Here’s Lookin’ at You, Kid – My Tribute to Gary Carter

The New York Post has reported that Gary Carter very likely has Grade 4 Glioblastoma which is the most common and most aggressive malignant primary brain tumor in humans.  According to Wikipedia, the median survival time after a diagnosis is approximately 14 months.  However, the official results won’t be known until Tuesday.  This all stemmed from a May 21, 2011 MRI that showed Carter had four small tumors on his brain.  Doctors indicated they were about 90% sure the tumors were malignant.  Carter went for the MRI because he had allegedly been batting issues with memory loss and other cognitive deficits in recent weeks.

There is no doubt that this represents a significant battle for the former Mets’ catcher.  He will have to rely on his team of doctors, as well as his own perserverance and deep religious faith. 

Carter, 57, is a very influential figure in my life.  As I have written about before, the very first baseball game I ever watched was on Opening Day in 1985 when the Mets played the Cardinals in Carter’s first game after being acquired from the Montreal Expos.  Carter hit a game-winning homerun in extra innings, which got me hooked on baseball and the Mets.  The next year when I was playing Little League, my coach asked if anyone wanted to play catcher.  Despite having no experience whatsoever, I volunteered because that was the position Gary Carter played.  From that point on, I was hooked on being a catcher until my knees would let me do it anymore in my teenage years. 

He was the last piece of the puzzle which elevated the Mets from an up-and-coming team to a championship team.  His numerous clutch hits and intangible leadership skills were the glue to keep that 1986 team together.  He would stay a couple more years with the Mets before finishing up his career with the Giants, Dodgers and back to the Expos.  There was no doubt in my mind that Carter was a bonafide Hall of Fame catcher.  His almost 2,300 games played along with three Gold Gloves, five Silver Slugger awards, 324 homeruns and 1,225 RBI were astounding for players at that position.  However, he would not get inducted until 2003.

My dad and I had driven to Cooperstown before, but this was an important trip for me because I idolized Carter.  I was a little upset he was not going in the Hall of Fame with a Mets’ hat, but I understand his significance to Montreal.  Regardless of what hat is on his plaque, Carter represented a glorious time and era for the Mets…one that I yearn for to this day.  Carter was a true professional and played with a passion and desire everyday.  I was always influenced by his intense yet controlled demeanor behind home plate.  He had a command of the game that was evident by his ability to call a game and lead his team on the field from behind the plate.  He helped guide a young and talented pitching staff and taught them how to win.  Do not be mistaken…the early success of Dwight Gooden, Ron Darling, Sid Fernandez, Rick Aguilera, David Cone and others was immensely assisted by Carter’s wisdom and teachings. 

After his playing career ended, Carter worked as a broadcaster for the Florida Marlins during their first four years of existence (1993-1996).  A few years later he would venture into coaching as he returned to the Mets’ organization when he became the manager of the Gulf Coast Mets.  In his first season (2005), he was named Gulf Coast League Manager of the Year.  A year later, he was promoted to the A-level St. Lucie Mets and guided his team to the 2006 Florida State League championship, again earning Manager of the Year honors. With aspirations of managing in the big leagues, Carter would go on to unceremoniously campaign for the Mets’ managerial position while it was still occupied by incumbents Art Howe and Willie Randolph.  In 2008, he managed and guided the Orange County Flyers of the Golden Baseball League to the GBL Championship, again being named Manager of the Year. In November 2008, Carter was named the manager of the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.  The Ducks won the second half Liberty Division title, however, were defeated by the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs in the Liberty Division playoffs.  Following the season, Carter was named head baseball coach for the NCAA Division II Palm Beach Atlantic University Sailfish.

 On a personal level, Carter and his family live in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.  This is a beautiful area in Florida (I have family that lives there) that is surrounded by more golf courses than you would know what to do with.  Carter and his wife have three children, as well as three grandchildren.  I remember from my childhood always seeing Carter’s wife and young kids with him at Shea Stadium.  His reputation as a family man is well-deserved and has been paid back in spades.  The Gary Carter Foundation (www.garycarter.org), a philanthropic organization that he founded, supports eight Title I schools in Palm Beach County whose students live immersed in poverty.  Typically these schools will have 90% or more students eligible for free or reduced lunches.  The Foundation seeks to “better the physical, mental and spiritual well being of children.”  To accomplish this, they advocate “school literacy by encouraging use of the Reading Counts Program, a program that exists in the Palm Beach County School District.”  Carter serves as the President and other family members assist on the Board.

Baseball has always been and will always be a vital part of my life.  In my formative years when I was learning the game, Gary Carter served as the biggest inspiration to me (besides my father).  I owned a blue Mets’ helmet without ear flaps, just like Carter wore.  I modeled by first batting stance after Carter with my back elbow up high.  Now twenty years after his playing days ended, I am still paying tribute to The Kid,  I have a 1986 replica jersey with Carter and #8 on the back.  My wife, daughter and I have two cats named Shea and Carter.  I am still clamoring for the Mets to finally do the right thing and retire his number.  He deserves that honor, regardless of what his medical condition is.  It would be nice if they would do this while he is still physically able to be a part of the ceremony and enjoy the moment.

To Gary Carter – thank you for all of your contributions to the game of baseball and in life.  You have the unconditional support of your fans for a healthy and speedy recovery as you battle this illness.

 

Passing Judgment – A Pocket Full of Posey

If you have been living under a rock for the last 48 hours, then you should know that Giants’ catcher Buster Posey suffered a horrific injury on May 25, 2011 when he was run over by Scott Cousins of the Marlins trying to score the go ahead run in extra innings on a sacrifice fly.  Posey, the budding superstar and key component of their 2010 World Series championship, suffered a broken fibula and potentially serious ligament damage.  He will require surgery and could miss most, if not the rest, of the season.  From a pure competitive standpoint, this is devastating to the Giants to lose their catcher, cleanup hitter, on-field leader, and one of the best young players in all of baseball. 

Clearly the team and manager Bruce Bochy are upset that they will be without Posey for quite some time.  But after the game, Bochy stated that he thought there should be some modification to the rules in order to help protect defenseless catchers from being bulldozed in a collision at home plate.  Bochy, a former catcher himself, said he understands that this is part of the game.  But his comments and suggestions seem a little self-serving.  First of all, Scott Cousins did nothing wrong in his physical confrontation with Posey.  Cousins’ job is to find a way to score, including doing whatever he can (within the rules) to knock the ball away from the catcher.  Posey was rightfully and appropriately trying to block the plate waiting to catch the one-hop throw from right field. 

