1990 Score Darryl Strawberry

The 1990 Score design is a classic one.  Nice, neat, and with the team logo being prominent.  And while the bold Kelly-Green border may not work for most baseball card sets, it is just fine for this issue!

1990 was Darryl’s last season with the New York Mets.  During his 8-year tenure in ‘The Big Apple’, Straw earned Rooke of the Year honors, was a 7-time All-star, and World Series champion.  His numbers while playing for the Mets included 252 home runs, 733 RBI, 662 runs scored, and 191 stolen bases.

After the 1990 season, Strawberry took his talent to the Los Angeles Dodgers(his home town team).  He gave the Dodgers 1 All-star season, but he was never able to replicate what he did while calling Shea Stadium his home.

‘Same Card, Different Paths’ – Card #22

1967 Topps - Card #581 – AKA – ‘The Tom Seaver Rookie Card’

Bill Denehy - Denehy’s career lasted 3 brief seasons.  He appeared in 49 games and finished his career with a 1-10 record along with 1 save.  His high ERA of 4.56 coupled with his 63:61 K:walk ratio assisted in his quick exit from the big leagues.

Tom Seaver – Seaver was a Rookie of the Year winner, a 3-time Cy Young award winner, and a member of the 1969 World Series Champion New York Mets.  His Hall of Fame resume includes 311 wins, a career 2.86 ERA, 3,640 strikeouts and being a 12-time All-star.  Seaver was one of the most dominant pitchers in the 1970’s – and he deservedly earned the nickname ‘Tom Terrific’!

Well even though it’s almost BCS bowl time and the NFL is getting into crunch time! it’s still the dawn of basketball season (especially in this town ROCK CHALK) anywaaay! Alot of people are getting into hoop mode with winter leagues starting and me being a very high draft pick? lol!  it’s time to lace em up for the first time in years! PROBLEM i dont have any basketball shoes i mean REAL BASKETBALL SHOES so i’ve been on a quest to find the my favorite BASKETBALL SHOE OF ALL-TIME! DUN-DUN-DUNN!

(the allen iverson reebok  answers 1 with dmx technology man!)

So as i started to hear talks about A.I retiring i started to reflect on some of favorite my childhood memories of one of the GREATEST basketball players to ever lace a pair of sneakers! he changed the game PERIOD! (i hope he comes back to philly and ends his career there it’s only right)

(i am not even gonna say nothing about that one! lmmfao)

(and a.i went so hard on a track i gotta re go in on this beat for old times sake)

1990 Topps Darryl Strawberry

I have documented several times on this blog my dislike for the 1990 Topps design.  But every once in a while, I find a card from that set that actually appeals to me.

This is one of those times…

See what I mean?

While still containing the components of what I don’t like about this card’s design, it is not overwhelmed by them.  I love the full-body action shot that Topps gave us of Darryl.  And the colors work very well as the Mets’ team colors are incorporated throughout.   Of all of the design elements on the card, my favorite would be the Orange stripe that borders the picture on both the left and top.  Just that little flash of Mets’ Orange does a great job of tying the card and its color scheme together…

On this day in 1961, Billy Williams was awarded with the Rookie of the Year award in the National League.

In that ‘61 campaign, Williams starred in 146 games for the Chicago Cubs.  And once he earned that starting job in left field, he kept it for fourteen years!!!

During his ROY season, Williams hit .278 while collecting 147 hits.  In a display of his all-around offensive skills, ‘Sweet Swinging Billy Williams’ connected for 20 doubles and 25 home runs.  He also scored 75 runs while driving in 86.  And amazingly, as a 23-year old rookie, he only struck out 70 times in 584 plate appearances.

Happy Anniversary Mr. Williams!!!

1974 Topps League Leaders Card Starring Jim Palmer & Tom Seaver

This card celebrates the incredible seasons that both Jim Palmer and Tom Seaver had during the 1973 major league baseball season.

Each player led their leagues in ERA.  Palmer led the American League with a low 2.39.  And not to be outdone, Tom Seaver led the National League and the majors with a mighty impressive 2.08.

Two of the best pitchers from the 1970’s on one baseball card.  And a perfect addition to my Jim Palmer player collection!!!  

