Normally, after the trade deadline fans are supposed to stop hearing about fourth place teams and instead get to know playoff teams and start to consider offseason awards and moves. I plan to get to those soon. However, MLB announced their Biogenesis suspensions on Monday and that warrants some attention. If you are sick of hearing about PEDs, Biogenesis or other off the field issues in general, I don't blame you, I encourage you to skip the rest of this article because I am fascinated by Bud Selig's actions in this matter and want to take a closer look into it. My upcoming articles will be as PED free as I can make them, I promise.
Disclaimers out of the way, let us look at the Biogensis fallout this past month: 12 suspensions for 50 games, 1 for 65, and one for 211 games. None of these players tested positive. The league suspended them using a "non-analytical positive," code for witnesses and a paper trail sufficient to prove purchase, receipt or use of banned drugs. Oh and a few players were not suspended because they actually got caught last year. An odd system where those not smart enough to beat the system will receive less scrutiny than those who only may have. Most of the players are not challenging the suspensions, but that has more to do with the blatant incentive MLB put on the players to take the punishment. Incentives seemingly designed to provide Bud Selig with a clean final season as commissioner.
Despite all the evidence MLB collected and sifted through since January, the suspensions only came out when teams had 50 or so games remaining in the regular season. Players on post-season bound teams could serve out the punishment and still help their team in October. If they are allowed on the post-season roster. Free agents will not take a financial hit because they still have days, weeks, or months remaining on their suspension. More important to these players and MLB is the attempt to put Biogenesis in the 2013 season alone, to wrap it all up in a neat little package and pretend it is an isolated incident that can be mentioned as a historical footnote, an odd quirk to one season. Players who do not challenge the suspensions will start 2014 with as clean a slate as possible. Even Alex Rodriguez suspension was designed to fit the mold, the idea being to suspend him for the remainder of 2013 and all of 2014, after this season Biogenesis would be out of sight, out of mind. It is cleaner, simpler, to treat it as such, but hardly in the best long term interest of the game.
Part of the problem with this approach is that it oversimplifies the PED problem. One clinic lead to 15 suspensions (don't forget minor league pitcher Cesar Carrillo who suffered a 100 game suspension back in March for refusing to talk with MLB investigators about the case). One clinic handed this information to major league baseball, they merely had to sift through the information to get results. The league, as tough as it claims to be on testing steroids, did not find the Biogenesis clinic on their own and there is currently no indication that they actually want to investigate the potential for others. Had Tony Bosch paid his former employee, odds are the baseball loving public would have remained blissfully ignorant of Biogenesis and "anti-aging" clinics. Other clinics are out there. Shutting down the suppliers would be ideal. The appearance of investigations may even deter some players. The league can only punish the players, not the providers, unfortunately. So, rather than look ineffective, the league will keep improving its testing and attempt to increase the penalties to deter future use.
I would have preferred all those suspended to have to sit out opening day next season as well. This would keep the PED talk alive in clubhouses throughout spring training and serve as a constant reminder that there are consequences for PED use. The players would undoubtedly be asked about the issue throughout training camps and that is a very good thing. The conversation among players has changed dramatically since testing started back in 2005. No longer are players willing to turn a blind eye to a teammates use, pretending that the issue does not exist. Players are increasingly vocal about wanting a clean game, clean teammates. They want to be surrounded with the best 25 players, players who earned it with skill, dedication, and effort not through a needle, a cream, or a pill. This trend should continue as more and more players come up who have been tested from day 1 in the minors. Imagine what an offseason full of such talk could do. Tacking on an extra day would have allowed the owners to use the union against itself which would have been a powerful ally if they review the PED penalties as expected this offseason.
Burying the issue is easier than examining it. For the sake of a "clean" 2014 Selig slow played his hand until the players had to accept the suspension. The players were left in an unenviable position: serve the suspension immediately or risk it limiting their opportunities in 2014 and beyond. Pushed, prodded, or cajoled, I refuse to call this opportunity "unfair" because the players linked themselves to a questionable clinic, regardless of whether they actually took illegal substances for tummy aches or some competitive edge. This "clean in '14" campaign Selig is trying for (conveniently his last as commissioner, I hope) requires the biggest name to be stashed for the entire '14 season, with a 211 game suspension, Selig would accomplish just that.
Unfortunately for Bud Selig, A-Rod is planning to appeal his suspension. Financially it makes sense for A-Rod to appeal, he is set to make $7.96 million the rest of this season, $25 million in '14, and $21 million in 2015. Even if the suspension is upheld, A-Rod will have around another month to play and get paid this season. I actually see the suspension being shortened. Selig suspended all players under the Joint Drug Agreement rather than the vague "good of the game" clause in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. A-Rod is getting his stiff suspension for alleged PED use over several years, attempting to hide violations, and for "a course of conduct intended to obstruct and frustrate the Office of the Commissioner," according to MLB. MLB's plea deals were accepted by everyone else, but when A-Rod decided to take his chances via arbitration, Selig swapped his carrot and stick for the hammer and sickle.
Selig seems hell bent on going after A-Rod because he had the audacity to try and purchase potentially incriminating evidence when this whole mess started. Just like MLB did. MLB went even further, suing Tony Bosch into cooperating with their investigation. By going so hard after one player MLB has forced the Union to step in and defend A-Rod, if only to prevent MLB from setting a dangerous precedent for future players. Any attempt to claim multiple suspensions for A-Rod based on Biogenesis documents should be greeted with a high level of skepticism. After all, 3 players who tested positive are not facing a second punishment after the league reviewed the documents. I do not see how a neutral arbitrator would buy that A-Rod is the only player linked to Biogenesis who merits multiple suspensions from the recovered documents. Given the amount of information revealed to date, I expect a 50 game suspension for PEDs and 75-100 for impeding the investigation.
A-Rod has a storied history of rubbing people the wrong way and I have no problem seeing him punished for breaking the rules. I just want to see him punished like every other player. Michael Weiner and the Player's Union agree. Selig looked the other way when steroids brought fans back to the ballpark, with his last season approaching he is once again trying to put steroids out of sight, out of mind, and away from his legacy. A legacy which will receive much more scrutiny next season, a compelling reason to push forward with a "clean in '14" campaign.
