The Orphan

They Call It March Madness

2008-03-20T23:44:22Z

I've never considered myself a college basketball fan. In fact I often miss the beginning of Sportscenter because I don't want to watch the end of whatever NCAA game they might be showing. There are betting things on TV to waste my time.

But for some reason when it come to the Tournament it becomes a different story. I turn a game on and see Belmont is beating Duke with less than 30 seconds left in the second half and I'm glued to the TV. I don't know where the heck Belmont even is, but I see they're in a 15 seed, and they're beating a #2 seed. I instantly become a fan.

Basketball has always been a sport I sort of always overlooked. Sure I've always rooted for the Knicks (the only New York team I really root for), but they haven't been a respectable franchise since Patrick Ewing cut his flat-top. Even then,I casually followed them (I could still name the roster and all, just not rattle off the facts and stats like other sports). I've always wondered why.

The argument can be made growing up a suburban kid in Long Island, basketball wasn't the sport, but I played a ton as a kid, as did my brothers. I just liked baseball, football, and hockey a whole lot more.

Probably because I was better at them.

I was never good at basketball. I mean to the point where it's embarrassing. When you're tall people assume you must be good at basketball (since when is 6'2 considered tall?), but it couldn't be farther from the truth. I can't shoot, layup, dunk, or rebound. Let's be honest, I'm lucky I can dribble. Even then I have to watch the ball to make sure it doesn't hit my foot.

Because I was never good at it I never liked it. Unless it's March, and collegians are playing for schools I never heard of. Then I become addicted...

Gotta run, Arizona is closing the gap on West Virginia...

Call It A Comeback

2008-03-19T23:19:14Z

Wow, it's been a while. The last time I updated the Orphan was during the Mitchell Report. Life sort of caught up with me. Not that I haven't written. Steve Carlton Likes to Fish, Hot Stove Philly, and Hot Stove New York, are all alive and well, and help me get my writing fix. Between writing for three sites, the job (too bad blogging doesn't pay the bills), and of course spending time with my wife, I've neglected the Orphan.

Given the blog's name, it's a bit ironic.

Well enough neglecting the Orphan. It's back, but a little different then the standard MLBLog. Most of my writing has to do with standard reporting, with my take on it. The Orphan will of course center around baseball, but more opinions, and more stuff outside the realm of the American and National League.

We'll see how it works out...

On a side note, I never thought I'd find myself rooting for the Devils. No Flyers fan in his right mind would root for the team that plays in the sewer in the heart of Newark (the Ghettolands, as refer to it as), but it's playoff time, and the Flyers are clinging on to the eighth seed. With the Rangers in sixth, only two points ahead, a Rangers loss would be big. Too bad they won in a shootout...

Congress Asks Justice Department to Investigate Tejada

2008-01-15T12:17:49Z

Congress has asked the Justice Department to investigate Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada in his connection with lying to the House Committee regarding his use of performance enhancing drugs. Tejada met with the Congressional Committee in 2005 after former teammate Rafael Palmiero tested positive for the use of steroids, but claimed he received a tainted B-12 shot from Tejada.

Congressman Henry Waxman and Tom Davis are sending a letter to the Justice Department this morning.

“Tejada told the committee that he never used illegal performance-enhancing drugs and that he had no knowledge of other players using or even talking about steroids,” Waxman said. “Well, the Mitchell Report, however, directly contradicts key elements of Mr. Tejada’s testimony.”

Said Davis: “We’ve concluded further investigation is warranted.”

Clemens to be Named in Mitchell Report

2007-12-13T12:42:24Z

With George Mitchell having a press conference this afternoon at 2:00, ESPN is reporting that pitcher Roger Clemens will be named in the Mitchell Report. Trainer Brian McNamee has stated he provided Clemens with steroid before and while he was a member of the New Yankees.

Clemens is regarding as one of the top 5 pitchers in the history of this game, and the question now looms, how will this affect his legacy and Hall of Fame status?

This is only the tip of the iceberg of what we'll all be hearing today regarding performance enhancing drugs in baseball.

Dodgers Sign Jones

2007-12-06T10:09:36Z

The Dodgers have signed free agent centerfieler Andruw Jones to a two-year $36.2 million dollar contract. Jones is coming off a disasterous season where he hit .222 with 24 home runs and 94 RBI's. This is a far cry from his .263/34/103 season averages.

