Thursday, June 24, 2010

MLB Inside Edition: Ranking the Most Desirable Dirty Dozen Artifacts

Part 13 of 13


1  Mark McGwire "Andro" Bottle

One of the most compelling story lines in MLB history occurred in 1998 when Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire engaged in a home run battle that destroyed Roger Maris' magical 61-homer single season mark. 

Both sluggers generated tremendous fanfare as they surpassed one of baseball's most hallowed records and then jockeyed to see who would own the newly established mark.  Ultimately, McGwire's 70 dingers would top Sosa's 66 big flies that season. 

The real-time home run derby generated tremendous media attention, with reporters routinely mobbing each player's lockers after each game in hope of getting nuggets of wisdom and entertaining sound bites. 

Interestingly, along the way during a routine "Q&A," one reporter spotted a now infamous bottle of "Andro" in McGwire's locker. Although the substance was banned from other sports, Major League Baseball did not have a similar prohibition.

The incident led to the substance being included as a banned "PED" and set in motion suspicion about McGwire. After many allegations and his infamous 2005 Senate testimony, the brawny slugger finally admitted that he used more than Andro through the years (although he alleges all were for medicinal purposes.) 

That famous little bottle is somewhat of a symbol of the fallen heroes of an entire era in baseball. 

The Final Word

These 12 artifacts are not the typical items that would be found in Cooperstown or up for auction to be purchased by avid baseball collectors. 

This is not to say that there is a total void of somewhat off-beat items already on display. For instance, George Brett's pine tar bat and Curt Schilling's bloody sock now reside in glass cases in the Baseball Hall of Fame. 

We will likely never know what those items might command on the open market. But what if this dirty dozen set of controversial memorabilia made its way to eBay or Lelands?

They would surely arouse a great deal of curiosity and interest. Where would the bidding begin and ultimately what price would these items command?

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Remembering Darryl Kile: One of Baseball's True Good Guys

Today marks eight years that have passed since the untimely death of former Major League Baseball pitcher Darryl Kile. Although his life was cut far too short at just 33-years old, Kile's legacy as a player, friend, husband, and father remains alive and vibrant.

Wherever he went, whatever he did, Kile was highly respected and well-liked. All readily agreed, that the three-time All-Star was an accomplished pitcher, but an even better human being.

The 6' 5" right-hander began his professional career with the Houston Astros and made his big league debut in 1991.  Two years later, the soft-spoken Californian put together a breakthrough campaign when he went 15-8 with a 3.51 ERA that included his first All-Star recognition. 

That season, Kile also etched his name in the history books by firing a no-hitter against the New York Mets. He dominated hitters with his signature hard breaking curveball and came just one fourth-inning walk away from a perfect game.

In his final season in Houston, Kile helped lead the Astros to their first playoff appearance in 11 years. He finished fifth in the Cy Young voting by virtue of his 19-7 record and 2.57 ERA. 

Kile departed via free agency that offseason when the Colorado Rockies would not take "no" for answer. Like many others before and after, he struggled in the "Mile High" city as his trademark pitch lost bite in the thin air, but he never made excuses. 

After two disappointing seasons, the Cardinals acquired the big righty, figuring that a change of scenery might get him back on track. The gamble proved to be tremendously astute as Kile recorded a 20-9 record and led the team on a run that finally ended in the NLCS. 

Kile followed that up with another superb campaign in 2001, combining with Matt Morris to provide a formidable one-two punch at the top of the rotation. Many credited the veteran's leadership with transforming Morris into a 22-game winner.

After two consecutive trips to the postseason, the Cardinals were back atop the NL Central Division standings on June 22, 2002. When Kile did not arrive at Wrigley Field, hotel personnel found him motionless in his room. The game was postponed and later it was determined that the beloved Cardinals player had suffered cardiac arrest as a result of blocked coronary arteries.

A pall swept over the team. Morris lost 15 pounds over the next several weeks. Suddenly the heat of a pennant race lost is importance, but eventually the team somehow transformed their grief into motivation to make a return trip to the NLCS. 

For his widow, Flynn, and their three small children left behind, it was surely even more difficult. 

All were comforted by the great memories of the kind, supportive man who drew a following without even trying. As good as he was performing on the baseball field, all agreed he was even better in everything else that he took on or touched in his tragically shortened life.  

As testimony to his exemplary traits and the universal respect that he commanded, both the St. Louis Cardinals and Houston Astros annually recognize a teammate with the "Darryl Kile Good Guy" Award. The name itself speaks volumes about the player that was viewed as the consummate teammate, friend and father. 

In his first major league start, Kile was gracious despite being lifted after six innings while in the midst of a no-hitter. Perhaps that game serves as a metaphor for the great teammate, husband and father who was taken away far too soon in the prime of doing something very special.

MLB Inside Edition: Ranking the Most Desirable Dirty Dozen Artifacts

Part 12 of 13


2  BALCO's Client List

The Bay Area Laboratory Cooperative, or "BALCO", has long been a fixture in baseball news. Many big league players were reportedly clients of the San Francisco area company accused of supplying performance enhancing drugs.

