Playing favorites
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Oct 14, 2011 
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Yesterday morning’s post about the proposed trade for Nick Markakis made me think about Kelly Gruber.
I can’t explain why — and I’m honestly not sure there was a reason — but as a kid growing up in the mid to late 80s, some of my favorite baseball players were good-but-not-quite-great third basemen. I really liked Gruber and Tim Wallach and Carney Lansford. For no logical reason at all, I liked them more than more-accomplished third basemen like Wade Boggs and Mike Schmidt.
My team was the Cardinals, and they had Terry Pendleton — their own good-but-not-quite-great third baseman — but I kept hoping they’d make a trade for one of my guys. I have no idea why. I just liked them, and I was certain the rest of the baseball world undervalued them.
That’s why yesterday’s post made me think of Kelly Gruber. My guess is that every baseball fan has one or two opposing players who they value beyond what the rest of the world thinks they should.
Who’s yours? Who’s your Kelly Gruber? Who’s your Nick Markakis?
Felix Hernandez wasn’t even the best pitcher last year on the staff, if you want to look at WHIP, BAA, SO/9. Michael Pineda was, and he got slightly less run support.
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Erin-
Cashman has a contract until the end of this month, and my guess it will be renewed by next week, if not sooner. They are assuredly already working on the parameters of a new deal for CC.
However if he still decides to opt out and test FA, after the Yankees worked in earnest to keep him, then My vote is to say goodbye and work on other moves.
I’ve always wanted the Yanks to get Ty Wigginton. I’ve long considered him an elite bat vs LHP and versatile enough to play about 4 or 5 positions.
They could still use him
To answer your question, Chad it was always Mike Napoli for me. Good numbers, okay defense, but never really outshone anyone in LA, he just seemed like one of those players who would thrive in the NY. I guess he doesn’t really apply anymore, now that he partially carried the Rangers into the Postseason and through the first round.
Mine probably doesn’t even count since he did end up a Yankee (for a little while at least)-Kerry Wood. I grew to like him after being forced to watch Cubs games with my mom. Plus, he’s a dead ringer for my cousin, which I always thought was very cool.
You’re looking at the wrong numbers, Yankee Trader
The best pitcher on that staff by far was Felix. 5 more starts, 62 2/3 more innings and a lower ERA is far more valuable than a slight edge in those other categories.
You also conveniently left off more walks/9 innings and more HR/9 innings
Pineda was good, but better than Felix? Please.
The offseason clearly does not provide the same quality of material for this blog.
86,
I’ve always liked Wigginton, too.
Born in NY, I am a Yankees fan. Growing up in Iowa, I went to AAA Cubs games in DesMoines, but hated the Chicago Cubs. I was always a Mel Hall fan. When I was a youngster my “Kelly Gruber” was Bobby Meachum. Loved that guy. He had a rifle arm. I was bummed that he didn’t last with the Yanks very long.
We all know Erin’s answer…
Big Papi
I’d take Clete Boyer at third base and put Tommy Tresh in left field and start Bill Stafford. Loved the stars of my era, but, had a fondness for these 3.
LGY October 14th, 2011 at 9:18 am
We all know Erin?s answer?
Big Papi
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Maybe in Bizarro World
Trader,
If CC does lot out then I think the best course of action would be to wait……don’t enter the fray and starting helping increase the price. Tell CC to shop around and then come back and talk when he’s finished. Match the best offer and see if he really wants to leave…..
I would go w/ a trio of 3B who played fill in roles for the Yankees- Aaron Boone, Jerry Hairston and Morgan Ensberg. I also have a soft spot for Miguel Cairo.
LGY
Keep it up…you do realize you lost your ranking of top saber guy, don’t you?
I was always a Yankee fan…but liked the A’s as an alternate team in the early 70′s, probably because they were winning before we were…
Anyway – I always liked Sal Bando. Obviously we were better off w/Graig Nettles towards the end of the 70′s and even then got over Bando quickly…
Honestly, I had/have an unhealthy love for Miguel Cairo.
“I also have a soft spot for Miguel Cairo.”
AH!! Great minds!!!
Shame
Jessiedog
the As were a fun team to watch in the 70s
Interesting post Chad,
Two guys who I’ve always liked but not necessarily guys who would have or would make sense for NYY;
Scott Rolen and Howie Kendrick.
My white whale was Manny.
We already had the guy, but Johnny Damon. Big hits, put up good at bats, character guy, teamates love him, no excuses, plays hurt. If I had to pick a current player.
Lesser players Polanco, plays multiple positions, contact hitter, low ks.
Just wish we had guys that would get up there are refuse to go down swining and could foul off a series of pitches to get a single.
Although an MVP, my choice for my somewhat overlooked favorite is Elston Howard. I hit pretty well when I was 12 using his closed stance. Plus, he invented the bat doughnut.
LGY
Manny and Ortiz??? Perhaps you should change your name to LGRS
LGY October 14th, 2011 at 9:30 am
My white whale was Manny.
