Hear the Hurd

Baseball Hall of Fame: 2014 Class

A few years back I wrote about the future MLB hall of fame vote and suspected that the ballot will become very crowded very soon. With nobody getting in for 2013, this just creates a larger conflict.  To my mind the following players eligible in 2014 have a legit argument in HoF voting:

Jeff Bagwell

Craig Biggio

Barry Bonds

Roger Clemens

Tom Glavine

Jeff Kent

Greg Maddux

Edgar Martinez

Don Mattingly

Fred McGriff

Mark McGwire

Jack Morris

Dale Murphy

Mike Mussina

Rafeal Palmeiro

Mike Piazza

Tim Raines

Curt Schilling

Lee Smith

Sammy Sosa

Frank Thomas

Alan Trammell

Larry Walker

 

Can you pick just ten?  I can see 8 as easy choices: Glavine, Maddux, Thomas, Biggio, Bagwell, Piazza, Clemens and Bonds.  That leaves 2 left to choose from out of 15 players.  I think you can cut Kent, Mussina, Morris, Smith, Walker and Mattingly.  But that still leaves 9 players which require cutting down to 2.  To be honest with you, I don't know how to do it.  I would wish to vote for at least Raines...then Schilling...then Murphy and Martinez.  Trammell and McGriff deserve it too. 

I am stumped and I don't even have a ballot to cast.  I can only wonder how hard it will be for the actual voters, especially with some being so pointlessly stupid (blank ballots submitted as protest, never voting for someone on first ballot, etc.)  Many do not even list a full ten players. Obstructed View even suggested Maddux himself may have issue getting in on the first ballot.  I find that hard to believe but this is the BBWAA we are talking about.  You never know.  Cy Young and Joe DiMaggio were not 1st ballot Hall members.

So, can you pick just ten?  I'd be curious which people would choose and in fact, do you think there are ten Hall hopefuls on the list at all?  Please comment and let me know.  Me?  I'm still trying to get some tickets to next years ceremony.  It could be a Braves-fest with Mad Dog, Glavine, Cox and even Schuerholz potentially.  Go Braves!  That is all.

 

Bill Cosby...Racist?

I have not blogged in some time on a regular basis.  But this is just the type of thing that I started this blog to do...speak on whatever I wanted when it was something that mattered to me.  Today I hear that none other than Bill Cosby...whom I LOVE...has decided to take the "racist" track when considering any opposition to the current President.  Breitbart reports today that Cosby said this:

"It's also interesting that this Republican Party is not the Republican Party of 1863, of Abraham Lincoln, abolitionists and slavery, is not good. I think it's important for us to look at the underlying part of it. What is the value of it? Is it that some people are angry because my people no longer want to work for free?"

He says, "My people."  While I understand what he means, it seems to hold to something that I would think MLK would be against today.  His people?  Blacks?  Intellectuals?  Comedians?  Fathers?  Men?  Dare I ask, persons of strong character?  Which seems more important in his argument?  Now read his earlier remarks in regards to a simple (and as usual, boring) State of the Union address...

"To see people sitting down and then they there are others standing and cheering. I don't think it's difficult [to] believe. I think that we have people sitting there who are as bad as the people who were against any kind of desegregation.”

How The Coz, of all people, can get that from such a typical speech...I don't know?  But he does and thus, how does one give ANY opposition without being accused of such?  I love Bill Cosby as a father figure as I am sure many do of my generation, as a wonderful and hilarious comedian, and as a very well thought man that from an early age influenced me to do the same.  I know he is an older gentleman but I'd hate to say he's getting senile.  Perhaps. I think it is just too easy to cry racist to shut down honest argument.  Can we give it up already?  It's getting very tiresome.  For shame Coz!  Victor Borgia is not happy with you today (old gaming joke that will only be understood by very few.)  That is all.

2013 Oscars

I don't do the yearly picks like I used to but I cannot help but try and make a guess at the big six.  So here it goes:

Best Picture: Argo

Best Actor: Daniel Day Lewis

Best Actress: Jennifer Lawrence

Best Supporting Actor: Tommy Lee Jones

Best Supporting Actress: Anne Hathaway

Best Director: Steven Spielberg

At least doing it this way keeps me from having to decide on the live action short films.  Let's see how I do.  That is all.

HBO's Game Change

I caught the final portion of this film recently and hesitate to watch the rest.  It has nothing to do with the sourcing of the book or film, either.  It has to do with being a faithful adaptation. I read this book and was interested in how it would be presented on screen.  I thought the casting was interesting even though I knew it would be a hit job on every liberals favorite punching bag, Palin.  But when I watched it, I saw nothing of half the book.

Yes, it went into great detail on Palin and her pick.  But a good portion of the actual book covered Obama vs Clinton and some salacious episodes on Edwards that were by then old news.  The National Inquirer somehow reported that story at the time and no one in the major media wanted to check on it.  Apparently that wasn't dramatic enough for this film either.

Thus, this review will be short.  I will give Ed Harris credit for a credible job portraying McCain.  Moore wasn't bad as Palin, but Fey does her better.  And Woody needs to go back to the pipe.  No portrayal of Obama, Clinton, Biden, Edwards or anything else about a large portion of the book.  One has to ask why?  That is all.

2012 Oscars

I used to give a detailed look at the nominees (see here), but time and modern worrys keep me from caring as much. But I used to love this time of year.  Always loved movies and this was the night your favorite actors and actresses came out to pick up some hardware.  I've had a decent past in picking winners so I can't help but try and do it again.  Or at least I'll do my best to try and pick the top 6 once again:

Best Picture - The Artist

Best Actor - Gary Oldman

Best Actress - Glenn Close

Best Supporting Actor - Christopher Plummer

Best Supporting Actress - Jessica Chastain

Best Director - Martin Scorsese

There it is.  And that is without any reading of who is up for what other than making sure I knew the nominees.  We'll see how it goes.  I may be back to comment or not.  Depends on how boring the ceremony is tonight...or how long it lasts. ;) That is all.

2011 Braves at the midpoint

I try to do a post every year looking at the Braves at the midpoint, or All Star break, to see how the team is doing.  What my feelings are seem to be different than what is on the page...or the stats.  I've viewed much of the first half as a failure in many ways...the team not performing as expected (Uggla, Heyward, injuries a plenty.)  But the standings say differently.  These Braves are one of the top four teams in all of baseball.

What to make of it?  Let's take it by position as I normally do,

Catcher - Brian McCann has been the man this year.  Ross as back-up rarely leaves anything on the table.  'Nuff said. Plus.

1st Base - Freeman has been this year's Heyward without the injuries.  And plus, plus defense.  This Brave could actually win the ROY. Plus.

2nd Base - Uggla has left a lot to be desired this year, especially after signing that contract after the trade.  His power is still there to a point, but his average is way down.  He seems like he is picking up some steam and we can only hope that is true.  Hold.

SS - Alex Gonzalez has been steady if not productive.  If we could find a better SS, we could certainly do better.  He still has it on defense but where are those power numbers from last year?  Toronto?  Hold

3rd Base - With Chipper down, Prado steps up hopefully.  It will take some time to see if he is back or still hurting.  I won't count his poor numbers during rehab against him.  Thankfully Chipper is back within weeks.  But I said last year - Prado should not be playing 3rd every day.  That madness leads to Conrad at 2nd.  Hold for now.

RF - Heyward is trying to come back into his own.  It is always a learning process and I think his is well on his way.  Sophomore slump, sure, but the man still has plenty of talent. Plus

CF - Here is the place to upgrade if we replace an everyday player.  The two we run out there everyday have some issues, no doubt about it.  McLouth has proved some usefulness this year finally, and Schafer has had his moments, but this is definitely a Minus.

LF - Same thing here, I am afraid.  He have some warm bodies to fill the hole, but Prado moving to 3rd causes McLouth and Schafer to play together too often.  Because of the bench, I'll give this a Hold.

Starting Pitching - Excellent!  What else can I say?  I could get on Lowe and Hudson if I wanted to, but I don't.  Old men getting it done.  Good on them for it.  Thankfully the system is stocked and JJ, Hanson and Beachy/Minor/etc. is getting it done even better. Plus.

