Hats Off To Ken Griffey, Jr On Number 600 June 10, 2008
Posted by misterbaseball in Cincinnati Reds.add a comment
At 6:19pm CST on Monday June 9th 2008 Ken Griffey, Jr. made history by becoming only the 6th player to hit at least 600 home runs in their career in Major League Baseball. The other five are Barry Bonds, Hank Aaro
n, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays and Sammy Sosa.
As I was watching the Tigers-Indians game Monday night on ESPN they broke away to show Junior batting against the Florida Marlins. I just felt that something was going to happen so I had my kids come into the living room with me. Even though they are still toddlers, I wanted them to be there in case Junior’s sweet swing was able to connect and hit home run number 600. And as soon as he hit the ball you knew it was gone. History! Number 600! I yelled to my wife in the kitchen and told her and our kids that history was just made and that it was a special moment in baseball.
However, somewhere inside of me I knew something was missing. The game was being played in Miami where fans rarely come to see games. You saw more orange seats than cheering fans. And while the fans that were in attendance, 16,003, were gracious it wasn’t what I desired. I wanted the place to be packed with die-hard fans that truly realized how special this moment was. I wanted the fans to give a standing ovation that would last forever. Better yet, I wanted the milestone to be achieved in front of his hometown fans. I wanted the media to jump on this and glamorize it. Maybe they would have if he played in New York or Boston but he doesn’t. Instead, he plays for his hometown team, the Cincinnati Reds….and they haven’t won a World Series since 1990.
When I think of Ken Griffey, Jr. I realize that here is a player that has done it the right way. This amazing feat was accomplished without the lurking issues of BALCO, HGH or Steroids. There wasn’t an issue of pending legal actions against this player. There is no question in my mind that Ken Griffey, Jr is one of the greatest players of all time. The outfielder who was once described as the "Kid" has played baseball the right way. Two words that come to mind when I think of Junior are Class and Integrity. He has been around Major League Baseball since birth. His father played for the famous "BIG RED MACHINE" during the 1970s. He was around great players, great managers and great teams. I believe that he learned how to play the game the right way at a young age and that he truly understands what he has accomplished. If Ken Griffey, Jr were to never hit another home run I would still say he is one of the greatest players to ever play the game. As a young center fielder with the Seattle Mariners, he was a human highlight reel. When he ran it looked more like he was gliding. He made amazing, spectacular catches. He was unafraid to run into the wall when pursuing that little 5 ounce baseball. His swing is as smooth as they come. He could hit for average, ran with good speed, was an excellent defender and he had unbelievable power. He was the total package. Unfortunately, these last few years in his hometown of Cincinnati, he has battled various injuries that have slowed him and forced him to shift to right field. For the last two decades, fans have been fortunate to watch a young "kid", the son of a Major Leaguer, become one of the greatest players to ever play the game.
While my kids will not remember the historic milestone I will be able to share with them that they were watching when the "Kid" hit his 600th career home run. Congratulations and thank you to Mr. Ken Griffey, Jr on your milestone achievement. You’ve done it the right way.
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
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.
Will Griffey return to Seattle? May 13, 2008
Posted by misterbaseball in Cincinnati Reds, Seattle Mariners.add a comment
According to XM’s "Baseball This Morning" it appears that Ken Griffey Jr. might be headed back to where his career started. Griffey has publicly come out and said, "he owes it to the Seattle fans to retire as a Mariner". Seattle could definitely use another power bat to fill the DH role. Current DH Jose Vidro is only batting .193 with 2 home runs and 18 RBI’s thus far in 2008. Griffey would definitely be an upgrade over the light hitting Vidro. Vidro is a fine hitter for a second baseman but he leaves a lot to be desired as a DH. It is rumored that Seattle scouts have been to several Reds games here of late, meaning that a trade might be imminent. The Reds are anxious to promote, 2007 Minor League Player of the Year, Jay Bruce to the big club. Bruce is more suited to play one of the corner outfield spots, a spot occupied by Dunn and Griffey. So with the Mariners slow start and lack of offensive fire power a trade could help both clubs. Even though the Mariners could use Griffey’s services, it would be a curious move considering his salary and age. If a trade happens it might be viewed as more of an emotional move than strictly a baseball move. But if the Mariners feel like 2008 is their best shot of winning then maybe it’s worth the gamble.
The Bleacher Bums of Wrigley April 23, 2008
Posted by misterbaseball in Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds.add a comment
Cincinnati Reds announcer, Marty Brennaman, recently blasted Cubs
fans during a game at Wrigley Field when the Reds were in town. As
many people may know, it is customary for Cubs fans to throw back a home run ball hit by the opposing team. The more experienced bleacher
bums at Wrigley will come to the game with a ‘dummy’ baseball in case
they do catch a homer and they will throw the ‘dummy’ ball back onto
the field and keep the official National League baseball. Brennaman
was upset when several fans threw balls onto the field after a home run
was blasted by Adam Dunn onto Sheffield Avenue. He called the fans
"obnoxious".
