MLB.com has compiled its draft roundups for each of the 30 major league franchises. I’ve linked the relevant roundups for the Kentucky audience below with a reminder of what Kentucky players mentioned in the roundup went to that team.

• San Francisco Giants — 3B Chris Dominguez (UofL)
• Detroit Tigers — 3B Wade Gaynor (WKU)
• Oakland Athletics — LHP Justin Marks (UofL)
• Chicago Cubs — LHP Chris Rusin (UK)
• Seattle Mariners — RHP Tyler Blandford (Daviees County)
• Florida Marlins — SS Terrence Dayleg (WKU)
• Toronto Blue Jays — LHP James Paxton (UK) — Did Not Sign

Today was a good day….. Before going to the mall and meeting a baseball icon, i taught i share a little something of a memory to most that live in South Florida…. The OB!! When i was little live down in South Beach there was no other place i love to go than the OB….. I watch so many Hurricane games out there plus i also caught a few Fins games too….. The OB was old and it smelled like a piss pot but damn the history in there was unmatched…..It hosted five Super Bowls,popular boxing bouts,concerts and so much more….. Home to the Miami Hurricanes since 1937 to 2007 when the Canes jumped ship and moved into Landshark…..But did you know that The Orange Bowl was also the site of the NCAA’s longest college football winning streak. Between 1985 and 1994, the Miami Hurricanes won 58 straight home games at the Bowl, until ended by the Washington Huskies. I know, so with much anger from me and other peeps in South Florida the OB was put to rest on May 14, 2008. I know for one it will always live in my heart as one for the best places to go and its sad that my kids didn’t get to sit in it and take it all in… The OB had swagger just like the team that called it home…. We miss ya!!!

And if you wanna know what’s being build there now…. Well its the new home of the soon to be called Miami Marlins…. The Marlins taught it was right to change there name since they will now be playing officely in Miami AKA Magic City…. Bitter sweet in all ways…….

                            Rest in Peace OB : December 10, 1937 to May 14, 2008

Over the last couple of weeks, agent Scott Boras and various members of the MLBPA and MLB management have bantered back and forth over how much money various teams have to spend on players.  The Boston Globe asked Red Sox owner (and former Marlins owner) John Henry what he thought – and Henry had a very interesting take on it.

I’m paraphrasing here, you can read his quotes here.  Basically he says that taxing large market teams to help small market teams remain competitive works so long as the money being routed is spent on players and not pocketed by owners.  Long and short, Henry says that at least seven teams have been regularly losing games while pocketing revenue sharing money.  So, revenue sharing has had the unintended consequence of making five owners very profitable despite fielding lousy baseball teams.

Living in Florida, there are a bunch of us who have felt that Marlins ownership (Jeffrey Loria and his family and business partners) have pocketed a large amount of revenue sharing dollars while choosing not to spend money to keep players (Dan Uggla) or acquire one or two guys who might help put the Marlins over the top.  (We need a closer, and you let Billy Wagner sign with Atlanta?).  Now, the Marlins actually HAVE been competitive – a testament to Larry Beinfest, his scouting and player development staffs, and whomever else gets the mileage out of these guys…

Anyway – I happen to buy Henry’s argument.  He says that sports challenges our idea of capitalism and, at least in this case, is rewarding some owners for not making the same efforts as the guys in the bigger markets.  Read the article – it’s certainly a fresh take on revenue sharing.  [Boston Globe / www.boston.com]

Let’s Stay With Boston Themed Articles…

Dustin Pedroia is open to the idea of playing shortstop – which would seem like a pretty good idea if the Red Sox have a better option at second base than their current options at short (Jed Lowrie)…  The most immediate prospect is Jeff Natale, a 2005 draft pick out of Trinity College (32nd round) who appears to have a grasp of the strike zone and can hit a little.  He’s a bit old for a prospect (27), though, but he can play some.  The long term prospect is infielder Jose Iglesias, a Cuban import who just finished a tour in the Arizona Fall League and is projected to reach the majors around 2012.  Is Orlando Hudson thinking of playing second in Boston?  Brandon Phillips?  [ESPN]

And, Billy Wagner – who briefly played for Boston in 2009 – signed a one-year $7 million deal with Atlanta, with a vesting option for 2011.  Wagner needs to pass his physical – and if he does, because the Sox offered him arbitration, the Red Sox would receive a compensatory first or second round draft pick from the Braves.  [FoxSports]

Let’s Move Behind the Plate…

The Tampa Rays acquired Kelly Shoppach from the Indians for a player to be named later.  Shoppach hits for power, but his batting average slipped.  That being said, Dioner Navarro’s batting average also dipped last year and the Rays are concerned about Navarro’s eating habits.   For Cleveland, that means one of my favorite prospects, Lou Marson, will get a shot at being the opening day catcher for Cleveland.  [ESPN]

The Phillies signed Brian Schneider, most recently of the Mets, to a two-year $2.75 million deal.  Schneider will be Carlos Ruiz’s caddie…  [ESPN]

