"24!"

***In a span of just a few short hours, Major League Baseball lost two of its most colorful characters. One was the voice of the City of Brotherly Love, the other...a goofball who spoke in a thick New England accent. Here is JB's take on the latter.***

My advanced apologies to those of you who think this article will happen between the hours of 11:00am and 12:00pm.

Sorry, Jack Bauer fans. Go rent Season One, put on your Snuggie and stop reading this article.

Right.

Now.

Ornithophobia aside, I was happy to see last week’s mention of the greatest-non-title-winning wrassler of all time Koko B. Ware here at The Hall. I loved the “Ghostbuster” and always broke it out on various home furnishings.

And even though I feared feathered-friends (still do…hate it when they are “free” in PetSmart), I even had a thing for the worthless bird, Frankie that he brought ringside with him.

Suffice it to say, Koko always “smelled” like a Hall of Famer to me.

Whether it was irony or something like the Mothman Prophecies (terribly horrible film, by the way), I felt compelled to write something about a bigger “Bird” that captivated our country, even before Koko was on the top ropes flapping his arms.

No, not the eight-foot tall, yellow S.O.B. from our favorite Street growing up.

You know…the one with the sexual identity issue.

Not him.

I am talking about a bigger “Bird,” one that transcended professional sports and made a country smile during a difficult economic time.

Mark “The Bird” Fidrych died Monday at the age of 54 in an apparent accident on the farm he retired to when injuries cut short his brief, spectacular career.

In 1976 when the United States was finally overcoming the division of the populace over a foreign war and facing struggling economic times (sound familiar?), “The Bird” gave us the opportunity to turn on the TV and not have to watch the doom and gloom of the world around us. Comedic actions aside (i.e. talking to the baseball, hand-grooming the mound and all apologies to college softball teams…starting the congratulatory handshake with an infielder after a run/game saving play), the guy could flat out pitch.

Fidrych brought a mid-90’s heater to the table along with a slider that fell off of one.

Granted, he is remembered for what he did on the mound and not the numbers he put up on it…but the man had talent that does not come around overnight.

As a 21-year-old rookie in 1976 (he would turn 22 later in the year), Fidrych put up numbers as insane as his actions. How does 19-9 with a 2.34 ERA and a .218 average against sound?

Good enough for the AL Rookie of the Year.

He should have won the Cy, but that was awarded to the prima donna in Jockey briefs that year. Sorry Mr. Palmer, but you shouldn’t have gotten the chicks AND the hardware that year.

All jokes aside, Fidrych threw 24 complete games that year.

24!

He was second in the Majors to Randy Jones 25 for the Padres, who in fact, DID receive the National League Cy Young Award. Only one pitcher has topped it since (Rick Langford had 28 for the A’s in 1980) and one other has reached that mark. Bert Blyleven had 24 in 1985 for the Indians and Twins.

Can you imagine Cito Gaston asking Roy Halladay (last year’s leader last year with nine) to finish another 15 games?

I know I can’t.

Point is, all the articles you will read on Fidrych in the next couple of days will be about his quirks, the kind of guy he was (outstanding, I have read) and the magical 1976 season he turned in.

Remember him, if you would, as a guy who helped people forget the tough times they faced each and every day and made people smile with his fastball as much as his mound-grooming antics did.

Try to picture Manny Ramirez (cue the reprehensible “I’m Back!!!!!” soundbite) or T.O. doing something to make you smile and not seethe. How about “Pacman” Jones making it rain at a Boys/Girls club rather than a strip club?

I know athletes donate to this or that all the time, set-up their own charities, etc…but can you say “tax write-off”?

Ask yourself as you watch highlights tonight the last time a pro athlete genuinely made you smile with his personality and not a charitable photo op.

I will leave you with a quote below from “The Bird,” as I go back to the doom and gloom of today’s world. Hoping and praying for the next Mark Fidrych to give us something to all smile about again.

