Willingham now shares something in common with Robin Ventura, Frank Robinson and Nomar Garciaparra, with that Herculean effort lifting a floundering franchise in Washington into the spotlight, even if only for one night. Not often in life do you get to say you are once removed from a Hall of Famer, but just 10 years ago me and Josh Willingham had plenty in common. Let me explain.

Before Willingham would grace the cover of every baseball website known to man, he was honing his skills in the rural pastures of Florence, Alabama. Back then, 1998 to be exact, Willingham was an up and coming shortstop recruited to be key part to the future success of the University of North Alabama.

UNA, a Division II school in the Gulf South Conference, was known for its National Championship football program, and was hoping to extend that trend of success to the baseball field.  Not that UNA hadn’t been successful already, boasting an impressive .700 winning percentage in the 1990s. Professional stars were born there as well, with three Lions reaching the Major Leagues before Willingham ever showed up to his first practice.

At that exact time, about two hours Southeast of UNA’s campus, another young and much less heralded middle infielder joined the ranks of a GSC team. All 5-foot-8 and 145 pounds of Eric SanInocencio stepped foot on campus at Montevallo, hoping to one day join the list of major league alums from the small college 30 miles from Birmingham, Ala. Not a long list, but Rusty Greer’s tenure in Texas was in its prime, and it had every Falcon (Montevallo’s mascot) thinking the leap was possible.

What I didn’t realize then, and know now, is that having a front seat to major league greatness was as far as I would get, and despite most people feeling disappointed in that outcome, I couldn’t be happier. It allowed me to see what everyone else did in Milwaukee  a decade before.

Willingham did was most freshmen entering college do, he improved as the season went along. His finished that 1998 year with a respectable .325 average, starting in 34 of the of 43 games which he played. He showed some power (.483 SLG) and a knowledge of the strike zone (.410 OBP), and seemed primed to become a key cog in the Lions attack for the following three seasons.

From my comfortable spot on the bench during Montevallo’s series against UNA, I remember thinking to myself that this Willingham guy was going to be good. Not only was he starting a majority of the time for a good program, but his size as a shortstop stood out.  I made a mental note to keep my eye on his progress, and the following season Willingham didn’t disappoint. He was ungodly.

Let these numbers sink in for a moment. .489 batting average, 15 home runs, .863 slugging percentage, and a 43-to-30 walk to strikeout ratio. For those without a calculator handy, that made for a .585 on-base percentage, and an overall OPS of 1.448. Despite the level of competition, that’s amazing. To top it all off, he stole 27 bases, so you couldn’t even intentionally walk him. All this as a shortstop. Wow.

By then I was a spot player, earning my first ever conference start against that very North Alabama squad. On that particular weekend it was too cold for offense, but that didn’t stop Willingham from lighting us up. Even with all the fireworks he made with his bat, what I remember most about him is how many times he didn’t swing.

In 1999 the book Moneyball wasn’t the baseball manifesto it has become now, and on-base percentage and plate discipline weren’t ingrained in the vernacular of every baseball fan.

Most collegiate hitters of that era lived by the John Daly mantra of “grip and rip”. For those of us whose families came from outside the United States,  we knew we “couldn’t walk off the island”. Power swings and aggressive mentalities were the rule of the day, and at Montevallo we actually had to run if we took first pitch fastballs for a strike.

Willingham would have none of that, exploiting the weaknesses of our staff with his keen batting eye. We had guys with good stuff, but no matter what, they never got him to chase. I remember thinking, “Man, if its is a hair off the plate, this guy won’t swing.”

He forced you to attack him, and then he responded by hammering anything left out over the plate. In four at-bats he might have swung five times, and ended up with three hits. He was a powerful yet efficient hitter, and we had no answer. No one in Division II did.

The accolades deservedly followed, with the then sophomore claiming First Team All-America honors. His .489 average was good enough for second in all of Division II, and any anonymity Willingham had in GSC circles evaporated. He capped that year off with a GSC Tournament MVP Trophy, and he was named to the Division II Baseball Championship All-Tournament team.

His junior year was down by his PlayStation-like standards, and he managed to only hit .420 for the Lions in 2000. By that point I was injured and didn’t even suit up against UNA, so its almost as if my memories of Willingham end with that miraculous 1999 campaign. His compact right handed stroke wasn’t a secret anymore, and any hopes North Alabama had of him finishing his entire career got slimmer with every homerun he cranked.

The draft was formality, and the question changed to his success as a pro. The Florida Marlins selected him in the 17th round of the draft, an he traded in his purple and gold of UNA for the teal and black of South Florida’s big league franchise.

He spent a few years in the minors, switching positions as the Marlins looked to find a home for his bat. Despite a drop in batting average from his college days, that trademark “not swinging” talent translated well, as he posted and OBPs of at least .382 in every stop along the way. Willingham was put at every position on the diamond during that stretch, even a short stint behind the plate in 2004.

The Marlins called him up later that year, and from that point on Willingham has made a nice career for himself. He’s clubbed 80 home runs for both the Marlins and Nationals, and has been one of the few shining stars for a Washington team that lacks offensive punch. This year has been his finest, with his .305 average and .420 on-base percentage leading or at the top of his team’s numbers.

His story has remained much like his personality until that memorable night in Milwaukee, when the whole world was forced to remember his name. The often reserved Willingham had flown under the radar despite his successes as a major leaguer. He often travels back to Florence in the off-season, and I even got the chance to chat with him two years ago during a GSC-TV football game.

That night we received word that Willingham was in the crowd. We arranged for him to join us for an interview on the sidelines, and he happily obliged and made his way down.

In the few minutes I had to prep him and get the interview set up, we were able to exchange a few pleasantries. Surely he didn’t remember a run of the mill infielder he played against over 10 years ago, but he did a good enough job making me think he did. Just seconds before he went on camera, I got in one final baseball question.

“Who’s got the nastiest stuff you’ve seen as a pro?,” I commented as he headed for the interview. The eagle eyed Willingham turned around, and threw out this gem to me. “Billy Wagner,” he said, “I have the hardest time laying off his slider.”