The most prominent and routinely linked player is Barry Bonds— MLB's all-time leader in home runs with 762 for his career as well as 73 in a single season. 

Although he does not become eligible until 2011, debate continues to ensue whether the controversial player should be enshrined. Various speculation and testimony have strongly suggested that Bonds used steroids to fuel his phenomenal accomplishments, but he has skirted the topic for many years.

The BALCO client list would certainly be a highly intriguing document— both as it relates to the game's most prolific power hitter and possibly a whole host of other prominent players. 

Monday, June 21, 2010

MLB Inside Edition: Ranking the Most Desirable Dirty Dozen Artifacts

Part 11 of 13


3  Pete Rose's Bookie Records

Although his bat is currently on the auction block and could command a price in the seven figures, another piece of Pete Rose memorabilia might be the most interesting. 

Baseball's all-time leader in hits finds himself remaining on the outside looking in at the famous Cooperstown, New York shrine. Although he spent five months in prison for tax evasion, the reason that Rose has been banned from the game was accusations that he gambled on both his own sport and team.

More recently, the exiled former player and manager finally admitted to betting for his Reds team— but never against them. 

Of course, either breaks the sanctity of the sport; however, the actual gambling records would provide a highly enlightening account of the depth and breadth of the transgressions that separate the most prolific hitter from baseball's highest honor. 

MLB Inside Edition: Ranking the Most Desirable Dirty Dozen Artifacts


Part 10 of 13


4  Gaylord Perry's 300th Victory Vaseline Jar

As a journeyman pitcher who donned eight different uniforms in his 22-year MLB career, Gaylord Perry racked up 314 wins and went onto be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991. Along the way, his name became synonymous with the art of pitching using assorted "foreign substances."

Perry allegedly experimented with all different types of slimy matters, but Vaseline was rumored to be his substance of choice. The secret to his sinker became such common lore that the petroleum jelly manufacturer once offered him a contract to be the company's poster boy. 

Perry-signed jars of Vaseline have periodically been auctioned on eBay— but the actual container used by the pitcher when he recorded his historic 300th career victory that likely landed him in Cooperstown would be one heck of a conversation piece. 

Sunday, June 20, 2010

MLB Inside Edition: Ranking the Most Desirable Dirty Dozen Artifacts


Part 9 of 13

5 Bill Buckner's First Base Mitt


Bill Buckner accumulated 2,715 hits and more than 15 thousand putouts in his 22-year major league career; however, the ball that he did not touch is the one that is most remembered.


With two outs in the bottom of the 10th inning and the Boston Red Sox poised to end the "Curse of the Bambino" in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series, Mookie Wilson's topped ball rolled under the first baseman's glove to allow the New York Mets to turn a 5-4 loss into a 6-5 victory.


Of course, as Murphy's Law would have it, the Mets went onto to win Game 7 and keep Boston's World Series title drought going until 2004. The slow grounder that eluded Buckner's grasp makes the glove a highly interesting artifact that kept and entire city's misery intact.


Additionally, the batting glove that Buckner wore beneath his fielder's mitt provides an interesting accessory. A close look at the glove reveals that it bears the Chicago Cubs logo— baseball's other cursed team.


MLB Inside Edition: Ranking the Most Desirable Dirty Dozen Artifacts


Part 8 of 13

6 Jason Grimsley's Grease Stained Uniform


Throughout the 10-year period from 1991 to 2000, Albert Belle was one of the most feared sluggers in the big leagues. His injury shortened career was also tainted by controversy, including an infamous incident in 1994.


After growing suspicion led the White Sox to request that Belle's bat be examined, umpires confiscated it. Although the actual blackened lumber is a desired artifact, the sequence of events that transpired afterward made for an even better memento.


With the rest of his Cleveland Indians teammates knowing that all of Belle's bats were corked, Jason Grimsley snaked through a ceiling crawl space into the umpires' locker room to swap out a replacement bat for the one originally confiscated.


Both players were busted when umpires found a "Paul Sorrento" model bat where they had left the "Albert Belle" model. Although Grimsley was spared suspension, his soiled uniform would make for the more interesting symbol of the "Batgate" caper.


Saturday, June 19, 2010

MLB Inside Edition: Ranking the Most Desirable Dirty Dozen Artifacts


Part 7 of 13

7 Sammy Sosa's Corked Bat


The Chicago Cubs former star helped re-invigorate interest in the National Pastime after Major League Baseball's strike in the mid-90's with his prolific power display. During that period, Sammy Sosa was both the toast of Chi-Town and a league-wide fan favorite.


Unfortunately, the slugger began a fall from grace when he was caught using a corked bat in 2004 and then later when his name was linked to performance enhancing drugs.


On an innocent ground out against the Tampa Bay Rays, Slammin' Sammy's bat shattered. When umpires gathered the broken pieces they discovered exposed cork and immediately ejected Sosa.


