While playing basketball at the Hanover YMCA Friday, the Southpaw played against a kid who was wearing a Nolan Reimold jersey.
Now, that's a fan.
Inside, we look at the National League's rookie class, remember Dwight Gooden and find out another team needs a third baseman.
Leading Off
The Rookie of the Year award comes out today. This might be the deepest National League Rookie class in a long time.
It's very comparable to 2001, when future stars Albert Pujols, Roy Oswalt, Jimmy Rollins and Adam Dunn came into the league.
This year's class didn't put up the numbers those guys did, but it might be longer on talent.
Andrew McCutchen (12 home runs, 22 stolen bases, 10 outfield assists)and Tommy Hanson (11-4) are stars in the making.
After the postseason, it's hard to remember that J.A. Happ was a dynamo for the Phillies 12-4, two shutouts or that Dexter Fowler helped spark the Rockies rally with 27 stolen bases, 10 triples and 29 doubles.
Colby Rasmus showed flashes of brilliance while batting .251 with 16 home runs and 52 runs batted in.
Somehow, Chris Coughlin's .321 season with 84 runs scored in just 128 games was lost in the shuffle.
Now, we'll have to wait and see if all of these players reach their potential.
Regional Roundup
- Phillies fans are rooting for J.A. Happ to win the Rookie of the Year award.
- The relationship between Washington's general manager and its manager will be a key for any improvement.
- Will McCutchen win.The Pirates missed out on J.J. Hardy.
- What is the Orioles' most pressing need.
Best of Rest
- Former Pirate Jack WIlson is going to spend the next two years in Seattle. Will he ever be on a winning team?
- A Giants prospect has a visa snafu: Murder
- The Phillies and Orioles aren't the only teams looking to fill voids at third base.
- The McCourt drama keeps going lower. And lower.
The Closer
It's hard to believe, but Dwight Gooden is only 25. His story is one that should be told to every rookie, especially the phenoms.
Consider his first seven years. From 1984 to 1990, he went 119-47, had more strikeouts than hits allowed; and accumulated a 2.82 ERA.
Gooden, now is trying to get past his demons.
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