Big League Chatter Salutes Todd Jones. May 27, 2008
Posted by misterbaseball in ..Major League Baseball, Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Florida Marlins, Houston Astros, Minnesota Twins, Philadelphia Phillies.add a comment
There are thirty closers in the Major Leagues at the beginning of each season. Chances are at the end of the season one-third of the original closers will no longer be in that position. It is impressive to see a closer retain his job year after year. Todd Jones is one of those guys who has been on top of the mountain, leading the American League in saves with 42 in 2000, and has also been in the depths of the sea barely hanging on in the Majors in 2003. Jones doesn’t have electric stuff but he has been a reliable relief pitcher for most of his career and that’s why we salute Todd Jones of the Detroit Tigers.
Todd Jones was born April 24th, 1968 in Marietta, Georgia. Jones attended Osborne High School in Marietta and went on to attend Jacksonville State University in Alabama. Todd was drafted by the Houston Astros in the first round of the 1989 Major League draft. Jones started his career for the Astros in 1993 going 1-2 with 2 saves, 28 holds, while posting a 3.13 ERA in 37.1 innings. He got his first shot as a full-time closer in 1997 for the Detroit Tigers. Jones saved 31 games for the Tigers that year while posting
a 3.09 ERA in 70 innings. Jones’ best season was in 2000. He was chosen to be a member of the American League All-Star Team and was named the "Rolaid’s Reliever of the Year" by saving 42 games. The Tigers even sold a t-shirt that said, "Only the Lord saves more than Todd Jones." Todd went on to save 142 games for Detroit from 1997-2001 before being traded to the Twins. Jones floated from team to team from 2001 till 2005 playing for the Rockies, Red Sox, Reds, and Phillies before landing in Florida in 2005. Todd replaced Antonio Alfonseca as the Marlins closer after Alfonseca succumbed to injury. Jones revived his career as a closer by saving 40 games posting a 2.10 ERA in 73 innings for the Marlins. After the 2005 season Todd was viewed as a valuable commodity again and was signed by his former team the Detroit Tigers to a two-year contract. Jones’ Tigers came out of nowhere in 2006 to win the American League pennant before losing to the Cardinals in the World Series. During the 2006 season Jones became the Tigers all-time saves leader passing former Tiger great Mike Henneman. Todd saved 37 games for Detroit in 2006 while posting a 3.94 ERA in 64 innings. On September 16th, 2007 Jones became the 21st member of the 300-save club by tying Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter.
Todd Jones will never be remembered as a dominant closer, in fact many refer to him as "the roller coaster" for his close calls in the ninth inning. But he always seems to get the job done no matter what situation presents itself. Todd has never been one to receive high accolades from the media. But looking at his total body of work it is easy to see that he has had a nice career. Jones is known for more than being a successful closer in the Major Leagues. He writes a weekly column entitled "The Closer" for the Sporting News. Todd is also a devout Christian and is outspoken about his beliefs. Jones isn’t flashy but he gets the job done and he is one of the really good guys in baseball on and off the field. That is why we salute Todd Jones of the Detroit Tigers
Men of Faith May 24, 2008
Posted by misterbaseball in Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, San Diego Padres, St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers.add a comment
In Major League Baseball there are players who suffer injuries on a fairly routine basis. Many times injuries come due to collisions, misplayed line-drives, or any number of circumstances. Rarely do we see an opposing player show genuine concern for their opponents.
On Wednesday night Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols smacked a line-drive in the face of Padres hurler Chris Young. As soon as time was called Pujols rushed to the mound to check on Young. Pujols, a professing Christian, began to pray along with Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. As much as we hate to see someone injured it is refreshing to see players gather together and lift up their concerns to the Lord.
Last season a young man by the name of Josh Hamilton came out of no where to contend for the National League Rookie of the Year Award. Hamilton, a former first round draft pick, was a rule five draft pick by
the Cincinnati Reds. Josh had a long history of drug and alcohol abuse before making a comeback last
season. After many attempts to get sober Josh decided that he couldn’t do it alone. He decided the only way to turn his life around was to accept Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. Now Josh is a role model to people from all different walks of life. Not only is Josh a positive role model, he is also vying for the coveted "Triple Crown" for the Texas Rangers this season. XM’s "Baseball This Morning" did several interviews with Hamilton last season and instead of talking about baseball he wanted to talk about his relationship with Jesus. His success is secondary in importance to his faith which is a rarity in our society today. Josh has a wonderful testimony and God is using him to reach others through baseball.
