Photo courtesy of TSN Archives/Icon SMI

3rd Stone From the Sun, a friend of mine from Sporting News, wanted me to profile Larry Corcoran .  Here are my findings.

The Numbers
Played 1880-1887 (8 Years)
277 Games
268 Starts
2392.3 Innings
177 Wins - 89 Losses
.665 Winning Percentage (16th All-time)
256 Complete Games (72nd All-time)
22 Shutouts
2 Saves
2.36 ERA (2.90 League ERA) (22nd All-time)
1.105 WHIP
1103 Ks
3 No-hitters

Awards

Top Ten Finishes
Wins - Five Times (Led league in 1881)
ERA - Five Times (Led league in 1882)
Strikeouts - Five Times (Led league in 1880)
Winning % - Six Times (Led league in 1882)
Games - Five Times
Innings - Five Times
Starts - Five Times
Complete Games - Five Times
Shutouts - Five Times
Saves - Once

This is a tough one.  For five years he was well on his way.  He was among the leaders in every pitching category.  He averaged a 34-17 record (.667).  He won 27+ games five times, 31+ four times, and 43 in his rookie season.  He pitched 355+ Innings five times, 396+ Innings four times, and 500+ Innings twice.  He was one of a handful of pitchers who threw with both arms in a game.  He was the first pitcher to throw multiple no-hitters.  He finished with three, which stood until 1965 when Sandy Koufax broke it.  He played for the Chicago White Stockings, New York Giants, Washington Nationals, and the Indianapolis Hoosiers.  Excellence wasn’t a problem with Corcoran. Longevity was.  He exploded on the scene for five amazing seasons and then he basically disappeared.  His HOF Monitor is 122.  By their standards 100 gets you in.  When drawing comparisons by age he’s linked to Doc Gooden (when he was 20 and brilliant), Hall of Famer Kid Nichols (from age 21-23), Hall of Famer John Ward (24), Bob Caruhters (25), Hall of Famer John Clarkson (26), and Hall of Famer Chief Bender (27).  He was credited as being the first pitcher to use signals with a catcher by shifting his chewing tobacco to indicate what pitch he was throwing.  Now I’m not comparing him to Sandy Koufax, although in his era he was in the same neighborhood, but I do want to mention that Sandy Koufax had four unbelievable seasons and a couple more really good ones.  He had six average ones before his breakout in 1961.  Sandy was a lock for the Hall of Fame.  Yet all of these years later Larry Corcoran is still on the outside looking in.  Well, after much thought and deliberation, I have decided that Larry should join the likes of Sandy Koufax and the rest of the Hall of Famers in Cooperstown. 

References
Baseball-reference.com
Baseball Library

Past Chronicles
Bert Byleven
Andre Dawson
Dale Murphy
Mark McGwire
Bobby Matthews
Tommy John
Buck O’Neill & Minnie Minoso
Jim Rice
Ted Simmons
Lee Smith
Jack Morris
Al Oliver
Steve Garvey
Jim Kaat
Pete Ro$e
Shoeless Joe Jackson
Dave Concepcion
Lou Whitaker
Alan Trammell
Ron Santo
Ron Guidry
Gil Hodges
Dave Parker
Tony Mullane
Keith Hernandez
Don Mattingly
Dwight Evans
Ralph Houk (Manager)
Jimmie Dykes (Player/Manager)
Charlie Grimm (Player/Manager)
Billy Martin (Player/Manager)
Harold Baines
Gene Mauch (Manager)
Whitey Herzog (Manager)
Tom Kelly (Manager)
Joe Carter
Rusty Staub
Gary Gaetti
Jimmy Ryan
George Van Haltren
Roger Maris
Lance Parrish
Mo Vaughn
Mark Grace
Dennis Martinez
Chuck Finley
Fred McGriff
Wes Parker
Steve Finley
Orlando Cepeda*
Albert Belle
Willie Randolph
Graig Nettles
Luis Gonzalez
Lefty O’Doul
Rocky Colavito
Boog Powell
Jerry Koosman
Mike Cuellar
Edgar Martinez
Brooks Robinson*
Roberto Alomar
Dave Stieb
John Franco
Maury Wills
Sherry Magee
Phil Rizzuto*
Orel Hershiser
Frank Viola
David Cone
Dwight Gooden
Tim Raines
Bernie Williams
Barry Larkin
Pete Browning
Bobby Veach 
Tony Oliva
Harry Stovey

