2015 National League West Preview

***The Division Preview that follows is not betting advice in any way shape or form.  Please do not bet any money based in any part on these predictions.***

Don't forget to check out the National League East and National League Central previews and check back next week for the American League East.

San Francisco Giants Logo courtesy of Sports Logos.net

San Francisco Giants

Who's New: 

CATCHERS/INFIELDERS
Carlos Triunfel, SS (Free Agent from Dodgers)
Casey McGehee, 3B (Trade from Marlins)
Ronny Cedeno, IF (Free Agent from Diamondbacks)

OUTFIELDERS

Justin Maxwell, OF (Free Agent from Royals)
Nori Aoki, OF (Free Agent from Royals)

STARTING PITCHERS

None
RELIEF PITCHERS
Curtis Partch, RP (Free Agent from Reds)
Robert Coello, RP (Free Agent from Orioles)

Who Left:  

CATCHERS/INFIELDERS

Pablo Sandoval, 3B (Free Agent to Red Sox)
Michael Morse, 1B (Free Agent to Marlins)
Nick Noonan, IF (Free Agent to Yankees)
Tony Abreu, IF (Unsigned Free Agent)
Dan Uggla, 2B (Free Agent to Nationals)
Marco Scutaro, IF (Unsigned Free Agent)
OUTFIELDERS
Tyler Colvin, OF (Free Agent to Marlins)
Chris Dominguez, OF (Free Agent to Reds)
STARTING PITCHERS
None
RELIEF PITCHERS
Mike Kickham, RP (Free Agent to Cubs)
Mitchell Boggs, RP (Free Agent to Red Sox)
Winter Headlines:  
Boche's genius, MadBum's arm do it again.
What to Expect?:
With Matt Cain coming back and Madison Bumgarner becoming the ace of the staff, the Giants should have even more pitching strength.  Losing the power of Sandoval's bat could slow the offense but the pitching and solid defense should keep the opposition's run production low and keep the team in a lot of close games.
Why Should You Root for These Guys?:
As a Phillies and Dodgers fan, having seen this team win three titles this decade it pains me to have to find a reason to root for the hated ones.  Still,  this organization is in the middle of a winning era that has not been seen since Bill Terry-Mel Ott-Carl Hubbell days.  In fact this group is probably even more successful than the Terry group and you would really need to go back to the McGraw-Mathewson days to find a Giants group this successful.
Why Might This Season Not Turn Out the Way Giants Fans Want?:
The pitching depth past Cain-Bumgarner has some questions. It was great to see Jake Peavey win a title and Tim Lincecum still has flashes of greatness.  The problem is the inconsistency of those two.  What happens if they don't perform the way they did last year?
Don't Expect Too Much From Him:
For the last few years the Giants have seen big power numbers from Pablo Sandoval at third base.  His replacement this year will be Casey McGehee.  Casey is a solid bat in the lineup but he is not going to replace the numbers that Sandoval had.
Expect Great Things From:
Speaking of the McGraw-Mathewson era, Buster Posey is the best Catcher this team has had since Chief Meyers or Roger Bresnahan in the 1900s and 1910s.  Posey is a special player and when all is said and done his name will be among the greatest for an organization that has some of the greatest of all time.
Is This His Last Chance?:
After winning the World Series it would be tough to put anyone in this category.  Winning solves a lot of problems and gets a lot of people off the hook.
Prediction:1st in NL West.

Los Angeles Dodgers Logo Courtesy of Sports Logos.net

Los Angeles Dodgers

Who's New?:

CATCHERS/INFIELDERS

Ryan Lavarnway, C (Waiver Claim from Red Sox)
Jimmy Rollins, SS (Trade from Phillies)
Howie Kendrick, 2B (Trade from Angels)
Enrique Hernandez, IF (Trade from Marlins)
Yasmani Grandal, C (Trade from Padres)
Lars Anderson, IF (Free Agent from Cubs)
Ali Solis, C (Free Agent from Rays)

OUTFIELDERS
Chris Heisey, OF (Trade from Reds)
Matt Carson, OF (Free Agent from Indians)

STARTING PITCHERS

Mike Bolsinger, SP (Trade From Diamondbacks)
Juan Nicasio, SP (Trade from Rockies)
Brandon McCarthy, SP (Free Agent from Yankees)
Joe Wieland, SP (Trade from Padres)
Brett Anderson, SP (Free Agent from Rockies)
Sergio Santos, SP (Free Agent from Blue Jays)
Brandon Beachy, SP (Free Agent from Braves)
Dustin McGowan, SP (Free Agent from Blue Jays)
Erik Bedard, SP (Free Agent from Rays)

RELIEF PITCHERS

Joel Peralta,RP (Trade From Rays)
Chris Hatcher, RP (Trade from Marlins)
Ryan Buchter, RP (Free Agent from Braves)
Dustin Richardson, RP (Free Agent from Angels)
David Huff, RP (Free Agent from Yankees)
Jeremy Horst, RP (Free Agent from Phillies)
B.J. Rosenberg, RP (Free Agent from Phillies)
David Aardsma, RP (Free Agent from Cardinals)
Ben Rowen RP (Free Agent from Rangers)

Who Left?: 

 CATCHERS/INFIELDERS
Carlos Triunfel, SS (Free Agent to Giants)
Hanley Ramirez, SS (Free Agent to Red Sox)
Dee Gordon, SS (Trade to Marlins)
Drew Butera, C (Trade to Angels)
Miguel Rojas, IF (Trade to Dodogers)
Clint Robinson, 1B (Free Agent to Nationals)
Tim Federowicz, C (Trade to Padres)
Johnny Monell, C (Free Agent to Mets)
J.C. Boscan, C (Free Agent to Royals)
Alex Liddi, IF (Free Agent to Royals)
Chone Figgins, IF (Unsigned Free Agent)
OUTFIELDERS
Jamie Romak, OF (Free Agent to Diamondbacks)
Matt Kemp, OF (Trade to Padres)
Roger Bernadina, OF (Free Agent to Mets)
Mike Baxter, OF (Free Agent to Cubs)
STARTING PITCHERS
Josh Beckett, SP (Retired)
Dan Haren, SP (Trade to Marlins)
Jamey Wright, SP (Free Agent to Rangers)
Paul Maholm, SP (Free Agent to Reds)
Chad Billingsley, SP (Free Agent to Phillies)
RELIEF PITCHERS
Jose Dominguez, RP (Trade to Rays)
Bruce Billings, RP (Free Agent to Nationals)
Justin Germano, RP (Free Agent to Mariners)
Jhan Marinez, RP (Free Agent to Rays)
Roberto Hernandez, RP (Free Agent to Astros)
Chris Perez, RP (Free Agent to Brewers)
Scott Elbert, RP (Free Agent to Padres)
Brian Wilson, RP (Unsigned Free Agent)
Steven Fife,RP (Unsigned Free Agent)
Kevin Correia, RP (Unsigned Free Agent)
Winter Headlines: 
With no Kemp, Hanley or Gordon have the Dodgers just gotten old and slow?
What to Expect?:
As much as I hate to say it, Dodgers fans should expect a step back. The top three pitchers of Kershaw/Greinke/Ryu are still very strong but who is the vocal leader of this team?  Without Kemp to lead the team who will step up and get in the guys faces when it is needed?  Adrian Gonzalez and Clayton Kershaw are great but neither give the impression of a fiery leader.  Jimmy Rollins was that guy in Philadelphia but that was an environment where he was the veteran of the organization and had the organizational reputation of the cornerstone of the franchise.
Why Should You Root for These Guys?:
As much as people love to hate the Dodgers because of the perceived "buying a pennant" attitude, the Dodgers have not won since Kirk Gibson shocked Eckersley in 1988.
Why Might This Season Not Turn Out the Way Dodgers Fans Want?:
This team has an odd dynamic.  In losing Dee Gordon, Matt Kemp and Hanley Ramirez they have lost a big part of their identity.  They will need someone to step up and take the place of Kemp as the vocal leader.  Add to that the question of closer as Jansen is already dealing with injuries.   Although Dodgers fans are expecting a top of the division team they could be in for a sucker punch to the gut.
Don't Expect Too Much From Him:
Jimmy Rollins is a Hall of Fame Shortstop an is without question the best Shortstop the Phillies ever had.  He was the leader of one of the most successful stretches in the team's history and will go down in history as one of the two greatest Phillies of all time.  Yet, at this point in his career he is on the down side.  You can expect him to be a fierce competitor and possibly even an All Star representative but don't expect him to be an MVP candidate.
Expect Great Things From:
This is a tough one to pick.  I could go with Adrian Gonzalez or Howie Kendrick or even Puig.  But of course the top pitcher on the planet, Clayton Kershaw, will be the star of this team.  Even with all the offensive power, you can count on Kershaw to carry this team on his miracle arm.
Is This His Last Chance?:
Andre Ethier had tremendous potential when he came up to the Dodgers.  He was good looking.  Likable.  He arrived when the Dodgers were bringing up their young crop of talent.  For whatever reason he has not been able to reach his potential under Mattingly.  His name has constantly come up in trade rumors (even back to the deal that brought Gonzalez, Beckett and Crawford.  With Kemp being shuffled off to San Diego, you would think that Ethier would get the start in center field but the Dodgers picked up Chris Heisey in the off season and are expecting Joc Pederson to start in Center field.  Ethier may start to get the hint that his days in LA are numbered.
Prediction:2ndin NL West (1st National League Wild Card)

San Diego Padres Logo Courtesy of Sports Logos.net

San Diego Padres

Who's New:  

CATCHERS/INFIELDERS

Clint Barmes, IF (Free Agent from Pirates)
Tim Federowicz, C (Trade from Dodgers)
Wil Middlebrooks, 3B (Trade from Red Sox)
Brett Wallace, IF (Free Agent from Blue Jays)
Wil Nieves, C (Free Agent from Phillies)
Ramiro Pena, IF (Free Agent from Braves)
Derrick Norris, C (Trade from Athletics)

OUTFIELDERS

Justin Upton, OF (Trade from Braves)
Matt Kemp, OF (Trade from  Dodgers)
Wil Myers, OF (Trade from Rays)

STARTING PITCHERS

Brandon Morrow, SP (Free Agent from Blue Jays)
Joe Weiland, SP (Trade to Dodgers)
Brandon Maurer, SP (Trade from Mariners)
James Shields, SP (Free Agent fro Royals)