If you are interested in which free agents were offered arbitration by their teams, click here.  Those Type A players (skill, and not personality) if signed by someone else would mean that the team losing that player would get compensatory draft picks.  [FoxSports]

Former minor leaguer Dennis “Go-Go” Gilbert channeled his competitive spirit into a solid insurance company and then a baseball player agency.  Now, he’s in the running to buy the Texas Rangers.  [SI]

Melissa Segura tells the story about the myth of Aroldis Chapman – the Cuban defector who can’t legally drink in the US but owns a 100 MPH fast ball.  It’s a good read…  [SI]

Tommy Heinrich, nicknamed “Old Reliable” for his ability to come up with big hits to win big games, passed away at the age of 96.  A regular outfielder on a number of Yankee World Series games, Heinrich was at bat in the 1941 World Series when a third strike got by catcher Mickey Owen that would have ended game four and evened the series at two games.  Instead, Heinrich reached first and the Yankees rallied to beat the Dodgers that day and eventually claimed the title.  Heinrich was believed to be the oldest living Yankee; now that title belongs to pitcher Virgil Trucks (92).  [SI]

Happy Birthday!

Reds reliever Pedro Borbon (1946), whose pitching kept him around for the better part of a decade as a member of the Big Red Machine.  His son never could make it happen…

Others celebrating with cake, cards, or remembrances include: Mike Kelley (1875), Andre Rodgers (1935), Julio Cruz (1954), Darryl Kile (1968), Mark Kotsay (1975).

Dan Uggla; Photo from Wikimedia Commons

The BluGrass Baseball hot stove league moved to Boston Tuesday. Check out those Kentucky-related Red Sox rumors and other headlines:

• Red Sox second baseman and former MVP Dustin Pedroia tells Browne and Alden Gonzalez he would be open to moving to shortstop. The reporters speculate such a move might lead the Red Sox to pursue Louisville-native Dan Uggla.
• Michael Silverman of The Boston Herald also considers Uggla in a Boston uniform.
• Ian Browne writes that the Red Sox might elect to pursue Brandon Webb and other star-studded 2010 free agents instead of making many moves this offseason.
• Laura Petrecca of USA Today examines family-run businesses including Louisville Slugger owner Hillerich & Bradsby.
• Jason Stella of Examiner.com recaps winter league action from 2009 Louisville Bats.
• Tracy Ringolsby of Baseball America chatted about Rockies prospects, including EKU alum Christian Friedrich and Lexington-native Chaz Roe. (Subscription required)

The big homie up in the NYC sent these over to me the other day and i must say that i’m very happy….. The Chris Volstad was the one card i need but he was nice enough to send me a Manny and a Big Papi plus a couple of Marlins….. If you haven’t checked out his site do so now…..Mike Pelfrey Collectibles, Thanks homie… Be on the look out for a package!!

Dan Uggla; Photo from Wikimedia Commons

Just a few early afternoon stories to pass along as the hot stove starts to heat up following the holiday.

• Despite reports placing Texas in heated trade talks with Florida, T. R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports the Rangers have had no discussions with the Marlins about Louisville-native Dan Uggla.
• Darrell Cartwright of Kentucky Sports Report looks at the UK baseball signing class.
• In an effort for equal opportunity, I thought I’d pass along a softball story. Larry Vaught of Kentucky Sports Report interviews UK softball infielder Molly Johnson.
• The Johnson interview is a multi-part series you can read in its entirety on Kentucky.Scout.com.

Mighty Casey has been on a bit of a holiday – for that I politely ask for your forgiveness – but after a vacation in the Florida Keys, I return ready to write about baseball.

Belated Congrats to Albert Pujols…

The National League writers, knowing the right answer when they saw it, unanimously selected Albert Pujols as the best player in the league for 2009, and it’s the right choice.  Pujols has more power than anyone, really.  He’s a selective hitter who rarely strikes out; he can still run the bases, and his fielding skills are as good as they get.  The last few years, I have been assembling the most productive players in baseball – basically adding up the number of runs created by ones offensive numbers (a basic Bill James’ Runs Created formula) and adding (or subtracting) the number of runs saved on defense and NOBODY is close to Pujols.

As a Marlins fan, I root for Hanley Ramirez, but as good as he is – and he’s VERY good – he’s really not in Pujols’ league yet.  [FoxSports, et al]

Hot Stove News…

Baseball writers are actually covering the Marlins…  So far, the team and Josh Johnson have yet to come to terms for a long-term deal (Marlins offering three years and potential vesting for a fourth, while Johnson wants four guaranteed years), but it looks like they’ll head to arbitration for this year and see what happens.  Johnson would become a free agent after 2011, and the Marlins – who likely would not be players in that bidding war – want to maximize whatever they can get out of Johnson (time, prospects, cash) before he heads out of town.

Here’s Buster Olney’s take…

Here’s Ken Rosenthal’s take...

Having witnessed his skills, I generally trust Larry Beinfest in these things and it’s easy to fall for Johnson who is the best pitcher on the staff.  He’s been a bit frail, though – and you want to see if he can keep going after his first really complete season.  Likely, Johnson will be expected to be an ace until, oh, the first sign that the Marlins aren’t going to win the division between now and July, 2011, at which point he will be dealt for the best available offer.  That’s what I think  is going to happen.

