Not Living Up to the Hype

The 2006 draft featured several players who have accumulated their fair share of accolades. Tim Lincecum drafted 10th overall won back to back Cy Young Awards in 2008 and 2009 along with World Series victories in 2010 and 2012. Clayton Kershaw was selected 7th overall and has Cy Young awards for the 2011 and 2013 season. Max Scherzer was selected 11th overall and won the 2013 Cy Young Award. Finally third baseman Evan Longoria was drafted 3rd overall and has appeared in 3 All Star Games, won the 2008 Rookie of the Year Award and 2 Gold Glove Awards. These players are definitely living up to their hype, but who was drafted first overall in the 2006 draft?

Luke Hochevar

Luke Hochevar was drafted first overall in the 2006 draft and signed with the Kansas City Royals for 4 years $5.3 Million. From 2008-2012 Hochevar pitched 758 innings to a 5.45 ERA. In 128 games pitched Hochevar started 127 games. His ERA never dropped below 4.68 and his WHIP over that time period was 1.407. Hochevar was nothing short of a disappointment for the Royals from 2008-2012, but the tides did shift in 2013.

Hochevar was moved to the bullpen in 2013 and found much success for the Kansas City Royals. We saw Tim Lincecum find a lot of success out of the bullpen for the San Francisco Giants in the 2012 playoffs. Hochevar pitched 70 innings in 2013 all out of the bullpen totaling 58 total appearances.  Hochevar's ERA dropped dramatically to the lowest it has ever been; 1.92. Hochevar did total 82 strikeouts over season also reaching 10.5 K/9 the highest of his career. His H/9 and BB/9 also dropped to his career best.

The chance for Hochevar to be as successful as the other players drafted in the 2006 draft has past, but he is definitely rising to the occasion as he begins to work out of the bullpen for the Royals. Along with several other critical arms in the Royals rotation and bullpen, Luke Hochaver may finally live up to some of his hype.

Clayton Kershaw signs record setting extension

Clayton Kershaw has agreed to a 7 year $215 Million extension with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The $30.7 Million annual salary is the highest for any player ever. The overall value of the contract is the greatest for any pitcher. Kershaw must have really wanted to stay with the Dodgers because I am certain he would have been offered a 10 year contract for greater or equal average annual value.

Clayton Kershaw and Sandy Koufax

Kershaw has been the definition of masterful. In his first five full seasons Kershaw has a 2.43 ERA in 1072 innings pitched. That ERA is the lowest for any starting pitcher in the live ball ERA. If you include his rookie season his ERA goes up just to 2.60, still the lowest of all time for a starting pitcher.

The contract includes an opt out clause where he can become a free agent at age 30, but if he does not use that option, the contract will carry him through just his age 32 season. Kershaw may be looking at an even larger contract if he continues to put up monstrous numbers. In 2013 he put up the first season with a sub 2 ERA from a starting pitcher since Roger Clemens in 2005 and Pedro Martinez in 2000.

Kershaw has drawn comparisons to Sandy Koufax and is most definitely something special. Just imagine the contract Koufax would have been offered today.

Anthony Bosch Interviewed on 60 Minutes

Last night Anthony Bosch, the man who sold and administered performance enhancing drugs to many Major League Baseball players, spoke out on CBS. The statements that Bosch made were eye opening and more than surprising as it appears the A-Rod situation is much more than everyone suspects. If all of what Bosch said was valid and true, Alex Rodriguez is likely to never play in another game in Major League Baseball. To watch the interview click the following link: The Interview Regarding Alex. The second part of the interview is just beneath the first on the right hand side of the page. It is important that you watch the second part if you watched the first. I strongly advise if you have not seen both parts the interview you do watch them, so you can form your own opinion and are not mislead by my words.

In the first part of the interview (The first link) Bosch mentions all of the types of drugs he issued Alex Rodriguez. The part most surprising to me, and that really put the nail in the coffin for me was the fact that Alex Rodriguez had these gummies given to him by Bosch. These gummies would be taken just before a game and have enough dosage of a performance enhancing drug to get A-Rod through a game and if there were a surprise drug test after a game he would test negative.  This means that Alex had these performance enhancing drugs in the locker room and in the dugout, around other players, opening taking them, without anyone knowing. Bosch taught Alex how to pass urine tests, Bosch studied how long these drugs would stay in his system and even administered a blood test in a bathroom stall in a Miami club.

Regarding the second part of the interview (Second link), Alex Rodriguez may be facing much greater penalties. Bosch mentioned that when the news about Biogenesis broke out that Alex Rodriguez's people came to him and were willing to pay him money to move to Columbia for a period of time and stay under the radar. Bosch refused to go along with this scheme. Perhaps the greatest concern that came up during the interview would be a text message sent to Bosch's girlfriend, which basically said Bosch will not live to see the end of the year. The sender of this message is a known associate of Alex Rodriguez, confirmed by a member of MLB HQ. Even if Bosch is lying completely, making a statement such as that on national television and having it confirmed is a very very bold statement.