* signifies actual Hall of Famers

I was fortunate enough to be asked to talk baseball on Houma, LA’s ESPN Radio affiliate 1490 AM KJIN with Cade Voisin yesterday.  I was a little nervous as it was my first radio interview ever.  They basically bounced around the league asking for my take on various teams.  They started by asking about Greg Maddux, following his 350th win.  I said that he is a marvel becoming only the 9th pitcher to join that exclusive group.  I mentioned that with 14 more victories he’ll become the winningest pitcher who’s career started after 1911.  That’s pretty amazing.  They also asked my take on the Marlins, who have a track record of winning the World Series, dismantling their team, and rebuilding it for another run.  I said that they have a great bullpen and make good decisions (like trading Josh Beckett for Hanley Ramirez), and getting some decent value for Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis rather than overpaying for them.   The finished off asking about A-Rod and the Yankees.  I said that for the pressure to be lifted off A-Rod in New York he’ll need to produce in the playoffs.  I also said that as Captain, Derek Jeter should have nipped this in the bud and asked the fans to lay off him.  It seems like A-Rod lets the pressure get to him, and perhaps he’d have more success if that pressure was lifted.  They asked if A-Rod should appeal to the New York fans himself, and I suggested that may be a temporary fix, but in the end he’s going to have to produce.  Yankee fans are far to knowledgable about baseball, and the vastness of the Yankees’ payroll for the expectation levels to be lowered.

All in all, I think I did fair for a first time interviewee.  It was a rewarding experience and one I wouldn’t mind repeating.  I am going to try and track down an audio file of the interview, and if I get my hands on it, I’ll post it on my site. 

My apologies for not providing any fantasy input with this post, I just wanted to share with you my experience. 

I’m teaming up with my good friend JP for the 2000 NFL Draft Re-mix.  We alternated picks (he had the even so he could pick for his Eagles, I had the odd) and chose who the teams would take if they could do it over knowing what they know today.  This was a lot of fun making.  I hope you enjoy it.

#1 Cleveland Browns - Tom Brady
I debated between TB and Urlacher as one quarterbacks your offense and the other your defense.  In the end I went with Brady because of the poise and talent he possesses.

#2 Washington Redskins - Brian Urlacher
Simply put one of the games best LBs. 

#3 Washington Redskins - Shaun Alexander
SA is a beast having ripped off 9,429 yards and 100 rushing TDs (112 overall). He topped 1300 rushing yards four times and 14 TDs five times.

#4 Cincinnati Bengals - Adalius Thomas
This LB can play any defensive position. In his career he has 449 Tackles, 45.0 Sacks, 7 INTs. Led NFL in non-offensive touchdowns(3) in 2005.

#5 Baltimore Ravens - Julian Peterson
Instead of drafting Jamal, the Ravens could stick with Priest Holmes and add the versatile Julian Peterson to an already nasty defense.

#6 Philadelphia Eagles - Plaxico Burress
Here’s McNabb’s primary downfield weapon. He also can be a huge target in the red zone when he puts forth the effort.

#7 Arizona Cardinals - Chris Samuels
Samuels has been one of the games best Tackles.  He is a five-time Pro Bowler.  You can’t pass up on a franchise Tackle if you’re Arizona.

#8 Pittsburgh Steelers - Deltha O’Neal
2-time Pro Bowl corner who has 31 career INTs with 3 returned for touchdowns. He tied an NFL record with 4 picks in one game.

#9 Chicago Bears - Marc Bulger
The Quarterback position has long been a problem spot for Chicago.  Drafting the 2-time Pro Bowler Bulger would be a vast improvement of the garbage they’ve wheeled out there in recent years.

#10 Baltimore Ravens - Chad Clifton
The Ravens really bolster their O-line with Jonathan Ogden on the left and chad clifton at the right tackle position.

#11 New York Giants - LaVar Arrington
The G-Men go after 3-time Pro Bowler Arrington, who has 415 career Tackles, 23.5 Sacks, and 4 INTs.