The broken pieces somehow disappeared and the Cubs slugger explained that he mistakingly used the bat which was altered for batting practice displays to entertain fans. The shattered bat of baseball's sixth leading home run hitter of all-time would surely be a treasured artifact if it somehow turned up.


MLB Inside Edition: Ranking the Most Desirable Dirty Dozen Artifacts


Part 6 of 13

8 Graig Nettles Superballs


Graig Nettles enjoyed a long, accomplished career for six different teams, but gained most fame during his 11-seasons with the New York Yankees. Besides playing on four pennant winning Bronx Bomber clubs, the six-time All-Star third baseman also gained notoriety for an infamous incident in 1974.


After hitting a home run in his first appearance to provide the Yankees 1-0 margin of victory that day, Nettles shattered his bat the next time up. Interestingly, six superballs shot out of the barrel onto the field that were quickly gathered up by Tigers' catcher Bill Freehan.


Afterwards, the Yankees slugger claimed that he had no idea the bat was doctored and that it had been given to him by a fan. Apparently his proclaimed innocence influenced baseball executives as Nettles was never suspended for using an illegal bat.


Friday, June 18, 2010

MLB Inside Edition: Ranking the Most Desirable Dirty Dozen Artifacts

Part 5 of 13

9 A-Rod's Little Black Book


New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez has reportedly had— shall we say— an active social life. The multimillionaire heart throb has parlayed his "GQ" looks, record contract, "Big Apple" headliner status and inclusion on "People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful" list into an abundance of admiring women.


A-Rod has been linked to well known stars such as Madonna and Kate Hudson. The Yankee "third sacker" has also been rumored to be involved with "B and C-List" celebrities such as fashion, fitness and bikini models. And, to his chagrin, New York Post's Page Six has reported involvement with more discreetly famous women such as Eliott Spitzer's madam and night club "dancers."


Should it exist or be made available, Rodriguez's "Little Black Book" would surely command a great deal of interest. Besides providing confirmation on previously rumored relationships, some other very interesting names could very well pop up.


Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Philadelphia Phillies' Struggles Prove Jimmy Rollins' Importance

Philadelphia Phillies' Jimmy Rollins participates in batting practice prior to game 4 of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodger in Philadelphia on October 19, 2009. UPI/Kevin Dietsch Photo via Newscom

So, let's do the math. Heading into tonight's game, the Phillies were 9-3 with him and 23-27 without him.


Additionally, the hometown team has outscored opponents 74-35 with him, but have been outscored 226-201 with him idle.


That's a 290 point differential in winning percentage.


Breaking it down a little further, that represents a 3.75 swing in run differential per game. With the player, the Phillies recorded 3.25 runs more than their opponent, but have scored .50 runs less than their opponent without him.


The numbers seem to serve testimony to the importance of Jimmy Rollins in the Phillies formula for success.


The Gold Glove shortstop has had a difficult time living up to expectations after his phenomenal 2007 MVP season. He set the bar at such a high level with a campaign that hit on all cylinders, magnificently displaying his five tool skills that perhaps his value to this Phillies ball club has been underestimated ever since.


That season, J-Roll did everything but sing "God Bless America" during the seventh inning stretch and handle the tarp during rain storms. Oh, yeah, he did that, too on one excessivley windy day in Colorado.


Because his batting average and OBP have been down the past two seasons, it might be easy for critics to overlook all the other ways Rollins contributes to the team's success.


When J-Roll is swinging the bat well his value to the team is highly apparent. A lead-off man capable of spraying line drives around the yard, racing to take extra bases, swiping bags at a near perfect success rate, and going yard 30 times in a season will surely jump start any offense.


When you layer on the fact that the same player grabs his glove to assume the most important position in the field and has been recognized as the best glove man in the business three years running— it becomes even easier to see why he is so sorely missed.


But, perhaps the Phillies recent slide points out that despite how talented Rollins is offensively and defensively, his greatest contribution might lie elsewhere. As much as players look up to Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and now Roy Halladay, none of them provides the spark supplied by Rollins.


For much of his absence, the team has looked lifeless and listless. Levity throughout the ranks seems clearly AWOL without J-Roll's infectious smile. A suffocating tightness seems to envelope the team.


It is unclear when Rollins will be fit enough to return. Considering his premature return the first time around, the organization is rightfully taking a cautious approach.


What is clear, though, is that Rollins is the type of difference-maker who could jolt a moribund team. The Phillies and their fans can only hope that comes sooner rather than later.


MLB Inside Edition: Ranking the Most Desirable Dirty Dozen Artifacts


Part 4 of 13

10 Catcher's Reflective Tape Used in Dock Ellis' 1970 No-Hitter


The late Pittsburgh Pirates hurler joined baseball immortality by tossing a no-hitter in 1970. Later, Dock Ellis admitted to being high on LSD during the game and battled in his mind everything from distorted vision to the baseball changing in size.


Ellis was particularly wild that day, walking eight and hitting a batter during the "masterpiece." Due to his pitcher's altered consciousness, Pirates catcher Jerry May wrapped his fingers with reflective tape to help Ellis determine the pitch call.


