Mark Prior Attempting Yet Another Comeback

Alright, stop me if you've heard this one before...Mark Prior is attempting yet another comeback.

That's right, the oft-injured pitcher has joined the Cincinnati Reds in an effort to, for the fourth time in as many years, make it back to the bigs. 

The 32-year-old righty last pitched in the Majors in 2006 for the Chicago Cubs who, coincidentally, were managed current Reds skipper Dusty Baker...the same dude who many say ruined Prior's career.

''He called me in the winter. We talk sometimes. He sends my wife updates on the kids,'' Baker told reporters Friday. ''He never asked me for anything. He said, 'Hey man, I'd like to try it one more time.' I told him, 'If I can help you, I'll make the opportunity.'''

Now, there's probably not a snowball's chance that Prior heads north with the Reds, but a spot somewhere in the Minors isn't out of the question.  Last season, the 2003 All-Star made 19 appearances for the Triple-A Pawtucket PawSox...racking up a 3.96 ERA while collecting 38 strikeouts in just 25 innings pitched.

In his brief Major League career, Prior was 42-29 with a 3.51 ERA.  In 2003, he finished third in Cy Young Award voting.

Shin-Soo Choo Dropped From Roster

With the World Baseball Classic just around the corner, it is kinda cool to see how the rosters are shaping up.

That said, the South Koreans shook things up Wednesday by dropping one of their most popular players.  This coming just weeks after the newly inked Los Angeles Dodgers hurler Hyun-Jin Ryu announced he would not be participating.

Outfielder Shin-Soo Choo, recently acquired by the Cincinnati Reds from the Cleveland Indians, asked to leave the team so he could, like Ryu, concentrate on preparing for life with his new club.

However, the guy replacing Choo is no slouch.

Taking his spot will be A-Seop Son from the Lotte Giants.  The 24-year-old led the Korean Baseball Organization league in hits with 158 in 132 games and was third in batting average with .314.

The World Baseball Classic gets underway March 2.

Former Pitcher Makes Eerie Prediction Before Death

Nearly a month after sustaining head trauma in a motorcycle accident, former big league pitcher-turned-Christian talk show host Frank Pastore has died.

KKLA-FM, the Los Angeles radio station that has been the home of the Frank Pastore Show since 2004 made the announcement on its website Monday.

As many of you are aware, Frank Pastore was in a motorcycle accident Monday night, 11/19. Gina Pastore informed us that in the early afternoon of Monday, December 17, Frank passed away. We will update you with any additional information as soon as it is available. Please continue to pray for Gina and the family.

On the night of the accident, the popular show host made an eerie, perhaps even prophetic, comment when discussing life after death with a guest on his radio program.

"He often talked about this because he was a Christian philosopher," Gina Pastore told the Christian Post following the crash. "He mentioned on the air, he said, 'that if I were to be killed on the freeway tonight and my body parts are all over the freeway I'm not on the freeway because I'm my soul and I would be with the Lord.' He actually said that the night that it happened."

Just hours after making that comment, the 55-year-old Pastore was reportedly struck by a car while riding his Honda Shadow.

As a big leaguer, the righty compiled a 48-58 record and a solid 4.29 ERA.  He pitched in 220 career games over eight seasons...seven of which were with the Cincinnati Reds.

Larkin: Cheaters "Don't Belong" in Hall

Barry Larkin hasn't even been in the Hall of Fame a year...but already he's drawn his line in the sand regarding the biggest names on this year's ballot.

The 2012 inductee, who spent most of his career playing during the "steroid era" wants to keep baseball's most exclusive club clean. 

Meaning...no Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens or Sammy Sosa.

"I think if you cheated, no, you don’t deserve it because I know how difficult it was for me to get there and how difficult it was for me just to compete on an everyday basis," Larkin told reporters Thursday. "I think if you cheated, I think you made a decision and I don’t think you belong."

The longtime member of the Cincinnati Reds went on to compare those accused of using steroids to his former skipper Pete Rose.

