HOVG Heroes: Kevin Appier

JEFF MONTGOMERY on KEVIN APPIER

One of the first players I remember meeting after being traded from the Cincinnati Reds to the Kansas City Royals was a young pitcher from Lancaster, California, named Kevin Appier. 

It was in the spring of 1988 and I didn’t know much about the Royals organization as I grew up watching and idolizing the players on “The Big Red Machine” and later having the good fortune of being drafted by the Reds.

I didn’t remember “Ape” because of the number on the back of his Topps card, it was because he was a 20 year-old who had just been drafted in the first round by the Royals out of Antelope Valley (California) Junior College.  In fact, he had yet to complete his first full season in professional baseball and we were standing behind the protective screen behind second base on a minor league field collecting batting practice balls as they were throwing in to the “bucket”.

It was during my first conversation that day with Kevin Appier that I realized he was a little different that most baseball players.  Not in a bad way, but in a way that left me with the understanding that whatever accomplishments Appier would have, would be earned in a very different way.  To hear him discuss the physics involved in making a baseball do unusual things was very new to me.  He also went on to tell me later that he would love to build a hovercraft.

Those who had the chance to play on the same team with “Ape” also learned that he was a little “out there”.  They also learned that he was as fierce of a competitor as you will ever meet and that his analytical and scientific approach went deeper than just his pitching.  It was the way he lived his life and told a lot about his character.

During the decade of the 90’s, Appier established himself as one of the best starting pitchers in baseball and was able to become one of the all-time Royal greats.  He is ranked in the club’s top ten in most every career pitching category, including tops in strikeouts with 1458.

From 1990-1999, Appier had 113 wins against 85 losses with a 3.39 ERA.  In his 264 starts during the 90’s, Appier had 32 complete games (10 shutouts) and of those starts, 166 were quality starts (63%).

It was Appier’s live fastball, nasty slider, and diving forkball that helped Appier compile the numbers cited above, but it was his unorthodox delivery and moxy that set him apart from other starting pitchers. 

In the 90’s, it was common to hear hitters from other teams say that Appier was the most difficult pitcher in the American League to hit against.

In addition to Appier’s contribution to the Royals during the 90’s, which included an All-Star team selection in 1995, he also played for the Oakland A’s, New York Mets and Anaheim Angels.  His first year with the Angels yielded 14 wins and a 3.92 ERA which helped land the Angels not only a berth in the post-season, but a World Series ring.

I had the honor of inducting Kevin Appier into the Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame last summer at a pre-game ceremony at Kauffman Stadium.  It was great to see “Ape” back at the “K” to be honored by the organization which he provided so many thrilling moments for its fans during the prime of his career.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeff Montgomery is a three-time All-Star who played 13 years for the Kansas City Royals and Cincinnati Reds.  During his career, he collected 304 saves (good for 20^th all-time)…36 of them were in games Kevin Appier started.

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?

Royals All-Time Wins Leader Dies

Just ten days after announcing he was battling oral and skin cancer, Kansas City Royals all-time wins leader Paul Splitorff has died.

The big lefty spent his entire big league career with the Royals and this past April...began his 24th season in the team's broadcast booth.

"I had the good fortune of knowing Paul and working with him and the amazing thing about Splitt was his ability to relate to people on any level," former Royals closer Jeff Montgomery told The Hall exclusively. "It didn't matter if you were a fan, a player, or a fellow member of the media, Paul was easy to talk to and easy to relate to. He has provided so many great memories for fans across the country both as a player and broadcaster. He will be missed by many."

Splittorff put together a 166-143 career record and a 3.81 ERA in 429 games. He played in four postseasons with the Royals and reached the World Series in 1980.  And not only does Splittorf hold the Royals' career record for victories, he is the leader in starts (392) and innings pitched (2554 2/3). He was also the club's first 20-game winner in 1973.

In 1987, he was inducted into the Royals Hall of Fame.

Paul Splitorff was 64.

A Year of Talkin' Baseball

'tis the season for plenty of things...returning Christmas presents, going back to work and, of course, year-enders!

The Hall of Very Good is no different.

Next week, following the Hall of Fame announcement (read as: I'm too busy/lazy to do it now), come on back for the Top Ten Stories of the Year.