A quick Google search of “Boston Red Sox Blogs” brought back over 5.3 million hits, as the internet has exploded into a one stop shop where the games are dissected among its most passionate fans.

With this increased banter comes increased criticism, as today’s decision makers face naysayers both in person and on the web. Follow any game thread at a particular team’s blog, and you’ll find plenty of vitriol and attacks on the people in control of the team they love. There are even websites created hoping for the ouster of a General Manager or particular coach. Times are changing.

Not that we watch the games any differently, as nearly all of us have spent many a night yelling at the television over a call we felt was wrong. Second guessing is part of baseball, and always has been, but has the anonymity of the web made it too easy to criticize?

First off, it is important to realize that all the additional voices brought about by the web have been hugely beneficial in how we watch and analyze what’s happening on the field. Only because of this wave of creative minds do we have new statistical evaluations and more knowledgeable fanbases.

Social media makes any fan one step removed from the “experts” that cover the game, and the rapid speed at which “breaking news” becomes common sense is staggering. The world of baseball is expanding in numbers, but getting smaller as a community. It’s quite amazing to witness.

But, with all this excitement comes into question whether all the added negativity makes the environment worse off. I shouldn’t say worse, more so, is it easier to criticize now because it is all done without a face?

Blogs aren’t just a sideshow item anymore, with many of the best now taking center stage in the pantheon of baseball coverage. Sites such as Baseball Prospects and The Hardball Times are mainstream companies, and Rob Neyer (ESPN), Christina Kahrl (BP) and Keith Law (ESPN/Scout) are now members of the BBWAA, the body of writers that vote for the Hall of Fame.

Law probably shouldn’t be grouped with the rest, because his current job as a talent evaluator (scout) gets him out to the ballpark more than most beat writers. However, the names listed above and the million others who don’t get out to see games in person still have just as big a voice. Of course they deserve it, but does that make their job easier?

Sometimes we often forget we are dealing with people, flesh and blood that comes with emotions that often can cloud one’s judgment. I have found that despite of what I think of someone’s professional capability, that prism isn’t the sole way to determine their worth.

Their background, interests and rationale behind their decisions often matter as much as the outcome of their choice, and give you a better idea why they may succeed or fail at any particular endeavor. If you just look at the outcome, you may be missing out on truly understanding the value of what happened.

This applies to baseball because tough decisions are being made everyday. We aren’t privy to the complete thought process, just the final verdict after an entire organization tries a certain method to improve their club.

Yet, without taking anything else into account, we pass judgment on said move, labeling it a great idea or colossal bust without the proper time to even digest the reasons for what happened. Does that happen because a majority of us ready to criticize are so far removed from what’s taking place? I tend to think so.

When Raul Ibanez was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies this off-season, it didn’t take 10 minutes for Ruben Amaro Jr. (Philadelphia’s GM) to be hammered, called an “idiot” for making such a bad personnel decision. Amaro, a Stanford graduate and former major leaguer with 10 years of front office experience, learned first hand how quickly public perception can change.

Despite his best efforts to explain, many had already decided, and Ibanez was labeled as an overpaid liability that wasn’t a good bet to produce anywhere near was his contract said he should. Three months later, have opinions changed because Ibanez leads the league in home runs? Yes, but should they? Should the move have been panned before the Phillies new left fielder even had an official at bat with his new team?

No, it’s a three-year deal, so you can’t know the answer two months in, good or bad. But read many blogs who cover the team and they knew with absolute certainty it was an abject failure immediately. The question arises, how many of these people have even met Ruben Amaro, or spent time with him talking about baseball? Would that change their opinion?

Again, being critical is not a bad thing. It’s valuable and extremely important so that the wrong ideas aren’t credited with success. I just don’t think it’s fair to view players or administrators under a magnifying glass while those tossing the insults get away without being under the same high-powered lens. Maybe that’s just the nature of the business, but does that make it right? Should accountability run both ways?

I’m guilty of this more times than I care to admit, so when evaluating any move I find it valuable to go back and review what I wrote in the past to learn from the many instances I made a mistake. I even love rehashing those comments publicly, just to remind myself and my readers that what I write isn’t gospel, and that in the end we must all individually decide what’s best based on the information and opinion available.

The question I pose in this piece doesn’t have answer, but doesn’t mean it should be discussed. Again, politics and many other forms of business fall under this same umbrella, but we deal in baseball, so that’s how we explain it.

Robots don’t make personnel decisions, people do. Not matter how much the blogosphere tries to demonize or salute it, in the end we just don’t know all the factors involved. What worries me is that we don’t seem to care about that fact. Is it because we won’t ever have to justify the comment we write to that person face to face? Our anonymity hides us from facing the music, and I don’t know if that’s entirely a good thing. We’ll see.

But, what most don’t realize, is that before that pitch ever hits the catcher’s mitt, it takes months of preparation. All the communication, all the decision and all the work is put in ahead of schedule, so that the end product is smooth and flawless. Having worked in media relations and championship events at the collegiate level, I was already aware of this. But, what I learned this week is that the Southeastern Conference takes it into another stratosphere.

The SEC is widely regarded as the top college conference in the nation. They have had unprecedented success in all of the sports it sponsors, including numerous national championships. The Southeastern Conference routinely sports the top overall collegiate programs in the country. In 2007, they pulled off the unthinkable feat of winning both the football and men’s basketball championships in the same year.

Baseball doesn’t take a back seat in that hierarchy, with the National Pastime having a secure spot at the league’s charter members. Historic powers such as Louisiana State (LSU), Georgia and Florida all call the SEC home, and the conference has won six out of the past 19 National Championships. The league has had at least one team in the College World Series in 23 out of the past 24 years, a remarkable accomplishment considering the number of quality teams in the country.

The conference tournament has turned into a premier event as well, with the SEC’s best making the pilgrimage to Birmingham, Ala., and Regions Park every May. Regions Park is the home of the Birmingham Barons, the AA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, and gives fans in attendance and the players involved a hint of the professional game while keeping its college roots. This also creates a logistical nightmare, with teams and staff from both the Barons and the SEC jockeying for the facilities during what is the height of a hectic season.

