Branch Rickey - visionary

Farm system and other innovations

Every baseball player playing todays a little something, a gratitude, a %, or at least a tip of his cap to Branch Rickey. Born in Stockdale, Ohio, he had a passion unbridled for this new game called baseball, but began his adult life as a school teacher, before abandoning it to run the local Ohio Wesleyen team, a team he played catcher for.

He managed the St.Louis Browns, but clashed with Browns owner, and jumped to the cross town rivals, the Cardinals. Phil Ball , the Browns owner said years later, somebody shoulda been nicer to Rickey, I guess it was me !

By 1930, Branch Rickey's Cardinals, known as the "Gashouse Gang", were the class of the National League. They won 101 games in 1931 and won the World Series in seven games. The star of the Series that year was rookie Pepper Martin, one of the first Cardinal stars that came from Branch's minor league system. Soon, other minor league graduates joined the team, among them future hall of famers Dizzy Dean and Joe Medwick, and Dean's brother Paul "Daffy" Dean. The Deans and Medwick were integral parts of the 1934 Cardinals, who won the franchise's third World Series title.




Commissioner of Baseball Kenesaw Mountain Landis was concerned that Rickey's minor league system was going to ruin the game of baseball by destroying most existing minor league teams, and he twice released over 70 Cardinal minor leaguers in attempts to stop what he perceived to be a cover-up. Despite Judge Landis' best efforts, however, Rickey's minor league system stayed in existence, and similar systems were adopted by every major league team within a few years. Arguably, the farm system saved the minor leagues, by keeping them necessary after the television age began and minor league attendance figures declined.



Rickey continued to develop the Cardinals up until the early 1940s. In his final year at St. Louis, 1942, the Cardinals had their best season in franchise history, winning 106 games and the World Series title. The team was led by a new crop of players developed by the Cardinals, two of whom, Enos Slaughter and Stan Musial, became Hall of Famers; and several others, among them future MVP Marty Marion, who were among the best at their position during their eras. Even their manager Billy Southworth was a product of their farm system.

Rickey was a good friend of Brooklyn Dodgers general manager Larry MacPhail, himself a sound baseball man. MacPhail enlisted in the army to serve in World War II after the 1942 season, and the Dodgers hired Branch Rickey to replace him as President and GM, ending a tenure of over two decades with the Cardinals.

He replaced MacPhail who's tenure with the Dodgers was turbulent, they said of MacPhail that with one drink he was eloquent, with 2 drinks brillant, and with 3 drinks he was a mad man, and he rarely stopped at 3 drinks. MacPhail's office was referred to as the "Cave of the Winds".

Branch continued being an innovator in his time with Brooklyn. He was responsible for the first full time spring training facility, in Vero Beach, Florida, and encouraged the use of now-commonplace tools such as the batting cage, pitching machines, and batting helmets. He also pioneered the use of statistical analysis in baseball (what is now known as sabermetrics), when he hired statistician Allan Roth as a full-time analyst for the Dodgers in 1947. After viewing Roth's evidence, Rickey promoted the idea that on-base percentage was a more important hitting statistic than batting average. While working under Rickey, Roth was also the first person to provide statistical evidence that platoon effects were real and quantifiable.



Breaking the color barrier

Rickey's most memorable act with the Dodgers involved signing Jackie Robinson, thus breaking baseball's color barrier, which had been an unwritten rule since the 1880s. This policy had continued under a succession of baseball leaders, including Landis, who was openly opposed to integrating Major League Baseball for what he regarded as legitimate reasons. Landis died in 1944, but Rickey had already set the process in motion, having sought (and gained) approval from the Dodgers Board of Directors in 1943 to begin the search for "the right man".