Oh, and just to close the circle, each of these great pitchers won the Cy Young award in their respective leagues that year.  For Palmer, it was his first of three.  And for ‘Tom Terrific’, it was his second of three awards.

1986 Fleer Superstar Special with Darryl Strawberry & Tim Raines

What can I say, this is a card featuring two of my favorite players from my favorite baseball era – the 1980’s!!

The card’s theme is ‘Instant Offense’ and I don’t know if a better title could have been established for these two All-star players.

Both Strawberry and Raines were multi-faceted players whose offensive skills were some of the best in the league.  With blazing speed, home run power, and great control at the plate, there was nothing that these guys couldn’t do to ignite offense!!!

Another great card in my Darryl Strawberry player collection has found a new home!!!

Just days after major league baseball named its American League MVP, I received a signed baseball from the 1988 winner.

Jose Canseco’s popularity and stranglehold on the hobby were at an all-time high in 1988.  The MVP was part of the most dynamic offensive team in baseball and his 40+ home runs and 40+ stolen bases during that 1988 campaign put him into elite status.

So when I read about the signing at www.sportsgraphing.com, I jumped at the chance to get his autograph and decided to go with an inscription that was as rare as his incredible feat.  Now seeing the ball in person, I know that I made the right decision!!!

Pretty sweet huh???

Another great autograph added to my growing signed baseball collection.  And if you’re keeping track at home, this signed Canseco ball is #17.

Hit the jump to find this week’s more notable releases.

• NOFX – Cokie The Clown
• Artist vs Poet – Damn Rough Night
• Various Artists – Wrecktrospective
• Rookie Of The Year – Since I Left Your World
• Dot Dot Curve – Your Ears Will Beeping Bleed

Chris Wood has been named Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year after his debut season on the European Tour. This talented youngster, who is sponsored by J Lindeberg, has had a great first year and has found himself placed 71st on the Official World Golf Rankings. Wood’s also finished 44th overall in the recent Race To Dubai Championships with earnings of just over €675000 which helped secure the title. The future looks promising for this talented 22 year old and with a brand name such as J Lindeberg backing him, who knows what next season will hold!?

Visit TrendyGolf.com to see the latest J Lindeberg Collection!

… Dave R  from the blog ‘Dinks And Dunks’!!!!

Here is how the scoring broke down:

Tim - Andrew Bailey, Andrew McCutchen, Zack Greinke, Chris Carpenter, Joe Mauer, Derek Jeter(2nd), Albert Pujols, Chase Utley(2nd)  8

WickedOrtega - Matt Wieters, Chris Coghlan, Zack Greinke, Chris Carpenter, Joe Mauer, Ben Zobrist(2nd), Albert Pujols, Hanley Ramirez(2nd)  9

Jordan - Matt Wieters, JA Happ, Zack Grienke, Chris Carpenter, Joe Mauer, Derek Jeter(2nd), Albert Pujols, Raul Ibanez(2nd)  6

Dan - Andrew Bailey, JA Happ, Zack Greinke, Adam Wainwright, Joe Mauer, Mark Teixeira(2nd), Albert Pujols, Ryan Howard(2nd)  9

Charles Beatley - Andrew Bailey, Chris Coghlan, Felix Hernandez, Adam Wainright, Derek Jeter, Joe Mauer(2nd), Albert Pujols, Ryan Howard(2nd)  6

unclemoe - Andrew Bailey, Chris Coghlan, Felix Hernandez, Tim Lincecum, Joe Mauer, Mark Teixeira(2nd), Albert Pujols, Ryan Howard(2nd)   11

Dave R - Andrew Bailey, Chris Coghlan, Zack Greinke, Tim Lincecum, Joe Mauer, Mark Teixeira(2nd), Albert Pujols, Ryan Howard(2nd)    13

BroadStreetBully - Gordon Beckham, JA Happ, Zack Greinke, Chris Carpenter, Joe Mauer, Mark Teixeira(2nd),  Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder(2nd)  7

Congratulations Dave!!!  With a score of 13 out of a possible 14 points you aced this years ‘Pick the Award Winners’ contest!!!

Please send me your mailing address so I can get your prize out to you.

Oh, and just in case you were wondering, I did very well predicting the Award winners too.  A perfect 14 our of 14 for ‘30-YOC’!!!!  Too Sweet!!!!