From being handed an investigation to forcing players to meekly accepting suspensions, Selig was so close to having everything Biogenesis wrapped up in a neat little package. Except for A-Rod.
At least we know what A-Rod did to frustrate the Office of the Commissioner, he refuses to be bullied, intimidated, and shut out of the league. He dares to keep Bud Selig from sweeping Biogenesis under the rug and riding into the sunset after a Clean in '14 season. And I am fine with that.
Do you support Selig's actions? Did he do enough or not enough? Do you just want to stop hearing the name Biogenesis? Let me know in the comments below
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Friday, July 26, 2013
Why PEDs Matter to Fans
Ryan Braun accepted a 65 game suspension on Tuesday, the first major league suspension issued from the ongoing Biogenesis scandal. It will not be the last suspension we see, nor is this likely to be the end of steroids in the sport. Part of the reason why is the money involved. Braun is losing around $3.2 million for his suspension this season. Yet, he is set to make $10 million next season and his $105 million dollar extension doesn't even kick in until 2016. Part of the reason is that cheaters will always find a way to stay one step ahead of the testers. As in any competition, people will seek out advantages to maximize their opportunities for success. Some are simply willing to go further than others, beyond the rules, because "winning" is more important than "fair." The uproar that Braun's suspension and subsequent pseudo apology has triggered has been shocking because of just how many people actually care. Why are PED suspensions such a big deal in MLB and barely a blip in other major North American sports?
A popular theme has centered around the idea of being lied to. Braun had a positive test suspension from the 2011 postseason overturned in 2012 based on a chain-of-custody technicality. His comments during the investigation and afterward were filled with strong denials and accusations against Dino Laurenzi Jr., the man in charge of handling Braun's sample. Mr. Laurenzi ultimately lost his job over the incident. This week, Braun brokered a deal with MLB and is out for the season, a season where Milwaukee is going nowhere and he is dealing with an injured thumb. He gets to come to the ballpark next season with no threat of suspension and plenty of years to rebuild his reputation. Unfortunately, part of his deal, apparently, is that he cannot speak about the incident until MLB's Biogenesis investigation is concluded. That makes sense, but when you leave the masses without information we will supply our own. "Braun was guilty in 2011", "Braun was using for years before that positive test", "Braun was probably using as late as last week." We don't know, but the public perception is that he lied: lied to the commissioner, his teammates, his family, but most importantly to us. Lying is being paraded as Braun's real problem. His hubris led him to use, to be the best, to try and hide the fact, to deny it loudly, publicly, and often. As if speaking louder has ever made a lie sound better when the speaker knows its a lie. This theory points out Andy Pettitte, Jason Giambi, and others who admitted to using PEDs, who stood on a podium, took a beating for admitting the truth. They did not try and hide behind loud denials or false websites. Wouldn't that just wrap everything up in a nice little moral package fit for Sunday School. Unfortunately, the real world is more complicated than that, for better or worse there are other reasons why PEDs in MLB matter so much to fans.
First of all Major League Baseball makes it matter. For over a decade major league has pushed for more and better testing to catch PED users and punish them. They now boast the most advanced testing policy in major sports. The testing includes baseline results to track players over time and blood testing in addition to urine analysis. The Braun Exception loophole has been closed, players are getting punished. MLB has taken a bold and unnecessary risk in their approach to combat dopers: they air their dirty laundry publicly. No other league would dare consider this option, let alone implement it. MLB is betting on fans wanting a cleaner game, on players wanting clean teammates, to win out over the negative press and they appear to be winning. Indeed the Players Union seems to want those caught doping to be exposed, separated from the good, clean majority. During the BALCO scandal players were quiet, protective, since then they have permitted increased testing, today with Biogenesis players are speaking out. It might shock you that there are NBA ties the Biogenesis clinic. In 2013 there have been 13 NFL players suspended for PEDs, that is the same total as all of MLB from 2009-13. MLB is leading the charge to clean up their game and are willing to take the mud stains that come with it. MLB knows, dovie'andi se tovya sagain.
The fans are the reason MLB is willing to toss the dice, fans care about the history and statistics of the game. Baseball, more than any other sport, has always been about the statistics. From scoreboards and boxscores to fangraphs and baseball-reference, baseball has loved data -and the fans have loved it back. 300 wins, 3000 hits, 56 hits, 2632. The numbers matter to fans. Mets fans can probably tell you Keith Hernandez batting average in 1986 before they could recall their anniversary. Andre Dawson's 1987 MVP season, a glowing highlight to this day for the Cubs, more than a few in Cubs land could tell you he led the led the league in homeruns (49) and rbi (137) without needing a smart phone. Examples exist for every team in every era. Before fantasy sports took root, baseball was the sport for the analytical mind. When MLB looked the other way and tainted sacred records by permitting PEDs, fans enjoyed it, until the reports came out. PEDs took the fun out of the game. We enjoyed watching Sosa, Bonds, and McGuire slug homeruns until it started leaking that it might not have been done "right," not "clean."
Fans have asked for asterisks, white out, or separate records for the Steroid Era. Baseball doesn't work that way, for better or worse the game changes, evolves, and some records fall. Ultimately steroid users will be in the Hall of Fame for a similar reason. The era happened, MLB let it happen, but to be fair to future fans they will be included. Part of what helped make baseball America's pastime were the stats, recorded for all time to be called up and dissected by any curious observer. The other part is the oral history of the game. Box scores don't describe when Babe Ruth called his shot, they don't explain the majesty of the "Shot heard 'round the world" or the class of Lou Gehrig or Roberto Clemente. Fans have enjoyed inviting generations of ballplayers into their homes, their stories, and their hearts. Perhaps if MLB can clean up the game, those traditions will continue and fans can continue to flock to the Church of Baseball.
Finally, fans appreciate closure, a closure that PEDs just aren't affording us. From the midweek series on up to a whole season we can get closure in whatever dose is required. The season is long, so long in fact they break it up to have a quasi-exhibition every July. For the 29 teams that don't have a parade at the end of the year, there is closure by October. The season is over, the team can retool, heal, and go for it again next season. This reset button recharges fans batteries and allows us to get excited to see what next year has in store. PEDs don't provide that closure. From Balco to Biogenesis there is the looming specter of another suspension, another tainted athlete. It gets exhausting and depressing.