"I look at what has happened with Pete Rose. Pete Rose is not a Hall of Fame player, banned from baseball. But if you go up to the Hall of Fame all of his records, his bats, everything in is represented in the Hall of Fame," Larkin said. "I see a very similar thing happening with guys that are associated with or been accused of using steroids. I think they will recognize their accomplishments but I don't think those players will be admitted to the Hall of Fame."

The 2013 Hall of Fame voting results will be announced Wednesday, January 9.

Former Reds Pitcher in Critical Condition

Last Monday, Frank Pastore was riding his Honda Shadow in the freeway carpool lane when he was struck by a fellow commuter. 

This, according to the Los Angeles Times:

California Highway Patrol officials said a woman driving a Hyundai Sonata was eastbound when she lost control of her car and drifted over to the carpool lane, where she struck Pastore.  Pastore, 55, was thrown from the motorcycle and suffered severe head trauma. He was airlifted to an area hospital.

 The former Cincinnati Reds pitcher has been in a coma ever since.

"Right now, he's still in critical condition and we're remaining hopeful for a good outcome. It's such a fresh injury that we're still not sure. It's a roller coaster," Pastore's wife Gina told the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. "He's a man of strong faith. He's prepared to go be with the Lord if that's what God desires."

What you might not know is that the former big leaguer has had quite the career since he left the Majors...and I don't mean his stint as the Big Texan eating champ.

Since 2004, Pastore has been the host of the aptly titled Frank Pastore Show on KKLA in Los Angeles.  It is referred to as the "largest Christian talk show in the United States".

And on the night of the accident, Pastore theoretically spoke about the possibility of being killed on the freeway.

"His listeners know that actually the last Monday night, the night of the accident, Frank was talking about the reality of the soul," Gina Pastore told the Christian Post. "He often talked about this because he was a Christian philosopher. He mentioned on the air, he said, 'that if I were to be killed on the freeway tonight and my body parts are all over the freeway I'm not on the freeway because I'm my soul and I would be with the Lord.' He actually said that the night that it happened."

Crazy.

If you've got a couple of minutes, listen to Pastore tell the story of a 1984 incident on the mound that changed his career and, more importantly, his perception on life.

Six "Sickest of the Sick" Aroldis Chapman Stats

Once in a great while, a baseball player hits the scene that, when he's clicking on all cylinders, is virtually unstoppable.  Or in the case of Cincinnati Reds closer Aroldis Chapman...virtually unhittable.

 

It's probably an understatement to say it, but the Cuban Missle's overall numbers are sick. 

 

Consider this, dude has a 1.26 ERA, a 0.65 WHIP and a staggering 106 strikeouts in 57 innings pitched.  Opponents are hitting just .127 against him!

 

Here's Mike Garrigan with the Six "Sickest of the Sick" Aroldis Chapman stats this year...in reverse order.

6.  Since the All-Star Break...

In Chapman's 17.2 innings pitched since the All-Star Break, his ERA is 0.00.  He's allowed just ten baserunners and has struck out 35 of the batters he has faced.

5.  The Best Hitters Have the Worst Numbers Against Him
Number three hitters this year are batting .100 against Chapman with 14 strikeouts in 20 at bats.  Number five hitters are hitting .074 against him with 13 Ks in 27 at bats.  And number six hitters are struggling even worse...batting just .037 with 16 punchouts in 27 at bats.

4.  Perfect Outside June

In the month of June, Chapman was 0-4 with a 6.97 ERA...eight earned runs in 10.1 innings pitched.  In every other month the lefty is 4-0 with a 0.00 ERA.  He has 86 strikeouts in 46.2 innings pitched and has allowed just 26 baserunners.

3.  With Two Outs and Runners in Scoring Position...

Hitters are 0-23 against Chapman with no RBI and 16 strikeouts.  And to think...some people say there's no such thing as "clutch".

2.  "Oh" Outside of Ohio

Of the eight earned runs Chapman has allowed, six have come at home at Great American Ballpark and just two have come on the road...giving him a 0.57 road ERA for the season.  However, both of those road earned runs came against Cleveland. Meaning...dude has yet to give up an earned run outside the state of Ohio.

