MLB All-Jewish Team

As a member of the Jewish Community, and an avid baseball fan, it was very interested seeing an article last week featuring Texas Rangers All-Star 2b Ian Kinsler. The article focused on Kinsler embracing his Jewish faith, and using the lack of history regarding Jewish Athletes as motivation. Very interesting stuff. After reading the Kinsler article, I did a little research and came up with the MLB All-Jewish Team. The selection processes for the team,which is compiled of 8 starting position players (NO DH), 1 starting pitcher, 1 main relief pitcher, and 5 other subs (two pitchers, and three position bench players) was quite simple. Annual and overall statistics and exemplary play (all-star games, gold gloves, MVP) was the main criteria, however personal views towards the players was definitely a part of the selection process. 

So, now, without further ado, the MLB All-Jewish Team.

Catcher: Mike Lieberthal (1993-2007)

Lieberthal, a personal favorite of mine, was with the Phillies for 13 of his 14 years in baseball. Needless to say, as I was growing up a catcher in Little League, Leiberthal is who I looked up to, making him an easy choice. Even with the personal flair, Leiberthal has the best career statistics of any Jewish catcher. His career .274 BA, 150 HR, 610 RBI's are all tops among MLB Jewish Catchers, with ex-Dodgers catcher Steve Yeager and current Astros catcher Brad Ausmus second and third respectively in almost all offensive categories.  While Lieberthal gets the starting nod, catcher is probably the most injury-prone position on the baseball diamond just because of the wear and tear digging 95 MPH fastballs and knee-breaking curveballs takes on the body, so a backup catcher is needed. I have to give that to Ausmus, with his defensive statistics are far better than both Yeager and Lieberthal.

Backup: Brad Ausmus (1994-Present)

First Base: Hank Greenberg (1933-1947)

Hammerin' Hank, one of two Jewish players elected to the HOF, was a pretty easy selection here. The only roadblock in his way was the emergence of current Red Sox First Basemen Kevin Youkilis (about to be voted to his second all-star game this year). However, since Youkilis has played over a season in the Major League's an another position (3B), he has accepted the position change and embraced it, giving 1b to the former Tiger.  In a carrer including a three year break due to involvement in WW2, Greenberg's 331 HR's, 1276 RBI's, and a .313 batting average in 11 seasons makes him an easy pick.

Second Base: Ian Kinsler (2006-Present)

Since Kinsler is the basis of this entire post, it's pretty obvious he is the pick here. In three seasons prior to 2009, his averages of .290, 18 HR, 62 RBI's are pretty good, but not spectacular. His 2008 season was cut off by a sports hernia, but he was good enough in the first half of the season to be elected to his first all star game at age 26. In 2009, he is picking up right where he left off, in which he is currently third in the AL in all star votes behind Mark Teixeira, and our third baseman on this list.  Kinsler, is probably the third best 2b in baseball right now behind 2008 AL MVP Dustin Pedroia and Philadelphia's Chase Utley, but he is far and away the best Jewish 2b of all time.

Backup: David Newhan (1999-Present)

Most of you readers may not know this name, but he's had a pretty decent major league career. The son of a Los Angeles based journalist has bounced in and out of the majors, and has just over 5 years of MLB experience. Newhan's best year was in 2004, when the utility man hit .311 with 8 HR's and 54 RBI's with the Baltimore Orioles. Due to the fact that Newhan is Jewish, has played every infield position in his career besides pitcher and catcher, and is currently playing for the team that I am currently interning for (Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs), Newhan makes this team as a backup.

Shortstop: Lou Boudreau (1938-1952)

Sadly, there are no present-day Jewish SS to speak of, so here's a blast from the past. Never really heard of this guy, but looked at his career stats, and they are decent. Oh yea, he's also Jewish, and his 106 RBI's in 1945 combined with his .355 average gave him star-worthy notoriety.  His career numbers of .295, 68 HR, 795 RBI's, and 1776 hits rank favorably among shortstops at that time period of baseball, and are definitely worthy of giving him the starting nod here.

