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Tigers advance to ALCS, Yankees Go Home and Ventura Named White Sox Manager
Friday October 7, 2011
Jonathan Hacohen (Lead Baseball Columnist – MLB reports): Thursday was an exciting day in the world of Major League Baseball. The Detroit Tigers were set to face-off against the Yankees in New York. Game five of their ALDS series, all tied up 2-2. Winner moves on to face the Texas Rangers, loser goes home. The Yankees has their AL ROY candidate Ivan Nova on the mound, with the Tigers relying on Doug Fister. In the wake of the only game on Thursday’s schedule, Kenny Williams and the Chicago White Sox shocked the baseball world by naming Robin Ventura their new manager. A wild and crazy day indeed.
Detroit Tigers at New York Yankees: ALDS Game Five
The highly anticipating pitching matchup never took place in this one. Fister did his part for the Tigers, tossing 5 innings, giving up 5 hits, 1 ER, 2 walks while striking out 5. Max Scherzer and Joaquin Benoit earned holds while Jose Valverde earned the save with a lockdown 1-2-3 9th inning. Ivan Nova lasted only 2 innings, giving up 2 runs (back to back solo home runs in the first to Don Kelly and Delmon Young), while allowing 3 hits and striking out 3. Not taking any chances, Joe Girardi was active with his bullpen all night, sending out Phil Hughes, Boone Logan, C.C. Sabathia, Rafael Soriano, Dave Robertson and Mariano Rivera. This game boiled down to execution and squeaking out runs.
The Tigers, underdogs going into the series, were able to pull out a 3-2 win. Fister got the win while Nova took the loss. Sabathia, ironically enough, ended up giving up allowing the game winning run in the 7th. Despite getting more hits than the Tigers (10-8), the Yankees left a whopping 20 men on base last night, while the Tigers left 13. The Tigers did lose Delmon Young during the game to injury (apparent oblique strain), making his status for the immediate future uncertain. Young, along with Fister, were the difference makers in this game. Both mid-season acquisitions by GM Dave Dombrowski, helped the Tigers win the Central and advance to the ALCS. Brian Cashman and the Yankees stood pat at the trade deadline, and were left standing in the wings once again in the playoffs.
The game marked the likely end of Jorge Posada‘s Yankee (and possibly major league) career. The future hall-of-famer endured his
toughest year ever in the majors. But for all his troubles in the regular season, Posada ended up shining in this year’s playoffs- finishing with a .429 average. The game also possibly marked the last game of C.C. Sabathia’s tenure in New York. With his opt-out clause looming this off-season, there is a chance that Sabathia may jump ship to another team. Highly unlikely, given his apparent love for New York and the Yankees dire need for his arm. But as Alex Rodriguez proved yet again this year (.111 AVG in the playoffs, with 3 strikeout on the night, including the game ending at-bat), big contracts do not necessarily guarantee victories. With 6 years and approximately $143 million left on the books (excluding incentives), the Yankees will likely be eating A-Rod pie for some time to come.
With this game in the books, questions now centre on the immediate future of each team. The Tigers move on to the ALCS, to face the Texas Rangers. This will be an exciting series and a big challenge for the Tigers. With the Texas-sized offense in place, the Tigers’ pitching staff (led by AL pitching triple crown winner and likely Cy Young and MVP winner Justin Verlander and Fister) will need to be stellar. Both teams have strong bullpens that will be relied upon heavily in the series. This series will boil down to whether the Tigers offense can muster enough runs to compete with Texas, and on the same token, how well the Texas rotation can contain Detroit. The Tigers have enjoyed a great run to-date, but my crystal ball is showing a Texas return trip to the World Series. One year wiser and more experienced, Ron Washington’s team should be able to win this out in six games. But keep one thing in mind: whenever Jim Leyland is involved, anything can happen. The Tigers made it this far for a reason and in a short series…. you never know.
Robin Ventura Named Chicago White Sox Manager
The talk of the day yesterday was the White Sox big announcement. GM Kenny Williams announced that the team had hired former third baseman, Robin Ventura as the White Sox new manager. Ventura, 44, spent 10 years with the White Sox as a player. Most recently he was retained by the team as a “Special Advisor”. Now, Ventura with no managerial experience to his resume, takes over control of the team on the field. Many names were thrown around as possible candidates, including former Red Sox skipper Terry Francona, former players and currently employed coaches Sandy Alomar Jr. and Dave Martinez, as well as hall of famer and current minor league manager Ryne Sandberg. Personally, I expected the White Sox to hire Martinez or Sandberg. Given the success of the Rays, Martinez as bench coach to manager Joe Maddon is highly considered in the game. Sandberg, on the other hand, has a proven track record managing in the minors and has strong ties to Chicago (obviously). Why then the choice of the inexperienced Ventura?
