Kansas City Royals Dupe Fan(s)

Kansas City Royals fans just can't seem to catch a break, can they?

Considering they having made the playoffs since the midpoint of the Reagan Administration, you'd think the Royals would take it a little easier on their fan, er, fans.

Thursday morning, the team sent out an email giving their faithful the opportunity to purchase tickets for Opening Day.  The subject line of the email..."Your Royals Opening Day Ticket Opportunity".  Too good to be true, right?

Seriously, imagine your joy if, say, you were one of the thousands that is actually looking forward to seeing Billy Butler, Alex Gordon and the rest of the team continue its march toward mediocrity and this was the email you received.

Notice something a little out of place?  I'll wait while you read the email a little closer.
 

Yup.  The email clearly states that your "Opening Day Ticket Opportunity" is limited to purchasing tickets to any game except, well...Opening Day.

Pretty sneaky, guys.

Kansas City Royals baseball fever...catch it!  Except, well, you can't unless, I mean...hey, we've got tickets for the other 80 games we'll play at home.

***Big thanks to I-70 Baseball.***

Royals Catcher Has a Bad Sense of Humor

Often times, when I see a person older than nine years old doing "rabbit ears" on someone in a picture, I'll wonder aloud (or to my self)..."wow, we're still doing that?"

And the answer is, "no, we shouldn't be...it's kinda childish."

Which makes what Kansas City Royals catcher Humberto Quintero did Saturday to teammate Bruce Chen all the more childish, or, if you will...innappropriate.

As the story goes, Royals pitcher Bruce Chen, a native Panamanian of Chinese descent, was being interviewed by FOX announcers Kenny Albert and Tom Verducci when Quintero, a native of Venezuela, popped up behind him and made a "slanted eyes" gesture.

But, I guess it could have been worse.

You see, the Royals and the Pirates were both in throwback mode Saturday, but they weren't donning old Major Leagus unis.  They were wearing those of the Kansas City Monarchs and Homestead Grays...two of the greatest Negro League teams ever.

So, as bad as the "slanted eyes" gesture is/was...it's probably best that Quintero opted to go with that rather than bust out the shoe polish and stroll up to the plate in blackface.

***Tip o' the cap to Big League Stew for the image.***

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.

2011 Milestone Preview: American League Central

Last season, the Chicago White Sox honored one of their greats, Frank Thomas, by retiring his Number 35.

This July, they're set to unveil a bronze statue of the one-time Sox legend...the eighth to grace U.S. Cellular Field.

Coincidentally...I'm planning on being at that game. But that's neither here or there now is it?

So with that…here comes the AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL.


CHICAGO WHITE SOX

Team captain Paul Konerko is on the verge of two major milestones in this...his 13th year on the Southside.  Coming off, arguably, one of the best years of his career, Konerko is just 139 hits away from 2000 and 35 home runs away from 400 career blasts.

Also approaching 400 career bombs...the newly acquired Adam Dunn.

Sure, the "Big Donkey" is 46 home runs away from the milestone...but he's done it before.  And given that he had a five year stretch (2004-2008) where he hit 40 or more home runs...is 46 really out of the question?

The ageless Omar Vizquel enters his second season with the White Sox the active leader in games playes, at bats and plate appearances.  For his career...he's sitting at 2799 hits all-time.

And speaking of hits...outfielder Juan Pierre is 158 hits away from reaching 2000 for his career.

CLEVELAND INDIANS

As if the Indians signing journeyman Orlando Cabrera (who is 52 hits away from 2000 for his career), Cleveland has decided on making August 13 a date to circle on your calendar.

And what's going on August 13?

Well...it's none other than Mike Hargrove “Human Rain Delay” Bobble Head Day.  Great seats are still available.

DETROIT TIGERS

Last November, Hall of Fame manager Sparky Anderson succumbed to dementia.  This season, not only are the Tigers going to honor their former skipper with a patch on their sleeves...but they'll be retiring his number as well.

Pretty classy.

Current manager Jim Leyland enters the season second in wins among active managers trailing only Tony LaRussa.  With 1493 career victories, he's only 78 wins behind Hall of Famer Dick Williams on the all-time list.