1.  Intraleague Dominance

Seven of the eight earned runs that Chapman has given up have come during 5.1 innings of interleague play.  That means, he's allowed just ONE earned run against his own league in 51.2 innings pitched!  This amounts to a 0.17 ERA against the National League.  So what can Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Michael McKenry claim that no one else can?  He is the only player in the ENTIRE National League that has an RBI off the Cuban Missle thanks to a tenth inning double on June 7 that  scored Clint Barmes.

How can you not give this guy the Cy Young award?  Not only is he the best in the National League, he's this close to being PERFECT against them. And he's doing it for a first place team.

 

Just food for thought.

Larkin and Santo Inducted into the Hall of Fame

“This is unbelievable. UN-STINKING-BELIEVABLE!” - Barry Larkin

In front of 44 Hall of Famers and a virtual sea of Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs fans, Barry Larkin headlined the 2012 Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

But...it almost didn't happen.

You see, when Larkin accepted a scholarship to the University of Michigan, it was football (not baseball) that he fancied.

"(Then-Michigan head coach Bo Schembechler) redshirted me my freshman year and told me that he was going to allow me just to play baseball," Larkin told the crowd at The Clark Sports Center. "Occasionally, I'd call him while I was playing in the big leagues and told him that was the best decision he made as a football coach. He didn't like that too much."

Larkin, a native of Cincinnati, played his entire career with the Reds and put together a .295 career average, 2340 hits, 1329 runs scored, 198 home runs, 960 RBI and 379 stolen bases.  In 1995, Larkin was named the National League MVP.  A year later, he became the first shortstop to join the 30-30 club with 33 home runs and 36 stolen bases.

The 12-time All-Star retired in 2004 after 19 seasons. 

Joining Larkin on the stage Sunday was Vicki Santo...widow of the newly inducted Ron Santo.

"It just feels right, a perfect ending to a remarkable journey," Vicki Santo said. "Ron left an awful hole for many of us today. This is not a sad day. This is a great day. I'm certain that Ronnie is celebrating right now."

Santo was a member of the Chicago Cubs organization for the better part of five decades as a player (1960-74) and then beloved broadcaster (1990-2010).  He was was selected by the Veterans Committee this past December...exactly one year after his death.

The former third baseman compiled a .277 batting average, 2254 hits and 1331 RBI during his 15-year big league career.

Some other news of note from Hall of Fame weekend courtesy of Bruce Markusen from The Hadball Times.

• According to reliable sources, actor Charlie Sheen was among those attending the induction ceremony. Sheen is good friends with Barry Larkin.
• Tom Seaver, normally a fixture at Hall of Fame Weekend, did not attend this year’s event. He has a painful hip condition that makes it difficult for him to fly.
• As expected, Pete Rose filmed a segment on Friday for his new reality show at T.J’s Place on Main Street. A film crew taped Rose having breakfast with his fiancee, Kiana Kim, and two Cooperstown locals, restaurant owner Ted Hargrove and memorabilia dealer Andrew Vilacky.

Oh, and in case you missed it, there was another "induction" of note this past week.  On Friday, pitching legend (and medical marvel) Tommy John became the inaugural member of The Hall of Very Good™.

It's Official...Billy Hamilton is Fast

You probably didn't need me to tell you this, but Cincinnati Reds minor leaguer Billy Hamilton is fast.

If you haven't seen the kid run yet, you're in for a treat.  Not only does the second base prospect have 109 stolen bases in 87 games this season, but he's also got blisterling home run speed as well.

According to the Tator Trot Tracker...he made it around the bases in 13.7 seconds Sunday.  By comparison, the quickest trek around the bases in the Majors this season was by Peter Bourjos, who did the deed in 14.26 seconds.

Chili Peppers Rock the Reds

I've heard it a million times...all athletes want to be rockers and rappers and rockers and rappers want to be athletes.

Tuesday in Cincinnati was no different as the Red Hot Chili Peppers invaded Great American Ball Park.

"Dude, that was great," bassist Flea told the media. "Shagging balls in the field was almost just as fun as hitting and fouling the balls right into the net. Me and Dusty (Baker) had a closed-door meeting about me playing for the team."

