New Center Fielder

A lot of you have been laughing (uh, ROB) over the fact that the Yankees signed Johnny Damon to play CF.  I will admit, I wasn’t in a big hurry to get him.  But the more I think about this, the more I’m warming up to this.

Damon was the one who said he wouldn’t chase the highest offer.  Then again, he also has Scott Boras as his agent, and he’s not exactly known for getting his clients mediocre contracts.  If Red Sux fans want to be mad at him, that’s they’re problem.  Again, it’s their ownership who didn’t go the extra mile to keep him.  He got basically the same deal as what Matsui got, which I can live with.  The seven year deal Boras was calling for would have been insane.  So the Yankees got a centerfielder and leadoff guy for less than the Tigers spent on Magglio Ordonez last year.

With Bernie signing a 1 year deal for $1.5 million, he can fill the DH slot.  So going into 2006, the Yankees lineup looks something like this:

CF     Damon
SS     Jeter
3B     A-Rod
RF     Sheffield
1B     Giambi
LF     Matsui
C     Posada
DH     Williams
2B     Cano

I’m liking the looks of this.  A-Rod, Sheffield, Giambi, and Matsui can be shuffled in any order you want, since they all have power and good OBPs.  You can flip Bernie & Cano if you want, but since we’re talking about 8-9, it really doesn’t make that much of a difference.

Last year, our CF had average speed and no arm.  Now we’ve got one with good speed and no arm.  Yes, I agree that Rickey Henderson’s arm is just as good as Damon’s.

Are there still some big questions in the starting rotation?  Yeah, being more excited about Wang and Aaron Small doesn’t exactly fill me with confidence.  But the bullpen has been overhauled (completely) except for the Hammer of God (Tony Kornheiser’s phrase)—Mariano Rivera.

By no means do I think this wraps up a division or anything.  However, they are better with him in center than Bernie.  Williams served the team well, but the last couple of years his range had just diminished way too much to be effective.  And while Damon will likely be remembered for his stint with the Red Sux, he spent the firs 6 years of his career in KC, so it’s not like he came through their system.  All in all, I think this is a pretty good mood at what’s almost a bargain price for George.

So nah-na-nah-na-nah-na.

On the Marlins

I see where my Yankees acquired Ron Villone from the Marlins for some minor league guy.  Normally, I wouldn’t spend much time on such a minor deal, but I got to thinking about something:  Who the hell do the Marlins have left?

Needless to say, I felt the need to find out just that.  So I went to the Marlins page from the MLB.com and pulled up the roster.  Well, I recognized precisely THREE guys:  Brian Moehler, Dontrelle Willis, and Miguel Cabrera.  This is just sick.  Worse, they have a grand total of SEVEN guys who were born before 1980, and two of them were born in February of ’79.

For the most part, I don’t really care what the Marlins do, but given the fact that they just hired Joe Girardi as manager, I care a little bit.  I honestly thought Girardi was going to end up taking over the Yankees whenever Torre decides to quit (I don’t think George will fire him).  Since he’s gone (and he didn’t go someplace horrible like Boston), I hope he does well, much like I hope Willie Randolph does well with the Mets (a discussion for another time).  It would appear that these guys now may be lucky to win 50 games.  What’s worse is that they’re raising their ticket prices.  

I know I’m not the commissioner (and thank heaven that I’m not Butt Selig), but if I was, I would have to step in.  I don’t mind the fire sale that’s going on.  If you can be profitable doing this, that’s fine.  But to let them raise ticket prices when you obviously are going to have a lousy team?  That’s just wrong.

This whole thing may be good news for Tigers fans.  This team may have a chance to be as bad as the ’03 Tigers, meaning a second team in 3 years is making a run at levels of incompetence known only to the ’62 Mets.

Honestly, I can’t wait until I’ve made enough to own a professional team.  Just can’t wait.

Waiting for Underwear

Some random thoughts while my underwear and socks are in the dryer.

