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2013 MLB Top 10 First Basemen

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

by LeRoy McConnell III

 

 

 

 

10.  Boston Red Sox 1B.  Mike Napoli

This was not the way Mike Napoli had envisioned his free agency.  Just two years ago the Texas Rangers made the trade of the year by taking Mike Napoli off the hands of the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for Frankie Francisco.  That season, 2011, Napoli was one of the hottest offensive players in the majors by batting .320, 30HRs, 75RBI.  He was a key element that led the Texas Rangers 

back to the playoffs and World Series.  In the World Series, Napoli managed to hit .350BA, 2HR, 10RBI while primarily playing the catcher position.  He could have easily been the MVP of the series if it weren’t for late-inning heroics by the St. Louis Cardinals’ David Freese.  In 2012, he continued to play behind the plate for the Rangers and his power numbers were still there as he hit 24 home runs.  The disappointing part of Napoli’s season was his batting average dropping down to a  dismal .227, .93 points from the year before.  Mike, may have played his hand wrong during the season which may have led to his average declining.  He filed for free agency and thought he had inked a 3-year, $39 million deal with the Boston Red Sox, but it was terminated because of a hip issue during a physical.  Though his 3-year deal was voided, The Red Sox did give him a one-year deal worth $5 million to play first base.  His numbers should rise being at Fenway, and not having to worry about the wear and tear being behind the plate.  2013 Prediction .265BA 28HR 82RBI .362OPB .502SLG

 

9.  Arizona Diamondback 1B.  Paul Goldschmidt

“Goldy” has solidified himself as an everyday player for the Diamondbacks shortly after his arrival back August 2011.  Just last year the rising star batted .286, 20HR, 82RBI in his first full season.

He was a steal in the 8th round of the 2009 Major League draft out of Texas State, hitting the major leagues just 2 seasons later and not slowing down.  His size (6’3″, 230 lbs) lends itself to power and he may just be getting started with last year’s production.  He’s is also a great doubles hitter, tallying 43 last year to finish among the Top 5 in the NL.  One of the most astonishing things about Goldschmidt is he is the only first basemen out of the group that can steals bases.  Just last year he managed to steal 18 bases in 21 attempts.  There is no reason why he can’t become a member of the 20/20 club this coming season.  As Paul matures and continues to get a feel for the game, there should be no reason why he can’t move into the top five first basemen in the game right now.  2013 Prediction .282BA 25HR 96RBI 25SB .356OPB .493SLG

 

8.  Atlanta Braves 1B.  Freddie Freeman

If you are an Atlanta Braves fan, you get to see  a budding star firsthand in Mr. Freeman.  When Freddie was called up from the minors in the fall of 2010,

all he did was hit his first ever home run off Roy Halladay.  Since then he has been a quiet force at first base smacking 21 and 23 home runs in his first two full season in the Majors.  Since Chipper Jones has exit stage left, the Atlanta Braves will still maintain excellence as they will now  rely on their youth of Jayson Heyward and Freddie Freeman to be their one-two punch to go along with the Upton brothers.  Entering his third full season in the majors Freeman has already recorded a twenty game hit streak in his short career.  2013 Prediction .280BA 26HR 95RBI .354OPB .468SLG

 

 

 

 

7. Washington Nationals 1B.  Adam LaRoche

It’s good to see this journeyman finally having a stable home!  Adam LaRoche has to be the most underrated first baseman on the list.  When drafting for an infielder on the right side of the diamond, you’re typically not thinking of LaRoche being your choice as your first baseman.  Don’t sleep on him because LaRoche comes to play and he will be called upon being an integral part of the Washington Nationals’ success once again.  Just last year LaRoche smacked 33HR and 100RBI, which led to his first Silver Slugger Award and his first Gold Glove.  Adam also gained a contract extension.  Good for him.  I wouldn’t be surprised to find similar numbers from the 9-year veteran as his 2013 Prediction .270BA 30HR 105RBI .339OPB .470SLG

 

 

6.  Toronto Blue Jays 1B.  Edwin Encarnacion

With the potential lineup the Toronto Blue Jays have planned for this upcoming season, Edwin will provide plenty of runs if he’s back to his MVP form.  Especially if, Melky Cabrera can find a way to have enough juice (no pun intended!), I mean magic, like he had last season, and of course if Jose Bautista can manage to come back from a wrist injury.  Then again, Edwin didn’t have any of them in front of him last year and still managed to be the Most Improved Player in the Major Leagues.  Encarnacion had a career year batting .280BA 42HR and 110RBI.  Could this be the year that the team from Canada conquers the American League East?  In order for that to happen Encarnacion will have to continue to put up all-star numbers.  2013 Prediction .290BA 34HR 112RBI .364OPB .520SLG

 

5.  Los Angeles Dodgers 1B.  Adrian Gonzalez

Can you say bounce-back year?   I am sure the 4-time all-star is hoping as well.  Adrian Gonzalez hasn’t quite been himself since leaving San Diego just two seasons ago.  Many predicted huge numbers playing everyday in Fenway batting in front of or behind Big Papi.  Things didn’t go as planned and the Red Sox went on a fire sale, landing Gonzalez back to the west coast but this time in LA.  He arrived just last year and managed to hit a home run in his first game as a Dodger, but still the power numbers were missing.  It’s a new day, a better team without the negative vibes Adrian was around the last two years.  He is in a better place and with a healthy Carl Crawford and Matt Kemp batting in front of him, and with Hanley Ramirez protecting him, it will give Gonzalez ample opportunity to get back to his slugging ways. 2013 Prediction .295BA 32HR 117RBI .364OPB .470SLG

 

4.  New York Yankees 1B.  Mark Teixeira

The biggest key for success in the 2013 season for Mr. Teixeira is to stay healthy.  When he is healthy, which has been his whole career until last season, he has put up his usual 37HR and 120RBI.  Last season he dealt with severe congestion, a bad wrist, and a nagging calf injury.  Hopefully all of that is behind him because the New York Yankees are depending on his silver slugging bat and his 5-time Gold Glove since no one knows the fate of Alex Rodriguez.   Though Mark is the only switch-hitting first basemen out of this group, he will continue to aim for the short porch down the right field wall in Yankee Stadium by batting left-handed.  2013 Prediction .268BA 35HR 115RBI .352OPB .481SLG

 

 

 

3.  Detroit Tigers 1B.  Prince Fielder

I don’t know a more exciting player at the plate right now than the Prince of Detroit.  There isn’t a batter in baseball that can hack at pitches the way Fielder does.  We all have seen the damage the two-time Home Run Derby champion has displayed over the years.  Prince entered his first season as a Detroit Tiger doing what he does best, driving in runs.  He did a marvelous job protecting the American League’s MVP, Miguel Cabrera, who also won the triple crown for the first time since Carl Yastrzemski did it in 1967.  Prince wasn’t too shabby himself as he posted 30HR and 108RBI while batting a career high .313.  Expect those numbers to climb as the 28-year-old Fielder is entering into his prime and with the addition of a healthy Victor Martinez, who is back from a torn ACL injury, will provide the Prince of Detroit with some needed protection.  2013 Prediction .305BA 38HR 128RBI .412OPB .584SLG

 

 

 

 

 

2.  Cincinnati Reds 1B  Joey Votto

This Canadian superstar did something last year that no player in the major leagues did and that was have more hits than games played.  Though he only played 111 games a year ago because of an MCL tear, he still managed 126 base hits which is remarkable.  Votto also demonstrated that he can reach base as his on base percentage is a staggering .474.  Like Fielder, Joey is also in his prime years now as he is looking forward to a monster year at the plate.  He will be manning the three hole once again this season being protected by Ryan Ludwick or Jay Bruce in the friendly confines of the Great American Ball Park.  If healthy, I believe Joey Votto will be the National League MVP.  2013 Prediction .340BA 37HR 121RBI .425OPB .527SLG

 

 

1.  Los Angeles Angels 1B. Albert Pujols

Is there any doubt?  Albert Pujols is the is greatest ballplayer in the game and has been the since his arrival 2001.  His first year in the American League was an adventure as it took Phat Albert twenty-nine games to post his first American League home run.  If you owned Pujols in your fantasy baseball league last year, you were probably on suicide or homicide watch calling MAY DAY! MAY DAY!  The sky is falling!  Then Albert woke up, put up his usual 30HR and 100RBI and by the end of the year it was a distant memory.  Now that he has adjusted to the American League pitching and the Angels adding former MVP Josh Hamilton, Albert, for the first time will have a superstar protecting him in his glorious career.  As I have mentioned since his arrival in the Major Leagues, Pujols has averaged over 41 home runs (never hitting under 30) and 125RBI (99RBI is his lowest ever2011) each year he has been in the league.  Albert is on a mission this season as he is 25 home runs from reaching the 500 home run club.  He is out to reclaim his rightful spot as the best player in the league.  In order for him to do that, he must out-perform his own teammates Josh Hamilton and last year’s Rookie of the Year, Mike Trout.  2013 Prediction .332BA 37HR 130RBI .373OPB .527SLG

 

Players who could easily crash the party:

Philadelphia Phillies 1B.  Ryan Howard was coming off an Achilles injuries.  Should have a productive year.  .255BA 35HR 130RBI .337OPB .470SLG

Chicago White Sox 1B  Paul Konerko may be the victim of “Father Time”.  He is still capable of putting up numbers.  .290BA 28HR 92RBI .371OPB .483SLG

Kansas City Royals 1B. Billy Butler is the unsung one out of the group, probably because of the team he plays for.  .307BA 29HR 100RBI .373OPB .492SLG

Chicago Cubs 1B. Anthony Rizzo  isn’t a stud yet but keep watch as he is entering his 2nd year.  .274 22HR 71RBI .347OPB .485SLG


 

LeRoy McConnell III of “A Fan’s Point of View”, for War Room Sports

 

 

 

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BBWAA? Who Needs The Hall Of FAME!