Relief Pitching - Steller.  Venters has had a set back or two of late, but Gonzalez uses him a lot.  Kimbrel has been amazing especially given his some time wildness.  There are holes here, however, and given the workload of the big four or five (and Moylan coming back soon from surgery) the team likely needs a fresh body.  Still, Plus.

Bench - Another strength.  Management has done well to mitigate the various injuries and the farm teams seemed stocked.  Still...championship teams often have that one guy that has been around forever.  Chipper may be that man on this team, but often it is a bench player.  I'd like to see one more steady and veteran bat on the bench. I still say Plus.

 

I suppose I should say a word or two about Gonzalez as manager.  His overuse of the bullpen is a sickness, but managers go with the hot hand and we have some good ones.  Outside of that, he seems very much in line with Bobby Cox - a player's manager.  The Braves are in line for winning the division depending on how the second half goes.  I'd say that is a success.  Given the Phillies starters, I am happy.  Never liked the wild card, but I am willing to take it if it means getting this team into the playoffs.  I am not certain we will lose the division, but even if we have to take the cheap route, this team can deliver.  It is very talented and as stated, stocked in the minors.  This could be a very happy October.  That is all.

4th of July, 2011

Every year, it's nice to do something to remember this day and what it means to us as a nation.  Having looked at various aspects of the holiday before, I thought it might be interesting to remind that not only do we celebrate the birth of a nation on the 4th, but so too the deaths of two of its greatest founders - Jefferson and Adams.  The two both died on this day in 1826, hours apart.  Adams final words were, "Thomas Jefferson survives" when in fact, Thomas Jefferson had predeceased his friend.  A rivalry to the final breath.

It's also important to note that Adams himself, among the many things he brought this country, was perhaps the first to suggest we celebrate this day in the manner in which we do.  In a letter to his wife Abigail he discusses his thoughts for what the 4th means,

"The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not."

We have celebrated thusly ever since as I am sure many and most of you will do today (and tomorrow...and hopefully every day!) Allow me to add a little reminder as well...this is what we celebrate:

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government.

I am so very grateful for my country and grateful to the men and women that defend her.  Happy birthday, United States of America.  I hope it's a great day for all.  That is all.

R.I.P. Rebekah Brokaw

I have learned that one of the smartest, sweetest, prettiest, and talented people I know has passed from this earth.  Rebekah Brokaw has passed away.  She died of an embolism while in hospital.  I loved her as a friend for many, many years though we lost touch a time or two.  I loved her as a woman, to be sure.  And I loved her as an intellect, as she was one of the smartest people I have ever known. 

The Rebekah I knew was a woman of warm spirit, intellectual curiosity, immensely spiritual and sometimes liking the wild side of life.  She had her foibles just like the rest of us.  If you are reading this, you likely knew her.  She was not afraid.  Beka faced life as it came to her and given her symptoms as bi-polar was often given to making tough choices.  I applauded her choice to move towards Christ as she grew older and I know full well that she is happier there than here.  It is not like that for us, however.  We must live with her loss.

I loved this woman.  I have known Rebekah for many years and tried many times to keep our relationship current.  It is hard today with so many of us living our own lives to keep up with those we care about.  And I feel I have left Rebekah down once again (she could tell you some stories.)  She was special to me and I only hope that she still thinks the same of me right now…wherever she is.  I love you, Bek.  And I miss you!!!  Rest in peace, sweet girl.

 

That is all.

Sidney Lumet, R.I.P.

I feel rather bad waiting a few days after the man passed away but the great Sidney Lumet is gone from us and we will not see another film from him.  This is truly a shame.

Let me give you a list of some of his best works:

 

1957 – 12 Angry Men

1959 - The Fugitive Kind

1962 – Long Day’s Journey Into Night

1964 – The Pawnbroker

1964 – Fail-Safe

1973 – Serpico

1974 – Murder on the Orient Express

1975 – Dog Day Afternoon

1976 – Network

1977 – Equus

1978 – The Wiz

1982 – Deathtrap

1982 – The Verdict

1984 – Garbo Talks

1986 – The Morning After

1988 – Running on Empty

1990 – Q & A

2007 – Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead

 

I don't know about you, but this list presents a damn fine example of cinema of the late 20th century (and some time after.)  He may not have been the flashiest of directors, but you always felt like you'd get a "good film" from him.  The list above pretty much proves that.  Each film seemed to have a heart that does not exist today (though see his last film...please!)  Hollywood may be bankrupt now, but it was not always that way.  Please watch one of the above films if you have not seen it before.  It can only do the industry good.  Rest in peace to a GREAT director.  That is all.

2011 Oscar Picks

Those that follow this blog in any way (yes, all you three and a half people) will no doubt have noticed that I have been terribly remiss in offering up any sort of Oscar talk this year.  Your humble blogger purchased a house in December and some things have changed in the day to day workings of the Hurd.  That does not mean that I have not noticed this years crop of nominated films, but I've truly been too busy to actually care.  I'd love to put up some picks, especially as I've seen at least one of the nominated films (Inception, which I thought was brilliant) but I do not seem to have the energy to try and go nominee by nominee as I usually might.  That said, I will at least put up a listing of the major winners - Best Picture and all that:

 

Best Picture - The King's Speech

Best Actor - Colin Firth for The King's Speech

Best Actress - Natalie Portman for Black Swan

Best Supporting Actor - Christian Bale for The Fighter

Best Supporting Actress - Melissa Leo for The Fighter

Best Director - Tom Hooper for The King's Speech

 

Beyond that, I don't know that I can really make any sort of educated guess.  I do see some ground swell of support for The King's Speech out there (though notably one Christopher Hitchens has not let his cancer keep him from finding a cause to support - or in this case deny as he has major problems with the historical accuracy of the film) and while it seemed that The Social Network was the front runner, it is hard to tell now which one has the real support.

I do look at the above winners and see all first time winners if it comes out that way.  Nothing wrong with that and all four actors, at least, have been deserving more times than I can think.  Bale and Portman have impressed me since Empire of the Sun and The Professional respectively.  And it is really a shame that this might be Firth's first Oscar.  The man has been doing it and doing it well for years!  He is the best shot at winning, if you are betting.

There will be no live blog this year as I just want to sit back and enjoy it.  I feel slightly bad that I have let down a bit of a tradition since I've written so much over the years on the Oscars, but with all that is going on right now, it's time for some sitting back and relaxing. I will be watching however, and may very well have an afterthoughts post the next day (which is likely when the damn thing will end...with Speilberg announcing Best Picture, I am to understand.)

I do have one MAJOR complaint about this years awards ceremony...why did they put all the honorary awards in a separate dinner?  Coppola is receiving the Irving Thalberg award this year and I would love to see his acceptance speech!  Godard received an honorary award this year as well and he refused to come to the dinner.  It's a shame Hollywood doesn't understand what is truly great about the town.  It's all about the kids and their Benjamins now, apparently.  Sigh. 

UPDATE - Also getting an honorary award is the great Eli Wallach (95 years young!)  You can catch his awesome acceptance speech right here. 

That is all.

2011 Baseball Hall of Fame Ballot, Part II

In part II of the HoF ballot, I'll try to get the rest of the way there with the other 21 candidates.  Up next is:

 

Charles Johnson - No

940 hits; 167 HR; 570 RBI; .245 lifetime avg.

There are a number of good catchers on this years ballot, but I must admit I expected Johnsons numbers to be better.  I recall him as an excellent defensive catcher for the Marlin teams of the 90's and he was definitely on that '97 World Championship club.  He also had some pop at times, hitting 31 HR in 2000 splitting time between Baltimore and Chicago.  Four more times he hit 18 or more.  It was the avg. that hurt as he hit over .300 only once in that same year of 2000.  He was not a Hall of Famer.

Barry Larkin - Yes

2,340 hits; 198 HR; 960 RBI; 379 SB; .295 lifetime avg.

This is a year of quite a few 90's team anchors.  Larkin was the Reds' Cal Ripken.  He didn't get to the same numbers and did not have the power Ripken had, but Larkin was a bit of a middle man in the SS position.  He was a bit smaller than Ripken so he did not get lumped in with that big SS of the future like A-Rod, Garciaparra and Jeter did later.  Yet Larkin had more pop that a typical short-stop of that time.  And he could run.  And he could field.  The Wizard he was not, but 12 All Star nods go along with 3 gold gloves and 2 seasons in the top 10 in MVP voting, winning the award in 1995.  What Alomar above was for the American League, Larkin was to the National League during this time.  He entirely deserves to go into the Hall, though may have to wait a couple of years.