#12 New York Jets - Jamal Lewis
Now the Jets can have their Shock and Awe 2-back system with Jamal and Curtis “My Favorite” Martin. Jamal’s power running game has amassed 9,105 yards with 54 TDs and a rushing averaging of 4.3 yards.

#13 New York Jets - Keith Bullock
Syracuse’s Keith Bullock has had 871 tackles since enterting the league along with 17.5 Sacks and 16 INTS. He had five straight years of 127+ tackles. Great addition to any defense.

#14 Green Bay Packers - Laveranues Coles
John Madden’s mancrush gets a new deep threat in Coles, who has 7,245 career yards along with 37 TDs.

#15 Denver Broncos -John Abraham
The Broncos can’t pass up three-time Pro Bowl DE John Abraham and his 67.5 career sacks.

#16 San Francisco 49ers - Shaun Ellis
After Abraham goes off the board, the Niners pick up DE Shaun Ellis, who has a solid 53.5 career sacks.

#17 Oakland Raiders -Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila
The Raiders were still good for a few years after this draft. Their offense was amazing. Adding a pass rushing force like KGB, who has 74 career Sacks, would be a great addition.

#18 New York Jets - Mike Brown
Mike Brown joins the Jets to add some big play ability and leadership to their secondary. Brown is a two-time pro-bowler with 15 career INTs and 7 defensive TDs (4 TDs by interceptions) 2 of which were game winning overtime returns. He had 101 Tackles as a rookie.

#19 Seattle Seahwawks - Thomas Jones
Since they won’t be able to grab Shaun Alexander, the Seahawks turn to the versatile Thomas Jones, who has 6503 career rushing yards and 1593 receiving yards. He has three straight 1000 yard seasons.

#20 Detroit Lions - Marvel Smith
Just got off the phone with Matt Millen, “Pull the trigger on Warrick or any other wideout!” Fire me, Millen. I’m gonna get little line protection with the selection of Marvel Smith.

#21 Kansas City Chiefs - Jerry Porter
Porter had a few good years before Oakland went into the tank, and he followed them. Perhaps playing on a team like Kansas City with that high-powered offense Porter would be able to have more of the ups to his roller coaster career.

#22 Seattle Seahawks - Bubba Franks
When healthy, the three-time bowler is very reliable in the red zone and is capable of opening up the seams when Hasselbeck goes plays action.

#23 Carolina Panthers -Darrell Jackson
I should have grabbed D-Jax a couple of spots earlier instead of Jerry Porter (must have been listening to Matt Millen). Steve Smith has seldom had a WR to compliment him. D-Jax 6942 career receiving yards and 50 TDs would do the trick.

#24 San Francisco 49ers - Dante Hall
The Niners want to spark up their return game and put their offense in the best possible position with the “X-Factor” Dante Hall, who is an explosive return man and speedy wideout in 3 or 4 receiver sets. “This two-time Pro Bowl selection holds Chiefs records for career kickoff returns (360), kickoff return yards (8,644), special teams scores (11), kickoff return touchdowns (6), combined net yards (12.356) and career punt returns for touchdowns (5)…six kickoff returns for touchdowns are tied for first in NFL history and 8,644 career kickoff return yards rank sixth in NFL history.”

#25 Minnesota Vikings - Corey Simon
The Vikings originally picked Chris Hovan, who was a decent player at times.  Simon has more solid seasons, including a 2003 Pro Bowl season.  He has three seasons of at least 7.5 Sacks.

#26 Buffalo Bills - Ian Gold
The Bills grab this consistent tackler who has recorded 100+ tackles in four seasons. He led the Broncos with 130 unassisted tackles in 2002. He went to the Pro Bowl in 2001 for his special teams play.

#27 New York Jets - Marcus Washington
With four first rounders, it’s pretty sad the Jets didn’t have more success. Marcus has 601 career tackles and 37.5 Sacks. He was a 2004 Pro Bowler, and has five seasons of 80+ tackles and four seasons of 5+ Sacks.

#28 Indianapolis Colts - Ron Dayne
The Great Dayne would could have been better off with Colts in this situation, he would provide a nice change of pace in running styles with that of the edge. Plus Indy’s line is one of the best, couple that with the constant threat of the pass and he would likely perform better.

#29 Jacksonville Jaguars -Kenoy Kennedy
Kenoy could team with Donovan Darius for a hard-hitting Safety duo. He has 550 career tackles, 6 Sacks, and 10 INTs.