Let’s stick with the Marlins theme…  Former fish shortstop, Alex Gonzalez, signed a deal with the Toronto Blue Jays for 2010 ($2.75 million) and an option for 2011 ($2.5 million, or a buyout).  The deal could be worth $5.25 million – but only this coming season is guaranteed.  This is a sign that Marco Scutaro is out of town for next year.  Alex, when healthy, can still field his position – though not as well as he once did.  He can hit a little, but not much…  Some power, no control of the strike zone.  So, he’s really a league-average shortstop at best and not a sign that the Blue Jays think they can compete in 2010.  [ESPN]

And, Toronto signed their utility infielder, John McDonald, to a two-year deal worth $3.5 million.  McDonald is still a very dependable fielder in the middle of the infield and last year hit enough to keep his job (obviously).  [SI]

The Chicago White Sox, having lost Scott Podsednik and Dewayne Wise, signed Andruw Jones to a one year deal as a backup outfielder.  Personally, I’m not sure why they would do that – but what the heck…  Let’s look at what Jones did in 2009.

For a couple of months, Jones looked spry again.  He was 5 for 6 as a base stealer and lost a little weight which helped when he was playing the outfield.  He LOOKED smoother out there, but he’s lost more than a step.  As a hitter, he had a great April (.344 with some power and walks) but after that his best month was May (.245) and he was only over Mendoza one more time for the rest of the year (not counting his ten at bats in October).  So, aside from that one month, there was little sign that Jones can be a major league hitter.

And, while his season stats look nearly tolerable (17 – 43 – .214) because of the power numbers in just 281 at bats, he hit .214 in Texas – where everyone is a better hitter (in league average parks, that translates to (15 – 39 – .207).  So, why would you give $500K plus performance bonuses to a guy who obviously no longer has major league talent?  Because at $500K, he’s cheap – and he has a major league recognized name.  [ESPN]

Other News…

Bud Selig’s tenure as commissioner of MLB will likely end in 2012 when he contract is over.  Selig will be about 78 when that happens and when asked to stay longer, Selig reportedly declined.  [SI]

Hall of Fame Watch

The Hall of Fame ballot was released last week.  Here’s a pretty good list…  Of those on the ballot, here’s my picks:  Andre Dawson, Roberto Alomar, Barry Larkin, Fred McGriff, Jack Morris, and Alan Trammell.

I go back and forth on Bert Blyleven.  He was a great pitcher for a lot of years – and on a lot of teams that weren’t necessarily very good (Twins of the 1970s and later in the 1980s, Cleveland and Texas for a while), but he was on other teams that did win (1979 Pirates, 1987 Twins).  He lost the better part of three years to injuries, otherwise he might have easily clipped 300 wins…  He was a workhorse otherwise – a lot of innings, and a lot of other stuff.  He’s not appreciably different than Don Sutton, really, and if Sutton is in, you’d think Bert would get in there.  At the same time, I just never think of him as one of the dominant pitchers of his era – and that’s why I wonder if he’s being left out.  Who was better than Bert in the 1970s and 1980s?  Carlton, Niekro, Jenkins, Ryan to name four, and a lot of guys were better for short stints – Reuschel, Tanana, Richard, Tudor, Saberhagen, Guidry, Catfish Hunter…  Once you start doing that, you think that Blyleven might not be good enough.

Joe Posnanski (SI) lists players he thinks are already on the path to the Hall of Fame.  I buy about seven on that list…

And, Mike Bauman (MLB) thinks that Union Boss Marvin Miller deserves to be there, too…

Happy Birthday! Vincent Edward (Bo) Jackson, one of the most unique athletes of our time, turns 47 today.  Wow.

Others on the list include some of the more interesting names in baseball history…  Alamazoo Jennings (1850), Tacks Latimer (1877) who was one of Rube Waddell’’s early catchers, Win Ballou (1897), Firpo Marberry (1898), Clyde Sukeforth (1901), Steve Hamilton (1935), Craig Swan (1950), Juan Berenguer (1954), Bob Tewksbury (1960), Matt Lawton (1971), Ray Durham (1971), Shane Victorino (1980), and Rich Harden (1981).

Hanley Ramirez back with the Boston Red Sox? Whoo boy! Can you say 'dream come true?'

The Boston Red Sox traded one of their top prospects, shortstop Hanley Ramirez, to the Florida Marlins during the 2005 offseason. Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell came to Beantown in the deal, and both produced for the Red Sox, and helped bring the franchise a championship in 2007. But Ramirez also flourished with the Marlins.

He won the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2006 by hitting 17 homers, 46 doubles, 11 triples, while driving in 59, swiping 51 bases, and scoring 119 runs. The following season, he had 29 homers, 48 doubles, 212 hits, 81 rbi’s, and hit .332 with a .386 on-base percentage, and then after a similar 2008 campaign, he clubbed 24 homers and drove in 106 while batting .342 this past season.

