Black will be the first player in Lunkers history to make it to the Major Leagues.
I admire Ray for all he has been through. People seem to always hear about the pitchers that, now, come back better from Tommy John. What you don't hear are the large group of pitchers who don't. Also, they don't just have surgery and get better...they work their absolute tail off to get back to that point. Ray has gone through much more than that, though, and he is still fighting. He still has the swagger and he still has the work ethic. He's got something else...I don't know what it is...but whatever it is, he has "it"...but he's also got something much "more."
While Ray Black, the closer, will be missed a ton by the Lunkers team as they look to hold onto the first place in the North Division's 2nd half standings, it is without question that Ray Black, the person and the teammate, will be missed much more.
For Tomorrow: HSO's on LeBron James and the Overall Champion in the Young Corps Debate
Friday, July 23, 2010
07.23.2010: How sweet it is!
First place! Great win for the Lunkers last night. They try improve their lead tonight with the birthday boy, Charlie Henderson, on the hill.
Be sure to check in tomorrow as I will publish a Hot Sports Opinion about one of our very own Lunkers. For today, you get to meet Patrick Nathanson, and find out who wins the NL West debate...
Just a refresher on criteria: I am only analyzing players 27 and younger on each team's 40-man roster based predominantly on their MLB production and what it might project to...
Winners
AL East: Tampa Bay
AL Central: Detroit
AL West: Texas
NL East: Atlanta Braves
NL Central: Milwaukee Brewers
NL West:?????
San Diego Padres: Shocked the Padres are still leading the NL West and remain one of the best teams in the Major Leagues? Get used to it. They have one of the most underrated young corps of pitchers in the big leagues.Matt Latos is as advertised and at 22 is picking apart MLB batters. Wade LeBlanc (25) is pitching very well and Clayton Richard (26) has proven to be a late bloomer, as the once highly-touted prospect is starting to figure it out. That staff will keep them in the NL West for years to come, as I suspect all three will continue to improve.
Offensively, they are not quite as strong in the youth department but the potential is there. Chase Headley is having his best year in his young career in 2010, but I don't see an upside much steeper than what he is showing for the 26 year old--not that that is too terrible of a thing, he is still a pretty good player. Kyle Blanks has the most potential of 'em all. A 6'6" outfielder with raw power, Blanks has the talent to succeed in the majors, but it is now a question as to whether he is a legitimate hitter, or just a big guy with great power that Minor League Pitchers somehow couldn't work around.
Tony Gwynn Jr. is a nice piece, but he has pretty much shown you what you will get from him. The real question, offensively, is Aaron Cunningham. He has gotten a small sampling of playing time this season and done well. At 24, Cunningham has plenty of offensive upside as a toolsy outfielder.
Don't forget about 23 year-old lefty, Aaron Poreda, on the pitching side, adding more depth to that young staff.
Overall, staff great, hitting pretty ordinary as far as the youth department goes.
Youth Leader: Latos, without a doubt. A sub 3.00 ERA for a 22 year-old pitcher is pretty ridiculous, I don't care where you pitch.
San Francisco Giants: Ummmmm...you think Brian Sabean goes to bed dreaming of the Giants teams to come in the next few years? Where do you start? Ok, I'll start with pitching.
Tim Lincecum is, at 26, arguably the best pitcher in baseball. You know who is not too far behind him? Twenty-five year old, Matt Cain, the Giants' #2 starter. Oh, and Madison Bumgarner is 20 years old and in his first five starts he has a 2.41 ERA. Yes, 5 starts is a small sampling, but the guy comes in with tons of regard and is kind of-sort of showing why. Oh, and did I mention he is only 20? I guess we can also mention Jonathan Sanchez, the hard-throwing lefty apparently has figured it out. He has a 3.47 ERA through 19 starts this season. Is the ace his stuff suggests he could be? No...not that he might not continue to develop. But a #4 guy that throws in the high 90's from the left side? I'll take it.
Ok, to the sticks we go. Don't look too much into Pablo Sandoval's down season. The guy is 23 and coming off a season in which he hit .330. You don't just luck into a .330 average when you hit with as much power as Sandoval does and runs as slowly as he does. Some guys boost their average in a given year because of a spike in infield hits...that guy is definitely not Sandoval. He is a struggling a bit this year, yes, but don't be worried.
You know who isn't struggling? Buster Posey. He is 23 as well. The 1B has 8 home runs this season and is in the middle of a 16 game hitting streak. Once again, I am well aware that some of the most ordinary players in baseball history have had 8 home runs over a 50-game span that includes averages equal to or better than Posey's .353 clip, but when a first-rounder like Posey, who scouts say is one of the brightest hitting prospects of the decade, delivers this soon, are you supposed to just brush it aside?
