Division Play-in Series –
#3 Arizona Diamondbacks vs. #6 San Francisco Giants
This series was a match-up of NL West rivals, the three-time division champion Diamondbacks against the up and coming Giants, making their first playoff appearance. The Diamondbacks had a great second half as their pitching, which looked rather ordinary in the first half, led the way down the stretch and made this team look very potent for a potential playoff run. Meanwhile, the Giants came out strong out of the gate but took a bit of a tumble in the second half and were able to hang on to the final playoff spot despite a late season surge by the Pirates. Clearly, the Diamondbacks looked to be the favorites going into the series.
The Diamondbacks did not disappoint. Despite a rough game 1 start by Felipe Tejada (by his standards) in which he was out dueled by rookie sensation George Bush, the D’back bullpen saved the day by holding the Giants and allowing Pascual Martin to hit a walk-off sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth to win the game. They didn’t look back from there as they swept the Giants in 3 games with two excellent team pitching performances. Pascual Martin was named the series MVP as he hit .417 with 2 home runs and 5 runs batted in.
#4 Florida Marlins vs. #5 Montreal Expos
The Florida Marlins entered the playoffs as the only playoff team with a losing record as they won the weak AL South for a second consecutive season. Meanwhile, the Montreal Expos had a fine season earning their first playoff spot as they played very consistent throughout the season and lost their division purely on how red hot the Reds were in the second half. This looked to be a fairly even series as both teams came in well rested and ready to go.
It was a tight series that went the full five games with the Marlins taking the decisive game 5. The Marlins pitching was the difference as they held the Expos to 3 runs or less in four of the five games, including a shutout in game 5. Leading the way on offense was Marlin lead-off man and series MVP Bob McMahon who hit .317 with 2 homers and 5 runs batted in.
Division Championship Series –
#1 Philadelphia Phillies vs. #4 Florida Marlins
Did this series even need to be played? We are talking about the winningest franchise in league history, the Phillies, having just completed a record 112-win season. And their opponent, the 80-82 Florida Marlins who just narrowly escaped the first round would surely be outmatched in this series. The only intriguing factor was that 8 of the 80 Marlin regular season victories were against these Phillies as they had the best record of any team against them. But this was merely a fluke, and the dominant team with an entire starting lineup who hit 20+ homers would certainly prevail. Right?
The first two games held true to form as the Phillies escaped a near bullpen collapse in game 1 and had a dominant offensive performance in game 2. Up 2-0 in a best of 5 series, it was definitely over now, right? "David took a stone from the bag and slung it... knocking the Philistine to the ground." With 5 runs in the bottom of the ninth of game 3, punctuated by a walk-off grand slam by Nerio Arnold, the Marlins refused to go down without a fight. The Marlins pitching put the clamps on the Phillies high powered offense for the final two games, winning them by the narrow combined margin of 8-4. Despite only 7 plate appearances and not even playing in game 5, Nerio Arnold was named the series MVP for two of the biggest hits of his young career, the pinch hit grand slam to win game 3 and a pinch hit 2 run homer in the bottom of the eighth to win game 4.
#2 Cincinnati Reds vs. #3 Arizona Diamondbacks
The defending world champs were the hottest team in all of baseball in the second half as they seemed to put all of the pieces together following their big trade with the Orioles that brought Cliff Rivers. The D’backs looked to be almost as hot coming off a sweep of the Giants and an excellent second half performance that saw their pitching return to dominant form. This series could easily go either way as both teams possessed the weapons to win a title.
The series did not disappoint as it was pitching that ruled the day as both sides performed brilliantly, with the lone exception being a rough start by Arizona’s Bernie Delgado in game 3. In the decisive game 5, four pitchers for the Reds combined to shutout the D’backs and send them to their third straight NLCS. The Reds’ Bartolo Lopez was named series MVP after hitting .474 with 2 home runs.