The Red Sox kept an eye on the budding pro-turned-superstar, and with these statistics it’s hard not to. Currently, they don’t have a shortstop. They lost Alex Gonzalez to the Toronto Blue Jays. In response to his departure, they expressed interest in free-agent Marco Scutaro, and talked to the Arizona Diamondbacks about the availability of Stephen Drew. Evidently tired of searching for just average shortstops, they have turned their attention to the 25-year old Ramirez.

Their former top prospect is due nearly $50 million over the next five years, relatively inexpensive given his talent-level. But the Marlins, with a payroll well under $30 million, simply may not be able to afford to hand out that kind of cash. This is where the Red Sox come in. In need of a shortstop, and a franchise that can easily dole out millions upon million like candy, they contacted the Marlins, and the porous franchise apparently listened intently.

“Bill Madden of the New York Daily News writes that ‘the Red Sox are reportedly engaged in talks with Florida about reacquiring the All-Star shortstop.’”

This is music to my ears. Ramirez is only 25-years old and is the best shortstop in baseball. He would shore up a hole that’s been gaping since Nomar Garciaparra left in 2004, and bolster an already formidable lineup. Can you imagine a Jacoby Ellsbury-Dustin Pedroia-Ramirez trio atop their lineup?

To make this happen, the Red Sox would have to give up major-league ready talent, which means starting pitcher Clay Buchholz, and a few of their top prospects–most likely three of shortstop/pitcher Casey Kelly, pitchers Michael Bowden and Daniel Bard, and outfielders Ryan Westmoreland and Josh Reddick. The package would have to be pretty overwhelming, and would presumably deplete their farm, but if they could somehow get the Marlins to take Kelly, Bowden, Westmoreland, and another prospect not named Reddick, Bard, or Buchholz, I would pull the trigger.

Ramirez is a rare talent with power, speed, and plate discipline. The Red Sox have players with power, speed, and plate discipline, but not one with all three attributes. Their roster is old, which could keep their management from giving up an array of touted prospects, but Ramirez’s youth and talent would help them short-term and, given they would still have plenty of players roaming on the farm, allow the Red Sox to stay extremely competitive longterm.

Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein and Owner John Henry watched arch-rival New York win the World Series. This offseason, they have sought out to improve in order to overtake the Yankees. They want to celebrate next year just as New York did this year. Hanley Ramirez could help them achieve their goal.

Pudge Rodriguez turns 38 years old today.

Still a favorite of all Florida Marlins fans, Pudge Rodriguez should go down as one of the greatest players from his era!!

With a resume that includes 1 Most Valuable Player Award, 7 Silver Slugger awards, 13 Gold Gloves, and 14 All-star games, one has to wonder where Pudge ranks in the conversation about the game’s greatest catchers.

Through the 2009 baseball season, Rodriguez has tallied 2,711 hits, 1,308 runs scored, 305 home runs, 1,264 RBI, and he even has 125 stolen bases to his credit.

As he continues to climb towards a few more baseball milestones, it seems like his election into baseball’s Hall of Fame is inevitable.  One thing is for certain:  He has my vote!!!

Happy Birthday Pudge!!!

Who wouldn't love a guy that gets a standing ovation?

Alex Gonzalez is coming back to Toronto. Okay, okay not that Alex Gonzalez. A day after signing Johnny Mac to a two-year, $3 million deal, ESPN.com is reporting the Jays have also agreed to a one-year, $2.75 million contract with the other Alex Gonzalez, who hit .238 with eight homers in 112 games with Cincinnati and Boston last year.

Like his namesake, Gonzalez is also a shortstop, so his signing all but ends the Marco Scutaro era in Toronto, which, as I implied yesterday, is fine by me. Don’t get me wrong — Scutaro is cool and all, but at age 34 and coming off a career-year, he’s due to get waaaay overpaid. I’ll gladly let someone else do that.

Gonzalez will be 33 on Opening Day, having kicked around the majors since breaking in with Florida in 1998. He hit 23 homers in 2003 and added a walk-off in the World Series, which the Marlins won that year, and hit 16 and .272 as recently as 2007 before missing all of the following year with a broken kneecap. Since leaving Florida in 2006, he’s had a pair of stints in Boston and spent two seasons in Cincinnati.

Also of note (and kind of sadly), Gonzalez has a three-year-old son in Miami that’s been in a coma for two years. That really, really sucks. Anyway, all the best to the new man in town, both on and especially off the field.

For me, Thanksgiving is the best holiday of the year. It’s one of the few times of the year when all bets are off when it comes to food. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie.

It doesn’t get any better than that.

Thanksgiving is also the time of year where we give thanks to what we have in life. It’s no different for all 30 teams of Major League Baseball. Each team has something they can be thankful for.

NL East

Philadelphia Phillies: The Phillies should be thankful that they have one of the best GM’s in the game in Ruben Amaro Jr. A GM who doesn’t get nearly the credit he deserves.

Atlanta Braves: The Braves should be thankful the Minor League Player of the Year, Jason Heyward is on his way. The kid looks like a star.

