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Why did this photo appear when I searched for Jamie Moyer Cubs? |
Jamie Moyer turned 48 this past Thursday. As hyperbole and exaggeration rule supreme, Moyer’s lore extends beyond 100 years, to the freewheeling days of deadballs and speakeasies.
Personally, I remember not thinking much of Moyer when he was a below average starting pitcher for my beloved Cubs in 1986, ’87, and ’88.
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Moyer Won 28 games, but also gave up 58 homeruns as a Cub. |
Even if he does eventually come back, it’s safe to say that Jamie Moyer will not be pitching for anyone on Opening Day.
Presuming that Rickey Henderson and Julio Franco won’t return, we’re looking at a changing of the guard among elder statesmen of the game. Next in line has a chance to stick around for a few years because he also is a crafty pitcher who doesn’t rely on fastball velocity to make out: Tim Wakefield.
Wakefield, born August 2, 1966, should have a nice run as Major League Baseball’s Senior Greybeard. He could be the next Charlie Hough, or something.
And now for the dorkiest of trivial baseball dorky lists… If by some chance Wakefield and Moyer both hang them up after 2011, here are some players who could carry the torch in 2012:
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We could see a Smoltz comeback. |
John Smoltz, May '67
Trevor Hoffman, Oct '67
Matt Stairs, Feb '68
Russ Springer, Nov '68
Arthur Rhodes, Oct '69
Mariano Rivera, Nov '69
Given today’s salaries and knuckleballer’s prepared conditioning and continued effectiveness, we expect the 44-year old Wakefield to at least equal Moyer and make it to his age 47 season. If not, wouldn’t it be fun, at least for future folklore, to have The Hammer of God as the oldest player in the game? Maybe the Yankees will overpay to keep him around a few years after he stinks.
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