Time for the Red Sox update.
As we all know, Johan Santana is heading to New York to become a Met.
I was looking forward to having the best one-two pitching punch in the majors, but life will go on.
My message to all you fellow Sox fans is to not be sad.
The Red Sox got to keep their farm system intact while keeping Johan away from the Yankees. We didn't have to give up Ellsbury or Lester and we did not need to give up $150 million to sign Santana.
It was really a win-win situation for the Sox, even though we didn't get Santana.
The Providence Journal really summed it all up with the headline, "Sox Fans Shedding Few Tears."
Many Twins fans are complaining that they could have gotten Jacoby Ellsbury. They should be complaining. Ellsbury is going to be a star one day, while some of the prospects that the Twins recieved were not top caliber.
Remember, if you are ever feeling sad that we didn't get Santana, just remember that the Yankees didn't get him either and that should bring a smile to your face.
With all the Santana pandemonium, I did not have time to write about the Sox' new acquisition. The Sox picked up David Aardsma from the White Sox for two class-A pitchers, Willy Mota and Miguel Socolovich.
Aardsma started the season last year with a 1.31 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 20 1/3 innings pitched. Aardsma led American Leauge relievers with 23 strikeouts in April.
Aardsma struggled the last half of the season as his ERA rose to 6.32. Aardsma was called down to Triple A Charlotte.
All in all, this was a great way to strengthen up the Red Sox bullpen.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Dissecting the Johan Santana Trade: Part One
If you've been anywhere near a baseball program or website, you would know that Johan Santana of the Minnesota Twins has been traded to the New York Mets in return for four prospects.
Dissecting this trade is no easy accomplishment—but I'm up to the task.
Let's begin with the four prospects the Mets traded to Minnesota: Carlos Gomez, Phil Humber, Deolis Guerra, and Kevin Mulvey.
Carlos Gomez played only 58 games with the New York Mets in 2007. He batted .232 with two HR, 12 RBI, 14 runs and 12 steals. A .232 BA is very impressive for a rookie at a major-leauge level. However, it is apparent that Gomez is not a power hitter. Although he is only 22, two HR in 58 games is not top-caliber for a rookie.
12 RBI over 58 games is an average number for a rookie the size and age of Gomez. 14 runs are also a solid stat for a rookie, as it shows that Gomez has solid baserunning skills and solid speed. His 12 SB is also very impressive, showing how speedy Gomez really is.
In all, Gomez is a solid top prospect who will get better with age.
Phil Humber was a stud at Rice University, and was the third overall pick in the draft by the New York Mets. Humber posted mediocre numbers in high A ball, where he kept his ERA slightly below five. In AA, he had an ERA of 4.27. In three appearances with the Mets in 2007, Humber posted an ERA of 7.71, struck out two, and walked two.
These are definitely mediocre stats when compared with other "top prospects." Humber was not the best choice for the Twins.
Deolis Guerra, only 18 years old, pitched for the High A St. Lucie team. In 21 games with St. Lucie, Guerra pitched 81 innings, giving up 80 hits, 40 ER, 9 HR, 25 BB, 66 K for two wins and six losses. He posted a 4.01 ERA and a 1.171 WHIP.
Guerra is a very young but talented individual. In 89 innings, he only gave up 80 hits. That is a very impressive stat. Guerra also gave up only 40 earned runs which is also impressive. A big stat that really popped out at me was the nine HR allowed. Over 89 innings, giving up just nine HR is top caliber. His 66 Ks also show that Guerra has some good stuff.
All in all, Guerra has a boatload of potential. This kid could be a very good Major League pitcher someday. But for now, he will have no immediate impact.
The last player shipped to Minnesota was Kevin Mulvey. Mulvey was the 62nd pick out of Villanova by the Mets. Mulvey posted an 11-10 record in AA. Mulvey also posted a 3.32 ERA, a very impressive stat. In 151 innings, Mulvey only allowed four HR, 145 H and 43 BB along with 110 K.
These are very good stats. Only four HR allowed is great and the 110 Ks is very impressive. Mulvey even started a game in AAA. Mulvey is getting better and better, and he could one day take Johan Santana's famed spot in the Twins' rotation.
Johan Santana is a man who every baseball fan has heard of. Arguably the best pitcher in baseball, Johan has posted 93 wins in his first years with the Twins. He has won two Cy Young awards. Johan went 15-13 with the Twins last season, and posted a 3.33 ERA. These are mediocre numbers for Santana, who he has been the top pitcher in the last four years
Santana is a true stud. The Mets have landed Johan at the height of his career.