Waiting in the wings is talented prospect Francisco Peguero, the 22 year-old outfielder.
Is the quantity there with the bats? No. But that's okay when your "quality" consists of two of the best young hitters in all of baseball.
Youth Leader: I guess Lincecum because you can't ignore a guy with 2 CY Youngs at the age of 26.
Colorado Rockies: Okay, let's get something straight. Ubaldo Jimenez (26) is very good. There is no doubt he is one of the best pitchers in baseball. But, he is not the most dominant pitcher in baseball like his 2010 numbers might suggest. He is without a doubt one of the ten best MLB arms 27 or younger, and maybe in the top 5, but I don't think it is a guarantee. Regardless, he is pretty frickin' good, let's not take that away from him.
Jhoulys Chacin (22) has a very bright future and is getting some great experience in the bigs this season--he will only get better. But outside of he and Jimnenez there is not a ton. Franklin Morales has not really panned out, though, at 24 he still has time. Greg Smith and Jason Hammel are servicable but nothing that makes me go crazy.
Offensively, there is definitely talent. Carlos Gonzalez is one of the brightest offensive players in the league. He is the total package at the plate and in the field. Dexter Fowler has plenty of talent, though his 2010 numbers don't show much. Let's not forget Troy Tulowitzki (25), one of the best short stops in the game. Ian Stewart is not a bad supplemental piece either, but he is not someone you build a lineup around like Gonzalez or Tulo.
Youth Leader: Tough to go against Tulo or Gonzalez but you can't turn away from Jimenez. Ask me same time next year and I guarantee its Gonzalez without hesitation.
Los Angeles Dodgers: I am surprised this team is not better this year, future aside. But, they will be competitive for years to come because of a very strong core. Between Clayton Kershaw (22) and Matt Kemp (25), the Dodgers have one of the best young pitchers and hitters in baseball. Kershaw, a lefty, continues to turn heads and he still is only 22 years old. Once he improves his control just a bit, he will take home at least one CY Young, likely more. Kemp, in centerfield, does it all. I don't think he'll get there, but he is one of the few 40-40 threats in baseball.
Chad Billingsley (25) is already pretty good, but has potential to be much better. One night he amazes you and then the next time out he is ordinary. There is still time for him to find some consistency and I have a feeling it is coming. Another young arm, James McDonald, has tons of talent out of the pen, but he will likely be a bullpen guy and that only gets you so much credit in this debate, especially because McDonald doesn't project to be the next dominant bullpen guy, rather a guy who will be very good.
Yeah, Jonathan Broxton is 26 and he is very good, but something about him scares me as far as signing him to a long term deal is concerned. I don't know what, exactly. I can't pinpoint it.
Russell Martin just isn't the same. If he was the 2008 Russell Martin, let's talk about a lineup to be reckoned with for the future, but he isn't, and it isn't. James Loney is good, but he is a first baseman without much power.
Youth Leader: Clayton Kershaw. No questions asked.
Arizona Diamondbacks: This division, in general, is the strongest division top to bottom as far as youth corps is concerned. The Diamondbacks have got some stuff going for them. First off, 22 year-old Justin Upton is one of the best young bats in baseball--he has speed, he's got power, and he can hit for average. Gerardo Parra is supposed to be a top of the order guy from the left side of the plate and, while he hasn't shown that yet, he is still only 23. At the other end of this age spectrum, 27 year-old Stephen Drew isn't a superstar like some used to project, but he is pretty good. Mark Reynolds (26) is someone I'll take on my team any day. Yeah, he strikes out a ton and his average is down, but the guy produces runs, he can run, and he plays a very good 3B...oh, and did I forget to mention he is one of the few remaining MLB players with mid-40 HR power? Another one of those guys with tons of pop is 26 year old Chris Young. Does he have Reynolds power? Tough to say, but if he doesn't, he is not far behind. The former White Sox farm hand is doing it with the long ball, but with the average as well, a big step for the outfielder with 40-40 potential.
The D-Backs, however, are pretty bare as far as the arms are concerned. Edwin Jackson is pretty good, but at 26 and with a lot of mileage, he has not shown that he is an ace. Scouts thought that could be Ian Kennedy, but the 25 year old isn't either. Both have the talent to be pretty good #2 pitchers--Jackson has come much closer to realizing that potential than Kennedy.
Youth Leader: Justin Upton. But its pretty tough to pass on a guy like Young with 40-40 potential.
