EYE ON . . .
Josh Hamilton, OF, Texas Rangers
Background: Hamilton was supposed to be Roy Hobbs. Drafted with the first overall pick in the 1999 draft, he was a freak of nature, wearing Shaq-sized cleats and displaying raw power not matched by a prep star until Bryce Harper came along. Drug addiction nearly killed him. His faith saved him. Now his health is no longer betraying him.
What’s up: Hamilton won the 2007 Home Run Derby with majestic shots at Yankee Stadium. It turned him into a national star and led to a book deal. But it didn’t carry over into the 2009 season. He hit just 10 home runs in 89 games. His body finally right again, Hamilton is streaking toward his third consecutive all-star berth. Through Friday, he was hitting .444 in June. He has 13 home runs and 37 RBIs since May 1.
Renck’s take: I received heavy criticism when, in 2007, I compared the rookie Hamilton to Larry Walker. It was after he dismantled the Rockies with his bat and two breathtaking throws for the Reds. Three years later, I haven’t changed my mind. The only thing that stands between Hamilton and greatness is the trainer’s room — the same thing that kept Walker from Cooperstown. When Hamilton is in the lineup, he’s the most talented player on the field. The problem? He aged his body in dog years because of drug use, and he’s built more like a linebacker — 6-feet-4 and 240 pounds — than an outfielder. But this year has a different feel. My gut tells me that he’s going to stay off the DL and combine with Nelson Cruz and the suddenly ageless Vladimir Guerrero to drive the Rangers into the playoffs if they acquire pitcher Roy Oswalt.
AT ISSUE
It’s time for the pastime to consider Jimenez as MVP candidate in NL
What: Rockies ace Ubaldo Jimenez is off to one of the greatest starts in major-league history. It’s almost impossible for starting pitchers to win league MVP honors because they already have the Cy Young Award to recognize their work, but Jimenez is quickly creating an argument for the top prize. He could be the MVP this season. Larry Walker (1997) is the Rockies’ only league MVP.
Background: It has been 42 years since a National League pitcher won the MVP. St. Louis’ Bob Gibson was so dominant in 1968, the mound was lowered 5 inches to help create interest and more offense. Jimenez is the first pitcher since Boston’s Roger Clemens in 1986 to start 13-1. Jimenez has 14 starts. By comparison, last year it took Jason Marquis 21 starts to reach 13 wins.
Renck’s take: Jimenez scoffs at MVP talk, saying “I can’t do it without my fielders. I am not Bugs Bunny out there running around making all the plays.” Perhaps, but he’s having a season for the ages. Consider that the Rockies have won 13 of his 14 games. With anyone else on the mound, they are 22-31 with an ERA four times higher. A pitcher hasn’t been this much better than his teammates since Seattle’s Randy Johnson in 1995. And that’s saying something, given how well the Rockies’ pitchers have performed. For Jimenez to claim the NL’s MVP award, the Rockies will have to make the playoffs or contend until the last few weeks of the season. Still, it’s time to take notice of his candidacy, one steeped in numbing statistics and history.
THREE UP
1. Mets: Jose Reyes is healthy, and Mike Pelfrey is putting together an all-star season.
2. Tigers: Magglio Ordoñez entered the weekend with 45 RBIs. Who knew?
3. Rangers: Welcome back to stardom, Josh Hamilton. We missed you.
THREE DOWN
1. Pirates: Extensions for the manager and GM? Really. What’s the marketing slogan? “No hope now or in the future.” That works.
2. Mariners: They’re pretending the season is not in the toilet, but it’s false bravado.
3. Nationals: They’re unable to spread pixie dust on nights when rookie Stephen Strasburg isn’t magic on the mound.
