MLB News & Notes (other than Cubs or Sox)

[rok]

So what sort of freak of nature are LaRussa's medical staff going to turn this guy into?

[jstraw]

[4FP]

Peak years, good years, and banana peels; about signing established sluggers to long contracts--


I was at the pahk with Dad in 2000 watching what were then still my Sox. Mike Stanley had been a favorite of mine, and I was glad when he had come back to the Olde Town team. In his first at bat that day he got around on a pitch and took it to the opposite field for a double. But something bothered me. In his second AB he struggled, and finally struck out. "Dad, something is wrong with Stanley." Dad had a good eye, and I wanted his help diagnosing this. He helped me watch carefully, while still busting my balls. Dad was a jock's jock.


In Stanley's third AB the opposing pitcher showed us what was up. Three straight fastballs. Three straight strikes. Stanley couldn't get around on any of them. I could see it. It was shockingly clear, and so I exclaimed callously something about Stanley being and old man. Washed up. Done.


Dad didn't disagree but added, "Michael, That 'old man' is two years younger than you."


Shit. Does every fan experience that moment? All of the players, men I had looked up to since I was six, were suddenly boys.


There the three of us stood. Dad, me and Mike Stanley. In our greying manhoods, alike. Dad was probably the only one of the three of us already becoming comfortable there. But, a mature man, he was patient with us both.


The graph(s) referenced by Slaw above are informative as to when the hitters' peaks are likely and when their declines begin; but (1) the slide from great through good is measured in years, (2) the drop-off from good enough to retired is quick, and (3) it comes at a different time for each individual. For Mike Stanley, it was a Saturday in June in 2000.


Today it is snowing in Massachusetts. I am learning to like wRC+. And we don't celebrate the sports narrative enough lately.


Happy Thanksgiving.

[jstraw]

Wait till you have a decade on the oldest player in MLB.

[Butcher]

Too bad Moyer couldn't squeak out a few more years...

[MickKelleherWasMyHero]

Dave Martinez is leaving the Rays "to pursue other opportunities." Maybe Ryno will add him to his coaching staff in Philly.

[jstraw]

The last sentence just lays me out.

 

>Flannery, 57, told The Chronicle by phone he is physically and

emotionally spent, has done all he wants to do on the baseball

field, wants to spend more time with his wife and family and devote

his energies to raising money for all manner of causes through his

music.


In short, the all-encompassing parade of baseball seasons finally

got to him.


“I call it the god-damned blessed road,” Flannery said. “I’ve buried

friends. I’ve put friends in rehab. I’ve watched marriages dissolve.

There’s a lot of collateral damage in this lifestyle I’ve had for 33

years. I’m going to send myself home safely.”

[rok]

Tony Campana to the South Side. Well, I guess we can pencil them in for another WS now.

 

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/11/wh...mpana.html

[funkster]

He's a grinder...gonna bring da fire and da passion to the South Side.

[funkster]

Rumor running on twitter that the As are about to trade Shark.  Man I would love it if it was Boston.

[funkster]

JeffPassan: Full trade: Josh Donaldson to Blue Jays, A's get Brett Lawrie, pitchers Kendall Graveman and Sean Nolin, SS Franklin Barreto. Deal done.

[rok]

Turns out the Shark trade rumor involved the Braves and Upton/Gattis. That would be an odd move, but speculation involved that possibly being a 3 team deal.

[funkster]

Or this....

 

 

http://chicagosuntimes.com/sports/white-...amardzija/

[rok]

That makes no sense unless they can extend him AND unless Shark's past talk about testing free agency at all costs was total bullshit.

[funkster]

And who can they give up for him other than maybe Anderson?