Teddy Ballgame | The Baseball Zealot

DR FAUSTO, MR CARMONA

What Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde did was nothing compared to the first two big league seasons in the career of Fausto Carmona. Last year Carmona followed up a 1-10, 5.42 ERA, with a sophomore jinx of 19-8 with a 3.06 ERA. Today I went to Dunedin to see which Fausto would take the mound for the Tribe. Luckily for the hometown Jays, it was Rookie Carmona, as Fausto allowed five hits, one walk, and two runs in 1 1/3 innings pitched. I know this was just his first time out, but Cleveland has to be a little concerned because of his all or nothing seasons the past two, especially if these bad performances were to continue.

There was another second year Tribester taking a different path from Carmona, while Fausto hitched his career to a shooting star, Josh Barfield sputtered, and eventually lost his starting secondbase job in Cleveland. The Indians obtained the son of former big league outfielder Jesse Barfield from the San Diego Padres in exchange for Kevin Kouzmanoff. Barfield enjoyed a very good rookie season in southern California batting .280, with 13 homers, 32 doubles, and 21 stolen bases, in 150 games for the Pads. Last year Josh struggled with Cleveland with a .270 OBP, hitting just .243, with only three long balls, 19 doubles, and 14 steals in 130 games, before being replaced in the starting lineup by Asdrubal Cabrera. There were several good rookie secondbasemen to step up to the bigs when Barfield came up. As luck would have it, my Illowa APBA League team needed a secondbaseman. When Howie Kendrick was chosen early in the rookie draft, I decided to grab Josh, so I wouldn’t get stuck with either Dan Uggla or a guy who wasn’t even picked by anyone, Ian Kinsler. Could I please have a mulligan? To rub it in, Barfield went 0-4 today, with a couple of strikeouts, and now it looks like I may drop my highly touted secondbaseman after picking him just one short year ago. I know he has talent, but he looks hopeless out there right now.

I also got to see an old friend from the Arizona Fall League, Trevor Crowe. At 21 years of age while at the University of Arizona, he batted .403 with 15 triples, 25 doubles, to go along with 27 steals, and a .477 OBP, which is what prompted the Indians to select the switch-hitting Crowe with the 14th pick in the 2005 amateur draft. Trevor impressed me when I saw him a couple of years ago at the AFL, then he followed that up hitting just .259 in Double-A, today he lined a single off the pitcher’s glove in four at bats, but was promptly picked off first base.

A couple of Blue Jay players I hadn’t seen until today were Marco Scutaro & Adam Lind. Scutaro will be a utility infielder for Toronto, after filling that role for the A’s in recent years. It was surprising to see the Jays bring in Scutaro, with slick fielding John McDonald around, and little David Eckstein brought in to play SS. Today Marco was on his game, with a single and a double. Adam Lind tripled today, scoring Travis Snider from 1st, it was good to see the powerfully built Snider circle the bases. Today Travis got the call as starting DH, working two walks, lining a base hit, having a liner to left plucked off tall blades of grass by the Indians leftfielder, and then he struckout in his other AB, not a bad afternoon.

Shaun Marcum started for the Jays and looked really good, striking out two, allowing one hit, in two innings. There were also two Toronto relievers who didn’t allow a thing. Jeremy Accardo, ISU Redbird Alum, struckout one in one inning, while Brian Wolfe worked a perfect 1 2/3 innings, striking out one.

There was one other player I was looking forward to seeing, but Beau Mills kind of disappointed, grounding harmlessly to second in his only time up. Mills is a highly touted prospect and the son of former reliever Alan Mills.

JAY VISITS JAYS

Today I went to Dunedin to see the Blue Jays host the Cincinnati Reds. I was especially excited about seeing two phenoms, Jay Bruce outfielder for the Reds (Baseball America’s #1 prospect) and outfielder Travis Snider for Toronto. Went to the bathroom before the game and there was a Cincinnati fan a few feet away commenting how the weather today was a whole lot better than the other day in Clearwater, yes 73 is much better than a brisk 53. Turns out this gentleman, Joe Bruce, was from Texas and his son plays for the Reds, none other than Jay. I commented on how his son was the next big thing, he kinda shrugged it off, and said how Jay had passed up a full ride to Tulane, the Reds signing bonus was too much to pass up. Joe then told me his boy was starting today in centerfield. I wished him well and told him to let Jay know I wished him nothing but the best. It’s always good to see good people in the game.