Jones was hoping to land a big contract this off-season, similar to what Alfonso Soriano received from the Cubs last year, but with his poor season the interest simply wasn't there. Signing a two-year deal was the best avaiable offer. This isn't saying he still won't get that big contract. Jones will only be 32 when his contract with the Dodgers is up.

While Jones is making $18.1 million a season, a two-year deal isn't a bad gamble for the Dodgers. Given how much Jones' numbers dropped last season, there's a good chance he'll bounce back in 2008.

The Dodger's signing Jones might only be the begining of a pending trade. The Dodgers now have Jones, Matt Kemp, Juan Pierre, and Andre Either all looking for regular playing time in the outfield.

Santana to Stay Put?

2007-12-05T15:47:30Z

What would the Winter Meetings be like without 75 different Johan Santana rumors?? Well here's the latest (I'm sure by the time I post this it'll change):

Word is the Twins will NOT trade Johan Santana at the winter meetings. Rumor has it the Twins have rejected the Red Sox offer, and for now Johan is staying with the Twins.

This might not be the smartest move. Sure, Santana is "Twins" property until the end of the season, so there is no rush to deal him, but there's a catch. As the season begins and progresses the more the Twins will need other teams to take Santana, then other teams need Johan Santana. The long the Twins wait to deal him, the less they will be able to get for him.

Unless Carl Pohlad comes down off the giant pile of money he sits on top of, and gives Santana an extension, the time to trade Johan is now...

Tigers Acquire Cabrera & Willis

2007-12-05T12:21:03Z

Last night the Tigers made the biggest splash of the Winter Meetings, acquiring all-star third baseman Miguel Cabrera and starter Dontrelle Willis from the Florida Marlins for six-players.

It definitely makes the Tigers if not the best, one of the teams in all of baseball.

Cabrera is one of the best players in baseball. The biggest knock on him was his ever gaining waistline, but reports are he’s losing weight (15 lbs. since season’s end). His numbers at this stage of his career, rival hall of famers. At 25 years old he could be a fixture in Detroit for years to come.

Although Willis is only two years removed from a twenty-two win season, he was nothing better then average in 2006 and was terrible last season. Reports were a lot of Willis’ problems were he was trying to locate the ball, which took his velocity off and made him very hittable. Chuck Hernandez is one of the better pitching coaches in the league, and he should be able to work with Willis and help him return to his old form. Another benefit of Willis pitching in Detroit is less pressure. In Florida he was the staff “Ace”, and mentally he had to live up to it. In Detroit he’ll probably be the 4^th starter with Justin Verlander, Kenny Rogers, and Jeremy Bonderman in front of him. If Willis can just go out and pitch his game, there’s a chance he’ll be able to return to his Cy Young-caliber status.

As good as Tiger fans have to feel about the players they picked up from Florida the Marlins received a TON in return.

Andrew Miller was the Tigers #2 prospect last season (via Baseball America). His career stats are 5-6 with a 5.69 ERA, but don’t let that fool you. Miller was drafted in 2006 and has more experience in the major league then in the minors, so some say he was rushed to Detroit. He has the ability to be a true #1 starter. Mid-90's fastball and a mid-80's slider with great movement.

Cameron Maybin was the Tigers #1 prospect and is the #3 prospect in all of baseball. He’s still probably a year away from starting in Florida, but he has five-tools. Barring any injury he's an all-star caliber player.

Eulogio De La Cruz is a wicked fastball that tops out at 100mph. He’s still probably a year away from the major leagues, but he could be a set up man and eventually be the Marlins closer.

Dallas Trahern is a strong starter. Some reports were he would challenge for the Tigers fifth starter spot, but worst would be with the Tigers by midseason. He projects as a #3 starter.

Mike Rubelo was the Tigers backup catcher last season, and most thought was the heir apparent to Rodriguez. He has strong defensive skills and a decent bat. He should start behind the plate.

I don’t know much about Burke Badenhop. Statistically he was strong last year going a combine 12-6 with a 2.92 ERA last year between A & AA. He went 14-3 at Single A ball in 2006. A few years away from making his major league debut.