RELIEF PITCHERS

Shawn Kelley, RP (Trade from Yankees)
Zack Segovia, RP (Free Agent from Rangers)
Scott Elbert, RP (Free Agent from Dodgers)
Daniel McCutcheon, RP ( Free Agent from White Sox)
Marcos Mateo, RP  (Free Agent from Cubs)
Jose Valverde, RP (Free Agent from  Mets)

Who Left:

CATCHERS/INFIELDERS

Chris Nelson, 3B (Free Agent to Phillies)
Adam Moore, C (Free Agent to Indians)
Yasmani Grandal, C (Trade to Dodgers)
Rene Rivera, C (Trade to Rays)
Ryan Hannigan, C (Trade to Red Sox)
Jace Peterson, IF (Trade to Braves)
Everth Cabrera, SS (Free Agent to Orioles)\
Tyler Greene, SS (Free Agent to Padres)
Brooks Conrad, 2B (Unisigned Free Agent)

OUTFIELDERS

Jeff Francouer, OF (Free Agent to Phillies)
Alex Castellanos, OF (Free Agent to Mets)
Seth Smith, OF (Trade to Mariners)

STARTING PITCHERS
Jesse Hahn, SP (Trade to Athletics)
Eric Stults, SP (Free Agent to Braves)

RELIEF PITCHERS 

Donn Roach, RP (Waiver Claim by Cubs)
Tim Stauffer, RP (Free Agent to Twins)
JOhnny Barbato, RP (Trade to Yankees)
Blaine Boyer, RP (Free Agent to Twins)
Troy Patton, RP (Unsigned Free Agent)
Hector Ambiz, RP (Unsigned Free Agent)
What to Expect?:
The Padres were active this offseason.  Extremely active and added plenty of big names, taking one of the biggest from a division rival.   Padres fans should expect this team to compete but a World Series is too high of a goal.
Why Might This Season Not Turn Out the Way Padres Fans Want?:
It is true the Padres added some very big names this offseason but if you look at where they were added fans may pause.  Matt Kemp (OF), Wil Meyers (OF), Justin Upton (OF).  That's great but the team already had expensive free agent Carlos Quentin, young and amazingly talented Cameron Maybin, Max Venable and Abraham Almonte in a a crowded  outfield.  So the outfield is strong.  Can any of them play third base or turn a double play?
Don't Expect Too Much From Him:
James Shields earned his nickname "Big Game James" by winning in big situations for Tampa Bay and Kansas City.  Coming off the Royals' magical post season run, every team wanted Shields.  You can expect Shields to be a leader on this staff and to pitch with everything he has but expect results more like his first year in Kansas City than the results last year.
Expect Great Things From:
Matt Kemp is a 5-tool player.  Any success the Dodgers had over the last 10 years was directly tied to Kemp.  Unfortunately, quite a few of the disappointments were linked to him too.  He has had an up and down career as far as the public perception of his hustle, leadership and attitude.  He won't be chasing a triple crown like he did in 2011 but he will be a leader on this team.
Is This His Last Chance?:
Josh Johnson was once expected to be an ace in Miami and even when Mark Buerhle was brought on board the Marlins' sinking ship, Johnson some still considered the top guy.  A poor relationship with Ozzie Guillien led to his departure from Miami to Toronto for a failed season.  Injuries slowed him last year and will delay his participation this year.  Johnson may not have many opportunities left to regain his form.
Prediction: 3rd place in NL West. Second Wild Card

Arizona Diamondbacks Logo Courtesy of Sports Logos.net

Arizona Diamondbacks:

Who's New: 

CATCHERS/INFIELDERS

Matt Pagnozzi, C (Free Agent from Brewers)
Gerald Laird, C (Free Agent from Braves)
Nick Punto, IF (Free Agent from Athletics)
OUTFIELDERS
Nick Buss, OF (Free Agent from A's)
Jamie Romak, OF (Free Agent from Dodgers)
Yasmany Tomas, OF( Free Agent)
Danny Worth, IF (Free Agent from Tigers)
STARTING PITCHERS
Jeremy Hellickson, SP (Trade from Rays)
Blake Bevan, SP (Free Agent from Mariners)
Robbie Ray, SP (Trade from Tigers)
Allan Webster, SP (Trade from Red Sox)
Ruby De La Rosa, SP (Trade from Red Sox)
RELIEF PITCHERS
Justin Marks, RP (Free Agent from Rangers)
Julio DePaula, RP (Free agent from Orioles)
J.C. Ramirez, RP (Free Agent from Indians)
Henry Alberto Rodriguez, RP (Free Agent from White Sox)

Who Left:  

CATCHERS/INFIELDERS

Argenis Diaz, SS (Free Agent to Twins)
Didi Gregorious, SS (Trade to Yankees)
Miguel Monero C (Trade to Cubs)
Bobby Wilson, C (Free Agent to Rays)
Ronny Cedeno, IF (Free Agent to Giants)
Andy Marte, 3B (Unsigned Free Agent)

OUTFIELDERS

Xavier Paul, OF (Free Agent to Phillies)
Nolan Reimold, OF (Free Agent to Orioles)

STARTING PITCHERS
Mike Bolsinger, SP (Trade to Dodgers)
Wade Miley, SP (Trade to Red Sox)
Clayton Richard, SP (Free Agent to Pirates)

RELIEF PITCHERS

Joe Paterson, RP (Free Agent to Royals)
Will Harris, RP (Waiver Claim by Astros)
Zeke Spruill, RPP (Trade to Red Sox)
Eury De La Rosa, RP (Trade to Athletics)
Jess Todd, RP (Free Agent to Red Sox)
J.J. Putz, RP (Unsigned Free Agent)
Lucas Harrell, RP (Unsigned Free Agent)
What to Expect?:
Expectations coming into last season were gigantic.  The team had competed with the Dodgers in 2013 and had added Mark Trumbo. The results from the start were a disaster.  So after a successful season followed by a disaster where should expectations lie?  Considering Patrick Corbin and Bronson Arroyo are both out until midseason and they are working under a young an inexperienced manager, expectations should be low.
Why Might This Season Not Turn Out the Way Diamondback Fans Want?:
The talent level on this team is low.  They have some truly All Star capable players in Yasmany Tomas, Paul Goldschmidt and Mark Trumbo but there are a lot of holes on this team starting with the pitching.
Don't Expect Too Much From Him:
With Tanaka in New York, Tony Abreu in Chicago and Puig in Los Angeles, the international market has given us some players who made immediate impacts in the league.  Diamondback fans are hoping Yasmany Tomas will have the same impact.  He will be a great player in this league but don't expect him to spark a playoff run in Arizona.
Expect Great Things From:
Paul Goldschmidt is now a two time All-Star.  A Gold Glove winner.  A Silver Slugger.  An MVP runner up. He has a ton of talent.  In fact, when all is said and done, he may be one of the best players the Diamondbacks organization ever produced.  Enjoy seeing him in an Arizona uniform for as long as possible.
Is This His Last Chance?:
Bronson Arroyo was a big free agent signing last year but it did not go well for him.  Injuries limited his time and results on the mound and he will begin the year out of action.  He has had a very successful career, winning a World Series with the Red Sox and helping the Reds return to a contending teams in the last decade.  Unfortunately, father time may have caught up with him.
Prediction: 4th in NL West

Colorado Rockies Logo Courtesy of Sports Logos.net

Colorado Rockies:

Who's New:  

CATCHERS/INFIELDERS

Audry Perez, RP (Free Agent from Cardinals)
Daniel Descalso, 2B (Free Agent from Cardinals)
Omar Quintanila, SS (Free Agent from Mets)
Josh Vitters, IF (Free Agent fromCubs)
Nick Hundley, C (Free Agent from Orioles)

OUTFIELDERS

Roger Bernadina, OF (Free Agent from Dodgers)

STARTING PITCHERS

Aaron Laffey, SP (Free Agent from Nationals)
John Lannan, SP  (Free Agent from Mets)
Kyle Kendrick, SP (Free Agent from Phillies)
David Hale, SP (Trade From Braves)
RELIEF PITCHERS
Justin Miller, RP (Free Agent from Tigers)
Brett Marsahll, RP (Free Agent from Reds)
Jose Ortega, RP (Free Agent from Tigers)
Jorge Rondon, RP (Waiver Claim from Cardinals)
Jairo Diaz, RP (Trade from Angels)
John Axford, RP (Free Agent from Brewers)
Buddy Boshers, RP (Free Agent From Angels)
Gus Schlosser, RP (Free Agent from Braves)

Who Left:  

CATCHERS/INFIELDERS

Josh Rutledge, IF (Trade to Angels)
OUTFIELDERS
Michael Cuddyer, OF (Free Agent to Mets)
Jason Pridie, OF (Free Agent to Athetics)
Franklin Morales, OF (Free Agent to Royals)
STARTING PITCHERS
Juan Nicasio, SP (Trade to Dodgers)
Pedro Hernandez, SP (Unsigned Free Agent)
Brett Anderson, SP (Free Agent to Dodgers)
Nick Massett, SP (Free Agent to Marlins)
RELIEF PITCHERS
Rob Scahill, RP (Trade to Pirates)
Matt Belisle, RP (Free Agent to Cardinals)
Wilton Lopez, RP (Free Agent to Blue  Jays)
Greg Burke, RP (Free Agent to Blue Jays)
Chris Martin, RP (Trade to Yankees)
Josh Roenicke, RP (Free Agent to Brewers)
Winter Headlines:  
Tulo to the Mets?  Not yet.
What to Expect?:
Keep expectations low.  Terribly low.  This is not a good team and the problem is there is not much hope for the immediate future.  This team will likely fight with Philadelphia, Atlanta and Arizona for the bottom spot.
Why Should You Root for These Guys?:
There is talent on this team.  Tulowitzki, Cargo and Charlie Blackmon are among the top of that list. Unfortunately for those three there is little else around them.  If you like rooting for the Cinderella Story, this is where you would find it.
Why Might This Season Not Turn Out the Way Rockies Fans Want?:
If we're being honest it won't. There is not enough talent on this team to compete with San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego.
Don't Expect Too Much From Him:
Charlie Blackmon was one of the stand out performers for the Rockies last year.  He is a potential All Star but with the state of the Rockies that also makes him a potential All Star for another team.
Expect Great Things From:
Troy Tulowitzki is probably this franchise's greatest player in their short history and only Todd Helton would make it close.  It would be silly for this team to trade him when they held on to Helton so long.  Tulo should retire as Mr. Rockies.
Is This His Last Chance?:
Carlos Gonzales had a great year in 2010 but his production since then has not matched the expectations.  His potent bat could make him trade bait and he may be gone by midseason.
Prediction:5th in NL West

*-Please be aware that these predictions are based on the rosters as set at the end of February.  There are still several key free agents unsigned which could alter these previews.  Also, injuries during spring training could alter my outlook.  Check back next week for the AL East Preview and continue following to see my final predictions at the start of the season. 

