Cubs-Sox in Vegas: Come for the baseball, stay for the VD

I don’t care if it’s a spring training game, you do not share with your rival. Not even penicillin. | Chicago Tribune

The Nasty Natty Goes Worldwide: Reds in the 2009 WBC

Official WBC rosters came out last week and a handful of N.L. Central players made their country’s respective cut. Midwest Swing takes a deeper look into the lives of N.L. Central players battling for world supremacy.

By Danny Mehigan

The Reds were a chic pick in 2008 to do some damage in the N.L. Central (I’m looking at you, Sports Illustrated), but they never got off the ground and finished a disappointing fifth. After the club deposed of Ken Griffey, Jr. and Adam Dunn, amongst others, these nine guys will look to light up international competition before making a real run at things in 2009.

Alexander Smit (Netherlands): Smit went 8-7 with a 3.87 ERA for high-A Sarasota Reds in 2008 after the Twins let him go after the ’07 season. The youngster from Geldrop, Noord-Brabant in the Netherlands pitched one inning in the 2006 WBC, giving up two hits and one run. Smit’s been in the minors since 2003 but has not advanced above high-A ball, so this might be his chance for baseball glory. Interestingly enough, he was rated higher than Matt Capps (the successful Pirates closer) as recently as 2004. Scouting fail.

Juan Carlos Sulbaran (Netherlands): Likely one of the youngest players in the tournament, Sulbaran just finished high school at American Heritage in Plantation, Fla. He went 11-0 with a 1.40 ERA last year and led Heritage to the state title, no small feat in Florida. Even though he’s from Willemstad in the Netherlands Antilles (you’ve heard of Willemstad before… like every year at the Little League World Series), you can’t go to a school called American Heritage without the US making a claim for you. He didn’t play in the first WBC, but did only give up one run in 7 IP against Cuba in 2008 Olympics. But that one run – a steal of home. Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez would own this guy.

Joey Votto (Canada): A highly respected young player in major league circles, Votto had a great rookie year in 2008 for the Reds. He hit .297 with 24 HR and quickly laid claim to the starting spot at first base. He was nowhere to be found at the 2006 WBC. Votto came to the Reds from high school in Toronto, so he’s as Canadian as they come. Even though his high school didn’t have a baseball team, Votto was still picked 44th overall in the 2002 Draft, so somebody ought to give his agent a raise.

Yen-Wen Kuo (Chinese Taipei): A spry youngster, Kuo signed with the Reds as an 18-year old shortstop in early 2007. He doesn’t have much experience anywhere, with his only stats of note a mere 1-for-3 as a reserve in 2008 Olympics. He played his first game in the US on June 20, 2008 for the Gulf Coast League Reds, going 3 for 5 with a double and 2 RBI against the GCL Red Sox. Another performance like that and the Yankees will surely give him 10 million a year, no questions asked.

Johnny Cueto (Dominican Republic): Cueto is a particularly well-known commodity considering he’s only had one season in the majors. He started out the 2008 season with a bang, tossing 8 one-hit innings with 10 strikeouts and no walks in his first start. Alas, he cooled off throughout the year and finished 9-14 with a 4.81 ERA in 31 starts. This will be his first WBC appearance. Cueto was born and raised in San Pedro de Macrois, D.R. and still has that look like he has no idea where he is, so I’ll consider him a true Dominican. It turns out his name is actually Johnny Cueto Ortiz. Midwest Swing minions are still trying to verify if he is Big Papi’s son. Hey, you never know.

Edinson Volquez (Dominican Republic): After three mostly quiet seasons with the Rangers, Volquez exploded in 2008 after being traded for Josh Hamilton, he who loves dingers and tats. Volquez made the N.L. All-Star team and finished the year with a 17-6 record, 3.21 ERA and 206 strikeouts. He hails from Santo Domingo, D.R. – they simply don’t need to steal natives from other countries. And how about this? He’s the only player in the majors with either of the names Edinson or Volquez, so what’s up with that, Carlos Lee(s) – get creative.

