Baseball – Buddy Lewis, Johnny Damon, Manny Ramirez, Irish Ballplayers

Buddy Lewis (b. 1916) was a two-time All-Star who played for the Washington Senators his entire career.  Only Ty Cobb had more hits before the age of 24 than Lewis, who had played six seasons up to that point.  He then left baseball for three seasons in the prime of his career to serve in the Air Force during World War II. http://fairandunbalancedblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/baseball-losses-in-2011.html  

Johnny Damon, DH/OF (2.1 WARP, Rays)—The Rays surprised many in baseball when they opted to sign Luke Scott to a one-year, $6-million contract to replace Damon as their designated hitter. Scott hit .220/.301/.402 with nine home runs and .a 256 TAv in 236 plate appearances last season before undergoing shoulder surgery. Damon had a .261/.326/.418 slash line with 16 homers and a .284 TAv in 647 trips to the plate. Scout's take: "He can still play, and he can still help someone. I'm really surprised the Rays didn't bring him back, because he seemed like a good fit there. He's getting older. He's 38 and doesn't have the home run power he used to, but he can still help and be a productive player. It's just hard for me to believe he's going to wind up as either a platoon player, a bench guy—or even out of baseball." http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=16004

Manny Ramirez is one of the best right-handed hitters of his generation.  As his career hits its twilight, you can argue either way that he does or does not have a Hall of Fame career.  On one hand, he was suspended twice for PED usage.  Once for 50 games in 2009 with the LA Dodgers after testing positive for a female fertility drug, and the other a 100 game ban in 2011, in which he decided to retire with the Tampa Bay Rays.  However, after sitting out the full season, Major League Baseball has agreed to reduce the sentence to 50 games after Ramirez stated his interest in returning for the 2012 season.  On the other hand, Ramirez has accumulated 69.6 fWAR, with a career OPS+ of 154.  He has hit 555 home runs in 19 seasons, is a 12-time All-Star, 9-time Silver Slugger, and finished in the top 10 of MVP voting 9 times http://mlbreports.com/2012/02/10/manny-jays/

First, Irish players had to display superior performance to earn regular positions. Second, they generally were relegated to less important field positions. Regular Irish players were also more likely to be assigned to fill in at field positions other than their regular ones. Last, the Irish were underrepresented as managers. The evidence also suggests fan discrimination, with the presence of Irish players positively correlated with their cities’ Irish populations. These patterns, again with the exception of pitcher, mirror those observed for African Americans in the first decade or two after Jackie Robinson broke the MLB “color line” in 1947. http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/baseball-racism-the-irish-in-1880/

Baseball: Jameson Taillon, Juan Pierre, Manny Ramirez, Mark Cuban

Jameson Taillon has been surpassed by Cole as the best pitching prospect in the system but it’s easy to envision the two sitting atop the Pirates starting rotation within three to four seasons. The Pirates’ first pick of the ’10 draft has the stuff to rival Cole’s but he’s not nearly as polished. Despite that fact, Taillon had a solid first year in low-A ball. He showed excellent control with a walk rate of 2.14 BB/9 but his command was inconsistent. Taillon has a big, strong pitcher’s frame and should have no difficulties providing 200+ innings on a regular basis once he reaches the Majors. The organization was patient with him in ’11 and watched his pitch counts and innings, keeping him below 100 innings on the year. He has a four-pitch mix that includes a 93-97 mph fastball, curveball, slider and changeup; he has the potential for three plus pitches with his changeup lagging behind the other offerings. Taillon will move up to high-A ball in ’12 and will look to sharpen his secondary pitches. It’s possibly that he could also spend some time in double-A but the organization may choose to be cautious with him. - http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/top-15-prospects-pittsburgh-pirates/

