Can Mark McGuire make his way into the Hall of Fame?

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Former Cardinals player and season home-run record holder Mark McGuire is up for a spot in the Hall of Fame again this year. His numbers, especially his 1998 season home run record of 70 (soon to be broken in 2001 by Barry Bonds), seem like they could advance McGuire into the Hall of Fame, but his alleged use of steroids may keep him back.

In the 2007 vote, McGuire received only 23% of the needed 75% to advance into the Hall. So most say it will be no different this year because his innocence has not been proved.

If anything, his case has worsened. When being questioned by the committee investigating the allegations, McGuire continuously said he didn’t want to discuss the past. WHAT?

First of all, this made him see guilty as can be.
Secondly, he appeared arrogant.
Thirdly, that is the whole point of the investigation Mr. McGuire, to discuss YOUR past.

The Hall of Fame voters were not pleased, along with Congress who had to listen to McGuire say “I don’t want to discuss the past.” I just think there is no way McGuire is going to be invited into the Hall of Fame. It’s a shame with his amazing numbers, but there is also a chance he made the biggest no-no: using steroids.

I don’t think McGuire should be accepted into the Hall of Fame right now, or even be on the ballot this year, with the possibility he cheated by using steroids. I know there is the innocent until proven guilty concept, but to me, his words at his trial give me the guilty vibe (upon several other things like admitting to using an over-the-counter muscle enhancement and suddenly disappearing from baseball a few years after breaking the record).

Honestly, even if his trial ends and he is declared innocent, I think baseball fans still won’t want to see him in the Hall of Fame.

What does everyone else think? Should he be on the ballot now? If he’s declared innocent, does that change?

Glavine back with the Braves

Monday, November 19, 2007

Tom Glavine has just signed a one-year $8 million contract with his former team, the Atlanta Braves.

Glavine turned down $13 million with the Mets clearly indicating that he would rather play with his “home-team.” Home in the sense he played the majority of his career there and his wife and four children live in Atlanta.

Adding seasoned Glavine with the Braves’ pitchers John Smoltz and Tim Hudson will create a solid pitching rotation that I think will continuously provide wins. The Braves organization was looking for another pitcher who could provide regular quality innings, and I think they hit the jackpot.

Glavine has a career 303-199 record with just a 3.51 ERA. Glavine pitched with the Braves from 1987-2002, but has come full circle to return “home” to the Braves.

Although Glavine had a rough end of last years’ season, the Braves show full confidence in him and know that he will come through with a W. After all, he did complete at least 200 innings of 14 of the past16 seasons pitched.

Glavine is excited to get back close with his family and teammates whom he played so long with. Being a long-time Braves fan, I know fans will rejoice in having Glavine back. I know the first time he steps out on the mound at Turner Field wearing a Braves uniform again; fans will stand and cheer loudly at his return.

So Braves fans, dust off those Glavine shirts, you can wear them again!

Celebrate All Over Again With The Red Sox

Monday, November 12, 2007

Boston Red Sox fans or baseball fans in general, can now experience the wonderful moments from the season again. Major League Baseball and Shout Factory have produced a DVD that captures all the exciting moments from regular season and the post season all the way up until they won the championship.

The DVD is narrated by actor Matt Damon, Boston native and Red Sox fan that was itching to get the job.

The DVD will include moments like rookie Dustin Pedroia becoming the second player in history to lead off a World Series game 1 with a home run, amazing pitching of John Beckett, and the back-to-back-to-back homers in the American League Series.

The DVD will also feature some funnier moments of the Red Sox’ season like the famous gum prank done on Daisuke Matsuzaka moments before winning the championship and goofy dancing of pitcher Johnathan Papelbon to the song “I’m Shipping up to Boston.” It will also feature some interviews with players and coaches.

Red Sox fans, this DVD is supposed to be the best put out so far by MLB. It will be released November 27 for $19.99 and can be purchased online from MLB.

Torre Moves Across Nation

Friday, November 2, 2007

Joe Torre, who coached the powerful-high-payroll New York Yankees into the postseason 12 straight times, has left.

Baseball fans weren’t sure where he was going to go or even if he would get a job with another team…but of course he came out on top. Why wouldn’t he, he’s Joe Torre?

So Torre is the new coach of the LA Dodgers. He’ll be looking at a different ocean and in a different league (American to National now). Torre is fully convinced he will bring a world championship to LA.

Torre, the 8th all-time most winning manager with 2,067 wins, two-time manager of the year, and with four world championships, signed a three-year contract worth about $13 million.

The Yankees were known for big names and big salaries. Do you think Torre will bring that to the Dodgers or was that just a New York thing? I’m curious to how LA’s season will unfold…

Any predictions?