Archive for the 'National League' Category
Thursday, June 7th, 2007
Lance Berkman is having a bad year - this is no secret. The Astros most consistent position player the past five years is underperforming, not just with his bat, but with his mouth. Known as a clubhouse clown with wits and charm, Berkman has spent 2007 complaining, whining and moaning. Let’s take a look at some of his recent on the record statements:
- On Burke’s demotion in April: “I don’t like it. If you’re going to put Chris Burke on the bench, I think it’s a horrible move.” Berkman was quickly reprimanded by team officials.
- On his June ejection for arguing balls and strikes: “It shouldn’t have escalated into anything. All I said was, no way, no way.” Berkman proceeded to throw his batting gloves and equipment bag onto the field before exiting the dugout. Very mature.
- On leaving the clubhouse and returning to the field after his ejection: “What are you supposed to do? Just sit around with ice on you while your teammates are involved in a bench-clearing brawl? You can’t do that. No matter what happens, I don’t care how much they fine me or how much they suspend me, I’d do it again in a heartbeat.'’ Hey Berkman…have you seen Carlos Lee lately? They call him El Cabello not because he’s as big as a horse, but because he knocked out a horse in 4 rounds one day back in Panama. I think he’ll survive without you.
So…Berkman’s not been making the brightest decisions as of late, and is obviously out of his game. Let’s look at some possible reasons why he may be in a funk:
- He’s no longer the big dog. Lee’s is Houston’s new $100 million man, and he’s earning his keep so far. Maybe Berkman’s jealous.
- Berkman is still upset that his buddy Burke isn’t living up to expectations. (Oh no, not another clubhouse couple a la Pettitte / Clemens.)
- He’s got the fat woes. Really…it looks like he’s put on some weight this year, so Fat Elvis may make a resurgence.
- He’s in a once-in-a-lifetime long slump. If this is the case, we can expect the real Slim Shady…uh…Slim Berkman…uh…Fat Elvis to stand up in the summer. He has shown some signs of improvement in the Colorado series, despite his mental mistakes (two homers in his last four at bats as of writing).
Posted in National League | No Comments »
Thursday, February 22nd, 2007
On Thursday, the Houston Chronicle reporting from Kissimmee, FL, quoted Roger Clemens saying he’ll work himself into shape if a team presents an offer he cannot refuse. What is this guy looking for, seriously? Money? A personal team charter plane? Pitch only home games? Maybe he wants the Yankees to change their name to the Rockets. I’m baffled…again I contend that Roger Clemens loves to bathe in his own glory, and loves the thought of 3 teams salivating for his services for the next two months.
Posted in American League, National League | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 31st, 2007
The Seattle Mariners have signed RHP Jeff Weaver to a one-year contract worth up to $9 million. Weaver posted a combined 8-14 record last year between the Angels and the Cardinals, with an ERA right around 6.00. While he performed well in the playoffs, credit the Cardinals management for correctly evaluating Weaver’s talent and letting the Mariners get hosed by Scott Boras. Maybe halfway through the season the Cardinals can again trade for Weaver once Seattle realizes they are wasting their money.
Posted in National League | No Comments »
Monday, January 29th, 2007
I’m so sick and tired of the Roger Clemens “undecided” waiting game every winter, I’m officially announcing that I quit! I’m not playing anymore, Roger! It’s not worth it for me, just so you can hear owners and managers drool over you for months on end. We all know how good you are, it’s no secret. No know how good you are, too! Are you going to hear anything this year that you haven’t heard before? Is there going to be any consideration this year that hasn’t been there in years past?
If you wanted to really show the fans some love, go ahead and commit to something. I don’t care, go back to Boston if you want. Or the Bronx. Heck, go pitch for Arizona, I don’t care anymore. Just stop basking in your Hall of Fame glory and choose something. It’s not like you’re choosing whether or not to go fight in Iraq, or that the decision has some eternal consequences. It’s a game, and you play for a living! Choose a team and play if you want to play…
Posted in American League, National League | No Comments »
Thursday, November 30th, 2006
Albert Pujols, while at a new conference in the Dominican Republic, stated that players on teams that fail to make the playoffs should not be recognized as MVP candidates.
