What About Jurickson Profar?
He is the number one ranked prospect in all of Major League Baseball according to mlb.com. Yet, his path to the Major Leagues appears to be blocked because the players on the Big Club that are situated at his positions are locked up with long-term deals. So Jurickson Profar bides his time at Round Rock, the Triple A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. I suppose it doesn’t really bother Profar about his status as hot shot-in sort-of limbo. After all, he just turned 20 in February and he already had a taste of Major League competition at the end of the 2012 season. A competent Ranger organization knows what they are doing so I would say the youngster for the moment is in good hands.
Jurickson Profar will be smiling at the Major League level soon enough. Image: minorleagueball.com
At the end of last season, the Curacao native seemed to be ready to make the leap to Texas to become the everyday shortstop. Incumbent Elvis Andrus was rumored to be sent to any number of places including the Arizona Diamondbacks for Justin Upton. Andrus himself also became the Rangers’ starting shortstop at age 20. It was thought that he could be dealt for a power hitting outfielder to fill the void by the departing Josh Hamilton. Then Andrus was inked to an eight-year extension for around $120 million dollars just as Opening Day arrived. It would be natural to assume that Profar could slide over to second base; however Ian Kinsler is showing no signs of slowing down batting .336 with six home runs in 2013. He is signed through the 2017 season with an option for 2018. Of the two veterans that would be moved to make room for Profar, it would probably be Kinsler as his salary dips from $16 million to $14 million in 2016 and then to $11 million the following season. Or it could be Profar that is moved to become some other team’s everyday shortstop.
Since we are in May, any talk about Profar’s future will probably come after the season. Right now, he has played 21 games at short and 3 games at second for Round Rock. The batting average (.231) isn’t great, the on-base average (.352) is OK but probably needs to be .375 and higher. To view a full profile on Profrar click here and find out why people around the game are so excited about him. Texas seems to be in no hurry to make a decision on the future of its prized prospect. On Opening Day 2014 you can bet that Jurickson Profar will be a in a starting lineup. The question is will it be with the Rangers or somewhere else?
Follow me on Twitter @ltj41 and covering the Arizona Diamondbacks at http://venomstrikes.com
Poor Brian Roberts
After a nearly decade and a half span of baseball irrelevance, it is nice to see the Baltimore Orioles near the top of the Major League Baseball standings. The O’s are proving that 2012 was not a fluke, sitting at third place with a 10-8 record in the tight American League East, having just taken two out of three at home against the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, my pal Nick who is a big Baltimore fan pointed out to me that there is a touch of bittersweetness about their new-found success. There is an excellent player that has spent his entire career in Charm City who has not really had a chance to enjoy much of this run. Second baseman Brian Roberts was put on the disabled list two weeks ago and as of right now is not particularly close to returning any time soon. Last season as the O’s were shocking all of baseball with their Wild Card showing, Roberts played in only 17 games, not appearing in a game until June 12th and his final contest was July 1st. Being the longest-tenured player with the Orioles, if there is anyone who deserves to bask in the glory of this team, it is the 35-year old former All-Star.
Hopefully, Brian Roberts can help the Orioles in 2013. Image: zimbio.com
Brian Roberts was drafted by the O’s in the first round of the 1999 draft and made his Major League debut on June 14th, 2001. He became the starter at second base for good during the 2003 season amassing over 500 plate appearances and hitting .270. Over the next six seasons, he established himself as one of the premier players at his position. In 2004, he led the American League in doubles with 50 and led the circuit in two-baggers again in 2009 with 56, the most ever by a switch-hitter. With 51 doubles in 2008, he is one of only four players (the others being Hall of Famers Tris Speaker, Paul Waner and Stan Musial) to record 50 or more doubles in a single season three times. In 2007, Roberts led the league in stolen bases with 50 and had a streak of six consecutive seasons of 25 thefts or more from 2004-2009. His best campaign came in 2005 when he belted a career high 18 home runs and knocked in 73 runs to go along with a .314 average. His rewards included being named the starting second baseman in the All-Star Game and an 18th place finish in the MVP race. However, since 2010 a series of injuries have derailed an excellent career. A herniated disk and an abdominal strain limited him to 61 games that year while he suffered a head injury on May 16th, 2011 and never appeared in a game the rest of the season. After rejoining the club in June 2012, he suffered a groin strain and then elected to have season-ending hip surgery.