This desire for closure can be seen in the constant references fans make to Pete Rose. "PED users should be banned for life, like Pete Rose" or "Pete Rose should be in the hall of fame before these bums." Pete Rose and PEDs have very little in common, but people bring it up for a reason. Pete Rose was an example of evil with closure. Pete Rose bet on baseball, admitted it and accepted a lifetime ban to halt the investigation into his gambling. Fans could accept that there was one degenerate gambler, one man who ignored the only rule in baseball that mattered. Since Kenesaw Mountain Landis banned the Black Sox for life following the 1919 World Series, gambling has been verboten. PEDs are viewed as a lesser offense in baseball, players get 3 strikes before they are out. Perhaps the punishment is not as strict as some would like it, but that is another matter. With Pete Rose fans got quick, one and done, closure that PEDs simply do not provide. Of the 1200+ players who are on 40 man rosters every year there is always going to be at least one who seeks an advantage, whatever the costs. There is no closure in that and that too is why fans care, we have been programed to seek out closure, if not in a season than in a players career. In baseball, even the brightest stars eventually fade, but PEDs twinkle on the periphery, annoying and tempting at the same time.
PEDs matter because MLB says so, but more importantly they matter because fans care about the past, the players, and the stats that encompass both. The game will never be completely clean, if it ever has been, but by demanding better testing, by taking its lumps, MLB is trying to make up for its mid-90's mistakes and let fans know that it cares because we made them care. Clean players, clean records, and dirty uniforms, doesn't that sound fun, doesn't that sound just like a kids game should.
Am I onto something or simply on something? Sound off in the comment section below.
A popular theme has centered around the idea of being lied to. Braun had a positive test suspension from the 2011 postseason overturned in 2012 based on a chain-of-custody technicality. His comments during the investigation and afterward were filled with strong denials and accusations against Dino Laurenzi Jr., the man in charge of handling Braun's sample. Mr. Laurenzi ultimately lost his job over the incident. This week, Braun brokered a deal with MLB and is out for the season, a season where Milwaukee is going nowhere and he is dealing with an injured thumb. He gets to come to the ballpark next season with no threat of suspension and plenty of years to rebuild his reputation. Unfortunately, part of his deal, apparently, is that he cannot speak about the incident until MLB's Biogenesis investigation is concluded. That makes sense, but when you leave the masses without information we will supply our own. "Braun was guilty in 2011", "Braun was using for years before that positive test", "Braun was probably using as late as last week." We don't know, but the public perception is that he lied: lied to the commissioner, his teammates, his family, but most importantly to us. Lying is being paraded as Braun's real problem. His hubris led him to use, to be the best, to try and hide the fact, to deny it loudly, publicly, and often. As if speaking louder has ever made a lie sound better when the speaker knows its a lie. This theory points out Andy Pettitte, Jason Giambi, and others who admitted to using PEDs, who stood on a podium, took a beating for admitting the truth. They did not try and hide behind loud denials or false websites. Wouldn't that just wrap everything up in a nice little moral package fit for Sunday School. Unfortunately, the real world is more complicated than that, for better or worse there are other reasons why PEDs in MLB matter so much to fans.
First of all Major League Baseball makes it matter. For over a decade major league has pushed for more and better testing to catch PED users and punish them. They now boast the most advanced testing policy in major sports. The testing includes baseline results to track players over time and blood testing in addition to urine analysis. The Braun Exception loophole has been closed, players are getting punished. MLB has taken a bold and unnecessary risk in their approach to combat dopers: they air their dirty laundry publicly. No other league would dare consider this option, let alone implement it. MLB is betting on fans wanting a cleaner game, on players wanting clean teammates, to win out over the negative press and they appear to be winning. Indeed the Players Union seems to want those caught doping to be exposed, separated from the good, clean majority. During the BALCO scandal players were quiet, protective, since then they have permitted increased testing, today with Biogenesis players are speaking out. It might shock you that there are NBA ties the Biogenesis clinic. In 2013 there have been 13 NFL players suspended for PEDs, that is the same total as all of MLB from 2009-13. MLB is leading the charge to clean up their game and are willing to take the mud stains that come with it. MLB knows, dovie'andi se tovya sagain.
The fans are the reason MLB is willing to toss the dice, fans care about the history and statistics of the game. Baseball, more than any other sport, has always been about the statistics. From scoreboards and boxscores to fangraphs and baseball-reference, baseball has loved data -and the fans have loved it back. 300 wins, 3000 hits, 56 hits, 2632. The numbers matter to fans. Mets fans can probably tell you Keith Hernandez batting average in 1986 before they could recall their anniversary. Andre Dawson's 1987 MVP season, a glowing highlight to this day for the Cubs, more than a few in Cubs land could tell you he led the led the league in homeruns (49) and rbi (137) without needing a smart phone. Examples exist for every team in every era. Before fantasy sports took root, baseball was the sport for the analytical mind. When MLB looked the other way and tainted sacred records by permitting PEDs, fans enjoyed it, until the reports came out. PEDs took the fun out of the game. We enjoyed watching Sosa, Bonds, and McGuire slug homeruns until it started leaking that it might not have been done "right," not "clean."
Fans have asked for asterisks, white out, or separate records for the Steroid Era. Baseball doesn't work that way, for better or worse the game changes, evolves, and some records fall. Ultimately steroid users will be in the Hall of Fame for a similar reason. The era happened, MLB let it happen, but to be fair to future fans they will be included. Part of what helped make baseball America's pastime were the stats, recorded for all time to be called up and dissected by any curious observer. The other part is the oral history of the game. Box scores don't describe when Babe Ruth called his shot, they don't explain the majesty of the "Shot heard 'round the world" or the class of Lou Gehrig or Roberto Clemente. Fans have enjoyed inviting generations of ballplayers into their homes, their stories, and their hearts. Perhaps if MLB can clean up the game, those traditions will continue and fans can continue to flock to the Church of Baseball.
