Baseball for the Thinking Fan

Login | Register | Feedback

btf_logo
You are here > Home > Baseball Newsstand > Baseball Primer Newsblog > Discussion
Baseball Primer Newsblog
— The Best News Links from the Baseball Newsstand

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

OTM: Is Jacoby Ellsbury On The Fast Track To The Hall Of Fame?

According to Hall of Famer (by Otsegoofed law…that now must be said) Jim Rice he is.

An interesting question was raised to Jim Rice at Friday’s Granite State Baseball Dinner. Rice, who this summer was inducted into the the baseball Hall of Fame, was asked who he thought on the current Red Sox team has potential to be the next Sox Hall of Famer.

Rice’s answer was a surprising one: Jacoby Ellsbury.

When the question was asked, I thought about how I would answer it. I ran through the options in my head: Jason Varitek? No. Mike Lowell? No. Kevin Youkilis? That’d be tough. While Rice tried to figure out the best answer, I came to the conclusion of Jonathan Papelbon. I figured with the pace he is on, Papelbon could be a Hall of Famer. He’d have to pitch for many more years of course, but as of right now it’s looking good for him.

Dustin Pedroia is another good choice, but we’ve only seen three full seasons out of him.

This all went through my mind, then Rice blurted out “Jacoby.”

Huh?

Repoz Posted: November 25, 2009 at 12:41 PM | 76 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
  Tags: hall of fame, red sox

Reader Comments and Retorts

Go to end of page

Statements posted here are those of our readers and do not represent the BaseballThinkFactory. Names are provided by the poster and are not verified. We ask that posters follow our submission policy. Please report any inappropriate comments.

   1. RB in NYC (Now with New iPhone!) Posted: November 25, 2009 at 01:15 PM (#3396395)
Well, ####. If they put Jim Rice in, why not Ellsbury?
   2. HGM Posted: November 25, 2009 at 01:21 PM (#3396396)
I literally burst into laughter when I read this headline
   3. pinball1973 Posted: November 25, 2009 at 01:35 PM (#3396397)
I snickered as well - and I think JE is a fine player. HoF? Unlikely, but you never know. FAST-TRACK to the HoF? Literally very funny!
   4. Shooty: Applying to be Fearless Leader Posted: November 25, 2009 at 01:38 PM (#3396399)
You think the writers are going to forget about all of those tacos? HOF, baby!
   5. Gregg Posted: November 25, 2009 at 01:46 PM (#3396401)
I'd put Lester ahead of Pap and everyone else on the team. Just 25, the guy is already 42-16 career. Every key stat like WHIP and SO/BB get better year by year. Solid attitude. Great fundamentals. Everything points to a long and steady career. Much easier for a starting pitcher to make it than a reliever, and Pap's explosive nature could end up working against him at some point.
   6. buddaley Posted: November 25, 2009 at 01:51 PM (#3396402)
Well, since a former player and a HOFer to boot has now said it, you can bet it will become an argument for Ellsbury once he retires.

Maybe Rice was applying for a job at ESPN or MLB network and figured this statement would augment his analyst credentials for them.
   7. tjm1 Posted: November 25, 2009 at 02:05 PM (#3396405)
I'd go with Pedroia here. Pitchers are always one arm injury away from ending their careers.

Ranking in OPS+ through age of 2Bs since 1925 (about when 2B and 3B switched on the defensive spectrum) with at least 400 games played:

Lazzeri*, Morgan*, Grich**, Gordon*, Molitor*, Baerga, Alomar***, Carew*, Orta, Mike Andrews, Jim Lefebvre, Pedroia***, Sandberg*, Cano***, Randolph**, Rose***, Herman*, Cuccinello, Hunt, Doerr*

Those are the top 20. One * means the player's a HOFer, two ** means he's not, but receives serious consideration from stathead types, and three means he's not yet eligible. There are another 5 with OPS+ more than 100, of whom Gehringer is a HOFer, and the other four, Vidro, Samuel, DeShields, and Knoblauch all appeared to have a chance at some point, but certainly don't now.

