On this date four years ago, Trevor Hoffman set a new career saves mark when he retired Ryan Doumit, Jose Bautista, and Freddy Sanchez of the Pirates in order. His 479th save moved him past Lee Smith and into first place on the all-time list, a spot he still holds today with 600 career saves on the nose. Other than Mariano Rivera and the soon-to-retire Billy Wagner, no active closer is within 310 saves of Hoffman's mark.
Here's a collection of links from the last week of the baseball blog world…
- The Hardball Times takes an in-depth look at the legal implications of the Johnny Cueto–Jason LaRue brawl that led to LaRue's retirement.
- Disciples of Uecker checks in with the players the Brewers traded for C.C. Sabathia back in 2008.
- Pittsburgh Lumber Co. looks at how the Pirates bullpen has performed since trading away some key pieces at the deadline.
- The Process Report follows up a previous post and explains how Jose Lobaton continues to help the Rays even though he's never played a game for them.
- Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness breaks down the Dodgers' options with Russell Martin.
- Red Sox Beacon tries to figure out what Boston should do with David Ortiz.
- Amazin' Avenue audits Omar Minaya's front office.
- Crashburn Alley discusses the genius of Charlie Manuel.
- Drunk Jays Fans looked at the merits of Rays' bench coach Dave Martinez as a potential Cito Gaston replacement.
- Feeling Dodger Blue says Tim Wallach should have gotten the Dodgers manager job over Don Mattingly.
- A Fan's Opinion plans out the Angels offseason.
- DesigNate Robertson does the same, but for the Tigers.
- Lookout Landing guesses at the Mariners' 2011 payroll.
If you have a suggestion for this feature, Mike can be reached here.
With plenty of other things to worry about, whether Russell Martin comes back or not, who cares? We have already entered into what is probably the worst Dodger off-season EVER.
The LaRue article was interesting. How far would one have to go in a brawl for it to be considered too far and punishable in a court of law? The court ruled that in a similar case (found in the article) that beaning, even intentional, is an inherent risk and that risk is assumed by all who participate.
What if a batter manages to intentionally hit the catcher with his bat during a swing. Maybe it is not so overtly done but after reviewing replay it appears that the batter’s intent was to hit the catcher. Would the batter face criminal charges then? After all, sometimes batters do hit catchers in their back swing.
They’ve had this issue in the NHL for years. The precedent is probably found there.
Regarding the Jose Lobaton situation in Tampa, the Cincinnati Reds had already done the same thing with Jose Arredondo. When it comes to finding loopholes in the rulebook, no one beats Cincinnati. Here are some examples:
refuting the waiver claim on Bobby Livingston in 2006
the drafting of Matt Fairel in the 2008 amateur draft
signing Yonder Alonso and Yasmani Grandal to Major League contracts without an option in either of their first years as a professional
the signing of Juan Duran as an amateur free agent
adding Jose Arredondo to the 40-man roster and putting him on the 60-day DL in the same day
. . . and I can think of a few more off hand. They really know what they’re doing, and I’m surprised more teams aren’t taking after them.
Horrible write-up on the CC trade guys. Brantley has been “terrible” in the MLs? um….has this guy been living under a rock? brantley struggled early in the year, but just had a 19 game hit streak snapped. He’s been one of the best AL rookies in the second half of the season….and he’s only 23. Probably going to be the Indians leadoff guy next year (or at least by the All-Star game). May actually push Grady to LF even.
Agree some on LaPorta, though no way I take Gamel over him. LaPorta’s defense at 1B has really improved to the point where he should be ML average in a year or two. He does need to show more power…..being healthy should help (had offseason surgery and wasn’t healthy when the season began).
I’m a huge Bryson fan. Even if he’s not a closer and only becomes a right-handed Matt Thornton, that’s value. Relivers end up Type A’s all the time. I’d argue a great setup man is actually more valuable than a closer.
Jackson was a throw-in. Tribe needed to replace CC in the rotation as they just flat out needed a body. Jackson filled that role for a short while.
Tribe got 2 ML starting hitters and a solid 7th/8th inning relief prospect for 4 months of CC…..plus, the Tribe wouldn’t have gotten 2 first rounders. Remember, the Yanks gave up their 1st rounder to the Angels for Teix…..the Brewers got stuck with only a 2nd rounder. Ouch.