Goose Gossage Wasn't Half The Pitcher That Mariano Rivera Is posted by Colin Linneweber

Baseball Hall of Famer Goose Gossage claimed this past weekend that New York Yankees icon Mariano Rivera is not the best relief pitcher in the history of Major League Baseball (MLB).

“I think he (Rivera) is a tremendous relief pitcher,” said Gossage, a nine-time All-Star who played his last game for the Seattle Mariners in 1994. “He’s the best, current-day, modern reliever. When I was inducted into the Hall of Fame, I was told that I had 53 saves with seven-plus outs. I was told that Mariano had one and Trevor Hoffman had two. So, I think that says it in a nutshell.”

Gossage, who retired with a record of 124-107 and a 3.01 ERA, is an utter “nut” to even insinuate that he is a better pitcher than Mariano Rivera is.

Rivera, a 10-time All-Star selection and instrumental piece of five championship teams, has recorded 526 saves with a miniscule 2.25 ERA since he made his professional debut for the Yankees in May 1995.

Tellingly, Rivera owns a superior lifetime earned run average than Gossage does despite the fact that he pitched in the apex of the dreaded Steroid Era.

At 39 years of age in 2009, Rivera managed to have one of the finest seasons in his storybook career.

At this juncture, everything indicates that the native of Panama and his mid-90s mile-per-hour cut fastball will remain a force on the hill for years to come.

However, even if “Old Father Time” were to immediately pull alongside Rivera this spring, “The Sandman” would still hang-up his cleats as a far more accomplished hurler Goose Gossage.

Third member of Yankee trio not a lock for Hall posted by David

After their playing careers are over, Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera will undoubtedly be elected to the Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility, but will teammate Jorge Posada join them in Cooperstown?  Yankee fans may feel differently, but the truth is that if Posada retired from baseball today, he would not belong in The Hall.  His credentials include five trips to the All-Star Game, five Silver Slugger awards, 243 home runs, and five seasons with 90+ RBI’s, as well as having caught the perfect game thrown by David Wells in 1998.  Arguments against Posada’s candidacy are that he is not a strong defensive catcher, has only once batted over .300 (.277 career average) and his 1,488 career hits do not make him stand out among his catching peers.  Despite 11 career playoff home runs, his postseason line (.239/.351/.384) is sub-par for a catcher known primarily for his hitting.

While offensive expectations for Hall of Fame catchers have tended to be lower over the years, Posada has never drawn comparisons as a hitter to Mike Piazza (2,127 career hits), Johnny Bench (2,048), or Ivan Rodriguez (2,711), who at 38 still has a chance at reaching 3,000 hits.  Posada’s supporters might point out that Roy Campanella collected only 1,161 career hits, but he also won the Most Valuable Player Award three times in a span of five years, and more importantly, missed out on years of big-league ball before African Americans were welcome.  Jorge Posada has had a solid career, for which I give him a lot of credit, but at this point in time, he’s not bound for Cooperstown.

Vitali Klitschko to retire and join International Boxing Hall of Fame posted by Colin Linneweber

WBC world heavyweight champion Vitali “Dr. Iron Fist” Klitschko announced this past weekend that he will retire from the sport of boxing before 2010 is completed. 

Klitschko (39-2, 37 KOs), the owner of the highest knockout percentage (94.9%) of any heavyweight boxing titlist ever, also stated that he would like to fight both WBA world heavyweight champion David “The Hayemaker” Haye (23-1, 21 KOs) and Nikolai Valuev (50-2-0-1, 34 KOs) before he hangs-up his gloves.  

“Dr. Iron Fist,” a Ukrainian who has incredibly never been knocked down or received a standing eight-count as a professional, is not exactly a youthful pugilist at the age of 38. 

Nevertheless, Klitschko has emphatically won seven consecutive bouts and he hasn’t been defeated since he lost to Lennox Lewis (41-2-1, 32 KOs) by a controversial sixth round TKO in June 2003. 

In his matchup versus Lewis, Klitschko dominated the opening rounds and he was actually leading 58-56 on all three of the judge’s scorecards when the battle was stopped due to a horrific cut he suffered over his left eye. 

Despite the heartbreaking loss, Klitschko gained tremendous respect from analysts and fans alike for the courage and determination that he showed against Lewis. 

“Vitali is not an all-time great,” said Ed LaVache, the owner of Boston Boxing Club in Allston. “However, he’s a rough and tumble fighter. If it wasn’t for the various injuries he’s had, he would have dominated for years. His brother (Wladimir) is more skilled. But, Vitali has more heart and sometimes heart is more important than skill.” 

A Message to Boston Sports Fans posted by Charles Bisbee

There’s been a lot of griping recently over the state of Boston sports, serving (for me) as another ugly reminder of the developing, spoiled and cocksure nature of fans in this area. Let’s take a quick look, shall we?

