Posts
The biggest topic on the NY baseball scene was been Joba Chamberlain, starter or reliever. Many Yankee fans tell me this guys is a legit future Ace with 4 plus pitches. Well right now he looks more like a two of clubs that can only throw in the low 90's, who's slider happy on a 3-2, & can't get through 5 on a good day. Instead of grooming him to be a front line starter or a back end closer, the Yankees pin-balled Joba back & forth & today the machine finally hit TILT!!!
In what was dubbed a "make or break" start to see if Chamberlain was worthy of being a starter in the postseason, Joba didn't get out the 4th. His official caddy (Alfredo Aceves), had to collect the final out of that inning. The final tally for Chamberlain was 3 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 7 hits, 4 BB, & 3 K's & booed mercilessly in the Bronx...did I mention the start was against the powerhouse Kansas City Royals?
I'm not sure who's plan it was to derail Chamberlain's career, but they've finally succeeded. Chamberlain doesn't know if he's coming or going at this point. & this weekend the Yankees will undoubtedly add more fuel to the fire by bringing him out of the bullpen. What the Yankees are doing kind of reminds me of what the Mets did with Gregg Jeffries in the late 80's early 90's. was he a 2B? A 3B? A top of the lineup guy, a middle of the lineup guy, or a bottom of the lineup guy? The Mets didn't know & at the end of 5 seasons neither did Jefferies. The Mets misuse of Jefferies, led him to write a letter to WFAN (the local Flagship station of the NY Mets) in May of 1991 voicing his displeasure with teammates who supposedly bickered to the media about his performance. Jefferies was later traded that off season to the Royals.
After looking at his numbers, closely examining 80% of his starts, including the 3 inning variety, & splitting his splits, I've come to the conclusion the Joba Chamberlain will be nothing more the a middle of the road pitcher going forward. Whether Cashman, Girardi, or the Steinbrenner's are to blame is irrelevant.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
From the 3 Months to Late Department
The Cleveland Indians will officially fire Eric Wedge today. Finally dropping anchor to a ship that started sinking when they blew a 3-1 ALCS lead to the Red Sox in 2007. The overdue firing is official now, even though Wedge will "finish out the season."
Cleveland Ohio is now the official "wait til next year" city in America. No championships for that city since 1964 & for the Indians, the 2nd longest drought in baseball (1948). Currently at 68-92, the Indians clearly never recovered from losing to the Sox 2 years ago. The year could not have gone worse for the Tribe & their fans, attendance dropped to 5th worst in the majors, they traded 2 of their best players in order to cut salary, Grady Sizemore, their only bright spot, was awful & injured, Kerry Wood blew too many saves too early, Travis Hafner isn't half the player he was 3 seasons ago...the list goes on & the future doesn't look much brighter either.
While not everything is Wedge's fault, you can hardly blame Mark Shapiro & the rest of the front office for this move. Wedge clearly wasn't getting through to the players anymore losing 20 of their last 25 games leading to his worst winning percentage as the Indians manager. In 7 seasons, he only won the division once, finishing over .500% twice.
Cleveland will start interviewing candidates in the upcoming weeks & would likely turn to John Farrell, former pitching coach of the Indians & the current pitching coach of the Red Sox. For the Indians, the franchise needs to figure out where their going. Ownership needs to make a bigger commitment & the GM needs to make better decisions if they want the fans to keep coming out. Sooner or later the fans will just start saying screw next year.
Cleveland Ohio is now the official "wait til next year" city in America. No championships for that city since 1964 & for the Indians, the 2nd longest drought in baseball (1948). Currently at 68-92, the Indians clearly never recovered from losing to the Sox 2 years ago. The year could not have gone worse for the Tribe & their fans, attendance dropped to 5th worst in the majors, they traded 2 of their best players in order to cut salary, Grady Sizemore, their only bright spot, was awful & injured, Kerry Wood blew too many saves too early, Travis Hafner isn't half the player he was 3 seasons ago...the list goes on & the future doesn't look much brighter either.
