(S)Chilling Moments

(S)Chilling Moments

Why Curt Schilling Belongs In Cooperstown: Part II

In November of 2012, I wrote a piece about the Hall of Fame candidacy and worthiness of former Red Sox ace Curt Schilling, where I (incorrectly) predicted that Schilling would be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Here we are four years later, and I make the same case.

Curt Schilling deserves induction in 2017, and here's why:

During his 20-year career, Schilling amassed just 216 career wins against 146 losses. He never won a Cy Young Award (a victim of the steroid era). But his numbers still pop out of the page at you. He finished third in Strikeout to Walk ratio, his 3,116 strikeouts rank 15th all-time. His pitching WAR, according to an article by Deadspin writer Tim Marchman, is on par with Bob Gibson and Steve Carlton. A six-time All-Star, Schilling led the National League in strikeouts in 1997 and 1998, and also led Major League Baseball in wins during the 2001 and 2004 seasons. In 1993, Schilling earned the NLCS MVP award by pitching to a 1.69 ERA with 19 strikeouts over two games. In 2001, he posted a 22-6 record with a 2.96 ERA as the Arizona Diamondbacks went on to defeat the New York Yankees in what many people consider to be among the greatest World Series of all time, and what I consider to be one of the worst days of my childhood. Schilling's postseason success that year, including going 4-0 with a 1.12 ERA and winning his only decision, led to him being named the World Series Co-MVP along with Hall of Famer Randy Johnson. Schilling won 23 games the following year.

After a sub-par 2003 season, Schilling signed with the Boston Red Sox, where he broke my heart again. He posted a 21-6 record and led the league with a league-leading .778 winning percentage. His 21 wins also led the league. During the playoffs, Schilling won his only start against the Angels in the ALDS. Then came his magical performance in the ALCS against the Yankees. After a disastrous Game 1, Schilling famously pitched Game 6 on his injured ankle, where he hurled seven strong innings, giving up just a single run on four hits with four strikeouts. He was the runner-up for the American League Cy Young Award. His 2005 season was spent recovering from his injuries as he posted an unimpressive 5-5 record with a 5.69 ERA. He rebounded in 2006, starting the season 4-0 with a 1.61 ERA, and finishing the season 15-7 with a 3.97 ERA. In his final season, he went 9-8 with a 3.97 ERA before retiring due to age and injuries. On June 7, 2007, he came within one out of a no-hitter. During the four-year period from 2001-2004, arguably his most dominant stretch, Schilling was 74-28 with a 3.11 ERA. By comparison, Randy Johnson went 67-33 with a 2.70 ERA during that same time period. His 2.06 ERA in the World Series is the third lowest of a pitcher in the World Series, behind Bob Gibson (1.89) and Sandy Koufax (0.94). His 8.6 strikeouts per nine innings among pitchers with 3,000 or more innings ranks third, behind Nolan Ryan and Randy Johnson, and Sandy Koufax.

Schilling led the league in Games Started in 1997, 1998, and 2001, in winning percentage in 2004. He led the league in WHIP during both the 1992 and 2002 seasons.

Schilling was never the "best" pitcher in the league. He finished as the runner-up for the Cy Young Award three times and finished fourth in 1997. He only won 216 games over 20 years, three fewer than Pedro Martinez did in 18 years. Nevertheless, his numbers speak for themselves. For a period of time, Schilling was one of the best pitchers in baseball, and as someone who watched him repeatedly dominate to postseason when the games matter the most, I am adamant that Curt Schilling is a Hall of Famer.

In Defense of Bud Selig

A Second Look at Selig

Former Commissioner Deserving of Induction

Last month, the Veteran's Committee announced that former Commissioner Bud Selig will be a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame class of 2017. Selig joins Atlanta Braves executive John Schuerholtz, who built the formidable Braves teams of the 1990s, including the teams that lost to the New York Yankees in both the 1996 and 1999 World Series.