TRIVIA QUESTION:

Since moving to the three division format, NL Central players have led the NL in RBI 7 times.  What players from the Central have led the NL in RBI?

Answer to Last Week's Question:

Adam Wainwright led the league in wins in both 2009 and 2013.  In 2006 six pitchers tied for the lead in wins with 16.  Among those were Aaron Harang of the Reds and Carlos Zambrano of the Cubs.  2004 was the last time a pitcher from the division led the league by themselves.  In that year Roy Oswalt of the Astros won 20 games.  

Players I Love More Than I Should: Outfield: Larry Herndon

More than 18,000 players have appeared in Major League Baseball games since the start of the league.  Some players have short careers that last one at bat or one appearance in the field.  Others have 20+ year careers.  As I read more and more about baseball history there are certain players I find myself enjoying reading about more than others.  It is obviously illogical since many of them retired, or in some cases passed away, long before I was even born.  I have no first hand experience in watching some of them play but for whatever reason their personalities and perseverance strikes me above and beyond the other players I read about.  Over the next few weeks I will be giving you short biographical histories*of some of these players.  Some of them will be Hall of Fame players.  Some of them will be players only casual fans may know.  Regardless, I chose one player from each position for this series to explore.  This week we will explore one of the outfielders I chose for the series: Larry Herndon.

If you are just joining the blog don't miss the other players in the Players I Love More Than I Should series: Yogi Berra, Hank Greenberg, Joe Morgan, Cal Ripken, Frank "Home Run" Baker and Frank Robinson

Growing up in the South
Of all the players in this series of Players I Love More Than I Should, Larry Herndon stands out for a number of reasons.  He is one of only two who are not Hall of Fame players.  He is the only one who never made an All Star appearance. He never won a Gold Glove or a Silver Slugger Award.  In fact very little about Larry Herndon's life is known.  He is still living.   He has been asked many times but he allows very little of himself to be known.

We do know that he was raised by his grandmother.  Born in Sunflower, MS in 1953, Larry moved to Memphis, TN and spent most of his early life there.  The reason he was raised by his grandmother instead of his parents is something Larry has never talked about.  He has said that his grandmother was a wonderful woman who raised him right.  He felt fortunate to be able to grow up under her care and have great brothers and sisters in his life.

Larry never really talked about the racial bigotry he clearly would have suffered from in the south in the 1950's and 1960's.  Being a quiet person Larry simply said that "if you don't argue with someone there can't be an argument."

Regardless of what he suffered Larry showed great promise as a baseball player at Douglass High School in Memphis and attracted attention from the Cardinals.  At 17 Herndon was signed by the Cardinals as a minor leaguer.

Near Miss in St.Louis
Herndon played in the Cardinals Gulf Coast League entry for 1971.  Four other players on the team made the majors, most notably Jerry Mumphrey and Mike Vail.  In 40 games Larry hit only .239 and showed little power with no Home Runs.  In 1972 he started again in rookie ball but was moved to two different A league teams in the Cardinals organization.  Rising through the organization he continued playing with Mumphrey and Vail as well as being a team mate of Keith Hernandez briefly.  He only played a total of 45 games between the three teams that year and still showed no power as he failed to hit a single Home Run.  He was still a young man growing into his body and would not reach his full potential yet.

From there the rise was fairly steady.  1973 he played in A ball St. Petersburg and hit three Home Runs.  1974 was AA Arkansas.  At the end of the 1974 he got a shot at the big time.  He appeared in 12 games, all but one as a pinch runner, and got only one at bat.  He replaced Reggie Smith in Center field in the Top of the 7th in a blow out Cardinals win against the Expos.  With two out Herndon singled back to the pitcher to load the bases.  It was his only plate appearance of his time in the majors with St.Louis.

1975 started in AAA Tulsa with hopes of reaching the majors again.  Then on May 9 came the shock.  Herndon was traded to the Giants organization and spent the rest of the year in Phoenix. 1976 was back to Phoenix to start of but it was a short stay.  After just 14 games in Phoenix he was promoted to play in the majors.

In his official rookie year Herndon started to show his potential.  He hit .288, played good defense, stole 12 bases and, although the Giants were a bad team Herndon looked like a big piece in what the Giants hoped to build.  It was not to be as injuries slowed his career.  He played in just 49 games in 1978.  He continued to work hard and as the Giants moved into the 1980's and Frank Robinson took over as manager he was excited for what Herndon might bring to the team.  Instead the Giants traded Herndon to the Tigers for Mike Chris and pitcher Dan Schatzeder.

The Tigers were building something special but it would be a few more years before it all came together.  Having built from their minor leagues with Alan Trammell, Lou Whitaker, Jack Morris, Lance Parrish and Kirk Gibson the Tigers made some smart trades to bring the rest of the team together. Herndon was an important part of that process.

While his power numbers were never great in St.Louis or San Francisco, Herndon hit 23 in his first year in Detroit.  Although the Brewers and Orioles were at the top of the division the Tigers were getting ready to pounce.  1983 was a career year for Herndon as he hit over  .300 and drove in over 90 while hitting 20 Home Runs.

Photo of Larry Herndon Courtesy of MLB.com

Quietly Great
The start to the season for the 1984 Tigers was an amazing thing.  They had signed Darrell Evans as a big free agent but he struggled.  Herndon's power numbers were down (he did not hit his first Home Run until June 21).  Yet while these two important pieces of the puzzle were struggling, the team was mauling the competition.  They started 35-5 and blew the competition away.  Because Herndon's numbers were below his regular pace Sparky Anderson started to platoon Herndon, Johnny Grubb and newly acquired Ruppert Jones.  Herndon's playing time decreased.  Nevertheless, the Tigers fought off a late charge by the Blue Jays and advanced to the League Championship Series against the Royals.

In game 1 Herndon led off the 4th inning with the Tigers already ahead 2-0.  Facing the Royals young pitcher Bud Black, Herndon took the first pitch for ball one.  On the second pitch of the at bat Herndon made everyone forget about the decreased power numbers in the regular season when he launched a Home Run to put the Tigers up 3-0.  It would be Herndon's only hit of the series.  After the game the press, as it does now, waited to talk to Herndon.  Larry wanted nothing to do with the press.  As far as he was concerned he had done his job plain and simple.  Talk to Morris and Trammell.  It was their game more than his.  He showered, dressed and snuck out the back before anyone had a chance to notice he had left.

Photo of Larry Herndon Courtesy of MLB.com

The Tigers faced the Padres in the World Series and although the Tigers were heavily favored the Padres took a 2-1 lead in Game 1.  Entering the fifth inning Alan Trammell flew out to Tony Gwynn in right field.  Kirk Gibson walked but was caught stealing second and with two outs Lance Parrish doubled to let.  The quiet big man watched the first pitch for a called strike.  Then ball one.  Ball two.  Ball three.  Herndon swung at the fifth pitch of the at bat.  The pitch was on the outside of the plate and in the lower part of the zone.  Herndon reached out and swung hard.  The ball took off towards the right field fence and Tony Gwynn looked up just in time to see the ball drop over the fence for a Home Run.  It provided the margin of victory.  Again, Herndon shunned the spotlight.  He dressed quickly, left the locker room and let Jack Morris take credit for the victory.  In the World Series every base hit is crucial and Herndon would have four more hits in the series.  None were more crucial than that Home Run.  The Tigers won that World Series 4 games to 1.  Ernie Harwell called the final out when he exclaimed "fly ball to Herndon" before being drowned out by the multitude of Tigers fans.

Roaring
The Tigers could not duplicate the magic of 1984 in the next two seasons.  They struggled and Herndon struggled along with them.  His knees were going bad and his numbers fell.  He didn't complain in the press when his playing time fell off.  He kept working hard and did his job.  He was released by the Tigers after the 1986 season but he resigned before the start of the 1987 season and Tigers would be happy he did.

On opening day of 1987 Herndon displayed his power in grand fashion.  Many felt that the ball, crushed to Center Field, would have left the stadium if it hadn't hit the stadium first.  By all eye witness accounts the ball was still on the way up when it hit the upper deck in center field.  Herndon would play in 89 games that year and hit 9 home runs. The first was that monster blast to center field. The last one was in the 162nd game of the Tigers season.  The Tigers had come from 3.5 games behind with ten games to play and were facing Toronto on the last day of the season. If the Tigers won they would clinch the division.  If they lost they would face Toronto in a one game playoff for the division lead.  The Blue Jays sent their young ace Jimmy Key, with a17-7 record, to the mound.  Lou Whitaker led off the bottom of the first with a single but a Bill Madlock double play ball and a Kirk Gibson pop to short ended the first.  After having sent six men to the plate in the first without scoring, the Blue Jays' second started with future Tiger star Cecil Fielder lining out to right field followed by two more quick outs.  The Tigers second started with Alan Trammell trying to sneak a bunt to third for a base hit but Garth Iorg was ready for it and Trammell was retired.  Herndon then launched a Home Run that would score the only run of the game.  Larry Herndon had sent the Tigers to the ALCS to face the Twins.

The Tigers won only one game in the series.  Down 2 games to 0 in game 3 Herndon started the game on the bench.  The Tigers had Dave Bergman as the DH who flew out to left in his first at bat.  As the bottom of the third started a double, single and walk loaded the bases with no one out.  A ground ball out scored one and the Tigers took the lead.  A balk scored another run, a single scored a third and the Tigers were ahead 3-0.  Chet Lemon walked and it was Bergman's turn at bat.  The Twins removed starter Les Straker and put in Dan Schatzeder, the same Dan Schatzeder the Tigers had sent to the Giants for Herndon.  As Schatzeder warmed up on the mound, Herndon stepped to the on deck circle to hit for Bergman. Larry connected for a two run double and the Tigers were ahead 5-0.  Herndon was again at the center of the only game the Tigers won in the series.

Quiet Dignity 
During the off season Herndon was again released by the Tigers but was resigned before the start of the season.  Herndon played in just 76 games, his fewest since his injury plagued year in San Francisco, and his numbers were not what he would have liked.  He played mostly at DH and split time with an aging Darrell Evans as the Tigers tried to make one more push with their core group.  In an amazingly tight American League East race, where the top five spots were separated by just 3.5 games, the Tigers came up one game short.