Florida Marlins: The Marlins should be thankful they are getting a new stadium in 2012. Maybe then they can keep their young stars like Josh Johnson

New York Mets: The Mets should be thankful that 2009 is finally coming to an end. 2010 can’t be much worse.

Washington Nationals: The Nationals should be thankful that new GM Mike Rizzo has more of a clue than former GM Jim Bowden

NL Central

St. Louis Cardinals: The Cardinals should be thankful for the fact that they get to watch the best player in the game on a day in and day out basis.

Chicago Cubs: The Cubs should be thankful that after so many years of being labeled “lovable losers,” they are finally dedicated to winning. Whether or not they are making the right moves to win is another story.

Milwaukee Brewers: The Brewers should be thankful that they have an owner in Mark Attanasio, who runs a small market team, but has a big market mentality.

Cincinnati Reds: The Reds should be thankful that Jay Bruce, Drew Stubbs, and Joey Votto are young stars, who should provide a solid foundation for the future.

Houston Astros: The Astros should be thankful that Wandy Rodriguez established himself as a solid No. 2 starter in 2009.

Pittsburgh Pirates: The Pirates should be thankful for the fact that GM Neal Huntington has the team moving in the right direction. The Pirates are making the right moves to compete in the future.

NL West

Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers should be thankful for Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp, who appear to be the foundation of the Dodgers’ offense for years to come.

Colorado Rockies: The Rockies should be thankful that they have one of the best and exciting young teams in baseball. The Rockies have finally figured out how to win in Colorado.

The Giants should be thankful for Lincecum

San Francisco Giants: The Giants should be thankful for being able to watch Tim Lincecum every five days. His unique delivery continues to amaze fans and baffle hitters.

San Diego Padres: The Padres should be thankful that it appears that they will not be trading star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez.

Arizona Diamondbacks: The Diamondbacks should be thankful that Brandon Webb is making progress and looks to be healthy in 2010.

AL East

New York Yankees: The Yankees should be thankful that they are the Yankees. No other team in professional sports has the advantage they have.

Boston Red Sox: The Red Sox should be thankful for their minor-league system, which allows them to trade for players like Victor Martinez and potentially Roy Halladay or Miguel Cabrera.

Tampa Bay Rays: The Rays should be thankful that they have the most athletic team in baseball and after so many years of losing, they have a winner in Tampa.

Toronto Blue Jays: The Blue Jays should be thankful for the fact they got to watch Roy Halladay pitch in a Blue Jays’ uniform for the last 12 years. He will go down as the best player in franchise history.

Baltimore Orioles: The Orioles should be thankful for that after so many years of not having a clue, they are moving in the right direction. Matt Wieters, Adam Jones, Brian Matusz, and Nick Markakis provide a solid foundation for the future.

AL Central

Minnesota Twins: The Twins should be thankful for Joe Mauer. When it is all said and done, I believe he will go down as the greatest catcher of all time.

Detroit Tigers: The Tigers should be thankful for Mike Ilitch. Despite a ravaged economy in Detroit, Ilitch does his best to put a winner on the field in the Motor City.

Chicago White Sox: The White Sox should be thankful for employing Ozzie Guillen. His press conferences have provided baseball fans with hours of comedy. Oh yeah, the guy is a pretty good manager.

Kansas City Royals: The Royals should be thankful that there is only more year left in the Jose Guillen era in Kansas City.

Cleveland Indians: The Indians should be thankful that Grady Sizemore, Carlos Santana, Azdrubal Cabrera, Matt LaPorta, and Shin-Soo Choo provide hope for the future.

AL West

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: The Angles should be thankful for that they have one of the best run organizations in baseball. The job Arte Moreno and Mike Scioscia have done in Anaheim has been impressive.

Seattle Mariners: The Mariners should be thankful for the fact that if they make a couple of solid moves this offseason, they could win the AL West in 2010.

Texas Rangers: The Rangers should be thankful for GM Jon Daniels. His trades and drafting over the last four years have the Rangers poised to make a run at the AL West crown in 2010.

Oakland A’s: The A’s should be thankful for Andrew Bailey. The 2009 AL Rookie of the Year and a great year and should anchor the backend of the A’s bullpen for years to come–or at least until Billy Beane trades him.

I would like to give thanks to all my readers for taking the time out of their days to read my blog. For that, I am truly grateful.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE AND THEIR FAMILIES!!!

Por tiempo hemos aprendido que Hanley Ramirez no es un pelotero de mucho hablar.

Al final de temporada cuando ganó el título de bateo de la Liga Nacional pocas palabras se le escucharon decir a los medios de comunicación.

Ahora que arribó segundo en la votación para el premio de Jugador Más Valioso de su circuito tampoco nada de nada del joven torpedero y toletero de los Marlins de Florida.

Sí esta contento, feliz, afortunado, satisfecho o otro adjetivo es una pura adivinanza.

Lo que muchos seguidores suyos especialmente en la Ciudad del Sol les anda preocupando del acertijo es que sí su silencio es por alguna razón en especifico.

Sencillamente los rumores están volando por los aires floridianos que tanto los Medias Rojas de Boston como los Cardenales de San Luis andan interesados en sus servicios.

