Baseball Thoughts As Spring Training Draws Near ...

Who will have the better year? Make a bigger impact? Albert Pujols or Prince Fielder? ...

Who has the best 2012 of these young guns? Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzales, CJ Wilson, Trevor Cahill, or Yu Darvish? ...

Say it ain't so Ryan ...

Will Pujols play some third base this year? ...

How many home runs will Mike Stanton hit? ...

Will Logan Morrison tweet Cowboy's Baseball ...

Is there still a big trade out there? ...

Will Roy Oswalt play for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2012?

Is There more Theo- ology to come before Opening Day? ...

Will Ellsbury hit 30 long balls again this year? ...

Will Adam Wainwright be better than ever this year? Or, will he even be ready for Opening Day? ...

Who is better: Texas Rangers or LAA Angels ...   Rays, Tigers, Red Sox, or Yankees ...

Question of the Day ...  Who is your favorite player right now?  And why?

Until next time, so long everybody ...

Lee [ Cowboy ]

''Comment Situation Instruction'' ... 2 Posts

I've heard that some of you have been trying to comment, but can't. Deb Gurke has been helping me with the technical aspects of blogging and went into the framework to correct the '' comment situation. '' Thank you Deb!

As follows are instructions for leaving a comment:

1. Click on comment
2. Type in your comment
3. In the "Comment as" box choose your profile.  If you do not have any of the listed profiles, you can choose "Name/URL" box.  
4. Type in your name  [you do not have to sign up for url, just leave that box blank]
5. Type in word verification
6. Bam! You're in!
7. The next time you leave a comment, it will be very simple - your profile choice should appear in the box.  If it doesn't just come back to these instructions, start at the beginning.

Thank you very much for your patience baseball fans and thank you Deb. Have a Fantastic Day!!!

Until next time, so long everybody ...

Lee [ Cowboy ]

# 10 Michael Young / Texas Rangers

Michael '' Forever '' Young just turned 35 years old this past September. '' Is he '' Young Enough '' to make his way into the HOF? His 2011 stats argue that he may well be '' Young Enough'' &/or '' Forever Young. '' In 2011 he hit .338  w/a .380 OBP, 106 RBI, 88 RS, .474 SLG, 11 HR, & 6 SB. Couple that w/his lifetime stats & his other nickname '' The Consummate Professional, '' and I believe that he has a chance. He is an AL Batting Champ & a Gold Glove winner. As well, he is a 7 time All Star, 4x Texas Rangers Heart & Hustle Award winner, & 5x Texas Rangers MVP. He has changed position's numerous times for his team & has been an All Star @ three of those four position's. He is a proven leader who brings his heart, soul, & intensity to the ballpark every day, resulting in back-to-back World Series appearances. Michael Young has hit over .300 seven times & has a lifetime .304 BA, .350 OBP, .457 SLG, W/1006 RS, 917 RBI, 169 HR, 87 SB, & 2061 hits. Is he ''Young Enough '' to amass another 939 hits? 3,000 hits is a sure fire entry into the HOF. 

Whether or not he can remain '' Forever Young '' & make it into Baseball's HOF, He is certainly worth strong consideration for '' Life's Community Involvement HOF. '' He & his wife are heavily involved in Wipe Out Kids Cancer. Additionally, he is a two time winner of the Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award. This award is given to '' the player in either league whose on field performance and contribution to his community inspire others to higher levels of achievement. ''

Michael '' Forever '' Young gets my vote for both HOF opportunities. Does he get your vote? ...

Until next time, so long everybody ...

Lee [ Cowboy ]

2 Posts Again Today ...

# 8  YOGI BERRA'ISM'S - Part 1 ...

Yogi Berra may well be the greatest catcher of all time.The 18 time All Star had a .285 lifetime batting average to go with 358 home runs & 1430 RBI as a catcher. Wow! He was also the master of the malapropism. As follows are some his what I call Yogi Berra'isms; also known as Yogi'isms ...

''Half the lies they tell about me aren't true.''

''He hits from both sides of the plate. He's amphibious.''

''A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore.''

''How can you think & hit at the same time?''

''Even Napoleon had his Watergate.''

''I never said most of the things I said.''

''I never blame myself when I'm not hitting. I just blame the bat and if it keeps up, I change bats. After all I know it's not my fault if I'm not hitting, how can I get mad at myself?''

''I wish i had an answer to that because I'm tired of answering that question.''

''I always thought that record would stand until it was broken.''

''I'm not going to buy my kids an encyclopedia. Let them walk to school like I did.''

''It get's late early out here.''

More Yogi Berra'ism's soon. It will be, ''deja vu all over again.'' ...