Today...it's a year of "Talkin' Baseball".  That's right, the best of what has become my favorite part of doing this site...talkin' baseball with whoever will respond to the request.  Click the BOLD text to read the entire piece!

GAR RYNESS, aka "Batting Stance Guy" (February)

Manny (Ramirez) is great to me. I’ve done pre-game shows for visiting teams at Dodgers Stadium and Manny will always scream and whistle across the field while I’m filming. “Do Ethier! Do Ethier!” I’ll then hold up a finger, as if to say, “Hold on Manny, I’ll come over there after this.” The first time that happened the Cardinals TV staff said, “wait, do you know Manny?” That’s when it hit me how weird the last two years have been.

"Diamond King" DICK PEREZ (February)

As far back as I can remember, I had a desire to draw. On the margins around my school notebooks there were caricatures of school mates and images from my imagination. After I realized that there was no way I would ever achieve my real dream of becoming a professional baseball player, I concluded that I had to choose a real life career. I chose art.

Hall of Famer GARY CARTER (May)

The loss of my Mom was a huge impact on my life as we were a very loving family that went to church regularly. I didn’t understand why a loving God would take someone away as dear as her. It helped me to understand how fragile life is.

Author GEORGE CASTLE (May), Talkin' Andre Dawson (July) and Lou Piniella (September)

Sammy (Sosa) is still too raw for Cubs fans. Worse than alleged steroid use, he walked out on the team on the last day of the 2004 season. However, I don’t feel Sammy will be regarded in the same breath as Banks, Williams, Santo, Jenkins, Sandberg. His ego exploded as he got successful, and that will stain him forever.

Talkin' Ken Griffey Jr. with KEN GRIFFEY SR., JEFF MONTGOMERY and C.J. WILSON (June)

After announcing that I would retire at the end of the 1999 season, Junior asked me if I would give him a signed jersey…which I did. The next day in our clubhouse was an autographed Griffey jersey.

Competitive Eater PAT BERTOLETTI (July)

I usually spend most of the game wandering around trying to eat at all the food stands. I think the White Sox have the best food in the league. I would only go to a Cubs game if there were free tickets and Old Style involved.

Reality Show "All Stars" JONNY FAIRPLAY (September), ROB CESTERNINO (September) and RUSSELL KOOK (December)

If I were going to start an alliance with any past Mets, first on the list would be former (and hopefully future) manager Bobby Valentine. I also am very partial to both Ron Darling and Keith Hernandez and think they do a great job calling the game and are both really interesting guys and have great baseball IQ.. And Keith, on day one, would have the greatest mustache in "Survivor" history. Unquestioned.

Outspoken Pitcher JEFF JUDEN (October)

I would still like (a 1999 Yankees World Series ring) if they have any spare change left. I have room on my middle finger for it.

Former O.J. Simpson, nevermind...it's KATO KAELIN (November)

Airline ticket to Milwaukee…$450.00. Car rental…$150.00. Tickets to game…$55.00. Sitting next to Shawn from The Hall of Very Good…PRICELESS.

San Francisco Giants' Biggest Fan ASHKON DAVARAN (December)

I had a chance to meet Steve (Perry) before the World Series Parade, and he seemed to be pretty cool with it. I thanked him for writing one of the best songs of all time…he said thanks and that I did a good job with it.

All in all...a great year for talkin' baseball.  Sure, I'm biased and I wish I could add more of my favorites (for example DANIEL NAVA, GARRETT WITTELS and MATHER ZICKEL from "The Bronx is Burning"), but since most lists are "Top Ten" lists...I decided to keep it at ten.

Which was your favorite?  Please let me know below!

"Monty" Talks "Junior"

Lost in the hullabaloo surrounding the Armando Galarraga “perfect” game was the retirement of Ken Griffey Jr. just hours before.

“I've come to a decision today to retire from Major League Baseball as an active player,” Griffey said in a statement released by the Seattle Mariners Wednesday.

With 630 career home runs and ten straight Gold Gloves to his credit, Junior was a multi-faceted player who could beat you at the plate or in the field.

