Around The League: Harmon Killebrew, Hall of Fame, Braves’ bullpen, and Cubs’ prospects
January 1, 2011
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Posted by Mike Rosenbaum
- Harmon Killebrew has been diagnosed with esophageal cancer and is currently being treated at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. Killebrew, 74, won the Most Valuable Player award in 1969 and his 573 career home runs ranks 11th all-time. He is also credited as being one of the first sluggers to incorporate a dismount into his swing following a presumed no-doubter.
- The great Joe Posnanski of Sports Illustrated has dedicated his week to scrutinizing the careers of the players on the 2011 Hall of Fame ballot; each day has had a corresponding post and he has finally narrowed down his list and acknowledged the players that he voted for. He calls them “The Eight Definites,” and they are as follows- Roberto Alomar, Jeff Bagwell, Bert Blyleven, Barry Larkin, Edgar Martinez, Mark McGwire, Tim Raines, and Allan Trammell. For those who wish to read his entire series, which will be concluded today, here are the articles in order- [First Round] [The Second Round] [The Eight Definites] [The Borderline Five]
- The Baseball Bloggers Alliance has recommended both Roberto Alomar and Bert Blyleven for the Hall of Fame after both players received 75.97% of the votes. Other notable players who just missed the cut include: Barry Larkin (70.78%), Jeff Bagwell (62.34%), Edgar Martinez (59.09%), and Tim Raines (54.55%).
- Once a top prospect for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Andrew Lambo’s window has been gradually closing over the better part of the last two seasons. Although many believe that he still possesses the physical skills, there is still clearly an issue with his level of maturity…or lack-there-of. Now with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Lambo’s progress and overall success is essentially up to him, as Rum Bunter so succinctly states. Even if you have no desire to read about Lambo, this article is worth checking out solely for the graphics. Trust me.
- Speaking of witty graphics, Miller Park Drunk is on the point with the ones they use in their list of the 10-Worst Milwaukee Brewers of 2010. Don’t worry people, Jeff Suppan is on the list, obviously.
- I don’t think that anybody expected Billy Wagner to have one of the best seasons of his career in 2010. I sure as hell didn’t. But now with Wagner more than likely to retire prior to the 2011 season, the Braves will be counting on a tandem of youngsters in Jonny Venters and Craig Kimbrel to close ballgames. Both are poised to have a lot of success in years to come – hopefully I don’t eat my words next season – considering that they are strikeout pitchers who surrender very few home runs. The folks at Tomahawk Talk detail the state of the Braves’ bullpen: the departures, the acquisitions, and the familiar faces.
- Chicago Cubs Online breaks down the Hardball Time’s list of the top-10 Cubs’ prospects. I don’t want to spoil the entire thing but I definitely agree with their top-5: 1) Brett Jackson, OF…2) Chris Archer, RHP…3) Trey McNutt, RHP…4) Hak-Ju Lee, SS…5) Jay Jackson, RHP. I also find it interesting that none of their top-10 prospects are left handed pitchers, which may be why they ultimately choose to hang on to Tom Gorezelanny.
- Aaron Gleeman of Hardball Talk wrote an article noting how the collapse of the Metrodome roof will mess up Twinsfest as well as 300+ high school and collegiate games. Myself and most of the other writers here at the Sombrero had the privilege of opening both our 2007 and 2008 seasons with double header’s in the ‘Dome. Suffice it to say, the experience was great but the actual facility is a total shithole. I’m not surprised that the roof collapsed considering that both years when we were there the water fountain in our dugout overflowed.
Thanks Mike. Appreciate the shout out. Great work as always.