EMOO NEWS

by Alex Wassem

Vol. II, Ed. IV EMOONEWS July 17, 1998

A result of our league’s rule change making players eligible at a position in-season after 5 games (previously one game): in a Rockies-Angels game during the first interleague go-round, Dave Hollins knocked Jeff Reed out of the game with a hard collision at the plate. Since Kirk Manwaring had already been used, the Rocks were forced to put the tools of ignorance on Neifi Perez, making him a catcher for the evening. This also had the domino effect of bringing Larry Walker into the infield where he alternated between 2B and SS. For the record, let it be said that the Smart Alecs ownership, the team that would most directly have benefited from this wacky night in Anaheim, continues to stand firm in its vote for the change. As USA Today Baseball Weekly’s John Hunt said, "It also served as a suggestion to those leagues (with one game eligibility rules) that perhaps they should legislate against such freak happenings by having five- or 10- or even 20 game in-season requirements."

--June 27

Pokey Reese leading off and playing third? Some heretofore unknown left handed hitting outfielder by the name of Mike Frank who started the season off in AA then getting called up after only two weeks of AAA ball and being inserted into the lineup? Barry Larkin’s agent requesting a trade for his client to a pennant contender? Pat Watkins getting starting time in the outfield? Management expressing its satisfaction with manager Jack McKeon and negotiating his return in ’99? Don’t look now but it appears that whatever virus the Florida Marlins caught is contagious. Don’t be surprised to see one or more of the following players shipped off before August 31: Eddie Taubensee (the Cubs?), Eddie Perez, Brett Boone (the BoSox, Braves or Angels), Barry Larkin (the Padres or Dodgers), Willie Greene (Astros or Cubs), Reggie Sanders (Mets, Angels), Jeff Shaw (Braves, Dodgers) and Pete Harnisch (Angels, Red Sox, Rangers). And of course, any of these players could wind up with the Yanks or Indians, teams that collect players like Imelda Marcos collects shoes.

--June 27

By this time one year ago (week of July 7, 1997), 16 trades had been completed around the league, including one three-team trade. That averages out to 3.2 trades per team (keeping in mind that there must be two teams to make a trade). In 1998, the number stands at 20, with all teams but the Hawaiian Laze and the Mudhens having consummated a deal at some point. With expansion to 12 teams this year, the 20 trades averages out to 3.34 trades per team. The most active teams have been the Tennessee Ruxpins (involved in 7 deals) and the Scruffy Lookin’ Nerz Herders, Smart Alecs, and Midnite Xpress (5 each). Both the Wayfarin’ Strangers and Kittyhawk Flyers have worked 3. While there’s been talk that trades have been harder to make this season, the numbers seem to suggest that neither an increase nor a decrease is evident.

--July 11

 What sort of talent would be out on the free agent market right now if EMOO allowed in-season player pickups using the criteria from the failed winter meetings vote of this past January? Keep in mind that all AL players are automatically out of the running. This eliminates Ozzie Guillen, Glenallen Hill, Rick Krivda, Kurt Abbott, Robert Perez, Bobby Witt, and Jim Leyritz; not a club to build around. Here’s a list of players who were NL eligible on draft day who have made their debuts during ’98. They do not reside on any EMOO roster. After July 31 (trading deadline), the list will probably see changes as it will again after September when big league calls make their late-season callups. Here’s the list: John Rocker, Rudy Seanez, Pedro Valdes, Terrell Lowery, Sandy Martinez, Bob Patterson, Dave Stevens, Mike Frank, Scott Winchester, Danny Graves, Steve Parris, Jeff Barry, Mike Saipe, Mike DeJean, Bobby M. Jones, Mike Munoz, David Wainhouse, Dave Berg, John Wehner, Mike Redmond, Ryan Dempster, Vic Darensbourg, Brain Edmondson, Matt Mantei, J.R. Phillips, Bob Scanlon, Trever Miller, Alex Cora, Matt Luke, Mark Guthrie, Jim Bruske, Brad Clontz, Brian Banks, Mike Myers, Brad Woodall, Bronswell Patrick, Scott Livingstone, Shawn Boskie, Anthony Telford, Steve Kline, Rick DeHart, Luis Lopez, Wayne Kirby, Benny Agbayani, Alberto Castillo, Todd Pratt, Jeff Tam, Jon Zuber, Ruben Amaro Jr., Mark Parent, Carlton Loewer, Jerry Spradlin, Mark Leiter, Yorkis Perez, Toby Borland, David Howard, Shawn Gilbert, Placido Polanco, Luis Ordaz, Kent Bottenfield, Lance Painter, Curtis King, Rick Croushore, Ed Giovanola, Andy Sheets, Donnie Wall, Roberto Ramirez, Will Cunnane, and Ramon E. Martinez. Of all these names, one would only need one hand to count the number of players who could even possibly be keepers for next season if picked up at 10 cents right now.

