Yardbarker: Lance Berkman

Unfounded optimism?

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:00:36 -0500

The Astros had some high hopes going into this season and have vastly underperformed. While we held high hopes for the team, a look at their payroll allocations should have had us all writing them off from the start.

MLB Top 50 fantasy players - July 18

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 15:50:15 -0500

Foxsports.com fantasy writer Gerritt Ritt's list of the Top 50 fantasy players in MLB. Josh Hamilton leads in RBI and is hitting more than .300 makes him the first half's top fantasy player. These rankings are updated weekly during the MLB season.

First Half Fantasy MVP Awards

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 21:40:47 -0500

Check out the first half, fantasy baseball MVP's from every position.

The Best Hitters Up to the All Star Break

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:30:36 -0500

This one surprised me, I was expecting to see either Atlanta's 3B Chipper Jones* or CF Josh Hamilton** of the Rangers on top of this list, but instead, we find Houston's 1B Lance Berkman** just edging out Hamilton. In fact, Jones doesn't even make this top 20 list as he has begun to come down to earth. The big difference between Hamilton and Berkman seems to be stolen bases, average and OBP as the differences in runs scored HRs and RBIs seem to offset themselves. Rounding out the remaining top 5 spots are the Ranger's 2B Ian Kinsler*, Phillies 1B Ryan Howard and their 2B Chase Utley**. Please, no booing, he doesn't like it and I can't say that I blame him. Numbers 6 to 20 are as follows: the Marlins SS Hanley Ramirez**, Pirates CF Nate McLouth*, Mets CF Carlos Beltran, White Sox LF Carlos Quentin*, Indians CF Grady Sizemore* and the Mets 3B David Wright*. Then we have the Mets SS Jose Reyes, the Cardinals OF Ryan Ludwick*, Padres 1B Adrian Gonzalez* and Brewers LF Ryan Braun**. Then there were the Cubs 1B Carlos Lee and the Reds 2B Brandon Phillips who are both having All Star type of years, but hey, they can't all play in the game. Returning to the All Star cast is Marlins 2B Dan Uggla* who might have wished that Phillips was selected in his place (his 3 errors in the game set a new All Star game record) and Cubs 3B Aramis Ramirez*. Lastly, we have D'Backs 3B Mark Reynolds. The Fall Guys These are the players in which I expect to fall out of this top 20 list by the end of the season: Lance Berkman**: I may be wrong, he may just slip to the end of this list due to his great first half. I still do not see him maintaining these type of numbers for a whole year, same thing applies to these next four players except that I do not expect to see them on this list at all come October: Nate McLouth*, Carlos Quentin*, Dan Uggla* and Mark Reynolds. The Real Deals These are the players in which I think will either keep up these numbers, fall just shy of them or might even improve upon them. Josh Hamilton** may not hit 40 HRs and knock in 180 RBIs, but he should be good for at least 35 HRs (and may still hit 40) and 120-130 RBIs with a .300+ average and .360+ OBP. I expect Howards' average to climb back to a more respectable figure (like say maybe .250) and Utley* will make a MVP run. Hanley Ramirez** and Grady Sizemore* are right on track to where they should be but I don't think they'll go 40/40, the HRs may not get that high. Beltran, Reyes, Wright*, Phillips, Lee and Aramis Ramirez* should also all stay the course with their current numbers. *All of these players where reserves on the 2008 All Star team. **All of these players where elected or selected starters in the 2008 All Star game.

Fantasy Baseball Update: First Half Awards

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:43:05 -0500

The All-Star Break gives fantasy owners a chance to rest and gives us a chance to hand out some first half fantasy awards.

Random All Star Festivities Thoughts

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:32:56 -0500

You know me and my random thoughts that seem to go in many tangeants. Well it seems that I have a lot of things to talk about during the All-Star Break but unfortunately nothing of great substance. So here's a few quick hits to let you know what's going on at The BearDown during the slowest sports week of the year.

Home Run Derby

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:18:38 -0500

Great Home Run Derby last night after it all Morneau is the champion. Thought he didn't win the entire crowd was behind Josh Hamilton. I personally thought that Fat Elvis (Lance Berkman) or Dan Uggla would win. That tricky Canadian came out of no where. Personally I am glad A-Rod was not in it. Josh Hamilton took so long to hit A-Rod would have the opportunity to have a few more affairs.

