May 2007
Fan Forum–Elijah Dukes
The behavior of Devil Rays outfielder Elijah Dukes, which was disturbing during his minor league career, has apparently reached a level that is now downright frightening. Dukes is facing allegations that he issued recent death threats against his wife, including an angry visit to the schoolroom where she works as a teacher. In reaction to the charges, D-Rays manager Joe Maddon sat Dukes down for a couple of games. But is that really enough? Shouldn’t the Devil Rays suspend Dukes, or perhaps even release him?
Defenders of Dukes say that until the allegations are proven, he deserves the presumption of innocence. I would agree that he does—but only in a court of law. Given his bad behavior in the past, along with two recent incidents involving the media, Dukes no longer deserves the benefit of the doubt from the D-Rays. In one instance, he cursed out a television reporter; in another, he used a derogatory term for *********** in screaming at a St. Petersburg photographer. Those incidents in and of themselves deserve some sort of punishment. When coupled with Dukes’ rap sheet from his minor league days (including an altercation with coach Richie Hebner, a fight with a teammate, and a dugout incident involving manager John Tamargo) and the recent allegations from his wife, it all clearly demands a strong response from Tampa Bay’s front office.
So how should the Devil Rays deal with Dukes? You make the call:
*Suspend him for at least 15 games
*Fine him
*Give him his unconditional release
*Trade him for what you can get…
In a completely unrelated note, I saw something in last night’s Mets-Giants game that I’d never seen previously: two balks called by the umpires in the same inning. Giants relief ace Armando Benitez was called for a pair of balks in the 12th inning, with the second miscue allowing Jose Reyes to score the game-tying run. The first balk, which was highly questionable, was called by first base umpire Bob Davidson, known as the king of balks among active umpires. The second balk was clear-cut, as Benitez’ front foot clearly flinched in reaction to Reyes making a fake dash down the third base line. For Mets fans, the inning was all too reminiscent of Benitez’ days in New York—too many mental mistakes and too many blown saves.
Fan Forum–Elijah Dukes
The behavior of Devil Rays outfielder Elijah Dukes, which was disturbing during his minor league career, has apparently reached a level that is now downright frightening. Dukes is facing allegations that he issued recent death threats against his wife, including an angry visit to the schoolroom where she works as a teacher. In reaction to the charges, D-Rays manager Joe Maddon sat Dukes down for a couple of games. But is that really enough? Shouldn’t the Devil Rays suspend Dukes, or perhaps even release him?
Defenders of Dukes say that until the allegations are proven, he deserves the presumption of innocence. I would agree that he does—but only in a court of law. Given his bad behavior in the past, along with two recent incidents involving the media, Dukes no longer deserves the benefit of the doubt from the D-Rays. In one instance, he cursed out a television reporter; in another, he used a derogatory term for *********** in screaming at a St. Petersburg photographer. Those incidents in and of themselves deserve some sort of punishment. When coupled with Dukes’ rap sheet from his minor league days (including an altercation with coach Richie Hebner, a fight with a teammate, and a dugout incident involving manager John Tamargo) and the recent allegations from his wife, it all clearly demands a strong response from Tampa Bay’s front office.
So how should the Devil Rays deal with Dukes? You make the call:
*Suspend him for at least 15 games
*Fine him
*Give him his unconditional release
*Trade him for what you can get…
In a completely unrelated note, I saw something in last night’s Mets-Giants game that I’d never seen previously: two balks called by the umpires in the same inning. Giants relief ace Armando Benitez was called for a pair of balks in the 12th inning, with the second miscue allowing Jose Reyes to score the game-tying run. The first balk, which was highly questionable, was called by first base umpire Bob Davidson, known as the king of balks among active umpires. The second balk was clear-cut, as Benitez’ front foot clearly flinched in reaction to Reyes making a fake dash down the third base line. For Mets fans, the inning was all too reminiscent of Benitez’ days in New York—too many mental mistakes and too many blown saves.