‘Same Card, Different Paths’ – Card #19

1970 Topps - Card #189 – AKA – ‘The Thurman Munson Rookie Card’

Thurman Munson - An 11-year veteran and 7-time All-star, Munson’s life and career were tragically cut short when he passed away at the age of just 32.  A Rookie of the Year and MVP Award winner, Munson was a fan favorite for the New York Yankees.  He was a solid all-around player that had a knack for making key defensive plays while also driving in runs and hitting home runs.  Munson was a member of the Yankees championship teams of 1977 and 1978.

Dave McDonald – McDonald played in just 33 games between 1969-1971.  McDonald has 6 career hits, 1 of which is a home run.  He also drove in 6 runs while scoring 3 himself.

As we leave baseball’s awards season, how did the writers do, as judged by my picks? Pretty well.

AL ROY: Andrew Bailey. I picked Bailey second and Elvis Andrus first. The writers flipped them. Tough to complain too strongly.
NL ROY: Chris Coghlan. Here was my biggest gap with the writers. I picked Andrew McCutchen, who only came in 4th. I didn’t put Coghlan in the top 3. Batting average appeared to rule all in this pick.
AL Cy Young: Zack Greinke. He won with ease, which was the only thing that surprised me.
AL MOY: Mike Scioscia. I wanted Ron Gardenhire to win, but Scioscia was not a bad pick. In particular, holding his team together after Nick Adenhart’s death deserved recognition. I’d have placed him third, behind Gardenhire and Joe Girardi.
NL MOY: Jim Tracy. The obvious pick won easily.
NL Cy Young: Tim Lincecum. I picked Lincecum and have since wondered if I was wrong. Given the closeness of the vote, the writers agree that this was a tough pick. Given the controversy over votes for Dan Haren and Javier Vazquez, both of whom had great years, I think the Cy Young ballot should be extended to 5 names. This makes easier to honor very good years that have been overlooked, and it would have done nothing to change the outcome of the voting.
AL MVP: Joe Mauer. My only complaint is that he was not unanimous. I am very pleased at how easily he outdistanced Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira. I thought it would be closer.
NL MVP: Albert Pujols. I realize this has not happened yet, but I suspect the world might stop spinning on its axis if Pujols lost. The only question: Will he be the first person this awards season to win unanimously?

The writers and I were basically on the same wavelength. I don’t know if that is a compiment to either side, but it happens to be true this year.

After four years in Los Angeles, I am finally back home in The Bay. In my opinion, The Bay Area is simultaneously one of the most under and overrated locations for all of hip-hop. On the one hand, the hyphy “movement” has unfortunately given most outsiders an image of bay area rap that consists of a bunch of ignant ass dreaded motherfuckers, dancing outside of their moving cars while yelling about being so stupid doo doo dumb, that they need to bust out their bike helmets. This has resulted in a strong belief that Bay Area music is cornier than Nebraskan shit, and is unworthy of seasoned ears. While I see where some of y’all are coming from, it’s just wrong. The Bay has birthed the careers of great commercial and underground MC’s, Producers, and DJ’s. Anyone who claims that E-40, Mac Dre, Too $hort, Hieroglyphics, Blackalicious, The Living Legends, Zion I, Rick Rock, E-A-Ski, Traxamillion, Dan The Automater, DJ Q-Bert, Mix Master Mike, and Peanut Butter Wolf has nothing to offer to the world of hip-hop, has absolutely no clue what the fuck they’re talking about. At the same time, there are many Northern Californians who exclusively listen to Bay Area music, which I also think is ridiculous. They may have never heard a verse from Royce Da 5’9”, but they would treat you like a four year old speaking out of turn if you didn’t thoroughly believe that The Jacka’s Tear Gas was one of, if not the best album of 2009. Jaka’s shit was dope, and I strongly believe that you should proudly rep where you’re from on a regular basis, but only listening to artists from a specific geographical region is just way too limiting.

Now that I’m once again living in the birthplace of independent rap, thank you Too $hort, I am trying to get back into the local music scene, and see who from The Yay has the skills to impress hip-hop fans regardless of where they are from. While chances are the clearance rack won’t give you something completely up to date, it is a really good, low risk way of giving some local MC’s and Producers a chance. That’s why when I saw Ya Boy’s 2005 debut album, Rookie Of The Year, for $2.99, I went for it.