Let’s turn back the clock even further. Even though the first pitch of the SEC Tournament was thrown May 20, 2009, both sides began working toward that goal in January, when most fans were watching Florida defeat Oklahoma in the BCS National Championship Game.

“The baseball tournament takes a little longer,” said SEC Associate Commissioner Charles Bloom, who serves as the tournament’s director. “It’s one of our biggest championships, and we’ll start after the New Year getting everything ready from media relations to stadium operations to groundskeepers to working with the teams. It’s three or four months of work,” added Bloom.

That large work force must balance time and preparation so that each team feels the rush and excitement of postseason play. The sheer number of loose ends that have to be tied up during that process is staggering, and gives you a new appreciation for what is done at the Major League level every night. “I’m always a firm believer that the success of the tournament is in direct proportion to the amount of preparation that goes into it,” expressed Bloom.

Without the proper program being followed, the whole project can fall apart. Here’s a mini-rundown of the checklist.

First off, the facilities to house the teams have to be contracted out. There are hotels for the schools, media and other traveling parties that are agreed upon ahead of time. That just gets everyone to Birmingham. Then, field crews and stadium operations have to transform Regions Park into a collegiate venue. Seems easy, until you figure in that the entire outfield must be re-covered with different signage, and the logos around the entire ballpark reconfigured. After you paint decals onto the grass and get the actual surface ready to play, you can open the doors for practice.

Once the teams are on the field, then you have to coordinate all the media members coming to cover them. That’s where SEC Associate Media Relations Director Chuck Dunlap takes over, remodeling the Barons press box to serve as a two-tiered media headquarters. There is an auxiliary press box down the right field line, along with a radio row and TV booth for everyone involved. Credentials, parking passes and the actual statistical information are all disseminated by Dunlap, getting everyone in town up to speed to write and report the happenings.

At this point, it isn’t even game day yet. Once that moment has finally arrived, the rest is a piece of cake. All you have to worry about are tickets, fans, umpires and weather, along with a million other variables throughout the course of each individual day.

Then the postgame conference, television production and the field maintenance are all handled on fly after the completion of each game.

Considering the length of the days and the nature of the tournament as a whole, the staff working the event essentially becomes guests, spending more than 14 hours a day at the field. “There’s a core group of people that are here for every game,” mentioned Bloom. “It’s a week out of the year, and we tell our staff to give yourself to the tournament. You can sleep next week. It’s a mindset going into it.”

That effort along with the preparation mentioned early brings you the fan the final product, a seamless five-day 14-game tournament nationally televised that highlights the college tournament season.

So, next time you turn on the tube to watch your favorite college or pro team, take a second to think about all the work done behind the scenes to bring that special event to fruition. Having seen the SEC Tournament machine run through Birmingham, it was hard to walk away not impressed at what happened behind the curtain.

Not only has watching the game in HD redefined the viewing experience, but the way in which baseball is understood and explained is rapidly evolving as well. VORP is now an accepted acronym, with Fan Graphs changing how we track a pitcher’s outing. Simply said, change is everywhere.

However, the most basic of interactions that any fan has with baseball still lags behind, stuck in the traditional methods of yesteryear. Why is it, with all the tools at our disposal, do we still place our broadcasters 300 feet above and away from the action, and expect them to call a game that we see better from the comfort of our living room?

While there have been websites created to dispel “myths” about certain vernacular in the baseball dictionary (think “feared” or “clutch”), very little uproar has been made about how the game is presented to the viewer. Now don’t get me wrong, changing the view of Joe Morgan or Steve Phillips doesn’t bring them instant credibility as analysts, but there has to be a different way in which to place those more talented into positions that have a better vantage point.

Seriously, try telling the spin on a pitch from two stories up in the matter of a split second. Try understanding a pitcher’s sequence when you can hardly tell the velocity of a pitch. It’s almost like TV companies know the limitations, placing a monitor in the booth to help replay anything that might have significance to the on-air personalities. Why stop there? Why not re-vamp the entire idea and make it work better for everyone. Do broadcasters have to even be there?

The main argument for having a press box-style lineup is to know the “feeling” of a crowd or get a “sense” for the buzz in the ballpark. However, if that perch high above the action takes away from the talent’s ability to explain the proceedings, what good is it? This idea is outdated, and can be solved with a few quick measures that take the model in place and tweak its production location.

First off, I agree that anyone calling a game should be at the stadium that day. Hanging around and working the field during batting practice is essential, just to have the tidbits and stories to mention later on the air. There are situations that happen on-site that we might not know and that information is vital as well. This is all valuable, and should continue as part of the process. Once the game begins, however, it all should change. Here’s how.

Let’s be honest. A television camera from center field is the best view right now to watch the game. From there you get a feel for the umpire’s strike zone, notice the pitch and speed without hesitation, and see what your audience does. There’s no reason not to use that shot as the focal point of your broadcast.

That can’t be done from the press box on the third level. Where it can be done, in a place that every stadium has, is the video production room. Players and coaches use it endlessly to scout and prepare for upcoming matchups, and they boast dozens of monitors and equipment focused on different angles of the field.

It is here that the broadcasters should call the contest, with the benefit of zoom and shots from all cameras available for that game. Think of how much better they can analyze the action, turning in a single view from upstairs to a multi-faceted control center with every inch of the park covered. The timing doesn’t change, the place is the same, and you are in tune to what your viewers are watching. Plus, you are better prepared to watch and report, with everything in front of you at the push of a button. This is a no brainer.

Traditionalists would foam at the idea, citing the game doesn’t need a change in presentation. However, even the Olympics would disagree with you. This year, in an effort to save money, NBC had games called from a video feed half a globe away, and had it not been reported that there was a change, you wouldn’t have noticed it. Even the argument of the crowd’s “feel” to the game doesn’t hold water, because any part of the stadium will rock at the pivotal moment, whether you are on the mezzanine or in the bowels. This is simply better.