That was the comment last year and I am still amazed that he didn't get more attention in the voting.  Larkin was every bit the short stop that Alomar was a second baseman.  In fact, he was better.  I am afraid he won't get in again this year but I hope the Hall does not make him wait long.

Al Leiter - No

162-132 record; 3.80 ERA; 1,974 K

It is almost sad that I don't even waste a thought on Leiter's candidacy as he was a strong pitcher for a fairly long time.  He was certainly the better pitcher among the Leiter brothers.  But he never won 20.  In fact, he only won 15 or more 4 times in his career (19 seasons.)  He had some strong years late in his career, however, and should be remembered fondly by Mets fans.

Edgar Martinez - Yes

2,247 hits; 309 HR; 1,261 RBI; .312 lifetime avg.

The average says something, no doubt.  But as a lifetime DH, it is hard to really take stock of the player.  Without fielding, one must only look at the offensive numbers and frankly...they just don't add up.  I recall in the day, Martinez was the best at what he did.  For nearly a decade, Martinez anchored those Mariners teams.  As feared as he might have been, however, I just don't think his numbers stack up.  Is it something to say you were the best DH ever?  Maybe I just don't respect the position.

That is what I wrote last year as I said "No" on Edgar.  I have changed my mind.  Or better yet, others have done it for me.  When you consider that Edgar retired after 18 seasons with a line that looks like this - .312 AVG/.418 OBP/.515 SLG - you really have to think.  That is for a career.  Those numbers are excellent for a season and very few men have done that for their entire careers.  We are talking the cream of the baseball crop (men like Ruth, Gehrig and Williams.)  I admit, the DH thing still bugs me, but I can recognize a great hitter when I see one (or when I rethink his numbers) and Martinez was clearly one of the best hitters to ever play the game.  My vote has changed to "Yes."

Tino Martinez - No

1,925 hits; 339 HR; 1,271 RBI; .271 lifetime avg.

While he did a great job anchoring those great Yankee teams of the late 90's after coming over from Seattle, I cannot really say in any way that Tino was a Hall man.  Good player with a nice 5 year peak, but he does not belong with the elite.

Don Mattingly - No

2,153 hits; 222 HR; 1,099 RBI; .307 lifetime avg.

I'd love to say that the avg. helps Mattingly as certainly his 9 gold gloves suggest as well.  But his real numbers just don't add up.  Just because he anchored a decade of losing Yankees teams doesn't give him entrance into the HoF.  He had a very popular baseball card but that reputation just doesn't translate into a HoF career.  Sorry Donnie Baseball.

Fred McGriff - Yes

2,490 hits; 493 HR; 1,550 RBI; .284 lifetime avg

Hits and avg don't give him the credit he deserves.  Those 493 home runs do.  Between 1988 and 1994 McGriff hit over 30 home runs each season.  In fact, he had 7 additional seasons in which he hit at least 20 per year, 3 more times topping 30.  Six times he landed in the top 10 in MVP voting, getting as close as 4th in 1993.  It was a monster season and one that Braves fans will remember forever.  And while he doesn't have the gold gloves to show it, he was a pretty darn good 1st baseman.  I'll readily admit that the Crime Dog is a borderline hall of famer, but he should not be punished for not getting to 500 HR.  He remains a hall of fame player.

Mark McGwire - Yes

1,626 hits; 583 HR; 1,414 RBI; .263 lifetime avg.

If it were not for the 583 home runs, nobody would even discuss McGwire, frankly.  He was no stud on the defense and he only gets credit (rightly) for his home runs.  That he broke the record in 1998 gives him an added bonus, but without him so did Sammy Sosa and does anybody really think Sosa is a hall of famer?  That said, McGwire hit 49 home runs in his rookie season and if steroids are what is keeping you from looking at McGwire's actual career, then you need to look again.  This guy was a masher, and with Conseco and Eckersley, anchored those late 80's Oakland teams as well as the pre-Pujols Cardinals. He made a name for himself in the baseball world and so his numbers do not matter as much anymore.  You could liken him to Pete Rose or Sandy Koufax...either way, he belongs in the Hall.

That was last year.  My thoughts have not changed, but McGwire did come out and admit his PED usage as he transitioned to hitting coach for the Cardinals.  I doubt it will  help his Hall case and in fact, may hurt it with the way some voters wish to punish such players.  See Bagwell this year and he's never had any proof or insinuation that he used.  McGwire will likely have to wait a long time to get into the Hall if he ever does.

Raul Mondesi - No

1,589 hits; 271 HR; 860 RBI; .273 lifetime avg.

Here is another Dodger RoY on the ballot and one that should have ended up a HoF player.  From 1995 to 2001, he was a guy you wanted on your team hitting over 20 HR each year.  By 2005, he was completely washed up and a joke in the field and at the plate (trust me...I recall his short stay in Atlanta.)  Looks like it will be Piazza that finally gets a 90's Dodger RoY in the Hall.

Jack Morris - No

254-186 record; 3.90 lifetime ERA; 2,478 K; 175 complete games and 28 shutouts

There are two serious pitchers on this HoF ballot (again.)  When you compare Morris with Blyleven...well, is there really a comparison?  If Bert comes out ahead, and still has not gained entry to the HoF, then why should Morris expect anything more?  254 wins is impressive as is the 1991 World Series game 7 where he pitched 10 innings of shutout ball...the last time that happened in a WS game (or perhaps any other.)  I recall him very much, but then I am a Braves fan.  Was he a hall of famer?  I am not so sure.  That 3.90 lifetime ERA really smarts for his case.  But he has a case, I will grant you that.  I just would not vote for him...not right now at least.

Dale Murphy - Yes

2,111 hits; 398 HR; 1,266 RBI; .265 lifetime avg.

Bill James used a criteria some years back called the Keltner list.  It is based on a specific player's borderline stats and asks questions to see if a player really deserves enshrinement.  Of all the baseball blogs I visit, Mac Thomason's Braves Journal is the best for my team.  There he looks at Dale Murphy's Keltner list.  Of course I am a Braves fan, as well as a Murphy fan (actually met him in person at a Morman church in Roswell, GA where I grew up.)  Murphy deserves the distinction of being one of the top 2 or 3 players in his decade of the 80's, yet he is now considered borderline.  I've mentioned Albert Belle before but I bring it up again to discuss Murphy.  Belle ended his storied career with 381 HRs compared to Murphy's 398.  Belle had 1,239 RBI to Dale's 1,266.  Belle only had 1,726 hits to Murphy's 2,111.  But Belle only played for 12 seasons. Murphy played for 18.  If Belle is not a hall of famer (and he dropped off the ballot in his first year of appearance with only 19 votes or 3.5% of the vote) then Murphy is not.  I happen to think Belle is deserving, and thus so too is Murphy.  At least that is what makes sense as a Braves and baseball fan.  In truth, Murphy seems to fall in with Mattingly (and Larkin actually in a way) - so many years with one team, and the stud of that team, but not enough to gain entry.  The Hall of very, very (very) good.

John Olerud - No

2,239 hits; 255 HR; 1,230 RBI; .295 lifetime avg.

Olerud might get in just for that hat he wore at first base.  In truth, his numbers are actually better than I expected to see when I checked.  But as a first baseman, and with so many great ones coming down the pike soon (as well as on this same ballot) I cannot vote for Olerud.  I recall him with Toronto as his team broke my heart in 1992 and then later with the Mets.  Good guy, but not a Hall guy.

Rafael Palmeiro - Yes

3,020 hits (24th all-time); 569 HR (12th all-time); 1,835 RBI (15th all-time); .288 lifetime avg.

Recall the old time numbers that used to get a guy into the Hall?  Well, look above as those numbers should usher any other man right in.  There are only 3 other men that ever played the game that had at least 3,000 hits, 500 HR and 1,600 RBI.  Their names are Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Eddie Murray.  Not Barry Bonds.  Not Babe Ruth.  Not Stan Musial.  Not Ted Williams.  But Raffy did it.  Then add to that 4 All Star games, 3 gold gloves and landing in the top 20 in MVP voting ten different times during his career.  He's 79th all-time in WAR (a newer statistic but a good one) but outside of Scott Rolen immediately above him, the rest of the names are elite guys.  Finally, one must add his positive test for PEDs just a few years after wagging his finger at Congress as he flatly denied any such usage.  This man's case is a tough one and I can guarantee he will not be elected to the Hall in this or any other year by the writers.  I say that is a shame.  He may not have been the flashiest player, but he was sturdy in the manner of Aaron and that is how he compiled such awesome numbers.  I vote "Yes."

