The love affair is over. The “Manny Show” is road trippin’ to the west coast. In a blockbuster deal at the end of baseball’s trade deadline, Manny Ramirez has been shipped to Los Angeles, while Jason Bay goes to Boston, and four players end up with the Pirates.
Manny Ramirez has finally been traded, and to be honest, this is the best deal Boston could have done. The best. If you don’t think so, then give me a better, but still realistic scenario. Seriously, think about it for a second. Manny Ramirez - he’s a talent. We all know it. When he hits… he crushes the ball. He hits for average and has power. He hits in the clutch. He hits during the postseason. He’s well on his way to being a member in baseball’s Hall of Fame.
Yes, all of that is nice. Still, what’s painfully more glaring is the fact that Ramirez has the tendency to make himself a clubhouse cancer. He doesn’t run out ground balls. He shows up his opponents by staring down home runs. He plays when he wants to – often sighting injuries. He fumbles and stumbles his way after fly balls. Worst of all, he complains – about his contract, about his teammates, about his team’s front office.
And that my friends, is why “Manny being Manny” wore out in Boston years ago. Yes, years ago. Sure, with every home run, the annoyances and frustrations subsided. Yet, with every additional complaint, it all resurrected – and believe me, those complaints were there more often than not.
So this is it Boston, Manny is gone - headed to Tinseltown to play for Joe Torre and the Dodgers. How do you feel? Do you have a hangover worse than Paris Hilton on a Sunday morning? Or maybe you feel nothing but relief? Being out and about during tonight’s announcement, this writer felt the buzz and heard some of the comments – most notably the pre-trade line where an associate said “I hope he’s traded for a bag of dirty baseballs”.
But enough about Manny, let’s talk about the trade. What a victory for the Red Sox. You lose the team’s attitude, but replace him with Jason Bay, a guy who puts up similar numbers in a full season. Don’t believe me? Let’s dive deeper:
Manny Ramirez – 36 yrs old – 2008 Salary: 20 million 2006 – 130 G – 35 HR, 102 RBI, .321 avg. 2007 – 133 G – 20 HR, 88 RBI, .296 avg. 2008 – 100 G – 20 HR, 68 RBI, .299 avg.
Jason Bay – 29 yrs. old – 2008 Salary: 6 million 2006 – 159 G – 35 HR, 109 RBI, .286 avg. 2007 – 145 G – 21 HR, 84 RBI, .247 avg. 2008 – 106 G – 22 HR, 64 RBI, .282 avg.
A few quick points (about the above numbers) should be made before moving on. Bay fought off an injury in 2007, and while his average was down, he still managed 21 home runs. Also, while overall Ramirez’s numbers are a little better, Bay’s salary is only six million, and he’s seven years younger. Most importantly, Bay has been putting up these numbers in Pittsburgh’s park, with a roster of Pirates protecting him. Imagine this talent with Boston’s lineup protection at Fenway Park half of the season? Bay could easily improve – and should for that matter. What does Boston give up? Craig Hansen, once a gem of a prospect in the organization, meant little in the eyes of Boston fans this season. He throws gas, yes - but he’s also wild. In 2008, Hansen has posted an ERA of 5.58, while striking out 25 and walking 23 over 30 2/3 innings. Brandon Moss, the other Red Sox casualty, was also nothing more than a utility player in Boston. In 78 AB’s, Moss managed 2 HR and 11 RBI, while batting .295 as a member of the Red Sox. All in all, this trade is a major victory for the Red Sox.
Heck, it’s a victory for all teams. The Dodgers are stuck in the middle of a tight NL West division race, where an experienced veteran bat was desperately needed. The Red Sox desperately needed to move Manny, especially after all of his most recent antics. Finally, there are the Pirates, who as always, needed to move a pricey talent (by their standards), in hopes to get younger and better.
It’s a good deal for all, especially in Boston, where Manny can be Manny somewhere else. No more disappearing acts into the Green Monster. No more dreads flapping in the breeze. No more walk-off homers that don’t include any walking away from the plate.
Yes, the media may be sad to see the “Manny train” headed west, but the Red Sox fans shouldn’t be. Toss those Manny thoughts into the Boston Harbor and welcome Jason Bay with open arms. Give Bay a few weeks, and he’ll likely flood Boston with reasons for Red Sox Nation to love him.
It’s that time again my friends. The tomatoes are in place. Now if we’ll just have the deserving individuals in sports please stand up.
Ready… aim… fire!
Throwing Tomatoes – Volume XII
The NBA’s New OKC franchise …for filing six “not-so-OK” nicknames. Per a recent AP report: “The NBA has filed for trademark rights to six nicknames for the league’s new Oklahoma City franchise: Barons, Bison, Energy, Marshalls, Thunder, and Wind.
Why do I picture a team intro to “Earth, Wind, and Fire”? “Shining Star” perhaps? Boy, that one would really pump you up!
As for the nicknames, where do I start? We have Marshalls with ‘two L’s’, and that isn’t even the half of it. Heck, making fun of “Wind” alone would be a breeze.
Julio Castillo …for hitting a fan in the head (with a baseball) during a minor-league brawl. Minor league brawls… boy, you sure don’t hear about those very often. Still, they happen in baseball. That doesn’t make it right for excessive force, and even though brawls aren’t the best way to solve things, a player should never use a baseball as a weapon during a brawl. That’s exactly what Castillo did, throwing a ball at the opponent’s dugout, only to instead injure a fan in the process.
Nice aim Julio.. I guess now we know why you’re in the minors.