The guys in this crowd who were well regarded defensively are almost all in the Hall of Fame. I know he's only been in the league three years, but I'd give Pedroia a 70% chance or so of making the Hall based on his comparables. I know he doesn't look as good in the actual "comparable players" category on BBRef, but that ignores the point that he's better than most of his comparables there, and the ones who are better than him are no-brainer HOFers like Carew.
   8. YR Denies Jesus Montero Posted: November 25, 2009 at 02:09 PM (#3396407)
The guys in this crowd who were well regarded defensively are almost all in the Hall of Fame. I know he's only been in the league three years, but I'd give Pedroia a 70% chance or so of making the Hall based on his comparables.


He'll be hist!

He'll be hist!

He'll be history!

And Jim Rice will glorify his naaaaaaaame!

He'll be a bust, be a bust, be a bust

In the Hall of Fame!
   9. The elusive Robert Denby Posted: November 25, 2009 at 02:13 PM (#3396409)
Maybe Rice was applying for a job at ESPN or MLB network and figured this statement would augment his analyst credentials for them.

Well, it does sound like something Steve Phillips would say.
   10. Tuque Posted: November 25, 2009 at 02:19 PM (#3396412)
Interesting that the Sox have an excellent team and a perennial contender, and their last (probable) HoFer was Manny a year and a half ago.

Granted, Manny is a first-tier HoFer, but still. A certain NL team based in Queens has as many as three or four possible future HoFers and has suffered three of the most embarrassing seasons ever right in a row.
   11. Shooty: Applying to be Fearless Leader Posted: November 25, 2009 at 02:22 PM (#3396414)
Granted, Manny is a first-tier HoFer, but still.

Not any more, he's not.
   12. Jose Can You Seabiscuit Posted: November 25, 2009 at 02:29 PM (#3396417)
I think Beckett has the best chance. 108 wins isn't a lot but he seems to have resolved the blister problem so assuming health 6 more 16 win seasons (he's averaged 16.25 with the Sox so far) puts him just over 200. Fill that in with a few seasons on the back end to get to 230-240 and he's got some good "story" markers in his favor (post-season performance) and I think he has a pretty strong case.

Ellsbury is there if you squint. You basically have to assume he turns into Johnny Damon with 50-70 steals a year to get there but it's not entirely out of the question.
   13. tjm1 Posted: November 25, 2009 at 02:34 PM (#3396420)
Ellsbury is there if you squint. You basically have to assume he turns into Johnny Damon with 50-70 steals a year to get there but it's not entirely out of the question.


We've seen enough of Ellsbury, I think, to say that the upside is Kenny Lofton, and that's actually not too much of a reach. Ellsbury just needs to develop his plate discipline a little more. I think if Lofton had stuck with one or two teams, instead of playing for a record or near record number of teams, he'd be getting some consideration.
   14. Tuque Posted: November 25, 2009 at 02:39 PM (#3396425)
Not any more, he's not.

Really? Are you going to go there, now, Shooty? It's too early in the morning for this.

(kidding)
   15. AJM Posted: November 25, 2009 at 02:41 PM (#3396427)
The first person I thought of was Beckett.
   16. Shooty: Applying to be Fearless Leader Posted: November 25, 2009 at 02:46 PM (#3396431)
Really? Are you going to go there, now, Shooty? It's too early in the morning for this.

I know you're kidding, but the writers have set their precedent. I'm not the gatekeeper! Clearly, by just production, he's a HOFer. I'm actually looking forward to the HOF voters trying to sort out the bad steroid users from the un-bad steroid users from the ingenues who mistakenly "tried" HGH from the guys "everybody knows" did roids and are hung for it from the guys "everybody knows" did roids but were likable so we'll give them a pass. It's going to be great fun.
   17. lar @ wezen-ball Posted: November 25, 2009 at 02:51 PM (#3396436)
I can't be the only one who thinks Papelbon is two years away from being Eric Gagne, can I?
   18. Tuque Posted: November 25, 2009 at 02:52 PM (#3396437)
Yeah. I hold out hope for Manny, though, because while he tested positive, he did it in such a strange, roundabout way that I'm still not even sure what it meant.