Perhaps the most telling thing about Juan Pierre’s signing is that the Phillies may only need him for the first six weeks of the season. Given the choice between keeping Brown on the Major League roster and giving him a chance to work his way into regular playing time while Howard is out or signing someone else, the Phils chose to sign someone else. Even if Pierre stays with the Phils for the duration of the season, his value is limited due to the fact that he is not an efficient base stealer, as well as the fact that the Phillies have few players for whom he can pinch run without Charlie Manuel having to burn a second player after the inning ends. Finally, bringing in Pierrer also throws another road block onto Brown’s already cluttered road to regular playing time. Like many of the Phillies’ moves this offseason, signing Pierre probably doesn’t make the Phillies any worse, but it is also unlikely to make them any better. http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/phillies-procure-pierre/

I might be coming around on Manny Ramirez. I have long felt that where there is smoke there is fire. Too often when an idea first comes out it seems crazy, then it sort of gathers momentum until it reaches this point where it seems inevitable, then it happens and you are sort of surprised still as that initial crazy reaction comes in but then it just makes too much sense. Could this be happening with Manny Ramirez? First came the ESPNDeportes report regarding the A’s being interested in Ramirez. In my initial assessment I was quick to criticize the idea saying on Twitter http://tvprookiecardretirementplan.wordpress.com/2012/01/28/maybe-manny-being-manny-in-oakland-is-ok/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

The owner of the reigning NBA champions will not be the next owner of the Dodgers. Mark Cuban was eliminated from the Dodgers' ownership sweepstakes Friday, along with baseball executive and former agent Dennis Gilbert, according to two people familiar with the process but not authorized to discuss it. At least eight bidders advanced to the second round Friday, including a group led by Magic Johnson and veteran baseball executive Stan Kasten and another headed by local developer Rick Caruso and former Dodgers manager Joe Torre http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/la-sp-0128-dodgers-bidders-20120128,0,2201745.story?track=rss&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&dlvrit=53322

Hot Stove: - Heath Bell, Yoenis Cespedes, Manny Ramirez, Jerry Hairston Jr., Matt Capps

Heath Bell - 3 years, $27M - So, if you believe rumors, and why wouldn't you, they're always true, it appears that the Marlins are going to be signing EVERYONE. You may not want to leave your phone unattended. But, the first notch on their tax-payer funded stadium's over the top dancing dolphin shrine will not be Jose Reyes or Albert Pujols but Heath Bell. Picture this: It's Opening Day. BoonDoogle Stadium is filled to capacity. Kids are clutching their parents legs. They beg. Beg their parents to buy them a brand new, rainbow infused #21 jersey of their favorite closer Heath Bell.  Then you realize Jeffery Loria must be on drugs if he thinks any of aforementioned dream will come true. Alas, Bell should have some good fantasy value. Though, be cautious as he is supported by led footed defenders and will no longer be in PETCO park. Too bad, I hear they have fantastic fish tacos. http://bullpenbanter.com

The chase for outfielder Yoenis Cespedes: That won’t be decided this week because the 26-year-old Cuban defector, already hailed as a franchise talent, is establishing his residency in the Dominican Republic. But Cespedes should be on the market prior to spring training, and industry insiders suggest he might command a $50 million package. The Red Sox, Nationals and Tigers seem the most-serious suitors, but the Marlins, Yankees, Pirates, Phillies, Cubs, Orioles, A’s, Indians and Blue Jays are also showing interest. http://www.kansascity.com/2011/12/03/3300205/10-things-to-watch-at-baseballs.html#ixzz1fbijmN2n

But what team would be interested in a potential distraction like Manny Ramirez? He'll be a DH, for sure. You can eliminate 16 teams right away, as the only way Manny should be in the field is if MLB grants an exemption to let him play left field with Pat Burrell at the same time. One can be true-left field, and the other can be shading-left field. Also, they'd each be strapped with explosives that went off if they ran into each other. Also also, every one of their games would be on pay-per-view. Baseball would be more interesting if I were commissioner. http://mlb.sbnation.com/2011/12/5/2612599/manny-ramirez-free-agent-rumors-rays