On August 28, 1945, Rickey signed Jackie Robinson to a minor league contract. On October 23, 1945, it was announced that Robinson would join the Montreal Royals, the Dodgers' International League affiliate, for the 1946 season. He would end up as the league's batting champion, and led the Royals to a dominant league championship.  There was no statute officially banning the blacks from baseball, only a universally-recognized unwritten rule which no club owner was prepared to break. The club owners imitated the values and beliefs of the everyday white man. Their hostility towards blacks may seem surprising, bearing in mind the celebrated role in American sports pre-Second World War black athletes such as Joe Louis in boxing and Jesse Owens on the track. The difference is baseball players are playing for teams, rather than as individual competitors. Branch Rickey took it upon himself to break the color barrier into major league baseball.



Branch Rickey opened the door to the major leagues for Jackie Robinson (with potential for other black athletes to follow). "He (Mr. Rickey) knew I would have terrible problems and wanted me to know the extent of them before I agreed to play." At the start of the 1947 major league baseball season, Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier. Jackie was signed to the Brooklyn Dodgers major league baseball team, with the help of Mr. Rickey.

Dodger long time broadcaster Red Barber told the story that Mr.Rickey went him to tell Red that he was going to promote a black player, and Rickey was no dummy. Barber, a man of deep beliefs, was from the deep south was not sure if he could continue as the Dodger announcer, and Barber remembers saying that "if Mr.Rickey said he was going to do it, he was going to do it" .  "You didn't doubt Mr.Rickey, he was a man of deep principles, so I decided to stay on and I am very glad I did, I called Jackie Robinson's firt game, first hit, and first stolen base"  Barber claimed years later that he had to give thanks to Branch Rickey for making him see things differently.

Branch Rickey knew that Jackie would face racism and discrimination. Rickey made it clear in their momentous first meeting that he anticipated wide-scale resistance both inside and outside baseball to opening its doors to Negroes. As predicted by Rickey, right from the start, Jackie Robinson faced obstacles among his teammates and other teams' players. However harsh the white people were towards Jackie, he could not retaliate. Jackie had agreed with Mr. Rickey not to lose his temper and jeopardize the chances of all the blacks who would follow him if he could help break down the barriers.

Branch Rickey signing Jackie Robinson for the Brooklyn DodgersRed Barber recounted in Ken Burns's Baseball Documentary that Rickey's determination to desegregate Major League Baseball was born out of a combination of idealism and astute business sense. The idealism was at least partially rooted in an incident involving a team for which Rickey worked early on. An African-American player, Charles Thomas, was extremely upset at being refused accommodation at the hotel where the team stayed because of his race. Rickey never forgot the incident and later said "I may not be able to do something about racism in every field, but I can sure do something about it in baseball." The business element was based on the fact that the Negro Leagues had numerous star athletes, and logically, the first Major League team to hire them would get first pick of the players at a reasonable price. At the time, Mexican brewery czar Jorge Pasquel was raiding the US for black talent (e.g., Satchel Paige), as well as disgruntled white players, for the Mexican League with the idea of creating an integrated league that could compete on a talent level with the US major leagues.


Five days before the start of the 1947 season, Rickey purchased Jackie Robinson's contract from the minor leagues. Amid much fanfare, Jackie debuted, and turned out to be a fantastic success. Robinson was baseball's first rookie of the year, and while he was often jeered by opposing baseball players, managers, and fans, he became extremely popular with the American public. His success became the crowning achievement of Rickey's illustrious career. His Dodgers would make the World Series that year, losing in 7 games to the New York Yankees. But Rickey's vision and action had set the stage for the previously mediocre Dodgers to be contenders for decades to come. And it opened the door for other innovative leaders like Bill Veeck of the Cleveland Indians, who integrated the American League soon thereafter.

Not many players nowadays know much about Branch Rickey, but his contributions, the develop of the farm system, spring training, and the breaking of the colour barrier should be a reminder of his contribution.

I so dub thee "the Furniture Mover"

Upgrading your ring side seat, courtesy scary Frankie

So we add yet the most colourful of players in this off season, the furniture mover.

Dotel is terrified of sankes, which is why he is called the snake charmer.

