|
From The Dugout
By Keith LeClair
©2004 Bonesville.net
Midseason American League "Condos"
Well, believe it or not,
it's the midway point of the Major League season and time to hand out
some "Condos." So, let's cut to the chase and see how many folks I can
upset or even put a smile on their face.
American League Condos
Most Surprising Team:
Texas Rangers — Although several others could be mentioned, like the
Devil Rays and Detroit, what the Rangers have done is near a miracle.
No, not like the 1980 Olympic hockey team, but it could be a close
second if they pull this second half off and make the playoffs. Using a
young lineup and a terrific SS named Young to replace the Donald Trump
of baseball — Alex Rodriguez — they are clicking and playing as a team.
Most Disappointing
Team: Boston Red Sox — In a year in which Sox fans thought they
would overtake the Bronx Bombers, it is turning out to be a mere dream.
Sure, they have had some injuries to overcome, but it is no excuse with
the money they spent in the off-season. The one guy who has been a big
disappointment is Derek Lowe, who many felt would be a great No. 3 guy
in the rotation, and yet he still has not found his sinker that made him
so good in the past. Maybe it is time to call in Gaylord Perry and show
him how to load one up. You know, Vaseline is not just for cracked lips.
Manager of the Year:
Terry Francona — Ha, Ha... guess firing Grady Little wasn't so smart
after all. Our 16-year old GM, Theo Epstein, should be grounded for that
move (just having some fun.) Lou Pinella has the Devil Rays playing
great baseball with a low budget and young team. Buck Showalter,
absolutely an amazing job, enough said!
Most Valuable Player:
Manny Ramirez — .340 average, .432 on base percentage, 26 home runs, 77
RBI and a bad hairdo! Where would the BoSox be without him in the line
up this year?
Cy Young Award:
Mark Mulder — 12-2, 3.21 ERA, 131.2 innings pitched, 116 hits, 40 base
on balls, and 96 K's. He has blossomed into the best lefty in the league
and has kept Oakland in the hunt for another playoff run.
Rookie of the Year:
Victor Martinez — .286 average, 12 home runs, 63 RBI. I don't know too
much about this young guy, except what my co-editors Nick Schnabel and
Bryant Ward told me.
Biggest off-season
flops: We have co-winners — Sidney Ponson and Bartolo Colon. It
appears they both ate their bonus money and left there arms at the
buffet.
Ponson: 3-12, 6.29 ERA,
113 innings pitched, 153 hits and a whopping 61 K's to 37 BB's.
Colon: 6-8, 6.38 ERA,
104.1 innings pitched, 126 hits, given up 27 home runs to 76 K's (on
pace to give up most homeruns in a season.)
Wow, these two guys have
been quite the off season acquisitions!
Best off-season move:
Alphonso Soriano. This was an outstanding move for the Rangers because
it opened the door for All-Star Michael Young to play short.
Soriano: .289 average, 17
home runs, 55 RBI.
Young: .332 average, 12
home runs, 53 RBI and 127 hits.
It is great to see teams
trade away big contracts and actually better themselves.
That's it for the American
League. Next week we will hand out the National League Condos. A special
thanks to my co-editors Schnabel and Ward. If you don 't like my picks,
blame them.
Oh, one more award.
Caveman of the Year:
Johnny Damon, Boston.
If you
have a question or comment about the Pirates in particular or baseball
in general, get a learned response by firing your best pitch at Ol'
Condo. Submit your
message by clicking the following e-mail link:
E-mail Coach LeClair.
02.23.07 10:27 AM
|
