As much as everyone wanted Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers to be the feel good story of the year, but my vote goes to Fernando Tatis of the New York Mets. Until Tatis got hurt near the end of the season, I thought he had a great chance at Comeback Player of the Year in the National League. However, Tatis finished fifth in the voting as Philadelphia Phillies closer Brad Lidge took the honors.

But it was a nice comeback for Tatis, no matter where he finished in the voting. To be honest, it was shocking to hear that Tatis was back in Major League Baseball. Yet, not only was he back in the big leagues, but he was a main contributor for a few months when the Mets were on a roll.

Tatis actually came back into baseball in order to raise money to buy land in order to build a church in the Dominican Republic. After a two year absence from the game, this was his motivation for returning.

In his injury-shortened season with the Mets, Tatis batted .297 with 11 home runs and 47 runs batted in. It was a surprise season for Tatis and in my opinion the feel good story of the year. I just wish he would have received more votes for the Comeback Player of the Year award.

Image: Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

Why no more love for Fernando Tatis?

Detroit Tigers General Manager Dave Dombrowski has finally admitted it was a mistake trading away young right-hander Jair Jurrjens in exchange for shortstop Edgar Renteria. I was really hoping he would actually admit it was a mistake and he finally did just that.

Jurrjens was a budding starting pitcher in the Tigers organization and when the team (and fans) smelled a hint of another winning season on the horizon, Dombrowski decided to clear out the farm system to acquire some veteran players. Jurrjens was shipped to the Atlanta Braves so that Renteria could become the everyday shortstop for the Tigers. Along with that move, Carlos Guillen was moved over to first base in order to make room for Renteria.

Renteria’s only other stint in the American League wasn’t very successful. Renteria hit just .276 with the Boston Red Sox in 2005 and saw hit strikeout total skyrocket. In 2008 with the Tigers, Renteria hit .270, score only 69 runs and post a .317 on base percentage. For these numbers, Dombrowski paid Renteria $9 million. It doesn’t take a diehard baseball fan to realize Renteria robbed the Tigers and the Braves got rid of the aging shortstop at the right time.

“We thought at the time that Renteria would be a difference maker for us at shortstop — the player that could put us over the hump,” Dombrowski said [in the Detroit Free Press]. “There’s no question — that was a miscalculation. I wish I had Jurrjens back, but we knew we were giving up a good player.”

Bad trades happen in baseball. It’s part of the game that gives guys like me something to talk about. I’m just happy to see that Dombrowski was acknowledged his mistake.

Image: Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

Tigers GM admits dealing for Edgar Renteria a ‘mistake’

Everyone stand up and thank Torii Hunter for stating the obvious. After learning that home runs were down around Major League Baseball in the biggest drop in 15 years, the Los Angeles Angels center fielder said the following:

“I think the steroid testing has something to do with it,” he said. “If there were any guys who were taking it, they’re not taking it anymore. I’d say it’s a small percentage, but of course it’s going to have an impact.”

We appreciate Hunter bringing this to our attention, but everyone, even non-baseball fans, knew that home run production would drop drastically after MLB instituted this drug testing policy.

According to an ESPN.com story, 2.01 home runs were hit this season, with Detroit Tigers infielder Miguel Cabrera leading the American League (37) and Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard topping the National League (48). Hunter went on to say the NL has advantage in long balls with more smaller parks.

Everyone likes the home run. It’s sexy, flashy and downright beastly, at times. But, what’s wrong with a few stolen bases, hit-and-runs, sacrifice bunts and putting the strategy back into the game. I certainly don’t mind it. But then again, chicks dig the long ball, as Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine remind us.

Image: Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

Torii Hunter states the obvious

Ladies and gentlemen: your American League East champions – the Tampa Bay Rays. This could be the biggest underdog story in recent history. The Rays will soon be making their first ever postseason appearance. Now, Joe Maddon’s biggest worry is figuring out which pitcher to start in game one of the divisional playoffs.

The Rays had not finished better than fourth in the AL East until this season. In fact, Tampa Bay had finished dead last in the AL East in nine of their last 10 seasons.