Willy Taveras (Dominican Republic): Taveras joins the Reds after stints in Houston and Colorado, and is known for his speed. He ripped off a career high 68 stolen bases last year, but hit a career low .251 – way to keep expectations low, buddy. While he played in the 2006 WBC, he went 3-for-22 as the primary centerfielder so you might not want to remind him about it. He’s from Tenares, D.R. and has been to two World Series (with Houston in 2005 and Colorado in 2007). His teams are a combined 0-8. Chances are strong his favorite football team is the Buffalo Bills.

Jerry Hairston, Jr. (Mexico): The first Reds representative with any tenure, the 11-year vet Hairston is the definition of a utility player. He played six positions last year (while hitting .326 with 20 doubles), and has done all but pitch and catch during his major league career. He was born in Des Moines, Iowa and attended Southern Illinois, but you could probably blame that on his father’s MLB career rather than him trying to be a fake Mexican. He didn’t appear in the 2006 WBC, but he should play a prominent role this time around. His dad (Jerry), brother (Scott) and grandfather (Sammy) all had long and successful careers in the majors, but I suggest they get out of town and give the rest of us a shot.

Ramón Hernández (Venezuela): Picked up this winter in a trade for Ryan Freel, the catcher comes to Cincy from Baltimore, where he hit .257 in 2008. A good defensive catcher, he should bring stability to the revolving door that is the Reds’ backstop. He hit .273 (6-for-22) in the 2006 WBC while splitting time with Victor Martinez. Hernández comes from Caracas, and I believe only Venezuelans have that many accents in their name, so I hereby accept his Venezuelan-ness. Hernández is also the inspiration behind the website Ramon Hernandez Put Down The Gun Because We Pinch Hit For Our Catcher And We Don’t Have Any Position Players Left On The Bench. I have no idea if there was actually a gun brandished that fateful day, but it’d be much cooler that way, so let’s go with that.

WHOU’S in the Classic? Astros in the 2009 WBC

Official WBC rosters came out last week and a handful of N.L. Central players made their country’s respective cut. Midwest Swing takes a deeper look into the lives of N.L. Central players battling for world supremacy.

Lost in the hoopla of the Cards/Brewers/Cubs in 2008, the Astros made their normal late charge in the division to make a bit of noise down the stretch. In the world of classic baseball (see what I did there?) the ‘Stros looked to have a say in the upcoming tournament. Wrong! What happened to patriotism, gents?

Chris Barnwell, Canada – SS
Stats in 2008: signed minor league contract with Houston in January; batted .276 in 94 games for Albequerque in the Pacific Coast League in 2008 (6 HR’s, 42 RBI, 16 SB’s).
Just how native is he? He is playing for Canada but he was born in Jacksonville, Florida … sooo America calls dibs.
Fun fact: He’s a Nease High School graduate, which is the same high school that Tim Tebow played for. That automatically makes him one of god’s chosen few per being linked to Tebow … but he still is Canadian.

T.J. Burton, Canada – P
2008 Stats: 2-2 with AA Akron Aeros and A Kinston Indians in 2008; 13 appearances with 3.90 ERA.
Just how native is he? He was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario … so he probably played hockey or something weak like that. Kidding, Canada.
Fun fact: He went to Notre Dame High School (Notre Dame was America’s school first, ipso facto America claims Burton).

Carlos Lee, Panama – LF
2008 stats: He batted .314 with 28 HR’s and 100 in 2008 for Houston; averaging 28 HR’s and 100 RBI’s in each of his 10 seasons.
Just how native is he? nicknamed El Caballo because he runs and owns a cattle ranch in Panama during the off-season) (totally a native because there is nothing worse then being Hispanic and converting your nickname to English … way to not fake the funk).
Fun fact: He has a brother also named Carlos who plays in the Brewers minor league system (I guess his parents went the George Foreman route … weak sauce).

Chia-Jen Lo, China – P
2008 stats: He was born in Taiwan and signed with the Astros in November. He played for Taiwan national team in Beijing; likely to start out in bullpen in single-ball.
Just how native is he? First ever Taiwanese player in Astros system (when you are the first of anything for a team, you are native through and through. Just ask Jackie Robinson).