Despite not  having played superbly of late, the Celtics stand at 31-16 and hold a five-and-a-half game lead in their division over Toronto.  

The Patriots finished the season at 10-6 (and a perfect 8-0 at home) and lost in the conference semi-finals to Baltimore.

The line between the Red Sox and Yankees is becoming more blurred each year (I know, I know, blasphemous!). But the Sox pay more and more to rob smaller market teams of their best players. Last year they finished 95-67 and, again, made the playoffs.

The Bruins are apparently stinking up then Garden this year but last year made a nice push into the playoffs.

All this leading me to ask, “what the deuce is the matter with Boston sports fans?” Have we become so spoiled and jaded by the seemingly constant ticker-tape parades down Tremont St. that we’ve subconsciously assumed an unwarranted sense of entitlement traditionally held by Yankee fans?

Not to sound like some ornery, old folgie wannabe but do you remember the early-mid 90’s? Do you remember Carlos Quintana? Todd Day? How about Marty Conlan? Lets gain a little perspective and lose the sense of entitlement. Isn’t that what always has (and still should) differentiate us from Yankee fans?

"Is Aubrey Huff the Final Piece to the Off Season Puzzle?" posted by Michael McGauley

 Hey, we all wanted another bat, right?   I like Aubrey Huff, but I certainly like the 2008 Aubrey Huff better than the 2009 version. I was lucky enough to go to the old Yankee Stadium in July of '08, and saw the Yanks beat the Orioles on a sweltering Wednesday afternoon. Aubrey Huff was smack in the middle of a potent Baltimore Line-up with Brian Roberts at the top, Adam Jones second, Nick Markakis batting third, followed by Huff in the clean-up slot, and Melvin Mora hitting fifth. Huff was batting over .300 at the time, and drove in his 72nd RBI in that game (in July!) -- I remember, because I just looked it up; July 30th, 2008. He went on to finish the season with 108 RBI's, 32 homers, 48 doubles, 182 hits, 96 runs, a .360 on-base percentage in 598 at-bats and 154 games played. Sounds pretty awesome, right? Well, last year was not so good. His average dipped to .241, with 15 home runs and 85 RBI's in time split between Baltimore and Detroit; following a mid-season trade. He had far fewer at-bats though (430), and only 109 hits, so I think it's a matter if consistency and playing everyday for Huff to be successful. I would say probably not a 30 home run guy at A.T.& T. Park, but I would be thrilled with 100 RBI's and 40 doubles and maybe twenty-something home runs, especially hitting behind guys like Freddy Sanchez and Pablo Sandoval. Let's re-visit that opening line-up scenario with the addition of Huff: 2B SanchezSS Renteria3B Sandoval1B HuffLF De RosaRF Schierholtz (Byrnes???)CF RowandC   PoseySP Lincecum  O.K., who hits lead-off? I was thinking Velez would get a look, but that was before they signed Huff, and now have to move De Rosa to left field from third base. My assumption is Sanchez would be at the top, but I would prefer to see him in the number two hole, and bat Renteria seventh where he belongs. Is Buster Posey going to be the opening day catcher? Who knows? Remember, Aaron Rowand was at his best last year in the lead-off slot.   And what's the deal with Adam LaRoche? He turned down a two-year deal for more money from the Giants to accept a one-year deal with Arizona? I thought it was location (East Coast versus West Coast), but apparently, it's all about the ball park. Let's be sure to boo La Roche heartily when the D-Backs come to town. It's kind of like Colorado's Todd Helton, who openly displays his disdain for hitting in the Giants' yard (although I saw him launch a home run in S.F. last season).  To make room on the 40-man roster, Arizona released Eric Byrnes, who has suffered through two miserable, injury-riddled seasons. To me, he would be an ideal fourth outfielder. He's a local guy who grew up here, and still has a home here. In 2007 in 160 games for Arizona, Byrnes had 626 at-bats, 179 hits (.286 average), .353 on-base percentage, 21 homers, 83 RBI's and 50 stolen bases. That was the year Arizona played Colorado in the NLCS. Anyway, I don't know if his body is breaking down as a result of age (33-34ish), or if there's another explanation, but he would be a great get. Hey, Eric Byrnes at 85% is better than Fred Lewis as a fourth outfielder (sorry Fred). If the lead-off slot becomes and issue, Byrnes could (I didn't say "should") be considered an option, and play right field.  Oh, and good bye Merkin Valdez -- you freaking gas can! Great fast ball, but no control. The Giants dumped Valdez to make room on their 40-man roster for Aubrey Huff, and look; we're right back at the beginning of this conversation.  Spring training is getting closer everyday. Let's go!   
Continue reading ""Is Aubrey Huff the Final Piece to ..."