Also bound to make some headlines in the Motor City is outfielder Magglio Ordonez.  Should "Maggs" be able to bounce back from last season's ankle injury, he'll get the eleven home runs it'll take to reach 300 for his career.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS

A quick scan of the Royals' roster isn't going to excite a soul.  And of the four names you're likely to recognize...one of them is catcher Jason Kendall.

Yikes.

Currently, Kendall is fifth all-time in being hit by pitch having been plunked 254 times.  In order to surpass Don Baylor and move into fourth place...he'll need to get hit 14 times.  It's possible.

MINNESOTA TWINS

Up in Minnesota, Jim Thome is back swinging for the fences.  Currently, Thome is eighth all-time and just eleven home runs away from becoming the latest slugger to reach 600 for his career.

Conversely, Thome resides second all-time in strikeouts.  The designated hitter has struck out 2395 times in his 20 seasons as a pro and trails only Reggie Jackson and his 2597 Ks.

Lastly, Minnesota will honor Hall of Famer Bert Blyleven by retiring his number this July.  His Number 28 will join five former Twins and Jackie Robinson up on the facade at Target Field.

The National League Central is next. In the meantime, feel free to check out Milestone Previews of the American League East and National League East.

Twitter Tuesday: The Mexicutioner

I was all prepared to welcome back "Twitter Tuesday" with an obvious attempt to get some traffic by talking about how Major Leaguers are more enamored with talking about the Carmelo Anthony trade than Spring Training.

But then Kansas City Royals closer Joakim Soria had to go and blow that post out the water by tweeting this:

how about if we change my nickname to something positive? in support to mexico to stop all the violence !!!

What?  Really?!?
 
There are plenty of bad nicknames out there (most of them coming from ESPN's Chris Berman), and Joakim..."The Mexicutioner" isn't one of them.  Matter of fact, I'd go out on a limb and call it one of the game's best.
 
I get it...Soria is wanting to be "positive" and stop the violence.  But c'mon, dude...you enter games to "Welcome to the Jungle" and Guns 'N Roses aren't really honor students.
 
Viva el Mexicutioner!

It's Official...Zack Greinke is Now a Brewer

The Kansas City Royals made official Sunday what The Hall reported late Saturday night...their ace Zack Greinke had been traded to the Milwaukee Brewers.

According to reports, the Brewers beat out both the New York Yankees and the Washington Nationals for the services of the 2009 American League Cy Young Award winner.

Last season, Greinke had a off year...going 10-14 with a 4.17 ERA.

"Zack brings great physical skills and athleticism to the team and is an outstanding competitor," Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said.  "This trade is a credit to our scouting and player development staff as their hard work and judgment provided us the talented prospects that Kansas City will be receiving. I also appreciate the support of ownership in making this deal."

Also heading to Milwaukee...shortstop Yunieksy Betancourt. In exchange, the Royals will receive shortstop Alcides Escobar, outfielder Lorenzo Cain and pitching prospects Jake Odorizzi and Jeremy Jeffress.

For breaking baseball news...be sure to follow The Diamond Report on Twitter.

Zack Greinke is Heading to the Brewers...Maybe

Alright, the internet has been wrong before regarding where Zack Greinke may or may not be heading...but one source thinks they know exactly where the 2009 American League Cy Young Award winner is heading.

This...according to OnMilwaukee.com:

The Brewers have reached a deal with Kansas City for right-hander Zack Greinke Saturday, agreeing to send four players for the former Cy Young Award winner.  According to a source with knowledge of the situation, the Brewers would send the Royals outfielder Lorenzo Cain, shortstop Alcides Escobar and prospect pitchers Jake Odorizzi and Jeremy Jeffress for Greinke.  The Brewers are expected to receive another "major league" player in the deal, according to the source.

Another source (The Milwaukee Journal Sentinal) is reporting that the teams will be announcing the deal Monday and that the other "major league player" the Brewers are rumored to be receiving from Kansas City is shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt.

Perhaps distracted by the "will he" or "won't he" be traded business, Greinke was 10-14 with a 4.17 ERA last season for the Royals.  In his award-winning 2009 season...the former All-Star was 16-8 with a 2.16 ERA and 242 strikeouts in 229 1/3 innings.

Suffice it to say...Brewer fans took to Twitter and their reactions ranged from ecstatic to, um, really ecstatic.

@MaddyMayI: Brewers got Zack Greinke?! Did i hear that right?!