Jon Rauch is 6 feet , 11 inches tall, so team mates call him " Tiny " Of course, what else, "Shrek", "Treebeard". ??

Now the chair tossing maniac from Texas, and guess how many brawls he's started, try 7 to date, and he is a relief pitcher.


One angry Frankie, who took on 3 A's himself. This boy does not give an inch, and the plate is his territory, do not venture to far over, cause he'll deck you. He is like Dotel that way, stray just a little in the wrong spot, and El Plunko will feed you some stomach music.

He is also an accomplished Latin Dancer, and has they say, great moves on the dance floor, of course we are restricted to his mound efforts, but I will take Ian Kinsler word for it. He apparently has a trophy or atrophy, not sure which, but if he can toss that 95 + heater, he will have hitters dancing as well, out of the way.

Frank's relative stats, does not include ejections or suspensions.

Begins the Countdown

Running in sunshine, and Florida warmth






So I read it on a Yankee blog today, a countdown for pitchers and catcher to report, 22 days I believe it said, and it is just January 25th.

Jeter feels he can play centre field when his shorstop days are over, so is really feeling like he has 4-5 more years left, I think he thinks he's Robin Yount, but Yount moved at a younger age, and was still hitting well, better than Jeter, and could make the long throws from dead centre.

But all in all, if there is a countdown, when the snow is hip deep, the thermometer dipping below zero ( not counting Sudbury which has a whole new level of cold ), then I am all for it.

    The grim reality of where we are still , waiting for the thaw, then images of warmer spring days. 

Massive Moves by Jays / Rays

I was standing in the The Keg in Sudbury, with my wife and son when images of a Blue Jay were on the bar TV.  I could not make out who it was, so it 2 hours later when we all learned that Alex A had moved the imoveable contract to the Halos for Napoli and Rivera.

To be honest, I think these 2 are just passing through, and perhaps will get some playing time until they are moved for younger chess pieces.

Then faster than you can say "Mike Napoli", you can't, he's gone before I even posted this blog. I had planned to finish this blog on Monday, but got side tracked. Back now to finish this before Rivera takes a powder.

So, Napoli has been sent packing to Texas, to back up their catchers, 1st base, and DH a bit. Vladdy is now no longer an option. Music is going to stop soon Vlad, so you better grab a team.

Frankie Fransisco arrives, and now the bullpen has added, Carlos Villanueva, Jon Rauch, Chad Cordero, Octavio Dotel and that chair shucking maniac Frankie Fransisco. Most of might have to google that evevnt years back but he was threatened by a fan, beer or some beveraged tossed his way, and then furniture was lauunched into the stands. A wild scene, and suspension followed.

So the bullpen is well stocked, and with this deal we again shave payroll, and by the way we took cask back in this deal.

Is Juan Rivera next ?? Perhaps, but Napoli's departure likely calms the faithful that JP Arrencibia's job was in jeopardy. Could not see that happening, so the Napoli deal preserves hi spot along side Jose Molina.

The Rays shed payroll all off season long, then add re treads like Damon and Manny for peanuts.

The question begs asking though, if the Jays ever considered signing Manny ?

If he signed for $ 2 million, plus a chance to collect bonus points, where was frugal Alex, clipping coupons for another attempt to save Rogers more loot.

Is the team better with Rajah Davis as an everyday CF, possibly ? Is the Jays bullpen stronger, yes, but most of the arms are on 1-2 year deals, with club options, so many will be dumped I exepct. Between Rauch, Dotel and Fransisco, all 3 have closer experience, plus hold over Jason Fraser, unless Fraser gets dropped after arbitration.

What should not be lost with losing Vernon , his contract, and the latest deal for Napoli is that we have reduced the payroll down to the mid 50's, and have cash returned as well.  A very manageable number, and one that would appear to have loads of room.

Are we spending it on Jose Bautista ?

Are we signing some free agent still out there ? 

Hands up who has any idea what the plan is ?

