Power Mauer

Joe Mauer

The former first overall pick in the 2001 draft has never disappointed.  Already sporting a career .322 average and .404 OBP in 4+ seasons, he looked like a perennial batting title contender who lacked substantial power.  In 28 games so far in this 2009 season, Minnesota’s Masher has accumulated 11 homers, 32 RBIS, 27 runs, and a robust .414 average.  In a 162 game season, these numbers translate into 64 homers, 185 RBIS, and 157 runs.  In other words, the greatest season ever played.  Why the sudden jump from a guy who in four full seasons has never hit more than 13 homers and driven in 84 runs? 

Versus Right-handed Pitching

2006: 340 ABS 11 HR .356 AVG

2008: 353 ABS 2 HR .312 AVG

2009: 67 ABS 8 HR .493 AVG

Although Mauer’s average will likely drop from .493, the power numbers may be here to stay.  At 6-5 225lbs, “Hey” Joe is not Craig Counsell lacking size.  Although the almost HR/8.5 ABS is alarming and improbable, I see it settling near the HR/12 ABS against righties.  This still propels our southpaw twinkie into one of the game’s elite home run hitters along with Albert Pujols, Adam Dunn, and Carlos Quentin. 

The best part of Joe Muaer still remains his age.  At the just ripe number of 26, there is a good possibility of many 40+ homerun season.  Such a feet, plus his unbelievably high game IQ and Gold Glove catching ability, would prompt the labeling of Savior Best Catcher Ever. 

The almost inevitable (at this rate) MVP of the American League, should soon see his popularity bloom far beyond Baseball Fiends Followers.  Players like Joe Mauer are paving the path for the baseball revolution.  Baseball will regain the fans it lost after this steroid hooplah.  Baseball will return to its thrown as America’s National Pastime...

See Also: Albert Pujols, Evan Longoria, Justin Upton, Jay Bruce, Ian Kinsler, Matt Wieters, Adrián González, David Wright, Chase Utley, Nick Markakis, Ryan Braun, Joey Votto “The New Zach Greinke”, Hanley Ramirez, Dustin Pedroia, Josh Hamilton...

Johan Santana, Zach Greinke “The First Zach Greinke”, Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Chad Billingsley, David Price, Cole Hamels, Yovani Gallardo, Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, Jon Lester, Matt Garza, Josh Johnson...

Someone Save the NBA

Ever since the days of the infamous referee Tim Donaghy, I've questioned the NBA's referees. While the refs generally do quite an amazing job - lets be honest, refereeing a game isn't easy - I've watched many games get ultimately changed due to poor calls. Dwight Howard was recently suspended for a game after he intentionally threw an elbow into an opposing players face. This was the right call. However, during the game he wasn't hit with a flagrent foul. How he wasn't hit with a flagrent is beyond me.

Today I watched the Miami Heat take on the Atlanta Falcons; Dwyane Wade chases an opposing break away player and obviously tries to block his shot from behind as the opposing player tries to dunk the ball. This caused a decently hard foul, but it was clearly understood by the numerous replays that Dwyane had no intention of harming the player, and was going only for the ball.
Guess what?! Wade gets hit with a flagrent foul 1...

"Really?!"
I was left dumbfounded.

Don't get me wrong, I love Dwight Howard, but he deserved a flagrant foul 2 in my opinion, ejecting him from that game and possibly leading to a suspension. The replays clearly showed him intentionally elbowing another player in the face. But no flagrant was awarded. Dwyane Wade makes an incredible rundown play, only goes for the ball, and gets hit with a flagrant. In what damn reality does this make sense?

The NBA referees unfortunately will be under a lot of questioning ever since Tim Donaghy tried to ruin the sport we all love so much. That's when I started becoming extremely critical. I only hope that the NBA looks at some referees officiating and takes action to deter the down slope of their league... Or else every season I will continue to put my hands to my head and wonder how blind some people really are.
/end rant

Picture taken from: http://www.bbsr.de/images/nba/dick_bavetta_gross.jpg

Under the Radar - Adam Lind

Hello fans, readers, sports savants, enemies, and Schmitty.

