It’s gettin’ hot in here: Punch, Heckler soundoff
Well it’s about that time. Or as somebody’s mother would inevitably say when you are in the throes of a lengthy little league slump, “you guys are due . . . yer overdue! Yes folks its time for MLB Hotbox, the segment where The Heckler in Punch N. Judy go back and forth with a few answers to some pertinent questions being asked as the pennant race enters the home stretch.
So, what do you make of this Ryan Howard kid?
Punch says: Absolutely refreshing. Even though a cloud of suspicion will always hang over every big leaguer, I truly think this guy is on the up and up. BBM staffers have always said that there should only be 10-15 true strongmen playing in the same year. It goes back to tradition. The big thumpers play first, third, (or in the AL’s case, DH as well) and if you’re lucky enough one or both of the corner outfield spots. I never thought there was a guy in either league that I would rather have up than Albert Pujols or David Ortiz, but hey this guy is just plain unconscious.
Heckler says: Who’d a thought the little red-headed scamp from Andy Griffith would grow up to be such an accomplished Hollywood director?! Oh, wait a minute . . . you said Ryan Howard, didn’t ya. Oops. Yeah, he’s pretty good, too. In fact, he’s better than pretty good. He’s downright scary. Word has it he isn’t even the biggest member of his family, either. Forget all the steroids talk. This guy’s a masher in the tradition of Jimmie Foxx. He’s a treat to see him mash - and mash is definitely what he’s doing. It’s also good for the game.
Why do you think the Tigers gave Dmitri Young the ziggy?
Punch says: From what I’m reading locally and hearing on sports radio, there doesn’t seem to be one particular reason for the move. However, I would like to know when batting third in your last game before getting the guillotine replaced the old blindfold and cigarette. Maybe this Tiger management team is as adept at the art of covering up as they are at grooming young pitching.
Heckler says: So many rumors coming out that the truth must lie somewhere in there, but at the moment though, no one is really sure. From what I hear, he was basically all “Me! Me! Me!” since his return, and didn’t get involved in any sort of “team” mentality. That’s also a characteristic of an alcoholic mind, too. It’s a very self-centered, narcissistic disease. Yes, he’s recovering, but those traits would still be hard to kick. A 12-step program, a few laps around a track, a no-contest plea in court and a short stint in AAA doesn’t make one ready again for the big leagues. I wish him luck, but I support the move. More time for Thames, too. Right-handed or left-handed, he’s going to hit some big homeruns for us down the stretch. He’s another man’s man out there.
Speaking of that Tigers pitching staff, though . . .
Punch says: Unbelievable. The hard statistics alone will shock and awe any baseball observer. The best of the bunch to me is Verlander followed by Robertson, Rogers, and Bonderman. You might think of that as a negative indictment on Bonderman, but believe me its not. That’s just how I see it. My only concern lies in the amount of innings Verlander will have to throw should the Tigers go deep into the post-season.
Heckler says: I’m worried about everything to do with the Tigers, really - but ain’t it great? I’d still give the nod to Kinny myself, if for nothing else than his propensity to pitch big in big games (forgetting his New York stint). He’s been everything advertised and more for that staff this year. Verlander comes in second, followed by Bondy and Robertson. They’re all capable of great things at any time, though.
What about that AL Central?
Punch says: I hate to say it but as bright as the Tigers future looks they could very well be in Cleveland’s boat come next season. This division is only getting tougher year by year. These teams were built to last the old fashion way: through scouting and player development. No need to mortgage the future at the trade deadline or break the bank in the off-season. However, Detroit does have deep pocket ownership, coupled with younger pitching than any other franchise. I do feel a little sympathy though for Kansas City. If you through them in the NL they’d probably at least be involved in the cluster bomb that is that leagues wild card race.
Heckler says: Don’t feel too bad for K.C. They could be next year’s Detroit. True enough, the AL Central is stacked - but so is the Tigers’ pitching cupboard. I expect Dave Dombrowski to unleash a big trade or two in the off-season to bolster the offense, and they’ll need to do so in order to keep-up with the White Sox, Twins and Indians (who should have someone remind them the real games start in April, not July).
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