MLB: THE 2015 LATINO PLAYERS AWARDS

This is the perfect time of the year to go back and close the past Major League Baseball season and remember those who were the best of the best.

The 2015 season is long gone however here they are my Latino Awards winners: 

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Most Outstanding Player: Nelson Cruz, Seattle Mariners

Most Outstanding Pitcher: Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners

Most Outstanding Rookie: Carlos Correa, Houston Astros

Comeback of the Year: Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees

The 2015 All-Star American League Latino Team: 

C-Salvador Perez (Kansas City); 1B-Miguel Cabrera (Detroit); 2B- Jose Altuve (Houston); 3B- Adrian Beltre (Texas); SS-Carlos Correa (Houston); OF-Jose Bautista (Toronto); OF-Nelson Cruz (Seattle); OF-Yoenis Cespedes (Detroit-New York Mets); DH-Kendrys Morales (Kansas City); SP-Felix Hernandez (Seattle)

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Most Outstanding Player: Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies

Most Outstanding Pitcher: Jake Arrieta, Chicago Cubs

Most Outstanding Rookie: Odubel Herrera, Philadelphia Phillies

Comeback of the Year: Francisco Cervelli, Pittsburgh Pirates

The 2015 All-Star National League Latino Team: 

C-Yadier Molina (St. Louis) 1B-Adrian Gonzalez ( Los Angeles Dodgers); 2B———; 3B-Nolan Arenado (Colorado) SS-Adeiny Hechavarria (Miami); OF-Carlos Gonzalez (Colorado); OF-Starling Marte (Pittsburgh); OF-David Peralta (Arizona); SP- Jake Arrieta (Chicago Cubs)

The MLB's Latino Decade Team: The 2000's

The 2000's are heading into history.

As in all sports, fans love to know the opinion of who were the best players of the decade.

As Barry Bonds was the man in the 1990's, this decade was all property of Albert Pujols.

"El Hombre" from the St. Louis Cardinals his offensive numbers made all the talking hitting every year for at least a .300 average, 30 home runs and 100 runs batted in.

He was as good as a hitter, defensively as a first baseman and as a ball player off-the-field that it was a no brainer was MLB’s Player of the Decade.

Both The Sporting News and Sports Illustrated agreed with the latter.

Pujols was the king of the diamonds but there were other bunch of player that excels to their best through the decade.

Only Latino great names from the best of the best of the decade of the 1990’s around major league baseball are Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez and Omar Vizquel. Very possibly the duo will be future shoo-ins into the Hall of Fame.

Long gone are those great from the 90’s as Juan Gonzalez, Rafael Palmeiro, Sammy Sosa and Bernie Williams.

There is a great possibility Roberto Alomar and Edgar Martinez will be getting next January their enshrinement into Cooperstown.

As we are approaching the 2010’s this is a good time to select the All-Decade Latino Team for the 2000’s.

Our MLB’s Latino Decade Team 2000-2009:C-Jorge Posada;1B-Albert Pujols;2B-Placido Polanco;3B-Alex Rodriguez;SS-Miguel Tejada;OF-Carlos Beltran;OF-Vladimir Guerrero;OF-Manny Ramirez;SP: Bartolo Colon, Livan Hernandez, Pedro Martinez, Johan Santana, Javier Vazquez;RP: Mariano Rivera

The All-Time Latinos in the Majors By Country

Every fan knows them. They are cheer. Some times not.

Albert Pujols is known as “El Hombre” in St. Louis and possibly could win his third career National League MVP award.

Felix Hernandez is known as “El Rey” in Seattle and possibly could win his first career Cy Young award.

Elvis Andrus is regarded the next best shortstop in the model of Omar Vizquel in the majors. Fans of the Texas Rangers are waiting to see if he will be this season's American League Rookie of the Year.

Fans know many more of them and have high regards of them.

Hanley Ramirez of the Florida Marlins is this season's National League batting champion; superstar New York Yankees Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada; Carlos Lee in Houston and Miguel Cabrera in Detroit.

Of course, there is always in Dodger Blue Manny being Manny in Los Angeles and new names to follow in the other side of Los Angeles' Angels, Kendry Morales.

All of them Latinos.

They all come from the passionate countries of Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, and Venezuela.

We know them today but through history all this countries have supplied the best of the best to the majors.

As of the end of the 2009 season, these are the top Latinos by country:
At Bats
Cuba: Rafael Palmeiro, 10,472
Dominican Republic: Sammy Sosa, 8,813
Panama: Rod Carew, 9,315
Puerto Rico: Roberto Clemente 9,454
Venezuela: Luis Aparicio, 10,230

Batting Average

Cuba: Tony Oliva, .304
Dominican Republic: Albert Pujols, .334
Panama: Rod Carew, .328
Puerto Rico: Roberto Clemente, .317
Venezuela: Magglio Ordoñez, .312

Hits
Cuba: Rafael Palmeiro, 3,020
Dominican Republic: Julio Franco, 2,586
Panama: Rod Carew, 3,053
Puerto Rico: Roberto Clemente 3,000
Venezuela: Omar Vizquel, 2,704

Doubles

Cuba: Rafael Palmeiro, 585
Dominican Republic: Manny Ramirez, 531
Panama: Rod Carew, 445
Puerto Rico: Ivan Rodriguez, 547
Venezuela: Bobby Abreu, 483

Triples
Cuba: Tony Taylor, 86
Dominican Republic: Juan Samuel, 102
Panama: Rod Carew, 112
Puerto Rico: Roberto Clemente 166
Venezuela: Luis Aparicio, 92

Home Runs
Cuba: Rafael Palmeiro, 569
Dominican Republic: Sammy Sosa, 609
Panama: Carlos Lee, 307
Puerto Rico: Carlos Delgado, 473
Venezuela: Andres Galarraga, 399