While not everything is Wedge's fault, you can hardly blame Mark Shapiro & the rest of the front office for this move. Wedge clearly wasn't getting through to the players anymore losing 20 of their last 25 games leading to his worst winning percentage as the Indians manager. In 7 seasons, he only won the division once, finishing over .500% twice.
Cleveland will start interviewing candidates in the upcoming weeks & would likely turn to John Farrell, former pitching coach of the Indians & the current pitching coach of the Red Sox. For the Indians, the franchise needs to figure out where their going. Ownership needs to make a bigger commitment & the GM needs to make better decisions if they want the fans to keep coming out. Sooner or later the fans will just start saying screw next year.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Dallas Cowboys...More Glitz Less Glory
I was going to wait to write this, but I can recognize a grease fire in the making without having to study the oxygen levels in the atmosphere. That's what the Dallas Cowboys are, a GREASE FIRE, a glitzy team that manages to disappoint no matter how low the expectations are. After being subjected to last night's torturous game against the Panthers, the fans booed the Cowboys off the field at Halftime inside their shiny new $1.5B stadium.
While the Cowboys managed to win (after being shutout af Half), the Cowboys were as impressive as a cold sour on a first date. On their first drive Felix Jones looked great, moving Dallas into the Red Zone with 2 big plays. But much like their franchise, the early sizzle, didn't deliver the steak. Once inside the 15, Dallas called a horrible TE screen that resulted in a sack, followed by a 40 yard FG miss. The next 4 drives ended in punts & more frustration for Dallas fans.
& before we credit the Cowboy defense for "shutting down" the Panthers, lets not forget about the 8 play 90 yard drive right before half that resulted in a TD. There is differences in turnovers. Giveaways & Takeaways. Carolina gaveaway the ball 3 times, one resulting in a TD, basically ending the game (THANKFULLY).
The Cowboys are not a playoff team. Probably not news, but if this team didn't have an a media hound for an owner, & was located anywhere else, no one would even notice them. They remind me of the 1980 Yankees. Both teams have immense advantages, the owner is bigger than the team itself, they have big name players with small time impact, & a mediocre track record post the glory years that includes ZERO playoff wins since 1996. Regardless if they beat the Broncos next week & become 3-1, no one can expect them to contend for a championship this year. Roy Williams is a fraud at WR, their #2 WR (Patrick Crayton) has more drops then he says 'definitely' in a 6 minute interview, Romo is a celebrity QB who is more of a marketing tool for Jerry Jones than a winner, an underachieving defense, & this is all led by Wade Phillips, who has been a coaching failure everywhere he's been. If this is America's team folks, America has problems.
While the Cowboys managed to win (after being shutout af Half), the Cowboys were as impressive as a cold sour on a first date. On their first drive Felix Jones looked great, moving Dallas into the Red Zone with 2 big plays. But much like their franchise, the early sizzle, didn't deliver the steak. Once inside the 15, Dallas called a horrible TE screen that resulted in a sack, followed by a 40 yard FG miss. The next 4 drives ended in punts & more frustration for Dallas fans.
& before we credit the Cowboy defense for "shutting down" the Panthers, lets not forget about the 8 play 90 yard drive right before half that resulted in a TD. There is differences in turnovers. Giveaways & Takeaways. Carolina gaveaway the ball 3 times, one resulting in a TD, basically ending the game (THANKFULLY).
The Cowboys are not a playoff team. Probably not news, but if this team didn't have an a media hound for an owner, & was located anywhere else, no one would even notice them. They remind me of the 1980 Yankees. Both teams have immense advantages, the owner is bigger than the team itself, they have big name players with small time impact, & a mediocre track record post the glory years that includes ZERO playoff wins since 1996. Regardless if they beat the Broncos next week & become 3-1, no one can expect them to contend for a championship this year. Roy Williams is a fraud at WR, their #2 WR (Patrick Crayton) has more drops then he says 'definitely' in a 6 minute interview, Romo is a celebrity QB who is more of a marketing tool for Jerry Jones than a winner, an underachieving defense, & this is all led by Wade Phillips, who has been a coaching failure everywhere he's been. If this is America's team folks, America has problems.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Playoff Perspective
I really love this time of year. With the playoffs around the corner, we get to see who the veteran fans are. We separate the real from the fake. October built fans don't panic, they don't make fools of themselves agonizing after every out or count magic numbers. The only thing more annoying than fans counting "magic numbers" is Jonathan Papelbon holding up index cards with Magic Number written on them after each save, but I digress.