While Schuerholtz's selection was met with near-universal praise, that of Selig was met with the opposite, with many fans blaming him for the steroid scandal that plagued Major League Baseball in the 1990s and 2000s and continues today, albeit to a lesser extent than in the past. 

Selig first rose to prominence in 1970, when he purchased the first-year Seattle Pilots franchise and moved them to Milwaukee. He would spend the next 22 years as owner. He then moved into a front office role, eventually being named acting Commissioner in 1992, before being officially elected to the office in 1998.

As Commissioner, Selig oversaw incredible revenue growth in Major League Baseball. He instituted re-alignment and the Wild Card rounds (both first and second), he created inter-league play 20 years ago, consolidated the offices of American and National League President into Major League Baseball in 2000, instituted instant replay, and created the World Baseball Classic. He also instituted the highly controversial Home Field Advantage rule for the winner of the All Star Game, which lasted for 13 years before being shelved this past winter as a condition of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Selig presided over 21 years of labor peace in baseball.

However, many criticized him fiercely for his role in the steroid era during his term. In addition, his refusal to act on a Mets ownership change in 2011 during Fred Wilpon's ponzi scheme financial problems  which decimated the club, while simultaneously forcing Frank McCourt to sell the Dodgers, gained him a fair amount of criticism from fans. His unprecedented 211 (later reduced to 162) game suspension for Alex Rodriguez's second steroid admission in 2013-14 had him fall out of favor with many fans. 

Despite his obvious shortcomings as Commissioner, Selig oversaw a period of great growth and success in Major League Baseball, and his Hall of Fame election, though rightfully controversial, is well-deserved.

In Defense of Andy Pettitte

Recently the Yankees announced that they would retire the numbers of three of the greatest players in franchise history, and give them plaques in Monument Park. Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada, and Andy Pettitte. Posada, a decent Hall of Fame case notwithstanding, and the great Bernie Williams have certainly earned the honor. Pettitte, however, raised many questions, due to his use of the banned-substance Human Growth Hormone (HGH). Many were appalled at the notion that the Yankees would knowingly honor a cheater.

But is Pettitte a cheater? That answer isn't what you might think.

Pettitte admitted in a 2007 press conference that he did, in fact, use HGH in 2002 in order to heal his ailing elbow quicker and return to form in time to pitch again during the season. There is no question about that. He was never banned or suspended for the incidents.

Because he never used a banned substance.

HGH was not banned by Major League Baseball until January 2005, nearly three years after Pettitte used it. Furthermore, it does not appear to have given him an edge, as his win total actually decreased from 15 to 13 during the season, due in part to his injury. There is no evidence that Pettitte benefited at all from his use of the HGH.

His numbers speak for themselves, 256 wins against 153 losses, and 19 postseason victories (an MLB record). His 2,020 strikeouts in pinstripes are a Yankee record, 219 wins third all-time, and 438 games started tie for first with Whitey Ford. His 148 wins from 2000-2009 were the most of any pitcher during the decade, and he played a vital role in five World Series Championships (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2009).

And according to the rules, he really did do it all clean.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3156305

Heading to The Hall

Former ace pitcher Curt Schilling will be eligible for Hall of Fame induction in 2013.

Schilling pitched for 20 years, compiling a record of 216-146.

Schilling will also be a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2013, and here is why...

His win total is less than impressive, however, over his career he had 3,116 strikeouts, and a 3.46 ERA.

He was the co-MVP of the 2001 World Series, with future Hall of Famer Randy Johnson (see my article on him in 2014).

He was a six-time All Star (1997-1999, 2001, 2002, 2004), a three-time World Series Champion (1993 with the Phillies and 2004 and 2007 with the Red Sox).

In 1993 he was the NLCS MVP as the Phillies went all the way to the World Series, where they lost to the Blue Jays, and he was the 1995 Lou Gehrig Award recipient.