The Friday Night Rumor Mill
A nearly double-digit lead in the American League East standings hasn’t left the Red Sox completely satisfied. Not willing to stand pat, they’re concerned about Coco Crisp’s continued struggles at the plate, to the point that they’ve already begun inquiries into available center fielders. Realizing that Wily Mo Pena can’t play center field everyday, the Red Sox have turned their attention to other teams who might be willing to part with flychasers. One option could be Cincinnati’s Ryan Freel, who could also provide depth at other positions. Other possibilities are Philadelphia’s Aaron Rowand and San Diego’s Mike Cameron…
The Jason Giambi-to-the-Angels trade rumors created a stir on both coasts this week, but don’t expect anything to happen in the immediate future. While the Angels could use a big bat like that of Giambi, they will probably want to wait until all of the steroid and amphetamine conversation dies down. As for the Yankees, a package of Chone Figgins and Jose Molina will not get a deal done. Figgins’ on-base percentage has been in decline for the past three seasons, while Molina is no more than a backup, a short-term upgrade over the inept Wil Nieves. The Yankees would want at least one more player to be included in such a deal, either a prospect or a young major leaguer with some upside. And the Yankees probably won’t be willing to trade Giambi until they’re convinced that they’ve completely fallen out of playoff contention. On May 25, the Yankees aren’t yet willing to make that concession…
In the meantime, the Yankees have sent out feelers to the Rockies about both Todd Helton and closer Brian Fuentes. If the Yankees are willing to pick up most or all of Helton’s contract, he can be had for a song. Fuentes, however, would be a different story. He’s a valuable left-handed reliever who could replace Kyle Farnsworth in the eighth inning role. The Yankees might willing to offer Melky Cabrera and a B-level pitching prospect as part of a package for the 31-year-old Fuentes…
While first base and pitching are making most of the rumors in New York, the Yankees are also considering some options to bolster their right-handed hitting. Other than Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada, the Yankees don’t have any legitimate right-handed power hitters in their regular lineup. One option could be the Royals’ Mike Sweeney, who could play first base and/or allow Giambi to rest against tough left-handers. Another possibility is Jeff Conine, whose versatility as an outfielder and first baseman might appeal to the Yankees…
Now that the Reds have free-fallen past the lowly Nationals for the worst record in the National League, just about everyone is on the chopping block or the trading block. Manager Jerry Narron has been under fire for awhile now, but GM Wayne Krivsky has publicly supported his skipper. But with Krivsky’s job security now in question, it may not be his call to make. Both the manager and the GM could be let go in a clean sweep, soon to be followed by a trade of Adam Dunn. The "Big Donkey" remains a symbol of some of the Reds’ problems, particularly their porous defense. If the Reds could acquire some pitching for in return while finding a team willing to play Dunn at first base, that would be the best resolution for all involved parties…
We can add the Phillies to the list of teams interested in Troy Percival’s comeback. Given Brett Myers’ recent shoulder strain, the Phillies’ desire for Percival has only increased. Other teams that will give Percival a look at his upcoming workout include the Tigers and possibly the Indians and the Cubs. That’s a lot of interest for a pitcher who hasn’t appeared in a major league game since 2005, when he struggled badly for Detroit.