Pittsburgh Pirates …for not getting enough value in their recent deal with the Yankees. The talk for weeks was that the Pirates wanted “the farm” for Xavier Nady. By the time the deal arrived, Pittsburgh had not only dealt away Nady, but also Damaso Marte to the Yankees, while only getting four players in return, only two of which cracked Baseball America’s preseason top 10 list of Yankees prospects (Jose Tabata - #3 and Ross Ohlendorf - #9). Not surprisingly, there’s a mutiny against the Pirates after that deal.
ARRR! That’s not quite the booty Pittsburgh fans were likely expecting in return.
Steven Jackson …for missing the opening day of training camp Look at Jackson’s stat line for the Rams in 2007: 1,002 yards rushing, only two 100-yard rushing games, and out ¼ of the season with an injury. Jackson may be a special player, but those numbers are nothing special to me. I don’t think those numbers earn him the right to hold out. In my book, it only earns Jackson a tomato.
The WNBA’s Detroit Shock and Los Angeles Sparks …for their bench clearing brawl early last week. Wait, am I seriously throwing a tomato at a catfight again? I need more sleep.
Goodyear Tires at the Allstate 400 …for not being reliable. Yikes, it was a tough day for Goodyear. I heard Kyle Busch’s tire melted on the track, not in his hand.
Brett Favre …for not showing up at camp. All that talk about how he was going to show up at training camp, and Favre never made it. I sure hope he sent Ted Thompson a text message letting him know.
Green Bay Packers …for denying Favre the opportunity to compete for the starting job. Favre isn’t expecting to start. He just wants to compete for it. If Green Bay can’t land a first round pick for Brett, they may want to think about going back on that little promise – you know, the one where the Packers said Favre won’t compete for that job at all.
Honorary Tomato Throwers of the Week Because those who found success earn a chance to sling one at their opposition New York Yankees – at the rival Red Sox after taking the series at Fenway Park and getting back into the division race.
Colorado Rockies – at the NL West after not only winning nine of ten, but also getting back into the division race. Jimmie Johnson – at the NASCAR field after winning the Allstate 400.
This has been “Throwing Tomatoes”… now don’t blow a tire trying to head to your nearest vegetable stand for ammunition.
It’s the toughest ticket in town. A huge rivalry – emotions soaring, teams scoring, balls flying, tempers boiling – a game that anyone would want to experience live. For me, it’s Yankees vs. Red Sox. For you, it could be the same – or perhaps another rivalry in the world of sports.
The Bronx Bombers are back in Boston this weekend, and countless fans are becoming as broke as Ed McMahon trying to buy tickets.
Eight years living close enough to Fenway Park, and I haven’t even sniffed Sox-Yanks tickets – not that I would, that would be weird.
It has come to the point that in order to get my hands on tickets to this heated rivalry, drastic measures are going to have to be taken…
What I’m Willing to Do for Yankees vs. Red Sox Tickets
-- Wear a Yankees shirt with a bullseye on it outside of Fenway Park.
-- Let Brett Favre decide when I should open my parachute after skydiving.
-- Grow a mustache like the one Jason Giambi has - refuse to wear a gold thong though - you have to draw the line somewhere.
-- Invent and participate in “Wicked Good ‘Chowda’ Wrestling” – as in New England clam chowder. My only request is to keep it at room temperature. I don’t want to burn “my boys”.
-- Run the Boston Marathon backwards in 2009. -- Watch an entire season of Duke football (add in Notre Dame, too).
-- Challenge Johnny Damon to a throwing contest. You’re right… that really isn’t much of a challenge.
-- Make up my own Cynthia Rodriguez t-shirt line. It’ll be @#$% great!
-- Play “bobbing for tickets”… in a tank full of lobsters.
-- Challenge Bartolo Colon, C.C. Sabathia, and Miguel Cabrera to a Boston Cream Pie eating contest.
-- Take credit for Boston’s “Big Dig”.
-- Dress up like Don Zimmer and charge Pedro Martinez while he’s pitching for the Mets.
-- Volunteer to be Godfather to all of Brangelina’s kids. -- Stand in between Rosie O’Donnell and Kirstie Alley at the Hometown Buffet and scream “Five minutes ‘til closing”.
-- Wear one of Sergio Garcia’s outfits in public.
-- Dress up like Jonathan Papelbon and walk throughout New York City.
-- Wear a David Tyree jersey and walk through downtown Boston.
-- Have Sanjaya Malakar sing next to me on a glass bridge.
-- Be Christian Bale’s personal punching bag for a week.
-- Grow hair like Manny.
And finally…
-- Speak with a Boston accent for the rest of the season. Take the following examples: "That pitchah throws a wicked hahhd fastball." "The dater on ‘dis guy says he can smack one ovah the Monstah and outta the pahhk." "You think Papelbon will blow ‘dis game? Whatayou, retahdid?'
There you have it… a few potential options. What would YOU do for the toughest ticket in your town?
This week’s batch hones in on gangs and catfights, while also taking the time to toss a few at familiar targets… but enough chatter, let’s just get to the tomatoes.
Throwing Tomatoes – Volume XI
Gang Signs …for potentially spreading throughout sports, this time to the NFL. This one goes out to the whole situation. First off, at the NFL. How would anyone in the NFL front office even know this is the case? Are they going strictly off the Paul Pierce situation in Boston? If so, that’s ludicrous.
Secondly, could any of you point out any of these signs? We aren’t talking something like “The Van Buren Boys” from Seinfeld here are we?! All in all, it’s a shame that sports have come to this.
I hope for their sake “tomato red” is a neutral gang color. Danica Patrick …for getting involved in another altercation. Patrick confronted female driver Milika Duno, and later got into a verbal spat, in which Patrick accused Duno of getting in her way too many times. Looks like the post-first-victory struggles are starting to get to Patrick a little bit.
Come to think of it, does a “catfight” really deserve a tomato?!
