The conversations I've been having about Dellin Betances are interesting. Apparently, lots of people are convinced that he cannot handle the closer role. I tend to disagree. Still, I see the point that maybe his blown saves were higher than we would have liked in 2016 - 5 blown saves in 17 opportunities. While this year's free agent market is pretty thin, there are a few Closers that may get the attention of the Yankees.
The obvious one is Aroldis Chapman. Even when the trade was a lone little rumor, the talk was that the Yankees could trade him and then go after him again in the winter. That may still happen, but it will be a bidding war when he's on the mound for the save in the World Series clincher. There is no question that he has lethal stuff. His 2016 stats - K/9 of 14, a BB/9 of 2.8, a WHIP of .862, and 2 home runs over 58 innings work - paint an amazing picture of his capabilities. Someone is going to lock him in to a long-term deal, probably at 13-15M per season. With the Yankees' eye on the luxury tax savings of getting under the limit, I don't see that happening.
Then there is Mark Melancon. Remember him? Yeah, we drafted him back in 2009 and we traded him when he faltered in a deal that brought us Lance Berkman. Remember him? Yeah, I don't want to either. But Melancon found his groove as the Pirates closer. He led the NL in saves with 51 in 2015 and he's been converting saves at the rate in the mid-90% range. He played a key role in helping the Nationals make the playoffs and had a good individual postseason. This one is my favorite option, if only because he was one of ours.
The last one the Yankees may consider is Kenley Jansen. He accumulated 189 saves in his 7 years with the Dodgers with a save conversion rate of 88%. In 2016, of the 14 runners he inherited coming into games, only one scored. The thing that makes him appealing is a long track record of success and helping them get to the postseason. The downside on him will be his price tag. I expect him to sign a long-term deal at around $12M per year. At age 29, he will be a catch.
It's not clear that the Yankees will even go shopping for a closer. They could easily go with Betances and support him with the young players coming up from the farm. If you listen to Brian Cashman, his interest in his young talent is still pretty high. Still, it's nice to have options.
--Ike Dimitriadis, BYB Senior Staff Writer Follow me on Twitter: @KingAgamemnon
In the past, the Yankees made moves to offer alittle pop, defense and bullpen help. The names are familiar, usually popular, but at the end of their careers... plus, the result was always the same... an early exit from the playoffs. It's been that way since we won the whole damn thing in 2009.
It's what I call "Yankee hole filling", and as of late, I feel like we're always doing it just to get by. Think about it... back in 2011, we had Lance Berkman who was convinced by friend Andy Pettitte to make a stop in the Bronx. We have Kerry Wood, who I loved in New York and did a great job. We also had Austin Kearns... that's about it with Austin Kearns.
Last year, we needed someone like Ichiro Suzuki and in July, I predicted him being a nice fit. Read ICHIRO TO THE YANKS IS MY PIPE DREAM. Suddenly, he was a Yankee and has been a great one ever since. There was also the addition of Casey McGehee... yup, Casey McGehee.
So what will happen now in 2013? Luckily for us, Derek Jeter has returned and hasn't skipped a beat. Curtis Granderson is almost back, Michael Pineda is "close" and you have to wonder if the Yankees, who are 7.5 games back in the American League East can get the parts they need to win.
Sure, Alfonso Soriano could prove to be a brilliant move by Cashman, but even though yesterday was glorious, it's 1 game... and it's just to early to tell.
Brian Cashman stated recently, "We've wanted to improve things for some time... I
think all Yankee fans have seen this team -- we're fighting, we've got a
lot of guys who are professionals and they're competing their tail off,
but on the offensive side we've been limited due to injury, so we have
had an interest for quite some time to upgrade when we could."
I hope he also sees that we're frustrated. And for the record, working hard is very different from getting results. I hate when people say they are working hard or "working their tail off", because at the end of the day, if they aren't proving results, it doesn't mean a thing. We Yankee fans want action...we wants results... championships... made up with the best players to put on the field. Why? Because we're the Yankees.