And the Winner Is...The San Francisco Giants. How can you not pick a team with four young studs in their future staff--two of whom are already among the best in baseball, another who, at 20, is showing he is on his way, and the last piece, who, on most other teams would be a pretty darn good #2. And, they have two of the best young hitting prospects in baseball...I didn't have to labor on this one.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers: They get the edge because I'd take the younger Kershaw over Jimenez and Kemp over Gonzalez.
3. Colorado Rockies: If this debate includes the entire farm system, they jump LAD.
4. Arizona Diamondbacks: No pitching, but the best young hitting other than SF
5. San Diego Padres: Yeah, they are last, but they would be higher if it included full organization and I would be perfectly fine inheriting this bunch.
Next Post we will determine an overall winner!
Be sure to check in tomorrow as I will publish a Hot Sports Opinion about one of our very own Lunkers. For today, you get to meet Patrick Nathanson, and find out who wins the NL West debate...
Just a refresher on criteria: I am only analyzing players 27 and younger on each team's 40-man roster based predominantly on their MLB production and what it might project to...
Winners
AL East: Tampa Bay
AL Central: Detroit
AL West: Texas
NL East: Atlanta Braves
NL Central: Milwaukee Brewers
NL West:?????
San Diego Padres: Shocked the Padres are still leading the NL West and remain one of the best teams in the Major Leagues? Get used to it. They have one of the most underrated young corps of pitchers in the big leagues.Matt Latos is as advertised and at 22 is picking apart MLB batters. Wade LeBlanc (25) is pitching very well and Clayton Richard (26) has proven to be a late bloomer, as the once highly-touted prospect is starting to figure it out. That staff will keep them in the NL West for years to come, as I suspect all three will continue to improve.
Offensively, they are not quite as strong in the youth department but the potential is there. Chase Headley is having his best year in his young career in 2010, but I don't see an upside much steeper than what he is showing for the 26 year old--not that that is too terrible of a thing, he is still a pretty good player. Kyle Blanks has the most potential of 'em all. A 6'6" outfielder with raw power, Blanks has the talent to succeed in the majors, but it is now a question as to whether he is a legitimate hitter, or just a big guy with great power that Minor League Pitchers somehow couldn't work around.
Tony Gwynn Jr. is a nice piece, but he has pretty much shown you what you will get from him. The real question, offensively, is Aaron Cunningham. He has gotten a small sampling of playing time this season and done well. At 24, Cunningham has plenty of offensive upside as a toolsy outfielder.
Don't forget about 23 year-old lefty, Aaron Poreda, on the pitching side, adding more depth to that young staff.
Overall, staff great, hitting pretty ordinary as far as the youth department goes.
Youth Leader: Latos, without a doubt. A sub 3.00 ERA for a 22 year-old pitcher is pretty ridiculous, I don't care where you pitch.
San Francisco Giants: Ummmmm...you think Brian Sabean goes to bed dreaming of the Giants teams to come in the next few years? Where do you start? Ok, I'll start with pitching.
Tim Lincecum is, at 26, arguably the best pitcher in baseball. You know who is not too far behind him? Twenty-five year old, Matt Cain, the Giants' #2 starter. Oh, and Madison Bumgarner is 20 years old and in his first five starts he has a 2.41 ERA. Yes, 5 starts is a small sampling, but the guy comes in with tons of regard and is kind of-sort of showing why. Oh, and did I mention he is only 20? I guess we can also mention Jonathan Sanchez, the hard-throwing lefty apparently has figured it out. He has a 3.47 ERA through 19 starts this season. Is the ace his stuff suggests he could be? No...not that he might not continue to develop. But a #4 guy that throws in the high 90's from the left side? I'll take it.
Ok, to the sticks we go. Don't look too much into Pablo Sandoval's down season. The guy is 23 and coming off a season in which he hit .330. You don't just luck into a .330 average when you hit with as much power as Sandoval does and runs as slowly as he does. Some guys boost their average in a given year because of a spike in infield hits...that guy is definitely not Sandoval. He is a struggling a bit this year, yes, but don't be worried.
You know who isn't struggling? Buster Posey. He is 23 as well. The 1B has 8 home runs this season and is in the middle of a 16 game hitting streak. Once again, I am well aware that some of the most ordinary players in baseball history have had 8 home runs over a 50-game span that includes averages equal to or better than Posey's .353 clip, but when a first-rounder like Posey, who scouts say is one of the brightest hitting prospects of the decade, delivers this soon, are you supposed to just brush it aside?
Waiting in the wings is talented prospect Francisco Peguero, the 22 year-old outfielder.
Is the quantity there with the bats? No. But that's okay when your "quality" consists of two of the best young hitters in all of baseball.