Michelle Wie …for being disqualified at the LPGA’s State Farm Classic. Wie was disqualified for not signing her scorecard before leaving the scoring area following the second round. What’s worse is that she was finally in contention (in second place to be exact). Instead, the result is yet another miscue by Wie, who continues to be a huge disappointment. Terry Francona …for not taking care of all AL teams during the All-Star game. While treading softly with Scott Kazmir and the Rays, Francona ended up overusing Orioles closer George Sherrill, which reportedly got under the skin of the Baltimore front office. As a result, should we expect another AL East brawl? Maybe Coco Crisp should just teach his teammates how to dodge a tomato.
Dan Uggla …for forgetting how to play defense during the All-Star game. Uggla had back-to-back errors in the 10th inning of the All-Star game, plus three total in the game. He also ground into a double play and struck out. It could have been worse, especially if Colorado’s Aaron Cook didn’t bail him out by escaping a bases loaded, nobody out jam in the 10th.
Manny Ramirez …for causing yet another story and altercation. Yep, Manny’s in the news again, and once again it’s about his contract. He wants to know if Boston is picking up his option, and was quoted as saying, “I want no more [times] where they tell you one thing and behind your back they do another thing. All in all, it’s another case of “Manny being ####”… scratch that, “Manny being Manny”.
Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els …for not carrying the torch during Tiger’s absence. Apparently, there’s more pressure to perform when everyone is looking to you to perform while Tiger’s at home rehabbing. Even though it could have been much worse for Phil and Ernie at the British Open (Els tied for 7th and Mickelson tied for 19th), neither were really in it after nightmarish opening rounds. The Orioles on Sunday … and the fact that they just can’t win… AGAIN. Yet another tomato until the O’s can win on Sunday. Make that 15 consecutive losses on Sunday for the Birds… and that stat really IS “for the birds”.
Honorary Tomato Throwers of the Week Because those who found success earn a chance to sling one at their opposition Washington Redskins – at the NFC East after acquiring Jason Taylor from Miami on Sunday. Greg Norman – at anyone who says a man in his 50’s can’t compete at a major championship. Chris Wood – at anyone who says an amateur can’t compete at a major championship. Tampa Bay Rays – at anyone who thought they would go away quietly. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim – at the AL West after taking a commanding nine game lead.
This has been “Throwing Tomatoes”… and be sure to avoid the ones with any strange signs or signals on the labels.
This week’s tomatoes get delivered in four packs, in honor of #4 himself, Brett Favre. While the Favre saga is ongoing (and quite tomato-worthy), it certainly isn’t alone.
Where do you direct your tomatoes this week?
Throwing Tomatoes – Volume X
The “Brett Favre Saga” …for getting more confusing by the day. This whole thing is getting a little out of hand. First, we hear about the text to Ted Thompson. Then the request for reinstatement. Next, Green Bay declines Favre’s release request. We hear rumors of Favre being a backup, plus the chatter about a Packer fan rally. Heck, another six-pack of stories likely popped up in the time it took for me to write this sentence. Green Bay Packers …for thinking they can brush off a legend. Listen, I know everyone has a take on this one. We could all vote and it would likely be split right down the middle. Still, I have to say this… while I think Brett Favre could have handled the situation better, I still feel the Packers need to let him come back and be their QB. I understand what Green Bay is doing, but Favre single handedly helped revive this historical franchise, which was stuck in the dumps for years. This is how you repay him when he changes his mind and wants to come back for more?
The Packer Fans Rally … for not sounding the least bit impressive. The headlines all over the sports pages discuss a rally of Packer fans backing Favre and chanting for him to return to Green Bay. Yet, you read the story and it discusses a “crowd of over 100”. Really? That’s it? Does that mean the rest of you want Aaron Rodgers? REALLY?
Tampa Bay Rays …for hitting a major bump in the road right when everyone was jumping on the wagon. There are still a lot of games left. With that being said, it isn’t often that you see championship teams struggle for such a prolonged period of time. The losing streak is at seven games. This week’s All-Star game will be a much needed break for the Rays.
People Drinking the Angels Haterade …instead of recognizing how good this team is.
Is it me, or is no one talking about the Los Angeles Angels of
Anaheim? Maybe because the team name confuses them? Either way, the
Angels are tied with the Cubs for the best record in baseball heading
into the All-Star break. And get this, they open the second half at
home against the Red Sox. Time to ask T.O. for some popcorn.
Travis Henry …for testing positive for marijuana. Yep, you got it… it’s just another story about a talented athlete flushing his career right down the toilet after getting into trouble one time too many.
Martin Truex …for failing inspection at Daytona. As a result of the illegal car, Truex and his DEI team were penalized 150 points by NASCAR. That one will leave a mark… and so will this tomato.
Washington Wizards …for the mammoth deal they gave Gilbert Arenas.
Six years and 111 million for Arenas? Seriously? I know the guy can play, but he’s also been injured frequently enough in recent years that I think this is a bit much for “Agent Zero”.
Chicago Cubs …for wheeling and dealing to get Rich Harden. Listen, Harden is painfully talented… painful like the injuries he sustains on a yearly basis. Who else thinks he could suffer another setback before October arrives? Carlos Marmol as an NL All-Star Replacement …for Kerry Wood, who is injured. Are you kidding me? I can’t believe Marmol had the highest vote on the player ballot. There are so many other candidates that are more deserving. Cole Hamels and Chad Billingsley come to mind.
The Orioles on Sunday … and the fact that they just can’t win… again. Make that 14 consecutive losses on Sunday for the Birds. You guessed it, they’re gettin’ one until they can get into the win column.
The Brett Favre Saga…again …for frustrating me one more time. I can’t stop shaking my head at this Brett Favre story. I just had to stop and pause… and sling another tomato. That’s four this go-round for #4 and the tangled web he’s in with the Packers.