--July 11

 Am I the only one here who thinks that Tommy "Can You See Me?" Lasorda is sleeping through the games a little too much these days? Poor Tommy Boy has coveted the GM role in LA for so long now that he’s desperate to do anything he can to convince the tabloid ownership that he’s worthy of keeping around for page one press. How else can one justify the recent trade of super prospect Paul Konerko along with the youngster Dennis Reyes for Jeff Shaw? Besides the fact that Shaw is unhappy being traded from his hometown of Cincinnati, the Dodgers gave away last season’s minor league player of the year, a player who is capable of playing 1B, 3B or OF and who could replace Eric Karros at about 1/15 of the cost. With Todd Hollandsworth out for the year, Konerko was the logical choice to plug into LF. Lasorda is correct when citing the many late-inning leads the Dodgers have coughed up this season. But the timing of this trade is questionable. Antonio Osuna was coming off his most solid stretch of pitching all year and looked as though he had seized ahold of the closer’s role. This necessitated a follow up trade with the Mets to procure a fifth starter, Brian Bohanon. Lasorda appears to be alone in his assessment of the trade for Shaw. The players are upset. Even members of the front office stated that they did not believe Shaw for Konerko for a worthy trade. Yet Tommy "Can You Hear Me?" threw in Reyes for good measure. All this and Tommy didn’t even realize that Shaw can request a trade after the season under terms of the basic agreement. While Bohanon is a capable spot starter, he’s better suited to a long role out of the pen. Don’t be surprised, assuming Tommy’s Alzheimer’s isn’t too bad yet, if LA packages some combination of Osuna, Wilton Guerrero and Hollandsworth in one last attempt at acquiring Randy Johnson from the Mariners.

--July 12

This year’s major league draft did not yield many players for NL teams who appear capable of stepping in and helping their big league clubs in the short term. As a whole, this draft was more about selecting players in the early rounds who were signable rather than selecting the top talent on the board. Here’s a look at the selections for each NL club in ’98:

• Pat Burrell, a 3B at the U. of Miami who the Phillies plan to move to 1B to eventually replace Rico Brogna. As yet unsigned, Burrell missed a sizable portion of the ’98 college season with back problems but returned in time to club a HR in his 1^st AB at Regionals and lead the Hurricanes back to the CWS. The 6’4", 225 lb. right handed batter hit .431-16-44-5. Burrell led the NCAA in hitting his freshman year. As a member of the US National team last summer, Burrell set club records with 42 RBI and 44 walks. With his keen eye, his strikeouts are limited, reminding observers of Frank Thomas or Jeff Bagwell in the respect. He was tabbed as the best pure hitter and best power hitter in college this past year.
• Corey Patterson, OF, stands 5’10", 175 and bats lefthanded. He was selected by the Cubs out of Harrison HS in Kennesaw, GA with an eye on providing Chicago top of the lineup ability someday. Patterson runs the 60 in 6.3 seconds. In 123 AB for his high school team, Patterson hit .528-22-61-38 (38 for 38). The 22 HR his senior year was a surprise as he had not previously shown such power. He was the fastest high school player entering the draft. Like most high school hitters, the majors looms as a faraway goal. His father Don, played DB for the New York Giants in the NFL.
• J.D. Drew was the 5^th selection in the 1^st round, selected by St. Louis. He quickly signed and is already playing for the AA Arkansas team. As this is Drew’s second time around the draft block, there’s little to say that has not already been said other than seeing him donning a Cardinal uniform within the year would not be far fetched.
• Austin Kearns was taken by the Reds at #7. Kearns is an 18 year old outfielder who just graduated from Lafayette HS in Lexington, KY. The Reds are gambling that the 6’3" 215 pounder will develop into a prototypical power hitter. He batted .500-9-43-21 in 86 AB. He was also the top hitter on the 1997 U.S. junior national team. He was scouted by Al Goldis, the same scout responsible for the drafting of Frank Thomas, Alex Fernandez, Robin Ventura and Kerry Wood.
• Sean Burroughs, 3B, was taken by the Padres at #9. If he chooses not to go to USC on a scholarship, he’s one player who could rise through the minors a little more quickly. He has the bloodlines, his father Jeff being a big-time HR hitter for the Texas Rangers in the early 70’s. Burroughs is 6’2"/200 and batted .517-7-38-11 in 87 AB for his Wilson HS team in Long Beach.
• At #11, the Expos took Josh McKinley, SS, a player most teams had marked down as a 2^nd or 3^rd round pick. Again, the word here was "signability." The Expos specialize in developing high school talent and McKinley could wind up as a 3B. McKinley, in 83 AB, hit .434-4-41-22. He’s a switch hitter.
• The 1^st NL pitcher selected was J.M. Gold by the Brewers at #13. Gold may have gone sooner but there were questions regarding past shoulder problems he had. As a senior at Toms River North HS in Toms River, NJ, Gold worked 55 innings, compiling a 5-3 record, a 0.89 ERA and 24 hits/8 walks versus 112 Ks. Even at 18, he already stands 6’5", 225. He consistently throws 94-96mph every time out. It’s too bad he’s not a lefty. Out of high schoolers in the draft, Gold has the best velocity, the 2^nd best breaking pitch and control and is ranked as the 2^nd closest to reaching the majors, behind Sean Burroughs.
• At #15, the Pirates tabbed Clint Johnston, a starting OF at Vanderbilt who also threw 20 innings over the course of the year. To the surprise of most draft experts, the Bucs took Johnston as a pitcher rather than an outfielder. The 6’3" 200 lb lefty struck out 26 while giving up 10 hits and 13 walks. As a hitter, Johnston batted .424-19-74-6.
• Brad Lidge, from the U. of Notre Dame, was taken by the Astros at #17. The 21 year old righty stands 6’3" 200. While his experience is limited, he brings it at up to 97mph. Lidge tallied an 8-2 record with a 4.15 ERA in 80 IP, allowing 72 hits, 39 walks and 93 Ks. His velocity was deemed the best amongst the college ranks, narrowly ahead of Stanford’s Chad Hutchinson.
• The Giants selected Tony Torcato, 3B, at #19. Torcato, an 18 year old left handed hitter from Woodland, CA, was listed at #96 on the pre-draft list due to concerns about a shoulder that had surgery. However, the Giants opted for him with the 1^st of their three selections. At 6’1" 200, Torcato batted .449-13-40-10 in 98 AB.
• The Mets had the #21 pick and grabbed OF Jason Tyner from Texas A&M, a Brett Butler clone. Tyner, a lefthanded hitter, batted .385-0-31-39 for the Aggies in 278 AB He’s smallish at 6’1" 167. Last summer, he led Team USA in hitting. While there’s no denying his speed, there’s a wide range of opinions regarding his overall ability. The Mets, like the Cubs, have coveted a true leadoff hitter for as long as they care to remember. He’s listed as the fastest among the college players.
• Bubba Crosby (yes, he’s from Texas—Rice by way of Houston) slammed 25 HR this season for the Owls. Listed as the #3 power hitter among collegiates (Eric Valent of UCLA is #2), Crosby was selected by LA at #23. At only 5’11" 185, the left handed hitter is not your typical looking thumper. Crosby batted .394 and drove in 91 runs. Don’t let his 2 SB for the season fool you. He’s listed as the #3 fastest baserunner among the college group. He’s the 4^th player in four years selected from Rice in the 1^st round of the draft.
• With their 2^nd selection in the 1^st round, the Giants took P Nate Bump from Penn St. Bump is a 6’3" 185 righty who pitched 106 innings and Ked 135 batters this season. He went 7-3 with a 2.62 ERA, allowing 85 hits and 25 walks. Bump could rise quickly.
• At #27, the Marlins took 18 year old OF Chip Ambres from Beaumont, TX. Ambres is 6’1" 190, bats right handed, and has a polished bat. While listed at #8 on the pre-draft list, he slipped to the Marlins late in the 1^st round as the result of concerns about his knee. The Royals and Cards were interested but he was unable to put the fears about his knee to rest in workouts due to a tender hamstring at the time. Ambres had 66 AB, batting .500-10-21-12.
• The Rockies selected righty Matt Roney out of Edmond, OK with the 28^th selection. Roney bears a striking resemblance to the Rocks’ Jamey Wright. He’s good sized at 6’3" 225. He pitched 91 innings and struck out an amazing 171. He had an 11-3 record with an ERA of 0.68, allowing 62 hits and 55 walks. His fastball reaches 94mph.
• At #29, the Giants made their 3^rd selection, choosing OF Arturo McDowell from Jackson, MS. McDowell has outstanding speed. The question on him is whether he’ll be able to hit enough. A lefthanded hitter, he batted .447-3-25-37