We will make moves. Who knows if Michael Young or Cliff Lee or anyone else is on the Yankees "hole" list. Who knows if Phil Hughes stock has dropped or if Joba Chamberlain is appealing to teams anymore. I do know this... we need a shake up... and now, with the trade deadline just a few days away... we need to make moves... WE MUST, or we are never making the playoffs in 2013. That I know.
I just downloaded Doom and Gloom by the Rolling Stones on my iPod. The Stones are one
of the greatest bands on this earth.I
have no idea why, but I was thinking about the Yankees when I read the
title and was listening to the lyrics.The Stones are at the top of
their game and they’re old men, let’s keep it real.
Yet, Mick Jagger jumps around like he’s 23 years
old and I equate the rejuvenation of Derek Jeter to Mick's subscription to
perfecting ones craft the older you get.There is nothing better to me than watching 38 year old Jeter lead our
guys out of the dugout on a home game.It’s huge to me, because I don’t see age like every Yankee critic does
and maybe that’s because I’ve followed these guys forever and appreciate skill.Sure, players break down, but the focus and the
message is clear… they want to win and they will grind it out any way possible
to get it done. I guess that's just the Yankee way.
I’ve been reading a lot about how OLD the Yankees are.How OLD the players are they re-signed this
off season and how they just aren’t the competitors they once were. Mind you, it's the winter...they haven't taken the field yet. That Sean Hartnett /CBS piece HERE featured buzz words like "Yankees" and "Uncertainty" and "Aging" from a few days
ago and it annoyed me.He clearly was focusing
on the Yankees "OLD" guys without looking at the other teams with a ton of "OLD"
guys. His piece is pointed, there is no
big picture here with Hartnett. Hey, that’s fine, it’s his piece.Critics can criticize the Yankees all they
want. But in the end, we’re gamers. It doesn’t matter how old you are. Don’t
believe me? Ask Derek Jeter about that.His focus has always been the same…You go out and win a game, one game at a time... that’s the
goal and it's always been the goal.
The World Championship San Francisco Giants have quite a few
old guys sprinkled in with veterans.Barry Zito is 34 and Ryan Vogelsong is 35. They just won a freaking championship. Marco Scutaro is 37. Really. He looks 28 out there. Really.
Look at the Philadelpiha Phillies, they just signed 36 year old Michael Young.They have a guy named Chase Utley
who isn’t exactly young (34) and while we’re on the subject of young players, there
are plenty of young players that may be mildlyyoung, but get hurt. Hey, Chase Utley is one of them and there's alsoRyan Howard and his 33 year old frame. I mean, come on? How old is Cliff Lee
again? He’s 34and Roy Halladay is 35,
yet, he’s one of the top pitchers in the game.What does age really mean as long as you play to win and do it
well.Halladay does, Jeter does, Jorge Posada did.
Look at the Boston Red Sox. How old is David Ortiz? 37. Yet,
just when you think he’s slowing down, he’s cranking out 20 + home runs.The Sox just signed 32 year old Shane Victorino who had a crumby 2012. Plus they just signed veteran pitcher, 35 year old Ryan Dempster. So yeah, we’re going to focus on the
Yankees and their age? Last time I checked Nick Swisher is 32 and he just signed
a 4 year deal with the Cleveland Indians. Sure 32 is fine for Swish and Victorino, trust me, I’m not saying they're 60, but they are on the downside of their careers. And how about those Texas Rangers and 36 year old Lance Berkman. And I could go on and on... there are a ton of examples. It's funny though, alot of the guys I listed seem older than they actually are. And that's my point.
Age don't mean a thing unless you, the player, are thinking about it. Jeter doesn't think about that crap. Neither does Andy Pettitte... if he did, he would have stayed retired. No, the ones who think about it are the haters. Hey, that's fine, but they don't play the game, so they don't get it.