Honorary Tomato Throwers of the Week Because those who found success earn a chance to sling one at their opposition
New York Mets – at the NL East after winning nine straight heading into the All-Star break. Philadelphia 76ers – at the Clippers after signing Elton Brand. C.C. Sabathia – at the NL after getting his second win in as many starts as a Brewer. Ian Kinsler – at AL pitching after his hit streak was extended to 25 games.
This has been “Throwing Tomatoes”… and please… no more texts of “2-MAY-2” sent to me. Is that you Brett?
It’s all about things being broken this week. Broken bones, broken hearts, and as painful as it sounds, even a testicular fracture. Before I become a broken record, let’s just get to the tomato throwin’…
Throwing Tomatoes – Volume IX
Seattle SuperSonics and its Ownership …for packing up and moving to Oklahoma City. It’s always tough to see a team move. I feel for the fans of Seattle… for a lot of reasons. The Mariners enter the season with hype and falter. The Sonics never quite got it done in the 90’s. Now they add a potential star in Kevin Durant, only to have their team pack up and leave for the nation’s heartland.
A-Rod’s Love Life …for finding a way to get all intertwined into the sports pages. If I wanted to read about A-Rod and something besides his game (baseball game that is), I would pick up a Cosmo or People, or maybe even turn on TMZ. The only splitting I want to hear about is his bat after a high-and-tight fastball. Unless soon-to-be ex Cynthia has some more vulgar shirts, perhaps directed at Madonna. Maybe A-Rod has one for Lenny Kravitz… such as: “If You Can’t Say No”, then don’t “Dig In” with an “American Woman”. Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
Chris Snyder …for not taking better care of the “family jewels”. Poor Chris Snyder. He’s on the DL. But wait, it gets worse. He’s out with a testicular fracture. A busted nut if you will. The irony is, Snyder was replaced on the Arizona roster by Robby Hammock. Get well soon Chris.
Michael Beasley …for getting injured minutes into the Heat’s opening camp practice. OK fine, so it’s a cracked bone. That still counts as being broken. I get that he can still play, but stemming off the drama that already existed with Pat Riley apparently not being crazy about the pick, now this happens to Beasley in his opening practice? Get ready for some drama on South Beach this year.
George Sherrill …for not trusting his fastball. Blowing a save hurts a closer… and a team. But how about blowing back-to-back games when your team has the lead, two outs, and two strikes in the 9th inning. That’s what Sherrill did last week. I believe both pitches were on hanging sliders too.
The Brett Favre Saga …for not going away. This tomato is not directed at Favre himself, but more so at the rumors and sources that desperately continue to resurrect stories on Favre making a triumphant return to “Cheeseland”. C’mon people, let’s figure this story out and put it to bed.
Aaron Rodgers …for ticking off some of the best fans in football. Aaron Rodgers has upset Green Bay fans already and he hasn’t even taken the field yet. To further explain, Rodgers was quoted as saying “I don’t need to sell myself to fans, they need to get on board now or keep their mouths shut”. I wonder if the Brett Favre rumor came out to try and “stir the pot” more, perhaps making some Green Bay fans long for their Hall of Fame QB to change his mind and return for one more year? Rodgers later apologized, but something tells me he’ll still hear some boos at Lambeau Field when the season starts.
The Colorado and Florida Pitching Staffs …for giving up 35 runs and 43 hits in one game OK, so I throw a tomato at the pitching staffs of the Marlins and Rockies for their Fourth of July slugfest that provided fans with plenty of offensive fireworks. It was like teeball out there. Still, how I wish I was one of the fans sitting in the seats at Coors Field on the night when Colorado walks off with a crazy 18-17 victory over the Marlins. Now that’s exciting!
Troy Tulowitzki …for injuring himself out of frustration. It’s just been one of those years for the Colorado shortstop. This time, he’s visiting the DL due to a cut on his hand (that required stitches). How’d he get it? Try by slamming his bat down, only to have it slice his hand open. That’s call for an extra-large tomato… and a little Neosporin too.
People Drinking Wimbledon “Haterade” …instead of watching the Finals this weekend. Tennis fan or not, if you missed this weekend’s Wimbledon finals, then you missed something special. Especially on the men’s side, where Rafael Nadal was able to knock off five-time Wimbledon champ Roger Federer in a match that lasted nearly five hours.
The Orioles on Sunday … and the fact that they just can’t win. Make that 13 consecutive losses for the Baltimore Orioles on Sundays. Yes, that’s 13. The O’s haven’t won on Sunday since the opening week of the season, with the latest setback being a difficult 11-10 loss to the Rangers at Camden Yards. Maybe the Baltimore faithful can give Adam “Pacman” Jones a call. I hear he can make it rain and he’s free on Sundays until the Fall. Oh wait, that’s… nevermind.
Tyson #### …for only qualifying for the 100m in the upcoming Olympics. #### suffered a severe cramp during the 200 meter Olympics Trials race, therefore knocking him out of the competition for a medal in Beijing. One of the fastest men on the planet, and because of a cramp, he won’t have a shot. Honorary Tomato Throwers of the Week Because those who found success earn a chance to sling one at their opposition
Milwaukee Brewers – at the NL Central after reportedly trading for Cleveland ace C.C. Sabathia Kyle Busch – at the NASCAR field after winning his sixth race of the 2008 season.
This has been “Throwing Tomatoes”… let the countdown begin until the next “Brett Favre to Return” rumor surfaces.
The Tampa Bay Rays are the feel good story of baseball. So why is it that I still feel bad about their chances?