Ya Boy – Bad Company ft. Bailey (Produced by Sean T)

I remember that when this album came out, it was something that I had legitimate interest in owning. Ya Boy is the cousin of San Francisco legend, San Quinn, and in the early millennium started dropping verses with San Quinn’s group Fully Loaded, which consisted of Big Rich, Bailey, and Don Toriano. In 2004 Ya Boy released his first single “16’s With Me” which sampled Darth Vader’s Theme from Star Wars, and became a local hit. Additionally, he had West Coast hip-hop forums and websites buzzing like a kid smoking hookah for the first time, largely due to the fact that Dr. Dre labeled him as “the beginning of the next episode of West Coast fury”. Then I heard YB’s “100 Bars of Crack” over Dre’s “Nothing But A G Thing” instrumental, and his mixture of wordplay and cockiness convinced me that I should support his music. Yet somehow I never got around to picking up the CD, and as a result he slowly faded off of my radar.

Practically 5 years later, the music on “Rookie of the Year” contrasts strongly with last Spring’s “We Run LA”, Ya Boy’s ultra hipster single that blazed Los Angeles air waves, but sounded more fit for a designer clothing store that stains and rips your pants before you get a chance to do so yourself. For those of you that have listened to that pile of hot garbage, or remember that YB ghostwrote Kevin Federline’s entire album, you would probably be shocked to hear that “Rookie of the Year” is straight gangster. If you’re looking for anything beyond punchlines about drugs, guns, stuntin, and ho’s I would suggest that you listen to a different record.

“Rookie of the Year” starts off well. The Introduction track is a nice slap produced by one of The Bay’s best sample based producer, Rob Lo. Unfortunately the verses are too short for Ya Boy to fully get into the zone, and as a result lyrically, it is pretty unimpressive. Still, it somehow inspires hope that the album will turn out to be a memorable one. The Rick Rock produced “Step Ya Game Up” is a good example of Rick’s unique take on the Hyphy movement. It’s the type of high energy music that makes you want drive at 120 miles per hour, get out of the car and throw bricks through windows, rather than pop a thizz and dance the night away. On the flip side there’s “We So Cold” featuring E-40 and Turf Talk. Produced by Droop-E, E-40’s son, this song displays the much more danceable side of hyphy. At 17 years old Droop-E produced three tracks on the album, which is pretty god damn impressive, especially when considering their quality. My favorite is the sparse “Fly As This” featuring The Team’s Clyde Carson, who ended up affiliating himself with The Game right around the same time Ya Boy did as well. The track sounds simple but actually has a fair amount of elements, and when the extra heavy kicks get added in towards the end of each verse, it just bleeds The Bay Area sound.

Ya Boy – Fly As This ft. Clyde Carson (Produced by Droop-E)

On a MC stand point, Ya Boy is consistently average. He knows how to ride the beat, although he rarely if ever tries to experiment with different flows. Additionally, his most impressive quality is his ability to craft legit punch lines. Unlike other punch line rappers such as Ras Kass and Chino XL, Ya Boy doesn’t try to grab your attention by being outrageous and offensive. Instead, his punch lines utilize surprisingly impressive imagery, which is probably best exemplified in “Bigger Than Drama” ft. Messy Marv. On the other hand, he saves his best punchlines for when he goes toe to toe with Roscoe, Kurupt’s younger brother and a real spitter, on the generically titled “The Hardest”. Yet if I had to choose a favorite track it most likely would be “Bad Company” featuring Ya Boy’s cousin Bailey. Both rappers come solid lyrically, and their family connection creates a great sense of chemistry. At the same time, the best part of the track is the beat. It was produced by the under acknowledged bay area vet Sean T, who made a career producing for San Quinn and Messy Marv, but most famously did the beats for Mac Dre’s “Feeling Myself” and Mistah F.A.B.’s “Ghost Ride It”. The track manages to feel triumphant, laid back, and harder than calculus all at the same time.