Also coming soon:  Yogi berra, Ron Santo, Ted Williams, Stan Musial,  etc., and, some of the new young players in the game. Next up: The Top 9 Catchers of All Time - Part 1 ...

Until next time, so long everybody ...

Lee [ Cowboy ]

Are You Trying to Comment ... But Can't?

I've heard that some of you have been trying to comment, but can't. Deb Gurke has been helping me with the technical aspects of blogging and went into the framework to correct the '' comment situation. '' Thank you Deb!

As follows are instructions for leaving a comment:

1. Click on comment
2. Type in your comment
3. In the "Comment as" box choose your profile.  If you do not have any of the listed profiles, you can choose "Name/URL" box.  
4. Type in your name  [you do not have to sign up for url, just leave that box blank]
5. Type in word verification
6. Bam! You're in!
7. The next time you leave a comment, it will be very simple - your profile choice should appear in the box.  If it doesn't just come back to these instructions, start at the beginning.

Thank you very much for your patience baseball fans and thank you Deb. Have a Fantastic Day!!!

Until next time, so long everybody ...

Lee [ Cowboy ]

Home Run Calls ...

Baseball ... There is so much to this wonderful game. Every pitch setting up the next pitch. Ballplayers fielding their positions based on the hitter, on the score, the inning. Hitters working the pitcher. 1st to 3rd.  Incredible catches & fielding plays. All of this & so much more. All of the intricacies of the game. The oft times hilarity in the dugout. The strikeout of the great hitter to win the game. And, the home run! With the home run comes the always thrilling Home Run Call!  As follows is a sampling:

'' It might be, it could be, it is! A Home Run! Holy COW!''  [Harry Caray]

''That ball is high, it is far, it is ... GONE!''  [John Sterling]

''That ball is going & it ain't coming back!''  [Jeff Kingery]

''Get up, get up, get outta here ... GONE''  [Bob Uecker]

''You can put it on the board ... Yessss!  [Ken ''Hawk'' Harrelson]

''Get out the rye bread & mustard grandma, cause it's Grand Salami Time!''  [Dave Neihaus]

''Open the window Aunt Minnie, here it comes!''  [Rosey Roswell]

''Swing and there it goes ... light tower power!''  [Jerry Trupiano]

''They usually show movies on a flight like that!''  [Ken Coleman]

''Back, back, back, back, ... GONE!''  [Chris Berman]

''Took it to the track ... wall ... see. You. LATER!''  [Michale Reghi]

''Going back [outfielders name], at the track, at the wall, ... SSSEEYA!''  [Michael Kay]

Here's a long one ... get up baby, get up, get up ... Oh Yeah!''  [Mike Shannon]

''Whoo, boy! Next time around, bring me back my stomach!''  [Jack Brickhouse]

''Hey hey!''  [Jack Brickhouse]

''Kiss it goodbye!''  [Bob Prince, Wayne Hagin]

''Holy Cow!'' [Phil Rizzuto]

''Forget it!'' [Vin Scully]

''Goodbye Dolly Grey!'' [Leo Durocher]

''That balls got a chaaaance ... GONE!''  [Pat Hughes]

''Get out the tape measure ...''  [Pat Hughes]

''Touch 'em all time!''  [Jack Corrigan]

''In a year that has been so improbable ... the impossible has happened!''   [Vin Scully - Kirk Gibson HR call]

''I don't believe what I just saw!  I don't believe what I just saw!''  [Jack Buck - Kirk Gibson HR call]

''Go crazy folks! Go Crazy!''  [Jack Buck]

''Adios! Goodbye! And maybe that's a Winner!''  [Jack Buck]

These are some of my favorite home run calls. I'm sure that I have missed some ...  What's your favorite call?

Until next time, so long everybody ...

Lee [ Cowboy ]

Special Thanks ...

7 Great Posts Today ...   Play Ball!!! ...

Special thanks to David Pinto of Baseball Musings. Thank you very much David for taking the time ... Thank you.

Also, special thanks to everyone who has visited Cowboy's Baseball. I will do my very best to keep it fun & interesting. Please know that I would love to receive any thoughts & ideas for the site &/or for articles. Again, thank you.

Until next time, so long everybody ...

Lee [ Cowboy ]

beach-cowboy@hotmail.com  

Bob Uecker Quotes to Lighten Your Day ...

''Anyone with talent can play in the Major Leagues; for someone like me to stay around as long as I did, I think that's a much greater achievement.''

''They broke it to me gently. The manager came up to me before a game & told me they didn't allow visitor's in the clubhouse.''

