Jim Galvin: Pitcher, Buffalo Bisons

365-310 record, 2.85 ERA, 6003.1 innings pitched, 1807 strike outs

Jim “Pud” Galvin played professional baseball for 15 seasons, with his final year at the age of 35 in 1892. He was voted into the Hall of Fame in 1965 by the Veterans Committee and ended up being the sole inductee for this year. After looking through his career statistics and accomplishments, it would have been a crime if Galvin wasn’t in the Hall of Fame. He has the honor of being the inaugural member of the 300-win club and won 20 or more games in a season 10 times, with two of those seasons ending with more than 40 victories. Another amazing statistic is that he started 688 games in his career and registered 646 complete games. So, he finished what he started 94% of the time he took the mound- no big deal.

He pitched so many games during his 15-year career because at this time in MLB history, it was customary to have a 2-man pitching rotation. So, the 6003 innings pitched and 646 complete games that we have been talking about ranks second all-time, behind none other than Cy Young himself.  Galvin is the only player in history to have 10 seasons of 20 or more wins without winning a pennant. At the time of his retirement, he was the all-time leader in wins, innings pitched, games started, games completed, and shutouts. Talk about a busy man!

Come back next week to learn more about the induction class of 1966, which is another small one, but star studded with Ted Williams and Casey Stengel.

Thanks for reading! To follow all my posts from On The Way Home and Call to the Pen, follow me on Twitter: @mmusico8

I read a great article written by Jon Paul Morosi on MSN.com in which he listed the twelve players that he thinks are going to be watched very closely in 2012. There are plenty of players that will be judged in the court of public opinion this year; Morosi did a great job with his list and defending all of his picks, but I don’t agree with some of the players that made his list. The top twelve players that need to watch their P’s and Q’s in 2012 according to Jon Paul Morosi are:

1. Josh Hamilton- Texas Rangers
2. Carl Crawford- Boston Red Sox
3. Jayson Werth- Washington Nationals
4. Vernon Wells- Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
5. Andre Ethier- Los Angeles Dodgers
6. Johan Santana- New York Mets
7. Adam Dunn- Chicago White Sox
8. Alex Rodriguez- New York Yankees
9. Clay Buchholtz- Boston Red Sox
10. Ichiro Suzuki- Seattle Mariners
11. Buster Posey- San Francisco Giants
12. Jason Heyward- Atlanta Braves

So, let me start with the players that I feel shouldn’t really be on this list. Personally, I think it’s ridiculous that Josh Hamilton is at the top; the sole reason that he is ranked #1 is because of his relapse a few weeks ago. I’m not trying to downplay his mistake one bit, but I think people are going to forget about this quickly, just as quickly as his last relapse. That occurrence could have an effect on his contract extension, but when he comes out and tears up the league, Texas will have no choice but to show him the money and the years. Andre Ethier and Johan Santana shouldn’t be on this list either; the Dodgers outfielder is in his contract year, looking to play well enough for a long-term deal, but even if he has a fantastic year, he’s a complimentary player at best. Los Angeles made that clear with the Matt Kemp extension this past winter. In regards to Santana, the Mets are expecting him to play and earn his $20 million salary this year, but at the end of the day, if he has a mediocre year, I don’t think he will be under much scrutiny purely because of the state of the Mets these days.

Moving onto the second half of the list, Alex Rodriguez has no need to be on there because he’s been under a microscope since he signed that $252 million deal with the Rangers. Any player that is making $30 million in their late 30s is already under plenty of pressure. Plus, what if A-Rod has a bad year? It’s not like the Yankees are going to cut him or try to trade him; no one will take on that contract, so regardless of his performance, New York is stuck with him…they just hope he plays well. Lastly, I think it’s unfair to put Clay Buchholtz on this list because Morosi pretty much blamed his injury for part of the Sox collapse, when it was really the poor play and lack of dedication from the rest of the team.