Third Base: Kevin Youkilis (2004-Present)

Youkilis came up in the Red Sox organization as a third baseman, and didn't start playing 1B full time until 2008, so he has enough experience playing the hot corner to mark this territory for the Jews. After 2005-2007 gave him decent years in Boston, 2008 was truly an Elton John-like coming out party for Youk, as he hit .312 with 29 HR and 115 RBI's, good enough to get him him first all-star bid, and enough of a reputation to rank in the top five in the 2008 MVP vote. Now, Youkilis is about to be a two-time all-star, in which he ranks second in the AL in votes behind Mark Teixeira, and is one of the most complete players in the game of baseball.

Outfield: Ryan Braun (2007-Present), Shawn Green (1993-2007), Gabe Kapler (1998-Present)

Although this outfield creates a glaring defensive liability, you have to play with what you got.

LF: Ryan Braun

First will start with Braun, one of best young players in the MLB today. A converted OF after starting his career at 3B, he is still getting used to shagging fly balls. However, what he loses in bad routes to the ball he makes up with a strong-arm, ranking in the top-5 in outfield assists in 2008. All this, and we forgot to talk about his hitting, meaning his reputation as one of the most feared hitters in MLB. In his first two full seasons as a big league ball-player, Braun's .301 BA, and averages of 35 HR's and 102 RBI's in those two years has won him a ROY (rookie of the year) trophy, and given him a chance to participate in the 2008 All-star game in his second year. Besides Greenberg and Kinsler and a certain pitcher that we haven't named yet, Braun was the easiest one to pick.

CF: Gabe Kapler

Kapler has been the ultimate OF utility man. However, Kapler has played all three OF positions in his career, something Green and Braun have not done. Therefore, Kapler is this team's CF. Although he may be a little past his prime defensively,  Kapler is currently resurrecting his career as an OF/DH in Tampa Bay after bouncing around the pro's, playing for six teams, experiencing his best three years in 1999-2001, where he averaged 15 HR's and 62 RBI's for the Orioles and the Rangers.

RF: Shawn Green

Green, a 15 year veteran, was a everyday starter in RF for the Blue Jays, Dodgers, and Diamondbacks for over a decade. While the fielding was adequate at best, boy could this guys hit. And by hit, I mean 328 HR's in his storied career (especially offensively), with 40+ homeruns in three of those seasons, making him one of the best power hitters of his generation. While that generation makes the stats somewhat skeptical, by which I mean inflated or at least affected by the steroid era, there is no knowledge of Green taking performance-enhancing drugs. Green is a sure-fire starter on this team.

Backup: Ruben Amaro Jr. (1991-1998)

Amaro never was a starter in the bigs, but team's need someone who provides a source for team chemistry. And who better than Amaro, the current GM for the Philadelphia Phillies, to make his presence felt on a team in that manner. Amaro has experience, and knows alot about the game of baseball, or at least enough to sign soon-to-be all-star OF Raul Ibanez to the best Free Agent contract of the 2009 signing period. That alone gets him on this team.

Starting Pitcher: Sandy Koufax (1955-1966)

Might be the most famous Jewish professional athlete in any of the four major sports. While his demeanor can be questions, his statistical accomplishments are undeniable. His 165-87 career record was highlighted by three 25+ win seasons, three 300+ strikeout seasons, making him a three-time Cy Young Award winner. What could be even more impressive is Koufax's sub 1.00 E.R.A in 7 World Series games, in which his obvious penchant for big-game situations makes it easy to give him the ball to take the mound.

Relief Pitcher: Scott Schoeneweis (1999-Present)

While Schoeneweis doesn't have attractive stats to the eyes of most baseball fans, which include a career 45-55 record 4.91 ERA, there has got to be a reason by he has pitched in 517 games in his career, which ranks him in the top-10 among active pitchers in 2009. Even if that reason is hard to find, the fact that the guy is still coming to the park to pitch after the tragic death of his wife in May 2009 means he deserves a spot on this team.