The Big Unit hangs ‘em up posted by David

Big news from the Big Unit: 46-year-old Randy Johnson announced his retirement, concluding his career with a record of 303-166, a 3.29 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP.  His five Cy Young Awards – one with the Mariners and four in a row with the Diamondbacks – rank him behind only Roger Clemens, and his 4,875 career strikeouts are second only to Nolan Ryan.  He was a 10-time All-Star, starting the Midsummer Classic four times – twice for each league. Johnson made history in 2004 when he became the oldest player – at 40 – to throw a perfect game.

Johnson was a crucial member of his Diamondbacks team in the 2001 playoffs: after pitching well but losing his only start in the first round, he went 2-0 with 1.12 E.R.A. in the National League Championship Series against the Braves, including a 2-0 complete game shutout against Greg Maddux.  Then in the World Series, Johnson shut down the three-time defending champions from the Bronx with absolute dominance.  He picked up three wins, including a complete game shutout in Game 1 and back-to-back victories in Games 6 and 7, to end the Yankee Dynasty.  He surrendered only nine hits and three walks in 17.1 innings for a remarkable 0.692 WHIP to go along with a 1.04 E.R.A.  For his extraordinary performance, he was named co-MVP of the Series.  A fan attraction everywhere he went, Randy Johnson will surely be missed.

How ‘bout that?

How about Matt Holliday?  Christmas came late for the biggest name on the free agent market this offseason, as Holliday was rewarded for his huge numbers (.353/.419/.604) after his arrival in St. Louis with a very big payday – $120 million over the next seven years.  Though it was painful to watch as it happened, Holliday has been forgiven for his costly error in Game 2 of the NLDS against the Dodgers.  The slugging outfielder hopes to lead his team back to the playoffs in 2010, and with Albert Pujols, Chris Carpenter, and Adam Wainwright working together, expectations will be high once again for the Cardinals.

Phillies take a Halladay posted by David

After the way Cliff Lee pitched against the Yankees in the World Series six weeks ago, I would have been surprised to hear that the Phillies were even listening to offers for their ace.  But when the chance to acquire Roy Halladay comes around, I suppose any team would be crazy not to listen.  Before I knew it, Halladay was a Phillie and Lee was heading to Seattle, where he’ll join his third club in the span of four and a half months.  How often does that happen to the defending Cy Young Award winner?

Mauer wins Triple Crown in my book

No major leaguer has won the Triple Crown since Carl Yastrzemski in 1967, but this year Joe Mauer did lead the American League in what should be the three Triple Crown categories: batting average (.365), on-base percentage (.444), and slugging percentage (.587).  Home runs are exciting and contribute to a higher slugging percentage, but if I were a manager, I’d much rather see my cleanup hitter go 3-4 than hit a solo shot and strike out three times trying to do it again.  Reaching 100 RBI’s in a season is a nice accomplishment, but the stat itself is overrated.  If all nine guys in the lineup are getting on base 40 percent of the time, it doesn’t matter who is driving them in; someone must be.

Granderson to patrol center in the Bronx

At the Winter Meetings in Indianapolis last week, the Yankees landed themselves a great centerfielder in Curtis Granderson.  Many of Granderson’s fans – myself included – were disappointed that he will be wearing Pinstripes next season.  Even so, I’ll keep rooting for him wherever he goes.  Of all the people I met at the World Baseball Classic, he was the happiest to be there.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Curtis Granderson is the truest friend of the game.

Blazers Center Greg Oden is an unfortunate bust posted by Colin Linneweber

Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden fractured his left kneecap during a game against the Houston Rockets Saturday night at the Rose Garden.

Oden, 21, the first overall selection in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Trail Blazers, underwent surgery on his left patella the following day and he will be shelved for the remainder of the 2009-2010 campaign.

“I’m obviously disappointed having worked so hard to get where I was. This is a setback but I’ll be back. It’s in God’s hands now,” said Oden, who was averaging 11.7 points and 8.8 rebounds this season as a starter.

“I want to thank the fans, my teammates and everyone in the Blazers family for all of their good thoughts.”

Oden, an affable seven-foot giant who is likable and easy to support as a fan, apologized to his teammates once he received his diagnosis.

“He didn’t do anything,” said forward Lamarcus Aldridge. “People don’t understand that injuries are part of the game. We all are at risk every time we play so I think injuries are going to happen. It’s unfortunate that it’s happened to him.”

Many hoops analysts described Oden as a “once-in-a-decade player” after he led Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis to three consecutive Indiana Class 4A basketball championships before he graduated in 2006.

After Oden received his high school degree, he decided to attend Ohio State University.

Despite battling a serious wrist injury, Oden managed to lead the Buckeyes to the 2007 NCAA championship game where they ultimately lost to the University of Florida 84-75.