"That ball has a hit in it, so I want to get back in the ball bag and goof around with the other balls in there. Maybe it'll learn some sense and come out as a pop-up next time."

Kalas, Dye and Konerko...A Day Full of Highs and Lows

"We have lost our voice" Phillies president David Montgomery said in announcing the death of legendary Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas.

Less that 24 hours since he called Matt Stairs dramatic pinch-hit home run against the Colorado Rockies, Kalas was preparing to call the Phillies game against the Washington Nationals.

Fittingly, it was in the broadcast booth, where the 73 year-old Hall of Famer was found.

Kalas, the 2002 Ford C. Frick Award winner, was found by Phillies director of broadcasting Rob Brooks and was immediately taken to George Washington Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He had been broadcasting Phillies games since 1971 and was known for his distinctive "outta here!" home run call.

And while fans of the 2008 World Series Champs mourn the loss of Kalas, fans of the 2005 World Series Champs are celebrating.

Last month's American League Central Milestone Preview, mentioned that Jermaine Dye and Paul Konerko (both of the White Sox) were each two home runs away from hitting 300 for their respective careers. What could have never been envisioned was them hitting them on the same day, in the same game...back-to-back.

But it happened in the second inning of their series opener at against the Tigers, when the sluggers went yard off Detroit starter Zach Miner.

It is fitting that both men reached the historic milestone in Detroit. Dye is tied with Joe Crede for the most home runs by a visiting player at Comerica Park at 15, while Konerko is tied for fourth with Jim Thome at 12.

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.***

Ten Milestones to Watch for This Season

Welcome to Opening Day!

Every season begins with a number of milestones on the horizon (and if you followed the divisional breakdown the last few weeks...you know them), and 2009 is no different. Gone are history-makers like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and Greg Maddux.

So, before the Bronx Bombers open the doors to their newest version of Yankee Stadium, let's look at ten milestones to watch for during the upcoming baseball season.

And because of injury, you'll notice that I conveniently ignored Alex Rodriguez. I harbor no ill will toward the man.

Maybe.

Ron Villone, TBD

Ron Villone, who changes uniforms so fast, team photographers can't keep up with him, will inevitably suit up for his major league record-tying twelfth team. When he takes the bump next, he'll tie pitcher Mike Morgan on the all-time list. Close on their heels? Matt Stairs. Stairs is currently with Philadelphia, his eleventh team.

Adam Dunn, Washington Nationals

The Nationals enter their fifth season since re-locating from Montreal with little to no fanfare. For the four Adam Dunn fans out there, you’ll be glad to know that he’s 22 homers away from 300 for his career, and if he gets to 40 this season, he’ll have done so for six straight seasons. Only Babe Ruth did it more consistently when he hit 40 out in a record seven straight seasons.

Joe Torre, Los Angeles Dodgers

Aside from Manny Ramirez (more on him later), the Dodgers do have some milestones to watch out for. Off the field...or more specifically, in the dugout, manager Joe Torre is 44 wins away from leap-frogging Sparky Anderson (2194) and Bucky Harris (2157) and moving into fifth place on the all-time list.

Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals

When 2008 came to a close, Albert Pujols became the only player in major league history to hit at least .300, with 30 or more home runs and at least 100 RBI in each of his first eight seasons. The only other players to accomplish the 100 RBI feat were Al Simmons, who did it in eleven straight, and Ted Williams, who stalled after eight. All in all, “Prince Albert” is 31 home runs away from 350, 23 RBI from 1000 and 53 runs from 1000.

And oh yeah, he just turned 29.

Greg Maddux/Fergie Jenkins, Chicago Cubs

While not exactly a milestone, the Cubs are doing something pretty cool and pretty monumental on May 3. Before the “North Siders” take the field against the Florida Marlins, they’ll retire number 31 for Fergie Jenkins and Greg Maddux. Each hurler won a Cy Young Award and combined for 300 victories while wearing the pinstriped 31.