El joven Todo-Estrella dominicano desde que llegó a la novena Marlin en el 2006 ha sido la luminaria de este conjunto.

El quisqueyano tiene en su resumé el galardón de Novato del Año de la Nacional; dos veces Todo-Estrella; dos veces Bate de Plata; tres veces Marlin del Año y claro esta su reinato de bateo con .342 de promedio.

Ramírez se convirtió en el primer Marlin en la historia en lograr un título de bateo y solo el cuarto campocorto en la historia de la Nacional en ser un titular con el madero. Antes que Ramírez el último paracorto en obtener un titulo de bateo lo fue en 1960 Dick Groat de los Piratas de Pittsburgh.

Entre los suyos de tierra quisqueyana, Ramirez se unió al exclusivo club de reyes de bateo en Las Mayores a los nombres de Mateo Alou, Rico Carty, Julio Franco, Alex Rodríguez, Manny Ramírez y Albert Pujols.

Ademas de su título de bateo, Ramírez terminó entre primeros diez en alrededor de nueve importantes categorias ofensivas.

Sí no hubiese sido por el super año de Pujols seguramente el natural de Samaná hubiese sido el candidato más fuerte para Más Valioso y hubiese sido el primer Marlin en obtener tal reconocimiento.

El Marlin más cercano antes de esta pasada temporada a tal distintivo lo fué el venezolano Miguel Cabrera en el 2005 y el 2006 que arribó en ambas ocasiones en quinto lugar en la boleta.

Vale señalar que Ramirez ha estado en la boleta de Más Valioso por la ultimas tres temporadas.

Lo que le inquieta a muchos aficionados de los Marlins es sí Ramírez terminará igual que Cabrera. En otro uniforme despues de haber irradiado en el uniforme de los Marlins donde tantas estrellas han pasado y tiempo despues han sido desvanecidos a otros equipos.

Y ojo que como están las cosas por la económia en que andamos viviendo cualquier cambio puede suceder.

El mismo Miguel Cabrera esta siendo ofrecido hoy día como pieza de canje por sus Tigres de Detroit. Muy interesante ver quien toma su contrato actual que le faltan seis años y $120 millones.

También muchos rumores andan revoleteando que los Bravos de Atlanta desean canjear a Javier Vazquez; los Padres de San Diego a Adrian González; los Rangers de Texas a Nelson Cruz; los Mets de Nueva York a Carlos Beltrán y los Cachorros de Chicago a Alfonso Soriano.

Dos ex-Marlins quien sabe si regresan a su antigua hueste floridiana. Tanto Luis Castillo de los Mets como Mike Lowell de los Medias Rojas de Boston están siendo ofrecidos por sus equipos como piezas de cambio.

También andan rumorandose al presente como fichas de cambios entre otros Bengie Molina, Placido Polanco, Marco Scutaro, Rafael Soriano y José Valverde.

De Hanley Ramírez no debe haber sorpresa alguna de los rumores tanto con Boston o San Luis. Ambas franquicias publicamente este pasado verano dejaron saber que sí hubiese la oportunidad de obtener sus servicios las puertas estaban abiertas para negociación.

Los Marlins inauguran su nuevo estadio en el 2012. Estará Hanley Ramírez en el uniforme de Florida ?

El tiempo dirá. Veremos.

Para nadie debe ser sorpresa que Albert Pujols fue electo de forma unánime con el galardón de Jugador Más Valioso de la Liga Nacional.

El inicialista dominicano de los Cardenales de San Luis obtuvo los 32 votos de primer lugar y 448 puntos en la votación de la Asociación de los Escritores de Béisbol de América. Y con mucha razón por su super temporada ofensiva que tuvo con su madero.

El quisqueyano tuvo gran campaña al conectar para .327 de promedio con 47 jonrones, lider en su circuito, y 135 carreras impulsadas. Ademas de encabezar la liga en cuadrangulares tambien lo hizo en carreras anotadas, porcentaje de slugging y en porcentaje de ocasiones en base.

Vale dejar saber que es el primer ganador de forma unánime desde la elección de Barry Bonds en el 2002 en el uniforme de los Gigantes de San Francisco.

Además de Pujols y Bonds, los otros ganadores de forma unánime en la historia de la Nacional lo fueron el boricua Orlando Cepeda (1967), Mike Schmidt (1980), Jeff Bagwell (1994) y Ken Caminiti (1996).

Enhorabuena Pujols debe estar celebrando en grande y también todos sus seguidores. Y también en toda América Latina como gran orgullo y más cuando este reconocimiento de más valioso es uno para la historia.

Con este reconocimiento obtenido este año Pujols estará sumando a su casillero su tercero en su carrera añadiendo los obtenidos de más valioso en las temporadas del 2005 y 2008.

Solamente otros ocho jugadores en la historia han obtenido tan importante galardón en tres ocasiones en sus carreras. El unico otro latino en ese exclusivo club lo es Alex Rodriguez que lo obtuvo en el circuito americano en el 2003, 2005 y 2007.

Barry Bonds es el hombre con más valiosos ganados en la historia con siete elecciones y todas en la Liga Nacional.

