Go, Brandon, Go

Brandon Drury of Grants Pass, in the Atlanta Braves Farm System

Drury was a big riser on prospect lists this offseason after a year that saw him be named the Appalachian League co-player of the year. My expectations for Drury were a little more tempered than others, and I can definitively point at one stat to tell you why: Drury walked just six times in 278 plate appearances. That is a 2.2% walk rate. To put that in perspective, Yuniesky Betancourt had a 2.7% walk rate, Vladimir Guerrero was at 2.9%, and Alex Gonzalez, who we all loved and adored last season, was at 3.7%. Think about that: this guy walked 40% less than Alex Gonzalez. He might be an awesome pure hitter, and at just age 19, there is a huge chance he can improve. But I'm not puting him in my top ten until he walks at least 5% of the time, no matter how high his OPS may be.

Also, see this post:

Drury is officially on the helium bubble! After his outstanding 2011 performance, he received a lot of praise and hype from coaches, scouts, evaluators and analysts. Some already consider him the apparent heir to the Braves’ third base gig after future Hall of Famer, Chipper Jones, retires. Eventually, Drury might have a special bat, he right now, he will not be able to replicate Chipper Jones’ production. He’s not going to compete for a batting title every year with a 2.2% walk rate, but his bat will not be as dreadful as his 2010 debut with the GCL Braves either. Both seasons’ stats are unsustainable with a .252 BABIP in 2010 and .378 BABIP in 2011.

This upcoming year, we want to see Drury produce in Low-A/Hi-A. Can he still square up more advanced fastballs and breaking balls? It’s obvious that he can turn on fastballs at the rookie level, but will his batting eye and pitch recognition keep up at the higher levels? Drury needs to take a step forward on defense as well. As of right now, we’re not ready to anoint Drury as the Braves’ future third baseman after Chipper hangs it up. For one, he won’t be ready for another 2-3 years. With more walks and more patience, Drury should hit for more power and that will only help his stock soar even higher!

G. Mark Sumpter

Baseball Anniversary 20 Years Ago for Father and Son

1990 Headline: Griffey Jr & Sr – First Father/Son Tandem To Go Back-To-Back Rockets!!

Yesterday afternoon, as the 20th Anniversary-----September 14, 1990, the fans of the California Angels, sitting at Angels stadium in Anaheim, witnessed the very first father-son duo hit back to back shots out of the park. I think it was Ken Griffey, Sr. hitting just ahead of Jr.

The Seattle Mariners lost to the Angels, but the historic occasion is well-remembered.

G. Mark Sumpter

Brandon Drury—Local Ball Player

Drafted in the 13th Round to Atlanta out of Grants Pass High School

This young man has been a blast to watch over the years. Our own Jeremy played ball on several of the same teams with Brandon here locally.

Brandon had his birthday this past Saturday, and I wanted to tip the hat about his accomplishments.

He was drafted this past June by the Atlanta Braves. He’s playing 3rd Base for the Braves affiliate in the Gulf Coast Rookie League.

He's batting .205 at the present time, with 2 HRs. I'm fairly certain that the Gulf Coast Rookie League season ends this week.

Go HERE for a few statistics.

G. Mark Sumpter

Is This What Mark McGwire Was Seeing While on Roids?

Double Cool Picture from Pastor Jeff Meyers of St. Louis

Today, Mark McGwire, homerun super champ in 1998, spoke openly about his steroid use during the 1990s. He came clean with MLB and the sports world about what he had been covering up.

I know roids benefits strength, endurance and injury recovery. Surely it doesn't affect one's vision, does it? Check out Busch Stadium of St. Louis here. HT: Pastor Meyers. Go right here to see more of Jeff's great photos.

G. Mark Sumpter

Mount Singletary

Head Down and Derriere Up--A Yank-ism, Sort Of

Over the last couple of days, when Mike Singletary, coach of the 49ers, welcomed Mr. Crabtree onto the team, there was the fanfare of white towels waving. But they were white towels for a basin and water.

The rookie will be gathering cones and shagging overthrown passes. Lombardi said that Fatigue makes cowards of us all. So does missing July through September all because a man believes he's worth more as a Freshman player.

G. Mark Sumpter

Some Dance to Remember, Some Dance to Forget

In hand to hand work around the rink, like these two guys, one of your objectives is to grab the backside of the jersey of your opponent and with lightning speed drape it over his head. Then it would be open season to get your licks in.

Look at the two guys down below. It's pretty much lights out for the headless player.

Jerseys can be a useful tool in taking the high ground. You can already see that the guys above are working angles for grip and leverage for that very advantage.

At heart, I am a hockey fan. This part of the game, however, is my least favorite. But it does remind me that hockey is three sports. 1. Skating. 2. The Game. 3. Body Checking.

I remember coaches hammering it into our heads to play all three games.

My favorite team in the National Hockey League since my upper elementary days in Anchorage has been the New York Rangers. Brad Park was my hero in the 1970s.
This year's season has just gotten underway. I am so amazed at the speed with which the game is now played.

G. Mark Sumpter