In 2001 he was awarded the Roberto Clemente Award, Babe Ruth Award, Branch Rickey Award, and the Hutch Award, (what a year!)

Schilling's win total does him no justice, however, he spent most of his career with bad teams such as the Orioles in the late eighties, and the Astros and Phillies in the nineties.

Schilling was a tremendous pitcher, and he will be elected this year with Piazza and Biggio. I cannot wait to see them in Cooperstown!

Biggio is Back: Hall of Fame 2013

Former Houston Astors legend Craig Biggio is eligible for Hall of Fame induction in 2013.

Biggio hit just .281, with 291 homers and 1,175 RBIs in his carrer. However, I will tell you why I believe he will get into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot,

Biggio finished his career with 3,060 career hits, of the players with 3,000 or more hits, only Derek Jeter (active), Biggio, Palmiero (roidhead), and of course Pete Rose, are not in the Hall of Fame. He also had 668 doubles, and 414 stolen bases.

Biggio was as seven-time All Star (1991, 1992, 1994-1998), four time Gold Glove winner (1991, 1994-1997), and a five-time Silver Slugger award winner (1989, 1994-1998).

Biggio was the recipient of the 2007 Branch Rickey award, the 2005 Hutch Award, and the 2007 Roberto Clemente Award. He was also hit by pitches 285 times, a modern record. On August 17, 2008 his number 7 was retired by the Houston Astros.

Biggio was a true legend in Houston. He played in the outfield, as a catcher, and a second baseman.

I look forward to being at his Hall of Fame induction in July!

Biggio's 3,000th career hit.

Standing in The Hall of Fame!

The annual Baseball Hall of Fame elections will take place this January. The class of 2013 will then convene in Cooperstown in July for the induction, and if all goes right, I will join them!

The ballot features first timers, last timers, and roidheads.

This article details why I believe that the first player inducted in 2013 will be...Mike Piazza!

Piazza played for 16 seasons, compiling a statline of .308 427 homers and 1,335 RBIs.

During his career he compiled these highlights:

-His 35 homers as a rookie in 1993 were the most since Matt Nokes' 32 in 1987.
-In 1997 and 1999 his 40 homers are the fourth-most by a catcher, behind Hall of Famer Johnny Bench, Todd Hundley, and Javy Lopez.

-In 1997, his 201 hits were the most by a catcher in MLB history over 130 or more games.

On July 18, 2000 he hit his third grand slam of the season, matched by Carlos Beltran, John Milner, and Robin Ventura.

He had 72 RBIs before the All-Star Break were the most in Mets history, breaking the 69 by Dave Kingman in 1976.

He had nine career 30-homer seasons, including eight consecutive from 1995-2002

In 1996, 1997, and 2000, he led the All-Star Voting

From 1993-2001 he hit over .300.

On June 29, 1996 he hit 3 homers against the Rockies.

Piazza's career numbers, combined with his twelve All-Star appearances, (1993-2002, 2004-2005) and ten consecutive Silver Slugger Awards (1993-2002), in addition to his 1993 Rookie of the Year Award and 1996 All Star Game MVP, prove his worth to the teams he played on during his career.

The hit that healed a nation, Piazza's three-run home run on September 21, 2001, the first game in New York since 9/11.

 

The infamous "broken bat incident" in the 2000 World Series.

 

Mike Piazza WILL get into the Hall of Fame in 2013, and when he does, you can be sure that I will be there watching his induction!

Heading to the Hall!

Heading to the Hall

Hall of Fame Ballot Features Former Greats

 

 

Being in the discussion for induction into a hall of fame is always an honor, no matter what it is for. Whether it is for golf, football, or baseball, being inducted is the ultimate honor, and, in my opinion, the only thing that can trump a championship.

 

 

This year, the ballot features a sure-fire first balloter, former Giants DE Michael Strahan.