Friday, January 11th, 2013

by LeRoy McConnell III

 

 

 

 

The most anticipated day in the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) has finally come and gone and yes of course they have spoken loudly with their pens selecting who they think is worthy of getting into their precious Baseball Hall of Fame.  This year baseball has taken a closer interest in who is voted in because of the elite and polarizing names displayed on this year’s ballot; and yes this is the only time these so-called sportswriters finally get to stick it to the likes of Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens while remaining anonymous.Well if I were a betting man, I would say that both Bonds and Clemens are not surrounded by friends and family today, waiting for that phone call from the BBWAA telling them about their induction into the Hall.  It AIN’T happening today.  No one is getting in.  The hall of fame voters have made their decision to select no one into their exclusive fraternity all because of P.E.D.s.  Now we get to listen to BBWAA take center stage today, explaining their actions, like we give a crap on why the likes of Curt Schilling, Mike Piazza, or Jeff Bagwell were not worthy enough to enter the Hall this year.  I’m sure as years will pass, their stats will improve tremendously and it will allow these players to squeeze into the Hall with the minimum 75% they need to make it.  When you decide to keep the all-time hits leader out, the all-time home run king who has 7 MVP awards out, and the 7-time Cy Young award-winning pitcher out, then your reasoning is pointless.

Speaking of Pete Rose, the best advice he could give Bonds and Clemens is to hope they never get inducted!  Hall of Fame!  Who Needs the Hall Of Fame!  For over twenty years, baseball has kept Pete Rose out of the Hall of Fame for admitting to gambling.  As much as Rose belongs in the Hall, the attention he receives is far greater than any member in Cooperstown.  The same attention will be for both Barry and Roger.  I mean lets face it, all three men would forever be linked together as the greatest players not to be enshrined.  When was the last time you heard the names of George Brett, Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax, Johnny Bench, and Hank Aaron?  No one is talking about them.  We have been talking about Pete Rose’s fate for two decades now.  If you are Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, you want to be the topic of conversation.  What is the old saying?; any positive or negative news is good news.  You both have demanded the spotlight in your playing days, and both of you will continue being the center of the baseball world for many years to come.  Don’t get me wrong, the Hall is a special place; but for you two, if you really want to go, buy a ticket.  I’m sure you will get a few laughs when you see some of your own artifacts inside the museum.  Look at the bright side,  you made mega bucks playing a little boy’s game and you will never have to pay back a single dollar for your transgressions!  Your records don’t have asterisks beside your name so take it with a grain of salt and accept the deal you made with the devil.

Someone please tell me what is the big deal about the Hall if you are not putting in the best players?  It’s a museum where the best of the best show up once a year, wearing their golden jackets, honoring the neophytes to the frat house.  Each new member receives a plaque and gives a speech, talking about the good old days.  Why would anyone be interested in this year’s Hall of Fame class that has selected no new members?    If the agenda in 2013 was to punish the likes of Craig Biggio, Curt Schilling, Mike Piazza, Fred McGriff, Jack Morris, and Tim Raines, you have done just that.  I can only imagine what Cooperstown will look and sound like this summer (CRICKETS….LOUD CRICKETS!)
I have a family member that said baseball 20 years from now will be competing with the NHL for survival.  Good job BBWAA, you have had your day now go away.
LeRoy McConnell III of A Fan’s Point of View, for War Room Sports

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The Top 10 Changes in MLB I Would Make if I Were Commissioner

Thursday, November 1st, 2012

By LeRoy McConnell III

 

 

 

 

Allan Huber “Bud” Selig has just completed his twentieth season as Commissioner of Major League Baseball.  I am here to tell him that the league itself needs a face lift!  No longer do I want to sit and watch the game I love “commished” by the likes of a PUPPET!  Mr. Selig, you are a former owner, so it’s fitting that your interest only favors the other 30 owners.  The game has passed you by and there have been numerous times when baseball fans across the country were in dismay with some of the decisions made in your long tenure as commissioner.  I believe it is time that I take the initiative in helping “Bud”pack up his rubbish and exit stage left!  Major League Baseball needs to make a change, to find their own Roger Goodell, and his name is LeRoy McConnell III.  If I were Commissioner for only a day, here are my top ten changes that would benefit Major League Baseball.

 

 

10. Baseball Salary Cap

First off, there will be no CONTRACTING TEAMS.  Everyone gets to keep their jobs!  Baseball isn’t watered down, we just have frugal owners who have no business owning a professional team (not referring to the Oakland A’s).  The New York Yankees led the Major Leagues in team payroll with a little under $200 million in salaries.  The Oakland A’s payroll was around $55 million and they both made the playoffs.  The myth of spending money does not guarantee you a World Series championship; but it is important that each franchise put a competitive team on the field.  So I am implementing a cap that each team must spend a minimum of $100 million dollars.  Guys, we are in the 21st century.  A $100 million dollar payroll should guarantee that each team has a franchise player or two that a team can build around.  If an organization does not meet the minimum $100 million requirement, then they will be fined and pay the difference to make up the $100 million.  Example… If they spend $60 million, then they owe the league $40 million to make up the difference.  No more fattening of the owners pockets while fans have to watch Double A baseball for 81 nights a year.

 

9. All Star Game – This Time It Counts!  Really? 

The home-field advantage for the World Series each year goes to the league that wins the all-star game.  Sorry “BUD”, this is BULL$#@T!  I do have to give you credit on one aspect.  If you want fans talking about your sport, you have done an excellent job of getting ESPN, newspapers, and sports talk radio conversing about your product.  Fans have complained about this issue as much as getting a playoff series in college football.  Thank Melky Cabrera, the MVP of the 2012 All-Star game and P.E.D user, for getting the home field advantage to the National League.  NO MORE HOME FIELD advantage for the World Series!  It is an exhibition game and that’s all.  The winner of the All-Star Games gets an “ATTA BOY!”
As the new Commissioner, I suggest we stop worrying about tradition.  It will be fun to see an All-Star Game that showcases American-born players versus All-World-born players.  Another suggestion would be to let the player in each league that LEADS in popularity votes pick their own team.  This would allow ball players to play with the opposite league.  It sounds wacky but remember it is an exhibition.

 

8. Move The Season Back To 154 Games

1961 was the first year Major League Baseball adopted a 162 game season.  The reason for adding the eight games was expansion.  Really, we have expanded four additional times since the ’90’s and there were no additions there.  Don’t believe the hype, it is all about money.  Omitting eight games from an already long season will never happen, especially when there is money involved, but it will make the remaining 154 games that more important.  If you are so worried about tradition, then consider the 154 games.  It didn’t hurt the stats of a Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, or a Willie Mays.

 

7. Wild Card Playoff 

“BUD”, you almost got this one right.  Smart move on the Wild Card playoffs.  I believe it brought excitement to the sport but a one game “winner take all” in baseball does not work for me.  This is not March Madness.  As the new Commissioner, I’d implement Wild Card series that involves the best of 3.

 

6. Home run derby

Lets go back to the 2008 All-Star Home Run Derby in Yankee Stadium, when Josh Hamilton hits an unbelievable 28 home runs in the first round, only to finish second to Justin Morneau’s 22 home runs in two rounds.  Josh lost because he only hit 4 homers to Morneau’s 9 in round two.  America, you do the math.  The winner of the home run derby goes to the player who hits the most home runs.  That should settle all the confusion there.

 

5. Inter-league squad games

“BUD”, I appreciate you giving the fans inter-league baseball.  It was an ingenius idea on your part and it gives us fans a chance to see teams we normally don’t see on a regular basis.  I do believe a change or two will make inter-league play a little more interesting.  I will implement visitor rules during inter-league games during the regular and post-season.  DH’s in National League parks and no DH’s in American League parks.  I am represented by an American League team, and I think it would be more enjoyable to see the game played by National League rules.  It would be fun to see the American League pitchers bat in front of their home crowds and it would also be a treat to see a designated hitter in the National League stadiums.

 

4. Instant Replay 

Human Element my a$$!  Stop it!  Stop flirting with the idea of instant replay and implement it already.  The game deserves the call to be right.  There are times when the naked eye needs a second look, and I don’t see any shame in that.  We all remember June 2010, when Armando Galarraga of the Detroit Tigers, was stripped of a perfect game with two outs in the ninth inning by first base umpire Jim Joyce.  With instant replay, Jim Joyce would have avoided humiliation; while Armando Galarraga would have gotten his well

deserved perfect game and forever have his name in the record book.

As the new Commissioner, I’d implement instant replay.  It is important for our gamblers out there and we don’t want a missed call affecting the outcome of the game.

 

3. League wide double headers

Twice a year Major League Baseball will implement a day/night doubleheader.  The first doubleheader will be on Memorial Day and the second one will be an inter-league game on July 4th.  This game will be for the fans as they will be charged for the price of a single admission.

 

2. P.E.D.s 
 
Sorry Bud, you don’t get a pass on STEROIDS.  You sat there with a blind eye, knowing that your product was tainted.  You and the rest of the Major League owners benefited just as much as the players did, financially.  For years, fans enjoyed watching ball players swinging for the fences, putting up video game stats, breaking what used to be sacred records, while you heard the rumblings of cheating in your sport.  What did you do about it?  NOTHING!  Since you allowed this to happen, each professional game played will officially stand in the record books without an asterisk.  I don’t want P.E.D.’s in the game, so as commissioner, I am implementing from here on out that if any players get caught using P.E.D.’s, there will be an automatic termination from Major League Baseball for two years.  I have also decided that the accused contract will be null and voided.  After a two-year ban, the suspended ballplayer can file for reinstatement.  Enough with the three strikes and you’re out!

