He’s still in the league?
Posted on April 13, 2008
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Millions of kids play baseball around the world. Thousands of them go on to play professionally at some level. At any given moment, however, there are only about 750 people who can refer to themselves as being major leaguers.
It’s out on the fringe of that 750 that shows just how difficult it is for big league teams to find big league talent.
I’m sure that at some point in this young season you have been watching a game and wondered out loud, “That guy is still in the league??!” I’ve had several of those moments, starting with the opening series in Japan when Keith Foulke took the mound for Oakland. As is the case for many closers, Foulke suddenly crashed in 2005 after a stellar ‘04 season in which he was a key cog in the Red Sox’s World Series team. He was brutal again in ‘06 and took all of last season off with an elbow injury. He’s back with Oakland and pitching well, with a 2.57 ERA in 7.0 innings. He even has a save already.
Here are some other guys that fit into that same category, not including Fernando Tatis, who nearly made the Mets out of spring training:
Brian Moehler, SP, Astros
Further proof that the major-league strike zone is a very small place. Moehler’s lone skill for years has been the ability to throw the ball consistently in the strike zone. The ball doesn’t do anything special on its way there. The important thing is that it gets there — unless it gets clobbered. Last year in 60 IP for the Astros he gave up eight home runs but was effective because of his control; his 108 ERA+ represented his best season since 1998 with the Tigers. He’s basically a batting practice pitcher from 60-feet, 6 inches. At least, that is the case when he’s not allowed to use sandpaper on the baseball.
Gabe Kapler, OF, Brewers
Kapler scooted away to Japan just as the MLB drug policy got tougher. Given enough time to cycle off of anything he may have been using, he’s back with the Brewers and playing well in a reserve role after a bizarre stint as a minor-league manager.
Paul Bako, C, Reds
The pool of catching talent is so low that Bako might make the All-Star team. Hey he’s batting .346 so far.
Mark Redman, LHP, Rockies
Another soft-tossing lefty/control-artist type. The guy made the All-Star team two years ago. He’s not going anywhere.
Jon Lieber, RP, Cubs
The Cubs should let him start some day games at Wrigley. He used to be unbeatable in those instances.
Kent Mercker, RP, Reds
Left-handed = job for life.
Hideo Nomo, SP, Royals
I remember getitng into a massive bidding war for him in an auction league about 10 years ago.
Jose Cruz Jr., OF, Astros
He played in 91 games for the Padres last year. Who knew?
Chan Ho Park, RP, Dodgers
Oh no, not again.
A lot of pitchers on this list. This also shows how reluctant GMs are to go with an untested minor leaguer when they can go with an “experience veteran who has been there before.” Rest assured Steve Trachsel will still have a rotation spot in five years.
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