Monday’s Bunts and Boots–The Hall of Fame Game
Another Hall of Fame Game has come and gone, and while the final score of the exhibition game is unimportant, the game has evolved into a full-day celebration of the National Pastime here in Cooperstown. Here are a few developments from today’s events, which were capped off by Baltimore’s 13-7 clubbing of Toronto on a cool but sunny day in Cooperstown:
A minor league catcher for the Orioles, Brian Bock, emerged as the game’s MVP after hitting two home runs, including a grand slam. That’s impressive for a career minor leaguer and a guy who has hit a grand total of five home runs in his five-year professional career. Bock might never make the major leagues, but he can always brag to friends and family that he hit two home runs and a double at the birthplace of baseball…
The Orioles have a terrific young pitching prospect in right-hander Brandon Erbe. The 19-year-old has an overpowering fastball and good control; he struck out six Blue Jays over four innings. Erbe won’t turn 20 until Christmas Day, but he doesn’t look to be too far away from a Baltimore recall, maybe a year or two down the line…
Vernon Wells won the annual Home Run Derby, defeating teammate Alex Rios in sudden death after clubbing 10 home runs in swings over the first two rounds of competition. Doubleday Field is made for the derby; the measurement to the left-center field power alley is 336 feet, while the right-field line checks in at 312 feet…
Two Hall of Famers took part in the pre-game ceremony. Earl Weaver, who managed 2007 inductee Cal Ripken, Jr. for four seasons, and former Cubs great Ferguson Jenkins both took their bows in front of a capacity crowd of 9,571 fans at Doubleday Field…
Finally, not everything took place without a hitch. The annual Hall of Fame Game Day Parade was delayed by 20 minutes because one of the antique cars, an old Bentley, broke down right before the start of the procession down Main Street. If only they had asked for my 1991 Plymouth Sundance before I gave it away…
The Friday Night Rumor Mill
The Mets are up and the Yankees are down, but both New York clubs are involved in trade rumors…
Convinced that the Braves will provide formidable opposition all summer long, the Mets are monitoring the availability of big-ticket pitchers like Dontrelle Willis. The Marlins won’t move Willis until July at the earliest, but by then they might be willing to part with their high-profile left-hander for a return of three prospects. Expect Lastings Milledge to be part of any package. Some Mets consider his profanity-filled rap recording to be the final straw, and the Marlins need someone who can play center field—badly. Although it seems that Milledge has been around forever, he’s still only 22 years of age… Contrary to some speculation, the Mets do not have any interest in trading for the Pirates’ Jose Castillo. There had been talk that the Mets viewed Castillo as a short-term fill in for the injured Jose Valentin, but they’re more than pleased with Damion Easley’s performance and have no intention of shifting him from second base. If anything, the Mets might consider using Easley as a starter against left-handers even after Valentin returns from the DL. On the minor league front, the Mets did acquire Triple-A second baseman Jake Gautreau from the Indians, but he’s expected to do nothing more than fill a role at Triple-A New Orleans…
Do not expect the Yankees to stand pat if they remained mired in an early season funk that is becoming all too reminiscent of 1979. The forthcoming addition of Roger Clemens has not addressed all of the pitching problems; that’s why the Yankees continue to monitor Philadelphia’s Jon "Big Daddy" Lieber. A trade bringing Lieber to the Bronx for the underachieving Kyle Farnsworth could still happen, assuming that the Yankee front office still believes the team has playoff chances… The Yankees’ pitching problems have gathered most of the headlines, but astute observers have noted New York’s inability to hit left-handed pitching through the first six weeks of the season. The trade of Gary Sheffield, coupled with prolonged slumps for Bobby Abreu and Robinson Cano, has made this a glaring weakness. There doesn’t appear to be a fast remedy on the trade front, a considerations that might force the Yankees to re-evaluate their position on minor league outfielder Shelly Duncan. The 27-year-old Duncan has always been a non-prospect in Yankee minds, but he’s currently tearing up the International League with an OPS over 1.000. The right-handed Duncan would be a nice option on a Yankee team that has three left-handed hitting outfielders and a switch-hitter (Melky Cabrera) who doesn’t hit well as a right-handed batter… On another front, the Yankees are exploring their backup catcher options. Wil Nieves is clearly not the answer; he never was, but the Yankees foolishly banked on him as the backup to Jorge Posada. The Yankees have shown interest in Anaheim’s Jose Molina, who made some news on Thursday by stopping Ichiro Suzuki’s stolen base streak at 45. At the age of 32, Molina doesn’t project as a fulltime replacement for Posada, who’s an impending free agent, but he’s more than adequate as a No. 2 receiver…
Don’t expect former Yankee and Pirate Craig Wilson, released by the Braves earlier this week, to remain unemployed for long. The "Blond Bomber" will probably clear waivers, freeing him to sign with any of the 30 teams. The A’s figure to be among the interested teams; they could use Wilson in their outfield, which has been ravaged by injuries. Wilson would make sense for a club like the Orioles, who have endured too much lack of production from first base and left field in recent seasons. The Cardinals would also provide a good fit, given the lack of offense they’ve encountered with their right fielders.