Later, Brennaman took another jab at Cubs
fans by saying that the St. Louis Cardinals had better fans. The Cubs
and Cardinals have a great rivalry and Brennaman was just adding fuel
to the fire.
Marty Brennaman has been with the Reds for over
three decades. Maybe he is still a little upset when Cubs fans
migrated to Cincinnati last fall and made it feel like a home game for
the Cubs. Actually, it was more like a home series because Cubs fans
filled the stands for the entire series. It’s never good to see the
opposing fans out number you on your own turf.
Regardless
if you love or hate the Cubs, their fans are die hard. If being a die hard fan makes someone "obnoxious" then it is what it is. Cubs baseball wouldn’t be the same without them.
Reds’ Patterson and Hairston Contracts March 5, 2008
Posted by misterbaseball in Cincinnati Reds.add a comment
The Reds signed outfielder Corey Patterson and
infielder/outfielder Jerry Hairston Jr. earlier this week to minor
league contracts. Patterson will compete for the starting job in CF.
If he wins the job, it will allow Jay Bruce to play everyday in triple
A. It will also allow Ryan Freel to assume the role of super utility
man and make Norris Hopper the 4th outfielder.
Look for Patterson to
make the team and be in the opening day lineup.
it isn’t certain that Hairston will even make the team with the depth
this team already has at middle infield. If he is able to play SS in
spring training he may have a chance considering the injury to Alex
Gonzalez. Don’t look for the Reds to consider him as an outfielder.
With the addition of Patterson, the Reds really don’t need Hairston
there. Remember that both players are former Cubs that played under new Reds manager Dusty Baker.
Alex Gonzalez out with Injury February 29, 2008
Posted by misterbaseball in Cincinnati Reds.add a comment
The Cincinnati Reds received some bad news this week with a knee injury
to SS Alex Gonzalez. This is the same knee that was bothering him near
the end of the 2007 season. The Reds’ starting shortstop has a
compression fracture on his left knee and it will be reevaluated in
three weeks. Right now the injury does not appear to be too serious,
but the Reds will monitor the situation closely.
Cincinnati Reds Review February 27, 2008
Posted by misterbaseball in Cincinnati Reds.1 comment so far
Cincinnati Reds fans should
be getting excited about the future of their ball club. The Reds
are loaded with young talented players that should give them the opportunity
to start winning games. Leading the charge is 2B Brandon Phillips
who will turn 27 in June this year and is coming off a 30 homerun 32
stolen base season. 1B is Joey Votto’s to lose during spring
training. The 24 year old left handed hitting Votto batted .321
in 84 at bats last season with the Reds. 3B will be held
down by Edwin Encarnacion. The 25 year Encarnacion slugged 16
homers last season and drove in 76 runs. Looks for him to improve
upon those numbers. The Reds still have veterans Ken Griffey Jr.,
Alex Gonzalez, Ryan Freel and Adam Dunn. Dunn and Griffey Jr.
will be in the outfield, Gonzalez will be at SS and super utility man
Freel will probably start the season in CF. Jay Bruce is the number
one future prospect according to www.minorleaguebaseball.com Don’t be surprised to see Bruce
playing CF for the Reds early this season. He will turn 21 in
early April and possesses great abilities. The Reds have 3 young
pitchers ready to make an impact this year too. 24 year old Edinson
Volquez, 22 year old Johnny Cueto and 21 year old Homer Bailey.
Volquez was acquired from the Rangers in a trade this off-season and
stands a good chance at making the rotation. With a name like
Homer, Bailey should be a power-hitting outfielder. However, he
is a talented pitcher and should start the season as the number four
or number five starting pitcher. Cueto should start the year in
Triple A. Look for him to log some more innings under his belt
at Triple A before being called up some time this year. The rest
of the Reds rotation isn’t as young but very solid. Aaron Harang
is the number one starter for the Reds. He’s a bulldog on the
mound that won 16 games last year and struck over 200 men. Harang
will be followed in the rotation by Bronson Arroyo and Matt Belisle.
Josh Fogg also hopes to find himself in the rotation somewhere.
He pitched the last two seasons in Colorado and has a career ERA just
under five at 4.90.
There is one area that Reds needed to improve on during the off-season.
That was the bullpen. The addition of Francisco Cordero brings
them a legitimate closer. He saved 44 games with the Brewers last
year and posted an ERA of 2.98. This move will allow David Weathers
to return to the role of a setup man despite his 33 saves last season.
The Reds Achilles heal was their bullpen last season. They had
28 blown saves and a bullpen ERA of 5.13.
The one off-season acquisition that will never play one inning on the
field, but is possibly the most important move the team made is the
hiring of Manager Dusty Baker. This move proves that the Reds
are serious about winning. Baseball should be fun again in Cincinnati
this season.
