February 2006
Koby’s Coming Soon…
Yep, it’s true! Yesterday, during Astros’ batting practice, Poppa Clemens buzzed his own son- almost put him on his you know what. On the pitch before the brushback, Koby leaned into a very friendly fastball and with a flick of the wrist lifted it high over the leftfield wall. Then, as a sign of ultimate respect, the Rocket orchestrated some chin-music, knocking his son off the plate. The few fans and media in attendance broke into laughter. When asked what he had said after receiving his father’s calling card, Koby laughed,
"I said, ‘I hit the ball good, hit it out of the ballpark, and the next pitch is up and in, what’s the deal? We were joking with it. We just jab at each other once in a while."
"That was probably one of the harder fastballs I cut loose," the elder Clemens said. "He got my attention. I wish he was around for Round 3 when I was really hot, but for some reason he didn’t come back."
Read About
Koby Clemens & other famous children
of baseball legends
who are playing in the minor leagues
Kaz’s Competition
The count is 0 and 2 and Kaz Matsui has one more chance before he fades into major league oblivion. Hot on Matsui’s heels are youngsters Anderson Hernandez, Jeff Keppinger and long in the tooth Bret Boone. It appears that the switch-hitting Anderson Hernandez has the best shot of the three contenders at unseating Mr. Matsui.
In one of Omar Minaya’s underrated deals, Anderson Hernandez came to the Mets in early 2005 from the Tigers for backup catcher Vance Wilson. It was perfect timing— Vance was at the end of the line and Hernandez had finally mastered A-Ball pitching after 3+ years there. Between 2002-2004, Baseball America rated Hernandez as the Tigers best defensive infield prospect, but it wasn’t until he came to the Mets that he showed he could handle the bat in the upper echelons
of the minors. In 2005, splitting time between AA-Binghamton and AAA-Norfolk, Hernandez hit .314 with 9 HRs and 54 RBIs in 534 AB. Hernandez is a better hitter from the left side of the plate, but because of his Punch-and-Judy style of hitting, there isn’t much of a difference when he bats righthanded. Partly because his bat speed is average at best, he likes to go the opposite way on most fastballs.
Hernandez was originally a shortstop but has adapted well to second base. He has excellent range,
extraordinary arm strength, and soft hands. His concentration needs to improve, mental lapses contributed to many of his 23 errors last year in the minors. Hernandez has shown potential as a base stealer, but has trouble getting good jumps. Last season he stole 35 bases, but was also caught stealing 18 times. With all-time stolen base leader Rickey Henderson in camp, Hernandez should improve on the basepaths.
After 5 professional seasons, Hernandez finally seemes to be learning better plate discipline— While playing second base in winter ball for the Dominican Republic League Champion Licey Tigers, Hernandez struck out only 19 times in 172 AB while garnering 12 Walks. His 
improved patience helped him hit .302 and lead the Licey club into the Carribean Series Champonship, where he teamed with Angels’ hot-shortstop prospect Erik Aybar to form a dazzling defensive-duo up the middle. He had the winning hit in the opening game and demonstrated great poise throughout the rest of the series. Overall, he hit .333 (10-30) with a home run, a triple, and six runs scored.
Even if Matsui or Boone emerge as the starter at second base, Hernandez’s defensive wizardry and flexibility (plays short and second) give him a good shot at making the Met’s roster this spring. But, with veterans Chris Woodward and Jose Valentin in camp- it is more likely he will end up beginning the year at AAA, where he will have to play mostly shortstop because of second baseman Jeff Keppinger’s presence.