In saying all this I’m not sure how I feel about this deal. The Tigers are showing they want to win now, but I think they overpaid for Cabrera and Willis. The Tigers depleted their farm system in getting both of these two guys. Pudge Rodriguez, Magglio Ordonez, and Gary Sheffield aren't getting any younger. The only real prospects left are Brent Cleven and Rick Portcello.

Another concern I have is what this does for baseball. As of now the Marlins have a payroll UNDER $10 million. Their highest paid player is now Kevin Gregg who makes roughly 600K. Even though they won’t, the Marlins need to spend some money and at least acquire players who can fill in until guys like Maybin and De La Cruz are ready to contribute.

Dodgers Close in on Bedard

2007-12-04T17:45:48Z

WFAN in New York is reporting the Orioles and Dodgers are nearing a deal that would send pitcher Erik Bedard to Los Angeles for Matt Kemp and Jonathon Broxton.

Varied rumors have said that Bedard's deal would be similar to what the Twins would get for Johan Santana. Do you think the Dodgers can get Santana for Kemp and Broxton? I don't think so.

The Orioles need to be smart. Bedard is in high demand right now. Sure, he might not want to sign an extension, but it doesn't mean they have to deal him this off-sesaon. He's still Orioles property for two more seasons. If they were to trade him they need to get maximum value for him. When dealing with the Dodgers not trade fro Bedard should go down without the Orioles receiving Clayton Kershaw in the package.

Although Andy MacPhail is the new sheriff-in-town in the Emerald City, the Orioles have a history of making less than desirable moves, mainly due to owner Peter Angelos. MacPhail's known as a very deliberate and methodical guy, so it should be interesting how the Bedard trade talks progress.

Winter Meetings Day 2: Blockbuster on the Horizon?

2007-12-04T14:56:59Z

The Hot Stove is heating up, and the rumors are flying. The latest rumor is a blockbuster deal. No, not Johan Santana. This one is between the Marlins and the Tigers.

Word is the Tigers are willing to ship a group of prospects That would include Andrew Miller and Cameron Maybin for Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis.

While Cabrera joining a Tigers lineup that already includes Magglio Ordonez, Curtis Granderson, Carlos Guillen, and Gary Sheffield, would give them one of the leagues best lineups, I'm not sure what help Willis really gives.

Dontrelle Willis is only two years removed from a Cy Young-type season, but he was one of the worst pitchers in baseball last season. His 5.17 ERA was near the bottom of the National League, and that's pitching half your games in a pitchers park. Letting him loose in the American League where he has to face a DH could be disasterous. On the other hand, maybe a change of scenery is what Willis needs.

Winter Meetings, Day 1: Yankees Give Twins a Deadline

2007-12-03T12:47:42Z

With the Winter Meetings starting today in Nashville, the focus on the first day will be on one player. Who will acquire Twins pitcher Johan Santana?

Queue the circus music…

The Yankees have offered a package of Phil Hughes, Melky Cabrera, and a prospect to be determined. Word is the final prospect is the current hold up. It’s been rumored the Twins want Austin Jackson or Ian Kennedy, but the Yankees aren’t willing to include either. They want Minnesota to take more of a mid-level prospect, like Alberto Gonzalez or Jeffrey Marquez.

Red Sox have offered a package centered around Jacoby Ellsbury. With Ellsbury in the deal it means the Clay Buchholz and Jon Lester are off the table. Rumors are that a package of Ellsbury and prospects Justin Masterson, and Michael Bowden is the current offer.

Santana has made his own statements that he will only waive his no trade clause to play for the Yankees or Red Sox. This is only in the off-season. He will not waive his no-trade clause once the season begins. Essentially saying that once the season begins the most the Twins will get for Santana will be a draft pick form whomever he signs with next off-season.

Then you have to question if the Red Sox really want Santana. Obviously he’ll improve the team, but the one thing the Red Sox don’t need is a starter. Reports are with their current roster; they are considering a six-man rotation (Josh Beckett, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Curt Schilling, Tim Wakefield, Lester, and Buchholz). As much as a Beckett/Santana righty/lefty duo will make any Red Sox’s fan mouth water, do they really want him or are they making things difficult for the Yankees?

To heighten the drama, Yankees owner Hank Steinbrenner has set a deadline for today to get the deal done or the Yankees are out. While it sounds like the Yankees are making a stand, didn’t they tell Alex Rodriguez the same thing if he opted out of his contract? We all know how that worked out.