Fan Forum–Lastings Milledge
New York Mets prospect Lastings Milledge finds himself squarely in the midst of controversy once again. Last season, Milledge made a bad first impression on teammates and the media, largely because of his attitude and tardiness. Milledge is now facing heat because of his decision to record a rap song filled with profanity, including the use of the same racist term that recently resulted in Don Imus’ firing by WFAN and MSNBC. The song, called “Bend Ya Knees,” also contains repeated mentions of the N-word.
Given the punishment of Imus, does MLB have grounds to punish Milledge? Or should the Mets be allowed to deal internally with their outfield prospect, who’s currently on the disabled list with New Orleans of the Pacific Coast League? If so, what should the Mets’ punishment be? Let’s hear your thoughts on this week’s “Fan Forum.”…
In what figures to be a labor of love, I’ll be broadcasting Monday’s Hall of Fame Game between the Orioles and Blue Jays for MLB Radio. I’ll be working the game with former big leaguer Billy Sample, who’s not only a solid professional but a good man, as well. The game starts at 2 p.m. Eastern from Doubleday Field here in Cooperstown, with the pre-game show beginning at 1 p.m. on MLB.com…
Finally, one of the best baseball fans I’ve ever met–and a great friend–passed away on Monday. Don Casey, whom I came to know during his days as an attendant at the Hall of Fame, was an extremely knowledgeable fan of the Phillies and baseball history in general. An avid collector of memorabilia, Don regularly swapped baseball cards with me. He usually gave me the better half of the deal, helping me in my efforts to complete the 1972 Topps set. Those trades were typical of Don’s generosity.
Don died suddenly on Monday at the age of 45, the victim of an enlarged heart. In addition to some great memories, Don leaves behind an important legacy–his wife Theresa and his two children, Felicia and Cory. It’s hard to believe he is gone, but I can take some comfort in knowing that his wife and children will be able to share their good memories of Don.
Monday’s Bunts and Boots
Are the Brewers for real? Despite losing two of three to the Mets over the weekend (hardly a mortal sin), the answer to that question is positively yes. Any team that has a front four to its starting rotation that consists of Ben Sheets, Chris Capuano, Jeff Suppan, and David Bush will contend for a division title as long as the offense is decent—and Milwaukee’s qualifies for that description. With his mid-90’s fastball and devastating overhand curve ball, Sheets is a legitimate No. 1 starter; as always with the veteran right-hander, it’s a matter of staying healthy. Capuano is one of the best left-handed starters in the league and more than capable of filling the No. 2 slot. Journeyman Jeff Suppan is a solid No. 3 starter who is durable and doesn’t shrink under pressure. Bush is actually overqualified to serve as a No. 4 starter; ever-improving, he’d pitch higher in most teams’ rotations. As for the bullpen, as long as the duo of Derrick Turnbow and Coco Cordero remain healthy, the Brewers will be well equipped to handle games from the seventh inning till the finish.
Milwaukee’s offense is not as impressive as its pitching, but it’s still very good. Rickie Weeks, Prince "Big Son" Fielder, and Bill Hall form an excellent nucleus, surrounded by complimentary types like Kevin "The Head" Mench, Geoff Jenkins, and Johnny Estrada. I wouldn’t expect J.J. Hardy to continue his Robin Yount impersonation all summer long (he’s never hit with that much power in the minor leagues), but as long as he doesn’t fall off a cliff, the Brewers should be fine. They also have one of the deepest benches in the league. Craig Counsell and Tony Graffanino are excellent utility infielders, Damian Miller is a solid backup catcher, and there are five outfielders capable of playing every day, each of whom who can rotate into three spots, with two left over to DH in interleague games.