''The highlight of my career? In '67 with St. Louis, I walked with the bases loaded to drive in the winning run in an inter-squad game in spring training.''

''When I came up to bat with three men on & two outs in the 9th, I looked in the other teams dugout and they were already in street clothes.''

''People don't know this but I helped the Cardinals to win the pennant. I came down with hepatitis. The trainer injected me with it.''


''Career highlights? I had two. I got an intentional walk from Sandy Koufax and I got out of a rundown against the Mets.''

''If a guy hits .300 every year, what does he have to look forward to? I always tried to stay around .190 with 3 or 4 RBI. And I tried to get them all in September. That way I always had something to talk about during the winter.''

''The way to catch a knuckleball is to wait until the ball stops rolling & then pick it up.''

''When I looked at the 3rd base coach, he turned his back on me.''

''I led the league in ''go get 'em next time.''

I hit a grand slam off of Ron Herbel and when his manager Herman Franks came out to get him, he was bringing Herbel's suitcase.''

''Sporting goods companies pay me not to endorse their products.''

''In 1962 I was named Minor League Player of the Year. It was my 2nd season in the bigs.''

''[As the broadcaster Harry Doyle in the movie] Major League, ... just a bit outside.''

                               On a more serious note:

''The night has been splendid. I can think of no place else I would rather be as a player, as a broadcaster, or as a citizen than right here in Milwaukee.''

I hope that you enjoyed reliving some of Bob Uecker's hilarious quotes ...

Get up, get up, get outta here ... Gone!!!

Until next time, so long everybody ...

Lee [ Cowboy ]

You Can Put it on The Board! - Yes-s!!! ...

Frank ''Big Hurt'' Thomas hit 'em long & hit 'em far and if he had hit all of his home runs with the Chicago White Sox, Ken ''Hawk'' Harrelson could have said, ''you can put it on the board! - yes!!!'' 521 times. The Big Hurt hit 521 home runs & drove in 1704 runs. He had a lifetime .301 BA, .419 OBP, .554 SLG,  and 1494 RS. In 1994, Thomas had a .494 OBP & .729 SLG. He is one of only 9 players to hit over 500 home runs with a .300 lifetime batting average & is 4th all time with 121 sacrifice flies.

Frank Edward Thomas, 6' 5''  275 lbs., is a two time MVP and has four Silver Slugger awards & a batting title to his credit. He led the league in walks four times; a credit to his batting eye & his plate discipline.

The Big Hurt has a bronze statue at U.S. Cellular Field & his # 35 jersey has been retired by the White Sox.

Ken Harrelson never had to say, ''stretch ... stretch'' with this HOF ballplayer. Instead it was his pleasure to call out: ''You can put it on the board!  Yes!!!

Until next time, so long everybody ...

Lee [ Cowboy ]

My 1st Video ...

                              [2 new posts today; The Prince & Freak-onomics]

The Prince Has Found His New Kingdom ...

For the fans of the ball clubs heretofore still in the running, it's not good news. For the Brewers fans, it's terrible news. For the Detroit Tigers fans, it's fantastic news!

The Prince has found his new Kingdom and is now part of an already established, World Series seeking Detroit Tigers organization. The 5' 11'', 285 pounder will bring his lifetime .390 o.b.p., .540 slg., & 230 home runs to a more spacious Comerica Park where he will become part of a tremendous 3 - 4 punch w/ Miguel Cabrera.

Prince signed a 9 year/$214 deal w/the already formidable Detroit Tigers and should find himself right back in the middle of another pennant race in 2012.   Good luck Prince in your new Kingdom!

Get up, get up, get outta here ...  Gone!!!

Until next time, so long everybody ...

Lee [ Cowboy ]

Freak - onomics ..

Tim Lincecum has signed a two year, $40.5 million deal. The Freak is still only 28 years old and so this contract will position him for yet another great contract while still in his prime in two years; possibly in the neighborhood of $25 to $30 million per year.  The two time Cy Young Award winner is a great catch for the 2010 World Champion Giants, as they look to be competitive again in 2012; Lincecum probably would have cost them $20 million in arbitration anyway.

Next up for Tim Lincecum is another possible Cy Young w/a potential pennant chase. Next up for the Giants is pursuit of a contract w/Ace 1A - Matt Cain.

Swing & a miss - he struck him out!  =  Freak - onomics ...

Until next time, so long everybody ...

Lee [ Cowboy ]

Spring Training Draws Near ..