The Hall of Fame rockers were in town for a concert and, apparently, are friends with fellow rocker, Cincinnati Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo.

"Chili Peppers were obviously a huge group in the '90s, along with Pearl Jam and Stone Temple Pilots," the righty said. "To get to hang out with these guys and take BP with them is definitely one of the top things on my list of unforgettable moments."

And in case you were wondering...no.  No one from the Chili Peppers hit one out of the park.

Caleb Lloyd...The Accidental Ballhawk

Right place.  Right time.  Twice.

That about sums up the night Cincinnati Reds fan Caleb Lloyd had Monday at Great American Ball Park.  But what exactly did the 20-year-old college student do?

Dude only caught back-to-back home runs in the fourth inning as his Reds knocked off the Atlanta Braves.

"I was blessed to catch both of them," the Cincinnati native told annoucers during the game.  "I couldn't believe. Right now, I can't believe it's happened. It's some kind of dream."

I couldn't agree more...but how did that dream come about?

"The first one, I actually barehanded.  I caught it and it like bounced off the palm of my hand, and I just reached out and grabbed it," Lloyd said.  "The second one bounced behind me and bounced right into my lap."

Naturally, I had to ask my buddy, fellow baseball fan, ballhawk and author Zack Hample what he thought of Lloyd's accomplishment.

"There's really not much to say. It's was just an oddity of probability and statistics, and he got incredibly lucky," Hample said.  "There were lots of fans around him, and he played the ricochets well.  Baseball is beautiful and weird/awesome things happen all the time...I'm happy for him."

But, the big question is...would Hample have been able to pull off the feat?
"If I were at this game, I wouldn't have snagged either ball because I would've been sitting several rows back where it was emptier," the author of Watching Baseball Smarter responded.  "Funny how things work."

Anyway you slice it, Lloyd's night was pretty incredible.  As incredible as, say, what Tim Anderson pulled off last season...that's not up to me to determine.

 

 

Cincinnati Reds to Honor Chipper Jones

When I heard that Chipper Jones was retiring I was worried that he'd be subjected to the hackneyed "farewell tour" gifts every time he came to town.

And, well, I was right.

But, the Cincinnati Reds are doing it different.  And this, well, this...I like.

According to The Outside Corner, the Reds will be putting a "jewel" on the side of all of the bases celebrating Jones' career. And when the series is over, the Atlanta Braves superstar gets to take one home with him.

The other bases will end up in the Braves and Reds Halls of Fame.

There's no word yet on what "The Girl with the Chipper Tattoo" is planning on doing.

Joey Votto...Meet Keith Hernandez

At an early age, we're taught (while playing any game) to focus on what's going on in front of us.

But, when your name is "Joey Votto"...you probably don't need to listen to my advice.

Either way, I've gotta wonder how and why the brief encounter between the Cincinnati Reds superstar and New York Mets broadcaster Keith Hernandez went down.

I'm not complaining.  I love the exchange.

It reminded me of, years ago, sitting just behind the visitor's on-deck circle at Milwaukee County Stadium and finding myself engaged in a brief chat session with then-Toronto Blue Jays star Joe Carter. 

But, and I'm completely serious here...why was Hernandez sitting so close to the field?

***Props to Drew Fairservice for delivering the goods.***

Barry Larkin is "Red Hot"

In the hours since Barry Larkin became the newest member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, countless stories have been written about the former shortstop.

One of the best things to come from it, obviously, is a picture of the Cincinnati Reds icon doing his best to illustrate how awesome the 90s wanted to be.

But "B. Lark" going all Ronnie DeVoe on us isn't my favorite relic from Larkin's playing days..."Red Hot" is.  And much like with "Get Metsmerized"...I blame the Chicago Bears.

Enjoy.

Reds Legend Was Almost a Met

On his third try, Barry Larkin made it into the Hall of Fame with more than 86% of the vote Monday afternoon.

For those of you under a rock, Larkin was a fixture for the Cincinnati Reds.  Dude help the team win the 1990 World Series, was the first shortstop in baseball history with 30 steals and 30 home runs in a season and, in 1995, brought home the National League MVP award.

All for his home team.