If there’s any question about the Brewers, it involves third base. Corey Koskie has not recovered from the effects of vertigo and top prospect Ryan Braun may not be ready to handle the position defensively. Still, under the worst case scenario, the Brewers can live with a faulty hot corner. They are good enough offensively at other positions (like second base and center field), leaving Graffanino and Counsell as an adequate platoon in the short term.
Across the board, this is a very good and well-balanced team, the best that Milwaukee has seen since the days of Harvey’s Wallbangers in the early 1980s. This year’s Brewers have the talent and depth to win the National League Central. In fact, if they can stay healthy, they might just run away with the division title…
As baseball author and researcher Eric Enders points out, the Dodgers made a bit of history over the weekend. Enders noted that on Saturday night the Dodgers fielded an all-minority lineup in the seventh inning, when Ramon Martinez entered the game as a replacement for Jeff Kent at second base. This is believed to be only the second time in major league history that a ballclub has ever fielded an all-minority lineup, either at the start of the game or midway through a game. The 1971 Pirates had become the first team to do so, fielding an all-black lineup in a September 1 game against the Phillies. Here is the all-minority lineup that the Dodgers used in the late innings of Saturday night’s game:
C Russell Martin (African-Canadian)
1B Nomar Garciaparra (Mexican-American)
2B Ramon Martinez (Puerto Rican)
3B Andy LaRoche (Mexican-American)
SS Rafael Furcal (Dominican)
LF Luis Gonzalez (Cuban-American)
CF Juan Pierre (African-American)
RF Andre Ethier (Mexican-American)
P Chin-Hui Tsao (Taiwanese)…
Orioles manager Sam Perlozzo is taking a lot of heat, and deservedly so, for his handling of Baltimore’s pitching on Sunday afternoon. Perlozzo removed starter Jeremy Guthrie with one out in the ninth inning after an error by catcher Ramon Hernandez. Perlozzo went to the bullpen despite the fact that the error was no fault of Guthrie, who had sailed through the first eight and a third innings and had thrown only 91 pitches. The results of turning to the relief staff proved disastrous, as the Red Sox rallied to score six runs and win the game. Given Perlozzo’s shaky tenure in Baltimore, a few more decisions like that could cost him his job and send him the way of Lee Mazzilli, Mike Hargrove, Ray Miller, Davey Johnson, Phil "The Vulture" Regan, and so many others in recent years…
Finally, Billy Beane appears to have done it again. Beane has pulled off the steal of the early season in acquiring Jack Cust from the Padres for future considerations. In his first seven games with the A’s, the lefty-swinging Cust has hit six home runs, including a game-winning, three-run homer on Sunday afternoon. The six blasts have come in only 26 at-bats, or a ratio of one home run every 4.3 at-bats. Fans who have followed minor league baseball are not at all surprised. Cast off by four organizations, Cust has always been able to hit; it’s just been a matter of finding him a spot to play, and with Mike Piazza on the disabled list, the DH vacancy in Oakland has been quite suitable.