League Championship Series
#2 Cincinnati Reds vs. #4 Florida Marlins
Were the Reds destined to repeat as champs? Or could the Marlins do the unthinkable and beat another 100-win team and become the first World Series team with a losing record? While the Reds look like the team to beat, any team that can win three elimination games in a row against the mighty Phillies is hard to ignore. This series was going to be interesting.The series had everything: pitching duels, blowouts, and dramatic come from behind heroics. It was a series for the ages and arguably the most dramatic in league history with a classic game 7 finale. It was the top of the 9th, 2 outs, and the Reds had their closer Phil Boyer on the mound. In a surprise managerial move, the Marlins pinch hit for their lead off man and first round playoff series MVP Bob McMahon to bring in slugger Phil McCarthy. In the hole 0-2, McCarthy made great contact against Boyer’s best pitch, a nasty slider, and drove the ball down the leftfield line. The ball hit the foul pole and the game was sent to extra innings. In the bottom of the 10th, the Reds loaded the bases with only one out and their 2-3 hitters due up. Marlin closer Carlos Solano bared down and got the next two outs by strikeout and popout. In the bottom of the 11th, the Reds had runners at first and third with two out and the next batter flied out to CF. Then in the top of the 13th, two solo homers were the difference as Vic Kolb completed the most important three innings of scoreless work in his life to send the Marlins to the World Series. For his 14 scoreless innings and wins in games 1 and 4, Homer Flanagan was named series MVP. The Marlins appear to be a team of destiny that can never be counted out. We’ll see if a World Championship is a part of that destiny.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Season 3 AL Playoff Recap
Division Play-in Series -
#3 Kansas City Royals vs. #6 Seattle Mariners
The Royals were a team that dominated the first half of the season and then became mediocre throughout the second half and only held on to win their division because their primary rival, the Charlotte Knights, did the very same thing. Meanwhile the Mariners spent most of the season in the thick of a three-way divisional race and needed a big surge at the end to capture the final wild card spot. So going in to the series it appeared that the Mariners were actually the team with momentum on their side as it appeared like the Royals were worn out.
In the end, the Mariners starting pitching dominated the series as they used four different pitchers to take the series 3 games to 1. Richard Ishii was named series MVP for both his hitting (.353 avg, 4 RBI) and defensive contributions at shortstop.
#4 Minnesota Twins vs. #5 Portland Beavers
The Twins future has arrived as this young team made its first of what looks to be many trips to the playoffs by winning the surprisingly weak AL North division. Meanwhile, the Beavers used a combination of youngsters and some key free agent pick-ups to assemble a team that was hot down the stretch en route to their first playoff appearance. Both of these teams were young, excited, and well-rested while performing well down the stretch, so it looked like anyone’s series.
The series was a bit of a mixed bag with two blowouts that were split and two tight games, both taken by the Beavers as they won the series 3-1. Josias Rosado’s masterful performance in the decisive game 4 earned him the MVP of the series.
Division Championship Series –
#1 Anaheim Angels vs. #5 Portland Beavers
This was a match-up of two of the hottest teams down the stretch as well as between bitter division rivals. Everyone knew this would be a tense series with both sides hating each other and partaking in numerous hit-by-pitch incidents which culminated with the bench clearing brawl last month, resulting in numerous suspensions and fines on both sides.
Cooler heads prevailed in this series as both sides maintained composure and avoided any incidents. The Beavers were able to prevail in this tight series that saw the pitching dominate the series with all the games decided by 2 runs or less. And no pitcher was as dominant as the Beavers’ Nelson Stockton who earned series MVP by going toe-to-toe with Cy Young candidate Haywood Charles with 6 scoreless innings in game 1 and by out dueling him in the decisive game 4.
#2 Boston Red Sox vs. #6 Seattle Mariners
The Red Sox once again dominated the weak AL East and this season had a second half surge to earn them the first round bye. However with only one starting pitcher in which they had any confidence, staff ace Jeff Bollea, the Red Sox would need to find another pitcher to make a solid contribution. It was pitching that carried these Seattle Mariners to this point, through both the regular season and the first round. With Bollea, it seemed as if this series was destined for five games unless Boston could pull off another win.
BOLLEA!!! Boston was able to find another win thanks to a superb outing in game 2 by Gordon Wilson and take the series 3 games to 1. But it was series MVP Jeff Bollea who dominated the series with a game 1 win and a no-hitter in the decisive game 4. It was quite possibly the greatest pitching performance in league history.
League Championship Series
#2 Boston Red Sox vs. #5 Portland Beavers
Coming in this looked to be a very intriguing series. Boston came in with reigning MVP Valerio Guillen leading a dangerous offense and the mighty Jeff Bollea leading an inconsistent pitching staff. Portland came in coming off two impressive playoff series in which their pitching overpowered their opponents and their opportunistic offense scored enough to win. It looked like it would be a pretty even series, possibly of the seven game variety.However, looks can be deceiving as the Beavers dominated the series winning 4 games to 1 and outscoring the Red Sox 36 – 15. Things looked very bad right out of the gate for Boston as Bollea was tagged for four runs in only 4 1/3 innings of work. The trend continued throughout the series with the only reversal occurring in game 4 as Bollea was his usual dominant self, allowing 1 run in eight innings. Leading the Portland charge was series MVP Bono Mullen with a .458 avg (11 for 24), 5 runs scored, 8 RBI, 2 doubles, and 3 home runs. Portland looks to be a serious challenger as they head to the World Series as the AL representative.
#3 Kansas City Royals vs. #6 Seattle Mariners
The Royals were a team that dominated the first half of the season and then became mediocre throughout the second half and only held on to win their division because their primary rival, the Charlotte Knights, did the very same thing. Meanwhile the Mariners spent most of the season in the thick of a three-way divisional race and needed a big surge at the end to capture the final wild card spot. So going in to the series it appeared that the Mariners were actually the team with momentum on their side as it appeared like the Royals were worn out.
In the end, the Mariners starting pitching dominated the series as they used four different pitchers to take the series 3 games to 1. Richard Ishii was named series MVP for both his hitting (.353 avg, 4 RBI) and defensive contributions at shortstop.
#4 Minnesota Twins vs. #5 Portland Beavers
The Twins future has arrived as this young team made its first of what looks to be many trips to the playoffs by winning the surprisingly weak AL North division. Meanwhile, the Beavers used a combination of youngsters and some key free agent pick-ups to assemble a team that was hot down the stretch en route to their first playoff appearance. Both of these teams were young, excited, and well-rested while performing well down the stretch, so it looked like anyone’s series.
The series was a bit of a mixed bag with two blowouts that were split and two tight games, both taken by the Beavers as they won the series 3-1. Josias Rosado’s masterful performance in the decisive game 4 earned him the MVP of the series.
Division Championship Series –
#1 Anaheim Angels vs. #5 Portland Beavers
This was a match-up of two of the hottest teams down the stretch as well as between bitter division rivals. Everyone knew this would be a tense series with both sides hating each other and partaking in numerous hit-by-pitch incidents which culminated with the bench clearing brawl last month, resulting in numerous suspensions and fines on both sides.
Cooler heads prevailed in this series as both sides maintained composure and avoided any incidents. The Beavers were able to prevail in this tight series that saw the pitching dominate the series with all the games decided by 2 runs or less. And no pitcher was as dominant as the Beavers’ Nelson Stockton who earned series MVP by going toe-to-toe with Cy Young candidate Haywood Charles with 6 scoreless innings in game 1 and by out dueling him in the decisive game 4.
#2 Boston Red Sox vs. #6 Seattle Mariners
The Red Sox once again dominated the weak AL East and this season had a second half surge to earn them the first round bye. However with only one starting pitcher in which they had any confidence, staff ace Jeff Bollea, the Red Sox would need to find another pitcher to make a solid contribution. It was pitching that carried these Seattle Mariners to this point, through both the regular season and the first round. With Bollea, it seemed as if this series was destined for five games unless Boston could pull off another win.
BOLLEA!!! Boston was able to find another win thanks to a superb outing in game 2 by Gordon Wilson and take the series 3 games to 1. But it was series MVP Jeff Bollea who dominated the series with a game 1 win and a no-hitter in the decisive game 4. It was quite possibly the greatest pitching performance in league history.
League Championship Series
#2 Boston Red Sox vs. #5 Portland Beavers
Coming in this looked to be a very intriguing series. Boston came in with reigning MVP Valerio Guillen leading a dangerous offense and the mighty Jeff Bollea leading an inconsistent pitching staff. Portland came in coming off two impressive playoff series in which their pitching overpowered their opponents and their opportunistic offense scored enough to win. It looked like it would be a pretty even series, possibly of the seven game variety.However, looks can be deceiving as the Beavers dominated the series winning 4 games to 1 and outscoring the Red Sox 36 – 15. Things looked very bad right out of the gate for Boston as Bollea was tagged for four runs in only 4 1/3 innings of work. The trend continued throughout the series with the only reversal occurring in game 4 as Bollea was his usual dominant self, allowing 1 run in eight innings. Leading the Portland charge was series MVP Bono Mullen with a .458 avg (11 for 24), 5 runs scored, 8 RBI, 2 doubles, and 3 home runs. Portland looks to be a serious challenger as they head to the World Series as the AL representative.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Weekly Power Rankings - Red Storm
After a two-week hiatus, the power rankings are back for one last appearance before the playoffs. The Cincinnati Reds have led the way in the second half as they look to repeat as World Champs.