One pitcher who had his number was former Kansas City Royals closer and good friend of The Hall of Very Good Jeff Montgomery. I had a chance to catch up with “Monty” to get his thoughts on “The Kid”.

HOVG: Griffey only notched four hits in his 17 plate appearances against you, what were your thoughts when you saw him coming up to the plate?

MONTY: This is the one player in the lineup I will not let beat me.

HOVG: Throughout your 13 year playing career, you faced many of the 90’s top players. In your opinion, where does Junior rank all-time...or among those from his generation?

MONTY: If not at the top, very near the top. He could win a game with his bat, his glove, his arm or his speed.

HOVG: Everyone will carry with them a lasting image of Griffey in their head, be it the spectacular catches in centerfield, that swing or his smile from the bottom of the dogpile in 1995 versus the Yankees. What is your favorite memory of Junior?

MONTY: After announcing that I would retire at the end of the 1999 season, Junior asked me if I would give him a signed jersey…which I did. The next day in our clubhouse was an autographed Griffey jersey.

HOVG: After a 22-year career, what kind of legacy does Ken Griffey Jr. leave behind?

MONTY: He was one of the best to play the game and did it with great flair. He was able to have a long and productive career that was never tarnished by anything.

In 17 matchups spanning nine seasons, Griffey batted .250 (4 for 16) against Montgomery. “Monty” was able to get Griffey out to end the game on three separate occasions and not once did the slugger take the closer deep.

They shared the All-Star stage three times in 1992, 1993 and 1996.

Currently, Jeff Montgomery resides in the Kansas City area and lends his expertise to Sports Radio 810 WHB-AM. He is a member of the Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame and their all-time leader in games pitched, games finished and saves.

“Monty” is no stranger to The Hall of Very Good. In the past year or so, he’s stopped by to share his thoughts on “The Age of the Closer” (HERE and HERE), Opening Day jitters and playing in the Mid-Season Classic.

Now that THAT'S over...the Main Event

Call me a chick, but I dig the long ball and I was really looking forward to the Home Run Derby.

Seriously…I was.

But even after an incredibly lackluster Derby (I’ll admit it, some Prince Fielder’s bombs were insane, but Brandon Inge…c’mon, man, I hit zero home runs at Busch last night), it is important to remember that as exciting as the sideshow is, the game itself is the main attraction.

This year, a record SEVENTY ONE players were selected to represent their teams in the Mid-Season Classic.

Some say it is “too many”, others say “not enough”. Should each team be represented…should “this one count”?

I can’t answer any of those.

One thing is for certain, being selected to the game is a thrill and recently I had the opportunity to get the thoughts of three former All-Stars…Ed Herrmann, Ron Kittle and Jeff Montgomery.

HOVG: Combined you were selected to handful of All-Star Games, each in very different stadiums and each with very different results. What was your greatest thrill?

JM: I really enjoyed the Home Run Derby at all of the games. My favorite experience was in Baltimore in 1993 because of the new stadium and the other festivities that took place in the Inner Harbor area.

EH: Unfortunately I was unable to make the trip to the 1974 All-Star Game because I was on crutches at that time of the year.

RK: My greatest thrill was, first, being chosen and second, playing in my home park with family and friends there.

HOVG: What is the climate like in the clubhouse…any good stories?

RK: Most of the players were with their families, so it was get dressed, sign about 25 dozen baseballs and enjoy. It was fun, not many stories…lots of rushing to do this or that.

JM: The clubhouse was very loose. I’ll never forget when Kirby Puckett put Al Gore on the spot during his visit around the clubhouse with Tipper and asked why the new administration had implemented a new surtax on the wealthy. Kirby informed him that it cost him an extra half million dollars that year alone. Al Gore was speechless.

HOVG: Ron, you dug in against Pascual Perez and Lee Smith in your lone appearance…was there anyone in particular that you had hoped you could have faced?

RK: No just looking to play and get a chance to hit. Lee Smith struck me out at 103 mph...I swung for the roof and had fun.

HOVG: Jeff, you appeared in three games…is it better to be selected as the lone representative of the team or go there alongside others?

JM: It is better to go with others, whether it be another player or someone from the organization named to the staff.

HOVG: Since the 2002 tie, the Classic is billed as "this one counts"...should it?

