Monday, January 30, 2006
The Case Against Alan Benes
I recently called Neil Walker a "C" prospect, a grade that, in retrospect is off by a little. I had originally planned on judging the rookies tougher, but he was the first one. In retrospect, I would give him a B-/C+. At any rate, my review of Walker prompted Mike to threaten me with future "make fun of Slave" threats.
I would now like to revisit the "case against Alan Benes."
As many of you know, I had a famous rant about Benes 9 years ago. This famous quote can be read in its entirety on the Rabid Woofers section of Mike's website. Since that day, I have been subjected to such ill-treatment that mimes actually spoke out about the injustice of it all (double entendre).
Three of Alan's top 10 comparables are William Van Landingham, Jeff Juden, and KEVIN FOSTER! Along with Kevin Ritz, we have collectively insulted these pitchers more than any other in our league history. Why? Because they flat-out suck...just as Alan Benes did.
As I had said in the past, Gary Sheffield was attracting no trade interest while Benes was traded for Al Leiter. Last I looked, Sheffield was still getting MVP votes every year and Leiter had a sub 3.00 ERA just a couple years ago.
The point is this. I made fun of Benes. He had a short, unproductive career (aside from back-to-back 5-inning shutout bullpen stints for Mike against the Woofers one year - yes I am still incredibly bitter). In fact, he garnered 1 point of gray ink for his career - a measurement of Hall of Fame worthiness. Even Pat Zachry, Mike's most hated "lousy" player as a kid, garnered 22 points.
Despite being completely right, I must suffer Mike laughing at me and the number 19 to this very day. So his threat over Neil Walker is completely pointless. I have no doubt Mike will make fun of me...but only because Walker will be luky to break .220 in 100 AB's spread over 4 years in the major leagues. If Mike could judge talent in catchers, he may have held onto Michael Barrett last year.
I recently called Neil Walker a "C" prospect, a grade that, in retrospect is off by a little. I had originally planned on judging the rookies tougher, but he was the first one. In retrospect, I would give him a B-/C+. At any rate, my review of Walker prompted Mike to threaten me with future "make fun of Slave" threats.
I would now like to revisit the "case against Alan Benes."
As many of you know, I had a famous rant about Benes 9 years ago. This famous quote can be read in its entirety on the Rabid Woofers section of Mike's website. Since that day, I have been subjected to such ill-treatment that mimes actually spoke out about the injustice of it all (double entendre).
Three of Alan's top 10 comparables are William Van Landingham, Jeff Juden, and KEVIN FOSTER! Along with Kevin Ritz, we have collectively insulted these pitchers more than any other in our league history. Why? Because they flat-out suck...just as Alan Benes did.
As I had said in the past, Gary Sheffield was attracting no trade interest while Benes was traded for Al Leiter. Last I looked, Sheffield was still getting MVP votes every year and Leiter had a sub 3.00 ERA just a couple years ago.
The point is this. I made fun of Benes. He had a short, unproductive career (aside from back-to-back 5-inning shutout bullpen stints for Mike against the Woofers one year - yes I am still incredibly bitter). In fact, he garnered 1 point of gray ink for his career - a measurement of Hall of Fame worthiness. Even Pat Zachry, Mike's most hated "lousy" player as a kid, garnered 22 points.
Despite being completely right, I must suffer Mike laughing at me and the number 19 to this very day. So his threat over Neil Walker is completely pointless. I have no doubt Mike will make fun of me...but only because Walker will be luky to break .220 in 100 AB's spread over 4 years in the major leagues. If Mike could judge talent in catchers, he may have held onto Michael Barrett last year.
Comments:
I think it was Jason LaRue, who Slave let go in 2005, who was the one to push my team over the top to the best league record and then go on to win one for the thumb last year. His clutch power and working with Roger Clemens and Aaron Harang pushed them to their best career performances. Also, LaRue gave valuable inside information to the Woofer hitters' weaknesses, enabling my staff to hold his "mighty" offense to a pathetic 3.5 runs per game in the championship series. I'm sure Slave will LaRue the day he let that guy walk for years to come!
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