McKeon lights a fire under Marlins

Sporting News, The, August 25, 2003 by Ken Rosenthal

Greg: I see no reason to believe that Pujols is peaking early. He is the first player in major league history to produce 30 home runs, 100 runs and 100 RBIs in each of his first three seasons. It is not a fluke. If Pujols stays healthy, it's easy to envision him reaching 3,000 hits and 500 homers. Some, however, believe he is older than his listed age of 23.

The more immediate question about Pujols is whether he deserves to be the National League MVP over Barry Bonds. The temptation is to say yes, especially because Pujols began the week with 31 more RBIs than Bonds. That statistic, however, is misleading because Bonds has drawn more than twice as many walks as Pujols. Bonds' on-base percentage is 81 points higher, and his slugging percentage is 61 points higher. Pujols is producing a remarkable season. But there's only one Bonds.

SPEED READS

* The Cardinals likely will miss the postseason for the first time since 1999. Their injuries continue to mount their bullpen ranks last in the National League, and their vaunted offense shows flashes of inconsistency. Even if general manager Walt Jocketty had more aggressively pursued trades for pitching, it might have been too little, too late.

* Marlins pitcher Mark Redman was wrong to suggest that umpire Jim Wolf might demonstrate Pennant-race bias toward the Phillies, his brother Randy's team. Jim Wolf is Class AAA umpire who is trying to get a full-time major league position. He would jeopardize his future if he acted less than professionally.

* The Reds are blowing it with their sluggish pursuit of a new general manager. The goal should be to hire someone before the end of the minor league season, enabling the new general manager to scout Cincinnati's farm system. The longer the Reds wait, the more difficult it will be for the new general manager to make informed offseason decisions.

INSIDE DISH By Ken Rosenthal

Alex Rodriguez's musings about a trade can be viewed as a warning shot to the Rangers, who might cut their payroll from $103 million to $70 million. Rodriguez signed with the club believing that owner Tom Hicks would maintain a top five payroll. The Rangers' likely fourth straight last-place finish and declining attendance is forcing a change in approach, and G.M. John Hart's poor decision-making is the root of the problem. Imagine what A's G.M. Billy Beane might have accomplished with Rodriguez and an additional $80 million in payroll. ... RHP Jeff Suppan posted an 8.82 ERA in his first three starts with the Red Sox, prompting one scout to observe, "He can't pitch in the American League." The scout's reasoning: "Guys with average stuff like Suppan have to have breaks in the lineup. The better lineups in the A.L. are relentless, with no breaks." Suppan, who spent most of his career in the A.L. before appearing in 21 games with the Pirates this season, faced the Mariners, Orioles and Angels--the league's sixth-, seventh- and 11th-highest scoring teams--in his first three games with Boston.... The Royals will make history in more ways than one if they win the A.L. Central after losing 100 games last season. They've already used 27 pitchers, more than any team that ever has reached the postseason, according to STATS Inc. The 1995 Red Sox and 2002 Cardinals each used 26.... The Devil Rays' hiring former Blue Jays scout Tim Wilkert as special assistant to G.M. Chuck LaMar is an indication that the team plans to be more aggressive in the free-agent market. Manager LOU Piniella wants to fill several holes, and one of Wilken's first responsibilities will be to scout potential free agents. The Rays' recent 21-16 run was the best 37-game stretch in franchise history, and their 16-10 record from July 20 through last Saturday was the best in the A.L. East.... Members of the Rockies' organization love that manager CIint Hurdle records an in-depth game report they can access through their voice-mail system each day. The practice is common for minor league managers, but not their major league brethren. "He's gone out of his way to make sure people feel like they're part of something," G.M. Dan O'Dowd says. "He's never forgotten that he spent years as a minor league manager and coach." ... One scout's take on struggling Yankees closer RHP Mariano Rivera: "It's just a gradual decline. He has a little less stuff, a little less location. He's still top-shelf, but you can't put him in the class of (Eric) Gagne and (John) Smoltz. He's a step down." ... By keeping potential free-agent RHP Kelvim Escobar, the Blue Jays could build their rotation around Escobar, 27, and Roy Halladay, 26. The Jays also would like to retain OF Frank Catalanotto if their budget permits and IF Mike Bordick if he doesn't retire.... The Braves believe recently acquired Kent Morcker could emerge as their top lefthanded reliever, but they still are in desperate need of a setup man. As of last week, less than 10 percent of the players on waivers had been claimed, creating the possibility for last-minute trades before the August 31 deadline for setting postseason rosters.... Intriguing thought of the week: Red Sox SS Nomar Garciaparra's fiancee, Mia Hamm, is said to enjoy living in Washington, D.C., as a member of the Washington Freedom of the Women's United Soccer Association. Might that lure Garciaparra to the Orioles or a relocated Washington franchise--when he becomes a free agent after the 2004 season?