While the album shows some serious promise, Ya Beezy makes the rookie mistake of including 20 tracks on the disc. I don’t know if I can think of a single record 20 songs deep that is consistently enjoyable from start to finish. “Rookie of Year” is definitely not one of them, largely due to the fact that by the time you’ve reached track 10, there is absolutely nothing new on the disc. Ya Boy doesn’t include a single story or concept song, and has the classic problem for most gangster rappers, which is a complete lack of vocabulary. Additionally the second half of the album is when the no name producers start showing up, which only makes each track sound more generic and unmemorable. “Not For Free” hints at the rapper that would eventually release “We Run LA”, although I find it funny that The Bay is the only place where pretty much every rapper claims that beezies pay them to fuck. All in all, while the second half appears to be a much lamer version of the first half, the real problem with “Rookie of the Year” is that for the most part all of Ya Boy’s verses are interchangeable. If the second verse of “Wuts Good” was switched with the third verse of “Something To Rap About” no one would notice, and in my opinion that’s a lazy way to approach an album.

Ya Boy – The Hardest ft. Roscoe (Produced by Davey D Cohn)

In short “Rookie of the Year” is not the album that will convince a naysayer that the bay is worth listening to, but there are a few tracks worth repeating. Ya Boy shows promise as an up and comer, but he seems to lack the hunger that would force you to believe that he was going to be a factor in the rap game. On the other hand, if being a factor in the rap game today means making tracks like “We Run LA”, as a fan of music I’d much rather Ya Boy stay underground and keep churning out that gangsta shit.

The only pitcher to win Rookie of the Year, the Cy Young Award, and MVP  was Don Newcombe of the Dodgers.

**factoid courtesy of ‘Armchair Reader – Grand Slam Baseball’

My take - At first when I read this, I thought it was in the same year – and my jaw literally dropped.  Even though this is a career accomplishment, and not a single-season one, it is still incredibly impressive.

Credit:YGSECRET2NE1@youtube.com

AWESOME BLACKJACKS!!! wooot woooot!

1989 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice Darryl Strawberry

I am in no way able to criticize art.  My 3-year old son’s art skills surpassed my abilities quite some time ago.

I can, however, provide you with my opinion on what I find visually appealing, and this card from the 1989 Upper Deck set makes the cut!!

While I have no intention of bashing the artist or artists behind the Donruss Diamond Kings work, I personally find the work issued by Upper Deck to be more superior.  Coming from a vintage guy that grew up hoarding Diamond Kings, that says a lot!!!

Thoughts??  Opinions???

Naomi Bush is the latest addition to an impressive list of freshman to play for UMBC. After averaging 2.48 kills per set, hitting .233, while having 68 digs, 29 blocks, and 10 service aces, she became the fourth Retriever in five years to win the Rookie of the Year award. She joins Sarah Ball (2005), Ashley Oscars (2006), and Alyssa Lang (2008) on the list of award winners.

Lang though though build on her rookie of the year performance last season with a second team all-conference year as a sophomore. This year she led the team with 232 kills (3.14 kps) and is second on the team with 186 digs (2.51 dps). She had eight double-doubles and 16 service aces.

The third Retriever to earn post-season honors was Ali Loynachan, who joined Bush on the all-rookie team. Though she missed seven games in the middle of the season she led the team in hitting percentage (.257). She had 132 kills (2.13 kps), 69 digs, 36 blocks, and 14 service aces.

Centerfielder Colby Rasmus worried hitting coach Al McRae early in the season by insisting that he was just trying to differentiate between his "regular" and "power" swings.

Cardinal center fielder Colby Rasmus expressed disappointment today after taking time to reflect on his 2009 season. Rasmus admitted disappointment after finishing the year with a lower batting average, fewer home runs and less RBIs than his character in the game MLB 2K9. Rasmus finished his virtual season early in June of 2009 and was hoping that his positive results in the game would translate into success on the field.

“People put a lot of time into these games to make them look and feel as realistic as possible,” said Rasmus, “I thought that how my character performed at the virtual Major League level would let me know how smooth my transition from the minors would go.” Rasmus began his 2K9 season in early February after waiting in line for 7 hours before the midnight release of the game.