Youth Leader: I guess Lincecum because you can't ignore a guy with 2 CY Youngs at the age of 26.
Colorado Rockies: Okay, let's get something straight. Ubaldo Jimenez (26) is very good. There is no doubt he is one of the best pitchers in baseball. But, he is not the most dominant pitcher in baseball like his 2010 numbers might suggest. He is without a doubt one of the ten best MLB arms 27 or younger, and maybe in the top 5, but I don't think it is a guarantee. Regardless, he is pretty frickin' good, let's not take that away from him.
Jhoulys Chacin (22) has a very bright future and is getting some great experience in the bigs this season--he will only get better. But outside of he and Jimnenez there is not a ton. Franklin Morales has not really panned out, though, at 24 he still has time. Greg Smith and Jason Hammel are servicable but nothing that makes me go crazy.
Offensively, there is definitely talent. Carlos Gonzalez is one of the brightest offensive players in the league. He is the total package at the plate and in the field. Dexter Fowler has plenty of talent, though his 2010 numbers don't show much. Let's not forget Troy Tulowitzki (25), one of the best short stops in the game. Ian Stewart is not a bad supplemental piece either, but he is not someone you build a lineup around like Gonzalez or Tulo.
Youth Leader: Tough to go against Tulo or Gonzalez but you can't turn away from Jimenez. Ask me same time next year and I guarantee its Gonzalez without hesitation.
Los Angeles Dodgers: I am surprised this team is not better this year, future aside. But, they will be competitive for years to come because of a very strong core. Between Clayton Kershaw (22) and Matt Kemp (25), the Dodgers have one of the best young pitchers and hitters in baseball. Kershaw, a lefty, continues to turn heads and he still is only 22 years old. Once he improves his control just a bit, he will take home at least one CY Young, likely more. Kemp, in centerfield, does it all. I don't think he'll get there, but he is one of the few 40-40 threats in baseball.
Chad Billingsley (25) is already pretty good, but has potential to be much better. One night he amazes you and then the next time out he is ordinary. There is still time for him to find some consistency and I have a feeling it is coming. Another young arm, James McDonald, has tons of talent out of the pen, but he will likely be a bullpen guy and that only gets you so much credit in this debate, especially because McDonald doesn't project to be the next dominant bullpen guy, rather a guy who will be very good.
Yeah, Jonathan Broxton is 26 and he is very good, but something about him scares me as far as signing him to a long term deal is concerned. I don't know what, exactly. I can't pinpoint it.
Russell Martin just isn't the same. If he was the 2008 Russell Martin, let's talk about a lineup to be reckoned with for the future, but he isn't, and it isn't. James Loney is good, but he is a first baseman without much power.
Youth Leader: Clayton Kershaw. No questions asked.
Arizona Diamondbacks: This division, in general, is the strongest division top to bottom as far as youth corps is concerned. The Diamondbacks have got some stuff going for them. First off, 22 year-old Justin Upton is one of the best young bats in baseball--he has speed, he's got power, and he can hit for average. Gerardo Parra is supposed to be a top of the order guy from the left side of the plate and, while he hasn't shown that yet, he is still only 23. At the other end of this age spectrum, 27 year-old Stephen Drew isn't a superstar like some used to project, but he is pretty good. Mark Reynolds (26) is someone I'll take on my team any day. Yeah, he strikes out a ton and his average is down, but the guy produces runs, he can run, and he plays a very good 3B...oh, and did I forget to mention he is one of the few remaining MLB players with mid-40 HR power? Another one of those guys with tons of pop is 26 year old Chris Young. Does he have Reynolds power? Tough to say, but if he doesn't, he is not far behind. The former White Sox farm hand is doing it with the long ball, but with the average as well, a big step for the outfielder with 40-40 potential.
The D-Backs, however, are pretty bare as far as the arms are concerned. Edwin Jackson is pretty good, but at 26 and with a lot of mileage, he has not shown that he is an ace. Scouts thought that could be Ian Kennedy, but the 25 year old isn't either. Both have the talent to be pretty good #2 pitchers--Jackson has come much closer to realizing that potential than Kennedy.
Youth Leader: Justin Upton. But its pretty tough to pass on a guy like Young with 40-40 potential.
And the Winner Is...The San Francisco Giants. How can you not pick a team with four young studs in their future staff--two of whom are already among the best in baseball, another who, at 20, is showing he is on his way, and the last piece, who, on most other teams would be a pretty darn good #2. And, they have two of the best young hitting prospects in baseball...I didn't have to labor on this one.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers: They get the edge because I'd take the younger Kershaw over Jimenez and Kemp over Gonzalez.
