Who would be the choice of Bauxites? None of us bet, right?
Who would be the choice of Bauxites? None of us bet, right?
500 Home Run guys: There is a chance that five players will join the 500-Home Run Club this year, which would be a first. Frank Thomas is 13 away. Jim Thome is 28 away. Manny Ramirez is 30 away. Alex Rodriguez is 36 away. Gary Sheffield needs 45. This used to be an exclusive little club. Now it's up to 20. Soon, the 20 will become 25. In another 15 years, there are going to be 35. Get used to the growth.
It raises an interesting point ...
No, it's not just about Adam Lind ... today on ESPN.com, the always-excellent Alan Schwarz, a friend of Batter's Box, takes a look around the majors at five rookies who may make a major impact in 2007. That's five (Young, Gordon, Garza, Tulowitzki and Lincecum, FYI) other than Daisuke Matsuzaka, of course -- and there's also a sidebar about the fading promise of Joel Guzman.
So to put the question before you, Bauxites ... forget about "Rookie of the Year" predictions for the moment. What rookies, both in Toronto and elsewhere, will make the biggest impact on MLB in the upcoming season?
Thanks to TA for the tip.
Gwynn and Ripken were pretty obvious selections. The vote next year should be very interesting when Tim Raines is added to the ballot.
Just a few minor "rules" ....
So what baseball-related gifts did people get?
Don't be shy -- Christmas "loot" is all about showing off, so ... what'dja get???
My new secret weapon:
Jason Schmidt cashes in today - 3 years, $47 million.
UPDATE (9:45 pm): Lilly to the Cubs is official now. Four years, $40 million.