Spring training draws near as some pitchers & catchers will be reporting to camp as early as Febuary 12th. Mandatory reporting date for pitchers & catchers is Febuary 19th. Even as spring training draws near, so too does Fantasy Baseball drafts & Fantasy Baseball. Soon, at a store near you, a plethora of fantasy baseball magazines will be arriving. It is time baseball fans to begin planning your strategies for the upcoming season. I am so-o excited!

While the time draws near, so much yet remains unsettled. Prince Fielder still does not have a team. Could he end up w/the Brewers? Or is he headed to the Rangers, Yankees, Nationals,Mariners, Orioles, or Marlins? Is there a big trade out there not yet completed? What is Adam Wainwright's physical status? Will Anthony Rizzo start the season @ 1st base for the Cubs? There were so many great rookies last year. Which ones will continue to excel & which ones will find themselves in the sophomore slump?

I believe that last years rookie crop is one of the best in many years & I believe that their impact will be felt across Major League baseball for many years to come. Will 2012 be another year of the pitcher? Or will the offensive pendulum begin to swing? Albert Pujols continues to wear red. Will he lead his new team past the Rangers? Will this be an injury free season for Josh Hamilton, and if so, will he have his greatest season ever?

Spring training draws near, and, I am so-o excited! ...

Until next time, so long everybody ...

Lee [ Cowboy ]

# 2 Tulo ...

For years now we have known & appreciated the great competitor & future HOF'er : # 2 ... Derek Jeter ...  # 2. It is w/no disrespect that I introduce you to another great competitor & possible future HOF'er: # 2 Troy ''Tulo'' Tulowitzke ...

I live in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado & so I have not only been blessed w/the beauty of these mountains, I have been blessed as well to watch Troy Tulowitzke work his oft times absolutely incredible magic at shortstop. His two Gold Gloves truly do not do justice to what he does almost nightly w/his glove, his range, his arm & his mind. [ should be 3 Gold Gloves - no offense to Jimmy Rollins ] While I have seen many great fielding shortstops, most notably Ozzie Smith & Omar Visquel, I don't know that I have seen a better one past these two greats. Tulo can put 3  Fielding Bible Awards, 2 Heart & Hustle Awards, and an ESPN Web Gem Champion Award, next to his 2 Gold Gloves. While it doesn't necessarily speak to his fielding prowess, Tulowitzke is one of only eight shortstops in the history of the game to complete an unassisted triple play.

Troy Tulowitzke has been plagued thus far in his career by injury, but begins to show promise of getting past that. Nonetheless his offensive stats have begun to accrue & show the promise of a future HOF'er. Tulo has a lifetime batting average of .293 & a lifetime on base percentage of .364. He has hit 89 home runs in the last three years despite missing 70 games in that time. Given that he has stolen 20 bases in a season, I believe the potential is there for a 30/30 season. Tulo has 2 Silver Slugger awards & 2 All Star appearances to his credit. I believe that many more such awards are headed his way, even as this 27 year old heads towards a HOF career.

Troy Tulowitzke is known in Colorado for his different hair styles aimed at raising money for charity as well as other community involvements. He is known for his leadership & for his intensity on the field. Having married his high school sweetheart & every day playing the game he loves, Tulo is living the dream. I hope that he lives it all the way to a World Championship & all the way to the HALL. Thanks Tulo for all that you bring to the great game of baseball here in Colorado ...

Until next time, so long everybody ...

Lee [ Cowboy ]

That Ball's Going & It Ain't Coming Back ...

Jim Thome stands tall both on the field, as well as off it. Many of us have been blessed to watch his career unfold, hitting 604 home runs along the way; many of them prodigious w/home runs #'s 500 & 600 especially exciting. Thome's lifetime stats include  a .277 ba, .403 obp, .558 slg, 1674 rbi, & more walks than all but seven other players in the history of the game. His 604 home runs rank him 8th all time. He has the 5th lowest career AB/HR ratio in Major League history. As well, before injuries caught up w/him, he was considered a fine fielder, his lifetime fielding% sitting at .994.

Two trademarks that evolved during Jim Thome's playing career are his ''high socks'' and his batting stance wherein he holds his bat out w/his right hand pointing it at right field. This is a gesture he picked up from the movie The Natural.

That Jim Thome is a mountain of a man, is proven out in the way he has lived his life off the field, as well as on. For example, Thome is putting all 10 of his niece's & nephew's through college. He is highly thought of by his peers - often times called the friendliest man in baseball. He is a two time Marvin Miller Man of the Year  winner. Additionally, he has won the Roberto Clemente Award & theLou Gehrig Memorial Award .

Jim Thome will be stepping into the batters box for the Phillies this year. I, for one will be sure to take it in, as this may be his final year. Thank you Mr. Thome for all that you have brought to the sport of baseball, both on the field and off.