In a sport that does not contain much contact outside of inadvertent touching, it is perfectly legal for a baserunner to plow directly into the catcher in his attempt to score.  Of course there are situations where a baserunner goes beyond the scope of fair play and plows into the catcher with the sole intent of inflicting injury.  Those are rare instances and should be dealt with accordingly.  But here, Cousins clearly had no intent to inflict injury.  His initial reaction after touching home plate was to express concern for Posey who was laying on the ground in obvious pain.  Cousins has since said he couldn’t sleep that night knowing he had inadvertently injured Posey. 

This was a legal and fair baseball play that had an unfortunate result.  Catchers are taught at an early age how to block the plate on incoming throws to prevent a baserunner from scoring.  The rationale is simple…don’t let the other guy score.  Of course there is an inherent risk of injury any time there is fierce contact at that rate of speed and with a catcher’s attention also focused on receiving the throw.  Posey knows that.  Bochy knows that too.  No one was complaining about the rules regarding contact at home plate before this happened, but hindsight is always 20/20.  Protecting players from injury is always a primary concern and priority for any major sport.  But injuries can happen anywhere and anytime.  Remember, Luis Castillo injured himself walking down the dugout steps.  Does that mean that all dugouts should be equipped with escalators to prevent such further injuries? 

Collisions at home plate are a part of the game and always have been.  Catchers assume that risk, as well as a myriad of other risks, simply by playing the position.  There is a reason that catchers’ equipment is called the “tools of ignorance.”  The position itself leads to more injuries because of how physically demanding it is on the human body.  The plethora of injuries to catchers, especially superstar catchers, seems to be at an all-time high.  Joe Mauer is constantly injured and he is being considered for a position change in the near future.  Victor Martinez has played a lot of first base and DH over the last few years to keep his bat in the lineup.  When Posey eventually comes back, it is highly likely he will exchange his catcher’s mitt for a first base glove.  The Washington Nationals and Bryce Harper deserve a lot of credit for recognizing these risks by grooming Harper as an outfielder.  If he remained behind the plate in his professional career, he would be more at risk for frequent injuries and a lesser impact with his bat.  The trend of moving good-hitting catchers from behind the plate has started and will now really pick up steam.

What happened to Buster Posey is unfortunate.  The primary concern is that he is able to fully heal after surgery and regain the full range of motion and use in his leg.  He is young enough where his body is more apt to recover.  But anyone who complains about the legality of the play or the rules that govern it is missing the point.  I understand why Bochy is so upset and why he questions the rules.  But was he questioning a pitcher’s ability to throw inside fastballs when Matt Cain hit David Wright in the head in 2009?  The answer is no.

Passing Judgment – Respect for Mariano Rivera

I do not hide the fact that I am a Mets’ fan who also happens to despise the Yankees.  My friends and family know full well how much I dislike the Bronx Bombers, but maybe everyone else needs to be made aware of my hatred (or jealousy).  In 2001, I celebrated Luis Gonzalez’s bloop single to win the World Series as if it had been the Mets playing.  This, just two months after I survived being in the World Trade Center on September 11 and the entire country was emotionally rooting for New York to win the championship.  Bear in mind, I do not dislike the Yankee players (aside from Alex Rodriguez), and I do not dislike my friends and family that are Yankees’ fans.  I need to point this out because I actually do have a lot of respect and admiration for several Yankees…none more than for the great Mariano Rivera.

Mariano Rivera told the batter he was throwing a cut fastball. It didn't matter.

On May 25, 2011, Rivera appeared in his 1,000th career game…all as a member of the Yankees.  He became just the 15th pitcher to ever make 1,000 appearances, and the first to ever do it all with one team.  In an era of free agency and constant player movement, this is a remarkable achievement.  Sixteen years ago, not many people would have predicted such a journey for Rivera, then an inconsistent and relatively ineffective starting pitcher on an up and coming Yankees team.  The Buck Showalter regime saw something else in Rivera and moved him to the bullpen at the end of 1995 where he would remain as the Joe Torre administration took over in 1996.  Rivera became the set-up man for John Wetteland as the Yankees went on to win their first of five recent championships.  After Wetteland departed via free agency to Texas, Rivera was annointed the new closer and has never looked back.

It goes without any debate that Rivera is a first ballot, unanimous Hall of Famer.  He is second all time with 572 saves (and should overtake Trevor Hoffman later this year or next year), and is the greatest post-season pitcher in the history of baseball.  Yes, I said that.  I realize he is a relief pitcher, but when the most important games were on the line, he came through almost every time.  I would even go so far as to say that he is the most IMPORTANT player of this entire generation.  The Yankees success since 1996 is not solely because of him, but it would not have happened without him.

What makes Rivera so good?  How has he been so dominant?  As we all know, he primarily throws one pitch…the cut fastball.  It eats left-handed hitters alive as it moves towards their hands creating more broken wood than the cast of Ax Men.  It sails away from right-handed hitters making them look more foolish than Donald Trump discussing his platform for a presidential candidacy.  He generally throws it at the same speed and doesn’t possess any off-speed pitches to provide a contrast.  Even though the batters know what is coming, they still can’t hit it.  At 41 years old, Rivera is still the most effective closer in baseball.  He will blow his fair share of games, including three thus far in 2011.  He will probably blow a few more during the rest of the season.  However, once the calendar turns to October, Rivera becomes a different player. 

Eventually the day will come when Rivera hangs up his cleats and “Enter Sandman” will turn to Exit Sandman.  That means that someone else, whether they are in the organization or not at the time, will have the unenviable task of trying to fill some very large shoes.  So for now, Yankees fans, appreciate what you have in Rivera.  Because as a someone who strongly dislikes the Yankees, I can sure appreciate Rivera’s greatness and dominance.

High Five – Fantasy Baseball News (May 24, 2011)

For the May 24, 2011 list of newsworthy fantasy baseball events and happenings, I have truncated it down to five for this week.  Before I delve into this week’s list, I must disclose something to you loyal readers.  I am a lifelong Mets fan (hold your laughter and tears).  This week has been even more embarassing to admit that, even after the last few years of collapses, disappointments and failures.  If you haven’t heard, Mets’ owner Fred Wilpon was recently quoted in an article written by Jeffrey Toobin for the New Yorker where he essentially threw his three best players under the bus.  He said Jose Reyes will never get Carl Crawford-type money in free agency, David Wright is not a superstar, and that he was a schmuck for signing Carlos Beltran to the 7 year/$119 million contract solely based on the 2004 playoffs (oh and that Beltran is now only 65-70% the player he once was).  The disclosure I want to share with you is that Wilpon also said that my writing skills are mediocre at best and that I am as humorous as the German Funnybot from South Park.  Thanks Mr. Wilpon.  Onto the news.