The Rays will be an interesting story to watch in the upcoming playoffs, including how well they handle their first trip to the postseason.

Image: Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

From worst to first – AL East champion Tampa Bay Rays

Molina, of Baseball Tonight fame (where the guys on set play “Name that Molina”) and brother to two other MLB catchers, was an unlikely choice to hit the final dinger. It would have been more fitting if Derek Jeter or Alex Rodriguez would have had the honor, but baseball is not predictable.

Here’s the video from the final home run at Yankee Stadium:

Post from: EveryJoe

The last home run in Yankee Stadium

If there were any three outs that were as gut wrenching as the ninth-inning outs Todd Jones pitched in recent years for the Detroit Tigers, I challenge anyone to point them out. Jones was known as the human roller coaster in Detroit, where it seemed every out was such a challenge for the 16-year MLB veteran. However, now, Jones is retiring from professional baseball.

In a recent Sporting News column, Jones said, “If you’re a Tigers fan, I’ll never stress you out again. If you’re not a Tigers fan, you’ll never have me as your ace in the hole, convinced I’ll blow a lead against your team.” At least Jones understands how he’ll be remembered.

Jones played for eight different MLB teams, including two tours with the Tigers. He made his only All-Star appearance in 2000 at Detroit.

Image: Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

Todd Jones to retire after 16 seasons

See the video after the jump.

Tigers and Indians brawl video:

Post from: EveryJoe

Tigers and Indians brawl – video

It’s been a long year for the Yankees, but you can bet the Bronx Bombers will put on a show in this final series for their fans.

Series rundown:
Friday: 7:05 p.m. ET, televised on MY9 in New York.
Saturday: 1:05 p.m. ET, televised on the YES network.
Sunday: 8:05 p.m. ET, televised on ESPN.

- All games can also be watched on MLB.tv (blackout restrictions apply).

Post from: EveryJoe

Last series ever at Yankee Stadium begins Friday

It’s all about those glasses. These aren’t rose-colored glasses or Drew Carey glasses. They are just plain old Joe Maddon glasses. But these glasses have a story. They (and Maddon, I guess) have led Tampa Bay to the top spot in the American League East – ahead of the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.

Before we get into this story of the Rays and their amazing run this season, I have to say that Maddon’s glasses are very similar to Lisa Loeb’s.

Now back to baseball. Tampa Bay has a magic number! Sure, this organization is used to having a number associated with their team, but it’s usually an elimination number and that usually popped up back in June or July. But this team, this season has a magic number and that number is 10. The Rays are that much closer to their first ever appearance in the playoffs. And the organization should thank the glasses. Not just any glasses, but the Joe Maddon’s glasses.

Maddon is a no-doubter for manager of the year in AL. Heck, give him an ESPY. Maybe he should get the Clemente Award too. Sure, he’s not eligible since that award is for players that have a positive influence on the community, but look what Maddon has done! His team is bringing fans to Tropicana Field. That’s not an easy thing to do in Florida.

Tampa Bay has been a surprise this season because of several reasons, but mainly because they are young and a small-market club. The Rays are without a player that is a household name in most areas of the country. This team isn’t flashy. They don’t overpower you. But what they do well is play hard – all game. They also have had outstanding pitching and timely hitting to bring them all the way to this point – which is 90 wins and sitting at the top of the AL East standings.

This young team, managed by Maddon, is sure to be party crashers when the 2008 postseason rolls around in a couple of weeks. And it’s all because of those glasses.

Image: Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

Joe Maddon and his glasses lead Tampa Bay to playoffs

Garcia’s last win in the big leagues came on April 22, 2007. Yet, he was able to put the last year or so behind him and finally get back on the mound to pick up a win. It’s just hard to believe the Tigers were able to hang on and not blow the lead to get Garcia the win. Then again, is there a MLB bullpen that can blow a 17-4 lead? If there is, it is in Detroit. But, for Garcia’s sake, the Tigers offense took care of this game.

Post from: EveryJoe

Freddy Garcia gets first win in almost 17 months