At the end of the season Herndon walked away.  He was gone for four years before Sparky Anderson asked him to return as the hitting coach.  He worked with young Tiger hitters like Travis Fryman, Tony Clark and Bobby Higginson but as the Tigers struggled in the standings it was clear that Sparky Anderson was not going to be fired.  The Tigers needed a change and Herndon became the target.  Herndon has since rejoined the Tigers as a minor league hitting instructor and is receiving great reviews for his work.

Herndon has passed his simple philosophy onto others, including the Lakeland Tigers manager Andy Barkett: "He told me that throughout his career, when he stepped on the field for either practice or a game, he treated every day like he was preparing to play in the seventh game of the World Series.  Playoff baseball is wonderful.  Why not approach it like that every day?"

*This is not intended as a full biography and due to space I have done my best to summarize the life of the players in this series.  For further information on Larry Herndon please check out

Videos:
Ken Burns Baseball
1984 Detroit Tigers World Series Collectors Edition
The Official World Series Film Collection


Websites:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/
http://sabr.org/

Books
Wire to Wire: Inside the 1984 Detroit Tigers World Championship Season by George Cantor and Chet Lemon
Detroit Tigers 1984: What A Start! What a Finish! by Mark Pattison, David Raglin, Gary Gillette and Richard L. Shook

TRIVIA QUESTION:
In 14 years in the Major Leagues Larry Herndon hit .274.  As you can see from today's article, Herndon had a knack for coming up big in the post season.  What was Herndon's career post season batting average?

Answer to Last Week's Trivia Question:
Frank Robinson's record as a manager was 1065-1176.

Players I Love More Than I Should: Outfield: Frank Robinson

If you are just joining the blog don't miss the other players in the Players I Love More Than I Should series: Yogi Berra, Hank Greenberg, Joe Morgan, Cal Ripken and Frank "Home Run" Baker

More than 18,000 players have appeared in Major League Baseball games since the start of the league.  Some players have short careers that last one at bat or one appearance in the field.  Others have 20+ year careers.  As I read more and more about baseball history there are certain players I find myself enjoying reading about more than others.  It is obviously illogical since many of them retired, or in some cases passed away, long before I was even born.  I have no first hand experience in watching some of them play but for whatever reason their personalities and perseverance strikes me above and beyond the other players I read about.  Over the next few weeks I will be giving you short biographical histories*of some of these players.  Some of them will be Hall of Fame players.  Some of them will be players only casual fans may know.  Regardless, I chose one player from each position for this series to explore.  This week we will explore one of the outfielders I chose for the series: Frank Robinson.

Of the more than 18,000 people to play Major League Baseball there are probably ten to fifteen players who could legitimately be considered for the title of "the greatest player ever".  Of course the names of Ruth, Willie Mays, Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey, Jr, Ty Cobb, Lou Gehrig, Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio come to mind immediately.  Jackie Robinson, Rickey Henderson, Cal Ripken, Sandy Koufax, Rogers Hornsby, Stan Musial and Hank Aaron would probably get quite a few votes. Contemporaries like Jeter and Pujols may get some mention.

The question becomes what makes a great player?  Is it pure individual numbers?  Is it the number of rings you win?  Is it your ability to lead your team quietly behind the scenes when people don't necessarily see it?  Is it your ability to raise the level of accomplishments of the players around you?  Is it your ability to do things no one else has done before?

There is one player who did everything you would want from the greatest player of all time and yet is far too often overlooked in consideration as the greatest player of all time.

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"It went all the way out."  Boog Powell told Robby as he settled back on the bench.  "Yeah, right." was the unbelieving response.

540 feet.  180 yards.  Nearly two full football fields. 

Luis Tiant had started his wind up.  It was his normal twisting, turning, bending, contortionist wind up. The arms swung once, twice. The hands came together, the arms went up, the front leg lifted and straightened.  The back leg and the hips twisted towards center as the throwing hand fell by his back hip.  Every motion was disjointed until the whole body flew forward towards the hitter.  Few people could figure it out but Robby swung at the first pitch and it was crushed.  It flew.  Farther.   Faster.   Quicker than anyone in Baltimore had ever seen a ball fly before.  On Sunday, May 7, 1966 Frank Robinson launched the ball that would forever be marked for Orioles fans to remember.  The ball literally left Memorial Stadium, landing in the parking lot 540 feet away.

I can personally remember going to the stadium, sitting in the stands and looking out to the parking lot and seeing that black and orange flag hanging in the stadium parking lot.  It said one word.  "Here".   I can remember watching the thing flapping in the breeze and thinking "does that actually just say 'here'.  What does that mean?"  Then I asked my dad.  "What is that flag out there?"  That was when my dad explained about the day that Frank Robinson hit the ball "HERE" and officially left his mark in Baltimore.  Although it was one of the longest visible marks he left there, it was one of just a million that he left in Baltimore and many other cities throughout baseball history.

Early Success
A few weeks ago we reviewed the career of Joe Morgan, the great Reds second baseman.  Joe was born in Texas but very early in his life moved to the Oakland Bay area.  Frank Robinson had a very similar start in life, although Frank was a bit older than Joe.  Frank was born in Beaumont, TX in 1935.  When his parents divorced his mother moved the children to the bay area.  One can only imagine the discrimination, prejudice and torture the family endured.

Frank was too young to remember the time in Texas and he has said that during his time in the bay area he was unaware of prejudice or bigotry.  It was a tough area to be sure.  Frank told stories of having to fight his way to school and back.  Not far away, just a few years older than Frank, a young Billy Martin was growing up in Berkeley, CA, fighting in street gangs in a very racially charged community.  When Frank was 11 years old Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier and Frank's response at first was "so what?".  Frank loved the game of baseball, dreamed of being a pro player but it had never occurred to him that the game was segregated.  He soon learned the importance of Jackie Robinson. 

He was clearly better than most players in his age group, though he humbly wondered why players he played with never became better players. His father had once told his brothers that Frank would never be good enough to make a big league player.  It drove Frank, as doubts about him would always do, and he used it as motivation to prove his father wrong.  Frank signed with the Reds organization at the age of 17 and was sent to the Ogden, UT team in the Pioneer League and he quickly learned what racism was.  He was one of two non-white players on the team and while all other players had private homes, Frank and Chico Terry were forced to share a tiny hotel room.  As non-white they were not allowed to eat in the local restaurant, go to movies or do any number of things the white players could do.  He couldn't even talk to his roommate who Frank said knew only the word "coffee".

Photo of Frank Robinson courtesy o Sports Illustrated

Frank loved nothing more than to play ball but hearing fans yell disgusting, unspeakable, unrepeatable things at a teenage kid for doing nothing more than trying to hit a ball made him question his place. The loneliness was nearly unbearable.  He had nothing to do but work on his game and think about baseball.  In the 1953 Pioneer League season Frank played in 72 games, hit .348 with 20 doubles, 6 triples and 17 Home Runs.  Not bad for a 17 year old kid far from home and facing the hate filled rages of hicks for the first time.

He moved on to Columbia of the South Atlantic League for next year and if he thought he faced racism in Ogden, it was just an appetizer for the main course of hatred he faced in the 1950's south.  Robby continued to improve his game but as would always be the case, the magnitude of his greatness was never really realized.  Frank would hit .336 with 32 doubles, 9 triples and an amazing 25 Home Runs.  In an era when Home Runs were not yet king, it was nearly unheard of for an 18 year old to hit with so much power.  He played 80 games for Columbia in 1955 and his numbers were not great but there was a reason.  There was a shoulder problem that plagued him.  He was forced to play first base for the first time in his life because, as Frank said, "I couldn't throw the ball ten feet".  Being an African American player in the south was bad enough.  Being an African American player who was performing far below the numbers that were expected was unforgivable.  The abuse he faced was severe and he nearly gave up.  Call it the intervention of the baseball gods.  Call it the determination that only the greatest of the great have.  Call it whatever you want,  Frank did not give up.  He pushed on and "in the last six weeks of the season I hit .390 and hit ten home runs...most important, after all I'd been through, I knew I could play this game, knew I'd never be tempted to quit again."

Ohio is a northern state but it is just across the river from Kentucky, a border state in the Civil War.  Don't forget it was in Cincinnati that Pee Wee Reese put his arm around Jackie Robinson in a silent gesture of support against vicious taunts. It was this city that Frank Robinson started his career and it was a start that few could ever equal.  On a team with Ted Kluszewski, Wally Post, Gus Bell and Ed Bailey, Frank Robinson led the team in almost everything.  He hit more home runs (38) than "Big Klu".  He drove in as many runs (83) as Wally Post.  He scored more runs than anyone else in the league and the Reds finished third in a very close National League race.  Frank Robinson was the youngest All Star player that year and finished in the top ten voting (7th) in the MVP award.  He also won the Rookie of the Year Award.  Who finished second?  No one.  There was no second choice.  A total of 23 votes were cast for the top rookie.  Each and every one was for Frank Robinson. 

Every Rookie of the year hears the same refrain:  watch out for the sophomore slump.  Frank had none of that.  His power numbers dropped (home runs went from 38 to 29) but his average raised from .290 to .322. He made the All Star team again and again finished in the top 10 in MVP voting.  The NL Champion Dodgers fell off dramatically in 1957 but the Reds couldn't seem to take advantage.  The Braves and Cardinals moved up and the Reds finished 4th.

Over the next few years the pattern seemed to be the same.  The Reds showed great talent, led by Robby, Big Klu and Vada Pinson.  They just could not compete with the top of the league as the Braves, Dodgers, Cardinals, Giants and even the Pirates finished ahead of the Reds.  Through these years Frank was still one of the top players in the league.  Considered the second generation of African American players following Jackie Robinson, Larry Doby, Roy Campanella, Don Newcombe, Willie Mays and Joe Black, Frank Robinson dominated the league with the likes of Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, Willie McCovey and Monte Irvin.  Frank usually hit well above 30 Home Runs, drove in about 80-85 runs (he drove in 120 in 1959) and his average would fluctuate near .300, usually above that mark.

