Coming into the 2010 baseball season, many felt that if Jason Heyward made the Atlanta Braves major league team as spring training ended, he would win the National League Rookie of the Year award (Myself included) On opening day, when he hit a homerun with his first swing, many felt he clinched the award that day. Little did anyone expect, by the end of the 2010 season, there would be eight other legitimate contenders for the award.
When you look at the candidates, you have the big names in Heyward, Buster Posey and Stephen Strasburg. You also have the names you wouldn’t expect in Gaby Sanchez and Jonny Venters. So while I have my choice, let’s look at the numbers and see what you think.
Batting
Name-Games played-Batting Avg.-Homeruns-RBI
Heyward-142-.277-18-72
Sanchez-151-.273-19-85
Posey-108-.305-18-67
Starlin Castro-125-.300-3-41
Tyler Colvin-135-.254-20-56
Mike Stanton-100-.259-22-59
Ike Davis-147-.264-19-71
Pitching
Name-Games played-E.R.A.-W/L Record-WHIP-K
Strasburg-12-2.91-5/3-1.07-92
Venters-79-1.95-4/4-1.21-93
It’s safe to say that Strasburg made the biggest impact on the sport in a short period. If Strasburg had not gotten injured, we might not even be having this discussion today. As a baseball fan, I hope that he can recover from Tommy John surgery and come back to the sport as the same pitcher.
When looking at these nine candidates, the injury to Strasburg eliminates him from contention. Venters had great numbers, but the ROY award isn’t given to middle relievers. Castro and Colvin put up great numbers for the Chicago Cubs. Stanton and Davis did the same for the Florida Marlins and New York Mets, but those four don’t match up well to Posey, Heyward or Sanchez. Coming into writing this, I had picked Heyward to win the award due to the fact that he was in big leagues from day 1and Posey wasn’t. But looking at the stats, and the effect that Posey had on his Giants in their push to the NL West division crown, it’s hard to go against him. If Posey had been with the Giants from day 1, he very well could have outdone the numbers Heyward and Sanchez put up.
My top 5 for the NL ROY
Buster Posey
Jason Heyward
Gaby Sanchez
Stephen Strasburg
Ike Davis
Showing posts with label Baseball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Baseball. Show all posts
Oct 12, 2010
The State of the Braves
With the Braves recent elimination from the 2010 MLB playoffs at the hands of
the San Francisco Giants, the Bravos have now been left in search of answers.
Who will manage the team? Will Chipper Jones rebound from a torn ACL and return as the old Chipper Jones who won the MVP in 1999. Will Billy Wagner change his mind and return? Will the Braves acquire a power hitter which their lineup desperately needs? Will Brooks Conrad go down in history with the likes of Mark Wohlers and Lonnie Smith for their postseason difficulties?
The most important thing about the 2011 Atlanta Braves is the manager. With
Bobby Cox's retirement, the former 4 time manager of the year and holder of a
.557 winning percentage in Atlanta, leaves a large hole in the structure of the
organization. Having managed the team since 1990 the Braves have experienced stability at the position in an otherwise unstable role. With talks of Cox’s replacement being either former backup catcher Eddie Perez, or former Braves third base coach and Florida Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez, could either of them lead this team in the same way as Bobby, or will they search for their own identity as manager?
Whoever takes over this team will need to address the Braves struggles in
October. In the last 20 years, the Braves have compiled a 64-65 record in postseason play under Cox. Winning their division every year for 14 seasons didn't mean success for Atlanta in October, having won the World Series only once.
In review of the 2010 team, many bright spots arose for this young ballclub.
Rookie phenom Jason Heyward broke into the baseball scene by hitting a homerun out of Turner Field in Atlanta on his first swing. Fellow rookies Jonny Venters, Craig Kimbrel and Conrad helped revitalize the club. Before October, Conrad’s rookie season would be remembered for hitting 2 pinch hit grand slams, but his defensive struggles in the NLDS committing 3 errors in game 3, including the go ahead run scoring error in the ninth. Brian McCann proved all season why he is one the best catchers in baseball for his offense, and his anything goes style of being the backstop.
