Kuzul

Buster Olney from ESPN and Jon Heyman from Sports Illustrated are two sports writers quickly losing ground of credibility with me lately.  I honestly would rather not read someone’s jibber-jabber unless they had their little ducks in a row and their sources correctly cited. Instead all we get are the standard unnamed source bologna in place of real writing because they have nothing else to come up with.  We should be sick of it, and we don’t deserve it. 

Not these two pipers of the printed word. They cite their “unnamed” sources to stir the fan base and generate reactions.  There is one thing they’re not telling you, the fan, and I have this from a credible MLB.com source (ahahahaahah you like that don’t you?) These guys know nothing more than the casual fan.  They are typing these stories to generate either “heat” or interest for their name, their company or their benefit period.  They honestly have no clue. 

At both the winter meetings and the latest Winter Warmup, the St Louis Cardinals GM John Mozeliak and first baseman Albert Pujols have vowed to keep the negotiations secretive. When asked, Pujols and his agent decline to comment.  So how in the wide world of sports would Heyman or Olney have ANY IDEA of what is being discussed? They don’t.  They speculate just like you or I and it’s sometimes annoying as hell.

“It’s apparent that talks between the Cardinals and Albert Pujols “are not going as smoothly as the Cardinals want,” Olney writes. That is a Buster Olney product.  http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/blog?name=olney_buster&id=6027102&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fmlb%2fblog%3fname%3dolney_buster%26id%3d6027102%26campaign%3drss%26source%3dESPNHeadlines

Notice in the article it’s “sources said”. Perhaps I would believe his drivel if it were the GM or heck even the water boy named in the article that gave him some inside info.  Here’s a tip: If the local media outlets don’t get to report on it, neither do you Buster.

Here was Jon Heyman’s article today:

“While neither side is talking publicly, early word is that Pujols has used A-Rod’s contract, the richest in baseball and one that guarantees him least $275 million over 10 years as the only comp … The Cardinals, meanwhile, are said to have initially suggested a contract that would guarantee Pujols at least a bit less than $200 million. The exact particulars of their offer or offers aren’t known, but there is a belief around the game that the Cardinals are hoping to keep the deal to seven years or less.”

 Laughable. Just how in the hell did Jon Heyman get word about the deals but not the local media? I have the answer to that: He’s full of poopie.  He’s generalizing because he doesn’t know. 

Then there’s the market worth.  Look, I personally wouldn’t pay this guy an annual salary of more than about 100K to play a game.  In an economy like this, there needs to be a lockout and get these spoiled brat athletes back down to reality.  Guys like Ruth and Mantle are rolling over in their graves right now. 

The sad reality of it all is Pujols is no different than any other player in the game.  He wants money and a lot of it.  He is no saint, or savior of the St. Louis Cardinals.  However, people will rebut with their arguments of “well wouldn’t you want to get paid the most money, too?” Look people, that argument only goes so far until you become “worth” more than a small mediterranean country. However, players and agents have driven up the demand of services with these so-called heroes and ask the moon for these human beings and get every penny, regardless and it is only getting worse.

Let’s recap.

1. No sports writer regardless of track record knows a darn thing of what’s being discussed behind closed doors.

2. No sports writer regardless of track record knows a darn thing of what’s being discussed behind closed doors.

3. See 1 and 2.

Get it? Got it. Good. 

The lid is tight and that is where it is going to stay.  Anything else is just speculation.

One more thing: Buster, your act is as tired as your name.  Heyman, I am coming for your job.  The people deserve better than the crap you two spew daily.  Instead of preparing and writing something informative or even entertaining, you come up with the above examples of why journalism is heading south.  Now, I’m no Mickey Spillane, but I would like to think some detective work and research would better suit the audience.  It’s called facts. Dig them, write them, harness them. 

Thanks for reading.

-Todd

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

The Philadelphia Phillies:

After all the articles about how great the Philiadelphia Phillies are (I still don’t see the 2010 WS trophy with their team on it), there have been some signings and trades in the off season that has gotten the attention of quite a few baseball fans. Most of them were over-shadowed with a bias for a team that has yet to prove they are the best. 

Yes, I am anti-anyone who is crowed champion before the season starts.  Also I am sick of the argument that a team who is not the best still wins the championship.  Look, if they win the whole magilla, guess what? They’re the best.  Don’t twist the stats around and tell me on paper that your team or their team is better, just deal with the fact that last year’s team is the best team period. 