Animator James Blagden created the following short video to tell the amazing, infamous story.



Monday, June 14, 2010

MLB Inside Edition: Ranking the Most Desirable Dirty Dozen Artifacts


Part 3 of 13

11 Herman Franks' Telescope


In 1951, the New York Giants found themselves hopelessly 13 1/2 games behind the arch rival Brooklyn Dodgers in August. Somehow, though, the Giants went on a tear and ultimately clinched the National League Pennant on Bobby Thomson's "shot heard 'round the world" on the season's last day.


Recently, former players admitted to an elaborate sign stealing system that may have provided a big boost that season. The scheme was keyed by coach Herman Franks using a telescope behind the center field fence to read opposing catcher's signals to begin a relay process to the batter.


It is unclear whether Thomson was aided by the Franks system, but it seems clear that at a minimum, arguably the most famous home run and moment in baseball history would likely have been reduced to just an exciting way to end the regular season.


MLB Inside Edition: Ranking the Most Desirable Dirty Dozen Artifacts


Part 2 of 13

12 Mike Scott's Emery Board


Mike Scott was one of the best pitchers in baseball over the second half of the 80's. The Houston Astros right-hander went 86-49 during that period and won the NL Cy Young in 1986 when he went 18-10 while leading the league with a 2.22 ERA and 306 strikeouts.


That same season he was reportedly involved in a now infamous incident. Spurred by growing suspicion from opponents about his on field mastery and an inordinate number of scuffed up baseballs, umpires confronted him on the mound to search for the baseball doctoring source.


Demonstrating quick thinking or a well thought out plan, Scott reached into his back pockets and animatedly pulled the insides out while throwing his hands into the air as if to say "who me?" Somehow umpires missed what cameras and fans picked up— Scott had also tossed a small, white emery board behind him in the process.


MLB Inside Edition: Ranking the Most Desirable Dirty Dozen Artifacts















Part 1 of 13

Last week, a historic piece of baseball memorabilia officially was put up for auction to the highest bidder. The 34-inch Mizuno bat was used by banished former star Pete Rose in 1986 when he recorded his final and major league record 4,256th hit of his career.


The auctioneer, Lelands.com, expects that the collector's item could potentially fetch the highest price ever obtained for a baseball bat, perhaps exceeding the $1.3 million paid for the one Babe Ruth used to hit his first home run at Yankee Stadium.


It is interesting that the fallen star's bat could command a greater price than that of the universally acknowledged greatest player in baseball history.


Although Rose broke another legend's all-time record when he passed Ty Cobb on his way to establishing his hit mark, the former Reds and Phillies player quickly fell from grace after his playing career ended. The gritty, gamer led a checkered existence and, of course, was ultimately banned from the National Pastime for betting on his own team's games.


Many baseball artifacts have commanded large prices through the years— from Lou Gehrig's $451,000 uniform to Honus Wagner's $2.35 million baseball card to Mark McGwire's $3 million record 70th home run ball. Other more unusual items such as Babe Ruth's Sale Contract garnered almost $1 million and Joe DiMaggio's personal journal was listed with a $1.5 million starting bid.


But, seeing the Mizuno bat used by the controversial Rose listed for sale evoked thoughts of what other— shall we say, less conventional— artifacts might be in great demand?


Although these baseball memorabilia items may not commemorate a historic milestone, they surely would draw a great deal of interest due to the controversy surrounding them.


Here is a countdown of the 12 most desirable, off-beat baseball memorabilia should they be made available. Think of it as the list of items that would provide countless content for an MLB show produced by "TMZ" or "Inside Edition."




Saturday, June 12, 2010

Eight Key Questions That Will Define the Philadelphia Eagles 2010 Season

PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 27:  Kevin Kolb #4 and LeSean McCoy #29 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrate a second quarter touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 27, 2009 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)
Part 9 of 9

The Final Word


Perhaps more so than anytime in the past ten years, forecasting how the Eagles will fare this season is particularly challenging. The team has engaged in an almost complete purge of the veteran players that led this period of unprecedented success.


Some players like Kolb will move from the supporting cast to a leading part. Other young players such as Allen and Graham will be asked to play important roles despite little or no NFL experience. And, players rebounding from injury such as Jackson, Bradley and Hobbs are being counted on to not only return to previous form, but perhaps to take their play to the next level.


There are clearly a lot of variables in the equation. Success does not hinge, however, on all these unknowns being answered affirmatively.


Some have obvious greater import than others. However, many are symbiotic in nature and the degree of success achieved in any individual area has the potential to overcome other less successful areas.


For instance, everyone can agree that a huge pass rush would take a great deal of pressure off the secondary.


On the other side of the ball, the importance of McCoy's play would surely be lessened if Kolb turns out to be "all that and a bag of chips."