 

Strahan was a Giants legend, and was elected to seven Pro Bowls as a four-time first team All Pro. His 22 1/2 sack season in 2006, and his controversial record-breaking 22 1/2 sack of Brett Favre in 2001 remains one of the greatest moments I have ever seen.

 

He compiled 141.5 sacks in his career. 

 

Strahan retired following the 2007 season after winning his only Super Bowl championship.

 

Strahan's controversial 22.5 sack for fellow Future Hall of Famer Brett Favre in 2001.

 



The End of An Era

Future Hall of Fame RB LaDainian Tomlinson has announced his retirement after 11 seasons. LT had two career rushing titles. His 13,684 yards and 145 touchdowns rank fifth and third all-time respectively. He had 280 yards an only one touchdown with the Jets last season. He will sign a one day contract and retire as a member of the San Diego Chargers. I knew this was coming but I really wanted LT to stick around to try and set the all-time rushing yards record. At the same time, however, I knew his time with the Jets was up. I look forward to his Hall of Fame induction in 2017 and wish him all the best in retirement. He has certainly earned it.

The End of An Era

Future Hall of Fame Catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez has announced his retirement after 20 major league seasons. Pudge hit .296 with 311 home runs and 1,332 runs batted in over his career. He compiled 2,844 hits in 20 seasons. In 1999, he was awarded the American League MVP award for hitting 30 homers, collecting 100 RBIs and scoring 100 runs in baseball hitory. In 2003, he was part of the dramatic home-plate collision with J.T. Snow that sent the Florida Marlins to the World Series and an evenual victory over the Yankees. He was named that year's NLCS MVP. He also caught two no-hitters and was consistently ranked as one of the best defensive backstops of all-time. On July 30, 2008, Pudge was traded to the New York Yankees for pitcher Kyle Farnsworth. Pudge filled in for Jorge Posada that year, starting just 26 games of a possible 55 for them. Overall for the Yankees Pudge hit just .219 (21-for-96) with two home runs and three runs batted in. In 1996, 1998, and 1999 he played against the Yankees in the ALDS, losing all three series. He hit.273 against the Yankees in the World Series as Florida took the championship in six games, (which began my ongoing hatred of the Florida/Miami Marlins). In 2009, he surpassed Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk as the player who has caught the most games in major league history with 2,227. He had a 45.68% of runners caught stealing, a major league record. I first heard of him during the 2003 NLCS against the Giants and his dramatic collision with JT Snow to send the Marlins to the World Series. After defeating the Yankees, I grew to love Pudge, and when he eventually became a Yankee in 2008, despite his lackluster performance and replacing a fan favorite and Hall of Famer himself in Jorge Posada, I loved him even more. He will officially retire as a Texas Ranger on Monday. Now, with the most games caught in history, and with a reputation as one of the greatest all-around catchers of all-time, he will certainly be inducted to the Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 2017, no doubt as either a Ranger, Tiger, or Marlin. Which team do you think Pudge should be inducted as a member of? The Marlins...

The Rangers...

Or the Yankees? (Did that get a laugh out of you?)

The End of An Era

After 17 seasons in Boston, RHP Tim Wakefield has announced his retirement from professional baseball.

"Although the Boston Red Sox and the fans here in New England will tell you that they were five outs away in the eighth inning, leading by three...AS BOONE HITS IT TO DEEP LEFT! THAT MIGHT SEND THE YANKEES TO THE WORLD SERIES! BOONE A HERO IN GAME SEVEN!" (Joe Buck)


Wake went 7-8 with a 5.12 ERA in 23 starts and a few relief appearances in 2011. He was 200-180 with a 4.41 ERA and 2,156 strikeouts in his career.

Wakefield was one of the few Red Sox players that I really, genuinely liked. I have fond memories of him, such as Aaron Boone's home run, both championships he helped the Sox win, and his willingness to do anything to help his team win. He was constantly bounced from starter to reliever, used as a setup guy, and even sometimes a closer. He was a genuine good guy who did much charitable work and I will miss seeing him play against the Yankees.