Roberts’s latest injury came during the third game of the 2013 season when he ruptured a tendon behind his right knee. It is anybody’s guess as to when he will return. Given his recent lengthy history of ailments, it may be a while before we see him again. Some will speculate the reason he has been injured so much is that he is an admitted steroid user although he has claimed to have used only once. I would like to believe him. Before his career is through, I would like Roberts to get into the middle of one, bona-fide playoff chase. Given his stellar performance during the darkest days of the Oriole franchise, it would be tremendous if he could close out his career with one final flourish in a series of games that have great meaning.
Follow me on Twitter @ltj41 and covering the Arizona Diamondbacks at http://venomstrikes.com
The Legacy of Edgar Renteria
Edgar Renteria made it official on Thursday, announcing his retirement after 16 seasons in Major League Baseball. The five-time All-Star shortstop was hoping to latch with another team after no one called on his services in 2012. This concludes a career that has had its share of notable highlights including one of the most iconic plays in baseball history.
Edgar Renteria enjoyed an outstanding 16 year playing career in Major League Baseball. Image: eastbay.com
At the age of 21, Renteria drove in the Series-ending run in Game 7 of the 1997 World Series, propelling the Florida Marlins to their first World Series championship. The joy was short-lived as the Fish unveiled the first of its fire sales, leaving Renteria as basically the only every day player who stayed in Miami during the entire 1998 season. The misery was almost equally as short as he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals before the 1999 season. He spent the next six years in St. Louis helping the Redbirds make four playoff appearances including the 2004 World Series. It was here that he had some terrific seasons such as the 2003 campaign in which he hit 13 home runs and drove in 100 runs, the only time he hit the century mark in RBI’s. He spent a forgettable 2005 in Boston before making the switch to the Atlanta Braves, making his final All-Star appearance in 2006. After a stint with the Detroit Tigers in 2008, it was back to the National League, this time going to the San Francisco Giants. Renteria seemed to be at the end of the line in 2010, playing in only 73 games. Then after playing sparingly in the first two rounds of the playoffs, he broke out in the Fall Classic, hitting .412 and capturing MVP honors as the Giants won their first championship since moving to San Francisco. 2011 turned out to be the final year of Renteria’s career, as he hit .251 in 333 at-bats with the Cincinnati Reds.
Edgar Renteria should be remembered as an excellent shortstop who was a clutch postseason player. He probably is a little underappreciated considering his peers during his prime years were Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Nomar Garciaparra. His career numbers for his position are nothing to put down in comparison to the other guys. Renteria drove in 923 runs, stole 294 bases and owns a lifetime .286 batting average and earned three Silver Slugger Awards. He was a winning ballplayer, making seven trips to the postseason and saved his best play for the World Series where he hit .333 for three different teams. Perhaps one day he can bring that winning attitude to some team;s manager’s position.
Follow me on Twitter @ltj41 and covering the Arizona Diamondbacks at http://venomstrikes.com
Troy Tulowitzki Will Bounce Back in 2013
He is the best shortstop in baseball. Yet because Troy Tulowitzki was hurt for much of 2012, and that the team he plays for, the Colorado Rockies, had a dreadful 2012 season, many fans think he fell off the face of the Earth. A torn groin limited Tulo to 47 games, not playing a single contest after May 30th. Colorado went on to lose a franchise-record 98 games last season and maybe because he was gone before the calendar turned to June is why he seemed so forgotten. MLB Network recently came out with its list of Top 10 shortstops and at the top of it was the Rox’s 2005 first round pick. If 2013 is anything like most of his other campaigns, he will once again become one of the most recognized players in the game.
