Tagged: Rangers

February 4, 2011

Saltalamacchia

His last name barely fits on his jersey, he
couldn’t throw the ball back to the pitcher last year, and he’s only hit
twenty-three home runs in his career. Yet, Jarrod Saltalamacchia will be catching Josh Beckett, Jon
Lester, John Lackey, Clay Buchholz, and Daisuke Matsuzaka in 2011.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia was drafted by the
Atlanta Braves with the thirty-sixth pick in the 2003 draft, one pick before
Orioles all-star outfielder Adam Jones.

In 2006 with the braves class A
affiliate, the Rome Braves, Salty had his best year of his young career. He hit
.314, with nineteen home runs, and eighty-one runs batted in. After his
breakout season Baseball America ranked Saltalamacchia as the eighteenth best
prospect in Major League Baseball.

The following year, Saltalamacchia became
the starting catcher for the Mississippi Braves (AA). In twenty-two games,
Salty hit .373 with seven big flies.

The same year, in 2007 Saltalamacchia was
called up on his twenty-second birthday after an injury to Brian McCann and
then made his major league debut.

On July 31, 2007, also in the same year, Elvis
Andrus, Neftali Feliz, Matt Harrison, Beau Jones, and Saltalamacchia were
traded to the Texas Rangers for Mark Teixeira and Ron Mahay.

Fast-forward three years latter and
Saltalamacchia was put on the disabled list after the first two games of the
2010 season. He was then sent down to AAA because he couldn’t do one of the
simplest things in baseball. Eventually and thankfully, Salty learned how to
throw the ball back to the pitcher.

On July 31, 2010 Jarrod Saltalamacchia
was traded to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Chris McGuiness, Ramon Mendez, a player to be named later (Michael
Thomas), and some money. He was then sent to Pawtucket.

Saltalamacchia was eventually called up after
an injury to Kevin Cash. In his first appearance in the Red Sox starting line
up on August 12, Saltalamacchia went 2-4 with a run scored.

So far, in his time in Bean town, Salty went
just 3-19 (.158), with one RBI, two runs scored, and no home runs. Yet, despite
those stats, the Red Sox are letting Jarrod Saltalamacchia control one of the
best pitching staffs in baseball.

Continue reading →

January 24, 2011

Spending Limit

* Here is my persuasive essay for school and as you can imagine, I wrote it about sports.

Spending
Limit

Small market teams don’t stand a chance against
the big spenders in Major League Baseball.

At New Yankee Stadium,
Yankee fans cheer for “their” team, a team that had a payroll of $206,333,389
in 2010. One of their many star players, Alex Rodriguez, made thirty-three
million dollars last year.

However, at PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Pirate
fans don’t cheer for a star player, because they don’t have one. In fact their
payroll last year was “just” $34,943,000. Is it fair that Alex Rodriguez made
nearly as much money as the entire Pittsburgh Pirates last year?

Much like their
payroll, the Yankees were at the top of the list when it came to winning. The
Pirates on the other hand, had one of the worst records in baseball. Major
League Baseball needs a salary cap.

A “salary cap” is a
limit on how much money teams can spend and/or how much money a player can
earn. It would level the playing field, increase fan attendance, and increase
team and league revenue.

However, if a salary cap was implemented, the
large market teams wouldn’t have enough money to have ten superstars on their
team. As a result of this, more superstars would have to play on “bad” teams
and the overall talent level would become more evenly divided among all thirty
teams.

Many casual baseball fans go to a game to see the
superstars. With the talent being more evenly divided, fans in Baltimore,
Pittsburgh, etc. will get to see more superstars play; thus increasing fan
attendance. Due to this increased interest and attendance of the game, the
league’s revenue would increase.

Personally, I’m a fan of the Boston Red Sox, who are a big
spender. With that said, is it fair that the Red Sox can out spend the Pirates
by over 160 million dollars?

Not everyone agrees on the topic of a salary cap. Some say
the fact that some teams can spend ridiculous amounts more money than other
teams is just a part of the game.

On one side, just because you have a high payroll doesn’t
mean you are going to be good. Despite having the third highest payroll in
baseball last year, the Cubs finished fifth in their division.

Then there are always teams like the Rangers and Rays, who
despite being in the bottom ten in payroll, made the playoffs.

However, there is one roadblock, the Players Association.
They would most likely reject anything about lowering player salaries. However,
I’m sure Alex Rodriguez can afford to give up a couple million dollars.

So, Bud Selig (the commissioner of the MLB), if you
know what is good for the league you need to try to implement a salary cap
immediately.

