Does Matt Kemp deserve a multi-year contract posted by Marc Miller

Matt Kemp is coming off the best year of his very young career and the Dodgers higher ups are unsure of whether to offer a multi-year contract.  This makes no sense to anyone who follows the Dodgers.  Matt Kemp has been in the majors for 4 years now, every year his numbers have improved greatly.  Just a few examples between his 2008 and 2009 seasons; He had 606 at bats in each year, and across the boards his numbers improved.  4 more runs, 4 more hits, 2 more triples, 12 more home runs, 25 more RBI’s, 19 more total bases.  Then for those of us who felt like every time he was at the plate he struck out, ( I know I was mad when he did) he actually improved his numbers from the previous year by 14.  I know most of the numbers aren’t a huge difference but there is a clear difference at the same time.  Matt Kemp improved throughout the season, and his defense was unstoppable.  He made very few mistakes throughout the year, in fact it was so few that he was recognized as one of the top outfielders in the National league and was awarded a Gold Glove.  On top of that he also got Silver Slugger honors which shows the improvements he made.  I think that the numbers alone,  with his leadership improvements should be recognized as enough to come to terms with a long term contract.

Run production and slugging: not always hand in hand posted by David

While researching ballplayers of the nineties, I discovered that in 1993, Jeff King of the Pirates drove in 98 runs while hitting only nine home runs and slugging just .406.  I then wondered if any player has ever driven in 100 runs with fewer than 10 homers or with a slugging percentage under .400.  Upon further investigation, I found that in 1996 – the year he turned 40 during the Dog Days of August – Paul Molitor hit just nine homers but accumulated 113 RBI’s while playing for the Twins.  Thanks to his American League-leading 225 hits and batting two hitters behind leadoff man Chuck Knoblauch in the midst of his best season (.448 OBP), Molitor led the Twins in both hitting (.341) and Runs Batted In.  I have yet to find a player with a season of 100+ RBI’s despite a slugging percentage under .400 (Molitor’s was a healthy .468), but I will continue searching.

How ‘bout that?

How about Roy Halladay?  In a classy move following his trade to the Phillies, Halladay wrote an open letter to Blue Jays fans in a full-page ad in the Toronto Sun, thanking them for their “overwhelming passion and devotion.”  Halladay, the longest-tenured member of the Jays, will remain in the team record books for quite some time.  He is second to Dave Stieb in wins by a Blue Jays pitcher with 148, and during his big-league career, which began in 1998, he represented the Jays in six All-Star games, came within one out of a no-hitter in his second major league start, and set a single-season franchise record with 22 wins in 2003, when he won the Cy Young Award.  He also threw 49 Complete Games, including 15 shutouts, good for third and second, respectively, in Blue Jays history.  Halladay’s good-bye makes me feel good as a baseball fan.

Phillies take a Halladay posted by David

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

Mauer wins Triple Crown in my book

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

Granderson to patrol center in the Bronx

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

"Tim Lincecum Captures Second Cy Young" posted by Michael McGauley

 Just sheer domination that didn't necessarily show up in the win column! Fifteen victories equals a Cy Young?  Let's look at ALL of the numbers to really appreciate how great Tim Lincecum has been through his first two-full seasons with the Giants (he did throw 146-plus innings in 24 starts in 2007). Back-to-back Cy Young Awards do not come around very often (see: N.L. stand-outs RJ and Maddux, each with four straight, and Sandy Koufax with three of four; Clemens, Palmer, McClain, and Pedro each went back-to-back in the A.L. ([Clemens did it twice; ten years apart]). The difference? Lincecum has done it twice in two full years by the age of 25! So how do you follow up a CY YOUNG AWARD WINNING SEASON??? You work even harder to improve (by perfecting a third pitch), and that's exactly what Lincecum did after winning his first CY in 2008 with an 18-and-5 record, and 265 strikeouts in 227 innings. Lincecum worked 225 and one-third innings this year, and went 15-and-7 with 261 strikeouts. No, that doesn't sound any better until we delve deeper. Check this out - in roughly the same number of innings pitched, Lincecum allowed fourteen fewer hits (182 down to 168); sixteen fewer walks (84 to 68); four fewer earned runs (66 to 62), and an opponent's batting average of .206, down from .221 in '08. He also doubled his complete games (up to four); doubled his shutouts (two); lowered his ERA (2.48 from 2.62), and his WHIP (1.05 from 1.17). That is thirty fewer base runners which is certainly reflected in his walks- and hits-to-innings-pitched. Among his many double-digit strikeout performances this season, I was fortunate enough to see Lincecum dust 15 Pirates in a complete game victory on a Monday night in late July. Just unbelievable, even if it Continue reading ""Tim Lincecum Captures Second Cy Young""

Did you say you played for the Dodgers? Or was it the Phillies? posted by David

In the National League Championship Series, fans of both teams saw familiar faces wearing the opponent’s uniform.  Dodgers Jim Thome, Vicente Padilla, and Randy Wolf used to play their home games in the City of Brotherly Love, while Phillies Jayson Werth, Pedro Martinez, Chan Ho Park, and Paul Bako once upon a time bled Dodger Blue.