If you're one of those fans who pushes the panic button once the 2nd batter of the game triples against your team in Game 1, you my friend, are in for a LOOOOOOONG post season. No enjoyment for you as a fan. You instead will yell at the TV at the top of your lungs on an innocent pick off attempt, launch the remote 3 rooms over when your starter gives up a 2 out double with a 5 run lead, & oh yes, curse the manager for double switching too early. As a grizzled October playoff fan i typically enjoy the postseason whether my team is in it or not (in this case their not). That's how you're supposed to act. Especially if your team is a post season regular.
Seriously, look back at all the playoff drama in history & think of all the moments you didn't fully enjoy because of your rooting interest. I'm not saying don't be a fan, but enjoy the action people. I recall waking up at 2AM (local time in Afghanistan) to watch Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS. Coming off 3 hours sleep I had to watch it. & while at the time I was rooting for the Red Sox, it did not make it less enjoyable when the Yankees won in dramatic fashion. Because of where I was, this will forever live as the most memorable game I have EVER watched. If I was an angst ridden Sox fan I would have just ctrl-alt-deleted that & never enjoyed that historic ending.
This is why October baseball is so gripping. If your team is out of it, you will undoubtedly find a rooting interest with another team. When you do, don't forget why you watch. For the drama, the action, the beauty, & the endings. ENJOY THEM ALL!!!
If you're one of those fans who pushes the panic button once the 2nd batter of the game triples against your team in Game 1, you my friend, are in for a LOOOOOOONG post season. No enjoyment for you as a fan. You instead will yell at the TV at the top of your lungs on an innocent pick off attempt, launch the remote 3 rooms over when your starter gives up a 2 out double with a 5 run lead, & oh yes, curse the manager for double switching too early. As a grizzled October playoff fan i typically enjoy the postseason whether my team is in it or not (in this case their not). That's how you're supposed to act. Especially if your team is a post season regular.
Seriously, look back at all the playoff drama in history & think of all the moments you didn't fully enjoy because of your rooting interest. I'm not saying don't be a fan, but enjoy the action people. I recall waking up at 2AM (local time in Afghanistan) to watch Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS. Coming off 3 hours sleep I had to watch it. & while at the time I was rooting for the Red Sox, it did not make it less enjoyable when the Yankees won in dramatic fashion. Because of where I was, this will forever live as the most memorable game I have EVER watched. If I was an angst ridden Sox fan I would have just ctrl-alt-deleted that & never enjoyed that historic ending.
This is why October baseball is so gripping. If your team is out of it, you will undoubtedly find a rooting interest with another team. When you do, don't forget why you watch. For the drama, the action, the beauty, & the endings. ENJOY THEM ALL!!!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Golden Boy's Black Eye
As predictable as the fight between Mayweather & Marquez was, no one could predict the post fight mayhem that nearly occurred caused by 2 aged fighters looking for their next payday. After Floyd Mayweather made his triumphant return to the squared circle, Sugar Shane Mosley & Bernard the Executioner Hopkins made it a point to rush the ring, during Mayweather's post fight interview, to ambush Floyd into his next fight.