The idea of a “command center” isn’t foreign, with many businesses and restaurants using the model for years. When you sit at a sports bar, the more TVs the merrier right? Now, think if all those TVs were zoomed into different parts of one game. How much more could you focus on every little thing with the help of that additional technology?

Baseball specialty shows (MLB Tonight, Baseball Tonight) have this setup for their analysts in studio, and you’ll hear talent say how great it is to follow the action in this manner. The setup simply has to be moved into the ballpark booth. Just one more step to go.

The funny part is that fans are starting to get ahead of announcers in this process already. DirecTV incorporates a “MLB Mix” channel, giving you access to eight games at once via one screen. This is done on any television no matter the size. You can now sit in your den and get a view better than the men paid to bring us commentary. It’s like the idea is dangling right in front of the network’s faces, but they can’t fully make the transition.

Well, now the time has come. The moments of “I couldn’t quite tell if that was a slider or curveball” need to be exchanged, while eliminating the “that looked like a strike from up here” from our viewing experience. It is time for use to watch the “real” game, the best way possible, so that fans and broadcasters alike can enjoy the entire baseball experience.

Names like Josh Willingham, Scott Shields, Todd Jones and Matt Joyce have all come from the Division II ranks, gaining moderate levels of success at the big time. Having played at this level myself and now working in the same realm, the number of cross-checkers and scouts present at games is more noticeable, and that’s no doubt a credit to the names mentioned above along with others who have paved the way.

This year, all the hoopla in the college game surrounds one player, or more specifically one right arm. Stephen Strasburg has been solidified as the top overall selection for about year, since he dominated the collegiate and Olympic game as a 19-year old in 2008. Deserving of all the hype, Strasburg owns a 98-mph fastball and tossed a no-hitter against Air Force just a week ago. Everyone knows that Strasburg is the top overall selection, but is there another arm in the division below putting up similar numbers? Perhaps. Let’s explore.

According to every major poll in Division II, the number one team in the country is Southern Arkansas University. SAU, located in Magnolia, Ark., is 49-9 overall and will host the NCAA South Regional this weekend. The Muleriders (yes that is their actual mascot) are hitting .335 as a team, but the biggest reason for their success lies in their ace, sophomore hurler Hayden Simpson.

Simpson’s story is very much like many you read about at the smaller levels of collegiate athletics. A two-sport star at Magnolia High School (Ark.), his smaller statute (6-0, 170) kept many of the bigger schools out of the recruiting picture. Simpson was also a star quarterback as a prepster, leading his team to a top ranking and a place in the state playoffs.

Only through a chance meeting did he even consider his hometown university as the place to continue his career. It took the kind words of his next door neighbor to help him make a decision on just where he would attend school. That next door neighbor was SAU head baseball coach Allen Gum, who got Simpson to put his signature on the dotted line during the early signing period, cementing the foundation for what has been a stellar campaign.

First off, Simpson’s stuff is legit. Often times at the Division II level you see pitchers put up impressive numbers without the raw arsenal to justify a professional career. That’s not the case here. Having seen him pitch with my own eyes, his low 90s fastball and hammer curve are enough to be noticed, and puts him into discussion when it comes to pitchers that should be drafted. The numbers, however, speak for themselves.

As a freshman, he was perfect, literally. He went 10-0 in 17 appearances. Despite the fact that he didn’t become a full-time starter until two-thirds of the season was gone, he still led the team in victories (10), earned runs allowed (24) and opponents batting average against (.212). During a seven-game stretch to close out the season, the rookie allowed over two earned runs just once, while striking out 38 and picking up five victories.

In his final start of the year, Simpson threw eight innings of one-run ball against Texas A&M-Kingsville in the NCAA Tournament, striking out seven and walking just two. That performance earned him a unanimous vote of GSC Freshman of the Year, along with All-GSC First Team honors. With all the early success as a freshman, the dreaded sophomore slump seemed inevitable. The perfect record and ERA numbers would be tough to match, and the league would have a second look at him. That didn’t happen though, Simpson got better.

All he did this season was go 11-1, dropping his ERA a full run to 2.39. Simpson is now 21-1 in 23 career starts, and the peripherals were even more dominant in 2009. The righty tossed 101.2 frames, allowing just 27 earned runs. Opponents hit .180 off of him, and he struck 119 batters on the year. He failed to go six innings or more in just three outings, and had 10 or more punch-outs in five games. Simpson threw six complete games (!) and four shutouts, defeating five ranked teams on the year.

Again saving his best for last, he threw a complete game shutout on three days rest to defeat Valdosta State in the GSC Championship. He allowed just three hits in that contest, striking out seven and defeating VSU for the second time in the tournament, earning MVP honors.

This is the same Valdosta State squad that leads the NCAA and set a GSC record for homeruns in a season with 108. VSU had two hitters over .415 on the year, and scored double digits as a team 26 times this year. There bats were silenced by Simpson, who is earning the moniker of “Little Strasburg” around Division II circles.

His career totals are outstanding. 21-1 record, 164.2 innings pitched, 41 earned runs allowed, 2.79 ERA. Simpson has 179 strikeouts to just 75 walks, a 2.38 k/bb ratio. Opponents are hitting under .200 against him, and he has given up only 28 extra base hits in two years. The awards keep coming. Two-time First Team All-GSC, National Pitcher of the Week, GSC Tournament MVP. Simply amazing.

When first trying to explain his mechanics and delivery to a friend, another slight body with a powerful arm jumped to mind. Tim Lincecum, who is generously listed at 5-11 and 170 pounds, fits the physical comparison to SAU’s Simpson. Their body structure is similar, and Simpson even contorts his body to some degree in the same manner as Lincecum.

While he doesn’t have the pure stuff of the reigning Cy Young Award winner, the comparison is valid in part due to the similarities listed above. As I witnessed, there were scouts in attendance for his starts at the GSC Tournament, so Simpson in on the radar.

How high could he go? I have no idea, but with one more year in Magnolia, Ark., and another round of stellar numbers he could continue to climb up the charts. The highest ever draft selection in GSC history was Valdosta State’s Jason Bulger, who went 22^nd to the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001.

I think that record is safe, but who knows? Maybe Simpson’s named will be called earlier than we all think. The numbers say that it should.