Also, I guess I'm one of the few left who just thinks he's awesome.
   19. RJ in TO Posted: November 25, 2009 at 02:53 PM (#3396438)
It's going to be great fun.


Like hell it is. It's going to be pure agony trying to work through all the tortured reasonings of all the local columnsists arguing that their guys only did it to keep up with those villains on the other franchises, so it's okay to vote for the guy who used to play for the local nine, but every one else who used should be subject to repeated sack beatings.
   20. Shooty: Applying to be Fearless Leader Posted: November 25, 2009 at 02:57 PM (#3396440)
Like hell it is. It's going to be pure agony trying to work through all the tortured reasonings of all the local columnsists arguing that their guys only did it to keep up with those villains on the other franchises, so it's okay to vote for the guy who used to play for the local nine, but every one else who used should be subject to repeated sack beatings.

You just have to put yourself in the right mindset. Think of the coming HOF-steroid debates as an absurdist comedy about the human condition. It's going to make for good theater.
   21. RJ in TO Posted: November 25, 2009 at 03:00 PM (#3396443)
You just have to put yourself in the right mindset.


The local columnist is Richard Griffin. When dealing with his writing, there is no such thing as the right mindset.
   22. tjm1 Posted: November 25, 2009 at 03:07 PM (#3396446)
The local columnist is Richard GriffinWhen dealing with his writingthere is no such thing as the right mindset


Was he the guy who wrote the "White Jays" column?
   23. RJ in TO Posted: November 25, 2009 at 03:10 PM (#3396447)
Was he the guy who wrote the "White Jays" column?


That was a different idiot - Geoff Baker - who is now covering the Mariners. We in the Toronto area have been treated to a wide variety of dumb columnists over the years.
   24. RB in NYC (Now with New iPhone!) Posted: November 25, 2009 at 03:18 PM (#3396456)
I'm actually looking forward to the HOF voters trying to sort out the bad steroid users from the un-bad steroid users from the ingenues who mistakenly "tried" HGH from the guys "everybody knows" did roids and are hung for it from the guys "everybody knows" did roids but were likable so we'll give them a pass.
Never before have I been asked to regard Andy Pettitte as an "ingenue." I'm not sure how I feel just now.
   25. Shooty: Applying to be Fearless Leader Posted: November 25, 2009 at 03:34 PM (#3396465)
Never before have I been asked to regard Andy Pettitte as an "ingenue." I'm not sure how I feel just now.

You're a little turned on, aren't you?
   26. RB in NYC (Now with New iPhone!) Posted: November 25, 2009 at 03:36 PM (#3396469)
You're a little turned on, aren't you?
It's a whole mix of emotions, it's hard to pick out just one!
   27. Harveys Wallbangers Posted: November 25, 2009 at 03:41 PM (#3396474)
If you want a guy on the Red Sox who I think has the markers of a HOF candidate in 2030 or so is Lester.

Lefty. Power pitcher. Plays for a rather sensible organization meaning plenty of win opportunities and likely to keep him thanks to ridiculous cash intake.

John Lester could win some awards, pitch well in big game situations and come age 40 look around and see 200 plus wins on his resume and a few rings........
   28. TVerik Posted: November 25, 2009 at 04:16 PM (#3396495)
I'm with Harvey's. I think actual HOF talk is way, way premature, but the question involves current Red Sox with a realistic chance.

#10's a good post.
   29. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: November 25, 2009 at 04:30 PM (#3396512)
The local columnist is Richard Griffin. When dealing with his writing, there is no such thing as the right mindset.

How about "Abandon all hope, ye who enter here"?
   30. Davo Malvolio Posted: November 25, 2009 at 04:43 PM (#3396527)
Interesting that the Sox have an excellent team and a perennial contender, and their last (probable) HoFer was Manny a year and a half ago.
John Smoltz says hi?

The 2008 Yankees could set a record for most HOFers, I think, when it's all said and done. By rough likelihood of getting elected...