Troy Tulowitzki looks forward to a big 2013. Image: cnn.sportsillustrated.com
Tulowitzki is without a doubt the face of the Rockies. In December 2010, he signed an extension worth $134 million dollars with the team that locks him up until 2020 with a club option for 2021. After appearing in 25 games for the Rockies in 2006, Tulo enjoyed a banner first full season in the Majors in 2007 with 24 home runs and 99 RBI’s finishing second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting to Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers. It was also the year that Colorado made its first and only World Series appearance in the 20 years they have been in existence. Tulo slumped mightily the following season with only eight homers and 46 runs batted as two injuries limited him to 101 games, a huge reason why the Rox dropped to a 74-88 record. Both the team and the player rebounded in 2009 as Colorado post an organizational-high 92 victories and third overall playoff appearance, securing the NL Wild Card. Tulowitzki finished fifth in the NL MVP race by socking 32 long balls and knocking in 95 runs and stole 20 bases. He went on to enjoy two straight All-Star seasons in 2010 and 2011 solidifying his place as the best at his position. Both seasons he won a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger as well as finishing in the Top 10 in the race for the MVP. He cracked the 100 RBI barrier for the first time in 2011 but his team ended the season with a dismal 73-89 record. 2012 was a nightmare on and off the field for Tulo as he started to hear questions about his leadership, his injuries and rumors of the St. Louis Cardinals looking to trade for him. Colorado owner Dick Monfort said multiple times this past Winter that his star shortstop wasn’t going anywhere.
So far, so good this Spring Training for Troy Tulowitzki. At 28, he should be entering the prime of his career. His cannon arm and potent bat still have too much life to be on the downside. Because of offseason leg surgery, he arrives early at the team’s facility in Arizona to get treatment and stays late for additional stretching. Also, according to the Denver Post, new manager Walt Weiss told the player he will be getting planned days off during the season. The team wants to have him healthy from April to October as they will have an uphill battle in the rough NL West. In order for the team to contend, Tulo will have to play 140 games this season and ease the burden that fell on the shoulders of star left fielder Carlos Gonzalez. The NL Comeback Player of the Year Award will stay in the NL West in 2013 as Troy Tulowitzki will regain his All-Star form and remind everyone that he is the best shortstop in the game today.
Follow me on Twitter @ltj41 and covering the Arizona Diamondbacks at http://venomstrikes.com
Get to Know Anthony Rizzo
2012 was a big year for youngsters who grabbed headlines. Every night we were treated to a barrage of highlights featuring Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals and Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels. On the pitching side, we were treated to the Yu Darvish Performance every fifth day for the Texas Rangers. Amazingly, one guy flew under the radar even though he was playing for one of America’s most beloved teams. I guess first baseman Anthony Rizzo‘s problem was that his team, the Chicago Cubs endured a horrific season losing 101 games, their first triple digit losing season in 46 years. Also working against him was the fact he was not called up to Chicago until June 26th, by which time the other three guys mentioned had already entrenched themselves in the public consciousness. Well, it’s a new season and if you did not pay attention to Anthony Rizzo in 2012, now would be a good time to watch as I expect some big things from him in 2013.
Anthony Rizzo wil be an All-Star in 2013. Image: zimbio.com
At the age of 23, Rizzo has already been through so much in his young life both on and off the field. In April 2008, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma which was successfully treated with chemotherapy. At the time he was playing Single A ball for the Boston Red Sox organization having been a sixth round draft choice in 2007 by the team. In December 2010, he was traded by the Sox to the San Diego Padres in the deal that brought Adrian Gonzalez to Boston. By January 2012, Rizzo was on the move again going from the Padres to the Cubs. He was highly regarded by each of his three organizations, all of them in love with his sweet lefty stroke. When the Pads promoted him to the Major Leagues in 2011, the San Diego Union Tribune called it the “most celebrated Padres call up since Roberto Alomar“. After a hot start, Rizzo struggled was demoted and then recalled in September finishing the season with a .141 batting average and 46 strikeouts in 198 at bats. After arriving in Chicago, he started the 2012 season at Triple A Iowa before his June promotion. He began his stint on the North Side on fire winning National League Rookie of the Month for July. He finished the year hitting .285 with 15 home runs and 48 RBI’s in 337 at bats. He along with shortstop Starlin Castro and starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija were the only reasons to watch the team in the second half.
2013 will be Anthony Rizzo’s first full Big League season. Although the Cubs will probably struggle again, Rizzo should assert himself as one of the club’s best players and with Castro form two building blocks for the future. Playing at Wrigley Field, it would not be a stretch to see him hit 30 homers, knock in around 110 runs and bat about .320. He is a cancer survivor who will not be fazed by such lofty expectations. For those of us in New York, we might see him around town in July as he should be selected to the first of many All-Star Games.
