This will be the third season of Hall of Fame voting, and the first two (rightfully, in this writer's opinion) failed to elect anyone into the hallowed hall. This season could change that, as a very viable candidate exists this time around in the form of Gregg Black.
Black is an auto-nominee due to his 3 MVP awards in the first four seasons of the league. In addition to the MVPs, he won 5 Silver Slugger Awards and was a 5-time All-Star, all with Nashville (now Charlotte). He was traded 5 times in the three seasons after that, winning 2 World Series Championships with Atlanta. His Season 1 performance, where he hit .385-50-161 with a .513 OBP and an .808 SLG, is inarguably the best single season performance by any hitter. He is the world's all-time leader in both slugging percentage and OPS (on-base plus slugging), holds 4 single season records (batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS), and has 10 franchise records.
Trenton GM gumbercules said that Black's only question mark- his short Bigs career- wouldn't deter him from voting for Black. "I know eventually his numbers won't hold up- his stats will be passed by some players who aren't HOF worthy. But in my mind he is absolutely a Hall of Famer- he was the best position player of his time and he was absolutely dominant for those first five years. For me that's enough."
Just as a reminder, here are the specifications for auto-nomination (only one is required):
Position Players: 7+ Silver Sluggers, 10+ Gold Gloves, 3+ MVPs, 500+ HRs, 3000+ hits.
Pitchers: 3+ Fireman of the Year Awards, 3+ Cy Youngs, 300+ wins, 3000+ K's, 500+ Saves.
Both: 7+ All-Star appearances
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Buffalo, Mexico City make Early Splashes in Free-Agency
While free-agency isn't over yet and there are still some good players to be had, two teams have announced themselves as players in the free agent market- Buffalo and Mexico City.
The Buffalo franchise has been looking up at the top of the AL North for 10 seasons and feel like this could be the season they make a move. As our sister office in Fargo has previously reported, they've added starting pitcher Jerome Oliver and Derrin Hernandez. But they weren't done there, adding veteran bat Cap Herrera (formerly of Trenton), reliever Tom Hernandez (from New Orleans), and have re-signed 3-time All Star Julio Diaz. Herrera spoke to TBDN about the signing, saying, " I enjoyed my time in Trenton for the most part. A lot of pressure was put on me because of the contract I signed, and the fans got on me when I struggled. I understand why. I'm looking forward to chasing a title with A.J., Julio, and everyone else up in Buffalo."
Mexico City, a contender in the AL South for seasons, added several new infield parts. They signed maybe the biggest name available in 6-time All-Star 3B James Dixon, now an ex-Chile. Former Golden Otter Jerry Strickland will man 2B, while Trenton's career leader in hits, 1B Stephen Mills, will leave the only team he's ever played for to go to Mexico City. "I understand it's a business, but I was a little disappointed to leave Trenton", said Mills. "But maybe I got out at a good time- Mexico City is an awfully good team and I know Jack (Millard) is almost ready. At any rate, I hope to win a World Series. I always thought it would be in New Jersey, but it wasn't to be."
The Buffalo franchise has been looking up at the top of the AL North for 10 seasons and feel like this could be the season they make a move. As our sister office in Fargo has previously reported, they've added starting pitcher Jerome Oliver and Derrin Hernandez. But they weren't done there, adding veteran bat Cap Herrera (formerly of Trenton), reliever Tom Hernandez (from New Orleans), and have re-signed 3-time All Star Julio Diaz. Herrera spoke to TBDN about the signing, saying, " I enjoyed my time in Trenton for the most part. A lot of pressure was put on me because of the contract I signed, and the fans got on me when I struggled. I understand why. I'm looking forward to chasing a title with A.J., Julio, and everyone else up in Buffalo."
Mexico City, a contender in the AL South for seasons, added several new infield parts. They signed maybe the biggest name available in 6-time All-Star 3B James Dixon, now an ex-Chile. Former Golden Otter Jerry Strickland will man 2B, while Trenton's career leader in hits, 1B Stephen Mills, will leave the only team he's ever played for to go to Mexico City. "I understand it's a business, but I was a little disappointed to leave Trenton", said Mills. "But maybe I got out at a good time- Mexico City is an awfully good team and I know Jack (Millard) is almost ready. At any rate, I hope to win a World Series. I always thought it would be in New Jersey, but it wasn't to be."
Buffalo spending spree nets Hernandez, Oliver
Blue Cheese shell out big bucks for prized free agentsIf anyone was wondering whether or not the Buffalo Blue Cheese see themselves as a serious World Series contender this season, there should be little doubt now. Buffalo has announced that the team has come to terms on contract agreements with free agent second baseman Derrin Hernandez and three-time All-Star starter Jerome Oliver.
The 30-year-old Hernandez signed a deal that will pay him $8.7 million per season through season 15. Hernandez, who spent the past five seasons with San Juan, batted .296 last season with 17 HR, 73 RBI and a .771 OPS. He has stolen at least 20 bases in eight out of his nine major league seasons.
Oliver's contract may come as more of a surprise to those around the league. The Blue Cheese signed the 36-year-old starter to a four-year $34 million deal, though Oliver's 95 health rating and 98 makeup are likely the reasons the Blue Cheese felt confident enough to give him a big four-year deal. Oliver posted an 18-7 record for New Orleans last season while registering a 2.92 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 243.2 IP.
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Tuesday, August 10, 2010
3 Young Stars sign Contract Extensions
Three major AL stars signed contract extensions with their teams instead of going to arbitration.