Only because of sites like the now retired FireJoeMorgan.com did we ever see anyone held accountable for some of the more ridiculous claims made. The blogosphere is even harder to police, with members throwing out opinions at every site on the net, but rarely taking the time to admit when one of their “this is going to happen, trust me” lines is disproved or turns out to be horribly wrong.

Today, I point the high powered lens at myself. Having written for a few different sites during my short foray into baseball blogging, I’ve made some outlandish accusations (Carl Pohlad/Johan) while chastising those in power that seem to make bad decisions (Bud Selig).

Most times the goal of these opinions was to create banter, almost a conversational atmosphere that encourages your readers to participate. Well, judging by comments made, one of my most popular stories was one that at the time involved a blockbuster trade of two high-ceiling prospects.

Back in November of 2007, the Minnesota Twins and Tampa Bay Rays finalized a deal that sent two first round picks, including a top-overall selection, packing to opposite sides of country. Six players were involved, and the mammoth move galvanized two fans bases and the entire industry just as general managers were getting ready to head to
Nashville, Tenn., for the Winter Meetings.

It was an exciting day to be a Rays blogger. You were forced to make a quick reaction, scan the players received and come up with reasoning as to why the team you were covering “won” the deal or not. Instant analysis is the name of the game, and despite being at my regular job that morning, I cranked out 1300 words about the trade.

Two years later, I can only say this. I WAS WRONG. Who am I kidding? I was way off. I couldn’t have missed this more than a Johan Santana change up in a 2-0 count. I’ll just let my opening paragraph speak for itself.

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“As of tonight, this deal appears to be completed. Due to concerns over Juan Rincon’s elbow, the Twins substituted minor league pitcher Eduardo Morlan. Morlan’s upside as a reliever is very high and sweetens the pot to some degree, but I still feel this doesn’t give you enough established talent for a perennial power hitter.”
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Now, mind you, at the time Delmon Young was viewed as a can’t miss talent, a prodigious hitter that would be a perennial .300-30-100 guy as early as his mid-20s. I mean, he did hit .288 with 93 RBIs that season (2007) as a 21-year old. There seemed to be nowhere to go but further up, despite Young’s propensity to swing at everything thrown at him (.316 OBP that same year).

The power was sure to come too, because his ridiculous minor league totals (51 HRs in his first two years) proved that there was 30 homer potential amongst his five tool package. Young was supposed to the Rays right fielder for at least six years, pairing with the BJ Uptons and Carl Crawfords of the world to give

Tampa Bay the most athletic outfield in all of baseball. That all changed on one November day, as Young was now the Twins prized prospect, with Minnesota appearing to find that stellar bat to place in between the M&M brothers (Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau).

Young was the answer to all Twins fans were searching for, a powerful, cheap and exciting player that could anchor right field until his free agency in 2013. Equipped with good speed (75 SBs in the minors) and a rifle arm, this change of scenery was supposed to unlock all the ability possessed by the former top overall selection.

Despite some well chronicled attitude issues (remember this?), I remember thinking at the time, “Why are they getting rid of him? He has to be the most valuable player in this deal.” I was also hung up in the fact that the big piece the Rays were getting back has issues of his own, and was a pitcher nonetheless. Here’s what I wrote about the two different positions.

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“First off, I am usually not in favor of trading an extremely productive position player for a pitcher. To me it is just simple mathematics. A position player has a chance to affect every game he plays in, while the hurler can only influence the contest that he is on the mound. So, by that logic, in order for the trade to be worth while, the pitcher has to be significantly better than the hitter coming back. I just don’t feel Matt Garza is.”
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A spirited debate then broke out on the site about whether my math was right, and even though some showed numerical figures that appeared to prove me wrong, I’m not sure that I don’t still agree with this statement. Either way, the whole premise behind this formula I attempted to create was my opinion that Matt Garza wasn’t a good enough pitcher for the supposed trade-off you were losing from a positional player.

Again, no one ever questioned Garza’s ability, but he didn’t exactly have a clean record himself. His fiery attitude on the mound often led to questions about his maturity, and other than a short stretch of dominance in 2006 he was far from a polished product. Up to that point, he had hurled 133 innings as a major leaguer, allowing 158 hits and 55 walks. Not exactly stellar numbers.

The other players certainly favored the Rays (Jason Bartlett over Brendan Harris, Eddie Morlan over Jason Pridie), but to me the center of this deal was Young/Garza. It appeared as if there was much more risk on the Tampa Bay side of the ledger, giving up a seemingly consistent hitter for a pitcher that hadn’t quite figured it out at the big league level. Here was my summation of the deal from the Rays perspective.

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“To close out my analysis, I have to say that while this haul is close to being good enough, it doesn’t quite measure up for me. You are trading a known commodity in Delmon Young for the potential greatness of Matt Garza. While I agree that the upside Garza has rivals anyone in the Rays system, he isn’t there yet. The contracts are a wash, so what this trade will basically come down to is whether Garza can become the 1-2 punch with Kazmir to headline the Rays rotation.”
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Funny how this was even a debate just two years ago, seeing as how you can clearly say now that Tampa Bay “won” this deal in a landslide. Not only has Garza cemented himself as one of the best young arms in the majors, but shortstop Jason Bartlett added great value to a Rays defense that was one of the best in the league in 2008.

Bartlett’s stellar defensive played actually got him named the team’s MVP by the local writers from the area.

Garza’s influence on Tampa Bay’s magical run is even more paramount, with the now 25-year old hurler posting an ERA+ of 120 in 2008. Despite worries about a big jump in innings, Garza became the second best starter (behind James Shields) on a Rays team that made the postseason and the World Series for the first time ever in the history of the franchise. He won both of his starts against rival Boston in the ALCS, throwing 13 frames and allowing only two earned runs. He is even off to a good start in 2009, upping his strikeout per nine ratio to 8.2.

Young on the other hand is still searching for that Hall of Fame hype bestowed upon him early in his career. He is now fighting for at bats with Minnesota, one of four outfielders the Twinkies rotate around during the course of the week. His numbers have stagnated, despite in increase in OBP (.336) last year. No longer is he viewed as the once in a generation hitter he was pegged as just 24 months ago.