Carlos Delgado, New York Mets

Raise your hand if you ever thought Carlos Delgado was going to be a member of the 500 home run club. No one? After Gary Sheffield hits number 500, which should have come in the first week of the season...Delgado is up next. The slugger has 469 home runs and should, barring injury, close out the Mets’ first season at Citi Field with a milestone.

Manny Ramirez, Los Angeles Dodgers

Last year, Ramirez came into the season needing 10 home runs to get to 500. This season, Manny comes in with 527 and looks to pass up Jimmie Foxx, Mickey Mantle, Mike Schmidt, and Reggie Jackson on the all-time list. Factor in his 2,392 hits and, by season’s end, you’ll be looking at just the sixth player to have more than 2,500 hits, 500 doubles, 550 home runs and 1800 RBI. The others: Hank Aaron, Barry Bonds, Willie Mays, Rafael Palmeiro, Frank Robinson, and Babe Ruth.

Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees

Mariano Rivera is 18 saves away from joining Trevor Hoffman as the only two closers with 500 saves. Next on the active list is Billy Wagner with 385. Savor save number 500, baseball fans. It’ll be awhile until we see it again. Saves are tricky to predict because it’s all dependent on how the Yankees fair this season. If you’re curious, Rivera has claimed his 18th save as early as May 29 (in 2004) and as late as August 6 (in 2007).

Gary Sheffield, New York Mets

A major leaguer at 18, Sheffield got off to a quick start by getting his first hit and first home run in the same swing. Now, 498 home runs later, Sheffield is on the cusp of becoming the 25th player to hit 500 long balls. 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.

Randy Johnson, San Francisco Giants

Not since Bonds was knocking on the door of every home run milestone have the Giants had a milestone (or two) to watch for. Randy Johnson brought with him to the Bay a number of things worth noting. First and foremost, “The Big Unit” is five victories away from 300 wins. Only 24 pitchers have accomplished the feat. The closest active pitchers include Jamie Moyer (246), Kenny Rogers (219) and Andy Pettite (215).

And while he hasn’t hit 200 or more strikeouts since 2005, it’s worth mentioning that Johnson is 211 Ks away from becoming the second player to strike out 5000 batters. He won’t touch Nolan Ryan’s record at 5714, but burying his closest active competition in Pedro Martinez (3117) and John Smoltz (3011) has to be a little gratifying.

Also within reach for “Unit,” he is 15 hit-batsmen away from surpassing all-time leader Walter Johnson. He probably won’t get there (he has only 10 in the last two seasons), but passing up Eddie Plank (196) is a possibility. Something tells me that, deep down, Johnson wishes that hit-by-pitch magnet and former teammate Craig Biggio (who, ironically, “Unit” NEVER hit in 16 plate appearances) was still out there swinging a bat.

Metallica, Koko B. Ware and Pedro Martinez walk into a bar...

As Opening Day arrives (and The Hall of Very Good’s Milestone Preview comes to a close), it is important that we acknowledge those superstars that are still out there every day making a difference and, in some cases…looking for their next gig.

On Saturday night, two monumental Hall of Fame inductions went down.

First, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland…wait, Cleveland?!? Anyway…the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland opened its doors to Jeff Beck, Little Anthony & The Imperials, Bobby Womack, Run-DMC and Metallica.

Next, on the eve of Wrestlemania XXV, the WWE welcomed Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, “Cowboy” Bill Watts, Koko B. Ware, Howard Finkel, the Funks, the Von Erichs and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.

I’m not really sure which one is more of an honor or which one rivals the Baseball Hall of Fame, but let’s be honest, now that Koko B. Ware (with his colorful personality, pet bird and no championships) has made it into the WWE Hall of Fame…can Cooperstown throw a bone Ron Santo’s way so I can stop listening to Cubs fans complaining?

Now…on to more pressing issues.