• Is it just me or does anyone else out there think that the obvious trade out there in EMOOland would be the Mooners and Smart Alecs? Look at the stats.
• Don’t look now but the Gamecox have done a solid, albeit quiet job of collecting young talent; to wit: Carl Pavano, Dennis Reyes, Javier Vazquez, Steve Woodard, Vladimir Guerrero, Paul Konerko, Ruben Rivera, Adrian Beltre, Sean Casey, Lance Berkman, Jacob Cruz, Jose Mercedes, Daryle Ward, Matt Clement, and Michael Barrett. Next year’s Gamecox keeper list should be interesting.
• I’m having trouble understanding why the Xpress feel so strongly that ’99 is their year rather than ’98. Why can’t both years be theirs?
• At the other end of the pole, Owner Theodore Ruxpin and his team from Tennessee could very well be the dark horse in the second half with their acquisitions of Sammy Sosa, Ken Caminiti, Francisco Cordova, John Smoltz and Royce Clayton in the Flyers deal. Don’t laugh. If it took 3 months to fall 17 points behind, it shouldn’t take any longer than that to make the deficit back up. Let’s not forget that it’s only July.
• The Mudhens must be the quietest team in baseball. They’ve made no trades; they operate in a different time zone than all but one team; they’ve contended with the loss of Lance Johnson, Ed Vosberg and Osvaldo Fernandez virtually from Day One; they’ve also lost Al Leiter and Mark Portugal from the pitching staff at one time or another; and they’ve seen J.T. Snow battle through a season long slump and the death of his mother. Yet, they’re in 4^th place down by only 8.5 points.
• Entering 1998, 10 pitchers had been selected with the 1^st pick of the draft: David Clyde, Floyd Bannister, Mike Moore, Tim Belcher, Andy Benes, Ben McDonald, Brien Taylor, Paul Wilson, Kris Benson and Matt Anderson. Not one of them has won 20 games in a season.

If/when the Marlins trade Todd Zeile, it will be his 7^th team since June 1995.

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