El mes de agosto esta en los libros de historia y ahora es que comienzan a separarse los hombres de los niños.
Es tiempo de victoria tras victoria en ruta a las series de post-temporada y arribar hasta el gran Clásico de Octubre.
Al momento de escribir estas lineas ni en la Liga Nacional ni en la Americana hay un claro favorito. El diferencial entre los equipos que están en el tope de cada división matemáticamente es mínimo y puede ocurrir cualquier sorpresa.
En el circuito americano aunque los Yankees de Nueva York, Tigres de Detroit y los Angelinos de Los Angeles están arriba en sus respectivas divisiones todos tienen conjuntos detrás de ellos hambrientos por desplazarlos.
Hay un viejo dicho en el béisbol que la pelota es redonda y viene en caja cuadrada y cualquier cosa puede suceder en el mes de septiembre.
En la Americana en el Este, los Bombarderos del Bronx tienen a sus eternos rivales Medias Rojas de Boston y los inspirados Rays de Tampa Bay tocando puertas muy cercános a ellos. En la Central, los felinos de la ciudad automotriz tienen en su cola a los Mellizos de Minnesota y nadie descarte todavia al siempre agresivo Ozzie Guillén y sus Medias Blancas de Chicago. En el Oeste los Angelitos no se pueden desconfiar en ningún momento porque tienen a los aguerridos Rancheros de Texas no muy lejos de ellos.
En la Nacional en el Este, los campeones mundiales Phillies de Philadelphia deben regresar al gran baile de post-temporada pero mucho ojo con los Marlins de Florida y los Bravos de Atlanta. Los Cardenales de San Luis han jugado gran pelota todo el año en su banderín de la central pero deben tener muy cuidado con un despertar a última hora de los Cachorros de Chicago.
También muy buen béisbol han jugado a través de toda la campaña los Dodgers de Los Angeles pero no se pueden dejar caer en la tabla de posiciones. En su gallardete del oeste los Rockies de Colorado y los Gigantes de San Francisco andan demostrando que tienen conjuntos dignos de post-temporada y así de bien están jugando a este momento.
Para llegar hasta la post-temporada siempre todos los equipos cuentan con jugadores claves y a mi entender estos son los jugadores latinoamericanos que pueden hacer la diferencia para sus conjuntos en búsqueda del deseado campeonato mundial.
LIGA AMERICANA
New York Yankees: 3B-Alex Rodriguez; P-Mariano Rivera; 2B-Robinson Cano; C-Jorge Posada
Boston Red Sox: 3B-Mike Lowell
Tampa Bay Rays: 1B-Carlos Peña
Detroit Tigers: 1B-Miguel Cabrera; OF-Magglio Ordoñez
Minnesota Twins: SS-Orlando CabreraChicago
White Sox: Dirigente-Ozzie Guillen; 2B Alexei Ramírez
Los Angeles Angels: OF-Vladimir Guerrero; 1B Kendry Morales; OF-Bobby Abreu
Texas Rangers: P-Neftali Perez; C-Ivan Rodriguez; SS-Omar Vizquel
LIGA NACIONAL
Philadelphia Phillies: 3B-Pedro Feliz; C-Carlos Ruiz
Florida Marlins: SS-Hanley Ramirez; 3B-Jorge Cantu
Atlanta Braves: SS-Yunel Escobar; P-Javier Vazquez
St.Louis Cardinals: 1B-Albert Pujols; C-Yadier Molina
Chicago Cubs-3B-Aramis Ramírez
Los Angeles Dodgers: OF-Manny Ramirez; SS-Rafael Furcal
Colorado Rockies : P-Ubaldo Jimenez; P-Jorge de la Rosa
San Francisco Giants: C-Bengie Molina; 3B-Pablo Sandoval
Showing posts with label giants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label giants. Show all posts
Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, June 13, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, June 1, 2009
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.
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.
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