@cstenner: This chick is hittin' on me and all I'm thinkin' is, "Holy hell, did we REALLY trade for Zach Greinke?!"

@dn3524: Greinke, gallardo, marcum is very nice. Legit contenders now

Earlier this offseason, the Brewers picked up pitcher Shawn Marcum from the Toronto Blue Jays.  And while they're not the Philadelphia Phillies...the Brew Crew looks to have put together a pretty solid rotation with Greinke and Marcum joining Randy Wolf, Yovani Gallardo and David Bush.

"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.

2010 Milestone Preview: American League Central

Growing up listening to Chicago radio and TV…I have been inundated with Cubs and White Sox talk all my life.  And it made me sick to my stomach.

Maybe it was because of that I’ve never had much of an affinity for either team.

You see, because of other influences (family, vacations, etc.), I have always been more of an East Coast fan. And that’s why it is bittersweet that, finally, the division that always bored/bothered me is finally getting some national attention.

It doesn’t matter what side of the Ozzie Guillen Twitter war you’re on or whether or not you think Joe Mauer’s new contract is a good deal for the Twins (it is)…Minnesota and Chicago have made the baseball world stand up and take notice.

So with that…here comes the AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL.


CHICAGO WHITE SOX

The White Sox are a little difficult to get a handle on lately. A few years back, they win the World Series…and let go of the best player to pull up the palehose since the Eisenhower administration all in the name of “diminished skills” and getting younger.

And who do they bring in…35 year-old Jim Thome.

Last season, four years following their supposed youth movement, they trade Thome to whoever will take him. They get rid of the equally ancient Jose Contreras and look to get younger again.

And who do they bring in? An over-the-hill designated hitter (Andruw Jones), an equally as seasoned left fielder (Juan Pierre) and one of the few players in the Majors who could tell you where he was when man landed on the moon (Omar Vizquel).

Jones is seemingly a lifetime (and a few pants sizes) away from the wide grinned 19 year-old who, in 1996, became the game’s youngest ever to go deep in a World Series game. But all kidding aside, he is 12 home runs away from reaching 400 for his career and still has the pop to, if healthy, accomplish the feat by the All-Star break.

While the acquisition of Jones is a little bit of a puzzler, Vizquel actually makes some sense considering his 11 Gold Gloves fits nicely on Chicago’s bench as a mentor to some of their younger players.

Unfortunately that’s about all he can do. Well…that and pad his Cooperstown caliber stats.

The all-time leader among Venezuelan born players in a number of categories, the Sox actually issued Vizquel the retired number of countrymate (and Hall of Famer) Luis Aparicio.

And speaking of retired numbers (note the shameless segue), the Southsiders are planning on retiring Thomas’ number on August 29. It’s the least they can do for their team leader in runs scored, total bases, doubles, home runs and RBI.


CLEVELAND INDIANS

Now that Kerry Wood is already in mid-season form (out at least two months with a back injury)…enter new closer Chris Perez. Perez, if you’re keeping track, is one save away from TEN for his career.

You guessed it Tribe fans…not many milestones to choose from in 2010.


DETROIT TIGERS

Raise your hand if you knew that new Tiger Johnny Damon is the active triples leader with 95.

Nice work.

Give yourself another pat on the back if you knew that he is sitting ninth among active players…75 hits shy of 2500 for his career.

On the other side of the outfield, rightfielder Magglio Ordonez is quietly putting up, yes I’ll say it, a terrific career. Mags is 26 hits away from 2000 for his career and 23 home runs away from 300.

And I know it isn’t really a “milestone” per se, but Detroit reliever Fu-Te Ni has the shortest last name in the Majors this season. At six letters, he is one of a slew of players to have the second shortest full name ever.

The shortest…former Pittsburgh Pirate catcher Ed Ott.


KANSAS CITY ROYALS

And from one of the game’s shortest names…to one of the league’s longest. Royals shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt is only two letters (18) behind Texas catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (20).

Unfortunately, that’s about all Kansas City has going for it outside of Jason Kendall climbing up the all-time hit by pitch list.

It’s true.

Kendall is sitting at fifth all-time with 248…just 39 behind all-time leader, Hall of Famer Hughie Jennings.