What we learn everyday is that even when this game appears easy to understand, you will never know everything about it. It is always changing and evolving, with new ways to measure and comprehend the transactions that take place on the diamond.

In this case, Tampa Bay gave up very little to gain everything. Even if at the time, idiots like me thought it was the other way around. Guess that’s why I’m still writing at this computer.

The word clutch, as defined by Webster’s dictionary, is describing an action made in a crucial situation. Makes perfect sense, because those who argue in favor of “clutch” think that some spots are more important throughout the course of a game. However, the other side argues that hits and pitches made in the early innings weigh in games just as much, and that it doesn’t matter when an action takes place, it has the same effect on the game.

Perhaps I didn’t explain that 100 correct, but that’s pretty much the gist of it. When BDD did live blogs for the World Series, it didn’t take 30 minutes before all the analysts on the site broke out into a spirited debate on whether this phenomenon actually existed. Poster boys like Derek Jeter and David Ortiz have the media’s love for this supposed ability, and it infuriates some who focus more closely on the numbers and variance of a particular time period.

I used the word focus in the last sentence because is the perfect segway to what I’m trying to explain. I’m not as statistically inclined as others, with my past as a collegiate player weighing more into my views on how I understand the game. You can never explain some moments to those that haven’t been there, but it doesn’t mean they can’t understand how that situation can change based on what is happening around them.

All at bats aren’t the same, and even though we can predict outcomes based on past experience, what happens within each individual appearance is variable. How someone feels physically, their mental state and a pitcher’s sequence all change from batter to batter. The key to success is focus during that short time span, and depending on the situation that can be more difficult.

Try to think of it in terms of your job everyday. Some days are low key and laid back, and on those you can coast without really having your “A” game in that profession. On those particular days when the pressure is ratcheted up, when the meetings are more intense, it requires more focus. This is a very crude analogy, but can give you a small idea of how at bats can work as well.

In the beginning of the game, pitchers and hitters go through a feeling out process, just to see what each has in the tank during that particular contest. Does the hurler have his best curveball? Does the hitter have the extra bat speed to turn on the inside pitch? These questions are answered in the early stages, and set it all up for those “crucial” moments later.

I can tell you having been in the box, that some times it is easier than others to maintain focus. That can have to do with the crowd, the team you are playing and your past success against the pitcher you face. Whether you can believe it or not, you just feel more comfortable during some at bats. Ask anyone that’s ever played golf and they can tell some days their swing is great and feels perfect. Other’s not so much. This isn’t quantifiable, but it doesn’t mean it isn’t true.

When there are runners in scoring position and the game is on the line, that all can change. Maintaining focus becomes harder, because there are more distractions at hand and that at bat appears to have more influence to someone in that spot. It doesn’t mean a hitter doesn’t try as hard, it just means it is harder to get the job done. Is that clutch ability? I would say no, it is maintaining focus.

I know this isn’t something you can justify with numbers, because even looking at averages with runners in scoring position doesn’t really answer the question. Feel is tough to explain, but again I wonder if we are using the wrong word. Focus is mental, but has complete control over the physical action performed.

During the popular flick “For the Love of The Game”, the pitcher played by Kevin Costner “clears the mechanism” before he delivers to home plate. Movies exaggerate on many occasions, but that quick illustration of drowning out the fans and noises of the moment reminds me of what I’m trying to explain.

If you are facing Jonathan Papelbon with 40,000 fans screaming at the top of their lungs, how do you slow down the situation to get the job done? The hitter’s ability is still the same, and his other at bats do factor into what could happen, but this situation is different. If Evan Longoria lines a single to center to plate the winning run, was he “clutch” in that spot? I say he was focused.

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Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

‘08 Record: 100-62, 1st in AL West
Pythagorean Record: 88-74 (+12)
Current PECOTA Projection: 84-78, T-1st in AL West

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2008 Recap

Angels owner Arte Moreno made big splashes both before and during the 2008 season, using the power of his checkbook and a vaunted farm system to add integral pieces to a team that went on to add another divisional title to its mantle.

After wrongly splurging on Gary Matthews just one year earlier, the Angels added a true centerfielder to the mix for the 2008 campaign. The Halos inked former Minnesota Twin and Gold Glover Torii Hunter, signing the star to a five-year deal worth $90 million.

Hunter, considered the face of the franchise in Minnesota, made a seamless transition to the West Coast and provided depth to a lineup that was formerly known as Vladimir Guerrero and everyone else. Though past his prime in some respects, Hunter’s bat and glove were big parts of the Angels success.

Hunter nearly went 20-20 in homers and steals, falling one swipe away from that plateau is his first season in Anaheim. His addition also subtracted what was then viewed and now cemented as a dreadful signing in Matthews, relegating the “Sarge’s son” to fourth-outfielder status.

Despite injury trouble and a slight fall from his peak years, Guerrero remained an above-average option in right, making the Angels outfield one of the better in the West Division.

Throw in strong but inconsistent performances from Howie Kendrick (.306 BA) and the offense was solid enough going into the All-Star break.

What made it special was the mid-season acquisition of Mark Teixeira, who came West in a three-player deal with the Atlanta Braves. “Big Tex” OPS-ed 1.081 during 54 games in an Angels uniform, smacking 13 home runs while drawing 32 free passes. He provided protection for Guerrero and supposed firepower for October, and was viewed as the final piece to another championship run for the Rally Monkeys. Red Sox pitching had other ideas however, dispatching of Los Angeles in four games.

As the season ended, so did the composition of the Halos roster. Not only lost to free agency was Teixeira and Garret Anderson, but closer Francisco Rodriguez. While debated by analysts for his true effectiveness, “K-Rod” set the major league saves record in 2008. The Venezuelan right-hander shut down 62 games, shattering the mark held by Bobby Thigpen, formerly of the Chicago White Sox.

These departures led to some new arrivals in Brian Fuentes and Bobby Abreu, and it remains to be seen if the foundation of success built in the past three years can be achieved in 2009.