Lets get to the results first, Mayweather looked as brilliant as he ever has in his career. For all the talk you hear about Floyd "running" during fights, believe me, its well overblown. Floyd knocked down Marquez in round 2 & was dominant the rest of the fight. Mayweather connected at such a high punch percentage, that one of my friend (Jungi) commented, "I've never seen a boxer punch at such a high rate connect percentage." This was BEFORE the stats were out mid way through the 6th round. The end result for Mayweather was a percentage advantage of (get this...I will bold it so you get the disparity) 59% connection rate to a misely 12% for Marquez...for those of you who aren't math majors, that adds up to a complete white washing of what was supposed to be the #2 pound for pound boxer in the game after a 21 month lay off...Marquez, who in 2 fights gave Manny Pacquiao all he could handle, got SHUTOUT by a boxer who hadn't fought in nearly 2 years. Marquez only connected on 69 punches THE ENTIRE FIGHT...7 % on Jabs & only 16% on "power punches."
The post fight interview by Max Kellerman was pretty uneventful...until Shane Mosley uncharacteristically interrupted the interview, to basically challenge Mayweather for a fight. Uncharacteristically because Shane is a respectful boxer, who has never been the least bit controversial (for the exception of some steroid accusations). Backed by Bernard Hopkins (both of Golden Boy Promotions) Shane simply said, "This is a fight people want to see, I just want to get it on." Mayweather, upset by his moment of glory being interrupted said, "Don't interrupt my interview. Respect me as a MAN!!! With that said, Max Kellerman tried to defuse the situation, tried changing the subject before Floyd grabbed the mic from him & said. "let me talk, cause you're doing a little too much of the talking." Kellerman then signed off & the telecast went back to Jim Lampley at ringside. The interview was so eventful, that no one bothered to interview the loser, Juan Manuel Marquez, who actually approached Lampley & Kellerman at ringside while Mayweather walked back to the locker room.
As Mayweather walked backstage, the chorus of boos followed, but it went beyond that, as you heard numerous fans yell "FUCK YOU MAYWEATHER, FUCK MAYWEATHER." Mind you this was in Las Vegas, considered a "home field" for Floyd. Even after the Marquez interview, the story was the disrespect shown by Mosley & Hopkins, 2 veteran fighters, toward the UNDISPUTED, pound for pound king of boxing. To me, that's not how you ask for a fight. Mayweather's dazzling display, may have been overshadowed by what can only be described as a classless act by the new GOONS of Golden Boy Promotion.
Maybe this was boxing's way of taking some of the spotlight away from UFC (who had an event running against boxing tonight). However, this was a pretty TASTELESS MOVE by Mosley, Hopkins, De La Hoya, Golden Boy, & any one else involved. Usually fans would jump on the side of the boxer disrespected (in this case Mayweather), but Mayweather's arrogance & brilliance attracts more hatred than any athlete in recent memory, so most will find it funny. In a sport where no one can seem to touch him, Floyd looked semi-vulnerable for the first time in his career inside the ring. Although this Saturday, was the closest Mosley will get to touching him in the ring. If the fight ever happens Mosley-Mayweather it will be Floyd's biggest challenge. In the end, Floyd will leave all fans like he usually leaves them. In sheer shock that anyone can be THIS RADIANT, against the supposed best in the sport, without breaking a sweat.
Lets get to the results first, Mayweather looked as brilliant as he ever has in his career. For all the talk you hear about Floyd "running" during fights, believe me, its well overblown. Floyd knocked down Marquez in round 2 & was dominant the rest of the fight. Mayweather connected at such a high punch percentage, that one of my friend (Jungi) commented, "I've never seen a boxer punch at such a high rate connect percentage." This was BEFORE the stats were out mid way through the 6th round. The end result for Mayweather was a percentage advantage of (get this...I will bold it so you get the disparity) 59% connection rate to a misely 12% for Marquez...for those of you who aren't math majors, that adds up to a complete white washing of what was supposed to be the #2 pound for pound boxer in the game after a 21 month lay off...Marquez, who in 2 fights gave Manny Pacquiao all he could handle, got SHUTOUT by a boxer who hadn't fought in nearly 2 years. Marquez only connected on 69 punches THE ENTIRE FIGHT...7 % on Jabs & only 16% on "power punches."