3. Colorado Rockies: If this debate includes the entire farm system, they jump LAD.
4. Arizona Diamondbacks: No pitching, but the best young hitting other than SF
5. San Diego Padres: Yeah, they are last, but they would be higher if it included full organization and I would be perfectly fine inheriting this bunch.
Next Post we will determine an overall winner!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
07.22.2010: Big Game Baseball
It's a big series for the Lunkers starting tonight as both the Lunkers and their opponents, the Alexandria Beetles, have 7-3 second half records, tied atop the North. Big baseball in Brainerd! I am not going to lie, I am really, really pumped. It's always more fun to broadcast good baseball, but with the way this team began the season, it's great that the players have an opportunity to play in some big games!
So I must apologize for the lack of activity on this blog. I will do my best to pick it up as the we get set the start the final 25 games of the season. Here's to all 25 of these games mattering in the standings for the Lunkers! Cheers!
We have two video additions for you: Stephen Wickens and Rob Matthews.
The All-Star Break was tons of fun. I, along with fellow workers Nate Hanson and Mike Jacobson, Assistant GM Dustin Anaas, Coach Lev, and the team's three All-Stars--Kyle Teague, Nick Anderson, and Chadd Krist--made the trip to Eau Claire, WI for the festivities. It was awesome getting to meet other staff members around the league, specifically the coaches. I was hoping to meet more fellow broadcasters but not nearly as many as I would have hoped made the trip. I did meet J.W. Cox from the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters of the South and he and I hit it off. Unfortunately, I won't get to see J.W. or the other Rafters staff members I met because the North and South don't play. On one end, it was great meeting people from the South because you don't see them, but it was disappointing meeting people from the South because you don't see them...if that makes sense.
I want to thank Scott Montesano, the voice of the Eau Claire Express, and the Northwoods League for presenting me with the opportunity to broadcast part of the All-Star Game. It was an honor.
Got to get ready for tonight's game! Let's get a win!
So I must apologize for the lack of activity on this blog. I will do my best to pick it up as the we get set the start the final 25 games of the season. Here's to all 25 of these games mattering in the standings for the Lunkers! Cheers!
We have two video additions for you: Stephen Wickens and Rob Matthews.
The All-Star Break was tons of fun. I, along with fellow workers Nate Hanson and Mike Jacobson, Assistant GM Dustin Anaas, Coach Lev, and the team's three All-Stars--Kyle Teague, Nick Anderson, and Chadd Krist--made the trip to Eau Claire, WI for the festivities. It was awesome getting to meet other staff members around the league, specifically the coaches. I was hoping to meet more fellow broadcasters but not nearly as many as I would have hoped made the trip. I did meet J.W. Cox from the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters of the South and he and I hit it off. Unfortunately, I won't get to see J.W. or the other Rafters staff members I met because the North and South don't play. On one end, it was great meeting people from the South because you don't see them, but it was disappointing meeting people from the South because you don't see them...if that makes sense.
I want to thank Scott Montesano, the voice of the Eau Claire Express, and the Northwoods League for presenting me with the opportunity to broadcast part of the All-Star Game. It was an honor.
Got to get ready for tonight's game! Let's get a win!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
07.19.2010
Soooo...we showed up in Duluth today to find that our hotel rooms were never booked (home team's responsibility to take care of road team) so instead of checking in and relaxing in our hotel rooms we went directly to the field. No big deal. Right when we get there we talk to the Duluth people and they set up rooms for everyone in two separate hotels--one in Duluth, the other in Superior, WI, fifteen minutes outside of Duluth. Whatever...it's only for a night...
Several hours later...
We lose 9-0. That sucks. Time to go to our hotels. We drop off the crew of seven that our sharing a suite in a hotel in Duluth. Next stop? The Days Inn, the hotel we were supposed to be at originally. Apparently the Duluth people were able to secure some rooms for us so we go only to find that those rooms were never secured.
It's currently 11:20 and we just found out that we are going back to Brainerd and then coming back tomorrow for our game. It'd be one thing if it was a hour drive...maybe two...but this is a three-plus hour drive that we will be making back tonight, then again in the morning, and then after the game...
Not convenient to say the least. Maybe we can at least watch a good movie or two...
Anyway, such is life on the road. The Northwoods League has made quality of travel life a top priority...We don't stay in the "Dark Alley Inn" or the "I Wouldn't Walk Within A Mile of This Place Hotel." This gaff is unusual...
Whatever....
Several hours later...
