Back in 1975, while playing baseball at Brevard Community College, Bruce Bochy was one of my roommates on road trips.  Actually, the school budget was such that Mike Gallagher and Greg Fairbanks were roomies as well.  Mike and Greg would go on to play ball for Eddie Stanky at South Alabama, and Bruce was in a quandary as to what he should do.

Boch’ had signed with Florida State, a powerhouse, which was a powerhouse way back when as well as today.  And he knew he would be drafted as well.  He asked us for advice, and I remember that I spoke of the importance of getting his education.  Well, he was drafted 24^th in the first round by the Houston Astros, and he made the decision to go straight to pro ball.   Good move.

After nine years bouncing around as a big league catcher, he wound up managing the San Diego Padres for twelve seasons before taking the helm for the San Francisco Giants in 2007.  He has taken his clubs to three National League pennants (one with the Padres), and a World Series Championship two seasons ago with the Gigantes.  This season, his club has won SIX straight elimination games to make it back to the Fall Classic.

It was obvious early on that The Boch’ was meant for the game.  His personality, demeanor, and understanding of the game made him look like managerial material way back when we played together.  He was a quiet leader, never got lost in himself, and lifted the game of those around him.  He was also equipped with a dry, cutting wit.  And I never played with anyone I respected more.

And then, there’s Prince Fielder with the Tigers.  I remember the first time I realized how special he was as a hitter.  He was a freshman at Florida Air Academy, and we were playing at John Carroll in Fort Pierce.  There was a breeze cutting across from the left-field foul pole to right.  And The Prince hit a screaming line drive out of the park to left-center at about the 380’ mark.  Going oppo that far is impressive enough, but against a breeze?  Absolutely crazy.

Prince went on to be a great leader through his three seasons with us at Florida Air (he would attend Eau Gallie H.S. his senior season, playing for Bob Collins, who had pitched for me when I was a JuCo assistant coach at Brevard – small world!).  While people spoke of his power, which was obvious, it was his power in the dugout and off the field that made him so important to our club.  The baseball ability was there for anyone to see, but what they missed was his ability to carry a team on his broad shoulders.  And he’s still at it today.  Do not underestimate the importance of his persona behind the scenes.  He’s a flat-out winner.

So, tonight I am going to begin watching a World Series that means a great deal to me.  A wonderful friend will be writing out the lineup for the Giants.  The number four hitter for Detroit is a young man that played hard and well for me for three seasons.  One will ultimately get the big ring.  One will lose.  But for me, it will be win-win.  And I feel blessed to know both of them.

I’ll be writing more about Bruce and Prince and the World Series again on Sunday.  I have stories – all good – to share about both.

Amidst the rabble rabble of the Kansas City-boos-Robinson Cano narrative and the NO-A-THIRD-BASEMAN-WITH-A-CUTE-NICKNAME-SHOULD-NOT-START arguments, there was an actual exhibition game that was played.

And this time, folks, it counts.

I don’t know what happened, but Justin Verlander was rather … not himself in the first inning, giving up five earned runs. So the AL had that going for them early on.

The Giants players National League drove in runs upon runs upon runs. But the most notable one was this guy:

He drinks your milk. He drinks it up! (via @jp_on_rye)

Melky Cabrera went 2-for-3 on the night with two RBI, two runs scored and one home run. His fellow All-Star Giants also made some noise in the game: National League starter Matt Cain pitched two scoreless innings and got the win. Starting third baseman Pablo Sandoval went 1- for-2 with a run scored and a three-run triple.

Ryan Braun made a pretty spectacular catch in the fourth inning to rob Prince Fielder of at least a double. Which was probably rivaled by Bryce Harper’s derp moment in the fifth.

Other than that, it was a pretty ho-hum game. Quiet, but then again, what else would you expect from a game that was a blowout from the first inning?

But, alas. Baseball fans everywhere endured yet another game with one Joe Buck and one Tim McCarver and lived to tell the tale. Or put the TV on mute.

The National League beat the Ameican League by the final score of 8-0. San Francisco Giants outfielder Melky Cabrera was named MVP of the All-Star Game.

Here’s a great screencap of John Kruk eating ribs. (via ESPN)

Prince Fielder won the Home Run Derby title for the second time in his career Monday night.

Fielder started out strong as he had eight home runs with only one out. He slowed down but was able to reach the 12.

The night came down to Fielder and Jose Bautista. Bautista finished the final round with seven, shy of Fielder.

Of course, it didn’t help Bautista that he ended up in a side contest in the semifinals with Angels player Mark Trumbo. Or Trumpy, as I want to call him.

Bautista led the way after round one with 11 home runs. He needed three to beat Trumpy, but ended up with two to force the tiebreaker.