Now, folks, it is customary to ask this after a player retires: Will he make the Hall of Fame?

On first glance, that question seems like a joke. However, look at these career stats:

*Record (W-L): 200-180 (Third all-time in Red Sox history, behind Cy Young and Roger Clemens)
*Career ERA: 4.41
*2,156 strikeouts
*1-time All Star (2009, aged 42)-second oldest All Star ever named (Satchel Paige was 45).

*Red Sox career leader in innings pitched, games started as a pitcher, home runs allowed, walks allowed, hits allowed, losses, earned runs allowed, wild pitches, hit batsmen, and batters faced.

*7th on all time hit batters list
*.121 career batting average with 1 home run in 1993 for the Pirates.
*1995 American League comeback player of the year
*2010 Roberto Clemente Award winner
*2-time World Series Champion (the only two Red Sox championships since 1918)

Now consider this. Wakefield went through at least SEVEN (7) different catchers (talk about lack of consistency), as well as 11 different pitching coaches as well as many different bullpen coaches as he was alternated between starter and reliever.

John Cumberland: 1995-Jul 19, 1995
Al Nipper: July 19, 1995-May 1, 1996
Sammy Ellis: May 1, 1996-1996
Joe Kerrigan: 1997-August 16, 2001
John Cumberland: August 16, 2001-September 4, 2001
Ralph Treuel: September 4, 2001-2001
Tony Cloninger: 2002
Goose Gregson (Interim): April 5, 2003-April 22, 2003
Tony Cloninger: April 23, 2003-May 29, 2003
Goose Gregson (Interim): May 30, 2003-June 8, 2003
Dave Wallace: June 9, 2003-2005
Al Nipper (Interim): 2006-August 8, 2006
Dave Wallace: August 8, 2006-2006
John Farrell: 2007-2010
Curt Young: 2011

But you must also remember this.

Knuckleballers are a special type of pitcher. They can lose a game based on wild pitches, and are erratic, throwing 8 shutout innings, only to blow the lead in the ninth inning based on weather, (as weather can control where a knuckleball goes due to the pitch's lack of velocity).

Now, let's compare here,

Through the 1978 season, Hall of Famer Phil Niekro had won 197 games and lost 171.

Wake, on the other hand, had fashioned a record of 151-134.

So Niekro, going into what would seem to be the twilight of any career, was 26 games over .500. From age 40 through 48 he was an additional 18 games over .500

Now, Wakefield since hitting age 40 has gone 32-25, (as of 2009).

Now the first thing people will notice that Phil is plus-46 in the win column and is also plus-37 in the loss column.

Under the age of 40, Phil Niekro made 86 additional appearances, 83 of which were starts.

He also had an additional 83 decisions, which is not surprising when you see that as a product of his era Niekro had 245 career complete games to Wakefield’s 62.

Part of the strength of Phil Niekro’s case is that he is one of only 16 players with 3,000-plus strikeouts. But when you look at Phil vs. Wakefield in a head-to-head comparison, Wake strikes out 6.1/nine for his career, Niekro only 5.6/nine innings of work. Also remember that we are in the Steroid Era, where big, juiced up hitters like Rafael Palmiero and Jason Giambi tear up pitchers in blow out games using their "artificial" talent.

In 17 seasons, Wakefield averaged 13 wins per year, and a .535 winning percentage. Niekro's winning percentage is .537.

Wake only led the league in losses once, whereas Niekro did it four times (1977-1980). Both pitchers averaged about 78 walks per season, (more than Hall of Famer Goose Gossage).

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/181212-mr-wakefieldits-the-hall-on-line-one

Info courtesy of Paging Wakefield: It's the Hall on Line One? by David Allan of Bleacherreport.com.

The BOSOX will undoubtedly reitre his number 49, and induct him into their hall of fame. But, when it all comes down to it...

Tim Wakefield should go to the Hall of Fame, and as a longtime Yankee fan,

I couldn't argue against it.

Why George Steinbrenner is A Hall of Famer

George M. Steinbrenner III, also known as "The Boss" for his seemingly totalitarian tenure as owner of the Yankees, deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.

Steinbrenner, though heavily criticized during his tenure, revolutionized free agency and turned the Bronx Bombers from a rock-botton, backward franchise under CBS into a team which consistently was at the top of the standings. After Steinbrenner took over in 1973, the Yankees went on to win seven World Championships (1977, 1978, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2009), as well as a number of American League pennants. He was instrumental in the commissioning of the New Yankee Stadium and the creation of the YES Network.

Along with his Yankees success, he also donated a large amount of money to different childrens charities, such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the Salvation Army. He maintained such a relationship with his empolyees that once when pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre was undergoing cancer treatment, he went above and beyond to make sure he was able to watch games in his hospital room.

Steinbrenner did many good deeds in and out of the Yankee organization, and turned the team back into a group of winners, and so...

...he is a Hall of Famer.

Bill Parcells- The Hall of Famer

The Pro Football Hall of Fame ballot has been announced. The induction will take place in August 2012 and among the many notable names is former Giants coach Bill Parcells.

Parcells officially retired in 2006 with a record of 183-138-1. He led the Giants to Super Bowls XXI and XXV. "The Big Tuna" was a 2-time coach of the year and the image of his gatorade dunking after Super Bowl XXI, the first coach to be so "honored" is immortal in Giants and NFL history.

In 1990, he led the Giants to a 10-0 start before losing Phil Simms to injury. Despite this, they narrowly defeated the Buffalo Bills 20-19 to capture another title. After this he retired due to health problems, however, he un-retired and returned to coach the Jets and after retiring again, came back to coach the Cowboys after Jerry Jones convinced him to pull a Brett Favre again, and he coached the Cowboys. He finally retired in 2007 and accepted a position as Executive VP with the Dolphins, earning him the nickname "Football Czar", until 2010.

Parcells is a no-doubt, first ballot Hall of Famer.

Jason Taylor

It is now official, DE/LB Jason Taylor has decided to retire.

773 Tackles (522 solo)
131.5 sacks (6th all-time)
6 Fumble Return Touchdowns (1st all-time)

I loved him, even as a long-time Dolphin hater. He was the consummate professional and deserves a first-ballot induction to the Hall of Fame. He was a longtime enemy of the Jets and their fans, and will be missed in the NFL.

Why Andy Pettitte is a Hall of Famer

Former Yankees starting pitcher Andy Pettitte may not be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He may not seem like a guy who is worthy of consideration.

Pettitte in the 1996 World Series.

But yet he should get in.

Career stats:
*Win-Loss: 240-138 (.635)
*3.88 ERA
*2-time 21 game winner (1996, 2003)
*Career 19-10 Postseason record (Most wins all-time)
*1995 Rookie of the Year
*26 career hits (5 in American League)
*2005 NL MVP
*5-time World Series Champion (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2009)
*Won the most games of any pitcher from 2000-2009 (beating out names such as Roger Clemens, Pedro Martinez and Randy Johnson)

Although he was accused of using performance-enhancing drugs during a small portion of his career, (claiming it was used in 2002 to heal from an injury and 2004). These were not his 21-win seasons nor was his performance during those years a career best. It seems as if they had little to no effect at all on his performance. Although this revelation disappointed me greatly, it still does not detract from his Hall of Fame candidacy in my opinion. His ability to maintain his high level of performance up to the age of 38 as well as maintain his consistency of never having a losing season during his 16-year long career, prove that his durability and dependability are that of a winner and Hall of Famer.

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=7109661&c_id=mlb (copy and paste in browser to view clip).

Andy Pettitte may not (and probably won't) get into the Hall on the first ballot (in 2016), but eventually he should go into the Hall of Fame for his performance (especially his postseason performance).

