By Richard Schortemeyer III
Manny Ramirez has finally had his dreams come true. For 7+ seasons, he has, arguably, been the most vital hitter for the Boston Red Sox - part of one of the best 3-4 combos in baseball. With David Ortiz, he has played a key role in Boston’s two World Series titles.
Despite his impressive stat lines, year after year, and for countless years, his “Manny Being Manny” act has created controversy in and outside of the Red Sox clubhouse. This past week, after announcing that he would love to be traded again, it was the straw that broke the camel’s back.
Well, Manny’s wish has finally been granted as he has moved on to Hollywood (a lethal combo on paper), where he will bolster an average offense a couple of notches. Seemingly, this should be enough to help LA reach MLB’s second season.
In return, Boston receives another All-Star outfielder in Jason Bay. Though not as good a hitter as Manny, he provides more than enough offensive production and far less of a headache. This trade has looked to benefit all three teams, as Pittsburgh got more nice young talent to play with … I would watch out for this team in a few years led by All-Star OF Nate McLouth.
Let’s not forget a couple of other significant happenings this week:
1) LAA gets some Tex-Mex. With an already sizeable lead, and a top-notch pitching staff, adding All-Star 1B Mark Teixeira to that solid offense should be a playoff clincher for the Angels
2) Cubs too strong for the Brew Crew. Chicago’s dominant four-game sweep of Milwaukee, with two of those victories against one of the top 1-2 combos in the game, C.C. Sabathia and Ben Sheets, has seemed to lay the groundwork for the NL Central division title to remain in the Windy City.
In this edition of “On the Record,” we’ll talk about a No. 1 hurler who’s finally starting to validate his huge contract, an Oriole who’s truly starting to play the role of ‘hot corner’, and a backup Indian looking like a starter in front of and behind the plate.
Question #1
Who’s starting to pitch like he’s worth over $10 million over five seasons?
For several editions of “On the Record,” I have featured quality talent on the offensive side of the Kansas City Royals. Now, its time to give recognition to the other side … focusing on the mound and squarely on K.C.’s No. 1 Royal Flush, Gil Meche.
In the 2007 offseason, K.C.’s main goal was to get an ace-like pitcher for its young staff. Though not truly established as an ace, the Royals felt like Meche was on the verge of being one and signed him to a five-year, $55 million deal. Despite the 9-13 record in his first season in 2007, Meche’s 3.67 ERA and .263 BAA showed he really wasn’t deserving of that record.
After giving up five runs in 5 2/3 innings in a loss on June 5th to the Chicago White Sox, Meche seemed destined to follow his 2007 route with a 3-8 record and 5.54 ERA in 2008. However, since then, he has gone 6-1 in ten starts, giving up more than two runs in just three of those starts and lowering his ERA to 4.22. His K/BB ratio is better than 2 to 1 and his K/9 is a reasonable 6.5 over this stretch as well.
With a young, scoring, offense, and a bullpen that features two quality setup arms in Leo Nunez and Ron Mahay, and one of the best unknown closers in Joakim Soria, Meche has a chance to nearly double his 2007 win total and establish himself as an ace not only for K.C. but for your fantasy team as well.
Question #2
Who’s another veteran who’s helping complement the young birdies in Baltimore?
As mentioned in this column earlier this season, there have been a couple of veterans for the Baltimore Orioles, Aubrey Huff and Kevin Millar, who have helped support the few young high-flying birds in their lineup. Add another veteran to the mix: 3B Melvin Mora.
After stealing him away from the Mets in 2000, Baltimore thought they got themselves a diamond in the rough. After a few mediocre seasons, Mora started to mature and validate the Orioles’ transaction. In 2004 and 2005, he averaged 27 HRs and 91 RBIs, while batting over .310. However, that production has slipped dramatically the last two seasons, combining for just 30 HRs and 141 RBIs, while just batting .274.
After a slow start this season, MM has started to show flashes of his ‘04-05 production. In the last month, he has a few HRs, driven in close to 30 runs, and scored nearly 20 runs, while batting over .300. It looks as though Mora’s back on the upswing, already surpassing last season’s HR (14) and RBI (58) marks. One of his solid qualities during his career has been a low K total, as he’s only struck out 100+ times in two of his 9+ seasons.
With Mora batting in a prime position in the Orioles lineup, behind one of the best unknown top-4s in the game today (Brian Roberts, Adam Jones, Nick Markakis, and Aubrey Huff), I would definitely consider at least finding a spot for him on your team’s bench.
Question #3
Who’s playing at an All-Star caliber level in place of All-Star C Victor Martinez?
Ever since breaking out in 2004, Cleveland’s Victor Martinez quickly established himself as one of the top catchers in the game. Not many backstops can pull off what he did from the 2004-07 seasons, averaging 21 HRs and 98 RBIs, while batting .301.
However, that production has taken a major setback this season, as Martinez suffered an elbow injury in early June. It should continue to keep him on the sidelines for at least another two weeks. Despite Cleveland, obviously, missing Martinez’s All-Star production, they have seemed to find a quality security blanket in Kelly Shoppach.
A 2001 draftee of the Boston Red Sox, Shoppach has really started to become more ‘offensive’ ever since the Indians’ true No. 1 backstop went to the infirmary. In the last month, Shoppach has hit close to double-digit HRs, driven in several runs, and has scored nearly 15 runs, while batting close to .320. His highlight was this past Wednesday when he tied the MLB record with five extra-base hits in a game - two HRs and three doubles.
One of the glaring negatives for Shoppach right now is that he’s hitting for a surprisingly non-offensive lineup. There are two, young, decent hitters in OF Ben Francisco and SS Jhonny Peralta in front of him, but the Indians line-up is lackluster, at best.
However, with not many quality catchers on the FA market, if you need a little more punch from the backstop, I wouldn’t hesitate to go ‘SHOPPing’ and pick up this young impressive Indian.
Check back next week to see who’s “On the Record.”
Until next time, Adios all.