Umpires vs. technology

Travis G. | Monday, September 10, 2007

As I’ve said before, umpires need help. And I refer you to a piece I wrote over a year ago on this very same subject. Baseball (and sports in general) is far behind the times in utilizing modern technology where it can, specifically to improve officiating.

I’ve thought about this topic for a long time. I think Questec is a good thing. (For those who dont know, it’s a computerized system that measures ball & strikes, and compares it to what the umpire actually called.)

One of the biggest and most frustrating problems in pro sports are bad calls by umps/refs. What I’d like to see is the steady removal of the so-called ‘human error’ from sports; I’ll talk specifically about baseball:

When umps are unsure when a ball is fair or foul down the line, why can’t a system be installed like they use in tennis? They could use technology to determine whether balls are just that, fair or foul.

Also, on disputed HRs, they must use instant replay. There’s no other fair way. An ump should be stationed in the park somewhere near a TV, like in the NHL. He should have the final word, since he’ll have access to the replay.

On balls and strikes, why not use Questec or ESPN’s ‘K-Zone’ (for example) to actually call the strikes? The only problem is that strike zone height is different for every hitter, but width is exactly the same, 17 inches (the width of homeplate). Rickey Henderson had a smaller up/down zone because he was short and crouched, and Richie Sexson’s up/down zone is bigger because he’s 6’8″. But their side-to-side zone is exactly the same. Therefore, computers/technology should be used to tell an umpire when a ball hits the plate or just misses. For the time being, umps will still need to call the up/down pitches (because every hitter is different), but will know for sure when a pitch crosses the corner or not. Or an ump could be assigned to determine the upper limit of each hitter’s strike zone dependent on his stance.

It also sucks when a pitcher throws a strike, but it’s not where he meant to throw it, the catcher has to reach for it, so the ump automatically calls it a ball. It doesn’t matter where the pitcher MEANT to throw the ball, it only matters whether it’s a strike or a ball.

For out/safe calls, when the closest ump feels the play is too close to call, he could send it to the ‘booth ump.’ TV technology is such today that it could be done in 30-60 seconds. Or (ala the NFL) managers should have two replays to use per game.

These steps would help legitimize the officiating and would make for fewer arguments from players and managers. You can’t argue with Questec strikes – it’s 100% consistent and 0% prejudiced (for veterans, or against rookies). Instant replay would also ensure the right call, and isn’t that worth waiting (at most) 60 seconds for – especially in close and/or playoff games?

Tags | MLB Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Florida Marlins, Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Travis G, Washington Nationals

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Baseball milestone roundup

Soccer Dad | Thursday, August 9, 2007

Baseball Crank disputes that with Glavine we’ve seen the last of the 300 game winner.
Plus he has related thoughts here and here. Still, Dayn Perry doesn’t think we’re seeing another 300 game winner any time soon.

In Drinking up the Dregs Baseball Musings seemingly asks the question if great sluggers beat up on the worst pitchers the most. He has more at The Story and Thank the Pirates. Hardball Times engages in some similar speculation in How to Fix the Pirates. Dayn Perry considers A-Rod’s chances of dethroning Barry Bonds as Home Run king. Deadspin doubts the claim that Barry Bonds’ arms haven’t grown since 1992 and presents photographic evidence.

JoshuaPundit thinks the ambivalence shown Bonds is a good thing. Don Surber’s thoughts are closer to my own.

Finally, Outside the Beltway has the ultimate Barry Bonds roundup.

Crossposted at Soccer Dad.

Tags | MLB New York Mets, New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, Soccer Dad

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Braves Re-Sign Franco, Ship to Single A

| Wednesday, August 8, 2007

The Braves have re-signed veteran Julio Franco but will stash him at the A-level in their farm until the September call-ups.

If the Braves qualify for the postseason, there is a good chance they will have Julio Franco on the roster when they get there.

The 48-year-old first baseman cleared waivers and accepted a minor league assignment with Class A Rome, with an agreement the Braves would bring him back to the majors by Sept. 1. That’s when rosters can be expanded for the season’s final month.

That would qualify him for the postseason roster. And Franco’s experience, defense, and pinch-hitting ability would seem to make him a more likely playoff roster choice than rookie Scott Thorman.