Things may have been different for Atlanta had it not been for Kris Medlen going down mid season with an elbow injury, and if Jair Jurrjens had played even remotely close to the level he played in 2009. Injuries are a part of the game, but losing All Stars Jones, and Martin Prado put a deep strain on the already poor defense of the Braves.
General manager Frank Wrenn has a lot of work to do this offseason. Derrek Lee, Troy Glaus, and Eric Hinkse will all be free agents. Takashi Saito, Melky Cabrera, Peter Moylan, Prado, Eric O'Flaherty, and Jurrjens are arbitration eligible. Throw in Wagner's impending retirement and the Braves could have a situation. Tommy Hanson and Medlen are also due to cash in on their success in the near future. The bullpen should be fine even with the loss of All Star Wagner. Kimbrel or Venters could both step into that role next season with their incredible stuff. Minor Leaguers Arodys Vizcaino or Julio Tehran may be ready to take over the middle relief role that one of these potential closers leaves behind. Derek Lowe will be in his third year of a four year contract after a season in which he had hot and cold streaks. There was not a better pitcher in September than Lowe, and that's just when the Braves needed him. 2010 NL Comeback player of the Year Tim Hudson was back in rare form 2 years removed from Tommy John Surgery.
2010 was a great year for baseball. The steroid era is over, and it's all about
pitching and defense. The Braves pitching should be great again in 2011, but their defense is something that needs some looking at. Alex Gonzalez will help lock down the infield, but healthy Prado and Jones are key parts of the equation. Rookie first baseman Freddie Freeman should be ready to make the jump to the big leagues to help the D.
With the rest of October still ahead of us, I am eager to see the season end, and the new era in Atlanta start.
the San Francisco Giants, the Bravos have now been left in search of answers.
Who will manage the team? Will Chipper Jones rebound from a torn ACL and return as the old Chipper Jones who won the MVP in 1999. Will Billy Wagner change his mind and return? Will the Braves acquire a power hitter which their lineup desperately needs? Will Brooks Conrad go down in history with the likes of Mark Wohlers and Lonnie Smith for their postseason difficulties?
The most important thing about the 2011 Atlanta Braves is the manager. With
Bobby Cox's retirement, the former 4 time manager of the year and holder of a
.557 winning percentage in Atlanta, leaves a large hole in the structure of the
organization. Having managed the team since 1990 the Braves have experienced stability at the position in an otherwise unstable role. With talks of Cox’s replacement being either former backup catcher Eddie Perez, or former Braves third base coach and Florida Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez, could either of them lead this team in the same way as Bobby, or will they search for their own identity as manager?
Whoever takes over this team will need to address the Braves struggles in
October. In the last 20 years, the Braves have compiled a 64-65 record in postseason play under Cox. Winning their division every year for 14 seasons didn't mean success for Atlanta in October, having won the World Series only once.
In review of the 2010 team, many bright spots arose for this young ballclub.
Rookie phenom Jason Heyward broke into the baseball scene by hitting a homerun out of Turner Field in Atlanta on his first swing. Fellow rookies Jonny Venters, Craig Kimbrel and Conrad helped revitalize the club. Before October, Conrad’s rookie season would be remembered for hitting 2 pinch hit grand slams, but his defensive struggles in the NLDS committing 3 errors in game 3, including the go ahead run scoring error in the ninth. Brian McCann proved all season why he is one the best catchers in baseball for his offense, and his anything goes style of being the backstop.
Things may have been different for Atlanta had it not been for Kris Medlen going down mid season with an elbow injury, and if Jair Jurrjens had played even remotely close to the level he played in 2009. Injuries are a part of the game, but losing All Stars Jones, and Martin Prado put a deep strain on the already poor defense of the Braves.
General manager Frank Wrenn has a lot of work to do this offseason. Derrek Lee, Troy Glaus, and Eric Hinkse will all be free agents. Takashi Saito, Melky Cabrera, Peter Moylan, Prado, Eric O'Flaherty, and Jurrjens are arbitration eligible. Throw in Wagner's impending retirement and the Braves could have a situation. Tommy Hanson and Medlen are also due to cash in on their success in the near future. The bullpen should be fine even with the loss of All Star Wagner. Kimbrel or Venters could both step into that role next season with their incredible stuff. Minor Leaguers Arodys Vizcaino or Julio Tehran may be ready to take over the middle relief role that one of these potential closers leaves behind. Derek Lowe will be in his third year of a four year contract after a season in which he had hot and cold streaks. There was not a better pitcher in September than Lowe, and that's just when the Braves needed him. 2010 NL Comeback player of the Year Tim Hudson was back in rare form 2 years removed from Tommy John Surgery.