Yeah, I get protective of my Yankees.I never understood the critics who decide
that every year they need to do an “Yankees are old” piece and I guess they
just hope no one actually does the research.I do.Why? Because it’s slanted,
it’s overly critical and most of all, it’s a non-story.
Age doesn’t matter.Again, it’s true, player DO slow down, but in the end, you re-invent
yourself to lengthen your career… until you can’t any longer. But look at someone like Freddy Garcia. Garcia was a genius when it came to re-invention and he extended his career 2 extra years with the Yankees mixing up pitches. He did great.
If you’re a Yankee fan like me… the field is split, meaning,
some of us like the veterans and some want to see the kids come up.I have always said the perfect team is a
sprinkling of young and veterans.The
kids play and learn, the veterans play and lead by example.I often look at the teams of the past and I
see that formula.The Yankees are not
old, they’re seasoned, or skilled as I like the say and trust me, there’s a very big difference. Age is also something
that as a ball player, you can’t let get in your head.I mean, for me personally, I don’t feel 40…
and trust me, Jeter doesn’t feel like he’s 38.
The Rolling Stones? Hell, they’ll be around forever.
It’s all in how you want to feel.If you want to feel old, you’re old. But
critics who like to analyze on the surface without looking at the work that’s
put into the daily grind, well, dare I say, it’s lazy journalism and easy.
Especially if we haven’t even seen the 2013 Yankees play yet.
Trust me... it's time to consider these "old" players as, not old, but "skilled"... yet all I hear is doom and gloom. That's too bad.
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I like to listen to Dave Goode talk. You remember Dave Goode. He's the guy who worked as a vendor in the House that Ruth Built. We interviewed him twice because he witnessed so much in that incredible building during his 30 years working at the stadium. Read THE VENDOR FROM THE HOUSE THAT RUTH BUILT and PART 2: THE VENDOR FROM THE HOUSE THAT RUTH BUILT for context on that. Well, every once in a while when Dave gets aggravated or happy with the Yanks, I'm gonna give him an outlet to rant... right here at BYB. Sure Dave is just like you and me,a fan, but this site is about Yankees AND family... and Dave is just like that to you and I, just like the Moses family is personally to me. Anyway... here's Dave and his take on the state of the Yankees right now...
- Casey
Dave Goode: "Right now I feel like I am in a junky Dollar store. Who are
these nobodies they claim, waive, claim and keep. I agreed with you when I read about Giancarlo Stanton (GIANCARLO MANIA & THE YANKEE YOUTH CONTRADICITION), if they
have to mortgage the farm for Stanton.. DO IT! A bird in hand is worth
2 in the bush.
While I saw many POTENTIAL GOOD players at the AZ fall
league, they have NOT done it in the big leagues. I really liked Slade Heathcott, but he has had some Josh Hamilton issues. Look at Dellin Betances... he needs to get his head into it alittle more. Mark Montgomery MAY take
over the closer role.
(In Photo: Mark Montgomery) That is great stuff. David Adams gets on base and can be
quick, OK. Eduardo Nunez? I think someone may need a water boy. Nunie can't field and
how he made it this far is beyond me. And all this talk about Lance Berkman that past few days, before he signed with the Rangers, PLEASE, gag me now!
I
am worried about Andy Pettitte, Mariano Rivera's leg, CC Sabathia's shoulder, and Ivan Nova and Phil Hughes.
Jeet and ARod are getting older. Other than that, we have a great team. I do think Kevin Youkilis will
surprise many. I wonder if Robinson Cano will play his last year in pinstripes. But most of all, I
am shocked by how Cashman's hands have been not tied, but bound by Yankee brass. Yeah, we have made bad moves, but also made many good ones.
We even let some get away. Russell Martin for instance. If you are going to the scrap
pile, STOP talking about getting young and quick. That's my opinion on this. I won't rehash your
awesome blogs on BYB of who we let get away, it's just sad we have done NOTHING SO
FAR. Again, I want to be elated when Cashman signs Giancarlo Stanton, but I won't
hold my breath and sadly, no longer believe in the Easter bunny. But I do know it takes money to make money, and the Yankees spent money and made a lot of money and some fans may not spend money to see a sub
par team.