Runs Batted In
Cuba: Rafael Palmeiro, 1,835
Dominican Republic: Manny Ramirez, 1,788
Panama: Carlos Lee, 1,103
Puerto Rico: Carlos Delgado, 1,512
Venezuela: Andres Galarraga, 1,425

Wins
Cuba: Luis Tiant, 229
Dominican Republic: Juan Marichal, 243
Puerto Rico: John Candelaria, 177
Venezuela: Johan Santana, 122
All-Time Latino Wins Leader is Nicaragua’s Dennis Martinez, 245

ERA
Cuba: Mike Cuellar, 3.14
Dominican Republic: Juan Marichal, 2.89
Puerto Rico: John Candelaria, 3.13
Venezuela: Johan Santana, 3.13
All-Time Latino ERA Leader is Panama’s Mariano Rivera, 2.25

SAVES
Cuba: Danys Baez, 114
Dominican Republic: Jose Mesa, 321
Puerto Rico: Roberto Hernandez, 326
Venezuela: Francisco Rodriguez, 243
All-Time Latino ERA Leader is Panama’s Mariano Rivera, 526

10 Latino MLB '09 Season Highlights

For more than a century, fans across America have called out Major League Baseball as “The Show”.

It is true is America’s pastime. It is also true in Latin America.

For Latinos beisbol is the greatest show and season after season there is a moment, a feat or an accomplishment that will go to the history books.

These were the 10 Latino season highlights of 2009:

Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez with the Houston Astros recorded career game number 2,227 on June 17 against the Texas Rangers. Rodriguez career game 2,227 as a catcher passed Carlton Fisk for most games caught in major league history. Rodriguez was traded on August 18 to the Rangers.

Omar Vizquel of the Texas Rangers became Venezuela’s all-time hits leader on June 25 against the Arizona D’Backs with his career hit 2,678. He surpass hall of famer Luis Aparicio.

Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees on June 28 against the New York Mets became the only second pitcher ever to break the 500 save mark. In that game he also hit his first career RBI. Rivera trails Trevor Hoffman in the majors career saves list.

Jonathan Sanchez of the San Francisco Giants tossed his first career complete game in the majors and best was a no-hitter July 10 against the San Diego Padres.

Johan Santana of the New York Mets became Venezuela’s all-time winning pitcher on July 11 against the Cincinnati Reds. Santana finished the season with career 122 victories. Freddy Garcia is second in Venezuela’s victories list with 121.

Manny Ramirez of the Los Angeles Dodgers pinch hit his 21st career grand slam on July 22 against the Cincinnati Reds, placing him second behind Lou Gehrig major league grand slam career record 23.

Ramon Castro of the Chicago White Sox joined the Puerto Rican catcher fraternity (Eliseo “Ellie” Rodriguez, Javier Lopez, Ivan Rodriguez, Jorge Posada, and Geovany Soto) that had caught a no-hitter in their careers in the majors. Castro was behind the plate for Mark Buehrle when he tossed his perfect game July 23 against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Francisco Rodriguez of the New York Mets became Venezuela’s all-time leader on September 6 against the Chicago Cubs with career save 238 surpassing Ugueth Urbina career 237 saves.

Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees drives an American League record seven RBIs in an inning on a three-run homer and a grand slam on the last game of the regular season October 4 against the Tampa Bay Rays. Rodriguez feat secured his 12th consecutive season of 30 homers and 100 RBIs, tying Jimmie Foxx's major-league record (1929-1940). Rodriguez's 13th season of 30/100 is a record.

Hanley Ramirez of the Florida Marlins became only the fourth National League shortstop to win a batting title. Ramirez finished the season with .342.

Pudge Rodriguez Deserves One More Year

Ten years ago it was a dream season for Ivan Rodriguez.

1999 will never be erased from his memory.

His team, the Texas Rangers, won the American League West Division pennant, while individually, he won the American League Most Valuable Player Award.

Sadly, the Rangers were swept by the New York Yankees in the league Division Series for a second straight year and eliminated for the third time in four seasons.

Texas lost nine consecutive postseason games, all versus New York in Division Series play. In fact, the only time they beat the Bronx Bombers was in Game One of the 1996 Division Series at Yankee Stadium.

Since then, the Rangers have never made another postseason run. If they can catch up to the Boston Red Sox in the next three weeks for the American League wild card, it could be not only their comeback year, but also a chance to finally play in the Fall Classic.

If that happens, Manager Ron Washington has publicly stated that "Pudge" Rodriguez has been one of the key players in the team's resurgence.

Rodriguez arrived in his Rangers cradle back in mid-August via trade from the Houston Astros. Let's not forget Rodriguez started his Hall of Fame-bound career in a Rangers uniform, from 1991 to 2002.

At the beginning, many thought that his return was simply one in which a player returns to his old team for a farewell tour.

Not Rodriguez.

His desire and big ego won him back the everyday catcher position. His batting so far has been hot, with sparks very similar to the ones that gave inspiration to the World Champion Florida Marlins back in 2003.

On Sept. 28, we will know the fate of the Rangers—and the same for Ivan Rodriguez.
No matter what, do not expect any retirement announcement. "The way I feel and the shape that I am in, I know I’m going to play for years and years," Rodriguez said.

Even though his long resume includes 14 All-Star selections, 13 Gold Gloves, seven Silver Slugger and MVP awards, he is not planning to give up yet.

By the way, don't forget that he is the catcher with the most games played in Major League Baseball history.

However, he is still pursuing one more record: 3,000 hits.

Since he was a kid, as most Puerto Rican players, one of his heroes was Roberto Clemente. Among friends, Rodriguez has mentioned to truly honor Clemente, he would like to share the limelight with him in Cooperstown.

While it is well known that the present finances of the Texas Rangers are very delicate, Rodriguez has said he wants to to the team—that remains to be seen.

No matter what happens, there should be no doubt that Rodriguez deserves to be signed by a team for his 20th career season. His strong leadership and still-average hitting deserves the chance.

The 37-year-old catcher is not ready to quit just yet.

TOP 20 LATINOS IN FLORIDA IN MLB HISTORY

In two weeks Latinos living in the United States will start celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.

It is the period to recognize the contributions of Hispanics to the United States and to celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15.

Every year Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

In addition, Mexico declared its independence on September 16 and Chile on September 18. October 12, Columbus Day or Dia de la Raza, also falls within this 30-day period.

As a Florida resident and a baseball fan and writer, I have to acknowledge that one of the most notable contributions to the Sunshine State is baseball itself.

I can write a whole essay about it. However I'm going to keep it short and bring on the best 20 Latinos that have played either for the Marlins or Rays in the major leagues.

This season we are watching in both sides of the state two great All-Stars from the Dominican Republic.

The Marlins' Hanley Ramirez is going on with an MVP season and is one month shy from winning his first career batting title in the National League.

On the other side, the Rays' Carlos Peña is on pace to finish the season as the American League home run king.

This is my list of the top 20 Latinos to wear a Marlins and/or Rays jersey in the Major Leagues:

Luis Castillo (Marlins)
Miguel Cabrera (Marlins)
Hanley Ramirez (Marlins-active)
Mike Lowell (Marlins)
Alex Gonzalez (Marlins)
Antonio Alfonseca (Marlins)
Edgar Renteria (Marlins)
Livan Hernandez (Marlins)
Ivan Rodriguez (Marlins)
Moises Alou (Marlins)
Bobby Bonilla (Marlins)
Armando Benitez (Marlins)
Ugueth Urbina (Marlins)
Carlos Delgado (Marlins)
Alfredo Amezaga (Marlins)
Jorge Cantu (Rays/Marlins-active)
Dioner Navarro (Rays-active)
Carlos Peña (Rays-active)
Roberto Hernandez (Rays)
Julio Lugo (Rays)

Albert Pujols y Carlos Peña: A Homerunazo Limpio

Tiempo atrás buscaba entre mis archivos y encontre un escrito que realize en el 2003 cuando Alex Rodriguez conectó por seis campañas consecutivas sobre 40 cuadrangulares en los uniformes de los Marineros de Seattle y Rangers de Texas.

Estaba en la busqueda de ese articulo leyendo que gran diferencia ha sido desde que el conocido como “A-Rod” arribó a las huestes de los Bombarderos del Bronx.

Es muy verdad que a nivel individual Rodríguez fue electo en el uniforme Yankee en el 2005 y 2007 a Jugador Más Valioso de la Liga Americana. También es muy cierto que los Mulos no han llegado a una Serie Mundial desde el 2003 cuando cayeron frente a los Marlins de Florida. Sín Rodríguez en aquel entonces.

Su figura luce olvidada entre los grandes latinos en este cierre de decada. Solo un Clasico de Octubre lo pudiese poner nuevamente en la palestra de muchos una vez más.

Este año el más hablado, el más comentado y de quien más probablemente se ha escrito es sobre Albert Pujols.

La temporada no ha terminado y el dominicano inicialista de los Cardenales de San Luis es el favorito a ganar una vez más en su carrera el galardón de Jugador Más Valioso de su Liga Nacional.

Entre muchas de sus hazañas esta campaña es que va en ritmo de obtener su primer título en cuadrangulares en su carrera. De logarlo se uniria a Sammy Sosa y Adrian Beltré en ser los únicos dominicanos en ganar un reinato de vuelacercas en la historia de la Liga Nacional.

Por cierto, puede que pocos se hayan dado cuenta pero sí Pujols gana el reinato de jonrones continuaria una racha de diez temporadas consecutivas que un latinoamericano obtiene ese titulo ofensivo en las Mayores.

Al paso que va Pujols no solo ganará el título sino también lo hará en grande. Muy probablemente terminará la campaña con sobre 40 bambinazos convirtiendolo en uno de pocos latinos con sobre cinco temporadas con sobre 40 jonrones conectados en su carrera.

Pujols conectó sobre 40 para la calle con su madero entre las temporadas del 2003 al 2006 consecutivamente.

Vale ser interesante también si Pujols pudiese tambien quedarse con la corona de la categoria de carreras impulsadas. El último latino en obtener ambos reinatos en una temporada lo fue precisamente en el 2007 Alex Rodríguez en la Liga Americana. El último latino en obtener el reinato de ambos departamentos en una campaña en la Liga Nacional lo fue en 1996 el venezolano Andrés Galarraga en la franela de los Rockies de Colorado.

También será super interesante sí el actual lider, a estas fechas de este escrito, el dominicano Carlos Peña de los Rays de Tampa Bay se queda también con la corona de jonrones en su Liga Américana.

La última ocasión que el liderato de cuadrangulares de ambos circuitos se quedó en maderos latinoamericanos fue en el 2004 gracias a los quisqueyanos Manny Ramírez en la camisa de Boston y Adrian Beltré en el uniforme de los Dodgers de Los Angeles.

El tiempo dirá…Veremos…

EXTRA DEL AUTOR:Latinoamericanos con 40 ó más cuadrangulares en una temporada en las Grandes Ligas.

LIGA AMERICANA:Tony Armas,Tony Batista,George Bell,José Canseco,Carlos Delgado,Juan González,Ben Oglivie,David Ortiz,Rafael Palmeiro,Carlos Peña,Manny Ramírez,Alex Rodríguez

LIGA NACIONAL:Carlos Beltrán,Adrian Beltré,Vinny Castilla,Orlando Cepeda,Andrés Galarraga,Vladimir Guerrero,Richard Hidalgo,Javy López,Tany Pérez,Albert Pujols,Alfonso Soriano,Sammy Sosa

The Best Latino Players Last 20 Seasons

ESPN is celebrating 20 years of covering Major League Baseball and the network asked fans to vote for their all-time team of the last 20 seasons.