There are others around baseball who have been outspoken about their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Last year’s National League Champion, Colorado Rockies, had several players who spoke candidly about their faith. Rockies first baseman Todd Helton and left fielder Matt Holliday were very upfront, during their incredible post-season run, about their relationship with Christ. Former Tigers broadcaster Ernie Harwell was very instrumental in coordinating church services for Major League players through a ministry called Baseball Chapel. Baseball
Chapel has a website, www.baseballchapel.org that lists a number of players who participate in their ministry. This website has personal testimonies and ministry opportunities in the game of baseball. Among those mentioned on the website are Angels outfielder Garett Anderson, Tigers closer Todd Jones, Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran, and Padres pitcher Jake Peavy. Two books that are a must read for the "Christian Baseball Fan" are Safe at Home and Safe at Home 2. These books can be purchased at most Christian book stores. Also Fellowship of Christian Athletes has a site www.fca.org with information about sports and players. There are a lot of good resources out there that bring sports and faith to the forefront. With so many negitive things portrayed in the media it was encouraging to see Pujols and Gonzalez showing their faith on the field of battle.
Albert Pujols Line Drive May 24, 2008
Posted by misterbaseball in Houston Astros, San Diego Padres, St. Louis Cardinals.Tags: ..Injuries, Albert Pujols, Chris Young, Line Drive, San Diego Padres, St. Louis Cardinals
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We see it every season. Pitchers taking line drives off their bodies.
However, it is more scary when they take one off their face or head.
Friday night, Houston Astros closer Jose Valverde was hit by a line
drive on the right side of his face. Fortunately, Valverde was able to
deflect the ball with his glove first. He even managed to stay in the
game and convert the save for his team. “If it hadn’t hit my
glove,” Valverde said, “I don’t know what would’ve happened.” He
also said he never lost consciousness and his first clear thought was
about Chris Young, the San Diego Padres’ pitcher who was struck by a liner off Albert Pujols’
bat on Wednesday. Young has multiple fractures of his nasal bone and
other facial bones, a small crack in his skull and a deviated septum.
The Padres have placed placed Young on the DL and there is no time
table set for him to return. Hopefully, he will be able to heal
quickly and be back on the mound soon.
Eric Gagne On The DL Again May 24, 2008
Posted by misterbaseball in ..Injuries, Milwaukee Brewers.Tags: ..Injuries, Baseball, Disabled List, Eric Gagne
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The Milwaukee Brewers closer, Eric Gagne, has been placed on the DL
with rotator cuff tendinitis. The Brewers knew that bringing Gagne in
this season was a risky move. The closer was almost unhittable
pitching for the Dodgers from 2002-2004. Unfortunately, he has been
suffering from injuries off and on ever since 2005. In 2006, Gagne
only managed to pitch 2 innings for the Dodgers. Last season, Gagne
split time between the Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers. He did not
perform well for the Red Sox in the second half of the season but did
an excellent job as the Rangers closer converting 16 or 17 save opportunities. This season he is off to a poor start. He ERA is 6.98
and he has converted only 10 of 15 save opportunities. With Gagne
going to the DL the Brewers are considering 35 year old Julian Tavarez
to fill the closers role. Tavarez was recently released by the Boston
Red Sox. The Brewers also have experience at the closer’s position with
Salomon Torres, Guillermo Mota and Seth McClung.