Carl The Cabbie
Hall of Fame Moment
Original
"Take Me Out To The Ballgame"
Manuscript
Click On Photo To Enlarge
*Notice that the famous baseball ditty was a ‘crossout’ away from being known as,
"Take Me out To The Ballgame, Take Me Out To The Rank"
Click below to listen to rare versions of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" & "The Umpire"
Sung by Phil Rizzuto, Roy Campanella, Tommy Heinrich and Ralph Branca
Care of Golden Records (Arthur Shimkin)
The Invention Of The Catcher’s Mask
There was a time before catcher’s masks, an era when catchers wore tightly wound rubberbands around their teeth to protect from getting them knocked out. As with any popular new past time, baseball evolved quickly. Cincinnati Red Stockings’ founder and shortstop George Wright began to use a mouthpiece in the 1860′s. He patented it and made a pile of money selling his mouthguard on the open market. While many catchers were saving teeth, there wasn’t much they could do for the rest of their face, until the mid-1870′s. That’s when a few fellows at Harvard started talking about making a mask that would change the catching position forever.
The popular tale begins in 1875 with a late season game between arch-rivals Harvard and Yale. Somewhere in the early innings, Harvard pitcher Harold Ernst came to bat. As the first pitch approached he jumped back, startled by the extreme new swerving movement on the ball as it crossed the plate. Ernst struck out on three pitches. The rest of the Harvard lineup also seemed to be swinging at air. Ernst watched Yale pitcher Charles Avery’s throwing motion very closely for the rest of the day. Yale went on to easily defeat Harvard for the sixth time in their last seven meetings. After the game, Ernst knew that to be one of the best he would have to learn the delivery of this tantalizing pitch. In the off-season he went about teaching himself how to throw what we now call the curve ball. The effects of Ernst’s offseason work were immediate. On opening day in 1876, throwing as many curves as his elbow could stand, Ernst no-hit the powerhouse Lowell, Massachusetts club. He led Harvard to a 25-12 record that season and established himself as one the pioneers of pitching.
The curve ball was considered by most players and spectators as the best new pitch in baseball- but also the riskiest. Catchers everywhere were having a heck of a time holding on to pitches, causing a rise in errors as well as a rise in mangled jaws and noses. Harvard catcher Howard Thatcher wasn’t returning for the 1877 season, but he had helped to prepare James Alexander Tyng (man with mustache in photo to the right) as his replacement. Tyng was Harvard’s best all-around athlete and would later go on to become the first Harvard alum to play in a major league game (1879 Boston Red Caps). Like Thatcher before him, Tyng was having a terrible time catching Ernst. His face was taking a beating and he was becoming increasingly worried about permanent disfigurement. This safety concern prompted Player/Manager, Fred Thayer (man with hat in photo to the right) to consider how to boost Tyng’s confidence and protect his face:
"In one or two games in which he caught behind the bat, he had been hit by foul tips and had become more or less timid. He was, by all odds, the most available man as catcher for the season of ’77, and it was up to me to find some way to bring back his confidence,"
Fred Thayer
Thayer had been brewing an idea for a while, ever since some dugout chats he had once held with former catcher Howard Thatcher. Back in 1875, after Thatcher had taken a few too many foul tips to the noggin, the two men had discussed how to better protect a catcher without impeding his visibility. Realizing he could no longer sit on the idea, Thayer decided a fencing mask provided the closest blueprint to what they needed. In the winter of 1876 he hired a local tinsmith to construct a "bird cage" mask with padding in the chin and forehead area. During practices Tyng and Thayer experimented and revised the mask several times until they got it just right for Tyng’s face. On April 12th, 1877 James Tyng became the first man to wear a catcher’s mask in a professional game. The reaction in the media was mixed to say the least:
"The new mask was proved a complete success, since it entirely protects the face and head and adds greatly to the confidence of the catcher, who need not feel that he is every moment in danger of a life-long injury. To the ingenious inventor of this mask we are largely indebted for the excellent playing of our new catcher, who promises to excel the fine playing of those who have previously held this position."
Harvard Crimson
"There is a good deal of beastly humbug in contrivances to protect men from things that don’t happen. There is about as much sense in putting a lightning rod on a catcher as a mask."