All of this is groundbreaking if and only if Bosch is telling the truth. The evidence does support Bosch's argument and it all does make sense, but anything is possible. Bosch may be a shady character because he as expressed by interviewer Scott Pelley "Is a troubled man." Bosch has had trouble with alcohol and smokes much. Additionally Bosch initially refused to cooperate with Major League Baseball and insisted he was only a nutritionist and had no connection with any of the players mentioned in the scandal.
 

Alex Rodriguez Suspended 162 Games

It was finally announced that Alex Rodriguez will be suspended 162 games and the 2014 playoffs. Rodriguez's original suspension was for 211 games, but after a long and strenuous revision and tons of law stuff I don't completely understand, the suspension was reduced to 162 games.

Rodriguez released a statement saying that he plans to bring the case to federal court and fight for his justice because he feels as if he was treated unfairly. I can agree and disagree that A-Rod was treated unfairly because this is the longest suspension of all time, and Alex never failed a drug test. The other players associated with Biogenesis received 50 game suspensions, and Ryan Braun received a 65 game suspension. A-Rod may bring the case to federal court, but looking in the past, the verdict is not usually changed.

Alex Rodriguez is a good man off the field and is just like any other father or friend. I grew up watching A-Rod without the slightest bit of knowledge that he was taking performance enhancing drugs. When reports came out that he did, and when Alex admitted it, he disappointed me along with millions of other fans, young and old. The little bit of hope I had for when he came to the plate turned into a feeling of burden and expectancy of a strikeout.

With the suspension of Alex Rodriguez the Yankees save roughly $25-$27 Million. This money can be used to fill several holes present on their team. Michael Young and Mark Reynolds have been named fluttering around to fill the hole at third base, Masahiro Tanaka becomes even more realistic to be a member of the Yankees, and perhaps Andrew Bailey or Grant Balfour can top out the Yankees'  bullpen.

At the end of the day, Alex Rodriguez is suspended and will not contribute in 2014. Whether you like the decision or not, Major League Baseball has set a much needed example. I hope this gets to many players and they do not take performance enhancing drugs, because the game is better without them. Baseball is a game where you can be any size and succeed, lets keep it that way.

Best and Worst Move of the Off season ... So Far

This off season has featured many moves including block buster trades and mega signings. Although the team making the moves may think they are making the right decision, some moves just don't make much sense. Here are the top three best and worst moves of the off season ... so far.

Best Moves:

3. Yankees sign Brian McCann to a 5 year $85 Million contract. This is a great deal for the Yankees because in since the days when Posada was the catcher in 2010, the Yankees have gotten very little production from the catchers position. In 2013, Chris Stewart and Austin Romine split the time behind the plate and had about a 55 OPS+. By signing the 4th best catcher in the MLB, McCann brings a significant upgrade at a dire position.

2. Nationals trade Steve Lombardozi, Ian Krol, and Robby Ray to the Tigers for Doug Fister. The Nationals were not going to resign their fourth starter, Dan Haren, so instead of spending big money on the free agent market, they went out and acquired a well respected pitcher. Fister will be 30 in February and will be a free agent in 2016. The Nationals have control of Fister for 2 seasons and he helps make one of the best rotations in baseball. By getting a number four starter who pitches to a 116 ERA+, and eats a lot of innings, the Nationals made a great move.

Fielder and his sons

1. Rangers acquire Prince Fielder and cash from the Tigers for Ian Kinsler. The Rangers needed to trade one of their infielders due a surplus and a desire to have Jurickson Profar start, and they also needed a first baseman. The Rangers accomplished both of those needs in one trade. They get rid of an average overrated second baseman in Kinsler and get one of the most durable, consistent, and powerful first basemen in the MLB. To make the deal even better for the Rangers, they get $30 Million in the trade as well. Fielder has missed just 1 game in the past 5 seasons, and the Tigers will pay $6 Million each year from 2016-2020 to make the Rangers only pay $18 Million those seasons. Fielder is also going to be 30 in May, 2 years younger than Kinsler.

Worst Moves:

3. The Phillies sign Roberto Hernandez to a 1 year $4.5 Million deal. This move is more in the category of highly unnecessary. Roberto Hernandez, formally known as Fausto Carmona, has found only the slightest bit of success at the Major League level in 2006 and 2010 with 3.06 and a 3.77 ERA respectively. Herandez will be 34 in August, pitched just 14 innings in 2012, and pitched to a 4.89 ERA in 2013. The Phillies are trying to get rid of payroll. They have tossed around the idea of trading Papelbon, Cliff Lee, and even Jimmy Rollins, but yet they go out and sign a 34 year old pitcher who is drastically set up to fail for $4.5 Million.

2. The Tigers trade Doug Fister to the Nationals for Steve Lombardozi, Ian Krol, and Robby Ray. Although this was a great trade for the Nationals, it was a horrific trade for the Tigers. Why would they trade a pitcher due to make less than $10 Million, under team control until 2016, and who has been successful the past few seasons? The Tigers traded for Ian Kinsler so they didn't desperately need a second baseman because they weren't going to resign Infante. Ian Krol is a 22 year old left handed relief pitcher, but they have Phil Coke in their bullpen, and Joe Nathan as their closer. The Tigers rotation took a blow because it was deep, but now following  Verlander, Scherzer, and Sanchez is Rick Porcello and Drew Smyly.

