Awards | The Baseball Zealot

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.

Baseball Zealot Radio covers the awards (so far)

Happy Birthday to Baseball Zealot Radio! One year ago today, we had our first podcast with me interviewing Teddy Ballgame down in Arizona covering the Arizona Fall League. Listening to that first episode, I can tell we’ve come pretty far.

It’s Chuck and I for this episode. Chuck wasn’t with us when we first started one year ago. But Teddy and I got talking and we thought he would be a valuable addition to our show. With his knowledge of baseball both current and historical, he’s been a great asset.

Anyway, here are the show notes for Show #34:

Show Notes for Episode 34:

Hosts: Tom, Chuck:

Summary: Chuck and I review the Gold Glove, Rookie of the Year, Manager of the Year, and Cy Young awards. We take a look forward to the MVP award next week.

An email that we get prompts some discussion about the 1922 St Louis Browns.

The Veterans Committee is voting on executives and managers so we give our opinions. Also, the Ford Frick voting is near and fans can help narrow the selection. Chuck and I discuss what it means exactly to be in the Hall of Fame.

Links we talked about:

Bob Bavasi’s Guide to Japanese Baseball

Veterans Committee Ballots Announced

2008 Ford Frick Award

Time: 51:26

Date Recorded: 11/18/07

Link to Episode 34

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NL Cy Young: A no brainer

No surprise here. Jake Peavy won the NL Cy Young. And almost as much expected, it was unanimous. But what might be a little unusual (but certainly warranted) was that Arizona’s Brandon Webb almost got second place with an almost unanimous vote. He got 31 of 32 second place votes. That essentially left seven pitchers to … Continue reading “NL Cy Young: A no brainer”

No surprise here. Jake Peavy won the NL Cy Young. And almost as much expected, it was unanimous.

But what might be a little unusual (but certainly warranted) was that Arizona’s Brandon Webb almost got second place with an almost unanimous vote. He got 31 of 32 second place votes. That essentially left seven pitchers to divvy up the third place vote with Aaron Harang getting the last second place vote. Ironically though, it was Brad Penny who received the most votes of the remaining seven, not Harang.

Carrie Muskat, the Cubs.com beat reporter, reported that Zambrano came in fifth in the Cy Young. Unfortunately, fifth place meant he only got 3 votes.

One last note… The Hardball Times notes that Webb actually had more pitching win shares than Peavy did in 2007.

Chien-Ming whaa?

As Baseball Musings mentioned, MLB.com reporter Tom Singer seems a little surprised that Chien-Ming Wang really wasn’t in the mix in the Cy Young competition. His article’s (written yesterday before vote result was announced) sub-headline read Competition appears to be between Beckett and Sabathia. Like it wasn’t obvious. Singer goes on to say: because Beckett and Wang were … Continue reading “Chien-Ming whaa?”

As Baseball Musings mentioned, MLB.com reporter Tom Singer seems a little surprised that Chien-Ming Wang really wasn’t in the mix in the Cy Young competition. His article’s (written yesterday before vote result was announced) sub-headline read Competition appears to be between Beckett and Sabathia.

Like it wasn’t obvious.

Singer goes on to say:

because Beckett and Wang were the respective leaders of the Baseball Writers Association of America. Their season-long excellence on the road to 20 wins — a destination only Beckett reached — figured to be hard to ignore.

Then another undisputed staff ace, the Indians’ C.C. Sabathia, drove a wedge into that battle, emerging by the end of the season as Beckett’s main challenger.

Wang didn’t receive a single vote.

Enough with the Fat jokes, ok?

Ok, Tim Brown from Yahoo Sports, we get it. C.C. Sabathia is a tad on the heavy side. I count at least eight direct references to C.C’s weight in Brown’s article about the new Cy Young winner. And a few more subtle ones, too. Probably drinks Slim Fast for lunch.

Ok, Tim Brown from Yahoo Sports, we get it. C.C. Sabathia is a tad on the heavy side.

I count at least eight direct references to C.C’s weight in Brown’s article about the new Cy Young winner. And a few more subtle ones, too.

Probably drinks Slim Fast for lunch.

Gold Gloves Announced: Maddux gets record #17

Major League Baseball announced the Gold Glove winners today. Overall, there weren’t too many surprises. American League Gold Glove recipients National League Gold Glove recipients Greg Maddux won his record-breaking 17th Gold Glove (and 17th of the past 18th seasons). He surpassed Brooks Robinson and Jim Kaat who both have 16. Quoth manager Bud Black: … Continue reading “Gold Gloves Announced: Maddux gets record #17”

Major League Baseball announced the Gold Glove winners today. Overall, there weren’t too many surprises.

