All Things Baseball

2009 NL Gold Glove Winners

In NL, National League on November 11, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Not to sound, um, negative but this class of award winners is rather unimpressive to me.

I do not mean to sound as if I am knocking their accomplishments, I truly am not, however there is something lakcing in this class to me. Outside of Jimmy Rollins I really cannot get excited here.

Here is the full list:
  • Yadier Molina, Cardinals
  • Adrian Gonzalez, Padres
  • Orlando Hudson, Dodgers
  • Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals
  • Jimmy Rollins, Phillies
  • Shane Victorino, Phillies
  • Michael Bourn, Astros
  • Matt Kemp, Dodgers
  • Adam Wainwright, Cardinals
So where am I wrong – why do I feel let down here?

The free agent market

In Free Agent on November 11, 2009 at 9:52 am

USAToday has a list of roughly 150 free agents that may be available (you can d/l it here) which got me thinking, what big free agent moves may take place this off season.  Here are the names that really jump out at me (both good and bad):

  • Adam LaRoche – the Braves expect him to be gone, doesn’t see like there is much interest on their part to keep him on the team. After the trade that acquired him I thought he was going to stay for a few years…A solid player, if he hits the market should land with no problems.
  • Paul Byrd – the guy is pushing 39 and, lets face it, after the way he treated the 2009 season I cannot see him staying in the majors much longer.
  • Jason Varitek – New York, anyone?  Well… not the Yanks but the Mets; however, it seems that rumor is dead. Again, another player reaching the end of his career.  While still able to produce, how many games would he be able to pull off behind the plate?
  • Tim Wakefield – Surprise!  He’s back with Boston – including 2011!
  • José Contreras – 2009 was a bad, bad year for him.  A stint in the minors and a trade from the Sox really didn’t do much to help him find his game.  After 13 losses and 5.42 era can anyone really expect Jose to be hot on the market?
  • Aaron Boone – No real “news” here except it was good to see Aaron play a few games after open heart surgery.  I’m expecting retirement.
  • Vladimir Guerrero – while having lower output due to DL time here is a many that can produce for a time. He still has a number of years ahead of him and, sure we can debate it, but chances are he will end up in the hall.
  • Miguel Tejada – Power down over the last several years (hmmm… a lack of roids?) but good averages. Shortstop anyone?
  • Manny Ramirez – Sure he was  sideshow this past year but the man can hit.  I mean HIT. As sad as this makes me to say, his attitude kind of reminds me of Barry Bonds. Any club picking him up has to think about the impact on the locker room.
  • Jim Thome – Did nothing in LA…
  • Andy Pettitte – He’s in NY, do you really see him going anywhere?
  • Johnny Damon – (See above)
  • Pedro Martinez – A number of people were surprised to see him go to Philly, and during the series Pedro hinted that his time may be up.  He still can pitch though.
  • Ken Griffey Jr. – He has stated he wants to end his career in Seattle, and he is current in talks with the team, but does he want to come back for a 2010 season really remains to be seen.  This man was a pleasure to watch in his time.
  • Randy Johnson – Doesn’t look like he is going anywhere except to the bullpen.
  • Mark De Rosa – A fan favorite where ever he goes, Mark is expected to stay in the NL (somewhere out east).  09 saw his average drop but Mark is a solid player who would make 3rd baseman when he lands.
  • Khalil Greene – What happened to this man?  An impressive play that just fall off the map…

There are a few other notable players on the list (Isringhausen, Smoltz, Ivan Rodriguez) but I need to wrap it up.  From a quick look it sounds like some of the key players will be staying put…  What do you think of the free agent market and will there be any major signings?

On another note – don’t forget the NL Gold Gloves come out today.  I’ll post that later in the evening.

AL Gold Glove winners announced

In AL, American League on November 11, 2009 at 12:49 am

Sure, this time of the year is slow but I love the fact that the awards start to come out. Today the A.L. gold glove winners were announced.  What is truly amazing about the release is that both Ichiro and Hunter have now both pulled in 9 (yes, 9) gold gloves each.  The three newcomers to the list are Adam Jones, Evan Longoria and Mark Buehrle.

Here is the full list:

  • C, Joe Mauer,  Twins
  • 1B, Mark Teixeira, Yankees
  • 2B, Placido Polanco,  Tigers
  • 3B, Evan Longoria,  Rays
  • SS, Derek Jeter,  Yankees
  • OF, Torii Hunter,  Angels
  • OF, Adam Jones,  Orioles
  • OF, Ichiro Suzuki,  Mariners
  • P, Mark Buehrle,  White Sox

The National League Gold Glove winners will be announced on Wednesday, 11/11/2009.

For the record, Triples Alley has a great breakdown on Joe Mauer and if he should have won the gold glove.