Eight Key Questions That Will Define the Philadelphia Eagles 2010 Season

ANN ARBOR, MI - SEPTEMBER 05:  Brandon Graham #55 of the Michigan Wolverines dives for a sack on Tim Hiller #3 of the Western Michigan Broncos on September 5, 2009 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Part 8 of 9

8. Can Brandon Graham and Darryl Tapp elevate the pass rush?


Offseason activity highlighted that Andy Reid and Howie Roseman clearly saw a need to upgrade the pass rush. They traded with Seattle to acquire Darryl Tapp and paid a small ransom to move up in the draft to select Brandon Graham.


Tapp has specialized in getting to the quarterback, but not necessarily bringing him down. He


The key attribute that made Graham most attractive to the Eagles is that he has a "non-stop motor." Like Trent Cole, he will relentlessly work towards his goal of getting to the qb until the whistle blows.


Persistence pays. Besides wearing down blockers, eventually a dogmatic, max effort approach can find the crack to make a big play.


The Eagles hope that they two can help elevate the pass rush to be a game changing force. A nugget of prevailing wisdom in the NFL has long been that "it all starts up front."


Simply put, big-time pressure by the defensive line minimizes the need to gamble with blitz packages and suddenly makes all the other defenders on the field a little bit better.


Will Reid and Roseman's blitz to bag Graham and Tapp sack an obvious weakness from last season?



Thursday, June 10, 2010

Counting Down a True Rarity: MLB's 20 Perfect Games




















Part 21 of 21

20 Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies May 29, 2010


With the newspaper ink barely dry on Braden's big day, Philadelphia Phillies ace pitcher Roy Halladay added his name to the hallowed list. Coming off his worst performance of the season and surrounded by a slumping team, Halladay made one unearned run stand up by setting every Marlins hitter down in order.


The lanky right-hander overpowered the Marlins primarily with his signature heavy, sinking fastball. Halladay pounded the edges of the strike zone inside and out, while occasionally mixing in breaking balls.


The former Blue Jays star, who was acquired by the Phillies in the offseason in a much celebrated trade, needed 115 pitches to secure the masterpiece. He set down eight hitters by ground ball and the same number via fly ball, while striking out 11 for the game.


Similar to pitchers such as Sandy Koufax and Randy Johnson, Halladay possesses the demeanor, command and overall stuff that made him a candidate to accomplish such a remarkable feat. He is arguably the game's best pitcher with a 155-79 record and 3.37 ERA over his first 13 seasons.


In just his second major league start, Halladay came within one out of a no-hitter before the Tigers' Bobby Higginson jacked a home run to spoil it. This time around, Halladay was up to the task to add another great accomplishment to his sparkling resume.


The Final Word


Over the course of 130 years— from Lee Richmond of the Worcester Ruby Legs to Roy Halladay of the Philadelphia Phillies— there have been a grand total of 20 pitchers to achieve perfection.


It is surely an exclusive club with a very clear requirement for entry. Having two players sign on in the month of May is truly extraordinary, particularly considering that as many as 34 years have passed between occurrences.


Interestingly, half of the perfect games have featured two or less runs— six with just one run. Perhaps the low run support causes pitchers to maintain greater focus, almost forcing them towards perfection.


Fortunately for Halladay, the Phillies scratched out an unearned run on Saturday— or this club's list might be at 19 and holding.


Eight Key Questions That Will Define the Philadelphia Eagles 2010 Season

Philadelphia Eagles Sheldon Brown reacts after running a New York Giants fumble back 60 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter in week 14 of the NFL season at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on December 13, 2009. UPI/John Angelillo Photo via Newscom
Part 7 of 9

7. Will the loss of Sheldon Brown cripple the defense?


An undeniable aspect of human nature is that often times people are not fully appreciated until they are gone. My hunch is that this will be the case with Sheldon Brown.


Brown lined up every week and competed hard. He also operating mostly just under the radar in terms of official recognition as he is less flashy than good.


Trading him away to Cleveland for a draft pick might prove to be problematic. Ellis Hobbs is penciled in to take his spot, but he was already a notch below before suffering a serious neck injury that ended his 2009 season.


A key element to enable the Eagles Jim Johnson signature attacking defense is corners capable of handling receivers in single coverage. A weak link at corner undermines the whole scheme and leads to big gainers.


Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Eight Key Questions That Will Define the Philadelphia Eagles 2010 Season

NFL: Eagles vs. 49ers OCT 12, 2008..October 12, 2008: LB #55 Stewart Bradley of the Philadelphia Eagles in action vs. the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. The Eagles beat the 49ers 40-26...Greg Ashman/CSM Photo via Newscom
Part 6 of 9

6. Will Stewart Bradley shore up the linebacking corps?


Last year's linebacking corps was in a constant state of flux— both from game to game and from play to play.


Rookie Defensive Coordinator Sean McDermott perpetually rotated personnel in an attempt to cover player limitations and in anticipation of the offensive play call. This became tantamount to announcing the defensive scheme.


The Cowboys routinely exploited this in the final two games. Tony Romo would often audible based on the defensive personnel to expose player weaknesses.


