Knights vs Cardinals

With his recent heroics on the ball field, Cardinals pitcher turned outfielder Rick Ankiel, is becoming a modern day Roy Hobbs. Meteoric rise to the majors, swift encounter with darkness, and never to be heard from again, until...
108 Red Stitches' over analysis begins now:

The Legend:

Roy Hobbs: On his way to the majors (via train) Hobbs strikes out the immortal Walt "The Whammer" Whambold (the best hitter in the majors at the time) during a brief pit stop at a local carnival.

Rick Ankiel: With his dominating fastball, devastating sinker, and looping curveball, Ankiel strikes out 194 batters, posting a 3.50 ERA at the ripe old age of 21.

Advantage: Hobbs. Nobody strikes out a guy names Walt "The Whammer" Whambold and lives to tell about it.


Into the Darkness:

Hobbs: Shot by a temptress in a black dress.

Ankiel: Can't find the strike zone in Game 1 of the 2000 NLDS against the Braves, he allowed 4 runs on 2 hits, walking 4 and throwing 5 wild pitches before Tony LaRussa took him out of the game.

Advantage: Ankiel. It only gets worse; Ankiel goes on to pitch against the Mets in the NLCS. First inning = 20 pitches, five of which scoot past the catcher. He returns later in the series, still unable to find the plate, walking a handful more batters, and the Cardinals lose the series.

The Return:

Hobbs: Well, depends on who you listen to. Hollywood and the book says Hobbs returns 15 years later, as an outfielder, and begins to go on a hitting tear. He helps the Knights crawl out of the cellar, and this is where things diverge. Hollywood has Hobbs hitting a homerun that crashes into a light tower, ensuing fireworks display wows all. The book has Hobbs striking out in his last at bat, after accepting a handsome ransom from the teams owner to throw the game.

Ankiel: Returns to the majors as an outfielder, hitting a three run wallop in the 7th inning, to help the Cardinals beat the Brewers. Standing ovation, curtain calls, firstborns, all thrust at Ankiel.

Advantage: Movie Hobbs. Anyone that can hit a homerun and set off fireworks, while nursing a 15 year old gunshot wound and dealing with the fact that he might be a father, wins in our book.

Famous Quotes:

Hobbs: "Pick me out a winner Bobby".

Ankiel: "The frustration that built up, it seems like it was really eroding my spirit and starting to affect my personality off the field. It just became apparent that it was time for me to move on and pursue becoming an outfielder."

Advantage: Hobbs. Not one movie quote has spawned more jokes about picking one's nose.

Then and Now

A few days ago, former Major Leaguer Jose Offerman went ballistic with his lumber after being hit by a pitch. Offerman, playing for the Long Island Ducks, went after Bridgeport Bluefish pitcher Matt Beech, after being hit in the leg with a pitch. Offerman was eventually arrested after he was thrown out of the game, and bail was posted at $10,000.
This event brought back memories of another famous bat beating incident, none other than Juan Marichal's head bopping of LA Dodgers catcher, Johnny Roseboro.
Here at 108 Red Stitches, we thought it would be fun to compare both events. Here goes:

Fight Started Because.....

Offerman: Hit a homerun in his first at bat off of Beech, then was pegged in the leg in his next at bat.
Marichal: Thought Roseboro's throws back to the pitcher were coming a little to close to his noggin.
Advantage: Offerman. Physical evidence always outweighs mental issues.

Injuries Incurred:

Offerman: possibly broke Beech's finger and gave Bluefish catcher, John Nathans, concussion like symptoms.
Marichal: slammed Roseboro in the (unprotected head) and gave him a pretty gash that would require 14 stitches.
Advantage: Marichal. Nobody makes me bleed my own blood, nobody.

Punishment:

Offerman: arrested on two counts of second degree assault felony, bail posted at $10,000.
Marichal: fined $1,750 and suspended 9 games. Eventually sued (and settled out of court) by Roseboro.
Advantage: Offerman. Good luck getting that "felon" label taken away.

Eventual Outcome:

Offerman: case pending until August 23, when Jose must appear in court.
Marichal: would later become good friends with Roseboro, as the two would autograph the picture that make them famous.
Advantage: Marichal. Always loved a Hollywood Ending.

Cooler Photo:

Offerman:

Marichal:Advantage: Marichal. Black and White, SLR Photo. Ahh, the good old days.