JM: I think most players take great pride in representing themselves, their team, and their league regardless of the stakes so I don’t think it makes much difference that it “counts” for something now.
RK: For home field advantage only.

EH: I feel the All-Star Game should be the game it was designed to be….entertainment for the spectators. Winning it should have no bearing on who is considered the home league for the World Series. I feel you should alternate each year…National, American, etc. etc.

Ed Herrmann played eleven seasons in the bigs and was selected to appear in the 1974 All-Star Game. Unfortunately, an injury kept him from making the mid-season trip to Pittsburgh. Since leaving the game, “Hoggy” has worked as a scout, tutor, coach and a manager of youth teams ranging in age from 13 through college.

Ron Kittle made the most out of his rookie season in 1983 by appearing in the All-Star Game (which was played at his home field, Comiskey Park), setting a White Sox record for home runs as a rookie and taking home the Rookie of the Year Award. Now…Kittle can be found riding his Harley, given motivational speeches and hand crafting benches. Check out his work at RonKittle.com.

Jeff Montgomery played thirteen seasons in the Majors…twelve of them with the Kansas City Royals. He is a three time All-Star, a member of the Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame and their all-time leader in games pitched, games finished and saves. “Monty” resides in the Kansas City area and lends his expertise to Sports Radio 810 WHB-AM.

Since there isn’t a parade leading up to the game like there was last year (did someone mention the “last season at Yankee Stadium"?), I will not be watching the All-Star Game in real time.

No, seriously, I won’t be watching the game live as I’ll be attending the Frontier League All-Star festivities. And since I can’t avoid the endless tweets, text messages and emails regarding the outcome of game…the phone will be turned off.

And one final note…did you catch good friend of The Hall Gar “Batting Stance Guy” Ryness on The Late Show? If not, it was an instant classic.

You can watch Gar HERE.

Wednesday with Monty...a closer's thoughts about Opening Day

A few months ago, I wondered if we were living in the “age of the closer” and to be honest…I still kinda do.

This off season saw a number of top flight closers change uniforms. Most notably, Francisco Rodriguez packed up his 2008 league leading 62 saves and made the cross country trek from Los Angeles to New York.

With “K-Rod” gone, Brian Fuentes fled Colorado to fill the void in Los Angeles. 2005 Rookie of the Year Huston Street went from Oakland to Colorado as part of the Matt Holliday deal and, well…you see where this is going.

All in all, more than a third of Major League teams have a new closer in place for the 2009 season.

One team that stuck with their hot hand was the Kansas City Royals, with Joakim Soria looking to, again, be one of the top closers in the American League. Soria’s 42 saves last year were the most by a Royal since Jeff Montgomery tied a franchise record with 45 in 1993.

In preparation of Opening Day, I had a chance to talk with Montgomery about some of his memories.

In six Opening Day appearances,
“Monty” was 0-1 with two saves. In 8 2/3 innings, he only gave up one earned run (a Mike Bordick single that plated Carney Lansford in 1992) and struck out 8.

Three of Montgomery’s Opening Day games were at home, the other three were on the road. So I asked him, was it easier throwing off the mound at Kauffman on Opening Day or in Oakland or Baltimore?

MONTY: (It) didn’t matter. Could have been Mars and I wouldn’t have known the difference.

HOVG: Of the Hall of Famers and future Hall members you faced, who was the toughest Opening Day hitter...Cal Ripken, Jr., Rickey Henderson, Rafael Palmeiro, Harold Baines or Roberto Alomar?

MONTY: Harold Baines.

For the record, Montgomery also named Baines as his “toughest out” when we spoke in November. Baines was 6 for 20 against Montgomery and led all opposing hitters with three home runs against the hurler.

HOVG: You also took on Albert Belle (got him to pop out) and Eric Davis (struck him out looking)...was there a batter in particular that made you nervous when he stepped up to the plate?

MONTY: All of them.

It’s worth mentioning that hitters batting .230 against Montgomery on Opening Day.

HOVG: Do your two Opening Day saves mean any more to you than the 302 other saves you picked up in your career?

MONTY: No.

HOVG: After Chris Sabo reached on an error on Opening Day in 1994, you struck out Mark McLemore, Jeffrey Hammonds and Brady Anderson...all swinging. Is it safe to say that that is one of your fondest Opening Day memories?