Both the Philadelphia and Los Angeles coaching staffs have ties to their LCS rivals as well.  Philly first base coach Davey Lopes played for the Dodgers for 10 years (1972-1981), while his counterpart, Dodgers first base coach Mariano Duncan, played for the Phillies from 1992 to 1995.  Taking the cake is L.A. third base coach Larry Bowa, who played in Philadelphia from 1970 until 1981 and managed the Phils for four seasons (2001-2004) before being replaced by current Phillies manager Charlie Manuel, who had a brief stint with the Dodgers in 1974 and 1975.

How ‘bout that?

How about CC Sabathia?  After leading the Yankees to victory in their playoff opener against the Twins, CC has brought his A-game to the park in the second round.  In Game 1 of the ALCS, Sabathia threw eight innings, giving up one run on four hits while striking out seven and walking just one, leading the team to a 4-1 victory over the Angels.  He followed that up with another eight-inning, one-run performance on short rest in Game 4 to give the Yankees a 3-1 series lead.  If the Halos win tomorrow night to force a Game 7, CC will take the hill one more time in an attempt to carry his teammates into the World Series.

Manny Ramirez is not a Hall of Famer posted by Colin Linneweber

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez was showering when Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins hit a double to win Game Four of the NLCS 5-4 Monday at Dodger Stadium.

“I was taking a shower,” said Ramirez, 37, a 12-time All-Star selection and nine-time Silver Slugger Award winner. “I came out and saw it on television. Then everybody started coming in and they turned the television off.”

Dodgers Manager Joe Torre decided to remove Ramirez from the outfield for defensive replacement Juan Pierre in the ninth inning.

Torre, who has inexplicably become friendly with his star hitter, admitted that Ramirez should not have deserted his teammates in such a crucial moment of the season.

“It probably doesn’t look good,” Torre said.

Manny Ramirez is one of the greatest hitters in the history of the sport of baseball.

Ramirez is a career .313 hitter and he has amassed 546 home runs and 1788 RBI since he made his Major League debut in September of 1993 for the Cleveland Indians.

Additionally, Ramirez helped the Boston Red Sox win two World Series championships in the 2004 and 2007 seasons.

In the Red Sox 2004 championship triumph over the St. Louis Cardinals, Ramirez was deservedly granted the World Series MVP Award.

However, despite his litany of accomplishments on the diamond, Manny Ramirez is a pathetic teammate and he epitomizes everything that is wrong with sports today.

Ramirez’s poor actions have been well documented and they are often excused as simply “Manny Being Manny.”

9th Inning Heroics Highlight MLB Playoffs posted by richard Kagan

After the Los Angeles Angel's escape act in Fenway Park the other night, didn't figure to see almost a replica of Philadelphia's big rally in the 9th with two outs versus Colorado.  As Yogi said, "It ain't over till it's over."  And, that is the truth.  That is the magic of baseball.  You can be one strike from going home, but manage to put a man on base, and another, then someone comes up with a big hit, like Ryan Howard of the Phillies did a few days ago.  And Jason Werth drove him home with a neatly placed single to right field. That was some hitting.  That rally silenced the white flag fans in chilly Denver. But the Rockies' ride is over and the Phils try for a repeat over the stubborn Los Angeles Dodgers, who refuse to lose. 

The Angels - Yankee Series will be a test of wills. It will come down to a matter of execution.  Who will drive in a run with two outs and a man on second?  Who will make a heads up base-running play?  What pitching staff will have good outings from their starters?  Then there's always A-rod who is hot as the 4th of July.  It is nice to see a player who is great, perform that way in the post-season.  No matter what one thinks of A-rod, he is a supremely talented power hitter.  It's him and then there's everyone else.  Look for Yankees in 6 games.

The Phillies-Dodgers series will depend upon LA silencing the bats of Philadephia.  No team has done that so far, if LA does, they deserve to be in the World Series.  Look for Phillies in 6 games. 

Barmes' Unbelievable Catch - Was It Real? posted by Debbie Donner

Of course we all know by now that Barmes' unbelievable catch was just that. More of an acting job than catching. To his credit, he did make an outstanding defensive play, getting two outs off the pop-up by Cardinals outfielder Ryan Ludwick, that would have otherwise tied the game.  Seeing this catch brought back bad memories from two years ago, when the Rockies beat the Padres in a tie-breaker game for a play-off spot, because of a bad call at home plate.  Did Holliday really touch home plate or not?  I think not, after they showed the play over and over again.  Those dang Rockies are always gettin' lucky.  I'm real close to rooting for the Dodgers in this last series coming up between them and the Rockies.  The bad call at home plate from two years ago just stings too much still.  So what do you think?  Should the MLB use instant-replay challenges like they do in the NFL? At least during post-season games? Hmmm.