 

1. Baseball Diamond Dimensions 

I have never understood why all of the Major League stadiums have different field dimensions.  When you walk into an NBA arena, each court is 94 ft long, the 3-point line is 23 ft and the rim sits at an even 10 ft.  When you walk into a NFL stadium, the field is 120 yards long (end zone included) and 53.5 yards wide.  How come each baseball stadium dimensions are different?  I believe each stadium’s dimensions need to be the same.  Why should some ball players get an advantage of hitting a home run out because of a short right or left field and not everyone else?  My last implementation as Commissioner of Major League Baseball will be to demand all left fields be measured at 330 ft, centerfields will be 400 ft, and right fields will be 330 ft, across the league.

As Commissioner for a day, I know some of my changes aren’t popular to some, but they are my suggestions.  Tell me what YOU would do different?

 

LeRoy McConnell III of “A Fan’s Point of View”, for War Room Sports

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THE UNIQUE GREATNESS OF BASEBALL

Thursday, October 11th, 2012

by Gus Griffin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of all team sports, none is even close to being as unique as baseball.  Football, Basketball, Soccer, and Hockey all have clocks which can save you or hurt you.  Not in baseball.  You have to get 27 outs to win.  In the others, the offense initiates all of the action.  Not baseball.  With the exception of a daring runner, nothing happens until the pitcher/defense throws the ball.  In the others, there really is no structural home field advnatage.  There is in baseball.  Home team get the last at bat.  All of these factors were in play yesterday in the MLB playoffs. What great games!

 

Gus Griffin, for War Room Sports

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The American League’s All-Time Franchise Players

Wednesday, October 10th, 2012

by LeRoy McConnell III

 

 

 

 

 

There are 14 American League Baseball teams across country.  Each team has at least one significant individual that is the consummate ballplayer who represents everything the franchise is about.  As we take a look at each team, which ballplayer shows to be the most influential player to have donned a uniform for that franchise?  Some teams will have an obvious pick chosen to represent their team.  What about the teams that were successful in multiple eras?  We can only choose one player for each team that deserves the title “Mr. Baseball”.

American League East

 

Mr. Baltimore Oriole is  Frank Robinson

This selection is not as easy as it sounds when you have the likes of Eddie Murray, Jim Palmer, Cal Ripken Jr. and Brooks Robinson.  I know how much of darlings Cal Ripken Jr. and Brooks Robinson are, but Frank Robinson is  Mr. Baltimore Oriole.  The 1966 MVP, Triple Crown winner, and 2-time World Series champion (’66,’70).  He was also the manager for 4 seasons for the Baltimore Orioles.  Robinson’s numbers as an Oriole were .300BA/882H/179HR/545RBI/.543SLG/.944OPS in 6 seasons.

 

Mr. Boston Redsox is Ted Williams

With the prosperous history of the Boston Red Sox, the franchise had a wealth of talent that come to mind such    as Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens,  Jimmie Fox, Pedro Martinez, and Carl Yastrzemski.  To me, Mr. Boston Redsox has to be “Teddy Ballgame”.  Though he was a difficult soul to love in his playing days in Boston,  it’s  impossible to leave out the last man to hit .406, twice a triple crown winner, and twice MVP of the league.  Ted Williams’ numbers as a Red Sox were .344BA/2654H/521HR/1839RBI/.639SLG/1.116OPS in 21 seasons.

 

 

Mr. New York Yankee is Derek Jeter 

The most difficult team to choose by far.  I will not include Babe Ruth because he is labeled as the first professional baseball player recognized by all.  There are plenty more Yankees such as Yogi Berra, Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gehrig, , Reggie Jackson, Mickey Mantle, and Mariano Rivera.  When it’s all said and done, number 2 is on pace to being the greatest Yankee of all-time.  He learned a lot from the Yankee tradition as he is a winner, he is the modern-day Joe DiMaggio, and he is the only Yankee to eclipse the 3000 hit list (hard to believe).  It’s amazing that he has been able to keep a squeaky clean image in the Big Apple.   A role model for all.  Mr. New York Yankees belongs to Derek Jeter.  Jeter’s numbers as a Yankees so far are .313BA/3265H/.382OBP/.831OPS/347SB

 

Mr. Tampa Bay Ray is Carl Crawford 

  Is it possible that a team that hasn’t been in existence 15 years have a Mr. Tampa Bay Ray?  The Rays have only been relevant the last four years and maybe it’s because of Evan Longoria and David Price.  I don’t think either one has enough skins on the wall to warrant the title as of yet.  There is one man who does represent the standard as he leads the franchise in hits, runs, and stolen bases.  Mr. Tampa Bay Ray is Carl Crawford.  Crawford’s numbers as a Tampa Bay Ray were 296BA/1480H/103 3B/432SB in 9 seasons.

 

Mr. Toronto Blue Jay is Dave Stieb 

Off the top of my head it probably should be Joe Carter because of his heroics in the 1993 World Series when he hit a walk-off, 3 run homer against the Phillies’ Mitch Williams, to end the series.  What about other players such as Roberto Alomar, George Bell, Carlos Delgado, Roy Halladay, and Jimmy Key.  I believe Mr. Toronto Blue Jay goes to Dave Stieb, by a small margin over Roy Halladay.  As a Blue Jay, Dave Stieb won 175G/30SHO/103CG/3.44ERA/1658SO in 16 seasons.

 

 

American League Central

 

  Mr. Chicago White Sox is Frank Thomas

  I can do a list of White Sox players but none would be worthier than the “Big Hurt”.  Mr. Chicago White Sox is Frank Thomas.   Frank Thomas burst onto the scene putting up Hall of Fame numbers, standing at 6’5 280lbs, an intimidating force but really the opposite.  Other White Sox in consideration were Luke Appling, Paul Konerko, and Ted Lyons.  Frank Thomas’ numbers as a White Sox were .307BA/2136H/448HR/1465RBI/1466BB/.427OBP/.568SLG/.995OPS

 

 

Mr. Cleveland Indian is Bob Feller 

If we were speaking modern-day only, then Jim Thome would win my vote because he is truly the most popular Indian alive but there is a war hero the city of Cleveland loves a little bit more.  Mr. Cleveland Indian is Bob Feller.  He was a 20 game winner in his teenage years, the hardest throwing pitcher before we ever heard the name Nolan Ryan.  He remains the Indians’ all-time leader in shutouts and strikeouts.  Other considerations were Albert Belle, Tris Speaker and Jim Thome.  As an Indian, Bob Feller won 266G/44SHO/279CG/3.25ERA/2581SO in 18 seasons.  Feller missed 3 prime season due to war.

 

  Mr. Detroit Tiger is Ty Cobb 

  Numbers never lie!  Have you ever heard of a major league hitter knocking in 1805 rbi for a franchise by only hitting 111 home runs?  Who says you have to be a power hitter?  It does help to have 3900 hits and a lifetime batting average of .368 as a Detroit Tiger.  Mr. Detroit Tiger goes to Tyrus Cobb.  I wonder if the Detroit Tigers franchise is the only organization with two members with at least 3000 hits with one team.  The other man is Al Kaline.  Hank Greenberg is not to shabby himself!  Ty also scored over 2088 R/1148BB/869SB/.434OBP/.516SLG/.945OPS in 22 seasons with Detroit.

 

Mr. Kansas City Royal is George Brett

One name and one name only.  George Brett is Mr. Kansas City Royal.  20 years in a Royals uniform, the ultimate professional who did nothing but bring respectability to the Royals organization.  When he retired, the Royals organization simply died.  In 1980, Brett made a run at .400 batting .390.  He is the only major league player to win a batting title in three different decades.  Who is going to tell George Brett he isn’t Mr. Royal?  Have you seen his reaction during the pine tar incident!  Honorable mention belongs to Hal McCrae and Frank White.  George Brett’s numbers as a Royal were .305BA/3154H/317HR/1591RBI/.369OBP/.487SLG/.857OPS in 20 seasons in Kansas City.

 

  Mr. Minnesota Twin is Kirby Puckett 

  A short, chubby man with a very large stick comes to mind.  This individual was the heart and soul of the only two World Series championships in team history.  Did I say he was short?  He made some incredible plays with the bat and the glove.  Standing at 5’8″, this individual definitely played bigger than anyone in his era.  Mr. Minnesota Twin goes to Kirby Puckett.  Had my eye on Bert Blyleven, Rod Carew, Kent Hrbek, Harmon Killebrew, and Tony Oliva.  Kirby Puckett’s numbers as a Twin were .318BA/2304H/.360OBP/.477SLG/.837OPS in 12 seasons in Minnesota.  Kirby’s career was cut short due to glaucoma.  Several surgeries occurred but vision was never restored.

 

American League West

 

Mr. Los Angeles Angel is Nolan Ryan

One of the biggest mistakes in the Angels history was letting this man become a free agent.  All he did in an Angels uniform was strike people out.  Hint, hint!  Mr. Los Angeles Angel goes to Nolan Ryan.  Someone explain to me how a dominant pitcher who strikes out 383 batters and finishes second in the Cy Young race was allowed to leave.  Other considerations were Garrett Anderson, Rod Carew, Chuck Finley, and Tim Salmon.  Nolan Ryan won 138W/156CG/40SHO/3.07ERA/2416SO/1.294WHIP in 8 seasons as an Angels.

 

  Mr. Oakland A’s is Rickey Henderson 

   Oakland A’s has had a substantial amount of superstars from the likes of Vida Blue, Jose Canseco, Dennis Eckersley, Jim “Catfish” Hunter, Reggie Jackson, Mark McGwire, and Dave Stewart.  There was a guy who named himself “The Greatest”!  Mr. Oakland A’s goes to Rickey Henderson, who without a doubt believes he is “The Greatest”!  I can’t think of another ballplayer that beats to a crazy drum like Henderson.  He will find a way to get on base, swipe second to get in scoring position, and cross home plate to add to his run total.  He was one of the most individual stat-counting ballplayers the game has ever seen.  I guess we must take into account that he may have known what he was talking about.  I guess!  Rickey Henderson’s numbers as an Oakland A’s were.288BA/1768H/1227BB/1270R/867SB/.409OBP/.839OPS in 14 seasons.