Yeah, Larkin is from Cincinnati, but, if you recall...he almost didn't end his career there.

Let's take a trip down Memory Lane...courtesy of New York Baseball Digest's Mike Silva.

What many forget is Larkin almost became a member of the Mets in July of 2000. With Rey Ordonez out for the season due to an injury, then GM Steve Phillips dealt top prospect Alex Escobar and two other prospects for Larkin. Because of his 10 and 5 rights, Larkin had to approve the deal and was granted 72-hours. A free agent at the end of the season, he was looking for a contract extension, something the Mets were unwilling to do since they still were committed to Ordonez for another 3 years and $17 million dollars and wanted to pursue Alex Rodriguez after that season. Larkin would eventually turn down the deal and remain in Cincinnati. The Mets would deal Melvin Mora to Baltimore for Mike Bordick, and a year later use Escobar as the centerpiece of the Roberto Alomar deal with Cleveland. Larkin would sign with the Reds for another three years and $27 million dollars.

The newly elected Hall of Famer actually addressed the near trade Tuesday at the Hall of Fame press conference.  Simply put, he didn't want to be "big with the Reds and go somewhere as a rental".

Makes sense to me.

Frank Pastore...Eating Machine

By now, anyone who knows me knows that my favorite holiday is July 4.

That said, it has absolutely nothing to do with fireworks, patriotism or Will Smith movies.  It has everything to do with hot dogs.

For the last two years, I've had the pleasure of talking with competitive eater Pat Bertoletti on the eve of the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating contest. And this past week, he dropped a bombshell on me.

Former Cincinnati Reds reliever Frank Pastore is an eating machine.

You see, "World Famous" Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, Texas has a challenge and Pastore took them to task.  You can read up on the rules HERE or just know this...they want you to eat 72 ounces of steak.
But getting back to Pastore...this is what their website has to say about the hurler (of baseballs, not meat):

Frank Pastore, who was a professional pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds, ate the complete steak dinner in 9 and 1/2 minutes (May 3, 1987). Pastore actually has eaten the steak dinner seven times. On his first effort, in February 1976, he finished the steak in 21 minutes. He held that record for 21 years.

I had no idea.

So I hit the Googles and found a 2008 article where Pastore, currently a radio host detailed his exploits.

The first time I did it was in February 1976, on my way to my first Spring Training with the Cincinnati Reds, and I did it in 21 minutes. That fall, on my way home, I completed it in 19 minutes. The next spring, 17; on the way home, 15; the following spring, 13; then 11 on the way home in 1978.

My fastest time (and the world record for almost 21 years) was set in May 1987 in which I did it in 9½ minutes. I thought it would be my last time through town, since my career was coming to an end, and I was right. I haven’t been back to the most famous steak house in the world since then.

I’ve always been so proud of The Record. In many ways, I’m more known for The Steak than I am for my 8-year mediocre pitching career or my radio show in Los Angeles.

The current Big Texan champ? Bertoletti's rival Joey Chestnut.  "Joey Jaws" ate the entire meal in eight minutes and 52 seconds back in March 2008.

Can someone please pass the Tums?

Francisco Cordero Nails Down 300th Save

I think you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who would mention Cincinnati Reds Francisco Cordero in the same sentence as the Baseball Hall of Fame.

But I just did.

You see, after closing the door against the Milwaukee Brewers Wednesday night, the righty nailed down his 300th career save…something only 21 other pitchers (including Hall of Famers Dennis Eckersley, Rollie Fingers, Goose Gossage and, barely, Bruce Sutter) have accomplished.

Now, I bring all this up NOT to pimp Cordero for Cooperstown.

Far from it.

I bring it up to illustrate how spot on former Kansas City Royals closer Jeff Montgomery (he of 304 career saves) was when we talked back in October 2008.

“300 saves used to be the milestone mark when closers were two or three inning guys,” “Monty” said, “but 400 will be the new mark as most good closers will reach the 40 save per year mark even on mediocre teams.”

Only five closers have eclipsed the 400 mark…Trevor Hoffman (601), Mariano Rivera (572 and counting), Lee Smith (478), John Franco (424) and Billy Wagner (422) and, honestly, it could be a while until we see another hit the mark.