The past two days were thoroughly enjoyable though, watching the Padres take both games against the Dodgers.  Another great finish by the Pads late-inning pitchers.  If they should end up losing Heath Bell to another team next season, Gregerson has my vote as the Padres' next closer.  Or Adams if he can stay healthy.  With Clayton Richard's one-hit shutout and Kouz's three-run shot, the Padres made sure the Dodgers are going to have to work for the NL West title.  I'm not sure what's been going on with the Dodgers lately, losing six of their last ten games.  They went so strong all season I think maybe they're spent.  Or maybe Manny's hair is just too long now.  I think it's getting in his way.  Vin Scully even noticed it last night too.  Maybe if Manny would cut his dreads it might change the bad mojo.  Just a thought.

"Giants Begin Final Home Stand of the Season" posted by Michael McGauley

   It's hard to believe only 10 games remain in the regular season for the Giants, trailing Colorado by four games in the N.L. Wild Card race.  Although it's still mathematically possible, I just think these guys are collectively gassed (mentally and physically).  Even if everything goes their way between now at the finish line, who wants to watch a three-game sweep at the hands of the Dodgers or Phillies.  Is it still best-of-five in the first round? Hey, no one expected them to contend this late into the season -  it's been an entertaining product despite a frustrating lack of offense.  All I can say is just 10 more days of Randy Winn, Fred Lewis, and Dave Roberts' expiring contract -- good bye, and good luck to you all.   The starting rotation, considered the strength of this team all season, has really struggled in this last turn through the rotation. There has been no one to jump in and be the stopper this time around. Jonathan Sanchez was the first starter since Matt Cain (6 IP on September 16th), to go more than five-innings, when he got the win Wednesday night over the D-Backs. Let's review this unfortunate little streak, but at the same time, realize they went 2-and-3 during this stretch: Cain - 2-and-a-third Tuesday (vs Az)Zito - 4-and-a-third Monday (vs Az)Lincecum - 4-innings Sunday (vs. L.A.)Penny - 2-and-two-thirds Saturday (vs. L.A.)Sanchez - 4-and-a-third Friday (vs L.A.)    I would say short of Brad Penny getting too hyped-up with too much to prove against the Dodgers, theContinue reading ""Giants Begin Final Home Stand of the Season""

"Giants Limp out of L.A., Dropping Two of Three; Head to Arizona" posted by Michael McGauley

  As an optimistic Giants' fan, I must say I've enjoyed THIS season more than any in recent memory.  The hopes of reaching the play-offs as a wild card still intrigue me; however, I know a lot of things would have to go our way in order to make that happen. First, the Rockies need to go on a nice, long losing streak, but that probably won't happen.  We can only control our next series, and that lies in Arizona.  Fortunately, Danny Haren pitched Sunday, so we won't have to deal with him.  Doug Davis going up against Barry Zito tonight.    But let's look at this rationally for a moment.  Last year: 72 wins....This year: 80 wins with a couple of weeks still to go. Seven more wins possible?  That would be 87 wins for the year, and a 15-game improvement from last year.  I know it's not the play-offs, but we're getting up off the mat - I think that's clear.  Look at the youth we can look forward to infusing into this roster in 2010:  Bumgarner, Runzler, Joaquin, Posey, Burriss, Torres (two HR's Sunday), Schierholtz.  A healthy Freddy Sanchez everyday?  A couple of free agent additions. Maybe trade Jonathan Sanchez or, gulp, Matt Cain, for a legit bat?  Goodbye to weak-hitting outfielders Randy Winn and "Fresno" Freddy Lewis?  I'm liking this direction.          Let me say that I felt realllllly good after Friday night's win; knowing that Penny (big chip on his shoulder), and Lincecum (always with a chip on his shoulder) would take Continue reading ""Giants Limp out of L.A., Dropping ..."

Long-time Dodgers CF Willie Davis found dead

Willie Davis, the Los Angeles Dodgers' speedy center fielder for 13seasons, has died. He was 69. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for MLB

Anderson agrees to minor league deal with Dodgers

Garret Anderson agreed Wednesday to a minor league contract withthe Los Angeles Dodgers and was invited to major league springtraining. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for MLB

Dodgers reach deal with 2003 NL Cy Young winner Gagne

Former NL Cy Young Award winner Eric Gagne has agreed to a minorleague contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers and would receive a$500,000, one-year contract if added to the 40-man roster. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for MLB