Fielder struggled in the first round as he finished with five, beating out both Carlos Gonzalez and Andrew McCutchen. But he recovered nicely in round two by hitting 11 home runs, the most for that round in the final four.

I suppose I should mention Carlos Beltran made it to the second round. However, that would be acknowledging the Cardinals and I’m not really sold on this idea. Okay fine, he was in the second round, but he just missed out on the finals.

Derby Results (via MLB.com)

There have been a few side highlights to Monday night’s Home Run Derby, including all the booing of one Robinson Cano. I for one never realized how many Billy Butler fans there were in Kansas City. Who knew!

Obligatory Yankee fan pic (via ESPN)

With virtually the entire crowd booing Cano, the Yankees player was not able to advance. In fact, he didn’t even hit a home run. He might have had maybe three or four that hit the wall or warning track, but nothing came out of it.

Also, former Royals great George Brett sat in on commentary, bringing some BBQ goods for the announcers as you can probably tell from the screencap above. One of the odder moments of the night was Brett saying something along the lines of “You’d have the little poopies in your pants, wouldn’t you?” Don’t ask me what the context was, but it was most certainly amusing.

Of course, the other notable part of the Brett segment was this little exchange between Berman and Brett. Also, Brett mentioned something about the one time both were in Cincinnati. I’m not really sure how the rest of that story went, but I’m guessing there were Ruffles chips involved.

Obviously, I survived the entire night of dealing with Berman on commentary without losing my mind. I think it helped I had Twitter. Almost did a live blog, but I wasn’t sure I had the sanity to accomplish that task. But hey, another Home Run Derby has come and gone.

But rest assured, nothing will change in the next year. The competitors will probably be the same, as will the announcing team. But if Major League Baseball would like to implement some of these ideas, they can contact me.

In less that two weeks, the long-awaited spring will be over! But for now, teams are really starting to shape up, find a rhythm, and get a sense for what they have to work with. Here’s what people were saying this week.

Angels

You may have heard that this new guy Albert Pujols is supposed to be pretty good. But he’s not the only one — the Halos are dripping in young talent, and they’re well aware of just how the newbies could impact their club.

You also might have heard something about C.J. Wilson. No, I’m not talking about his funny-but-not-funny “prank” on former teammate Mike Napoli! I’m talking about his game, and how good he’s looked this spring. But, so has Jered Weaver who is pretty good in his own right!

The reports have been pretty clear. The Angels are built to impress on the field in 2012. But it’s guys like veteran Tori Hunter who are most impressive in the clubhouse. Even in a contract year, Hunter is focused on one thing only: winning.

Brewers

Ryan Braun hasn’t exactly has it easy this spring. This week it was made know that he’s been struggling with a groin injury, on top of the overturned suspension earlier in the spring. And manager Ron Roenicke doesn’t think it’s quite over yet, saying his MVP is going to have a “hard season.” » Continue reading “Weekly Wrap Up: Teams Developing Identities”

Near the half-way point of the spring, we’re starting to see players’ roles defined. We’re also starting to see injuries, recoveries, and of course, the dreaded cuts. It’s all inevitable and, really, just a sign that we’re closer and closer to Opening Day.

Here’s how things shook out this week for our ATH teams.

Angels

In your weekly Pujols, Albert explains how consistency is key both on the field and off. (And, so far, it’s working well for him.)

New catcher Chris Iannetta is proving to be a quick study — a good thing for a catcher coming into a club with one of the best rotations in baseball. His understanding of them will prove critical in the Halos’ success.

And It appears Ervin Santana dodged any serious damage when he took a line drive off his right shoulder. He says he feels better than expected and may not have to miss his next start after all.

Brewers

For Aramis Ramierez, the change of scenery might be a good thing. Although, moving to a division rival has its … challenges (including former fans!). But, the veteran is focused on moving on and playing his game.

Prince Fielder left big shoes to fill in Milwaukee. It’s no easy task, but Mat Gamel is making a valiant attempt. Thus far, his teammates are impressed. Corey Hart even claimed the offense was going to be better this year.

And it was time for the Brew Crew brass to make the first cuts of the spring. This round, it was three players sent to Minor League camp and two more optioned to Double-A.  » Continue reading “Weekly Wrap Up: First Cuts And Comeback Trails”

The beat writers all kept saying that it was unwise to doubt Scott Boras when it came to finding Prince Fielder a job. Well, it turns out they were right, and I won’t be making that mistake again. Yikes.