That ball's going & it ain't coming back ...

Until next time, so long everybody ...

Lee [ Cowboy ]

All Time Starting 9 - Polish Heritage ...

This All Time Starting  9 is dedicated most especially to Stan '' The Man '' Musial, Carl ''Yaz '' Yastremski, and a very special friend of mine - all of whom have given me great joy. Thank You ...

OF  Stan Musial
OF  Carl Yastremski
OF  Al Simmons
1B  Paul Konerko
2B  Bill  Maseroski
SS  Allen Trammell
3B  Whitey Kurowski
C    AJ Pierzynski
P    Phil Niekro

Other Notable Ballplayers of Polish Heritage:

OF  Greg Luzinsky
OF  Richie Zisk
1B  Ted Kluszewski
1B  John Kruk
1B  Moose Skowron
2B  Mark Grudzielanek
SS  Troy Tulowitszke
SS  Tony Kubek

I am sure that I have missed some good/great ballplayers of Polish Heritage, but I am confident that if you check out the careers of these men that played the game you will come away w/great respect for their contributions to the great game of baseball ...

Until next time, so long everybody ...

Lee [ Cowboy ]

A Special Note ...

Thank you to everyone who has visited Cowboy's Baseball. I enjoy sharing thoughts about the sport that we love. I will continue to do my best to share on this site that which I hope you will enjoy reading & giving thought to. Please know that it will be helpful to me to know that you're enjoying the thoughts & articles. I look forward to your comments & I do look for any ideas that you might share that would make Cowboys Baseball more appealing to you. If you like, feel free to share any ideas w/me @beach-cowboy@hotmail.com. Have a Fantastic Day everyone!

Until next time, so long everybody ...

Lee [ Cowboy ]

Swing and a Miss - He Struck Him Out! ...

Stephen Strasburg stands 6' 4'' and weighs in at 220 lbs. His true stature, though, is much greater than that. At the tender age of twenty three years old, he has already greatly impressed those of us who love the game of baseball. His short lived career stats are impressive: 2.35 era, 111 ip, 135 k, 24 bb, 0.973 whip. I believe that these stats are but a taste of what we will come to realize as his career unfolds. 

There are several reasons for his incredible strikeout to walks ratio & his substantially better than a strikeout per inning pitched; not to mention the 0.98 whip. His character makeup is one of confidence and yet humble. He loves this game that his maternal grandmother helped him develop. Strasburg has great command of four pitches. His repertoire includes a curveball/slider, a circle-changeup, a two seam fastball, and a four seam fastball. He can throw his fastball 100 miles per hour and his two seamer runs in on righthanded hitters - very nasty.

Stephen Strasburg has shown that he is immune to high pressure situation's. In his Major League debut, '' the most hyped pitching debut the game has ever seen, '' he secured the win allowing 2 earned runs in 7 innings pitched w/ 14 k's & no walks. With Tommy John surgery now behind him, I believe that he will now assert himself as one of the great pitchers over the next ten years. In Stephen Strasburg, we get to watch another potential future HOF pitcher. Swing and a miss - He struck him out! ...

Unti next time, so long everybody ...

Lee [ Cowboy ]

Swing and a Long One! ...

Mike Stanton, rightfielder for the Florida Marlins, turned 22 years old on November 8th, 2012. His age belies his prowess. As a 20 year old rookie, he hit 22 home runs. Additionally, he hit 21 home runs @ Triple A, striking out only one more time than he walked. In 2011, at just 21 years of age and despite battling leg & eye injuries, he hit 34 home runs to go w/87 rbi, a .356 obp, & a .537 slg. Mike '' The Unnatural '' Stanton may well be on his way to being the prolific home run hitter of his time. Last year, '' Moonshot '' Stanton hit the longest home runs of any Major League player @ four different stadiums. According to Hit Tracker Online, Stanton belted 15 no-doubt home runs, the most by any player in the National League in 2011.

AT 6' 5'' & 240 lbs., Mike Stanton is a monster in size & yet to see him he appears to be svelte like a deer. He patrol's right field at a gold glove caliber level. While he has only stolen 10 bases in just less than 1 2/3 seasons, some believe that he has 30 stolen base potential. In watching his short career closely, I believe that he comes to the ballpark everyday w/a great attitude & a love for the game; two very important intangibles. I believe that we are watching a future 5 tool HOF ballplayer. Swing and a long one ...

Until next time, so long everybody ..

Lee [ Cowboy ]

The Yankees Have Begun To Assert Themselves ...