Perhaps my brain is locked in on the Yankees and Red Sox, the two Goliaths of the AL East that each year morph us into Bill Murray’s character from “Groundhog Day”, where life just repeats itself over and over again.
Wake up… Yankees and Sox in the playoffs.
Wake up… Yankees and Sox in the playoffs.
Wake up… Yankees and Sox in the playoffs.
It’s a viciously annoying cycle. I wake up and every day I see a new person diving head first onto the Tampa Bay bandwagon. Yet, every day, I stay behind and watch that wagon leave me in its wake.
Another sweep of Boston at “The Trop”, the best record in baseball, no signs of slowing down, and here I am presenting you with the first “anti-Rays” piece of the year.
Hang on a sec, I have to make sure that my head is screwed on straight.
Yep, it is.
Damn.
I don’t come here questioning Tampa Bay’s stockpile of talent – or purposely attempting to burst their bubble. I am questioning their longevity, as many have… until recent weeks that is.
Tampa Bay’s pitching has been great, the defense solid, the hitting there at all the right moments. Many baseball prognosticators discuss how the youth of the Rays will help the team stay fresh throughout the long baseball season.
I instead stare Tampa Bay’s youth right in the face and can only think about how countless times young players wear down during that first season that features a giant workload.
Take a look at the rotation of the Rays. The oldest player on the starting staff, James Shields, is only 26 years old. Youth usually equals inexperience. Let’s dive in deeper regarding the starting five of the Rays…
Scott Kazmir – 24 years old 2008: 7-3, 2.63 ERA Career Stats: 42-32, 3.50 ERA Best Season: 2007 – 13-9, 3.48 ERA Red Flag: Over 200 innings only once in his career (2007), plus has had injury issues
Matt Garza – 24 years old 2008: 7-4, 3.47 ERA Career: 15-17, 4.06 ERA Career Best: This season Red Flag: Never over 100 innings in one season and no more than 15 starts in one year
James Shields – 26 years old 2008: 6-5, 3.70 ERA Career: 24-21, 4.09 ERA Career Best: 2007 – 12-8, 3.85 ERA Red Flag: Over 200 innings only once in his career (2007) Edwin Jackson – 24 years old 2008: 4-6, 4.33 ERA Career: 15-25, 5.30 ERA Career Best: This season Red Flag: 161 innings last year (Nothing over 40 previously), Never had ERA under 5 (with exception to four game performance in 2003 in LA)
Andy Sonnanstine – 25 years old 2008: 9-3, 4.60 ERA Career: 15-13, 5.31 ERA Career Best: This season Red Flag: Only one other season in majors – 130 plus innings and 22 starts
There you have it, an inexperienced and youthful rotation, in which more than half of the group is experiencing a career year so far.
Still, we haven’t even hit the dog days of summer yet. The All-Star break isn’t even here. There’s certainly a chance that any of these players could begin to struggle as the season winds down. Injuries can and do occur.
As we all know, when a rotation falters, the bullpen usually crashes down with it. The ‘pen doesn’t get its regular rest. With the pitching struggles, quite often the offensive players may start pressing. It’s all a domino effect.
Go ahead and bring up the 2006 Detroit Tigers as an example. Fine, Verlander was a rookie and pitched well, but Jeremy Bonderman had three seasons of 160+ innings before Detroit’s 2006 World Series run. The rest of the team was speckled with seasoned veterans such as Pudge Rodriguez, Kenny Rogers, and Magglio Ordonez. The Tigers are a different story.
Go ahead and talk about baseball’s trading deadline, and some potential moves Tampa Bay can make. I know they have the depth in their farm system to make a deal.
Still, every single one of us knows that both Boston and New York will find a way to refuel at the deadline. Players will drop their no-trade clauses and flock to each of these powerhouses. Plain and simple, the major markets will get deals done.
What I want to know is this: Does the Tampa Bay front office have the “stones” to make a major deal? Tampa Bay teams of the past certainly didn’t. The “Artist formerly known as the Devil Rays” dealt away Aubrey Huff way too late, never getting enough value for him. Then there was the injury prone Rocco Baldelli, who was wanted by most of the league for years. Tampa Bay never moved him. Now, as sad as it is, Baldelli’s career is likely over.
Still, everyone jumps on the wagon, praising those sneaky little “devils” of the game – the Rays. As for me, while the Rays are a fun and unexpected story, I can’t help but admit that I still see a collapse in sight. The rotation is young and inexperienced. If they falter, the bullpen will tire. Following that, the offense could begin to press. All the while, the major markets are restocking their rosters.
Maybe I’m off base. Maybe the Rays can use this piece as bulletin board material. Maybe I’m still stuck in that “Groundhog Day” rut. Wake up… “Rays of light” shining on the game of baseball.
I awake and only see “Rays of plight”.
That’s right, I’m doubting one of the better baseball stories in recent memory.
It isn’t quite the All-Star Break for baseball, yet most of the league’s teams are at or past the halfway point of this year’s grueling 162 game season. With that being said, there are certainly a number of teams and players that have already stood out in a negative way.
Yep, they’re askin’ for it. It’s a special edition of “Throwing Tomatoes”… nah, let’s call it a “special delivery”. So get your ammo ready, and let’s start slingin’…
Throwing Tomatoes – Volume VIII ** SPECIAL DELIVERY: Baseball’s Halfway Point
Colorado Rockies (32-50) Eight short months ago, this team was the NL’s representative in the World Series. What happened? A lot of things, including first half injuries to Tulowitzki and Holliday, struggles by staff ace Jeff Francis, and little progress from some of their promising young players. Oh, and Colorado’s pitching staff has a team ERA of 4.70. Only Texas and Pittsburgh are worse.
San Diego Padres (32-51) Injuries to Jake Peavy and Chris Young during the first half certainly didn’t help, but the lack of production by the offense (with exception to Adrian Gonzalez) has been the bigger issue.
