Rickey, Rice Head to Cooperstown

As expected, Rickey Henderson was a first ballot selection to the Baseball Hall of Fame in voting announced a short time ago. But Jim Rice is the man who really has to be ecstatic today. After unjustly failing to get in for several years, the Red Sox slugger and non-friend to the media received 76.4% of the vote to enter the halls of Cooperstown.

Henderson, the game's all time stolen base king (he'll be the first to remind you) was an easy choice. He's also the top run scorer of all time and second in walks to Barry Bonds, and stroked 3,055 hits. The only thing keeping him out of the hall, was his continual desire to play well into his forties.

Rice put up the numbers, but never got along with reporters, and it took it's toll in his post-career life as he snubbed time and time again for the Hall. As someone we watched in our teens, we knew that Rice deserved to be in the Hall. He was one of the most terrifying sluggers in the game, more so than Big Papi or even Manny Ramirez. We congratulate him on finally getting his due.

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Looking Ahead: January

Here's what's on tap this month as we are just a month and a half from pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training.

The new MLB Newtork premiered yesterday, kicking things off with the first showing of Don Larsen's perfect game, complete with original commercials. This month also includes the 2004 World, gag, Series, gag, this past season's series, the 1946 series between the Cards and Red Sox (you know who won that one, heh heh), the '96 Series (yessss), and more.

Jan 5-15 is the period for filing salary arbitration. In between on the 12th, this year Hall of Fame (Rickey Henderson and ?) class will be announced. The two arbitration sides exchange figures on the 19th.

Morristown Green magazine, which may or may not be affiliated with NJ.com had a sit down with Michael Kay in this month's issue. The only problem you may have is finding a copy of it.

The Baseball Assistance Team annual dinner is January 27 at New York City's Marriott Marquis. The following former players are expected to attend the dinner which is open to the public (but not a cheap night out) - Wally Backman, Jim Bouton, Orlando Cepeda, Chris Chambliss, Whitey Ford, George Foster, Steve Garvey, Bob Gibson, Cleon Jones, Al Kaline, Ed Kranepool, Lee Mazzilli, Joe Morgan, Graig Nettles, Willie Randolph, Robin Roberts, Rusty Staub, Roy White, Randy Winn.

In case you missed it yesterday, the Detroit Red Wings topped the Chicago Black Hawks 6-4 in Wrigley Field. The outdoor game in freezing temperatures was very entertaining as the two "Original Six" teams wore throwback uniforms. Hopefully the Rangers play the Bruins in the new Yankee Stadium. It would be awesome.

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Around the Horn - 12/26

We hope you all enjoyed your Christmas and stuffed yourself like pigs. All part of tradition, ya know? Had the Yankees decided to have the New Year's Day NHL game, you would have seen the time lapse video at the Stadium. Instead, it's Wrigley getting the hockey treatment.



Kevin Mench, apparently tired of sitting on major league benches, has moved on to Japan. The best part about this is no longer hearing Michael Kay talk about the size of Mench's melon every time his team (Rangers, Blue Jays, Brewers) came to town. Hopefully the Yankees don't play the Hanshin Tigers this year.

A nice feature in the NY Times on Seattle's new skipper, Don Wakamatsu.

Rickey Henderson just turned 50, and since he hasn't made a comeback in the last 5 years, he'll soon be elected to Cooperstown. Hopefully, he doesn't pull out the old "I am the greatest" as part of his enshrinement speech.

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Thursday's Rumorfest and Some Facts

Apparently no one told the Seattle Mariners that they would be calling up Adam Jones to be the every day right fielder. Word came out earlier in the week that Jones would be up, Jose Guillen would move to left, Raul Ibanez to DH, and Jose Vidro to the bench. Except the M's have no plans to do that right now. "I haven't heard anything about Jones coming up," manager John McLaren said. "I haven't heard anything about it at all."

The Mets have fired hitting coach Rick Down. This guy just takes a beating in the Big Apple, having been fired 3 times combined between the Mets and Yankees. Rickey Henderson has been added as a full-time coach, but there's no official word as to his exact position (playing in the clubhouse card games?).

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the A's are ready to scrap their plans to have Mike Piazza back behind the plate because the preparation is taking too long. The A's would then likely try to deal Piazza.

The New York Post is reporting that the Mets will recall Lastings Milledge this week and install him as the every day left fielder for the time being.

Roy Oswalt has told the Houston Astros that he would waive his no-trade clause if moving him would be in the best interest of the team. You can bet there will be a big time bidding war for Oswalt's services. Source.

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported yesterday that the Indians and DH Travis Hafner have agreed on a 4 year contract extension worth $57 million.

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