Don't call it a comeback?

There is an internet rumor going around that Kenny and Wally Calhoun are making a comeback. And Kenny is here to put this rumor to bed. Now that Kenny has made it to the Hall of Fame Kenny realizes there is still one thing left to accomplish - start a new career and make the Hall of Fame a second time. In fact after talking with Wally this off season, Kenny and Wally are convinced this is exactly what the Penguins need. More Hall of Famers in the lineup. So yes, Kenny and Wally will be there for Spring Training in hopes of making the team. And yes, Wally will make a determination on how Kenny and Wally play during the exhibition season. It's time to show these Penguins whipper-snappers how to play the game. After all, Gerald can't do it all by himself.

Hall of Fame Announcement

All the ballots are in, and five players will join the Hall of Fame.

Leading the group and being named on all ballots is Rob Block, who hit 742 homeruns in 18 years with the Louisville Sluugers.

Frederick "Sonic" Russell joins Block as a first ballot inductee. Russell stole 764 bases in his 18 year career.

The second try is the charm for Joe Thomas, Kenny Anderson, and Ricky "wild thing" Vaughn. Thomas, whose grand slam ended the 2006 world series, responded to the news with his usual quiet dignity, simply saying "Thanks" to the writers who voted for him. Kenny Anderson, thief of 1178 bases, screamed "NOW THAT'S HOW YOU VOTE!" to media attendees at his second annual Kenny "MVP" Anderson HOF bash and charity ball. We were unable to reach Vaughn for comment, but his parole officer said that Rick would be pleased.

Just missing, with 5 votes each, were Vern Terrell and Bob Zygyk. They hope for better luck next season. Derek Mills, Butch Coolidge, and Bono Vox also receive enough votes to stay on the ballot. Strangely enough, only one voter responded to the annual campaign to write in Drummond Peltier, the pitcher who completed and won every game he ever started.

Kenny's Ballot

Kenny's Hall of Fame Ballot begins with Kenny.

Kenny also supports Kenny's buddy, Harvey "The Hammer" Aaron. Like his cousin, Hank, Harvey was a feared hitter. Kenny would argue Harvey was the most feared hitter in the game. Kenny knows this because no one could beat Harvey. In fact, most people wouldn't know this, but in addition to Harvey's 355 homers (better than all but 8 current Hall of Famers) Harvey also held a 36-0 record in APBA boxing. (Unofficially Kenny saw Harvey pound about 100 players to a pulp over the years) But what makes his case so compelling is how he compares to other Hall of Famers. Harvey finished his career with 355 HRs, 1154 RBIs, and .252-.329-.464. Numbers very similar to other Hall of Fame Outfielders:

Harvey 355 - 1154 - .252 - .329 - .464
Shockwave 244 - 1032 - .286 - .338 - .475
Aruba 272 - 1036 - .285 - .381 - .469
R. Prime 262 - 886 - .261 - .337 - .476
Sinbad 358 - 1103 - .250 - .349 - .453
Misfire 349 - 1411 - .280 - .349 - .478
R. Jackson 352 - 1392 - .287 - .349 - .470

He also compares very well to other Hall of Famers like Alex Hansen, Helmut Schmidt, and Brad. In the end, there is a ton of statistical evidence for inducting Harvey, but the best reason to vote for him so that he doesn't beat you up.

Kenny also advocates Rob Block. Kenny didn't see Rob play, but he did manage to steal a base and Kenny respects a man who hits 700+ homeruns but doesn't let his career end with a goose-egg in this important statistic.

Sonic Russell. If Kenny did not exist two things would be true. The world be a less interesting place and Sonic Russell would be recognized as the best baserunner in the history of the game. But Kenny does exist and Sonic belongs in the Hall.

Butch Coolidge, Roberto Ramirez, and Vern Terrell all hit 400 homeruns and look pretty like reasonable selections. Not exactly Kenny's type of players, but won't cry foul if they find their way in.

And then there is Joe Thomas. Kenny is confused why Joe is not already a Hall of Famer. Don't get Kenny wrong. Kenny hates the Cobra as much as the next guy, but Kenny played against Joe a bunch. And the best thing Kenny can say is Kenny hates Joe. See, Joe single-handedly prevented Kenny from winning more than Kenny did. Sure, Kenny stole Kenny's fair share of games away from Joe, but Joe is the individual Kenny most associates with the hated Cobra. Every great rivalry requires great players and Joe was one of the greatest. He could have stole a few more bases. He could have hit a few more homeruns. He could have gotten a few more hits. He could have won a few more titles. But he played against the Penguins and Wally, Harvey, Gerald, and Kenny in their prime. All of our stats could have been better. But try facing that every couple of weeks and see what numbers you put up. Oh, and try going in to 2nd base spikes up on Joe. You only make that mistake once. Joe Thomas' exclusion from the Hall of Fame is perhaps the greatest travesty in the game today.