The Yankees have begun to assert themselves w/the pickup of Hiroki Kiroda and w/the trade for Michael Pineda. Still, I have to ask, will they look back & regret having let go of Jesus Montero? Will they seemingly come from nowhere & go for Prince Fielder?

To my way of thinking, Theo Epstein continues to impress w/his rebuilding of the Cubs. He has added some promising young prospects & some viable starting pitching w/Travis Wood & Chris Volstad. Zambrano is now gone & Soriano is on his way. Ian Stewart will play a gold glove caliber 3rd base w/ a possible 25 to 30 home runs @ approximately $15 million less than Aramis Ramirez. Anthony Rizzo will man 1st base @ $ 416,000 a year; the key here will be whether or not he will prove out like Eric Hosmer did last year. I believe that he will. Kerry Wood & Reed Johnson have been resigned & David DeJesus was picked up.

The Arizona Diamondbacks have chosen not to sit on there laurels. Will they be a force in 2012?

The St. Louis Cardinals will have Adam Wainwright back, have added Carlos Beltran, & have resigned Rafael Furcal. David Freese has always been a .300 hitter. Will he now embark upon superstar status, and, will he avoid the injury bug that has continuously plagued his short career? Matt Holliday & Lance Berkman remain in the middle of the lineup & will have to be reckoned with. Will this be enough to overcome the losses of Albert Pujols & Tony LaRussa? ...

Until next time, so long everybody ...

Lee [ Cowboy ]

I Believe ...

''I believe in the soul, the small of a woman's back, the hanging curve ball, high fiber, and a good cocktail'' ...

I believe in this new crop of youngsters working their way into the Show ...

I believe in Albert Pujols and that he still has 4 or 5 great years in front of him ...

I believe in that long ago there should have been a ''constitutional amendment outlawing astroturf & the designated hitter, and, I believe in the sweet spot'' ...

I believe in the importance of spring training - not only for the players & for the teams, but also for those of us that love baseball ...

I believe in the smell of the grass, the crack of the bat, & that the  best hot dogs & the best beers are found at the ballpark ...

I believe in the high probability that the St. Louis Cardinals will find themselves in the playoffs again next year ...

I believe in; Swing & a miss - he struck him out!   Swing & a long one!   That ball's going & it ain't coming back!

''I believe in long, slow, deep, soft, wet kisses that last 3 days'' ... And, I believe in so much more ...

                                                What do you believe in???

Until next time, so long everybody ...

Lee [ Cowboy ]

Thoughts For Yet Another Wintry Day in the Rocky Mtns ...

While i'm confident that most of you are long since aware - for those of you who aren't, check out the MLB Network ...  [ Channel 213 on Direct TV ]

And his name is ...  DAVID FREESE!   /   How good is he?

Even as I write these thoughts, I find myself staring out the window waiting for spring ...

A Cubs fan & a Cardinals fan exchanging numerous civil, enlightening baseball conversations - who'd a thunk it?  ha ha ...

I wonder if Jacoby Ellsbury will show up w/his newfound home run swing again in 2012 ...

I believe that I know who will lead the major leagues in home runs in 2012. Do you?

Are we watching a future HOF shortstop in Troy ''Tulo'' Tulowitzki?

How good of a scout would you be? Do you see Mike Stanton & Stephen Strasburg in the HOF one day? How good are Yoennis Cespedes & Yu Darvish?

Time to start thinking Fantasy Baseball?

The smell of the grass & the crack of the bat ... Lets - Play Ball!!!

Until next time, so long everybody ...

Lee [ Cowboy ]

Welcome To The HOF ...

 
Welcome to the HOF Ron Santo & Barry Larkin!!! Today Barry Larkin joins Ron Santo in the Hall Of Fame class of 2012. Santo & Larkin are excellent choices & well-deserving of this honor.
 
Ron Santo is absolutely one of the top ten third basemen of all time. I believe that it is a travesty that he fell to being elected posthumously. With each successive year of his being passed over, I could only cry out, '' OOOOhhhh  NNNNoooo!!!! '' His lifetime stats are solid, but they are much more than that when compared to third basemen & when thought of in terms of the era in which he played. Ron Santo played in the era of the pitcher and yet he hit 342 home runs & had a .464 sliugging percentage - 2nd only to Eddie Mathews among 3rd basemen to that point. Santo also was a 5 time Gold Glove winner & led in many lifetime NL third base defensive categories until Mike Schmidt eventually eclipsed them. His NL records included records  for career assists, total chances, & putouts. These records & others lasted as well until Mike Schmidt, the greatest third baseman of all time, came on the scene. Ron Santo was the best of his time & one of the best ever. It was a pure pleasure to see him play. Kick up your heels one more time Ron ...  
 