5. No Way Jorge – Rockies starting pitcher Jorge de la Rosa suffered a tear of his ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow which means he is likely headed for season-ending Tommy John surgery.  De la Rosa felt discomfort early in his start tonight in the first game of a double-header against the Diamondbacks.  The Rockies received the news no organization wants to to hear, especially when it comes to a valuable and successful left-handed starter.  De la Rosa was already having a solid 2011 campaign as he was 5-2 with a 3.51 ERA and 52 strikeouts.  Now he is headed for the DL and will likely miss the remainder of the season assuming he does go for the surgery.  If you are in a keeper league and have the space, hold onto him as he should be back by the July 4 holiday in 2012 (assuming he has surgery in the very near future). 

4. Concussion Discussion – Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts will be out at least several more weeks due to experiencing concussion-like symptoms as a result of a head-first slide he made.  Head injuries are difficult to evaluate in terms of severity and ability to overcome.  But this is just the next injury in a long line of injuries suffered by Roberts.  Once considered one of the top options at second base in fantasy baseball leagues, Roberts has fallen into oblivion due to missing so much time over the past few years.  His days of 50 stolen bases and 100 runs scored appear to be over, mostly because he cannot stay healthy.  If you have DL spots on your roster, you should stash him.  In all likelihood, Roberts will be back at some point unless his symptoms persist.  If he is available on the waiver wire, he is definitely worth a pick up.

3. The Grandy Man Can – Yankees’ outfielder Curtis Granderson is having an MVP-type season as he has carried the Yankees through the first quarter of the season.  After a four-hit night on Tuesday, Granderson is batting .275, 16 homeruns, 35 RBI, 37 runs scored, 6 stolen bases, an OPS hovering around .950, and a sudden ability to hit left-handed pitchers.  He has been a fantasy stud thus far, and hitting in between Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira should provide him with great protection, lots of strikes to hit, and plenty of RBI chances.  He will likely slow down his insane homerun pace, but in the end he should end up with 30-35 homeruns and 90 RBI depending on where he is in the lineup.

Jason Bay stares at his bat in amazement that he might officially be the worst free agent signing in the history of free agency.

2. Go Back to Canada – Mets’ outfielder Jason Bay is the highest paid Canadian baseball player…ever.  After putting up huge numbers for years with the Pirates and Red Sox, Bay signed a lucrative 4 year/$66 million contract.with the Mets prior to the 2010 season.  In the year+ that he has been in the Mets organization, he has been nothing short of horrendous.  Of course there was going to be a learning curve for him to readjust to National League pitching and deal with the unfriendly confines of Citi Field.  Generally speaking people were patient with Bay in 2010, which ended early due to a concussion.  Now in his second year with the Mets, Bay has been injured and unproductive the entire season.  He left tonight’s game with a stiff right calf and a lingering .230 batting average, two homeruns, and under ten RBI.  Keep an eye on Bay when and if he returns.  He is quickly reaching the point where dropping him is a viable consideration.

1. Catcher in the Rye – Twins superstar catcher Joe Mauer should be starting to play in live games this week as he works his way back from bilateral leg weakness. Mauer is clearly a great hitter and someone the Twins will be banking on for many years to come.  In order to preserve Mauer’s bat and career, he may be given a shot at a new position as the Twins start the process of getting him out from behind the plate.  This makes sense on all levels.  The rumors are that Mauer will be slowly transitioned to third base.  If that is the case in 2011, then next year Mauer could actually be worth spending an early round pick on because he will still qualify at catcher yet be at a position that can keep him healthy and on the field everyday.

Fred Wilpon is Diagnosed with Foot in Mouth Disease

As if there hasn’t been enough drama surrounding the Mets with their pending lawsuit in the Bernie Madoff ponzi scheme, employing two people who were caught distributing steroids in their clubhouse and stealing team memorabilia, and their epic failures on the field since the end of the 2006 season, owner Fred Wilpon has certainly created more.  In an article for the New Yorker (http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2011/05/30/110530fa_fact_toobin?currentPage=all), Wilpon spoke to Jeffrey Toobin about Bernie Madoff and their history.  While that topic in itself is controversial, it was the more casual words spoken by Wilpon about three of his premiere players that has garnered a lot of attention. 

Fred Wilpon chews on the fact that he has disgraced himself.

Wilpon provided three honest but critical assessments of his players.  Regarding the Mets’ prized possession and pending free agent shortstop, Jose Reyes, Wilpon said he  “He’s a racehorse.  He thinks he’s going to get Carl Crawford money,” (referring to the Red Sox’ signing of the former Tampa Bay player to a seven-year, $142-million contract. “He’s had everything wrong with him,” Wilpon said of Reyes. “He won’t get it.”  Then David Wright, the face of the Mets, was assessed.  “He’s a really good kid. A very good player. Not a superstar.”  Finally, it was Carlos Beltran’s turn – the same Beltran who still has his bat frozen on his shoulder as Adam Wainwright’s curveball crossed the plate for strike three to end the 2006 NLCS.  The same Beltran who parlayed a magical playoff run with the Hosuton Astros in 2004 into a seven year, $119 million contract before the 2005 season.  Wilpon, clearly exhibiting regret about this decision, said referring to himself: “We had some schmuck in New York who paid him based on that one series.  He’s sixty-five to seventy per cent of what he was.”

Taken at face value, everything that Wilpon said about Reyes, Wright and Beltran is accurate and true.  I agree with his evalaution.  But I am not the one who owns the team and signs these players’ paychecks.  I am not the one trying to test the market knowing full well that these assets will likely be moved.  I can voice my opinion about these players and there are no repercussions.  But as the owner of the Mets, he has a responsibility to his colleagues, employees, and paying customers to maintain professionalism in both good times and bad.  Whatever the circumstances were behind Wilpon’s disclosure of his opinions, he should know better than to rely on any false sense of security. 

 

Already disgraced by his association with Bernie Madoff and the precarious financial predicament he is currently in, Fred Wilpon continues to drive a wedge between himself and the Mets fan base.  In 2009, Mets fans anxiously went to Citi Field to see the new state of the art stadium that was replacing the old dump known as Shea Stadium.  Much to Mets fans surprise and chagrin, it looked like the second home of the Dodgers.  It took an entire year before the organization rectified the lack of tribute to the home team.  This issue has been beaten to death, but it is part and parcel to the argument that Fred Wilpon has no idea how to connect with his paying customers.  His recent comments about Reyes, Wright and Beltran are proof of this as well.

 

While Reyes, Wright and Beltran have played vital roles in the Mets monumental failures over the last several years, they have also been stand-up citizens and representatives of the team.  They have withstood their fair share of injuries, but it cannot be argued that they have given their all during their tenure.  None of them have ever had any off the field issues.  None of them have ever been linked to performance enhancing drugs (besides Reyes dabbling with his own blood platelets).  None of them have ever appeared to have given up.  They have been loyal to the team in both good and bad times.  And it is highly likely most, if not all, of them will not be a Met after the end of the 2011 season.  Say what you want about their lack of results, but they do not deserve to be criticized in such a carefree manner by the team’s owner.