Backup: Jason Marquis (2000-Present), Jose Bautista (1988-1997)

Yes, I know what you are thinking. While it may be surprising, and believe me, I have more than double-checked this, but Jose Bautista does in fact have a Jewish mother, making him a candidate to make this team. While his stats aren't eye-popping either, Bautista enjoyed a couple good years in the mid-90's (10-3 in 1993) as a long reliever with the Cubs and the Giants, a perfect component of a good baseball team. Marquis on the other hand has pretty decent stats, with a 79-70 career record, and has been a formidable mid-level starter since 2005, where he went 15-7 for the Cardinals.

So, that's the team. Here is the starting lineup (NO DH) and the rest of the roster. 

1. SS Lou Bourdeau

2. 2B Ian Kinsler

3. LF Ryan Braun

4. 1B Hank Greenberg

5. 3B Kevin Youkilis

6. RF Shawn Green

7. C Mike Lieberthal

8. CF Gabe Kapler

9. P Sandy Koufax

Bench: C Brad Ausmus

Bench: INF David Newhan

Bench: OF Ruben Amaro

Bench: P Scott Schoeneweis

Bench: P Jason Marquis

Bench: P Jose Bautista

Looking at the roster, the obvious weakness is the bench. Amaro and Ausmus are career .230 hitters, and Newhan can't maintain a roster spot in the bigs for a consistent period of time. Let's just say if this team ever plays a game, injuries to the starting lineup would be very detrimental to the team's production. Another glaring weakness is the closer position, as Schoeneweis is an effective reliever, but has never had closer stuff.  

As for strengths, Koufax could be considered on of the best pitchers ever in the game of baseball. He is the definition of what you call an "ace".The starting lineup, especially 1-6 in the batting order, is deadly, with all six hitters hitting around .300 for their careers. Placing Kapler and Lieberthal in the lineup was honestly a toss-up, with Lieberthal's one 30+ HR season in 2001 a testament to his power, and his .274 career average just enough to give him an edge over Kapler.

Readers, check out the list of Jewish Baseball players at http://www.baseball-almanac.com/legendary/Jewish_baseball_players.shtml.

Let me know what you think about the lineups/rosters through comments.

Enjoy.

RIP Harry Kalas

This is one of those things that no one can prepare for. Friends and family members die, death is a part of life, it happens. But, for an entire city along with millions of other people to feel that they all just lost a beloved member of their family for a person that have never met, that’s saying something.

Harry the K was special. Like Harry Carey, Vin Scully, Joe Buck (the older one), Kalas was the best in the business.  His trademark voice was directly linked to the Philadelphia Phillies from the time he stepped in the broadcast booth in 1971, to the time he collapsed prepping for one of the 162 games per year that he almost always announced.

Look at Harry the K, look what he’s done. First of all, he is one of the few people in the past and present day media that had the ability to make sentence fragments like  “it’s outta here” catch phrases.  In an age of broadcasting that has transformed in time to where ex-athletes (ex: Gary “Sarge” Matthews) use garble and sometimes even Ebonics as dialogue during games, there was Harry the K, using his years and years of experience and a signature voice to grace the Philadelphia radio airwaves. Honestly, he was and still is so respected, that no one even mentions that he turned over to the dark side (he did play-by-play for the New York Giants as recently as this seasons), which is almost worthy of being put in the witness protection program.

As some aspiring broadcasters like myself do, we witness those who are linked in the media to Harry Kalas everyday. Stephen A. Smith, Howard Eskin, both considered members of the sports media in Philadelphia, just like Kalas was for almost four decades.  Eskin and Smith are both Radio and T.V personalities respectively, who have gained notoriety and fame just like Harry. But that’s where the comparisons end.  While Eskin and Stephen A. Smith may be entertainers, they are not class acts like Kalas was.  Harry the K was broadcaster, as pure as they come, and a damn good one at that.