 

Mr. Seattle Mariner is Edgar Martinez

The Seattle Mariners hit the jackpot twice raising two teenage ball players into perennial superstars.  Unfortunately they couldn’t keep either one in a Mariners uniform.  The stories of Alex Rodriguez and Ken Griffey Jr. speak for themselves.  Both players were bigwigs in their time in Seattle.  No one will ever match the human highlights Griffey displayed running down fly balls and that sweet swing…priceless.  A-Rod, innocent at the time, putting up numbers at the shortstop position that no one in history before or since has done.  Two beloved players but not the most important Mariners.  First of all, this individual’s bat was just as important as those superstars mentioned, and unlike them, he never chased the mighty dollar of free agency.  Mr. Seattle Mariner is Edgar Martinez.  Other considerations are Jay Buhner, Randy Johnson, and Ichiro Suzuki.  Edgar Martinez’ numbers were.318BA/2247H/309HR/1261RBI/.418OBP/.515SLG/.933OPS in 18 seasons.

 

  Mr. Texas Ranger is Nolan Ryan

  If Chuck Norris a.k.a “Walker Texas Ranger”  had any say in the voting he would choose himself as Mr. Texas Ranger.  Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez was the heartbeat for the Texas Rangers for 13 years and is still a fan favorite.  Michael Young was handed the torch when “Pudge” left Texas and has blossomed into the captain of the team.  However, once again Mr. Texas Ranger without saying is Nolan Ryan.  Though he only played 5 seasons in a Ranger uniform, he was known for his milestones.  In a Ranger uniform he won his 300th game, he threw his 5000th strikeout, and he pitched his sixth and seventh no-hitters.  Nolan Ryan is Mr. Texas Ranger because he saved a franchise that was in bankruptcy.  Since he took over management and now part-owner, the Texas Rangers have been part of the last two World Series (2010,2011) and currently one of the best teams in the Majors.  Their farm system is among the best in baseball, all because of Mr. Texas Rangers Nolan Ryan.  Other considerations were Juan Gonzalez, Josh Hamilton, Charlie Hough, and Rafeal Palmeiro.

 

LeRoy McConnell III of “A Fan’s Point of View”, for War Room Sports

 

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The National League’s All-Time Franchise Players

Friday, September 14th, 2012

By LeRoy McConnell III

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are 16 National League Baseball teams across the country.  Each team has at least one significant individual that is the consummate ball player, who represent everything the franchise is about.  As we take a look at each team, which ball player shows to be the most influential player to have donned a uniform for that franchise?  Some teams will have an obvious choice to represent their team.  What about the teams that were successful in multiple eras?  We can only choose one player for each team that deserves the title “Mr. Baseball”.

National League East

Mr. Atlanta Brave is Henry “Hank” Aaron 

The Braves franchise could be considered the most underrated organization in the majors as they have produced some legendary ball players from multiple eras.  Similar to the Yankees’ franchise, there are plenty of deserving individuals who could wear the title.  Mr. Atlanta Brave is Henry “Hank” Aaron.  It’s obvious that Hank Aaron is the most deserving; the way he played the game, the threats he faced when he approached Babe Ruth’s home run record, etc.  He is known as a class act, though still a little underappreciated.  Let the debate begin.  It’s a given that Hank is the first choice but you couldn’t go wrong with the likes of Tom Glavine, Chipper Jones, Greg Maddux, Eddie Matthews, John Smoltz, and Warren Spahn.  Hank Aaron’s numbers were .305BA/3600H/733HR/2202RBI/2107R/.377OPB/.567SLG/.944OPS in 21 years as an Atlanta Brave.

 

 

  Mr. Philadelphia Philly is Michael Jack Schmidt 

You know how special you must be to be loved in Philly?  Mike Schmidt knows.  He knows       very well as he spent 18 seasons protecting the left side of the diamond.  Schmidt was the greatest all-around third basemen in major league history.  It helps being the MVP of the 1980 World Series.  Mr. Philadelphia Philly is Michael Jack Schmidt.  The 3-time MVP will forever have a place in the Phillies’ hearts.  “The City of Brotherly Love” also loves Steve Carlton, Ryan Howard, Pete Rose, and Robin Roberts.  Mike Schmidt’s numbers were .267BA/548HR/1595RBI/1506R/1507BB/527SLG/380OBS/908OPS in 18 seasons with the Phillies.

 

Mr. Washington National/Montreal Expo is Tim Raines 

No one on the Washington Nationals is worthy of being on the list.  However they do have potential stars in Stephen Strasburg and young phenom Bryce Harper.  To be continued!  Before there was a Washington National, it was all about the Montreal Expos, whose franchise was snakebitten because they couldn’t keep their players.  First of all, this individual needs to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame.  This man started things off at the top of the order for many years.  He was the National League version of Rickey Henderson.  Mr. Expos/Nationals goes to Tim Raines.  Other strong considerations were Gary Carter,  Andre Dawson, Andres Galarraga, Vladimir Guerrero, Pedro Martinez, and Larry Walker.  Tim Raines’ numbers were .301BA/1622H/793BB/947R/635SB/.391OBP/.829OPS in 13 seasons as an Expo.

 

  Mr. Miami Marlin is Luis Castillo 

The name Luis Castillo is not an every day household name.  Don’t blame me, blame the Marlins’ ownership, who are responsible for not keeping any of their superstars that came through their organization.  I won’t fault them for it.  They have won two World Series in their nineteen years of existence.  Mr. Marlin goes to Luis Castillo, who won a World Series in 2003.  Other considerations were Hanley Ramirez, Josh Beckett, Miguel Cabrera, Josh Johnson, and Cliff Floyd.  Luis Castillo’s numbers were .293BA/1273H/42TR/281SB/.370OBP/533BB in 10 seasons with the Miami Marlins.

 

Mr. New York Met is Tom Seaver 

The Mets will never reach the standard of the mighty Yankees but they had some important moments and teams such as the ’69 Miracle Mets.  Mr. New York Met is Tom Seaver.  Seaver won the Cy Young Award the same year he helped the Mets win their first World Series against the Baltimore Orioles.  Other considerations go out to Gary Carter, Dwight Gooden, Keith Hernandez, Darryl Strawberry, and David Wright.  As a New York Met, Tom Seaver won 198G/2.57ERA/171CG/44SHO/2541SO/1.076WHIP in 12 seasons.

 

 

National League Central

 

Mr. Chicago Cub is Ernie Banks

Ernie Banks is the only Major League ball player with the nickname after the team name.  He’s an ambassador for the Cubs organization and he is still a fan favorite.  His attitude is genuine which makes Ernie Banks “Mr. Cub”.  He continues to bolster an unworthy franchise.  Other considerations were Andre Dawson, Ferguson Jenkins, Ryne Sandberg, Ron Santo, Sammy Sosa, and Billy Williams.  Ernie Banks’ numbers were .274BA/2583H/512HR/1636RBI/1305R/.500SLG/.830OPS in 19 seasons.

 

Mr. Cincinnati Red is Pete Rose

Who in the world would you have picked?  Does anybody remember watching Johnny Bench’s show, “The Baseball Bunch”, that came on Saturday mornings before “This Week In Baseball”?  How about Joe Morgan and his back-to-back NL MVP’s in ’75 and ’76?  What about Frank Robinson, who was the first superstar Cincinnati ever had?  All he did was earn the Rookie of the Year award and National League MVP.  I chose “Charlie Hustle”, since he has been blackballed from baseball.  I know Pete Rose wants to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame more than anything,  but he’d do better staying out of it.  His name is more popular than anyone in the hall.  As long as he is not in, they will always be speaking of him.  Despite the controversy, Mr. Cincinnati Red is Pete Rose.  Other considerations were Eric Davis, Barry Larkin, and Tony Perez.  Pete Rose’s numbers were .307BA/3358H/1210BB/1741R/115 3B/601 2B/.379OBP/.804OPS in 19 seasons.

 

Mr. Milwaukee Brewer is Robin Yount 

This ball player was the ultimate team player, being able to excel at both centerfield and shortstop; while gaining two American League MVP awards.  For twenty years he gave his body up to put up Hall Of Fame numbers and that is why Mr. Brewer goes to Robin Yount.  Soon Ryan Braun will rival Yount as he has put up magnificent numbers since he came up in 2007.  I also like Cecil Cooper, Prince Fielder, Paul Molitor, and Ben Oglive.  Robin Yount’s numbers were .285BA/3142H/251HR/1406RBI/.430SLG.772OPS in 20 seasons.

 

Mr. Pittsburgh Pirate is  Honus Wagner 

Not to many ball players can rival the great Tyrus C0bb.  Alex Rodriguez could have been the greatest shortstop of all-time had he continued at that position.  The title will stay with Honus Wagner as he put up sizzling numbers in his time with the Bucs.  He is the greatest pure hitter Pittsburgh has ever had.  Mr. Pirate goes to Honus Wagner.  I chose him over Roberto Clemente because Wagner is the one Pirate that fans forget about.  The plane crash that involved the demise of Roberto Clemente heightens his popularity and for many, put Clemente’s popularity over Wagner.  Other choices were Barry Bonds, Roberto Clemente, Ralph Kiner, Willie Stargell, and Paul Waner.  Honus Wagner’s numbers were .328BA/2967H/639SB/232 3B/1475RBI/1521R/.394OBP/.468SLG/.862OPS in 18 seasons.