MINNESOTA TWINS

Let’s all make each other a promise. When Joe Mauer’s contract is up following the 2018 season…we’ll meet back up and talk about how the American League’s best hitter is a steal at just $23 million a season.

As it is, the Twins will open their new stadium with future Hall of Famer Jim Thome on the bench. While he isn’t likely to hit the milestone, Thome is 36 home runs away from 600 for his storied career.

Also within shouting distance for Thome (provided he plays another two seasons), is the all-time strikeout record. With 2313 to his credit(?), the five-time All-Star is 284 shy of Reggie Jackson’s record 2597 whiffs.

The American League West is next. In the meantime, feel free to check out Milestone Previews of the American League East, National League East and National League Central.

Postseason thoughts with Brent Mayne

Given all the different storylines that have played out so far, there are plenty directions a post during the first round of the Playoffs can go.

I’ll go down this avenue.

Thanks to an untimely miscue (are any miscues "timely"?) by Matt Holliday Thursday night, the Dodgers are up 2-0 against the Cardinals. The last time the two teams squared off in the NLDS was in 2004 and St. Louis beat Los Angeles in three out of four games.

Handling some of the catching duties for those Dodgers that postseason was veteran Brent Mayne. It was the first playoff appearance for Mayne and recently…I had a chance to catch up with the 15 year pro to talk October baseball.

HOVG: After a pretty lengthy career…you were fortunate to make the playoffs in your last season of pro ball. What did it mean to you to finally make it?

MAYNE: Making to the postseason was one of the greatest achievements of my professional career. I wish I would have made it more than once.

HOVG: Tell me about that 2004 series…how’d it feel?

MAYNE: My biggest memory was the intensity, everything being notched up. I remember being amazed at how the post season made my body feel fresh especially after the long regular season.

HOVG: Was there a particular teammate that just seemed to come to life in October? If so, who was it...and why?

MAYNE: Everyone came alive in the postseason. It was almost like the first games of the year.

HOVG: Lastly...who is your pick to win it all this season?

MAYNE: My pick to win it this year? Tough question. I'll go with the Angels. Total guess though. I really like New York and Philly too.

Mayne spent a bulk of his career playing with the Royals, but also found himself with the Mets, A’s Rockies, Giants, Diamondbacks and Dodgers. He finished his career with a .993 fielding percentage…fourth best of all-time.

To check out what Mayne has been up to recently, visit his website BrentMayne.com. For an in depth interview regarding his Art of Coaching…check out good friend of The Hall David Allen over at Baseball Reflections.

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.***

Milestone Preview: American League Central

Thanks to the magic of facebook (yes, I’ve FINALLY succumbed to its wiles), I’ve been able to re-connect with some old friends. One of them is an old buddy of mine named Jeff, who, in 1996, joined me on a trip to Cleveland for Spring Break. It wasn’t the ideal destination, but we made the most of it.

We ate sandwiches at a toll plaza in South Bend after we determined that swinging by Notre Dame would be too much of a hassle.

Closer to C-Town, we were pulled over by a cop who thought we were “joy riding”. It was after two in the morning and we were driving a BMW with Illinois plates, so I suppose we COULD have been joy riding…but alas, we weren’t.

We were just lost.

Once we found our way, we hit The Flats (where a waitress showed us her well-placed shamrock tattoo), the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and since it was March, we walked around a vacant and cold Jacobs Field. But more on that place later.

So, with all apologies to the guy who slammed me for not including any milestones for the milestone-less Pittsburgh Pirates, here comes the AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL.


CHICAGO WHITE SOX
The heart of the Sox lineup is poised to do some great things this season...historically speaking. They are getting older, sure, but with that age comes some milestones.

Now, I’m going to be the first to say that when I wrote a while back criticizing Jim Thome, I might have been a touch misguided. I’m not going to take back the statements where I said he wasn’t dominant or feared, but the longer he sticks around, the more apt he is to make me eat my “he’ll get lost in the mix” comments regarding his first ballot Hall of Fame candidacy.

This season, the Peoria native enters the season with 541 home runs. He’ll likely jump over Harmon Killebrew’s total (573) this season and, along with Alex Rodriguez, is inching closer and closer to the 600 mark.

Thome is 12 RBI away from hitting 1500 and aside from Harold Baines (1628) and Andre Dawson (1591), everyone who has 1500 or more RBI and is Hall eligible…has had their ticket punched.