 

Over the last few years, Mets fans have been trying to pinpoint the source for their failures.  Willie Randolph and Omar Minaya came in as manager and general manager, respectively, before the 2005 season and improved the team’s record by 12 games in each of their first two seasons.  But Randolph’s style and managerial skills were called into question in 2008 when he was classlessly fired after a victory and after flying out to Anaheim to manage a game.  Then Jerry Manuel was given the job and he was nothing more than a humorous soundbyte.  Omar Minaya and his lack of vision was sent packing after the 2010 season.  The common denominator in all of this, besides the players, is Fred Wilpon and the current ownership.  Wilpon has made his fortune in the real estate industry.  Now it’s time for him to put on his realtor cap and sell the team.  If only Mets fans had an opportunity to discuss their opinions of him as an owner in a prominent magazine

R.I.P. Randy “Macho Man” Savage

As a lifelong wrestling fan, the news of Randy Savage’s tragic death was shocking and upsetting.  I grew up watching wrestling in the 1980′s when it was just reaching the mainstream audience and quickly becoming one of the most popular forms of entertainment.  I was a Hulkamaniac even though I didn’t say prayers or take any vitamins.  But I was also a huge fan of the Macho Man and his ridiculous sunglasses, shiny robes, quirky catchphrases, and his beautiful valet – Miss Elizabeth.  He made people hate him with his brash attitude and mistreatment of Elizabeth.  He had to fend off chivalrous men who wanted to fight for Elizabeth’s honor, such as George “The Animal” Steele.  Savage was also known for his tremendous athleticism and ability to have a good match with anyone.

In the Hulkamania era, there were very few other wrestlers who could garner the reaction and emotion of the fans the way Hulk Hogan did.  But Randy Savage was without a doubt one of those special individuals who was loved as a babyface and hated as a heel.  He had the unique ability to be equally as entertaining as both a good guy and a bad guy.  Even to this day, there are only a handful of wrestlers who can lay claim to this attribute.  When Savage became associated with Hulk Hogan to form the Mega Powers, it was proof positive that the Macho Man was one of the main players.

He had catchphrases and gestures that kids loved to replicate.  From “oooohhhh yeah!” to “freak out, freak out,” the Macho Man was someone that kids loved to emulate.  His theme music of “Pomp and Circumstance” was fitting for a man with grace, class and deserved of the attention.  His ring attire drew attention and could not be mistaken.

As a wrestling fan, the Macho Man is the source of a lot of good memories for me as a kid and then into my adulthood when he stuck around to be a part of the n.W.o.  Lots of wrestlers have died over the years, and some have more of an impact than others.  Eddie Guerrero was a tragic loss because he was in the prime of his career after overcoming his own personal demons.  Chris Benoit and the murder-suicide of his family is obviously horrific.  Many others have died young due to drug overdoses.  But Macho Man lived to be 58, and even if he did use drugs or put other foreign substances into his body during his career, the point is that he lived long enough to retire and pursue his post-wrestling life. 

I didn’t know Randy Savage personally, but he is a part of my childhood and the source of many great memories.  I hope he is given the proper tribute and recognition by WWE as one of the true all-time greats and take his rightful spot in the Hall of Fame.  Rest in peace Macho Man…your legacy will live on into immortality.

 

OBFBL Power Rankings #1 – Through Week 6

After six weeks and eight fantasy games played, it is now time for the first edition of the 2011 Power Rankings for the Old Bridge Fantasy Baseball League (“OBFBL”).  The OBFBL is an 18-team, non-keeper, head to head, points, mixed NL/AL fantasy baseball league that has existed since 1999 and is currently in its 13th season.  We will rank each team in the league based on their overall record, points scored, roster trends, significant transactions, and other general criteria.  Without further adieu, here are the first official power rankings through the middle of May 2011.

1. The Ewok Rebellion (7-1, 1st place AL Central)

Abe, the brash-talking tech guru of the league who always has a Star Wars theme for his team name, is sitting in first place in the AL Central and is currently tied for the best record in the league.  He suffered his first defeat of the year this past week and conveniently he had a lot less to say.  The Ewok’s early success can be attributed to several hot starts to the season by 1st round pick Robinson Cano, pitcher Dan Haren, and Ryan Howard.  Russell Martin has provided an unforeseen amount of offense at the weak catcher position, and veterans Derek Jeter, David Ortiz and Aramis Ramirez still have yet to catch fire. 

2. Benny Enjoys the Moment Being My Bee-otch (7-1, 1st place NL East)

Marc, an OBFBL original and two-time champion, is off to a fast start tied for the best record in the league.  His draft strategy based around pitching has paid off thus far as Clayton Kershaw and Jon Lester have anchored his staff.  Closers Neftali Feliz and Joakim Soria haven’t provided the results he anticipated yet as Feliz was injured and Soria hasn’t had many save opportunities.  Marc intuitively drafted an injured Brandon Morrow and is now reaping those benefits.  Much of his early success can be attributed to good waiver wire pickups like Alex Avila, Jed Lawrie, Kyle Farnsworth, and Darwin Barney.

3. Fellowship of the Orange Veal Cutlets (6-2, 1st place NL West)

After having the worst record in the league in 2010, Maury has stormed back with a vengeance to begin 2011.  His top draft picks have performed well, including Justin Verlander and his no-hitter.  First round pick Ryan Braun has been a stud as expected, and Brian McCann is one of the best fantasy catchers in the league.  Young pitchers Jonathan Sanchez and Ian Kennedy have provided depth to Maury’s pitching staff, and Jason Kubel’s resurgence has given him another potent bat.  Maury is scoring more points per game this year than he has in his previous 8 seasons.  Someone ought to test his urine for HGH or steroids…or viagara.

4. Madoff’s Marauders (6-2, 1st place NL Central)

Joey I. finds himself in first place in the NL Central despite suffering from injuries to crucial players such as Ryan Zimmerman and Ike Davis.  His pitching trio of Roy Halladay, Yovanni Gallardo and Brett Anderson is as good as anyone in the league.  Closers Craig Kimbrel and Jose Valverde round out one of the top pitching staffs in the OBFBL.  He also has Jordan Walden and Sergio Santos on his bench, so Joey I. can likely leverage some of his excess pitching for infield help.  With gaping holes at first base and third base due to injury, Joey I. has the Braves’ middle infield duo of Dan Uggla and Alex Gonzalez, both of whom are struggling. 

