Bill Freehan

Interesting article in yesterday's paper. Sparky Anderson's number was 11--Bill Freehan had it before Sparky. The article pointed out just how good Freehan was. It suggested he deserves serious Hall of Fame consideration. I agree; in fact, I think he belongs in there. First, he was the best defensive catcher of his era. OK, in the later years his arm was pretty dead thanks to his football playing days at U of M. Still, there was no better receiver. Second, did anyone (maybe Paul Molitor?) hit more line drives than Freehan? How many times did he lace a line drive right smack to the left fielder? Third, he was an All-Star 11 years of the 15 he played. Again, I'll use this comparison. If Gary Carter and Carlton Fisk (I'll stick with catcher right now, but could use other positions as examples, too) are in the Hall, so should Freehan. And I've said this before, so should Ted Simmons. I'm not saying Carter or Fisk don't belong in the Hall, just that, if they do, so do Freehan and Simmons.

It's tough to remember a Tiger pitcher with the recent string that Verlander has put together. I haven't seen any of the games, but WOW! All those shutouts and very low-hit games. And I'll bet he has the hitters talking before the games he pitches. I just wonder why he has to come out when he throw 120 or so pitches. What will another 10 or 15 do--maybe even strengthen his arm some?