Dave Parker - No

2,712 hits; 339 HR; 1,493 RBI; .290 lifetime avg.

This guy is a hard one.  He reminds me much of Jim Rice with his numbers.  They are not as good as ballot-mate Harold Baines, but Parker played the field and at an earlier time.  He is not on the ballot much longer.  He also reminds a bit of Dick Allen, with a feared history but not enough numbers to seal the deal.  They are not quite the 3,000 hits you want to see, nor even at 400 HR.  Not getting to 1,500 RBI really kills his case as I didn't see him play in person.  But recall that Allen only played for 15 seasons.  Parker for 19.  Allen still had more HRs.  And both probably belong in the HoF.

That was last year's write up and with the ballot as huge as it is this year, I have to give that vote to another.  I wonder if Parker deals with this a lot.  He was a great player but remains borderline and my sympathies are occupied elsewhere this year.

Tim Raines - Yes

2,605 hits; 980 RBI; 808 SB (5th all time); .294 lifetime avg.

Rock Raines is the poor man's Rickey Henderson.  I really don't know anybody that argues that point.  If Rickey gets into the Hall, which he rightly has, then Raines needs to follow close after as he was nearly a carbon copy.  Perhaps the coke thing keeps him out.  Or perhaps people have not considered him fully just yet.  Either way, he belongs.

Kirk Rueter - No

130-92 record; 4.27 ERA; 818 K

The man is only on the ballot because he played for 13 years (a minimum of ten being required.)  He only won 15 or more games twice in that time.  Not meant for the Hall.

Benito Santiago - No

1,830 hits; 217 HR; 920 RBI; .263 lifetime avg.

Santiago had a neat trick of being able to throw guys out at second from his knees.  He was also excellent with a pitching staff.  An outstanding defensive catcher but not a man that built Hall numbers, even as a catcher.  He did hit 30 homers in 1996, but only hit .300 or better twice and never had 100 RBI for a season.  Rookie of the Year in 1987 and 5 All Star appearances seem to be his reward for a lengthy career solely as a catcher.

Lee Smith - No

71-92 record; 3.03 lifetime ERA; 478 saves (3rd all time); 1,251 K

The man that at one time owned the all time saves record, now he must compete with Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman.  He's not in the same company, though he is close.  If Sutter and Gossage are in the Hall, then so too should Smith see induction.  He really is part of that triumvirate.  And a 3.03 lifetime ERA...not bad for a reliever as he was for 18 seasons.

That was last year.  The ballot is much larger this time and frankly, there are more deserving guys.  I may vote for him in future when the ballot clears up some, but that will not happen for a while.

B.J. Surhoff - No

2,326 hits; 188 HR; 1,153 RBI; .282 lifetime avg.

Surhoff had a lengthy career as a pain in the ass.  That was the way the other teams looked at him, I am sure.  He was never great but always able to get a hit when the team needed it and drove the other team crazy.  He only hit 20 or more homers three times, however.  He was a good hitter but not a hall of famer.

Alan Trammell - No

2,365 hits; 185 HR; 1,003 RBI; 236 SB; .285 lifetime avg.

Look, I understand that Whitaker and Trammell were the double play combo for the AL during the 80's. They were like Stockton and Malone in the NBA.  Whitaker had but a day on the ballot.  Trammell has stayed as an early version of what Ripken made popular.  Yet I just do not see the numbers to justify his enshrinement.  Where Ripken had over 3,000 hits, Trammell never got near that number.  Where Cal had over 1,600 RBI, Trammell was not even close.  Ripken far outweighed him in homers.  Trammell only wins in avg. and perhaps gold gloves.  We know who the superior player is.  Trammell is not it.  Nor does he belong in the hall, at least on this ballot.

That was last year's write up and I still will not vote for Trammell this year.  However, I think he ultimately belongs in the Hall (so does Whitaker, probably.)  He may need to be a Vets guy.

Larry Walker - No

2,160 hits; 383 HR; 1,311 RBI; .313 lifetime avg.

Walker is another guy that I might give more of a look if the ballot was not so large this year.  MVP in '97, he was also in the top 10 in voting 3 other times.  He won 7 gold gloves in his career and went to 5 All Star games.  He was a hell of a hitter, leading his league three times over his career.  I will grant you that he is borderline (and that is why he does not get my vote this year) but he deserves some more scrutiny over time and I hope he remains on the ballot in future years so he gets a solid second look.

* * *

And there it is.  My full ballot looks like this:

Roberto Alomar

Jeff Bagwell

Bert Blyleven

Barry Larkin

Edgar Martinez

Fred McGriff

Mark McGwire

Dale Murphy

Rafael Palmiero

Tim Raines

 

Only allowed ten votes so some good players must wait - Baines, Morris, Parker, Smith, Trammell and Walker.  I suspect all will continue to have their champions in years to come (well, except perhaps Baines...I think I am the only person that actually thinks he may deserve a spot in the Hall.) 

Results will be announced January 5, 2011.  I suspect that only Alomar and Blyleven will be elected this year.  Maybe Bagwell if he is lucky.  I cannot see anyone else getting there considering their numbers last year (Morris and Larkin will not move from the 50% range to 75% that quickly.)  And if you want some idea of what future years might look like, please revisit my post from last year looking at the Hall future.  The ballot will remain crowded for some years to come.  That is all.

2011 Baseball Hall of Fame Ballot

Time again for the Hall of Fame voting and much like every year, this is a time I enjoy as I pour over stats of players since retired but still somewhat fresh on my mind.  And of course there are the carry overs that have their various detractors and champions.  I do not have a HoF vote, but if I did it may go a little something like this:

 

Roberto Alomar - Yes

2,724 hits; 474 SB; 1,134 RBI; .300 lifetime avg.

He has lower numbers for what used to be the typical hall of famer, but recall he was a second baseman.  He only had 210 HR, but I recall him coming up with a few well timed dingers.  Mostly, however, he was just a hitter and a feared one.  Feared because he knew how to swing the bat.  He wasn't half bad as a fielder too.  He was the clear best second baseman of his age for a lengthy period which is what the Hall tends to reward.  I think it's likely a first year entry as long as the spitting incident doesn't hurt him.  I don't think it will at this late date.

That's what I wrote last year.  He did not get in that time, but I still say yes and I think he will get in this year.  Sometimes the Hall just likes to make a player wait.  I am fairly certain that DiMaggio did not get in on the first ballot.  Huh???

Carlos Baerga - No

1,583 hits; 134 HR; 774 RBI; .291 lifetime avg.

You know, I recall Baerga being a better second baseman than his stats suggest.  14 seasons and only 1,583 hits.  Didn't steal that many bases and his defense wasn't THAT good.  His career took a huge dive at the end and one might suspect the dreaded steroids if he had a more sustained power game.  As it is he topped 20 only twice in '92 and '93.

Jeff Bagwell - Yes

2,314 hits; 449 HR; 1,529 RBI; .297 lifetime avg.

I could easily add to the above, the only first baseman to have not just one but two 30/30 seasons.  Any thought that Bagwell is not a hall of famer is completely misplaced.  The only other first baseman I might take above Bags during the 90s might have been Frank Thomas.  But we'll get to him in a few years.  For now recognize that not only was Bagwell an above average defender for most of his career, he was also a beast at the plate before an arthritic shoulder took him down.  He played 15 seasons prior to that and complied some damn fine numbers.  Unfortunately, it is his first year on the ballot and recent years have taught that it may not happen for him this year.  That would be a damn shame!

Harold Baines - No

2,866 hits; 384 HR; 1,628 RBI, .289 lifetime avg.

Baines has always been a bit of a quandary.  His numbers look fairly good if not quite up to par for a hall of famer.  The RBI speak out but the HR are low, especially for a man who played for a long time (22 seasons.)  He was a bit of a statue in the field from what I recall, and extended his career for quite some time as a DH.  While he used to look good to me for the Hall, another full time DH enters the ballot this year which offers a clear comparison.  We'll look at those below but this year I have to say no to Harold Baines in the Hall.