At this moment, fans are being asked to pick the winners for each position.

Not surprisingly, winning names in this national poll have been Edgar Martinez as the top DH, Albert Pujols top first baseman, Ivan Rodriguez as top catcher, and Mariano Rivera as the top closer in the last 20 years.

All players from Latin America.

For the last 23 years I have been covering the Major League Baseball beat of the Puerto Rican and Latin American players, and over that time I have seen a bunch of great players.

I've also seen how appealing they are to their fans. I have seen how hall-of-famers Roberto Clemente, Orlando Cepeda, Tany Perez, Luis Aparicio, Rod Carew, and Juan Marichal are perceived as never-gone heroes in the respective towns they played in in their hey-days.

Nowadays players like Albert Pujols, Hanley Ramirez, Manny Ramirez, Johan Santana and many others are closely watched and being regarded as the No. 1 players of their respective franchises.

Quite different to ESPN' SportsNation Poll, I will share whom I believe are the best Latino players the last 20 years. Most possibly readers will have have a different opinion, but this is my own Latino All-Star team.

Catchers-Santos Alomar Jr., Javier Lopez, Jorge Posada, Ivan Rodriguez, Benito Santiago
First Base-Miguel Cabrera, Carlos Delgado, Andres Galarraga, Rafael Palmeiro, Albert Pujols
Second Base-Roberto Alomar, Carlos Baerga, Julio Franco
Third Base-Vinny Castilla, Mike Lowell, Alex Rodriguez
Shortstop-Hanley Ramirez, Jose Reyes, Miguel Tejada, Omar Vizquel
Outfielders-Bobby Abreu, Carlos Beltran, Jose Canseco, Juan Gonzalez, Vladimir Guerrero, Magglio Ordoñez, Sammy Sosa, Bernie Williams
Pitchers-Pedro Martinez, Johan Santana
Closers-Mariano Rivera, Francisco Rodriguez
Designated Hitter-Edgar Martinez, David Ortiz

Bye, Bye Orioles

C’mon…whom the South Florida politicians are kidding that are sad and crushed with the departure of the Baltimore Orioles from Fort Lauderdale Stadium.

“It’s very, very dissapointing to see a tremendous era of spring training end”, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Selier said. “It’s a sad day”.

Yeah, right. Since 2004, the team has been on a year-to-year lease with the City of Fort Lauderdale. Every time a possible discussion for a long term deal was brought to the table by the Orioles there was always some type of road block.

Finally after so much, should I stay or should I go, the franchise is relocating to the state’s west coast. The City of Sarasota and its county approved a $31.2 million renovation and expansion of Ed Smith Stadium, which hosted the Cincinnati Reds from 1998 to 2009. Also renovations were approved for the Twin Lakes Park, the new Orioles’ full time minor league complex.

The Orioles are expected to be in Sarasota next February.

In this side south side of the Sunshine State a big deal have been made now that it will be without a major league team in the spring for the first time in 60 years.

Let’s not forget long time ago Fort Lauderdale was home for the New York Yankees for 33 seasons before they went off to Tampa in 1995.

One year later, in 1996, Fort Lauderdale became the spring training home of the Birds franchise. Since that opening year you could hear the rumbles of problems between the two sides. It look the marriage was not going to be a long one.

It is true the nowadays Orioles are not even close to those of the late 90’s anchored by Cal Ripken Jr. and other big name stars such as Roberto Alomar, Mike Mussina and many, many others.

However no matter the Orioles product, the City of Fort Lauderdale never show a commitment and effort to keep them for a long time in town.

Let’s not forget either they are the same politicians never wanted to build a home for the Florida Marlins. Hey, no sorrow and complaints now that they will be the Miami Marlins in 2012.

Fort Lauderdale should not cry. The truth is they never like the baseball business in their backyard.

Cheers to Sarasota. The Orioles will have a spring training home there for the next 30 years.

Bye, Bye Orioles.

NOTE: The author covered the Baltimore Orioles from 1997 to 2008. Thanks Bill Stetka for your support to the international media.

Midseason Report: My 2009 Awards

Special For The Puerto Rico Daily Sun / MLB Notebook
The All-Star Game is almost here and the 2009 season have reached its historically midway point of its schedule, making the perfect moment for this year Midseason Awards.

Disregard the predictions written back in April. Both The Sporting News and Sports Illustrated had the Yankees, Twins, Angels and Red Sox making October . Both publications went Phillies, Cubs, Dodgers and Mets in the National League.

Honestly, not bad at all. Except in both Central Division, the Tigers and the Cardinals at the moment are changing the spring prognosis. Also, the Angels have to be careful with the surprising Rangers in the American League West.

Moreover, in the National League wild-card race unless the Mets get a miracle as the famous New York expression “Forget About It!”. At the moment the Giants, Marlins and Brewers look best for the coveted prize in the old circuit.

I will not give any forecasts. After all, who said back in 2007 the Colorado Rockies would make it to the World Series. Nobody crystal ball predicted the Phillies and the Rays last season in the October Classic.