 

 Mr. St. Louis Cardinal is Stan Musial 

This star hasn’t played professional baseball since 1963, and til this day he is the most revered Cardinal in their organization.  Mr. Cardinal is Stan Musial.  Just like the Yankees, the Cardinal organization has royalty and a wealth of success both in players and World Series.  With the departure of Albert Pujols, Musial’s individual records will continue to stand.  Other strong considerations were  Ken Boyer, Lou Brock, Dizzy Dean, Bob Gibson, Rogers Hornsby, Albert Pujols, and Ozzie Smith.  Stan Musial’s numbers were .331BA/3630H/475HR/1951RBI/1949R/.417OBP/.559SLG/.976OPS in 22 seasons, all with St. Louis.

 

Mr. Houston Astros is Craig Biggio 

The last twenty years this ballplayer did all the little things that don’t show up in the box score.  He was the ultimate team player by calling games behind the plate and also playing both second base and the outfield.  If the team needed a key hit, a bunt, stolen base, or a defensive stop, he was your guy.  Mr. Houston Astros is Craig Biggio.  It is classic Biggio to get beamed by a pitch and hustle down to first base.  Being struck by a pitch was a badge of honor and to his credit, he never charged the mound.  Other strong considerations were Jeff Bagwell, Lance Berkman, Larry Dierker, Joe Morgan, Roy Oswalt, Nolan Ryan, and Mike Scott.  Craig Biggio’s numbers were .281BA/3060H/291HR/1175RBI/1844R/414SB/.363OBP in 20 seasons with Houston.

 

 

National League West

 

 Mr. Colorado Rockies is Todd Helton 

When Colorado put this individual in the lineup, he showed dividends from the get-go.  He was a back up player to Peyton Manning in college for the University of Tennessee Volunteers football program.  This ball player wisened up quickly and took his talents to play Major League Baseball for the Colorado Rockies.  Is there any other backup player in the history of sports able to pursue another sport and make over 100 million dollars?  Mr. Colorado Rockies is Todd Helton.  Other considerations were Dante Bichette, Vinny Castilla, Andres Galarraga, Matt Holliday, and Jeff Francis.  Helton’s numbers as a Rockie so far .320BA/2420H/354HR/1345RBI/570 2B/1360R/.419OBP/.545SLG/.964OPS in 16 seasons with the Rockies.

 

Mr. Arizona Diamondback is Randy Johnson

The Diamondbacks are also an expansion franchise that has been around since 1998.  It didn’t take much time for this organization to win a World Series ring as they upset the heavily favored Yankees in 2001.  Randy Johnson was the first big chip the Diamondbacks added in 1999.  He came in and turned the franchise around, bringing three consecutive Cy Young awards to the organization.  With the help of Curt Schilling, they were co-MVP’s in the 2001 World Series.  Other considerations were Luis Gonzalez, Curt Schilling, and Brandon Webb.  Mr. Diamondback goes to Randy Johnson as he made an expansion team into a winner.  Randy Johnson’s numbers were 118W/2.83ERA/38CG/14SHO/2077SO/1.068WHIP in 8 seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

 

Mr. Los Angeles Dodger is Sandy Koufax

Though his career ended early because of elbow issues, can you name another pitcher to have more strikeouts than innings pitched?  Sandy Koufax is Mr. L.A. Dodger.  It is possible that he could be the best pitcher of all-time.  Since 1966, there has never been a left-handed pitcher to win 27 ball games in a season.  In a five-year span he won 3 Cy Young awards and he is second to Nolan Ryan in no-hitters with four.  One of his no-hitters was a perfect game and that describes Koufax best, a perfectionist.  Other considerations were Roy Campanella, Don Drysdale, Steve Garvey, Orel Hershiser, Tommy Lasorda, Mike Piazza, Jackie Robinson, Duke Snider, Fernando Valenzuela, and Maury Wells.  Sandy Koufax’s numbers were 165W/2.87ERA/137CG/40SHO/2396SO/1.106WHIP in 12 seasons as a Dodger. 

 

Mr. San Francisco Giant is Barry Bonds

Only in San Francisco can the great Barry Bonds walk around without the negative vibes.  Like him or not he was the most watched baseball player of our time.  Was he a train wreck?  No, but each time the bright lights were focused on him and a milestone was on the line, he delivered.  He had flair and cockiness.  Mr. Giant was once Willie Mays, now it’s Barry Bonds.  Other considerations were Will Clark, Carl Hubbell, Tim Lincecum, Juan Marichal, Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Gaylord Perry, and Matt Williams.  Barry Bonds’ numbers were   .312BA/1951H/586HR/1440RBI/1555R/1974BB/263SB/.477OBP/.666SLG/1.143OPS in 15 seasons with the Giants.

 

Mr. San Diego Padre is Tony Gwynn   

This man could have taken his talents to the NBA.  Instead, he found himself as an every day player for the San Diego Padres’ franchise for over 20 years.  Do you believe that this man only struck out 384 times in 9288 at-bats?  He was the best pure hitter since Ted Williams, as he hit .394 in a shortened season due to the strike.  Mr.San Diego Padre goes to Tony Gwynn.  Other considerations were  Adrian Gonzalez, Trevor Hoffman, Jake Peavy, Benito Santiago, and Dave Winfield.  Tony Gwynn’s numbers were .338BA/3141H/5432B/1138RBI/1383R/.388OBP/.459SLG/ .847OPS in 20 seasons all with San Diego.

 

LeRoy McConnell III of “A Fan’s Point of View”, for War Room Sports

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The Lighter Side of Black

Friday, September 14th, 2012

By Maggie Mangiel

 

 

 

One of the most prevalent but unspoken of issues in the black community, in any part of the world, is colorsim.  Even in a day-to-day conversation, we seem unable to escape color references such as, “I’m sure you know Nikki, the tall light-skinned girl”, or, “look at that boy; he’s so dark, he is midnight blue”.  We have been demanding for years that the white community acknowledge, address, and terminate racism, but if we continue to point out the differences in our shades of blackness, how do we expect them to overlook it?  To make matters worse, some of us commit a truly horrific act.  So called “lightening creams” have created one of the most atrocious epidemics encountered by the black community since slavery; bleaching our skin in an unsuccessful attempt to conform to the “norm”.  Whose norm exactly?  In a recent article written  by a New York Times journalist on the issue; he quoted one of the men interviewed, “you have to change yourself, dilute yourself in order to fit into the Western norm and live in White America”.  So in order to succeed, one has to look the part.  This is the message some black celebrities seem to be projecting.  In 1999, North America was mesmerized and captivated as we all watched the home-run record race between Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire play out.  I was on team Sosa and even got the jersey to prove it.  There was immense support for Sosa, not only from Chicago Cubs fans, but also from African Americans who didn’t even follow baseball.  An athletic brother with a Latin spice, can’t go wrong with that.  Then two years ago, pictures of a lighter skinned Sosa surfaced and I was wondering many things, but first was “how?”  Apparently, Sosa has undergone a skin-lighting treatment.  Well I was flabbergasted.  What would compel a successful role model to do such a thing?  He is in the spotlight; hell, he is in the record books.  His name has been immortalized.  I felt so ashamed and let down by someone I once idolized.  However, Sosa is not the first black person to do so.  Many other black celebrities, Michael Jackson not included, have been accused of doing it, from Roberta Flack, the Jacksons (Latoya and Janet), to Rihanna and Beyonce.  Many celebrities do it so they can be more acceptable to White America, therefore having more marketability, resulting in an increase in income. 

During the pre-Olympics campaign, US hurdler Lolo Jones was front and center as the face of the US Track and Field team, even though Dawn Harper, the reigning world champion in that discipline, is also an American.  But why was Harper commercially neglected in favor of a less accomplished athlete?  Was it for Ms. Jones’ closer to European features and olive skin color?  We can blame the media for favoring the lighter over the dark all we want, but the ugly truth is; it is not just White America who like it “light”.  The Black community is more than culpable.  Not long ago, HBO released a documentary about the Ali-Frazier saga.  Some of the people interviewed have admitted that one of the reasons Black America was on Ali’s side was the fact that he was the lighter complexioned fighter.  “He was prettier,” they said, and Ali himself, kept re-enforcing that notion by referring to Frazier as a “gorilla”, a “big ugly bear”, and saying things such as; “we can’t let the Asians think that brothers look like that”, even though Frazier’s physical attributes had no merit nor bearing on the sport of boxing.  I do not have to go as far back as the 1970’s to cement this fact.  In the recent history of Hollywood, Pop, and Hip-Hop cultures, the lack of women of darker complexion has been noticeable in those arenas and we would only see them in roles such  as slaves, overweight maids, prison inmates, “crack-whores”, and so on.  None of the women of darker complexion are given a chance at the glamorous roles which portray beauty.  Many rappers for example, including Kanye West, have declared that they prefer women of mixed races, hence lighter complexion as models in their videos.  Since the targeted demographic for Hip-Hop music is predominately African American, it leaves us with one conclusion; we like it “diluted”. 

Last year, a close relative of mine was gazing through my modelling portfolio and said, and I quote verbatim, “why don’t you use some lightening creams like ‘Fair and Lovely’?  Your pictures would look so much better and that would help your career.  You know magazines don’t like dark women.”  So hearing that I was wondering, were the likes of Rihanna right in choosing magazine covers and higher record sales over their own skin color?  Is bleaching the route to follow in one’s journey toward success?  Or am I being too self-righteous for thinking that what they did cannot be justified?  Should the Black youth listen to the lyrics of Vybz Kartel urging them to use the “Cake Soap”?  Is “fair” really “lovely” and should my sisters shed their skin to be considered attractive and marketable?  My answer to all of these question is a resounding N-O!.  It is time we faced this problem head on, shed the self-hatred, and say enough is enough.  I will stand up and may my sisters and brothers help me shout it to the heavens, “I’m black, I’m dark, and I’m beautiful”!

