Random Thoughts (July 6, 2007)

Great piece by ESPN last night on Larry Doby, the first black player to appear in an American League game. He made his debut for the Cleveland Indians on July 5, 1947, almost three months after Jackie Robinson played his first game for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Watch SportsCenter today or on Sunday (when I'm sure they will replay the segment) if you missed it last night... Time for a great trivia question. From 1932-1992, there were nine major league baseball players who won back-to-back MVP awards. They just so happen to cover every position on the field (P, C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS and three OF). Hint: two of these players are NOT in the Hall of Fame. Answer below... Jacoby Ellsbury made a lasting impression at Fenway Park in his brief major league debut. The 2005 first round pick out of Oregon State, Ellsbury went 6-for-16 (.375 BA) in six games. After last night's 15-4 win over Tampa he was optioned back to Pawtucket but he will be back, maybe sooner than later... Although all of the Boston media has been stating that another major move is on the way for the Celtics following the Ray Allen trade, I wouldn't be shocked to see them stand pat. Any move for another impact veteran on the trade market would probably involve using the about to expire contract of Theo Ratliff. However, with Al Jefferson on the verge of a hefty contract extension, the expiring Ratliff deal will give the C's financial flexibility. The only move I really see the C's making would be the signing of a veteran point guard using the mid-level exception and then, if the team is good enough come February, they could make a move for another big man... With Hideki Okajima winning the "Final Vote" the Red Sox will now have six representatives in San Francisco for Tuesday's All-Star Game. Okajima will join David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, Mike Lowell, Josh Beckett and Jonathan Papelbon... As for Big Papi, the quadriceps injury that has bothered him for most of the season will hopefully keep him from playing. News flash: The Red Sox need a healthy Ortiz to win the World Series... Answer: P: Hal Newhouser, Detroit Tigers, 1944-45 C: Yogi Berra, New York Yankees, 1954-55 1B: Jimmie Foxx, Philadelphia Athletics, 1932-33 2B: Joe Morgan, Cincinnati Reds, 1975-76 3B: Mike Schmidt, Philadelphia Phillies, 1980-81 SS: Ernie Banks, Chicago Cubs, 1958-59 OF: Mickey Mantle, New York Yankees, 1956-57 OF: Roger Maris, New York Yankees, 1960-61 (Not in HOF) OF: Dale Murphy, Atlanta Braves, 1982-82 (Not in HOF) Since 1992, both Frank Thomas (1993-94) and Barry Bonds (1992-93, 2001-2004) have won back-to-back MVP awards. Great question to ponder over a few beers...