February 8, 2009

The Past And The Present

The Past

Andruw Jones signed a one year minor league deal with the Texas Rangers today worth $500,000. The deal could be worth one million dollars if he gets 620 plate appearances this year. This offseason Jones was rumored to be traded from the Dodgers to the Mets. Jones is a five time all-star who was won ten Golden Gloves. Jones spent eleven outstanding years with the Braves then in 2007 he had a not so good year, batting .222, with 26 home runs, 127 hits, 94 RBI’s, and five stolen bases. That was still a great year just not an Andruw Jones type of year. In the offseason that year Jones signed with the Dodgers. In 75 games he batted .158, with three home runs, 33 hits, fourteen RBI’s, and zero stolen bases. Andruw is still a good fielder though. In 2008 he had a .993 fielding percentage which made his carer fielding percentage .991. This offseason the Dodgers released him after he agreed to defer $16 million of the $21.1 million he is owed. Jones is the third washed up player the Rangers have signed this offseason joining Omar Vizquel and Derrick Turnbow. Jones has some heath problems. Like the fact that he is overweight. Jones is not likely to be the starter in centerfield though because Josh hamilton is already in center. Jones could become the utility outfielder if he has a strong spring training. I think Andruw Jones will have a strong spring training and be the fourth outfielder but will get sent down in the middle of the season do to poor performances. I did take him off the list of possible center fielders I might want for fantasy baseball because when players are sent to the minors they can’t earn you points and because I don’t want a backup outfielder on my team as the starter. This is also some what of topic but would anyone buy my Andruw Jones autographed rookie card that is in mint for maybe thirty dollars. 😉

The Present

Ryan Howard signed a three year, $54 million dollar contract with the Phillies avoiding arbitration. Howard will get paid eighteen million dollars a year. Last season Howard took the Phillies to the World Series by batting .251 with 48 home runs, 146 RBI’s, one stolen base, and 153 hits. He did have 199 strike outs last year tying a carer high. He finished second in MVP voting in 2008 behind Albert Pujols. Howard has won many awards in his three year carer including, a Hank Aaron award, a Rookie of the Year, a silver slugger, a MVP, but has only made one all-star game. He did make two home run derby’s and won the 2006 one. Howard has a carer batting average of .279 with 177 home runs, 578 hits, 499 RBI’s, and two stolen bases. Last year in the playoffs he batted .269, with three home runs, fourteen hits, nine RBI’s, and zero stolen bases. Ryan Howard has a lot in common with Adam Dunn. Both strikeout a ton, both hit for power, both are one time all-stars, both can play first base, (but Howard plays it every day while Dunn also plays outfield) both bat lefty, both were born in November 1979 (Howard the 19th and Dunn the 9th) and the list goes on and on. Now I think Dunn will not get Ryan Howard money maybe twelve million dollars if he is lucky. If Ryan Howard wants to get into the Hall of Fame though he will have to cut down on strikeouts. Same thing with Adam Dunn.

Photos

Andruw Jones-honkbalsite.com

Ryan Howard- art.com

February 8, 2009

A-Roid

That’s right Red Sox fans, Alex Rodriguez has a big, fat * next to his name. In 2003 he tested positive for steroids. 2003 was his last season with the Rangers where he lead the league in home runs(47), runs scored (124), and slugging percentage (.600). He also had 181 hits and 181 RBI’s. He won his first MVP and a golden glove. Following the 2003 season Rodriguez almost got traded to the Red Sox and I’m glad he didn’t. He ended up getting traded to the Yankees. Rodriguez has a carer average of .306 with 553 home runs, 2,404 hits, 1,606 RBI’s, and 283 stolen bases. Rodriguez is a twelve time all-star. He also has won ten silver sluggers, four Hank Aaron Awards, three MVP’s, and two golden gloves. A-Rod started out as a shortstop and then moved to third base when he joined the Yankees because Derek Jeter was already at shortstop. Before I hatted A-Rod. Now I hate and disrespect him. I will never respect a guy who took steroids unless they do what Andy Pettitte did. Pettitte came out and said, Hey look I did steroids and I’m sorry. I know how many Yankee fans feel. I used to look up to Roger Clemens, when he was an Astro. Then to his him get that * next to his name it was heartbreaking. Should we be surprised that A-Rod took steroids? No, his ego was bound to fall on him. Now the big problem in this is did the Rangers know that A-Rod tested positive so is that why they traded him? The whole Alex Rodriguez problem is the Rangers problem. The Yankees can do what ever they want but this is the Rangers fault. The Yankees didn’t have A-Rod on their team when he tested positive so they know as much as me, you, and Derek Jeter. A-Rod will not say anything. Yesterday he said, “I’m not saying anything . . . you’ll have to talk to the union.” The questions just pile on up, Did Scott Boras know? Will he make the Hall of Fame now? Should he lode his MVP? My answers are yes, yes, and no. When he gets jugged for the Baseball Hall of Fame voters will disregard the seasons he took steroids. If it turns out that A-Rod took steroids ten seasons there is know way he will make the hall of fame.