Para orgullo latino su elección fue historica ademas por ser la primera ocasión en la historia en la Liga Nacional que dos latinos terminan uno y dos en las votación para el premio de más valioso.

Su compatriota el campocorto Hanley Ramírez de los Marlins de Florida fue segundo con 233 puntos.

Pujols ya sabemos a estas fechas que hizo historia al ser el primero con numeros de bateo de sobre .300, 30 vuelacercas y 100 carreras remolcadas en nueve campañas consecutivas. Muchos se preguntaran que será lo próximo para Pujols.

Sín duda el talento lo tiene para obtener su cuarto más valioso en el 2010 pero la suy personal es llevar a sus Cardenales hasta una Serie Mundial.

Y claro esta cada día y año que pasa cementando su inmortalidad hacia Cooperstown.

El tiempo dirá. Veremos.

EXTRA DEL AUTOR: Para aquellos curiosos en siete ocasiones en la historia en la Liga Americana han quedado uno y dos latinoamericanos para el premio de Jugador Más Valioso.

Adjunto los ganadores con sus segundos. 1965 Zolio Versalles, Minnesota; Tony Oliva, Minnesota 1996 Juan Gonzalez,Texas; Alex Rodriguez, Seattle 1999 Ivan Rodriguez, Texas; Pedro Martinez, Boston 2002 Miguel Tejada, Oakland; Alex Rodriguez,Texas 2003 Alex Rodriguez,Texas; Carlos Delgado, Toronto 2005 Alex Rodriguez, Yankees de Nueva York ;David Ortiz, Boston 2007 Alex Rodriguez,Yankees de Nueva York; Magglio Ordoñez,Detroit

And they’re definitely going to need it.

With third baseman Eric Chavez not expected to return to the field because of lingering effects from a second microdiscetomy surgery, the Athletics signed the 29-year-old McPherson to a minor league contract, complete with an invitation to Spring Training.

Ironically McPherson, once a heralded prospect in the Anaheim Angels’ organization, missed both the 2007 and 2009 seasons because of lower back injuries.

McPherson burst onto the prospect landscape in 2000 after a dominating college campaign at South Carolina’s Citadel. Anaheim drafted him in the second round of the 2001 draft (57th overall) and immediately sent him to the short season Pioneer League. McPherson obliterated the competition, hitting .395 with a .605 slugging percentage in just 31 games.

McPherson took off from there, excelling at each step of the organizational ladder. By 2004, he was one of the game’s best third base prospects and the logical successor to Anaheim’s Troy Glaus.

In 2005, McPherson was given the chance to win the third base job when Glaus opted for free agency and signed a one-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. McPherson stumbled and was never able to replicate his prodigious minor league power. His season was truncated because of a hip injury, the first notice of a disturbing trend that has earmarked McPherson’s career thus far.

With the dynamic Chone Figgins forcing his way into the lineup at third base, McPherson found himself out of the Angel’s plans in 2006. He spent most of the season toiling in Triple A and played in just 40 games with Angels, where he once again struggled to make consistent contact.

Because of a bulging disc in his lower back, McPherson underwent vertebrae fusion surgery at the end of the season.

He missed all of 2007. He was released by the club eight days before Christmas.

In 2008, a 27-year-old McPherson signed a minor league deal with the Florida Marlins worth $500,000. The power that had tantalized big league scouts returned, and a shot at the team’s major league roster seemed imminent. In 127 games with the Albuquerque Isotopes, McPherson led the Pacific Coast League with 42 homeruns and batted .275, drove in 98 runs, and scored 94 more.

It seemed like McPherson had gone from big-time prospect, to nothing, to big-time (albeit, highly suspicious) prospect once again.

But just like that, McPherson was nonchalantly released.

And after another year lost to injuries, we, the baseball consuming public, find ourselves talking about Dallas McPherson once again.

There’s no denying that McPherson is a special player when he’s healthy: twice in his prolonged minor league career he’s clubbed 40 homeruns in a season; four times he’s posted slugging percentages over .600.

But the truth is, McPherson’s rarely healthy. To honestly promote him as an insurance policy for Eric Chavez…well, it’s like saying, “In 2010, the Oakland Athletics will be replacing egg shells with balsa wood.”

It’s hard to figure out exactly what the Oakland Athletics are hoping to get from this signing. Whatever it is, it’s almost certain to be an even mixture of promise and disappointment with a splash of unreliable.

The Athletics need an insurance policy for their insurance policy.

Getting all but one first place vote, Joe Mauer became the fifth Minnesota Twin to win the AL MVP.  Hitting .365, playing gold glove worthy defense behind the plate.  It’s hard to argue with the selection – I can’t, he was my pick, too – because there just aren’t that many players like this guy.  Mauer decided to take advantage of the count when he it was in his favor and added power, enough to lead the AL in batting, on base percentage, and slugging percentage.  Amazing, really…  [ESPN and others...]

Tom Verducci had a vote and explains it for Sports Illustrated…

Ken Rosenthal discusses his vote for Fox Sports…

The real challenge will be this offseason or next when the Twins have to try and keep Mauer around, especially since Mauer has to be worth about $20 million per season on the open market.