Kershaw might get the nod on Tuesday. May 23, 2008
Posted by misterbaseball in Los Angeles Dodgers.add a comment
Los Angeles Dodgers phenom Clayton Kershaw is rumored to get the call from the Minors to pitch for the Dodgers on Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs. Kershaw, twenty, is a 6′-3" 210 pound left-hander from Dallas, Texas. He was drafted seventh overall in the 2006 Major League Draft and was selected by USA Today as the "High School Player of the Year". Kershaw was pulled in his last Double-A game for the Jacksonville Suns on Thursday night after facing three batters, striking out two of them. He was not hurt and there was no viable explanation given as to why he was pulled from the game. Which leads us to believe a call up is in his immediate future. So far this season Kershaw is 0-3 with a 2.28 ERA in 43.1 innings while striking out 47 for Double-A Jacksonville. Clayton has a mid 90’s fast ball and mixes in a 70 plus m.p.h. curve. He has also developed a good "circle change" that adds another weapon to his arsenal. If Kershaw’s Minor League performance translates to the Majors he should develop into one of the elite left-handed starters in the "Bigs".
No Chemistry in MoTown! May 20, 2008
Posted by misterbaseball in Detroit Tigers.add a comment
USA Today put out an interesting article today entitled "Amid big expectations, they’re just paper Tigers." The article shed some light on some things Tiger fans already suspected. There were several quotes from current Tigers including Brandon Inge, who seemed to hit the nail on the head when he said, "We used to pride ourselves on beating those high-dollar teams. We wanted it more. We played hard. We hustled. We ran everything out. We fought for nine innings. Now we’re that team we used to beat. I don’t want to get into it, but it’s just different now." Detroit added some big names in the off-season in Edgar Renteria, Miguel Cabrera, Dontrelle Willis, and Jacque Jones. After Detroit’s slow start many fans are now wondering if it was really worth it. The main reason Detroit didn’t make the post-season last year was because the Cleveland Indians were "red hot" winning 96 games. The Tigers won 88 games last season and that was without a good bullpen. Some think if Detroit wanted to add some pieces and trade away their prospects, they should have gotten some bullpen help. Cabrera and Renteria are fine offensive players but pitching wins championships. Also, why trade a promising young starter in Jair Jurjens to Atlanta for a poor man’s version of Carlos Guillen. Renteria and Guillen have similar defensive skills, so if Guillen’s knees can hold up why not leave him at shortstop. Another curious move was the failure to resign Sean Casey. Casey signed a one-year deal with the
Boston Red Sox for $800,000. In today’s market $800,000 isn’t very much money for a player the caliber of Sean Casey. Sean brought so much more than baseball skills to the Tigers. He was a calming presence in the club house not to mention he was voted by his peers "the friendliest player in baseball".
Ex-Tiger’s pitcher Jason Grilli had this to say about his former team,"It seems like they kind of broke up our team chemistry when they got rid of Sean Casey and good people like that," says Grilli, now with the Colorado Rockies. 
"You wanted guys like that around. You wanted a guy like Inge playing behind you, knowing he would go through a brick wall. Talent-wise on paper, that is one of the greatest teams assembled, but the atmosphere was stale and stagnant. You kept losing, losing and losing, and everybody became distant. I have good friends over there, and I feel badly for them." On the surface those comments from Grilli seem right on. But Tiger’s manager Jim Leyland was extremely upset over Grilli’s comments and although he didn’t mention him by name he was upset over Inge’s comments also. According to the Detroit Free Press, Leyland thought that the comments players were making were ridiculous. He felt that the problem was the performance between the lines and had little to do with chemistry. Leyland said, "There are some guys who need to look in the mirror."
Regardless of their problems, the Tigers are stuck with a majority of these players. There are many players who are locked into long term contracts. Also there are several players who are in the twilight of their careers. The Tigers are built to win right now and if they can’t do it this season their window of
opportunity is rapidly closing. Maybe the USA Today article will light a fire under the Tigers much like Leyland did two seasons ago after a horrible loss to Cleveland. Another hot topic for the Tigers is what to do about their pitching. Dontrelle Willis is soon to come off the DL and the Tigers will have to decide who will come out of the rotation. Willis’ replacement Armando Galarraga has been the Tigers most reliable starter this season. This leaves the question, who will leave the rotation? With the bullpen in shambles maybe it’s time to see if Jeremy Bonderman can make it as a reliever. He has been a serviceable starter thus far in his career but he has never realized his full potential. Maybe his skills could be better utilized as a reliever. Bonderman has an electric arm but his stuff hasn’t translated into consistent results on the mound. There are so many questions surrounding this club it is hard to say what exactly would solve their problems. But for the Tiger fans let’s hope that they figure something out soon!
