Thursday, February 12, 2009

O.K. - WHO'S NEXT???



My wife asked me what I think is the best question not asked since the A-Rod revelations hit the fan. If the remaining names on the list of 104 finds its way out to the public, what name would have to be on it to either shock the sensibilities of the fans or drag the games reputation down any further then it is now?

The obvious first response to me would be Derek Jeter. Other than Cal Ripken (who had retired by 2003), I'm not sure if anyone else in this era has a more squeaky clean image and the superstar stats.

My Top Ten List went like this:
1. Derek Jeter
2. Greg Maddux
3. Curt Schilling
4. Frank Thomas
5. Jeff Kent
6. Albert Pujols
7. Manny Ramirez
8. David Ortiz
9. Jim Thome
10. Ichiro Suzuki

Did I leave anyone out? Rememeber, Ripken, Tony Gwynn, Dale Murphy, Rickey Henderson and others who would make fine additions to the list, were not around in 2003.

Some have had "whispers" attached to their name, some are part of the "finger-wagging", Rafael Palmeiro wing and would set the crusader movement back a bit.

But all would be surprising and earth-shaking names.

The list almost has to come out at this point because it has been compromised enough as it is. Too many eyeballs have seen it that it is no longer "confidential".

The drip-drip water torture like release of names attached to the list will plague the game for a decade if it does not come out. The collateral damage to other "innocent" players may be the greater good to be protected over the "confidentiality" of the agreement. That horse has long since left the barn.

It just seems like every time we think that the final shoe has dropped and the fans can't get slapped in the face any worse, another shot comes from out of nowhere.

This could get very interesting.

1 comment:

Charles Slavik, CPT*D said...

I'll add Ken Griffey, Jr. and Mariano Rivera among he actives.

Giants Top Minor League Prospects

  • 1. Joey Bart 6-2, 215 C Power arm and a power bat, playing a premium defensive position. Good catch and throw skills.
  • 2. Heliot Ramos 6-2, 185 OF Potential high-ceiling player the Giants have been looking for. Great bat speed, early returns were impressive.
  • 3. Chris Shaw 6-3. 230 1B Lefty power bat, limited defensively to 1B, Matt Adams comp?
  • 4. Tyler Beede 6-4, 215 RHP from Vanderbilt projects as top of the rotation starter when he works out his command/control issues. When he misses, he misses by a bunch.
  • 5. Stephen Duggar 6-1, 170 CF Another toolsy, under-achieving OF in the Gary Brown mold, hoping for better results.
  • 6. Sandro Fabian 6-0, 180 OF Dominican signee from 2014, shows some pop in his bat. Below average arm and lack of speed should push him towards LF.
  • 7. Aramis Garcia 6-2, 220 C from Florida INTL projects as a good bat behind the dish with enough defensive skill to play there long-term
  • 8. Heath Quinn 6-2, 190 OF Strong hitter, makes contact with improving approach at the plate. Returns from hamate bone injury.
  • 9. Garrett Williams 6-1, 205 LHP Former Oklahoma standout, Giants prototype, low-ceiling, high-floor prospect.
  • 10. Shaun Anderson 6-4, 225 RHP Large frame, 3.36 K/BB rate. Can start or relieve
  • 11. Jacob Gonzalez 6-3, 190 3B Good pedigree, impressive bat for HS prospect.
  • 12. Seth Corry 6-2 195 LHP Highly regard HS pick. Was mentioned as possible chip in high profile trades.
  • 13. C.J. Hinojosa 5-10, 175 SS Scrappy IF prospect in the mold of Kelby Tomlinson, just gets it done.
  • 14. Garett Cave 6-4, 200 RHP He misses a lot of bats and at times, the plate. 13 K/9 an 5 B/9. Wild thing.

2019 MLB Draft - Top HS Draft Prospects

  • 1. Bobby Witt, Jr. 6-1,185 SS Colleyville Heritage HS (TX) Oklahoma commit. Outstanding defensive SS who can hit. 6.4 speed in 60 yd. Touched 97 on mound. Son of former major leaguer. Five tool potential.
  • 2. Riley Greene 6-2, 190 OF Haggerty HS (FL) Florida commit.Best HS hitting prospect. LH bat with good eye, plate discipline and developing power.
  • 3. C.J. Abrams 6-2, 180 SS Blessed Trinity HS (GA) High-ceiling athlete. 70 speed with plus arm. Hitting needs to develop as he matures. Alabama commit.
  • 4. Reece Hinds 6-4, 210 SS Niceville HS (FL) Power bat, committed to LSU. Plus arm, solid enough bat to move to 3B down the road. 98MPH arm.
  • 5. Daniel Espino 6-3, 200 RHP Georgia Premier Academy (GA) LSU commit. Touches 98 on FB with wipe out SL.

2019 MLB Draft - Top College Draft Prospects

  • 1. Adley Rutschman C Oregon State Plus defender with great arm. Excellent receiver plus a switch hitter with some pop in the bat.
  • 2. Shea Langliers C Baylor Excelent throw and catch skills with good pop time. Quick bat, uses all fields approach with some pop.
  • 3. Zack Thompson 6-2 LHP Kentucky Missed time with an elbow issue. FB up to 95 with plenty of secondary stuff.
  • 4. Matt Wallner 6-5 OF Southern Miss Run producing bat plus mid to upper 90's FB closer. Power bat from the left side, athletic for size.
  • 5. Nick Lodolo LHP TCU Tall LHP, 95MPH FB and solid breaking stuff.