That leaves seven more players on this list of twelve; I’m going to rank them from top to bottom, with spot #1 being the most pressure and #7 being the least:

1. Carl Crawford
2. Adam Dunn
3. Jason Heyward
4. Jason Werth
5. Buster Posey
6. Vernon Wells
7. Ichiro Suzuki

Crawford and Dunn head my list because they’re both entering the second year of their big free agent contract and still need to show their respective fan bases that they are worth the investment that the front office made in them. Crawford needs to bounce back quickly after he returns from his wrist surgery and Dunn needs to erase his sub-.200 batting average ASAP.

Jason Heyward was a problem child in his sophomore season, taking both physical and mental steps back in his progress. He’s a big part of that Atlanta line-up, and he needs to be right for that offense to go on all cylinders. Jason Werth is another player in the second year of his huge contract following an underwhelming performance in 2011. He needs to remember the type of player he is and play to his strengths instead of trying to do too much.

Buster Posey is ranked fifth on my list because there is a good amount of pressure on him to return to his 2010 World Championship form with San Francisco after the gruesome injury he suffered last May. Once he was out for the year, the offense struggled mightily, and they’re counting on him to be the player that he was. Spring training will be crucial for him not only to get his timing back at the plate, but get his legs underneath him behind the plate as well.

I don’t think Vernon Wells has a whole lot of pressure with not performing up to his contract because it doesn’t seem like many people talk about it! Plus, the addition of Pujols into the Angel line-up will add some more protection and take some of the focus off of Wells. Ichiro is at the bottom of my list because he puts more pressure on himself to be perfect more than anyone else. He had one bad year after ten fantastic ones. All great players aren’t done until they say they are, and Ichiro isn’t done yet.

Let the debates begin…who are your most scrutinized players for 2012?

Thanks for reading! To follow all my posts from On The Way Home and Call to the Pen, follow me on Twitter: @mmusico8

2011 Finish: 97-65

Additions: Hiroki Kuroda, Michael Pineda, Russell Branyan, Raul Ibanez

Losses: Jesus Montero, Hector Noesi, Jorge Posada, A.J. Burnett

The Yankees took a unique approach to free agents this hot stove season by allowing the market to come to them. Their need was clear; they needed pitchers to fill up the rotation and be half as dependable as CC Sabathia has been since he came on board in 2009. Once they inked their ace to a five-year/$122 million extension, they went out to sure up the rest of their rotation. They parted with a lot of offensive potential in Jesus Montero, but were able to gain a 23-year-old starter with electric stuff in Michael Pineda. GM Brian Cashman also nabbed Hiroki Kuroda off the market for a one-year/$10 million contract. The search for a designated hitter is over with the agreement with Raul Ibanez after they were able to unload A.J. Burnett. The biggest wild card is Alex Rodriguez. After playing under 100 games last season, everyone in the Bronx is looking for him to return to form, especially since they owe him a boatload of money for the better part of this decade. However, The Yanks are going to be part of a three team race for the division with 90-95 wins this year.

2011 Finish: 91-71

Additions: Carlos Pena, Fernando Rodney, Jose Molina

Losses: Johnny Damon, Andy Sonnanstine, Casey Kotchman

The Rays continue to show year-in and year-out that they are by far, the best run organization in baseball. Being in such a deep division such as the AL East and being able to make the playoffs with a miniscule $52.1 million payroll compared to their competitors is just amazing. The front office recently extended manager Joe Maddon three more years, keeping him in charge of Tampa Bay until at least 2015. They made some key additions and stayed within their budget; bringing back Carlos Pena improves the infield defense again, even though he’s not a high average guy like Casey Kotchman. However, he can hit the home run at a decent rate. They have also brought in Rodney to secure the back end of the bullpen and signed Jose Molina to share the catching duties. My wild card for the Rays is B.J. Upton; he surged late in 2011 with the rest of the Rays squad and had a good year, but he needs to play hard on a nightly basis to help keep his team in the hunt for a post season berth. Judging from last year’s performance, never count this team out. I can see 88-93 wins from this team.