108 Red Stitches Photo of the Week

Pain? Joy? Confusion? A sub conscious slip back to man's earlier days when the Greeks would wrestle in the courtyard? Whatever emotion that is evoked when you look at this photo, know that, no matter what, this photo wins 108 Red Stitches first ever Photo of the Week Award.

Free Agent All-Stars

While everyone is making playoff predictions and crossing fingers as teams vie for that elusive championship (see Chicago Cubs), we're looking ahead to what figures to be an interesting off-season. Your teams needs some back end pitching help? One big bat away from sneaking into next years playoff? Looking to patch up a bullpen that's springing leaks and you just ran out of duct tape? Assuming that A-Rod and other players who have options/out clauses in their contracts stay on their current team, look no further than the 108 Red Stitches Free Agent All Star Lineup.
Color Key: Injury Prone, Offensive Nightmare, Likely to Resign With Old Team, Bargain Buy, Franchise Savior.

Catcher

- Jorge Posada: Having an unbelievable season behind the plate, offensively and defensively. Currently is batting .337 with 14 home runs and 68 RBI. His "timely" hitting (yeah yeah, there's no such thing as clutch hitting) has been the key to many of NY's wins this season, and has only let four balls get past him while behind the plate. Good luck signing him though, as he's a home town favorite and the Yankees would be crazy to let him go. Especially when the Captain says he wants him back.
Runner Ups: Ivan Rodriguez, Jason Kendall, Paul LoDuca

First Base

-Sean Casey: Probably the best, and only option in this years thin crop of free agents at first base. He's a clubhouse leader and a veteran that would provide excellent leadership and knowhow in a young locker room.
Runner Ups: Craig Wilson, Shea Hillenbrand

Second Base

-Tadahito Iguchi: has seen a bit of a rebirth with his trade to Philly, but will be expendable once Chase Utley recovers from a broken hand.
Runner Ups: Mark Loretta, Mark Grudzielanek,

Short Stop

- David Eckstein; another clubhouse leader whose dedication to the game is second to none. Plays hard day in and day out, David would be a welcome addition to any clubhouse. Good luck prying him away from the Cardinals.
Runner Ups: Tomohiro Nioka (Yomiuri Giants), John McDonald, Omar Vizquel

Third Base

- Mike Lowell; see previous blog post. This guy is on a tear this season, batting in a very dangerous Boston lineup. The only way Lowell becomes available is if A-Rod leaves NY and signs with the Sox.
Runner Ups: Geoff Blum, Aaron Boone, Pedro Feliz



Outfield:
The year of the outfielder. This year's crop of outfield free agents is the strongest its been in years. Here's 108 RS's rankings:

1. Torii Hunter; CF 7. Kosuke Fukudome (Chunichi Dragons, Japan) RF
2. Corey Patterson; CF 8. Trot Nixon; RF
3. Aaron Rowand; CF 9. Milton Bradley; RF
4. Barry Bonds, LF 10. Brad Wilkerson; LF
5. Bobby Abreu; RF 11. Ryan Klesko; LF
6. Jermaine Dye; RF 12. Mike Cameron; CF

Starting Pitching:
Ace: Carlos Zambrano
Middle Rotation: Curt Shilling, Jeff Weaver, Jason Jennings.
Back End Help: Eric Milton, Freddy Garcia, Josh Fogg
Long Shots: Matt Clement, Kris Benson, Bartolo Colon

Relief Corps
Best Bets: Francisco Cordero, Mike Timlin, Scott Linebrink, Luis Vizcaino,
Bargain Bin: Kerry Wood, Antonio Alfonseca, Ray King, Mike Myers, Joe Kennedy.

What if A-Rod Walks?

As season's end is right around the corner, and the Yankees are making an interesting run at the playoffs, one can't ignore that nagging thought; what if A-Rod leaves New York? He has an out clause in his contract, in case the Rangers weren't going anywhere and "A-Rod" needed a change of scenery. Are the Yanks prepared to deal with life after Alex? What are their options if they need to find a replacement at the hot corner?

Internal Options

1. Wilson Betemit; The 26 year old switch hitter, acquired from the Dodgers in the Scott Proctor trade, might be the Yanks best insurance. The trade looks like a preeminent strike against sudden departure. He's a lifetime .265 hitter and has a little pop that would look to improve with the short porch in right field. Betemit can play first base, shortstop, and second, which makes him a more valuable player. If the Yanks hold onto A-Rod, he's a huge upgrade offensively over Miguel Cairo, although Cairo's leadership and clubhouse presence will be missed.

