Hats off to the Hall

The Hall of Fame has decided that Andre Dawson should be immortalized wearing an Expos cap instead of a Red Sox hat. Dawson threw a hissy fit because he wanted to wear a Cubs hat.

Red Sox angle aside, I can't believe that the first player to truly complain about the Hall's cap policy would be a player who is highly regarded for his character. Everyone thought it would be a money-grubbing player, acting like a jilted lover against a former team. OK, everyone thought it would have been Wade Boggs or Roger Clemens looking to get even with the Red Sox.

But, no, it's Andre Dawson - a player who should be grateful that voters overlooked his measly on-base percentage to allow him to enter. He seems more concerned about the extra money he could get by being enshrined as a Cub. He is even considering wearing a Cubs hat at his induction instead of the classically cheesy red, white and blue old-school Montreal logo:

"To be honest with you, I thought about that," he said. "It was a tough night for me sleeping [Tuesday]. I slept better the night before the announcement than I did after I got the decision last night, as odd as that might sound.

"I don't want to do anything that might be an embarrassment to someone or show someone up, that's not my character. But there will be some way I will try to acknowledge the Cubs fans to show just how important they were to me. I did think about at some point in time during the speech putting a Cubs cap on, but I don't know if that's appropriate."

You'd think he'd be prouder to be the second - and possibly last, depending on what happens with Tim Raines and Vladimir Guerrero - member of the Expos contingency in the Hall of Fame. Regretfully, he is not.

Also, Dawson said he hasn't heard from Chicago's most famous baseball fan (President Obama, not Steve Bartman) "probably because he's a White Sox fan." No, probably because the prez is a Sarge (Gary Matthews) fan.

My last untainted memory of Roger the Red Sox

Until Andre Dawson ends the speculation and announces that he will enter the Hall of Fame as a Red Sox, people will wonder if he will wear a Cubs or Expos hat into Cooperstown. Seriously, I endorse Les Expos.

The topic recently prompted Rob Neyer to list which caps he thinks certain multi-team stars should wear. He said that, without a doubt, Roger Clemens should go in with a B on his head.

After all that has happened (and assuming they start voting in roiders), I'm not sure I would even want that anymore.

But it did give me the opportunity to revisit Aug. 17, 1996 - the day I was in the stands to see Clemens throw his last home shutout for the Red Sox.

I kept score, but I couldn't scan a copy because the scorecard boxes have diamonds on them, making the page hard to read. (I prefer empty boxes on my scorecards.)

I don't remember much except the experience of watching a seemingly washed-up Roger Clemens revert to The Rocket. He was dominant. The place was electric. And I was thrilled. Of course, the whole thing was probably fake.

Recently, I salvaged the program from that day. It touts Jeff Frye, Reggie Jefferson, Bill Haselman and Jose Malave as unsung stars of the 1996 Red Sox, which finished 82-80.

Other stars on that lackluster team included Mike Stanley, Mo Vaughn, Tim Naehring, John Valentin, Wil Cordero, Mike Greenwell, Jose Canseco and Troy O'Leary.

See, this is why I seldom criticize SoxandPhils management. I'll never forgot rosters like these.

To the right are some photos of the team. Without editorial comment, notice Vaughn, Canseco, Clemens, Tim Wakefield, Kevin Mitchell, Tom Gordon and Jamie Moyer.

Not included on this page - but we'll show him separately - is an ultimate SoxandPhil. One of two to be officially owned by this Web site: Healthcliff Slocumb "if you got 'em."

I won't get myself riled up by discussing why he is not in the Hall of Fame, but if, no, when he is inducted, what do you think - Red Sox or Phillies hat? Other than three years with the Cubs, he never spent more than two years in one place. He performed better as a Phillie, but had more saves as a Red Sox.

And I think he should get bonus credit for his impact on Red Sox history. Without him, there would be no Derek Lowe and Jason Varitek and therefore no trophy in 2004.

I know it won't happen, but Slocumb's induction speech would make me feel a lot happier than Clemens'.

Congrats, Hawk

I'll admit that when I saw that Andre Dawson was elected to the Hall of Fame today, my first thought was not that another Red Sox outfielder will be enshrined - the third in the last two years.

No, my thought was that Bert Blyleven and Roberto Alomar should have gotten a call today. I can understand that some voters have a hang up with first-timers like Alomar, but how long does Blyleven have to hang out to dry?

Here's how other SoxandPhils fared in the balloting: Lee Smith (47.3 percent), Dale Murphy (11.7 percent) and Ellis Burks (0.4 percent).

Although the Hall of Fame voting block often confounds logic, fortunately none were foolish enough to vote for former Phillies Mike Jackson or Todd Zeile.

[Photo Credit: SonsofSamHorn.net]

Stupid former Indians pitchers

The recent good performances by Cliff Lee and Paul Bryd, both former Indians, have been wiped away tonight.

After starting 5-0 with a 0.68 ERA for the Phillies, Cliff Lee has been shelled in his last two starts. His ERA rose to 1.80 after giving up six earned runs in five innings on Saturday, and it's now 2.81 after yielding six earned runs in three innings tonight. Jamie Moyer is now in, making his first relief appearance for a starter other than Pedro Martinez. In the 5th, it's Astros 6, Phillies 0.