Let’s have fun. Here are my midseason award winners:
American League
Best Team: Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees (tie)
Surprise Team: Texas Rangers
Disappointing Team: Cleveland Indians
Best Latino Player: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers
Best Latino Pitcher: Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners
Best Latino Rookie: Elvis Andrus, Texas Rangers
Best Boricua: Mike Lowell, Boston Red Sox
Best Latino Surprise Player: Nelson Cruz, Texas Rangers
Dissapointment Latino Player: Magglio Ordoñez, Detroit Tigers
Forget About Him!: Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees

National League
Best Team: Los Angeles Dodgers
Surprise Team: San Francisco Giants
Disappointing Team: Chicago Cubs
Best Latino Player: Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals
Best Latino Pitcher: Yovani Gallardo, Milwaukee Brewers
Best Latino Rookie: Omir Santos, New York Mets
Best Boricua: Carlos Beltran, New York Mets
Best Latino Surprise Player: Joel Piñeiro, St. Louis Cardinals
Dissapointment Latino Player: Alfonso Soriano, Chicago Cubs
Forget About Him!: Manny Ramirez, Los Angeles Dodgers

My Midseason Latino All-Star Team:
C Victor Martinez (Indians); 1B Albert Pujols (Cardinals); 2B Robinson Cano (Yankees); 3B Mike Lowell (Boston); SS Hanley Ramirez (Marlins); OF Carlos Beltran (Mets); Carlos Lee (Astros); Juan Rivera (Angels); P Felix Hernandez (Mariners); PR Mariano Rivera (Yankees).

Yadier Molina: The Lone Boricua

Special For The Puerto Rico Daily Sun

This upcoming 2009 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, Yadier Molina will be the lone boricua shining with the best of the best .

There is no doubt, the younger of the Molina brothers deserved the accolade from the fans to be the starting catcher in the National League lineup. Not because the fans wanted to award him with his first All-Star experience playing at home. The 2009 All-Star Game will be played at Busch Stadium in his Cardinal nest in St. Louis on July 14. Neither a gift because he will be celebrating his 27th birthday the night before the big mid-summer classic game.

Yadier is validating he is the best defensive catcher in the National League. At midway point of this season he has thrown out 44 percent of would-be basestealers and picked off four baserunners as well. He's second in the league in innings caught. Numbers that are in pace to help him win his second career Gold Glove Award.

Do not misremember either his batting. The Bayamon native is hitting for a .284 average with 5 homers and 28 RBI’s.

Of course, we can not forget that Carlos Beltran was also selected to be a starter outfielder in the National League. However, the Manati native at present is receiving a second treatment in his ailing right knee and would be re-evaluated during the All-Star break.

At this moment, the New York Mets have informed if doctors cleared him, he could resume baseball-related activates, like hitting and running after the All-Star Game break. For now, he is exercising on a bike and in a pool. Beltran publicly have acknowledged he does not have a timetable how long it would take to return to the Mets.

For the rest, after 85 games, I keep asking que pasa boricua ? Besides Molina and Beltran whom this season deserve to be an All-Star. Possibly in the National League older Yadier’s brother Bengie and in the American League Mike Lowell before getting re-injured again with hip problems. That’s it !

No longer are the hey-days of full of boricuas All-Star Games. See the accompanied chart below this decade. Make your own conclusions. I know we can do better again. Hopefully soon.

Puerto Ricans in All-Star Games (2001-2009)
2001 (Seattle): Roberto Alomar, Juan Gonzalez, Edgar Martinez, Jorge Posada, Ivan Rodriguez, Bernie Williams
2002 (Milwaukee): Jose Hernandez, Mike Lowell, Jorge Posada, Benito Santiago, Jose Vidro
2003 (Chicago): Carlos Delgado, Javier Lopez, Mike Lowell, Edgar Martinez, Jorge Posada, Jose Vidro
2004 (Houston): Carlos Beltran, Mike Lowell, Ivan Rodriguez, Javier Vazquez
2005 (Detroit): Carlos Beltran, Felipe Lopez, Ivan Rodriguez
2006 (Pittsburgh): Carlos Beltran, Alexis Rios, Ivan Rodriguez
2007 (San Francisco): Carlos Beltran, Mike Lowell, Jorge Posada, Alexis Rios, Ivan Rodriguez
2008 (New York): Geovany Soto

Mike Lowell: Time For A Break

Special For The Puerto Rico Daily Sun / MLB Notebook

For the first time this season Mike Lowell is accepting a break. Not because he is pulling one of those Alex Rodriguez ‘fatigue’ stories as the ‘A-Rod’ did when the Yankees came to Miami. Lowell’ hip had grown stiff and sore lately and his Manager Terry Francona have offer him to take longer breaks. Not good news for the Puerto Rican four-time All-Star.

Let’s remember this season is one he does not want to finish hurt. Lowell pointed us out back during spring training that he very well know he needs a healthy season and finish with good numbers.

He really wants to demostrate Boston’ management he can still play and would like to be a Red Sox longer than his signed contract through 2010.

"This season is very important to me. I love Boston and I want to stay here. If not I play in Mars along their is big league baseball. After all I'm a major leaguer," Lowell said.

For the veteran Gold-Glove third baseman, up until few weeks ago it look his numbers were amazing hitting over .300 and taking him to the path for a run for American League Comeback Player of the Year. Some Boston media were even talking All-Star Game in St. Louis. However, the last two weeks his hitting has gone down faster than the Titanic. At this moment he’s hitting .281, 10 homers with 41 RBI’s.

According to Lowell, 35, the pain is not constant but some days his hip would feel “locked up”.
For Red Sox Nation fans this is not good news either. Specially right now that they are in command of their East Division pennant. Nonetheless, they have not forgotten that it could be déjà vu all over again as last season.

Last year Lowell went down as they were fighting the surprising Tampa Bay Rays. For most of the 2008 campaign he was hurt to the point he was left off from the Red Sox roster for the American League Championship Series. And in October 20th he decided on to go to surgery for a torn labrum in his right hip with well catalogued Dr. Bryan Kelly in New York.

Remember the Rays won and were the one with the ticket to the World Series. And this year the Red Sox besides the Rays they also have the Yankees and the Blue Jays in their back very close too.

At this moment the Red Sox are planning to put Lowell on a maintenance program starting next week up to the All-Star break where he'll receive at least one day off a week and receive occasional lubricating injections to ease the friction in the cartilage in hip and they want to make sure he's rested accordingly. After the All-Star Game they will check on Lowell’s progress.