Unknown SportsWriter
Thayer received a patent for the mask in 1878. Later in the year, A.G Spalding and Brothers Company, the leading sporting goods dealer in the country, began selling the Thayer Catcher’s Mask for $3.00 in their catalogue. Slowly, catcher’s started to use it, but it wasn’t until 1879 that sales took off because of a rule change that did away with the one bounce rule. It was now necessary for a catcher to catch a two-strike foul tip in the air in order to record an out. With catchers moving closer to the batter in order to take advantage of this new ordinance, the catcher’s mask became indispensible. Although Fred Thayer received the patent, it should be noted that both Howard Thatcher and James Tyng also layed partial claims to the invention of the first catcher’s mask.
Click Here To See The Evolution
Of The Catcher’s Mask Since 1876
Fantasy Pitching Preview -Part II
Winning or losing a fantasy baseball title usually comes down to small margins. Last season who would you rather have had, Cliff Lee or Carl Pavano? Pavano was drafted on average in the 8th round. Lee was mostly going after the 10th round. That solitary pick right there could be the difference maker in your fantasy destiny. Every draft has those intriguing players who don’t have a long track record of success, whether because of injury or youth, but are primed for breakthrough seasons. These guys are the sleepers in a draft and are the subjects of daily fantasy debates. Their true value lies hidden in the future, behind the murky statistics that can easily mislead an aloof fantasy owner. In part two of INSIDE PITCH’S Fantasy Preview we continue our look at the potpourri of pitchers on the cusp of stardom. Who will become the Jon Garland or the Chris Carpenter of 2006? Here now is an in depth look at three more pitchers who could turn into fantasy studs come this spring.
Scott Kazmir (Tampa Bay Devil Rays)
Mets’ fans are still squawking over the 2004 trade that sent their
best minor league pitcher to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Two years later,
Mets’ fans may get even more upset as Scott Kazmir continues his
ascension into baseball’s pitching elite. Kazmir possesses a 94-96 mph
fastball and a sharp, tilting slider that can be unhittable when
hitters are hacking (174 K’s in 186 IP in 2005). The problem for Kazmir
comes when batters lay off his breaking stuff. He must become more
efficient with his slider if he wants to go deep into games. The key
though to his breakout success will be the harnessing of his changeup.
When Kazmir is able to throw that pitch consistently for strikes, he
will turn into one of the top three lefties in the American League (AL).
Round To Draft
7th Round
Managers
will stack their lineups with as many righthanded hitters as possible
this season when Kazmir is on the mound. Lefthanded hitters best chance
might be to try and draw a walk. Last season lefty’s hit .175 with only
one home run against him. If he can get his pitch counts down by 15-20
pitches a game he could top 200 K’s for the season- a feat only two
pitchers in the AL accomplished in 2005. With a potentially explosive
offense behind him, Kazmir could win 15-17 games this season and
establish himself as the first dominant starter in the Devil Rays’
short history. Look for this young gun to go anywhere between rounds 7
and 12. Reaching for him in the 6th round should still net you great
value by season’s end.
John Patterson (Washington Nationals)
A long lying seed has finally sprouted! John Patterson, 28 years
old, could be this year’s Chris Carpenter— a hard throwing, highly
talented righty who had a devastating arm injury and whose former team
gave up on him because they had grown impatient with the rehabilitation
process.
Patterson, was originally drafted out of high school with the 5th
overall pick in the 1996 amateur draft. He was part of the baseball
signing-bonus revolution that mega-agent Scott Boras initiated. Boras’
ridculous bonus requests caused the Expos to not tender Patterson a
contract within 15 days, making him a free agent. He signed later that
year for the fourth largest signing-bonus in baseball history ($6.075
million) courtesy of the Arizona Diamondbacks. He made steady
progress over the next three years in the minors, but blew his elbow
out and missed the entire 2000 season. By 2003 he was finally
regaining some of the lost speed on his fastball, but Arizona had grown
tired of waiting for their ‘bonus baby’ just as Toronto had with
Carpenter earlier that year. So, while St. Louis made a great deal to
steal Carpenter, the Nationals were quietly robbing the D’Backs of
Patterson (traded for little used reliever Randy Choate).