5. Mets in 2011 (5-3, 1st place AL East)

Jordan got off to the best start to a season in terms of points scored in league history.  The 2004 champion scored the 3rd highest point total in one scoring period ever during the Week 1 double-header.  He has already won two $20 weekly awards for most points scored as he sits in first place in the AL East.  Powered by Joey Votto, Matt Kemp and Justin Upton, Jordan has amassed all of these points despite getting nothing from Carl Crawford.  Jordan’s pitching staff is deep and productive with Josh Beckett regaining his old form and looking dominating again.  Jaime Garcia, Tim Hudson and Brian Wilson have also been very effective, and he has Jake Peavy stashed on his bench and ready to be activated (despite not being in his lineup this week when he threw a shutout).  Oh, and he has Johan Santana stashed away too.

6. Len Tuckwilla’s Nuts Over My Chin (5-3, 2nd place NL West)

It has been an all or nothing season thus far for Craig.  Everything he has touched has either turned to gold or sent to the disabled list.  Taking Troy Tulowitzki in the first round was a no brainer, but drafting Jered Weaver so soon in the second round caused a couple heads to turn.  Well those heads were wrong.  Weaver had arguably the most dominant April in recent history, and then he missed a start due to an illness and has been brought back down to earth.  But for the first time in his OBFBL tenure, Craig has a deep and talented pitching staff that is also comprised of Max Scherzer, Gio Gonzalez, Matt Garza, Michael Pineda and Kyle McClellan.  On offense, Gaby Sanchez, Martin Prado and Carlos Beltran have all gotten off to quick and powerful starts.  Craig is known for fading in the second half, so hopefully he has built up some OBFBL endurance.

7. Jewish Mafia (5-3, 2nd place NL Central)

The OBFBL’s resident Hebrew gangster is following up on his deep playoff run from 2010 with another fast start.  Randy has benefited from some production from unlikely sources such as Alfonso Soriano, Leo Nunez and Francisco Rodriguez.  His top picks, such as Carlos Gonzalez, Ubaldo Jimenez, and Mat Latos have all struggled getting out of the gate, but each have shown signs of breaking out.  Brandon Phillips, Jason Heyward and Casey McGehee round out a solid offense.  Randy’s weakness may be at first base where Freddie Freeman is the only option he has.  His other weakness is Leonardo DiCaprio movies…he gets emotional.

8. RAD (4-4, 2nd place AL Central)

After another slow start, Matt has been on a roll lately putting up some big time points and proving that his success in his rookie year was no fluke.  Adrian Gonzalez and Andrew McCutcheon are the most dangerous hitters he has, with veterans like Bobby Abreu and Johnny Damon contributing to the cause despite their advanced age.  On the contrary, Matt has solified his reputation as someone who values and recognizes young pitching talent.  Daniel Hudson was the first pitcher he drafted, and he has rebounded to justify such a selection.  James Shields has also rebounded from a poor 2010 to have one of the highest point totals in the league.  Homer Bailey, John Axford, Zach Britton and Jordan Zimmermann round out Matt’s impressive young staff.  I think Ian Kinsler just injured himself reading this.

9. Pap Smears (4-4, 1st place AL West)

Jared has brought back the team name of Pap Smears for the first time since 2000.  And with the return of the vaginal swabs has come a return to glory as Jared currently resides in 1st place despite a .500 record.  Injuries have been a major theme for Jared starting with the draft as he selected players like Jair Jurrjens, Corey Hart, and Shaun Marcum who all had injuries prior to the season beginning.  Since then, he has withstood DL stints for Victor Martinez, Aaron Hill, and a scare with Josh Johnson getting hit by a ball on his right forearm.  For the record, Jared selected Corey Hart only because he himself wears his sunglasses at night,

10. It’s Gotta Be Mooses…or Meese (4-4, 2nd place AL West)

When everyone is healthy, Cory has one of the deepest and most talented pitching staffs in the league.  His staff includes C.C. Sabathia, Chris Carpenter, Chad Billingsley, Ricky Romero and Francisco Cordero.  With all of that pitching, something had to give…and it gave in deep positions.  Derrek Lee has been on the downturn for a few years, and his recent oblique strain won’t help matters at all.  Additionally, Aubrey Huff and Carlos Lee do not look like they once did (and yes, I admit, I predicted big things for El Caballo coming into the season).  Matt Holliday has been terrific despite missing the first couple weeks of the season.  The biggest surprises on Cory’s team have been Asdrubal Cabrera and Erick Aybar both hitting for more power than anticipated.

11. This is the Business We’ve Chosen (4-4, 2nd place NL East)

Despite being the first and only team to suffer from the illegal lineup penalty, Jason still has a .500 record and is in 2nd place behind Bee-otch.  Even more surprising that he has won four games is the fact that Hanley Ramirez has been horrendous and Evan Longoria missed several weeks with an injury.  In keeping with his tradition, Jason is relying on young stud pitchers to carry him through, such as Clay Buchholz, Madison Bumgarner, Matt Cain and Drew Storen.  A trade for another hitter could be in order since his current utility player is Melky Cabrera. 

12. Montreal Espos (3-5, 3rd place AL West)

The Espos were dealt a serious blow this week as David Wright was placed on the disabled list with a stress fracture in his lower back.  This type of injury and the recovery necessary could keep the Espos’ second overall pick on the shelf for quite some time.  Not that Wright was doing much when he was playing, but Pat will have to rely on other hitters like Shin Soo Choo and Curtis Granderson to pick up the slack.  One thing that Pat does have going for him is the formidable pitching duo of former Cy Young award winners Felix Hernandez and Zack Greinke.  Greinke is still a bit of a wild card, but if he can revert back to his 2009 form, then Pat should be able to compete for the division title with this closely grouped bunch.

13. Blue Horseshoe Loves Giant Douche (3-5, 3rd place NL West)

The Commish is off to another slow start and has been dominated in double-header weeks, just as he was in 2010.  Mike has been bitten by injuries thus far with Josh Hamilton missing almost the whole season thus far.  His strategy of taking two top closers as his first pitchers drafted hasn’t worked out well so far because Heath Bell and Carlos Marmol haven’t had many save opportunities yet.  Mike did draft Lance Berkman in the late rounds which turned out to be a steal.  He then parlayed Berkman’s torrid start into a trade to acquire Cliff Lee, the stud starting pitcher he needed.  First round pick Miguel Cabrera is still sobering up from his off-season DUI.

14. Dawg Eat Dawg (3-5, 3rd place NL Central)

The defending OBFBL champion is off to a slow start in his quest to become the first ever repeat champion in league history.  In typical fashion, Benny drafted aging hitters like they were going out of style.  He was immediately burned when Manny Ramirez tested positive for performance enhancing drugs and subsequently retired.  A-Rod started off strong but then suffered an oblique injury and has struggled since returning.  Jason Bay, Hideki Matsui and Vladimir Guerrero look like shells of their former selves. And Grady Sizemore is on the DL again with an injury to his other knee.  However, Benny does have David Price and Roy Oswalt to match up against anyone else’s top pitchers. 