Hell, after Francisco Rodriguez (currently at 283) gets his 300th save later this season…it could be a while until we see someone get to 300.

Sure, sure, K-Rod’s teammate Jason Isringhausen is sitting pretty at 293 saves, but, c’mon…I'm more likely to get seven saves before he does.

Minnesota Twins closer Joe Nathan has 250…but injuries are keeping him off the field. And after Nathan, you’ve got Jose Valverde (204), Jonathan Papelbon (197) and Brian Fuentes (196) all climbing up the all-time saves ladder.

Which brings me back to what Montgomery said.

“300 saves used to be the milestone mark.” True. But I’ve gotta ask…is 400 the “new mark”?

What do you think?

Pete Rose: "I Want to be a Manager"

Having officially given up on his attempt to get into the Baseball Hall of Fame...Pete Rose now has his sights set on something else.

"I want to be a manager, that's the only role," Rose told the crowd at Ohio Justice and Policy Center gala. "But I'm running out of time. I want to teach young players."

Interesting.  Wait...what?

Yeah...you read that part about Rose addressing the Ohio Justice and Policy Center gala correctly.

"I don't go to many banquets where I sit with the judge that sent me to prison," the hit king and keynote speaker said, drawing laughter from the 300 people in attendance. "I'm not bitter at anybody. I made the mistake."

The former Cincinnati Reds player and manager was banned for life in 1989 for betting on baseball games...including Reds games. He holds baseball's record with 4256 hits.

2011 Milestone Preview: National League Central

It would be really, really easy to start this thing with the laundry list of accomplishments that are within reach for St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols.

That'll come later.

Did you know that with the retirement of Atlanta Braves skipper Bobby Cox following the 2010 season, Pujols' manager Tony  La Russa became the longest tenured manager in Major League Baseball.  And then, this past February, when NBA head coach Jerry Sloan of the Utah Jazz retired, the Cardinals manager became the longest tenured bench boss among all the Big Four sports leagues.

Not bad for not even playing a game, right?

On that note…here’s your NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL.


CHICAGO CUBS

Last December, the Cubs lost their announcer and former third baseman Ron Santo.

Beginning in Spring Training and continuing throughout the season, the Northsiders will honor their biggest fan by wearing a patch on their jersey sleeve.  In addition to that, the Cubs will unveil a Ron Santo outside of Wrigley Field this August.

There are a lot of players closing in on 300 career home runs this season...and a number of them will get there.  But one guy who probably has the best chance of reaching the milestone (and will probably do so the quickest) is Cubs thirdbaseman Aramis Ramirez.  If he can stay healthy (and that's a big "IF")...Ramirez should easily get the eleven homers he needs by the All-Star break.

Former Cubs pitcher and Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins has more wins (284) than any other Canadian-born pitcher.  The team's Opening Day starter Ryan Dempster starts 2011 fourth on that list with 102.  That said, he could very well be sitting second all-time pretty quick given the two guys ahead of him on the career list are Kirk McCaskill and Reggie Cleveland with 106.  He's got a long way to go to match Jenkins...but it is still a pretty cool accomplishment.

CINCINNATI REDS

The Reds shocked the baseball world in 2010 by finishing the season with 91 victories and their first playoff appearance in 15 years.

Should Cincinnati be able to duplicate that feat this season, manager Dusty Baker and his 1405 career victories will leapfrog four Hall of Famers (Al Lopez, Miller Huggins, Earl Weaver and Clark Griffith) and crack the top 20 all-time.

Out of the bullpen, Reds closer Francisco Cordero enters the season with 290 career saves.  Thankfully, the question isn't if the three-time All-Star can get to 300...it is how fast.

Lastly, veteran Scott Rolen is continuing what is a pretty nice career resurgence in Cincy.  Last season, he brought home his eighth Gold Glove and reached 300 home runs for his career.  He begins this year only 56 hits shy of 2000.

HOUSTON ASTROS

Down in Houston, the "Los Caballitos" are bound to go nuts when Carlos Lee gets those 33 hits and reaches the 2000 hit plateau.  And at just 34...it's entirely possible for dude to end his career way north of 400 home runs and 2500 hits.  Not too shabby for "El Caballo".