Detroit Tigers (41-40) Sure, they’re above .500 and finally getting their act together, but it’s still been a rough first half for a Tigers team that entered 2008 with a boatload of lofty expectations. Offseason acquisition Miguel Cabrera (.279 average, 11 HR, 47 RBI) has been decent since joining the Tigers. Dontrelle Willis, on the other hand… let’s get back to him in a minute.
New York Mets (40-41) and Omar Minaya
Are the Mets suffering from a hangover after last season’s collapse?
That depends on who you ask. Still, this team has way too much talent
to be performing this poorly. Fortunately for Mets fans, the Phillies
are not running away with the East. By the way, Minaya and the front
office deserve a tomato for the way they handled the Willie Randolph
firing.
Cleveland Indians (37-45) One game from the World Series last season, the talented Indians now find themselves in the cellar of the AL Central division. Cleveland’s offense has been abysmal in the first half, batting .246 as a team. That’s good for 27th in the majors.
Seattle Mariners (31-50) After a promising 2007 campaign, the M’s thought they had the door open to the playoffs after acquiring Erik Bedard during the offseason. Instead, Seattle is by far the AL’s worst team. GM Bill Bavasi and manager John McLaren were first half casualties. Who’s next? Troy Tulowitzki (.157 average, 2 HR, 13 RBI) In 34 games this season, Tulowitzki is nowhere near the Mendoza line. That’s a far cry from his 2007 campaign, where he batted .291, with 24 homers and 99 RBI’s.
Barry Zito (3-11, 5.91 ERA) This is not exactly what the Giants were looking for when they signed Barry “The Green Giant” Zito to a monster deal before the 2007 season. What happens if Barry loses 20 games? Shawn Chacon (2-3, 5.04 ERA, and 1 violent act) Chacon didn’t perform well, but more notable was the outburst in which he snapped and threw Houston GM Ed Wade to the ground. Chacon has since been cut by the Astros, and don’t be shocked if he never pitches in the majors again. Francisco Liriano (0-3, 11.32 ERA) With Santana departing, the Twins were depending on Liriano to return to his 2006 form (12-3, 2.16 ERA) after being out for the entire 2007 campaign. Instead, Liriano struggled and was shipped back to AAA. The Twins persevered and have played well anyway.
Eric Gagne (1-2, 6.98 ERA, five blown saves) If you’re like me, you thought the Brewers were crazy to sign Gagne to a ten million, one-year deal, especially after watching him struggle with Boston last year. Salomon Torres has pitched so well in the closer’s role, Milwaukee would be equally as crazy to make a change now that Gagne’s back.
Ryan Howard (.216 average, 113 K’s) While his twenty homers are only three behind the major league lead, Howard has struggled throughout the year. In fact, he’s on pace to eclipse last year’s horrific 199 strikeout total.
Erik Bedard (4-4, 3.79 ERA) Bedard hasn’t exactly been what the Mariners have hoped for this season. Then again, he certainly isn’t the only one to blame for Seattle’s woes either.
Phil Hughes (0-4, 9.00 ERA) and Ian Kennedy (0-3, 7.41 ERA) These were the two young talents that were supposed to help anchor the Yankees’ rotation, while adding youth to an older roster. Neither has panned out at this point. Bronson Arroyo (4-7, 6.19 ERA) After two solid seasons in Cincinnati, Arroyo has struggled during the first half of 2008. Most notable was Bronson’s one inning, ten run disaster against Toronto about a week ago. Homer Bailey (0-3, 8.76 ERA) I’ve always thought it was a bit of a jinx to be a pitcher named “Homer”. Still, one of the game’s most highly touted prospects continues to underachieve in Cincinnati. Dontrelle Willis (0-1, 10.32 ERA, demotion to High-A Lakeland) Willis has been a disaster since joining the Tigers during the offseason. To say Dontrelle (21 walks, 5 K’s) was wild before his demotion to Single A would be the understatement of the year. What’s higher, his leg kick or his ERA?!
Near Misses (Honorable Mentions) Felix Pie, Victor Martinez, Eric Byrnes, Bill Hall, Richie Sexson, Jim Thome, Robinson Cano, Steve Trachsel, Brad Penny, Tom Gorzelanny, Joe Blanton, Pedro Martinez, and Matt Morris.
Honorary Tomato Throwers of the Week Because those who found success earn a chance to sling one at their opposition
Asdrubal Cabrera – at the Toronto Blue Jays during his unassisted triple play on May 13th Jered Weaver – at Mike Scioscia for removing him while having a no-hitter intact Carlos Delgado – at the New York Yankees after having 9 RBI’s on June 28th Mark Teixeira – at the Seattle Mariners after hitting three HR’s on June 22nd
If you get a chance, check out this post’s counterpart, “Gold Stars: Baseball’s Halfway Point”. This has been “Throwing Tomatoes”… now don’t forget to wear red this Independence Day.
It isn’t quite the All-Star Break for baseball, yet most of the league’s teams are at or past the halfway point of this year’s grueling 162 game season. With that being said, there are certainly a number of teams and players that have already stood out in a positive way.
Yep, like a teacher gives her best students, it’s time to hand out some gold stars, this time to the best performers during baseball’s first half.
Gold Stars – Volume III Baseball’s Halfway Point
Tampa Bay Rays (49-32) Many prognosticators had these guys competing in 2008, but let’s be honest, did we all really believe it? One thing’s for sure, the Rays are loaded with talent all over the field, and oh yeah… Evan Longoria is for real.
