Thoughts on Rickey Henderson

Rickey.   By: Josh Johnson

There is only one Rickey Henderson and in my mind he was greatest ever. Yes, he only had 297 career homers and yes his career batting average in only .279. I ?believe however, being a career leadoff hitter, that his batting average is ?somewhat jaded. Listen, we all know that Rickey was clearly a thief on the base path. Anyone ever heard of a Rickey-Rally? It’s when Rickey would leadoff the game by drawing a walk then he’d steal second and third base and score on a sacrifice fly and it’s a 1-0 lead without a the benefit of a hit.

Mr. Henderson also stole 100 bases in a season three times his career, only one other modern day player has done that (Vince Coleman.)

 He also stole at least 70 bases in seven different seasons.

Yes, Rickey might have played too long but at age 39 he lead the league in stolen bases with 66 and in walks (118).

Athletics agree to deal with Bartolo Colon

The AL West champions will bring back Bartolo Colon. The 39-year-old right hander has agreed to a one year deal with the Oakland Athletics. The deal is worth a guaranteed $3 million while Colon can earn incentatives increasing the overall value.

Colon will miss the first five games of the season as he serves the remaining time on his 50 game suspension following a positive test for testosterone. Prior to the suspension Colon was 10-9 with a 3.43 ERA in 24 starts.