Now, checking out all of these rotations I want to show how close it really is, and how competitive this year’s NL will be regardless of what all the “homers” try and tell you from the east coast. 

I will also include a list of who’s-who of off season additions:

RH Roy Halladay … 21-10, 2.44 ERA,

LH Cliff Lee … 12-9, 3.18 ERA,

RH Roy Oswalt … 13-13, 2.76 ERA

LH Cole Hamels … 12-11, 3.06 ERA

TOTALS … 58-43, 2.84 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 4.93 K/BB

Let’s take a trip down memory lane….

The NLCS: Game 1: Lincecum W, Halladay L

Game 2: Oswalt W, Sanchez L

Game 3: Cain W, Hamels L

Game 4: Wilson W, Oswalt L

Game 5: Halladay W, Lincecum L

Halladay and Oswalt both .500 in the NLCS.  But to no avail the Giants of Frisco defeat the Phillies in game 6.  Proof is in the pudding there, the Phillies are not the better team.  With the loss of Jayson Werth, they will struggle to replace that 85 RBI’s and 27 HRs.  With the addition of Lee, Perhaps they can hold their opponents long enough to compensate.

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Sometimes I think the sports world needs characters like Gene Shalit. Perhaps just a anecdotal distraction from the rising ticket prices, off season doldrums, or whatever.  I don’t know what I’m talking about.  I just know that whatever Gene does, I don’t pay any attention to the point or reviews, I’m just fixated on that silly bow tie, the mustache and his outdated hair do.  

Okay enough of going off the deep end and back to the topic.

The 2010 New York Yankees, as usual, had an awesome line up and pitching rotation that remained competitive in the MLB, even though some say sports (in this case baseball) is a young man’s game. 

Not according to the Yankees roster. 

In the middle of the Yankees’ roster you have a few exceptions. 

For example, Derek Jeter the 36-year-old shortstop’s accolades include five Gold Gloves, four Silver Sluggers, 11 All-Star Selections and former Rookie of the Year…The list goes on. 

Jeter’s numbers really aren’t decreasing yet offensively.  He has only hit 20 or more home runs twice, and his totals are hovering in the double digits under that, he is still producing RBI’s, and he’s still a hit machine. 

The only alarming thing is a rising strike-out rate. 

I don’t know where the writers get their information from, but looking at his stats, his offensive numbers are hovering about the same, it’s the defensive side of the numbers that are getting a little scary to think about.  His range and zone rating are on the decline, but his WAR is still positive. 

How does he do it?

If you want to debunk my numbers, you can see for yourself at FanGraphs.  Great site. 

What I really find amusing is the St. Louis crowd was down on the Theriot signing because of his defense.  Compare the numbers, and defensively I would rather have Theriot.  Check their message boards, and you will notice fans all over rooting for the Cardinals would dream of having Jeter. 

Ironic isn’t it? 

The man is an athlete and loves to play the game.  He still has a bat, and his leadership of the franchise is worth $50 million big ones. 

Was it worth it? 

We’ll see next season.

Enter Alex Rodriguez: 35 years young, I have to admit the coverage whenever A-Rod was at the plate for the potential milestone 500 home runs was a bit annoying.  However I am glad I got to witness it.  That’s one event that is talked about much like the older crowd talking about Hank Aaron’s 500 HR milestone.  It’s one of those “Where were you” moments.  

Anyways, A-Rod somehow, someway was pried away from Seattle and Texas once upon a time.  Sometimes as an outsider looking in, you have to shake your head.  His awards include 13 All Star selections, 10 Silver Sluggers, three MVP’s… Again the list goes on and on and on. 

Last year he hit 30 home runs, increased his RBI total by 25, and his strike out totals went down.  Defensively, his range has gotten a little off, but his zone rating improved from the previous season (it comes with age). 

Again, this is a guy you want in your lineup with a positive WAR. 

How do they do it? 

I played amateur baseball last year in St. Louis and I am 29 going on 30. Sometimes wishing I hadn’t played some of those games. 

If I do say so myself, I was a pretty darn good 3B, hardly the caliber of my high school and junior college days, but with practice I was making a comeback.  My bat was soft, however.

Anyway, enough about me.  Moving on. 

Mariano Rivera.  41 years old.  Yes you read that correctly.  A 41 year old closer.  11-time All Star selection, former World Series MVP, all-time leader in postseason saves, second place in regular season saves. 

Last year he posted 33 saves, 1.80 ERA, 45Ks 11BBI’s, with 60 innings pitched. He took his team to the 2010 ALCS.   At 41 years old.  All I have to describe that with, is talent.  Sheer love of the game and a God given gift that only a small population can say they have. 

