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Prospect Q&A - Gorkys Hernandez, Atlanta Braves
Gorkys Hernandez is just 20 years old but has already put together an impressive resume, earning Gulf Coast League Post-Season All-Star honors in 2006 and Midwest League Post-Season All-Star and MVP honors last season. The speedy Venezuelan, who was acquired by the Braves along with right-hander Jair Jurrjens last fall in the deal that sent Edgar Renteria to the Tigers, has also appeared in the past two Futures Games. By Jay LeBlanc.
Cooperstown Bound? - Mark McGwire
"I'm not here to talk about the past." Those now-famous words spoken by one-time home run king Mark McGwire at a congressional hearing for reform radically changed public opinion of him and led many to believe he took performance-enhancing drugs. His refusal to directly answer questions about his alleged steroid use that day was taken as an admission of guilt by fans, the media, and most importantly for this column, Hall of Fame voters. By Nick Leco.
KILL - Cooperstown Bound? - Mark McGwire
"I'm not here to talk about the past." Those now-famous words spoken by one-time home run king Mark McGwire at a congressional hearing for reform radically changed public opinion of him and led many to believe he took performance-enhancing drugs. His refusal to directly answer questions about his alleged steroid use that day was taken as an admission of guilt by fans, the media, and most importantly for this column, Hall of Fame voters. By Nick Leco.
My Five: Superbad Awards
The Oscars, the Grammys and the VMAs are all among the most watched TV events every year. As you know by now, I'm a man of the people if nothing else so I've decided to hand out a trophy of my own this week - the Superbad Award! Despite being named in honor of last year's best comedy, this award is no joke. The concept is simple - he who will best channel their inner McLovin' and forever stamp their footprint on this season, wins. By Sean Raposa.
KILL - My Five: Superbad Awards
The Oscars, the Grammys and the VMAs are all amongst the most watched TV events every year. As you know by now, I'm a man of the people if nothing else so I've decided to hand out a trophy of my own this week - the Superbad Award! Despite being named in honor of last year's best comedy, this award is no joke. The concept is simple - who will best channel their inner McLovin' and forever stamp their footprint on this season? By Sean Raposa.
Prospect Q&A - Nick Weglarz, Cleveland Indians
Growing up in Ontario, Nick Weglarz looked up to the Expos' Larry Walker and later the Twins' Justin Morneau because they were Canadians who rode their sweet left-handed strokes to big league stardom. Now that Weglarz is following in the footsteps of his countrymen as a top prospect in the Cleveland Indians organization, kids in the land up north may soon be looking up to him for the very same reasons. By Jay LeBlanc.
Nationals' Alaniz ahead of schedule
Adrian Alaniz has never been highly regarded in prospect circles, primarily because his fastball only reaches the high 80s. However, the fact is that 249 players were selected before the Nats took Alaniz in the eighth round of the 2007 draft, and one year later, the 24-year-old righty is further along in his journey to the big leagues than all but a select few of them. He's gone 17-5 as a pro and reached double-A well ahead of schedule by mixing his four pitches, changing speeds and hitting the corners. By Jay LeBlanc.
Amateur Hour - Team USA; Cape stars
With the Beijing Olympics just around the corner, Team USA finalized its roster and learned which national squads will stand in the way of its quest for a gold medal. Meanwhile, the Cape Cod Baseball League chose its All-Stars and Home Run Derby participants and the NCAA Baseball Rules Committee met to discuss ways to speed up play. Read about all that and more in this week's Amateur Hour. By Tom Stad.
KILL - Prospect Q&A - Beau Mills, Indians
Indians prospect Beau Mills - son of former Expos infielder and current Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills - grew up around baseball, and when you watch him play, it's obvious he was paying attention. Scouts rave about Mills' makeup and his feel for the game, and he understands the level of dedication needed to succeed in pro ball. Better yet, the 6' 2", 220 pounder can mash with the best of 'em. By Jay LeBlanc.
KILL - Prospect Q&A - Nick Weglarz, Indians
Growing up in Ontario, Nick Weglarz looked up to the Montreal Expos' Larry Walker and later the Minnesota Twins' Justin Morneau because they were Canadians who rode their sweet left-handed strokes to big league stardom. Now that Weglarz is following in his countrymen's footsteps as a top prospect in the Cleveland Indians organization, kids in the land up north may soon be looking up to him for the very same reasons. By Jay LeBlanc.
Prospect Q&A - Jordan Zimmermann, Nationals
Jordan Zimmermann wasn't even on the prospect radar just a few short years ago. But since the Nats made him a second-round pick in June 2007, the 22-year-old righty has breezed through their minor league system, befuddling hitters every step of the way and recently earning Mid-Season All-Star honors in the double-A Eastern League. His next promotion could be to the big league club, and it could come soon. By Jay LeBlanc.
KILL - Nats' Alaniz ahead of schedule
Adrian Alaniz has never been highly regarded in prospect circles, primarily because his fastball only reaches the high 80s. However, the fact is that 249 players were selected before the Nats took Alaniz in the eighth round of the 2007 draft, and one year later, the 24-year-old righty is further along in his journey to the big leagues than all but a few of them. He's reached double-A well ahead of schedule by mixing his four pitches, changing speeds and hitting the corners. By Jay LeBlanc.
KILL - Prospect Q&A - Jordan Zimmermann, Nationals
It's hard to believe now, but Jordan Zimmermann wasn't even on the prospect radar just a few short years ago. But in just a little over a year since the Nationals made him a second-round pick out of Division III Wisconsin-Stevens Point, the 22-year-old righty has breezed through Washington's minor league system, befuddling hitters every step of the way. His next promotion could be to the big league club, and it could come soon. By Jay LeBlanc.
Cooperstown Bound? - Alan Trammell
The 1984 Detroit Tigers will go down as one of the great teams of all-time. But while there were many stars on that World Series-winning squad, so far none of them are in the Hall of Fame; the only member of that team who currently has a plaque in Cooperstown is the manager, Sparky Anderson. We have already outlined ace Jack Morris' case for the Hall of Fame. This week we'll take a look at the player with perhaps the next best case for induction, shortstop Alan Trammell. By Nick Leco.
KILL - Cooperstown Bound? - Alan Trammell
The 1984 Detroit Tigers will go down as one of the great teams of all-time. But while there were many stars on that World Series-winning squad, so far none of them are in the Hall of Fame; the only member of that team who currently has a plaque in Cooperstown is the manager, Sparky Anderson. We have already outlined ace Jack Morris' case for the Hall of Fame. This week we'll take a look at the player with perhaps the next best case for induction, shortstop Alan Trammell. By Nick Leco.