2009 Outlook

As just mentioned, there are some huge pieces of the 2008 team no longer in Southern California. Tex’s loss will be hardest to replace, although heralded Cuban prospect Kendry Morales will get the first chance to try and replace the lost production.

K-Rod’s role will now be assumed by the former Colorado Rockie Fuentes (2-years, $17.5 million). His twisting sidearm delivery allowed him to hit the 30-save mark three times in his career. It is interesting to note that Rodriguez saved more games last year (62) than Fuentes did the past two seasons (50), but LA’s penchant for close games may allow the newcomer to catch up in the coming seasons.

The other big ticket item (well, under normal circumstances) was outfielder Bobby Abreu. The older yet talented Abreu spent the past two years in the Bronx, providing good plate discipline and batting average as the Yankees three-hole hitter.

Abreu has to be considered one the steals of the winter, signing for a meager (in baseball terms) five million dollars for one season. Abreu is older and plays suspect defense, but can still work the count, steal some bases and provide decent production in left field.

The Angels will once again rely on a solid pitching staff led by John Lackey and aggressive baseball to win in 2009. They have plenty of speed (Chone Figgins, Erick Aybar, Reggie Willits, Abreu, Hunter) and a considerable amount of depth in the middle infield and the outfield corners. This should keep their older core of star players (Guerrero, Hunter, Abreu) fresh, while breaking in the youth movement of Mike Napoli, Brandon Wood and Morales.

The ’09 Team

Catcher

After the Jeff Mathis experiment failed for the second year, the Angels may have found their catcher of the present and the future in Mike Napoli. The backstop produced well, nailing 20 home runs in just 78 games. He also got on base well (.374 OBP) and slugged .586. Considering the damage he did in roughly half a season, you can expect some great numbers from the 26 year old catcher down the line.

Infield

Here we find some changes, along with tons of youth that haven’t really established themselves at the major league level.

Kendry Morales is penciled in at first, now that Teixiera is in New York and Casey Kotchman is in Atlanta. The Cuban sensation had some great numbers in winter ball and will hope to break out in 2009. If he can come closer to his 2007 numbers (111 OPS+) he’ll be an adequate player at first base for Anaheim. There will be a drop off, it’s just by how much is the question.

There is no question, however, that Howie Kendrick can hit for average. He doesn’t walk and can’t seem to stay healthy, but when he’s on the field he hits. He’s a career .306 batter, and showed some pop (11 HRs) in the 92 games he played in 2008. He’ll need to sustain a high average to be a productive player, because of his lack of OBP skills. If he stays healthy, he’s a right-handed Robinson Cano. If not, expect a slew of former shortstops (Erick Aybar, Maicer Izturis) to help man the position.

Shortstop will be a plus defensively for the Halos, with the slick fielding Aybar penciled in as the starter. While he doesn’t provide much offensively (83 OPS+ in 2008), his range and glove work carry him as a positional player. Put him at the bottom of the order and watch him roam the infield and he’ll be fine.

The hot corner will be manned by Chone Figgins, not exactly the typical power bat you’d expect. Figgins will return as the Halos leadoff hitter, after being used a super-utility player last year. He still runs extremely well and fits the team’s aggressive base-running approach to a tee. Hampered by hand issues early last season, expect a return to his career norms (.290/.356/.387) in 2009.

As a side note, keep an eye on Brandon Wood. Although he strikes out a ton, he is only a few years removed from being one of the top prospects in all of baseball. Remember when he and Dallas McPherson were the future left side of the Angels infield?

Outfield

“Vladdy Daddy” returns to right, as much as his aging knees will allow. Sometimes it can be painful just to watch Vladimir Guerrero move around, but with a bat in his hand he still inflicts pain on opposing pitchers. There isn’t a player in the game with as much plate coverage, and the low key atmosphere of the Angels locker room has been a perfect fit for the Dominican slugger.

Center field is once again Torii Hunter’s area, as he tries to build off of his solid opening campaign as an Angel. He’s getting older, but he can still provide the highlight reel play that made him a “Web Gem” staple during the early 2000s. He has his work cut out for him though, because he has two subpar defenders around him.

That brings me to the new addition, with Bobby Abreu taking over in left field in 2009. Having watched “El Comedulce” play the field for the Yanks the past few years, I can tell Halos fans that he will annoy you more than most. He can be timid in his jumps, and won’t go anywhere near the wall if his life depended on it. He does however, bring needed OBP skill to a lineup that swings like its double-parked outside. At the price, Abreu was a great addition for the Angels.

Don’t be surprised to see Figgins, Reggie Willits, Juan Rivera, and Gary Matthews log some playing time in the outfield. This will help rotate the older players and provide different looks in the lineup on a day-to-day basis.

Starting Rotation

John Lackey anchors what appears to be another strong rotation for Scioscia’s club. Whether Lackey will remain in Los Angeles after this year remains to be seen, but the big righty with the power curveball should continue to post solid numbers this season.

With Ervin Santana shelved with a mysterious arm ailment, bigger results will be needed from Joe Saunders and Jered Weaver. Saunders, the former Virginia Tech star, had a good season in 2008, throwing 200 innings to a tune of a 3.44 ERA.

Weaver hasn’t quite turned into the frontline guy the Angels envisioned whey they drafted him, but he’s a good option that can get better as he learns to become more efficient as a pitcher.

Dustin Moseley and Nick Adenhart will compete in the back end of the rotation, with Adenhart looking to regain his top prospect form from a few years back.

Bullpen

Long gone is K-Rod, and in enters Brian Fuentes. While he lost his job as closer early last season, Fuentes rebounded to put up decent numbers. I am amazed at how his elbow still functions with his motion and how he throws the ball. If he’s healthy, he’ll get plenty of opportunities to add to his career save totals.

The Angels have been known for their ability to shorten games, and that will be no different this year. Trusty set-up man Scott Schields and Jose Arredondo will handle the seventh and eighth inning, getting the ball to Fuentes. Darren Oliver returns as the token lefty, and whoever loses the fifth starter battle will likely long relieve for the club.