We lose 9-0. That sucks. Time to go to our hotels. We drop off the crew of seven that our sharing a suite in a hotel in Duluth. Next stop? The Days Inn, the hotel we were supposed to be at originally. Apparently the Duluth people were able to secure some rooms for us so we go only to find that those rooms were never secured.
It's currently 11:20 and we just found out that we are going back to Brainerd and then coming back tomorrow for our game. It'd be one thing if it was a hour drive...maybe two...but this is a three-plus hour drive that we will be making back tonight, then again in the morning, and then after the game...
Not convenient to say the least. Maybe we can at least watch a good movie or two...
Anyway, such is life on the road. The Northwoods League has made quality of travel life a top priority...We don't stay in the "Dark Alley Inn" or the "I Wouldn't Walk Within A Mile of This Place Hotel." This gaff is unusual...
Whatever....
Monday, July 5, 2010
07.05.2010: Rain Delay Theatre
Want to know what went on during tonight's rain delay? Other than a quartet of Lunkers--Kyle Teague, Ray Black, Nick Anderson, and Rob Matthews--joining me in the booth providing great laughter and lots of comedic insight, Drew Smith was up to some on-field shenanigans...
Until next time...GO LUNKERS!
Until next time...GO LUNKERS!
Friday, July 2, 2010
07.02.2010: Inside the Dugout: Brandon Baumgartner
Here ya go...Brandon Baumgartner, the League's appearance leader
Inside the Dugout: Brandon Baumgartner
Inside the Dugout: Brandon Baumgartner
07.02.2010: Welcome Home!
Back in the States! Woooo! The bus ride back was relatively enjoyable. I watched four episodes of Friday Night Lights, season 4...If you have never given FNL a chance, you really should...especially if you are in the 16-28 age range. How did I come up with that range? Not sure. I don't have too much time to watch TV shows but I watch FNL and Entourage. Other than that, for me? It's whatever is on ESPN and the ESPN family of networks, plus MLB and NFL Network.
Later this afternoon we will have our next edition of Inside the Dugout, with Brandon Baumgartner.
But...what I do have for you is the next installment of the young core debate...today's division of discussion? NL Central.
Just a refresher on criteria: I am only analyzing players 27 and younger on each team's 40-man roster based predominantly on their MLB production and what it might project to...
Winners
AL East: Tampa Bay
AL Central: Detroit
AL West: Texas
NL East: Atlanta Braves
NL Central:
NL West:
Cincinnati Reds: I have already written a blog about how impressed I am with what Mike Leake has done in his rookie campaign. The guy is 22 and absolutely dealing. Yes, Stephen Strasburg has not disappointed, but Leake gets the job done just as well, just, without the pizzazz.
On the hill, alongside Leake, there is the unknown element of Aroldis Chapman...my inclination is that Chapman will be very good--all-star good, but maybe not Hall of Fame good. Johnny Cueto's numbers continue to get better and better and he is only 24. If only Homer Bailey was able to bring things together, imagine this team's rotation for the next few years!
Offensively, a lot of their future rides on Yonder Alonso, the left-handed hitting first baseman. Will he stay at first? I don't think so because if he pans out, you have to find a way to keep him and Votto in the lineup. For now, Alonso is an unknown. Votto (26), however, is one of the best first baseman in the league. Alongside Votto, Drew Stubbs (25) in his first full-season is doing ok. He is hitting for relative power and swiping bags, but his average is only .234. If he can improve on that .30 points, he would be a huge contributor.
Their young arms are better than their young bats. For now, it's not close, but if Alonso pans out, the bats shorten the gap. Still, in the long run, if they keep things in tact, the pitching will carry this team. Scary thought, though, as they play in one of the most hitter-friendly parks in baseball.
Youth Leader? At this point, it is no question for me that this goes to Mike Leake. He is 22 and already one of the best pitchers in baseball.
St. Louis Cardinals: Forgive them for competing for the World Series for the past five years, but St. Louis does not have a whole lot to work with in their 27 and younger pool of their 40-man. Names you know? Yadier Molina (27) and Colby Rasmus (23). Name you might not know, but should? Jaime Garcia (23).
Molina is a very good catcher and a nice piece to have, but he is not an absolute cornerstone. Would 30 of 30 MLB teams die to have him? Yes (maybe not Minnesota). But not in the same they that 28 of 30 teams would die to have a guy like Albert Pujols.
Colby Rasmus is a toolsy, athletic center fielder and the center fielder of the future for the red birds. He is having a pretty darn good season, hitting .274 with 16 HR and 40 RBI. The RBI totals are misleading, as it is tough to collect em with Pujols and Holliday in the lineup. He is on the right track to becoming an All-Star caliber player, though the Cards certainly would love to see his average jump closer towards .300.
