On this date in 2004, Mike Piazza hit his 352nd career home run as a catcher, moving him past Carlton Fisk for the most homers hit by a player at the position in baseball history. Right-hander Jerome Williams of the Giants was the victim. Piazza retired after the 2007 season with 427 long balls to his credit, 396 of which came while donning the tools of ignorance. Here are this week's batch of links…
- 1 Blue Jays Way interviewed Blue Jays shortstop prospect Adeiny Hechavarria.
- Phoul Ballz interviewed former big leaguer Mark Parent, manager of the Phillies' Double-A affiliate.
- Amazin' Avenue comes up with a plan to enhance competitive balance by realigning the divisions.
- M.C. Antil, meanwhile, wonders where all the bad teams went.
- Lasorda's Lair muses on some of Frank McCourt's recent comments.
- Cubs Billy Goat Blog thinks it may be time to let balls and strikes be called electronically.
- Royals Review says the decision making behind Eric Hosmer's call-up is flawed.
- Kings of Kauffman looked at the debuts of some other notable Royals throughout the years.
- Harness The Halo wrote about the recent influx of young players into the Angels' roster.
- Through The Fence Baseball feels Heath Bell could be just what the Rangers need.
- Crashburn Alley says the Phillies should sign Jimmy Rollins to a short-term extension right now.
- The Friarhood tackles Anthony Rizzo-mania in San Diego.
- Red Sox Beacon takes a quick look at John Lackey's career with the Red Sox.
- The Flagrant Fan wants to know if it's time to worry about Chris Carpenter.
- Tomahawk Talk explains why the Braves should trade Derek Lowe.
- Ivy Report wonders if the Cubs should look into trading Marlon Byrd.
- Fenway Faithful Report believes the Red Sox should have signed Scott Downs instead of Bobby Jenks.
- Splashing Pumpkins looks at Sergio Romo's hot start.
- Houston Hot Bed wrote about Brett Wallace's interesting path to the majors.
- Nolan Writin' doesn't understand a recent Rangers' roster move.
- MLB Draft Insider posted an updated mock of next month's amateur draft.
- Beer Leaguer says the 1992 White Sox could have beaten the Springfield Power Plant club.
If you have a suggestion for this feature, Mike can be reached here. Only one email per week, please.
id do Bell straight up for Profar if i am hoyer
Easy Philip, easy lol
I highly doubt the Braves trade Lowe during this season. They may however trade him this offseason.
It just doesn’t make any sense to trade him now. He is pitching as well, if not better than he ever has as an Atlanta Brave. The only reason the Braves will be in the playoff race this year is because of their pitching.
What people fail to realize is that SP depth can easily turn into a weakness with an injury or two. Don’t fix what isn’t broken.
The Braves have all the pieces they need for a quality offense, especially with the way that McLouth has played since he was dropped to the 8th spot in the order. What they need is their players to play to their career norms and they will be an above average offensive team.
Their biggest need right now is their bench. They only have two players who are good MLB bench players – David Ross (the best backup catcher in MLB) and Eric Hinske.
Last year, their bench was a major factor in their success, this year however it is their Achilles heel.
Didn’t the Springfield Power Plant club have Daryl Strawberry? the 1992 Chi Sox wouldn’t stand a chance.
What a mind-blowing shocker: Royals Review had something negative to say? No effing way, for realz?