The post fight interview by Max Kellerman was pretty uneventful...until Shane Mosley uncharacteristically interrupted the interview, to basically challenge Mayweather for a fight. Uncharacteristically because Shane is a respectful boxer, who has never been the least bit controversial (for the exception of some steroid accusations). Backed by Bernard Hopkins (both of Golden Boy Promotions) Shane simply said, "This is a fight people want to see, I just want to get it on." Mayweather, upset by his moment of glory being interrupted said, "Don't interrupt my interview. Respect me as a MAN!!! With that said, Max Kellerman tried to defuse the situation, tried changing the subject before Floyd grabbed the mic from him & said. "let me talk, cause you're doing a little too much of the talking." Kellerman then signed off & the telecast went back to Jim Lampley at ringside. The interview was so eventful, that no one bothered to interview the loser, Juan Manuel Marquez, who actually approached Lampley & Kellerman at ringside while Mayweather walked back to the locker room.
As Mayweather walked backstage, the chorus of boos followed, but it went beyond that, as you heard numerous fans yell "FUCK YOU MAYWEATHER, FUCK MAYWEATHER." Mind you this was in Las Vegas, considered a "home field" for Floyd. Even after the Marquez interview, the story was the disrespect shown by Mosley & Hopkins, 2 veteran fighters, toward the UNDISPUTED, pound for pound king of boxing. To me, that's not how you ask for a fight. Mayweather's dazzling display, may have been overshadowed by what can only be described as a classless act by the new GOONS of Golden Boy Promotion.
Maybe this was boxing's way of taking some of the spotlight away from UFC (who had an event running against boxing tonight). However, this was a pretty TASTELESS MOVE by Mosley, Hopkins, De La Hoya, Golden Boy, & any one else involved. Usually fans would jump on the side of the boxer disrespected (in this case Mayweather), but Mayweather's arrogance & brilliance attracts more hatred than any athlete in recent memory, so most will find it funny. In a sport where no one can seem to touch him, Floyd looked semi-vulnerable for the first time in his career inside the ring. Although this Saturday, was the closest Mosley will get to touching him in the ring. If the fight ever happens Mosley-Mayweather it will be Floyd's biggest challenge. In the end, Floyd will leave all fans like he usually leaves them. In sheer shock that anyone can be THIS RADIANT, against the supposed best in the sport, without breaking a sweat.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Classless Jorge
Well it was only a matter of time before the Yankees annoyed me. While much of the off field attention has gone to the steroid story all year, the real story is the continuous pussification of the game of baseball. In this riveting episode Yankee catcher Jorge Posada took exception to Jesse Carlson throwing BEHIND him after 2 of his teammates were hit by pitches. In case you missed it, take a look at the video courtesy of Major League Baseball.
Has baseball really come to this? Where pitchers can't send messages? Or is Jorge Posada so arrogant, that he believes a common baseball practice shouldn't apply to him? As you saw, Posada lightly nudged Carlson with his elbow crossing homeplate. An absolutely unnecessary & unprovoked action which got him ejected immediately by Umpire Jim Joyce. Joyce later added as he ran past Carlton he gave him a little shove with his elbow. It was very unsportsmanlike. The pitcher wasn't looking for anything like that & he ran past him, didn't say anything & just gave him a shove with his elbow. It was a cheap shot." Cheap shot indeed. Posada clearly went across the plate with intent to get Carlson's attention. Carlson didn't back down & went after Posada & the fracas ensued. Tonight's game will be interesting if Posada doesn't sit. Personally I would like hit Posada square in the face, but I'm violent & unreasonable. I'll set the over/under on a 4 1/2 game suspension for both players, although Posada on intent alone should get 10 games. It's the intent that matters, not just the action. & Posada's intent was malicious if not careless.