Prior to suffering a season ending knee injury last summer, Stewart Bradley was emerging as a scheme diverse linebacker capable of stuffing the run, but agile enough to drop into coverage.


An uncompromised, productive Bradley would go a long way towards reducing predictability and improving the overall defense.


Counting Down a True Rarity: MLB's 20 Perfect Games

May 09, 2010 - Oakland, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES - epa02150723 Oakland Athletics' pitcher Dallas Braden celebrates after pitching a perfect game over the Tampa Bay Rays in the ninth inning at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California, USA, 09 May 2010. Braden pitched just the 19th perfect game in modern Major League Baseball history, as the Athletics defeated the Rays 4-0.
Part 20 of 21

19 Dallas Braden, Oakland Athletics May 9, 2010


Like Jim Bunning 16 seasons earlier, Dallas Braden tossed his gem on a personally highly meaningful day— Mother's Day. The Oakland A's left-hander lost his mother to cancer as a teenager and was raised by his grandmother, who happened to be in the stands to witness his historic achievement.


Braden's feat came against the same Tampa Bay Rays team that suffered a perfect game at the hands of Buehrle less than a year earlier. The 2010 edition, though, came into the game as the hottest team in baseball, sporting a major league best 22-8 record.


Apparently, the Rays do not match up well against crafty lefties as Braden deploys a very similar pitching style to that of Buehrle. The only major difference this time around was that there were no ninth inning histrionics. The closest the Rays got to a hit was Jason Bartlett's line-out to open the game.


The young pitcher is just 18-26 at this point in his career, but has demonstrated continual improvement over his four years in the "Bigs." Based on his Mother's day performance, the future looks bright for the 26-year old pitcher.


Counting Down a True Rarity: MLB's 20 Perfect Games

Chicago White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle (L) and catcher Ramon Castro celebrate after beating the Tampa Bay Rays at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago on July 23, 2009. Buehrle threw a perfect game in the Sox's 4-0 win. (UPI Photo/Brian Kersey) Photo via Newscom
Part 19 of 21

18 Mark Buehrle, Chicago White Sox July 23, 2009


While Johnson was perhaps a perfect game waiting to happen, Mark Buehrle is not equipped quite the same way. The Chicago White Sox hurler does not possess dominant stuff, but instead relies on great command and precision to be effective.


Although he has enjoyed a fine career mixing up his wide array of pitches, Buehrle deploys a pitch-to-contact style that leans heavily on his fielders behind him. And, in last season's perfect game, the White Sox lefty benefited from a spectacular, home run robbing catch by center fielder DeWayne Wise to preserve the masterpiece in the ninth.


Overall, Buehrle eased his way through the game against a hard hitting Tampa Bay Rays team until the dramatic play in the final frame. He retired 11 via ground ball, 10 via fly ball, and 6 via strikes.


Just two seasons earlier, Buehrle tossed a no-hitter against the Texas Rangers. Coincidentally, the same home plate umpire (Eric Cooper) called both games, so hitters might not be thrilled to see him donning a chest protector when Buehrle takes the mound down the road.


Tuesday, June 8, 2010

The 10 Roadblocks Separating Stephen Strasburg from the MLB Hall of Fame

Stephen Strasburg (L), the top selection in the 2009 First Year Player Draft, holds his jersey after he was introduced as the newest member of the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington on August 21, 2009. With Strasburg is Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman. UPI/Alexis C. Glenn Photo via Newscom

Tonight, one of the most hyped rookies in major league history launches his career. Stephen Strasburg makes his big league debut for the Washington Nationals when he takes the ball to pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates.


The attention and interest focused on him is unprecedented. Besides playing in front of a capacity crowd in the nation's capital, the MLB Network will broadcast the game nationally with their "A" team of Bob Costas, Jim Kaat, and John Smoltz calling the action.


After being chosen with the first pick in last year's draft, Strasburg has dazzled in the minor's, displaying the dominant stuff that has had the baseball world buzzing since early in his college career. While scouts and baseball pundits drooled over him, the Nats had the courage to select the Scott Boras represented prospect and pony up a record four year, $15.1 million contract.


And, make no mistake, the hulking right-hander looks and acts the part. The 21-year old phenom stands 6' 4" tall with a solid 220 pound frame capable of registering triple digits on the radar gun.


Besides his explosive 100-mph fastball, Strasburg possesses a classic, hard-breaking curve ball and a change-up that has already been labeled a "Lincecum" as its deceptiveness rivals that of the signature pitch of the Giants two-time defending Cy Young Award winner. And, importantly, the rookie displays a demeanor and command more typical of an accomplished veteran hurler.


Rave Reviews and Spectacular Results


In an age of combine stats and radar guns, Strasburg has been more than a workout warrior and figurative phenom as he has backed up the hype between the white lines with a 7-2 record and 1.30 ERA in his brief minor league career. These numbers are strikingly similar to those he posted at San Diego State over his final two seasons (21-4, 1.43 ERA) on his way to winning the hearts of big league scouts.