Roy Oswalt, USA – SP
2008 stats: He went 17-10 with 3.54 ERA in 2008; averaging 16 wins and 165 K’s in eight full seasons.
Just how native is he? He won gold in 2004 Olympics (taking into account the premium American players put on playing in the Olympics, the fact that Oswalt played in them makes him a model American in the same vein as Abe Lincoln, FDR and Clarence Thomas … wait scratch that last one).
Fun fact: He spent TWO years in junior college in Mississippi before going pro; grew 2 inches, gained 15 pounds and added 3  MPH’s to fastball (that’s right kids, going BACK to school can help you).

Miguel Tejada, Dominican Republic – SS
2008 stats: .283 with 13 HR’s and 66 RBI’s in 2008; his lowest numbers since 2004.
Just how native is he? The fact that he could have his work VISA revoked if Congress doesn’t like what he has to say tells you how foreign this guy is.
Fun fact: What hasn’t been said about Miguel Tejada? Steroids, perjury, identification fraud: He’s a coke habit away from a starring role in the ESPN Deportes version of “Playmakers.”

Bringin’ the beer: Brewers in the 2009 WBC

Official WBC rosters came out last week and a handful of N.L. Central players made their country’s respective cut. Midwest Swing takes a deeper look into the lives of N.L. Central players battling for world supremacy

By Danny Mehigan

The Brewers are not like other teams. They did not have superstars turning down opportunities to play in the World Baseball Classic because of injury, contract stipulations or general disdain. Except Yovani Gallardo – he did turn it down in order to completely rehab from the injuries that robbed him of most of his 2008. Other big names, like Prince Fielder (lack of veggie burgers in host cities) and Robin Yount (retired about 15 years ago and is far too old) were not invited to participate. But there are some Brewers involved, and let’s meet ’em all.

David Welch (Australia): Finished with a 11-4 record in AA Huntsville in 2008, rocking out with a 3.90 ERA and almost 2 to 1 K:BB ratio. He didn’t play in the 2006 WBC, but the Sydney native was most likely at home hanging out with koalas and eating shrimp on barbies – which sounds more fun that playing some baseball anyway. Welch is trying to become just the fourth player from Texarkana College to make the major leagues. Before that happens, someone of importance at that school needs to decide if they like Texas or if they like Arkansas. Ya just can’t have both.

Mark DiFelice (Italy): In 2008, DiFelice split his time between AAA and the big club in Milwaukee, appearing in 15 games for the Crew. He pitched well too, with a 2.84 ERA, 20 K and only five BB, but most of his appearances came in blowouts. It was his 11th professional season, but the first time he had reached the majors. Congrats to the guy for stickin’ with it – and the rewards keep coming as he gets to play for his homeland. Well, Pennsylvania doesn’t have a team, so the Haverstown native probably just went back a few generations for this one.

Vinny Rottino (Italy): Rottino is a versatile player who has been used all over the diamond, but catcher is his natural spot. He hit .260 for AAA Nashville last year with 30 doubles. He also went 0 for 1 with the Brewers in September. Needless to say, he was not a regular. This is the first time he’ll be partaking in World Baseball Classic-ness. I don’t know if the guy ever lived in Italy, or even visited… but doesn’t he sound like a real Italian? If that isn’t enough, then Mike Piazza needs his WBC record wiped clean. Rottino grew up in Racine, Wisc. (aka The Cilla) and is one of two Wisconsinites on the Brewers 40-man roster.

Ryan Braun (USA): If you don’t know who Braunie is by now, then you’re no friend of mine. The 2008 NL All-Star starting leftfielder hit .285 with 39 doubles, 37 dingers and 106 RBI, despite being hurt for most of the final two months. Also, he was the only Brewers player to remember that offense is a good thing in the postseason. Considering he had just graduated from The U (Miami, for those who mysteriously think I’m talking about Minnesota), it’s no surprise this is also his first WBC. His brother Steven is on the Brewers’ rookie club in Helena, so between Milwaukee and Montana, I’m not sure if the Cali-bred Braun boys are too excited about where they live nowadays.