If the Yanks are picking up these guys who have a few years playing time
without much success, why not FIRST give our guys a shot? They
can't be any worse than a .220 hitter over 3 to 5 years, right? From what I've
read and from what I've been told, all the major league clubs send there
most promising players to the Arizona Fall League. Then they let the Yankees give
them a good, not fair shot playing in the bigs. If nothing else, it
will get there feet wet and maybe a bigger motivation factor than
anything else. Yikes...that's hard for me to imagine."
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UPDATE: Ken Rosenthal of FOX (HERE) says the Rangers and Berkman are finalizing a deal. You kind of new that was going to happen. Berkman's a Texas guy, the only real reason he'd come to NY would be if Andy Pettitte begged him or if he was desperate for work. I personally don't think Berkman ever truly liked being a Bomber. My opinion of course. If he can latch on to the Rangers, good for him.
It's unclear what all this means, but earlier today the Texas Rangers were "hot and heavy" on Lance Berkman as a designated hitter for them. According to Ken Davidoff of the New York Post, who Tweeted this HERE, The Yanks have interest in Lance too.
(In photo: 2010 ALDS, Lance Berkman)
I like this. I'm not sure what Lance has left in the tank, but if he can contribute like he did for us in the ALDS in 2010, I'm all for it. It's clear though, the Yankees are going on the cheap where they should instead be shipping a bunch of minor leaguers to the Miami Marlins for Giancarlo Stanton... my opinion of course.
What the hell are we doing? Get it done...
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comment, we have DISQUS, it's easier than ever. Let me know what you think and
follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group
Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just
type it in.
Here are some nuggets that I wanted to bring up to you. Sometimes when the Yankees aren't winning, it's nice to take your mind off it for a few and read about other players around the Majors. Check it out:
Lance Berkman: According to FOX 26 Sports Houston, Berkman said he may retire in the off season and if he does, he may go back to Rice University. Read HERE. Says Berkman: "If I do decide to retire my next move is going to be to enroll at Rice and to be a student assistant for the baseball team... The best time I ever had in my life playing baseball was when I was at Rice. To be able to help those kids that are in that situation that I was in 15 years ago,is exciting to me." Look, I have always been a fan of Berkman and I loved his few moments on the Yankees. Whatever he decides, I wish him the best.
Ichiro Suzuki: There's an interesting nugget in the Seattle Intelligencer about Bobby Valentine and Ichiro Suzuki. Apparently before the Red Sox, the Mariners interviewed Bobby and Ichiro was "pushing for him", according to Larry Stone. He writes that Peter Gammons of all people came up with that story, read HERE. Stone writes: "One Mariners person says Ichiro has talked to ownership about hiring Bobby Valentine, Suzuki's preference." Hmm, one Mariner person. Geez, that could have been a vendor in Safeco Field for all we know... and Gammon's a baseball analyst and I'm a blogger. Go figure.
David Aardsma: Good news for the Animal, he's close. Aardsma was in Trenton last night and allowed 1 run, 3 hits and a walk. Read HERE. In my gut, with all the trouble lately involving our bullpen, I would bet you Aardsma will be up sometime this month. I just have a feeling, especially if he's healthy and making progress. I love this guy, I can't wait to see him pitch in pinstripes.
Cal Ripken Jr: The Baltimore Orioles unveiled his statue which will now be displayed at Camden yards. He is such an incredible man and was such a terrific ballplayer, you have to love this. Hell, I love statues of athletes. Any time that happens, I couldn't be happier for these guys. I remember when Rod Carew had his statue unveiled, I loved that too, (Read WHEN HONORING BASEBALL HEROES GOES REALLY WRONG.) Put it this way, I'd rather a statue in front of the stadium they called home for years and not a dirty highway like New York did for Joe DiMaggio. Congrats to Cal, you deserve everything that comes your way.
