For years now Alex Rodriguez, tainted or not, has been the class of the league at the hot corner with David Wright taking the silver medal. Now A Rod isn't even the best 3rd basemen in the AL East. In, step Evan Longoria.
Had he not have gone on the DL from a fastball to the wrist, (which he healed at a Secret World of Alex Mack like pace)he would have hit 30 dingers and driven in 100 RBI's. We are watching an inner circle Hall of Famer blossom right before our very eyes.
He plays the game with the enthusiasm of a Little Leaguer, be it that he isn't that far removed, and the charisma of Ozzie Guillen. This is refreshing to see. With all the 'roid rage and abusers of PED's it doesn't get much more pure than Evan Longoria.
Being a diehard Sox fan who watches every game means I get my fill of Longoria for approximately 18-20 games per year. And although I'm swearing and throwing shoes at my television there's the baseball history connoisseur in me that's glowing with ecstasy. It is a privilege as a spectator to be able to see a reincarnated version of Mike Schmidt from the '70's right before our very eyes.
His effortless swing, and elegance in the field has been on full display on the biggest stage. In 10 games vs. my beloved Red Sox he has torched us for more than HALF (24) of his league leading RBI total (44), more than half of his HR's (6) and he's hitting over .300 with a OPS of .975. *cold shiver down spine*
Longoria is 2nd in the league in HR's behind his teammate Carlos Pena, 1st in RBI's and tied for 4th in batting. Triple Crown in the making? Wouldn't put it past him. I haven't seen a ballplayer that can impact the game so much on both sides of the ball since Junior, Griffey 1995. Before that? The aforementioned Mike Schmidt.
In a game riddled with lying, deceitfulness, and robust contracts that aren't worthy Evan Longoria is the new breed of ball player. With help from: Hanley Ramirez, Dustin Pedroia, Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Josh Hamilton, Carlos Quentin and Ryan Braun; I think we have entered into the post-Steroid Era. The post-Steroid Era is where the stolen base and squeeze bunts and steals of home come to roost. Sac Flies, and hit and runs are in the back of all the players minds. Where a home run isn't a forgone conclusion. And where the real baseball players shine. This group, headlined by Longoria, has all the makings of a fast and truthful track all the way to Cooperstown.
Stay Tuned
Ryan
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