American League Gold Glove recipients

National League Gold Glove recipients

Greg Maddux won his record-breaking 17th Gold Glove (and 17th of the past 18th seasons). He surpassed Brooks Robinson and Jim Kaat who both have 16. Quoth manager Bud Black:

“I think, more than anything, he has great baseball instincts when it comes to fielding a ball,” Padres manager Bud Black said. “When he throws a pitch, he knows where the ball is going to be hit. It’s amazing to see the plays he makes but it doesn’t surprise me.

Six of the seven outfielders who received the award (there was a tie so 10 were awarded in the NL) were centerfielders. I guess shouldn’t surprise too many people. Historically, not many left fielders are in line for the award. Rightfielder Jeff Francouer, who got his first Gold Glove, was the exception.

The Gold Glove is known for being an award of tradition but this year, ten first-timers won the award.

The only surprise to me was David Wright. Maybe it’s just my ignorance since I didn’t watch a whole lot of Mets games this year. I did watch a few last year, though and while I loved his stick, I wasn’t impressed with his glove. But again, that was last year.

For what it’s worth, the Beltway Boys felt that Zimmerman wuz robbed. It just came out by the way, that Zim broke his hamate bone while swinging a bat last weekend. He is scheduled for surgery and should be fine in a month or two.

Followup: I did a quick search regarding left fielders and the Gold Glove. Indeed, I was right. From Baseballlibrary.com, Paul White writes:

In the forty-five seasons that Gold Gloves have been awarded, 135 have been given to American Leaguers. Just 19 of those went to left fielders, and never more than one in any year. Of those, 15 are accounted for by just four men – Carl Yastrzemski (7), Minnie Minoso (3), Joe Rudi (3) and Dave Winfield (2).

Fans have a say on the Ford Frick nominees

Ford Frick Those fans who have an ear for a good broadcaster can make a difference in the Ford C. Frick balloting. Here’s how it works: Baseball fans can vote on a select few and the top three qualify for the final 10 member ballot. I don’t mean to be a grinch, but I generally … Continue reading “Fans have a say on the Ford Frick nominees”

Ford Frick

Ford Frick

Those fans who have an ear for a good broadcaster can make a difference in the Ford C. Frick balloting. Here’s how it works: Baseball fans can vote on a select few and the top three qualify for the final 10 member ballot.

I don’t mean to be a grinch, but I generally don’t care for these fan participation promotions. First of all, that’s essentially what they are… promotions. Promotions that are tied to a heavy marketed ad deal. Whether it’s Monster.com, DHL or whatever, MLB is getting paid big bucks whenever these fan polls come around.

However, looking at the actual Ford Frick ballot this year, I have to say it is relatively free of advertising. Aside from your usual ads on MLB’s entry page and an ad from monster.com declaring that the poll is presented by them, it’s not much.

Also, I hate to say it but when we leave the fans in control, we don’t always get the best results. If we could be sure that knowledgeable fans voted, I wouldn’t mind. I know that sounded elitist. Anyway, anyone who notices the All-Star ballot results knows what I mean. Ken Harrelson won the initial fan-based poll and went on the final ballot. That should seal it right there.

Frick Award Recipient, Not Inducted

One thing that the MLB is doing right, in my opinion. From MLB.com (bold emphasis mine):

Each award winner, not to be confused with an inductee, is presented with a calligraphy of the award…

I’m not sure if this is a new thing or what precipitated it but I heartily endorse it. Back in 1989, I had the privilege of seeing Harry Caray receive the Ford Frick award in Cooperstown. Even back then, much of the media were prone to saying that Harry was “inducted” into the Hall of Fame which you and I know to be false. As much as I like Harry, I’m a stickler for things like that and it bugged me.

The trend of saying that anyone who received the Frick award (or any other significant award for that matter), was “inducted”. As I say, I don’t know why they are pronouncing the difference (and I’m SURE there is a reason) but I’m glad they are.

If you want to vote, here is the link. If it’s not too personal, let us know who you voted for. Broadcaster threads are always fun.

