James Patrick

American League Cy Young Award Deserves to Stay in Cleveland

Cleveland Indians southpaw Cliff Lee put his stamp on the 2008 American League Cy Young Award at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio on Labor Day. Lee became the first Tribe pitcher to win 20 games in 34 years, not since Gaylord Perry hit the magic number in 1974 has the 20 win mark been achieved by a Cleveland hurler. Lee's 20 wins represent 30% of the Indian's victories to date this season and when we look at his season's accomplishments, how can he not win the award this season ?  A look at his numbers shows us that the lefthander has gone at least 5 innings in all 27 of his starts this year. His 9 consecutive wins are tied for the most in the league. He has a 15-0 record in night baseball. A 9-0 record at Progressive Field in Cleveland. Since the All-Star break he is 8-0 in the second half of the season. Lee became Major League Baseball's first 20 game winner. His winning percentage is .909 and he has allowed 2 or less runs in 21 of 27 outings. Don't forget that some poor choices by Tribe Manager Eric Wedge in respect to going to his bullpen cost Lee four more victories at least. Recent abdominal injuries have derailed Lee's Star Status as many fail to recall his 2005 record of 18-5 before the injuries hit. Was CC Sabathia really the ace of the Cleveland Indians pitching staff ? One thing for sure is the award that Sabathia coveted last season certainly belongs on the mantle in the Lee Family household this year.

Building a Strong Program with the Best Talent

For the first time under Head Coach Jim Tressel, a recruiting class has more out-of-state players than Ohio players. In 2006, Tressel had 10 of each, but overall his first seven classes included 85 Ohio players and 47 players from other states.
This year, Ohio State snagged nine Ohio players and ten from elsewhere - four from Florida and one each from Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Texas. The Buckeyes are looking to challenge the best programs in the country on a annual basis. The proof is right here.

Major League Baseball Makes Rules Adjustments

   

The  base coaches in the Big Leagues will have to stay inside their boxes this season. MLB announced a few rule amendments, including one that came after Class AA coach Mike Coolbaugh was killed by a line drive to the neck.
     Starting this season, first and third base coaches must not cross the lines toward home plate or the field until batted balls pass them. Only then can they take up other spots to guide the runners.
    Third base coaches routinely stand much closer to the plate than playing lines permit, trying to get a better look at where outfielders are positioned. In November, general managers decided Big League base coaches must wear protective headgear this year, starting with exhibition games.
    Other amendments adopted by the Playing Rules Committee will be tried on an experimental basis in the Class A New York-Penn and Northwest leagues. Pitchers will have 15 seconds, rather than the previous 12 seconds, to deliver the ball. This time will start when the pitcher gets the ball.
    Also, after three or more visits to the mound by a manager or coach without taking out a patcher, the fourth mound trip will result in a pitcher automatically being pulled.
    In addition, only one infielder at a time will be allowed to visit the mound.

Sid the Kid is Amazing

Last Friday evening I was the honored guest of the a very dear friend in Pittsburgh at the Penguins vs. Stars game at the Igloo. This was my first in person viewing of Pittsburgh's latest hockey sensation, Sidney Crosby. It isn't very often that I will say any professional athlete is worth the price of today's tickets for professional sporting events, but Crosby is worth the price of admission. From his dominating faceoff percentage to his unbelievable, Globetrotter like moves on skates, uncanny passing and laser like shot, the Penguin Fans will have a lot of excitement watching this 23 year old perform. Jaromir Jagr, skate aside, because Big Game James Patrick is on the bandwagon of #87 Sidney "The Kid" Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins.