The Blue Workhorse
Despite being in a four-team division, the Texas Rangers have struggled to finish better than third this decade, not accomplishing the feat for the first eight years of the 2000s -- even when they finished 16 games above .500 with 89 wins in 2004. Despite having some prolific offenses under hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo, Texas did not make the playoffs and only finished above .500 twice due to pitching woes.
But there is hope as the team moves into the next century as former pitching star turned team president, Nolan Ryan, has instilled a new mentality among a young pitching staff that seems to be paying off as the team finished 87-75 last season.
C - Ivan Rodriguez
- For the first 12 years of his career, Ivan Rodriguez was a fixture behind the dish for the Rangers capable of picking off any baserunner that stepped an inch too far away from the bag. The last three of those coming during the 2000s. Despite averaging only 103 games each season, "Pudge" was named to the All-Star team and earned Gold Glove honors in both 2000 and 2001. Per 162 games, he averaged 107 runs, 38 homers, 109 RBI, and 11 stolen bases while batting .322 and posting a .936 OPS.
1B - Mark Teixeira
- Mark Teixeira earns the selection to the All-Decade Team. Not only was his moniker "Tex" a perfect fit in the Lone Star State, he was also an All-Star, Silver Slugger, and Gold Glove first baseman. During his first four and a half years in the major leagues, he hit .283 with 173 doubles and 153 home runs. He averaged 113 RBI during his four full seasons with the Rangers, including a career-best 43 homers and 144 RBI in '05.
2B - Ian Kinsler
- Alfonso Soriano put up terrific numbers with the Rangers, including joining the 30-30 club in 2005, but he was never the valuable contributor that Ian Kinsler has been the past four seasons for Texas. Kinsler has nearly put together three consecutive 20-20 seasons (falling shy by two homers in '08) and had his first 30-30 season of his young career last season. He has averaged 38 doubles to go with 26 homers and 29 stolen bases per 162 games, so Texas' fans are hoping he can stay healthy and complete a number of 162-game seasons in the next decade.
Fake (Sports) News, Real Funny
NEW ORLEANS, LA – Sources are reporting that a very stressed out Drew Brees had a temper tantrum during practice early Wednesday, which ended with Brees walking off the field. But before he left for home, he demanded wide receiver Devery Henderson give him his ball.Henderson relinquished the pigskin and Brees went home, leaving the Saints ball-less and unable to practice.
The Saints quarterback, who had an abysmal game in the team’s loss against the Dallas Cowboys last Saturday, destroying the Saints’ perfect record, has been under a lot of pressure to continue the win streak – all this on top of the constant teasing he receives for his birthmark.
“Everything was going fine,” said Henderson. “Then someone said that Drew’s pass was perfect – right on the mark – and he just flipped out. And then he left and took his ball with him.”
“I understand he is under a lot of pressure,” said Saints RB Mike Bell. “But he didn’t have to take his ball. Ruin it for the rest of us. Uncool, dude. Uncool.”
A reporter who witnessed the tizzy fit said Brees was very “emotional and frantic,” his voice reaching higher pitches than the gridiron is accustomed, until he stormed off the field only to return a few seconds later to get his ball.
“He just kept saying ‘Gimme my ball’ over and over,” Henderson said. “I tried to talk him down, maybe stall him so we could at least keep practicing, but once he started crying I had no choice. I gave him his ball.”
“The whole incident is very unfortunate and could have been handled better,” said Saints’ skipper Sean Payton. “But at the end of the day, it’s his ball, and he can do what he wants with it. Right now, we just need to focus on playing the Bucs this Sunday and getting a ball, so we can practice.”
Payton was then inundated with questions regarding his relationship with Peyton Manning, despite his surname only closely resembling the first name of the Colts’ QB.
The Saints practices have been suspended indefinitely until the team can procure a ball or until Brees returns to the clubhouse, but the unofficial reports have said that smaller groups of the team have been holding player-ran practices with Bell’s nephew’s Nerf Vortex Mega Howler.
Brees was unavailable for a comment, but his mommy said he was very upset and just needed some time alone until he can get over it. She sent him to his room with some cookies and hadn’t seen him since.
She could not find the ball.
Contributor Peter Alan Herbert – “Writer Dude” – is a master of flapdoodle and rigmarole. You can catch more of his Fake News, Real Funny, short stories, rants, and other musings at www.peteralanherbert.com. Stay tuned to The Blue Workhorse for more from the Writer Dude. no comments
After winning five consecutive division titles under manager Mike Hargrove to end the 1990s, the Cleveland Indians' front office decided it was time for a switch and tabbed Charlie Manuel as the manager that would finally get them over the hump. Manuel won 90+ games each of his first two seasons, but all it resulted in was a Division Series exit in 2001.