Jeter
A-Rod
Rivera
Ivan Rodriguez
Posada
Pettitte
Mussina
Damon
- - - -
Cano
Abreu
Hughes/Chamberlain/Random 'Wow, I had no idea he started his career with the '08 Yankees' player

Growing up, the record was 8, set by those '27-'28 Philadelphia Athletic teams. I don't know if that's changed... but I'd say there's an outside chance this team breaks it.
   31. Tom Nawrocki Posted: November 25, 2009 at 04:44 PM (#3396529)
I'm actually looking forward to the HOF voters trying to sort out the bad steroid users from the un-bad steroid users from the ingenues who mistakenly "tried" HGH from the guys "everybody knows" did roids and are hung for it from the guys "everybody knows" did roids but were likable so we'll give them a pass. It's going to be great fun.


Y'know, this is going to be terrible for the Hall of Fame. It's going to change from being a collection of the game's greatest players to a collection of really good players but only those we think are pure of heart.

In ten years, it's entirely possible that the Baseball Hall of Fame will be a huge joke.
   32. Shooty: Applying to be Fearless Leader Posted: November 25, 2009 at 04:46 PM (#3396531)
It's going to change from being a collection of the game's greatest players to a collection of really good players but only those we think are pure of heart.

In ten years, it's entirely possible that the Baseball Hall of Fame will be a huge joke.


Especially when a few of the pure of heart guys get some kind of Kirby Puckett like curtain-raising after their election.
   33. Ray (RDP) Posted: November 25, 2009 at 04:48 PM (#3396534)
I will now reveal the Official Percentages representing various current Red Sox' chances of making the HOF:

Beckett: 10%
Lester: 5%
Bucholz: 1%
Papelbon: 5%
BWagner: 20%
Youkilis: 1%
Pedroia: 5%
Lowell: 0%
Ellsbury: 1%
Bay: 0%
Drew: <5%
Varitek: <1%
Ortiz: <1%
VMartinez: <5%

So, I guess my answer is Wagner.
   34. Lassus Posted: November 25, 2009 at 04:51 PM (#3396539)
I'm actually looking forward to the HOF voters trying to sort out the bad steroid users from the un-bad steroid users from the ingenues who mistakenly "tried" HGH from the guys "everybody knows" did roids and are hung for it from the guys "everybody knows" did roids but were likable so we'll give them a pass. It's going to be great fun.
Y'know, this is going to be terrible for the Hall of Fame. It's going to change from being a collection of the game's greatest players to a collection of really good players but only those we think are pure of heart.

In ten years, it's entirely possible that the Baseball Hall of Fame will be a huge joke.


I personally think the level of twisting operatic drama you guys are ascribing to the HOF is not going to approach this.
   35. Shooty: Applying to be Fearless Leader Posted: November 25, 2009 at 04:59 PM (#3396544)
I personally think the level of twisting operatic drama you guys are ascribing to the HOF is not going to approach this.

So far, they've only had to deal with Mac and he's been easy for them since he's been branded with the big S.
   36. Ray (RDP) Posted: November 25, 2009 at 05:06 PM (#3396548)
I will say it again: Any Hall of Fame without Clemens and Bonds and ARod would be a joke (they can get by without McGwire alone). Add to that the stars-but-non-superstars like Sosa and Manny and Palmeiro and IRod and the transformation to a laughingstock will be complete.

If Piazza's bacne becomes an issue (I'd say it wouldn't, but with the low standards and irrational thinking of the anti-steroid zealots one never knows) that will add to the idiocy.
   37. cpass Posted: November 25, 2009 at 05:08 PM (#3396551)
I'm just glad I don't live in Boston, where I would have to subjected to Jim Rice's particular brand of stupidity on a more regular basis. He needs to put a little more distance between himself and whatever it is he's been smoking. I used to like the guy...on the field; too bad he had to start opening his mouth.
   38. The Kids Are Enright (1k5v3L) Posted: November 25, 2009 at 05:09 PM (#3396552)
I like the sponsorship of JME's Bref page...
   39. Tom Nawrocki Posted: November 25, 2009 at 05:09 PM (#3396553)
I don't think it's going to be operatic; it's just going to become the case that the Hall of Fame no longer recognizes the game's greatest players. McGwire is only the first, although some people have convinced themselves he doesn't belong anyway. Bonds, Clemens, Palmeiro, Sosa, Manny, even Ivan Rodriguez are all going to have trouble getting in. Maybe even Piazza if Murray Chass has much sway.
   40. Lassus Posted: November 25, 2009 at 05:14 PM (#3396558)
I like the sponsorship of JME's Bref page...

