After 16 big league seasons, Curtis Granderson has concluded the Grandy Man can't.
Granderson, who turns 39 in March, spent the bulk of his career in Detroit and then New York with both the Yankees and the Mets. After brief stops with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays and Milwaukee Brewers he finished his playing career with the Miami Marlins. In 138 games last season, Granderson batted only .183 with 12 HR and 34 RBI.
A third round draft pick of the Tigers in 2002, Granderson reached the majors in 2004 but wouldn't become an everyday player until 2006 when the Tigers surprisingly won the AL pennant. Granderson led the AL in triples in both 2007 and 2008 with 23 and 13, respectively. He would earn his first AL All-Star selection in 2009.
Following that season, Granderson was involved in a blockbuster trade which sent him to the New York Yankees. The trade also involved the Arizona Diamondbacks who sent Max Scherzer to the Tigers. Granderson had his best season in 2011 when he led the AL in both runs scored (136) and RBI (119) along with 41 HR. He would finish fourth in AL MVP balloting that season. Granderson slugged a career high 43 HR along with 106 RBI in 2012. He would be named to the AL All-Star team both years.
Granderson hit 20 or more HR in each of his four campaigns with the Mets highlighted by his leadership role on the 2015 NL pennant winners.
His one big weakness was strikeouts. In fact, Granderson finished with more strikeouts than hits (1916 to 1800). However, when it came to being a teammate and a goodwill ambassador in the cities in which he played, Granderson made contact each and every time. Granderson earned the Roberto Clemente Award in 2016 and also earned the Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award four times. On that count, the Grandy Man always can.
Friday, January 31, 2020
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
The Astros Will Be Dusty Baker's Biggest Managerial Challenge
The Houston Astros have hired Dusty Baker to be their new manager signing a one year contract with a club option for 2021. Baker replaces A.J. Hinch who along with GM Jeff Luhnow were terminated after being suspended for the 2020 season for the team's electronic sign stealing scandal.
The Astros had little choice but to hire an outsider with unimpeachable credentials. In 22 seasons, Baker's teams have reached the post-season 9 times winning a NL pennant with the San Francisco Giants in 2002. In addition to the Giants (1993-2002), Baker has managed the Chicago Cubs (2003-2006), Cincinnati Reds (2008-2013) and the Washington Nationals (2016-2017). Every team Baker has managed has made the post-season at least once.
This marks the first time the 70-year old Baker has managed an AL team and given the circumstances this will be his most challenging task as a big league manager as they will be scrutinized as no team ever before. For all his goodwill, Baker will be managing MLB's most hated team. They will be booed everywhere they go including in Houston. Even if they win, it will be accompanied with considerable cynicism and if they fall apart nearly everyone will cheer their demise.
Even with Baker's credentials, I can see Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman and Justin Verlander resisting his efforts to lay down the law and go, "OK, Boomer!!!" It doesn't help that Baker has a short leash. It could be the case that Baker knows he is only going to be a caretaker manager with Astros bench coach Joe Espada is waiting in the wings. The current situation rendered it impossible for the Astros to name an internal candidate. Assuming the long term plan is to have Espada manage the team one wonders if things will revert back to the way they were under Hinch will the players ran roughshod. In which case, certain Astros veterans might be biding their time.
Whatever the Astros' plans over the next two seasons there's a very good chance Dusty Baker has placed himself in a no win situation. I wish him all the luck because he will need it.
The Astros had little choice but to hire an outsider with unimpeachable credentials. In 22 seasons, Baker's teams have reached the post-season 9 times winning a NL pennant with the San Francisco Giants in 2002. In addition to the Giants (1993-2002), Baker has managed the Chicago Cubs (2003-2006), Cincinnati Reds (2008-2013) and the Washington Nationals (2016-2017). Every team Baker has managed has made the post-season at least once.
This marks the first time the 70-year old Baker has managed an AL team and given the circumstances this will be his most challenging task as a big league manager as they will be scrutinized as no team ever before. For all his goodwill, Baker will be managing MLB's most hated team. They will be booed everywhere they go including in Houston. Even if they win, it will be accompanied with considerable cynicism and if they fall apart nearly everyone will cheer their demise.