Rivera still pitches a low to mid-90’s cut fastball as his finisher, and did I mention he was 41? You can bet the farm that he is a sure-fire lock for the Baseball Hall of Fame. 

The New York Yankees still boast a lot of youth in guys like Curtis Granderson, Brett Gardner, Nick Swisher, Phil Hughes and soon-to-be losing his youth C.C. Sabathia at 30. 

It sure is amazing watching some of these guys play as long as their bodies can hold up.  

How long will that be?  Time can only tell.  Sooner or later we will usher in a new era at New Yankee Stadium, whether they buy it or farm it. 

I have always detested the success  of the Yankees’ franchises due to their revenue wealth and gigantic fan base.  That does not mean, however, that I don’t respect it. 

I respect their commitment to winning, their ownership’s promise to be championship caliber and dedication to the game.  They just seem to either draft or sign the pieces that fit the organization, and give the team the best chance to win year in and year out. 

In the next five years, it’s safe to say that with a few of these examples being over 40 years of age, sooner or later their bodies will have had enough.  We will see a new team, and a new degree of success.  I just have to admit that I, as well as others, are in awe of the abilities of some of these human beings.

Happy Holidays all, and don’t forget Spring Training is right around the corner for the 2011 season.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

The Washington Nationals have agreed to terms with former Cardinals Starting Pitcher and OF Rick Ankiel, reports Sports Illustrated’s John Heyman.  The deal is worth $1.25 million dollars for one year.  He can earn another $1.25MM in performance bonuses.

Ankiel has a great baseball story to him. Rick attended Port St. Lucie High School in Florida, where he went 11–1 with a 0.47 ERA during his senior season, striking out 162 batters in 74.0 innings pitched, and was named the High School Player of the Year by USA Today in 1997. He was also a first-team high-school All-American pitcher.  He was so good he didn’t even need to be drafted.  

Ankiel signed with the Cardinals out of high school for a $2.5 million signing bonus, the fifth-highest ever given to an amateur player. In 1998, he was voted the best pitching prospect in both the Carolina and Midwest leagues, and was the Carolina League’s All-Star starting pitcher, Baseball America’s first-team Minor League All-Star starting pitcher, and the Cardinals’ Minor League Player of the Year. That year he led all minor league pitchers in strikeouts, with 222.  Ankiel had so much promise he was even compared to the likes of former Cardinals lefty Steve Carlton.

In 1999, he was named the Minor League Player of the Year by both Baseball America and USA Today. He was also Texas Leaguer All-Star pitcher, Double-A All-Star starting pitcher, Cardinals Minor League Player of the Year, and Baseball America 1st team Minor League All-Star starting pitcher.

 He pitched his first full season in 2000 at the age of 20 (second youngest in the league), posting an 11–7 record, a 3.50 ERA(tenth in the league), and 194 strikeouts (seventh in the league) in 30 games started. . He struck out batters at a rate of 9.98 strikeouts per nine innings (second in the NL only to Randy Johnson), and allowed only 7.05 hits per nine innings (second only to Chan Ho Park). He came in second (to Raphael Furcal) in the NL Rookie of the Year voting. He received The Sporting News Rookie Pitcher of the Year Award.

Then, disaster struck in the 2000 in the NL Division Series vs the Atlanta Braves. It wa clear Ankiel was having a bad game in the first two innings, but in the third inning, his stat line grew to this: 8 batters faced, 35 pitches, 4 earned runs, 2 hits, 4 walks, 5 wild pitches. 

Quickly the event was brushed off like a bad day as most pitchers experience, but something wasn’t quite right.  However, his next start in Game 2 of the NLCS vs the New York Mets, Ankiel threw everywhere but the catchers glove in the first inning.  Ankiel appeared again in the seventh inning of Game 5 facing four hitters, walking two, and throwing two more wild pitches. The Cardinals lost the series four games to one to the Mets.

The 2001 season had Ankiel reeling.  The loss of control was unknown to anyone, even himself.  He started the season so bad, he was sent all the way down to the Johnson City Cardinals, where he regained control and learned to be a part time Designated-Hitter.  A video can be seen herehttp://best.complex.com/2000s/Top-100-Sports-Moments/rick-ankiels-nlcs-pitching-meltdown  where Ankiel had another meltdown in AAA-Memphis where the crowd didn’t even give him the sympathy and heckled his control issues.

Thankfully, the story gets better.

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