 

Maggie Mangiel, Fitness Model & Personal Trainer, for War Room Sports

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Barry Bonds’ Top 10 Moments

Wednesday, August 15th, 2012

By LeRoy McConnell III

On July 24, Barry Bonds celebrated his 48th birthday. Major League Baseball and the San Francisco Giants should be giving Bonds their deepest gratitude.  Let’s not forget what the man did despite all of the allegations thrown his way. He was must see tv.  You didn’t have to like the guy, but when he came up to the plate, everybody watched. We had no choice, it was almost like breaking news with every at-bat. What was so certain about Barry Bonds was when he approached a milestone and the four letter network broke in to show his live at-bats, he would deliver! Far as allegations of whether or not he took PEDs it  is not up to me render a factual verdict.  In fact, how can we judge all of these successful ball players breaking these sacred records if MLB allowed it to happen?  Ever since the summer of ’98 when Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa brought the game back to the fans, we have been treated to the best offensive explosion in the history of baseball.  Fans packed the stands and owners fattened their wallets.  Many baseball fans went for entertainment, and no one provided that diversion from life’s realities better than Barry.  Here are some of the great moments of Mr. Barry Lamar Bonds.

10. September 27th 1996, Giants vs Rockies: Barry Bonds celebrates his induction to the 40/40 club.

Only an elite specimen can hit for power and steal bases.  Barry did it 40 times (42 homers and 40 stolen bases each) in 1996, as he became the first player in the National League to do it and the second player in Major League Baseball behind Jose Canseco (1988) to reach the exclusive 40/40 club.  Since Barry reached the club, only Alex Rodriguez (1998) and Alfonso Soriano (2006) have joined.  Barry’s father almost joined the club, as he was known for his successful run at the 30/30 club.  Bobby Bonds was one home run short in 1973, as he finished the season with 39 homers and 43 stolen bases.  Barry and father Bobby Bonds hold the Major League record for attaining the 30/30 club five times each in their illustrious careers.

9. May 28, 1998 Diamondbacks vs Giants:  Buck Showalter’s Int’l Walk on Barry Bonds

 Bonds was given the night off, and the Giants found themselves down by 3 runs in the bottom of the ninth inning.  This was a night set up perfectly for Bonds, as manager Dusty Baker pulled an ace out of his hand and told Mr. Bonds to pinch-hit… Two-outs, bases loaded and down three… There was no place to put Bonds, so you had to pitch to him.  Well, manager Buck Showalter had some cards to play as well.  He saw Brent Mayne on deck, so Showalter pulled a JOKER from his hand and instructed pitcher Gregg Olson to intentionally walk Barry with the bases loaded!  The last time that happened was in 1944, when Bill Nicholson of the Chicago Cubs took four pitches with the bases loaded. It was only the sixth time in the history of the game that anyone made a move like that.  When Bonds walked, cutting the lead to 8-6, Brent Mayne lined out to end the rally, and the Diamondbacks won the game.  It’s always a gutsy move when everything goes as planned, but just imagine if Mayne would have gotten a base hit.  Bonds was the most intimidating hitter since Babe Ruth. It is unfortunate that he rarely had anybody protecting him in the line-up.

8. April 17, 2001 Dodgers vs Giants: Barry hits #500

 Could there be a better team to reach a milestone  than the arch rival Los Angeles Dodgers?  With the Dodgers holding a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the eighth inning with pitcher Terry Adams relieving,  the Giants had a man on first. Bonds was in a hitters count as Adams fired a 2-0 fastball that was crushed into McCovey Cove for a Giants 3-2 lead and the 500th career home run for Mr. Barry Lamar Bonds.

7. October 4, 2001 Giants vs Astros: “Please pitch to our daddy!

Who could possibly forget Bonds’ youngest child pleading in the stands while holding a sign reading, “PLEASE PITCH TO OUR DADDY!”  Barry was sitting at 69 home runs, one blast away from Mark McGwire’s ’98 record.  McGwire broke the single season home run record that stood by Roger Maris since 1961.  It was a record everyone thought McGwire would hold as long as Maris did.  McGwire may have held that record as Barry was getting NOTHING to hit.  In 2001, Bonds had already broken the MLB record of bases on balls (177), so he was used to taking first base.  Who in their right mind wanted to give up home run number 70?  All night, Barry saw no good pitches, as he walked three times before Astros manager Larry Dierker called the dogs off and finally let someone pitch to Bonds.  Dierker put in Wilfredo Rodriguez to pitch to Bonds in the ninth inning, and of course, the four letter network broke in to show his at-bat.  This time it felt different.  This was the time when we would see history. The game was out of reach with a score of 8-2 in  top of the ninth inning.  Barry took a 1-1 pitch over the right center wall for home run #70!

6. October 5, 2001 LA Dodgers vs Giants: Barry slams numbers 71 and 72!

We already discussed the LA & SF rivalry.  Barry was at home and in front of his beloved fans with meatball pitcher Chan Ho Park at the mound.  Barry didn’t waste anytime as he scorched his record-breaking 71st home run over right center wall and got some more home cooking in the third inning by slamming number 72 over center field wall.  It was a great love affair that evening, but the Dodgers spoiled the day with an 11-10 victory.  Two days later, he hit his 73rd home run of the season off of Dennis Springer, and as of now, Barry still remains the single season home run king.  In that magical year, he also drew 177 walks, had a .515 on-average, and he also set a Major League record with a slugging percentage of .863.

 

 

 

 

5. June 24, 2003 LA Dodgers vs Giants:  Not only does Barry own LA, he steals from them too!

We thought the 40/40 club was elite.  What about the 500 home runs and 500 stolen bases club?  Like Bonds or not, this elite club is ridiculous.  Barry was the only Major League player in history to reach 400/400 in 1998. Who in the world is ever going to reach the 500/500 club?  Of course he stole #500 against the Dodgers in the bottom of the eleventh inning in a 2-2 tie.  Moments later Benito Santiago singled him home for a Giants victory.  It is 2012, and there are only 7 players in the MLB history to obtain 300 homers and 300 stolen bases.  Only Barry Bonds has eclipsed both 400 and 500 homers/ 500 stolen bases.

Home run number 660 is probably more meaningful than hitting 714, 755, or even 762.  Barry tied the “Say Hey Kid” Willie Mays in home runs on April 12, 2004.  He reached the milestone in San Francisco as Matt Kinney, of the Milwaukee Brewers, watched Barry connect on a 3-1 pitch that sent another souvenir into McCovey Cove.  The next day, Ben Ford became the next victim to Barry, as Bonds delivered #661 into McCovey Cove.  After the game, Barry was interviewed by Barry M. Bloom and John Schlegel of  MLB.com and  stated:

“I just feel like right now I completed our family circle,” Bonds said. “Willie took my dad under his wing when he first came up and taught my dad a lot about baseball and became a real close friend of my father’s.”

“It’s my dad in right field, Willie in center field and I get to be in left field. There’s just no greater feeling than completing the circle of my family.”

3. 2004 The season continued!  Barry’s greatest season.

Not only did Mr. Bonds pass his godfather on the home run list in 2004, but he also led the National League in hitting with a .362 batting average.  This was the second batting title he won in three years (2002 .370).  He once again broke his own Major League record in bases on balls. Bonds walked so much that he passed Rickey Henderson’s record of 2190 career walks.  Barry’s total career walks is an astounding 2,558.  He slugged .812, which was fourth-highest of all time (he holds the MLB record .863), and broke his on-base percentage record with a .609 percentage.  These numbers are cartoonish!  How can anyone play this game and be on base 60% of the time?  The only active player to even come close to what Barry achieved is Jason Giambi at .477 in 2001. With the season Bonds had in 2004, you could have guessed another MVP award was coming his way, in fact it would be his fourth consecutive MVP award and his seventh overall.  No other major league player has more than three.  On September 17, the spotlight was on Barry Bonds again, in San Francisco looking for that celebrated 700th home run.  You know who decided to show it live, as they have with all of his milestones (ESPN).  Would Jake Peavy of the San Diego Padres, dare to throw that money ball?  I am sure Peavy had no intentions of backing down.  This is the Major Leagues, and his job is to get batters out.  The end result? You guessed it… Home run #700.  Barry has put his name in high society now, one of three men to ever hit 700 home runs.

2. May 28, 2006 Rockies vs. Giants: Poor Byung-Hyun Kim, does #715 ring a bell?

Babe Ruth’s name was everything in baseball, he could do no wrong, he was the standard, the man, and everybody looked up too him.   He is still one of the most recognizable athletes in American history.  At one point, Babe had every meaningful record.  Ruth’s last ball game was in 1935, and to this day, people talk of him as if they saw him play.  On May 28, 2006, Barry was on another mission, and on that Saturday afternoon, Mr. Bonds faced Colorado Rockies pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim, who owned Bonds.  Going into that at-bat, Barry never got a hit off Kim. He was 0-9 with five walks, and struck out once.  Kim threw the first pitch to Barry and well… Take a look for yourself.
Bonds #715!

1. August 7, 2007 Nationals vs Giants: Move over Mr. Henry Aaron. There is a new Home Run King.  Bonds, Barry Bonds!

With all the reality television shows out there today, not one could measure up to the daily saga of Barry Bonds.  Since he hit his 500th home run,  media from everywhere followed his whereabouts and watched his every move.  No one thrived under the scrutiny better than Barry as he took every punch and performed.  Leading up to breaking Hank Aaron’s all-time home run record, there were multiple reports of Barry using PEDs and how he was linked to BALCO.  His name kept surfacing, and his long-time pal Greg Anderson would sit in jail because he refused to testify against Barry.  That’s a helluva friend!  With all this going on, there was another highlight at Pac-Bell Park.  The four letter network broke in once more to let all of America see history.  It was again must see tv.  Washington Nationals’ Mike Bacsik was the next victim in line to face the future Home Run King.  If anybody knew about the meaning of 755, it would be Bacsik, as his dad pitched to Hank Aaron when he was sitting on number 755.  Luckily, Senior only gave up a meaningless single, and if you look at Aaron’s home run totals, he never hit another homer.  This was Junior’s chance to make history, and he did just that.  Mike Bacsik had a 3-2 count on Barry Bonds.  The next pitch was a foul ball.  Finally on the seventh pitch of the at-bat, Bonds takes his usual patented swing, smacks the ball and stands at the plate with his hands raised toward the sky.  He did it… Home run #756!