Follow me on Twitter @ltj41 and covering the Arizona Diamondbacks at http://venomstrikes.com
Brian Wilson: Return of the Beard
There are still a number of high-quality players left on the free agent market. Much of the attention surrounds where outfielder Michael Bourn will land. Others are speculating on the destination of pitcher Kyle Lohse. The most intriguing name out there also happens to be the among the game’s brightest personalities, the man with the coolest beard in baseball. Closer Brian Wilson also happens to be a World Series winner of the San Francisco Giants in 2010 but is also coming off Tommy John surgery which he had on April 19th. They jury is still out on whether he can hit 98 MPH again but there should be a team out there who can give one of the most likeable players in baseball a shot at finding past glory.
I hope to see Brian Wilson pitch in 2013. Image: zimbio.com
Closers have their own brand of “personality” both on and off the field. You have Fernando Rodney who shoots an imaginary arrow after recording a save. Rafael Soriano likes to untuck his jersey after the last out. At the end of his saves, Wilson crosses his arms and looks up into the sky to honor both religion and his dad who passed away when he was 17. The nature of the position dictates you must have a short memory as when you get beat, chances are your team loses. The Beard is a natural for the position. From his mohawk haircut, to his bright orange cleats and of course the now-famous facial hair, Wilson is one of the most recognizable players in Major League Baseball. For a period of time, he was one of the best closers the game had. He is a three-time All Star who also finished seventh for the Cy Young Award in 2010. In that same season, he saved 48 games to lead the National League and his ERA was 1.81 with 93 strikeouts in 74 2/3 innings. In four seasons from 2008 through 2011, Wilson saved 163 games, one of the best totals among his peers In the Spring of 2012, his shoulder was bothering him and he was forced to undergo surgery in April after only two appearances during the season.
The one team Wilson has been linked with is the New York Mets, a franchise that desperately needs some of the good vibes he could provide. Most Met fans I have talked to are pretty down about the team although they understand that the pain that could be the 2013 season is necessary. Wilson would provide stability at the back end of the bullpen and a popular presence for the organization that traded the rock star known as R.A. Dickey. It would be nice to see the Amazins pick up Brian Wilson, and if the team falters, send him to a contender for a chance at another ring. That would be a fitting scenario for a truly great person.
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Tommy John: More Than a Surgery
When you hear the name Tommy John, what comes to mind first, a surgery or a borderline, Hall of Fame pitcher? Sadly, too many fans immediately think of the former not realizing that the latter was one heck of a pitcher in career that spanned 26 seasons. While he will forever be known as the pioneer of a medical procedure that bears his name, John may also leave behind another legacy, one that highlights his exploits on the mound. His 288 victories are the second highest by any pitcher after 1900 who is not in the Hall of Fame. The first is Roger Clemens with 354 and who I expect to get into Cooperstown within the decade. Bobby Matthews won 297 games 1871-1887 pitching in three different professional leagues. That will give TJ the distinction of being the pitcher with the most wins who is not enshrined in the Hall. Perhaps he should get a stronger look by the Veterans’ Committee.
Tommy John, the Bionic Arm. Image: bleacherreport.com
For the record, Tommy John surgery involves taking a tendon from a different part of the body (usually the forearm or hamstring) to use it to reconstruct the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in the elbow. Before the injury, John won 124 games for the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers. While with the White Sox, he led the American League in shutouts in 1966 and 1967. In Los Angeles, he led the National League in winning percentage in 1973 and 1974. On September 28th, 1974 John went under the knife for the procedure that made his name famous. Dr. Frank Jobe performed the surgery and said the chances of a full recovery were about 1 in 100. After sitting out all of 1975, TJ returned to the Dodgers in 1976 sporting a 10-10 record. The next four seasons were the best of John”s career as he won 80 games with 20 victories in 1977 followed by 21 in 1979 and 22 wins in 1980, both campaigns with the New York Yankees. He finished in the top ten for the Cy Young Award in those four years, finishing second in 1977 and 1979. He became known as the man with the Bionic Arm and would win 164 games after his surgery. TJ finally finished up his time pitching during the 1989 season, retiring in May at the age of 46. His final record was 288-234 with a 3.34 ERA, pitching in three World Series and three All-Star Games.
Tommy John’s lifetime numbers are real close to Cooperstown material. On his final appearance on the Hall of Fame ballot, he received 31.7% of the vote. There is a chance no one else will reach his 288 victories. I understand why writers would choose not to elect him since all of those victories came over 26 seasons, an average of 13 victories per season. However, the fact countless pitchers have saved their careers by undergoing the procedure that is forever linked to him may give voters another reason to put him in. When taking his playing career and his surgery into account, TJ is one of the most significant figures of the last 50 years.