Even with Baker's credentials, I can see Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman and Justin Verlander resisting his efforts to lay down the law and go, "OK, Boomer!!!" It doesn't help that Baker has a short leash. It could be the case that Baker knows he is only going to be a caretaker manager with Astros bench coach Joe Espada is waiting in the wings. The current situation rendered it impossible for the Astros to name an internal candidate. Assuming the long term plan is to have Espada manage the team one wonders if things will revert back to the way they were under Hinch will the players ran roughshod. In which case, certain Astros veterans might be biding their time.
Whatever the Astros' plans over the next two seasons there's a very good chance Dusty Baker has placed himself in a no win situation. I wish him all the luck because he will need it.
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
The Palestinians Aren't Interested in Trump's Peace Plan - Or Anyone Else's
People who may be inclined to criticize President Trump's long awaited Middle East peace plan because the Palestinians rejected it out of hand ought to keep in mind the Palestinians always reject peace plans with Israel.
If Palestinians genuinely wanted peace with Israel there would be no BDS movement which demands the return of all Arab lands and the right of return of Palestinian refugees who unlike any other refugees in the world can be born and raised in the United States.
If Palestinians genuinely wanted peace with Israel the Palestinian Authority and Hamas would not name schools, streets and soccer fields after those who murder Jewish civilians.
If Palestinians genuinely wanted peace with Israel they would acknowledge Israel's existence.
The only way I can see Trump's peace plan having any viability is if the Arab states bring pressure to bear on the Palestinians. The Arab states have been friendlier to Israel in recent years given the common threat of Iran so it could be of some help. But even if they do they won't necessarily present a united front. I suspect most Arab states won't recognize Israel beyond pre-1967 borders which would be a complete non-starter for Israel.
Trump's peace plan might help him domestically in that it would put his potential Democratic presidential rivals of defending the Palestinians as Elizabeth Warren has already done (she claims it offers no real hope for a Palestinian state) and I'm sure Bernie Sanders will do as will Joe Biden given his historically difficult relationship with Benjamin Netanyahu. While most Jews will vote Democrat, there might be enough Jews sufficiently uneasy with the Democrats' increasingly pro-Palestinian position to either vote for Trump or stay home on Election Day.
Although Trump's peace plan is more sympathetic to Israel than most I'm sure it will go to the same place all others before it have gone - nowhere. That's because the Palestinians are happy right where they are wallowing in false victimhood instead of being in awkward position of running a failed state.
If Palestinians genuinely wanted peace with Israel there would be no BDS movement which demands the return of all Arab lands and the right of return of Palestinian refugees who unlike any other refugees in the world can be born and raised in the United States.
If Palestinians genuinely wanted peace with Israel the Palestinian Authority and Hamas would not name schools, streets and soccer fields after those who murder Jewish civilians.
If Palestinians genuinely wanted peace with Israel they would acknowledge Israel's existence.
The only way I can see Trump's peace plan having any viability is if the Arab states bring pressure to bear on the Palestinians. The Arab states have been friendlier to Israel in recent years given the common threat of Iran so it could be of some help. But even if they do they won't necessarily present a united front. I suspect most Arab states won't recognize Israel beyond pre-1967 borders which would be a complete non-starter for Israel.
Trump's peace plan might help him domestically in that it would put his potential Democratic presidential rivals of defending the Palestinians as Elizabeth Warren has already done (she claims it offers no real hope for a Palestinian state) and I'm sure Bernie Sanders will do as will Joe Biden given his historically difficult relationship with Benjamin Netanyahu. While most Jews will vote Democrat, there might be enough Jews sufficiently uneasy with the Democrats' increasingly pro-Palestinian position to either vote for Trump or stay home on Election Day.
Although Trump's peace plan is more sympathetic to Israel than most I'm sure it will go to the same place all others before it have gone - nowhere. That's because the Palestinians are happy right where they are wallowing in false victimhood instead of being in awkward position of running a failed state.
Monday, January 27, 2020
Reds Reportedly Sign Castellanos; D'Backs Acquire Marte From Pirates for Prospects & Pool Money
Two significant moves in MLB today. First, free agent outfielder Nicholas Castellanos has reportedly signed a 4-year, $64 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds. This development was followed by the news the Pittsburgh Pirates traded outfielder Starling Marte to the Arizona Diamondbacks for two prospects and $250,000 in international pool money.