Robinson Cano

1. The Mariners sign Robinson Cano to a 10 year $240 Million contract. This is an incredibly stupid
move because the Mariners do not have any other significant players in their lineup. Kyle Seager has found success, but not enough to strike fear into pitchers facing Cano and Seager. Jesus Montero was supposed to come through as big offensive player, but did not and eventually got suspended. The Mariners went off to sign Corey Hart, but he is coming off a significant injury and even if he returns to his All Star form the Seattle Mariners still do not appear as an offensive threat. Cano's contract will carry him through his age 40 season which could mean trouble because Cano is a second baseman, as he gets old he will most likely need to shift position. The Mariners have a great two players to build around now (Cano and Hernandez), but much more will need to be added to compete in the AL West.
       

Hall of Fame Inductees

This year's Hall of Fame ballot was jam packed with All Stars, MVPs, Cy Young Award winners, Gold Glovers, and five tool players, but only three players made the hall this year.

Left to Right: Larussa, Torre, Cox

Three inductees made it in as managers, they were the leaders of dynasties: Joe Torre, Bobby Cox, and Tony Larussa. Toree led the Yankees through some of their most successful seasons winning 4 World Series titles in a 5 year period. Bobby Cox managed the Braves through the years and led the team to a World Series in 1995, but has the 4th most wins as a manager in history. Tony Larussa is known for being the manager of the Cardinals and leading them to World Series victories in 2006 and 2011. All three managers are well respected and definitely deserve their position in the Hall of Fame.  

Now for the reveal of this years Hall of Fame inductees. With 75% of the total vote three players made it in to they Hall of Fame. These greats are Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and Frank Thomas.

Tom Glavine (left) and Greg Maddux (Right)

Maddux's 355 career wins, 3.16 ERA, 3371 strikeouts, 4 consecutive Cy Young Awards, and his overall greatness make him not only the best pitcher of generation, but perhaps one of the greatest pitchers of all time, and one of the best in the Hall of Fame. He deserves his position in the Hall of Fame.

Glavine was a teammate of Maddux for 10 seasons and they were one of the most devastating duo's for those 10 years. His 305 wins, 2607 strikeouts, 2 Cy Young Awards, and career 3.54 are absolutley fantastic, but Glavine really shined when it meant most. 14 post season wins with a 3.30 ERA in the clutch probably sealed the deal for Glavine to get in on his first ballot. It is only appropriate that he and Maddux are entered along with Bobby Cox.

Frank Thomas

Spending 16 seasons with the Chicago White Sox Frank Thomas, also known as The Big Hurt, put him ridiculous numbers. The two time MVP posted 521 home runs over the course of his career, along with .301 batting average and a staggering .419 on base percentage. Thomas struck not only the ball but fear into the pitchers that faced him.

As for Jack Morris, he has failed to get into the Hall of Fame, but will probably be considered by the veterans committee. Craig Biggio missed being inducted by less than 1%, so he and his 3000 hits will have to wait, he will almost certainly be inducted next season. Mike Piazza improved on his percentage, but he may take more than one more season to make the Hall of Fame.

Franchise Faces

Who is the face of your franchise? The following list is every team followed by the face of the franchise, in my opinion. The face of the franchise is not always the best player. And the face seems to change from season to season.

Derek Jeter

Baltimore Orioles - Adam Jones

Boston Red Sox - Dustin Pedroia

New York Yankees - Derek Jeter

Tampa Bay Rays - Evan Longoria

Toronto Blue Jays - Jose Bautista

David Wright

Atlanta Braves - Jayson Heyward

Miami Marlins - Giancarlo Stanton

Philadelphia Phillies - Chase Utley

New York Mets - David Wright

Washington Nationals - Bryce Harper

Joe Mauer

Chicago White Sox - Paul Konerko

Cleveland Indians - Nick Swisher

Detroit Tigers - Justin Verlander

Kansas City Royals - Billy Butler

Minnesota Twins - Joe Mauer

Andrew McCutchen

Chicago Cubs - Anthony Rizzo

Cincinnati Reds - Joey Votto

Milwaukee Brewers - Ryan Braun

Pittsburgh Pirates - Andrew McCutchen

St. Louis Cardinals - Yadier Molina

Mike Trout

Houston Astros - Jose Altuve

Los Angeles Angels - Mike Trout

Oakland Athletics - Yoennis Cespedes

Seattle Mariners - Felix Hernandez

Texas Rangers - Yu Darvish

Clayton Kershaw 

Arizona Diamondbacks - Paul Goldschmitt

Colorado Rockies - Troy Tulowitzki

Los Angeles Dodgers - Clayton Kershaw

San Diego Padres - Houston Street

San Francisco Giants - Buster Posey