Photo of Frank Robinson Courtesy of Cincinnati.com

Robby and Dumb Wit
Robinson was a clear star in the league as 1960 turned to 1961.Any success the Reds could hope for would have to include Frank.  There was no question.  Robby was a star and a leader in the club house.  However, as a young man in a turbulent time he also had a bit of a temper.  Not one to look for a fight he would certainly protect himself when he was threatened.  Unfortunately, in the craziness of the time, if an African American protected themselves they somehow were in the wrong.  In February 1961 Frank and some friends went out for a night on the town and ended up in a diner late at night.  An altercation led to a friend being arrested and as Frank and another friend returned to retrieve their food the cook made a slashing motion with a butcher knife.  When the cook displayed his weapon of choice, Robby simply showed the cook that he was protected and flashed his pistol.  The cops were called and Frank was arrested.  Humiliated, angry that he did not receive any assistance from the team and left in a cell to think, Frank decided it was time to make some changes in his life.  It was time to grow up and focus all of his energy on fighting the other team.  It was the best news that the Reds could have gotten.  It was the worst news the opposition could have gotten.  Frank Robinson, already dangerous, was now more focused and more determined than ever.  The behind the scenes story of the arrest would lead to a lingering effect however.  When Bill DeWitt, the Reds General Manager,was notified that Robinson was in jail he decided to leave him there for the night.  Frank took great offense, feeling that had it been Kluszewski or another Reds star, DeWitt would have come to bail him out.  A rift was formed that led to Frank forever calling the GM DumbWitt.

The new focus led Frank to dominate even more as he led the Reds to their first World Series since 1940.  Frank hit 37 Home Runs, had a .323 average, drove in 124, scored 117 and even stole 22 bases.  It was a dominant performance and the former Rookie of the Year added a National League Championship and an MVP award to his already illustrious career.  In the World Series of 1961 Frank had a tough time of it.  He hit only .200 as the Yankees pitchers avoided giving him anything good to hit.  In the fifth and final game Frank drove a ball out of the park but the Reds lost 13-5.  It was a disappointing season for a man (and a team) that had their sights set on the ultimate goal.

Over the next three years the Reds would not have as much success.  Frank never dropped from his high standards.  He continued to improve and although the Reds failed to make the post season (they came very close in 1964 as the Phillies collapsed) Frank would continuously be an All Star and MVP candidate.  1965 was the turning point for the Reds, for Frank and for an unsuspecting American League.  His average dropped below .300 (he hit .296), he drove in "only" 113 runs and scored "only" 109. He finished 18th in the MVP voting. The rift between Robinson and Reds Management had only grown wider over the years as disputes over injuries and salary became more and more common.  On December 9, 1965 Bill DeWitt made a decision.  He would end the Frank Robinson era in Cincinnati.  DeWitt cited a youth movement as the key reason for the trade.  When it was pointed out that Frank was only thirty DeWitt responded that yes he was only 30 but it was "an old 30". These words would haunt DeWitt for the rest of his career.  On December 9, 1965 Frank Robinson was traded to the Baltimore Orioles for Jack Baldschun, Milt Pappas and Dick Simpson.  Like his father's statement that Frank would never make a major league player, DeWitt's words provided fuel for Frank's already burning desire to be the best.

The Lord of Baltimore
The Orioles were not known as winners.  They were the old Browns of St.Louis and they had rarely competed since they moved to Baltimore.  They did have a nice little team they were building with Brooks Robinson and Boog Powell and a good young pitching staff, but realistically there was still Mantle and Maris in New York,  Kaline and Cash in Detroit and Olivo, Kaat and Carew in Minnesota.  The Orioles seemed to be way behind the league. Even the Red Sox were starting to build a strong team with an Italian kid named Conigliaro, another named Petrocelli and a Polish kid  with an almost unpronounceable name of Yastrzemski.

When Frank arrived at spring training the Orioles resident star Brooks Robinson could have been a prima dona and staked his claim to the status he had already established.  Instead he walked up to Frank Robinson, stuck out his hand and said "You're just what we needed."  On the first pitch he saw in his first batting practice in Baltimore's spring camp Frank crushed a Home Run and a young Jim Palmer blurted out "I think we just won the pennant."  Frank was driven.  It was a great team.  A team that loved playing together.  They were jokers.  A fun group.  Having a white Southerner named Robinson star next to an African American Robinson lent itself to quite a bit of confusion.  When one reporter confused the two Frank said "can't you tell us apart?  We wear different numbers."  There were some not so funny confused moments.  When Frank moved to town, his wife tried to rent a house.  She called to set up an appointment to view the house and introduced herself as Mrs. Robinson, wife of one of the Orioles.  She was welcomed with open arms until it was realized it was Frank Robinson and not Brooks Robinson.  Due to the racial laws at the time Frank and his wife were rented a far inferior dwelling in "the black section" of Baltimore.  The previous tenants had left holes in the wall and dog shit on the floor.  They had no choice.  It was all they could get.

Photo of Frank Robinson Courtesy of Orioles Nation

Almost immediately the Orioles took flight and shocked the American League.  Several Orioles said they were inspired by Frank's determination.  Several said they never saw a man work so hard.  Others said Frank's Home Run, the one forever marked 'HERE' was the turning point.  Regardless, that was just one of the great moments of Frank Robinson's great season.  On a team with Powell, Brooks Robinson, Paul Blair and Davey Johnson, Frank Robinson led the way and led the league in almost everything possible. He was first in Slugging Percentage, On Base Percentage, Runs Scored, Total Bases, Extra Base Hits, Times on Base.  That list also included batting average, Home Runs and RBI, the three categories of the Triple Crown.  Frank Robinson became the first player to win the Most Valuable Player award in both leagues.

The Orioles won their first AL pennant but the baby birds were a large underdog against Koufax, Drysdale and Maury Wills of the Dodgers.  The first post season game in the Orioles history started in Los Angeles.  Don Drysdale got Luis Aparicio to fly out to right then walked Russ Snyder.  Robby stepped in.  It was a bright LA fall afternoon.  He stood toward the back of the batters box.  Rested the bat on his hip, bent and rubbed some dirt on his hands.  He watched ball 1 come in high.  He had faced Drysdale what seemed like a million times.  Both were strong competitors.  Both were intense, fierce.  Both believed the plate belonged to them.  The second pitch came in and Frank turned on it.  He lifted the ball to left field.  Tommy Davis tracked it to the fence but it was five rows deep.  In classic Ruth-Gehrig fashion, Brooks Robinson followed Frank's blast with a solo of his own.  The O's led 3-0 and would win 5-2.  Game 2 had the Orioles facing Sandy Koufax.  The living legend.  It would be his final appearance in the Major Leagues but he was still Koufax.  Due to one of the most unfortunate innings ever in baseball history (poor Willie Davis) the Orioles took a 3-0 lead.  In the top of the 6th Frank led off with a triple and scored on Boog Powell's single as the O's won the game 6-0.  The Orioles won Game 3 1-0 on a Paul Blair Home Run.  Game 4 saw Don Drysdale take a second crack at the O's.  Robby got a second shot at Big D.  In the 4th with the game tied 0-0 Robby duplicated his Game 1 success with a solo homer to left.  The Orioles won their first World Series and Frank Robinson won the World Series MVP.

1966 World Series Program Courtesy of Baseball Almanac

Injuries limited Frank over the next few years.  It was the knees, concussions, you name it.  It was the hazard of playing full throttle all the time.  The concussion came from a hard slide into second where his head was hit by the knee of the second baseman.  He still had solid numbers and he still was one of the best in the game.  He continued to make his impact on the team in the clubhouse.  He led the kangaroo court and became known as the judge.  He levied fines to players who made mental errors and no one was immune, not even Earl Weaver.  Famously Robinson said in kangaroo court. "Stand up when you address the judge Earl.  Oh, you are standing up."  Robby loved his time in Baltimore with the O's.

He loved playing for Earl Weaver.  The group of Orioles was an intense group, focused.  They would play hard on the field but they would have fun off it too.  In 1969 they finally returned to the top AL perch.  They won over 100 games, swept the first ALCS in history and went into the World Series facing the New York Mets.  Who could believe the Mets could beat the birds?  The Mets could.  The Orioles cruised through the first game and looked to keep going.  Then the miracle happened.  The Mets took games 2, 3 and 4 to take a 3-1 lead in the series. Earl Weaver got so frustrated that he even got kicked out of Game 4.  He almost got kicked out of Game 5 as well.  When Frank got hit on the belt buckle and headed toward first the umpire called him back to the plate and told him it was just a foul ball.  Frank was outraged.  He argued and even walked to the dugout in protest.  He delayed the game for several minutes.  When he went back to the plate he eventually struck out and the Orioles fell to the Mets.

1970 was the redemption season.  The Orioles were again top in the AL, beating the Twins in the ALCS again, and Frank again made the All Star Team and finished in the top 10 in MVP voting.  His numbers were down again as injuries continued to take their toll.  Yet, in the World Series Frank's bat again led the way.  He pounded Reds pitching getting revenge on the organization that discarded him.  Robby hit two home runs, drove in 4 and scored 5 times.  The real star as the O's reclaimed the World Series title was Brooks Robinson's glove.

The golden years of Orioles baseball ended the following year as the golden age of Oakland A's baseball began to dawn.  Frank battled injuries again as the Orioles again won the AL East.  They swept the ALCS, this time against the A's and faced the Pittsburgh Pirates led by Bob Robertson and Roberto Clemente.  Although Frank, fighting, limping and straining, scored a game winning run in the bottom of the 10th of Game 6, The Orioles lost to the Pirates, led by Clemente, in a deciding Game 7.  The golden age of Orioles baseball was over.

Southern California
If Bill DeWitt thought the Orioles were getting an "old 30" when he sent them Frank in 1966, The Orioles found Frank to be an older 35 after the 1971 World Series.  With a young Don Baylor set to spread his wings in Baltimore, the Orioles had to make room in the outfield.  On December 2, 1971 Frank Robinson was traded with Marv Reichert to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Doyle Alexander Bob O'Brien, Sergio Robles and Royle Stillman.  The team that Frank joined was similar to the Orioles team he had joined in 1966.  They were building a strong young team with players like Davey Lopes, Steve Garvey, Ron Cey, Bill Russell and Joe Ferguson.  Drysdale and Koufax were gone replaced by Tommy John and Don Sutton.  Frank poured every ounce of his body into that 1972 season but the Dodgers fell behind the Reds and finished 10.5 games back in second place.  The Dodgers had a strong core and Frank Robinson did not fit in to their future plans.

Still known as a clubhouse leader and still known as a drawing card, the California Angels felt they were getting close to something good in Anaheim.  They sent Ken McMullen and Andy Messersmith to the Dodgers and in return received Frank, Billy Grabarkewitz, Bill Singer, Mike Strahler and Bobby Valentine.  Fortunately for Frank an old friend, former Orioles GM Harry Dalton was now GM in Anaheim and Frank felt he could contribute at the big A.  Another old friend, Vada Pinson, was playing for the Angels as well.  Nolan Ryan won 21 games, Frank was reborn as a DH and finished 15th in MVP voting.  The Angels, however, did not finish so well.  Entering 1974 with the youth of the Angels it was hoped that Frank's intensity would translate into a winning team.