Assisting in the comedy is the likelihood that whomever wrote that actually thinks Gardner is good.
   41. Jose Can You Seabiscuit Posted: November 25, 2009 at 05:15 PM (#3396561)
I think it will be entertaining to watch the mental gymnastics people will go through to justify keeping these guys out. Sosa didn't really have "that" long a peak, Palmeiro was never "great", Ivan Rodriguez' OBP was too low etc....
   42. Shooty: Applying to be Fearless Leader Posted: November 25, 2009 at 05:16 PM (#3396563)
Speaking of steroids...you guys wouldn't know, by chance, how I can get ripped in about three weeks, would you? I'm pretty manly, but I think I could be manlier.
   43. RJ in TO Posted: November 25, 2009 at 05:18 PM (#3396564)
I'm pretty manly, but I think I could be manlier.


Your girl chases you away from the TV so that she can watch Ghosthunter shows. You could obviously be manlier.
   44. Shooty: Applying to be Fearless Leader Posted: November 25, 2009 at 05:21 PM (#3396566)
Your girl chases you away from the TV so that she can watch Ghosthunter shows. You could obviously be manlier.

Those are strategic retreats, my friend. When you have a girl you don't have to inflate, things get tricky...
   45. RJ in TO Posted: November 25, 2009 at 05:23 PM (#3396568)
Those are strategic retreats, my friend.


Because she's fed up with your clumsy advances?
   46. Shooty: Applying to be Fearless Leader Posted: November 25, 2009 at 05:24 PM (#3396570)
Because she's fed up with your clumsy advances?

I'm not sure I like where this is going. Roy Halladay: Yankee Douche.

That should get you off the trail...
   47. RJ in TO Posted: November 25, 2009 at 05:28 PM (#3396573)
Roy Halladay: Yankee Douche.


To my sadness, that's basically what I'm expecting to happen after the 2010 season. I'm just hoping that his Yankee-induced douchiness stays at an acceptable level (like Bernie), and he doesn't go ultra-douchy (like Paul O'Neill).

That should get you off the trail...


It'll do for now.
   48. Shooty: Applying to be Fearless Leader Posted: November 25, 2009 at 05:33 PM (#3396577)
To my sadness, that's basically what I'm expecting to happen after the 2010 season. I'm just hoping that his Yankee-induced douchiness stays at an acceptable level (like Bernie), and he doesn't go ultra-douchy (like Paul O'Neill).

I'm impressed you can tell them apart. A Yankee Douche is a Yankee Douche to me.
   49. The Kids Are Enright (1k5v3L) Posted: November 25, 2009 at 05:37 PM (#3396583)
When you have a girl you don't have to inflate, things get tricky...
I'm afraid to ask...
   50. Lassus Posted: November 25, 2009 at 05:37 PM (#3396584)
Actually, I don't even think Bernie falls in there. For me acceptable would be Brosius, and unacceptable would be O'Neill.
   51. Designated Sitter (GGC) Posted: November 25, 2009 at 05:54 PM (#3396603)
Growing up, the record was 8, set by those '27-'28 Philadelphia Athletic teams. I don't know if that's changed... but I'd say there's an outside chance this team breaks it.


1932 Yankees had 9.
   52. Tom Nawrocki Posted: November 25, 2009 at 05:55 PM (#3396605)
I'm pretty manly, but I think I could be manlier.