That is part one of dissecting the Johan Santana trade. I have summarized every individual dealt in the trade. Part two will come shortly.
Dissecting this trade is no easy accomplishment—but I'm up to the task.
Let's begin with the four prospects the Mets traded to Minnesota: Carlos Gomez, Phil Humber, Deolis Guerra, and Kevin Mulvey.
Carlos Gomez played only 58 games with the New York Mets in 2007. He batted .232 with two HR, 12 RBI, 14 runs and 12 steals. A .232 BA is very impressive for a rookie at a major-leauge level. However, it is apparent that Gomez is not a power hitter. Although he is only 22, two HR in 58 games is not top-caliber for a rookie.
12 RBI over 58 games is an average number for a rookie the size and age of Gomez. 14 runs are also a solid stat for a rookie, as it shows that Gomez has solid baserunning skills and solid speed. His 12 SB is also very impressive, showing how speedy Gomez really is.
In all, Gomez is a solid top prospect who will get better with age.
Phil Humber was a stud at Rice University, and was the third overall pick in the draft by the New York Mets. Humber posted mediocre numbers in high A ball, where he kept his ERA slightly below five. In AA, he had an ERA of 4.27. In three appearances with the Mets in 2007, Humber posted an ERA of 7.71, struck out two, and walked two.
These are definitely mediocre stats when compared with other "top prospects." Humber was not the best choice for the Twins.
Deolis Guerra, only 18 years old, pitched for the High A St. Lucie team. In 21 games with St. Lucie, Guerra pitched 81 innings, giving up 80 hits, 40 ER, 9 HR, 25 BB, 66 K for two wins and six losses. He posted a 4.01 ERA and a 1.171 WHIP.
Guerra is a very young but talented individual. In 89 innings, he only gave up 80 hits. That is a very impressive stat. Guerra also gave up only 40 earned runs which is also impressive. A big stat that really popped out at me was the nine HR allowed. Over 89 innings, giving up just nine HR is top caliber. His 66 Ks also show that Guerra has some good stuff.
All in all, Guerra has a boatload of potential. This kid could be a very good Major League pitcher someday. But for now, he will have no immediate impact.
The last player shipped to Minnesota was Kevin Mulvey. Mulvey was the 62nd pick out of Villanova by the Mets. Mulvey posted an 11-10 record in AA. Mulvey also posted a 3.32 ERA, a very impressive stat. In 151 innings, Mulvey only allowed four HR, 145 H and 43 BB along with 110 K.
These are very good stats. Only four HR allowed is great and the 110 Ks is very impressive. Mulvey even started a game in AAA. Mulvey is getting better and better, and he could one day take Johan Santana's famed spot in the Twins' rotation.
Johan Santana is a man who every baseball fan has heard of. Arguably the best pitcher in baseball, Johan has posted 93 wins in his first years with the Twins. He has won two Cy Young awards. Johan went 15-13 with the Twins last season, and posted a 3.33 ERA. These are mediocre numbers for Santana, who he has been the top pitcher in the last four years
Santana is a true stud. The Mets have landed Johan at the height of his career.
That is part one of dissecting the Johan Santana trade. I have summarized every individual dealt in the trade. Part two will come shortly.
Carolina Panthers: For Fox Or Not For Fox
John Fox has been the Carolina Panthers' coach for five years now.
He brought them from a one win team to a Super Bowl contender. Two years later he brought the Panthers to the NFC Championship.
The last two years, John Fox's Panthers have been .500 or worse.
Coach Fox, what have you done for us lately?
Two years ago, the Panthers finished the season 8-8 after being picked by many as a Super Bowl team. On Fox's side I must say that the Panthers suffered two starting player injuries in the first game of the season and more as the season dragged on.
Against Fox, I have to contend that the Panthers offense was absolutely deplorable that season. In my opinion, Fox was too conservative in his play calling, and I have a feeling that the offensive coordinator did not have much influence on that.
Even on defense, Fox rarely blitzed that season. As the season finished, I clearly did not want Fox to remain the head coach.
But he did remain, and I looked forward to next season.
As next season started, the 2007 campaign, Fox hired a new offensive coordinator. I believed Fox would let this coordinator call most of the offensive plays and I was thrilled. The season started and the Panthers came out with an offense I hadn't seen in a very long time. They were not conservative at all.
Then, turmoil came when Jake Delhomme was injured for the season. Fox went back to a very conservative style of play and the Panthers finished 7-9.