“I understood striking out the first few times in the majors, but I thought once I got the hang of the timing, bat speed, and the pitcher’s movements that my batting average would be more reflective of the .837 that my avatar predicted.” Rasmus finished the year with a .251 batting average, which though respectable for a rookie, was far below his anticipations.

“I was really looking forward to a 234 home run, 467 RBI, and 78 stolen base season. I think that would have definitely secured me more votes for Rookie of the Year, and possibly MVP depending on how Albert did,” Rasmus continued, “I thought the majors were just a lot easier than the minors and my numbers would skyrocket when I got here. I was really looking forward to a home run every other at bat or so, but man, real baseball is a lot harder than 2K9 makes it out to be.”

Rasmus also expressed concern about the production of team as a whole. “We weren’t the 160 win team I thought we’d be. I figured we might drop a game or two until we figured out how to get the pitches in the zone and figure out the controls. There would definitely be some gaffs when we accidentally bunted instead of swinging away and threw to the wrong base a few times, but man, I never thought we’d lose a game after the first month or so.”

“Production was way down across the board. Carpenter and Wainwright didn’t combine for over 800 strikeouts and their ERAs were both over 1.00. I really didn’t think they’d be that far away from what their virtual selves depicted, but they both had decent seasons despite have almost double their predicted ERAs and failing to pitch 10 no-hitters apiece. Albert managed to put together another MVP caliber season, but I fully expected him to almost match my numbers and at least triple the home run record.” Rasmus was most taken aback by the fact that the Cardinals were defeated in the NLCS instead of finishing the playoffs with a World Series victory in 11 games. The Cardinals were also expected to outscore their opponents this season 2,745-43.

“I think that my numbers were down because I had to split time with Rick Ankiel. In my season, that guy didn’t see an inning,” Rasmus did have complimentary reports for one member of the Cardinal’s squad. “Jason LaRue played in 51 games this year and that’s way more than I played him. He also had 2 homers and that’s about 2 more than he had the entire season.”

Rasmus is focused on making his 2010 season more closely resemble his video game numbers, but voiced concern about a dip in production after switching the difficulty from “Easy” to “Normal.”

We’re only a few weeks into this NBA season, and already we’re seeing some interesting developments:

Last week, LeBron proclaimed that he will (probably) change his number next season. Before I tell you why he’s right and why he’s wrong, watch his explanation:

I definitely understand LeBron’s intentions here. Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player on the planet, and he has had more of a global impact on the game than anyone. Still, having respect for a guy is not necessarily a great reason to change your number. So, if he dons the number six jersey as he plans, then has a deep conversation with Bill Russell one day, will he then change his number again? I mean, Russell does have a record 11 NBA titles in thirteen seasons (eat your heart out, Robert Horry), and I don’t see that record falling anytime soon…not in today’s salary-strapped NBA. In addition, he was player-coach for the last two titles, and the league’s first black head coach. THAT’S the kind of guy that everyone should respect.

LeBron himself said that he idolized Jordan at a young age, as do lots of kids that grow up watching basketball. My gripe is that as a grown man, you shouldn’t still be wearing #23 because your idol wore that number, anyway. Unless the guy was your dad…or there’s some other meaning behind your jersey number, it shouldn’t be that important. Personally, I think players should be more like Ron Artest, changing numbers every couple of years. I’m sure the NBA wouldn’t mind that much, as those die-hard LeBron fans would have to buy jersey after jersey to keep up so they can keep idolizing their favorite player. Accordingly, grown men shouldn’t wear another grown man’s jersey. It’s just kind of lame to me to see some out-of-shape fan squeeze into a Kobe Bryant jersey. Seriously man…you could’t pull that look off on Halloween.

Lastly, that’s the type of call that has to come from David Stern and the league. When I think of an entire league retiring a jersey number, I think of Jackie Robinson. Nothing against Jordan, but Jordan wouldn’t be who he is without Jackie Robinson…or Sweetwater Clifton. Notably, Magic Johnson agrees with LeBron on the matter.

- With a win in Houston Tuesday night, the Suns have started off 10-2 with the NBA’s best record. Nash looks great right now. He’s turning it over a lot, but he always does. Amar’e Stoudemire and Leandro Barbosa aren’t exactly impressing me (or my fantasy basketball team), but Channing Frye is playing great basketball, fitting in much better than Shaq ever did. His ability to space the floor makes it much easier for Amar’e to work inside and for perimeter players to drive to the hoop.

