Author: VincentThomas

Manny to Cooperstown?

12 time all-star, Manny Ramirez retired Friday from the Tampa Bay Rays reportedly because he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs. He elected not to serve the punishment of a 100-game suspension.

He proved himself to be one of the best playoff hitters of all-time. His 29 post-season homeruns and 78 RBIs are the most of any player in MLB history for either category. Manny Ramirez; a 12 time all-star, 2002 AL batting champ and 2004 World Series MVP, ends his colorful career with some incredible numbers.

14th all-time in HR (555)
below Reggie Jackson (563)
above Mike Schmidt (548)

18th all-time in RBI (1831)
two shy of tying Dave Winfield (1833) at 17th

9th all-time in Slugging %
between Mark McGwire and Joe DiMaggio

On top of being listed with such impressive names, these numbers certainly validate Manny for the Hall of Fame but will the two failed drug tests keep him out? The bottom line is that he failed PED tests which is more than enough to turn off the writers from electing him to Cooperstown. Thus, bringing an end to Manny’s career and legacy.

Is Axford secure closing for the Brewers?

Milwaukee closer John Axford pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Wednesday, picking up his first save of the season.

Analysis: In his first appearance, on opening day, he blew a three-run lead to the Reds. The Brewers have invested too much into their pitching to have games blown by an inept closer. Given that Axford converted 24 of 27 save opportunities with 76 strikeouts in 58 innings pitched last year, the role is his to lose.

Projection: Brewers’ set-up man, Takashi Saito, has been a notable bullpen presence since his inaugural season in 2006 (84 saves, 2.19 ERA, 11.03K/9) However, the 41-year-old Japanese reliever will have to wait for Axford to give up a few more walk-off bombs until he has a shot at the closer’s job. Owners shouldn’t remove Axford from their starting lineups yet, perhaps he will bounce back to the form he showed last year. Seeing how quickly Fernando Rodney was yanked from the closer’s role in Anaheim, a change in Milwaukee would not be surprising if the struggle continues.