Around the Horn With the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Best Case Scenario…

The best case is the normal case for the Angels. They win the West again, yet this time around have more luck in the postseason and capture a championship. Abreu and Guerrero stay healthy, and Lackey makes a strong free agency push.

Worst Case Scenario…

Key cogs get older, and the depth behind Lackey fails to materialize over the course of the season. Lackey has been durable, but if he gets hurt you start to have lots of ordinary arms pitching big innings. This team is old in some spots (OF), and can’t really afford to lose any of its big hitters for a long period of time. Older players aren’t always the most durable.

Breakout Performance…
Jered Weaver

Weaver finally becomes the pitcher everyone thought he would coming out of Long Beach State. I’d also throw Wood in here, who might make enough contact to warrant a spot in the bottom third of the lineup.

Ready to Rebound…
Chone Figgins

Figgins is a versatile player that often gets overlooked because he lacks a clear position. Now that his hand problems are in the past, expect a big year from the diminutive star. Figgins’ success at the top of the lineup is key in generating runs this year. He’ll reclaim his throne as one of fantasy’s best utility players.

Ready to Disappoint…
Kendry Morales

We’ve always heard about Morales hitting days in Cuba, but has he really done anything stateside to warrant the hype? The reason they went out and got Tex in the first place is because Morales wasn’t cutting it at the plate. Does a year of maturity change that? We’ll see, but don’t bet on it.

Don’t Be Surprised If…

Nick Adenhart takes the reins of a starter’s job and turns into one of LA’s better pitchers. Despite his struggles last year, Adenhart still has the repertoire to be a top arm in the American League. All that stands in his way is experience and confidence, both of which he can gain in a low-pressure role as the Angels fifth starter. Once it clicks, he’ll take off.

Be Shocked If…

They fall completely flat and aren’t in the West Division race. Oakland has made upgrades and Texas has tons of young talent, but the Angels are still the class of the West.

In the Next Three Years…

Los Angeles has some problems up ahead, namely the age of their outfield and lack of power in the system. Unless Hank Conger turns it around, there isn’t much positional player talent ready to compete soon. This will either force them to extend their older players, or take a step back while the youth they have catches up.

An Angelic Assessment…

After compiling the best record (100-62) in all of baseball during the regular season, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim found success in October much more difficult. They fell in just four games to the Boston Red Sox in the divisional round of October. There are new faces on manager Mike Scioscia’s ballclub, but expect the same West Division dominance from a team that has averaged just under 95 wins a season for the past three years.

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And then there were four… in case you missed ‘em:

Washington Nationals, Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates, Baltimore Orioles, San Francisco Giants, Atlanta Braves, Detroit Tigers, Colorado Rockies, Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians, Arizona Diamondbacks, Florida Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros, Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, New York Mets, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs

Tomorrow — We stay in L.A. as Bill Baer dishes on the Dodgers

Not only does a top coach join this week’s broadcast, but two of the biggest talents in the collegiate game do as well.

San Diego State’s Stephen Strasburg steps in studio, as the Preseason Player of the Year and the possible top overall selection in this year’s MLB Draft sits in for an interview. Strasburg was the lone collegiate baseball player selected to participate in the 2008 Olympics, and he shares his thoughts about Beijing and dealing with the draft hype surrounding his upcoming junior year.

After talking with the best junior in the country, arguably the best freshman in all the land joins us at the half hour mark. Kentucky’s Alex Meyer, who was Indiana’s Gatorade High School Player of the Year, joins us to share how he has adjusted to college life so far. The freshman phenom also explains why he chose to become a Wildcat, and how the Boston Red Sox pushed hard for his services at the draft deadline.

To round out the star-studded guest lineup we close out the show with Baseball America’s college guru, Aaron Fitt. Fitt sheds some light on BA’s Preseason Top 25, and the names and programs to watch as action kicks off next month.

Your calls and emails (sansanradio@hotmail.com) are always welcome, as BDD Live turns its attention to the metal bats in this week’s show. To join in on the debate, dial 646-716-7728.

So join us on Saturday at 12:00 PM Eastern Time at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/baseballdigestdaily to listen to the live broadcast. You can also download the show or listen to the recording upon completion. Or, to download this and all other podcast archives via iTunes, just do the following:

1) Open iTunes.
2) Click on the Advanced menu at the top.
3) Then click on Subscribe to Podcast.
4) Enter this URL http://www.blogtalkradio.com/baseballdigestdaily/feed and click ok.

With over 200 players and pitchers on the market, three noted baseball minds will attempt to make sense of how this year’s contracts will be doled out. First off is BDD writer Rob McQuown, who’ll discuss the Jake Peavy market and whether the former Cy Young winner’s actual value matches what he’s perceived. The former STATS, Inc. programmer steps in studio in the first segment.

The biggest player in this year’s market will likely be the New York Yankees, and Bronx Banter’s Cliff Corcoran will attempt to shed light on the Bombers plans. Bronx Banter is now apart of the SNY.tv blog network, and has been long heralded for its great opinion on Yankee baseball. Corcoran will update us on NY’s pitching situation, and whether or not Brian Cashman will delve into the trade market.

With all the speculation behind us, Baseball Prospectus writer Christina Kahrl will shed some light on the first actual trade of the offseason. The Kansas Royals and Florida Marlins made a swap, with KC adding first baseman Mike Jacobs to the roster. Kahrl will analyze the transaction and debate whether Jacobs power is enough to offset his deficiencies.

As always, your calls are welcome, so feel free to join in the action. Call 646-716-7728 to enter the discussion.

So join us on Saturday at 12:00 PM Eastern Time at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/baseballdigestdaily to listen to the live broadcast. You can also download the show or listen to the recording upon completion. Or, to download this and all other podcast archives via iTunes, just do the following:
1) Open iTunes.
2) Click on the Advanced menu at the top.
3) Then click on Subscribe to Podcast.
4) Enter this URL http://www.blogtalkradio.com/baseballdigestdaily/feed and click ok.

Eric SanInocencio
Host — Baseball Digest Daily Live
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/baseballdigestdaily