The 2nd time up Bruce rocked an A.J. Burnett pitch into left-centerfield for a two run double. It was good to see the kid patient enough to wait for a pitch he could handle in an RBI situation, and then do something with it. I had to be a little patient myself, waiting for Travis Snider to hit. Snider’s having a little leg issue, so he had to wait till the Big Hurt got his three AB’s before pinch hitting. As luck would have it, Travis stepped to the plate against a veteran lefty reliever, yet he took a couple of strikes before lining a single the other way into left-center, for an RBI base knock.

It’s always good to see the ballplayers interacting with the fans. In Dunedin today they had a BBQ after the game where the Blue Jay players served up the grub to the fans. Then they hung around to sign autographs, chat, and mingle with the crowd. Cito Gaston threw out the first pitch and would be on hand for the BBQ, he’s popular enough to win an election for mayor among Toronto fans.

BIG MAN, BIG BAT

Today I went to Clearwater to see the Yankees play the Phillies. Before the game I observed a big white guy on NY, #17, hitting balls off a tee, into a net, with ARod setting him up. Later in the 1st inning, #17 stepped to the dish with two aboard, and knocked the first pitch over the leftfield wall. It turned out this big guy was none other than Shelley “Slam” Duncan, son of St. Louis Cardinals coach Dave Duncan, and younger brother of outfielder Chris.

Last season when Shelley was called up to the Yanks the end of July, he lined an RBI single in game #1, game #2 saw his first big league homer, he hit three more in his third game, and then hit his 5th in his 4th game in the show. Duncan earned his Slam nickname with his home run swing and his enthusiastic high fives! Joe Torre commented that he didn’t want to be near Duncan when he did something good, because of his powerful high fives.

In September of 2007 Slam signed an autograph for a 10 year old Red Sox fan, in addition to writing his name, he wrote, “Red Sox Suck!”, he later apologized to the youngster.

The 2nd time up in today’s game Shelley ripped a two run double off the leftfield wall, putting the Yankees up 5-0, a fancy slide into 2B got him there safely. ARod launched a long homer over the left-centerfield fence. The Phillies were there too, but I really can’t remember them doing anything.

CHAD STYPMANN IS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Stepping into Knology Field in Dunedin, FL, finding my seat behind home plate, I looked up to see the smiling face of a good friend. “IF YOU CAN’T CATCH A BALL, CATCH A BUZZ”, is the booming refrain of beer vendor Chad Stypmann. Everybody seems more inclined to reconnect with big Chad than even seeing the ballplayers on the field. Whether you buy a beer from the outgoing Stypmann seems to be secondary compared with him taking your hand in his, in a warm handshake, as he looks into your eyes, and is genuinely glad to see you again. Big Chad asks, “Who’s thirsty for a beer?”, then picks up a frosty LaBatts-Weiser, and drinks it down in one gulp, to the delight of the crowd. He smiles as he offers up his genuine LaBatts in a Budweiser bottle. Then Chad stands on top of the Blue Jays dugout and leads the fans in the singing of, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”, during the 7th inning stretch. This is like the Hokey Pokey, what it’s all about!

Of course there was a game too. The pitching matchup featured aces Justin Verlander for the Tigers versus Toronto’s Roy Halladay. Halladay was on my Illowa APBA League Chicago Champions team, but I dropped him when he fell on hard times, not one of my brightest hours. Verlander’s fastball was really popping the leather of his catcher’s mitt. I saw Curtis Granderson’s first big league game a couple of years ago in Detroit, still he wasn’t good enough to make the IAL. Curtis took Doc Hallady over the rightfield wall, showing off the power aspect of his well rounded game. Other highlights for me were when Blue Jay reliever Brian Wolfe struck out all three batters he faced in the one inning he threw and 20 year old Travis Snider, a Matt Stairs’ clone at 5’10” 245, pinch hitting for DH Frank Thomas, worked an 0-2 count for a leadoff 8th inning base on balls. But alas the rally and Toronto’s hopes died when Chip Cannon’s line drive to first was turned into an inning ending DP, 3-1 Detroit.

SAVERY SMOKED

I know it’s only spring training, and only the 2nd game at that, but it was disappointing to watch the Buccos tee off on former Rice Ace Joe Savery. The temperature was the same today as yesterday, 53 degrees, but today the sun was shining, and there was no gusting wind. Still my seat behind home plate was empty as I stationed myself down the leftfield line. Florida oranges floating in Blue Moon beer went down too easily. When the young lefty took the hill, I strolled behind the dish to get a better look. I almost had to turn away from what I was seeing. Savery fell behind Bucco hitters, trying to be too fine, then Josh Wilson lined a two run single up the middle, and then Nate McLouth knocked a three run blast over the rightfield wall, turning a 5-1 lead into a 6-5 deficit.