Even with Curt Schilling officially retired, “Pudge” Rodriguez in Houston and Garry Sheffield released by the Tigers and then picked up by the Mets three days later, there are still some big names out on the free agent market that are closing in on some pretty historic numbers.

MOISES ALOU

Tired of the nagging injuries, Moises Alou told the world that, following the recent World Baseball Classic, he was going to be done. Of course, he has yet to make this official.

Should a team take a chance on the 43 year-old slugger (he hit .342 in 102 games for the Mets over the last two seasons), they’ll get a .303 career batting average, just under 2200 career hits and 332 home runs.


JIM EDMONDS

If the eight-time Gold Glove recipient proved anything last year with the Cubs is that he can still play. “Jimmy Baseball” enters 2009 with 382 home runs and no job. Those 382 bombs are more than Hall of Famers Joe DiMaggio, Ralph Kiner and Tony Perez. Edmonds also has a .284 career batting average with five seasons above the .300 mark.

LUIS GONZALEZ

In 2001, “Gonzo” hit .325 with 57 home runs and 142 RBI and led the Diamondbacks to a World Series title. Still serviceable at 41, Gonzalez was an every day player last year for the Marlins and hit .261.

With 354 home runs, it isn’t likely that Gonzalez will get to 400. That being said, he is nine hits from 2600 and 61 RBI from 1500. Only one player that is Hall eligible (Harold Baines) has more than 1500 RBI and has yet to be enshrined in Cooperstown. There are NO Hall eligible players with more doubles than “Gonzo” that have yet to get called to the Hall.


PEDRO MARTINEZ and FRANK THOMAS

It’s pretty safe to say that the world knows the story of both Pedro Martinez and Frank Thomas by now. Alou, Edmonds and Gonzalez…maybe not so much.

Martinez has the lowest ERA among active starters in the Majors and the second most strikeouts. His three Cy Young Awards and pinpoint accuracy make him a legend, yet he is still out there trying to find work.

“The Big Hurt”, on the other hand, has had the quietest off season since he broke into the bigs. With a career batting average of .301, 521 home runs, 1704 RBI and close to 2500 base hits…there is no reason Thomas needs to suit up again as his legacy is locked and loaded.

At 40, Thomas has not set a deadline to decide his future and will wait until the All-Star break before making any other determinations.

So if you go into Opening Day with any thoughts, know that there are still some baseball stories out there that are yet to be completed.

Also...Metallica fought the crusade against Napster (which, let’s face it, was the forerunner to ALL the downloadable mp3 sites out there), yet feel Guitar Hero is a great way to promote themselves.

Allow me to clarify.

basically, they wanted to keep diehard fans away from sharing their music (live shows and what not) online, yet have no issue with 13 year-olds banging away to “For Whom the Bell Tolls” on a plastic “guitar” in their parents living room.

Maybe I’m getting old...here's to a great 2009!

Milestone Preview: National League West

Remember a couple of years back when, trying to mesh with his teammates, Barry Bonds donned a wig, dressed in drag and took part in an American Idol spoof?

Well, here we are, three years and one Taylor Hicks later and outside of the Manny Ramirez sideshow in Los Angeles, I don’t know that I heard much about baseball west of the Rocky Mountains. That being said…we will be.

Ladies and gentleman…your NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST.


ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
Arizona made more news this off season when FORMER Diamondback Curt Schilling called it quits then they did with their own players. Outside of Tom Gordon climbing up the all-time games list (he enters 2009 with 887, but could have easily been up over 1000 had he never toed the rubber as a starter), there isn’t much to watch out for on the milestone front.


COLORADO ROCKIES
The Colorado milestone discussion begins and ends at first base. Outside of a colossal collapse, Todd Helton is a shoe-in to be inducted to the Hall once he retires. The Knoxville native is closing in on 2000 hits (he’s currently at 1957) and, more impressive given he’s only played 10 COMPLETE seasons, he’s within 29 doubles of 500 for his career.