Current Rank (Previous Rank)
1. (1) Philadelphia Phillies: Season 107-45, Past 3 Weeks 42-18
The Phillies continue to roll and are on their way to the first 110 win season. The offense is so scary that every regular player has at least 20 home runs and Jake Clapp looks like he is headed for a third straight MVP. The guy is going to need to buy a separate house for all of his trophies as he is certainly destined for a Cooperstown plaque. What is truly horrifying is that this team has great pitching now, too. Led by the 1-2 starting tandem of Perry Harvey and Hi White, the Phillies staff has been one of the NL’s best.
2. (10) Cincinnati Reds: Season 94-58, Past 3 Weeks 43-17
The defending champs are back with a vengeance! The hottest team of the second half is looking like a real challenger to the Phillies. The call-up of Bartolo Lopez and the acquisition of Cliff Rivers have turned what was once a stagnant offense into one of the league’s finest. Additionally, the starting rotation has performed brilliantly, led by Edgardo Santos, who has returned to Cy Young form.
3. (6) Anaheim Angels: Season 93-59, Past 3 Weeks 41-19
As the temperatures in southern CA have gotten hotter, so to have the Angels. With Arthur Boggs as a strong candidate for MVP and Travis Murphy looking like a Rookie of the Year favorite, the Angel offense has been leading the charge. Another big reason for the Angels winning their third straight AL West title has been their workhorse ace, Haywood Charles. Having him going out there and giving a quality start almost every fourth game has taken a major burden off the rest of their staff. After a shaky start, Anaheim now sits as the #1 seed and AL favorite.
4. (4) Arizona Diamondbacks: Season 91 - 61, Past 3 Weeks 34-26
He’s back! After a mediocre first half, Felipe Tejada has been nearly unhittable for the past few weeks and looks like he may defend his Cy Young crown. More importantly, he is helping lead one of the best starting rotations to their third straight NL West title. On offense, the contributions have been spread around with a notable power outburst from Ivan Tolberg who has 37 home runs in only 360 at bats. This team will once again be a serious playoff threat on the strength of their pitching.
5. (2) Kansas City Royals: Season 90-62, Past 3 Weeks 30-30
The Royals have looked disappointingly average down the stretch. Their offense that did lead all of baseball in runs scored has slipped and barely leads the AL. Outside of the brilliant Patrick Rivera (20-4), the Royals staff has been inconsistent as well. The Royals currently have the look of a team that will not last long in the playoffs. We’ll see if they can get their mojo back in time.
6. (6) Boston Red Sox: Season 88-64, Past 3 Weeks 33-27
With no one coming close to threatening their three season stranglehold on the AL East crown, the Red Sox have been in relative cruise control for a good portion of the season. The offense looks solid thanks to another MVP caliber performance by Valerio Guillen and solid contributions from Marlon Swift and mid-season acquisition Glendon Allen. However, with inconsistent starting pitching, even from normally automatic ace Jeff Bollea, there is some cause for concern in Beantown. On the bright side, the lack of any pennant race means this team will be very fresh for a playoff run.
7. (3) Charlotte Knights: Season 88-64, Past 3 Weeks 32-28
Like their division rivals, the Royals, the Knights have had a mediocre second half after a dominant first half. The offense is a bit inconsistent as many games they live and die by the home run with sluggers Adam Martin, Jose Mondesi, BC. Javier, and Earl Jorgensen. Without having any dominant starters, the big blow to the Knights second half was the injury to their uniquely talented Turner Mordecai. When he went on the 60-day DL, the unconventional pitching staff that saw him starting or relieving almost every other game was forced into becoming more conventional and suffered for it. Mordecai comes off the DL in time for the playoffs so we shall see if his presence can make it happen for this squad.