Has baseball really come to this? Where pitchers can't send messages? Or is Jorge Posada so arrogant, that he believes a common baseball practice shouldn't apply to him? As you saw, Posada lightly nudged Carlson with his elbow crossing homeplate. An absolutely unnecessary & unprovoked action which got him ejected immediately by Umpire Jim Joyce. Joyce later added as he ran past Carlton he gave him a little shove with his elbow. It was very unsportsmanlike. The pitcher wasn't looking for anything like that & he ran past him, didn't say anything & just gave him a shove with his elbow. It was a cheap shot." Cheap shot indeed. Posada clearly went across the plate with intent to get Carlson's attention. Carlson didn't back down & went after Posada & the fracas ensued. Tonight's game will be interesting if Posada doesn't sit. Personally I would like hit Posada square in the face, but I'm violent & unreasonable. I'll set the over/under on a 4 1/2 game suspension for both players, although Posada on intent alone should get 10 games. It's the intent that matters, not just the action. & Posada's intent was malicious if not careless.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
UFC vs Boxing-PPV Battle September 19
Circle you calender folks, on Saturday September 19 truly has an anticipated battle we've all been waiting for. But I'm not talking about Floyd "Money" Mayweather vs Juan Manuel "I drink my own piss" Marquez. I'm not even talking about UFC Superstar Rich Franklin vs the Phenom Vitor Belfort. I'm talking about the drawing capability of a UFC PPV event vs that of a PPV Boxing event. Which will outdraw who?
Earlier this year in March, MMA & Boxing combined for a night of combat which quickly turned into a night of boredom. The event, which was $29.95, featured an atrocity of mixed martial dregs with ZERO national appeal or MMA recognition. The PPV debut of failed WWE wrestler Bobby Lashley, a little known boxer Omar Shieka from Paterson, NJ who's last meaningful fight was 5 years ago in a loss to an undefeated Jeff Lacy, & boxer/"producer for the night", Roy Jones Jr. The event was of such poor broadcasting quality, that you couldn't even purchase it in HD.
The above event WAS NOT a UFC MMA event as UFC doesn't share promotion rights. UFC 103 doesn't have the greatest card that night however. It lacks a true main event to run up against Floyd Mayweather Jr, who is the greatest self promoter Boxing has had since Muhammad Ali. Dana White however doesn't go quietly in this presser comparing the 2 events. Funny right? What White failed to tell you there is while he put together a few KO potential match-ups, he did it without a star attraction or a title on the line. So while I may get "5 great fights" they are fights no one anyone wants to see either, because those guys are more obscure than Juan Manuel Marquez (Mayweather's opponent).
For all intents & purposes the UFC has been gaining popularity to the point where ESPN & Sirius XM cover it as part of their sports repertoire. On the other hand, boxing is a sport that is fading in popularity for multiple reasons. On September 19 we find out how close the gap between Boxing & UFC truly is, as far as mainstream sports attractions & PPV sales. In the end, I think Boxing will win the PPV sales on this night & likely on November 14th (Miguel Cotto vs Manny Pacquiao) against UFC 105, unless White puts together a great card. Eventually, UFC will overtake Boxing in PPV sales at some point, maybe as early as next year.
Earlier this year in March, MMA & Boxing combined for a night of combat which quickly turned into a night of boredom. The event, which was $29.95, featured an atrocity of mixed martial dregs with ZERO national appeal or MMA recognition. The PPV debut of failed WWE wrestler Bobby Lashley, a little known boxer Omar Shieka from Paterson, NJ who's last meaningful fight was 5 years ago in a loss to an undefeated Jeff Lacy, & boxer/"producer for the night", Roy Jones Jr. The event was of such poor broadcasting quality, that you couldn't even purchase it in HD.
The above event WAS NOT a UFC MMA event as UFC doesn't share promotion rights. UFC 103 doesn't have the greatest card that night however. It lacks a true main event to run up against Floyd Mayweather Jr, who is the greatest self promoter Boxing has had since Muhammad Ali. Dana White however doesn't go quietly in this presser comparing the 2 events. Funny right? What White failed to tell you there is while he put together a few KO potential match-ups, he did it without a star attraction or a title on the line. So while I may get "5 great fights" they are fights no one anyone wants to see either, because those guys are more obscure than Juan Manuel Marquez (Mayweather's opponent).