This last stat I bring up only because I was criticized in the past for mentioning it. Thome is 116 strikeouts away from passing Sammy Sosa (2306) and becoming second all-time to Reggie Jackson’s 2597 Ks.

Surrounding Thome in the Sox lineup are two hitters that are both two long balls away from reaching 300 for their career…Jermaine Dye and Paul Konerko. Last year, Dye hit his second in Game 5…Konerko in Game 11.


CLEVELAND INDIANS
On April 4, 1994, President Bill Clinton christened the then Jacobs Field by throwing out its first pitch. Fans of that inaugural contest watched six sure-bet Hall of Famers: Eddie Murray (enshrined in 2003), Ken Griffey, Jr., Randy Johnson, Manny Ramirez, Omar Vizquel and Jim Thome. Also on the field were such notables as Edgar Martinez, Kenny Lofton and Albert Belle.

Now, fifteen years later, the now Progressive Field is in the middle of the pack as the fifteenth oldest stadium. In its time, “The Jake” has hit its own milestones.

Between June 12, 1995 and April 4, 2001, the Indians set a record by selling out 455 straight games. Demand for tickets was so great that all 81 home games were sold out before opening day on three separate occasions.

The Indians have since "retired" the number 455 in honor of the sellout record.


DETROIT TIGERS
Lost in all the Manny Ramirez and Alex Rodriguez hubbub of late is the fact that Gary Sheffield is putting up one gem of a career.

A major leaguer at 18, Sheffield got off to a quick start by getting both his first hit and first home run with the same swing of the bat. Now, 498 home runs later…Sheffield is on the cusp of becoming the twenty-fifth player to hit 500 long balls. Something tells me that, again, he'll waste no time and get number 500 out of the way in the Tigers first series against Toronto.

Also worth mentioning...Sheffield comes into 2009 with 1633 RBI. Everyone who is Hall eligible and has more RBI than “Sheff” is enshrined in Cooperstown.

Throw out Barry Bonds and Sheffield is third on the active list for runs scored (behind Griffey and Rodriguez) and hits (behind Griffey and Vizquel).


KANSAS CITY ROYALS and MINNESOTA TWINS
Like I did previously with the Pirates, I could make something up here. However, I’m fresh out of any good Kevin Seitzer and Kent Hrbek references to make it worth anyone’s while.

The American League West is next. In the meantime, feel free to check out Milestone Previews of the American League East, National League East and National League Central.

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.***

Happy Anniversary you crazy bat, you

"I played 20 years in the major leagues, I did some good things, and the one at-bat I'm remembered for is an at-bat in July."

-George Brett

Unless you've been trapped in a cave (all apologies to those actually trapped in caves), you know that today is the 25th anniversary of the infamous "Pine Tar Game".

You know the story, my hero George Brett hits a home run off of Rich "I'm EVERYWHERE Nowadays" Gossage, he circles the bases, goes back to the dugout, Yankees skipper Billy Martin questions the legality of the bat, then...mayhem.

Apparently there was too much pine tar on the bat, but the funny thing...it wasn't lifelong troublemaker Martin who started the melee.

It was Graig Nettles.

Gossage has gone on record saying, "Graig knew the rule. The ump did his job. Everybody thought it was silly, but it's in the rules." Rule 1.10 (b) to be precise.

And here is that rule: the bat handle, for not more than 18 inches from the end, may be covered or treated with any material or substance to improve the grip. Any such material or substance, which extends past the 18-inch limitation, shall cause the bat to be removed from the game. Umpire Tim McClelland ruled that Brett's bat had "heavy pine tar" 19 to 20 inches from the tip of the handle and lighter pine tar for another three or four inches.

But did the extra pine tar aid Brett in HITTING the home run? Not likely. And that was the finding of American League President Lee McPhail who ordered the game be resumed.

So, three weeks, four days, four hours and fourteen minutes later the "Pine Tar Game" was resumed. The Royals ended up winning after closer Dan Quisenberry spent all of twelve minutes shutting down the Yankees to preserve the 5-4 victory.

And if you ever doubted the seriousness of the game...the Yankees "voiced" their disapproval by playing pitcher Ron Guidry in centerfield and left hander Don Mattingly at second base.