8. (9) Montreal Expos: Season 85-67, Past 3 Weeks 34-26
Marte! Marte! Marte! The Expos have another offensive superstar to pair with superstud catcher Bernard Springer and his name is Kevin Marte. This rookie has taken this offense on his back in the second half to keep this team in the wildcard hunt with Red-hot Cinci taking the division. Unfortunately the rotation seems to have stopped performing. This has definitely been a tale of two seasons for Kareem Hamilton. In the first half, he looked like one of the games greatest pitchers. In the second half, he has looked like a batting practice pitcher getting hammered night after night. While the offense has the weapons, the Expo pitching makes it seem as if there will be no need to print any second round playoff tickets.
T9. (7) Portland Beavers: Season 85-67, Past 3 Weeks 33-27
The young starting staff has had their ups and downs this season, but has definitely had a fine campaign and looks to continue it with a first postseason appearance. That is if they can win this dogfight for the final wildcard spot with their Pacific Northwest and AL West rivals. With five different players with 20 home runs, the Beaver offense has spread the production around, with the most notable contribution from slugger Robert Dunham and his new team record of 42 home runs. Regardless of how things turn out, good things are happening in Portland as PGE Park is getting filled on a nightly basis.
T9. (8) Seattle Mariners: Season 85-67, Past 3 Weeks 34-26
It seems strange that if it weren’t for the Angels, we probably would have never seen the Mariners on this list. Acquired from the Angels in the off-season, Karl Turner has been the Mariners only consistent offensive threat for the entire season. Pitching is the real strength of this team as they have gotten quality seasons from their top four starters: Freddie Alston, Diego Ibarra, Fred Rolle, and Rob Tolberg. It doesn’t hurt that almost every lead going into the 8th has been protected courtesy of setup man Larry Houston and closer and rookie of the year candidate James Hutton. It’s going to be a fight to the bitter end with regional and divisional rivals Portland and Seattle.
Current Rank (Previous Rank)
1. (1) Philadelphia Phillies: Season 107-45, Past 3 Weeks 42-18
The Phillies continue to roll and are on their way to the first 110 win season. The offense is so scary that every regular player has at least 20 home runs and Jake Clapp looks like he is headed for a third straight MVP. The guy is going to need to buy a separate house for all of his trophies as he is certainly destined for a Cooperstown plaque. What is truly horrifying is that this team has great pitching now, too. Led by the 1-2 starting tandem of Perry Harvey and Hi White, the Phillies staff has been one of the NL’s best.
2. (10) Cincinnati Reds: Season 94-58, Past 3 Weeks 43-17
The defending champs are back with a vengeance! The hottest team of the second half is looking like a real challenger to the Phillies. The call-up of Bartolo Lopez and the acquisition of Cliff Rivers have turned what was once a stagnant offense into one of the league’s finest. Additionally, the starting rotation has performed brilliantly, led by Edgardo Santos, who has returned to Cy Young form.
3. (6) Anaheim Angels: Season 93-59, Past 3 Weeks 41-19
As the temperatures in southern CA have gotten hotter, so to have the Angels. With Arthur Boggs as a strong candidate for MVP and Travis Murphy looking like a Rookie of the Year favorite, the Angel offense has been leading the charge. Another big reason for the Angels winning their third straight AL West title has been their workhorse ace, Haywood Charles. Having him going out there and giving a quality start almost every fourth game has taken a major burden off the rest of their staff. After a shaky start, Anaheim now sits as the #1 seed and AL favorite.
4. (4) Arizona Diamondbacks: Season 91 - 61, Past 3 Weeks 34-26
He’s back! After a mediocre first half, Felipe Tejada has been nearly unhittable for the past few weeks and looks like he may defend his Cy Young crown. More importantly, he is helping lead one of the best starting rotations to their third straight NL West title. On offense, the contributions have been spread around with a notable power outburst from Ivan Tolberg who has 37 home runs in only 360 at bats. This team will once again be a serious playoff threat on the strength of their pitching.
5. (2) Kansas City Royals: Season 90-62, Past 3 Weeks 30-30
The Royals have looked disappointingly average down the stretch. Their offense that did lead all of baseball in runs scored has slipped and barely leads the AL. Outside of the brilliant Patrick Rivera (20-4), the Royals staff has been inconsistent as well. The Royals currently have the look of a team that will not last long in the playoffs. We’ll see if they can get their mojo back in time.