“He deserves it,” manager Bobby Cox said of Franco, the oldest player in the majors — he’ll turn 49 on Aug. 23 — and a popular team member in two stints with the Braves. “I mean, he hit the ball like crazy with us.”

Franco signed with the Braves on July 18 after being released by the New York Mets. He hit .250 with three doubles and seven RBIs in 11 games with Atlanta before being designated for assignment one day after the Braves acquired star first baseman Mark Teixeira from Texas in a July 31 trade.

Franco hit .333 (8-for-24) with three doubles and five RBIs in his last seven games before being dropped by the Braves, who figured he was more likely to get through waivers unclaimed than Thorman.

[...]

The plan is for Franco to report later this week to Rome and play at least a few games a week in August to stay in shape before returning to the major league roster. Cox said Franco might also play some for Class A Myrtle Beach, if he decides to take his family to the coast for a few days. “If he just plays three or four games every eight games, that’s plenty,” Cox said. “We just want him to stay in shape.”

It’s rather odd for a guy you want on your playoff roster to be facing the worst pro pitching, but I guess when you’ve played as long as Franco, it’s just a matter of not losing your physical conditioning.

Tags | James Joyner, MLB Atlanta Braves, James Joyner, Minor Leagues, New York Mets

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• Braves Re-Sign Franco, Ship to Single A - Topix

Braves Cut Julio Franco, Want Him Back

| Thursday, August 2, 2007

Julio Franco is once again without a team, as the Atlanta Braves cut him to make room on the roster for Octavio Doctel.

Julio Franco was designated for assignment and put on waivers Wednesday, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the popular first baseman’s playing career with the Braves is over. If he makes it through waivers without being claimed in 72 hours, the Braves would like the 48-year-old to stay with them either as a player or player-coach in the minor leagues. Franco could then be brought back to the big league team when rosters are expanded in September. But he won’t be playing much first base now that the Braves have Mark Teixeira, the switch-hitting slugger they got in a seven-player trade with Texas on Tuesday.

“We’re hoping he’ll take an assignment in the organization,” said Braves manager Bobby Cox, who said it was difficult telling Franco the news Wednesday.

Franco was dropped from the roster 13 days after the Braves signed him to a free-agent contract following his release by the New York Mets. “It’s really hard, because he’s doing so well,” Cox said. “He’s been fantastic.” The oldest player in the majors, Franco hit .250 with three doubles and seven RBIs in 11 games for the Braves, including 8-for-24 (.333) with three doubles and five RBIs in his past seven games. “He gave us spark,” Cox said, “not only catching the ball, but hitting. He was a tough out.”

Franco has indicated he would stay with the Braves if not claimed by another team.

The Braves cleared two roster spots for bullpen newcomers Octavio Dotel and Ron Mahay, acquired in trades Tuesday. Reliever Jose Ascanio was optioned to Class AA Mississippi.

One suspects Franco will once again clear waivers, as he did two weeks ago. It’s unlikely he’s an upgrade at first base for most contenders and teams out of the hunt tend not to have a lot of use for 48-year-olds hitting .250.

Tags | James Joyner, MLB Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, James Joyner, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers

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Atlanta Braves Deadline Deals Make Them World Series Contender

| Wednesday, August 1, 2007

The Atlanta Braves traded their top three prospects at the deadline in order to get a big time hitter and a possible closer. That may hurt them in the long term but the players on the roster now are jumping for joy.

The Braves boldly traded seven homegrown prospects or young players to fill a few big needs Tuesday, and in doing so sent a message that resonated in the clubhouse. “We’ve got the team to win the World Series,” catcher Brian McCann said. “We already had a good team before these moves. This is a statement — John Schuerholz saying we can win a World Series now.”

Schuerholz, the general manager, said his intent wasn’t to send a statement. But folks take notice when you do what the Braves did:

– Sent five prospects including Jarrod Saltalamacchia to Texas for first baseman Mark Teixeira and left-handed reliever Ron Mahay.

– Traded Kyle Davies to Kansas City for closer Octavio Dotel.

– Traded two pitchers to San Diego for left-hander Royce Ring.

Schuerholz said the flurry before Tuesday’s trade deadline signaled only this: Desire to win the NL East and get to the playoffs. “We like our chances now,” he said. “Got to be happy after a day like this. Real happy.”