Baltimore Orioles (41-39) Many critics had the Orioles finishing with the worst record in the majors. Meanwhile, the O’s are finding ways to stay afloat. Baltimore is 17-12 is one-run games, that’s four more one-run victories than all of last season. Their bullpen has been the strong point, posting the fifth best ERA in the majors (3.15). Andy MacPhail also deserves “props” for the deals he made in the offseason, as the players acquired in the Tejada and Bedard deals are making significant contributions to this year’s club (as well as in the minors).
Philadelphia Phillies (44-39) In recent years, Philadelphia has been a consistent slow starter. However, 2008 has been a different story. While many would point to Chase Utley and Cole Hamels as the main reasons for their hot start, one shouldn’t dismiss how deadly Philly’s bullpen has been, with a major league leading ERA of 2.62. Boston Red Sox (50-34) The reigning champs have sustained some injuries, with David Ortiz going down weeks ago and Curt Schilling being lost for the year. Still, the Sox keep picking each other up, and remain in a battle with the Rays and Angels for the AL’s best record.
Chicago Cubs (49-33) We knew they would likely perform well, but were the Cubbies expected to have a commanding lead for best record in the NL at the midway point? Maybe, maybe not. Either way, it’s going to be interesting to see what Chicago does at the trade deadline, especially with Carlos Zambrano injured. George Sherrill (3.53 ERA, 26 saves) Taking over as a full-time closer for the first time in his career, did anyone see these kind of numbers coming out of Sherrill? His 26 saves are second in the major leagues. If this guy doesn’t make the AL All-Star team, it’s a shame.
Carlos Quentin (.288 average, 19 HR, 61 RBI) Looks like the D’Backs gave up on Quentin one year too early, as he’s putting up MVP-type numbers for the White Sox through the first half.
Nate McLouth (.283 average, 15 HR, 51 RBI) Pittsburgh’s 26-year old center fielder has already reached career highs in home runs and RBI’s. The real question is, how long can he keep this torrid pace up? Chase Utley and Dan Uggla (23 HR each – leads MLB) Who out there had two National League second basemen leading the Majors in home runs? Yeah, I didn’t think so. The real question is, who deserves to start at second in the All-Star game?
Josh Hamilton (.312 average, 19 HR, 79 RBI) It’s been years since there was talk about a Triple Crown winner. That is, until Hamilton stepped up to the plate as a Texas Ranger in 2008. Currently, he leads the AL in homers and RBI’s, but has dropped to 10th in average. There’s plenty of season left for Hamilton to hit the record books.
Lance Berkman (.364 average, 21 HR, 67 RBI) Sticking with the Triple Crown theme, Lance Berkman has rustled up similar rumors in the NL this season. On a ridiculous pace in 2008, Berkman is currently second in the NL in average, 3rd in HR, and 2nd in RBI. Chipper Jones (.394 average, 16 HR, 46 RBI) It’s nice to once again have a story about someone chasing .400 this far into the season. Then again, do any of us really think that Chipper can pull it off? One thing’s for sure, if he does, Jones will be feeling… well… chipper.
Edinson Volquez (10-3, 2.08 ERA, 110 K’s) In his first full season, Volquez has been dominant since being traded from the Rangers to the Reds. He doesn’t count as a rookie, but should definitely be considered a candidate for the NL Cy Young award as the season progresses.
Tim Lincecum (9-1, 2.38 ERA, 114 K’s) In only his second season, the 24-year old Lincecum has been dominant in the young Giants rotation. If San Francisco could just acquire some supporting cast… Cliff Lee (11-1, 2.34 ERA, 90 K’s) and Ervin Santana (9-3, 3.32 ERA, 99 K’s) After abysmal 2007 campaigns, Lee (6.29 ERA) and Santana (5.76) were nearly traded by their respective teams. In the end, neither were dealt, and now both are comeback stories of the year. Justin Duchscherer (8-5, 1.91 ERA) With nearly 200 relief appearances over the last four seasons, Duchscherer was placed in the Oakland rotation this year, and has flourished. Now, he leads the majors with the best ERA, and a start in the All-Star game is certainly not out of the question.
Ryan Dempster (9-3, 3.26 ERA) Starting for the first time since 2003, Dempster has pitched extremely well for the Cubs. How smart is Lou Piniella looking right now for moving him back into the rotation?
Francisco Rodriguez (2.04 ERA, 31 saves) Rodriguez is having an incredible season, and well on his way to challenging Bobby Thigpen’s record of 57 saves (set back in 1990).
Silver Stars (Honorable Mentions) Rich Harden, Jim Johnson, Mike Mussina, J.D. Drew, Adrian Gonzalez, Ian Kinsler, Milton Bradley, John Danks, Joe Saunders, and Aaron Cook If you get a chance, check out this post’s counterpart, “Throwing Tomatoes: Baseball’s Halfway Point”.
This has been “Gold Stars”… let’s see who performs during the second half.
That’s right friends, it’s time to hurl some more tomatoes. Don’t worry, this batch is safe. While I go and unwrap a package of these magical red fruits, let me start by preparing to send some in the direction of a particular sports icon, who also has a part-time gig as a rapper. C’mon, you know who I’m talking about…
Let’s get this thing started… where do you direct your tomatoes this week?
Throwing Tomatoes – Volume VII Top of the Vine This Week: Shaquille O’Neal …for giving the media something to chew up and spit out for a month. Per O’Neal during a freestyle rap in a night club the other night, “You know how I be, last week Kobe couldn’t do without me”.
What would have been more fitting to say? This…”You know how I be, recent months the Suns couldn’t win with me. You know my game’s overripe, I choose to rap instead of work from the charity stripe”. Hey, give me a break, I was just freestylin’.
All in all, I shouldn’t complain. This performance was a ton better than any of his movies.