6. (6) Boston Red Sox: Season 88-64, Past 3 Weeks 33-27
With no one coming close to threatening their three season stranglehold on the AL East crown, the Red Sox have been in relative cruise control for a good portion of the season. The offense looks solid thanks to another MVP caliber performance by Valerio Guillen and solid contributions from Marlon Swift and mid-season acquisition Glendon Allen. However, with inconsistent starting pitching, even from normally automatic ace Jeff Bollea, there is some cause for concern in Beantown. On the bright side, the lack of any pennant race means this team will be very fresh for a playoff run.
7. (3) Charlotte Knights: Season 88-64, Past 3 Weeks 32-28
Like their division rivals, the Royals, the Knights have had a mediocre second half after a dominant first half. The offense is a bit inconsistent as many games they live and die by the home run with sluggers Adam Martin, Jose Mondesi, BC. Javier, and Earl Jorgensen. Without having any dominant starters, the big blow to the Knights second half was the injury to their uniquely talented Turner Mordecai. When he went on the 60-day DL, the unconventional pitching staff that saw him starting or relieving almost every other game was forced into becoming more conventional and suffered for it. Mordecai comes off the DL in time for the playoffs so we shall see if his presence can make it happen for this squad.
8. (9) Montreal Expos: Season 85-67, Past 3 Weeks 34-26
Marte! Marte! Marte! The Expos have another offensive superstar to pair with superstud catcher Bernard Springer and his name is Kevin Marte. This rookie has taken this offense on his back in the second half to keep this team in the wildcard hunt with Red-hot Cinci taking the division. Unfortunately the rotation seems to have stopped performing. This has definitely been a tale of two seasons for Kareem Hamilton. In the first half, he looked like one of the games greatest pitchers. In the second half, he has looked like a batting practice pitcher getting hammered night after night. While the offense has the weapons, the Expo pitching makes it seem as if there will be no need to print any second round playoff tickets.
T9. (7) Portland Beavers: Season 85-67, Past 3 Weeks 33-27
The young starting staff has had their ups and downs this season, but has definitely had a fine campaign and looks to continue it with a first postseason appearance. That is if they can win this dogfight for the final wildcard spot with their Pacific Northwest and AL West rivals. With five different players with 20 home runs, the Beaver offense has spread the production around, with the most notable contribution from slugger Robert Dunham and his new team record of 42 home runs. Regardless of how things turn out, good things are happening in Portland as PGE Park is getting filled on a nightly basis.
T9. (8) Seattle Mariners: Season 85-67, Past 3 Weeks 34-26
It seems strange that if it weren’t for the Angels, we probably would have never seen the Mariners on this list. Acquired from the Angels in the off-season, Karl Turner has been the Mariners only consistent offensive threat for the entire season. Pitching is the real strength of this team as they have gotten quality seasons from their top four starters: Freddie Alston, Diego Ibarra, Fred Rolle, and Rob Tolberg. It doesn’t hurt that almost every lead going into the 8th has been protected courtesy of setup man Larry Houston and closer and rookie of the year candidate James Hutton. It’s going to be a fight to the bitter end with regional and divisional rivals Portland and Seattle.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Free Agency Winners and Losers
This season saw our most active and frenzied free agent market. Now as the end of the regular season approaches, I’d like to look back and see who appears to have made the right personnel choices as well as which GM’s jobs may be in danger.
Winners:
Portland Beavers: The Beavers were one of the most active teams during free agency this season. Yes, they gave up their first round draft choice (#17), as well as their second and third round picks, which may have long term effects on the franchise, but the Beavers have already exceeded their previous high in wins and are in excellent position to secure their first ever playoff spot. Leading the way is Tommy Blackley, whose excellent production from the second base position (29 HR, 80 RBI) is one of the major reasons for the improvement. While Bono Mullen’s contributions have been fairly mediocre, Ignacio Benitez has been one of the AL’s better closers this season.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Their only major free agent signing was 34 year old hitting stud, Shep McNeil, but he appears to have been one of the missing pieces, along with the emergence of some youngsters, to getting the Pirates back to the playoffs. His 31 home runs and 100 runs batted in are a big reason the Pirates are competing for the NL’s final playoff spot. His veteran leadership will be a valued addition to this young team for the next couple of seasons.
Losers:
New York Yankees: After last season’s 85-win campaign, the Yankee front office was looking to pick up a couple of pieces to push the team into the playoffs. Unfortunately, Mark Moore at age 34 is not the same Mark Moore that was the offensive leader for the Cubs for years and was certainly not worth giving up the #19 pick in the draft. While Larry Scharein has been a big-time stud in the bullpen this season (68 apps, 2.04 ERA, 1.04 WHIP), a young non-playoff team would likely be better served by having their second round draft pick.