2. Andy Phillips; Probably a long shot, this homegrown Yankee has rode the Columbus/Scranton shuttle quite a bit. His most recent stint in pinstripes has been better than his previous, but his glove work at third is suspect. He's good on the other corner of the diamond, but a move to third would signal the Yanks having exhausted all other options.

3. Eric Duncan; Get on the Duncan Bandwagon! Shelley, Chris (Cardinals) and....Eric? No relation, but can the Yanks catch lighting in a bottle with another Duncan in the Bronx? It's still a little early for the New Jersey native, he's only batting .231/9HR/41RBIs in AAA Scranton. He does have that last name though....


External Options

4. Mike Lowell; In line for a nice paycheck after what's turning out to be a monster season for the BoSocker. Red Sox would be hard pressed to let him leave, especially if he were leaving for Pinstripes.

5. Geoff Blum; 34 year old Padre becomes a free agent at the end of the season. He's no A-Rod, but he is a CHEAP and short term solution to buy Duncan an extra year in the minors. The Yanks have a new stadium in the near future, and to trot out a lineup of home grown players on opening day (Jeter, Posada, Melkey, Cano, Duncan, Phillips, Hughes, Chamberlin, etc) would make the pinstripes proud.

Don't Look Now!

Barry Bonds, don't get too comfortable holding onto your throne. The record is yours right now, but believe me, what happened last week should (and will) keep him up at night.

Jayson Tyner hit his first major league home run. And he's not stopping until he owns your "record".

Well, Jayson Tyner is probably one of the least likely candidates to surpass Bonds, once he retires. But here's a list of guys that will most likely (as Bonds has so eloquently put it) erase the Slugger from History Books.

Obviously:

1. A-Rod; No one has gotten to 500 hum dingers this quickly. Since this is one of the most obvious of choices, I'm not going to discuss much more.

2. Albert Pujols; Sweet swinging first-baseman has the ability to replicate his swing almost everytime he unloads on a pitch. Whether or not he can uncork on say, 600 more of them, might be another story.

Outside shot;

3. Ken Griffey, Jr; Feel good story of the century. "The Kid" passes "The Juice". Griffey is too far gone, and has lost precious plate appearances to nagging injuries. Nothing would bring baseball out of its darkest period than Griffey trotting the bases...

4. Sammy Sosa; Just hit #600, but that'll be the end of the line for Slammin Sammy. He's lost playing time to a younger group of Rangers, and isn't upset by the benching.

Snowball's Chance in Philly:

5. Ryan Howard; if only! Sweet swinging lefty, who embodies (as of 3:01, August 13, 2007) all that is good in baseball. Too bad his major league debut came during his mid twenties, robbing him of valuable at bats that guys like Pujols, A-Rod, and Griffey all had. Howard spent too much time in the minors to be a considerable threat to break Bond's "record".

Time will tell:

6. Prince Fielder: 23 years old, powerful young lefty who hits the ball a ton. Is tops in the NL in Homeruns and is only in his second season. He could be a dark horse if he stays healthy and plays 20+ years.

New Home Run King

There's something seriously wrong with this first blog post. There's something seriously wrong with the title of the post. Something wrong with the photo to the right. No, its not the fact that baseball's "New Home Run King" is wearing drag or a wig, or is pretending that the nugget of a brain floating in his freakishly enlarged cranium can comprehend and process the words that are written on the paper he is holding.
There's something wrong with the way that Hank Aaron was trotted out on the San Fransisco scoreboard, congratulating Barry Bonds on passing his record.
In this crazed world of politically correct, where have (or why have) we gone wrong? I would have loved to see Hank Aaron appear on screen, look into the camera, and then remove his mic and walk away. Silence is always louder than words.
Throw the ball back.
You want something more historical than being the proud owner of the most coveted record in all of sports? Catch the ball, throw the ball back onto the field. Nothing would have made a bigger statement than a fan tossing an asterisk back onto the field.
Mahatma Gandhi once said “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”
There's nothing special about Bonds' assault on Aaron's record. Pushing a needle or swallowing a pill does not dictate success.
Someday the madness surrounding the past week will go away and it will be a footnote in the memories of our pastime.
That's what we have to look forward to. We need a way to pass the time, to get to the point in history, when Barry Bonds, Home Run King, is nothing but an asterisk.