The Bam-Tino!

I know this is a bit late, but...

Former Yankees first baseman Tino Martinez deserves to be in the Hall of Fame!

Career Stats:
*271 Career Average
*339 Homers
*1,271 RBIs
*2-time All Star
*4-time World Series Champion (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000)
*1997 Home Run Derby Champion

In addition to,
*Many all star and gold glove SNUBS!
*Saving the Yankees' asses with a home run in Game 4 of the 2001 World Series (the game is most remembered for Jeter's Mr. November home run though).
* A Grand Slam in the 1998 World Series

"SWUNG ON AND DRILLED DEEP TO RIGHT, THERE IT GOES! THAT BALL IS...GONE! A GRAND SLAM, INTO THE UPPER DECK, FOR TINO MARTINEZ! AND THE YANKEES LEAD, 9-5! SEVEN RUNS, IN THE SEVENTH INNING, IN THE FIRST GAME, OF THE BEST OF SEVEN WORLD SERIES, OH WHAT A HOME RUN, FOR TINO MARTINEZ!" (Michael Kay)

My bias toward the Dynastic Yankees will NOT be satisfied without Tino in the Hall of Fame! The Yankees have not seen the likes of clutch hitters since the Dynasty ended.

Bern, Baby Bern!

Former Yankees CF Bernie Williams appears on the Hall of Fame ballot for the first time in 2012.

Williams at Old Timers' Day in 2011. He refuses to be called an "old timer."

As a longtime fan of the Yankees, and a sportswriter who is openly biased toward the Dynastic Yankees, I would love for no one to make the Hall of Fame in 2012 more than Bernie.

In 1996, Bernie was a young centerfielder on a team of rookies and young folk that defeated the defending World Champion Atlanta Braves in 6 games to capture its first World Championship since 1978. In 1996, the ALCS MVP hit .474 with 2 homers.

In 1998, Williams hit .339, capturing the AL Batting title and an AL Gold Glove in the outfield. He was the first player in history to win a gold glove, batting title, and World Series ring in the same year.

"Bern, Baby Bern!" (John Sterling)

He was an integral part of their World Series championship teams in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000. In my opinion, Williams and Andruw Jones were THE best centerfielders in baseball.

At his retirement, he was second all-time in doubles, fourth in walks, fifth in hits and extra base hits, and 6th in both homers and RBIs.

His career stats (2,076 games):

2,336 hits
449 doubles
287 homers
147 stolen bases

5-time All-Star (1997-2001)
4-time World Series Champion (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000)
4-time Gold Glove winner (1997-2000)
Silver Slugger Winner (2002)
1996 ALCS MVP

The Yankees threw their longtime centerfielder out the back door after the 2006 season despite his desire to remain on the team in a reserve role.

I absolutely LOVED Bernie when he played for the Yankees, he was (and still is) one of my favorite Yankees of all-time, and I was overjoyed when he made his long-overdue Old Timers' Day debut in 2011.

His career stats, postseason play, speed, and defense, show me that he is a Hall of Fame worthy player. In 2010, when the Yankees acquired CF Curtis Granderson, they finally had a player who could be the "new" Bernie Williams, (with apologies to Melky, Damon, and Bubba Crosby, all of whom I liked).

The complete ballot includes these other newcomers:
Ruben Sierra
Bill Mueller
Tim Salmon
Vinny Castilla
Terry Mulholland
Brad Radke
Jeromy Burnitz
Brian Jordan
Eric Young
Javy Lopez
Tony Womack
Phil Nevin

Now, after reading that list, is there anyone else first-ballot worthy besides Bernie?
Exactly.

That is why I feel Bernie Williams will be elected to the Hall of Fame in 2012.

Hip Hip...

...
Nothing.
Nada.
Zilch.

All thanks to the Cash Man.