Brett Lawrie (Canada): This crazy Canuck is one of the best power hitting prospects in the minors. Or at least he will be once he plays a game. Lawrie just graduated from high school last year and was the 16th overall draft pick out of Brookswood Secondary School in British Columbia. He was picked as a catcher, but switched to second base less than a month ago. Eat your heart out, Jeff Kent – though I doubt Lawrie has that nice of a ‘stache. During a summer tournament in the Dominican Republic for the Canadian junior national team, Lawrie hit eight home runs in five games and was the talk of the tournament. In his free time, he likes pond hockey and ice fishing. Alright, I made that last part up, but it’s a safe assumption, eh?

Bird Doggin’: Cardinals in the 2009 WBC

Official WBC rosters came out last week and a handful of N.L. Central players made their country’s respective cut. Midwest Swing takes a deeper look into the lives of N.L. Central players battling for world supremacy.

Raise your hand if you can ID anyone representing the Cardinals in the World Baseball Classic outside of Yadier Molina … LIARS. But seriously, the Redbirds lack of star power in baseball’s version of the Geneva Conference is apparent. Albert Pujols has insurance issues that won’t cover him if he re-aggravates his elbow. And Ryan Ludwick and Joel Piniero sipped on some cosmos and decided if they don’t start, that their respective teams can stuff it. Diva, much?

Yadier Molina, Puerto Rico – C
2008 stats: He batted .304 with 7 HR’s and 56 RBI in 2008 (124 games); threw out 55 runners in 2008
Just how native is he- He lives in Puerto Rico during the offseason and Caseyville, Illinois during the season (safe to say that Caseyville saps all the foreign street cred out of him during the season so he’s probably off and on).
Fun fact: Youngest of Molina brothers who all play catcher in MLB (Bengie and Jose are the oldest); all three have WS rings; it’s as if they saw what happens when you attach the name “Stoudamaire” to a basketball player.

Arquimedes Nieto, Panama – SP
2008 stats: Went 6-1 with 2.95 ERA for Batavia Muckdogs in 2008
Fun fact: At 19 years old, he is the second youngest member of Panama team. If anyone doubts this, send thank you cards to Tejada, Miguel.

Adam Ottavino, Italy – SP
2008 stats: Went 3-7 with 1.60 ERA in AA Springfield (first round draft pick of Cardinals in 2006; 30th overall)
Just how native is he? He was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY but chose to compete for Italy; so he’s dead to us here in America.

Curt Smith, Netherlands – 1B
2008 stats: Smith batted .403 for the University of Maine in 2008 leading American East Conference in average and had 11 HRs.
Just how native is he? He was born in Netherlands..and since I can’t name five Dutch baseball players, that should tell you how slim the pickings might be … rock on, Curt Smith.

Meet the Pirates aboard the good ship WBC

Official WBC rosters came out last week and a handful of N.L. Central players made their country’s respective cut. Midwest Swing takes a deeper look into the lives of N.L. Central players battling for world supremacy.

It’s time to find out the names of the Pittsburgh Pirates that are going to the Spring Classic, and after looking over the names I must say I am underwhelmed. I’m not sure if the WBC teams picked mainly Pirate minor leaguers because they are talented or because they didn’t want any of the actual Pittsburgh Pirates, but either way most of these names will be unfamiliar to the casual fan.

Side note: People toss around the term “casual fan” all the time, but what does that actually mean, and what are the other types of fans that exist? Can’t we measure fans the same way we measure drug use, so I can properly categorize people that follow sports? For example, fans that occasionally tune into “Sportscenter” or catch “Sunday Night Baseball” could be called experimental fans. Those that follow their respective teams in the paper and will watch a game if they come across it on TV: recreational fans. And “that guy,” you know who you are, well, “that guy” would be called a dependent fan. This could benefit baseball fans and drug users alike — I smell some cross-promotion!