It wouldn't be until 2007 that the Indians returned to the postseason. They finished one game shy of the World Series after blowing a 3-1 series lead against the Boston Red Sox. Then there was the diaspora as key pieces like C.C. Sabathia, Cliff Lee, and Victor Martinez were all traded away during the final two seasons
C - Victor Martinez
- The switch-hitting Victor Martinez burst onto the scene in 2004 during his first full season hitting .283 with 38 doubles, 23 homers and 108 RBI. The Venezuelan catcher was a fixture in the lineup for the next six seasons (with the exception of his injury plagued 2008 campaign) until he was traded to Boston this past summer. During his eight seasons in Cleveland, V-Mart hit .297 with 103 homers, 191 doubles, and drove in 518 runs averaging 37 doubles, 21 long balls, and 99 RBI in his four full seasons from '04 to '07.
1B - Jim Thome
- Most fans may forget he was still with the Cleveland organization at the turn of the century, but Jim Thome was still mashing balls for the first three seasons of the decade. From 2000 to 2002, Thome walloped 138 balls out of the park while driving in an average of 116 runs per year. The Indians also got the lefty slugger's career year in 2002 when he launched 52 out of the park, scored 101, and drove in 118 while leading the league in walks (122), slugging percentage (.677), and OPS (1.122).
2B - Roberto Alomar
- With guys like Ricky Gutierrez, a young Brandon Phillips, Josh Barfield, Luis Valbuena, and fatboy Ron Belliard to beat out, it is no wonder Roberto Alomar makes the All-Decade Team with only two years of service this decade. Alomar combined with Omar Vizquel to make one of the most formidable defensive middle infields possibly in the history of baseball. He also batted .322 and averaged 112 runs, 37 doubles, 20 jacks, and 94 RBI all while stealing 34 bags per year.
From 2001 until 2006, the Houston Astros were perennial contenders finishing in first or second in the National League Central every season. They made three postseason appearances during the six year span with each showing getting them one step closer culminating with a trip to the World Series in 2005.
Houston had a strong showing in the Fall Classic even though they were swept by the Chicago White Sox. They lost two games by one run and two by two runs, including a 14-inning marathon game. However, it went downhill after that season as the Astros have struggled to play .500 ball since.
C - Brad Ausmus
- After being shipped to Detroit by the Padres in 1996, Brad Ausmus bounced back and forth between the Motor City and the Lone Star State. The Tigers traded him to Houston (1996); the Astros traded him back (1999); and then before the 2001 season Brad Ausmus returned to Houston being traded for a second time from Detroit to Houston. From there, Ausmus went on to become the cornerstone for the Astros pitching staff. Though he never put up great offensive numbers (a career .252 hitter who has hit only 80 home runs in parts of 17 seasons thus far), Ausmus was a beloved figure behind the dish winning three Gold Gloves with Houston this decade. In 2001, Ausmus threw out a staggering 48% of attempted base thiefs.
For the first time in their history, the Angels' organization made it to the World Series in 2002. In a thrilling seven-game series that featured four one-run games, the Angels topped the San Francisco Giants 4-1 in Game 7 to give them their first title. Something they have done before and did once again this season was change their name switching this time from the Anaheim Angels to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
C - Bengie Molina
- One of three Molina brothers to win a World Series ring, Bengie Molina did it all for the Halos. Not only did he call great games behind the plate for the 2002 World Series champions, but he also was a factor at the bottom of the lineup. Molina took over the catching reins during Mike Scioscia’s first year at the helm in 2000 and started at least 96 games each season during his six years as an Angel.
1B - Kendry Morales
- This was a tough decision. Choose the starting first baseman for the 2002 World Series championship team, Scott Spiezio, or choose a guy who had one good year. Surprisingly enough, the choice is the guy who had one good year. There were worried fan last off-season when Mark Teixeira bolted for the Yankees and left a hole at first base. But the Angels had confidence in Cuban defector Kendry Morales and didn’t skip a beat. In 2009, Morales had 34 HR, 108 RBIs, and hit .306 -- numbers just shy of Teixeira's, at a price $19.5 million cheaper. Morales finished fifth in AL MVP voting and per 162 games he is averaging 27 homers and 89 runs driven in.
2B - Chone Figgins
- Simply put, Figgins is a class act. He did everything and didn’t complain about it. Desmond DeChone Figgins could qualify at a number of positions having filled in everywhere but catcher and first base. But with only Adam Kennedy, a mediocre Major Leaguer at best, and Howie Kendrick, who hasn't played more than 105 games in a season yet, to choose from at second base, "Figgy" slides into the role as easily as he slides into second after another stolen base. The diminuative but speedy switch-hitter set the tone offensively scoring at least 72 runs each of the past six years (twice going over 100) and stealing at least 34 bases every year during that span, including a league best 62 in 2005. Figgins made his first All-Star appearance this past year and led the league in base on balls with 101. He has also been listed on AL MVP ballots in four seasons.