- Speaking of Shaq, his positive effect isn’t obvious to me yet in Cleveland. They did manage to beat Orlando, but that probably had more to so with Mo Williams actually playing well, something he couldn’t do in the playoffs last year. The biggest impact I’ve seen Shaq make this year was on Gilbert Arenas’ fiance. Of course, I was eager to see the first Wizards-Cavs game since the rumor broke, but Shaq was out tonight with a bum shoulder. Even though Gil is a nice guy, I don’t know how calmly one can take such large-scale rumors about the biggest clown in the NBA smashing the mother of your two (soon to be three) children. Add Delonte’s issues and the fact that LeBron still isn’t talking about his destination next season, and that’s a lot of drama. Maybe LeBron will give the Browns a chance. I silently think they traded Braylon Edwards away to make him happy.

- Earl Boykins is back in the league, and he just made Mo Williams look stupid, running circles around him late in the game. Earl is a hell of a pickup for the Wizards bench — I’m somewhat surprised he was still floating around and available. He’s a proven bench spark plug, and could probably help any team in the league.

- In contrast, Iverson might be able to hurt every team in the league. When the Grizzlies waive you, that’s what you call rock bottom. As I previously stated, Iverson could have played his way into the starting lineup. Still, it’s probably for the best. I think AI would be wise to chill out for a little while, stay in shape, and hope some team looking for an extra boost to make a playoff run takes a chance on him.

- Can we name Brandon Jennings the Rookie of the Year now, or do we have to wait? I say we should just do it now — just to relieve some of the pressure on Blake Griffin when he comes back. I willmake a bold stament (and by bold, I mean not very bold at all) and say that the ROY will definitely NOT be Hasheem Thabeet.

photo by Samara Pearlstein

A TRAVESTY!

FredFred finished third in the RoY voting, behind the winner, Andrew Bailey of the A’s, and Elvis Andrus of the Rangers. Sure, Bailey had a sub-2 ERA, and Elvis Andrus is wicked cute, but did either of them come straight up from single-A because they were desperately needed by the big league club and then live up to that frankly impossible situation and somehow manage to avoid traumatizing themselves for the future by reprising Jeremy Bonderman’s 2003 season? THAT’S RIGHT, I DIDN’T THINK SO.

Sure, Bailey had a WHIP of 0.88, and Andrus is adorable, but did either of them take down a raving Kevin Youkilis and live to tell the tale with hardly a scratch on them? Does either one of them have THE THIRD at the end of his name? YEAH. DIDN’T THINK SO.

Whatever, Rookie of the Year voters. Whatever.

Justin Verlander also failed to be awarded by MLB, coming in third in the Cy Young voting. But the winner this year was Zack Greinke, who was better than everyone in the entire world, so I am not complaining.

On the Hot Stove front (can we call it the Hot Stove yet?), there has been some light chatter between the Tigers and the Mariners, regarding Edwin Jackson and what “sources” are calling “minimum-salary pitching” in exchange. I guess that’s interesting, kind of, but the Mariners may not be able to retain King Felix after 2011 and have shown interest in dudes like John Smoltz (6.35 combined ERA in ‘09), so I think they’re just feeling out as much pitching as they possibly can right now.

By Mychael Urban / MLB.com

11/16/09 3:24 PM EST

OAKLAND — A’s right-hander Andrew Bailey got the call from New York at 12:30 p.m. ET on Monday and was told to “keep it under wraps.”

He assumed, however, that it was safe to let his parents in on the secret: His rise from Minor League obscurity to Major League limelight turned historic when he was named the American League’s 2009 Rookie of the Year.

“My dad couldn’t believe it,” Bailey told MLB.com by phone shortly after the announcement. “He had been reading all these articles about who had voted for who, and everyone kind of thought Elvis [Andrus of the Rangers] was going to win. So when I told him, he was like, ‘No way. Are you kidding? Really?’

“When I called my mom, she just started laughing. And then she started crying.”

Andrus, Texas’ acrobatic 21-year-old shortstop, finished second in the voting, which was carried out by selected members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.