That was last year's take and since Edgar didn't make it, I suspect Baines will not either.  I admit, I waffle on him from time to time, but the ballot is starting to fill up as I mentioned last year this time and Baines will continue to fall.

Bert Blyleven - Yes

287-250 record; lifetime ERA of 3.31; 3,701 K (5th on the all time list); 242 complete games and 60 shutouts (last time you'll see those numbers)

The record must be what has kept Blyleven out of the Hall all these years.  Otherwise I cannot figure it out.  When he first got on the ballot, he was actually 3rd all time in strikeouts.  Johnson and Clemens rightfully passed him but his numbers still speak up there.  And I think everyone knows by now that his record is more a reflection on his teams than it is on himself.  Years with losing teams will make a record look like that.  Recall the argument with Phil Neikro, and to a lesser extent Nolan Ryan, was that you had to be a really good pitcher to lose that many games.  That he came up 13 wins shy of 300 should not penalize him.  Blyleven belongs in the Hall.  Now.

Bret Boone - No

1,775 hits; 252 HR; 1,021 RBI; .266 life time avg.

Boone comes out a lot better than Baerga above, but when considered alongside Alomar still looking in from the outside, one could not justify a vote for him.  And even without that modifier, Boone still does not belong.  He has some good power numbers for a second baseman, but his hits remain low as does his average.  He did win a few gold gloves and was 3rd in MVP voting in 2001.  He was scrappy, from what I recall, but not a HoF guy.

Kevin Brown - No

211-144 lifetime record; 3.28 ERA; 2,397 K (good for 38th all time)

Brown will be a tough one for a lot of people.  He is not really for me.  He pitched 19 years and only won 20 games once.  He never won a Cy Young.  He is really best remember for his ginormous contract that did not pay off for the various clubs that ended up paying for it.  Maybe I hold his last years as a Yankee against him, but while I respected Brown, I never considered him a hall of fame guy.  I look at his numbers now and I still don't see it.  A lot of people say the same thing about Blyleven above, but 287 beats 211 anytime.  Brown was good, but not that good.

John Franco - No

90-87 record; 2.89 ERA; 424 saves (4th all time)

It would be tempting to vote for Franco as I did sometimes consider him for this place.  As it is now, the ballot is huge and even if he was borderline, I could not vote for him this year with a 10 player limit.  However, I must admit now that should the number of players one can vote for becomes as many as I want, I still would not vote for Franco. Lee Smith is 3rd all time, and he's not in.  And below Franco is Billy Wagner and I'm not sure I'd vote for him as a Hall of Famer either.  Relievers are still a very tough call.

Juan Gonzalez - No

1,936 hits; 434 HR; 1,404 RBI; .295 lifetime avg.

Juan Gone has some interesting stats and a few monster seasons capped by his two MVPs (that some call undeserved.)  What he also carries with him is the reeking stench of steroids.  While I do not try and base my thoughts on that alone, I cannot remove it from my mind as I ponder what his stats might look like without using.  What is more, even if Gonzalez did not use?  He still does not belong.  17 years and he didn't break 2,000 hits.  The old time stats for a Hall guy are 3000 hits, 500 HR and 1600 RBI.  Right or wrong, Gonzalez does not reach those unlike another proven steroid guy on this ballot.

Marquis Grissom - No

2,251 hits; 227 HR; 967 RBI; 429 SB; .272 lifetime avg.

As a Braves fan, I loved Marquis back in the day.  He was a great center fielder while he played for the team but for his career, he began to tail off rather quickly.  Still, he had five seasons of over 20 HR which is great for a center fielder.  He stole over 400 bases, three times stealing 50 or more in a season and two of those were 76 and 78 bases stolen in '91 and '92.  Moreover, Grissom was a member of that awesome '94 Montreal Expos team that will go down as the greatest team to never win a damn thing (and the one that was not allowed to break Atlanta's division winning streak.)  Still, he does not quite live up to the Hall standards as he lacks the hits a lead-off type of guy requires.

Lenny Harris - No

1,055 hits; 37 HR; 369 RBI; .269 lifetime average

Harris is on this list because he was a hell of a pinch hitter.  However, I have never seen a pinch hitter specialist make it into the hall on that basis alone.  It won't happen this year either.

Bobby Higginson - No

1,336 hits; 187 HR; 709 RBI; .272 lifetime avg.

I recall when Higginson came up.  He was supposed to be a super star.  As it was, he was serviceable and actually ended up playing his entire career for one team, the Detroit Tigers.  I admit I am at a loss as to why his career tailed off so precipitously in 2005.  He only made it 11 years.  Maybe he made his money (around $52 million all told) and went home.  Whatever the reason, he was not a Hall of Famer.

 

* * *

With a total of 33 guys on the ballot this year (and with 1500 words or so already spilled over the above 12), I'll return to this before the results are announced.  I'll have them out by the end of the weekend.  21 more guys to go and some definite Hall bound guys to look at.  Until next time, that is all.

 

The Uggla Trade

It's been a few days since the Uggla trade and the ramifications start to kick in, I'd think.  There is no doubt that the Braves gained a premier 2nd baseman, but it does not solve LF...or CF for that matter.  Make no mistake...the Braves added an excellent addition to the ballclub (and addition by subtraction as well if you consider how much Uggla killed us as a Marlin) but I have to say I am somewhat suspect of placing Martin Prado in LF and standing pat. 

A loss of Infante is no great harm, even if he might throw us some terrible "Wes Helms" or "Adam Wainwright" type hell from time to time.  He was not an everyday player.  Dunn was young and wild.  It was a steal to gain Dan Uggla for that price.  I cannot complain when the team gains a terrific RH hitter with power at second base when we've needed that exact offensive upgrade for some time.  Uggla will do well in the middle of this order.  His defense is suspect but you gain a super upgrade on defense at 1st.  Freeman will be at least as good as Lee...count it.  How he does on the offense is another question.

What we have now looks like this:

C- Brian McCann

1st - Freddy Freeman

2nd - Dan Uggla

3rd - Chipper Jones

SS - Alex Gonzalez

RF - Jason Heyward

CF - Nate McLouth

LF - Martin Prado

With that, I guess you look at a line-up of -

1. Prado 2. Jones 3. Heyward 4. McCann 5. Uggla 6. Freeman 7. Gonzalez 8. McClouth 9. Pitcher

It's not a bad lineup, but I'd still love to have a good outfielder out there on a daily basis to back up Heyward...and not just on offense.  I cannot quibble with Wren's decision to trade, but I wonder why the team might sit still when there still seems a glaring hole in the outfield. 

I had five issues that the team needed to really cover before next season. 

1. Will Chipper be able to play?  The answer is still up in the air.  There is an assumption that Prado will be able to cover.  He should not do so every day. DRAW

2. The Infante question is now moot.  We traded that for Dan Uggla.  Prado moves to super utility man. WIN

3. The CF question seems to have settled upon McLouth.  I am not satisfied. LOSE

4. Prado moves to LF and supposedly plays there (or has) in the winter leagues.  I am suspect on first glance. DRAW

5. As suspected, A-Gon will be back at SS.  He will show some flashes of brilliance with the glove and drop a few as well.  I doubt his bat will be as potent in 2011. DRAW

If this trade is the last "big" move before next season, I have to say Wren will have failed.  But he has succeeded beyond many expectations by this point so I have to take a wait and see attitude.  The last two years have proved he is capable of covering the holes.  It's the holes to start that make me worry.  April doesn't really matter...until October.  That is all.

2010 Braves Postmortem

I don't blame Derek Lowe.  I don't blame Brooks Conrad.  I don't blame Melky Cabrera.  And I certainly don't blame Bobby Cox!  My immediate blame was in the 5 game series that poorly decides the Division Series, but in the end, I can blame no one.  This was easily the best Braves season I have watched since 2005 and frankly, this club reminds me more of some 90's clubs...up and coming and ready to start a new dynasty.  Or a few postseason runs at least.