RA Dickey: I don't know about you, but I love RA Dickey and his story this season and I'd love for him to win the Cy Young in the NL? The guy is 18-4 with a 2.64 ERA. He's truly the ace of the New York Mets right now and for him to be shafted would be a mistake. I'm crossing my fingers for you Dickey.
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On June 25th the Yankees defeated the Indians 7-1, Hiroki Kuroda got an
impressive win throwing 7+ innings of 1 run ball with 7 strikeouts,
propelling the Yankees to their 13th win in their past 16 games, and
their 8th straight. Sure, it happened 2 weeks ago, but it was significant, it was the beginning of something good for the Yankees, a gelling if you will. The bombers were really clicking on all cylinders and the
whole city knew it.
Then, on June 27th a couple of hours before game time
the Yankees announced that CC would be put on the 15 day DL for a groin
strain, read HERE. At that point, I was
still optimistic for the Yanks because they still had another left
hander in the rotation, old reliable Andy Pettitte. But that changed when Andy went down with a come backer off the bat of Casey Kotchman, busting his ankle, read HERE. It's devastating, but this isn't a cause for
complete, "abandon ship" type of concern... we should however look further than who we have to fill the holes, my opinion of course. Why? Because since those injuries, some of the moving parts just aren't working and there is need for improvement....outside the organization.
Let's break it down. Cory Wade has been good, but not recently. That was why he was sent down and it's my opinion that he shouldn't have even been in last night's game against the Red Sox, read WADE HAPPENS. They Yankees picked up Chad Qualls and while I'm not exactly sure how effective he really is yet, I'm not exactly pleased with Wade's recent performance and I'm not too confident in Qualls ability.
I'm thinking another solid reliever in that bullpen could really do wonders. If I
were assigned the Yankees GM role for the day, I would work very closely
with the Houston Astros to make a trade for Brett Myers & Wandy Rodriguez a rental starter and reliever that could really help our club.
Brett Myers is a former starter turned closer who really can
do either. Throughout his career he has been a starting pitcher on the Phillies (2002-2009) and the Astros. Sure, there were 2 seasons in 2007 when he was with the Phillies and became a closer for a good portion
of the season after former Yankee Flash Gordon went down for some time. Bottom line, Myers did such a good job that when Gordon came back, Myers stayed as
the closer for the rest of the season recording 21 saves.
This year Myers was appointed closer when Mark Melancon was traded to the Red Sox. This season
Myers has 18 saves already with a 3.54 ERA. He is a solid option to
shore up the Yankees bullpen and in my opinion, a better option than Chad Qualls or Cory Wade.
Wandy Rodriguez is the other piece to this potential deal. He is the ace of the Astros
pitching staff and is a proven left handed pitcher. Rodriguez has posted
an ERA under 4 every season since 2008. He could be the piece that can fill the void as a lefty with 2 lefties out. Plus, the
Astros are a team in serious rebuilding mode. They easily traded Houston fan favorite Lance Berkman to the Yankees in the summer
of 2010 for just 2 mid level prospects.
If Brian Cashman could work the Astros again and get a trade going again, give up a few low level prospects and get the Astros to eat some salary on Myers and Rodriguez, I'd be all over this.
Sure, there are other pitchers out there, but we all know Cole Hamels is just too expensive for the Yankees, Read HERE. How about
Huston Street who's a good target (read HERE), and Matt Garza whom the Yankees really like and has already proven himself in the
AL East, read HERE, but I tell you what, it's my opinion Myers and Rodriguez could be the best option by the deadline, a reliever and starter, both rentals, both reliable and both for low level prospects. If I'm the Yankees GM for a day, that's what I'd do, what about you? Comment.
We try to give you updates on all former Yankees. The way I see it, once a Yankee, always a Yankee and Lance Berkman was a Yankee for 10 minutes, so there you go, he gets a post.