Note- Hey Mark, there are some good sentences up there. Maybe you could put one on MLB.com. 🙂

thejosevilson.com

frymax.typepad.com

mlb.com

January 31, 2009

Fantasy Baseball Help- Tip 1

I know Cob is starting a fantasy baseball league so I thought for all you first timers I thought I would give you some tips.

Draft Players on Good Teams

When drafting your team try to draft great players on average or great teams. The Mariners lost 101 games in 2008 year. In 2007 years ago they won 88 games. In 2007 Felix Hernandez won 14 games an in 2008 he won nine and lost 14. For pitchers run support is key. A baseball team with great sluggers and average pitchers will do fine. In 2007 the Tampa Bay Devil Rays won 66 games. In 2008 the Rays won 97 games. Every single one of their pitchers did better because of run support. When drafting sluggers you can afford to break this rule for a really good player. Playing on a better team for a slugger means more runs, RBI’s, and a higher on base percentage. You get more runs because people will drive you in more. You get more RBI’s, because more people will be standing at third base. Lastly you will get a higher on base percentage because if a pitcher walks someone they will then have to face a better hitter next. Lets use the Mariners and the Rays again. In 2007 Ichiro hit had 111 runs, 68 RBI’s, and a .396 on base percentage. In 2008 he had 103 runs, 42 RBI’s, and a .361 on base percentage. Akinori Iwamura, of the Rays had 82 runs, 34 RBI’s, and a .359 on base percentage in 2007. In 2008 he had 91 runs, 48 RBI’s, and a .349 on base percentage. Sure his on base percentage dropped by .010 but he had a much better year. When you drafted players on good teams their confidence is higher which means a better year most of the time. So my list of teams I would draft from are the Blue Jays, Red Sox, Yankees, Rays, Twins, White Sox, Indians, Angels, A’s, Rangers, Braves, Marlins, Mets, Phillies, Astros, Cubs, Reds, D-Backs, Giants, and Rockies. I don’t plan on drafting any one from the Rays or Yankees though. Also I left the Brewers and Cardinals off for two reasons their pitchers and the fact that their not that heathy.

January 27, 2009

Pettitte Stays in Pinstripes, While Varitek is do This Week

Andy Pettitte, 36, signed a one year, $5.5 million dollar deal with the Yankees. The deal could be worth up to $12 million dollars if he reaches all of his incentives. Contracts with incentives are the best contracts, you can’t overpay or underpay a player who has incentives in the contract. Pettitte was 14-14 last season with a 4.54 ERA. He also had 158 strikeouts in 33 games, 204 innings pitched. Pettitte played nine seasons with the Yankees before joining the Houston Astros from 2004-2006 and then went back to the Yankees after the 2006 season. The Yankees rotation is now set to be C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Chein-Ming Wang, Pettitte, and then Joba Chamberlain. I think Phil Hughes should be the fifth starter and not Joba. Joba went 3-1 this season as a starter. Joba needs to stay in the bullpen so in a few years when Mariano Rivera retires Joba can become the closer, but I am getting off track. In order for Pettitte to come back on to the roster the Yankees designated Chase Wright for assignment. Wright went 10-3 this season at Double-A and Triple-A

The Red Sox have set a Friday deadline for Jason Varitek. The deal would pay him a base salary of $5 million dollars for 2009 and a club option for 2010 worth $5 million dollars. if he doesn’t make his mind up by Friday Boston would likely trade for a younger catcher, maybe Jarrod Saltamacchia (that was a mouthful), of the Texas Rangers or Miguel Montero, of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Varitek will turn 37 in April. Last season he batted .220, with 13 home runs, and 43 RBI’s. He was backup to Joe Mauer of the Twins in the 2008 All-Star Game , his third all-star game, at Yankee Stadium and caught Jon Lester’s no-hitter. Varitek will probably start this season and will have Josh Bard or a young catcher as his backup this season and in 2010 will mentor a young catcher. It is also possible that Boston wants a young catcher to catch knuckleballer Tim Wakefield. That is unlikely though because Wakefield is close to retirement. I hope Varitek comes back tomorrow!