For all intents & purposes the UFC has been gaining popularity to the point where ESPN & Sirius XM cover it as part of their sports repertoire. On the other hand, boxing is a sport that is fading in popularity for multiple reasons. On September 19 we find out how close the gap between Boxing & UFC truly is, as far as mainstream sports attractions & PPV sales. In the end, I think Boxing will win the PPV sales on this night & likely on November 14th (Miguel Cotto vs Manny Pacquiao) against UFC 105, unless White puts together a great card. Eventually, UFC will overtake Boxing in PPV sales at some point, maybe as early as next year.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Mariano Cy Young Rivera
For all the talk you here about Derek Jeter should win this years MVP, no one seems to give Mariano Rivera similar consideration for the Cy Young award. Although I completely disagree with Jeter being an MVP candidate this season, an argument can be made that Mariano, on the cust of another 40 save sub 2.00 ERA should finally be awarded a trophy very few closers are given.
Rivera has had several season in where he competed for the Cy Young Award, placing 3rd on 3 seperate occasions & 2nd once. Losing to 4 different 20 game winners (Bartolo Colon in 05, Johan Santana in 04, Pedro Martinez in 99, & Pat Hentgen in 96). But this year, with no likely 20 winner (3 pitchers with 16 are currently CC Sabathia, Scott Feldman, & Justin Verlander), The Sandman finally has his best chance.
As masterful as Zach Grienke has been, he just doesn't have the win-loss record (13-8). Of the above guys I mentioned, Feldman is likely eliminated because of the lack of strikeout. I'm eliminating CC & Verlander unless they don't get their respective ERA's under 3.00 since they have lost 7 & 8 games this season. Clearly, none of those mentioned has been dominant. For as well as CC has pitched, there were times he was outpitched by teammate AJ Burnett. Verlander's ERA is less impressive considering he pitches in a spacious ballpark & has only 5 of his 16 wins vs contending teams like Texas, Anaheim, NY, & Boston.
The last closer to win the award was Dennis Eckersley in 1992, who led the league in saves that year with 51. Mariano would have to lead the league in saves to win the award (currently 1 save behind Brian Fuentes). The only pitchers in the history of the Cy Young to ever win the award without having led the league in saves was Sparkie Lyle in 1977 & Willie Hernandez in 1984 (Hernandez also won the MVP that year).
My theory is this, if we are going to start giving out lifetime achievement awards in the form of awards like the MVP (like many want for Derek Jeter), lets find someone we can actually make an argument for. & that's Mariano Rivera.
Rivera has had several season in where he competed for the Cy Young Award, placing 3rd on 3 seperate occasions & 2nd once. Losing to 4 different 20 game winners (Bartolo Colon in 05, Johan Santana in 04, Pedro Martinez in 99, & Pat Hentgen in 96). But this year, with no likely 20 winner (3 pitchers with 16 are currently CC Sabathia, Scott Feldman, & Justin Verlander), The Sandman finally has his best chance.
As masterful as Zach Grienke has been, he just doesn't have the win-loss record (13-8). Of the above guys I mentioned, Feldman is likely eliminated because of the lack of strikeout. I'm eliminating CC & Verlander unless they don't get their respective ERA's under 3.00 since they have lost 7 & 8 games this season. Clearly, none of those mentioned has been dominant. For as well as CC has pitched, there were times he was outpitched by teammate AJ Burnett. Verlander's ERA is less impressive considering he pitches in a spacious ballpark & has only 5 of his 16 wins vs contending teams like Texas, Anaheim, NY, & Boston.
The last closer to win the award was Dennis Eckersley in 1992, who led the league in saves that year with 51. Mariano would have to lead the league in saves to win the award (currently 1 save behind Brian Fuentes). The only pitchers in the history of the Cy Young to ever win the award without having led the league in saves was Sparkie Lyle in 1977 & Willie Hernandez in 1984 (Hernandez also won the MVP that year).
My theory is this, if we are going to start giving out lifetime achievement awards in the form of awards like the MVP (like many want for Derek Jeter), lets find someone we can actually make an argument for. & that's Mariano Rivera.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)