He has been so impressive that former bloody sock World Series hero and aspiring politician Curt Schilling recently said that Strasburg could be baseball's best pitcher upon arrival. No pressure or anything.


The unprecedented exhuberance of Schilling and a host of baseball experts seemingly has the Nationals rookie headed to Cooperstown before he has fired his first big league pitch.


Watching Strasburg's spectacular stuff and grounded demeanor, it is easy for many to jump on the band wagon- but there is a considerable distance between tonight's major league debut in DC and the historic New York baseball shrine.


With no intent to diminish the possibility of that happening, there are many obstacles that Strasburg will need to overcome in the process. So what could stand in the way of the upstart pitcher eventually being elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame?


1. Adjustments


With technology, advance scouting, and specialized coaching— Major League Baseball continues to be a game of adjustments. From bullpen binoculars to base coach stop watches to digital video breakdown, every move and idiosyncrasy of a player is meticulously studied.


Teams and hitters will search for weaknesses and clues to help them combat Strasburg's amazing arsenal of pitches. They will look for tendencies and little pitch tipping mechanisms such as where he stands on the rubber, how he grips the ball, and more.


A batter may struggle to hit a curve when guarding against a 100-mph fastball, but might square it up if he is reasonably certain that is what's coming.


Hitters will continually make adjustments to improve their chances. No matter how good his stuff, Strasburg will need to do the same.


Jimmy Rollins and Matt Stairs served up proof positive against Jonathan Broxton in the last two NLCS series that big league hitters can catch-up to the heat. Despite a blazing fastball and sharp hook, maintaining unpredictability will be a key for Strasburg.


2. Command/Location


Great stuff alone is rarely enough to succeed at the big league level without good command. The baseball history books are littered with hard throwing phenoms that never achieved a success level commensurate with their fan fare.


Perhaps the most famous comparison is the Texas Ranger's top selection in the 1973 draft. David Clyde was a can't miss 18-year old Texan who turned out to be an out and out flop. In his defense, he was immediately rushed to the bigs and never developed any of the fine art of pitching.


Strasburg is older, more seasoned, and seemingly better prepared to enter the major league cauldron, but the Clyde experience highlights that success is not built on electric stuff alone.


3. Priorities/ Overconfidence/ Complacency


A non-stop torrent of accolades and gratuitous special treatment have taken down other promising careers in a number of professional sports. Overconfidence and complacency can surely derail an athlete regardless of his physical tools and superior skills.


Sports Center has unfortunately been filled with stories about fallen stars who have taken bad turns or fallen prey to their own press clippings. Although in no way wanting to taint Strasburg, recently fallen heroes such as Tiger Woods and Ben Roethlisberger have highlighted how their sense of entitlement changed them and led them down an unfortunate path.


Many professional athletes through the years have suffered diminished performance after signing a large contract and perhaps losing the drive that lifted up their market value. Additionally, an abundance of players who started to buy into their own accolades or lost focus to the many distractions surrounding them have dropped back to the pack— or worse.


All indications are that Strasburg has remained grounded and driven despite signing a record contract. It will be important that he surround himself with the right people to help him keep that intact.


4. Longevity


As father time takes its toll, it becomes increasingly difficult for an aging pitcher to maintain the same velocity that propelled him early in his career.


There have been some notable exceptions such as Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan, but his ability to maintain his overpowering velocity into his 40's is clearly an aberration. Other pitchers such as Roger Clemens who were able to maintain at an advanced age have also been tainted by performance enhancing drugs allegations.


With MLB's clamp down on PED's, Strasburg will have to maintain longevity the old fashioned way. It would be unreasonable to expect that he will be lighting up the JUGS gun with triple digits as his career wears on, so success is going to require the subtle transition to the finer art of pitching.


Many Cooperstown inductees have been able to do just that, relying on improved location, command, and guile. Will Strasburg lean too heavily on his raw skills or continually evolve to make this same transition?


5. Defense Behind Him


A key reason that the Washington Nationals landed Strasburg with last year's top pick is that they were the worst fielding team in the National League (and perhaps all of baseball) in 2008.


Last season, they were clearly the worst in the game— by a long shot. Their 143 errors were 19 more than the next futile team and 48 more than the league average. And, that does not even speak to the number of missed cut-off men, throws to the wrong bases, outs that were played into hits, double plays not turned, etc.


The good news for the rookie pitcher is that he joins a Nats team in 2010 that is improved defensively. The bad news is that they are still the worst statistically in baseball.


In fact, they are on a pace to exceed last season's fielding futility. Again, on the plus side though, the team has clearly improved its range up the middle with Nyjer Morgan, Ian Desmond, and Ivan Rodriguez.


Poor fielding has the potential to drag down the results, if not the overall performance, of an excellent pitcher. Win totals go down and ERA's go up.


Additionally, players not making plays behind a pitcher— especially systemically— can frustrate to the point of lost focus. It has the potential to create a downward spiral of performance.