A couple of reasons come to mind. Firstly, the White Sox endured a very difficult 2011 season in missing the playoffs, despite heavy preseason expectations. Nothing distracts a fan base better than brining in a well known and loved name. Ventura was one of the most popular White Sox players in his day, and his hire at some level will help appease the fans. As well, a shocking signing of this nature has an effective way of masking the results of the season gone by, as well as steering the press to focus on 2012 and how Ventura will perform as a manager, rather than analyze the season that had just been completed. A stroke of genius in my book. Another reason to consider, which is a guess on my part, is that Williams is not interested in hiring a big and powerful name that will overshadow him. After enduring years of arguments and power struggles with former manager Ozzie Guillen, Williams was looking for a manager that would first and foremost listen to him and know his role in the organization. While Ryne Sandberg is my book is a far more qualified individual for the job, his stature in the game (as well as Chicago) would have relegated Williams to the back seat, had Ryno been named the new White Sox manager.
The ironic part is that while hiring Ventura clearly solidifies Kenny William’s place in the White Sox food chain, it may have the strongest effect of sweeping him out of town soon. The lustre of the White Sox 2005 World Series championship has long faded. With a large payroll and unsuccessful ballclub, it is “put up or shut up” time for Williams and the White Sox. If the team gets off to a slow start, and/or has another failed campaign, I fully expect Kenny Williams to be reassigned or dismissed from his post. If results on the field are the most important factor for Williams to keep his job, then he should have looked for the best candidate to guide his team. The Ventura signing may make White Sox fans feel all soft and cuddly at the onset. But losing games will change that in a hurry. With Frank Thomas being discussed as a possible candidate for a role on the squad, the 2012 White Sox coaching staff may look like a reunion from years gone by. I enjoyed watching Ventura as a player and had he been groomed as a coach for this position, perhaps he would have been prepared to succeed. But coming in raw, the new manager will have to learn quickly on the job. A move made by Williams’ ego, but not his sensibility in my estimation.
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Interview with Houston Astros Prospect and 2011 Draftee: Brandon Meredith
Friday August 5, 2011
MLB reports: On the Reports we love discussing baseball prospects and looking towards the next up-and-coming MLB stars. We especially enjoy talking to the players directly and bringing them to you on the Reports. Today, we are very fortunate to be c0nversing with Brandon Meredith of the Houston Astros. A 6th round selection in this year’s MLB draft, Brandon is in A-ball, currently playing outfield for the Tri-City ValleyCats of the New York-Penn League. With a .379 OBP and 6 stolen bases in only 34 games played, Brandon has certainly hit the ground running. A native of California, Brandon attended San Diego State and played under hall-of-famer Tony Gwynn before getting drafted. One of the nicest young men you will ever meet, Brandon’s future is very bright as a top prospect that will be playing one day for the Houston Astros. Playing in his first professional baseball season, MLB reports is proud to present Brandon Meredith, outfielder for the Houston Astros:
MLB reports: Welcome to MLB reports Brandon. We are very glad that you have been able to join us today. Let’s the hit ground running. Firstly, as a youngster, who was your favorite baseball player growing up, that you most idolized and patterned your game after?
Brandon Meredith: I idolized guys like my coach Tony Gwynn at SDSU (San Diego State) and I loved watching Frank Thomas play the game growing up. But I most pattern my game and like to play like Charlie Hustle (Pete Rose). All hustle, all the time.
MLB reports: You certainly were lucky to learn from Tony Gwynn, considered one of the best hitters that the game has ever seen. From the the current crop of players, which MLB star do you most admire and why?
Brandon Meredith: I like a number of guys, I can’t say that I can pick just one. The players that I most look up to have the same qualities. They bring it every night. They hustle and play the game to win. Those are the guys that I work hard to play like and mold my game around.
MLB reports: What are your proudest accomplishments in baseball thus far Brandon?
Brandon Meredith: My proudest accomplishment is getting drafted and having the chance to play professional baseball. To get to this point and be a part of a major league baseball organization, I have made it much farther already than many players. I truly feel blessed to be able to have this opportunity.