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Ugh.
Ortiz is alright. I don’t hate him and don’t particularly want him to be a Yankee. Kind of indifferent towards him. Just think it makes sense for the team right now.
Manny was a completely different story. Probably my favorite non Yankee ever. Always wanted him in pinstripes. Even over Tex back in 08.
YankeesPR Happy Birthday, Joe Girardi! Joe turns 47 years old today.
I also always really liked Strawberry.
I almost puked when they signed Damon if that makes you feel better
actually I liked Johnny D even when he was w/ the sox
and I hate to admit liking any red sox players, but I also like(d) Wakie and Mike Lowell
Happy Birthday Joe Girardi…..someone give him a new binder. Last year’s is pretty worn out.
LGY October 14th, 2011 at 9:47 am
I almost puked when they signed Damon if that makes you feel better
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upstate kate October 14th, 2011 at 9:49 am
actually I liked Johnny D even when he was w/ the sox
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into the caveman look huh kate?
I liked clean cut Johnny best
Erin October 14th, 2011 at 9:39 am
YankeesPR Happy Birthday, Joe Girardi! Joe turns 47 years old today.
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You’re going to catch heat for this…wishung nice to Joe Girardi.
I always wanted guys who were Yankees but left before they could show what they really could do to come back. Guys like Tippy Martinez, Al Leiter and Mike Lowell.
GB-I know. I’m surprised nobody’s yelled at me yet.
It would have to be Aaron Rowand for me.
Kate, Erica’s going to track you down and stratch your eyes out. I just wanna see a cat fight over fancying another’s boyfriend.
maybe not “stratch” your eyes out, but “scratch” them out
GB
Don’t be starting trouble! I am too old for JD! Not into that cougar stuff!
being that i live near Pittsburgh…i’d love to have Andrew McCutchen in pinstripes…he’s so unappreciated here
pat, Lowell would never have been dealt if NYYs knew Brosius was going to retire
if we’re talking dirt-dogs and not all-stars, it’s hard to believe no one mentioned Pagliarulo.
His walk-off grand slam against the Twins in ’87 drove all 15,000 spectators nuts
oh, Andrew McCutchen is a great choice
I also liked Edgar Martinez, but he was a true Yankee killer.
upstate kate October 14th, 2011 at 10:03 am
GB
Don’t be starting trouble! I am too old for JD! Not into that cougar stuff!
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Kate, never knew a woman who ever aged. They just become more seasoned….like a fine wine.
Girardi’s birthday?
I’m sure Martin has a nice intimate dinner planned for Joe.
McCutchen is awesome
Russell’s planned topics of conversation
1) Look me in the eyes Joe and tell me how gritty I am.
2) What about me most reminds you of a young Joe Girardi
“1) Look me in the eyes Joe and tell me how gritty I am.”
Russ….you remind me of me.
Lol, you guys should write one of those Danielle Steel novels..
Shame- I haven’t read one in years, but I used to love Danielle Steel books. My grandma got me hooked on them. LOL
Always been a fan of John McDonald. Love the glove!
“Always been a fan of John McDonald. Love the glove!”
You must be a fan of his ability to keep his cool when an opposing player yells something within the range of his ears.
Was always a big fan of Chambliss and Sparky Lyle from the Yanks, other teams guys I liked were Gene Garber and Gary Maddox from the Phillies, Bill Madlock of the Cubs.
I could never find much wrong with Graig Nettles. His dry humor cut the ice on those Yankee teams of his time.
Next to Clete Boyer, he was the best Yankee 3rd base vacuum cleaner I ever saw.
off topic, but i was amused at michael lewis being on tv yesterday touting his money ball movie.
he somehow never talked about how the a’s have never gone very far in the playoffs nor did he mention the failure of the red sox the past two years despite embracing money ball principles.
i guess when someone doesn’t know much about the game, lewis’s fairy tale can sound plausible.
Morning drive-by, beep beep!
Hey kids! Are you like me, hating someone beating a dead horse unless it’s a horse you didn’t mind seeing dead??? Ha ha ha. Well here’s another great read on the collapse of the best team ever ever ever assembled in the history of the world – your 2011 Boston Red Sux!
I personally can’t get enough of it.
http://articles.boston.com/201.....y-francona
Have a great day.
Pat M. October 14th, 2011 at 2:15 am
Good bite evening people and good morning to the breakfast club……….2 percocets and a shot of Jameson and it’s time for bed…
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Good bite?
Pat M’s sound bite is a must read…
he somehow never talked about how the a’s have never gone very far in the playoffs nor did he mention the failure of the red sox the past two years despite embracing money ball principles.
i guess when someone doesn’t know much about the game, lewis’s fairy tale can sound plausible.
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Your fairy tale about moneyball is even less plausible. The Red Sox and the Yankees are both ‘moneyball’ teams. I guess the Rays are big failures too. And Rangers.