6. Run Support


Career victories is the statistic most heavily weighted factor for starting pitchers by Hall of Fame voters. Additionally, annual win totals translate into resume building recognitions such as All-Star appearances and Cy Young Awards.


Simply put— lack of run support equals diminished victory totals.


After a strong start offensively, the Nationals currently sit 11th in the NL in runs scored.


Besides playing for a lower scoring ball club, Strasburg might also have to deal with a couple other phenomenon's. Teams often score less behind their top starting pitchers.


Some of that can be attributed to the human psyche that whispers to hitters that this pitcher does not need as many runs. Surely a key part of it, though, is that No. 1 pitchers tend to match up against each other.


This means that in order to register wins, Strasburg will have to be a little bit better than his fellow starters— and a little bit better than the aces he faces.


Help could be on the way with the Nationals selecting Bryce Harper with the first overall pick in last night's draft, although he will need more time to develop than Strasburg. The 17-year old catcher (soon to be outfielder) is being billed as baseball's "LeBron" and figures to anchor the Nats line-up with his prodigious power.


7. Bullpen


Unless you have a workhorse with superior command like Roy Halladay, today's game necessitates a strong bullpen to win. Roughly 3 percent of games are completed by the starter.


In order to compile big win totals, Strasburg will almost assuredly need to be backed by a solid relief corps. His team's ability to hold and close out a hard earned lead will be instrumental in his own ability to compile the statistics that voters use as a compass.


The Nationals currently sport the major's leader in saves. Matt Capps, who signed a one-year contract in the offseason, has already successfully closed out 18 games. Overall, the club's bullpen has been solid, ranking 10th in baseball with a 3.73 ERA.


With Capps under contract for only 2010, and last year's other first round pick and closer of the future, Drew Storen, already in the bigs— there could be a changing of the guard in the near future.


Storen could make an immediate splash and aid Strasburg. Or, as a similarly young player, he could take his lumps and potentially hurt Strasburg's results.


8. Organizational Handling/ Coaching


Thus far, the Nationals have taken a cautious approach with their rookie phenom despite considerable sentiment that he was major league ready. They have limited innings and pitches while executing a deliberate developmental plan.


How they stick to that once he joins the big club remains to be seen. Part of the discipline they have shown relates to the economics of not triggering the pitcher's arbitration rights.


Once the club finds itself fighting to make the playoffs or when the financial issue is gone, will they take the same cautious route?


And, what guidance and support will Strasburg get from the Nats coaches and staff regarding training, injury prevention, and development?


Lastly, how will the young pitcher be handled? Will he be pulled before he has a chance to undo a strong performance in order to build confidence? Will the pitcher eventually rack up high pitch counts and innings to the point of burn out, or even injury?


Right now, the Nationals are protecting their investment and pushing out the next big pay day. Will their handling of Strasburg change when they shift into trying to extract as much value as they can from a presumably large investment? This is not to say they will mishandle the situation, but surely other organizations have done exactly that with budding stars.


9. Mental Toughness


A Major League Baseball season is a marathon with many ups and downs. The game's top players typically possess a common trait that contributes to that stature— namely mental toughness.


Teams can vacillate from winning streaks to losing skeins without notice. Hitters can transition from "en fuego" to "cold as ice" in one at bat. And, pitchers can go from making getting hitters out look exceedingly easy to hitting the showers early the next time out.


The best players have a way of staying grounded and maintaining an even keel. They also possess the mental toughness to fight through adversity and ultimately get righted.


At this point in his career through college and the minors, Strasburg has faced little, if any, adveristy. The long season and caliber of competition in the big leagues will surely test him. No one can predict how he will respond.


10. Health


Perhaps the biggest unknown and the largest obstacle will be health. This is especially true for a pitcher pushing the limits, hurling a baseball 60' 6" thousands of times each season.


Shoulders and elbows were not necessarily designed to fire a baseball at maximum velocity and imparting various spins. A large number of athletes at this taxing position have experienced shortened or diminished careers as their bodies have succumbed to the demands of the role.


The Nationals organization has been very cognizant of this reality and have proceeded very carefully with their prized prospect. They will continue to limit his pitch counts and the number of innings that he throws, especially at this stage of his career.


That will help, but it is impossible to predict if, and when, some part of his body might breakdown. The Rangers' Clyde, Athletics' Todd Van Poppel, Orioles' Ben McDonald and Cubs' Mark Prior were top picks that all entered baseball with "can't miss," rave reviews— and all suffered arm ailments that contributed to very disappointing careers.


The Final Word


When Stephen Strasburg takes the mound tonight to launch his major league career, an unprecedented number of eyes will be on him.


Considering that both teams are buried in the standings, it is clear that the sell-out crowd and national television audience are drawn to watch arguably the most celebrated pitching prospect in history.


Curiosity to see how this extraordinary young player fares against major league competition is tremendously abundant. Many believe that they will be witnessing the launch of a Hall of Fame career.


By all accounts, it appears that Strasburg has the talent.


In order to realize his perceived potential, though, the pitcher will need to personally navigate many possible roadblocks— and get some help along the way.