In case you weren't aware, Berkman got a pretty serious knee injury, read HERE and at this point, he was put on the Disabled List and there is talk about him now considering retirement. Berkman's been playing for quite a while, with the Astros where he called home for 12 years before coming to the Yankees in the middle of the 2010 season. He then went to the St. Louis Cardinals where he won a championship in 2011.
Berkman's had a good career. I wished he stuck around with the Yanks. Now, if this injury is as serious as it's been suggested by some and perhaps even Berkman himself, maybe retirement for the 36 year old is in fact in the cards. Here is what Berkman said to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (HERE):
"You think about it when you have a potentially major surgery at
this stage of your career. But, again, right now we don't know what it
is. But it gives you pause..."
Remember Mark Melancon? He was with the Yankees before he went to the Astros in exchange for Lance Berkman in 2010. He bitched about the Yankees fans at that point, read HERE and at that point, I lost respect for him. Anyway, he was traded by the Astros to the Red Sox for Jed Lowrie and Kyle Weiland. This is coming from Ken Rosenthal, read HERE.
Sometimes we just want to give you updates on former Yankees, just to keep you in the loop...
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The Yankees 2012 starting lineup is mostly set. Starting around the horn we have ARod,Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano, and Mark Teixiera. The outfield is Brett Gardner,Curtis Granderson, and there’s an opening in right until we hear for sure that the Yankees will pick up Swisher's option. Barring any snafus, Russell Martin will probably be behind the plate again. That leaves a hole at DH. While the early candidate seems to be Jesus Montero, I think it’s a shame that a 20 something year old is going to be pigeon-holed as a DH. Outside of Edgar Martinez, who else has made an entire career as a DH. The American League is built for the DH and teams need a strong hitter in there.
Now with the Yankees aging roster, the DH spot is heavily going to be used to rest players, therefore using Montero as your everyday DH is not going to be feasible. If Brian Cashman was smart, which we all know he is, he’d sign some much needed pitching and the DH slot will be filled by a rotating cast of characters. That's my take at least. With that being the smart move, I’m also a firm believer that you can’t turn down a good player if the opportunity is right. The 2 biggest free agents out there are David Ortiz and Albert Pujols. I don’t care what the majority of you and most of my friends think, I would sign Papi in a heartbeat. I'd give him $12 - $14 million for the year and stick him in the 4 hole. In the new stadium, Ortiz is hitting .257, 6 HR, with 17 RBI (.316, 16HR, 35 RBI in the old stadium). I know the numbers are low, but he’s a lefty and lefties love Yankee Stadium, the ball flies out to right.
Lance Berkman has said that Pujols is better than Babe Ruth. I say prove it. If it's true, he could bash his way through history. Now Pujols is looking for a long-term deal and the Yankees have enough of those already. If he doesn’t sign here, I hope he stays in the NL. Prince Fielder is also out there as well, but he’s in the same boat as Pujols. He wants a long-term deal and plays first base. Like Pujols, I’d take him but only if he’d take 5 years/$75 million.Maybe the solution is what Casey suggested... bringing back Hideki Matsui. (Read WHY HIDEKI MATSUI? WHY NOT? )He’s a good fit here and a fan favorite. Andy Pettitte came back home, Godzilla could too.
Finally, with all that said, the Yankees are about stars. Unless you bring in a legitimate star, the DH slot is worth no more than $5 million a year, maybe $7 million. But on this team of aging veterans, not having a full time DH thus giving them the ability to rest these guys and keep them fresh all year could turn out to be priceless.
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I have never seen a more dramatic and exciting ball game than I did last night. The full story is HERE, but The Cardinals are alive and forced a Game 7. They were down to their last out 2 times in a row and both times came back. David Freese tied it in the 9th with a 2 run triple. Josh Hamilton homered for the Rangers the following inning to make it 9-7. Then Lance Berkman tied it to make it 9-9! In the 11th, David Freese came through again to win it for the Cardinals in walk off style! It may have been the most dramatic thing I've ever seen in baseball and I'm thrilled for David Freese, he had the game of his life... that's why baseball is the greatest sport in the world. I wrote in WHY BLEEDING YANKEE BLUE PICKS THE CARDINALS because I don't care for the Rangers fans because of of the newbie's with their crisp new Rangers caps that know nothing about the game. They ruin it for all baseball fans. I want the Rangers to lose based on that alone and I hope the Cards can put them away tonight.