The Friday Night Rumor Mill
Of all the teams considered pre-season contenders, the Blue Jays appear to be the first club ready to throw in the towel and start building for 2008. A flood of early injuries, culminating in B.J. Ryan’s season-ending Tommy John surgery, has wrecked Toronto’s playoff hopes while also putting manager John Gibbons on the firing line. While Gibbons may receive a temporary reprieve because of the wave of injuries, it’s likely that GM J.P. Ricciardi will start moving talent quickly. The first player to be relocated could be third baseman Troy Glaus, whose hot start has only increased his value. (Glaus does have a no-trade clause, but might be willing to waive it in order to play for a contender.) There are several teams in need of help at third base, principally the Angels, Glaus’ former employer. Anaheim desperately needs hitting, to the point that GM Bill Stoneman needs to act quickly. With a bevy of prospects at his disposal, the Angels would provide a perfect match in a trade with the Blue Jays…
The Phillies are another team that badly needs a third baseman. Glaus would also provide the Phils with a perfect fit as the No. 5 hitter, batting behind Chase Utley and Ryan Howard. The Phillies don’t have as many prospects to surrender as the Angels, but might be able to cobble together a package that includes Mad Dog Madson and some young pitching… A third suitor for Glaus could be the Reds, who have grown so frustrated with Edwin Encarnacion’s erratic play (too many errors, not enough walks, and an unwillingness to run out grounders) that they demoted him to Triple-A this week. The Reds may look to trade Encarnacion for some bullpen help, which remains a major concern for Jerry Narron’s team. Ryan Freel will play third base for now, but he’s best suited to a jack-of-all-trades role that involves playing the outfield and second base… And then there are always the Padres, who are still desperately seeking power—and a quality third baseman. They’ve been severely disappointed by Kevin Kouzmanoff (who has a .175 on-base percentage), the onetime top prospect they acquired last winter for Josh Barfield…
Unlike the Jays, the Rangers aren’t quite ready to ditch the season, but their poor start under new manager Ron Washington has the front office contemplating changes in personnel. If the Rangers choose to make a major move, they’ll start with the enigmatic Mark Texeira, who is off to another slow start and doesn’t look like the franchise player he was once tagged to be. He can also become a free agent after the 2008 season. If the Rangers make Texeira available, expect the Orioles to move to the head of the line, but they’ll have to offer some of their healthy young pitching to entice Texas…
How desperate are the injury-wracked Orioles for starting pitching? With Kris Benson sidelined for the season and both Adam Loewen and Jaret Wright (who could also be done for the season with shoulder problems) on the disabled list, they’ve actually talked trade with the Mets about Chan Ho Park, who was awful in his one New York start after beginning the season at Triple-A New Orleans. The Orioles are also expected to make a run at Jason Davis, who was designated for assignment by the Indians earlier this week. Davis has been used mostly as a reliever, but would like to start for his new team, whichever club that might be…
Like Craig "The Blond Bomber" Wilson in seasons past, Colorado’s Byung Hyun Kim seems to be perpetually on the trading block. Now if only the Rockies would budge and stop asking for the moon in return for the side-arming right-hander. There remains interest in Kim, principally from the Nationals and the Mariners…
Speaking of Seattle, it’s only a matter of time before the Mariners designate Jeff Weaver (0-6 with an ERA of 14.32) for assignment, in the hope that they can find a taker for his salary. It’s become plainly obvious that Weaver can’t thrive in the American League, which the Angels discovered all too blatantly last year. Weaver could end up in Cincinnati, Houston, or perhaps back in St. Louis…
Another pitcher who will likely be moving on within the next few days is journeyman left-hander Ron Villone, who’s been mowing down hitters for Scranton in the International League. If the Yankees don’t promote Villone by Tuesday, he can become a free agent, an option that he’ll almost certainly exercise. One way or another, look for Villone to be back in somebody’s major league uniform by next week.
Fan Forum–Special Treatment for the Rocket
During the 12-year managerial reign of Joe Torre in the Bronx, the Yankees have always prided themselves on maintaining a sense of equality and fairness in the clubhouse. Each rule applies similarly to each of the 25 players, with no exceptions granted. That has now changed with the second coming of Roger Clemens to the Bronx; "The Rocket" will be allowed to come and go as he pleases on off days, free to visit the family, or play golf, or do whatever else that he does on his free days.
As desperately as the Yankees needed Clemens’ services, it disappoints me to see Torre and general manager Brian Cashman waver on this issue. As someone who works as an employee, albeit in a completely different setting from a baseball team, I certainly prefer working in an atmosphere where the rules are applied equally, regardless of their supposed stature. Call me old-fashioned, but I just think it’s the right way to do things. And it breeds a better working atmosphere.
That brings us to our "Fan Forum" question of the week. Did the Yankees do the correct thing by bending the rules for Clemens, regarded by some as the savior to the pinstripe season? Or should the Yankees have held on to their moral and ethical code, and told Clemens to either accept the Yankee Way, or take the highway?