The Red Sox acknowledge that they need a healthy Lowell to win it all again. In the other hand, Lowell wants to be healthy enough to go back to a post-season and who knows if he can repeat again his 2007 World Series MVP performance. And of course, stay as a Red Sox.

Last Minute Note: According to various reports Lowell will not play this weekend against the Atlanta Braves.

Bernie Williams: 51 Next ?

Special for the Puerto Rico Daily Sun /MLB Notebook

Just a little time ago here in Miami, a group of New York media reporters and myself were talking about which great Yankee’s player should be next to have his uniform’s number retired.

The immediate answer was number 2’ Derek Jeter.

The quick response is understandable.. For 14 seasons the nine-time All-Star shortstop’s long list mark of honors and accolades are not doubt hall-of-fame bound. Not counting that besides Mr. Yankee Captain since 2003 he has been twice Mr. Captain of Team USA in both editions of the World Baseball Classic. Sixteen (16) pages of Jeter’s biography in the 2009 Yankee Media Guide tells it all.

Moreover his number 2 is at the present time, the only number from 1 through 9 not yet retired at Yankee Stadium’ s Monument Park.

What about 51 ? Yes, Bernie Williams. The reaction from the same group was something like he deserves it but we totally forgot about him.

In The Big Apple who should have forgotten whom in 16 seasons was one of the Mr. Yankee. He racked up from 1991-2006 batting .297, 287 homers with 1,257 RBI’s, The Barceloneta native is among the top 15 Yankee career batting leader in 10 offensive categories. Five-Time All-Star; Four Gold Gloves; 1996 American League Championship Series MVP and 1998 American League Batting King.

At least in Borinquen who have forgotten when Williams and catcher Jorge Posada each hit home runs from both sides of the plate in 2000 in a win at Toronto. Only time in history that wo players have hit swith-home runs in the same game. That’s good history.

Back in March after the last Puerto Rico game in the World Baseball Classic the always amiable Williams gave us this wrap-up responses to The Daily Sun in South Florida.

“I felt really good about playing,” Williams said. “I am my worst critic and I didn’t feel very bad about it. It took me a while to get acclimated. But after a while, I felt very encouraged. I can still play,”

“At this point, I don’t want to be the guy that tries to come back and goes to the independent leagues or the minor leagues for a couple [of] weeks,” Williams said. “I would certainly welcome the opportunity to play in the big leagues at some point, even though the window is very short right now.”

The window never open. And even though he never said it if he’d play for a team other than the Yankees, we really knew he would have only played for the Yankees.

Nowadays Williams, 40, is on the road on his “Moving Forward” second-album jazz tour. And we well very know he still thinks he could have been in the pinstripes uniform one more time.

Just a suggestion to the Yankees organization. Next time you invite him to play a national anthem give him finally a Bernie Williams Day like any other Yankee greats and retire his number 51 forever. And be the first Puerto Rican and Latino to be in Monument Park. Jeter can join him later.

As an extra note, if this column is read in Seattle, the Mariners should finally retire Number 11’ Edgar Martinez. His honors are very long. Then someday another Mariners’ 51 , Ichiro Suzuki.

Yadier and Bengie: The Forgotten Gold Glovers

Special For The Puerto Rico Daily Sun / MLB Notebook

When thinking about Puerto Rican catchers, it first comes to mind such names as future hall-of-famer Ivan Rodriguez, veteran Yankee Jorge Posada and the new wave kids Geovanny Soto and Omir Santos. Often forgotten and they shouldn’t be there are Bayamon’ Molina brothers. Hopefully one month from now Yadier and Bengie will receive the attention they deserve.

“We all are quiet. We come to the ballpark to do our work and with God blessing we do the best job we can,” Yadier said at Landshark Stadium in Miami.

The Molina brothers younger to older Yadier (Cardinals), Jose (Yankees) and Bengie (Giants) they all debuted in the same season in 2004. They are the only trio of brothers in Major League history to win World Series ring. However, no matter what, there are often left out of the favourite boricuas fan list.

That probably could change in few weeks as both the junior and the senior can be select it to their first All-Star Game in their careers.

“Yadier is like the kid everybody loves in the neighborhood,” St.Louis’ Manager Tony LaRussa said. “He deserves it same as his brother (Bengie).”

At this moment, Yadier, 26, is the leading vote-getter among National League catchers for the upcoming All-Star Game. And he is very happy about it moreover this year Summer Classic is at his Redbird nest at Busch Stadium in St. Louis July 14.

“It means a lot to me. A lot of people doubted I could do it,” Yadier said. “I’m proud of what I have done so far. It feels very good.”

Of course, he should feel good. Defensively he is probing once more he was not just lucky last season when he won his first Gold Glove. At present, Yadier leads all Major League catchers in throwing percentage (41.8) and leads the majors in pick-offs since 2005. He admitted is slumping offensively a bit but he knows he can do better as similar to last year career-best .304.

In the other side of the country, all west, Bengie, 34, is finally getting the attention he deserves. Not only because he is only 1 of 3 active catchers ---Pudge Rodriguez (13) and Brad Ausmus (3)-- to have won multiple Gold Gloves (American League 2002 and 2003) or owns as a catcher a career .994 fielding percentage. As a backstopper, he is second in the majors in putouts and have logged fourth-most innings played behind the plate. Also, he can hit too. He leads his San Francisco uniform in homers and RBI since 2007 and he is the leader again in both departments in 2009 (9 HR-37 RBI).

“(Pitcher) Matt McCain should be our All-Star this year. If I’m select it then it will be a great honor.” Bengie said. “Of course, that will be great to play in the same All-Star Game with my brother."

Last Puerto-Rican duo of brothers to play in All-Star Games together were Roberto And Sandy Alomar Jr. in the 90’s.

