The Hands on Runs statistic determines how much weight an individual player carries in his line-up. Which players were most valuable to their team now that the 2008 season is over?
There will definitely be no A-Rod World Series opt out announcement and it is unlikely that a near $100M deal will be hashed out at a fast food restaurant, but the free agent class for 2009 contains a whole host of current All-Stars, former All-Stars, salvage cases and at least one future Hall of Famer.
The Red Sox didn't have the best regular season record in 2008, but using our metrics for overall quality, they were the best team in baseball, followed by the Cubs. How did the other 28 teams do?
The story of Albert Belle can be summed up in one word: controversy. His talent on the field was matched by very few, and his propensity to deal with the media the way he did, made national headlines.
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by Buster Gunning
Yankees' third baseman Alex Rodriguez has been in the news over the past few months just as much for his personal exploits as his play on the diamond.
Of course, New York's absence from the postseason didn't help, but Rodriguez's divorce from his wife, Cynthia, was a hot topic in the papers and online even during the regular season.
The latest involving A-Rod is that he's getting hot-and-heavy with Madonna, perhaps the most recognizable pop star of her generation.
Just months after Alex and Cynthia filed their paper work, Madonna and Guy Ritchie followed suit, opening up the possibility for the two lovebirds to canoodle without consequence.
Now Alex is attending Kabbalah services with Madonna and her unibrowed daughter, and towards the end of the 2008 season Madonna appeared numerous times at Yankee Stadium to see her Dominican heartthrob field third.
Alex sat down with RealGM on Wednesday to discuss the 2008 season, the developments surrounding his relationship with Madonna and what to expect next season.
"I really can't wait for the 2009 season to start," Rodriguez said. "I feel as though I'm in much better position to succeed with Maddy (he smiles and pauses). "Sorry, that's my pet name for her."
Rodriguez hasn't had any lack of personal success during his time with the Yankees, but New York hasn't won a World Series since 2000, well before A-Rod came to the Bronx.
"I've done some great things as an individual in New York," he said. "But in 2009, with some improved pitching and Madonna at my side, I'm ready to bring a World Series title to the Bronx."
Cynthia provided Alex with a pair of beautiful children, but Alex claims that Madonna will help bring him an even greater gift.
"I love my kids and Cynthia was truly a fox before she stopped going to the gym twice a day," Rodriguez admitted. "Now with my improved focus, better conditioning and my new religion, there's nothing I feel I can't do on the baseball field."
Rodriguez is considered one of the game's best third baseman, but the Yankees have considerable issues to confront this winter.
"I called Brian [Cashman] a few days after the season ended," Alex said. "I told him not to worry about who he is and isn't going to sign. I know we need pitching, but Madonna and I hit the gym at least four times a day, I'm working on a pretty nasty two-seam fastball. I think I can pitch every fifth day this coming season."
Manager Joe Girardi isn't thrilled at the thought of losing his top-flight third baseman at least once a week should Rodriguez find his way into the rotation, but Alex, who can be a very convincing man, eased Joe's concerns.
"Joe is hesitant to lose my defense should I join the rotation, which I will, but I told him not to worry," A-Rod said. "I'm going to wear a third baseman's glove on the mound and charge to third right after I deliver to home plate.
"I plan to become the first-ever Cy Young winner to hit 50 home runs."
Once again, Alex has to know that say, 25 wins and 50 homers, won't be enough for the Yankee faithful to embrace him the way they do Derek Jeter.
"I'll take care of that too," he continued. "Madonna has assured me that converting from Catholicism to Kabbalah will ensure a championship for the Yankees.
"I'll finally be welcomed with open arms in the Bronx."
Can Madonna help the Yankees ended their recent October struggles?: Buster.Gunning@RealGM.com
The preceding article was a piece of satirical fiction.