Fox is a great defensive coach, but I do not know why he would take the reigns on so many offensive plays. I feel as though Fox is not the right coach for this Carolina Panthers team. He may be a great defensive coordinator in the near future; in fact, I believe he will be a defensive coordinator in the future.
In my opinion, I vote not for Fox. He just doesn't fit the Panther's offense. In all defense to him, I must say that the Panthers have had more injuries than any coach could bargain for.
The Panthers are giving Fox another chance, but my confidence in him is nearly gone. Again, I'm looking forward to next year.
Let's just hope Fox has some tricks up his sleeve.
He brought them from a one win team to a Super Bowl contender. Two years later he brought the Panthers to the NFC Championship.
The last two years, John Fox's Panthers have been .500 or worse.
Coach Fox, what have you done for us lately?
Two years ago, the Panthers finished the season 8-8 after being picked by many as a Super Bowl team. On Fox's side I must say that the Panthers suffered two starting player injuries in the first game of the season and more as the season dragged on.
Against Fox, I have to contend that the Panthers offense was absolutely deplorable that season. In my opinion, Fox was too conservative in his play calling, and I have a feeling that the offensive coordinator did not have much influence on that.
Even on defense, Fox rarely blitzed that season. As the season finished, I clearly did not want Fox to remain the head coach.
But he did remain, and I looked forward to next season.
As next season started, the 2007 campaign, Fox hired a new offensive coordinator. I believed Fox would let this coordinator call most of the offensive plays and I was thrilled. The season started and the Panthers came out with an offense I hadn't seen in a very long time. They were not conservative at all.
Then, turmoil came when Jake Delhomme was injured for the season. Fox went back to a very conservative style of play and the Panthers finished 7-9.
Fox is a great defensive coach, but I do not know why he would take the reigns on so many offensive plays. I feel as though Fox is not the right coach for this Carolina Panthers team. He may be a great defensive coordinator in the near future; in fact, I believe he will be a defensive coordinator in the future.
In my opinion, I vote not for Fox. He just doesn't fit the Panther's offense. In all defense to him, I must say that the Panthers have had more injuries than any coach could bargain for.
The Panthers are giving Fox another chance, but my confidence in him is nearly gone. Again, I'm looking forward to next year.
Let's just hope Fox has some tricks up his sleeve.
Outfield? No Problem for the Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox have had everything go their way.
They won the World Series, they have a plethora of young talent, and they kept Mike Lowell. They are even contending for Johan Santana. This season the Red Sox will be coming in with an exceptional outfield, one that can win another World Series.
Pending any trades, the Sox starting outfield stands as Jacoby Ellsbury, Manny Ramirez and J.D. Drew with Coco Crisp as a versatile fill-in outfielder. This outfield can become a monster against opponents.
If you haven't heard of Jacoby Ellsbury, then you'll be in for a real surprise. He was brought up from the minors last September and has wowed crowds and opponents. If his hitting wasn't already enough, Ellsbury is also speedster, perhaps one of the fastest in the majors right now. He stole 9 bases, all in September.
Ellsbury is a real gift for the Sox outfield.
Manny Ramirez is coming off a down year, at least for him. He only hit 20 homeruns as opposed to his usual 30 or more. Manny is still an exceptional outfielder. He can lead any outfield and has been with the Red Sox when they won their two World Series.
Players like Manny are hard to come by.
J.D. Drew had a very disappointing year. The Sox spent millions on him and he did nothing. With that in mind, he showed promise in the playoffs and the near end of the season. He hit the grand slam that all Sox fans remember and he looked like an all new J.D. Drew.
If he carries that momentum into next season, he will be another force for the Sox.
Last but not least is Coco Crisp. Crisp is a force on defense. His center field play is up there with Torii Hunter and Andruw Jones. Crisp does have a downside, that being his skills at the plate. Crisp definitely is not up to the batting standards of Ramirez, Drew or even Ellsbury.
Besides that, Crisp is an exceptional 4th outfielder.
The Sox outfield looks like a force to be reckoned with for this coming season. As I stated in the beginning, this outfield could change with one trade, but for now this is how it stands. The Sox may have arguably the best outfield in baseball.
They won the World Series, they have a plethora of young talent, and they kept Mike Lowell. They are even contending for Johan Santana. This season the Red Sox will be coming in with an exceptional outfield, one that can win another World Series.