1. 2006 may turn out to be the year of the comeback in women’s tennis.  Hingis is definitely going to try.  Monica Seles is considering it.  And not wanting to be left out, Anna Kournikova is apparently not ruling it out.  See guys, prayers can be answered.


2. If the NBA can fine Ron Artest for publicly requesting a trade, saying his behavior was “detrimental to the league”, how to NBA officials manage to live?  Aren’t they being fined every time they officiate a game?  Of course, they officiate in much the same way that WWE “referees” do:  Declare the winner your boss (David Stern/Vince McMahon) tells you to declare.  If those games aren’t fixed, they sure as hell get swayed by the lousy officiating.


3. In just over 2 years, Rickey Henderson will be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.  If you’re reading this Rickey, we miss ya, man.  And you might want to call Dave Dombrowski, ‘cause the Tigers REALLY need a leadoff guy.  I know he probably won’t be a unanimous selection, but the idiots who don’t put him on their ballot really should have to spend the following 6 months following Kenny Rogers around as his personal photographer while random people go up and kick them in the shins.


4. I’m pulling for the Colts to actually go undefeated.  I’ve got a world of respect for Don Shula, but the arrogance of that team is getting really annoying.  Plus, the prospect of hearing them whine for the next 12 years sounds kind of fun.


5. This week has to be the worst week of college basketball I can remember.  There’s absolutely NOTHING on.


6. If Jessica Simpson, Corey Haim, and Skip Bayless were contestants on Jeopardy, I’ve got $50 that says Skip loses to both of them, even if the entire board is sports questions and Haim is so tripped out that he can’t operate the buzzer.  The man is that dumb.


7. Does anyone watch Cold Pizza on ESPN2 anymore?


8. Speaking of ESPN, am I the only guy who thinks SportsCenter has gotten away from why we watched in the first place?  It used to be a show of news and highlights.  Now, the show is maybe half news & highlights, and the other half interviews, special reports, and generally useless crap.  I’d rather get more highlights of west coast college hoops.  And if Keith Olbermann is reading this, I’m sure you’re doing a great job on MSNBC, but it’s just not been the same since you left.

That’s it.  Clothes are done.  If there’s anything you want me to comment on, post your ideas, and eventually I’ll get around to showing you how I’m more right than you.

Tigers 2006 Outlook

Besides my buddy Rob, the other big Tigers fan I know is my friend MTB (short for Mike the Barber). MTB was my barber when I lived in Michigan (even when I was living on the other side of the state in Grand Rapids), and I still try to stop by for a haircut on those rare occasions I venture up there to see family. Despite being a Yankees fan, Mike did a great job on my hair, though I’m sure there were times when he was tempted to give me an inverse Mohawk. Mike, if you’ve got a website I can link to, I’m happy to give you the plug.

Anyway, MTB will occasionally send me articles from Detroit press on Detroit sports, and the Tigers in particular. On the ones that get my attention, either because some brainless twit wrote it, or because of some comment Mike added, I’ll fire off a response. The other day, he sent me one about the Tiger signings of Kenny Rogers and Todd Jones. MTB indicated that he was feeling better about Farnsworth & Urbina being traded last year. I’ve previously indicated that I didn’t like the Percival signing last year, and thought they spent way too much on Ordonez. He also asked why the Yankees were down on Carl Pavano, while suggesting I should get a subscription to the NY Post. Below is my response. Note that the “Dave” mentioned is Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski:

“At this point, I’d have to agree with you about moving Urbina. It’s looking smarter each day. Plus you got a second baseman out of the deal. That may go down as one of Dave’s best deals. And if Dave knew he couldn’t keep Farnsworth, it was probably better in the long run, but it certainly seemed to be what initiated your second half slide last season.

Jones and Rogers, when we look back on this in 5-10 years, won’t be remembered. I think you’re right—they’re both stall tactics to allow other people to get ready. Just don’t get too cozy about Rogers being well liked. I don’t remember anyone (players, coaches, or fans) moaning about his departure after two years with the Yankees. That said, I think Maroth could very well be the one who benefits most from Rogers, as I think they’re pretty similar pitchers.