#30 Tennessee Titans -Travis Taylor
Taylor can thrive as a #2 or #3 wideout behind Derrick Mason at #1 with Steve McNair at the helm. Taylor won a super bowl with the Ravens and has 4,017 career yards and 22 TDs.

#31 St. Louis Rams - Mike Anderson
The Rams swung and missed with Trung Canidate, but Mike Anderson’s 4067 rushing yards and 37 TDs would have been a nice compliment to Marshall Faulk. What’s more is Anderson wouldn’t have to deal with the fickle Mike Shanahan, who basically abandonded him after his 1487 yard, 15 TD rookie campaign.

Previous Re-Mixes
2001 Re-mix
2002 Re-mix

Monday, May 12th
Kenji Johjima went 3 for 4 with 2 Runs, a Double, a HR, and 4 RBI.  Ryan Braun went 2 for 3 with 3 Runs, 2 HRs, 2 RBI, and a Walk.  Corey Patterson went 4 for 5 with 2 Runs, a Double, and an RBI.  Josh Hamilton and Vladimir Guerrero each drove in 4 Runs.  Jermaine Dye went 4 for 5 with a couple Runs scored.  Chipper Jones (first game), Jeff Francoeur (second game), Matt Stairs, J.D. Drew, Pitcher Odalis Perez, Moises Alou, Dioner Navarro, and Jose Lopez, Lance Berkman, Garrett Anderson Ian Kinsler each had 3 Hits.  Freddy Sanchez (first game), Brian McCann (second game), Mark Kotsay (second game), and Raul Ibanez each drove in 3 Runs.  Joe Mauer, Nick Johnson, Jonny Gomes, Ryan Theriot, Gerald Laird, and Dan Uggla each scored 3 Runs.

Fausto Carmona pitched a Complete Game Shutout to improve to 4-1 with a 2.40 ERA.  Tim Hudson gave up 1 unearned Run on 2 Hits in 7 Innings to improve to 6-2 with a 2.54 ERA.  Zach Duke threw 6 scoreless Innings as he improved to 2-2.  Cliff Lee (9 scoreless Innings to lower his ERA to 0.67) and Shaun Marcum (8 scoreless two-hit Innings) pitched outstanding but got no-decisions.  Matt Garza pitched 7 scoreless Innings giving up 5 Hits with 3 Ks to beat the Yankees and improve to 2-1 with a 3.86 ERA.  Dave “We’ve Got” Bush gave up 1 Run in 6 Innings for his first Win of the year.  Carlos Zambrano gave up 3 Runs in 7 Innings to improve to 6-1.  His ERA raised to 2.03.

 Image courtesy of Icon SMI

Time for the 22nd installment of the NFL Free Agent Report.  Click here for a link to earlier reports.

Edgerton Hartwell
The Raiders are taking a chance on Edgerton.  He did not play last year, and played in 8 and 5 games the previous two years with Atlanta.  Prior to that he had 144, 94, and 97 tackles playing LB for the Raiders.

Dominic Rhodes
Who says you can’t go home?  Rhodes returns to Indianapolis to share carries with Joseph Addai.  The last time they teamed up they were breaking Chicago’s back in the Super Bowl.  I bet Bears fans feel like that’s light years ago.  Rhodes missed four games last year for an illegal substance violation.  He ran for 302 yards and a score.

Greg Spires
Oakland signed DE Spires away from Tampa Bay.  He had a pair of Sacks last year and 39.5 on his career.  He signed a one-year deal.

A look back at the past week in baseball to bring you the surprising stars. 

Pitcher
Daniel Cabrera - Baltimore’s Cabrera fired a Complete Game vs. Kansas City allowing just 1 Run on 3 Hits.  He struck out 7 as he improved to 3-1 with a 3.54 ERA.  He should pitch twice this week.

Catcher
Chris Iannetta - Colorado’s Iannetta went 7 for 19 last week (.368) with 2 Runs, 2 Doubles, a Triple, a HR, 7 RBI, and a Walk.

Corner Infielder
Blake DeWitt- The Dodgers have to be pleased with Blake DeWitt’s progress.  Last week he went 9 for 21 (.429) with 5 Runs, a Double, 2 HRs, 5 RBI, and a Walk.  Between Loney, DeWitt, and Kemp, the Dodgers have some potent, young hitters. 