Rangers' Hamilton Delivers Show To Remember In 2008 All-Star Home Run Derby

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:41:58 -0500

Josh Hamilton delivers a show for the ages at Yankee Stadium, crushing 28 home runs in the first round of the 2008 All-Star Home Run Derby.

Sorry, Steve. 2nd Place is the First Loser

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 09:17:28 -0500

Our trusty New Era once again proved as accurate in picking winners as ESPN's baseball gurus. Sure, we all loved the Josh Hamilton show, but the idea was to pick the winner, not the runner-up.

More on the Derby

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 02:40:42 -0500

ESPN really needs a shake-up in how they do things. They've basically turned into the sports version of MTV. MTV used to play music nearly non-stop, but now it's turned into the one channel that is provided for you in hell. Nearly 24 hours of reality television. ESPN is Titletown U.S.A. and Who's Now? and My Wish and The Bronx is Burning.

Roto Reference First Half Fantasy All-Stars

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 23:32:58 -0500

*Hint* Josh Hamilton isn't just a Home Run Derby Wonder!

Juiced Sports Presents... The 2008 Home Run Derby Diary

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 22:36:46 -0500

Alright, before we kick this thing off, let's play Who Am I. Here we go. I lead the AL in home runs and play for the atrocious Cleveland Indians. Today on Around the Horn, my name was mispronounced. In 2002 I was part of the package the Indians received in exchange for Bartolo Colon. My name is Grady Sizemore. I have 23 home runs at the (so called) All Star Break. A shiny nickel to anyone who would recognize me in street clothes walking down the street. Nevermind Yankee Stadium. State Farm is paying for the naming rights to the derby, so it's only fitting that they have a commercial about it. My take on what they should've done, instead of the lame Cubs commerical: "You know where who the heck are these guys meets what happened to the legends?" "I am so there!" "You know where 1923 meets 2008, and the end of an era?" "I am there." "You know where 'who's that illegitimate kid on the field' meets 'certainly not mine?" "I am beyond there." "You know where, maybe they should move the fences a couple hundred feet so these guys could actually hit an impressive looking home run meets lets get some roids just for this?" "I am there." State Farm is proud to present the 2008 Home Run Derby, live from Yankee Stadium. Just in case we didn't remind you 100,000 times this season, it's the last year in the house that Ruth built and money tore down. (Cue the inspirational music and close ups of the grass). 8:04- Alright, Three Doors Down just finished up, and now the lamest Home Run Derby field man has ever seen, is ready to commence. I'm going to try to blog about it as long as I can. 8:05- I thought Karl Ravech was going to be the announcer for this. Nope, we get Chris 'back,back, back' Berman. (Joy). 8:07- 281 Home runs all time for Houston's Lance Berkman. That leads the entire field. Talk about irony. One of baseball's oldest stadiums is about to become rubble, and the 8 guys participating in this aren't even 30. 8:09- Rick Reiley is part of ESPN's coverage? So that's where the $3 million is going to! 8:11- Peter Gammons is picking Waldo. I mean Grady Sizemore to win this thing. 8:12- Someone explain to me why they need a ceremonial first pitch to start things off? Well, they don't care about my opinion so Reggie Jackson, Mr. Home Run Derby (wink wink), will throw it out. 8:14- Only in sports can they take a Home Run Derby, and give it more pre-game coverage then the NBA Finals got on ABC! Whoever's in charge of this debauchery, why? 8:20- Eight children are paired up with a slugger. Wait a minute, what happened to the… o yeah, Century 21 no longer has any affiliation with the Derby. No random fat people getting houses this year! 8:21- It's over. Dan Uggla, two home runs in his first two hacks. Everybody, you can go home now, and remember, drive home safely. 8:22- To think, Dan Uggla was a rule five draft pick. The Marlins got him for $50,000. 8:24- How do the Marlins lead the Majors in home runs? They have the lowest payroll in baseball. 8:25- Who's in charge of the TV camera? A monkey? 8:26- What is this the three point shoot-out? The home run derby uses gold balls now? It's nice to see it go to charity, but c'mon. Cheesy much? 8:27- Uggla finishes with six. 8:28- Damn you Century 21. They could have had the commercial: Uggla buys ugly houses. O, wait, that wasn't Century 21 who did those. Eh, whatever. 8:30- Sizemore is two for two including an upper decker. "Mickey Mantle territory," says my dad. 8:31- "Could you imagine Sammy Sosa," asks my dad. How about McGwire? 