Even though he is satisfied with the Giants---were he have been its franchise MVP the last two seasons--- he stated he sometimes feels unrecognized as in his days with the Anaheim Angels. However, he said that given the right opportunity he wants to stay in the Bay Area with San Francisco and be the starting catcher for the next two or three years.

Bengie is a free agent at the end of the season but he does not want to discuss with the Giants management a return to the team and any kind of deal anytime after the All-Star break.

On Jose, the other forgotten, is at the moment in the Yankees minor league complex in Tampa in a rehablitation assignment (strained left quadriceps muscle). Jose, 33, went on the disabled list last May 10. No word from the Yankees management how soon he will called up.

Ivan Rodriguez: Closer To Cooperstown

Special For The Puerto Rico Daily Sun / MLB Notebook

Last March during the second round of the World Baseball Classic in Miami we were fill the blank with the proper adjective to have the lead for The Daily Sun that Ivan Rodriguez was going to be playing his 19th season in the Majors with the Houston Astros.

Four months in the calendar have gone by and ‘Pudge’ is in the news again. The Vega Baja native is set for history again. He will become the all-time major league leader in games caught passing Carlton Fisk 2,226 behind the plate.

Coincidentally, Fisk was the opposing catcher when Rodriguez made his debut on June 20, 1991.
Moreover, in interleague play he is in line to break the record against his original team, the Texas Rangers, June 16-18.

If any one have forgotten, Rodriguez, 37, played 12 seasons with the Rangers. It was in Arlington were he established his actual credentials. In Texas he was a 10-time All Star; won 10 out of his 13 Gold Gloves; 6 of 7 Silver Slugger awards; the 1999 American League MVP and many, many other honors and recognitions.

In 2003 he added to his resume something that he could not enjoy as a Ranger. As a Florida Marlins he have a dream season (.297, 16 HR , 85 RBI) and led his young club to the World Series. He was the 2003 National League Championship Series MVP against the Cubs and one of the leaders in the win against the Yankees.
What’s next ?

“I still can play this game on an every day basis,” Rodriguez said. “I just look forward to have a great year and make this ballclub (Astros) in the playoffs. That’s going to be my goal”.

At this moment the Astros are off in the race in their Central Division but in the other hand Rodriguez (.259, 5HR, 24 RBI) is showing good shape to keep playing in the Majors.

No matter he have surpassed Fisk and Johnny Bench in numbers and recognition, ‘Pudge’ have been clear that with his discipline, hard and strong ethic work if he can go on he will. And is no secret he’s next goal is try to reach the 3,000-hit plateau.

Time will tell if he will achieve it or not. However, no matter what, Rodriguez at this moment is enjoying the big moment and no doubt once he retires he will be bound to Cooperstown.

Who's Next 300-Win ?

Special For The Puerto Rico Daily Sun / MLB Notebook

Days ago Randy Johnson was the happiest man wondering around in the Giants clubhouse in Miami. The ‘Big Unit’ have a good reason why. A week ago he became the 24th pitcher to reach one of baseball’s most revered milestones. Join the 300-win club.

“It’s been a long road,”Johnson said. “I guess the one word that would sum it all up is that I’ve persevered”.
Johnson (5-5) became the sixth left-hander to win 300 games, and the first to do it on his first try against the Washington Nationals since Tom Seaver in 1985.

The towering 6’10” hurler now is in the history books but now the immediate question is who’s next? Whom can we forecast is able to be ready for another long road and in time be number 25.

The closest active pitchers at this moment are Phillies’ Jamie Moyer (250 wins) and Yankees’ Andy Pettite (220 wins). Both will not. Moyer is 46 year-old and Pettite have express in numerous occasions this is his last season in the Majors.

Could be a latino? It could be but remember Johnson’s words “is a long road”. And not easy. Dennis Martinez in 23 seasons won 245 games. Hall of Famer Juan Marichal in 16 seasons won 243. Luis Tiant in 19 seasons won 229. The recently retired Pedro Martinez won 214.

Bartolo Colon, 36, and Livan Hernandez, 34, both at this moment with 153 career wins are down hill in their careers. Local Javier Vazquez,33, have 131 career wins but have never had a 20-win season.
Most possible. Maybe. Johan Santana and Carlos Zambrano. Both are 30 years-old and with over 100 career wins.

Both are young and if healthy can go at least 10 more seasons. However, at least they have to average 18 wins a season. And after that stay healthy enough to try to complete the mission.

Does Johnson was the last of the 300-win plateau club? It’s no easy task but only time will tell.

Fredi Gonzalez Deserves A Marlins Chance

Special For The Puerto Rico Daily Sun / MLB Notebook

There are still many things that I do not understand from Florida Marlins fans. I comprehend through their long rocky history many unlikable things and decisions have happened however the 2009 edition should still be given a chance.

Very true the Marlins started sizzling hot with an 11-1 record. After that unlucky 13th game the month of April seems very long time ago. However does anybody think out there that they can arise again? Let’s not forget in 2003 under former Manager Jeff Torborg that team in the Month of June its destiny was to share the cellar of its Eastern Division with the defunct Montreal Expos. The rest is history. A World Championship.

It’s understandable there are not at present to many positive news, however at the moment I’m writing this column I have not seen one headline in all South Florida media that Hanley Ramirez is the National League’ s leading vote-getter among shortstop in the last balloting update for the 80th All-Star Game to be played on July at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.

Ramirez, who is among the league batting leaders, is trying to earn the starting shortstop nod for the second consecutive season. And as the case of Ramirez good news are never heard.

But seems nobody cares. I understand fans have seen many; many people go but as the popular say tells the moment should be enjoy. In contrary the only these days it could be heard all over whatever you want to call it nowadays stadium among media and fans it is the calling for the head of Manager Fredi Gonzalez. First the chopping started this season in Arizona, then in Colorado and looks like many want to see the Cuban-born pilot be the third one gone.