And in Other News…

Omar Vizquel signed a one -year deal with the Chicago White Sox.  Vizquel expects to be a mentor to infielders Alexei Ramirez and Gordon Beckham.  [ESPN]

The Nationals say that Stephen Strasburg, who missed his last start in the Arizona Fall League, won’t need surgery on his twisted knee.  Dcctors say it’s a dislocation of the joint and he just needs some rest.  [SI]

The Associated Press released notes suggesting that Ken Griffey Jr. could earn as much as $3.9 million after incentives for the 2010 season.  [ESPN]

The Cubs signed lefty reliever John Grabow to a $7.5 million, two-year deal.  Grabow is a solid eighth-inning guy (though he can pitch in any inning from 5 through 9) who earned the contract after a year with 70 appearances for both Pittsburgh and Chicago.  However, personally I’d be leery of anyone coming off a career high in appearances and a career ERA over 4.00…  [SI]

Cuban Aroldis Chapman has fired his agent, signing with the Hendricks Brothers, agents who represent players such as Andy Pettitte.  Edwin Mejia, of Athletes Premier International, had helped Chapman escape from Cuba, setting up residency in Andorra so that Chapman couldn’t be drafted and would be signed as a free agent.  One expects a lawsuit for tampering in the very near future.  [ESPN]

Look for Roy Halliday to play out the string for Toronto, knowing that he will either be traded or become a free agent after the 2010 season.  Toronto brass fully expect Halliday to hit the road.  [ESPN]

The Marlins and pitcher Josh Johnson couldn’t iron out a deal, and per ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick, it’s because Johnson wants a fourth year if he signs a long-term contract.  The Marlins are prepared to deal with arbitration, but tried to get Johnson to sign a three-year deal.  Johnson was trying to get a deal similar to the four-year, $38 million deal the Royals gave Zack Greinke.  [ESPN]

Speaking of Marlins named Johnson, the ESPN rumor mill has Nick Johnson getting plenty of interest in the free agency market.  Johnson had a .477 OBA after arriving in Florida in a late season trade with Washington.  Among the suitors?  Boston, Washington, the Mets, Giants and Orioles.  [ESPN]

Let’s stick with stories about my fish…  Former Angels prospect and Marlins minor leaguer, Dallas McPherson, signed a minor league deal with the Oakland A’s.  At 29, McPherson is past his prospect days and has missed two of three seasons with back problems.  [ESPN]

Finally, Peter Gammons compliments the management of the Marlins for winning with a payroll that, over four years, has spent less money – nearly a third less – than the Mets spent in 2009.  [ESPN]

Quick Hits…

Jermaine Dye says he is open to playing first base.  I’d be more worried about how his production fell apart after the all-star break, so this is just something to make him seem more valuable on the free agent market. [MLB]

After signing Chris Capuano and John Halama, two pitchers who have missed time due to injury and really haven’t been on the MLB radar in two or three years, the Milwaukee Brewers are showing interest in Carl Pavano.  There just aren’t enough 4.50 ERA guys with bad backs and shoulders to go around, I guess…  [MLB]

Happy Birthday!

Hall of Famer Joe Medwick was born on this day in 1911.  Joe never liked his nickname “Ducky”, which was shorted from “Ducky Wucky”, which might help explain his surliness…

Others celebrating with cards, cake, or rememberances include:  George Burns (1889) – a fine lead off hitter with the Tigers back in the day…, Billy Rogell (1904), Danny Ozark (1923), Jim Northrup (1939), Fred Beene (1942), Steve Yeager (1948), Randy Velarde (1962), Cal Eldred (1967), Ben McDonald (1967), Al Martin (1967), Dave Hansen (1968) – who could probably STILL lace a single pinch hitting for the Dodgers right now…, and Joel Guzman (1984).

Tim Beckham; Photo from Wikimedia Commons

We have plenty of hot stove news for your Tuesday morning. I’ll be back later with a breakdown of the WKU early recruiting class. I will hopefully crank out another post today, but I will be traveling so it might be this evening.

• Jim Callis of Baseball America writes while the Rays won’t admit it publicly they know they should have drafted Giants top prospect Buster Posey over 2009 Hot Rod Tim Beckham with the first pick in 2008.
• Former Lexington Legends manager Tim Bogar will serve as the Red Sox’s third base coach in 2010 after being passed over for the Astros’ managerial job this offseason.
• Carrie Muskat of MLB.com writes Louisville-native Dan Uggla is probable too expensive for the Cubs, and she answers a question in her mailbag about UK alum Chris Rusin.
• Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports the Marlins are almost 100 percent certain they will keep infielder Jorge Cantu. That likely further ensures arbitration-eligble Uggla is on his way out of cost-cutting Florida.
• Ken Rosenthal and John Paul Morosi of FoxSports.com report the Reds have to decide if they are willing to let 2009 Louisville Bats Drew Stubbs and Chris Heisey man the outfield in 2010 before they offer a contract to slugger Jonny Gomes.