8:32- Big Papi gets randomly interviewed by Erin Andrews. Just admit it ESPN: You have a man crush on the guy. 8:33- "They're making a mockery of this," says my dad. ESPN has the attention span of a wild rabbit. 8:38- In 2005, Bobby Abreu hit 24 home runs in the first round. I want to believe that one of these guys will total that the entire night. And yet, two guys in, I'm not sure if I can. 8:40- Want a good laugh: In 2006 Andrew Jones was in the Home Run Derby. 8:41- See I told you, you'd laugh. 8:42- Look, Evan Longoria is going to be a good player, already is a fantastic talent, but a home run derby contestant? Just not buying it. 8:43- Just like Rick Reilly shouldn't be on TV. Just for Men anybody? 8:43- Longoria is tanking just like the Rays did this week. Two home runs with three outs left. 8:44- Babe Ruth was number three. So is Longoria. When it comes to home runs, that's the only thing the two will EVER have in common. Longoria finishes with three. 8:45- Stick around for the exciting 2008 Taco Bell All-Star Legends and Celebrities Softball game. Or… you can get a life ESPN and cancel the event that is arguably the worst All Star game event in any sport anywhere in the world. 8:46- Chase Utley is taking a lot of pitches. In other news, this derby has about as much excitement as watching the Washington Nationals take batting practice. Uncalled for? Sorry Nats. 8:48- ESPN'S coverage of this has really become deplorable. But what a catch by that little kid in the outfield. 8:50- Still have Utley as the favorite ESPN? He has three home runs with two outs left. 8:51- "I think they have the wrong number" my dad says, in response to Utley 'dialing' in. 8:52- Don't move a muscle sports fans. Through four batters we have a total of 20 home runs. Did I mention Abreu had 24 in one ROUND! 8:56- Alright, we're back. Don't show too much excitement, you may hurt yourself. 8:57- Here's Berkman. In unrelated news, it's 8:57 AM in Beijing. 8:58- Over under on how many guys get to 10. "I'll go out on a limb and say maybe one," says my dad. 8:59- Wow, what a risk taker. 9:01- There are 17,000 State Farms in America and Canada. Coooooooooooooooooool! 9:02- O dear, Berkman has SEVEN. The guy's a machine. 9:03- Berkman finishes with EIGHT. Cue up the lets sound 'desperately excited' sound cue. 9:04- Abreu hit 11 home runs in the FINALS in 2005. The Finals! 9:05- I love sports, but let's not kid ourselves, the ESPY's are lame. 9:07- Three guys left. For love of my sanity, would someone 'clock' ten. 9:08- When I think of the most feared power hitters I immediately think of Justin Morneau. (That was me being sarcastic). 9:09- Ricky Reilly wants a former winners category. Yeah, everyone wants to see Luis Gonzalez. 9:11- Don't take this personally Sox fans, but a frozen Ted Williams would probably win this thing the way these guys are hitting tonight. 9:12- Side note: how do you not put pinstripes on the All Star game batting practice jerseys? At least get something right MLB. 9:13- "They shouldn't even have a home run derby if all they can hit is eight," says my dad. I don't disagree. 9:14- In 2004 no one got 10 in the first round. Miguel Tejada had 15 in the second round though. Maybe there's hope? 9:15- Mock news story: "AP- The Home Run Derby garnered such bad ratings in 2008 that drastic changes have been made for 2009." Replacing State Farm as the sponsor is HGH. It has a nice ring. The 2009 Home Run derby brought to you in HD by HGH. Cut, sell, print. 9:17- Ryan Braun's agent is throwing to him. Next year, I vouch for Scott Boras. Yay. 9:18- The public is not that educated Peter Gammons. They just have no life, and vote in ludicrous numbers. 9:19- I know how to save the Home Run Derby: Gus Johnson. Don't thank me, just pay it forward. 9:26- Josh Hamilton overcame drugs and alcohol. Can he overcome a 71 year old pitcher? 9:27- Go Josh! (No, I'm not biased at all) 9:28- Hamilton just mutilated that ball. Wow! 9:30- Hamilton just hit a ball 504 feet! This guy is rolling. 9:31- Clay Claybon, the 71 year old guy, can pitch. 9:32- Edison Volquez for Josh Hamilton just may be the most even trade in MLB history. 9:33- Hamilton is on fireeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. What a great story folks. 9:34- Hamilton takes a drink of Gatorade in between at-bats, and the crowd is loving it. This guy can do no wrong. Not tonight at least. 9:35- Hamilton is autographing balls in between hacks. This is the Josh Hamilton Derby. Forget the rest. 9:36- (Gushing). Somewhere in Hollywood, Josh Hamilton, is getting written. He's got 14 with just 7 outs! 9:38- No one's having as much fun as Josh. Which is why ESPN is going away from announcing it. 9:39- SEVENTEEN! Josh Hamilton hysteria , as a fan gets tackled by the police?… Anyhow, Josh is bringing the House down! 9:40- EIGHTEEN!!!!!!!! 9:41- TWENTY!!!!!!!!!!!! 