For those who don’t believe in a higher being, after today, I challenge that.  Good people like Harry Kalas don’t deserve to suffer, and hopefully he didn’t. He collapsed and passed away in his sanctuary, his cathedral, where the combination of the smell of green grass, ballpark franks, and overpriced beer made for a proper setting for the game that Kalas viewed so sacredly (To put this into perspective, this is like Ron Jeremy passing away in the grotto of the Playboy Mansion).

As far as we know, there was no cancer, no stroke, and no chronic health problems. Just another day at the office, his beloved game to broadcast, and as fitting of manner as there is, there he went.

   RIP Harry Kalas 1936-2009

Same Faces, New Places: Offense

With NFL Free Agency starting this month, we are going to see some perennial pro-bowlers moving to a new location via free agency, or a trade. Here is a list of premiere players that either are free agents or also may possibly be traded from the team that they are under contract from. This entry will be focused entirely on the offensive side of the ball, primarily the specialty positions (QB,RB,FB,WR,TE)

Quarterbacks

Arizona Cardinals QB Kurt Warner (Free Agency)

Possible Destinations: Arizona, New York Jets, Retirement

Projected Destination: Arizona

New England Patriots QB Matt Cassel (Free Agency)

Possible Destinations: New England, Minnesota, Kansas City, St. Louis

Projected Destination: New England (Franchise Tag)

Tennessee Titans QB Kerry Collins (Free Agency)

Possible Destinations: Tennessee, Minnesota, San Francisco

Projected Destination: Tennessee 

Cleveland Browns QB Derek Anderson (Restricted Free Agent)

Possible Destinations: Cleveland, Detroit, Minnesota, Kansas City, New York Jets

Projected Destination: Detroit

Other Quarterbacks: Jeff Garcia (Free Agency), Jon Kitna (Release/Trade), Marc Bulger (Release/Trade), Byron Leftwich (Free Agency)

Running Back

New York Giants RB Brandon Jacobs (Free Agency)

Possible Destinations: New York, Denver, Cleveland, Tampa Bay

Projected Destination: New York (Franchise Tag)

San Diego RB LaDainian Tomlinson (Trade/Release)

Possible Destinations: San Diego, Tampa Bay, New England

Projected Destination: San Diego

San Diego RB/Kick Returner Darren Sproles (Free Agency)

Possible Destinations: San Diego, Seattle, Cincinnati, Tampa Bay

Projected Destination: Tampa Bay

Other Running Backs: Larry Johnson (Trade/Release), Edgerrin James (Trade/Release), Derrick Ward (Free Agency), Rudi Johnson (Trade/Release)

Wide Receiver/Tight End

Dallas Cowboys WR Terrell Owens (Trade/Release)

Possible Destinations: Oakland, Jets, Chicago, Dallas

Projected Destination: Oakland

Arizona Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin (Trade/Release)

Possible Destinations: Philadelphia, New York Giants, Chicago, Baltimore

Projected Destination: Chicago

Cincinnati Bengals WR TJ Houshmanzadeh (Free Agency)

Possible Destinations: Philadelphia, Dallas, Chicago, Cincinnati

Projected Destination: Philadelphia

New York Giants WR Plaxico Burress (Trade/Release)

Possible Destination: New York Giants, Dallas, Baltimore, Seattle, Minnesota

Projected Destination: New York

Other Receivers: Owen Daniels (Free Agent), Antonio Bryant (Trade/Release), Bobby Engram (Free Agency), Brandon Jones (Free Agency), Reggie Brown (Trade/Release)

Catching Up

Sorry readers, this is my first entry in about 2 weeks or so. The super bowl came and went, and that other team in Pennsylvania came out victorious. Got to hand it to the Steelers, they played the most consistent football this year out of any team in the NFL, although the Eagles did beat them 15-6 in a week 3 barnburner. A big reason why the Steelers won is because of their team chemistry. They were a team without superstars. No, I'm not saying they didn't have stud players, like defensive player of the year James Harrison, or all-world S Troy Polomalu, they obviously did. But neither of them, or QB Ben Rothliesburger, fit the "superstar" personality that us viewers have become accustomed to through a portrayal from the media. No "Pacman" Jones or Chad Johnson antics, no Terrell Owens verbal squabbles with the offensive coordinator, quarterback, or anyone else who stands in his way, none of that. The Steelers were a classy team, who played hard, worked harder, and lastly were coached better, than any team in the league over the course of the season. They won, they deserved it, let's move on.