Los Angeles Lakers …for draining the life out of what was an NBA Finals filled with “mega-hype”. It was the Lakers and Celtics in the NBA Finals for the first time in over two decades. It was supposed to be a great series. It was supposed to live up to the hype. It flat out didn’t. Kudos to the C’s though, as they were clearly the better team this time around.
Coco Crisp …for not just charging the mound against James Shields and the Rays days ago, but recently thinking his suspension should be reduced to less than seven games. Rays manager Joe Maddon probably deserves a tomato here too. Still, Crisp should have known Tampa was going to throw at him. He should have kept his cool and not charged the mound. Honestly, I also have to give him a gold star for his dodging of the original punch by James Shields. That was a “Mike Tyson’s Punch Out” type of dodging maneuver right there. I bet the ensuing dogpile didn’t feel too great though.
Pacman Jones …for thinking that changing his name will officially change his image. Sorry Pacman (or Adam is it?), I guess I should think about giving you a “gold star” for trying. Still, I just can’t do it. Leave your name alone, just change yourself. Maybe I’m the kind of guy that needs to see results first.
Johan Santana …for giving up a grand slam to an AL pitcher. That’s right, Felix Hernandez hit a granny off of Santana, the first time an AL pitcher had done so in nearly four decades. What’s the phrase I’m looking for? I believe it’s “even a blind squirrel finds a nut some day”. Sorry King Felix… but hey, take care of that ankle. Baseball Players Using Viagra …as a performance enhancer. I saw this report a few weeks ago via Fox Sports. Still, this story has more than four hours of lasting time (sorry, couldn’t resist that one). Therefore, I had to mention it here. Hmm, I guess the players are going to need larger cups…
The Big Brown Saga …for not disappearing. First off, this was the most disappointing Triple Crown race in years if you ask me. Now, a report on ESPN is stating that a freelance photographer submitted closeups of a loose shoe on Big Brown’s right hind hoof. However, don’t go and try and question the photographer’s “cred”, as Rick Dutrow apparently confirmed this. Still, the Big Brown story is done. Let’s move on to the next horse that will only win the first two legs of the Triple Crown.
Tiger Woods …for making the wrong decision regarding the U.S. Open. I know Tiger is competitive. I know how much he loves to play… and more so, how much he loves to win. I know he wants Jack’s record. I know he wanted that U.S. Open. Still, he’s no superhero, even if he managed to win at Torrey Pines, while basically playing on one leg. Think of it this way, if he sacrifices the U.S. Open to heal more, he then has the British, PGA, and Ryder Cup. That’s more opportunities for big victories. Bad move Tiger.
Don Imus …for being Don Imus. Yes, a race related comment happened again, this time involving Pacman Jones (wait, wait, I remember… Adam Jones). Seriously, this guy should just write up an excuse and apology before every show. Face it “Donny Boy”, you’re under a microscope and will be for life. Get used to it.
Honorary Tomato Throwers of the Week Because those who found success earn a chance to sling one at their opposition
Rocco Mediate – at Johnny Miller for making those ridiculous comments during the U.S. Open Chicago Cubs – at their south side neighbors, who they recently swept out of Chi-town Baltimore Orioles – at their critics who said they would be lucky to win 50 games. Kobe Bryant – at those who said he would never get back to the Finals again without Shaq
This has been “Throwing Tomatoes”… but don’t worry, these weren’t laced with salmonella.
Has anyone else noticed the river of accusations that seem to keep flowing through Beantown over recent years? Wait, you have no idea what I’m referring to? Take a seat and do your best impression of Auguste Rodin’s “Thinker Statue”, and maybe It’ll come to you. Not yet? Fine, I got you covered.
Remember Tom Brady’s ankle injury late last season? There were a number of individuals out there that accused Brady of faking, to mess with the opposing team and their game plan. Backing that rumor, the media caught Brady away from the New England practice facilities walking just fine. The locals discarded it because at least this time, Brady wasn’t sporting a Yankees hat. Meanwhile, on the practice field, he was in a walking cast and hobbling with a noticeable limp.
If the faking rumor was true, it makes sense. Having a more immobile Brady would change the defensive schemes of the opponent. Having no Brady at all means a different plan for another quarterback, or perhaps more emphasis on the New England running game.
But was Brady faking?
Let’s switch over to baseball. Remember the rumors that came out last year to discuss how Curt Schilling faked the whole “bloody sock” incident? It was Gary Thorne who mentioned it on the air during an Orioles broadcast in 2007. A day later, Thorne was on the air quickly eliminating these rumors, saying that he misheard (or perhaps “misremembered”…) what Doug Mirabelli said about the injury… which was that it was strictly for PR. Did someone get to Thorne?
Sure, if it were true, it also makes sense. The Red Sox were not only trying to eliminate an 86-year curse, but also attempting to overcome a 3-0 deficit from their hated rivals. Schilling’s heroic Game 6 performance was ten thousand pounds of motivation, soaked into one little sock.
But was Schilling faking?
As recently as yesterday, Boston sports has once again been launched into a similar spotlight, this time with Paul Pierce and the Celtics, who are desperately trying to find an additional “kick in the pants” to help knock off the Los Angeles Lakers in this year’s NBA Finals. Some critics have been vocal in stating that Los Angeles head coach Phil Jackson has hinted that Paul Pierce faked his knee injury during Game 1. Certai
ial to me. I don’t think those numbers earn him the right to hold out. In my book, it only earns Jackson a tomato.
.
line somewhere.
will be a much needed break for the Rays.
one will leave a mark… and so will this tomato.
The Mariners enter the season with hype and falter. The Sonics never quite got it done in the 90’s. Now they add a potential star in Kevin Durant, only to have their team pack up and leave for the nation’s heartland.
oup is experiencing a career year so far. 