MONTY: Not really as I forgot about it. I remember going to the KISS concert afterwards.

HOVG: If striking out the side in Baltimore wasn’t your most memorable moment...what was?

MONTY: My first opening day in 1989 is the one I remember most. Can’t remember if we won or lost but I will never forget the electricity in the air.

HOVG: Is hearing your name on the PA the same when it is in front of close to 40,000 at home in Kansas City on Opening Day as it is when the crowd is a third of that size and it is the middle of August?

MONTY: (There’s) no difference. Opening Day was always special. All of the preparation, hype, the fact that Spring Training was finally over, and being back at home made it one of the best days of the year. Too bad the rest of the games on the schedule were not filled with the same level of excitement as Opening Day.

After being postponed on Monday, the Royals lost their Opening Day contest against the White Sox 4-2. The band KISS is currently touring South America.

***Jeff Montgomery played thirteen seasons in the Majors…twelve of them with the Kansas City Royals. He is a three time All-Star, a member of the Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame and their all-time leader in games pitched, games finished and saves. “Monty” resides in the Kansas City area and lends his expertise to Sports Radio 810 WHB-AM.***

Just the fax, man...just the fax

I’d love to tell you that I’ve been so busy with work or other projects that I haven’t been able to fulfill my duties here…but it would be a lie. Fact is, even with all that has happened since we’ve last talked (the World Series, etc.) I’ve had precious little to say.

Oh…and I’ve rekindled my unhealthy relationship with John Madden via my Playstation. Damn you, John Madden! Damn you straight to Hades you marbled-mouthed old fool!

Okay, now that I’ve cleared the air…there was ONE thing that got my blood boiling. What is it you ask? Click this link (HERE) and then come back on over…I’ll wait.

5

4

3

2

1

Alright…are you back?

Good.

Really, San Diego…by fax? You relieved (pun intended) the most prolific closer in Major League Baseball history via FAX?!? This is a guy that, and here comes the shameless plug, Jeff Montgomery told me was “obviously” a Hall of Famer.

Why the disrespect San Diego? Was the four million Hoffman was asking for too much?

By comparison, the 41 year-old Hoffman’s 30 saves were better than high priced counterparts Todd Jones (18 saves, $7 million), Jason Isringhausen (12 saves, $8 million) and Eric Gagne (10 saves, $10 million).

Sure, Hoffman had an off year. But you know what Padres…so did you! Next time, you release a guy by fax…recognize the fact that he saved 30 of your 63 victories. And somehow, I don’t think the four saves he blew keep you from the playoffs.

Alright, all that being said, let’s get to the REAL reason I posted this diatribe. That’s right…here’s more from Monty!

Regarding former teammate George Brett:
“George Brett was a great teammate for anyone to have the opportunity to play with. It didn’t matter if you were a September call up or a veteran player, George helped make you feel comfortable even in tough times. When he got his 3000 hit I gave him a desk clock with Lou, The Ultimate Professional, Congratulations on number 3000, Monty engraved on it as I felt that “The Ultimate Professional” summed him up best. Lou was his nickname.”

Toughest out:
“Harold Baines (Hall of Famer or not, he was my toughest out), Don Mattingly, Kirby Puckett and Cal Ripken to name a few.”

Surprisingly easy out:
“He wasn’t an easy out but I had very good success against Joe Carter until he hit two homers against me late in my career. One was when I was pitching my third or fourth night in a row and one was a mop up game. I only remember this about Joe because he is my current neighbor and someone told me the statistics.”

Regarding Jim Edmonds and his Hall of Fame chances:
“I agree with you on Edmonds . If you could measure the plays he made on defense that not many others have a way of making, it would certainly add to his credentials.”

Batter (past or present) that Monty would have loved to have faced...but never got the chance:
“Pete Rose or Babe Ruth”

Regarding his All-Star appearances:
“Of my three All-Star Games, 1993 was the best as we won, I pitched well, and I loved going to Baltimore since I had several friends there and my family would normally come in from Ohio.”

Major influences:
“Pete Rose was the player I tried to play like as a kid. My Dad was usually the one I would call for advice about my career.”