Reigning AL MVP A.J. Leonard signed a 5-year, $43.75 million extension with the Buffalo Blue Cheese. The deal came with a no-trade clause. "A.J. is happy to be a member of the Blue Cheese for the foreseeable future", said Wade Nicholson, Leonard's agent, at the press conference to announce the signing. "We think Buffalo has a bright future, particularly with A.J. as a part of it. We were willing to commit 5 years of his service to Buffalo, and the franchise was willing to commit to A.J. in the form of cash and the no-trade clause. I'd say both sides are happy".
4-time All-Star SS Amp Palmer signed on for 4 more years in Louisville at $38 million. Like Leonard, he is a former number 1 overall pick in the amateur draft and he has helped lead Louisville to a division title in all 6 of his big league seasons. "This is a proud franchise and I'm proud to be a major part of it", said Palmer. "I love it here and am looking forward to bringing a title to Louisville".
St. Louis locked up star pitcher Yogi Anderson to a 5-year, $38.4 million extension. Anderson is a past Rookie of the Year winner and a 3-time All-Star and receives a big contract after a career high 19 wins last season. Agent Tomas Romero said the negotiations weren't that difficult because, "This was something both sides wanted. They understand Yogi's an important part of the team and they've treated him well. He's happy here in St. Louis."
Word out of Trenton is that the Traffic is negotiating a similar deal with star 2B Watty Miller, likely to be announced tomorrow. The sides are negotiating the terms of the deal, but word is that an extension will be signed to make sure Miller stays in Trenton.
Reigning AL MVP A.J. Leonard signed a 5-year, $43.75 million extension with the Buffalo Blue Cheese. The deal came with a no-trade clause. "A.J. is happy to be a member of the Blue Cheese for the foreseeable future", said Wade Nicholson, Leonard's agent, at the press conference to announce the signing. "We think Buffalo has a bright future, particularly with A.J. as a part of it. We were willing to commit 5 years of his service to Buffalo, and the franchise was willing to commit to A.J. in the form of cash and the no-trade clause. I'd say both sides are happy".
4-time All-Star SS Amp Palmer signed on for 4 more years in Louisville at $38 million. Like Leonard, he is a former number 1 overall pick in the amateur draft and he has helped lead Louisville to a division title in all 6 of his big league seasons. "This is a proud franchise and I'm proud to be a major part of it", said Palmer. "I love it here and am looking forward to bringing a title to Louisville".
St. Louis locked up star pitcher Yogi Anderson to a 5-year, $38.4 million extension. Anderson is a past Rookie of the Year winner and a 3-time All-Star and receives a big contract after a career high 19 wins last season. Agent Tomas Romero said the negotiations weren't that difficult because, "This was something both sides wanted. They understand Yogi's an important part of the team and they've treated him well. He's happy here in St. Louis."
Word out of Trenton is that the Traffic is negotiating a similar deal with star 2B Watty Miller, likely to be announced tomorrow. The sides are negotiating the terms of the deal, but word is that an extension will be signed to make sure Miller stays in Trenton.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Two Veteran Pitchers Announce Retirement
Two of the better pitchers from the early days of the league both announced their retirement today at the age of 39.
Carlos Matos pitched for 12 ML seasons, 8 of them in The Bigs. He won 90 games in his career in this league, 87 of which came for the New Orleans Voodoo. He holds the Voodoo team career records for wins and strikeouts. His best season was an 18-6 campaign with a 3.55 ERA for the Voodoo. After winning just 3 games for Charlotte in Season 8 and not finding a team for Season 9, he made an ill-fated attempt at a comeback last season, getting hammered in A ball for Anaheim. After that experience, he decided it was best to hang it up. "Last season wasn't any fun", he said at his press conference held in New Orleans. " I could keep going at it, but I don't have much left. I'd rather be remembered for the way I pitched here for the Voodoo".
The same season that Matos went 18-6, Dude Huskey won a Fireman of the Year Award for division rival Memphis (now Austin). He saved a then-record 52 games (a record which stood for 7 seasons until Coco Hines broke the record in Season 9) and made the All-Star team. In all, Huskey finished with 137 saves in The Bigs, pitching all 10 seasons in the majors in The Bigs (16 ML seasons in all) for 5 teams. Although he didn't log a save that season, he was an integral part of Salt Lake City's bullpen in their championship season in Season 8.
Carlos Matos pitched for 12 ML seasons, 8 of them in The Bigs. He won 90 games in his career in this league, 87 of which came for the New Orleans Voodoo. He holds the Voodoo team career records for wins and strikeouts. His best season was an 18-6 campaign with a 3.55 ERA for the Voodoo. After winning just 3 games for Charlotte in Season 8 and not finding a team for Season 9, he made an ill-fated attempt at a comeback last season, getting hammered in A ball for Anaheim. After that experience, he decided it was best to hang it up. "Last season wasn't any fun", he said at his press conference held in New Orleans. " I could keep going at it, but I don't have much left. I'd rather be remembered for the way I pitched here for the Voodoo".
The same season that Matos went 18-6, Dude Huskey won a Fireman of the Year Award for division rival Memphis (now Austin). He saved a then-record 52 games (a record which stood for 7 seasons until Coco Hines broke the record in Season 9) and made the All-Star team. In all, Huskey finished with 137 saves in The Bigs, pitching all 10 seasons in the majors in The Bigs (16 ML seasons in all) for 5 teams. Although he didn't log a save that season, he was an integral part of Salt Lake City's bullpen in their championship season in Season 8.
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