15. Cole Hamels Adopted Charlie Sheen’s Kids (2-6, 3rd place AL Central)

The Philadelphia Boys and their fetish with Cole Hamels bastard children are off to a slow start in the basement in the AL Central.  Jeff and Mike drafted a team of players who are known for their hot and cold streaks.  Mark Teixeira had an uncharacteristically hot start to the season but then cooled off considerably.  Rickie Weeks, Stephen Drew and Jayson Werth have had their production limited to a confined period of time.  The eponymous Cole Hamels and Andre Ethier have been consistently productive.  A turning point in Jeff and Mike’s season could be the pending return of all-star second baseman Chase Utley.  Jeff and Mike can either plug Utley into the lineup along with Weeks, or they can entertain a trade offer to upgrade somewhere else.

16. It Byrnes When I Peavy (2-6, 3rd place NL East)

While Ari has the best team name in the league, his actual team is not the best at anything except underachieving.  After drafting Albert Pujols with the first overall pick, you could have etched in stone that Pujols would have his typical season, or even better due to this being a contract year.  However, it has been anything but typical for the game’s best hitter.  Pujols has struggled mightily through the first 6+ weeks of the season, and this has been problematic for the OBFBL Co-Commissioner.  Mix in the struggles of Kevin Youkilis, plus injuries to Adam Dunn, Vernon Wells and Nelson Cruz and you have the recipe for a 2-6 record.  Ari has a proven track record of winning, so don’t be surprised to see him make a second half run.

17. Sharks With Frickin’ Laser Beams (1-7, 2nd place AL East)

Now entering his 3rd season in the league, Jim has finally learned that drafting Jimmy Rollins in the first round is not a good idea.  Despite taking Tim Lincecum with his first pick, the Sharks are being hunted by Roy Scheider and Richard Dreyfuss.  Jose Bautista has easily been Jim’s best player by establishing himself as a true dominant fantasy stud.  However, Dustin Pedroia and James Loney have been major disappointments.  Delmon Young was producing but missed some time due to injury.  Jim has never shied away from making trades in the past.  He may need to shake things up before the Sharks jump themselves (if you don’t understand this, then Google or Wikipedia the term “jump the shark.”

18. Admiral Ackbar (1-7, 3rd place AL East)

In only his second season in the OBFBL, Mario has clearly established himself as one of the streakiest teams in league history.  In 2010, he began the season 8-0.  In 2011, he began 0-5 and is now 1-7.  The problem has been Mario’s lack of offense because his deep pitching staff has consistently been carrying him.  In fact, his offense has been so bad that he still lost one of the double-header games during the week that Francisco Liriano threw a no-hitter.  Mario recognized his problem and dealt away Cliff Lee in exchange for Lance Berkman (the top point scorer in the league at the time) and Aaron Harang.  The good news is that Mario can only move up…there isn’t anyone below him.

Fantasy Baseball Headlines – May 17, 2011

It was a busy and eventful day in baseball, both real and fantasy.  Every Tuesday night, I write a column for Fantasy Alarm (www.fantasyalarm.com) doing a Top Ten list of newsworthy events happening in baseball and analyzing any potential fantasy impact.  You can view the full article at http://www.fantasyalarm.com/may-17-2011-fantasy-baseball-tuesday-top-ten/.   Here are some of the headlines that I selected with my writeups:

Jose, Can You See? – I am man enough to admit when I am wrong.  I have been dead wrong about Jose Bautista since the 2010 All-Star Game.  At that time, I bet my father that Bautista wouldn’t even end up the season with 30 homeruns because I felt he was a fluke and the law of averages would catch up.  I ended up taking my father for a nice dinner because Bautista would go on to hit 54 homeruns.  Coming into 2011, I didn’t even put Bautista on any of my draft lists, scout teams, or draft room queues.  I figured he had a Brady Anderson-type season and would revert back to being the pedestrian hitter he always was.  But I was wrong again.  Bautista is coming off a weekend where he hit five more homeruns, including three in one game.  He currently leads all of baseball with 16 homeruns and is on pace to shatter his record from last year.  Whether it’s steroids, human growth hormone, maturity, or even just natural talent, Bautista is a fantasy stud and can be relied upon for maximum production across the board.

Vin-dictive – Royals pitcher Vin Mazzaro redefined what it means to take one for the team.  On Monday, Mazzaro entered the game against the Indians in the first inning after Kyle Davies was removed due to injury.  Mazzaro proceeded to give up 14 runs in two and a third innings.  According to STATS LLC, he has the distinction of being only the third pitcher since 1947 to allow that many runs in a game.  As a result of this historic performance, Mazzaro’s ERA ballooned to 22.47.  To reward him for his efforts, the Royals promptly demoted him to Triple-A following the game.  If Mazzaro was on your fantasy team in the first place, then you probably have many other problems to worry about.  Just remember, the next time a pitcher has to take a beating for the good of the team, you can say he is taking a “Mazzaro.”

There’s Something About A-Rod – When he is not having popcorn shoved down his throat by Cameron Diaz, Alex Rodriguez moonlights as the third baseman for the New York Yankees.  A-Rod has been struggling since he returned from his oblique injury a few weeks ago, and as A-Rod goes, so go the Yankees.  On Tuesday night, A-Rod slugged two solo homeruns in helping the Yankees end their six-game losing streak.  Could this be the beginning of a hot streak for A-Rod?  He is certainly due, and if he is feeling more comfortable at the plate, then he could be on the brink of a major tear.  Buy low on A-Rod and expect first class results. 

Hanley’s Horrors – The proverbial god of roto baseball players, Hanley Ramirez is consistently one of the top five fantasy players drafted due to his unique combination of high average, power, and speed.  However, none of that is working for him in 2011.  He is currently hitting .204 with two homeruns, fourteen RBI, twenty runs scored, and eight stolen bases. This is not the production anticipated with such a high draft pick.  He looks lost at the plate and is letting his emotions get the best of him at times.  Fantasy owners should start inquiring with fellow league members what trade possibilities may exist for Hanley.  Granted, he is slumping mightily, but just mentioning his name in trade talks should elicit some real offers.  It is surprising that he has struggled so much given the firepower in the Marlins’ lineup, including Chris Coghlan, Gaby Sanchez, Logan Morrison and Mike Stanton.  