Jaime Garcia has burst onto the scene in 2010. The lefty is 7-4 with a 2.27 ERA! Holy smokes! He is having a very impressive season and no one even knows!
Unfortunately, beyond Garcia, Rasmus, and Molina, there is not too much to write home about. But, once again, that's okay when you are consistently playing deep into October.
Youth Leader? I'm going with Rasmus, only because I want to see it from Garcia for more than one season.
Milwaukee Brewers: They have the most developed young talent in the division, by far. Heard of these guys? Fielder, Braun, Gallardo, Weeks, and Parra. Don't forget Alcides Escobar, who, at 23, is doing just fine at shortstop.
Obviously that list is more batter-loaded, but that's a scary lineup to imagine for the future. A core of Fielder, Braun, Weeks, and Escobar. Unsure of who Yovanni Gallardo is? Check out the strikeout leaderboard for 2010.
Plus, at 24, Matt Gamel has a very high ceiling. Casey McGehee, at 27, is the type of player that usually gets left off teams with this much young talent in the long run, but for now, he is a very good role player.
As far as unproven talent on this squad, there is not that much, which is not always a bad thing. The only question is whether money can keep this team together.
Youth Leader? This is a tough one. Braun and Fielder are top offensive forces. Gallardo is one of the game's bright young pitchers. I go with Braun. He has found a home in left field and has all of the offensive tools.
Chicago Cubs: Things just don't look that great for the Cubs down the road. All but two of their guys worth mentioning are 27, and while they are all very useful, they, as a core, don't shine nearly bright enough to win championships. Who are they? Geo Soto, Carlos Marmol, Sean Marshall, Randy Wells, and Tom Gorzelanny. See? Not a great core, necessarily. They are all good pieces to have on a competitive team.
Starlin Castro is very young (as far as we know), at 20, and has tons of potential. Tyler Colvin, at 25, does as well. Beyond these two, there is not much. I am tired of sticking up for Jeff Samardzija.
I am going to pack this one in, sort of like what's been going on upstairs with this team...
Youth Leader? Castro. At 20, he is a got tons of talent with the glove and is hitting over .270.
Houston Astros: Not looking good. You know what you are getting with Hunter Pence (27)...he is pretty good, but not great. Tommy Manzella is okay but is already 27. Jason Castro is their only offensive hope for the future. The 23 year-old left-handed hitting catcher should be very good for them in the long run. But there are no arms to speak of and no bats to join Castro.
It's pretty bare.
Youth Leader? Castro, I guess? No...Pence. Or, Castro? Can I get back to you?
Pittsburgh Pirates: Andrew McCutchen is pretty freaking good. Outside of him, there is not much you can bank on. Jeff Clement has not yet panned out. Neither has Lastings Milledge. Jose Tabata is unproven. And yeah, that's really about it...
And the Winner Is...The Milwaukee Brewers. Hands-down. Not really too close, to be honest with you. It was tougher to decide who was last than who was first.
2. Cincinnati Reds: A bat or two short of topping the Brew Crew
3. St. Louis: Rasmus and Garcia are that good.
4. No one.
Tied for 5th: Pittsburgh and Chicago.
Last in baseball: Houston.
Later this afternoon we will have our next edition of Inside the Dugout, with Brandon Baumgartner.
But...what I do have for you is the next installment of the young core debate...today's division of discussion? NL Central.
Just a refresher on criteria: I am only analyzing players 27 and younger on each team's 40-man roster based predominantly on their MLB production and what it might project to...
Winners
AL East: Tampa Bay
AL Central: Detroit
AL West: Texas
NL East: Atlanta Braves
NL Central:
NL West:
Cincinnati Reds: I have already written a blog about how impressed I am with what Mike Leake has done in his rookie campaign. The guy is 22 and absolutely dealing. Yes, Stephen Strasburg has not disappointed, but Leake gets the job done just as well, just, without the pizzazz.
On the hill, alongside Leake, there is the unknown element of Aroldis Chapman...my inclination is that Chapman will be very good--all-star good, but maybe not Hall of Fame good. Johnny Cueto's numbers continue to get better and better and he is only 24. If only Homer Bailey was able to bring things together, imagine this team's rotation for the next few years!
Offensively, a lot of their future rides on Yonder Alonso, the left-handed hitting first baseman. Will he stay at first? I don't think so because if he pans out, you have to find a way to keep him and Votto in the lineup. For now, Alonso is an unknown. Votto (26), however, is one of the best first baseman in the league. Alongside Votto, Drew Stubbs (25) in his first full-season is doing ok. He is hitting for relative power and swiping bags, but his average is only .234. If he can improve on that .30 points, he would be a huge contributor.