Finally, fans appreciate closure, a closure that PEDs just aren't affording us. From the midweek series on up to a whole season we can get closure in whatever dose is required. The season is long, so long in fact they break it up to have a quasi-exhibition every July. For the 29 teams that don't have a parade at the end of the year, there is closure by October. The season is over, the team can retool, heal, and go for it again next season. This reset button recharges fans batteries and allows us to get excited to see what next year has in store. PEDs don't provide that closure. From Balco to Biogenesis there is the looming specter of another suspension, another tainted athlete. It gets exhausting and depressing.
This desire for closure can be seen in the constant references fans make to Pete Rose. "PED users should be banned for life, like Pete Rose" or "Pete Rose should be in the hall of fame before these bums." Pete Rose and PEDs have very little in common, but people bring it up for a reason. Pete Rose was an example of evil with closure. Pete Rose bet on baseball, admitted it and accepted a lifetime ban to halt the investigation into his gambling. Fans could accept that there was one degenerate gambler, one man who ignored the only rule in baseball that mattered. Since Kenesaw Mountain Landis banned the Black Sox for life following the 1919 World Series, gambling has been verboten. PEDs are viewed as a lesser offense in baseball, players get 3 strikes before they are out. Perhaps the punishment is not as strict as some would like it, but that is another matter. With Pete Rose fans got quick, one and done, closure that PEDs simply do not provide. Of the 1200+ players who are on 40 man rosters every year there is always going to be at least one who seeks an advantage, whatever the costs. There is no closure in that and that too is why fans care, we have been programed to seek out closure, if not in a season than in a players career. In baseball, even the brightest stars eventually fade, but PEDs twinkle on the periphery, annoying and tempting at the same time.
PEDs matter because MLB says so, but more importantly they matter because fans care about the past, the players, and the stats that encompass both. The game will never be completely clean, if it ever has been, but by demanding better testing, by taking its lumps, MLB is trying to make up for its mid-90's mistakes and let fans know that it cares because we made them care. Clean players, clean records, and dirty uniforms, doesn't that sound fun, doesn't that sound just like a kids game should.
Am I onto something or simply on something? Sound off in the comment section below.
Friday, July 5, 2013
The Shot Callers
Whether the ball flies out to Waveland Avenue or needs a little assist, home runs are game changing moments, lighting up the scoreboard to the delight of fans everywhere. Whether the ball is "crushed", "smoked", "drilled", or "launched" the effect upon the crowd is immediate -unbridled joy for the home fans or stunned silence. This is true if the ball is "way back", a "moonshot" or "just enough" to get over the wall. For fans outside the stands it is up to the announcers to bring the excitement, to get us off our couches and dancing a little jig.
Just as every home run is unique, so is each call. Every announcer attempts to put a distinct call to the moment that lets even the casual listener know the home team has hit one out. With the 4th of July weekend upon us, I thought it would be a great time to put together a list of my favorite home run callers this season. I did not use national broadcasters so you will not hear Chris Berman, Joe Buck, or any of the others mostly because their calls are uninspired cliches honed over the years. I also do not have a clip of every team because some announcers just don't bring joy and excitement to their call. Without further ado lets take a look and a listen at some of this seasons fireworks.
Colorado where "you won't see it for long"
Vin Scully calls Yasiel Puig's first two big league home runs "viva Cuba, viva Puig"
Dick Enberg lets Padres fans know the ball was "crushed...way up and way out"
There was no doubt in San Francisco that "this is OUTTA HERE"
Meanwhile in Houston they let Chris Carter's bat do the talking
Out in Anaheim they are talking "Big Flies" --Erik Aybar knew it was gone
Oakland lets us know "that baby is gone"
Pittsburgh fans are warned to "clear the deck, cannonball coming" --really appreciate how they combine team theme into their call
Cubs and CarGo know there is no need to move when it goes on to Waveland Avenue
They enjoy Miggy's "absolute bombs" in Detroit
Hawk Harrelson, baseballs biggest homer announcer is always fun to listen to. Give him a listen when his team is getting blown out for an inning; he sounds like he needs a nap, a snack and a hug. Oh home run calls he begs the ball to stretch before excitingly telling the fans "you can PUT IT ON THE BOARD....YES!!!"
If you want some "Souvenir City" look no further than Cleveland
Nationals emphatically bid long balls together with a "SEE YOU LATER!"
A fond "SEE YA!" greets Bronx Bombs
Finally, out in Baltimore the tandem are awestruck by the power of Adam Jones before wishing the ball farewell "Goodbye, Homerun"
Did I miss a team that should be here? Do you prefer lackluster national announcers over local "homer" announcers? Feel free to belt out your opinion in the comment section.
Just as every home run is unique, so is each call. Every announcer attempts to put a distinct call to the moment that lets even the casual listener know the home team has hit one out. With the 4th of July weekend upon us, I thought it would be a great time to put together a list of my favorite home run callers this season. I did not use national broadcasters so you will not hear Chris Berman, Joe Buck, or any of the others mostly because their calls are uninspired cliches honed over the years. I also do not have a clip of every team because some announcers just don't bring joy and excitement to their call. Without further ado lets take a look and a listen at some of this seasons fireworks.
Colorado where "you won't see it for long"
Vin Scully calls Yasiel Puig's first two big league home runs "viva Cuba, viva Puig"
Dick Enberg lets Padres fans know the ball was "crushed...way up and way out"
There was no doubt in San Francisco that "this is OUTTA HERE"
Meanwhile in Houston they let Chris Carter's bat do the talking
Out in Anaheim they are talking "Big Flies" --Erik Aybar knew it was gone
Oakland lets us know "that baby is gone"
Pittsburgh fans are warned to "clear the deck, cannonball coming" --really appreciate how they combine team theme into their call
Cubs and CarGo know there is no need to move when it goes on to Waveland Avenue
They enjoy Miggy's "absolute bombs" in Detroit
Hawk Harrelson, baseballs biggest homer announcer is always fun to listen to. Give him a listen when his team is getting blown out for an inning; he sounds like he needs a nap, a snack and a hug. Oh home run calls he begs the ball to stretch before excitingly telling the fans "you can PUT IT ON THE BOARD....YES!!!"