Some offseason news to get to. "Pacman" Jones got released. Looks like the Cowboys made there first correct personnel decision in the last decade. If they want to continue on the right track, they must release Terrell Owens.

The Pro-bowl took place last Sunday, like anyone cares. Larry Fitzgerald capped off probably the best month that any WR in the NFL has ever had, finishing with 88 yards and 2 Touchdowns. So, in a month span (5 games), Fitzgerald had over 700 yards receiving, and 9 TD's. Wow.

Speaking of Fitzgerald, his partner in crime and good friend, Anquan Boldin, is making quiet a ruckus trying to get out of Arizona. I understand Boldin, he feels he's getting overshadowed by Fitzgerald, so I really don't blame him. He's getting paid and treated like a second wide receiver, which in some ways is not fair because in my opinion Boldin is among the top 10-12 best wide receivers in the league, he's just playing along side the best player in his position (Fitzgerald). Look for Boldin to be traded or released, and here are some possible destinations to look for. Chicago, Philadelphia, Minnesota, Miami.

Last but not least, Brett Favre has announced his retirement..again. #4 called it quits today in an e-mail to Jets personnel. I believe, this time, he's really gone. He cited "level of play" as the reason for his retirement, and I have to agree with him. Sure, if Favre played this year, he'd be a top 15 quarterback in the NFL, maybe top 12. But that's not Brett Favre, that's not the level that we have been accustomed to seeing, or he has been accustomed to playing. If Brett bows out now, which he should, here are some of the career statistics we should comprehend. Favre is the current NFL career leader in Wins (169), Starts (269), Passing Yards (65,127), Passing Touchdowns (464), Completions (5,720), and lastly Interceptions (310) by a QB. Can't forget about his 3 MVP's, and 1 Super Bowl ring. Let it take time to set in, but in about 5 years when he is voted into the hall-of-fame on the first ballot, it'll be hard to argue that he was not the best ever at his position, with only the names Marino and Elway being mentioned in the same discussion.

Even though this is my first off-season entry, after the NFL combine, I am going to start going through all 32 teams in the NFL, and predicting what they are going to do come draft time. Until then, I'll be posting twice a week.

My top 10 best soundbites

Sorry readers, I've been pretty busy as of late. In fact, I'm still pretty busy, so this is why this entry is going to be short. Since media day of the Super Bowl has come and gone, it made me think of some of the memorable interviews in sports history. What makes these interviews memorable is that one soundbite that is etched into the minds of people when they think of the interview. So, with that said,  here is my top 10 list, comment if you disagree.

1. Indianapolis Colts Coach Jim Mora's "Playoffs!" speech

2. Arizona Cardinals Coach Dennis Green's "They are who they thought they were" rant

3. Philadelphia 76ers Guard Allen Iverson's "Practice" speech

4. Cleveland Browns TE Kellen Winslow's "Soldier" declaration

5. New York Jets Coach Herm Edwards's "You play to win the game" speech

6. San Diego Chargers QB Ryan Leaf's "Knock it off!" tirade

7.  Oklahoma St. Football Head Coach Mike Gundy's "I'm a man, I'm 40" speech 

8. ESPN show-host Jim Rome and EX-NFL QB Jim Everett brawl on live TV show over "Chris Everett" name calling

9. San Francisco 49ers Head Coach Mike Singletary's "Can not play with them, Can not Win with them, Can not coach with them" rant