Save the Drama for Posada – They don’t call baseball players the “boys of summer” for no reason.  Yankees’ designated hitter Jorge Posada pulled a cardinal no-no in baseball acumen by asking out of the lineup on Saturday when he was scheduled to bat ninth in Joe Girardi’s lineup.  Posada, a 16-year veteran, came into that game batting .165 and without any indications of being able to find his stroke.  Posada apologized to Girardi the next day, but the damage was done as the Yankee veteran suffered from some impulsive and momentary Little League-like tantrum.  Posada was viewed as a steal in fantasy drafts this year because he was eligible at catcher but would be a full-time DH in a powerful lineup.  Things haven’t worked out that way thus far.  Girardi has demonstrated his loyalty to the man who ironically took Girardi’s starting catcher job in 1998.  Posada was used as a pinch hitter on Sunday, and then he was back in the lineup on Tuesday night where he collected two hits.  Maybe he needed to hit rock bottom before getting back to the Mendoza Line.  Buy low on Posada and bank on some of that Yankee magic.

We’ll be Wright Back – As if things couldn’t get any worse for the New York Mets, it was revealed on Monday that all-star third baseman David Wright has a stress fracture in his lower back.  It does make sense considering how poorly Wright has performed thus far in 2011.  While he refuses to use the diagnosis as an excuse for his lack of production, the reality is that it likely affected every facet of his game.  Wright’s batting average has been uncharacteristically low and he has struck out at an alarming rate (even compared to his strikeout totals from 2009 and 2010).  He will spend some time on the disabled list doing absolutely nothing, so at a minimum he will be out for a month, and maybe longer.  This does not bode well for fantasy owners who spent a lot of auction dollars or a high draft pick on the second best third baseman on the board.  Stash Wright on your disabled list and start looking for a replacement because it is possible you aren’t going to get much out of Wright the rest of the year.

Remembering a Legend – This isn’t relevant to fantasy baseball, but I would be remiss as a baseball fan if I didn’t acknowledge the unfortunate passing of Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew.  “The Killer” lost his battle with cancer today just days after he announced he was stopping treatment for his esophageal cancer.  The former Minnesota Twin was always one of the most popular players of his time and all future generations.  He was a great ambassador for the game of baseball and will be greatly missed.  In his career, he produced statistics commensurate with a first round pick in any fantasy baseball draft format.  RIP Harmon Killebrew.

New Fantasy Judgment decision – fantasy baseball trade (Josh Johnson)

SUPREME COURT OF FANTASY JUDGMENT

Carson City Cocks v. Stud Muffins

ON PETITION FOR WRIT OF CERTIORARI FROM

THE INCONTINENT LEAGUE

 Decided May 16, 2011

Cite as 3 F.J. 23 (May 2011)

Factual Background

A rotisserie fantasy baseball league (hereinafter referred to as “Roto league” or “The Incontinent League”) utilizing an auction-style draft and transaction platform seeks an evaluation of a trade made between two teams within the Roto league.  This is an NL-only keeper league where each team is permitted to maintain up to ten (10) players during each off-season with each individual player allowed to be kept for a maximum of three (3) years.  Each team is also permitted to keep two minor league players which are in addition to the ten players kept.  This Roto league also has a $36.00 in-season salary cap that is applicable for all teams.   

As with many rotisserie leagues, the subject Roto league uses the standard 5×5 scoring categories to determine the standings and prize money.  For offensive players, the five categories are: (1) batting average; (2) homeruns; (3) runs batted in; (4) runs scored; and (5) stolen bases.  For pitchers, the five categories are: (1) wins; (2) earned run average; (3) WHIP (walks+hits/innings pitched); (4) strikeouts; and (5) saves.  Statistics are cumulative throughout the course of the season and there are no head to head games contained within the Roto league.

Procedural History

The Carson City Cocks have made a trade with the Stud Muffins.  The Carson City Cocks traded J.J. Putz (RP-ARZ) and Kyle McClellan (SP-STL) to the Stud Muffins in exchange for Josh Johnson (SP-FLA). 

Issue Presented

(1)   Should the trade between the Carson City Cocks and the Stud Muffins be upheld and approved?

Decision

The Supreme Court of Fantasy Judgment typically favors individual fantasy sports participants and teams’ ability to make moves, transactions, and trades.  The standard of review has been that people pay money to purchase a team in a league, draft their team, and manage it accordingly.  Whether success is bred from that individual’s decision-making is purely left to some skill, luck, dedication, and savviness.  The Court also acknowledges that the analysis for evaluating trades is much different in a keeper league than a non-keeper league.  A trade that may look uneven or lopsided on its face may receive a different opinion when it is involved in a keeper league.  The reasons for this are obvious, but must be restated.  In a keeper league, teams that are having unsuccessful seasons are more likely to continue to pay attention and make moves that will set themselves up for better success in the following season.  They can do this by acquiring young talent that is not under contract within the league, or by dumping salary (assuming it is an auction league) and allowing greater financial flexibility to sign key players in the next season’s draft.  In non-keeper leagues, there is no rationale for thinking ahead, nor is there any need to stockpile young, inexpensive talent.

Another factor that the Court must always consider is whether there is any collusion or under-the-table dealings going on between teams.  The Court has not been presented with any evidence of such malfeasance, so assumptions will be made that this is not an issue. 

At first glance, the trade of J.J. Putz and Kyle McClellan in exchange for Josh Johnson looks peculiar.  The reason for initial pause is because Johnson is unequivocally one of the top pitchers in both real and fantasy baseball, and Putz and McClellan are not household names.  It is rare to see a superstar of this caliber involved in a trade that does not include either another top superstar or prime prospects for the future in keeper leagues.  However, the Court has always held that its approval or rejection of a trade is based purely on its fairness, free from collusion, and in the best interests of the league.  Whether a trade is intelligent or popular will not be part of the analysis.  Clearly this trade will raise some eyebrows by other members of the league, but the virtue of the trade is measured in both quantifiable criteria and subjective needs of the teams involved. 

When analyzing the fairness and equity of a trade, the Court will consider each team’s individual needs to assess whether the trade subjectively made sense from each team’s perspective.  See Cajon Crawdads vs. Carson City Cocks, 1 F.J. 41, 42 (June 2010) (upholding a trade for Jason Bay because of the Carson City Cocks’ desperate need for a starting outfielder due to the demotion of Cameron Maybin).  This trade involved two starting pitchers and one closer.  Prior to the trade, the Stud Muffins did not have any closers on their roster.  The relief pitchers they had were all set-up relievers, including Kerry Wood, Sergio Romo and Matt Lindstrom.  Presumably, the Stud Muffins were near the bottom of the rankings in saves since these relief pitchers have not had, nor will they have, many opportunities to close games for their respective teams.  In fact, they are set-up men for three of the best closers in baseball (Carlos Marmol, Brian Wilson and Huston Street, respectively).  It is clear that the Stud Muffins were in need of a closer.  They also had Matt Cain, Chris Carpenter, and Clayton Richard as starting pitchers, so dealing Johnson was not going to leave them completely empty.  With respect to the Carson City Cocks, they could afford to trade Putz because they also have Joel Hanrahan and Vicente Padilla as closers.  The addition of Johnson was more crucial to improve the Carson City Cocks’ starting pitching which only consisted of Jorge de la Rosa, Wandy Rodriguez, and Jordan Zimmermann. 