What happened instead was a disaster.  Manager Bobby Winkles was apparently convinced that Harry Dalton had brought Frank in with the idea of making him the manager.  Although Winkles and Frank had some troubles in the first year, Winkles told Dalton in the winter that he had to trade Robinson.  Dalton refused and the environment of the clubhouse was tense and uncomfortable.  The Angels struggled and when Winkles finally called a team meeting he called out Frank specifically and told the entire team that he had demanded that Frank be traded a few months prior.  "I didn't like it at all.  To me, what Winkles was saying was that he couldn't manage with me on the team.  He didn't want me here.  But I haven't asked to be traded, and I wouldn't like for him to be fired."  Winkles was fired and Dick Williams was hired. This relationship started off nicely with Williams naming him  captain but Williams's style of managing and Frank's view on how to run a team clashed.    He didn't have to worry about it long.  In mid September, with the Angels clearly out of the pennant race, Robinson was traded to Cleveland.

Leading the Tribe
He finished 1974 as an Indian with an assurance from the front office that he would receive a contract for the next year.  The contract he received was not what he expected.  It was not just a contract as a player but as a manager as well.  Frank rejected it at first.  Not because he didn't want to manage but because he was being paid the same amount to manage and play as he had received the year before just to play.  He finally worked out an acceptable amount and Frank Robinson, already the first man to win an MVP in both leagues, became the first African American manager.

Photo of Frank Robinson Courtesy of Cleveland Indians.com

Those who read the blog often will remember my earlier question about Lloyd McClendon.  Why do bad teams happen to good people?  The 1975 Indians certainly fit that mold.  They picked up Boog Powell from the Orioles and they had a great pitcher in Gaylord Perry but they had some serious problems.  Frank had seen the problems at the end of the 1974 team when he saw that the African American players and coaches stayed away from the white players and vice versa.  Frank did what he could to change this culture but his journal from this season shows some serious divide on the team.  From the day Frank joined the team in 1974 Gaylord Perry seemed to show resentment at being paid less than Frank.  The resentment increased when Frank became Perry's boss.  Perry refused to do the running required in spring training.  He spoke about his manager and teammates in the press and demanded a trade.  Finally, on June 13, after demanding a trade again, Perry was traded.  It was too late, the Red Sox, Orioles and Yankees were too far ahead.  The Indians were in last place, eight games out of first.  They would finish fourth that year and the following year.  Frank was acknowledged as a great manager but the talent on the team was terrible.  Midway through the 1977 season the Indians made a decision to fire Frank Robinson.

He was a coach for Earl Weaver in Baltimore for several years before his next opportunity came along.  It was in San Francisco, not far from  where he grew up across the bay in Oakland.  He worked hard and expected the same from his players.  He had trouble with some of the players but the bigger problem was something all managers were dealing with at the time.  He was hired by the Giants for the 1981 season and the Giants had rising stars like Jack Clark and Darrell Evans and established stars like Vida Blue.  Frank had to deal with players earning more than he could have imagined as a super star and producing well below the expectations.  Evans and Clark were very unhappy.  Often Frank would call them into his office, talk to them one on one to make sure they were on the same page and get confirmation that the issues were resolved.  He woke up the next morning and saw new quotes from the players blasting the team.  The other problem at the time was drugs.  Frank talked often in his auto biography "Extra Innings" of the moodiness of several players, Vida Blue among them, and the frustration of knowing how good some of these players were not knowing what was stopping them  from reaching their potential.  He later found out that cocaine, amphetamines and steroids were running rampant in the game.

He had great players on the team like Joe Morgan and Reggie Smith, who he knew were the types of players needed to win.  Jack Clark may put up great numbers but Joe Morgan played the game the way you needed if you want to win.  Darrell Evans may hit long Home Runs but so did Reggie Smith and Smith helped the younger players along.  Unfortunately, the management and Frank were not on the same page so Smith moved on to Japan, Morgan moved on to help the 1983 Phillies  win a pennant and Frank was given a poor team.  By the time 1984 ended Darrell Evans was a World Champion with the Tigers, Jack Clark would move on to St. Louis and Frank Robinson was unemployed.

Manager of the Year
"The great irony in all this is that I'm a much better manager than I ever was before and I'm out of a job".  It was true and the statement spoke volumes about Frank.  He knew the game. He had played it better than nearly anyone ever had in the history of the game and yet he still had learned more since he retired as a player.  While Frank was learning to manage the Orioles were learning what life was like A.W. (After Weaver).  Earl Weaver had retired after the 1982 season.  The Orioles immediately hired Joe Altobelli and won the World Series. A year and a half later, half way through 1985, Earl Weaver was back to pick up the pieces but the pieces didn't quite fit the puzzle.  In 1987 Cal Ripken, Sr took over a bad team as manager and the ownership knew it was not a good team.  The team was flat out terrible except for Cal Jr and Eddie Murray.  John Shelby had potential but he was gone by next year and Fred Lynn was well beyond his prime.  So Ripken, Sr. started the 1988 season as skipper of a sinking ship.   The O's lost two straight to the Brewers then were swept in four straight against the Indians.  Although the Orioles had promised Senior a fair chance to manage, he was fired after the sixth game.  He was replaced with Frank.  It was a terrible start to the season.  After 21 games the O's had not won a game.  Not even the 1962 Mets were that bad.  Starting with a 21 game deficit was obviously not a good way to go but there were bright spots by the end of the season.  Mike Boddicker was traded to the eventual AL East champion Red Sox.  In return they got a young lead off hitter named Brady Anderson.  They had a nice young center fielder waiting to be brought up from the minors named Mike Devereaux.  They had a young starting pitching staff with Jeff Ballard, Pete Harnisch, Curt Schilling, Jamie Moyer and a minor leaguer named Mike Mussina.  In the draft they got a good arm in Ben McDonald.  The future was bright.

Photo of Frank Robinson Courtesy of totalprosports.com

The 1989 season was the exact opposite of the 1988 season.  Eddie Murray was gone, replaced by an under rated young first baseman named Randy Milligan who had a career year. Third base, a problem since Brooks Robinson retired, was held down by a rookie sensation Craig Worthington.  Behind the plate Mickey Tettleton, known as the Froot Loop kid for his love of the cereal, teamed with Milligan, DH Sam Horn and Cal Ripken Jr to form a solid middle lineup and Joe Orsulak was a defensive expert in right field.  Add to that a young relief ace named Greg Olson, nicknamed Wild Thing and the team was in first for most of the year.  The magic lasted almost all year but on the final weekend of the season the O's broke a wing and fell to the Blue Jays to finish second in the AL east.  Despite a second place finish the turn around won Frank Manager of the year.  Frank would manage two more years and the expectations were high but the results were disappointing.

He did, however, become an executive in the Orioles organization.  While there he made one of the worst trades in history.  He sent Curt Schilling, Pete Harnisch and Steve Finley to the Houston Astros for first baseman Glenn Davis.  Davis immediately injured his back and played few games while Finley, Harnisch and Schilling went on to tremendous careers.

Frank would get a final chance to manage with a dying organization when MLB took over the Expos organization in 2002.  With little talent and less money he led the Expos to second and fourth place finishes keeping them in the race long past the expectations of the experts and receiving serious consideration as manager of the year.  When the Expos moved to Washington for 2005 Frank became the first manager of the new franchise.  They finished 81-81 but last in the AL East.  The second year in Washington was a 71-91 finish and Robinson was replaced at the end of the year by Manny Acta.

Photo of Frank Robinson as Expos Manager Courtesy of ESPN

Legacy
Frank Robinson retired as a player in 1976.  When all was said and done he had 2943 hits, 586 Home Runs, 1829 runs, 1812 RBI, and a .294 average.  In 1982 Frank Robinson became eligible for the Hall of Fame for the first time, the same year that Hank Aaron became eligible for the Hall of Fame.  Aaron appeared on 97.8 % of the ballots (who the hell were the ones who didn't vote for Hank Aaron as a Hall of Fame player?).  Receiving 89.2% of the votes and being elected on his first ballot was Frank Robinson.  Robby was a leader who elevated the play of those around him and a pioneer who won a triple crown, two MVP's, two World Series rings and became the first African American Manager.  Best of all Frank Robinson is the forgotten man in the conversation for greatest player of all time.

*This is not intended as a full biography and due to space I have done my best to summarize the life of the players in this series.  For further information on Frank Robinson please check out
Videos:
Ken Burns Baseball


Websites:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/
http://sabr.org/

Books:
Extra Innings by Frank Robinson
Pitching, Defense and Three Run Homers:  the 1970 Baltimore Orioles by Society for Advancementof Baseball Research, Mark Armour and Malcolm Allen
The Baltimore Orioles: Four Decades of Magic from 33rd Street to Camden Yards by Ted Patterson
Black and Blue: Sandy Koufax, the Robinson Boys and the World Series that Stunned America by Tom Adelman
Before the Machine:  The Story of the 1961 Pennant Winning Reds by Mark J. Schmetzer
Pennant Race by Jim Brosnan
Anaheim Angels: A Complete History by Ross Newhan
The National Baseball Hall of Fame Almanac (2013 Edition) by Baseball America

TRIVIA QUESTION:

Frank Robinson managed four teams (Indians, Giants, Orioles and Expos/Nationals) for 16 years as a Major League Manager.  He did not make the playoffs as a manager.  How many regular season games did Frank win as a manager?

Answer to Last Week's Trivia Question:

Harry Davis, the original First Baseman of the $100,000 infield began his career in 1895. He was a big part of the 1905 and 1910 Athletics AL Championship teams. By the time the 1911 season rolled around his playing days were mostly over and following the 1914 season he hung around for a few years but played a total of seven games for the Athletics, retiring after the 1917 season.

Last week's article showed us that Baker moved on to the Yankees and played on their first two World Series teams, although he retired before they won their first one in 1923.

Stuffy McInnis stayed with the Athletics until 1917.  He moved onto the Red Sox in 1918 where he was a member of the World Champion Sox team.  He also moved on to Cleveland (1922) and the Boston Braves (1923-1924)  In 1925 he moved on to the Pirates and made strong contributions to the team that beat Walter Johnson, Goose Goslin, Sam Rice and the Senators giving him 2 World Series titles.  He finished with the Phillies in 1927.