Castellanos had spent 6½ seasons with the Detroit Tigers including a 101 RBI campaign in 2017 during which he also led the AL in triples. But Castellanos received more attention during his two months in a Chicago Cubs uniform last summer than he did for his entire tenure in a Tigers uniform. In 51 games with the Cubs, Castellanos, who turns 28 in March, hit .321 with 16 HR and 36 RBI. His combined 2019 stats saw Castellanos finish with .289 with 27 HR and 73 RBI. To put those numbers in perspective, Castellanos drove in nearly as many runs with the Cubs as he did with the Tigers despite playing in half as many games and with more than 200 fewer plate appearances. No doubt being dealt from Detroit which has become one of baseball's worst franchises was a liberating experience as he made no secret of his desire to leave the organization a year ago prior to spring training. Although the Cubs failed to reach the post-season, Castellanos' stint with the Cubs made him an attractive free agent.
While it might be a lot to expect Castellanos to replicate the productivity he had at Wrigley, he has entered the prime of his career and the Reds are expect to compete in the NL Central. But in case they don't, his contract contains opt out provisions after this season and the 2021 season. The addition of Castellanos, Mike Moustakas, Shogo Akiyama to a lineup which already includes Eugenio Suarez and Aristides Aquino is exciting as is the prospect of a resurgent Joey Votto. The Reds finally look like they have the makings of a champion.
The same could be said for the D'Backs. All Arizona had to give up for Marte aside from 250K was minor league pitcher Brennan Malone and minor league shortstop Liover Peguro. The D'Backs have a viable starting center fielder and can move Ketel Marte (no relation) back to second base.
Starling Marte has spent his entire professional career with the Pirates signing with them as a teenager in 2007. The Dominican born Marte made the Bucs big league roster in 2012 and became an everyday player in 2013. Marte won Gold Gloves in 2015 and 2016 and was selected to the NL All-Star Team in 2016. Marte does have a black mark against him with his PED suspension early in the 2017 season. However, he has rebounded from that setback. In 2019, Marte hit .295 with 23 HR and 82 RBI along with 25 stolen bases despite missing time early in the season with an abdominal injury.
In eight seasons with the Pirates, the 31-year old Marte collected 1047 hits for a .287 batting average, 108 HR, 420 RBI and 239 stolen bases.
I think Marte will have a tremendous season in Phoenix and could prove the difference in getting them back to the post-season. Perhaps enough of a difference to win a NL MVP.
Castellanos had spent 6½ seasons with the Detroit Tigers including a 101 RBI campaign in 2017 during which he also led the AL in triples. But Castellanos received more attention during his two months in a Chicago Cubs uniform last summer than he did for his entire tenure in a Tigers uniform. In 51 games with the Cubs, Castellanos, who turns 28 in March, hit .321 with 16 HR and 36 RBI. His combined 2019 stats saw Castellanos finish with .289 with 27 HR and 73 RBI. To put those numbers in perspective, Castellanos drove in nearly as many runs with the Cubs as he did with the Tigers despite playing in half as many games and with more than 200 fewer plate appearances. No doubt being dealt from Detroit which has become one of baseball's worst franchises was a liberating experience as he made no secret of his desire to leave the organization a year ago prior to spring training. Although the Cubs failed to reach the post-season, Castellanos' stint with the Cubs made him an attractive free agent.
While it might be a lot to expect Castellanos to replicate the productivity he had at Wrigley, he has entered the prime of his career and the Reds are expect to compete in the NL Central. But in case they don't, his contract contains opt out provisions after this season and the 2021 season. The addition of Castellanos, Mike Moustakas, Shogo Akiyama to a lineup which already includes Eugenio Suarez and Aristides Aquino is exciting as is the prospect of a resurgent Joey Votto. The Reds finally look like they have the makings of a champion.
The same could be said for the D'Backs. All Arizona had to give up for Marte aside from 250K was minor league pitcher Brennan Malone and minor league shortstop Liover Peguro. The D'Backs have a viable starting center fielder and can move Ketel Marte (no relation) back to second base.
Starling Marte has spent his entire professional career with the Pirates signing with them as a teenager in 2007. The Dominican born Marte made the Bucs big league roster in 2012 and became an everyday player in 2013. Marte won Gold Gloves in 2015 and 2016 and was selected to the NL All-Star Team in 2016. Marte does have a black mark against him with his PED suspension early in the 2017 season. However, he has rebounded from that setback. In 2019, Marte hit .295 with 23 HR and 82 RBI along with 25 stolen bases despite missing time early in the season with an abdominal injury.
