I generally prefer beginning my blog with news that is positive or at least neutral, but I cannot think of a more worthy story than that of former Major Leaguer Jose Offerman, who was banned from the Dominican Winter League for life after attacking an umpire earlier this month. The incident, sadly, is not the first time Offerman has embarrassed the game of baseball. While playing in the Atlantic Independent League in August 2007, he charged the mound – bat in hand – after being hit by a pitch, and proceeded to break one of the pitcher’s fingers. The catcher, trying to protect his pitcher, was hit in the back of the head and received a severe concussion that ended his career. Now, two and a half years later, Offerman is still making the game look bad. His behavior, without question, is Bad for Ball.
How ‘bout that?
How about Grant Desme? The 23-year-old outfielder announced his retirement from baseball last week in order to pursue the priesthood. Desme was the second-round pick of the Athletics in the 2007 draft, and last year was the only minor leaguer – at any level – to hit 30 homers and steal 30 bases. (He swiped 40.) After being promoted to High-A, he hit .304/.398/.656 with 20 homers in just 227 at-bats. He was then named MVP of the 2009 Arizona Fall League. Desme would have had to put in more time in the minors, but his numbers certainly suggest he could have made it to the Big Leagues eventually if he didn’t feel the need to answer another calling.
How about Felix Hernandez? The 2009 American League Cy Young runner-up signed a lucrative, $78 million contract extension with the Mariners that will keep him in Seattle for the next five years. Still just 23 years old, King Felix showed the front office his worth by making huge strides this past season, setting career bests in innings pitched (238.2) and strikeouts (217) – more than CC Sabathia and Roy Halladay. He also lowered his WHIP from 1.385 in 2008 to 1.135 – meaning he allowed 2.25 fewer baserunners per nine innings pitched. He tied for the A.L. lead with 19 wins, and his 2.49 E.R.A. was second only to Zack Greinke. Along with recently acquired Cliff Lee, Hernandez will provide the Mariners with a very strong top of the rotation.
How about the number of bona fide free agents still looking for work with spring training just around the corner? Johnny Damon, Carlos Delgado, Orlando Cabrera, Brian Giles, Jermaine Dye, Gary Sheffield, Mark Mulder, Erik Bedard, Pedro Martinez, and John Smoltz are among the proven veterans who remain unsigned entering the last weekend of January. They may not like it, but many of the seasoned vets will have to settle for one-year, incentive-laden contracts, or face retirement.
A former teammate plays on
Props to my former summer league teammate, Ivor Hodgson, who I just learned was the 17th-round draft selection of the Royals in 2007. He split last season between the rookie leagues and A-ball, but as history has taught us, there’s no telling where he’ll be pitching a couple years from now.
Notable late picks who went on to successful major league careers include active players Travis Hafner (31st round in 1996) and Albert Pujols (13th round in 1999), as well as Don Mattingly (19th round in 1979) and Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg (20th round in 1978). The latest draft pick to make a name for himself, of course, is Mike Piazza, who was selected in the 62nd round in 1988. Here’s hoping I have the privilege of watching Ivor from the press box or the broadcaster’s booth one day.
Keywords: Albert Pujols, Arizona Fall League, Atlantic Independent League, Bad for Ball, Brian Giles, Carlos Delgado, CC Sabathia, Cliff Lee, Dominican Winter League, Don Mattingly, Erik Bedard, Felix Hernandez, Gary Sheffield, Grant Desme, Hall of Fame, Ivor Hodgson, Jermaine Dye, John Smoltz, Johnny Damon, Jose Offerman, Kansas City Royals, Mark Mulder, Mike Piazza, Oakland Athletics, Orlando Cabrera, Pedro Martinez, priesthood, Roy Halladay, Ryne Sandberg, Seattle Mariners, Travis Hafner, Zack Greinke
