The hundred or so days between now and the day pitchers and catchers report will likely be the longest of Jonathan Papelbon’s 28 years. Consistently dominant since bursting onto the scene in 2005 and ascending to closer in 2006, including 27 scoreless innings in the postseason, Boston’s big-game pitcher came up small on an October Sunday; blowing …
Monthly Archives: October 2009
Yankees Shopping List 2009
It was hardly a surprise last year that the Yankees acquired C.C. Sabathia, Mark Teixeria, and A.J. Burnett, though it was speculated that Derek Lowe could have fulled one of the pitching needs; it was clear the Bronx Bombers had plenty of dollars coming off the books. This year the market doesn’t have quite the …
Aaron Hill: Comeback Player of the Year
While Hill had a great season, setting career highs in many categories, and recovered from the concussion that ended his season last year, he is not a good example of a comeback player. Victor Martinez, after posting an OPS of at least .851 from 2004-2007 provided a meager .701 last year and rebounded in 2009 …
Joe Mauer: MVP?
Mauer, taken first overall in the 2001 draft (ahead of Mark Prior, which has seemed better and better) tore through the minor leagues as an offensive and defensive powerhouse at catcher; a rare find to be sure. The local boy lived up to expectations in his first full season in the majors putting up a …