I’ve got my fingers crossed on Pavano. Outside of being hurt for most of the second half, I’m not sure where the problem is. He pitched as well as anyone during the first half. Can’t stand reading the Post. Just too much crap & hype in there. I want analysis, not pictures of where Jeter had dinner two nights ago.

I do still think you need to make a move offensively, because you’ve still got 3 DH/1B on the roster (Young, Shelton, Pena). I don’t think I’d move any of the outfielders unless you got one in return. You’ve got decent flexibility out there, as Logan can play CF or LF. Monroe can play LF or RF. I would really try to unload Young, as I wouldn’t try to re-sign him after this year. I also think you need to make a decision about who’s on first. I don’t think platooning Shelton & Pena is the answer, but I don’t think either one can play LF either (though both are probably better than Meat).

I don’t know if the Tigers have done enough to get you to .500. I think you’re still a little short, unless a couple of guys have breakout years. Right now, I’m seeing 79 or 80 wins, as I just don’t see the offense being that strong. We’ll see.”

I stand by those comments. MTB did forward some comments from another of his customers who agreed with the bulk of the comments, but felt the offense would be better, assuming fewer injuries than last season.

I’m trying to envision the lineup for the Tigers in 2006. As it stands, the starters are likely to be: C-Rodriguez, 1B-Shelton/Pena, 2B-Palanco, SS-Guillen, 3B-Inge, LF-Monroe, CF-Granderson, RF-Ordonez, DH-Dmitri Young (aka Meat). Right now, Nook Logan would be the 4th outfielder. I don’t think Shelton and Pena will platoon at 1B, but right now, who knows.

Now, if I was Jim Leyland, here’s my lineup:

SS Guillen =
2B Polanco --
1B Shelton =
DH Young =
LF Monroe =
RF Ordonez =
CF Granderson +
3B Inge =
C Rodriguez +

To be honest, I don’t think this is the best team the Tigers could put on the field. I’d rather have Pena at first and Shelton DH, with Meat’s ass on the bench (or banished to the hinterlands of Tampa Bay). But until we know which Pena shows up (the first half .160 hitter, or the second half .330 guy), Meat makes the best cleanup guy. If Pena keep playing like he did after his recall, I’d let him bat 3rd and Shelton 4th. I think Shelton’s bat is for real, which is why I want him hitting 3rd. Right now, he’s the best offensive player they’ve got. Monroe & Ordonez can be flipped depending on who’s on a roll. I’m just not convinced Mags has enough power in Comerica to warrant hitting 5th. If he can pick it up, you can move him up.

There’s no true leadoff guy (high OBP with speed). Pudge will never tolerate hitting 9th, which means you’ve got a guy with a .290 OBP last season hitting too high. Can Guillen keep his OBP around .360 or higher? If he can, he can lead off. But if he can’t, then what? I would move Granderson up there, but I’m not sure he’s going to steal much. If he’s not going to do that, I’d rather have him hitting lower, as he’s shown some good power. Logan’s fast enough, but his on-base is too low. Everyone who thinks Polanco will hit .330 again, please raise your hand. Now check yourself into a psych ward. If he hits .290, he MIGHT walk enough to stay in the 2 hole.

When I look at the lineup, Pudge and Granderson are the only guys I think will have better years in ’06 than in ’05. Mags might play more (a big maybe), but I’m not sure he does any better. I give Polanco a 12% chance of matching or beating his 2005 numbers. Pudge can improve if he’d bother to draw more than the 11 walks he did last year.

Bottom line is that since the park will keep them from hitting 200+ home runs as a team, they REALLY need to be more selective. They finished LAST in the AL in walks with 384. That number’s got to get over 450 while still hitting .270 if they want to get over that .500 hump, and since they have mainly the same players as they did last year, I’m not sure that’s going to happen. I do think the pitching will be better this year, but outside of Rogers & Jones, it’s still a relatively young group. The offense isn’t young. Most of ‘em are pretty established, and so is the tendency not to draw walks. If I was the batting coach, that would be my focus.