2010 was a great year for baseball. The steroid era is over, and it's all about
pitching and defense. The Braves pitching should be great again in 2011, but their defense is something that needs some looking at. Alex Gonzalez will help lock down the infield, but healthy Prado and Jones are key parts of the equation. Rookie first baseman Freddie Freeman should be ready to make the jump to the big leagues to help the D.
With the rest of October still ahead of us, I am eager to see the season end, and the new era in Atlanta start.
Mar 23, 2010
Through Thick and Thin
For as long as I have watched baseball, I have been a fan of the Braves. It was 1990, and I was in morning kindergarten. That allowed me the chance to be home in the afternoon and catch the occasional one pm game on TBS. The reasoning behind sticking with the Braves in an area dominated by Yankee and Met fans isn’t known to me, but I am certainly glad I did. The fans of the New York teams may have memories with Derek Jeter, Don Mattingly, David Wright, and Darryl Strawberry, but I have the memories of the greats that nobody besides Braves fans know. I have memories of Sid Bream, Ron Gant, Jeff Blauser and Mark Lemke. These guys played their hearts out for all us fans.
Little did I know that I was just finding the Braves right before they were about to start the most incredible streak in the history of sports; 14 straight division titles. Little did I ever know that it would be my love for the Braves that would get to me to where I am today.
Over the years, there have been many reasons for me to love being a fan. The heart and soul of the Braves telecasts and radio broadcasts was the late, great Skip Carey. To this day, the sound of Skip’s 1995 World Series winning call in game 6 still gives me the chills. In fact, it was that call that made me decide that I wanted to be just like Skip. I wanted to be a play by play guy for the Braves, and I would try to mold my style after his. Even if that means I’m going to be the biggest homer for my Braves, and not care about it. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that the likelihood of be becoming that guy probably wouldn’t happen and I’ve seen that my gift was in writing.
Another reason for me being a fan is the players. Many have come and gone, but the memories remain. From David Justice’s solo HR in game 6 of the 95 Series, to Andres Galarraga coming back from Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2000 and winning the comeback player of the year.
What those players have brought the legacy can never be ignored. Who could forget the countless Braves that have resurrected their careers in Atlanta when no other team wanted them. John Burkett, DeWayne Wise, and Matt Diaz come to mind in that sense. With all of those great memories those players gave us, there are still many that haunt all Braves fans. Jim Leyritz’s homerun in game 4 of the 1996 World Series off of Mark Wohlers still gives me nightmares. That fact that we’ve still only won a single World Series is another haunting moment, but one that can be overlooked considering the best team doesn’t always win. We’ve all dealt with controversy, like the John Rocker fiasco, and still find a way to come out on top.
Living in Connecticut makes it difficult to catch as many live Braves games as I would like, but whenever I get the opportunity, I’m there. I’ve made it to Braves-Mets games at Shea Stadium and Citi Field. I braved a tornado warning in 2008 to watch a Myrtle Beach Pelicans game at BB&T Coastal Field, and just recently, made the trip to join over 7,000 other Braves fans at Champion Stadium to see Jair Jurrjens start against the Florida Marlins. Jurrjens struggled in the first, but then showed all in attendance why he had the third best ERA in the National League a year ago. I also had the pleasure of watching Jason Heyward play live for the first time, and can now see why he is going to a handful for every team in the league for many years to come. Heyward showed patience at the plate letting the first seven pitches he saw go for balls before ever taking the bat off his shoulder. Heyward also showed his incredible arm making a perfect throw to third for an OF assist.