This is the first of the daily "Under the Radar" where I discuss baseball players who are - yep you guessed it - under the radar....

Adam Lind (OF)

Toronto Blue Jays

Age: 25

His friendly, pudgy face lures in pitchers, but this chad tracy/shrek offspring is no baby in the batters box. Batting from the left side, his line-drive swing with natural strength leads him into "The Conor Jackson" category... He has 20-25+ potential, but 30 may be his ceiling.

Playing 88 games last year for the Blue Jays (in a limited role) Lind produced very respectable numbers. 326 ABs .282 BA 48 runs 9 homeruns 40 rbis 2 sbs... The almost 4:1 K:BB ratio is alarming, yet at age 25, it can be fixed. In the minors he showed better patience with a 2:1 ratio... I mean the ratio will level out with more experience...

Possibly a worse version of Todd Helton, Adam Lind will be a house-hold name before it is all said and done... He may need to get out of Toronto.

Possible nicknames: Porky, Pale-Ale

*Write in comments with your thoughts...

Jesse Cook

jdcook@email.arizona.edu

Hitting Rock 'Boldin'

In "Cards' Secondary Now Among NFL's Best" by Mike 'Schmitty' Schmitz, he points out a very valid opinion that the Cardinal's secondary arguably ranks among the best in the league. Many changes have been made to the Cardinal's coaching staff, as well as a few new free-agent pick ups that Schmitz highlights in his story. However, what about the Cardinal's high powered offense? A question that remains to be answered is where Anquan Boldin will end up. According to an interview on the Arizona Cardinal's official website, Boldin states, "We will see what [the organization] says, this is totally out of my hands." More on this issue can be seen from the Cardinal's website here. As of right now, he has 1 year still left on an existing contract, however budgeting appears to be an issue, and may very well lead to his trade. Last year, (08-09 season), Boldin's average yards per catch was 11.7, and in the post season (while dealing with injuries) averages 13.6 yards per catch. Losing a receiver that averages a first down per catch could be devestating.

According to their website, there isn't one day that Kurt Warner doesn't text Anquan Boldin about his status on the team. Kurt Warner knows that, with Boldin, this team could be a dominant force in the NFL for many seasons to come. As of right now, Boldin is enjoying the off season, and will wait for a further answer on his contract.

-Other changes to Cardinals Offense: Cardinals acquire free-agent Tight End Anthony Becht from the St. Louis Rams. The Cardinals now have many TE weapons.

One things for sure, with many huge trades and changes going on, the NFL will have a different look next season.

Few noticeably random changes (all of these are off the top of my head):

-Five new rules protecting Quarterbacks and players, most if violated are reprimanded with a 15 yard penalty.
-Lions have decided to change their Logo to give the organization a step in the right direction.
-Terrell Owens is now a Bill. Say that four times, and try to make sense of it.
-The Return of Tom Brady; this alone changes the entire NFL season.

Whatever happens, lets hope that the Cardinal's staff and management can figure something out quick to keep Boldin around for a few more years. Or our beloved team may just hit rock bottom. Oh wait, we still have two receivers whom recorded over 1,000 yards receiving last season. Silly me.

Picture taken from:http://www.giantsfootballblog.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/anquan-boldin-2.jpg

Ichiro Rallys Team

Ichiro Suzuki was always known as a prominent hitter, possibly one of the best hitters to ever come out of Japan. However, the Seattle Mariners haven't given him the opportunity to influence an important game lately. Boy oh boy did he get his chance at the World Baseball Classic to make history. The Championship was a hard fought battle, with Japan and Korea battling back and forth through many, especially the later, innings. Korea looked as if they were to claim victory when they tied the game at 3-3 with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th inning when Lee Bum-ho dinged a single off of Japan's closer Yu Darvish. They couldn't score another run. The game now pushed onto the 10th inning. Seiichi Uchikawa opens up for Japan with a single, sacrificed to second, then made it to third after a single by Akinori Iwamura. Now we enter the Suzuki! One reason I'm writing this is because I don't understand the decision to pitch to Suzuki, and I believe if given the chance again, Korea would have walked him. In this game, it wasn't hard to see that you were getting manhandled, as Japan hit a whopping 15 hits to Korea's 5. Suzuki, after battling a few pitches, hits a blooper between and above the short-stop and second baseman, winning the game 5-3 for Japan. This is now the second time in a row Japan has won the WBC.