The New York Mets ended Atlanta’s run of 14 division titles last season and are leading again. The Braves were 4-1/2 games behind them and 1 1/2 behind Philadelphia before Tuesday. “We hope the end result is we win because of it,” Schuerholz said. “There’s no guarantees in baseball. My intent was to get the best players possible and make this team as strong as possible.”

He and assistant GM Frank Wren did that, said Braves veterans. “My hat’s off to John and Frank,” third baseman Chipper Jones said. “They did a good job setting us up for the last two months of the season. I’m real excited. I can’t imagine they could have done more. I like our chances to get in the playoffs. And I think we’ll be a formidable opponent [with a chance to] win it all if we get there.”

Pitcher Tim Hudson said, “I think we’re a much better ballclub [after the trades]. Now it’s up to us to out and perform, and get this organization back on the right road.”

The Braves traded five of their top 18 prospects, including their top three in Baseball America ratings: catcher Saltalamacchia, shortstop Elvis Andrus, lefty Matt Harrison. They traded two other pitchers who were in their top 20 prospects list: lefty Beau Jones and right-hander Neifi Feliz. They traded Davies and Will Startup, two young pitchers with strong local ties.

They traded a lot of guys who figured to be part of their future. “We had to; that’s what it took to make these deals,” said Schuerholz, who’s under contract through the 2008 season, same as manager Bobby Cox. Both are 66. “The good news is, we have the depth of talent in our minor league system that’s so valued by other teams, we’re able to make these deals,” Schuerholz added.

They traded for the best available hitter, Teixeira, and one of the best available relievers, Dotel. “The lineup we have, to me it’s the best lineup in the NL,” right fielder Jeff Francoeur said. “We maybe didn’t get the starting pitcher we wanted, but maybe we go out and just outslug people now.”

Cox, himself a former GM, said it’s hard to give up prospects, but “This guy [Teixeira] is an impact player. You’ve got to give up a lot to get a guy like that. He’s a great middle-of-the-order hitter. All the teams in baseball would love to have him, and we were the lucky ones who got him.”

Cox said he would bat Teixeira in the “middle” of the order, but wanted to talk to his hitters before announcing exactly where. “You’ve got a guy like Kelly Johnson hitting eighth, Francoeur hitting seventh,” Jones said. “A lot of people would like to have a lineup that deep. Fortunately, John Schuerholz is on our side, and he got it for us.”

The Braves got Ring, 26, from the Padres in exchange for lefty Wilfredo Ledezma, who was designated for assignment Sunday, and lefty prospect Startup, a former University of Georgia standout who was 3-2 with a 2.23 ERA in 42 appearances at Class AAA Richmond. Ring was 4-0 with a 1.99 ERA for the Padres’ Class AAA affiliate, with 44 strikeouts in 31-2/3 innings. In 15 games with San Diego, he had a 3.60 ERA with 17 strikeouts in 15 innings. He’ll be assigned to Richmond, but should be up with the big club before the season is over.

Dotel had a 3.91 ERA in 24 appearances and converted 11 of 14 save opportunities for the Royals. He’ll be in a setup role and provide a closer option if Bob Wickman struggles. The Braves might consider trading Wickman — trades can still be made, provided a player first clears waivers. Dotel’s .264 opponents’ average includes a .132 average with runners in scoring position. He’s making $5 million, and has a $5.5 million player option for 2008 — an option the team can void.

[...]

Most industry analysts say the Braves improved their roster more than any other team at the deadline, with the Teixeira trade their most significant July deal since getting Fred McGriff in 1993. Teixeira is under the Braves’ control through the 2008 season, then can become a free agent. “I’ll worry about next year, next year,” said Schuerholz, which seemed an apt summary.

I’m always a bit leery of GMs mortgaging the team’s future as they’re about to ride into the sunset. Schuerholz doesn’t have much incentive to worry about 2012, after all.

Still, they’re getting two players who can definitely help contribute now in exchange for guys who may never deliver down the road. A few years ago, they let several deals die because teams were demanding Wilson Betemit, considered by most experts to be a can’t miss superstar-in-the-waiting. He turned out to be a mediocre player at best.

The question is whether adding these guys will put the Braves over the top. The consensus has been that they need another big-time starting pitcher and they didn’t get that. If they traded away the future and don’t even make a run, this will go down in history like the Minnesota Vikings trading away a bevy of picks for Herschel Walker. If the Braves make it back to the World Series, though, it’ll surely be worth it.