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the Dodgers have signed Jerry Hairston Jr. to a two-year, $6 million contract. The deal also includes some incentives. Hairston is a fine utility player, but that's a pretty big chunk of change for him. He'll back up at second base, shortstop, third base and all three outfield positions and would be an option to start at short if it turns out that Dee Gordon needs some more seasoning. Hairston, 35, batted .270/.344/.383 with five home runs and 31 RBI over 376 plate appearances with Washington and Milwaukee this season. http://www.rotoworld.com/headlines/mlb/346242/baseball-headlines?r=1

Jon Heyman of SI.com reports that Matt Capps has re-signed with the Twins on a one-year deal that includes an option for 2013. It's not clear if the Twins plan on using him as their closer, but he would probably be the top in-house option at this point. Capps posted a disappointing 4.25 ERA, nine blown saves and a 34/13 K/BB ratio over 65 2/3 innings in 2011, but he's just a year removed from an All-Star season. Giving him a year plus an option isn't a bad move if the financials are reasonable. http://www.rotoworld.com/headlines/mlb/346242/baseball-headlines?r=1

Baseball: Manny Ramirez, Bryan Stow, Gary Brown, Tim Lincecum, Juan Carlos Oviedo

Manny Ramirez is hoping to be reinstated to the major leagues, telling ESPN Deportes he would serve his 100-game suspension after refusing to do so in April and opting for retirement. "I would comply with my pending sanction and I would be available for any major league team," Ramirez said. "I already informed [agent] Scott Boras of my decision to return and begin the process.  Ramirez tested positive in a drug test earlier this season as part of baseball's drug program that bands steroids, amphetamines and other performance enhancers. It was his second failed test, as he was linked to a female fertility drug in 2009 used to conceal steroid use. He served a 50-game ban that season with the Dodgers, later moving to the White Sox at the end of 2010 before signing a contract with the Rays in the offseason. When caught in April, he told baseball that he would rather retire than serve the ban. Clearly, he's changed his mind now that he's had time to reflect. - http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22297882/32184166

Family members of a San Francisco Giants fan who was brutally beaten outside Dodger Stadium said he is speaking and more responsive than ever since his attack nearly six months ago. The family of Bryan Stow posted the update Wednesday on its website, saying his latest improvements came a week after he received a shunt to relieve pressure on his brain.  During a speech therapy session, Stow was able to say his full name and the names of his daughter and son. "We are blown away with all of this," the family said. "Literally one day we got some facial responses and the next, he's talking. His voice is gravelly and you have to be close to hear him, but he is talking. Right now, Bryan is more awake and more responsive then (sic) ever." - http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/44625698/ns/sports-baseball

LF – Gary Brown (Giants) -  Brown, who starred at Cal State Fullerton prior to being the Giants' first-round pick in 2010, spent the entire year with San Jose in the California League. He posted numbers similar to Trout's, with a .336/.407/.519 slash line in a league that favors offense. Brown showed there is more to his game than his electrifying speed, hitting 34 doubles, 13 triples and 14 home runs to go along with his 53 swipes. After seeing other former first-round picks of the Giants such as Tim Lincecum, Buster Posey and Madison Bumgarner fast-tracked to the big-leagues, it was a little surprising that Brown spent the entire year at high-A. Next year may prove differently. - http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6250

It seems like he’s been playing forever, but Tim Lincecum still has two more go-arounds in arbitration. Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports, however, that unlike most pitchers, Lincecum doesn’t want a long term deal: “It’s just easier for me mentally not to have to put that kind of pressure on yourself,” he said. ”Not that you don’t want to succeed, but when you’re signed to a long-term deal, it’s like saying, ‘I’m going to live up to every expectation.’ That’s why I like going year to year, so I can improve on it and not sit on what I’ve done.” - http://bleacherreport.com/tb/bbk78

Leo Nunez is apparently not who we thought he was. The Associated Press reports that the Florida Marlins closer and Dominican native has been playing under an assumed name for all seven of his years in Major League Baseball and is actually older than the age that's listed by the team. The news came to light on Thursday as Nunez returned to the Dominican Republic to sort the issue out and was placed on the Marlins' restricted list. It probably goes without saying that he is not expected to pitch for the Marlins the last week of the season. Nunez's real name is Juan Carlos Oviedo and he's 29, a year older than listed in the team media guide.