Is Chipper Underrated? May 19, 2008
Posted by misterbaseball in Atlanta Braves.1 comment so far
ESPN broadcaster Dave O’Brien raised the question on Wednesday Night Baseball last week and it is one that provokes thought. Sure, baseball fans immediately recognize Chipper Jones as the all-star third basemen of the Atlanta Braves. But do they realize that they are watching one of the best switch-hitters who ever lived?
Most would put the great Mickey Mantle at the top of that list and they would get no argument here. But after The Mick, Chipper is front and center in the discussion. Hall of Famer Eddie Murray and his 504 career home runs warrant consideration, as does career hit leader Pete Rose. But since Rose wasn’t a power hitter, this debate will focus on Murray. Having played 21 seasons and enjoying good health in many of those, much of Murray’s stats can be attributed to his longevity in the game. Murray’s durability and consistency are no doubt commendable, however there is a clear argument that Jones was the more dangerous hitter. Case in point, Chipper’s career OPS of .954 dwarfs Murray’s .835. Jones also owns the edge in 100-run seasons (8 to Murray’s 3) and 100-RBI seasons (9 to Murray’s 6), despite playing six less years thus far. He has more career walks (1,173) than strikeouts (1,096), while Murray finished with a still impressive 1,333 BB versus 1,516 K. Chipper also has an M.V.P. to his credit (1999 – .319/45/110) while Murray has none.
Having played no more than 137 games in any season from 2004-2007, Jones has seen injuries diminish his production in recent years. Prior to ‘04, he compiled eight straight seasons of at least a .295 average, 29 doubles, 21 home runs, 100 RBI, and 90 runs scored. Much was made about a feud between pitcher John Smoltz and Jones last season, in which Smoltz made comments implying that Chipper should have been playing through a groin injury that caused him to miss a game Smoltz started and lost on June 22. Chipper responded on the field (mostly) by starting the next 28 games, hitting .384 with 7 doubles, 5 home runs, 24 RBI and 21 runs scored during that span. After hitting a home run the day after Smoltz’s comments, Chipper shot back, "I’ll play the rest of the games this year and do what I can. Somebody I know better not miss a start, though."
Chipper has begun 2008 hitting safely in 37 of the Braves’ first 43 games, carrying a robust .410 batting average without a lot of national attention. While the career .309 hitter is unlikely to become the first player to hit .400 since Ted Williams hit .406 in 1941, he is likely to finish his career as the only switch-hitter with a .300 average and 300 home runs in the history of the game. And with his career home run total sitting at 397, he will up that ante to 400 soon. It might take until his induction ceremony in Cooperstown for fans to realize how special a player Larry Wayne Jones, Jr. truly is.
Big League Chatter Salutes Blake DeWitt. May 18, 2008
Posted by misterbaseball in Los Angeles Dodgers.add a comment
Here at Big League Chatter we salute those who seem to be neglected by the national media. There are several players each season that come up big for their teams and never get the credit they deserve. Some players have put up the numbers every year and some have just started their career. Blake Dewitt is a rookie in the Major Leagues but he has been an unsung hero for the Dodgers. His play on the field has been inspiring to all who love baseball; therefore we salute Blake DeWitt of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Blake DeWitt was born August 20th, 1985 in Sikeston, Missouri. The 5′-11" 175 pound third baseman was drafted in the first round of the 2004 first year player’s draft. He had committed to attend Georgia Tech until he was drafted by the Dodgers. As a senior Blake played primarily shortstop for Sikeston High School although he was a record setting pitcher. DeWitt holds the Missouri state record for consecutive games won by a pitcher at 27. He was also named to Baseball America’s High School All-American first team.