If there's one lesson to learn here...
Don't pitch to a teams proven all-star hitter when the game is on the line!

Picture taken from: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01372/ichiro_suzuki_1372265c.jpg

The MLB Preview

March 25, 2009

Baseball season is right around the corner - Precisely 11 days, 7 hours, and 51 minutes (it was 9:16 AM). As with every year there is the off-field drama: A-Rod and his steroids... and the rest of the MLB and their steroids. As baseball fans we look past that. We look to the pennant races - the freshly mown lawns - and John Kruk on ESPN...

Without a further-a-do, I give you the 2009 MLB Preview. Drum-rolls are appreciated, but not necessary.

THE AMERICAN LEAGUE

AL East: Winner - "New York Yankees" Sleeper - "Baltimore Orioles"

Pick to click - Carl Crawford (OF Rays)/Jacobby Ellsburry (OF Red Sox)

Probably the most competitive division in baseball, all five teams might finish with an above .500 winning percentage. Everyone knows about the Yankees and Red Sox, but the Tampa Bay Rays will make some noise before the year is done. Bringing back the AL Champion team from last year, the Rays improved by adding uber-talented Pat Burrell to the line-up. The former Philadelphia Phillie will improve the Rays DH spot greatly. Also not to be over-looked is the oh so young Baltimore Orioles. With a young core of Nick Markakis (OF), Felix Pie (OF), Adam Jones (OF), Aubrey Huff (1st), and eventually Matt Wieters (C), the Orioles have put together a great squad that started coming together last season. If they had better pitching, this team would be a lock for 90 wins, even in this potent division.

AL West: Winner - "Los Angeles Angels" Sleeper - "Oakland Athletics"

Pick to click - Bobby Abreu (OF Angels)

Even though the Athletics made great strides this off-season, the Los Angeles Angels are by far the better team. If I had to compare them to anybody, it would be the Detroit Pistons. Great chemistry, great coaching, and Vladimir Guerrero - at least for a few more years. Off-season acquisition Brian Fuentes has looked very shaky in the Spring posting a 10+ era, but this team is very balanced with a lot of depth, so it shouldn't be a problem. The Texas Rangers will finish 2nd or 3rd in this division. Losing Milton Bradley is addition by subtraction, and players such as Josh Hamilton, Ian Kinsler, and David Murphy are just going to become better with age. They will score, yet with Kevin Millwood on the rubber, they will give up more.

AL Central: Winner - "Minnesota Twins" Sleeper - "Detroit Tigers"

Pick to click - Carlos Gomez (OF Twins)

The Minnesota Twins are made to win games. They have hitting, pitching, amazing defense, and a tremendous home-field win-loss record. The key for them is whether Francisco Liriano will return to Ace-of-the-staff form. The Detroit Tigers were an over-hyped team who felt too much pressure during the first half of last year. Expect this team to make a drastic turn-around this year. Also, what happened to Justin Verlander and his 100mph fastball?

BILLY BUTLER! (Kansas City Royal)

Look at these thighs...