If he keeps pitching like this, come playoff time, Lee might be keeping J-Moy company in the bullpen.

I still can't get over Pedro Martinez's performance yesterday. Christine joked the other night that he's going to wear a Phillies hat on his Hall of Fame plaque.

He's not, according to a Q&A with Yahoo!'s Answer Man:

DB: Assuming you get there, would you wear a Red Sox cap on your Hall of Fame plaque?
PM: I have no idea, but I would love to. Either that one or a Montreal hat. It's not up to me, it's up to the league, but I think Boston without a doubt. I'll take it.

Then, Pedro talks flowers. It's weird.

DB: Which kinds of flowers are your favorite?
PM: Orchids. All of them.
They're so delicate and tender. So beautiful.
DB: Do you talk to them?
PM: Yes!
DB: What do you say?
PM: I pray for them and tell them they have to get better and that I'm sorry about not taking care of them on time.
DB: Do you feel guilty?
PM: I just ... sometimes, I just don't have the time.
DB: What got you into gardening in the first place?
PM: My mom. She would spend a lot of time in the garden and I used to spend a lot of time with my mom.

In the American League, meanwhile, Byrd no longer has an unblemished ERA. He gave up seven earned runs in 2 1/3 innings, inflating his ERA from 0.00 to 7.56. The Red Sox scored one in the 4th, so the comeback is under way. In the 4th, White Sox 8, Red Sox 1.

Red Sox LFers dominate Hall of Fame vote

Congrats to Big Jim Ed Rice, who will join Rickey Henderson in Cooperstown this summer.

It was a long wait for Rice, all 15 years of eligibility, but it creates a nice pairing for the Hall of Fame class of 2009.

Put aside their similarities - both were dominant stars of the 1980s and patrolled left field at Fenway Park - Rice and Henderson also provide a nice contrast.

{Yes, in case you forgot - like Greg briefly did - Henderson was in Boston for the glorious 2002 season. And no, off the top of his head, Greg doesn't remember anything else that happened that season. Like how I also forgot that Henderson was a member of those awful 1993 Blue Jays.}

Henderson was the ultimate leadoff hitter who combined power with dominating speed and on-base skills; Rice was the big (for the time) slugger who excelled in powerful offense.

I just hope Rickey can keep up with Big Jim on the podium this summer. Rice seems to be outgoing, colorful and self-promoting while Rickey can be a little quiet. Nah, Rickey being Rickey would never let that happen.

My favorite story of the day comes not from Henderson, but from Rice. Apparently, the big guy loves his soaps. I would have loved it if he didn't take the call until his stories ended.

I'm sorry I don't have anything personal to add. I started rooting for the Red Sox in 1986 - Rice's last good year, so most of my memories, unfortunately, are of a washed-up slugger. I was living in Yankee territory when Rickey played in New York. To me, he was a symbol of the overhyped big-name Yankees who never won, but I also disliked him purely because he was so damned good.

[Photo credit: Boston Herald]

Nick Cafardo audtions for SoxandPhils

Given the awful economic state of newspapering, it seems the Globe's Nick Cafardo is sending out subtle hints that he'd like to join the SoxandPhils team. A couple of lines from today's Baseball Notes column prove my point:

Apropos of nothing: 1. If Mike Lowell had signed with the Phillies last winter, he'd have back-to-back championships; 2. Nomar Garciaparra would be a nice fit for the Phillies.

...

The action on Lowe will likely accelerate this weekend among three NL East teams - Atlanta, New York, and Philadelphia. The Braves, who met with Lowe last week, need to nail this one down. They acquired Javier Vazquez from the White Sox earlier this winter, but they have lost John Smoltz and have yet to make an offer to the rehabbing Tom Glavine. They would salvage their offseason by signing Lowe, who among the baseball people we spoke to was considered the second-best free agent pitcher out there (after CC Sabathia). One rub is that Lowe wants to go somewhere where he can get to a World Series. Are the Braves that team? Are the Mets? We know the Phillies are.

No need to be bashful, Mr. Cafardo - you'd be welcome to join. We don't pay well, but we offer telecommuting, flexible hours and a friendly staff.

Oh, and since he took a jab at the Mets, Christine and I (while taking breaks from watching the Carolina Panthers fall apart last night) caught the end of the 2006 NLCS on MLB Network, which was the beginning of the "choke artist" label for the New York Mets. Christine could watch Carlos Beltran freeze on strike three with the potential winning run on base a million times.

Back to current reality: Cafardo, Bob Ryan and Jim Salisbury all talk about the two Red Sox left fielders on deck for the Hall of Fame. I think (probably like I did last year) that Jim Rice gets in this year. I haven't seen a writer's ballot that hasn't included him, and he was darn close last year.

No one, however, doubts that at least one Red Sox (Rickey Henderson) will get in. If you've clicked on the link to Cafardo's column at the top of this post, you would have an enjoyable recap on Rickey's year in the Fens. I love Henderson stories and can't wait for all of them to come out over the next few months.