2011 Finish: 90-72

Additions: Cody Ross, Nick Punto, Mark Melancon, Andrew Bailey

Losses: Erik Bedard, Jonathan Papelbon, Trevor Miller

After experiencing the worst September collapse in Major League history, changes needed to be made. First, it was announced that Terry Francona wouldn’t return, and then Theo Epstein bounced from Beantown to take charge of ending the Cubs championship drought. So, Ben Cherington was promoted to general manager and found the man he wanted to lead the Sox in the aftermath of this collapse in Bobby Valentine. In his first moves as GM, Cherington made some great moves to revitalize their bullpen after Jonathan Papelbon signed with the Phillies. After getting Melancon and Bailey in what seems to be very favorable trades, he began to fill out his bench with some solid players in an effort to change the culture and rebuild team chemistry. It’s clear to see that the Red Sox perform much better as the underdog instead of the favorite. With a poor 2011, expectations from analysts have dropped, which will benefit the team. If Carl Crawford can come back from his wrist surgery healthy and live up to his monstrous contract, this team will reach the postseason. I’m predicting 90-95 wins for them this year, and an AL East crown to avenge last year’s collapse.

2011 Finish: 81-81

Additions: Francisco Cordero, Omar Vizquel, Darren Oliver, Ben Francisco

Losses: Jon Rauch, Jose Molina, Frank Francisco

The Blue Jays (as well as the Orioles) have the pleasure of playing teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, and Rays about 60 times a year since they are lucky enough to be residing in the same division as them. They had a decent year in 2011, but they will no doubt benefit from the new scheduling changes to make it more even across the board and the institution of an additional Wild Card spot. Toronto was rumored to be in the bidding for some big free agent names this winter, such as Prince Fielder and Yu Darvish, but unfortunately for them, they came up empty. My wild card for this team is manager John Farrell; after posting a .500 record in his first season at the helm, it is important for this team to put another step forward in 2012. Changing the culture and getting players to believe in what a manager is doing can take some time, so if the Jays can put up a good showing this year, it could encourage the front office to try and make a splash next winter. However, with the same type of schedule this year and having to face division powerhouses, they will only improve slightly with 80-85 wins.

2011 Finish: 69-93

Additions: Luis Ayala, Armando Galarraga, Jason Hammel, Matt Lindstrom

Losses: Luke Scott, Cesar Izturis, Jeremy Guthrie, Vladimir Guerrero

When Buck Showalter came in towards the end of 2010 to take over the Orioles, many people around the league were pleasantly surprised with his 34-23 record with quite the poor team. So, I think eyes were on Camden Yards to see Baltimore take another step forward in 2011, but they took two steps back by failing to win 70 games for the fifth year in a row.  Offense wasn’t a big problem for the Orioles, who placed in the middle of the pack in the MLB for runs scored and team batting average. On the other hand, pitching was a huge issue, especially now since they ranked dead last in the Majors in team ERA (4.89). So, Showalter and the font office decided to trade away Jeremy Guthrie to add a couple of young arms to the bullpen, as well as sign veteran Luis Ayala. However, their rotation looks to be shaky at best, and those moves were solid, but they need to have starters to hand the ball off to the relievers as well. I’m predicting another tough year in the basement for the O’s with 70-75 wins.

How do you think the standings in the AL East will look this year? Is there going to be a surprise team, or is it going to be the usual suspects?

Thanks for reading! To follow all my posts from On The Way Home and Call to the Pen, follow me on Twitter: @mmusico8

Yoenis Cespedes signs with Oakland.

In what was a sudden change of events, Billy Beane and the Oakland A’s swooped in and stole the show by agreeing to a four-year/$36 million deal with Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. This story has been making just about everyone’s head scratch since it happened last week. No one faults Oakland for going after the highly sought free agent, but after having a major salary dump this year by dealing Andrew Bailey, Gio Gonzalez, and Trevor Cahill for lots of prospects, no one is expecting the A’s to be competitive in 2012, or 2013 for that matter. However, I can see if Beane wants to use Cespedes as proof to show MLB that moving to San Jose would be worth it because they are willing to spend money. On the other hand, if the outfielder becomes too expensive, he could be dealt for more prospects. The offer from the Marlins had some possible foreshadowing for them as well. They wouldn’t offer less than six-years/ $36 million…does that mean they want to hold onto him for around the same amount of time as Reyes and Buerhle so they can have their fire sale if things don’t work out? They said it’s because Cespedes would probably need to spend some time in the minors first, but we’ll never know. At the end of the day, Cespedes stated he felt the A’s wanted him most, and that’s where he will be for the foreseeable future.