Round to Draft
8th Round
The
late emergence of John Patterson began last year when he held hitters
to a .233 average in almost 200 IP. Patterson had 185 K’s in 2005 and
benefitted greatly from pitching his home games in hurler friendly RFK
stadium. His arsenal centers around a 90-92 mph fastball with great
late movement. He likes to punch guys out with his drop-dead curve that
he offsets with a hard slider. Like Kazmir, his improving changeup
could be what pushes him into the pitching elite. In 2005 he was a
fantasy darling and among the top ten in the National League (NL) in
several categories, including: 9th in ERA (3.13), 10th in K’s (185) and
8th in Batting Average Against (.233). While Patterson is not a secret
anymore, he will still slide into the 8th or 9th rounds in most drafts
because of his past arm woes. If you feel another fantasy owner is as
excited as you at the prospects of adding Patterson, then take him in
the 7th round and watch the other owner boil!
Matt Cain (San Francisco Giants)
This guy could be the absolute pitching steal of a fantasy draft.
The Giants drafted him with their first pick in 2002. At just 21
years old, he is the second youngest player in the majors (Felix
Hernandez is 19). In three professional seasons, except for a minor
elbow injury in 2003, Cain has breezed through the minors. Like most
young pitchers he is still learning to control an impressive
repertoire. Cain dominates hitters with some serious heat (95-96 mph)
early in games, but must develop a third pitch and continue to refine a
potentially deadly curve.
Round To Draft
14th Round
In 2005 Cain showcased his mighty arm with seven late season starts.
He dominated hitters with a 2.33 ERA and a 0.93 WHIP. Overall, batters
hit .151 against him. There won’t be any September call-ups to face
come this April, but the Giants believe he is ready for Prime-Time.
Playing in the weakest division in baseball, the NL West, Cain should
be able to pad his fantasy stats in inter-divisional play. There isn’t
a scout out there who doesn’t speak highly of Cain’s potential. The
question is can he hold up for an entire major league season? Look for
the Giants to treat him very carefully if his past elbow tenderness
returns. But, if his endurance can stand up, Cain could be the NL
Rookie Of the Year in 2006. Most fantasy owners won’t even consider
Cain until after the 15th round, somewhere between the 16th and the
25th. I say grab him in the 14th or 15th round and revel as he propels
the Giants into the playoffs.
Next Up:
Potential Closers
Carl The Cabbie
Fantasy Pitching Preview
It’s that time of year again- spring training is within sight and fantasy baseball scouts are knee deep in player value-meters. We all know where most of the top guys will be drafted— it’s more a question of taste on whether to draft guys like Oswalt, Carpenter, Prior… but what about the pitchers who will hit fantasy paydirt for the first time. Here are three guys that should definitely be drafted! The question is how low can you get them?
Felix Hernandez (Seattle Mariners)
Without
a doubt, he is the best bet to breakthrough as a dominant starter in
2006. Even though he’s only 19, he already posseses a high-nineties
fastball and an absolutely devastating curve. While he learns the
ropes, he can shut many teams down purely by overpowering them.
Incredible composure and an improving changeup give him a legitimate
shot at being one of the top three pitchers in the American League
(AL). Pitching in Safeco, the best pitchers park in the league, will
also help Felix to keep a low ERA and WHIP. In 2005 he went 4-4 with an
2.67 ERA and a miniscule 1.00 WHIP in 12 late season starts. He struck
out 77 in 84 IP and batters batted .203 against him.
Round To Draft
4th round
Felix
is a top 50 player, which means he shouldn’t drop past the 5th round
(in a traditional ten team league). Personally I wouldn’t wait that
long. If he is the first pitcher you draft, you’ll be very happy.
Francisco Liriano (Minnesota Twins)
Don’t
be deceived by Liriano’s high ERA (5.70) in six late season games with
the Twins. This guy could be the real star of the A.J Pierzynski/Joe
Nathan deal. Liriano is a lefthanded power pitcher with solid control
of three pitches. If he pitches over 150 Innings, 200 K’s are a strong possibility. He struck out 33 in 23.1 IP for the Twins in 2005. His out pitch
is a slider that’s slippier than a Torino ski jump. He sets his slider
up with a mid-nineties fastball and a tantelizing changeup that should
only get better after a few dugout chats with Johan Santana. Batters
hit .221 against him.
Round To Draft
11th round
Unlike
Hernandez, Francisco didn’t have gaudy late season statistics. He also
pitches in a hitters’ delight—the Metrodome. If you have a lot of nervous
nellies in your league, you might be able to steal Liriano in the
middle rounds, somewhere between the 12th and 17th round. But, If you
want to be sure you get him, I wouldn’t wait any longer than the 11th
round.
Noah Lowry (San Francisco Giants)
Lefties
hit .213 against Lowry in 2005. In the second half of the season,
Lowry was clearly the Giants’ best starter and one of the top pitchers
in the National League (NL). In 15 post all-star starts he went 8-4
with a 2.43 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP while hitters swung a paltry .217 against
him. Lowry uses a plus 90′s fastball and a tight curve to set hitters
up for one of the better changeups in the major leagues. With a little
better command and a healthy Barry Bonds, don’t be surprised if Noah
wins 17 or 18 games.
Round To Draft
8th Round
A
lot of Fantasy GMs want a longer track record than Noah provides. However, good lefthanded
starting pitching is scarce in the NL. Lowry should rank right up there
with other top NL lefties Chris Capuano, Doug Davis, Mark Mulder and
Andy Pettite. I wouldn’t wait past the 8th round if you want Lowry.
He’s a solid number two starter for your fantasy rotation.
ON DECK:
Scott Kazmir
John Patterson
Matt Cain
Carl The Cabbie
Hall of Fame
The Story
Of The First
Catcher’s Mask
Leading with Lombardi
Super Bowl XL is upon us, and coaches Mike Holmgren and Bill Cowher are busy preparing their teams for battle in the National Football League’s main event. Come Sunday- the scouting, the practicing, the strategizing, the game planning will be done, and all that will be left for the coaches to do could be the most important job of all. The job will be to stir the troops, rally the spirit, to lead their men out of that locker room believing with every ounce of their hearts and souls that they are going to win. As the pre-game hysteria culminates, there will be a moment just before the player introductions, deep in Ford Field beneath the din of Super Bowl madness, when the two coaches will be faced with a final golden opportunity to leave a lasting impression- some inspired words that can spur their team into football immortality… Helluva responsibility! My advice to Holmgren and Cowher is, if you get a little tongue-tied before the big speech, remember, you can always call on Lombardi. A little Vince goes a long way.
Vince Lombardi Quotes:
"Desire"
"A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe
in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication,
the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little
things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it
can be done."
"Teamwork"
"Teamwork is what the Green Bay Packers were all about.
They didn’t do it for individual glory. They did it because they loved
one another…"
"Teams do not go physically flat, they go mentally stale."
"Discipline"
"Mental toughness is many things and rather difficult to explain. Its qualities are sacrifice and self-denial. Also, most importantly, it is combined with a perfectly disciplined will that refuses to give in. It’s a state of mind-you could call it character in action."
"Winning"
"Winning isn’t everything–but wanting to win is."
"Winning is not a sometime thing: it’s an all the time thing. You don’t win once in a while; you don’t do the right thing once in a while; you do them right all the time. Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing."
"Preparation"
"They call it coaching but it is teaching. You do not just tell them…you show them the reasons."
"The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender."
Then Click On Audio Player
To
Listen To Vince Lombardi
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