Ray Chang, China – SS
Born in the ancient Chinese province of Kansas City, Mo., Ray Chang had played 5 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates organization at AA Altoona. Chang did not play in the 2006 WBC unlike his (presumed) relatives Chia-Hao Chang, Tai-San Chang, Chien-Ming Chang and distant cousin Endy Chavez.

Chi-Hung Cheng, Chinese Taipei – LHP
All of the information I could muster on Chi-Hung Cheng says that he is a part of the Toronto Blue Jays organization, but the WBC Web site has him listed here as part of the pirates organization. This is a perfect example of why it is so important to get at least one official at-bat or record a single out at the major league level. Your career profile can be verified and has the additional bonus of not looking like it was created by a high school sophomore using his first Angelfire account.

David Davidson, Canada – LHP
David-squared pitched in 45 games last season between AA Altoona and AAA Indianapolis. Baseball America gave him a prestigious honor by awarding him with “Best curveball” in the Pirates organization in 2007, which is sort of like when you won “Most likely to be an actor” in your middle school yearbook, but I digress. David Davidson? Really Mr. and Mrs. Davidson? Did you both sit down when young David was just a twinkle in your eye and have this discussion?
“We should really have a kid.”
“That’s a great idea honey! … Wait, what would we call it?”
(20 minutes later)
“What about … David?”
“Perfect! I’ve always liked my last name, I’m sure he’ll love to have it be his first and last name!”
“What if it’s a girl?”
“Then … We’ll have an abortion?”
“Great idea sweetheart!”

John Grabow, USA – LHP
Grabow owns the obscure Pittsburgh record for appearances by a rookie left-handed pitcher with 68 in 2004. Grabow also had the third lowest ERA of left-handed relievers in the N.L., and, all-in-all, is not too shabby player. Best of all, he’s Jewish! Breaking down stereotypes and pitching for team USA: Here’s to you John Grabow.

Joshua Hill, Australia – RHP
Mr. Hill pitched in 22 games for AA Altoona (the fightin’ … Curve?) and is actually from the land down under. His nickname is Shaggy, undoubtably because of his admiration for Reggae music and bouts of infidelity. He played one game in the 2006 WBC but did not record an out. After giving up a single and a walk he was replaced by …

Paul Mildren, Australia – LHP
… but poor Paulie didn’t do much better in his WBC performance, surrendering 3 runs on 6 hits in 3 innings of work; giving him a nice, round ERA of 9.00. Mildren signed as a free agent with the Pirates after spending his entire minor league career with the Marlins and Royals. Leaving the Royals to play for the Pirates is a lateral move at best, but he did play for the greatest named minor league team ever, the Jamestown Jammers, in 2002 so it all evens out.

Elicer Navarro, Panama – LHP
Navarro’s Baseball America page tell me he’s a left-handed pitcher who worked in the Pirates Rookie League last year. His Baseball-Reference.com page tells me he was born in Chiriqui, Panama and his facebook page tells me he is apparently a fan of the Celebrity / Public Figure “jesucristo.” I can’t read Spanish, but according to facebook this jesucristo fellow was either in Menudo or was some sort of carpenter.

Ian Snell, Puerto Rico – RHP
The Delaware-born and raised “Puerto Rican” heads up a rotation featuring Jonathan Sanchez and Javier Vazquez. It must be so refreshing to pitch alongside major-league talent! Did you know that Ian Snell was named Delaware athlete of the year in 2006 by the Delaware Sports Writers Association? Being the best athlete in Delaware must feel an awful lot like being the best pitcher on the Pittsburgh Pirates, no?

Ramon Vazquez, Puerto Rico – 3B
Vazquez, unlike the aforementioned Snell happens to actually be a native of Puerto Rico. Then again, Puerto Ricans are actually U.S. citizens. So, all things considered equal, I guess Snell is just as Puerto Rican as Vazquez. What a crazy world! Did you know that Puerto Rico is also called “La Isla del Encanto,” which, according to my sources, means “The Island of Enchantment.”