Eddie Collins, considered by many as the greatest second baseman of all time, was sent to the White Sox immediately after the 1914 loss.  The White Sox won the 1917 World Series then lost (threw) the 1919 World Series to the Reds.  Collins was not one of the Black Sox and remained the key player on the White Sox until 1926.  He returned to play a few games for Connie Mack again in 1927 and retired in 1930.

Jack Barry, known as Black Jack, was moved to the Red Sox part way through the 1915 season.  He played on the Boston teams that beat the Phillies (1915) and Robins (1916) in the World Series.  Although he was on the 1918 roster he was not active as he was serving in World War I.  

So the final totals: Davis 0, Baker 0, McInnis 2, Collins 1 and Barry 2.  Total: 5

2014 National League West Preview

***The Division Preview that follows is not betting advice in any way shape or form.  Please do not bet any money based in any part on these predictions.***

Don't forget to check out the American League East, American League Central, and American League West , National League East  and National League CentralPreviews and check back next week for the Final Predictions.

Los Angeles Dodgers Logo Courtesy of Sports Logos.net

Los Angeles Dodgers

Who's New?:

CATCHERS/INFIELDERS

J.C. Boscan (C) free agent from Cubs

Miguel Olivo (C) free agent from Marlins

Brendan Harris (IF) free agent from Rangers,
Justin Turner (IF) free agent from Mets

OUTFIELDERS

STARTING PITCHERS

Dan Haren (SP) free agent from Nationals,
Paul Maholm (SP) free agent from Braves

RELIEF PITCHERS

Chris Perez (RP) free agent from Indians,
Jamie Wright (RP) free agent from Rays

Who Left?: 

 CATCHERS/INFIELDERS
Nick Punto (IF) free agent to Athletics,
Skip Schumacher (IF) free agent to Reds,
Mark Ellis (2B) free agent to Cardinals,
 John Baker (C) free agent to Cubs
Michael Young (IF) retired
Jerry Hairston (IF) unsigned free agent
OUTFIELDERS
STARTING PITCHERS
Ted Lilly (SP) retired,
Rickey Nolasco (SP) free agent to Twins,
Edinson Volquez (SP) free agent to Pirates,
Jonathan Sanchez (SP) free agent to Cubs
Chris Capuano (SP) free agent to Red Sox
RELIEF PITCHERS
Pete Moylan (RP) free agent to Astros,
Ronald Belisario (RP) free agent to White Sox,
Carlos Marmol (RP) free agent to Marlins
Winter Headlines: 
Mattingly's battle for recognition.  
Kershaw wins Cy Young gets big extension.
What to Expect?:
The Dodgers have a surplus of All Star outfielders.  That would seem to be a plus but last year they said they had a surplus of starting pitchers yet they somehow were scrambling for starters at the trade deadline.  The question this year is what they can expect from the outfielders and whether they should expect a repeat of the success of last year.  Ethier, Crawford and Kemp all seem to have health issues and Puig seems to be a bit immature at times.  The pitching rotation of Kershaw, Greinke and Ryu is set at the top and the signing of Haren and Maholm gives them some depth.  Both Beckett and Billingsley are hoping to come back healthy.  Billingsley says he feels like his recovery has given him a brand new arm.  Expect this team to be on top all season long and be the favorite coming out of the National League at the end of the year.
Why Should You Root for These Guys?:
There is a perception that the Dodgers are buying themselves a championship and it is true that many of the key players came via major trades.  Realistically the Dodgers have many players who are home grown.  Billingsley, Kemp, Ethier, A.J. Ellis and Kershaw all came of age with the Dodgers.  True this team has spent money the last two years but many of the players have suffered through tough times with the previous ownership.
Why Might This Season Not Turn Out the Way Dodgers Fans Want?:
The Dodgers have a strong outfield, a strong pitching rotation and half of a good infield.  Their main problem spots are coming from Second Base, Third Base and the bullpen.  The Dodgers signed Brendan Harris from the Rangers but he has been inconsistent and the backup of Dee Gordon has not been the success the team had hoped.  The team will start the season with unproven Alex Guerrero at second but Harris and Gordon will compete for the job as well.  Juan Uribe is back at third and the fans will always remember his huge Home Run in the playoffs but  Uribe's regular season numbers with the Dodgers had fans booing right up until the end of the regular season.  The bull pen remains a question and was a big reason they were not able to win it all last year.  Also, don't forget the rift between Mattingly and ownership over the long term contract.  On the surface this has healed but it could still be simmering behind closed doors.
Don't Expect Too Much From Him:
Matt Kemp has been a big part of the success of the Dodgers since he came into the league in 2006.  Unfortunately, injuries took a major toll last year.  When Kemp missed time with injuries Puig stepped in and took over.  Kemp will still be a big contributor and leader to any success the Dodgers have but don't expect him to challenge for a Triple Crown the way he did a few years ago.
Expect Great Things From:
Clayton Kershaw is one of the best pitchers in the league and is clearly the ace of the staff.  Just behind him is Zach Greinke.  These two have a long way to go before they see comparisons to Koufax and Drysdale but having two top line starters at the front of the rotation is a help.  Hyun Jin Ryu had a bit of a slow start in his first month (although he pitched better than his record) and he became one of the most consistent players on the team.  Expect these three to keep the Dodgers at the top of the division, regardless of the rest of the rotation.
Is This His Last Chance?:
Entering the 2012 season Dan Haren looked almost unhittable in the preseason.  With the high expectations for the Halos that year it was expected that Haren and Weaver would take the Angels to the promised land.  Haren immediately suffered from back problems and spent time on the DL for the first time in his career.  Since then Haren has struggled.  He was expected to help the Nationals in 2013 but health again played a part  Haren will need to find his old form if the Dodger are going to take the next step.
Prediction:1st in NL West

San Francisco Giants Logo courtesy of Sports Logos.net

San Francisco Giants

Who's New: 

CATCHERS/INFIELDERS

OUTFIELDERS

Michael Morse (OF) free agent fom Orioles
Tyler Colvin (OF) free agent from Rockies

STARTING PITCHERS

 Tim Hudson (SP) free agent from Braves,
David Huff (SP) trade from Yankees
RELIEF PITCHERS
Juan Gutierrez (RP) free agent from Angels
Kameron Loe (RP) free agent from Braves

Who Left:  

CATCHERS/INFIELDERS

Johnny Monell (C) trade to Orioles,
Guillermo Moscoso (C) free agent to Japan
Jeff Francoeur (IF) free agent to Indians
OUTFIELDERS
 Francisco Paguero (OF) free agent to Orioles,
 Kensuke Tanaka (OF) free agent to RAngers,
Andres Torres (OF) unsigned free agent
STARTING PITCHERS
Barry Zito (SP) unsigned free agent
RELIEF PITCHERS
Chad Gaudin (RP) free agent to Phillies
Jose Mijares (RP) free agent to Red Sox
Winter Headlines:  
Lincecum returns for one more try,
Zito gone ending hopes of Zito Hudson reunion?
Posey will not move to first.
What to Expect?:
The Giants had a season that left their fans saying "what the hell just happened?"  They defended their World Series win with a shocking fall from the playoffs.  Cain, Bumgarner, Lincecum and Vogelsong all fell off.  The Giant's have not added much to the team but expect them to bounce back to the competitive form of the previous few years.
Why Should You Root for These Guys?:
The Giants have a long and proud history dating back to the start of the National League.  The history stretches long before the 1950's move to San Francisco and includes such luminaries in the history of the game like Mays, McCovey, Ott, Terry, McGraw and Mathewson.  Besides, it is always great to have the Giants and Dodgers battling for the top spot.
Why Might This Season Not Turn Out the Way Giants Fans Want?:
The pitching staff had a disastrous season last year (making it two years in a row for Lincecum).  The strength of the World Series Championship teams came solely from the success of the pitching staff.  If Cain, Baumgarner and Vogelsong struggle again it could be a long season.
Don't Expect Too Much From Him:
Tim Hudson has been a strong presence in playoff team rotations since the early 2000's starting with the A's and then the Braves.  Hudson was having a good year again last year but suffered a gruesome injury late in the season.  Hudson turns 39 in July and overcoming an injury of that sort is not as easily done at his age  Hudson is projected as the fourth starter so the pressure will be less but don't expect more more than about 10 wins.
Expect Great Things From:
Buster Posey is a special type of player.  A catcher who is great defenisvely, hits for average and hits for power.  There had been talks of Posey moving to first but the Giants have denied that and Giants fans should be happy he is staying put behind the plate.  Posey is one of the best Catchers of this generation.  His numbers were down slightly last year but expect Posey to bounce back this year and lead the Giants to the playoffs again.
Is This His Last Chance?:
Tim Lincecum is a two time Cy Young winner and finished in the top ten in voting two additional times.  He made 4 All Star Teams and even pitched a no hitter last year.  Unfortunately what looked like the start to a Hall of Fame career has turned into a game by game proposition.  Lincecum was given a new two year contract but the Giants seem to have lost patience with his struggles.
Prediction:2nd in NL West.  Wild Card

Arizona Diamondbacks Logo Courtesy of Sports Logos.net

Arizona Diamondbacks:

Who's New: 

CATCHERS/INFIELDERS

Blake Lailli (C) from Brewers,
Henry Blanco (C) free agent from Mariners
Shelley Duncan (1B) free agent from Rays,
OUTFIELDERS
 Mark Trumbo (OF/DH) trade from Angels,
STARTING PITCHERS
Bronson Arroyo (SP) free agent from Reds
RELIEF PITCHERS
Addison Reed (RP) trade from White Sox,
Oliver Perez (RP) free agent from Mariners

Who Left:  