Derek Lowe pitched his heart out in Bobby Cox's last game and for that, Bobby allowed him one more hitter.  Who is to say that he's pulled before he walks Burrell and we're out of it?  The next guy could easily give up a HR, even with our bullpen.  But if Kimbrel isn't taken out in Game 3, we might have won that one too.  If, if, if...if Chipper and Prado and Wagner and Medlin and JJ and...well, you know where that argument goes.  If those guys are healthy, then Conrad never ends up with 3 errors in a very important game.  But maybe Chipper makes a poor play because he's playing on bad legs...which he most certainly would have had would he not have gone on the DL.  Prado was already walking wounded.  So was Wagner, in some ways.  Medlin hurt, no doubt.  And JJ...well, I just hope the kid comes back strong next year.  There are tons of injuries that have hampered this team all season, and if they can get this far on fumes, let's just consider what they might do next year when healthy.  If only.

It will take some time before next year's roster will take shape, but you can be sure Heyward will be in RF barring some unfortunate offseason injury (keep him locked in carbonite, please), Freeman will most likely take on 1st, Prado will likely be back at 2nd and McCann will certainly be at catcher with Ross backing up.  Venters, Kimbrel and Dunn are locked up.  Moylan should likely be back, depending on arbitration and one would think O'Flaherty.  Lowe is scheduled for 2 more years and JJ, Hanson and Hudson will all be back as well.

Medlin will take some time to come back and there is plenty in the pipeline to throw in there should we need a starting pitcher with Beachy having already impressed.  The biggest issues to look at are Chipper's ability starting next season; finding a place for Infante to play (and perhaps not every day - getting him back to super sub should be a priority); finding a steady center and left fielder; and deciding on Alex Gonzalez over some substitute.  What that might be, I don't know.  I'll admit that he shows some flashes of brilliance with the glove, but he drops them these days too.  His bat is...not the best.

One might hope we could start with something like this:

C - Brian McCann

1st - Freddy Freeman (he's playing in the Arizona Fall League)

2nd - Martin Prado

3rd - Chipper Jones

SS - Alex Gonzalez (he's under contract for one more year)

RF - Jason Heyward

CF - ?

LF - ?

 

SP - Tim Hudson

SP - Derek Lowe

SP - Tommy Hanson

SP - Jair Jurjjens

SP - Mike Minor/Brandon Beachy or some other

Closer - Kimbrel or Venters (both tutored by Billy Wagner)

And plenty of other pen.

I should mention the bench will keep Diaz most likely (he has some arbitration, I believe), McLouth and maybe Ankiel (not certain on his contract terms).  Where Melky ends up...I really don't care.  I held out hope he'd show some promise, but it just didn't happen.

I'd love to somehow keep Lee but he'd be too much money when we have other needs.  Freeman is known for being a good defender.  I suspect Conrad will be back even with his goat image.  I hope he gets out of the funk early on.  And then there is Chipper.  I firmly believe he'll make a strong attempt to come back but even if he does, I suspect he will not be playing in 140 games.  Not even 100, likely.  When not in there, Infante/Prado can cover but a better option for infield back-up is needed over Brooksie and Diory Hernandez.  If it is likely that Chipper cannot go after spring training, something more drastic needs to happen.  Prado should not be the everyday 3rd baseman, nor should Infante be the everyday 2nd baseman.

Plenty of off-season to think about it but here is where we say goodbye to a few folks that will not be back.  Bobby Cox?  What can I say about the man.  I could type an entirely separate post for that and may someday but for now I can only say he's a class act with some screwy management skills at times.  He's always been a season manager, not a postseason manager.  But he got back there his last year and the way the Phillies are playing (and the way we played them in our last 6 games) we almost certainly would not have made it all the way.  Almost the best way to go out if we could not get a win in his last game.  We did in the regular season.  I look forward to his day in Cooperstown.  Wouldn't it be something to see him inducted along with Maddux and Glavine?  Not sure the timing works.

And let me also say a terribly sad goodbye to Billy Wagner.  He debuted just a few years after I started really following baseball and has beat up on my teams for years.  When he joined us, I finally figured out why.  He is a special player and has had a tremendous influence on the growth of the bullpen he leaves behind.  If we cannot get Maddux as a pitching coach, the Braves could do a hell of a lot worse than signing Wags up for the role.  Not sure he makes the HoF given the weird closer thing, but he has some solid credentials and I am near 100% certainty that had he been able to close out Game 3, we would have been up 2-1 last night.  What a finale, Billy!

I also say goodbye to Glaus and Lee.  Troy had a hell of a month and a half and he deserves every bit of glory for his exploits.  It was sad to see him crumble and he had one last great moment with the double play in Game 2.  And Lee?  I could be roundly dismissive of what he brought to the table with his bat if his glove wasn't so damn smooth.  I was so excited when we got him even with the bad back.  I'd seen his track record up close many times.  But he just didn't bring his A game with him at the plate.  But on defense?  It was a great comfort knowing he was manning the bag.

For all the injuries suffered, games lost in terrible ways, bone headed plays by various players and strange decisions at times flowing from the dugout...this was one hell of a season.  I enjoyed nearly every bit of it and can only hope that next year sees one more step towards that ultimate goal - winning a World Series.  Thank you 2010 Braves and let's get 'em next year.  This time around, I have zero qualms throwing my weight behind the Giants.  Too long since they won a World Series and never in the city of San Francisco.  'Bout time, I say!  That is all.

2010 Baseball Postseason

I am indeed late to the party in putting up my postseason picks.  I needed a day or two after the late season drive/collapse of the Braves.  Look...they got there, right?  That's what counts!  How many times has ESPN and MLB told us that "Anything Can Happen!!!"?  I picked four out of the eight postseason participants at the start of the season.  162 games later, the Yankees are not division winners, but they do get to play more games in October.  And if you'll notice, I picked the AL Central perfectly.  That doesn't happen too often.  I actually got the NL East right too.  And there's the rub...can the Braves keep up with my predictions?

 

Division Series:

Rays over Rangers

Twins over Yankees

Phillies over Reds

Braves over Giants

* * *

Championship Series:

Rays over Twins

Braves over Phillies

* * *

And the World Series:

Atlanta Braves over Tampa Bay Rays in 7 games.

 

At least that was the scenario when the postseason started...or something like it.  Other teams may have some differing attitudes to that.  Especially Texas.  Still, I am willing to stick by these...at least until I am proved wrong.  Obviously the Rays are down by two now and the Twins lost a tough one yesterday.  But the Braves have yet to start as of this writing and I look (and hope) for them to come out patient and willing to take a walk or two. 

To be entirely objective, most people would pick NY and Philly here, with the Phillies winning it after the no hitter last night.  It's a loooong postseason.  And I guess I'd have to agree with ESPN and MLB (it doesn't happen often)...anything can happen. 

EDIT - A little background on Lowe's September for those worried about tonight's game.  Capital Avenue Club has been bringing great analysis all season.

That is all.

Game 161...aka Bobby Cox Day

It is just like baseball to make one cheer before they cry...or cry before they cheer.  It is just like baseball to bring a team from a 9 game losing streak to a 9 game winning streak, leading the National League East from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and finding their entire postseason prospects tied to the very last game of the season.

As I type this post, the Braves have not yet lost the game.  But if they do, and it looks increasingly as though they might, they will be tied for the Wild Card and even if they win tomorrow, their fortune rests with the Padres ability to finish off the Giants in a sweep.  Would that Barry Bonds have come out of retirement just once tonight to crash that very needed home run and win one damn game for the Giants.  That's all that was needed.

Many can speak of the seeming Braves collapse but in truth, they are playing up to their ability.  Especially given the many injuries that have yet again plagued the season.  They lead for much of summer thanks to the Phillies NOT playing up to their level.  This last month has disabused anyone of the thought that they had done anything else.  Yet there is still a strong team here for the Braves.  One that has been...dare I say it?  Fine...resilient.  Or something like it, at least.  These Braves have suffered enumerable injuries, poor defense as a direct result, and a frightening loss of power.  Some of that last point may be due to those same injuries, but the team as a whole seems lacking in the long ball.  And have since day one.  Heyward is a rookie, so I cannot blame him.  McCann is a catcher and you'll take what you can get.  Glaus' May got us into this position but we had to know that was over and above at the time.  Prado, the team MVP, was never counted upon for that.  It's the outfield, stupid.