Jason Varitek gives Alex Rodriguez a face full of catcher's mitt, setting off a benches-clearing incident July 24.

I love this picture.

Also I just noticed that in past entries “Varitek” is spelt “Varitex.” Sorry.

January 24, 2009

Young Guns- Reds

First- Trevor Hoffman officially became a Brewer. Sorry Kaybee.

Second- Justin Duchscherer avoided arbitration by signing a one year deal that could be worth $4.05 million dollars.

Third- Sean Casey is retiring. The “mayor” will join MLB Network. His role is still unknown.

Edinson Volquez

Edinson Volquez is 25 years old. Volquez has a carer record of 20-17, an ERA of 4.37, and 261 strike outs. He also has a .97 fielding percentage. at pitcher. Volqez has played for the Texas Rangers and the Cincinnati Reds. With the Rangers Volquez made 17 starts and had a record of three and eleven. In his first season he went zero-four, with an ERA of 14.21, and only 11 strike outs, in six games, 12.2 innings. Following the 2007 season Volquez was traded from the Rangers to the Reds for Josh Hamilton, a deal that made both teams happy. In 2008 Volquez had his break out year with a record of 17-6, an ERA of 3.21, and 206 strike outs. In the 2008 All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium Volquez didn’t do so well. He pitched one inning in which he gave up two hits and a home run. That one home run was to J.D. Drew, all-star game MVP. He did strike out two batters though. Volqez has yet to make the post season with the Reds or Rangers. Unlike Dustin Pedroia Volquez has the body of a major leaguer. He is six foot and weighs 200 pounds. In the 2009 Wold Baseball Classic he will play for team Dominican Republic possibly joining team mate Johnny Cueto, who went 9-14 with a 4.81 ERA, and 158 strike outs. remember when Tom Glavine got 300 win? People said he could be the last person ever to gat to 300. Volquez is on pace to get 300 wins if he plays another 15 seasons and not get injured. If Volquez does get to 300 he will be a sure lock to get into the hall of fame. Edinson Volquez is only one of the promising Reds though, Jay Bruce, Joey Votto, etc. So Reds fans the Reds could be the Rays of 2008 his year.

Honorable Mention

2. Joey Votto

3. Jay Bruce

4. Micah Owings

5. Homer Bailey

Edinson Volquez leads the majors in ERA, strikeouts and opponent batting average.

January 17, 2009

Progress With Varitex

First- Manny and the Dodgers are still just talking.

Second- Carlos Zambrano has to get LASIK eye surgery on his right eye.

Third- Tom Glavine threw of the mound for the first time since shoulder and elbow surgery. Glavine, a free agent, is a low risk high reward player. I think he could come to Boston because of that and his long time teammate, Jon Smoltz signed with the Red Sox. More on that soon.

Third- After the San Diego Padres signed David Eckstein the Texas Rangers want Omar Vizquel.

Forth- Just a quick shout out to got milb? and District Boy who made my link list.

Jason Varitex wants to stay in Boston and the Red Sox want him back. Jason Varitex meet with Red Sox owner John Henry, The meeting was requested by Varitex. They spoke one on one for 90 minutes. Varitex said that the meeting was “okay” as he put it. Varitex could have been lying because maybe he didn’t want the media to know about something. Henry had no comment. They meeting was just Henry and Varitex so that means Scott Boras, Teo Epstein, or any one else. Varitex, a switch hitter, turns 37 in April. Varitex hit .220, with 13 home runs, and drove in 43. He also threw out 16 runners and caught Jon Lester’s no hitter. Varitex managed to make the all-star game last season as the back up catcher. The Red Sox signed catcher Josh Bard this month. They also let knuckle ball catcher, Kevin Cash leave. Cash then signed with the New York Yankees. Varitex has been with the Red Sox for twelve seasons. Derek Lowe, who recently signed with the Atlanta Braves, and Varitex were traded from the Seattle Mariners to the Red Sox in 1997. In 2002 Varitex caught Derek Lowe’s no hitter. Both had great seasons with the Red Sox. I hope Varitex comes back to Boston. I mean what other catcher has caught four no hitters? No one. Yes, he is getting old and he had a down year last season but he is a Red Sox legend. The city of Boston loves Varitex. Having Varitex go would be like Johnny Damon going to the Yankees. Okay, that was a little to dramatic. So Mr. Varitex if your reading this right now come back to Boston.