Maddon and Yost staying right where they are.

We saw a couple of teams show their confidence in their managers in the week leading up to starting spring workouts. The Rays made it a point to sign Joe Maddon to a three-year extension, which keeps him right where he is until 2015. He has had the Rays average 90 wins per season over the last four years, after four years of doing the opposite and averaging 90 losses per season; only four other teams have done that in MLB history. I feel that Maddon is the best manager in baseball and a poll of 291 ballplayers this past August voted him as the manager they would most want to play for.

On the other hand, Royals GM Dayton Moore showed his confidence in current manager Ned Yost, exercising his 2013 option, giving the skipper some job security for the upcoming season. The Royals endured lots of losing; they’ve only had two winning seasons since 1993. However, they have a tremendous core group of young players who are Major League ready, and they are ready to prove themselves in 2012. Moore made some great moves to improve the team as well. Kansas City could be the most pleasant surprise this year.

Gary Carter dies at the age of 57.

We lost one of the best catchers in the game last week when Gary Carter lost his battle with brain cancer. Carter is most well known for his time with the New York Mets, but he only played in Flushing for five seasons, winning the 1986 World Series. He spent most of his 19-year career with the Montreal Expos, where he played for 12 seasons. The 2003 Hall of Fame inductee had a very successful career behind the plate; he was selected to 11 All-Star games, won two All-Star game MVPs, three Gold Glove awards, and five Silver Slugger awards. The best part about Carter was his attitude towards the game; no one had a bigger smile on their face while playing the game that they loved. The enthusiasm and joy for the game that he brought to the table has reminded me of a 12-year-old boy playing in his backyard. He will be missed dearly by Major League Baseball, and the New York Mets organization. Rest in peace, Gary.

Play Ball!!

A vast majority of Major League teams joined the Seattle Mariners in starting camp this weekend for pitchers and catchers. After today, the only teams that are yet to report are: Texas, Tampa Bay, Kansas City, and Toronto, who are all reporting by Thursday. Its official, baseball is back and in full swing! Living in New England, it’s hard for me to see players outside for fielding and batting practice when it’s still reasonably cold, but I’ll take it. The first game action of the spring takes place between the Florida State Seminoles and the Phillies on February 29^th, and the regular season kicks off in Tokyo on March 28^th between the A’s and Mariners. Finally!

What was your biggest story from Major League Baseball this past week?

Thanks for reading! To follow all my posts from On The Way Home and Call to the Pen, follow me on Twitter: @mmusico8

Luke Appling: Shortstop, Chicago White Sox

.310 average, 1319 runs scored, 2749 hits, 4 home runs, 1116 RBI, 179 stolen bases

Luke Appling manned the shortstop position and leadoff spot in the lineup for his entire 20-year career. As a hitter, he was best known for being able to intentionally foul off pitches until he received one that he wanted to put in play. He hit over .300 in a season 16 times (including nine straight), won two AL batting titles, was elected to seven All-Star games, and had his #4 retired by the White Sox. Appling also had quite the reputation with his glove; he has the seventh highest total of games played at shortstop in a career (2,218), seventh highest total putouts at short all-time (4,398), and the sixth most assists ever at the position (7,218). He was a coach for some time after his playing career was over, but only got one chance to manage; it was with the Kansas City Athletics in 1967 and he went 10-30 as a late season replacement. What’s Appling’s biggest regret…never reaching the postseason with the Sox in his entire career.