I keep hearing all these radio ads for a pill that is supposed to help your manhood by making you longer and thicker. They don't say what part of you becomes longer and thicker, though. The only thing I can think of is your neck, and who wants to look like Merton Hanks?
   53. Shooty: Applying to be Fearless Leader Posted: November 25, 2009 at 06:00 PM (#3396609)
The only thing I can think of is your neck, and who wants to look like Merton Hanks?

I think it defied one or more laws of physics than Merton Hanks didn't get killed playing football.
   54. robinred Posted: November 25, 2009 at 06:28 PM (#3396638)
They don't say what part of you becomes longer and thicker, though.The only thing I can think of is your neck


Hutcheson, actually, is the CEO of this company, so you're right, it is the neck.
   55. Nathan Kunkel Posted: November 25, 2009 at 06:58 PM (#3396691)
"I know you're kidding, but the writers have set their precedent"

McGwire is no precedent; each case has its own life, and each passing year brings change to voter's perceptions.

While you may think you know something there, at the end of the day you'll just have to wait and see what happens like the rest of us.

EDIT: not meaning to sound snarky : )
   56. Shooty: Applying to be Fearless Leader Posted: November 25, 2009 at 07:07 PM (#3396707)
While you may think you know something there, at the end of the day you'll just have to wait and see what happens like the rest of us.

Yes sir!

edit: Heh.
   57. Ray (RDP) Posted: November 25, 2009 at 07:13 PM (#3396719)
McGwire is no precedent; each case has its own life, and each passing year brings change to voter's perceptions.


I think the ARod revelation of steroid use was the turning point in all of this steroids silliness. You cannot keep several all-time great players out of the HOF without reducing it to a laughingstock.

I suspect if many voters had their way they'd draw a line in the sand at ARod -- "He confessed" -- and let him in. But that rationale makes no sense. A confession may show "character" in some form, but if the problems with steroids are that they are cheating/turn the game into a mockery/are unfair/pressure other players/unlevel the playing field/make a travesty of the record books/whatever other such silliness, I don't see how a confession solves any of those problems.
   58. RJ in TO Posted: November 25, 2009 at 07:17 PM (#3396727)
I suspect if many voters had their way they'd draw a line in the sand at ARod -- "He confessed" -- and let him in. But that rationale makes no sense.


Especially since he only confessed after he got caught. It's not like he came forward with the confession before the supporting information came to light.
   59. Ray (RDP) Posted: November 25, 2009 at 07:22 PM (#3396737)
Especially since he only confessed after he got caught. It's not like he came forward with the confession before the supporting information came to light.


Yes, but all that really matters to the anti-steroids zealots is that the player confesses, in some form. They want the player on his knees in front of them, begging for their forgiveness.

That is all this is about, that is all this has ever been about.
   60. Kiko Sakata Posted: November 25, 2009 at 07:25 PM (#3396744)
1932 Yankees had 9.


Counting managers (both theirs and guys later inducted as managers), so did the 1926 New York Giants, who finished in 5th place in the 8-team NL with a losing record (74-77). And yes, Frankie Frisch was on that team; how did you guess?
   61. sunnyday2 Posted: November 25, 2009 at 07:26 PM (#3396745)
All I wanna know is how a team so stuffed with future HoFers went down with hardly a whimper.
   62. Shooty: Applying to be Fearless Leader Posted: November 25, 2009 at 07:29 PM (#3396747)
Yes, but all that really matters to the anti-steroids zealots is that the player confesses, in some form. They want the player on his knees in front of them, begging for their forgiveness.

I'm really, really hoping Mac doesn't give them the satisfaction. And I admire LaRussa for saying #### it, McGwire is my guy. (This is all independent on my feelings about steroids. If I could wave a magic wand, I'd get rid of them in the context of their PED use in a second.)
   63. Ray (RDP) Posted: November 25, 2009 at 07:32 PM (#3396752)
I'm really, really hoping Mac doesn't give them the satisfaction.