10. Indiana Men's Basketball Coach Bobby Knight's "game-face" parody at a post-game news conference

Mock Drafts

So, with the Eagles bowing out of the playoffs this week, it's time to think of the future. Yes, draft day. The NFL draft may be over 2 months away, but still, their are plenty of mock drafts out there saying which prospects are going where. Personally, I do not think mock drafts mean anything until after the NFL combine, where the most rigorous of scouting usually occurs. What I have noticed from all the mock drafts out there right now is that they vary..alot. Take Penn State DE/OLB Aaron Maybin for example. Ever since the underclassmen declared for the draft just over a week ago, his draft stock in mock drafts has been as inconsistent as Andy Reid's play calling. Maybin is projected to go anywhere from 4th overall to 22nd, an 18 pick difference, something that would cost Maybin millions on his first contract. I'm not saying mock drafts are bad or stupid because they are not. They give football fanatics like myself some momentary entertainment throughout the football off-season, and some of them turn up to be knowledgeable. However, at this point of the offseason, they are not accurate, and at times, just look stupid.

Mock Draft Winners

Georgia QB Matthew Statfford (1st overall pick-10th pick)

Florida State DE Everette Brown (3rd-11th pick).

Wake Forest OLB Aaron Curry (5th-10th pick)

Mock Draft Losers

Ole Miss OT Michael Oher (5th-19th pick)

Penn State DE/OLB Aaron Maybin (4th-22nd pick)

Georgia RB Knowshon Moreno (13th-29th pick)

Snap Judgements

           11 days until the Superbowl, feels like an eternity. I know the title of this post might sound like a column on ESPN.com because, well, it is (Thank you, Don Banks), but I don't have much to write about so I am going to do it anyway.

          Looks like Hines Ward is going to play, he better if the Steelers want any chance in winning. Limas Sweed looks like a rookie, and Nate Washington is nothing better than a solid slot receiver. Without Ward not in the lineup, Arizona can afford to plan man-to-man defense on WR Santonio Holmes, in which CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will draw largest straw to guard him for 60 minutes. However, with Ward in the lineup, Arizona will most likely play a 2 deep zone, in which Ward will be shaded by pro-bowl safety Adrian Wilson, freeing the middle of the field open for Holmes, who's 4.4 speed will be tough to contain in open space.

         Larry Fitzgerald is having a record-breaking postseason, but the emergence of RB Edgerrin James is the main reason why the Cardinals have been put up 25+ points a game in the playoffs against three good defenses. James is averaging close to 4 yards a carry in the playoffs, better than he has been in almost three years. The combination of the new and improved James, and Marion Barber-like clone Tim Hightower will most definitely give the Steelers alot to think about in the next 10 days, and maybe, just maybe, they will overlook a threat like WR Steve Breaston (1000 yard receiver). Don't count on it though.

Great hire by the New York Jets today in naming former Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan their head coach. He's been a tremendous defensive mind for the Ravens for the past decade or so, and putting him in charge of team who has a plethora of defensive talent such as S Kerry Rhodes and OLD Vernon Gholston is a decision that will Jets will be very happy about for years to come. The next question is...Will Favre be back? If not, watch for Kellen Clemens to be named the starter, and the Jets 1st round draft pick this season will be spent trading up for either Georgia QB Matthew Stattford or USC QB Mark Sanchez.

           Lastly, I would like to say that just one week ago, I predicted that both Rex Ryan and Jim Schwartz would be named head coaches by weeks end.  One week later, Schwartz went to the Lions and Ryan went to the Jets, so basically I am a genius. Kidding, but if I were to bet again, I would say that Herm Edwards is done in Kansas City by the end of the week, and Oakland will make their decision on who will coach the Raiders in the future. Tough to guess here, I'll take a shot with Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride getting the nod, with other possibilities being ex-head coaches Jim Fassel and Brian Billick and with interim coach Tom Cable also getting alot of consideration.