My guess rfemains as it did when the season ended, reduce, reduce and reduce. Keep a good young core nucleus together, and if you can move older players, and payroll, do it.

So anyone think we are gunning for 2012 yet ?

Not until we actually make the move, a Prince Fielder, an Albert Pujols, a Justin Morneau, a major piece to create a feel that we can really compete with the big spenders.

I stand by my predicition of 83 wins, without Marcum, and Wells, we'll see what the kiddie corps is really capable of.

It's arbitration Time

Hi Folks,

It's time for Arbitration 101, first class is, it's not what you deserve, it's what the other guy made before you.
That is the universal flaw with arbitration because you do not have have to excel at your job, you have to find someone, or someones that play your position, and make sure they make more money than you, and if your stats are comparable to yours, BINGO, you just hit the Lottery.

What will happen if the Jays do not sign Jose Bautista to a 3 or 4 year deal ?

Oh c'mon, venture a guess.

They go to Arbitration Land, where the payoff can be very big, and the real bonus becomes that after 2011 season he becomes a free agent.  So there is incentive then to have a real solid year, because if he smacks 40 home runs, his 54 hr season is really no fluke. Because how many players hit at least 40 home runs in 2010. Go ahead, go to MLB web sites, ESPN to see.  I'll wait...................oh you're back, the internet is fast sometimes. What, just one other player hit 40 or more home runs, and his name is Albert Pujols  Frankly I am shocked. Konerko hit 39, but I said 40, didn't I ?

So a 14 home run drop off let's say for 2011 puts him in Pujols class, now you are getting the picture in Hi Def.
If the Toronto Blue Jays let this guy get to arbitration, and they lose, and Jose get's his $ 10 million award, two things emerge.

1. The Jays lose a lot of momentum in signing him long term
2. He will file for Free Agency, because boys and girls, Pujols will get 6, 7 yrs at $ 125, to $ 140 million, give or take.

Am I saying that Bautista is equal to Pujols, of course not.  Jose plays the outfield, and 3rd base, Albert plays first only.  Jose is what 30 years old and Albert Pujols is how old....30 years old,  Albert last year drove in 118 runs , and what did Jose do, oh..124 ribbies.

See I know the batting averages are different, but that's why Bautista will not make $ 25 million a year s Albert will. But if he hits 40 homers, a 10 % or more drop in power, he still puts up solid ( POST PED ) power stats.

You know what I just did with this don't you, it's an arbitration technique, and I am just an internet geek, and ball fan, I am not Scott Boras, or some other super agent, with reams of comparables, and I took one guy, who had a very good year and compared his lowered stats to Jose, and well, the Jays had better either settle on a contract extension, or they will lose their case, and possibly the 54 home run slugger.

Oh, I believe he loves playing in Toronto,  and he loved playing for Cito, but Cito is gone, and the organization perhaps has not entirely bought the argument that Jose is legit.  They offered him a decent 1 year deal, but they should consider getting his name on a 4 year deal at $ 10 large per, or worse than that, he will have an even better year, and decide to hit the market place right beside Albert Pujols, and look very attractive as an alternate to all the teams that do not sign Pujols. Because 29 teams will not get Albert, that I am sure of.

I see a lot of green beside this white line. I am guessing that Jose Bautista sees a lot potential green too !
Hopefully it is not greener pastures elsewhere.

It is Arbitration Time, and it Russian Roulette for Toronto if they play and lose, so find the number, and sign this guy.

Friday's Mail Bag

A.A still digging into his Fleer Ultra 2005 card set for 2011 potentials.
First it was Octavio Dotel to replace Kevin Gregg, now reportedly the Jays watched an Eric
Chavez work out. Chavez was not carted off the field in agony, so that part sounds encouraging.

Survivor fans will be thrilled to find out Red Sox Nation fanatic "Boston" Rob Mariano is on Survivor "Redemption Island", still wearing his tattered Sox cap, promoting the team.

