Thank you Pudge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two weeks ago, the greatest catcher of all-time announced his retirement from Major League Baseball. Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez was simply phenomenal behind the plate for 21 years as a member of the Texas Rangers, Florida Marlins, Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, Houston Astros and Washington Nationals.  Over the course of his career, Pudge tallied 311 Home Runs while hitting .296, the 1999 AL MVP award, the 2003 NLCS MVP award, 7 Silver Slugger awards, 13 Gold Gloves, 14 All Star Game bids and a World Series title in 2003 with the Marlins.

Two things that made Pudge stand out were the fact he was a threat on the basepaths, (Something unheard of for most catchers), and he threw out an unheard of 46% of base stealers. He was a triple threat with his offense, defense and base running. Pudge could change the game in so many factors with his play, that managers would gameplan against him. Managers knew they couldn’t run their guys on straight steals, or there would be a quick out on the board. When hitting Pudge not only hit for a good average but also had pop in his bat, a great combination for ANY player.

A surefire Hall of Famer, Rodriguez could still suit up and contribute to a team if signed tomorrow. It was great to watch Pudge play, and it will be a great moment once he’s enshrined into Coooperstown. Thank you for 21 magnificent seasons Pudge!

Jason Varitek set to retire

Longtime Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek is set to retire tomorrow after 15 years in the Majors. When Varitek was named captain in 2004, he became only the 3rd player to be made captain since 1923. Acquired from the Seattle Mariners along with Derek Lowe in what is called one of the best trades in Red Sox history, Varitek would come up in 1997 and spent the rest of his career with the team. Varitek won two World Series rings, hit 193 Home Runs and played in 1546 games.

Manny is back

After a wild 2011 season, one in which seen Manny Ramirez retire after a failed drug test, Ramirez is now back and signed a minor league deal with the Oakland Athletics. The A’s will be Manny’s 6th team in his illustrious, yet checkered, 20 year career. Ramirez is a career .312 hitter and has 555 career home runs, and will obviously be seeking the DH at-bats in Oakland. Will he help Oakland get back to the playoffs? Unlikely as the A’s are still behind the Angels and Rangers on the AL West totem pole, but he’s sure to sell tickets and knock a few out the park to provide some excitement.

Prince Fielder signs with Tigers

Highly touted free agent Prince Fielder, having spent his last seven years playing for the Milwaukee Brewers, is now headed to play for the Detroit Tigers after signing a 9 year/$214 million deal. Pairing with Miguel Cabrera, the Tigers now arguably have the best 1-2 punch in the majors. Fielder hit .282 with 230 home runs while with the Brew Crew and will be looking to add to those numbers with the Tigers. The jump to the American League shouldn’t be too much of an issue for Fielder as he has hit very well in interleague play and has hit both lefties and righties well throughout his career. Should be interesting to see how far the Detroit Tigers can go next season.

Happy birthday Ken Griffey Jr!

Today is the great Ken Griffey Jr.’s 42nd birthday and I would like to personally wish Griffey a Happy Birthday and thank him for all the great memories over the years. Griffey was, is, and always will be my favorite player of all-time and I can’t wait for his Hall of Fame speech!

 

Theo Epstein leaving Red Sox; Chicago bound

 

Theo Epstein, the mastermind behind the Boston Red Sox two championship teams in 2004 and 2007 is Chicago bound according to sources. The contract is rumored to be a 5-year deal worth around $15 million. Having broke the curse in Boston, building a top flight minor league system and churning out All-Stars like nothing, winning 90+ games a year just wasn’t getting it done for the fans and Theo seems poised and ready to turn around the flailing Chicago Cubs. The Cubs couldn’t find a better man for the job in my opinion and I wish Epstein the best of luck with the Cubs and thank him for what he has done for my Red Sox.

 

Darren

Robinson Cano wins 2011 Home Run Derby

After smacking bomb after bomb, the New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano beat out the Boston Red Sox Adrian Gonzalez 12-11 in the final of the 2011 Home Run Derby. In total Cano hit 32 homers while his father and former Houston Astros pitcher Jose Cano pitching for him. It was a great event, and Cano put on one hell of a show. Congrats to Robbie Cano.

 

Darren

Branyan does it again

 

Russell Branyan’s two-run homer in the bottom of the 7th broke a tie and gave the Angels a victory over the rival Dodgers. Russell Branyan has been all over the league in his 13 year career and always seems to go on tears and have big homers for his teams. Well now he’s an Angel, (His 10th team) and once again he came up with a big home run. Branyan is one of those guys you love to root for because he’s capable of highlight reel bombs and fireworks, but isn’t going to be an All Star. Nine more bombs and Branyan will have 200 for his career, a feat suprising for a guy who’s been around the league with a fury. I will continue to enjoy the tape measure shots while they last and if he plays a few more years, he may play for a few more teams and keep us rooting for him.

Back in the bigs: Michael Bowden

Back in the bigs is Red Sox pitcher Michael Bowden. Used in 23 games over the past three seasons, Bowden is back with the big club and has pitched three scoreless innings in the past couple days. Once a 1st round draft pick in 2005, Bowden has been highly touted as one of the big names for the future of the Red Sox rotation. Only 24, Bowden has a bright future ahead of him, and with solid pitching, he should stay with Boston and gain even more valuable experience.

 

Darren

 

Doc Halladay: None better

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After yesterdays masterful start, (7 IP, 6 H, 9 K, 0 ER vs CHC), Roy Halladay now sits at 9-3 for the season with a 2.39 ERA. First in wins and second in ERA, Halladay is once again casually showing everyone why he is the best pitcher in baseball. No disrespect for Tim Lincecum, Felix Hernandez and co, but Halladay sits in a category all by himself. So far this season, Halladay has started 14 games and has pitched at least 6 innings in each game, as well as having a quality start in all but two starts. Halladay is quiet and humble but dominates games with ruthless aggression unlike any of his counterparts.

One key factor is showing his dominance is how he has a ground ball to fly ball ratio of 167:131 but he has only 14 walks in 105.1 IP! Halladay has been ever so consistent over the course of his career and is en route to another Cy Young Award this year. The Doc makes pitching look easier than tying a shoe. No flash, all substance is what Halladay is about and being an “old school” type pitcher, Halladay is looking for a complete game every time out, something very few pitchers nowadays do. The next start for him will be Wednesday at home against the Florida Marlins. Last time out vs Florida? He lost the game but pitched 8 innings, allowed just five hits, one run, two walks and struck out nine. Be sure to check that out.

 

Darren