• The Diamondbacks claimed catcher Craig Tatum off waivers, where he was placed by the Astros to make room for Jack Cust. Tatum will have to prove himself in spring training, but could provide depth as a backup catcher. He is, however, out of options, so he’d have to clear waivers again if he were to be sent down to AAA.
• Veteran infielder Omar Vizquel signed a minor league contract with Toronto. The 44-year-old will have a chance to make the club out of Spring Training, where he would provide infield depth behind Brett Lawrie and Kelly Johnson.
• The Blue Jays signed an extension with righty Brandon Morrow for 3 years, $20 million (with a $10 million option/$1 million buyout for 2015). Morrow struck out more than 10 per 9 innings in 2011 for a FIP of 3.64, although he sometimes displays control issues.

» Continue reading “Monday Trade Roundup: Prince Fielder Has A Job Edition”

I know you missed all your transaction news last week, what with my Hall of Fame musings taking their place. But we’re back this week with enough action to make up for it, including a few big pitching moves.

• The Orioles signed lefty starter Wei-Yin Chen of Taiwan to a 3yr/$11.3 million contract. Chen was a cheap option for Baltimore, having been released by the NPB’s Chunichi Dragons and thus not subject to a posting fee. He owns a 2.48 ERA over 4 years with the Chunichi Dragons.
• Former Pirate starter Paul Maholm has signed with the Cubs, adding further depth to a rotation plagued with injuries in 2011. The one-year contract guarantees Maholm $4.75 million, with incentives and an option for 2013. The lefty posted a 3.66 ERA and a 3.78 FIP in an injury-shortened 2011 season.
• Righty pitcher Justin Germano returns from Korea to sign with the Red Sox. Germano, who has bounced around in his Major League tenure, is the owner of a 5.02 career ERA, and adds depth to the Sox bullpen.
• Cincinnati added another strong piece to their bullpen in Ryan Madson, ousted Phillies closer. The deal is for one year and $8.5 million, surely a downgrade from what a top-tier closer like Madson would have sought. The righty posted a 2.37 ERA/2.25 FIP over 60.2 innings in 2011.
•  First baseman Kendrys Morales, he of the home-plate-ankle-breaking, re-signed with the Angels for just under $3 million (and avoided arbitration in the process). Morales is still rehabbing, but the Angels hope he will DH and bat cleanup behind Albert Pujols.
• Tampa Bay reached a deal with designated hitter Luke Scott for one year and $5 million, with incentives and an option for 2013. Scott posted a .220/.301/.402 line in a 2011 campaign cut short by shoulder surgery. But a return to anything like 2010 form, when he batted .284/.368/.535, would make the deal an absolute steal for the Rays.
• Ex-journeyman Ryan Vogelsong will return to the Giants, who have agreed to sign him to a 2yr/$8.3 million contract with an option for 2014. The right-handed starter unexpectedly shone last season, posting a 2.71 ERA. A 3.67 FIP and a high strand rate suggest that those results are unsustainable, but even with some regression, the deal looks like a good one.
• The Brewers avoided arbitration with left-hander Manny Parra, signing him to 1yr/$1.2 million. Parra had a shaky 2010, posting a 5.02 ERA, and missed 2011 after back issues and elbow surgery.
• The Phillies dodged arbitration with Kyle Kendrick, sealing a one-year deal for just over $3.5 million. Kendrick acted as a swing man last season, providing depth in the face of injuries and posting a 3.22 ERA/4.55 FIP (which warrants investigation, but I will tentatively go with “low strikeouts”).
• After rumors that he was headed elsewhere, Kerry Wood returned to the Cubs for a one year, $3 million deal with an option for 2013. Wood posted a 3.35 ERA/3.59 FIP over 51 innings in 2011, and you have never heard a crowd go as crazy as fans did at the Cubs Convention when Wood’s contract was announced.

» Continue reading “Monday Trade Roundup: Big Ticket Pitching”

The Toronto bullpen seems to be the star of this week’s transactions. Otherwise, it’s fairly quiet in Hot Stove Land as the offseason drags on. A few big names (Prince Fielder comes to mind) (no pun intended) are still floating around un-signed. The hour grows late, my friends.

• The Cubs have agreed to sign relief pitcher Andy Sonnanstine to a split contract. Chicago has been seeking pitching depth, and that’s primarily what the righty will provide, as he has been otherwise unimpressive since 2008.
• Boston acquired 27-year-old closer Andrew Bailey and utility outfielder Ryan Sweeney from Oakland, sending hard-hitting youngster Josh Reddick and prospects to Oakland in return. Bailey will replace Jonathan Papelbon, who signed with Philadelphia. He posted a 3.24 ERA with 8.9 K/9 and 2.6 BB/9 in 2011. Sweeney is a platoon candidate whose bat is unimpressive and who struggles against lefties, but his defense is above average. Reddick had his first extended look at big-league pitching in 2011, and came away with a .280/.327/.457 line. He can play all three outfield positions.
• Andruw Jones will be returning to the Yankees in 2012, for a base salary of $2 million plus incentives that could total $1.4 million. He will most likely DH against lefties and fill in in the outfield.
• Lefty reliever Darren Oliver, 41, has agreed to sign with the Blue Jays for one year, with an option for 2013. Oliver posted a 2.29 ERA in 2011, one of the best by a lefty reliever in the AL.
• Aaron Laffey, seeking the opportunity to start, has signed with the Blue Jays, who offered him the opportunity to make the rotation out of Spring Training. The contract is a split one. Laffey’s ERA in major-league starts is 4.35.
• The White Sox traded outfielder Carlos Quentin to the Padres for a pair of pitching prospects. San Diego’s lineup badly needed a spark, and Quentin has had 20 or more homers for the past 4 seasons.
• Jason Frasor is headed back to Toronto, after joining the White Sox mid-season in 2011. The 34-year-old righty reliever posted a 3.60 ERA across both teams last season.