Baseball is all about stats and its unfortunate that the San Francisco Giants didn’t give their superstar one more year.  Barry had only 65 more hits to reach 3000, 38 more homers for a total of 800, four more RBI to reach 2000 and 69 more runs to pass Rickey Henderson on the all-time runs scored list.

A message to the all the Barry Bonds supporters and haters: I am not naive to what has transpired during Bonds’ career.  I am simply pointing out that we may never see the likes of Mr. Bonds again.  Alex Rodriguez (644) and Albert Pujols (463) may be the ones to pass Barry on the home run list.  As to Barry Bonds making the Hall of Fame, it will be decided by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.  His relationship with the writers has been foul and with the allegations, he probably knows that the writers will be out for revenge.  Bonds decision for the Hall will come this winter.  Baseball is not holier than thou, there are scandals in every era, it’s part of the game.  You will see this winter how facetious the writers and Hall of Fame members will act toward the likes of Bonds, Roger Clemens and Sammy Sosa in efforts to keep them out of the Hall.

I mentioned earlier how important McGwire and Sosa were to bringing fans back to baseball with their epic summer of ’98.  Barry Lamar Bonds extended the excitement in baseball.  All I wanted from baseball was a reason to watch again, and Barry Bonds surely gave me plenty of entertainment.  Thank you, Barry, for what you did. I just hope there is another one of you out there one day.

LeRoy McConnell III of “A Fan’s Point of View”, for War Room Sports

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The Baseball Hall of Fame is Missing 9 Position Players

Tuesday, July 24th, 2012

By LeRoy McConnell III

As the 2012 Baseball Hall of Fame Weekend comes upon us, we should give considerable recognition to some of the Major League Baseball veterans that have been overlooked by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.  Each year, it seems that the criteria to get inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame is as difficult as getting you girlfriend’s father’s blessings.  You have to reach benchmarks of 3,000 hits, 500 home runs or 300 wins to even be in the conversation.  Don’t even get the voters started on whether or not each candidate is clean from performance enhancing drugs.  I have selected nine position players worthy of immediate consideration to be the next candidates inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

1B Fred “Crime Dog” McGriff 1986-2004 Tor, SDP, ATL, Tampa

Fred McGriff was a blue-collar first basemen who brought his hard-hat and lunch pail to the game. In his 18-year career, the “Crime Dog” produced 2,490 hits, 493 home runs, 1,550 RBI and 1,305 walks. Fred didn’t hit those benchmark numbers that we mentioned earlier, but hey, he produced humanlike numbers in the steroid era and not one time was his name ever linked to the use of PEDs.  McGriff was a five-time All-Star player, three-time Silver Slugger Award winner and won a World Series with the Atlanta Braves in 1995.  He has been on the ballot for only three years now, but it is an embarrassment that he only holds 23.9% of the votes to get in.  He needs at least 75% to reach the Hall.  Hopefully the baseball writers will consider Fred McGriff as a future member of the Baseball Hall of Fame.

2B Lou Whitaker 1977-1995  and SS Alan Trammell 1977-1996, both Detroit Tigers

These two characters were more popular than Starsky & Hutch, Batman & Robin and Tom & Jerry!  Lou & Alan have been the dynamic duo since the minor leagues.  Both of them came into the Majors together and took over the starting positions for the Detroit Tigers at the start of the 1978 season.  The duo spent the next 18 years turning more double plays than anyone in Major League history.

Lou Whitaker batted .276 with 244 home runs, 1,084 RBI, 1,386 runs and 2,369 hits.  The second baseman was a five-time All-Star, four-time Silver Slugger Award winner, three-time Gold Glove Award winner and a World Series Champion with the Detroit Tigers in 1984.  Whitaker is ranked 74th all-time in wins above replacement! The troubling part about Lou Whitaker’s situation is his stats compare to all second basemen in the Hall of Fame, but he did not receive the required five percent of the votes in his first year of eligibility. Because of that, he is no longer on the ballot.

Alan Trammell’s career batting average was .285, and he batted over .300 seven times.  He hit 185 home runs with 1,003 RBI, 1,231 runs and 2,365 hits.  He was a six-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove Award winner, three-time Silver Slugger Award, World Series MVP and World Series Champion in 1984 with the Detroit Tigers.  Trammell has been on the Hall of Fame ballot for eleven years now with no success.  He received 36.8% of the votes, so he is still in the hunt.  There is still hope, and the fact that Barry Larkin will be enshrined this year has to bring up serious considerations, as both ball players have similar numbers.  Here are Larkin’s career numbers:  .295 ave., 198 home runs, 960 RBI, 1,329 runs and 2,340 hits.

3B Steve Garvey AKA “Mr. Clean”1969-1987 LAD,SDP

Detroit had Whitaker & Trammell, but what about the LA Dodgers?  The law firm of Cey, Lopes, Russell & Garvey were the together for over eight and a half years!  Garvey was both a first and third baseman, whose career batting average was .294 with 272 home runs, 1,308 RBI, 1,143 runs and 2,599 hits.  He had six seasons with at least 200 hits.  Steve was a 10-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove Award winner, NL MVP in 1974, two-time MVP of the All-Star game, two-time MVP of NLCS, and World Series Champion in 1981.  His 15-year run on the ballot has expired and the highest voting percentage he received was 41.6%. The only thing I see that is the problem is that his home run numbers for a corner infielder are not very high.  After 1980, Garvey played eight more seasons, only hitting over 20 homers once.  Nonetheless, his numbers and his accolades warrant an induction by the Veteran’s Committee.

C  Ted Simmons 1968-1988 STL, MIL, ATL

 Ted Simmons played in the Golden era of catchers with  Johnny Bench, Carlton Fisk and Gary Carter. Each of these players have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.  Simmons was a switch-hitting catcher with a career batting average of .285. He hit over .300 seven times. Simmons had 248 home runs, 1,389 RBI, 1,074 runs and 2,472 hits. He was an eight-time All-Star and won one Silver Slugger Award. Ted didn’t have the home run numbers of Bench, Fisk and Carter, but he made up for it by having more hits and RBI.  Only Ivan Rodriguez has more hits and runs batted in as a catcher.  The puzzling thing about the Ted Simmons case is he never received more than four percent of the Hall of Fame votes and he is no longer on the Veteran’s Committee ballot. It’s all but a dead issue.  Put Ted’s numbers against any catcher that ever played in the league and he will for sure be mentioned amongst the greats.

OF Tim “Rock” Raines 1979-2002 MON, CHW, NYY, OAK, BAL, FLA

Rickey Henderson says he was “The Greatest of All Time!”  He was, but Tim Raines was a five-tool ball player as well. Rock was a tremendous lead-off hitter for the Montreal Expos for years. His career batting average was .294, while batting over .300 six times.  He had 170 home runs, 980 RBI, 1,574 runs, 2,605 hits, .385 on base percentage and 808 steals.  Raines was also known as an excellent fielder. His accolades include being a seven-time All-Star, winning a Silver Slugger Award, a 1986 NL Batting Title, earning the 1987 All-Star MVP and being a three-time World Series Champion.  Rock Raines has been on the Hall of Fame ballot for five years now and has 48.7% of the writers’ votes.  There is no excuse for keeping Rock out of the Hall. Anytime a player can turn a walk or a single into a man in scoring position, he is positively making a big impact on the game.

OF Dave “Cobra” Parker 1973-1991 PIT, CIN, OAK, MIL, CAL, TOR

The “Cobra” had the biggest shoes to replace when the legendary Roberto Clemente’s unfortunate plane crash occurred after the ’72 season.  He did not disappoint as he made a living as the Bucs right fielder for the next 10 seasons.  Everybody that was a baseball fan in the seventies remembers the ’79 “We Are Family” Pirates.  His batting average was .290 with 339 home runs, 1,493 RBI, 1,272 runs and 2,712 hits.  He was a seven-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glove Award winner, three-time Silver Slugger Award winner, a two-time NL batting champion, 1978 NL MVP, 1979 All-Star MVP and two-time World Series Champion.  Dave Parker was the game’s best player in the late seventies and early eighties, which led him to be the first Major League ball player to have a million dollar contract.  Parker had been part of a cocaine scandal, where he admitted to use of drugs, which may have cost him an MVP award in a season where he led the league in hits and batting average.  Dave never received more than 24.% of the votes from the baseball writers and his eligibility has now run out.  He still has hopes of getting in by the Veteran’s Committee.

OF Albert Belle 1989-2000 CLE, CHW, BAL

Belle’s production makes him a sure-fire Hall of Famer. His career batting average is .295, while batting over .300 four times.  He had 381 home runs, 1,239 RBI, 974 runs and 1,726 hits in 12 seasons.  His career ended abruptly with a degenerative hip.  He was a five-time All-Star and five-time Silver Slugger Award winner.  In 1995, Belle was the only player in Major League history to hit 50 home runs and 50 doubles in a season.   He lost the MVP to Mo Vaughn, whose numbers did not compare to Albert’s, and that is probably because of his reputation being a jerk with the media.  In a three-year span, he finished in the top three in the MVP race never to win.  Albert lost his eligibility after the first year by only receiving 7% of the votes.  As long as the Baseball Writers’ Association of America have anything to do with Albert getting in the Hall, IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN!  Albert Belle may very well be the most hated baseball player ever, but in those 12 seasons in the league, he was definitely the most feared.