Great game Birds! BYB is rooting for you! Please comment, we have DISQUS, it's easier than ever. Let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.
I understand wanting to support your own teammate and without question, Albert Pujols deserves a lot of credit after Game 3 when the Cardinals won 16-7 against the Rangers and Pujols had 3 home runs and 6 RBIs, but is Albert Pujols really better than Babe Ruth because as Lance Berkman suggests, Babe Ruth was in an all-white league. Um… what?What the hell does that even mean?Read it HERE by the way. Here’s Berkman’s quote:
“He’s a better hitter than Babe Ruth and Reggie Jackson and there’s no doubt about it.I’m dead serious. Babe Ruth, as great as he was, played in an all-white league. Now we have the best talent pool we’ve ever had and he’s doing it in that environment. He’s the greatest.”
Is Lance suggesting that because there are more ballplayers of all races now and Pujols is dominant that means he’s better? I’m not following and clearly I’m trying my best to think this through as I’m writing this…I know, I’m pathetic.
Albert Pujols is by far a great hitter, but Babe Ruth didn’t control leagues and population to determine black and white players. Plus, what’s to say the Babe wouldn’t be able to hack it in a talent pool of today?Babe Ruth is an American icon, not only did he hit, he pitched and was damn good at that as well. Now, I know we’re sticking with hitting here, but either Lance Berkman is one of the most sophisticated scholarsin baseball or I’m just too dumb to understand what he’s trying to say. Personally, I find this statement to be ridiculous. Here’s why:
Full Career: Albert Pujols will probably go down in history as one of the top 10 or 20 hitters ever in baseball.He’s powerful and usually clutch, and in his career he’s batting .328. So, I got to thinking, and this could be fun. Because Pujols isn't retired and I'd love to break down a full career for each, I can't so let me take a 10 year span for both players. Basically, it would be their glory days if you will. I took Albert Pujols' first 10 years and posted it next to Babe Ruth’s first 10 years as a New York Yankee, starting in 1920 and will end at 1929. Pujols will go 2001 to 2010.
Prince Albert: 1900 H / 408 HR / 1230 RBI / .331 AVG / 2001-2010
The Babe: 1734 H / 467 HR / 1331 RBI / .355 AVG / 1920-1929
To me, I'd say it's pretty damn close to even with the exception of a better average for Babe, yet, because Albert plays more games, he has a lower average but more hits. Now, I know Lance Berkman didn't have Baseball Reference at his fingertips, but come on, why are you dragging the Babe into this?
Color Barrier: I am not understanding what race has to do with Pujols being better than Babe Ruth as a hitter.There were plenty of very talented white guys that pitched against the Babe, and same with Albert Pujols. Color has nothing to do with it, talent does. We’ve spent decades trying to get away from the color barrier, why are we throwing that out there again? One more time, Babe Ruth played when he played. Sadly, minorities could not participate, but thankfully Jackie Robinson came along.
Lance, I've always liked you, but you’re confused me on this one.Talented human beings have always played baseball, race is irrelevant.If you are suggesting that because of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier, someone like Albert Pujols can play baseball and transform into one of the greatest players because of that, I follow you, and agree. But otherwise, I don’t. Babe Ruth was one of the greatest hitters ever, but so were Willie Mays, Harmon Killabrew, Frank Robinson, Cal Ripken Jr. and Ted Williams, not to mention dozens more that are black, white and latino.It’s a baseball thing Lance, not a race thing, plain and simple. You either have the talent or you don’t.Pujols does no doubt, but let’s leave it as that. That’s all.