In eight seasons with the Pirates, the 31-year old Marte collected 1047 hits for a .287 batting average, 108 HR, 420 RBI and 239 stolen bases.
I think Marte will have a tremendous season in Phoenix and could prove the difference in getting them back to the post-season. Perhaps enough of a difference to win a NL MVP.
Sunday, January 26, 2020
A Thought For The Altobelli Family
While the world is shocked and stunned at the death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna in a helicopter crash, the accident claimed the lives of six other people.
Three of those people are members of the Altobelli family. John Altobelli had been the head baseball coach at Orange Coast College since 1992. Altobelli also managed in the Cape Cod League coaching the likes of Aaron Judge and Jeff McNeil. When I heard his name I wondered if he was related to former Baltimore Orioles manager Joe Altobelli although this does not appear to be the case. However, his son J.J. Altobelli is a scout with the Boston Red Sox. Coach Altobelli was killed along with his wife and daughter Alyssa who was a youth basketball teammate Gianna Bryant.
John Altobelli might not be a household name like Kobe Bryant, but he made a difference in the lives of hundreds of college baseball players on and off the field. His passing will also be deeply felt. Like Kobe Bryant, John and Keri Altobelli were cut down in the prime of their lives. As with Gianna Bryant, Alyssa Altobelli leaves the world only having scratched the surface of her potential. A very sad day all around. R.I.P.
Three of those people are members of the Altobelli family. John Altobelli had been the head baseball coach at Orange Coast College since 1992. Altobelli also managed in the Cape Cod League coaching the likes of Aaron Judge and Jeff McNeil. When I heard his name I wondered if he was related to former Baltimore Orioles manager Joe Altobelli although this does not appear to be the case. However, his son J.J. Altobelli is a scout with the Boston Red Sox. Coach Altobelli was killed along with his wife and daughter Alyssa who was a youth basketball teammate Gianna Bryant.
John Altobelli might not be a household name like Kobe Bryant, but he made a difference in the lives of hundreds of college baseball players on and off the field. His passing will also be deeply felt. Like Kobe Bryant, John and Keri Altobelli were cut down in the prime of their lives. As with Gianna Bryant, Alyssa Altobelli leaves the world only having scratched the surface of her potential. A very sad day all around. R.I.P.
A Thought For Kobe Bryant & 4 Others Killed In The Calabasas Helicopter Crash UPDATE
A few minutes ago, I learned of the death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash this morning in Southern California. He was among five people killed in the accident which left no survivors. Bryant was 41.
Even though I'm not a big basketball fan my heart leapt in my throat. My Dad was similarly stunned when I told him the news. "You just never know," he said.
Although Bryant is among the greatest players in NBA history during his 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, he still had his whole life ahead of him until he boarded a helicopter a couple of hours ago. For all of his NBA championship rings, he was a husband and a father to four young daughters and they will now have to find a way to carry on without him in what should have been the prime of his life.
Of course, there are four other people who lost their lives aboard that helicopter today. While we don't yet know their names, they didn't win a NBA MVP or scored 81 points in a game, they too had their lives and now suddenly leave behind families who never dreamed they had gazed upon their loved one for the last time. R.I.P. to all.
UPDATE: The story gets sadder. Bryant's 13-year old daughter Gianna was also killed in the crash. Evidently they were on their way to a basketball practice in Thousand Oaks.
UPDATE II: The sadness continues. Alyhough they have not been identified evidently one of Gianna Bryant's teammates and a parent were also killed aboard the ill-fated flight.
Even though I'm not a big basketball fan my heart leapt in my throat. My Dad was similarly stunned when I told him the news. "You just never know," he said.
Although Bryant is among the greatest players in NBA history during his 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, he still had his whole life ahead of him until he boarded a helicopter a couple of hours ago. For all of his NBA championship rings, he was a husband and a father to four young daughters and they will now have to find a way to carry on without him in what should have been the prime of his life.
Of course, there are four other people who lost their lives aboard that helicopter today. While we don't yet know their names, they didn't win a NBA MVP or scored 81 points in a game, they too had their lives and now suddenly leave behind families who never dreamed they had gazed upon their loved one for the last time. R.I.P. to all.