Meanwhile, the anti-moneyball Twins have won like every world series in the past 20 years.
bw51official Excited for my show tomorrow at the St. George Theater in Staten Island, NY. Go to http://www.ticketmaster.com/Be.....st/1383451 for tickets!
The only team I would trade Montero to is the Dodgers for “you know who”
I agree with GreenBeret7, my era was the 1950-60s Yankees. There were plenty of superstars like Mantle, Maris, Ford, Berra, but my non-star emotional favorites were Bobby Richardson, Clete Boyer, Hank Bauer, Luis Arroyo and Johnny Blanchard. Yeah I know, I’m an old fart…..LOL!
I was a big Art Shamsky fan as a kid, he of the Mets of 1969….
wolf,
Throw in Gene Woodling, too. Screwed up my batting stance for a while.
Ahhhhh yes. The days of The Mick and his mates.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....re=related
3) Do you want me to leave my mask on or off?
4) How funny is it when Jesus pretends he’s a catcher?
Mine is Brett Gardner– I absolutely love the guy as a player and wouldn’t want him off the team for anyone, even if it would make the team better.
It doesn’t hurt him that he attended my alma mater.
I also had an irrational love for Melky Cabrera
5) Don’t you love it when I smuther AJ’s balls in the dirt?
Took it too far. That’s it for me.
LGY October 14th, 2011 at 11:18 am
5) Don’t you love it when I smuther AJ’s balls in the dirt?
Took it too far. That’s it for me.
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But you’re just getting hot
Keep it coming…
#GirlyPost
Garry Maddox and Jay Johnstone from the Phillies….also liked Larry Bowa, too.
I was a big Graig Nettles fan … clutch, tough, and one of the best defensive 3rd baseman who ever played the game … I never viewed him as a star in the same way as Reggie or Thurman or Guidry, but he was my guy.
Game 3 of the 1978 World Series was his tour de force.
Hilarious!
Mickey Mantle on Letterman, 6/23/87
http://www.youtube.com/watch?N.....iy8T-DL7b0
Jon Heyman
#mets hired bob geren as bench coach
“I could never find much wrong with Graig Nettles. His dry humor cut the ice on those Yankee teams of his time.”
the thing about nettles was he didn’t talk a lot , but was very quick with assessing a situation and coming up with a humorous response to it.
i was sitting in the bullpen during a game with half a dozen players at mchnechnie field in bradenton which was on the warning track in left field. nettles was sitting immediatley next to me on my right when a screaming curving line drive came at us.
before anyone could jump out of the way which was everyone else’s instinct, nettles yells” first one that moves is a pu%$#y “.
no one moved as the ball locked on us like a cruise missile . how nettles knew that ball was going to curve 20″ to his left and hit me square in the forehead, i’ll never know.
yes, i ducked at the last possible split second as the ball crashed into the wall immediately behind me with a loud smash. somehow nettles knew from the get go he’d have everyone falling down laughing.
They guy I always liked to an irrational extent was a Yankee — Cliff Johnson. I seem to only remember his pinch hit homers, not his countless strikeouts.
heh Mine was kelly Hrudey… hockey
all this time i thought i was the only person who had a favorite player who wasn’t a star
I recall staying up till 1am in the morning at night to watch LA kings and San Jose sharks games… lol and then i’d be pissed when he wasn’t starting,, back then internet wasn’t as prevalent… god i’m old
They guy I always liked to an irrational extent was a Yankee — Cliff Johnson.
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The Goose didn’t.
randy – you have to remember, Michael Lewis is a writer, who’s trying to sell his book, to make money.
And, he wrote a pretty good book. Nice read, people that baseball fans know. It tells a nice story. I have no problem believing that the events he reported happened.
The catch is that a thoughtful analysis of those events – such as the A’s winning the AL West having something to do with Zito, Mulder, and Hudson – and maybe the alleged steroid use of Giambi and Tejeda – might have had more to do with their success than Beane’s trying to take advantage of undervalued players – that would have distracted from the story he was trying to tell in order to sell books. It wouldn’t have been romantic enough.
Again, you have to take Michael Lewis for what he is – a writer trying to make a living by writing stories people want to read. He’s not a journalist, nor a historian. Those jobs make less than a bestselling author.
New Post: Giving Girardi credit
Im glad I wasnt the only one that found Pat M funny last night. It was a Sesson of Saughter! Damn Parbles!
DAVID DEJESUS
I kid
Kevin Maas, and Rob Deer.
As a kid, I used to love those peeps who’d swing for the fences on every single swing, regardless of pitch location, up, down, inside, outside, 2 feet in front of the plate… and either failed miserably (very very often) and sometimes hit a dinger going 400 feet.
I liked Johnny Damon even before he went to the dreaded Sox. I liked him when he was with KC.
I liked him as well. Also there were rumours, that he was spotted here: http://sugar-babies.sugarstube.com/