DH Edgar Martinez 1987-2004 Seattle Mariners

To all the beat writers who have a vote in the HOF:  The designated hitter has been part of the game since the 1973 baseball season.  During his playing career, Edgar Martinez was the greatest designated hitter of his time.  His lifetime batting average sits at .312 with 10 years batting over .300.  He has 309 home runs, 1,261 RBI, 1,219 runs and 2,247 hits.  Only David Ortiz’s numbers are better.  Martinez was a seven-time All-Star, five-time Silver Slugger Award winner and two-time AL Batting Champ.  Edgar has received 36.5% of the votes in his third attempt.  He is for sure a candidate and the first designated hitter to be enshrined.  He was a ferocious hitter in that Mariners line-up that consisted of Griffey, Buhner and A-Rod.  Don’t punish Edgar Martinez because he was a DH. Major League Baseball recognizes the position and so should Baseball Writers’ Association of America.

Pitcher Jack Morris 1977-1994 DET, TOR, MIN, CLE

Known as the winningest pitcher of the 80′s, the workhorse posted 254 career wins,  2,478 strikeouts, an era of 3.90, 175 complete games and 28 shutouts in eighteen years of service.  Morris is a five-time All-Star and three-time World Series Champion. He earned the MVP Award of the 1991 World Series. In Game 7 of that series, Morris posted a 1-0 win in a 10 inning shutout against the Atlanta Braves.  Jack has been on the ballot for 13 years now, finishing with 66.7% of the votes and second to only Barry Larkin who will be inducted in 2012.  With the likes of Clemens, Bonds, Palmeiro, Bagwell, Sosa, Piazza and Biggio, it will be difficult for Morris to get the final 8% votes.  Then again, with some of the most dominating players of all-time having a black cloud over their heads, Jack Morris may be having his own party next July.

LeRoy McConnell III of “A Fan’s Point of View”, for War Room Sports

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Top 9 Active Players That Have a Legitimate Shot at 500 Home Runs

Tuesday, July 10th, 2012

By LeRoy McConnell III

Believe it or not, Major League Baseball has two active players that are members of the 500 Home Run Club.  In fact both Alex Rodriguez (640) and Jim Thome (608) are members of the 600 Home Run Club.  With the new drug testing policy in MLB, you will no longer see power hitters continue to put up inflated numbers.  With a level playing field it will be difficult for upcoming ball players to reach the magical 500 number.  However, there are still big league players with a chance at joining the elite club.  Here are my list of players that have a shot at 500 home runs.

9. Detroit Tigers 1B Prince Fielder

Prince, son of former Detroit Tiger Cecil Fielder, is a whopping 28 years old with 241 home runs in seven big league seasons.  He and dad are the only father-son tandem in MLB history to hit 50 home runs in a season.  Prince won the 2009 and 2012 Home Run Derbys and is a 2-time Silver Slugger Award winner.  This past off-season he left the Milwaukee Brewers and took his talents to the Detroit Tigers, where he signed a nine-year deal worth 214 million dollars.  Since being in the big leagues, Prince has averaged 37 home runs each season.  I am predicting that he will reach the 500 club at the age 35.  So far he has hit eleven homers this season, so he has some work to do.

8. Detroit Tigers 3B Miguel Cabrera

Superstar Miguel Cabrera is on pace to be one of the greatest right-handed hitters of all-time when his career is over.  He is part of the new “Bash Brothers” that exist in Detroit, alongside his new slugging partner Prince Fielder.  The Detroit Tigers will be intimidating the American League Central for years to come because of “Miggy’s” potent bat.  At the age of 29, he has sent 292 balls out of the park.  This young man has already won a home run crown (2008), he is a 3-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and won an American League batting title just last year.  Cabrera is averaging 33 dingers a year and at his age you can calculate him also reaching the 500 club at the age 35.  He is also on pace for 3000 hits.

7. Texas Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre

 

Once the youngest player in the big leagues, Adrian Beltre has blossomed over the years to become a 3-time Gold Glove third basemen as well as a 3-time Silver Slugger Award winner.  He is now 33 years of age with 322 home runs in fourteen Major League seasons.  In 2004, he led the National League in home runs with 48.  Adrian is in his second season with the two-time defending American League Champions, Texas Rangers, where he flourished with 32 home runs a year ago.  Beltre will continue to see good pitches because of the Texas dynamic offensive squad.  It also doesn’t hurt that he is playing in a hitter’s park.  In his career he has averaged 26 home runs a year so it’s possible that he may join the 500 club at the age of 39.
6. New York Yankees 1B Mark Teixeira

This slugger came into the Majors swinging for the fences as soon as he was called up.  “Tex” has never hit less than 26 home runs in a season and that was his rookie year.  Mark is 32 years old with 326 round trippers.  He will soon join Micky Mantle and Eddie Murray as the only switch-hitters to ever hit 500 home runs.  He is a 4-time Golden Glove winner, a 3-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and he won a home run title in the American League with 39 dingers in 2009.  Teixeira is currently a member of the New York Yankees, where he gets to benefit from a short porch down the right field line.  He averages 37 homers a years so my prediction for him to reach the 500 club would be at the age 36.  Realistically he may be looking at the 600 Club!

5. Chicago White Sox 1B Adam Dunn

We have former Texas Longhorn, Chris Simms, to thank for Adam “Big Donkey” Dunn becoming a Major League ball player.  When Simms arrived in Austin, Mack Brown asked Dunn to move from quarterback to tight end.  So long Austin, no more gridiron for the “Big Donkey”!  Adam is 32 years old with 388 home runs.  In his career, he hits a home run every 14 at-bats, second on the active list behind Jim Thome and only Mark McGwire, Babe Ruth, and Barry Bonds have a better ratio.  In 2011, Adam had a career low 11 homers.  He may have thought his career was in jeopardy, but so far in 2012, he leads the Majors in home runs and he probably will be the comeback player of the year.  Dunn averages 38 home runs a year so expect the 500 club in his future at the age of 35.  Like Teixeira, barring injuries, he has a legitimate shot at 600.

4. Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz

This man needs no introduction as he is known as the greatest clutch hitter in Red Sox history.  David Ortiz, or “Big Papi” holds the all-time MLB record for RBIs and home runs for a designated hitter.  David has a total of 398 career homers, 5-time Silver Slugger Award winner, led the American League in home runs in 2006, and won the Home Run Derby in 2010.  “Big Papi” averages 35 home runs a year and at the age of 36 he has some work to do.  Fenway is the perfect place for the slugger to pile up home runs so expect Red Sox nation to welcome Mr. Ortiz to the 500 club at the age of 39!

3. Chicago White Sox 1B Paul Konerko

Paul Konerko is the blue-collar player out of the group who steadily puts up numbers year in and year out.  He is the surprise of the list with a total of 409 home runs.  Konerko has never led the league in home runs, has never won a Home Run Derby, has never won a Silver Sluggers Award, but at this time he can hang his hat on leading the American League in batting with a .346 average.  At the age of 36, Paul is 91 homers from 500.  He is averaging 32 home runs a season, so I predict in 2 1/2 years he will join his old teammate Frank Thomas in the club.

2. New York Yankees OF Andruw Jones

Did you raise an eyebrow?  Mine raised as well; but I had to put him down.  This once 10-time Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, National League Home Run leader(2005), and no longer a sure-fire Hall of Famer has only hit 56 home runs in the last four years.  What the hell happened?  Remember he was the youngest player ever to hit a home run in the World Series (’96).  I believe he hit a home run in his first two at-bats in that series.  Andruw is 35 years old with 427 home runs and averages 32 homers a season.  Jones had a chance at 600 home runs but now I will be surprised if he threatens the 500 club, simply because he is no longer an every day player and he has a history of giving into the breaking ball.  He only needs 73 home runs, so if he makes it, he will be the one to limp to the finish line.

1. Los Angeles Angels 1B Albert Pujols

No one in the history of Major League Baseball has put up the numbers Albert Pujols has.  Since arriving to the league, his lowest output for home runs has been 32.  Upon last year, he had hit at least 30 home runs and 100 RBIs every year until last season when he was 1 RBI short.  Like Prince Fielder, he took his talents to the American League and signed a 10-year, 254 million dollar contract with the LA Angels.  At age 32, he has hit a comfortable 456 home runs.  We can say he will pass the 500 home run club as he averages 42 home runs a season.  In his first year with the Angels he has put up a meager 11 home runs, pressing a little at each at-bat and trying to live up to that ridiculous contract.  Albert is a perfectionist and will soon settle down and figure it out.  He is a 3-time MVP,2-time Gold Glove, 6-time Silver Slugger Award winner, a National League batting champ (2003), and 2-time National League home run champ.  In the next ten years, we can predict he will chase down A-Rod, Mays, Ruth, Aaron, and Bonds for the number one overall spot.  He will be the Home Run King, and with over 2100 career hits, he will be in that select group of 3000 hits and 700 home runs.  The only player ever to do that is the great Henry Aaron.

 

 

Honorable Mentions

Chipper Jones is 40 years old with 459 round trippers and has announced that this will be his last year.  Chipper is going out with class and knows when to hang them up.  Vladimir Guerrero 37 years old with 449 HRs, oh so close, not with a team right now.  If he gets picked up by another MLB team it will be painful to watch!  Jason Giambi is 41 years old with 429 HRs and playing for the Colorado Rockies.  Jason is no longer an every day player and only has 1 HR this season.  Can we say father time?!  Lance Berkman is 36 years old, fighting an MCL tear and has 359 HR.  He has pop in his bat but with injury issues he probably won’t make it.  Todd Helton will be 39 this year with 354 HR.  He has had a wonderful career, and can rival Peyton Manning as the richest quarterback ever to come out of Tennessee, but too far away from the elite club.  Alfonso Soriano 354 HRs & Carlos Lee 353 HRs are both 36 years old and might be too far out of reach.  The two that may fall just short of the 500 home run club may be Aramis Ramirez who is 34 years old with 324 HRs and Carlos Beltran, who is 35 with 322 HRs.

LeRoy McConnell III of “A Fan’s Point of View”, for War Room Sports

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