It was a rough decade for the Washington Nationals. So bad that they even moved the team and changed the name from the Montreal Expos. The franchise finished at or near the bottom of the National League East division in every year except for 2002 when they finished second -- of course, they did finish 19 games back. On average, they finished 21 games back during the decade. Things can only go up for a team that just drafted a franchise starter in Stephen Strasburg and will likely draft a franchise catcher in Bryce Harper.
C - Brian Schneider
- The combination of Jesus Flores, Michael Barrett, or Brian Schneider did not put up great offensive numbers for Washington and Montreal, so no one jumps out as an All-Decade catcher, but Schneider gets the selection due to his ability as a defensive catcher. While only batting .252 from 2000 to 2007, Schneider nabbed 38% of attempted base stealers, including a career-high 50% in 2004 when he threw out 32 potential thiefs.
1B - Nick Johnson
- When he wasn't injured, Nick Johnson was one of the most productive hitters in the Washington lineup. In his two most complete seasons with Washington, Johnson averaged 83 runs, 19 home runs, and 76 RBI. He compiled a .280 average and an .867 OPS in his five seasons with the organization.
2B - Jose Vidro
- Jose Vidro was a solid producer for the Expos and the Nationals. The Puerto Rican second baseman twice was voted to be the starter for the National League All-Star team and once was selected as a reserve. From 2000 to 2006, Vidro batted .308 while averaging 14 home runs and 65 RBI. His best season of the decade came in 2000 when he hit .330, scored 101 runs, banged 24 home runs, and drove in 97 runs.
It finally happened in 2004. The Curse of the Bambino was finally broken when the Red Sox swept the St. Louis Cardinals to win their first world title since 1918. The Red Sox had a solid decade making the playoffs six times and winning two World Series despite winning the division only once. (Also, check out the All-Decade Team compiled by Sports of Boston.)
C - Jason Varitek
- Jason Varitek has caught the last 12 season for Boston and serves as team captain. Varitek is not known for his offensive numbers, but as a leader, and receiver, he has been a solid catcher for the last 12 years. In the 2000s, he hit 148 HR, drove in 662 runs, and hit .257 primarily in the bottom third of the Sox order. Varitek was a three time All-Star (including the most egregious selection in the history of the All-Star game in '08) and won the Silver Slugger and a Gold Glove in 2005. Varitek also caught four no-hitters.
1B - Kevin Youkilis
- Kevin Youkilis has played multiple positions (1B, 3B, LF, DH) for the Red Sox but has been a consistent performer since 2004. After being a solid defender and a fiery competitor for his first four seasons, Youkilis really came into his own offensively the last two seasons. He has been an All-Star and has been in the top six of the AL MVP the last two seasons after he won a Gold Glove in 2007. Youkilis hit .292, averaged 22 HR and 96 RBI, and has consistently shown a great eye at the plate, posting a .391 on base percentage.
2B - Dustin Pedroia
- Despite a receding hairline and near midget size, Dustin Pedroia quickly became a fan favorite. Pedroia has played three full seasons with the Red Sox and has already become well decorated winning the Rookie of the Year in 2007 and the AL MVP in 2008. Despite his diminuitive size (5’9”, 180), he has hit 42 home runs and 145 doubles in three full seasons. In his MVP year of 2008, he led the American League in runs, hits, and doubles; was an All-Star; and won his first Silver Slugger and Gold Glove.
Maybe the Baltimore Orioles should move away from Halloween colors since every night has seemed to be filled with goblins and ghouls. Needless to say, it's been a rough decade for the Baltimore Orioles. They have not sniffed the playoffs finishing third in the AL East only once and finishing last the past two seasons.
C - Javy Lopez
- Orioles' fans hope Matt Wieters's name is here and on numerous All-Star rosters during the next decade, but his time for an All-Decade team has yet to come. Instead, Javy Lopez makes the team despite not being the power-hitting big-name free agent he was signed to be. Lopez put up good numbers his two full seasons with Baltimore with a .301 average, 38 home runs, and 135 RBI. Though they weren't the great numbers management hoped for they were the best of the Baltimore catchers.
1B - Jeff Conine
- Jeff Conine was a model of consistency for his nearly four years while playing a number of positions, primarily first base, with the Orioles at the beginning of the decade. He batted .290 and hit 13, 14, 15, and 15 home runs while driving in an average of over 70 RBI in the 3+ seasons. Conine also came back to B'more for part of the 2006 season.