CATCHERS/INFIELDERS

Willie Bloomquist (IF) free agent to Mariners, 

Wil Nieves (C) free agent to Phillies, 

Josh Wilson (SS) free agent to Rangers,
Eric Hinske (1B) released

OUTFIELDERS

Adam Eaton (OF) trade to White Sox,

STARTING PITCHERS

RELIEF PITCHERS

Shawn Camp (RP) free agent to Phillies,
Heath Bell (RP) trade to Rays,
David Holmberg (RP) trade to Reds,
Tyler Skaags (RP) traded to Angels,
Matt Davidson (RP) traded to White Sox
Tony Sipp (RP) free agent to Padres
What to Expect?:
Arizona surprised a lot of people last year by staying in contention late into the final month and it was due mostly to Paul Goldschmidt and Patrick Corbin.  The team has made only two major additions in Mark Trumbo and Bronson Arroyo and may have overachieved last year.  Expect them to stay towards the middle of the division and possibly challenge for the final wild card spot but with a talented Dodgers and Giants team in this division don't expect a lot.
Why Might This Season Not Turn Out the Way Diamondback Fans Want?:
The talent level outside of a few players is just not there.  Corbin, Goldschmidt and Prado are great but Corbin is now out for the season.  Trumbo has flashes of greatness but there is always a question of adjustment in switching leagues (ask B.J. Upton and Albert Pujols).The Diamondbacks are not a terrible team but they are not in the same league as the top teams.
Don't Expect Too Much From Him:
Mark Trumbo was perceived to be on the verge of becoming a star in the American League if only the Angels didn't have so many Angels in the outfield.  Trumbo was tried at third base for awhile but that was a disaster.  He was moved to first base when Pujols was out but his best numbers came from the DH spot.  There is nowhere Trumbo can hide in the NL and he will need to improve his defense.  By the end of the year Trumbo should start to come around but his first few months may be a rough transition.
Expect Great Things From:
Paul Goldschmidt seemed to have it all figured out last year.  After showing some major flashes of potential in the previous years Goldschmidt finally had an MVP caliber year.  Expect him to continue that growth and become a star in the league.
Is This His Last Chance?:
Bronson Arroyo has been with the Reds since 2006.  He came to Cincinnati after a successful run with the Red Sox as part of the 2004 World Series team.  His time with the Reds was an up and down experience but as Cueto, Latos and Bailey moved their way to the top of the rotation, Arroyo found himself falling towards the back of it.  Arroyo could add a great veteran presence for some of the younger players but entering his 15th year in the Majors could mean he is on his way out.
Prediction: 3rd in NL West

San Diego Padres Logo Courtesy of Sports Logos.net

San Diego Padres

Who's New:  

CATCHERS/INFIELDERS

Alberto Gonzales (IF) free agent from Yankees, 

Ryan Jackson (IF) trade from Astros,
Rob Johnson (C) free agent from Cardinals

OUTFIELDERS

 Seth Smith (OF) trade from A's, 

STARTING PITCHERS

Josh Johnson (SP) free agent from Blue Jays,

Jesse Hahn (SP) trade from Rays 

RELIEF PITCHERS

Joaquin Benoit (RP) free agent from Tigers
Alex Torres (RP) trade from Rays
Tony Sipp (RP) free agent from Diamondbacks

Who Left:

CATCHERS/INFIELDERS

Jesus Guzman (1B) traded to Astros
Ronny Cedeno (SS) free agent to Phillies

OUTFIELDERS

Mark Kotsay (OF) retired,

Anthony Bass (OF) trad to Astros,  

Logan Forsythe (OF) trade to Rays
Ben Francisco (OF) unsigned free agent

STARTING PITCHERS

RELIEF PITCHERS 

 Jeff Decker (RP) trade to Pirates,
Anthony Bass (RP) trade to Astros
Colt Hynes (RP) to Indians,
Tommy Layne (RP) free agent to Red Sox,
Miles Mikolas (RP) traded to Pirates,
Luke Gregerson (RP) trade to A's,
Brad Brach (RP) trade to Orioles,
Sean O'Sullivan (RP) free agent to Phillies,
Brad Boxberger (RP) trade to Rays
Clayton Richard (RP) unsigned free agent
What to Expect?:
The Padres are still working to build a winner and they certainly have some great pieces in place.  The pitching rotation has potential to surprise a lot of people but they are not quite on the level of the Giants and Dodgers.  The Padres, if healthy, have an outside shot to be able to stay in the Wild Card race late into the season but it is a very long shot that they will finish in a playoff spot.
Why Might This Season Not Turn Out the Way Padres Fans Want?:
The pitching staff has a lot of potential to surprise but the inconsistent arms could also lead to a big disappointment.  Last year, with a lot of these same pieces in place, the Padres looked poised to jump up in the division and when the Dodgers and Giants got off to slow starts they had a window to build a lead.  Instead the Rockies and Diamondbacks fought their way to the top and the Padres just fought the Dodgers.
Don't Expect Too Much From Him:
Huston Street has had some amazing seasons as a closer, especially during his time in Colorado.  The problem in San Diego is not that his skills have diminished but his opportunities to save will be diminished.
Expect Great Things From:
Chase Headley was set to have a great year in 2013 but jammed his shoulder early in the season and he never quite got going until September. Headley looks to be starting the season in the same way this year and any chance the Padres have of winning rides with Headley.
Is This His Last Chance?:
Josh Johnson became a center of controversy during his last year in Miami.  Ozzie Guillien questioned why he was being praised for being average when he had the potential to be great.  Johnson, and the rest of the Marlins, ended that season terribly but it was hoped that a change in scenery to Toronto last year would help.  It didn't.  Johnson was unable to fulfill his potential there.  If the Padres hope to have a chance at the playoffs and if Johnson hopes to continue his career he will need to show he is capable of reaching his potential.
Prediction:4th place in NL West

Colorado Rockies Logo Courtesy of Sports Logos.net

Colorado Rockies:

Who's New:  

CATCHERS/INFIELDERS

Justin  Mourneau (1B) free agent from Pirates, 

Michael McKenry (C) free agent from Pirates
Paul Janish (SS) free agent from Braves

OUTFIELDERS

Brandon Barnes (OF) trade from Astros,

Drew Stubbs (OF) trade from Indians,

Jason Priddie (OF) free agent from Orioles

STARTING PITCHERS

Pedro Hernandez (SP) free agent from Twins,
Brett Anderson (SP) trade from Athletics,
RELIEF PITCHERS
Greg Burke (RP) free agent from Mets,
LaTroy Hawkins (RP) free agent from Mets,
Jordan Lyles (RP) trade from Astros,
Boone Logan (RP) free agent from Yankees,
Franklin Morales (RP) trade from Red Sox,
Nick Masset (RP) free agent from Reds

Who Left:  

CATCHERS/INFIELDERS

Todd Helton (1B) retired,
 Jonathan Herrera (IF) trade to Red Sox,
Yorvit Torrealba (C) free agent to Angels
OUTFIELDERS
Dexter Fowler (OF) trade to Astros,
 Drew Pomeranz (OF) trade to Athletics,
Tyler Colvin (OF) free agent to Giants
STARTING PITCHERS
Jordan Lyles (SP) trade to Astros,
Jeff Manship (SP) free agent to Phillies,
Jeff Francis (SP) free agent to Reds
Jon Garland (SP) released
Roy Oswalt (SP) unsigned free agent
RELIEF PITCHERS
Chris Volstad (RP) free agent to Angels,
Logan Kensing (RP) free agent to Mariners
Edgmer Escalona (RP) free agent to Orioles,
Josh Outman (RP) trade to Indians,
Hisaniru Takahashi (RP) free agent to Japan
Mitchell Boggs (RP) free agent to White Sox
Raphael Betancourt  (RP) unsigned free agent
Winter Headlines:  
Tulo not for sale but Fowler goes cheap. (Tem refused to move Tulowitski but traded Dexter Fowler for almost nothing)
Helton gone. (Todd Helton, Mr. Rockie, retired and will have his number retired on 8/17)
What to Expect?:
The Rockies were surprisingly not terrible last year and even stayed competitive to the all star break.  They have now lost several of their main stars including Todd Helton and Dexter Fowler.  The replacements of Justin Morneau and Drew Stubbs are not terrible but they are not likely to have the same impact as the players they are replacing.  With a strong Dodgers and Giants team in this division and a competitive Diamondbacks group expect the Rockies to sink back to the bottom of the division this year.
Why Should You Root for These Guys?:
These guys are the small market underdog in the big market division.  The Giants and Dodgers can out spend this team  any day and have done so.  The Rockies have built their team (mostly) from the ground up.  They still have a big mountain to climb before competing with the big boys.
Why Might This Season Not Turn Out the Way Rockies Fans Want?:
Simple.  They just don't have the talent.  There was a perception at the winter meetings that the Rockies were very active, and they were.  The problem is that the moves they made did not add anyone who could change the organization.
Don't Expect Too Much From Him:
During the early 2000's, as the Twins organization rebuilt itself Justin Mourneau had a huge part in that success, even winning an MVP award.  Since then he has suffered greatly with the effects of concussions which have decreased his playing time and his productivity.  Mourneau is healthy now and should be productive but don't expect him to win another MVP award.
Expect Great Things From:
2013 was the exact opposite of 2012 for Troy Tulowitzki.   In 2012 Tulo fought through injuries and missed the greater part of the season.  A healthy 2013 led to a great season for Tulo with 25 HR, 80 RBI and a .312 average.  In fact it was one of his best seasons of his career so far.  Look for Tulo to improve on that great season.
Is This His Last Chance?:
LaTroy Hawkins has been pitching in the major leagues since 1995.  He has had a great career but at 40 years old Hawkins has yet to play for a World Series team.  He signed a one year deal with Colorado but it is not likely that the Rockies will get him the ring.
Prediction:5th in NL West

TRIVIA QUESTION:

With three teams in this division less than 50 years old there is a perception that this division is under represented in the World Series.  Since the start of three division play in 1994 how many times has the National League Champion come from the National League West?

Answer to Last Week's Question:

The Cubs last won the World Series in 1908, although the Tinker, Evers and Chance era Cubs made it back to the World Series in 1910.  With Evers missing action due to a fractured ankle the A's won easily 4 games to 1.  The Cubs would not return to the World Series until they lost to the Red Sox in 1918,  Another eleven year gap between appearances led to another loss as Hack Wilson was blamed for a 10 run inning that turned the tide towards the A's and 4-1 series loss in 1929.  1932 saw the Cubs swept out of the World Series by Ruth, Gehrig and the Yankees. 1935 saw Hank Greenberg and the Tigers beat the Cubs in revenge for the 1907 and 1908 losses.  In 1938 they were swept again by DiMaggio and the Yankees. 1945 saw them lose again to Hank Greenberg and the Tigers, this time in seven games and the famous curse was cast.  The Cubs would wait nearly 40 years before getting their next chance at the post season as 1984 saw Leon Durham get the blame for a team collapse against the Padres in the NLCS.  Five years later Andre Dawson would lead the Cubs to the 1989 NLCS only to lose to the Giants.  Sammy Sosa led the Cubs to the 1998 NLDS but the Cubs were swept by the Braves. Five more years in between appearances led to 2003's debacle with Steve Bartman getting the blame.  The 2007 Cubs surprised many people by winning their division but could not advance past the first round.  The 2008 Cubs had the best record in the National League but fell to Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers.  2008 was their 12th appearance since the 1910 loss to the Athletics.