Like many players trying to make their way to the big leagues, DeWitt was blocked by two talented players in former all-star Nomar Garciaparra and budding superstar Andy LaRoche. Going into spring
training DeWitt wasn’t even invited to big league camp. But after injuries to Garciaparra and LaRoche, Blake found himself as the opening day starter at third base for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He even got a hit in his first Major League plate appearance off former Cy Young Award winner Barry Zito. So far DeWitt has made the most of his opportunity as the Dodgers third baseman by hitting .327 with 4 home runs and 21 RBI’s in 107 at bats. Not only does Blake have the talent to remain the Dodgers starting third baseman but he has the desire. Just look at his uniform at the end of a game and see if you can tell what color it is. DeWitt hustles to first every time no matter where the ball is hit, unlike some of the players we see today. His hometown of Sikeston is so proud of his accomplishments that they have named a street after him in his honor. Those who love baseball are proud of him also and that’s why Big League Chatter salutes Blake DeWitt for his performance thus far in 2008.
Will Bailey and Bruce ever be promoted? May 18, 2008
Posted by misterbaseball in Cincinnati Reds.add a comment
Cincinnati Reds prospects Homer Bailey and Jay Bruce are making plenty of noise at Triple A Louisville in 2008. Both players are in a position to get the call to the big club any day now and nothing would please Reds fans more than to see that happen. The Reds have taken a cautious approach with their young talent and with new GM Walt Jocketty calling the shots they might not see the Majors at all this season. When Jocketty was with the Cardinals he was hesitant to rely on young talent to fill roster spots. Now with the Reds, it’s a wait and see approach when it comes to the futures of Bailey and Bruce.
Homer Bailey is a 6′-4", 205lb., right hander out of the great state of Texas. Bailey, now 22, was drafted 7th overall in the first round of the 2004 first year player draft. He pitched 45.1 innings in 2007, for the Reds, going 4-2 with a 5.76 ERA while walking 28 and striking out 28. Thus far this season he has gone
4-4 with a 3.88 ERA in 55.2 innings pitched for the Louisville Bats. It was rumored that if Bailey pitched well in his last start he would get the nod next time Matt Belisle’s spot in the rotation came around. On May 16th Bailey pitched 5 innings giving up 4 hits, 4 earned runs, six walks, and 4 strike outs. It was not the type of outing that usually gets one promoted to the Majors. But Bailey has electric stuff and it is just a matter of time before he replaces Belisle in the rotation. Belisle has gone 1-3 with a 7.45 ERA in 19.1 innings thus far in 2008. His last outing on May 10th he pitched 5 innings allowing 7 hits, 5 earned runs, 3 walks, while only striking out 2.
Jay Bruce on the other hand is smoking hot, hitting .359 with 9 homers, 35 RBI’s, while swiping 8 bags. Bruce is another Texan who was also drafted in the first round. Jay was the 12th overall pick in the 2005 
first year player draft. He is a physical presence for a 21 year old standing 6′-3" and weighing in at 205 pounds. Bruce can do it all at the plate and he has a good glove to go along with his offensive skills. While batting from the left side Bruce was the 2007 Minor League Player of the Year. He batted .319 with 26 home runs and 89 RBI’s last season, splitting time between three levels of the Reds Minor League system. The obvious need for the Reds is in center field where they have a struggling Corey Patterson filling the role. Patterson is only hitting .227 with 4 home runs, 12 RBI’s and 7 stolen bases in 119 at bats. Another option for the Reds is, super utility man, Ryan Freel. Unlike Patterson, Freel is producing when he gets an opportunity. Freel is batting .320 with 5 stolen bases in 97 at bats. Although it would be easy to give Bruce the starting center field job, the Reds feel that he is best suited to play a corner outfield spot, which is occupied by Adam Dunn and Ken Griffey Jr. If the Reds trade Dunn or Griffey look for Bruce to get the promotion. If the Reds don’t make a trade we might have to wait a bit longer to see Bruce in the Majors. But at the rate he is hitting the Reds may not be able to keep him in the Minors much longer.
Manny Being Manny May 16, 2008
Posted by misterbaseball in Boston Red Sox.add a comment
Manny Ramirez has been known to make some off plays in the outfield in
the past. However, this play against the Baltimore Orioles was
probably his best. On a ball hit to deep left field, Manny made a
running catch at the warning track, then reached into the stands and
gave a fan a high five and then threw the ball back into the infield to
complete the double play. Just another day of Manny being Manny!