Bailey, 25, posted 26 saves — no other AL rookie reliever had more than two — with a 1.84 ERA, also the best among AL rookies. He was listed first on 13 ballots submitted by two writers in each AL city, second on six and third on five to score 88 points, based on a 5-3-1 tabulation system.

Andrus, who batted .267 and led AL rookies in hits (128), runs (72), triples (8), total bases (179) and stolen bases (33), placed first on eight ballots, second on six and third on seven for 65 points — one point more than Tigers righty starter Rick Porcello (14-9, 3.96 ERA), who was first on seven ballots, second on eight and third on five for 64 points.

A’s lefty starter Brett Anderson finished sixth in the voting, picking up one second-place vote and one third-place vote.

“There were so many rookies who had great years, it’s an amazing honor,” Bailey said while scurrying to the airport for an afternoon flight to Oakland, where he’ll be featured at a press conference Tuesday at 10 a.m. PT.

“And I think it’s really cool that we had two guys in the mix, with Brett being kind of a darkhorse. He had an incredible year, too.”

Bailey is the second Oakland closer to win in the past five elections; Huston Street won it in 2005. Other closers elected were Gregg Olson of the Orioles in 1989 and Kazuhiro Sasaki of the Mariners in ‘00. Yankees pitcher Dave Righetti was a starter when he won the award in ‘81.

“I kind of thought Andrus was going to win, too,” Bailey said. “He was awesome, and he plays every day.”

Including shortstop Bobby Crosby’s honor in 2004, this marks the third time in six seasons that an A’s player has won the rookie award and the eighth time overall, tying the Yankees for the most winners in the league.

The National League’s Dodgers — Brooklyn and Los Angeles — hold all-time bragging rights with 16 ROYs.

Moved from the starting rotation to the bullpen at Double-A Midland at midseason in 2008, Bailey didn’t just make a successful transition to relief work. He made the transition look like a breeze.

After dominating during the second half of the 2008 season at Midland, he following suit in the prestigious Arizona Fall League and did the same in his first trip to big league Spring Training.

Named to the 25-man roster in part because projected closer Joey Devine was out with an elbow injury that resulted in season-ending surgery, Bailey was handed a low-stress role in the season’s first several weeks but steadily climbed the ladder of responsibility.

He picked up his first save in early May and eventually took over as the full-time closer, converting his final 21 save opportunities dating to June 17.

“We didn’t give him the job,” pitching coach Curt Young said in September. “He took it.”

Named the Athletics’ lone representative at the All-Star Game in St. Louis this summer, Bailey broke Street’s Oakland rookie record for saves and posted a 6-3 record with a 0.88 WHIP and 91 strikeouts against 24 walks in 83 1/3 innings over 68 appearances. Opponents batted .167 against Bailey, who surrendered 47 hits

“Andrew,” said A’s catcher Kurt Suzuki, “was amazing.”

Bailey, who is sharing an apartment with his fiancée, Amanda, in Hamden, Conn., this winter, said he was “shocked” when he got Monday’s big news.

“It’s kind of hard to believe still,” he said. “It’s crazy. There’s about 100 people trying to get through on my phone right now, so everyone’s pretty excited about it. I really tried not to think too much about it after the season because it was out of my hands. All you can do is put up your numbers and hope that’s good enough.

“I guess this means it was. It’s incredible. I’m still shaking.”

The BBWAA announced the voting for the NL and AL ROYs yesterday, and well, it was interesting.

AL winner: Andrew Bailey RP (Oakland) – He was definitely impressive, was he really that much better than Brett Anderson? Speaking of Brett Anderson, how did he did up with only 1 2nd and 1 3rd place vote? As Rob Neyer points out, Brett Anderson was better (in a fielding-independent world) than either Neimann or Porcello, both of which scored a lot more votes.

NL winner: We can all be a little saddened by the fact that Chris Coghlan OF (Florida) somehow conned the voters to get the win. I mean, are that many BBWAA writers still impressed with a pretty batting average? Apparently so. I would like to be the first to congratulation our 2009 version of the immortal Todd Hollandsworth. Now, how J.A. Happ got more votes than Tommy Hanson will baffle me for quite a while too (and poor ol’ Andrew McCutchen came in 4th! Fourth, people!)