Lyman's HOF Ballot

I might be accused of being a big Hall guy, but there are many deserving players on this ballot. These are the players I find most deserving:

Kenny Anderson: Kenny was simply the best ever at one skill in the game, stealing bases. It is debatable how valuable stealing bases is but if you're the best ever at something, there should be room for you in the Hall. Kenny also contributed with 2400 hits, a .301 average, and with 7 gold gloves he was one of the best defensive center fielders ever.

Rob Block: Hitting 500 homeruns has traditinally meant a hall of fame career. Block hit 500 and then hit 242 more. Despite a .252 career average, Block excelled at reaching base at .379, thanks to 1863 walks. In APBA history he's second in both walks and homers. Block hit 50 homeruns as a rookie, and later had 3 years in a row with 50 or more homers. Rob Block played his entire career with the Sluggers, and will rejoin the team this season as a hitting instructor.

Derek Mills: Mills had almost no power, hitting only 19 homers in 16 seasons. He did many other things well and played a big role in three Autobot world championships. Mills hit .302, had 2431 hits, played a solid second base before moving to the outfield at the end of his career, and was perhaps the best hit and run man in league history. When Dee Sanders reached first, Mills hit second and before you knew it the Autobots had runners at the corners.

Sonic Russell: He's another player who knew how to win. Russell led his team to 3 world championships, including an MVP season in 1997. Three times Russell stole over 100 bases, but later in his career he added power (34 homers in 2003) and became a more complete hitter, winning a batting title with a .341 average in 2005.

Joe Thomas: It should have been enough that Joe Thomas ended the 2006 world series with a game 7, come from behind grand slam. But if that isn't enough how about a 3 time gold glove second baseman with 1609 RBI? Joe also holds the league record of consecutive games played.

Bob Zygyk: Bob got a late start to his career, he made his debut at age 25 and didn't play regularly until 29. A total of 285 career homeruns isn't going to get him in by itself, but Zygyk hit for average (.285) and power (.501 slugging). What Zygyk did better than anyone was simply winning, with seven world series rings. He won 4 in Utah, 2 more in Phoenix, and one in New York. He played in 10 total, including 7 in a row at one point. Zygyk's best season was 1997, when he hit .354-34-123, winning 2 legs of the triple crown.

Rick Vaughn: Vaughn may be hurt by hanging around one year too many. He was terrible in 2006 only 5 games over .500 for his career, but Vaughn was 207-190 heading into that year. He won the Cy Young in 1992, with a 14-1 record and 2.27 ERA. That was one of 6 straight seasons with ERAs under 2.70. He struck out 200 or more 8 times, and his 3553 career whiffs is 4th all time.

Bono Vox: Vox was not overpowering, but had great control and knew how to win. Vox finished with a 174-130 record, a .572 winning percentage. Vox was still an effective pitcher, 12-11 and a 4.10 ERA in his final year. 56 pitchers in league history won 150 or more games. Vox is in the upper 2/3 of this group, ranking 18th in winning percentage.

Jeffrey Lewis HOF ballot

Although I am not eligible to vote this year, I thought I would share my insight into this years class.

Rob Block - He won the MVP in 2000, swatting 61 HR in a historic season. He also hit 50 HR as a 20 year old rookie to break McGwire's record. He faded at the end of his career, but still hit an amazing 742 HR's, 4th all time behind Conan, Bonds, & Aaron. He was also an OPS machine with his 100+ walks each year.

Joe Thomas - Once elected, he will be the greatest player enshrined in the Hall according to this jawa's opinion. Won the Superior League Rookie of the Year in 1993, and the Major League MVP in 2000. Holds the alltime APBA record for consecutive games played and won 2 World Series titles with New York. Simply a class act. Did I mention he ended his career in the ultimate storybook fashion, hitting a walk-off grand slam to win Game 7 of the 2006 World Series?

Sonic Russell - Sonic had great career stats and was a great player at both 2B and the outfield. He won 3 world championships throughout his career, and is one of the alltime greatest post-season players in league history. Remember how awesome Lenny Dykstra was in the 1986 & 1993 postseasons? Sonic had those types of series almost every year. Won the MVP in 1997 and won a batting title in 2005.

Rick Vaughn - Rick's career won-loss record does not do justice to his greatness. He was one of the most unhittable and feared pitchers throughout the 1990's. He won the Cy Young in 1994, and set an the single season record for winning percentage with his 14-1 record in 1992. Had he pitched entirely in the APBA era, he would have won over 250 games. As it stands, hehad an impressive 212 career wins and 3553 strikeouts.

Kenny Anderson - Kenny won the rookie of the year in 1993, setting a league record with 32 triples in the process. He stole over 100 bases 4 times in his career, including a record of 309 steals in his self proclaimed "Year of the Penguin" in 2000. That is truly a record that won't ever be broken. He also accumulated 2400 hits and 7 gold gloves in his career.