Alternate theories are welcome, but be ready to defend your opinions.

Start with the Tigers

Most of you reading this know that I'm not a fan of the Detroit Tigers. Some of you know why. Some of you don't. Some knew at one point and have forgotten (either intentionally or unintentionally). So here's a quick refresher.

The Tigers didn't bother me a bit until 1984. Up until that point in my life, I'd always visualized them as a third or fourth place team. They were like Switzerland. They didn't really bother anyone. I didn't mind that.

Then in '84, those little punks decided that they should be allowed to win. And win they did. They started off the season going 35-5 in their first 40 games. This bothered me for a number of reasons. First, NOBODY (except my beloved Yankees) had any business going 35-5. Second, the Tigers at the time were in the AL East, the same division as my Yankees. Third, the freaking Detroit media would not shut up about it. That probably started to bother me as much as anything. Finally, this was the Tigers. They were supposed to stay out of the way and let the good teams (Yankees, Orioles, Red Sux) battle it out.

So Detroit starts out 35-5, Al Ackerman (the sports guy on WDIV, channel 4 in Detroit) won’t shut up, my Yankees are languishing in 6th place, already 17-1/2 games out on May 24th, and I’m surrounded by a bunch of bandwagon jumping Tiger fans who suddenly know everything about the Tigers. I had to endure the entire year like this, powerless as a 7th & 8th grader to do anything about it. And to cap the year off, Detroit beats San Diego to win the World Series thanks to a Kirk Gibson home run off of Goose Gossage. Two of my favorite players, Gossage and Graig Nettles were on that team, their first away from the Yankees. My favorite players were denied a World Series win by the baseball equivalent of the Swiss.

This is why I couldn’t stand the Tigers.

For the next 20 years, I’ve wished the Detroit Tiger franchise (and most things from Detroit, come to think of it) every evil, peril, curse, and plague that could be created or imagined. But then two things happened: The Tigers nearly chased down the ’62 Mets in 2003, and THE CURSE came to an end in 2004.

Yep, those blasted Red Sux (and I will continue to spell Boston’s name that way) beat my Yankees after being down 3-0 in the ALCS, and went on to win the Series. I didn’t mind the Patriots winning Super Bowls. Still don’t. But the Red Sux shouldn’t have even been in that Series, let alone won.

So that fact, when combined with the Tigers effectively more than balancing out that ’84 season by going 43-119 in 2003, allowed me to remove Detroit from the top of my personal shit list. They have been replaced by Boston. Think this is nothing to worry about, Boston fans? That’s what Tiger fans thought, too. After all, the Tigers still managed to come back and win the AL East in ’87 when Toronto should have locked it up (leading by 3-1/2 games going into the final week, they lost their last 7, including a 3 game sweep in Detroit). But they would soon be humbled by the Twins in the ALCS. Five years later, they would have the last winning season the organization has seen. Yep, for the last 12 years, I’ve prevented, though sheer force of will (with a little help from bad management and Randy Smith), winning seasons from being seen in Tiger Stadium/Comerica Park.

Watch out Boston. You’re next. You’ve lost Theo. Big Poopi might want to watch his step.

You may be asking yourself, “So where does this leave the Tigers?” You could say back in Switzerland. At this point, I’m kind of hoping they get better. I know most Tiger fans were disappointed with the 71-91 record of last year. My buddy Rob (who also has a blog: RAGRYPH RANTS) was expecting no less than a .500 mark last season. I kept telling him he was too optimistic. I expected around 75-78 wins, figuring it would be closer to 78. Anywhere between 78-84 wins for the Tigers is just fine by me. Beat the bad teams, but lose to the good ones. Plus, they’re in the AL Central now, so if they want to win the division from time to time, that’s just fine by me.