Soraino signs for 3 years with the Yankees, due to make $ 35 million over the course of the reported deal, and at least 2 of those years Mariano Rivera is still the closer, so in essence a very expensive set up man.
He converted 45 of 48 saves for Tampa last year, but could not get a closer gig with anyone. At least no one who was prepared to pay him closer money. Angels should have, Twins could have, and the Jays, ah c'mon stop laughing. I know , in 2012, that is the year.....Pipe down those of you in the back !

Unemployed DH musical chairs.   Vladdy, Jim Thome, and Manny are all looking for the big score, and holes exist in Baltimore, LA ( Angels ), Minny, but my guess is someone is going to get shut out. I think Thome will return, he expects less coin, and that suits Minny, and he is an unselfish player, and a good man in the clubhouse.  Manny and Vladdy are mercinaries, playing it one year at a time. Neither can truly claim they can play the outfield with any grace or style, so that about eliminates the National League.

Stay tuned, another 3 weeks, one will have signed, the other might be shut out, watch for Vladdy to cave first and grab something. Seattle or Oakland rate as significant dark horses, but will try and get one cheap, therefore reducing the market, and the options.

Optimist Glen from Thunder Bay loves the upside talent of the Tampa 5, the guys they took back in the Garza fleecing.  Sorry Glen, not buying your Kool Aid, it was a salary dump, and when you get quantityy and deal back quality, you roll the dice on 1, maybe 2 making it to the bigs. The Rays have gone right back to rebuild mode, and while I won't say they won't play .500, that will be a challenge.

Pujols talk, contrary to popular opinion, the Cards will have to watch Pujols play this year under his final contract, and have to bid just like the other teams for his services. Albert, a very proud individual has stated that he will not discuss or negotiate with the team once the season starts. Owner Bill DeWitt already pays Matt Holliday $ 18 mill per year, Fat Albert is then worth $ 25, and will demand a 7 to 10 year deal, so that is Arod ( Texas contract ) money.

In local news, My Elephants made a small deal sending James Shields to Thunder Bay Dylan biographer G. Dundas for a non descript July draftee.

It is as one would explain a slow news day.

Even more local, my son departs this coming Monday for Sudbury and a new adventure.  Good Luck Kevin, I will miss you.
Love Dad.

Cooperstown Bound

The waiting is over for Robbie Alomar, a year after just missing out by a scant amount of votes, the first actual Toronto Blue Jay, cap in hand will be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Cooperstown, New York, which symbolically stands for the bogus birthplace of baseball will open it's doors and be prepared for an onslaught of Jay fans to make the 6 hour drive to celebrate a first.

While the Hall always reserves the rights to switch teams, Alomar's 5 years in Toronto totally outshine any other stint he enjoyed in his 17 year career, so the coronation will be fairly automatic, despite the photo on the ESPN website ( as a Cleveland Indian ). Gasp ! How could they ? American bias at work, maybe hoping to heal the wounds of Lebron, who knows, just a typical reaction from a large US media conglomerate.

This would normally be just a blog to recognise Alomar's great accomplishments, and I do want to acknowledge his Gold Gloves, his many All Star appearances, his 2 rings, and the other career numbers.

But today, today, I wanted to relate a story.

Back when my son Kevin was playing baseball as he set himself at 2nd base with a runner on 3rd hoping to brought home, a hard grounder was hit way to his right, almost over 2nd base, he ran hard to his right, picked up the ball, and performed the pirouette manouver that was the trademark jump turn and toss to 1st that Alomar performed on a nightly basis.  The ball did reach 1st, the runner was out, and the runner on 3rd was denied his objective.  As I stood about 10 feet away from the umpire at first, I heard him comment clearly that " that was like a Robbie Alomar like play "

So as my son has just accepted a 4 month contract to do animation ( his passion ) in Sudbury, my head is swimming with all the things a parent goes through, panic, acceptance, concern, pride and happiness.
When he made that throw he was congratulated by his team mates, and yesterday was another big day, his 6 years at Sheridan, the tireless hours spent have all paid off.