“I see it this way: Someone who doesn’t take his team to the playoffs doesn’t deserve to win the MVP.”
Right…here’s thinking that if the Astros had eclipsed the Cardinals at the 160 game mark, Fat Albert would be signing a different tune.
Posted in National League | No Comments »
Friday, November 3rd, 2006
Almost everyone now believes that the Yankees will pick up Sheffield’s $13 million option for 2007 and promptly trade the 38 year old this off-season. Sheffield has been not been shy about his objection to The Boss’ plan, but doesn’t have 5/10 privileges, so will most likely just be unhappy. What is more interesting, though, are the teams that would be interested in the declining-yet-still-productive outfielder. More teams should be willing to take a chance on Sheff with a one year commitment, as opposed to the multi-year deal Gary wanted (regardless of Sheffield’s purported threats). The New Jersey Star Ledger is reporting that Cleveland, San Francisco and Houston all have some interest in Sheffield. Newsday reported earlier this week that Yankee’s GM Brian Cashman already had a deal in place to trade Sheffield, but felt no urgency to pull the trigger quickly. Team named in that report were the Cubs and Philadelphia. The Yankees have until Sunday to pick up Sheffield’s option for 2007.
Posted in American League, National League | No Comments »
Saturday, October 28th, 2006
With a convincing victory over the Detroit Tigers, the St. Louis Cardinals displayed why underdogs are never really underdogs, and why team victories can come from the most unlikely of heroes. Eckstein, affectionately known as “Squirt” by some in the NL, hit .364 with 4 RBI to capture the World Series MVP. Yadier Molin entered the playoffs with a .216 AVG and then hit .358 in the postseason, continually coming through in clutch situations.
Of course we can’t ignore the fact that the Tigers blew it more than once during the give game series. Tiger pitchers combined for five errors in give games. A defense that had been sustained all year fell apart when it mattered most, led by young pitchers who may have let nerves get the best of them.
When we look back on the 2006 World Series, the smudge on Rogers’ hand and the errors in the field will be remembered. There was no mammoth homerun by Albert Pujols, no 14-inning nail-biter and no managerial screw-ups. Only solid play by one club, and lousy play by another.
Congratualations St. Louis!
Posted in American League, National League | No Comments »
Thursday, September 28th, 2006
…or at least they should be. A recent ESPN poll showed fans think the Astros have the best shot at giving the Mets a series in the first round. With a starting lineup that begins with Roy Oswalt, The Rocket and Andy Pettitte, it’s a no-brainer, not to mention the slump the red-birds starting lineup has been experiencing (including Cy Young favorite Chris Carpenter). It’s been a crazy week in the national league central, and you can bet the Mets are pulling for St. Louis this year.
Posted in National League | 1 Comment »
Saturday, September 9th, 2006
While watching Berkman hit two center-field home runs and drive in four runs tonight, I thought about the MVP voting. Ryan Howard appears to have a commanding lead, but many think Pujols and Beltran are next in line. If the MVP goes to the player that is most valuable for the team, consider this:
The Big Puma has 120 RBIs. That is more than double the second place batter on the Astros (which happens to be Morgan “ride the pine” Ensberg with 53). The Mets have three players with more than 100 RBIs, and St. Louis has five players with more RBIs than Ensberg. In fact, Berkman has driven in 21% of the Astros’ runs, compared to Pujols at 16% and Beltran at 15%.
In my opinion, no one is more valuable to his club than Berkman is to the Astros.
Posted in National League | 1 Comment »
Friday, August 25th, 2006
After hiring the controversial well-known agent Scott Boras earlier this week, Carlos Lee has reniged on the deal, choosing to stick with his original agents. Much speculation has come out over why Lee switched back, but neither Lee not Boras has spoken publicly. If Lee has any intention of recieving an offer from the offense-needy Astros, this was a good move. Since Boras burned the Astros with the whole Carlos Beltran deal, it’s unlikely that the Houston front office will ever negotiate with him again. Lee is apparently on the top of the list for Houston’s off-season targets.
Posted in National League | No Comments »