MILWAUKEE BREWERS

Now that Trevor Hoffman has retired, the milestone focus has shifted from the all-time saves leader to face of the franchise...Prince Fielder.  With 192 career home runs, Fielder should get to 200 in a blink of an eye.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES

Coming into last season, I predicted that third-year skipper John Russell wasn't going to make it to his fourth year at the helm of the Pirates. 

Of course, that prediction was about as bold as saying that the sun will rise in the morning.

In April, while in the midst of a 22-game losing streak, the Pirates suffered their worst loss in franchise history...losing to the Milwaukee Brewers 20-0.  In August, they clinched their record 18th straight losing season in a row.  In a couple of weeks, Clint Hurdle takes over a team that, last season,  picked up the third most losses in franchise history...trailing only the 113-loss teams of 1890 and 1952.

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

Alright…this post could go one forever championing the upcoming milestones for one Albert Pujols.

But I'll make it brief.  Actually...that's an impossible task.

This season, "The Machine" will, potentially, reach the 2000 plateau by the All-Star Game...he's got 1900.  After avergaing more than 90 walks a season throughout his ten-year career, it's a no-brainer that the three-time MVP will get the 86 free passes he needs to reach 1000.

And if he repeats his 42 home runs from last year, he'll reach the 450 big-fly mark...and dude is just 31.

Now, assuming Pujols gets 30 or more home runs, 100 RBI and hits better than .300 (something he’s done in each of his ten seasons so far), he’ll not only be the only cat to start his career with eleven straight seasons with those numbers, but also…he’ll be the only player to have done it in eleven straight seasons.

Should he get 40 or more home runs and 40 or more doubles this season, it’ll be a record fourth time he achieved the feat. In 2009, he tied Lou Gehrig as the only player to have done it three times.

And should Pujols do all the above and take home another National League MVP award, he’ll be only one of two players (Barry Bonds has seven) to be named his league’s best more than three times.

It’s safe to call this guy the best in the game, right?

Thought so.

The American League West is up next. Feel free to go back and check out the American League East, American League Central or National League East.

Dontrelle Willis Finds Another New Team...Again

The Cincinnati Reds have a lot going for them these days.

They captured their first divisional title in 15 years. Cuban phenom Aroldis Chapman is poised to become a household name. And on the heels of their stud first baseman Joey Votto bringing home the National League MVP, they bring in 2003 Rookie of the Year (and 2005 Cy Young runner up) Dontrelle Willis.

Dontrelle Willis...HELL YEAH!

If only this was 2005.

I mean, after going 46-27 with a 3.27 ERA and a World Series ring in his first three seasons, Willis has gone 25-36 with a 5.02 ERA in the five years since.  The former media darling went from being the face of the Florida Marlins franchise to a walking, talking question mark.  He went from winning the league's Warren Spahn Award in 2005 to the Florida Marlins' Charlie Hough "Good Guy" Award in 2006. 

Seriously, they're both real awards...but let's get back on track. 

As I was saying, the Reds are the fourth team to take a chance on the lefty since starting this past season with Detroit.

I'm pretty sure the 28 year-old Willis won't have much of an impact on the Reds' pitching staff given they don't stand to drop off much from their stellar 2010 campaign, but if he can get back to the form that made him just the 12th member of the "Black Aces"...this upcoming season will be an interesting one.

But I'm not holding my breath.

Sparky Anderson...TV Star

I'm not sure about you, but I actually remember Sparky Anderson when he appeared on "WKRP in Cincinnati".

Now, admittedly, I didn't see the initial airing on December 24, 1979...but I do remember seeing it once it hit syndication.  That said, I know for a fact that I've never seen the 1980 episode of "The White Shadow" that featured the World Series winning skipper.

But enough about that.

The plot of the 12th episode of WKRP's second season is simple enough:

Mr. Carlson hires legendary baseball manager Sparky Anderson as the host of a new sports interview show. (courtesy of EPGuides.com)

Check out the show in its entirety below.  Good stuff.