Last week, Josh Hamilton became the 16th player in Major League Baseball History to hit four home runs in a game. Since the beginning of Major League Baseball there have been over 200,000 games played and over 13 million at-bats. Hamilton did something that happened over 15 times before him. That made me wonder, what is more rare than a four home run game. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Chicago Cubs
Evolution of a Trade: Bartolo Colon and the Cleveland Indians
When I started 85% Sports, one of my first columns was Evolution of a Trade, where I’d look at a player that was dealt and all of the subsequent moves as a result of the deal. I think the first one was how Mark Mulder brought the A’s Michael Taylor (using players such as Dan Haren, Matt Holliday, and others).
Well, I’ve started the column back up. But I’m adding a few things. First, each deal will include the WARs of players included; it’s a decent judge to see how a team made out. Secondly, there will be a score at the end.
This week, it’s how Bartolo Colon brought the Indians Chris Perez and a few more.
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Jamie Moyer is My Hero
Jamie Moyer is my new hero. On April 17, 2012, Moyer became the oldest pitcher in Major League Baseball history to win a game. At the time of the victory, he was 49 year and 151 days old. He broke an 80-year old record, set by the Brooklyn Dodgers’ Jack Quinn in 1932 at the age of 49 years, 70 days. Continue reading
MLB Preview – Chicago Cubs
2011 Review:
It’s pretty much the same on the north side of Chicago. Carlos Zambrano blew up. Alfonso Soriano is a shell of his former self. Matt Garza looked strong and Darwin Barney emerged as an everyday player.
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2012 Top 20 Prospects – Chicago Cubs
It’s prospect season again. I’ve had my rankings listed on team pages, but have been horrible about keeping those up to date. As I mentioned on the pages, I’m looking at other rankings when I make mine (along with scouting reports and my own opinion). On to Chicago for the Cubs.
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Payroll vs. Playoffs, An Analysis of Twelve Seasons
One of the biggest complaints of the fans of Major League Baseball is the payroll difference between the haves and the have-nots. There are complaints how teams such as the Yankees, Red Sox and others can spend almost at will. There are other complaints that teams such as Pittsburgh and Kansas City cannot compete because they do not have the same resources. There are complaints that the teams with all of the money always win and those without it have no chance. I have decided to see if that is true, and if so, to what extent. Continue reading
The Triple A Oakland A’s – A Look At 2012
The new year is supposed to bring people hopes of something new. The year is supposed to give us reasons to celebrate. For the past month or so, I have been letting you all know how one Major League Baseball team has nothing to look forward to. That team is the New York Mets. Today, I give them a reprieve and look west. I look all the way to San Jose. I mean Oakland. Continue reading
Bullpen Banter: Prince Fielder and the Scott Boras Machine
I’m back with Russ and we discuss Prince Fielder, where he’ll end up, and the Scott Boras machine. Where will he end up? Could the Yankees be in play? Does anyone buy the Prince Fielder/Jimmie Foxx comparisons?
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The Big Orange Guy Returns – a one month absence ends!!!
Hello world of 85% Sports. It has been a month since you have seen me, but I am glad to be back. Allow me to explain my absence to you. Continue reading
St. Louis Cardinals Name Mike Matheny Manager
In a surprising move, the St. Louis Cardinals have named former catcher Mike Matheny the new manager of the team. Matheny was the catcher for the team form 2000-2004, under former manager Tony LaRussa.
The reason this move is so interesting is Matheny has absolutely no managing experience, and has only been a roving catching instructor (with the Cardinals) since he was forced to retire from a concussion. Add that to the fact he’s following a manager like Tony LaRussa, and you’ll see that there will be instant pressure on Matheny.
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