Action starting to heat up in free agency, trade market posted by Joe Gunderson

Hello Everyone,

Sorry I've been absent for a few days.  There really wasn't that much to report or discuss.  However, that has changed in the last 24 or so hours as the annual Winter Meetings are underway.  First, the Twins offered pitcher Carl Pavano arbitration as I said earlier and as of last night he has accepted this offer which essentially means he will be in the Twins rotation in 2010.  To make room for Pavano on the 40 man roster, the Twins designated pitcher Boof Bonser for assignment or release which means he will either be released by the Twins and be with another club for this coming season or he will start the season in the minors. 

There's not much else currently cooking on the Twins front other than that they could possibly look to trade starter Glen Perkins now that Pavano is most assuredly back.  The reason they could do this is because one, there doesn't seem to currently be a spot for him, unless he earns it in Spring Training, and two, he is not on managements greatest side after last season when he did not come forth with the fact that he'd been pitching with an injured shoulder until he had a really rough outing.  Then, when he was ready to return, he was sent to the minors, which upset him, because it meant that he does not have enough service time to qualify for arbitration himself.  He filed a grievance against the club to try and obtain some or all of his service time back, which he did get some, but not enough to qualify for arbitration.

Also, look for the Twins to look into the market for third baseman to see if they can come up with anything.  Former Angel Chone Figgins is apparently off the market already as he has agreed to a four year contract with the Seattle Mariners, however, I'm not sure that this really affects the Twins because he was probably too expensive for the Twins likes.  However, be on the look out for names such as Adrian Beltre, Pedro Feliz or last year's starter Joe Crede, as well as prospect Danny Valencia as possibilities for the hot corner.

A vote for Alomar posted by David

Should Roberto Alomar be elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility?  The spitting incident with umpire John Hirschbeck does not help his case, but it really has nothing to do with his success on the field.  Fans may also remember that Alomar’s career ended with a couple of mediocre seasons, but when you look at his statistics, it’s a no-brainer.

Alomar won 10 Gold Gloves, compiled a .300 lifetime batting average, stole 474 bases, and was a 12-time All-Star.  He represented four different teams over 12 consecutive years in the Midsummer Classic and was named All-Star Game MVP in 1998.  Alomar was also the 1992 ALCS MVP and had a monster World Series in 1993 (.480/.519/.640, six RBI and four stolen bases).  He would have been named MVP of the ’93 Fall Classic had it not been for teammate Paul Molitor, who was even better (.500/.571/1.000, two home runs, eight RBI and 10 runs scored).  Roberto Alomar was the best second baseman – both offensively and defensively – of the nineties, and should be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

How ‘bout that?

How about Albert Pujols’s dominance in the NL MVP balloting?  Not only did he win by a wide margin, but Pujols claimed the award by unanimous decision – 32 first-place votes.  His numbers speak for themselves: .327 batting average, 47 home runs, and 135 RBI’s, good for third, first, and third, respectively, in the National League.  As if he weren’t contributing enough with the bat, Pujols helped his team on the bases, stealing 16 while being caught just four times.  He led the majors in intentional walks (with 44) and had twice as many as the nearest competition, Adrian Gonzalez, who finished with 22.  Around the majors, Pujols is both feared and respected.

Werth hits 3-run homer as Phillies top Yankees 6-2 (AP)

Jayson Werth hit a three-run home run in the fifth inning to break open a tie game, and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the New York Yankees 6-2 on Wednesday. The home run was the second of the spring for Werth, a first-time All-Star last year who can become a free agent after this season. Werth, Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard all finished 2 for 3 and combined for three runs and four RBIs. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Yanks' Chamberlain losing grip on fifth spot? (Yahoo! Sports)

Remember when the New York Yankees were oh-so-protective of the seemingly precious Joba Chamberlain? [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Lowell makesspring debut for Red Sox, at 1B (AP)

Mike Lowell made his spring training debut for the Boston Red Sox -- at an unfamiliar position. Lowell, who had surgery Dec. 30 to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb, played first base Monday in an 8-4 loss to the Baltimore Orioles. It was his first appearance at the position since 1998, when he played four games there for the New York Yankees' Triple-A affiliate. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Knoblauch pleads guilty in assault case (AP)

Former major league infielder Chuck Knoblauch has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault on his common-law wife. According to court records, Knoblauch entered his plea Tuesday in exchange for deferred-adjudication probation. Successful completion of his one-year probation could mean the conviction on the assault of a family member would be expunged from the record. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Yanks slip past Astros 4-1 (AP)

Manager Joe Girardi started his potential regular lineup, closer Mariano Rivera worked out of a bases-load jam in his first appearance and the New York Yankees beat a Houston Astros split squad 4-1 on Tuesday night. Nick Johnson hit second, Robinson Cano fifth and Curtis Granderson was in the seventh spot of the Yankees' batting order. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports