It was on this day in 1995 that the Yankees hired Joe Torre as their manager. Torre was something of a questionable hire at the time, given that he had already been fired in three previous managerial jobs and had a losing record (894-1003) as a bench boss. Needless to say, he turned that reputation around in the Bronx — Torre won four World Series championships, six AL pennants and 10 AL East titles as the Yankees’ manager, leading them to the postseason in all 12 of his years with the team. This success paved the way for Torre’s induction into the Hall of Fame last summer. Here’s this week’s look around the baseball blogosphere…
- Camden Depot reminds everyone that despite Adam Jones‘ playoff struggles and free-swinging ways, he’s still an excellent player.
- Inside The Zona believes the Diamondbacks should offer A.J. Pollock a contract extension this offseason.
- Beisbols Org thinks Chihiro Kaneko could provide more value in MLB than his better-known Japanese counterpart Kenta Maeda.
- Blue Jays Plus is critical of the Jays’ trade of Adam Lind for Marco Estrada.
- Emerald City Swagger looks at Justin Smoak‘s disappointing Mariners career.
- Rays Colored Glasses doesn’t blame Joe Maddon for taking the Cubs’ managerial job.
Please send submissions to Zach Links at ZachBBWI@gmail.com.
Excellent is a bit of a stretch…. strikes out a ton and barely walks, he is pretty good though
He is a good player, but he is the type of player that drives me crazy. He swings at everything, yet still has a decent line. He is like Alfonso, someone who is great now, but once he ages that is going to catch up to him.
Expecting good players to draw walks in this era is becoming futile. The strikeouts are more of an issue for Jones. He won’t compensate the way Trout can.
Would like to see the Yankees sign Kaneko. He sounds like he could be a Kuroda/Iwakuma type (better than most scouts believe he’s be in the U.S.). Shouldn’t be too expensive.
Well it says Kaneko would be better value above unless your referencing something else that he’s a better pitcher.
It’s impossible to be pleased with the Lind for Estrade trade from a Jays’ perspective.
Right. Sure Lind is only a platoon bat, but he is a really good one. Give me that everyday over a questionable backend starter.
*everyday there’s a left-handed starter! Haha
Well I hope the Angels at least look at maybe signing Kaneko…. We need any pitching we could get and, he sounds like he could be a decent back end of the rotation starter or a long reliever if starting does not work out. Also the Angels likely lack the money to sign higher priced starters such as Maeda and Kaneko might come semi cheap.