UPDATE: The story gets sadder. Bryant's 13-year old daughter Gianna was also killed in the crash. Evidently they were on their way to a basketball practice in Thousand Oaks.
UPDATE II: The sadness continues. Alyhough they have not been identified evidently one of Gianna Bryant's teammates and a parent were also killed aboard the ill-fated flight.
Saturday, January 25, 2020
Pompeo & McSally Gaslight Media in Defense of Trump
President Trump is infamous for his repeated declarations the news media are the enemy of the people.
Now that Trump faces an impeachment trial, it is not surprising his acolytes are taking up arms against the news media on his behalf. Last week it was Arizona GOP Senator Martha McSally calling CNN reporter Manu Raju "a liberal hack" when he had the temerity to ask her if the Senate should consider new evidence at the impeachment trial.
Yesterday it was Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's turn when he cut short an interview with NPR's Mary-Louise Kelly when she questioned him about Ukraine specifically concerning the treatment of former Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch in light of taped revelations that Trump wanted to be rid of her. Following the interview, Pompeo went on an obscenity laden tirade against Kelly. Pompeo then put out an official statement calling Kelly a liar, accused her of "violating the basic rules of journalism and decency" and of being "part of a quest to hurt President Trump and this Administration". The Secretary of State concluded by questioning Kelly's intelligence by stating, "It is worth noting Bangladesh is NOT Ukraine." Pompeo knows less about decency than he knows about journalism.
This is Gaslighting 101. Ask a Republican official a question about Ukraine, impeachment proceedings or anything remotely critical of President Trump and one can expect to be called a hack, a liar and be lied about. It is utterly implausible for Pompeo to claim Kelly could not discern between Bangladesh and Ukraine given her academic background is in European Studies. But facts be damned in a realm of alternative facts.
It is a realm in which complete and utter loyalty to Trump is demanded and occasionally rewarded. In Republican circles blind loyalty to Trump carries far more currency than acknowledging the truth and upholding The Constitution up to and including the rule of law and a free press.
It is also a realm where journalism and news media have become dirty words. It isn't to say journalism and news media don't warrant criticism from time to time. But our government, whoever holds the levers of power, must be held to account and not be beyond criticism. This is not possible without a free press. By their gaslighting and maligning the news media as enemies of the people, President Trump, Senator McSalky and Secretary of State Pompeo are rendering a free press impossible and leading us towards an avenue of authoritarianism.
Now that Trump faces an impeachment trial, it is not surprising his acolytes are taking up arms against the news media on his behalf. Last week it was Arizona GOP Senator Martha McSally calling CNN reporter Manu Raju "a liberal hack" when he had the temerity to ask her if the Senate should consider new evidence at the impeachment trial.
Yesterday it was Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's turn when he cut short an interview with NPR's Mary-Louise Kelly when she questioned him about Ukraine specifically concerning the treatment of former Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch in light of taped revelations that Trump wanted to be rid of her. Following the interview, Pompeo went on an obscenity laden tirade against Kelly. Pompeo then put out an official statement calling Kelly a liar, accused her of "violating the basic rules of journalism and decency" and of being "part of a quest to hurt President Trump and this Administration". The Secretary of State concluded by questioning Kelly's intelligence by stating, "It is worth noting Bangladesh is NOT Ukraine." Pompeo knows less about decency than he knows about journalism.
This is Gaslighting 101. Ask a Republican official a question about Ukraine, impeachment proceedings or anything remotely critical of President Trump and one can expect to be called a hack, a liar and be lied about. It is utterly implausible for Pompeo to claim Kelly could not discern between Bangladesh and Ukraine given her academic background is in European Studies. But facts be damned in a realm of alternative facts.
It is a realm in which complete and utter loyalty to Trump is demanded and occasionally rewarded. In Republican circles blind loyalty to Trump carries far more currency than acknowledging the truth and upholding The Constitution up to and including the rule of law and a free press.
It is also a realm where journalism and news media have become dirty words. It isn't to say journalism and news media don't warrant criticism from time to time. But our government, whoever holds the levers of power, must be held to account and not be beyond criticism. This is not possible without a free press. By their gaslighting and maligning the news media as enemies of the people, President Trump, Senator McSalky and Secretary of State Pompeo are rendering a free press impossible and leading us towards an avenue of authoritarianism.
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