Top 25 Career Milestone Near-Misses in Baseball History
July 1, 2010 by Asher B. Chancey
Filed under Fan News
In 2009, Trevor Hoffman fooled the Milwaukee Brewers front office, coaches, players, and fans by being nothing short of awesome. In 55 games, he put together a 0.907 WHIP, a 3.43 K:BB ratio, a 3-2 record, 37 saves, and a 1.83 ERA. It was the best season he’d had in a decade.
Hell, I’ll bet he even fooled himself.
Truth is, Hoffman hadn’t been a truly effective Hoffman-esque reliever in a couple of seasons, and his 2009 performance was likely a mirage. Nevertheless, there were reasons for optimism in Milwaukee going into this season.
Well, it has been a disaster. Hoffman has doubled last season’s earned run numbers in 30 fewer games, and has blown five saves.
More importantly, Hoffman entered the year just nine saves from becoming the first player ever to get 600 saves in his career, and now—even despite solid pitching in non-save situations—Hoffman looks perilously far from attaining that goal.
Hoffman’s failure to reach 600 career saves would almost certain make the Top 25 Career Milestone Near Misses in MLB History.
Chase Utley Headed for Surgery
July 1, 2010 by Bradley Chandler
Filed under Fan News
Only three days after being placed on the 15 day disabled list, Phillies second baseman Chase Utley will now have surgery to repair a strained ligament on his right thumb.
It was originally thought that Utley may just need time to rest the thumb, which he injured in the recent Reds series, but after consulting with team doctors and an MRI, the decision for surgery was made.
The surgery will keep Utley out of the All-Star Game and may keep him away from the reigning NL Champions until early August.
This does not seem to affect the Phillies strategy heading into the trade deadline, but will make Wilson Valdez, for the meantime, the Phillies starting second baseman.
The surgery is scheduled for later today and will take place in New York City with hand specialist Dr. Andrew Weiland.
Chase is hitting .277, with 11 homers, and 37 RBI’s, and he is the leading vote-getter at second base in National League All-Star voting.
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