Football: Again, I keep forgetting about football - although today's Eagles-Giants is a must-see. Yesterday, I would have picked the Panthers and the Titans. Today, I'll go with the Giants and Steelers. I'm 2-4 so far in the playoffs.

'Tis the season (again)

For those who need a little holiday cheer tonight, the official Phillies DVD on the 2008 season is coming out soon.

Paul Byrd and Jason Varitek were offered jobs for next season (if they accept arbitration); we're still waiting for word on Pat Burrell and Jaimie Moyer.

And will this be the year Jim Rice no longer gets coal in his Hall of Fame stocking? The ballot is out, and SoxandPhils newcomers include Rickey Henderson, Mo Vaughn, David Cone, Ron Gant and Dan Plesac.

Hall of Fame III

Yesterday I looked at the future of Red Sox and Phillies in the Hall, today I'll look at those already enshrined.

According to the Hall of Fame's database, which may not be totally accurate since it didn't list Tom Yawkey as a Red Sox, there are 36 Hall of Famers with Red Sox connections, and 34 connected to the Phillies. But with those listed primarily as SoxPhils, only eight are Sox to 11 for the Phils. Surprised me too.

Anyhoo... here's my favorites:

Red Sox

1. Ted Williams

2. Carl Yaztremski

3. Jimmie Foxx

4. Wade Boggs

5. Cy Young

No doubt about Ted. Love the enigma of his character, his confidence and his hitting. Jimmy Foxx -- a little personal, if I ever needed a pseudonym it would be a variation of his. More on him later. Just missing the cut: Bobby Doerr, Carlton Fisk and Tris Speaker.

Phils:

1. Mike Schmidt

2. Steve Carlton

3. Richie Ashburn

4. Grover Alexander

5. Robin Roberts

Not much personal connection. Pretty much how I think most Phils fans would pick 'em.

{C: When Greg asked for my favorites, I immediately asked if I could include Harry Kalas. He doesn't have a plaque in the main hall, he's just in the broadcaster's section, but if he did count, I think he would be battling for the No. 1 spot.}

Those who played for both:

1. Jimmie Foxx

2. Hugh Duffy

3. Fergie Jenkins

4. Tony Perez

5. Bucky Harris

Not a great list. Foxx finished his career for the Phils -- surprised me. Tony Perez shouldn't be in the hall. And Bucky Harris managed each team for one season.

Most surprising names on either list:

1. Sparky Anderson -- played one full season for the Phils.

2. Casey Stengel -- played a few for the Phils.

3. Nap Lajoie -- started his career (5 years) with the Phils.

4. Jimmie Foxx -- the Phillies portion anyway.

Favorite names that pop up but really shouldn't count.

1. Ryne Sandberg

2. Tom Seaver

Well, hopefully in the future years we'll see some additions: Pedro, Manny, Curt, Chase Utley and J-Roll.

ETC. Very interesting piece in the Globe today about NBA and SoxPhils star Gene Conley. I didn't know too much about him, other than he played basketball and pitched for the Red Sox. Apparently he was traded from the Phils to the Sox. Good read.

Hall of Fame II

So thinking back to Tuesday's sham of a vote. OK, not as bad as not inducting Buck O'Neill before he died, but it would have been nice to induct Jim Rice and Goose Gossage at the same time. Nice symmetry -- two feared stars of the '70s and '80s who were key parts of the rivalry, especially in 1978.

I like when there's a connection among inductees. Nolan, Yount and Brett in '99. Ripken and Gwynn last year. And Reggie Jackson by himself in '93.

Hopefully, next year we'll see two Red Sox OFers at the podium: Rice and Rickey Henderson.

Other SoxPhils slated to appear on the ballot in coming years (and there's some real immortals here):

2009: Steve Avery, John Burkett, David Cone, Ron Gant, Dan Plesac, Mo Vaughn, Mike Williams.

Mo's been gone that long already? Plesac too? And, Avery, what can I say?

2010: Andy Ashby, Ellis Burks, Mike Jackson, Todd Zeile

Immortals. Real immortals. No disrespect to Burks.

2011: Hideo Nomo, John Olerud, Benito Santiago, Ugueth Urbina

Nomo's comeback might push this class back. And, wouldn't it be great to induct a guy doing time in Venezuela?

2012: Bill Mueller, Tim Worrell

Will there be an '04 bump giving him a few votes?

In other sports: Another big playoff weekend. I went 3-1 last week, and probably will do the same. Go with the Packers over the Seahawks; Patriots to tie the whiny '72 Dolphins; Colts to close the RCA dome with a win; and Cowboys over the Giants. Yes, I know, weak that like most I'm taking all favorites. I think there may be an upset, but when my gut tells me the best chance for an underdog is the Giants, it's time to play it safe.

Hall of Fame

Work's been brutal -- will have to post quickly today...

Just bummed that Big Jim Ed missed the cut.

And who the hell voted for druggies Knoblauch and Justice?

Other former SoxPhils also didn't make the cut, but no tears shed for them... Hawk, Lee Arthur, Dale Murphy, Shooter, and the poster boy for steroids who wasn't named in the report, Brady Anderson.