By comparison, Ken Griffey, Jr. and Manny Ramirez are sitting at 503 and 507 respectively. Quietly one of the league’s best since 1998, Helton always brings the fans in Denver something to watch for.


LOS ANGELES DODGERS
Last year, Ramirez came into the season needing 10 home runs to get to 500. This season, Manny comes in with 527 and looks to pass up Jimmie Foxx, Mickey Mantle, Mike Schmidt and Reggie Jackson on the all-time list.

Factor in his 2392 hits and, by season’s end, you’ll be looking at just the sixth player to have more than 2500 hits, 500 doubles, 550 home runs and 1800 RBI! The others: Hank Aaron, Barry Bonds, Willie Mays, Rafael Palmeiro, Frank Robinson and Babe Ruth.

Off the field (or more specifically, in the dugout), manager Joe Torre is 44 wins away from leapfrogging Sparky Anderson (2194) and Bucky Harris (2157) and moving into fifth place on the all-time list.


SAN DIEGO PADRES
Brian Giles entering the season with 1854 hits is about the only thing worth mentioning until All-World pitcher Jack Peavy starts getting more years under his belt.

And yes, I realize that when Giles gets hit number 2000, he’ll have more base knocks than a slew of Hall of Famers (including recent inductee Joe Gordon), but he’ll also have fewer than Ray Durham and Edgar Renteria.

‘nuff said.


SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
Not since Bonds was knocking on the door of every home run milestone have the Giants had a milestone (or two) to watch for. Randy Johnson brought with him to the Bay a number of things worth noting.

First and foremost, “The Big Unit” is five victories away from 300 wins. Only 24 pitchers have accomplished the feat, and after Johnson…Jamie Moyer (246), Kenny Rogers (219) and Andy Pettite (215) are the closest on the active list.

And while he hasn’t hit 200 or more strikeouts since 2005, it’s worth mentioning that Johnson is 211 Ks away from becoming the second player to strike out 5000 batters. He won’t touch Nolan Ryan’s 5714, but burying his closest active competition Pedro Martinez (3117) and John Smoltz (3011) has to be a little gratifying.

Also within reach for “Unit”…he is 15 hit batsmen away from surpassing all-time leader Walter Johnson. He probably won’t get there (he has only 10 in the last two seasons), but passing up Eddie Plank (196) is a possibility. Something tells me that, deep down, Johnson wishes that hit by pitch magnet and former teammate Craig Biggio (who, ironically, “Unit” NEVER hit in 16 plate appearances) was still out there swinging a bat.

So there you have it…all six divisions and a preview of their upcoming milestones.

Check them out here:
American League East
American League Central
American League West
National League East
National League Central

Gary Sheffield is unemployed...now what?

Since 1988, Gary Sheffield and I had little in common.

His uncle is former big league fireballer Dwight Gooden.

Only one of us got away with sporting a jheri curl in the early 90s.

According to internet reports, Gary owns more than 300 pairs of shoes.
I have six.

And up until yesterday morning…we were both gainfully employed.

You see, Gary started his Tuesday just like the rest of you. He woke up, got out of bed and turned on his computer to check to see if The Hall of Very Good updated their Milestone Preview. It was then when he learned that with 499 career home runs, he, Gary Sheffield was released by the Detroit Tigers.

Okay, maybe that’s not EXACTLY how it happened, but one can imagine that after seeing himself let go by six teams over the span of his career, being let go by the seventh, one long ball shy of immortality…he was a taken by surprised.

By all accounts, Sheffield was planning on leaving Lakeland this weekend with a job. Even as the full-time DH, Sheffield was poised to suit up with the Tigers and, with his family in tow, take on the Blue Jays April 6 and become the 25th player to hit 500 home runs.

Unfortunately, that won’t happen.

For the first time since 1989…Gary Sheffield will NOT be part of an Opening Day roster.

So where does this leave the power hitting Sheffield should he never suit up again?

Is the often travelled Tampa native Hall worthy?