Clockwise from top left) Jason Varitek has been behind the plate for gems by Hideo Nomo, Derek Lowe, Clay Buchholz and now Jon Lester.

Top Left- Hideo Nomo’s no hitter in 2001.

Top Right- Derek Lowe’s no hitter in 2002.

Bottom Right- Clay Buchholz’s no hitter in 2007.

Bottom Left- Jon Lester’s no hitter in 2008.

Varitex stands up for the Red Sox, I mean no glove no love.

January 11, 2009

Hall of Fame Winners and Losers- Part 1

First- Pedro could be a Marlin! It would be great for the Marlins but Pedro won’t go there any time soon.

Second- The Braves signed Kenshin Kawakami, a top Japanese ace.

Third- Look for more Hall of Fame Winners and Losers as the day goes on.

Harold Baines- No, Never

Baines is up for election for his third year. He hit .289, with 384 home runs, 2,866 hits, and 1,628 RBIs. He also stole 34 bases and got caught stealing 34 bases. He played 22 years with the White Sox, Rangers, A’s, Orioles, and Indians. He played with the White Sox on three different occasions and the Orioles two different occasions. Baines will probably go in if he does go in as a White Sox. Baines was traded 5 times in midseason. Baines was a D.H. and played outfield in 1,061 games where he made 47 errors. While Baines was a dominating hitter he doesn’t have 3,000 hits or 500 home runs, or even a batting average over .300. Last year he pot 5.2% of the vote. Baines was a great player but he won’t go in and probably will get around 7% of the votes this year and at his best 55% of the votes.

Jay Bell- No, Never

Bell is up for election for his first time. He hit .265, had 195 home runs, drove in 860, and had 1963 hits. Bell stole 91 and was caught stealing 60. Bell played 18 seasons with the Indians, Pirates, Royals, D-Backs, and Mets. Bell had great glove work, winning a golden glove in 1993. He had a .976 carer fielding percentage. He made 220 errors at second, shortstop, third, and first. Bell was never traded in midseason. If Bell does go in he will probably go in as a Pirate. He won the 2001 World Series against the New York Yankees with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Bell will get 5% of the votes this year and at his best 45% of the votes.

Bert Blyleven- No, Eventually

Bert Blyleven is up for election for his 12th year. He had a carer record of 287-250, a 3.31 ERA, and 3,701 strike outs. Bert made 30 errors at pitcher. He played 22 years with the Twins, Rangers, Pirates, Indians, and Angels. He was with the Twins two different times. He is fifth on the all time strikeout list, behind Nolan Ryan, Randy Johnson, Roger Clemens, and Steve Carlton. He pitched 60 shutouts in his carer and in 1973 he pitched nine. He also pitched 242 complete games and in 1973 he pitched 25! That year he didn’t win the Cy Young though, Jim Palmer won it. Last year he got 61.9% of the vote this year he will get 70% and next year he will get 77% and get in next year.

January 6, 2009

Milton Bradley

First- Mike Scioscia got a contract extension to stay as Angels manager till 2018.

Second- Teixeira got introduced as a Yankee today.

Third- Carl Pavano signed with the Indians today.

Forth- Trevor Hoffman could become a Brewer or Dodger. I think he will be a Brewer.

Fifth- Jason Marquis got traded from the Cubs to Rockies for Luis Vizcaino.

Sixth- Jason Giambi is going back to Oakland, unless he fails his physical. Look out for that on the seventh, unless something huge happens.

Seventh- Wow, a lot of news today, J.C. Romero got suspended 50 games for failing a drug test.

Milton Bradley, a switch hitter, signed with the Chicago Cubs yesterday pending a physical on a three year $30 million dollar contract. Bradley hit 22 home runs while having a .321 batting average. He started at D.H. in the all-star game after Big Papi, David Ortiz was voted as the starter but was hurt. It was the first time Bradley had gone to the all-star game. The Cubs could move outfielder Alfonso Soriano to center, then put Bradley in left, and have Reed Johnson as the forth outfielder. I thought Bradley would go to the Seattle Mariners, back around Thanksgiving. Bradley has played nine major league teams the Expos, Indians, Dodgers, A’s, Padres, and Rangers before signing with the Cubs. He has been traded twice in mid-season. One issue was could he play outfield for a 162 games + maybe the playoffs? I don’t think he can, so Reed Johnson may get to play a little extra. He only played 20 games in the outfield last seasons. Bradley has a reputation of sometimes being a jerk, idiot, and hot head, depending on the way you look at it.