 The wild card in this trade is Kyle McClellan.  He is a converted relief pitcher thrust into the Cardinals’ rotation due to the loss of Adam Wainwright before spring training.  McClellan has been impressive thus far, despite losing his last start.  The Cardinals have played better than was expected of them, thanks in large part to McClellan’s emergence as a reliable starter. 

Here is a statistical comparison of all players involved through May 15, 2011:

Player	Wins	Strikeouts	ERA	WHIP	Saves
Josh Johnson	3	53	1.63	0.90	0
Kyle McClellan	5	23	3.62	1.39	0
J.J. Putz	0	14	2.40	1.13	9

As good as Josh Johnson is, he simply does not win a lot of games.  This is not his fault, but rather as a result of poor run support or an inefficient bullpen.  Johnson’s career high in wins is 15 back in 2009.  In 2010, when he clearly had a better season all around, he only won 11 games and also suffered from some injuries.  Currently, Johnson leads the National League in both ERA and WHIP.  While his production in those categories is unparalleled, he is not a reliable source for wins for the aforementioned reasons.  McClellan, still not completely proven, has at least demonstrated he will keep his team in games and last long enough to win.  It would not be all that surprising if McClellan actually wins more games than Johnson in 2011.  As we know, win totals do not measure the quality of a pitcher in real baseball.  But in fantasy baseball, numbers and statistics are gospel (most times).

In terms of keeper league status and salary cap value, this trade is almost equivocal.  All players involved are in their first year under contract with their respective teams.  Johnson is worth $3.40 while McClellan is worth $0.90 and Putz is worth $2.30.  The Stud Muffins, currently in seventh place, will gain $0.20 in salary cap space which is not significant enough to factor into the evaluation given the equality of the players involved.  See Smittydogs v. Stud Muffins, 3 F.J. 10, 11 (April 2011) (holding that a $0.10 differential amongst the players salaries was not enough to factor into the Court’s evaluation).

As referenced in Smittydogs v. Moneyball, 1 F.J. 32, 34 (June 2010), the dichotomy between the Carson City Cocks and the Stud Muffins’ motivations is precisely why the Court must look at trades in keeper leagues differently than non-keeper leagues.  However, had this trade been made in a non-keeper league, the Court would still likely approve it. 

Based on the foregoing reasons, the Court hereby decides that the subject trade is fair, equal, and free of collusion.  The trade should be approved as it comports with the best interests of the league.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Passing Judgment – Bryce Harper is a Primadonna Prospect

I recently had the fortune of being able to see Bryce Harper, the #1 pick in the 2010 MLB draft, play in a minor league game when the Washington Nationals’ Single A team came to Lakewood, NJ to play the Blueclaws (Phillies).  When I say I had the “fortune” I mean that there is something special about being able to see a highly-touted prospect, who will more than likely achieve great things down the road, in his professional baseball infancy.  If Harper becomes the star player most people project him to be, it would be neat knowing I saw him play when he was literally just starting his career.

But along with the excitement of watching the beginning of a potentially great career came the harsh reality that plagues numerous successful athletes.  I had heard and read the rumors and gossip about Harper being a primadonna.  I suspected he may act like a diva given the attention he has gotten.  But I didn’t know for sure.  Then it was all but confirmed for me when a very reliable source informed me that Harper alienated himself from his teammates by demanding special treatment and attention.  He has questioned why he needs to participate in team drills and do all of the other necessary activities that teams do together.  He thinks he should be in Double A…right now…not even a year after being drafted as an 18-year old kid. 

This story is not unfamiliar.  There are plenty of athletes out there who do the same thing and act the same way.  There are plenty of young athletes who have not proven anything at the professional level that do it.  It’s not surprising, but it is still disappointing.  Harper has the privilege of playing baseball for a living.  He has the blessing of possessing tremendous talent and athletic ability.  He has the fortune of being so young with such a bright future ahead of him.  But right now he lacks the maturity to respect the game, his peers, his coaches, and himself.  He still has a lot to learn about the game of baseball and how it is supposed to be played. 

In the game I saw him play, Harper ran the gamut in terms of both good and poor qualities.  In his first at bat, he struck out looking against a left-handed pitcher.  The fact he struck out was not alarming, but it was obvious watching his approach that he was at a complete loss on what to expect from the pitcher.  He quickly fell behind in the count before fouling off a couple pitches on swings that were defensive.  He would eventually strike out looking at a fastball on a pitch where he was clearly expecting something off-speed.  In a later at bat, Harper hit a swinging but out in front of home plate and hustled to first base beating the throw for an infield hit.  I commented to my friends that he showed great hustle on that play.  But in his final at bat, he skied a lazy flyball to center field that was easily caught.  But I watched Harper the entire time and he lazily jogged to first base, not even reaching the bag by the time the centerfielder caught the ball.  This bothered me, as it bothers me when any major leaguer doesn’t run a ball out no matter where it is it. 

I am not going to indict Harper because he didn’t run a flyball out.  But I will criticize him for his lackadaisical attitude when he thinks he is beyond this level at this point.  There is a reason why baseball has a minor league system and almost every player goes through it before reaching the big leagues.  Harper is learning how to play the outfield, how to play against equal or better competition, and how to become a professional baseball player.  Each level of the minor leagues has its own purpose and set of skills to learn.  Harper can learn a lot if he wants to, which can only benefit him as he progresses through the Nationals’ system and eventually up to D.C.

Stephen Strasburg, the #1 pick in 2009 and phenom during his major league tenure in 2010, had four years of college to both grow up and improve his craft.  Harper attended the College of Southern Nevada for one year, as a 17-year old, and was then drafted in 2010 as an 18-year old kid.  Those years of college experience, in both life and baseball, helped Strasburg possess the maturity and poise necessary to become successful at the major league level.  Harper should be using this time in the low minor league levels to accumulate knowledge and experience that will better serve him later on.  He should also learn to ingratiate himself better with his teammates because the reputation he is building forhimself will not bode well down the road.

A change of attitude and perspective is not hard to do.  But Harper must realize that himself.  His talent and skillset will eventually speak for itself.  Anyone who has to constantly remind others of how great they are probably isn’t that great to begin with.  Harper may become great.  I’d just rather find that out for myself by watching him play rather than listen to him telling me that.