More Free Agent Signings

Toronto makes their precense felt in a big way, landing superstar SS Michael Garciajawa with a $108 million 6 year deal. Rumor has it, they may try to sign Michael's older brother, Nomad, to play 3B.

In other news, the New York Cobra agreed to a one year deal worth a reported $5 million dollars. This ends speculation that the 39 year old Coppolla would retire.

And make sure to check out the APBA baseball links and turn in your Hall of Fame ballots to:
rallymonkey (five) at comcast dot net

Major League Powerhouses agree to terms on trade

New York acquires Denvers ace, Steven Hyde (9YZ) in exchange for minor league IF Vince Jones and reserve OF Tim Griffin. The move is partly a salary dump for Denver, as Hyde is due $27 million overthe next 2 years. Hyde is still a solid starter, and will slide into the #3 slot in New York's rotation. Griffin will be Denver's starting LF and Jones may be the starting 2B in 2011. With this trade, Denver gains payroll flexibility and doesn't lose too much in the rotation, as they have a number of good young starting pitchers who are ready to contribute this year.

Stars Trade for Ace

Miami acquires RHP Bryan Brooks from Phoenix for prospects catcher Bob Tucker and pitcher Giomar Ledesma. The move is a salary dump for the Autobots and brings one of the best power pitchers in APBA history to Miami. Brooks has a career record of 174-151. Twice in his career he struck out 300 or more batters, and struck out 290 in 2007, his last year with the Penguins. Last season he posted a 3.22 ERA in 181 innings for the Autobots.

Transactions

Hawaii trades SS Jose Isales and P Chris Tyler to Detroit for SS Arnoldo Jimenez and a PTBNL

Las Vegas trades P Ruben Rodriguez to NY Knights for 1b/dh Jeff LaForest

Las Vegas signs Juan F. Hernandez for 10 years, 110 million and Ryan Fitzpatrick for 8 years, 62 million.

Florida trades P Scott Arroyo and Don Barkley to Orlando for SS Rayner Perez

Las Vegas signs C Monty Harmon for 3 years, 12 million.

Miami trades P Carlos Garrido to Hawaii for P Ramon Torrealba

Trade

Portland sends SS/2B prospect Orlando Veras to Toronto in exchange for OF prospect Dante Henderson & a crappy pitcher to be named later (expected to be Rodney Bush). Both players have exhausted their minor league eligibility. Veras may be the new starting SS in Toronto, and Henderson will be a backup OF.

More big signings

Louisville trades OF Bob Abuee to Miami for pitcher Bill Greene. In a deal of bad contracts, the Stars get a guy who hit only .224 last year, though he still drove in 93 runs and took 80 walks. He will be paid 14 million each of the next 3 years. Bill Greene has 2 years and 14 million left on his deal, and is coming off a terrible season where he had a 5.87 ERA to go with a 5-11 record. Greene was 13-8, 3.08 the year before.

This deal frees up enough money for the Sluggers to sign the big basher they've missed since Rob Block's retirement. Adama Dunn signs a 5 year deal worth 110 million dollars. Dunn hit .282 with 39 homers and 115 RBI last season.

Portand trades reliever Robert Wright to Phoenix for good looking outfielder Hansel Wilson.

And Roger Lewis, who would have been a free agent after 2010, signs a 4 year extension with Portland for 84 million dollars. They deal will immediately make Roger the highest paid pitcher in the game with 22 million in 2010, 2011, and 2012. He will make 18 million in 2013.

Best Defensive Catchers, 2005-2009

Ray Brooks leads, saving 23 runs above average. The ratings are based on opponent stolen bases, caught stealing, passed balls, and errors.

After Ray we have:

George Kird +20
Jim Gwosdz +17
Bobby Hoffman +16
Tommy Miller +15
Buck Bergen +15
Vince Phillips +15

Joe Young signs

Joe Young resigns with the Baltimore Colts for 4 years and 95 million dollars. This is the highest average value in league history.

Joe will make 20 million in 2010 and 25 million each of the next 3 years. Two million dollars per year will be donated to the California Wildlife Refuge.

Update: Our sources tell us that the last 3 years of the deal are player options, Joe Young could leave after each year if he's unhappy with the direction of the team.

Paul White, Paul Finch

Mars signs Paul Finch to a 7 year, 140 million dollar extension. This makes him the 3rd highest paid pitcher in the game, after Pedro Lewis and Suzuke Mazdahonda of New York, and matches the annual amount Don Law signed 8 years ago.

Philadelphia signs Paul White to a 3 year, 45 million dollar extension.

Baltimore trades 3B Mike Reed to Boston for infielder Alex Santana, freeing up salary space in an attempt to resign Joe Young. Baltimore wanted to move Reed anyway to free up 3rd base for Brett Thompson, their top prospect.

Word is that Young is close to an agreement with the Colts, but there may be some hangup in the legal language.