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
Minnesota Twins Review March 19, 2008
Posted by misterbaseball in Minnesota Twins.add a comment
In 2007 the Minnesota Twins had their first losing season in seven years with a 79-83 record. The Twins had several distractions and injuries that kept them from a return trip to the post-season. One of the hardships that the Twins endured was the trade that sent club house favorite Luis Castillo to the New York Mets. At the time, Minnesota was still in the AL Central hunt and the deal left the players wondering what direction the team was heading. Torii Hunter had a career year for Minnesota, but trade rumors and contract negotiations loomed over the team all season. Injuries plagued Joe Mauer last season limiting him to only 406 at bats.
of buzz as in Detroit. Minnesota traded Johan Santana to the New York Mets for Carlos Gomez, Philip Humber, Kevin Mulvey, and Deolis Guerra. In the long run this deal might work out for the Twins but many thought that they should have gotten major league ready talent in return for a player the caliber of Santana. Carlos Gomez has all the tools to be the Twins starting centerfielder, but he may need some seasoning in the minors before that can happen. If Gomez doesn’t win the centerfield job out of spring training the Twins don’t have any clear cut options. Craig Monroe could fill the void if he makes the team, but injuries have limited his playing time this spring. Rookie Jason Pridie could be in the mix also but it’s possible the Twins might look outside the organization to fill the void. A perfect short term solution for Minnesota would be veteran Kenny Lofton who has yet to sign with a team. 
seasons. Hernandez is projected to be the opening day starter for the Twins. In 2006 Francisco Liriano competed for Rookie of the Year honors until his season was cut short by Tommy John surgery. Liriano is back for the Twins this year and will fill the number two spot in the rotation. So far this spring Liriano has thrown without pain and has plenty of velocity on his pitches. His command isn’t as sharp as the Twins would like but that is to be expected when coming off of Tommy John. The rest of the rotation could be filled by any number of young hurlers. Scott Baker, Boof Bonser, Kevin Slowey, Glen Perkins, and Phillip Humber are all competing for the final three spots. Baker, Bonser, and Slowey have the upperhand thus far, but Humber is making a strong case for a roster position. Even though the Twins rotation doesn’t have a ton of experience you can’t teach talent and they have plenty of it.
2007 campaign going 7-2 with a 2.94 ERA in 70 plus innings. The rest of the bullpen will feature Jesse Crain, Dennys Reyes, Juan Rincon, and Matt Guerrier.