I understand as Jim Leyland, former Marlins Manager and now the Detroit Tigers boss, said once is easier to get fired one person---the manager---rather than all the 25 players. However, the 2009 Marlins roller coaster is not all Gonzalez fault.

In paper the Marlins began the season with the best youngest starting rotation in the National League. Only big right-hander Josh Johnson has been dependable so far. Same as the bullpen that was suppose to be one of the best in years only veteran Kiko Calero have not been as shaky as its counterparts.

It’s not Gonzalez culpability that the team offense is one of the worst three and also as a team their defense is one of the worst three in the National League.

Gonzalez last season was selected 2008 National League Manager of the Year by The Sporting News. I understand that Marlins fans unless they are not subscribed to the well-known publication either they do not care or they are learning about the accolade now. He deserved it and he should have been the Majors’ National League manager of the year. If someone forgets, the 2008 less Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis was supposed to be the worst ever since 1998.

Give Fredi Gonzalez a chance. If not the changes should start in the roster itself.

Boricuas As Cold As Ice

Special For The Puerto Rico Daily Sun / MLB Notebook

Two months of the 2009 Major League Baseball season are in the books and the first phrase that comes to my mind is the much famous local enquiry que pasa boricua ?

Over 50 games have been played and it is very difficult to find much names of our local stars in the top of the hitting and pitching statistics charts. By now it is well known that golden years of such past as future hall of famers Roberto Alomar and Edgar Martinez and others such as Bernie Williams, Juan Gonzalez, Ruben Sierra, Sandy Alomar Jr.,Javier Lopez and many others are all gone however we ponder sometimes what’s happening with the current crop.




It is very feasible we are concern with the health of Carlos Delgado and when he will come back to play with the New York Mets or as many are following very closely Ivan Rodriguez probable last ride in the Majors with the Houston Astros. It is very genuine they have a huge army of baseball fans watching them day to day but we much need as a pueblo a little more than nostalgia. We also want to see our ballplayers be hot.

If we were going to call this date this season Puerto Rico’s MVP in the Majors it should be Carlos Beltran. The New York Met outfielder is top among the best hitters in the National League and among the best in other three offensive categories. His over .340 average constant pace have kept him at the top among the first five batters in the old circuit with fellow latino Albert Pujols and Miguel Tejada in his tail.

If the Manati native continues his hitting stride there is a good chance it can be seen the first Puerto Rican to win a batting title in the Majors since 1998. That year Yankees’ Bernie Williams hit .339 to win the American League batting crown. Before him was Edgar Martinez with the Seattle Mariners who won the batting champion crowns in 1992 and 1995. The last boricua to win it in the National League was the late Roberto Clemente with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1967. His last of four batting titles.

In the National League other only fellow natives that truly are standing out at this moment of time are D’ Backs second baseman Felipe Lopez and brothers Bengie and Yadier Molina of the Giants and Cardinals respectively.




In the American League no boricua is among the top ten in any offensive category however the leader of the pack exceeding many of the expectations that were written for him this season is Mike Lowell. Many in Boston were not completely sure if he was going to be fully recover from his medical procedure from last season. Lowell missed post-season action and underwent arthroscopic surgery last October 20 to repair his right hip which was said at the time to be a complete success.

At this moment, the Red Sox third baseman is hitting so well for average and power and playing again as a gold glover that he is a strong candidate for American League Comeback Player of the Year. Other islander that is starting to wake up offensively lately is Blue Jays’ Alexis Rios.

Among hurlers, best news so far among leaders in the National League are Javier Vazquez (Atlanta Braves) ,Kiko Calero (Florida Marlins) and Pedro Feliciano (New York Mets). Let’s keep a watch on Joel Piñeiro that if he continues his course could be a strong candidate for National League Comeback Player of the Year.

Puerto Rico: Vote !

Special For The Puerto Rico Daily Sun

The 2009 Major League Baseball All-Star Game ballots are out to select the opening lineups of the American and National League squads. This season the Midsummer Classic will be held at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on July 14.

In this tough times we talk and write often about to recover Puerto Rican pride. As all baseball fans in the Island follow closely with passion our local players this is a good time to show it. In Venezuela voting is pouring for such as Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez. In Mexico voting support is showing up to such as Jorge Cantu and Adrian Gonzalez. In the Dominican Republic they are rooting for such as Albert Pujols, Carlos Peña, Hanley Ramirez and Alfonso Soriano.

Yes! Puerto Rico go online to mlb.com-the official Major League Baseball website--right now and vote for your favorite Puerto Rican players.

At this young point of the season in the National League there is no boricua more deserving your support than Carlos Beltran. The New York Met outfielder has begun the season with outstanding numbers and is among present leaders in few offensive categories. We remember very well the words of Met teammate Carlos Delgado last March that if Beltran played with the same enthusiasm as in the World Baseball Classic he was going to have a great season. So far he is and is a strong contender for the National League Most Valuable Player.

Other National Leaguers that receive your vote right now are brothers Bengie and Yadier Molina.

In the American League Mike Lowell is proving that he is back and healthy and his good offensive numbers are showing up. The veteran Red Sox third baseman deserves your support as his showing right now his a strong candidate for American League Comeback Player of the Year.

This voting request is not for individual recognition but also for Puerto Rico. Last season National League Rookie of the Year Geovany Soto was the sole Puerto Rican representative at Yankee Stadium. The least Puerto Rican representation this decade.

Back in 2000 in Boston seven Puerto Rican were present. In 2001 and 2003 in Seattle and Chicago respectively six Islanders were among the stars. Thereafter have not been the same.

Much has been said and written Puerto Rico have lost its luster of its golden years at the Major League level. Let's reverse that trend and show in St. Louis the Puerto Rican power.

Puerto Rico: Vote !