2B - Brian Roberts
- Through the lean years, there have been few positive constants for the Orioles, but Brian Roberts has been one of them spending his entire nine-year career with Baltimore. Roberts has averaged 11 home runs, 43 doubles, and nearly 100 runs since becoming a full-time player in 2003. He has also averaged 34 stolen bases, including an American League-leading 50 in 2007. no comments
Two weeks ago, prior to the latest recruiting violations in Hostess-Gate, our writer Heisman pondered on if Lane Kiffin would eventually destroy the Tennessee Volunteers football program despite this season's 7-5 regular season record.
Earlier this week, a user by the name of "darkhorseheisman" left a detailed comment in reply to the article:
What about the total transformation of Crompton? He is the same kid who was quarterbacking the team last year who lost to Wyoming on homecoming. Kiffin's confidence and willingness to stick with Crompton has turned him from one if not the worst qb in college football into the second leading touchdown passer in the SEC (26 TD passes, Arkansas' Mallett has 29).
His success is one of many on the team. Montario Hardesty has finally got his rightful chance, after sitting behind fumble-prone Arian Foster for years. He is the third leading rusher (averaging 109 yards per game) in the SEC, only behind Miss. St.' Anthony Dixon and Alabama's heisman winner Mark Ingram. I loved Fulmer too, and knew he was a class act. But it was time for a change.
About Kiffin's previous coaching experience, he only led one of the most prolific offenses in history at USC as the offensive coordinator. On the other hand, I do not approve with all of Kiffin's actions. The several, however minor recruiting violations, are tacky, but happen. About the comments to Florida, it creates interest. People see his confidence and how we performed against the #1 team in the land. It sparked interest, and took all the pressure off the players and put it on Kiffin.
You criticize Kiffin. I would like to ask, which coach should today's college football teams model their coaching after? It is easy to be critical of people, but when critical, an alternative needs to be provided, or a solution. Anyone can point fingers.
Moral victories are not celebrate in my household as well, but the difference in the outcomes of big games, (Florida and Alabama)- (2008 Florida 30-6, 2007 Florida 59-20, Alabama 2008 29-9, 2007 Alabama 41-17). This year Florida 23-13, Alabama 12-10. These are big differences.
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After winning three of the last four World Series to end the 90s, the New York Yankees continued their winning ways with the 2000 World Series title and a Game 7 loss in the 2001 series, but despite winning the ultra-competitive American League East for the first seven years of the decade, the Yankees only made one World Series appearance after 2001.
The Yanks then came in second in the East in 2007 and then didn't make the playoffs in 2008. After another huge spending spree, New York found redemption powering their way through the playoffs to win the World Series over the Phillies.
C - Jorge Posada
- Over the decade, Posada has averaged 130 games a season behind the plate and that includes missing over 100 games in 2008 and 50 in 2009. As far as catchers are concerned, he has been one of the best in Major League Baseball. His season averages over the 2000s are: .283 AVG, 20 HR, 81 RBI, 28 2B. He was a five-time All-Star and five-time Silver Slugger winner in the 2000s and finished in the top six in the AL MVP voting twice. In 2003, he became only the second Yankees' catcher to ever record a 30 HR, 100 RBI season joining Yogi Berra.
1B - Jason Giambi
- There was a lot of debate as to whether Mark Teixiera's fabulous season in 2009 was enough to get him on the All-Decade Team, but in the end, it wasn't enough to overcome the seven good years Jason Giambi spent in the Bronx. Giambi averaged 30 HR and 86 RBI despite missing half of the 2004 and 2007 seasons. A three-time All-Star with New York, Giambi's best season in pinstripes came in 2002, his first season with the Yanks. He batted .314 while posting 41 dingers, 34 doubles, 122 RBI, and an outstanding 1.034 OPS. There was also debate about whether Giambi was more of a first baseman or DH. Even though he wasn't the Gold Glover that Teixeira is, Giambi played the majority of his games at first base in five of the seven seasons. The "Giambino" was also a decidedly better hitter when he was playing first base hitting as much as 110 points higher (2005 - .319 in 77 games at first, .209 in 60 games as DH).
2B - Robinson Cano
- Robinson Cano has been one of the premier offensive middle infielders in the American League over the five years he has been manning second base. He finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting in 2005 behind Houston Street and was an All-Star and Silver Slugger award winner in 2006. He has hit over .300 three times and joined shortstop Derek Jeter in becoming the first middle infield tandem in over 100 years to both collect over 200 hits in the same season in 2009. In 2006, Cano and Jeter were also the first middle infield tandem to both hit over .340 in MLB history. Cano has hit .306 in his short career and has averaged 19 HR and 87 RBI. no comments
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