Late Innings

I’ve gotten a few emails recently about this question, and I wanted to address it for everyone to know. Edison Volquez is not a rookie. To clarify the rules:

• 130 at bats or 50 innings pitched in the major leagues
• 45 days on the active roster of a major league club (excluding time on the disabled list or any time after rosters are expanded on September 1)

He pitched about 70 innings in parts of three seasons for the Rangers before this, so he was clearly disqualified. If Volquez was a rookie, his name would be mentioned alongside Joey Votto and Jay Bruce, both players who are strong candidates for Rookie of the Year. He was traded for Josh Hamilton, both players made the All-Star team in 2007, and the rest everyone knows. Many people thought this trade was pointless last year, however I loved it. I even wrote the following back in December last year:

Hamilton came at a price, since Volquez was easily one of their best pitchers to make his way up through Texas’ system recently. Still the move benefits both clubs, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Hamilton hits 25HR in a strong Rangers lineup.

Hot dog, boy was I right with this guess. Now everyone agrees that this trade was huge last season. Any ways that should settle this debate. Any more emails about this will be directed to this post. Now to get shitfaced…

Volquez went 17-6, 3.21 for the Reds in 2008 in 196.0 innings. He struck out 206 hitters. (mlb.com)