MLB reports: What were your goals going into the 2011 season?
Brandon Meredith: I was excited to get on the field and get into games fairly quickly. I want to learn and grow as an individual, as well as a baseball player. I want to learn the pro-style game of baseball and become strong in every facet of the game. At the end of the day, I want to be able to look back on this season and my career and know that I always gave everything I had and to have no regrets.
MLB reports: When you first found out you were drafted, what were your reactions? Did those reactions change over time? What was the process like being drafted originally by the Rays in 2008 and what were the factors in not signing with Tampa Bay and Houston originally?
Brandon Meredith: When I was drafted this year, my first reaction was to reflect on the time I had at San Diego State. It felt weird to know I was going to sign and not be a part of SDSU any longer. The process was a good one in high school. I learned a lot from being drafted at a young age and being a part of the draft process so early in my life. I learned that a person should not expect too much from the draft process. Let it come from you. The factors that led to me not signing was partially the amount of money involved, but also the fact that I felt that I was not physically and mentally prepared to take on pro-ball before. I wanted to develop as a player and person at the college level and become a professional baseball when the time was right. 2011 turned out to be the right time for me.
MLB reports: What do you consider your greatest baseball skill(s)?
Brandon Meredith: I feel like I am a good and patient hitter. I know the strike zone and have a strong understanding of my swing. Overall, I feel that my biggest skill is my knowledge of the game and the fact that I love to play the game hard, every inning of every game that I am on the field.
MLB reports: What facets of your game do you most wish to improve upon?
Brandon Meredith: No matter how long I play this game, there will always be areas of improvement to bring my game to the next level. I need to improve on arm strength and quickness. I want to be an all-around baseball player, as both defense and offense are important to me. I also work hard on the ability to hit for power, without sacrificing getting on base and stealing bases.
MLB reports: How do strikeouts and walks figure into your game?
Brandon Meredith: I hate striking out first of all. I love to walk more than strikeout and walks will always be a very important part of my game. I like getting on base and making things happen. I am working hard on pitch recognition and knowing my strike zone so that I can cut down on strikeouts, which I look to improving upon as much as I can as I continue to play the game.
MLB reports: Long term what position do you see yourself playing? How do you see defense as part of your overall game?
Brandon Meredith: I can see myself staying in the outfield and playing left field. Defense is a big part of my game. I feel that I am a good outfielder. While I recognize that there are areas that I have to work on, overall I pride myself on being solid defensively. I put a great deal of work on the defensive part of my game and while I can’t promise that a gold glove is in my future, I am definitely working towards being the best outfielder that I can be.
MLB reports: Has pro ball been everything you expected it to be thus far? Tell us about your experiences thus far Brandon.
Brandon Meredith: I truly love being a part of professional baseball. It is the most fun that I have had in my life. Interestingly, it feels so much easier than the college game. I feel more relaxed, both mentally and physically. Now I only have baseball to focus on. The best part is that I have baseball and that’s it. I get to play everyday and love my job. The only downside so far is the cities that we are traveling to are new to me and experiences that take time to get used to. But overall it has been a great experience and ride so far.
MLB reports: With working so hard on the field, chill and down time off the field is very important I’m sure. Who do you most hang out with on the ValleyCats Brandon and what do you do for fun?
Brandon Meredith: I love to be competitive with my teammates. We play everything from call of duty to ping-pong. I hang out with Neiko Johnson, Zachary Johnson, Jacke Healey, Nicholas Tropeano, John Hinson, and Andrew Muren the most.
MLB reports: If you had to look into a crystal ball, when do you see your expected time of arrival in the big leagues and what do you think you need to do most to get there?
Brandon Meredith: I feel that I could potentially be there in three to five years. Playing in Houston for the Astros is what I am working towards and will do everything that I can to make my dream come true. For that to happen long-term, I will to need to hit for more power and work hard on my defense and quickness.
MLB reports: A big thank you to Brandon Meredith on joining us today on the Reports. We wish you the best of luck on your baseball journey to the big leagues. We definitely encourage all our readers to feel free to contact Brandon with your comments and questions on his twitter handle. Brandon loves interacting with the fans and is a must follow!
Please e-mail us at: MLBreports@gmail.com with any questions and feedback. You can follow us on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook . To subscribe to our website and have the daily Reports sent directly to your inbox , click here and follow the link at the top of our homepage.
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