The Johan Santana Circus continues, and most likely other pitchers on the market (Dan Haren, Erik Bedard), will not be dealt until teams know where Santana will wind up.

Milledge Dealt to Nationals

2007-11-30T16:12:16Z

Omar Minaya has said since the end of the season he wanted a defensive minded catcher, and it appears he got one. WFAN is reporting that outfielder Lastings Milledge has been traded to the Washington Nationals for catcher Brian Schneider and outfielder Ryan Church.

If Mets fans are looking for a big bat out of Schneider, you’re not going to get it. Schneider is a career .252 hitter. He’ll give you 5-10 home runs and 40-50 RBI’s. His one bright spot offensively is he rarely strikes out, averaging one strikeout every seven at bats. Where Schneider will help is on the defensive end. He calls a good game, and unlike Paul Lo Duca, he can throw out a runner stealing. Throughout his career Schneider has a caught stealing percentage of 39%.

Church is coming off his best season of his career where he hit 15 home runs and drove in 70. I wouldn’t call Ryan Church a fourth outfielder, but I also don’t see him as an every day player. He’s more of a platoon outfielder that would see more of the playing time.

This move is leaving me scratching my head. I understand the Mets front office wanting a defense catcher, but for Lastings Milledge? I know his stock has dropped over the past couple seasons, but the Mets also need pitching. Milledge would be one of the center pieces in bringing in a front line starter. Apparently not…

With Schneider in the fold, don’t expect the Mets to tender an offer to Johnny Estrada.

Pull the Trigger

2007-11-26T21:10:41Z

Peter Gammons has reported that the Yankees could acquire pitcher Johan Santana for a package of Phil Hughes, Melky Cabrera, and Austin Jackson. If this is rumor is true, Johan Santana should be a Yankee before Christmas.

I know most hold Hughes in high regard, and that he's a “can’t miss” prospect. While I tend to agree, there’s no pitcher in baseball like Santana, and if he can be had, the move needs to be made.

With Roger Clemens retiring, and Andy Pettitte most likely not too far behind, there’s a strong possibility that the Yankees could go into the season with a rotation of Chien-Ming Wang, Mike Mussina, Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, and Ian Kennedy. A rotation that consists of a front-line pitcher, an aging star who’s begun to have struggles, and three rookies. Not the ideal situation for a team that is looking to win their 27^th World Series in their final season in Yankee Stadium.

There’s the financial aspect that some might look at. Santana is a free agent at season’s end, and an extension will cost upwards of $20 million a season. Hughes is under Yankee control for the next six years. This is the Yankees we are talking about, where money is a secondary issue. The main issue is that Johan Santana IS the best pitcher in baseball, and one day Phil Hughes MIGHT be the best pitcher in baseball.

Is it worth keeping Hughes hoping he pans out?

For most teams I’d say yes, but this is the Yankees. They don’t go into a rebuilding mode, waiting for their prospects to come around. They also have a lot of good young pitchers on the farm, so by dealing Hughes, they’re not mortgaging their future to win now. Trading for Santana, and giving him an extension, the Yankees will play their final year at Yankee Stadium with the best hitter and best pitcher in baseball, and open new Yankee Stadium next season with the best as well.

Isn’t that the Yankee Way?

Tigers to Target Dotel

2007-11-25T11:11:30Z

The Tigers have been one of the more active teams this off-season. they've re-signed closer Todd Jones, and have acquired both Edgar Renteria and Jacque Jones, via trade. With is still early in the off-season, the Tigers aren't done yet. focusing on improving the bullpen, the Tigers are targeted relief pitcher, Octavio Dotel.

Dotel was a target prior to last season's trade deadline, but instead was shipped to the Atlanta Braves. Dotel was effective last season, despite a 4.11 ERA. He struck out 41 in 30 innings, while only walking 12.

Dotel has 82 career saves and a career 3.76 ERA in nine seasons with the Mets, Astros, Athletics, Yankees, Royals, and Braves. The biggest concern with Dotel is his ability to stay healthy. He hasn't pitched more then 33 games in a season since 2004. He had Tommy John surgery in 2005, and has been on the DL three times since then.