UPDATE: AJC’s Jeff Schultz agrees.

I never understood that whole “Annie” philosophy of some sports franchises. The sun will come out tomorrow? I’m sorry, but when was the last time a major league team issued a ticket refund for today because the tomorrows never quite panned out? When was the last time salary cap space recorded a rebound, or a smoking minor-league prospect in Richmond softened the blow of a 7-2 loss and a $6 hot dog in the majors?

The Braves made a significant decision Monday. They traded tomorrows for todays. This is the way it’s suppose to work.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia might have star stamped on his forehead. Nobody really knows. But with Mark Teixeira, we don’t have to guess. He’s already there. There’s a reason nurseries sell a lot more plants than seeds.

[...]

Don’t look at this as, “Sure, but we’re toast in 2008 and Schuerholz won’t care because he’ll be gone.” You would be missing the point. Franchises can’t get away with dealing top young talent every year, but this was the right time for the Braves. Andruw Jones likely isn’t affordable after this season. There have been health issues with Chipper Jones and John Smoltz. The window is closing on this bunch.

True enough. The Fred McGriff deal back in 1993 ignited a team that was much, much further back in the division than this, back in the days of two divisions and no wild cards. Another World Series ring would certainly be a fitting way for this bunch of veterans to go out. And, hopefully, the Braves can continue to restock the farm with young talent.

ESPN’s Jayson Stark:

If you needed the events of the last few days to figure out that John Schuerholz might be the greatest general manager who ever lived, you’ve been watching way too much Arena League football. But sometimes we all need to be reminded of what genius looks like. And watching Schuerholz work this week was like watching Einstein scrawl e=mc² all over again.

“I love making deals with John Schuerholz,” said one GM on Tuesday. “When you’re making a deal with John, he gets right to the point: ‘Would you do this — yes or no? And no hard feelings if you say no.’ He’s a breath of fresh air in our business. I wish more guys were like him.”

By the time Schuerholz was through, he had given up a future superstar in Jarrod Saltalamacchia — plus the players Baseball America had rated as his No. 2 (Elvis Andrus), No. 3 (Matt Harrison), No. 14 (Beau Jones) and No. 18 (Neftali Feliz) prospects. Not to mention a starting pitcher (Kyle Davies) quite a few people in his organization didn’t want to give up.

So to make deals for the pieces he needed, he didn’t rob anybody or hoodwink anybody. He paid retail.

But what did he get? A player whom one GM called “the Carlos Beltran of this market” — Mark Teixeira. A late-inning strike-you-out reliever — Octavio Dotel. And two left-handed relievers (Ron Mahay and Royce Ring) for a bullpen that had no left-handers before Tuesday.

“I guess John didn’t like that empty spot out there where they didn’t get to fly that championship banner from last year,” laughed one NL executive. “Are they the best team in the East now? That, I don’t know. They never did get that starting pitcher they needed. But did they make the best deals of anybody to get better? They sure did that.”

BP’s Joe Sheehan has, like me, “come around on this deal from the Braves’ standpoint.” While giving Salty up is hard to swallow, the truth of the matter is that the Braves already have a terrific young catcher in Brian McCann and it’s by no means a sure thing that Salty could make the transition to first base from a defensive standpoint.

I noted in my chat yesterday, and on radio in Austin, that Saltalamacchia probably would have given the Braves 75-80 percent of Teixeira’s production for a lot less cost. I think that underrates Teixeira, in no small part because the defensive difference between the two players is substantial. Saltalamacchia is a converted catcher, while Teixeira is an above-average glove man at first. This assumes the Braves would have gone ahead with Saltalamacchia, rather than continuing to play Julio Franco at first. The gap between Teixeira and Franco can’t be measured with existing technology.

This deal also gives the Braves additional lefty depth in Ron Mahay, and in total makes the Braves two, perhaps three wins better over the last two months. Those wins might be the difference in an National League that’s bunched together like a peloton. I can’t help but think of 1993, when John Schuerholz picked up Fred McGriff from the Padres. McGriff was terrific for the Braves in the second half, proving essential to their one-game win over the Giants in the Last Real Pennant Race. Teixeira doesn’t have to lead the Braves to 104 wins to have a similar impact.