If you want some "Souvenir City" look no further than Cleveland
Nationals emphatically bid long balls together with a "SEE YOU LATER!"
A fond "SEE YA!" greets Bronx Bombs
Finally, out in Baltimore the tandem are awestruck by the power of Adam Jones before wishing the ball farewell "Goodbye, Homerun"
Did I miss a team that should be here? Do you prefer lackluster national announcers over local "homer" announcers? Feel free to belt out your opinion in the comment section.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Orioles More Than 1-Run Mirage
The 2012 season, like many before it, had its share of surprises. The Oakland A's winning the AL West, Mike Trout, Miguel Cabrera winning the first triple crown in 45 years. Each had its own appeal, its own ability to pull you in and ask; why, how, is this even possible? Amidst these stories the Orioles marched along and, in an effort only appreciated when it is over, led the league with an unprecedented 29-9 record in one run games. That .763 winning percentage is the highest ever over a season. On the strength of that record, the Orioles snatched a wild card berth and made it to the playoffs for the first time in 15 years.
Setting an analysis on one factor also overlooked so many positives that should have indicated the Orioles were not going to fade away so easily. There is the Buck Showalter effect --he finished in the top 5 Managers of the Year voting in the second full season at every stop, four teams and counting. There was also the emergence of Chris Davis who, at 26, produced a .270/.326/.501 slash line with 33 home runs in his first season with over 500 plate appearances. Many players achieve their power peak somewhere between 26-28, somehow an emerging star was overlooked by the majority of pundits. With 28 home runs already this season, it is safe to say he will not be sneaking up on anyone going forward.
Perhaps the most telling factor for continued effect was the defensive core that was formed after the 2012 trade deadline when Manny Machado was called up and Nate McLouth was acquired. Adam Jones, J.J. Hardy, and Matt Wieters all received gold gloves for their defense last year. When the entire middle of a defense (CF, SS, C respectively) earns gold gloves in a season that team's defense is top notch. That does not include McLouth, a former gold glove winner in left, or former recipient Nick Markakis in right. Machado moved from shortstop to third to accommodate Hardy and has showcased the skill, range, and arm to win multiple gold gloves at third or short over his career. McLouth, 31, and Hardy, 30, are the only regular everyday players over 30. With only 25 errors and a .992 fielding percentage the Orioles lead all of baseball at their halfway point.
This is not to say that the Orioles should have been locks to win the AL East or are without faults.I have not mentioned starting pitching for a reason; they are lacking a clear ace, similar to last season.
As great as the bullpen was last season, it is almost impossible to expect a bullpen to repeat as successful a season as 2012 was. Indeed Jim Johnson has blown 5 saves this season after saving 51 games last year.
I have not even mentioned the offense, aside from Davis, but given the relative youth most players had room to grow and improve. I am not sure if anyone foresaw Machado threatening the single season doubles record. That is its own story, a story that we should appreciate today, but wait to reflect upon once the season is over. Pundits overlooked the Orioles based on an impressive statistical anomaly. They refused to look deeper and really see this Orioles squad for what it is: young, hungry, driven, and led by one of the best managers in the game today. They are young enough to not accept limitations or conventional norms. It is time to look beyond the pundits mirage. The Orioles are more than a 1-run record and have been since Machado and McLouth joined the team. At 45-36, they are once again in position for at least a wild card birth, which is not as shocking as you might think.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Trade Winds Blow, but Lee is Anchored in Philly
Now that the first year player draft is over for 2013, General Managers can get back to improving their major league rosters and getting set for possible post season runs. (If you missed the draft, don't worry. Most players are years away from really impacting your team.) Deciding to be active in the trade market is an important decision for each team. Whether buying or selling, the decision puts a very public light on each team's thinking. Selling off prime players usually indicates punting this season, something not always well received. For teams looking to win now, starting pitching is always a rich topic for trade debate and the current top prize is Cliff Lee. Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe is the latest to tout him as the #1 pitcher available on the trade market. While I do not doubt Mr. Cafardo's sources, I just cannot figure out the logistics of Cliff Lee being offloaded this trade deadline.
The object of player transactions in major league baseball is centered around talent acquisition and financial considerations. A team looking to win now will acquire a player and his salary in the short term and are willing to sacrifice longer term prospects to get it. Recently, teams have included cash in a trade in order to get better prospects. The addition of an extra wildcard in each league has upped the number of buyers, increasing the price sellers can extract. Neither of these factors supports the idea of a Cliff Lee mid-season trade.
TALENT ACQUISITION
For Ruben Amaro Jr and the Philadelphia Phillies, trading Cliff Lee would present a potentially great opportunity to replenish a barren farm system. Due to years of trading prospects for talent, including Cliff Lee back in 2009, the farm system has largely been stripped bare of top tier talent. At the beginning of the season Baseball America ranked the Phillies farm system 24th overall. With an aging core in Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, and Carlos Ruiz; the Phils need to decide whether or not they have one last push in them.
If available-- and with the state of their farm system, few players should be untouchable-- Lee would be the top trade target. To date, he sports a 9-2 record with a 2.53 era and a sub 1.0 whip. As a dominant lefty it doesn't take a vivid imagination to see him atop several contending teams rotations. For his part Lee has stated his desire to win a championship. Lee has been traded three previous times and I would not expect his 21 team no-trade clause to be an impediment to his acquisition. Any trade involving Lee would likely center around young, top-tier arms in return.
Were it just Cliff Lee and just for this season this would be a no-brainer acquisition for just about any contending team. No doubt the Phillies will be seeking a Zack Grienke-esq return that Milwaukee received last season. However, he is currently 34 and has at least $78 million coming his way through the 2016 season, which really complicates matters. In his article, Cafardo states that the Phillies could trade Cliff Lee and not have to cover any of his salary while still getting top prospect(s) in return. With $78 million still owed, I just don't see it happening.