With Champion Stadium providing such an incredible atmosphere for baseball, the only true downfall of the afternoon was not being able to see Bobby Cox at the field. Roger McDowell ran the team on this day. But I can forgive Bobby for taking this day off. I can forgive him for the simple reason that I know he’ll be coaching deep into October this season. In his last year of managing, what Bobby has is a great opportunity to go out on top. With one of the best pitching rotations and top catcher in the National League, a shut down closer, and very deep bench, the Atlanta Braves are primed to succeed in 2010.
Dec 23, 2009
Atlanta Braves deal Javier Vazquez
The Braves traded Javier Vazquez yesterday to the Yankees. I knew he was the number one guy to be traded after Atlanta re-signed Tim Hudson, but I have to say I was hoping as a fan that they were going to work out a deal to send Derek Lowe to the Angels instead. I think Vazquez will do fine in NY this time. Last time, he was there, he was their number 1 starter, and he couldn't handle the pressure, hopefully as their 3 or 4 starter, he'll be better off. He isn't going to put up the same numbers he did a year ago, but he will still get his 12-15 wins with an E.R.A. over 4.00.
For the Braves, getting Melky will be a decent addition to the outfield. With Nate McLouth in center, Matt Diaz (or minor league phenom Heyward) in right, and Melky out in left, they will have a great defensive outfield, and they are all decent enough hitters to help the Braves weak offense. I still would have preferred to see the Braves get a power outfielder in the move because that is the number one thing they are lacking, but they're still looking good.
With the 5 man rotation set to 1. Tim Hudson 2. Jair Jurrjens 3. Tommy Hanson (could easily be 1 or 2) 4. Derek Lowe 5. Kenshin Kawakami, they have quality starters 1 through 5, and with Billy Wagner closing out games, the Braves pitching is starting to look like the staff of the nineties.
Their infield is not the best defensively, but is still filled with quality ballplayers. Chipper Jones, if he can get back to his 2008 performance and forget about last year’s injuries and struggles, should be back at his best. Age is a factor for him, but we'll see if he can beat mother time. Yunel Escobar is one of the best young shortstops in baseball, and continues to improve. Martin Prado a year ago was a big surprise. His numbers came out of nowhere, and if he can repeat them in 2010, the Braves will be alright. On December 23rd, the Braves signed Troy Glaus to a one year deal to play first. He, like Jones, had an injury plagued year in 2009, and if he can bounce back, the $2 million salary will be worth it. Of course, having a top 3 catcher in Brian McCann--who will be coming back from a down year due to problems with his eyes--to anchor the infield all make for a trip back to the playoffs.
Merry Christmas everyone. Better to say it early than never say it all. The semester is now over, and I'm just waiting on my grades. Not so sure how I did, but I guess I will know tomorrow.
For the Braves, getting Melky will be a decent addition to the outfield. With Nate McLouth in center, Matt Diaz (or minor league phenom Heyward) in right, and Melky out in left, they will have a great defensive outfield, and they are all decent enough hitters to help the Braves weak offense. I still would have preferred to see the Braves get a power outfielder in the move because that is the number one thing they are lacking, but they're still looking good.
With the 5 man rotation set to 1. Tim Hudson 2. Jair Jurrjens 3. Tommy Hanson (could easily be 1 or 2) 4. Derek Lowe 5. Kenshin Kawakami, they have quality starters 1 through 5, and with Billy Wagner closing out games, the Braves pitching is starting to look like the staff of the nineties.
Their infield is not the best defensively, but is still filled with quality ballplayers. Chipper Jones, if he can get back to his 2008 performance and forget about last year’s injuries and struggles, should be back at his best. Age is a factor for him, but we'll see if he can beat mother time. Yunel Escobar is one of the best young shortstops in baseball, and continues to improve. Martin Prado a year ago was a big surprise. His numbers came out of nowhere, and if he can repeat them in 2010, the Braves will be alright. On December 23rd, the Braves signed Troy Glaus to a one year deal to play first. He, like Jones, had an injury plagued year in 2009, and if he can bounce back, the $2 million salary will be worth it. Of course, having a top 3 catcher in Brian McCann--who will be coming back from a down year due to problems with his eyes--to anchor the infield all make for a trip back to the playoffs.
Merry Christmas everyone. Better to say it early than never say it all. The semester is now over, and I'm just waiting on my grades. Not so sure how I did, but I guess I will know tomorrow.
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