Barry Larkin was a 12 time all star, a winner of 3 Gold Gloves, & was the 1st shortstop ever to hit 30 home runs & steal 30 bases in a season. As well, he garnered an MVP and won the Roberto Clemente Award. He was a World Series winner in 1990 and contributed by hitting .353 in the series. In 1995 he hit .389 in the NL Championship Series. Barry Larkin was a captain and according to his peers, he was a great leader. He had a career .295 batting average complimented by 198 home runs & 379 stolen bases. His career crossed paths with that of Ozzie Smith; if not for that, he may well of had as many as 10 Gold Gloves. Baseball historian & expert Bill James calls Larkin one of the greatest shortstops of all time & ranks him 6th all-time. An interesting little known point worth mentioning is that Barry Larkin learned to speak Spanish so as to have a better rapport w/his Hispanic teammates. I believes that this speaks volumes to his success, both as a player & as a person ...
 
Congratulations Ron & Barry!!!  You have both wonderfully represented the great sport of baseball - both on the field on off. Welcome to the HOF!!!
 
Until next time, so long everybody ...
 
Lee [ Cowboy ]

Some Baseball Question's For a Snowy Rocky Mountain Winters Day ...

7 Posts Today ... We Are Getting Closer To Opening Day! ... Have an Incredible Day!!! ...




Who is your favorite player of all time?  And why?

Who is your favorite player in 2012?  And why?

How good were Josh Gibson & Satchel Paige?

Has Theo Epstein begun to work his magic in Chicago?

Will Strasburg & Darvish win 15 plus games this year? Will they have 200 k's?

Who will fare better in the AL? Pujols or Fielder?

Who is the best fielding shortstop in MLB?

How many home runs will Mike Stanton hit?  Will he lead the National League in this category?

It is snowing very hard right now in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The beauty is absolutely breathtaking; and yet, I long for baseball ...

PLAY BALL!!!   HERE'S THE WIND UP & THE PITCH ...   SWING & A LONG ONE ...   HE STRUCK HIM OUT ...   AND THAT'S A WINNER!!!

Until next time, so long everybody ...

Lee [ Cowboy ] 

# 10 Michael Young / Texas Rangers

Michael '' Forever '' Young just turned 35 years old this past September. '' Is he '' Young Enough '' to make his way into the HOF? His 2011 stats argue that he may well be '' Young Enough'' &/or '' Forever Young. '' In 2011 he hit .338  w/a .380 OBP, 106 RBI, 88 RS, .474 SLG, 11 HR, & 6 SB. Couple that w/his lifetime stats & his other nickname '' The Consummate Professional, '' and I believe that he has a chance. He is an AL Batting Champ & a Gold Glove winner. As well, he is a 7 time All Star, 4x Texas Rangers Heart & Hustle Award winner, & 5x Texas Rangers MVP. He has changed position's numerous times for his team & has been an All Star @ three of those four position's. He is a proven leader who brings his heart, soul, & intensity to the ballpark every day, resulting in back-to-back World Series appearances. Michael Young has hit over .300 seven times & has a lifetime .304 BA, .350 OBP, .457 SLG, W/1006 RS, 917 RBI, 169 HR, 87 SB, & 2061 hits. Is he ''Young Enough '' to amass another 939 hits? 3,000 hits is a sure fire entry into the HOF. 
 
Whether or not he can remain '' Forever Young '' & make it into Baseball's HOF, He is certainly worth strong consideration for '' Life's Community Involvement HOF. '' He & his wife are heavily involved in Wipe Out Kids Cancer. Additionally, he is a two time winner of the Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award. This award is given to '' the player in either league whose on field performance and contribution to his community inspire others to higher levels of achievement. ''
 
Michael '' Forever '' Young gets my vote for both HOF opportunities. Does he get your vote? ...
 
Until next time, so long everybody ...
 
Lee [ Cowboy ]

Questions For a January Day 2012 ...

Well, it's January 5th and even with all that's transpired this off season there is so much more yet to come. For example, where will The Prince end up? Is there still a blockbuster trade in the works? Will Matt Garza be traded? Of equal interest I believe is what will be the end result of some of the trades & free agent acquisitions? Will Albert Pujols be a force with LA? What impact will Mark Buehrle, Gio Gonzales, Trevor Cahill, and Yu Darvish have with their respective teams? Will Jose Reyes prove to be the perfect fit with the Marlins, or have the Marlins created a monster with Hanley Ramirez thru this trade? What will be the end results of Ozzie Guillen leading the Marlins and Dale Sveum & Theo Epstein leading the Cubs? Will Stephen Strasburg win 18 or 20 games? Will Adam Wainwright? Will King Felix be traded?
 