Detroit Tigers: We appear to have a solid case here that a below average hitter can look like a stud if he is surrounded by great talent and sees lots of fat pitches. After the last two seasons as part of the legendary offense in Philadelphia, Del Eckstein looked like a bona fide star in this league with back-to-back seasons of 30 homers and 100 RBI’s with a +.900 OPS. This season in Detroit and then later Milwaukee, Eckstein has been a complete bust with only 9 homers and an OPS under .700. It was so bad that the Tigers escaped his contract by waiving him, so I’m pretty sure they wish they had their second round pick back.
Undecided:
Seattle Mariners: Freddie Alston is providing an excellent contribution this season and helping the Mariners compete for their first playoff spot. But at the same time, I am holding back on a final judgement for this one as a four-year high dollar contract seems like a risky proposition for a 35-year-old pitcher. Time will tell.
Houston Astros: The kings of the free agent market this season with 5 Type A’s and 2 Type B’s found some valuable players that will help this franchise in the years to come: Benji Vazquez, Jason Surtain, Robert Beimel, and Kurt McPherson. While this team appears that it may have been on a course to lose around 100-110 games this season without these signings, the Astros gave away a lot of draft picks to earn their respectable losing season. Perhaps due to the fact that all of the free agent signings league-wide pushed their picks so far down the board (2nd round pick #73), this may have actually been a wise strategy. I can’t decide.
Winners:
Portland Beavers: The Beavers were one of the most active teams during free agency this season. Yes, they gave up their first round draft choice (#17), as well as their second and third round picks, which may have long term effects on the franchise, but the Beavers have already exceeded their previous high in wins and are in excellent position to secure their first ever playoff spot. Leading the way is Tommy Blackley, whose excellent production from the second base position (29 HR, 80 RBI) is one of the major reasons for the improvement. While Bono Mullen’s contributions have been fairly mediocre, Ignacio Benitez has been one of the AL’s better closers this season.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Their only major free agent signing was 34 year old hitting stud, Shep McNeil, but he appears to have been one of the missing pieces, along with the emergence of some youngsters, to getting the Pirates back to the playoffs. His 31 home runs and 100 runs batted in are a big reason the Pirates are competing for the NL’s final playoff spot. His veteran leadership will be a valued addition to this young team for the next couple of seasons.
Losers:
New York Yankees: After last season’s 85-win campaign, the Yankee front office was looking to pick up a couple of pieces to push the team into the playoffs. Unfortunately, Mark Moore at age 34 is not the same Mark Moore that was the offensive leader for the Cubs for years and was certainly not worth giving up the #19 pick in the draft. While Larry Scharein has been a big-time stud in the bullpen this season (68 apps, 2.04 ERA, 1.04 WHIP), a young non-playoff team would likely be better served by having their second round draft pick.
Detroit Tigers: We appear to have a solid case here that a below average hitter can look like a stud if he is surrounded by great talent and sees lots of fat pitches. After the last two seasons as part of the legendary offense in Philadelphia, Del Eckstein looked like a bona fide star in this league with back-to-back seasons of 30 homers and 100 RBI’s with a +.900 OPS. This season in Detroit and then later Milwaukee, Eckstein has been a complete bust with only 9 homers and an OPS under .700. It was so bad that the Tigers escaped his contract by waiving him, so I’m pretty sure they wish they had their second round pick back.
Undecided:
Seattle Mariners: Freddie Alston is providing an excellent contribution this season and helping the Mariners compete for their first playoff spot. But at the same time, I am holding back on a final judgement for this one as a four-year high dollar contract seems like a risky proposition for a 35-year-old pitcher. Time will tell.
Houston Astros: The kings of the free agent market this season with 5 Type A’s and 2 Type B’s found some valuable players that will help this franchise in the years to come: Benji Vazquez, Jason Surtain, Robert Beimel, and Kurt McPherson. While this team appears that it may have been on a course to lose around 100-110 games this season without these signings, the Astros gave away a lot of draft picks to earn their respectable losing season. Perhaps due to the fact that all of the free agent signings league-wide pushed their picks so far down the board (2nd round pick #73), this may have actually been a wise strategy. I can’t decide.
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