Before this collapse it was all good for the Phils. The Big Guy Ryan Howard almost reached the highway with his monster shot deep to right, still it wasn’t as far as his preseason drive over the hitting back drop in center last year. Pirate Adam LaRoche also went yard in the ballgame. Speaking of homers, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that Michael Jack Schmidt was in the house for the second straight day, coaching firstbase, he’ll be a roving instructor this year for Philadelphia. I went to the souvenir stand to purchase a Schmidty tee shirt, but was told there were none for sale. Am I nuts or am I the only one who knows great player’s jerseys from all franchises would sell like hotcakes? A couple of years ago I was in Pittsburgh at PNC where I could purchase a Pokey Reese tee shirt, but could not buy a Clemente or Stargell, something wrong with this picture.

After watching baseball the last couple of days, while hearing of more snow in Chicago, I booked a last minute trip to watch some Cactus League baseball. I’d originally booked this trip way back when, cancelled, and then rebooked for about $600 more. Still I’m very much looking forward to hooking up with DonS to watch some pre-Easter baseball out west, but still have five more Florida games to see. Life is good.

MVP JROLL SPRINGS INTO ACTION

Even though there’s still snow on the ground throughout much of the USA, Spring officially sprung into action for me watching MVP JRoll & his Phillies take on the Cincinnati Reds in Clearwater, FL today. Although it was only 53 degrees, with wind screaming across the field from left to right, it was time to play some baseball. I grabbed a Yuengling, some cheese pizza, and settled into my primo seats behind home plate. But then the 30 MPH wind reminded me it wasn’t quite spring yet. So I gave up my seats and moved by the thirdbase line. There was enough shelter there to be able to enjoy the National Pastime.

I’m always amazed when I see little Jimmy Rollins playing shortstop, somehow my brain can’t quite grasp the reality that he is the 2007 NL MVP. I can still remember when I first saw Rollins a few years back when the players were working out, before the games began, I was behind the chainlink fence by home plate, and Jimmy was standing next to me, almost eye-to-eye. I stand at 5’2″ and the Phils “short”-stop is listed at 5’8″. It seems like almost yesterday when Tony Gwynn was brought in to get Rollins to shorten his stroke, and take advantage of his speed. Now he is MVP, hitting 30 home runs, Little Big Man, indeed.

Back to the day, Jamie Moyer toed the rubber for Philadelphia, and made leadoff man Ryan Freel look sick swinging at a slow breaking ball for strike three. Then Moyer showed it was no fluke, as he got Ryan in his 2nd AB with the exact same Uncle Charlie. The first hit by the Reds belonged to super-hype prospect rightfielder Jay Bruce. It was impressive to see the big lefthanded hitter go the other way against Jamie with a duck snort single to left.

Ryan Howard fought the wind and the wind won. Still Howard pulled up at second with a two base hit, he hit the ball on the screws. Pedro Feliz looked really good manning the hot corner for the Phils. It’s gotta be nice for this kid coming over from SF to Philadelphia, and a contender. Greg Dobbs mashed a threw run bomb off some meat nameless lefty to put the game on ice for the home team. It was good to see Chris Coste flash some digits, certainly no quitter there, long time minor leaguer, playing in the show.

Dallas Green was sitting ten rows behind home, watching the action. He is very personable, it’s amazing to see the interaction between the fans and the big guy. Green chatted with fans and signed a few autographs.

Alexei Ramírez comes to the Southside

The White Sox signed Cuban infielder/outfielder Alexei Ramirez to a four year $4.75 million dollar deal. Alexei’s natural position is SS, but that’s Orlando Cabrera’s spot. Ramirez can also play 2B & CF, both positions are wide open. He had 20 homers to lead Cuba in that category before going to the Dominican Republic. This guy is not a base stealer and cannot be considered as a leadoff candidate. He’s no Fukadome, but still a good signing.

White Sox prospects dealt for Haren

Aaron Cunningham & Chris Carter two former White Sox farmhands were traded to the Oakland A’s for Dan Haren, but they were traded by the Arizona Diamondbacks, not the Palehose. Cunningham & Carter were packaged with bluechip outfield prospect Carlos Gonzalez to acquire Haren. Also going from Arizona to Oakland was 19 year old lefty prospect Brett Anderson.