How about some rumors?

• Matt Garza is the name on everyone’s lips lately. More and more teams are showing interest, but according to Jon Heyman, there is “no real favorite” in the field. Pursuing Garza are the Blue Jays, Yankees, Tigers, Marlins, and Red Sox, but it seems the Cubs have a high asking price for the starter.
• Former Phillies closer Ryan Madson remains unsigned after declining arbitration. The Phillies signed Papelbon, and the Red Sox further narrowed the market this week by signing Bailey. Jon Heyman tweeted that the Angels have shown interest, but other than that, Madson has been pretty high and dry.
• Also still unsigned is Prince Fielder, leading to speculation that he and agent Scott Boras might accept a shorter-term contract. Boras, however, quickly killed that idea: “Not only is that inaccurate and delusional, but it seems that some people have gotten into their New Year’s Eve stash just a little bit early this year.”

As always, to keep up with transactions in real time, follow MLB Trade Rumors at their website or on Twitter. Don’t forget to check out MLB’s Hot Stove blog and their free agent tracker.

Hopefully Melvin is currently contermplating how to convince Fielder to stay. Or he's wondering if his mustache is more impressive than John Axford's. (image via bettor.com)

Congratulations, Doug Melvin!

If you don’t know who the man behind the mustache is, Melvin is the general manager and executive vice president of the Brewers. Yesterday he was named as a co-winner of the 2011 Major League Baseball Executive of the Year award from the Sporting News.  I have faith in Melvin after the moves he made last season to bring in talent. He helped put the Brew Crew in position to make a deep playoff run which possibly stopped Prince Fielder from calling a moving company and leaving town sooner than later.

But this offseason, we need Melvin to really work his magic.

The main story cooking for the Brewers and all of us as fans during this hot stove season is will Fielder re-sign with the club? A few moves were recently made that could have an impact on money being available for Fielder and other free-agent options the team is looking to bring in. Could it be…? It seems as if nothing is an impossibility or off limits this hot stove season.

» Continue reading “Kotsay and Counsell Out; Melvin Keeps the Brewers’ Hot Stove Cooking”

All hail the Prince? Or will he renounce his throne in Miller Park & be replaced by a potential higher power? After all, 'Reyes' is Spanish for 'kings.' (image via AP)

This is a bittersweet topic for me. As I was preparing to write, I battled between (admittedly melodramatic) smiles and tears. Prince Fielder has provided Brewers fans with so many memories and traditions – thinking of the potential of future seasons without him causes a pang of emptiness.

However, the almighty dollar will be the deciding factor for Fielder. Milwaukee may not be able to afford as much as some others teams- but don’t call up the movers just yet! The Brewers Nation are collectively crossing their fingers and hoping he’ll be back to aid the team in making another run at the World Series.

Fielder is well-known around the league for his skill at the plate, and fans never got tired of seeing this pose. He has shown off his hitting power by winning the Home-Run Derby in ’09 and consistently ranking among the league leaders in home runs. But real fans of the Brew Crew see that he brings even more than that to the field.

Ryan Braun is one player that will be affected by Fielder’s decision (besides not being able to do that cool handshake  that I adore) if he leaves. The threat of Fielder warming up on deck made pitchers throw at Braun, rather than walk him. Walking Braun with Fielder on deck meant to many a bullpen that more runs would be undoubtedly scored. Braun had a career high in walks last season (58), but if Fielder leaves, statistics indicate that this number will rise due to teams looking to avoid the dynamic duo. More walks will take away from Braun’s hit opportunities – so he will have to make them count.

Another great thing about Fielder is that he’s durable. He only played under 157 games once (2005), and only then because he was just called up to the majors. He takes care of himself and is able to play through injuries – while avoiding major ones (knock on wood). Some of the best players in the league have missed games for various reasons, but Fielder just keeps on going.

Players with Fielder’s immense talent and durability are hard to find – however, the Brewers are looking.

» Continue reading “Fine, I’ll Talk About Fielder”