Blog Bounce: Depressed Fan

The other day I was thinking about creating my own “Mitchell Report,” based off of the statistical data that is available to us all. If one examines the numbers of a player and sees huge statistical anomalies in certain seasons, then one can “theorize” as to the person’s natural abilities or enhanced abilities. Granted, this is rather unfair to the players, especially if they haven’t been linked to steroid use in the past, which is why I decided not to do it, no matter how fun it sounded in my head.

However, I actually found someone who did it and did it well. Here’s a great read by the Depressed Fan (in his blog) about the players that HE thinks are missing from the Mitchell Report. Yup, it’s his own personal Mitchell Report, and it’s a good one, so definitely check it out. Based on statistical anomalies (breaks from normal offensive outputs), the guy produced an pretty entertaining read. It’s got 3 parts and features some obvious figures and some guys that you wouldn’t expect to see in a steroid list (Derek Jeter and Tino Martinez). Three names that appear to be missing though (in my mind) are Brett Boone (2001), Jason Schmidt (early 2000’s) and Adrian Beltre (2004). Their numbers for these seasons indicate a similar logic to the one expressed in the Depressed Fan’s blog post.

Also, it’s important to note that the Depressed Fan did not merely say “look at the numbers,” but provided statistical data, commented on it, analyzed the league era numbers, etc, etc. He examined the context in relation to the numbers, so not all these players are simply condemned or put down as steroid users. Some anomalies he even concludes to be natural (not brought on by steroid use) when looking at the larger situation. So, check it out, and let the Depressed Fan know who sent you if you comment!

Curt Schilling Clarifies

A couple of days ago, Curt Schilling had some thoughts for Roger Clemens, writing in his blog (38pitches.com) that he should organize a legal team and clear his name after the Mitchell Report steroid stained it. However, I didn’t realize (until reading this text) that he had actually “clarified” his position on Thursday with the following:

“Does Roger have to clear his name? Hell no he doesn’t. If he doesn’t care about the statements in the report and how they reflect on him then I don’t need to be the one to tell you he can do what he wants,” Schilling wrote.

He’s basically backtracking since he already stated that Clemens SHOULD clear his name through legal action, which would make his records, stats and Cy Young Awards more legitimate than they currently are. Sometimes you wonder about Schilling. The man’s got great numbers and if he could just shut the hell up once in a while, maybe then people would no longer preface their talks about Curt Schilling with “Yeah, he’s an asshole, but…”

Santana Deal Unlikely?

Although Steinbrenner has stated the Yankees are still in the thick of it all, here’s a comment by someone familiar with the trade talks, gathered by the great Kat O’Brien.

“I don’t see it happening with us,” the source said. “We pulled out in Nashville, and we haven’t put an offer back on the table.”

Who knows what’s going on right now.  One minute we’re in, the next minute we’re out.  I think cooler heads will prevail and the Yankees will hold on to Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy.  A loss of both young pitchers would be too much, even for the heralded Johan Santana.

Also, if the Yankees dont get Santana, expect Joba to pitch in the rotation next year.  There’s been an argument for him pitching in the rotation and out of the bullpen, but, the bullpen talk seems more speculative than the rotation talk since everyone within the organization has already stated that he’ll be in the rotation next year.  If anything, maybe they will put him back in the pen as the season winds down to help cap off his innings.

The Rockies Get Vizcaino

Luis Vizcaino agreed to a 2-year deal with the Rockies ($7.5 per).  We basically swapped Vizcaino for Hawkins in 2008.  However, we also get a sandwich pick since Vizcaino was a Type-B free agent, so we kind of swapped Vizcaino for Hawkins and a nice draft pick.

When I look back on Vizcaino’s short stay with the Yankees, I don’t really know how to describe it.  He was all over the place and Joe Torre made a mess of the man’s arm.  The only moment I truly remember of Vizcaino as a Yankee was during the playoffs against Cleveland when he allowed Travis Hafner (who had been struggling mightily) to ultimately drive in the game winning run in the 11th inning, putting the Yankees in a precarious 0-2 grave.

Good riddens.