True, especially since there’s always the wild card if they can’t run down the Mets. Still, if they collapse in the first round of the playoffs — as the 1993 team did (albeit that meant the NLCS in those days) — then the deal will be a bust, especially if they can’t sign Teixeira for the long haul.

Then again, as Jay Jaffe reminds us, Schuerholz has historically been quite astute at judging which “hot” prospects to deal away.

Yesterday’s almost-consummated big trade between the Rangers and Braves—principally Mark Teixeira for Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Elvis Andrus—prompted BP intern Pete Quadrino to exhume the study I did a couple of years back regarding prospects traded by Atlanta GM John Schuerholz. While Jason Schmidt and Jermaine Dye remain the cautionary tales, they’re the exceptions rather than the rule when it comes to Schuerholz’s track record. In my study, I found that only six out of the 80 traded prospects (arbitrarily defined as having not accumulated 502 plate appearances or 162 innings in the bigs) had thus far managed 10.0 WARP post-trade, a “career of consequence.”

If Salty and Elvis wind up being the equivalent of Dye and Schmidt, this will be a bad deal even if Teixeira is another Fred McGriff. If they wind up being Wilson Betemit and Melvin Nieves, then it’s a great deal no matter what happens this year.

Tags | James Joyner, MLB Atlanta Braves, James Joyner, New York Mets

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Trade Deadline Winners and Losers

Jonathan C. Mitchell | Tuesday, July 31, 2007

The MLB trade deadline passed without any “Big” moves other than yesterday’s Teixeira deal. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t any winners and losers. Trades were still made. Some were very good trades while others were not so good. Here are my winners and losers of this years trade deadline:

Winners

Braves – The Braves got a great hitter in 1B Mark Teixeira. Plus he is a Gold Glover and improves the infield defense right away. He also slots perfectly inbetween Chipper Jones and Andruw Jones. The Braves had to give up a lot (Salty and Andrus) but they already have their catcher of the future in McCann and two shortstops that can play in Renteria and Yunel Escobar. They also added lefty reliever Ron Mahay and Octavio Dotel. Dotel is a great addition. Remember how dominate he was as a set-up man in Houston a couple years back? He is going to be very good here. The Braves made themselves the front-runner to take the NL East.

Red Sox – They got what they needed. Eric Gagne. Gagne had to wave his no-trade clause, especially since he won’t be closing and won’t reach incentives in his contract. The Red Sox made it worth his while. They picked up $2.1M in his performance bonuses while Texas picked up $400K. The Sox also traded away incumbent Joel Pineiro to the Cardinals for a player to be named later. They had to send some cash to make up for the salary but they still save. The Sox are also going to get Curt Schilling back soon plus Matt Clement has started rehabbing. The Sox are the favorites to win the AL now. They have the best pitching in either league.

Rangers – Yes they were sellers. Yes they gave up their best hitter and best reliever. But they werent’t going to win this year and Gagne is only signed through this year and Teixeira through next year. They got a catcher in Jarrod Saltalamacchia that can be a 25-30 homer catcher in Arlington. They also got a 19 year old shortstop in Elvis Andrus that has major tools. Don’t be fooled by his minor league numebrs, he’s faced pitchers 3-4 years older at every level. Plus three more minor league pitchers from the Braves: right hander Neftali Feliz, left hander Matt Harrison (who can be a very good #2-4 starter) and left hander Beau Jones. Plus they got pitcher Kason Gabbard and minor league outfielders Engel Beltre (17 years old) and David Murphy. They also got catcher Max Ramirez from Cleveland for Lofton. The Rangers re-stocked their system and are set to be good for years to come. Great job as sellers!

Mets – The Mets have had a hole at 2B since Jose Valentin went down for the season. They filled it with 2B Luis Castillo. Castillo is a Gold Glover, a veteran that has played in the playoffs, and he is a .300 hitter that can steal bases. He will slot nicely into the #2 spot behind Jose Reyes. He can become a free-agent in the offseason and the Mets have talked about signing him. Even if they don’t they will get compensetory draft picks when he signs elsewhere. Great move. The Mets tried to land a reliever and offer Phil Humber for Chad Cordero and were turned down. I thought it was a very fair trade. Good move by not offering more for Cordero.

Rays – You’re thinking “they didn’t do anything big!” That’s a good thing. The Rays have offense, we know that. The even have some decent starters. They need bullpen help badly. They traded Ty Wigginton (and saved $4M on him next year) for Dan Wheeler. Wheeler is now re-united with former pitching coach Jim Hickey who made him into a great reliever. Under Hickey he had a 2.38 ERA in 158 IP with 146 strikeouts and only 46 BB. The Rays also got Brian Shackelford form the Reds and minor-leaguer Calvin Medlock who is fireball reliever with a good change. The Rays also did the right thing by not trading Wheeler and Reyes. The Rays hold an option on Reyes for about $2M next year and that is a bargain. The Rays are making great strides to compete in the very near future.

Phillies – They added 2B Tadahito Iguchi to fill in for injured 2B Chase Utley. They stole reliever Julio Mateo from Seattle. And they added a 5th starter in Kyle Lohse for an organization arm. They also just got Brett Myers and Tom Gordon back and Jose Mesa has been pitching great of late. It’s going to be hard to reach the Mets and Braves but they can make a serious run now. It will be an exciting September once Utley gets back! What a race the NL East will be.

Padres – They got a veteran utility player in Rob Mackowiack for nothing. They got a 3B with patience and power in Morgan Ensberg for nothing. And they got 3 pitchers for reliever Scott Linebrink while his stock was still high. One of those relievers is in the major league pen now! One (Will Inman) can be a #3 starter in the Majors, especially in PETCO. Good moves yet again by Kevin Towers.

Losers

White Sox – They did nothing to help them this year or next year or the next. Nothing! They should’ve traded Dye. They will get the draft picks but I’d rather have proven prospects. I thought Kenny Williams would’ve definitely done something.

Yankees – They got a back up infielder in Wilson Betemit but they had to give up a reliever. They needed bullpen help! They needed pitching help! They did nothing to help the pitching staff. They also did nothing to counter the Gagne move the Red Sox made. I do have to say they did the right thing by not trading Phil Hughes ot Joba Chamberlain though. They also should’ve traded Melky Cabrera while his value is at it’s highest. He is a 4th outfielder in my opinion and some teams veiw him as a regular. They should’ve jumped on something for a pitcher.

Indians and Tigers – Each one of these teams needed bullpen help and neither did anything to widen the gap between the two. The Indians got Lofton earlier which is a great but they badly need a reliever. I guess the Tigers figure Fernando Rodney and Joel Zumaya will be ready soon because they needed bullpen help badly.

Mariners – Not only did they not get any pitching help they traded away a middle reliever with a mid 90′s fastball in Julio Mateo. I’m glad they didn’t trade Adam Jones for a reliever but I would’ve offered Wladimir Balentin for some pitching help. They also need to call Jones up. This team dropped the ball.

Nationals – They signed Dmitri Young and Ronnie Belliard to extensions. They didn’t trade them for prospects. They balked at Phil Humber for Chad Cordero. Jim Bowden needs to lose his job! The moves he made were not only stupid but they make no sense. This was a team that had no chance of contending and it should’ve been hard for them to make the Loser list but they figured out a way.

Tags | MLB Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, Jonathan C. Mitchell, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Washington Nationals

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Julio Franco Signs with Braves

| Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Julio Franco, the Dick Clark of Baseball, has re-signed with the Atlanta Braves, extending his quest to play in the Major Leagues until age 50.

Julio Franco will get another chance to swing the bat in the big leagues.

The 48-year-old utilityman signed with Atlanta on Wednesday, rejoining the Braves a week after he was cut by the New York Mets. Franco cleared waivers during the Braves’ game against Cincinnati. Atlanta signed him for the rest of the season and said he would be activated for Thursday night’s game against St. Louis.

Franco, who turns 49 next month, played for the Braves in a backup role from 2001-05. He is a 24-year veteran with 2,576 career hits and is a lifetime .298 hitter. He hit just .200 (10-for-50) with one homer as a reserve with the Mets. Franco will serve in the same capacity for Atlanta.

This season, Franco became the oldest player to hit a home run in major-league history. He has said he would like to play until he turns 50.

Good news for the Braves. I predicted this would happen when the Mets cut him albeit, sadly, not on the blog.