THE NATIONAL LEAGUE

NL East: Winner - "New York Mets" Sleeper - "Washington Nationals"

Pick to click - Jayson Werth (OF Phillies)/Lastings Milledge (OF Nationals)

The NL East, similarly to the AL East, is most likely the most competitive division in its league. With the Mets and the Phillies as the front-runners, the Marlins and Nationals are sneaky competitors. The Mets identified their bullpen weakness and turned it into a strength with the addition of Francisco Rodriguez (Angels) and J.J. Putz (Mariners). The Philadelphia Phillies are pretty much the same team as last year. Losing Pat Burrell hurt, but gaining Raul Ibanez is an upgrade. Their pitching lacks depth, and will be the reason for their failure... Now lets talk about the Nationals. This team poked their head into just about every off-season free-agent. Unfortunately, they only brought in Adam Dunn. With a young core of Lastings Milledge, Emilion Bonifacio, and Elijah Dukes, this team has potential... May be a few years, and a few more draft picks away.

Ladies and Gentleman, I give you, "The Meat-hook"

NL West: Winner - "Los Angeles Dodgers" Sleeper - "Colorado Rockies"

Pick to click - Chris Young (OF Diamondbacks)/Andre Ethier (OF Dodgers)

The west is the hardest division to figure out. So much talent, yet so much disappointment. The Dodgers are by far the most balanced team on paper with Matt Kemp, James Loney, Rafael Furcal, Russell Martin, and oh ya this one guy... Manny Ramirez.... Bringing in Orlando Hudson filled a void at second based, but this team still has a major weakness at starting pitching. Chad Billingsley is reliable, but after that I don't see much. Not a huge Clayton Kershaw fan (especially this season - See Homer Bailey)... The Diamondbacks have uber talent with terrible discipline. A great pitching staff rounds out a team that can quite possibly win this division... The Giants are a joke (except for TIMMMMMMMMYYYYYYY! and Pablo Sandoval)... Then there are the Rockies who are legitimate sleepers. They have uber talent everywhere that at some point will develop.... Chris Iannetta, Dexter Fowler, Carlos Gonzalez, Clint Barmes, Jeff Baker, Ubaldo Jimenez....Manuel Corpas (The list goes on)... If I was a gambling man, this would definitely be my Rays of 2009 <-- I hate that expression, but is there anything better?

Name that Molina!... Bengie!

NL Central: Winner - "Chicago Cubs!" Sleeper - "Cincinnati Reds"

Pick to Click - Joey Votto (1b Reds)/Corey Hart (OF Brewers)

The NL Central has three realistic contenders this year: Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, and Milwaukee Brewers. The Cubs are the most balanced of all three. The Cardinals lack consistency, and the Brewers lack depth at pitching. If the Cardinals can stay healthy, then Albert Pujols might lead them to a division championship. However the Cubs have five solid starters, a solid bullpen (solidified by Carlos Marmol and Kevin Gregg), and an overwhelming line-up (watch out foe Mike Fontenot (2b) fantasy players)... The other two teams - The Pittsburgh Pirates and The Cincinnati Reds - shouldn't play a factor this year. The Reds are a VERY young organization with TONS of talent: Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Brandon Phillips, Edwin Encarnacion, Johny Cueto, Edinson Volquez, Homer Bailey. The Pirates are... well... the worst Franchise in the league right now (I'm sorry Nate McClouth). The future of this organization lies in the bats/gloves of McClouth (OF) and Andrew McCutchen (OF)... and it is not looking bright.

The Biggest Puma of them all...

May baseball prosper, and the Cubs prosper even more...

Jesse Cook

jdcook@email.arizona.edu

UNC's Ty Lawson

As UNC preps up to take on the number 4 seated Gonzaga Friday, many people are questioning whether UNC's point guard Ty Lawson will be playing. While browsing espn, sources say that Ty Lawson (while playing their last game against LSU) re-injured his 'big' or 'thumb' toe. While this injury doesn't appear to be major at first, commanding a high powered offense can become difficult when dealing with this type of injury. According to the sources, he has to deal with the pain and swelling day by day. ESPN appears torn on the issue, as many stories claiming he will play, and he wont play, exist.

Ty Lawson, competitive by nature, says the pain lessens and it's healing with every passing day. UNC's coach, however, is skeptical, and it looks as if it truly will be a game time decision. UNC fans are going to have to sweat it out, and look towards Thursday practice for clear cut answers.

Picture taken from: insidecarolina.com/jimhawkins