I'm not yet ready to look at next year's team, but it is clear that we need to have patience at the plate tomorrow (something else lost in our trades, I am afraid), keep concentrated on defense and if possible, hit a HR or two.  Maybe even a couple of doubles back to back.  We did not get here by hitting home runs.  We got here, frankly, by taking walks.  Chipper cannot play right now.  The rest of these guys need to be patient at the plate.  Lee especially.  He is the biggest reason we have struggled, and yet remains our greatest hope for the postseason.  I firmly believe that.  A little Glaus at 3rd base might not hurt either, Brooks Conrad "folk hero" or not.

But as I said...this is baseball.  Just yesterday I was reading someone at ESPN lament the disappointment of a meaningless last 3 games of the season.  Well...baseball, once again, took care of that and made it exciting.  God I love this game.  That is all.

The Lennons

Yoko with Julian and Sean.  Coolest image I've seen for some time.

That is all.

2010 Braves at the Midpoint

I've been meaning to compose this post for some time but for various reasons, I kept putting it off until now.  I could claim personal reasons, but in reality, it may be due more to an inability to truly read the 2010 Braves.  My initial excitement over the season was quickly shot when the Braves came out of the gate in April with a 9-14 record, including an ugly 9 game losing streak.  But then they turned on the gas and gave fans a 20-8 May and 17-11 June.  That puts them in 1st place in the NL East with the best record in the senior circuit as the break hits.

Quite a turn around.  At the end of May, I mentioned to some I thought the talent level of the Braves likely sits somewhere in between the awful April and amazing May.  June pretty much proved that thought, though they are still perhaps playing above their level given the down seasons we are seeing from some players and some significant slumps/injuries.  Good thing the Phillies are playing well below their level as it allows that 1st place position (as usual, I do not trust the Mets given their terrible front office.)

So what to make of the team?  Let's look at it position by position (sort of):

1st - Troy Glaus has made a huge impact on the success of the team.  Many could point to his moment of turning it on that pushed the team forward in the standings.  That is mostly true, to a point.  His recent regression was to be expected, but I think he is a perfect poster child of this teams success.

2nd - Martin Prado has potentially been the team's MVP.  Certainly his excellent hitting this year has given the team a great weapon.  And his performance over his last 162 games proves he is not a flash in the pan.  Once given the position mid year in 2009, Prado has been steady and dependable, if perhaps not the greatest of great 2nd basemen defensively. 

SS - We must confront the elephant in the room and will look at this further below.  Suffice to say, Yunel Escobar did not replicate his amazing 2009.  I have no idea why.  Injury?  Communication barrier?  Bad attitude?  Could be anything.  But it is somewhat amazing to consider we are in 1st while receiving very little from last year's team MVP.

3rd - Chipper Jones isn't the MVP he was in 1999.  But he's still a proven ball player with a great eye at the plate.  He ranks very highly in walks this year even with another down year at the plate.  His leadership probably gives him an added bonus (and it wasn't something he's always been known for.)  While we could use more from this position both offensively and on defense, I am content to watch Chipper Jones continue to man the hot corner for as long as he wants to play.  Call me too nostalgic.

Catcher - McCann started slowly but has pulled his numbers back to where they should be for the most part.  I don't think he should have been named to start in the All Star game this year as his numbers did not justify it, but he remains if not the best, one of the best catchers in the league.  And he won the eventual NL champion home field advantage in the World Series with his big hit in last night's All Star game.

Outfield - I'll put them all together for now as there has been some good mixing and matching.  Obviously, Heyward's great start did much to keep the team excited and hopeful.  Once the injury began to effect his swing, the team was still able to trot out a reasonable outfield each night.  Especially with McLouth's problems.  Diaz is hitting now that he's back from the DL and while I don't think too much of Melky Cabrera, he has not been awful.  Hinske has done a great job filling in here and elsewhere though his numbers to are starting to regress a bit.

Bench - Let's use this space to include Infante, newly named All Star.  The Atlanta bench has been strong all year, especially with great back up catcher David Ross.  In fact, it has been a great strength of this team that mixing and matching when needed due to injury or rest has resulted in very little tail off, if at all.  Every man is playing their part well.

Starting pitchers - Starting pitching has seen some hurdles this year but all in all, they are doing well, especially given Kawakami's inability to win his first game (finally picked it up just before being moved to the bullpen.)  Four other starters are on pace for double digit wins for the season and Jurrjens has looked good coming off the DL.  I have little fear these guys will lose this in the second half.

Bullpen - Huge!  In total, the pen may be the real team MVP.  Wagner set the tone early in the spring and the coming out party for Venters has helped to offset some shaky moments from Saito and Moylen.

In the end, the two major areas in need of improvement are SS and the outfield (considering no one expects Chipper to retire tomorrow.)  The first was dealt with today in the trade of Escobar to the Blue Jays for Alex Gonzalez.  After a little reading, I don't see much downside considering even if Gonzalez regresses, he will still give us approximately what Escobar did in the first half, with perhaps a bit of tail off on defense as Yunel was very, very good when he concentrated.  Obviously his ceiling is far greater than a 33 year old SS who has bumped around the leagues for the past few years.  But Gonzalez has played for some winners and seems solid enough to trust him with Lowe and Hudson's ground balls.

Further, there may be some benefit to removing what was starting to seem a clubhouse problem.  It was not even a month ago when I witnessed Chipper Jones getting into Yunel's face, pushing him to the bench to make sure he looked into his eyes.  Don't know what was exactly said, but Chipper did not look like he was messing around.  It was not but last week when we saw a poor play by Escobar lead to a potential injury for one of our cogs, Troy Glaus.  If he hurts his wrist or hand, we have another big hole to fill.  It is often called addition by subtraction and to a point, that applies here.  No doubt Escobar is a huge talent.  But when is enough when waiting for a player to mature?  Perhaps a fresh start in Toronto will be good for him but if he was taking away from clubhouse chemistry in this year when we find ourselves in 1st at the break...I don't mind the trade. 

As far as the outfield goes, we need either McLouth to turn it on in the second half or another every day center fielder (which would be our third in as many years.)  I do not trust a full time Cabrera out there and the others are not suited.  Perhaps Blanco but he's been given a chance before and did not do much with it.  There are not a lot of great choices out there to fill this need, any more than there is a big RH bat to stick in left field.  But with the above trade, I am not at all convinced that Frank Wren is done dealing.  Wren has exceeded my expectations as GM for a while now.  He has earned a bit of trust to make moves that may not seem great at first, but either he's been really lucky, or really smart.  Maybe a little bit of both.  Glaus, Wagner and the trade of Frenchie last year has earned my trust.

I look forward to the 2nd half of the season.  So far, I'm not too badly off my preseason picks.  And as far as the Braves are concerned in the division, I am glad to have been wrong.  Of course, the season ain't over yet.  Let's go Braves!  That is all.

R.I.P. Corinne Elder Hammond

Yesterday evening, perhaps the most important person in my life passed away.  My grandmother was 94 years old and succumbed to a broken hip and various complications that followed.  Yet even in the passing from this mortal coil, she fought to stay in this world.  Whether for her own reasons or to care for us, her family, it matters not at this time.  She is with her late husband once again and the Lord which was her great desire during her life and upon her death.

As the resident pseudo-author in the family, I was once again tasked with writing an obituary and I have done so for her as follows:

Corinne Elder Hammond died at the age of 94 on June 10, 2010 in Roswell, Georgia. Born January 10, 1916 in Atlanta, Georgia to Herbert Franklin Elder and Minnie Lou Monroe Elder, Corinne was the eldest of 6 children. She lived her entire life in the city of her birth, marrying husband Robert E. Hammond, Sr. (1913-2008) in 1946 after his return from World War II. The two often enjoyed traveling and golfing in both the United States and Europe and spending time with family and friends scattered throughout the country. Corinne and Bob were members of Druid Hills Country Club, Northside United Methodist Church and later Roswell United Methodist Church. She is survived by her sister Louise Hanie; her children Toni Hammond Conrad, Terri Hammond and Robert E. Hammond, Jr.; and their families including five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Easily, I could add that this woman was very much a second mother to me helping to care for myself and my sister when our parents were divorced when I was 4 years of age.  As my own mother went back to work, I spent much time with her at an early age playing "house" and watching a great deal of early HBO (God bless early cable.)  She always loved to remember me dressing in my grandfather's coat, hat and shoes (far too large for me) and "coming home from work."  Back scratches were also a time I remember well as my grandmothers hands could always make me feel comfort and ease, her fingers spelling out words that I would then have to guess.