Their young arms are better than their young bats. For now, it's not close, but if Alonso pans out, the bats shorten the gap. Still, in the long run, if they keep things in tact, the pitching will carry this team. Scary thought, though, as they play in one of the most hitter-friendly parks in baseball.
Youth Leader? At this point, it is no question for me that this goes to Mike Leake. He is 22 and already one of the best pitchers in baseball.
St. Louis Cardinals: Forgive them for competing for the World Series for the past five years, but St. Louis does not have a whole lot to work with in their 27 and younger pool of their 40-man. Names you know? Yadier Molina (27) and Colby Rasmus (23). Name you might not know, but should? Jaime Garcia (23).
Molina is a very good catcher and a nice piece to have, but he is not an absolute cornerstone. Would 30 of 30 MLB teams die to have him? Yes (maybe not Minnesota). But not in the same they that 28 of 30 teams would die to have a guy like Albert Pujols.
Colby Rasmus is a toolsy, athletic center fielder and the center fielder of the future for the red birds. He is having a pretty darn good season, hitting .274 with 16 HR and 40 RBI. The RBI totals are misleading, as it is tough to collect em with Pujols and Holliday in the lineup. He is on the right track to becoming an All-Star caliber player, though the Cards certainly would love to see his average jump closer towards .300.
Jaime Garcia has burst onto the scene in 2010. The lefty is 7-4 with a 2.27 ERA! Holy smokes! He is having a very impressive season and no one even knows!
Unfortunately, beyond Garcia, Rasmus, and Molina, there is not too much to write home about. But, once again, that's okay when you are consistently playing deep into October.
Youth Leader? I'm going with Rasmus, only because I want to see it from Garcia for more than one season.
Milwaukee Brewers: They have the most developed young talent in the division, by far. Heard of these guys? Fielder, Braun, Gallardo, Weeks, and Parra. Don't forget Alcides Escobar, who, at 23, is doing just fine at shortstop.
Obviously that list is more batter-loaded, but that's a scary lineup to imagine for the future. A core of Fielder, Braun, Weeks, and Escobar. Unsure of who Yovanni Gallardo is? Check out the strikeout leaderboard for 2010.
Plus, at 24, Matt Gamel has a very high ceiling. Casey McGehee, at 27, is the type of player that usually gets left off teams with this much young talent in the long run, but for now, he is a very good role player.
As far as unproven talent on this squad, there is not that much, which is not always a bad thing. The only question is whether money can keep this team together.
Youth Leader? This is a tough one. Braun and Fielder are top offensive forces. Gallardo is one of the game's bright young pitchers. I go with Braun. He has found a home in left field and has all of the offensive tools.
Chicago Cubs: Things just don't look that great for the Cubs down the road. All but two of their guys worth mentioning are 27, and while they are all very useful, they, as a core, don't shine nearly bright enough to win championships. Who are they? Geo Soto, Carlos Marmol, Sean Marshall, Randy Wells, and Tom Gorzelanny. See? Not a great core, necessarily. They are all good pieces to have on a competitive team.
Starlin Castro is very young (as far as we know), at 20, and has tons of potential. Tyler Colvin, at 25, does as well. Beyond these two, there is not much. I am tired of sticking up for Jeff Samardzija.
I am going to pack this one in, sort of like what's been going on upstairs with this team...
Youth Leader? Castro. At 20, he is a got tons of talent with the glove and is hitting over .270.
Houston Astros: Not looking good. You know what you are getting with Hunter Pence (27)...he is pretty good, but not great. Tommy Manzella is okay but is already 27. Jason Castro is their only offensive hope for the future. The 23 year-old left-handed hitting catcher should be very good for them in the long run. But there are no arms to speak of and no bats to join Castro.
It's pretty bare.
Youth Leader? Castro, I guess? No...Pence. Or, Castro? Can I get back to you?
Pittsburgh Pirates: Andrew McCutchen is pretty freaking good. Outside of him, there is not much you can bank on. Jeff Clement has not yet panned out. Neither has Lastings Milledge. Jose Tabata is unproven. And yeah, that's really about it...
And the Winner Is...The Milwaukee Brewers. Hands-down. Not really too close, to be honest with you. It was tougher to decide who was last than who was first.
2. Cincinnati Reds: A bat or two short of topping the Brew Crew
3. St. Louis: Rasmus and Garcia are that good.
4. No one.
Tied for 5th: Pittsburgh and Chicago.
Last in baseball: Houston.
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