The White Sox had traded Cunningham for Danny Richar and more recently sent the young power hitting firstbaseman Carter for the oft injured Carlos Quentin. Somehow I’d rather have Haren than Richar & Quentin, but to be fair Gonzalez & Anderson are also top notch talent. Actually I’d rather have Cunningham & Carter than Richar & Quentin. Oh well…

2007 Rule V Draft

Tim Lahey
I am always intrigued by the Rule V Draft. It is where minor league ballplayers get the opportunity to make it to the big leagues. Major league clubs choose Rule V selectees for $50,000, players chosen must stay on the major league roster for the full season, or offered back to their original club for $25,000. I don’t think these numbers have changed in some time. These prices seem to be throwback prices in today’s multi million dollar industry.

Tim Lahey was the first player taken in this year’s Rule V Draft. He was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays from the Minnesota Twins organization, and sold to the Chicago Cubs. The Twins converted Lahey to relief pitcher after selecting the Princeton catcher in the 20th round. Last year Tim appeared in 50 games in Double A, posting an 8-4 record, with a 3.45 ERA.

Next up the Pittsburgh Pirates selected former Minnesota Twin farm hand Evan Meek from the Tampa Bay Rays. Evan Meek is a righthand specialist reliever who struckout 69 batters over 67 innings at Double A, and then enjoyed success in the AFL.

Randor Bierd in in 6’4″ relief pither out of Santo Domingo of the Dominican Republic. He was with the Detroit Tigers before being chosen by the Baltimore Orioles. Bierd has electric stuff, striking out 245 batters in a little over 239 innings pitched throughout his minor league career. Randor enjoyed success last season as a relief pitcher, being converted from a starter.

The Chicago White Sox might have lost a good one in Fernando Hernandez. Hernandez was selected by the Oakland A’s. Fernando allowed no runs in 12 appearances in the AFL, after striking out 84 men in just over 85 innings in Double A in 2007.

Something clicked last season for 23 year old former first round pick Matt Whitney who blasted 32 home runs in high A. The Cleveland Indians lost this slugger to the Washinton Nationals. Injuries have delayed his progress to the show, but he can make an impact if he can stay healthy.

Former Cleveland Indians farm hand Brian Barton was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals. The speedy outfielder has posted numbers throughout his minor league career, a .316 average, and a very impressive .416 OBP.

These are some of the players chosen in this year’s Rule V Draft. You’d be wrong if you thought, nobody ever makes it as a Rule V selection. Just last year Josh Hamilton & Joakim Soria were taken, Dan Uggla a couple of year’s back, and once upon a time Johan Santana was chosen by the Minnesota Twins from the Houston Astros.

JROLL JOINS AROD

Jimmy Rollins – 2007 NL MVP Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins was named NL 2007 MVP. Rollins had an incredible year! Jimmy batted .296, 41 steals, 212 basehits, 38 doubles, 20 triples, 30 homers, and was named Gold Glove SS. The 5’8″ switch hitter started all 162 games, had 716 at bats, scored 139 times, … Continue reading “JROLL JOINS AROD”

Jimmy Rollins – 2007 NL MVP

Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins was named NL 2007 MVP. Rollins had an incredible year! Jimmy batted .296, 41 steals, 212 basehits, 38 doubles, 20 triples, 30 homers, and was named Gold Glove SS. The 5’8″ switch hitter started all 162 games, had 716 at bats, scored 139 times, and drove in 94 runs (mostly as a leadoff man). He follows fellow Phillie teammate Ryan Howard who was MVP in 2006.

Rollins is also a member of the Chicago Champions of the Illowa APBA League. He joins Champion teammate Alex Rodriguez as winners of the 2007 MVP Award. Other recent MVP Award winners on the Champs include 2006 AL MVP Award recipient Justin Morneau and 2005 AL MVP Award winner ARod. With all this talent it won’t be long before the Champions are back at the top of the IAL where they belong. In the 30+ years of the IAL History the Champions have won ten World Series Titles, but none in over the last ten years.

The highest paid player in the history of the game Alex Rodriguez totally earned his paycheck when he had a career year in Pinstripes. ARod batted .314, with 54 home runs, 156 RBI’s, and scored 143 runs. The slugger also stole 24 bases, had 31 doubles, walked 95 times, his onbase percentage was .422, and he did a pretty good job at the hot corner. I’ve been a big fan of Rodriguez’ since seeing him on Alex Rodriguez poster day when he played SS for the Appleton Foxes of the Midwest League in 1994. I still have that poster on my wall, as well a an A-Ball card he signed for me that night, actually paid the batboy $5.00 to get the signature, felt kind of funny getting an 18 year old kid’s autograph.