Do his numbers make the confusion as to what hat he should don in Cooperstown worth the hassle?

Let’s break it down.

Most impressive are his power numbers. 499 home runs are more than all but 24 members of the Major League fraternity. All but one (Mark McGwire) of the players with more home runs that are Hall eligible are enshrined.

It’s worth pointing out that only Sheffield, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Barry Bonds, Frank Robinson and Reggie Jackson have at least 499 home runs, at least 2500 hits, 1500 RBI and 200 stolen bases.

Eight times, Sheffield topped 30 home runs and in each of those years…he had 100 or more RBI. His 1633 RBI rank him 27th all-time and, unlike with homers, ALL the Hall eligible players ahead of him on the list have their likenesses on a plaque in New York.

Going into 2009, Sheffield was third on the active hits list with 2615 base knocks. Ahead of him on the list are the Hall bound Ken Griffey, Jr. (2680) and Omar Vizquel (2657). It’s safe to say that without a couple of injury plagued seasons, we’d be talking about a guy with close to 3000 hits and 550 home runs.

Actually, we wouldn’t be talking at all. Sheff’s induction to the Hall of Fame would be a no-brainer. As it is…we’re talking longevity and hardware and Sheffield has a resume rife with both.

From his first hit (fittingly a home run) at 19 in 1988 until his last one (a single to left field) last season, Sheffield’s 21 year career was a colorful one.

His longest stint with any team was the time he spent spread over six seasons with the Florida Marlins. His last full season in Miami, 1997, was also the only time he played in (and won) a World Series.

Sheffield played in nine All-Star games and is the only player to have represented five different teams, spanning both leagues. Never an MVP, Sheffield finished in the top three on three different occasions and in the top ten in voting three other times. Like with his All-Star appearances, Sheffield garnered MVP votes with each of the teams he played for except Milwaukee and Detroit.

Sheffield is also the only player to have hit 25 or more home runs with six different teams and five times, he took home the Silver Slugger Award.

But unlike most home run hitters, Sheffield had remarkable control at the plate. He was a free swinger, but he never struck out more than 83 times in a season. By comparison…someone like Sammy Sosa has never struck up LESS than 83 times in a season.

Good friend of The Hall Jeff Montgomery faced Sheffield seven times in his career and held him in check...striking him out twice and only allowing one hit.

“Monty” approached Sheffield like most of the free swinging right handed hitters that liked to drive in runs.

“(I’d) let ‘em get themselves out,” Montgomery said.

“They don’t want the guy standing in the on deck circle to drive in the runs so they are likely to swing at a pitch out of the zone. Slider, slider, slider. All off the plate. If I had to throw a fastball it was above the strike zone. He didn’t miss many mistakes!”

One mistake Sheffield DID make was hanging out with Barry Bonds. It’s said that during a 2001 workout, a trainer applied some infamous cream to Sheffield’s surgically repaired knee.

While Sheffield claims the cream did nothing to strengthen his knee, he was mentioned in the 2007 Mitchell Report as one of the players who had obtained and used steroids.

Controversy aside, if you ask me, Sheffield’s a shoe-in…done or not. And even though he’s been on seven different teams, I’m just not sure if I want to see him in another uniform.

But if you ask Sheffield, he doesn't believe his career is over.

"No," he told The Detroit News. "It ain't close."

Milestone Preview: American League West

The Hall of Very Good is proud to announce what could be the start of great partnership. Dr. Aaron Perlut, Chairman of the Board of the American Mustache Institute will be on board from now until the foreseeable future to lend his expertise and commentary to all things mustache.

Perlut has been championing mustaches since the age of seven and is completing a certification in the acclaimed Nuclear Mustacheology program at the Richmond, Virginia-based ITT Technical College’s Medical Wing. He's also been steadfast in building a life foundation focused on fighting for those like him...Mustached Americans who’s only care was to be treated and accepted as other non-mustached Americans.