The Tigers bullpen was their downfall last season. Joel Zumaya was hurt a majority of the year and Jason Grilli, Macay McBride, Jose Capallan, and Jose Mesa (who was released after 16 disaterous appearances), were unable to get the job done. With Zumaya out for the 2008 season with his own arm injury, the Tigers will need to replace him with another relable bullpen arm. The question is, how relable is Dotel's arm?

GM’s Approve Limited Instant Replay

2007-11-07T18:55:54Z

The general mangers meetings have been underway in Orlando since Monday and no big trades have been announced. Something bigger has occurred, that might exceed trades. Something that might change the future of this game.

Instant replay.

The general mangers voted 25-5 to introduce a limited instant replay. The use would be limited to judging if a home run is fair or foul, or it the ball made it over the wall without the help of a fan in the front row (remember Jeffrey Maier?).

Don’t worry baseball purists. The technology that invaded the NFL, NBA, and NHL is not definite. Next this would have to go before the commissioner who was long said he’s against any instant replay in baseball. Once he reviews it, it would go to more votes; the players, umpires, and possibly the owners.

This will definitely be a debate in the coming months among baseball fans. Some already feel that baseball needs to step into the 21^st century, and a limited instant replay would be good for the game. Others think that baseball is fine as is and holds itself to a higher standard then the other major sports in this country.

Based on the vote passed the general managers yesterday, it’s not a matter of will instant replay be in baseball, but a matter of when.

J’ded Perspective

When I first heard about this last night, I was immediately against it. I do consider myself somewhat of a baseball purist. I think pitchers should bat and all games should be played on natural grass. My stance on instant replay has nothing to do with being a purist. The reason I’m against instant replay in baseball is it will hurt the game.

One of the biggest knocks on baseball from critics is that the game moves slow and it takes too long. Adding instant replay will only delay the game further. Try to imagine Steve Traschel on the mound and three instant replays (let’s say there were a lot of balls hit on the line). You could ballpark the time of that game somewhere around four hours. That’s a situation that surely won’t help television ratings. Also, one of the most exciting things about baseball is late inning drama. A walk off home run to end a game. The crowd goes nuts as the batter rounds the basepaths with the entire team waiting for him at home plate. That will all be gone if there’s a 2-4 minute wait for them to “review it upstairs” to make sure the umpires call was correct. Talk about anti-climactic.

A recent study was done with cities with multiple sports franchises and which sport "ruled that city". Baseball took a backseat in all cities except Los Angeles and New York. Baseball is trying to attract new fans of the game. With football's popularity, and basketball and hockey offering more action, baseball is losing the battle. If you impliment rules that might take away drama, and slow the pace of the game further, it can only make the situation worse.

That’s just my two cents…

Rudy and the Red Sox

2007-10-24T12:05:26Z

Life-long Yankees fan and presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani has lost his pinstripes. While on the campaign trail in Boston yesterday, Giuliani said he is backing the Bronx Bombers nemesis, the Boston Red Sox, in the 2007 World Series.

"I'm rooting for the Red Sox," the Republican presidential contender said in response to a question, sparking applause at the Boston restaurant where he was picking up a local endorsement. "I'm an American League fan, and I go with the American League team, maybe with the exception of the Mets," he said. "Maybe that would be the one time I wouldn't because I'm loyal to New York."

Rudy made sure to tell the crowd he wasn’t just saying that because he was in Boston, it was how he really felt, but what does that say about he allegiance to the Yankees???

Former Massachusetts governor and Republican rival Mitt Romney questioned Rudy’s sincerity.

“I guess if Colorado wants Mayor Giuliani to root for the Rockies, they’re going to have to move their primary up,” said spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom in a written statement.

Tell me politics aren’t silly.

Although I understand being an American League fan and rooting for an American League team when your team is eliminated, the Yankees/Red Sox are an exception to that rule. The Yankees/Red Sox rivalry is the greatest in all of sports and fan of those teams don’t jump on the bandwagon because they play in the same league.

Rudy, you claim to be loyal to New York, but you back the Red Sox??? I’m not even a Yankees fan and I’m rooting against the Red Sox in the World Series. New York blood pumps through my veins, and even though I don’t root for a New York baseball team, I’ll never root for the Red Sox.

Whether it’s for votes or whether it’s how he really feels Yankees fans take note. The weather is fair in Boston and that’s where Rudy’s allegiance is.