By the way, what happens the next time a premier free agent expresses interest in playing for the Yankees, but only under his preferred set of working conditions?
Monday’s Bunts and Boots–Clemens and Martin
If you’re a fan who remembers details of the 1978 season, Sunday’s Yankee Stadium announcement involving Roger Clemens has to have stirred memories of an unforgettable Old Timers Day from 29 years ago. Whereas PA announcer Bob Sheppard and Clemens teamed up to announce The Rocket’s imminent return to pinstripes, Sheppard handled the duties solo in 1978, when he declared that Billy Martin would return as Yankee manager. Martin had been fired only five days earlier, done in by his damning declaration that "one’s a born liar, and the other’s convicted," a reference to the dynamic duo of Reggie Jackson and George Steinbrenner.
In much the way they handled the Clemens negotiations, the Yankees kept news of Martin’s return a complete secret. There were no whispers, no rumors, no hints in the local newspapers. Having managed to keep the agreement with Martin in tow, the Yankees arranged to have all of their old timers introduced by Sheppard, clearing out a final announcement for their deposed manager. Sheppard revealed that Martin would return to the Yankee dugout two years later, in 1980, with newly hired manager Bob Lemon bumped up to the front office as general manager. As a gleeful Martin trotted onto the field at a sun-splashed Yankee Stadium, a capacity crowd greeted him with an extended standing ovation that was motivated as much by shock as it was by joy. In terms of dramatic theater, it was as timely and well orchestrated as any announcement I’ve seen while following baseball since the early 1970s.
As captivating as the Martin return was, it did not actually come to pass as planned. After winning the World Series in 1978, the Yankees played poorly at the start of the ’79 season, resulting in Lemon’s firing and a return by Martin one year ahead of schedule. Savaged by injuries and emotionally scarred by the death of Thurman Munson, the Yankees continued to play lackluster ball under Martin, who was fired at season’s end and replaced by **** Howser.
Perhaps those developments should serve as a note of caution regarding the return of Clemens. While the Yankees are hoping that he can pitch as soon as early June, Clemens’ age (44) and the general fragility of starting pitchers might temper some of that enthusiasm. One way or another, Clemens’ actual return to the mound remains at least three weeks away…
The signing of Clemens may put an end to some recent trade talk involving the Yankees and the Giants. The Giants like Melky Cabrera a lot, enough to have offered left-hander Noah Lowery. The Yankees also had interest veteran right-hander Matt Morris, who is off to a fast start, but does not have as high a ceiling as Lowery, but it’s unlikely they’ll continue to pursue Morris now that Clemens has docked in the Bronx…
More kudos deserve to go toward A’s general manager Billy Beane, who has managed to acquire two useful players over the last week while giving up nary anything of consequence. Beane started the chain reaction by picking up Ryan Langerhans from the Braves for future considerations before flipping Langerhans to the Nationals for Chris Snelling. Snelling is a much better hitter than Langerhans; it’s simply a matter of whether he can stay healthy, which has been the problem for too many Oakland flychasers. And then Beane acquired minor league hitting sensation Jack Cust from the Padres, also for the nebulously named future considerations. With Mike Piazza on the disabled list, the walk-happy, power-packed Cust will fit quite nicely into Oakland’s everyday DH slot. No longer a top-tier prospect, Cust is 28 years old, but has hit at every level of minor league baseball…
And a final note: it was another successful program put together by Jim Vankoski, the former president of the Delco Baseball League. In organizing the centennial celebration of the Delaware County amateur league, Vankoski managed to oversee a sold-out event last Thursday night featuring appearances by Hall of Famers Bob Feller and Robin Roberts and former big leaguers like Mickey Vernon and Lew Krausse. The evening provided fans with an opportunity to meet the various big leaguers while also enjoying a fast-moving audio-visual retrospective on the Delco League, believed to be the oldest semi-pro league in the country.
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