9:42- He's five away from re-writing the record books 9:42- OOOOOOoooooooooo my God! 9:43- Yesssssssssssss! TWENTY TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!! Two to go to tie Bobby Abreu! TWENTY THREEEEEEEEE! 9:44- I have goose bumps right now. No joke. His twenty third was 429. 9:45- HOLY S***! 24! He just tied Bobby! 467 feet! Who cares if he has nothing left in the second round. THE RECORD! TWENTY FIVE FOR JOSHUA HAMILTON. UN-FREAKING BELIEVABLE. You deserve this Josh. TWENTY SIX! I've run out of adjectives. Can he get 30???? 9:45- He's seen over 40 pitches, and has hit 26 out! 9:46- The batting practice pitcher is taking a breather. This is epic! "Hamilton, Hamilton" chants the crowd. HAMILTON IS STILL BATTING. THREE AWAY FROM THIRTYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!! 9:47- TWENTY EIGHT FOR JOSH HAMILTON. He still has EIGHT outs! The crowd is losing their voice from cheering so much. 9:48- Hamilton has to be getting tired. Two away from THIRTY! It's over! Josh finishes with 28, smashing Abreu's record. "That took a very boring evening and just made it very interesting," says my dad. Erin Andrews looks awed. "You can't hit that many home runs and walk away," she says. 9:49- I am humbled. "I got chills," said Hamilton. No Josh, we just got chills. 9:50- Claybon Council threw 51 pitches in that round. "We got to go again?" he asks. Hillarious. 12, 458 feet. The total of his 28 home runs. 9:52- The first seven guys hit 43 home runs COMBINED. Hamilton came 15 short of that by himself. 9:53- I need a minute to take in what I just saw. 10:00- Everyone else is irrelevant at this point. We'll resume once Hamilton gets his second crack at things. While we're at it: Abreu finished with 41 home runs over three rounds in 05. Hamilton needs just 14 to break that record. Stick around. 10:10- In the first two rounds, Berkman and Morneau combined to hit 31, three more then Hamilton hit in the first round. 10:11- Two questions left to ask before the Finals: Will Hamilton even need to hit in the second round, considering the next highest guy is 17, and does his 71 year old stud of a pitcher have anything left? 10:15- Who's going to face off against Hamilton in the Finals? Meh, does it really matter? 10:20- Morneau and Hamilton in the Finals. Should be fun. 10:22- Hamilton is up again, he's up to 30 in two rounds. Make it thirty one. 10:23- O by the way, he's got 4 dingers with one out. He's just having fun now, and 9 within Abreu's mark. 10:24- My bad says Hamilton as he nearly kills a camera man. 10:25- Wow, those camera guys are really close to the field. No regard for their safety. 10:26- Onto the Finals. Everybody still here? Good. I'm curious too how much I have left in the tank. 10:30- If Hamilton hits a home run to left he wins some lucky guy a hybrid and a MLB ticket package. Who's going to doubt him at this point. 10:32- No can do. Now it's Morneau's turn. And then the Finals. Will this hopeful guy win that hybrid? It saves gas you know! 10:34- Poor guy. He leaves with a smile and nothing more. But how many average joes can say they got to stand on the field at Yankee Stadium during the All Star festivities. 10:35- Morneau off to a slow start, but he nails one into the upper deck, giving him one with three outs. 10:37- Morneau looks tired. He has three with seven outs. 10:38- The Twins slugger is running out of gas as we inch closer to Josh Hamilton's inevitable crowning moment. 10:39- Will five be enough? Because that's what Justin finished with. "I don't think he got enough," says Joe Morgan. 10:41- Morneau finishes with a grand total of 22 over three rounds. Six shy of Hamilton's first round of fireworks. 10:42- How many outs will it take Hamilton to bash his way to this crown? "Six," says my dad. I'll go with seven. 10:44- Here we go… 10:46- One down, five to go. 10:47- Hamilton looks emotionally spent right now. 10:48- Can Justin Morneau actually win this thing? Hamilton just destroyed number three. Three left. 10:49- This is getting dicey. Four outs left, he needs to hit two. Milton Bradley comes out and massages Hamilton, who still looks calm and cool as could be. 10:50- Uh o. Two outs left, two to tie Morneau. Wow. One out left. C'mon Hamilton you can do this. 10:51- Wow. Hamilton just lost. He hits three in the second round as Justin Morneau steals the title. But no one will remember Morneau when people look back on this. This night was all about Hamilton. 10:52- What a great night. Jesus did you hear that? Josh just thanked you. That's high praise Mr. Christ. 10:53- "Thank god for that one round," says my dad. "Otherwise this would have been the biggest bust ever." Well that wraps up our coverage from my couch and out-dated 50 inch TV. Hope you enjoyed our running diary of the 2008 Home Run Derby. Goodnight everybody. Anyone who's able to watch the Celebrity Softball game deserves a medal. Or a trip to the mental hospital. Your choice.