O’Neil award a step in a right direction…

…but it’s still not enough. Negro League player, coach and ambassador for the game Buck O’Neil will be honored at the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum with a Lifetime Achievement award. A statue of O’Neil will be erected near the entrance of the museum. (MLB Commisioner Bud) Selig noted that a special committee spent … Continue reading “O’Neil award a step in a right direction…”

…but it’s still not enough.

buck oneil

Negro League player, coach and ambassador for the game Buck O’Neil will be honored at the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum with a Lifetime Achievement award. A statue of O’Neil will be erected near the entrance of the museum.

(MLB Commisioner Bud) Selig noted that a special committee spent 18 months seeking a proper way to pay homage to O’Neil after he was not in the Negro League inductees.

Eighteen months? It took them 18 months to come up with this? Hall of Famer Joe Morgan, who was on the committee, came up with this double speak:

“In some ways it’s going to be bigger than getting a plaque in the Hall of Fame,” Morgan said, denying the move was made to right what many saw as a wrongful exclusion of O’Neil.

Sure, Joe. Easy for you to say. You have your plaque up in the hallowed halls. Morgan continues:

“I don’t think it’s really righting a wrong. I think it’s doing something for someone who was a great amabassador for the game. That’s why you see this.”

Ironically, this isn’t the only time Joe has weighed in on Buck O’Neil.and the Hall of Fame. After Buck was denied induction a year ago, Morgan addressed the situation the most tactful way he could, ” “If you’re asking me, ‘Do we lower our standards to get more people in?’ My answer would be no.”

Forget Joe. Let’s get Buck O’Neil in the Hall of Fame not just the museum.

Soto finishes up 07 with MiLB Offensive Player of the Year award

Cubs catcher Geovany Soto was good enough to make the September roster. Lou Piniella tabbed him to go to the playoffs. Now, Soto has another award to go with his PCL MVP. MiLB has honored him with the Offensive Player of the Year award. Check the PCL leaderboard and you’ll see why. His name litters … Continue reading “Soto finishes up 07 with MiLB Offensive Player of the Year award”

Cubs catcher Geovany Soto was good enough to make the September roster. Lou Piniella tabbed him to go to the playoffs.

Now, Soto has another award to go with his PCL MVP. MiLB has honored him with the Offensive Player of the Year award.

Check the PCL leaderboard and you’ll see why. His name litters the board. Soto, who played for the Iowa Cubs, is in top 5 in batting average, rbis, slugging percentage, on-base percentage and I’m sure I’m missing some.

Not convinced? He’s got quite a glove, too. Soto only had three errors and threw out 31% of potential basestealers.

Lou Piniella likes him too:

“You’ve got to like the young man,” Piniella said. “We’ve had other kids come up here from Triple-A with high averages, but this kid has a high average, a lot of RBIs and a lot of home runs. We liked him this spring. I see a kid here who could be the No. 1 catcher next spring.”

With the recent dearth of talent at catcher, Geovany is coming at the right time. I foresee a lot of playing time for him in the bigs in 2008.

Meeting new people, seeing old friends at the Orange and Blue Series

I dropped by the fourth game of the Orange and Blue series after work today.

orangeblue10-5 057

I ran into former Illini shortstop Shawn Roof at the game. I hadn’t seen Roof (shown above with junior Nathan Lawrence) since the Big Ten Tournament last spring so we caught up with each other. He talked about his summer in the Tigers minor league system which he really enjoyed. The Lakeland team ended with a slump but the minors are treating him well.

Billy Barrett started for the Orange team.

If the above photo looks a bit crisper than normal, I have one man to thank. I showed up to Illinois Field and whipped out my adequate Canon S3 camera and started taking shots. A man a few feet away was snapping pictures with a much better camera with a huge lens. He generously offered to let me put my camera card into his camera (which probably cost more than a used car) and take a some photos.

His name is David Milner and it turns out he is the father of Ty Milner, catcher for the Illini. We soon got talking, mostly about the team, the Cubs and photography.

Thanks David for the use of camera. If you ever need someone to babysit that Mark II, I’m your man.

Joey Bonadonna was the third base coach today. JB is a fun player to watch, always in the game, hustling. I’m looking for him to have a breakout season next spring.

Speaking of Bonadonna, he’s got another award to add to his mantle. In addition to his Silver Glove award, the Northwoods League named him the Top Offensive Second Baseman.

I have many more photos at The Baseball Zealot Photo Gallery.

There’s one more chance to see the Illini in action this fall. Saturday, after the football game the guys will suit up. So if you are up for some baseball, stop by Illinois Field.