Teams would be paying (and hoping) that Lee did not decline too rapidly over the life of the contract, and that he stays healthy. The modern trend of teams seeking younger, more affordable pitching is at odds with Lee's status and affects his trade value. The Orioles are one potential trade team, but they are not going to give up Dylan Bundy's 6 cost-controlled seasons for Cliff Lee. The top players are likely off the table for any team unless the Phillies toss in $25-35 million. The best the Orioles might offer in return are good MLB-ready pitchers who may benefit from a change of scenery and a fresh look as starters such as Brain Matusz or Jake Arrieta. Not terrible names, especially if they parted with both players, but hardly the restocking haul the Phillies are seeking. If you want to mention the Yankees because they have deep pockets that is fine, but their farm system is equally devoid of MLB ready impact players.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Shedding salary is actually not quite the issue it might have been. Every team gets increased television revenue from national contracts starting next season. Given that, payroll relief is less important for next season than it has been previously. If necessary, the Phillies could pick up a portion of Lee's remaining salary and still come out ahead depending on the players sent back.
Teams looking to add the veteran, however, are less inclined to pay for veterans. Veteran players seem to have more traction on as a one year rental or a 1.5 season player (which allows the potential for draft pick compensation to be attached) recently. Zack Wheeler for Carlos Beltran and Jean Segura for Zack Greinke are recent trades supporting this. The longer a veteran is tied to his contract the greater the risk of injury or a production drop off. Most teams have hesitated to take on longer contracts for fear of them becoming albatrosses rather than aids. This increases the salary chip-in while still lowering the prospect returns. Consider A.J. Burnett to the Pirates as an example.
Additionally, the Phillies have a new local television contract to consider. Their current deal is set to expire after the 2014 season and dumping one of their best players would not aid the Phillies in those negotiations. Given that the deal will run into the billions of dollars and for up to 25 years, the lasts thing teams want to do is hurt their negotiating position. I cannot say how much of an impact Lee's presence will make, but it is not insignificant in the short term.
Due to the size of his remaining contract and his age, I do not see the Phillies finding a trade that will offset losing a bonafide ace when faced with the looming television deal. Throw in that the Nationals are under-performing this season and the Phillies might convince themselves they can put together a run at the NL East this season. The Phillies would love to replenish their farm system and starting pitching is always in demand at the trade deadline. However, with Lee's contract diminishing the return and a looming contract deal tossed into the mix, expect to see Lee remain anchored in Philadelphia this summer.
Can you see a trade being made? Am I missing something, or overlooking a desperate team? Feel free to let me know in the comments below.
The object of player transactions in major league baseball is centered around talent acquisition and financial considerations. A team looking to win now will acquire a player and his salary in the short term and are willing to sacrifice longer term prospects to get it. Recently, teams have included cash in a trade in order to get better prospects. The addition of an extra wildcard in each league has upped the number of buyers, increasing the price sellers can extract. Neither of these factors supports the idea of a Cliff Lee mid-season trade.
TALENT ACQUISITION
For Ruben Amaro Jr and the Philadelphia Phillies, trading Cliff Lee would present a potentially great opportunity to replenish a barren farm system. Due to years of trading prospects for talent, including Cliff Lee back in 2009, the farm system has largely been stripped bare of top tier talent. At the beginning of the season Baseball America ranked the Phillies farm system 24th overall. With an aging core in Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, and Carlos Ruiz; the Phils need to decide whether or not they have one last push in them.
If available-- and with the state of their farm system, few players should be untouchable-- Lee would be the top trade target. To date, he sports a 9-2 record with a 2.53 era and a sub 1.0 whip. As a dominant lefty it doesn't take a vivid imagination to see him atop several contending teams rotations. For his part Lee has stated his desire to win a championship. Lee has been traded three previous times and I would not expect his 21 team no-trade clause to be an impediment to his acquisition. Any trade involving Lee would likely center around young, top-tier arms in return.
Were it just Cliff Lee and just for this season this would be a no-brainer acquisition for just about any contending team. No doubt the Phillies will be seeking a Zack Grienke-esq return that Milwaukee received last season. However, he is currently 34 and has at least $78 million coming his way through the 2016 season, which really complicates matters. In his article, Cafardo states that the Phillies could trade Cliff Lee and not have to cover any of his salary while still getting top prospect(s) in return. With $78 million still owed, I just don't see it happening.
Teams would be paying (and hoping) that Lee did not decline too rapidly over the life of the contract, and that he stays healthy. The modern trend of teams seeking younger, more affordable pitching is at odds with Lee's status and affects his trade value. The Orioles are one potential trade team, but they are not going to give up Dylan Bundy's 6 cost-controlled seasons for Cliff Lee. The top players are likely off the table for any team unless the Phillies toss in $25-35 million. The best the Orioles might offer in return are good MLB-ready pitchers who may benefit from a change of scenery and a fresh look as starters such as Brain Matusz or Jake Arrieta. Not terrible names, especially if they parted with both players, but hardly the restocking haul the Phillies are seeking. If you want to mention the Yankees because they have deep pockets that is fine, but their farm system is equally devoid of MLB ready impact players.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Shedding salary is actually not quite the issue it might have been. Every team gets increased television revenue from national contracts starting next season. Given that, payroll relief is less important for next season than it has been previously. If necessary, the Phillies could pick up a portion of Lee's remaining salary and still come out ahead depending on the players sent back.
Teams looking to add the veteran, however, are less inclined to pay for veterans. Veteran players seem to have more traction on as a one year rental or a 1.5 season player (which allows the potential for draft pick compensation to be attached) recently. Zack Wheeler for Carlos Beltran and Jean Segura for Zack Greinke are recent trades supporting this. The longer a veteran is tied to his contract the greater the risk of injury or a production drop off. Most teams have hesitated to take on longer contracts for fear of them becoming albatrosses rather than aids. This increases the salary chip-in while still lowering the prospect returns. Consider A.J. Burnett to the Pirates as an example.
Additionally, the Phillies have a new local television contract to consider. Their current deal is set to expire after the 2014 season and dumping one of their best players would not aid the Phillies in those negotiations. Given that the deal will run into the billions of dollars and for up to 25 years, the lasts thing teams want to do is hurt their negotiating position. I cannot say how much of an impact Lee's presence will make, but it is not insignificant in the short term.
