Calling Out Torii Hunter

Torii Hunter said recently about the Jackie Robinson tribute of wearing 42 this sunday as this:  "This is supposed to be an honor, and just a handful of guys wearing the number. Now you've got entire teams doing it. I think we're killing the meaning. It should be special wearing Jackie's number, not just because it looks cool. "

Really.

And who should this handful of guys be?

I'll admit that the decision of the Pirates, Cardinals, Phillies, and Astros all wearing the number is odd (realistically, I think only the Dodgers should be allowed to all wear the number), but honestly, Robinson's impact on the game of baseball had a lasting impact on the game, not just for African Americans, but also for Hispanic Americans, and Japanease Americans.

Without Robinson, we would never have been exposed to some of the legends that have been in the game had the sport stayed just white, with only the rare player being allowed in because his skin happened to qualify.

Without Robinson, we would never have been graced wtih Willie Mays.  We would never have had the pleasure of watching Hank Aaron, one of the most honorable and distinguished gentlemen ever to play the game.  We would never have met players such as Joe Morgan, the Alou Clan, Roberto Clemente, and others had it not been for Robinson.

So, Torii instead of poo-pooing on the decision of players wanting to wear the number, keep in mind that it isn't a fashion statement, or a way to look cool.

It's a simple method of players and fans, young and old, saying Thank You, one of of the greatest men to have graced the social landscape of the country.  We would all be worse off without him.

Finding An Heir To Rivera

With the latest talk that Mariano Rivera may or may not be a Yankee at the end of the season, does the system have a pitcher that can step up to the task of taking the role that has been held by possibly the greatest post-season closer in the history of baseball?  Or does the team look for a source from outside the system?

Here’s a list of who the Yankees may ask to take over the role in the future:

• Scott Proctor (RHP - Yankees) – Proctor is the odds on favorite to take over the role.  He’s got good stuff, some experience closing in limited roles, can dominate and is young enough to build a pen around.  Working against Proctor’s favor, however, is the thought that the Yankees still view him as a starter and will eventually shift him into the rotation.  Plus, there’s also the possibility of Proctor breaking down, as Torre was absolutely brutal with his use last season.  Still, he’s the favorite for the job.
• Francisco Rodriguez (RHP – Angels) – Or Is He?  The Yankees have long coveted the Angels closer as the successor to Rivera and he hits free agency in two years, about the time it's expected for Rivera to finally retire.  Rodriguez is an electric closer and could more than satisfy the needs of a lights out closer.  The only problem is that his delievery, motion, and everything about the way he pitches kind of screams for a breakout at some point.
• J.B. Cox (RHP - Yankees Farm System) - The Former University Of Texas Closer was one of the more dominating farm system closers in baseball until Tommy John shut him down, but there is a fear that his stuff falls just below closer's material and that he may be a setup man long term.
• Joba Chamberline (RHP - Yankees Farm System) - Chamberline, one of the more impressive pitchers in the low low minors, has great raw stuff that more than fits the bill as a closer's role.  Plus, his body type, which is BIG, may be better off for that role.  However, the Yankees, like Proctor, also view him as a starter, and they will hold off on making the transistion in the near future.
• Someone Outside The Organization - Again, the Yankees could also make a trade in the next couple of years for a blocked reliever that could close.  C.J. Wilson of the Rangers and Jesse Crain of the Twins are immediate candidates that come to mind.  The problem is that both teams also like their pitchers and would demand a good prospect in return for their relievers, which is something the Yankees might not want to give up.
• Someone Yet To Be Drafted - There's also the possibility that the Yankees could draft a college closer, but the record on college closers so far is rather spotty, with Huston Street and Chad Cordero being the exceptions.

2007 Free Agency – Second Basemen

This market is going to be thin after an abundance of second baseman this year.  There’s going to be several utility players that may be able to play the position, but that’s a article for another day.

•  Luis Castillo (Twins) – Castillo is the best option available on the market and he’s still a capable defender and a solid hitter.  His power is diminishing as he gets older, but he still has great speed and plate discipline and is a asset in the number two spot if he’s not hitting leadoff.  Castillo should cash in a rather scarce market for second baseman.
•  Marcus Giles (Padres) – [If $4MM club option is declined].  Though I expect Giles to remain in San Diego, as his option is relatively affordable, Giles is a decent performer with some power and defense, but the increasing strikeout totals and his decreasing power over the past couple of years is a concerned.
• Tadahito Iguchi (White Sox) – Iguchi is a free agent after this season because of his age and lack of power, he’s not going to be a hot name on the market.  He’s got a great glove at second and has some speed on the bases and he hits for decent contact and has good plate discipline.  I think he’ll likely stay, as he’s a cheap date.
• J#### Kent (Dodgers) – [If he fails to make 550 PA to trigger $9MM Club Option.]   Kent still has got solid power and can be a solid middle of the lineup presence, but he’s not a great option at second and may be better as a DH.  Still, he may get a shot somewhere, as I think he wants one more season to pad his Hall Of Fame resume.

Danny Almonte Joins The Frontier League

Danny Almote has signed with the Southern Illinois Miners of the independent Frontier League.  In case you all don't remember, Almonte pitched his Bronx, New York, team to a third-place finish in the 2001 Series, tossing a perfect game along the way, but documents later revealed that Almonte was 14 years old at the time of the competition, two years too old for the tournament. His records were removed and his team stripped of their finish.

Almonte went on to help James Monroe High School in New York win two Public School Athletic League championships. He was named MVP of the 2004 title game.  He was eligiable to be drafted in last year's Rule 4 Amateur Draft, but wasn't taken in any of the 50 rounds.

As far as his stuff is concerend, Almonte is a lefty pitcher that has a fastball that sits in the low 90's that couples with a plus slider.  Ehh, not bad.  Who knows?  A dominant season could get him on the draft boards again.