On his predecessor in Kansas City…Dan Quisenberry:
“I knew Quiz had put up some great numbers and never thought of myself as one who would eclipse his save total. I was fortunate to have been given the opportunities and worked hard to stay healthy.”

Prediction for 2009:
“I will not be surprised if K-Rod blows out his arm next year.”

Yikes.

Maybe whatever team decides they want to break the bank on K-Rod should just drop the four million on Hoffman. It MIGHT just be a better decision.

The Age of the Closer?

Remember the long ball?

Yeah…it wasn’t THAT long ago that “chicks dug the long ball” and freaks of nature like Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds graced the cover of every sports magazine across the country.

As of late, we’re seeing more and more of Jonathan Papelbon and Mariano Rivera than their slugging counterparts. We’ve seen both K-Rod and Trevor Hoffman as the lead story on SportsCenter a few times.

Heck…three of the last five Hall of Fame induction ceremonies have included closers!

We’re living in the “Age of the Closer”, gang…get used to it.

Hoffman’s 554 saves have become the pitching equivalent of Bonds’ 762 round trippers. K-Rod’s 62 saves earned him a nightly countdown on ESPN akin to homerun chase of 1998.

Pretty impressive stuff until you think about it.

I mean, Lee Smith (the former all-time saves leader) wasn’t exactly Hank Aaron on the mound and Bobby Thigpen (the former record holder for saves in a season) was no match for the mythos of Roger Maris. And let’s face it…closing out a 4-2 game still isn’t as sexy as knocking one out of the park and winning that same game 5-4, right?

But regardless of the recent balloon in saves, it isn’t like they’re growing on trees.

Allow me break it down.

One of the most celebrated numbers in the game is 500 home runs and there are 24 players who have eclipsed that total. Give the average baseball fan a few minutes and he can name a number of them. On the other side of the coin are the 23 pitchers with 300 or more wins.

Both are MILESTONE numbers! You get to those numbers and you’d be hard pressed to find anyone that would disagree with your Hall of Fame credentials.

So what is the equivalent for the closer? Is there one?

Recently, I had the privilege to talk with former Major Leaguer and member of the Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame Jeff Montgomery and he shared some insight on that very topic (and a few others)…what is the milestone for closers?

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

He’s right.

As recent as 1994 (when Goose Gossage threw his last pitch), there were only five closers that had eclipsed that magic number of 300 saves. Currently, there are 21 pitchers with 300 or more career saves with Montgomery being one of them with 304.

“The fact that managers started using closers as ninth inning specialists in the late 80’s and early 90’s (as LaRussa did with Eckersley) with so much success has allowed season save numbers to escalate dramatically.”

But will this inflate the number of closers in Cooperstown and will it make people look at the accomplishments of Rollie Fingers, Goose and Bruce Sutter and wonder why they are enshrined?

“Not really,” Montgomery responded. “The one great year will not get anyone any votes for the Hall…Goose and company were established, long term dominant relief pitchers.”

So who gets in?

“I think Lee Smith should be considered for the Hall as well as John Franco. Obviously Rivera and Hoffman will get in with their totals both being north of 500 at their retirement and (that) should help Smith and Franco’s cases for election. If (Billy) Wagner returns and surpasses the 400 mark he should be considered also.”

Smith is at 478 and held the all-time saves mark for thirteen years, but so far…the most support he’s gotten for induction to the Hall was this past year when he garnered 45%.

Franco is (quietly) fourth on the all-time list with 424, but more importantly, he has the most saves ever by a left hander and is one of three with more than 300. Add to that that he is second all-time in games finished (Smith is number one) and third all-time in games pitched…and you’ve got a serious contender for induction in 2011.

After that, it’s a crapshoot since there is going to be some tough competition out there sucking up Hall of Fame votes and only time will tell what the magic number (if there is one) ends up being for relievers to get their piece of the pie.


***Jeff Montgomery played thirteen seasons in the Majors…twelve of them with the Kansas City Royals. He is a three time All-Star, a member of the Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame and their all-time leader in games pitched, games finished and saves. “Monty” resides in the Kansas City area and lends his expertise to Sports Radio 810 WHB-AM.***