Red Faber: Pitcher, Chicago White Sox

254-213 record, 3.15 ERA, 4086 innings pitched, 1471 strikeouts

You’re looking at one of the last pitchers to use the spitball legally in Major League Baseball (the other one is directly below). Faber played his entire career with the White Sox as well, which also spanned 20 seasons. He registered double-digit wins 14 times in his career, with four of those seasons ending in 20 wins or more. He also led the league twice in ERA, once in games started, twice in complete games, and once in innings pitched. As for career numbers, Faber ranks 42^nd all-time with his 254 wins, 59^th all-time with 273 complete games, 38^th all-time with 17,104 batters faced, and has the 16^th most assists by a pitcher (1,108). A little known fact about Red Faber is that he holds the record for most pitching decisions in a World Series (4), which occurred in 1917 against the New York Giants.

Burleigh Grimes: Pitcher, Brooklyn Dodgers

270-212 record, 3.53 ERA, 4180 innings pitched, 1512 strikeouts

Grimes was yet another pitcher that used the spitball; however, the pitch was banned when he was just 26 years old. The league exempted 17 pitchers who were in the league and currently using it. When Grimes retired in 1934, he was the absolute last pitcher that was able to use the pitch legally. He played with seven different teams in his 19-year MLB career, with the majority of his time coming with the Brooklyn Dodgers. During his time as a player, he enjoyed five 20-win seasons, led the league in complete games four times, innings pitched three times, wins twice, won four National League Pennants, which yielded only one World Series championship in 1931. He recorded 225 putouts while on the mound (66^th all-time), 1,252 assists (6^th all-time), and played in 616 games during his career. One fact about Grimes that I enjoyed the most is that he was nicknamed Ol’ Stubblebeard because he didn’t shave on the days he took the mound.

Tim Keefe: Pitcher, New York Giants

342-223 record, 2.63 ERA, 5072 innings pitched, 2533 strikeouts

During his 14-year career, Tim Keefe played for five different organizations, but he spent most of his time (six years) with the New York Giants. Keefe was unique because he was a submarine pitcher, and was the first hurler to ever post three different seasons of 300 or more strikeouts; when he retired in 1893, he held the records for most punch outs of all time. He won 20 or more games seven times (30 games four times, 40 games twice) and led the league twice, led the league in ERA, innings pitched, complete games, and strikeouts twice each. He has the ninth-most wins in MLB history, won the pitching Triple Crown in 1888, and set the record for the lowest ERA in history with a 0.86 mark in 1880. A great fact that shows Keefe’s toughness was that he pitched two complete game victories on the same day in 1883, and only gave up three hits. Wow.

Heinie Manush: Left Fielder, Washington Senators

.330 average, 1287 runs scored, 2524 hits, 110 home runs, 1173 RBI, 114 stolen bases

This slugging outfielder also bounced around to six different teams in his professional career, which spanned 17 seasons. The one constant throughout his entire time in the Major Leagues was the fact that he could hit, and could hit consistently. His .330 career average ranks 32^nd all-time; he hit over .300 in 11 different seasons, but only won one batting title. He also led the league in hits twice, doubles twice, and triples once. Manush also showed that he could field as well, registering 3,841 putouts (85^th all-time), 43^rd all-time with 76 career assists, while playing in 1,845 games in the outfield during his career (75^th all-time).

John Ward: Shortstop, New York Giants

.275 average, 1410 runs scored, 2107 hits, 26 home runs, 869 RBI, 540 stolen bases

164-103, 2.10 ERA

John Ward was an interesting case for me to look up because I wasn’t expecting to see hitting and pitching statistics. He won three National league pennants during his 17-year career, which was spent mostly with the Giants, and also threw a perfect game in 1880, which was the second occurence in MLB history. In the seven years that he pitched, he was in the double digit win column six times, leading the league in 1879 with 47 wins. Offensively, he led the league in stolen bases twice, at-bats per strikeouts twice, and enjoyed three seasons with over a .300 average. Ward was also known for organizing baseball’s first union (Players’ Brotherhood). In 1882, he pitched an 18-inning, complete game shutout, which holds the record for the longest shutout by a single pitcher in history.

Thanks for reading! To follow all my posts from On The Way Home and Call to the Pen, follow me on Twitter: @mmusico8