I wonder if he’s related to Joyce DeWitt from Three’s Company?

Middle Infielder

Eric Bruntlett - Philly’s Bruntlett has been smoking going 7 for 19 (.368) with 4 Runs, 2 Doubles, a Triple, a HR, 8 RBI, and a SB. 

Outfielder

Milton Bradley - Texas’ Milton Bradley has been playing games with AL pitching recently going 6 for 22 (.273) with 6 Runs, 3 Doubles, 2 HRs, 8 RBI, and an impressive 8 Walks. 

Mother’s Day Edition.

Sunday, May 11th
The Pink Bats were out in full effect.  Craig Monroe went 2 for 4 with 2 Runs, 2 HRs, and 4 RBI.  Dan Uggla went 2 for 3 with 3 Runs, 2 HRs, 2 RBI and a HBP.  Ryan Braun hit a pair of solo shots.  Orlando Cabrera collected 4 Hits.  Jose Reyes, Aaron F’n Boone, Torii Hunter, Akinori Iwamura, Carl Crawford (3 RBI), B.J. Upton (3 Runs), J.J. Hardy, Mark Ellis, Ian Kinsler, Tadahito Iguchi, Ichiro Suzuki, Jose Lopez, Hunter Pence, Andre Ethier, Blake DeWitt, and Justin Morneau each had three hits.  Emil Brown drove in 4 Runs.  Carlos Beltran and Coco Crisp each drove in 3.

Brian Bannister allowed just 2 Hits in 8 scoreless Innings to improve to 4-4.  Jeff Suppan allowed 1 Run in 7 Innings to improve to 2-2.  Oliver Perez allowed 3 Runs in 6 Innings with 8 Ks to improve to 3-3.  Shawn Hill went 7 Innings allowing 2 Runs in a no-decision.  J.P. Howell threw 3 scoreless Innings of relief for his second Win of the year.  Chris Young allowed 1 Run in 6 Innings with 7 Ks to improve to 3-3.  Shawn Chacon (6 Innings, 2 Runs) and Hiroki Kuroda (6-2/3 Innings, 1 Run) battled to no-decisions.

Happy Mother’s Day to my beautiful, expecting wife, my Mom, my Mother-In-Law and all of the Mothers out there.

Saturday, May 10th
Jeff Keppinger went 5 for 5 with 2 Runs and an RBI.  Grady Sizemore went 3 for 5 with 3 Runs, a Double, 2 HRs, and 5 RBI.  Jose Castillo went 4 for 4 with 3 Runs, a Double, and an RBI.  Alfonso Soriano went 4 for 5 with 2 Runs, a Double, and an RBI.  Dan Uggla went 2 for 4 with a Run, a Grand Slam, and 5 RBI.  Carlos Beltran went 2 for 5 with a Run, a Triple, and 5 RBI.  Ryan Freel, Carlos Delgado, Brendan Ryan, Ryan Braun, Omar Vizquel, Randy Wynn, Aaron Rowand, Omar Infante, Jason Michaels,Kevin Millar (3 RBI), Jed Lowrie, Mike Lamb, Akinori Iwamura, Scott Hatteberg, Josh Hamilton, Carlos Quentin (3 RBI) each had 3 Hits.  David Wrtight and Cody Ross each scored 3 Runs.  Victor Martinez, Milton Bradley, Adrian Gonzalez, Brian Anderson, Adrian Beltre and Ronny Paulino each had 3 RBI. 