As I grew older, she was always there to talk to and listen.  Whenever I had trouble, she was there.  She was always trying to feed me, give me money or items for assistance (she demanded that she buy me a bed frame when I had none), give me advice that I desired (or did not desire) and simply offering me an undying and unconditional love every single day of my life.  Certainly opinionated and at times even angry at me, she was only thus because she loved this family with all of her heart and soul with me as part of it.  She taught me the idea of family and its importance in a person's life, as well as a love for God and perhaps even humanity (the latter still requires some work.)

She wanted only the best for me and I am disappointed in myself that I was unable to give her that wish of a wife and home to call my own as in her last years, this was her great desire for me...happiness.  Nana only wanted that for me - a life to call my own with all the benefits that come with a stable, loving family.  Thankfully, I have her words in my heart and mind as I continue to find those things and I know that when I do, she will be pleased.

I am happy that she has found peace and is once again with her husband of 62 years.  But I miss her already.  That voice is only silenced face to face, however, as her heart and mind will stay with me until the day that I myself pass from this Earth.  She was a profound influence on my life and my thoughts.  Every single day I think of her and will continue to do so for the rest of my life.  Rest in peace, Nana.  I thank you, I miss you and I love you! 

That is all.

2010 Major League Baseball Preseason Picks

So I'm a few days late with my picks.  But they have barely begun playing so I don't think one or two games will change my opinion as to how the season will shake out.  Of course, these are just a guess having no real weight behind them, but it's a fun exercise both before the season to see how the teams stack up and then after to see how you did.  Of course, I'm sure my picks will turn out perfectly.  Let's take a look:

American League East

• New York Yankees
• Boston Red Sox (WC)
• Tampa Bay Rays
• Toronto Blue Jays
• Baltimore Orioles

Jeez, not much change from my picks last year other than flipping Boston and Tampa.  Of course, any one of the top three teams could switch places and I'd agree with that...except maybe New York.  I won't say they are head and shoulders above the other two, but they do have an edge.  And I give Boston just a slight edge over Tampa due to a smart organization.  That's not to say Tampa lacks such, but that the Red Sox had a very good off-season if you look at the talent they brought in to balance what they already had (and they did not get suckered into Damon as some guessed they might.)  Unfortunately for Toronto and Baltimore, neither team has got the goods to challenge the big guys.  Sad but true.  In fact, it would not surprise me to see Toronto tumble to the bottom of this list.

American League Central

• Minnesota Twins
• Chicago White Sox
• Detroit Tigers
• Cleveland Indians
• Kansas City Royals

For the full team talent, Minnesota has the edge in this division, though Chicago is not far behind them.  But Mauer and Morneau give the Twins that one two punch the rest of these teams really don't have.  I don't buy the Peavy acquisition for Chicago because pitching was already their real strength.  The Twins will have a fight on their hands, however, and not just from Chicago.  Detroit maintains a good staff and I still like their lineup.  But they are having their usual troubles putting it all together.  Cleveland just didn't live up to the hype last year and they are worse off this time around.  Sizemore is still a stud, but he's only one man.  And sometimes it seems that is all the Royals have playing for them...just one man trying to play every position every day.  That's the only way I can understand their repeated failure year in and year out.  It is sad for the Royals, sad for the citizens of Kansas City and truly sad for the game of baseball.

American League West

• Seattle Mariners
• Anaheim Angels of California in Los Angeles
• Texas Rangers
• Oakland Athletics

Huzzah!  I finally pick someone other than the Angels to win the west.  Of course, some of that is brought on by the tiresome prospect of the Angels winning yet another division crown due to lack of trying by the other teams.  But I actually think the other teams have a real shot this year...at least Seattle.  Were Cliff Lee completely healthy to start the season, I would feel better about this pick, but it does not change the fact that I like the direction the Mariners are going.  Lee and King Felix together give them a great one two punch that could lift them above the perennially winning Angels.  Texas should be competing, at least from the guys Atlanta shipped them in the Tex trade, but that pitching staff...there is surely talent there, but not enough.  Same goes for Oakland.  I doubt they will somehow be able to keep Ben Sheets healthy any more than Milwaukee did and that seems the high point.  I could be wrong, I don't pay attention to the west coast teams like I should, but these picks work for me this year.

National League East

• Philadelphia Phillies
• Atlanta Braves (WC)
• Florida Marlins
• New York Mets
• Washington Nationals

Proof that I did not let the huge opening day game for the Braves get to me in my picks are the above.  Yes, Atlanta is once again picked for the wild card just as last year.  And I wasn't far off, was I?  Couple of games, really.  This year, I would not be surprised to see them win the division outright.  But I'm not dumb enough to put them ahead of the Phillies in a preseason poll.  Philly is still the class of the league, as much as the division.  Utley, Howard and Rollins anchor that team.  For now while they can still pay all three, the team remains in the lead.  But Atlanta closed the gap over the off-season (I'll speak more on this in a separate post) and I think we'll see a rather close race this year.  The Marlins can never be counted out, though they may have to start selling off their high priced parts mid season.  And the Natspos have grown.  They will not roll over for anybody, but they likely end in 5th place, unless the Mets are as truly horrible as I suspect they might.  If they have not yet imploded, they are about to.  That front office is so messed up that I cannot see how they ever win a game, except they do have really good players.  But the injury bug keeps getting them...again, just a poor organization which would be sad if they played anywhere other than New York.

National League Central

• St. Louis Cardinals
• Chicago Cubs
• Milwaukee Brewers
• Cincinnati Reds
• Houston Astros
• Pittsburgh Pirates

Believe it or not, after St. Louis, this is a pretty tight division.  In fact, I think both Chicago and Milwaukee have enough right now to challenge the Cards.  But I won't pick against them again until they actually lose it to another team.  Perhaps it is favoritism that causes me to pick Chicago next, but so be it.  I still think they have a good core.  And Milwaukee maintains a great set of players as well.  After them, Cincy and Houston can be grouped together as teams ready to take a leap forward but somehow untrusted by me at least to do so.  Just not there yet.  And I am beginning to think the Pirates are the National League's version of KC.  I guess they can continue to be a farm system for the Braves, but it shouldn't be that way.

National League West

• Los Angeles Dodgers
• Colorado Rockies
• Arizona Diamondbacks
• San Francisco Giants
• San Diego Padres

I will go with the Dodgers here but I think Colorado will be close behind.  In fact, they are right behind the Braves for a pick to win the wild card if not the division.  Still, Joe Torre remains one of the best around in pulling a team together and I have little fear he will fall off this year.  I'm not as sold on their team this year as I was last year, but they still have the talent to compete.  And as stated, the Rockies look strong.  Arizona too could challenge, but I think not.  And San Fran and San Diego are bottom feeders at present.  The Giants are better off and when you have Tim Lincecum as your ace, you are going to win a few games.  But the rest of the talent isn't there to back it up and San Diego...well, call me next year to see if anything has changed.  The biggest question with them is where Adrian Gonzalez will end up before years end.

For the postseason:

Division Series:
Yankees over Seattle
Boston over Twins
Phillies over Los Angeles
Braves over St. Louis

Championship Series:
Yankees over Boston
Braves over Phillies

World Series:
Braves over Yankees in six games

What the hell?  It's Bobby's last season!  And the team has a shot to be that good.  I have not picked them to win it in a while, but it feels right.  It will take a lot of luck and some great hits throughout the year but it is not impossible.  It is tough to go against the Yankees, however, and they will be the team to beat.  No doubt about it.  The Sox could put a good run together, no doubt, as could the Phillies.  Hell, even St. Louis should go far as could the Rays should they get into the postseason.  But I like the make-up for the Braves.  The only thing they are lacking really is bringing in an aged guy that's been around the block a few times and knows the score a la Joe Carter or Paul Molitor...but maybe Chipper fills that role on this team.  He will definitely be mentoring this year and if you saw his face after Heyward hit that home run on opening day, you know he doesn't mind that a bit.  He just needs to get his hits.  I am looking forward to a great season and one game in...so far so good.  I apologize for the lateness of the picks as I should have had them up over the weekend, but you know...stuff happens.  Go Braves!  That is all.