Pending any trades, the Sox starting outfield stands as Jacoby Ellsbury, Manny Ramirez and J.D. Drew with Coco Crisp as a versatile fill-in outfielder. This outfield can become a monster against opponents.
If you haven't heard of Jacoby Ellsbury, then you'll be in for a real surprise. He was brought up from the minors last September and has wowed crowds and opponents. If his hitting wasn't already enough, Ellsbury is also speedster, perhaps one of the fastest in the majors right now. He stole 9 bases, all in September.
Ellsbury is a real gift for the Sox outfield.
Manny Ramirez is coming off a down year, at least for him. He only hit 20 homeruns as opposed to his usual 30 or more. Manny is still an exceptional outfielder. He can lead any outfield and has been with the Red Sox when they won their two World Series.
Players like Manny are hard to come by.
J.D. Drew had a very disappointing year. The Sox spent millions on him and he did nothing. With that in mind, he showed promise in the playoffs and the near end of the season. He hit the grand slam that all Sox fans remember and he looked like an all new J.D. Drew.
If he carries that momentum into next season, he will be another force for the Sox.
Last but not least is Coco Crisp. Crisp is a force on defense. His center field play is up there with Torii Hunter and Andruw Jones. Crisp does have a downside, that being his skills at the plate. Crisp definitely is not up to the batting standards of Ramirez, Drew or even Ellsbury.
Besides that, Crisp is an exceptional 4th outfielder.
The Sox outfield looks like a force to be reckoned with for this coming season. As I stated in the beginning, this outfield could change with one trade, but for now this is how it stands. The Sox may have arguably the best outfield in baseball.
America's Game In Japan
Baseball has been an American game since, well, anyone can remember.
However, there has been a new baseball force that has been undeniably creeping towards the U.S. in this decade.
That new baseball force is Japan.
Japan was virtually indifferent to baseball about 20 or 30 years ago, but in the last decade, it has become a more serious foe.
Japan beat the U.S. in the World Baseball Classic for the quest for the title. The U.S. didn't even make it to the finals.
On the other hand, one could argue that Japan simply cares about the money, not baseball. They have sold Godzilla, Dice-K, Ichiro and Okie-Dokie. They give away more every year and soon they will not have any talented stars left in Japan.
Others argue that Japan already is better than the U.S. when it comes to baseball. My opinion is that the World Baseball Classic means nothing.
In the Classic, Japan put together a team compiled of the best Japanese stars. How is one Japanese national team going to kick butt if they ever face the Red Sox or the Yankees?
One Japanese team is not filled with stars. If Japan continues to unload their stars to the American market, by the time the next Classic comes around, they will have no stars left playing for their national teams.
Japan is a new baseball champion.
The only question is, for how long can they hold it?
The U.S. has not given Japan any players, but Japan has given the U.S. a handful of players. Let's say there is a real World Series in the near future. It could be a battle between the U.S. and Japan.
Japan's national team would have no chance against the Red Sox. Japan needs to prioritize its baseball organization because, if Japan continues this philosphy of sell, sell, sell, there will be no more stars left.
That is the truth. Japan has promise, but only if they follow an all new philosphy.
However, there has been a new baseball force that has been undeniably creeping towards the U.S. in this decade.
That new baseball force is Japan.
Japan was virtually indifferent to baseball about 20 or 30 years ago, but in the last decade, it has become a more serious foe.
Japan beat the U.S. in the World Baseball Classic for the quest for the title. The U.S. didn't even make it to the finals.
On the other hand, one could argue that Japan simply cares about the money, not baseball. They have sold Godzilla, Dice-K, Ichiro and Okie-Dokie. They give away more every year and soon they will not have any talented stars left in Japan.
Others argue that Japan already is better than the U.S. when it comes to baseball. My opinion is that the World Baseball Classic means nothing.
In the Classic, Japan put together a team compiled of the best Japanese stars. How is one Japanese national team going to kick butt if they ever face the Red Sox or the Yankees?
One Japanese team is not filled with stars. If Japan continues to unload their stars to the American market, by the time the next Classic comes around, they will have no stars left playing for their national teams.
Japan is a new baseball champion.
The only question is, for how long can they hold it?
The U.S. has not given Japan any players, but Japan has given the U.S. a handful of players. Let's say there is a real World Series in the near future. It could be a battle between the U.S. and Japan.
Japan's national team would have no chance against the Red Sox. Japan needs to prioritize its baseball organization because, if Japan continues this philosphy of sell, sell, sell, there will be no more stars left.
That is the truth. Japan has promise, but only if they follow an all new philosphy.
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