Greg Maddux gave up 1 unearned Run on 3 Hits in 6 Innings for his 350th career Win.  Andrew Miller threw 7 scoreless Innings allowing 2 Hits while striking out 7 to improve to 3-2.  Aaron Laffey fired 7 scoreless Innings for his first Win of the year.  Tim Lincecum allowed 2 Runs on 4 Hits in 8 Innings with 8 Ks to improve to 5-1 with a 1.61 ERA.  Darrell Rasner gave up 2 Runs in 6 Innings to improve to 2-0.  Joel Pineiro gave up 2 Runs in 6-1/3 Innings as he got a no-decision.  Ben Sheets gave up 3 Runs in 7 Innings with 6 Ks to become Milwaukee’s All-time Strikeout leader.  Max Scherzer gave up 1 unearned Run in 6 Innings with 6 Ks in a no-decision.  Ryan Dempster gave up 2 Runs in 6 Innings with 7 Ks for a no-decision.  Tom Gorzelanny went 7-1/3 Innings allowing 2 Runs to improve to 3-3.  Daisuke Matsuzaka gave up 2 Runs in 7 Innings with 7 Ks to improve to 6-0 with a 2.45 ERA.  Scott Kazmir (6 scoreless Innings, 6 Ks) outdueled Joe Saunders (6 Innings, 1 Run).  Bronson Arroyed went 8 Innings allowing1 Run on 4 Hits with 9 Ks for his second win.  Mike Pelfrey gave up 2 Runs in 6 Innings, but took the loss.  Ubaldo Jimenez gave up 3 Runs in 6 Innings for a Loss, but he struck out 11 in the process.  Chris Sampson had 7 scoreless three-hit Innings to improve to 2-3.

Image courtesy of Icon SMI

Friday, May 9th

There was no clear-cut star at the plate, but I’ll give the honors to Jimmy Rollins, who returned from the DL to go 3 for 5 with a Run, a Double, a HR, and 3 RBI.  Ivan Rodriguez, Brian McCann, Brandon Boggs (3 RBI), Garrett Atkins, Emmanuel Burriss, and Lance Berkman also had 3 hits each.  Freddy Sanchez, Aubrey Huff, Alex Gordon, and Luis Gonzalez each drove in 3 Runs.

James Shields threw a one-hit Shutout, racking up 8 Ks, to improve to 4-2 with a 3.14 ERA.   Jon Garland tossed 8 scoreless Innings, but took a no-decision.  C.C. Sabathia threw 7 Innings allowing 1 Run while striking out 9.  He’s still 2-5, but he’s getting better.  Ted Lilly (3-4) allowed 1 Run on 3 Hits in 7 Innings with 10 Ks to outduel Dan Haren (4-2), who allowed 2 Runs in 7 Innings.  Kenny Rogers allowed 2 Runs in 6 Innings to move to 3-3 on the year.  Ian Snell (7 Innings, 1 Run, 2 Hits) and Tom Glavine (7 Innings, 2 Runs)  took no decisions in their duel.  Scott Feldman tossed 6 scoreless Innings for his first Win of the season.  Ricky Nolasco gave up 1 Run on 4 Hits in 6 Innings with 6 Ks for his second Win.  Todd Wellemeyer gave up 2 unearned Runs in a no-decision.   Aaron Cook gave up 1 Run on 3 Hits in 7 Innings to improve to 6-1 with a 2.26 ERA.  Jose Contreras gave up 1 Run in 7 Innings for his third Win.  Brian Moehler threw 5 scoreless Innings for his first Win of the year.

Images courtesy of Icon SMI

Thursday, May 8th
Dioner Navarro went 3 for 6 with 2 Runs, a Double, a Grand Slam, and 4 RBI.  Matt Holliday went 4 for 5 with 3 Runs.  Ramon Vazquez went 4 for 6.  Ryan Ludwick had a pair of Solo Shots.  Freddy Sanchez, Jason Bay, Adrian Gonzalez, Omar Quintanilla, Mark Reynolds, Scott Rolen, Luis Gonzalez, Ryan Zimmerman each collected 3 Hits.  Matt Treanor and Nick Markasis each drove in 3 Runs.  Cristian Guzman scored 3 Runs.

Daniel Cabrera threw a Complete Game allowing 1 Run on 3 Hits with 7 Ks to improve to 3-1.  Brandon Webb threw a Complete Game allowing 2 Earned Runs to improve to 8-0 with a 2.41 ERA.  Edwin Jackson fired 8 scoreless Innings, but got stuck with a no-decision.  J.P. Howell provided 2 scoreless Innings of relief for the Win.  Josh Beckett went 7 Innings allowing 1 Run with 8 Ks as he improved to 4-2.  Jorge De La Rose went 5-2/3 Innings allowing 2 Runs while striking out 5 for his first Win of the year.  John “In My Life” Lannan went 6 Innings allowing 1 Run to even up at 3-3 on the year.