Baseball: Tyler Pastornicky, Louis Spadaccini, Jurickson Profar, Nick Altrock, Manny Ramirez

Tyler Pastornicky SS ATL (21) – Acquired by the Atlanta Braves with shortstop Alex Gonzalez from the Toronto Blue Jays for shortstop Yunel Escobar and pitcher Jo-Jo Reyes on July 14, 2010, young Tyler earned a promotion to Triple A Gwinnet by hitting .299 with 106 hits, 13 doubles, 20 steals and 6 homeruns while walking 24 times and striking out only 34. He makes very good hard contact and, at the same time, maintains excellent control of the strike zone.  This tells us that Pastornicky has the ability to eventually keep that batting average around .300 in the bigs.  All he’ll need is the opportunity.  Unfortunately for him, Pastornicky has plenty of competition in the Braves system at shortstop. Matt Lipka and Andrelton Simmons are also trying to claim the title of Braves shortstop of the future. I look for Simmons, and his gold glove potential, to win the spot in the future, Lipka to be moved to the outfield and Pastornicky to either slide over to 2b or be used as trade bait. But for 2012, it looks like Pastornicky is going to be the man with the inside edge for the job. So he’s going to get first crack at cementing his future in Atlanta. - http://baseballinstinct.com/2011/09/19/touchem-all-southern-league-top-prospects-hitters

37-year-old Louis Spadaccini has been the coach of the Sts. Neumann-Goretti High School baseball team for the last five years.  Spadaccini is charged with a list of crimes including endangering the welfare of a child and simple assault.  Police say on Sunday afternoon, Spadaccini arranged to meet a 14-year-old player from one of his teams.  He picked the child up near the boy's home and took him to the Holiday Inn on Packard Avenue.  Police say once there he gave the boy alcohol and a single prescription pill. - http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/crime&id=8361579

Jurickson Profar (Rangers) - TCF: The 18-year-old native of Curacao might be the most confident player in the minor leagues, and that’s not meant to be read as an insult. The difference between cocky and confident is a narrative crafted by performance, and Profar’s performance so far this season more than justifies his own belief in his skills. At the plate, Profar shows the approach of a seasoned major leaguer, which puts him in favorable hitting situation and allows for above-average on-base ability. His hit tool projects to be at least plus, with some scouts throwing 65s and 70s on its future. He is balanced from both sides of the plate, with a smooth swing and some loft, but his power potential isn’t as exceptional as the hit tool; some scouts and team personnel see plus power developing down-the-line, while others see 15-20 home run potential at his peak, giving only average power. - http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=14844 

Fifty years ago Wednesday, the last baseball game was played in a drafty old heap on Florida Avenue NW called Griffith Stadium. On Sept. 21, 1961, the Senators fell to the Twins, which must have made for some uncomfortable irony, seeing as how the Twins had been the Senators a year before. Only 1,498 people bothered to show up to watch Washington lose, 6-3. Nick Altrock was one of them. Altrock was 85, and he was a sort of human bookend when it came to Griffith Stadium. He claimed to also have been at the very first game there, though whether he meant a game in the 1890s, when baseball was first played at the site, or in 1911, when the stadium was rebuilt after a fire, I’m not sure. - http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?node=admin/registration/register&destination=login&nextstep=gather&application=reg30-local&applicationURL=http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/nick-altrock-a-life-rich-in-the-stuff-of-baseball-lore/2011/09/20/gIQAv1f0iK_story.html  

Former World Series MVP Manny Ramirez, who retired in April after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug, hopes to play for a winter league team in his Caribbean homeland. Winston Llenas, president of the Cibao Eagles, a winter league team in the northern Dominican Republic for whom Ramirez played in 1993-94, told The Associated Press during a Tuesday phone interview that Ramirez is expected to start training with his former team next week. Llenas said the 39-year-old Ramirez told team officials he wants to "play before the Dominican fans and to perhaps motivate other Major League stars to also play in the country." - http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/6998020/manny-ramirez-play-team-dominican-republic-official-says