Tags | James Joyner, MLB Atlanta Braves, James Joyner, New York Mets

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Yes Virginia, Tom Terrific really threw a no-hitter

Bill Jempty | Sunday, June 17, 2007

I grew up following the New York Mets. Born in 1961, I went to my first game in 1967. My family went to games at Shea Stadium at least once a year, and we even saw two Mets-Reds games at old Crosley Field in 1968.

So I know the team’s very well from 1967 to 1987(The year I moved out of the US for two years). The team’s main star through most of those years, was Baseball Hall of Famer Tom Seaver. Tom Teriffic finished his ML career in 1986 with 300 career wins.

One of the oddities of Met history is that pitcher has thrown a no-hitter for the team. Several were broken up in the 9th inning, one being a perfect game bid by Tom Seaver in July 1969. Little known Chicago Cub outfielder Jimmy Qualls singling with one out in the ninth.

Today Mike Beradino wrote at the Sun-Sentinel.

Welcome back, no-hitter.

When Anibal Sanchez threw his no-no for the Marlins last September, it ended a drought in the majors of nearly 28 months. There was no logical explanation for this, just as there is often no explanation for whom throws no-hitters and when.

After all, Jose Jimenez, Tommy Greene and Joe Cowley are in the club while Tom Seaver, Greg Maddux and Roger Clemens aren’t.

Wrong, wrong, wrong! Tom Seaver threw a no-hitter but not while he was in a Mets uniform, but when he played for the Cincinnati Reds.

All Beradino had to do was do a google search containing the words Tom Seaver and no-hitter. I guess simple fact checking is beyond most sportswriters. After all, it happens all the time by writers covering pro golf.

Tags | MLB, Television & The Media Bill Jempty, Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets

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NL East Stat Projections (I know, they’re late)

Jonathan C. Mitchell | Saturday, April 14, 2007

I know these are late. I had these donw before the season the started but didn’t have the time to transfer them from paper to the CPU before the season started. But due to popular demand I will post the NL stat predictions I made prior to the season starting. To make it easier on myself I will just post the most notable players and not do it by team and lineup spot.

Here are the NL East hitters:

Moises Alou .293-17-68-2-60
Alfredo Amezaga .254-3-20-23-49
Willy Aybar .282-6-33-3-37
Rod Barajas .249-15-47-0-41
Carlos Beltran .282-36-114-21-129
Aaron Boone .253-8-40-6-37
Joe Borchard .238-9-26-2-31
Pat Burrell .262-30-98-0-84
Miguel Cabrera .319-35-114-6-108
Ryan Church .279-14-62-12-67
Matt Diaz .287-8-36-4-41
Carlos Delgado .278-34-118-0-92
Damion Easly .248-7-33-2-33
Rob Fick .271-7-33-1-29
Jeff Francoeur .276-32-106-4-88
Shawn Green .280-19-71-6-73
Christian Guzman .244-3-38-14-51
Wes Helms .280-21-72-0-60
Ryan Howard .307-49-131-0-108
Mike Jacobs .271-28-86-1-67
Andruw Jones .276-45-126-6-109
Chipper Jones .310-28-93-6-95
Kelly Johnson .273-14-59-8-79
Nick Johnson .288-13-45-3-51 (DL)
Austin Kearns .273-23-83-8-78
Paul LoDuca .297-7-56-3-78
Felipe Lopez .279-12-58-43-92
Brian McCann .291-25-86-2-63
Lastings Milledge .256-6-29-5-33
David Newhan .266-4-26-5-29
Miguel Olivo .256-14-50-3-47
Hanley Ramirez .284-16-56-54-105
Edgar Renteria .289-15-67-16-98
Jose Reyes .304-16-79-60-124
Jimmy Rollins .279-20-72-41-124
Aaron Rowand .278-16-71-18-92
Scott Thorman .269-19-71-1-60
Dan Uggla .272-20-78-5-86
Chase Utley .306-34-109-13-120
Jose Valentin .247-15-52-4-59
Shane Victorino .282-11-59-17-77
Jayson Werth .265-12-39-8-44
Josh Willingham .279-28-81-1-70
Craig Wilson .259-14-46-1-45
David Wright .308-27-114-19-108
Dimitri Young .248-8-38-2-32
Ryan Zimmerman .296-22-98-10-83

*Key players in bold

Tags | MLB Atlanta Braves, Florida Marlins, Jonathan C. Mitchell, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Nationals

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