Agreed. Some form of "Go F yourselves" would be more than appropriate.
   64. Davo Malvolio Posted: November 25, 2009 at 07:33 PM (#3396754)
51.
1932 Yankees had 9 (Hall of Famers).
Hmmm. And none of them were inducted in the past 10 years (meaning they held the record when I was 14 and loved obscure baseball trivia). I wonder how I missed them?
   65. RJ in TO Posted: November 25, 2009 at 07:37 PM (#3396760)
Agreed. Some form of "Go F yourselves" would be more than appropriate.


Only if he's looking to make the situation worse. Right now, it's a matter of "Why won't he talk about it?" If he goes with your route, it'll become "Why won't that roid-raging ####### talk about it?"

He's probably a lot happier with the former.
   66. tjm1 Posted: November 25, 2009 at 07:45 PM (#3396763)
Counting managers (both theirs and guys later inducted as managers), so did the 1926 New York Giants, who finished in 5th place in the 8-team NL with a losing record (74-77). And yes, Frankie Frisch was on that team; how did you guess?


Sure, but that includes only one legitimate HOF player in his prime (Frisch himself), plus some of Frisch's crony picks, plus Mel Ott, who was a legitimate HOFer, but was only 17, plus McGraw, the manager. Bill Terry was on that team, too, and I think he was a legit choice (although towards the bottom of a "Big Hall"), but didn't play much because he was blocked by George Kelly. It's not like they were all crony picks. The team wasn't very good because almost none of the real HOFers were having years anything like their best years, but they did have three legitimate HOFers, plus a legit HOF manager.
   67. Ray (RDP) Posted: November 25, 2009 at 07:48 PM (#3396769)
Only if he's looking to make the situation worse. Right now, it's a matter of "Why won't he talk about it?" If he goes with your route, it'll become "Why won't that roid-raging ####### talk about it?"

He's probably a lot happier with the former.


On what planet is he not already in the latter boat?
   68. Walt Davis Posted: November 25, 2009 at 08:24 PM (#3396817)
Rice's logic is impeccable.

We all know (and Jim Rice certainly knows) that Jim Rice is at least a near-inner-circle HoFer if not right there next to Ted Williams.

So clearly it is illogical that the current Red Sox could have a player better than Rice. Therefore any potential HoFer has to be worse than Rice. Youkilis, Pedroia, Lowell, Bay, Drew, Martinez, Beckett, Lester, Papelbon -- those guys could all end up better than Rice but we have already established that one player better than Rice is a logical impossibility, 9 is clearly laughable.

Reductio ad absurdum -- Ellsbury is the only logical choice.

All I wanna know is how a team so stuffed with future HoFers went down with hardly a whimper.

Ask Shooty -- it's my understanding he's an expert on going down without a whimper.
   69. Shooty: Applying to be Fearless Leader Posted: November 25, 2009 at 08:27 PM (#3396819)
Ask Shooty -- it's my understanding he's an expert on going down without a whimper.

Jeez, Walt. You've crossed the line, man. You crossed the line!
   70. danielj Posted: November 25, 2009 at 10:23 PM (#3396986)
I think Ellsbury has a great shot at the Fantasy Baseball Hall Of Fame. Cooperstown? The odds are less...good.
   71. jwb Posted: November 26, 2009 at 06:29 AM (#3397211)
I admire LaRussa for saying #### it, McGwire is my guy. This is all independent of my feelings about LaRussa.

Fixed that for me.
   72. alilisd Posted: November 27, 2009 at 01:11 PM (#3397538)
he tested positive, he did it in such a strange, roundabout way that I'm still not even sure what it meant.


What it means is that when using AAS your levels of testosterone are so high from exogenous sources that your body will shut down production of indogenous testosterone. In other words, your testicles stop producing testosterone and may even lose some size although this is generally gained back on cessation of the exogenous use unless you're a complete screwup. HCG is used on cycle to give a "jolt" to the testicles, it forces them to produce testosterone on their own. By doing this it maintains size and allows post cycle indogenous production of testosterone to recover more quickly.
   73. John (You Can Call Me Grandma) Murphy Posted: November 27, 2009 at 02:05 PM (#3397546)
If Ellsbury is on a fast track to anything, it's probably to retirement in six years.
   74. Jeff K. Posted: November 27, 2009 at 02:12 PM (#3397548)
but every one else who used should be subject to repeated sack beatings.