Due to the size of his remaining contract and his age, I do not see the Phillies finding a trade that will offset losing a bonafide ace when faced with the looming television deal. Throw in that the Nationals are under-performing this season and the Phillies might convince themselves they can put together a run at the NL East this season. The Phillies would love to replenish their farm system and starting pitching is always in demand at the trade deadline. However, with Lee's contract diminishing the return and a looming contract deal tossed into the mix, expect to see Lee remain anchored in Philadelphia this summer.
Can you see a trade being made? Am I missing something, or overlooking a desperate team? Feel free to let me know in the comments below.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Zack Greinke: The Pitcher Who Cries 'Foul'
The Dodgers have shown signs of life exactly two times this season, April 11 and June 11. Both were Zack Greinke starts, both involved brawls with division rivals opponents. It is hard to call the San Diego Padres or the Arizona Diamondbacks any teams rival, especially when their opponent is mired in last place as the Dodgers currently are. It is mere coincidence that both starts occurred on the 11th of a month; it is no coincidence that Greinke was in the center of it. Greinke's stand-offish demeanor hides the sad bully lurking within, waiting to lash out at perceived slights, then hiding behind a victim's veil when the spotlight shines.
A brief recap of the man. In the 2010-2011 offseason, Greinke demanded a trade from the Kansas City Royals, reportedly because he did not feel motivated being part of a rebuilding team. This was in the midst of his 4 year/$38 million dollar contract he signed in January of 2009. Part of the basis for this contract was built upon his reputation for pinpoint control. He has hit only 48 batters of the 6421 faced in his career. Between 2009 and 2010, Grienke hit 11 batters, including Carlos Quintin.
Today, Zack Greinke is a solid pitcher who is getting paid like an ace (6year/$147 million) based off one elite season in 2009 (AL Cy Young Award Winner/All-Star) and several slightly above average ones. Since 2011, he has beaned 9, including 3 this season. Put another way, 1/3 of his total hit batsmen for the last three seasons has occurred over 2 starts against division rivals.
In the April 11 incident, Grienke beaned Quintin, the most beaned man in his league the last 2 seasons. Steps were taken, barbs were traded, neither backed down and it ended with Grienke breaking his collarbone. Quintin had been beaned twice previously by Grienke when they were division rivals in the AL Central where Quintin was a member of the Chicago White Sox. Apparently for Quintin, three beans and you charge. Deciding right and wrong in a baseball brawl is an exercise in futility. Batters feel slighted for getting hit, pitchers get incensed (or at least feign surprise) when they are accused of throwing at a batter intentionally. So it happened in San Diego: Quintin challenged Grienke and Grienke refused to back down. Suspensions and DL stints resulted.
Last night was slightly different, but Grienke once again played center stage. It began in the 5th inning when Cody Ross was plunked by Grienke. The next batter, Jason Kubel, homered and usually that is a tit-for-tat that most teams will take. In the bottom of the sixth however, Ian Kennedy (who led the NL in hit batsmen last season) came in high and tight and hit rookie phenom Yasiel Puig on the nose. The next batter, Andre Ethier, promptly tied the game with a two-run home run. Again it easily could have been over here, unless you think Kennedy meant to throw at Puig's head.
Grienke felt he did. The next inning he threw behind Arizona catcher Miguel Montero hitting him in the back. Throwing behind a batter belies any attempt to claim a loss of control. It is done deliberately and meant to send a message. He did not attempt to go after Paul Goldschmidt, Arizona's big slugger. If that was a lesson beaten into him by Quintin or not is a moot point today. He went after the most important batter he knew he would face the next inning. This was unnecessary given the result and the current game score (2-2), but much like in San Diego, Grienke cared more about getting the final bean in than the outcome of the game.
That Ian Kennedy would respond in kind and plunk Grienke with yet another head high fastball was a near certainty when he was allowed to bat for himself. The brawl played out, ejections occurred and the scrum was pretty entertaining.
Grienke was even allowed to stay in and run for himself when everything was said and done. He slid hard through Didi Gregorius legs at second on a force out that brought only a sad head shake from the rookie shortstop. Even when he was not on the mound Grienke was determined to get the last lick in.
While never the friendliest guy on the diamond, Greinke's ego appears to have grown to match his paycheck. Even after cementing himself in the middle of the controversy, he plays the role of the victim. When he left KC, he downplayed demanding a trade and claimed it was for KC's benefit. After hitting Quintin, it was all about how he would be out longer with the injury. And on a warm June night the spin will be how he was plunked last before the melee ensued.
Ultimately, he may be most upset that despite his growing paycheck he is once again playing for a non-contender or he might be mad that he missed out on the Nolan Ryan school of mound defense. Either way, he needs to take accountability for his actions or at least stop playing the victim. Look beyond who was hit last and you will see Greinke standing tall on the mound, a thin-skinned bully with a fastball, bound and determined to get his. I may be at the forefront, but the rest of the villagers need to pay attention and stop reacting when he cries foul.
Comments and feedback are always welcome below
A brief recap of the man. In the 2010-2011 offseason, Greinke demanded a trade from the Kansas City Royals, reportedly because he did not feel motivated being part of a rebuilding team. This was in the midst of his 4 year/$38 million dollar contract he signed in January of 2009. Part of the basis for this contract was built upon his reputation for pinpoint control. He has hit only 48 batters of the 6421 faced in his career. Between 2009 and 2010, Grienke hit 11 batters, including Carlos Quintin.
Today, Zack Greinke is a solid pitcher who is getting paid like an ace (6year/$147 million) based off one elite season in 2009 (AL Cy Young Award Winner/All-Star) and several slightly above average ones. Since 2011, he has beaned 9, including 3 this season. Put another way, 1/3 of his total hit batsmen for the last three seasons has occurred over 2 starts against division rivals.