Comeback players of the year: Adam Dunn?   Ichiro?   Adam Wainwright?   Kendry Morales?   Buster Posey?
 
So much yet to unfold with spring training now only six weeks away ...
 
Until next time, so long everybody ...
 
Lee [ Cowboy ]

I Wish, I Hope, I Am Thankful For ...

                                            I Wish, I Hope, I Am Thankful For ...




I wish that I had seen Ted Williams swing the bat; that I had seen Shoeless Joe Jackson play the game. I wish that I had seen Babe Ruth or Josh Gibson hit one of their monstrous home runs; that I had seen Jackie Robinson play the game of baseball and the game of life in a way that made a difference on both playing fields. I wish that Don Denkinger had got the call right at first base in 1985, and that Armando Galaraga had gotten his perfect game. I wish that the cloud of steroids had never entered the game leaving me always to wonder ...

I hope that I am right about this new crop of young ballplayers we have entering the game. I hope that Mike Stanton hits 40 plus monster home runs this year, and that Stephen Strasburg wins 20 games & strikes out 250 plus hitters. I hope for one of the most exciting baseball seasons ever. I hope that I will never take for granted all that the game of baseball has given to me ...

I am thankful for all that the game of baseball has given me, and for all that life has given me ...

"I Don't Believe What I Just Saw, I don't believe what I just saw ..."   [ Jack Buck's call on Kirk Gibson's home run ]

Until next time, so long everybody ...

Lee [ Cowboy ]

A Little Background on a Cowboy's Love of the Game...Part 1

7 Posts Today: 2 each time consuming, but absolutely great articles, some good stuff, and for all of the many new visitor's - I decided to repost: A little background on a Cowboys love of the game ...  /  I am working on putting together a great week for you, and of course the great game of baseball will lead me to postings as the season unfold's daily.  As usual there will be Terrific Tuesday, Super Saturday, and Video Sunday 11 ...  /  If you missed Video Sunday 10, please just scroll down ...  /  Thank you for visiting ...  


Until next time, so long everybody ...


Lee [ Cowboy ] 




                                   A Cowboys Love of the Game 




I am a born and raised St. Louis Cardinal fan; as well, I have been a Rockies fan since their inception. Of equal importance I believe, I am a true fan of the game. The game of baseball has been in my mind, heart, spirit, and soul since I was two years old. I have been so blessed to have had a father who gave to me the gift of the game. As well, I have never taken for granted that in my lifetime I have seen play Hall of Fame caliber ballplayers like Stan Musial, Roberto Clemente, Henry Aaron, Bob Gibson, Willie Mays, Ozzie Smith, Ron Santo, Johnny Bench, Lou Brock, Larry Walker, Albert Pujols, Ryne Sandberg, and Ken Griffey Jr., just to name a few. 

I grew up listening to Harry Carey, Jack Buck, and Vin Scully. As a child and eventually a young man, who could have asked for more? It was from these sportscasters and my father that I learned the game with all of its intricacies and learned to love the game. I grew up on the smell of the grass and the crack of the bat; on country field baseball, on acrobatic defensive plays, game winning hits, and walk off home runs. I collected baseball cards and I played the game. I became a sportscaster as well, although never on radio or tv - only in my backyard or my living room.

Other than love and those that I love, and, even as a cowboy, there was never that which was more important to me than the game of baseball. It has brought me joy, great excitements, and even correlations of hard-learned lessons in life. Through baseball I learned of leadership, teamwork, hard work ethic, never say die, and so much more ...

That's part 1 of my love of the game. Why not share yours ...

Swing & a long one ...

Until next time, so long everybody ...

Lee [ Cowboy ]

Question Of The Day ...

Who will be the 2012 award winners in each league? MVP, CY YOUNG, COMEBACK PLAYER, etc. Also, which teams will make the playoffs? And why??   That's all for now.   Until next time, so long everybody ...   Lee [ Cowboy ] 

Happy New Year!!!

I apologize sincerely for not being here the last 4 or 5 days. I have encountered troubles w/my browser & to this point have been unable to have them corrected. While this has been frustrating to me, I am equally aware that it may have caused some of you disappointment also. Thank you to all of you who have visited my site & special thanks to those of you who have shared your comments. I hope to be posting sometime again tomorrow. It won't be long now til spring training & so much yet to happen between now & then. Please remember that any ideas &/or any article ideas will be readily considered. That's all I have for now ...
 
Until next time, so long everybody ...
 
Lee [ Cowboy ]