It always comes back to clubbing seals in sacks with you Canadians, doesn't it?
   75. walt williams bobblehead Posted: November 27, 2009 at 03:26 PM (#3397568)
Rice wasn't asked whether anyone on the Red Sox was likely to be in the HOF. He wasn't asked who on the Red Sox was likely to finish with the best career. Ellsbury was a perfectly reasonable answer to the question that he was asked.
   76. John (You Can Call Me Grandma) Murphy Posted: November 27, 2009 at 04:01 PM (#3397580)
Rice wasn't asked whether anyone on the Red Sox was likely to be in the HOF. He wasn't asked who on the Red Sox was likely to finish with the best career. Ellsbury was a perfectly reasonable answer to the question that he was asked.


I have reread the question about twenty times now, yet Jacoby Ellsbury is still not the name I would have blurted out. Not even close.

You must be Registered and Logged In to post comments.

 

 

<< Back to main

Support BBTF

donate

Thanks to
Francis
for his generous support.

Bookmarks

You must be logged in to view your Bookmarks.

Hot Topics

NewsblogMaddon on Red Sox beaning Luke Scott: 'I think it's ridiculous, I think it's absurd, idiotic'
(1 - 7:23am, May 26)
Last: zachtoma

NewsblogThe Hall of Very Good: Former Cards Slugger Critical of "LaRussa's Regime"
(6 - 7:16am, May 26)
Last: Shooty: Applying to be Fearless Leader

NewsblogMatschulat: Did I Miss The "Paul Konerko Is So Overrated OMG" Bandwagon?
(30 - 7:15am, May 26)
Last: baudib

NewsblogCSN to host ‘Phillies at the Beach’ on Memorial Day
(19 - 7:11am, May 26)
Last: God

NewsblogT.R. Sullivan: Of Frank Robinson, Milt Pappas and Jim Palmer
(10 - 7:09am, May 26)
Last: God

NewsblogBud Selig -- No need for more MLB replay for now - ESPN
(88 - 6:12am, May 26)
Last: Lassus

NewsblogHP: Baseball is leaving the human factor behind
(59 - 5:24am, May 26)
Last: bjhanke

NewsblogOT: NBA Monthly Thread, May 2012
(1834 - 3:06am, May 26)
Last: Spivey

NewsblogHimrich’s Top Ten Target Field Foods
(8 - 2:43am, May 26)
Last: Long John McCaine Mutiny on the Bounty (scott)

NewsblogBoston.com: Curt Schilling’s 38 Studios lays off all staff
(119 - 1:28am, May 26)
Last: Swedish Chef

NewsblogWilmoth: Nate McLouth Designated For Assignment
(12 - 12:25am, May 26)
Last: Tripon

Hall of MeritMost Meritorious Player: 1973 Discussion
(15 - 12:13am, May 26)
Last: DanG

Hall of MeritMost Meritorious Player: 1972 Ballot
(28 - 11:25pm, May 25)
Last: lieiam

Sox TherapyA Winning Ballclub?
(20 - 11:24pm, May 25)
Last: Dan

NewsblogTBO: Nerdy Rays head north
(17 - 10:07pm, May 25)
Last: PreservedFish

Buy MLB playoff tickets, plus 2011 World Series, 2011 ALCS tickets and NLCS game tickets. We also have Texas Rangers playoff schedule, tickets to Red Sox games and Yankees game tickets. Plus, buy Phillies baseball tickets, Tigers playoff tickets and the biggies like ALDS baseball tickets and 2011 NLDS tickets.

Demarini, Easton and TPX Baseball Bats

 

 

 

AllianceTickets.com has cheap MLB Tickets. Get all your Colorado Rockies Tickets, Seattle Mariners Tickets, San Francisco Giants Tickets and all your favorite baseball tickets here. We also carry cheap Denver Broncos Tickets, Seattle Seahawks Tickets and Denver Nuggets Tickets.

Page rendered in 0.4285 seconds
54 querie(s) executed