Last July, Perlut and the American Mustache Institute gained national attention with their endorsement of the THEN wonderfully mustachioed Jason Giambi to be voted to the All-Star team.

It is no coincidence that after Giambi shaved off the ‘stache, he upset the Yankee Gods (including Don Mattingly, Thurman Munson and Goose Gossage among others), found himself unsigned for 2009 and banished to the AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST.


LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHEIM
What jumps off the page first when looking at Angels this season is not that they have the longest team name in baseball…it’s the way that they just seem to continue to win.

At the forefront of that winning is manager Mike Scioscia. Scioscia has 803 wins in his nine seasons (an average of 89 per year) and could end this season with the highest winning percentage among active managers. Braves skipper Bobby Cox is sitting at .557…Scioscia is not far behind at .551.

All-World rightfielder Vladimir Guerrero is continuing his assault on immortality this season as well. “The Impaler” is only eight home runs from 400 (he should surpass that sometime before Mother’s Day) and if he gets 25 this season…he’ll have 25 or better in each of the last 12 years.

Also worth mentioning, Guerrero has yet to hit below .300 in a season. With a .323 career batting average, he is fourth behind Albert Pujols (.334), Ichiro (.331) and Todd Helton (.328) on the active list.

In a few more seasons, we’ll be talking about Vlad as a 500 homer, 3000 hit guy.


OAKLAND ATHLETICS
Making his way back to Oakland, and therefore making the Athletics relevant to the Milestone Tracker is the afore mentioned Jason Giambi.

This season, Giambi is hoping to regain his pre-Yankees (and steroid aided) form as he continues his march to and past 400 home runs. He’ll start this season with 396 dingers and will more than likely surpass 400 by mid-April.

It remains to be seen if “Giambino” will enter the season mustached or not. As Perlut would be quick to point out…Giambi hit 100 points higher WITH the lip sweater. So growing it back is obviously something to consider.


SEATTLE MARINERS
While they are not picked by many to compete, the Mariners will be exciting to watch if only to see Ken Griffey, Jr. and Ichiro cement their place in history.

It’s not likely that “Junior” will get to his fourteenth All-Star game or bring home his eleventh Gold Glove, but Griffey enters 2009 as the active leader in hits (2680), runs (1612), home runs (611), RBI (1772) assuming Frank Thomas is done…runs created (1934).

As far as true milestones, all Griffey has in his sites is surpassing Hall of Famers Frank Robinson (1812), Dave Winfield (1833), Ted Williams (1839) and Carl Yastrzemski (1844) to move into twelfth place all-time on the RBI leaderboard.

Last season, Ichiro became the youngest player to notch 3000 hits…1278 while playing in Japan and 1805 in Seattle. If Ichiro gets 200 hits and 100 runs this season, he’ll pass Willie Keeler and Lou Gehrig with having the most (nine) seasons with more than 200 hits and 100 runs.

As it is…he’s the only Major Leaguer to start his career with eight straight seasons of 200 hits, 100 runs and a batting average of .300 or more.

And if Ichiro at the plate isn’t enough to keep an eye on, he also started his career with eight straight Gold Gloves and All-Star appearances.


TEXAS RANGERS
Josh Hamilton exploded onto the scene last year in a big way, but it is a couple of lower profile Rangers (Omar Vizquel and Andruw Jones) that are approaching milestones.

Vizquel is on top of the active list for games played (2680) and at bats (9745) and second (behind former teammate Griffey, Jr.) on the hits list. And it isn’t likely that he’ll be able to surpass him, but “Sheik Omar’s” 11 Gold Gloves puts him behind only Ozzie Smith’s 13 on the Gold Glove tally board.

Jones has gone from perennial MVP candidate to MIA in the last couple of years and it is not likely that the his latest change of scenery will help. As it is, he’s only 31 and sitting at 371 home runs and while it is not likely…getting to 400 home runs this season is not entirely out of the question.

Of course, he’ll have to improve on that abysmal three home run output from last season.

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