Josh Hamilton Jacks A Record 28 Home Runs In the FIRST ROUND Of The Derby

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 21:15:16 -0500

Just when you thought Big Puma/Fat Elvis Lance Berkman had it goin on with his (now seemingly piddly) 8 launches beyond the fence, Feel Good Story Of The Season, Josh Hamilton (who I will now officially begin referring to as "Bam Bam Ham") spent a ridiculous half hour (roughly) pounding out pitches from Clay Council one by one into the outfield crowd. In between pitches, toweling off the sweat and rehydration, Bam Bam decided to mingle with the munchkins around the baseline signing balls, bats, hats, etc and generally showing why he is now the new sweetheart of the MLB. Bam Bam's newly set record now relegates Bobby Abreu's record of 24 in the first round of the derby to second place. Sadly Abreu is batting .274 with 10 home runs this season and I'm not sure he's hit 24 in a SEASON since that record was actually set. LOL A-Rod opted out of taking part in the Home Run Derby and it's probably a good thing because I think he would have just embarassed himself (and I'm a Yankees fan, people!).

Home Run Derby = Yawn

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 18:53:17 -0500

I wanted to see this tonight, oh well...

Usually, the Home Run Derby is one of the more exciting events of the MLB All-Star extravaganza. What could be better than watching the best sluggers in the game crush as many as they can? Whether you like the individuals or not, watching them hit the ball 450 ft repeatedly can be enjoyable. Who can forget Big Mac crushing balls over the green monster, or Albert Pujols or Barry Bonds... ?

But this year, the lineup leaves quite a bit to be desired for various reasons. The AL lineup is Justin Morneau, Evan Longoria, Josh Hamilton, and Grady Sizemore. The NL lineup is Chase Utley, Dan Uggla, Lance Berkman, and Ryan Braun.

So what's wrong with that lineup, you might ask? The NL has 3 MVP candidates lined up, while the AL has some of the superstars of the game including the likely rookie of the year in the AL.

Stop screwing around, and give the hometown fans someone to cheer for.

What's wrong is that the great home run hitters of this generation are not represented. A-Rod and Manny both recently passed the 500 HR milestone, while Griffey hit his 600th this year. Ryan Howard and Albert Pujols are two of the best HR hitters in the game right now, but none of those 5 players will be swinging for the fences tonight. Nor will Vlad Guerrero, David Wright, Chipper Jones, ...

Depending on your definition, at least 5 of those players are from small-market teams, meaning that the percentage of fans who see these players on a regular basis is quite small. In addition with their youth, very few have established a name for themselves beyond the last year or two. Berkman leads this group with 281 HRs at age 32, while Utley only has 122 career HRs.

Berkman is the senior statesman of this derby, at 32 with 281 HRs.

The derby is supposed to be for the fans, a chance to see the stars who they love hit the ball as far as possible. Instead, the fans get a bunch of solid players, but none of them are known for bashing the ball out of the park for the last decade. When was the last HR derby without a single hitter in the 300 HR club?

I'm not saying it isn't nice for the small-market players to get some recognition, because those 8 are all quality players, at least this year. What I'm saying is that I'd like to see some of the many future Hall-of-Famers swinging tonight, instead.

Home Run Derby = Yawn

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 18:53:17 -0500

I wanted to see this tonight, oh well...

Stop screwing around, and give the hometown fans someone to cheer for.

Berkman is the senior statesman of this derby, at 32 with 281 HRs.