Follow me on Twitter @ltj41 and covering the Arizona Diamondbacks at http://venomstrikes.com
Appreciating Stan Musial
Saturday January 19th was not a good day for Major League Baseball. In the morning, we learned of the passing of Hall of Fame Manager Earl Weaver. The former long-time skipper of the Baltimore Orioles left us at the age of 82. Then we learned later that evening of the death of Stan Musial, the St. Louis Cardinals legend who passed away at the age of 92. I would like to reflect on the career of Musial, a true legend who if he played in New York, Boston, Los Angeles or San Francisco would have been already confirmed as a deity. In fact, one could make the case that he was just as good as Mickey Mantle, Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and other greats around that era. Perhaps one could say that he was better than some or all of them. Indeed, if you look at his career numbers they were nothing short of extraordinary.
The Man. Image: ktgr.com
Let us start with something I learned while reading his career numbers. You wouldn’t think a guy who clobbered 475 home runs and drove in 1,951 runs would be much of a baserunner. Yet, Stan the Man led the National League in triples five times including 20 in one season. He also led the league in doubles eight times. Musial was a seven-time batting champion who finished with a lifetime average of .331. In 1946, the first of his three MVP seasons, Stan led the NL in 11 different categories including batting average (.365), runs scored (124), doubles (50), triples (20), hits (228) and slugging (.587) to go along with 16 homers and 103 RBI’s. His best season might have been 1948 in which he led the league in RBI’s with 131, average at .375, runs with 135, doubles and triples with 46 and 18 respectively, 135 runs scored, 230 hits and an amazing 429 total bases. Besides his three MVP awards, Musial placed in the top ten for that race eleven times including four second place finishes. In 1962 at the age of 41, the Man hit .331 with 19 home runs and 82 RBI’s. At the time of his retirement after the 1963 season, Musial was the all-time NL hits king with 3,630; that number is currently good for fourth place. Right now, the St. Louis icon ranks ninth in runs scored with 1,949, sixth in RBI’s with 1951, sixth in games played with 3,026 and second behind only Aaron in total bases with 6,134. Musial’s seven batting titles are tied for second with Rogers Hornsby and one less than Honus Wagner. Perhaps the most remarkable stat is that he struck out only 696 times in 12,717 plate appearances. It takes the “greats” of the game today less than seven years to accomplish that, or about 1/3 of the time it took Musial to accumulate the number over a 22-year career.
On top of the jaw-dropping baseball statistics, he was very humble and a great role model according to everything I have read and heard about him. Maybe that’s why the perception of him as a ballplayer suffers a bit. He never called attention to himself and he wasn’t flashy like Mays or had the aura of DiMaggio or the personality of Williams. Yet he was every bit the player those three were. Younger fans need to read up on players like Musial and even Aaron to understand the baseball sun does not rise and set on certain cities. Also, we always hear or say that this guy or that guy is “the man”. Sorry, there was only one Man. Stan the Man Musial. Rest in peace.
Follow me on Twitter @ltj41 and covering the Arizona Diamondbacks at http://venomstrikes.com
Rooting Hard for Dontrelle Willis
One of baseball’s best stories from a decade ago perhaps gets one last shot to continue. Lefty pitcher Dontrelle Willis signed a minor league deal with the Chicago Cubs with no invite to Spring Training. Willis briefly retired from the game after a short stay last season with the Baltimore Orioles. If this is indeed the end of the line for the D-Train, it is only appropriate he finishes up with the team that drafted him in 2000.
I would love to see the Dontrelle Willis leg kick in a Cubs’ uniform. Image: http://www.yahoo.com
It is hard to believe it has been almost ten years since Major League Baseball fans enjoyed the unbelievable rise of Dontrelle Willis. He was traded by the Cubs to the Florida Marlins in 2002 and made it to The Show early in the 2003 season at the age of 21. He was named the National League Rookie of the Year notching 14 victories as he helped the Fish win the 2003 World Series. With his unique windup complete with sky-high leg kick and magnetic personality, Willis became one of baseball’s top gate attractions, much like Stephen Strasburg is today. Willis had an outstanding 2005 season leading the NL in victories with 22, complete games with seven and shutouts with five. It was good enough to finish in second place for the Cy Young Award, losing out to Chris Carpenter. It was soon after that season when D-Train”s career quickly tumbled downward.
Willis was part of the blockbuster trade that included Miguel Cabrera going to the Detroit Tigers for six prospects. He spent two and half nightmarish seasons with the Tigers totaling 24 appearances. He made 22 starts compiling a record of 2-8 with a 6.86 ERA. Numerous issues, including control problems, an injured knee and an anxiety disorder contributed to his problems in Detroit. After being released by the Tigers during the middle of the 2010 season, Willis bounced around a number of organizations on both the Major League and Minor League levels. These are the clubs in order of appearance: Arizona Diamondbacks, San Francisco Giants, Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies and finally with the Orioles.
At age 30, Willis now is in the organization of America’s favorite underdog, the Cubs. I would really love it if he can somehow get his career back on track. I will never forget his smile and constant upbeat personality despite growing up in less than ideal circumstances. He is still young and left-handed pitching is always in demand. Plus, he is one heck of a hitter for a pitcher sporting a lifetime .244 batting average with nine home runs in 389 at-bats. If the pitching doesn’t work out, maybe the Cubs can find a place for his bat. I know that Chicago is years away from contention but can you imagine D-Train sticking around long enough that he reaches the World Series with them? That would be a script even Hollywood couldn’t see coming.
Follow me on Twitter @ltj41 and covering the Arizona Diamondbacks at http://venomstrikes.com
Overlooked, Hall of Fame Worthy Seasons
There are times when great seasons by some really good ballplayers truly get overlooked. It occurs when a more well-known player, usually a Hall of Fame-type player has an even better season, one that will live in the minds and memories of fans forever. Take 2012. Edwin Encarnacion of the Toronto Blue Jays had a monster season hitting 42 home runs with 110 RBI’s and a .280 batting average. However, 2012 will also be known as the season in which Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers hit for the Triple Crown, a legendary accomplishment achieved only 13 other times since 1900. Here are some other outstanding players who had Hall of Fame type seasons that are barely a footnote in baseball history.
Cecil Cooper had a great 1980 season that was overshadowed by George Brett. Image: http://www.bleacherreport.com
Cecil Cooper (1980) Coop was one of the premier first baseman of his day. He drove in over 100 runs four times and won two Gold Gloves. I could give him another post for being so underrated which probably could be attributed to his best years came with the Milwaukee Brewers. His best season was 1980 when he batted .352 with 25 home runs and an American League-leading 122 RBI’s. Coop also led the AL in total bases with 633. Unfortunately, 1980 was the year George Brett made his run at .400, falling just short at .390 as he led the Kansas City Royals to the World Series. Also pushing Cooper’s season aside was the fact the Philadelphia Phillies won the World Series, the first title in franchise history which stretches back to 1883 when they were known as the Quakers.
John Tudor (1985) The left-handed Tudor won 117 games over 12 Major League seasons compiling a 3.12 ERA. Without a doubt, his best year was 1985 with the St. Louis Cardinals when he won 21 games with a miniscule 1.93 ERA in 275 innings pitched. He registered 14 complete games and led the National League in shutouts with 10. However, that same year Dwight Gooden had a season for the ages, going 24-4 with a 1.53 ERA and 268 strikeouts while pitching his second season for the New York Mets. Also, when Cardinals fans think of 1985 their thoughts center around blowing a 3 to 1 lead in the World Series to the Royals which was highlighted by the missed call of umpire Don Denkinger in Game 6.
Greg Vaughn (1998) The power hitting outfielder hit 355 home runs over a 17 year career. He was a four-time All Star and had two Top 5 finishes for the Most Valuable Player award. One of those MVP-type years was 1998 with the San Diego Padres. He blasted 50 home runs and drove in 119 while batting .272. Vaughn even threw in 11 stolen bases as he led the Padres to their second ever World Series appearance. Too bad for Vaughn that most people know 1998 as the great home run chase between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa. Also not helping matters particularly for San Diego fans is the team getting swept in the Fall Classic by the record-setting New York Yankees.
Merry Christmas to all and thanks for reading!
Follow me on Twitter @ltj41 and covering the Arizona Diamondbacks at http://venomstrikes.com