In the April 11 incident, Grienke beaned Quintin, the most beaned man in his league the last 2 seasons. Steps were taken, barbs were traded, neither backed down and it ended with Grienke breaking his collarbone. Quintin had been beaned twice previously by Grienke when they were division rivals in the AL Central where Quintin was a member of the Chicago White Sox. Apparently for Quintin, three beans and you charge. Deciding right and wrong in a baseball brawl is an exercise in futility. Batters feel slighted for getting hit, pitchers get incensed (or at least feign surprise) when they are accused of throwing at a batter intentionally. So it happened in San Diego: Quintin challenged Grienke and Grienke refused to back down. Suspensions and DL stints resulted.
Last night was slightly different, but Grienke once again played center stage. It began in the 5th inning when Cody Ross was plunked by Grienke. The next batter, Jason Kubel, homered and usually that is a tit-for-tat that most teams will take. In the bottom of the sixth however, Ian Kennedy (who led the NL in hit batsmen last season) came in high and tight and hit rookie phenom Yasiel Puig on the nose. The next batter, Andre Ethier, promptly tied the game with a two-run home run. Again it easily could have been over here, unless you think Kennedy meant to throw at Puig's head.
Grienke felt he did. The next inning he threw behind Arizona catcher Miguel Montero hitting him in the back. Throwing behind a batter belies any attempt to claim a loss of control. It is done deliberately and meant to send a message. He did not attempt to go after Paul Goldschmidt, Arizona's big slugger. If that was a lesson beaten into him by Quintin or not is a moot point today. He went after the most important batter he knew he would face the next inning. This was unnecessary given the result and the current game score (2-2), but much like in San Diego, Grienke cared more about getting the final bean in than the outcome of the game.
That Ian Kennedy would respond in kind and plunk Grienke with yet another head high fastball was a near certainty when he was allowed to bat for himself. The brawl played out, ejections occurred and the scrum was pretty entertaining.
Grienke was even allowed to stay in and run for himself when everything was said and done. He slid hard through Didi Gregorius legs at second on a force out that brought only a sad head shake from the rookie shortstop. Even when he was not on the mound Grienke was determined to get the last lick in.
While never the friendliest guy on the diamond, Greinke's ego appears to have grown to match his paycheck. Even after cementing himself in the middle of the controversy, he plays the role of the victim. When he left KC, he downplayed demanding a trade and claimed it was for KC's benefit. After hitting Quintin, it was all about how he would be out longer with the injury. And on a warm June night the spin will be how he was plunked last before the melee ensued.
Ultimately, he may be most upset that despite his growing paycheck he is once again playing for a non-contender or he might be mad that he missed out on the Nolan Ryan school of mound defense. Either way, he needs to take accountability for his actions or at least stop playing the victim. Look beyond who was hit last and you will see Greinke standing tall on the mound, a thin-skinned bully with a fastball, bound and determined to get his. I may be at the forefront, but the rest of the villagers need to pay attention and stop reacting when he cries foul.
Comments and feedback are always welcome below
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Bring Back Peanuts and Crackerjack
I finally made it to my first baseball game of the season last month. I enjoyed myself even as the Oriole bats were silenced by Matt Moore and the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1. The result was a disappointment, but most of the rest of the day went perfectly. The weather cooperated and Natty Boh flowed freely even if the image warns you just how awful it is, with the one-eyed bitter beer face.
In fact, if it wasn't for the seventh inning stretch I would have been elated to get to the game regardless of the outcome. Unfortunately for fans, baseball just is not patriotic enough on its own, despite being America's pastime. Ever since September 2011 ballparks across America have shelved or shoved aside "Take me out to the ballgame" in favor of standing for "God Bless America" during the seventh inning stretch. It made sense then as baseball helped people heal and get back to normalcy in light of terrible events, but most teams should stop doing this, get back to the carefree song and let fans enjoy themselves.
Baseball has long been America's pastime and while the NFL might be eclipsing it in popularity, it just does not have the history to fully take that mantle. This is why the inclusion of God Bless America bothers me so. Baseball is American, it does not need additional patriotism to make it more patriotic. Whats more the continued inclusion cheapens my experience by making me feel like I am not being patriotic enough and need to rush out and buy war bonds or some such nonsense.
Baseball, like all sports, is a competitive distraction for fans. The intended desire of fans is to be entertained, to keep their minds off everything else for a few hours. Ideally the home team wins, but so long as the game is competitive fans will feel like they got their money's worth. "Take me out to the ballgame" has been apart of baseball since the Cubs last won the world series. It has been woven into the fabric of the game for generations.
God Bless America was penned in 1918 and is a fine song in its own right, but I just don't see what it has to do with baseball. Teams need to focus on the enjoyable and carefree nature of long games and long seasons. The seventh inning stretch was created to get fans up and moving to cheer on the home team late in the game. For a while it made sense to go with God Bless America, but for most stadiums that time is done. Both songs are patriotic in their own ways. Baseball fans across generations look forward to going to games, hearing vendors hawk their wares, and root root root for the home team. It is time to get back to the seventh inning song that best highlights that, it is time to bring back peanuts and crackerjack.
Baseball has long been America's pastime and while the NFL might be eclipsing it in popularity, it just does not have the history to fully take that mantle. This is why the inclusion of God Bless America bothers me so. Baseball is American, it does not need additional patriotism to make it more patriotic. Whats more the continued inclusion cheapens my experience by making me feel like I am not being patriotic enough and need to rush out and buy war bonds or some such nonsense.
Baseball, like all sports, is a competitive distraction for fans. The intended desire of fans is to be entertained, to keep their minds off everything else for a few hours. Ideally the home team wins, but so long as the game is competitive fans will feel like they got their money's worth. "Take me out to the ballgame" has been apart of baseball since the Cubs last won the world series. It has been woven into the fabric of the game for generations.
God Bless America was penned in 1918 and is a fine song in its own right, but I just don't see what it has to do with baseball. Teams need to focus on the enjoyable and carefree nature of long games and long seasons. The seventh inning stretch was created to get fans up and moving to cheer on the home team late in the game. For a while it made sense to go with God Bless America, but for most stadiums that time is done. Both songs are patriotic in their own ways. Baseball fans across generations look forward to going to games, hearing vendors hawk their wares, and root root root for the home team. It is time to get back to the seventh inning song that best highlights that, it is time to bring back peanuts and crackerjack.
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