Jorge Posada, though he still has the desire and the ability (as shown in the ALDS) to play, (albeit maybe only in a backup role), has been run out of town by the very team he dedicated his livelyhood to for the past 17 years.

Let's look back on some of my personal favorite moments from his Hall Of Fame worthy career...

1) "The Flip"- Yes, the immortal play would not have come to pass if not for Posada's tag at home plate. EVERYTHING about that play was phenomenal.

"Downstairs, down the right field line. [Jeremy] Giambi on his way to third, and THEY'RE GONNA WAVE HIM AROUND! THE THROW MISSES THE CUTOFF MAN, SHOVEL TO THE PLATE, AND OUT AT THE PLATE! DEREK JETER, WITH ONE OF THE MOST UNBELIEVEABLE PLAYS YOU WILL EVER SEE BY A SHORTSTOP! BOTH CUTOFF MEN WERE MISSED, JETER COMING DOWN THE LINE FIELDED IT WITH HIS BARE HAND A SHOVEL TO POSADA, AND GIAMBI IS OUT! WHAT AN UNBELIEVEABLE PLAY BY JETER!" (Thom Brennaman)

2) Grand Slams (June 12th and 13th 2010) vs. Houston Astros

3) 1,000th RBI vs. Kansas City Royals in 2010.

4) Catching (and therefore calling the pitches) for David Wells during his perfect game in 1998.

5) The Pinch Hit RBI single to send the Yankees to the 2011 postseason AND his 2011 postseason performance!

"The 0-1, LINED INTO RIGHT FIELD, IT'S A BASE HIT, ONE RUN SCORES, TWO RUNS SCORE! HOW 'BOUT THAT! THE VETERAN, COMES THROUGH OFF THE BENCH, WITH A HUGE HIT, TO GIVE THE YANKEES A 4-2 LEAD!" (Michael Kay)

And now, his career stats (1,829 games):

275 homers (most by any catcher since 2000)

1,065 RBIs (most by any catcher since 2000)

1,664 hits (most by any catcher since 2000)

.273 Career AVG

5-time All-Star (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2007)

5-time Silver Slugger Award Winner (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2007)

This is why he WILL be a Hall of Famer after his official retirement (which should be forthcoming).

So c'mon, one last chant for a Hall of Famer...

Hip Hip...

JORGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Colts place Collins on IR!

Its official.  Yesterday the Indianapolis Colts placed former Giants QB Kerry Collins on injured reserve with a concussion, ending his season and likely his career.

The 39-year-old Collins was signed to a 2 year, $14,000,000 contract in August to be Peyton Manning's backup.  After Manning was unable to begin the season, Collins was elevated to starter.

Collins as a New York Giant...good times!  Image courtesy of http://www.profootballhof.com/photos/651/2009/1/14/

I can honestly say that I am very disappointed.  As a Giants fan myself, I was looking forward to seeing Collins play this season.  This saddens me as it will almost certainly be the end for Collins and he will be cut when the season ends, especially if the Colts draft Andrew Luck and with Curtis Painter also on the roster to back up Manning.  Rest assured he will be missed and I feel strongly that he will make the Hall of Fame someday.

Lets look at some of his career stats (198 games) courtesy of NFL.com:

3,487/6,261 (completions/attempts)
55.7 completion percentage
40,922 total yards
208 TD
73.8 QB rating

Versus Peyton Manning's (208 games):

4,682/7,210 (completions/attempts)
64.9 Completion percentage
54,828 total yards
399 TD
94.9 QB rating

While there is no question that Peyton is the better quarterback of the two, maybe the best of his generation (although I am more Favre-biased), Kerry Collins has, in my opinion, flown under the radar because of the Brett Favres, Peyton Mannings, and Tom Bradys around during his time.  This is why, in my opinion, he belongs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.  From what I saw in him during his time with the Giants, Raiders, Titans, and (to a much-lesser extent, Colts), Kerry Collins is a Hall of Famer.