Mike Silva's New York Baseball Digest » Atlanta Braves

The Hall of Fame SS That was Nearly a Met

Tuesday, January 10th, 2012

The terms “Cincinnati legend” and “lifetime Cincinnati Red” were used to describe Barry Larkin yesterday after his election into the Hall of Fame. He also became the 48th member of the Hall to spend his entire career with one team. Born in Cincinnati, Larkin won the 1990 World Series, MVP in 1995, and become the first shortstop […]

Holding Writers More Accountable for Their HOF Vote

Monday, January 9th, 2012

Barry Larkin was elected to the Hall of Fame earlier today with 86% of the vote. Although he had a tremendous career, I believe Larkin is a very good player that falls short of Hall credentials. It’s now time to put the Hall of Fame debate away for another year, but there is one last […]

NYBD Hall of Fame Results, No Doubt Selections, Predictions

Monday, January 9th, 2012

The Baseball Hall of Fame will announce its 2012 inductees later today. Over the past month I have encouraged readers and listeners to vote in our own BBWAA-style ballot. Here are the results. Jeff Bagwell 61.7% Barry Larkin 57.7% Tim Raines 55.7% Edgar Martinez 43.6% Jack Morris 40.3% Mark McGwire 29.5% Alan Trammell 27.5% Lee Smith 26.8% Rafael Palmeiro 24.8% Don Mattingly 22.8% Bernie Williams 20.1% […]

Listen: Kicking of 2012 With the Hall of Fame at 9pm

Sunday, January 8th, 2012

I kick off 2012 live from the studio of 1240 AM WGBB. As always, its our annual Hall of Fame show as I discuss this year’s candidates, predict who will be selected, and give the results of our NYBD Hall of Fame ballot. My headline guest will be former Atlanta Braves outfielder and MVP, Dale […]

BBWAA Will Not Induct Anyone Until 2014

Monday, December 19th, 2011

It’s been nearly 15 years since the BBWAA elected to not enshrine someone in Cooperstown. During the 1996 election, Phil Niekro received 68.3% of the vote, followed by Tony Perez (65.7%), and Don Sutton (63.8%). Ironically, all three would be enshrined by 2000.  I believe there is a good chance no one will be inducted by the […]

Pedro Martinez: The Best Ever?

Wednesday, December 14th, 2011

During the same week that it was revealed Ryan Braun failed a drug test and John Rocker admitted using performance enhancing drugs during his career, the player I thought most about was Pedro Martinez. Martinez officially announced his retirement earlier in the month. To be fair, most thought of him as retired after he didn’t pitch in 2010. So now […]

Sticky: Vote in the NYBD Hall of Fame Ballot

Tuesday, December 13th, 2011

I will be keeping this up as a sticky until our January 8th Hall of Fame show where we will announce the fan selections. Remember, the actual Hall of Fame announcement will be on January 9th. Here is my Hall of Fame ballot - you can weigh in on the conversation by voting here.

John Rocker on New Book, the Mets, Bud Selig, Steroids, and Politics

Monday, December 12th, 2011

Former Braves pitcher John Rocker joined me on last night’s radio program to discuss his new book “Scars and Strikes.” It’s been over a decade since his infamous Sports Illustrated interview  with Jeff Pearlman that published on December 27th, 1999. If Mets fans are expecting the same brash and cocky individual they remember from the 1999 NLCS, think again. Rocker […]

Scars and Strikes @ 8pm

Sunday, December 11th, 2011

Former Braves pitcher John Rocker will kick off tonight’s show as he talks about his book “Scars and Strikes.” Later on, I will discuss the Ryan Braun steriod accusations, recap the Mets and Yankees winter meetings, and discuss the Rule 5 draft. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN LIVE DOWNLOAD THE MP3 You can check download my […]

Simmering Hot Stove Tonight @8pm

Sunday, November 27th, 2011

The Winter Meetings are a week away, so tonight we begin to “simmer” the Hot Stove with some talk about the local teams. First, I hope to have former big league pitcher Brooks Kieschnick joins me to discuss the transition from outfielder to pitcher. I will propose the DPH idea to him and see his […]

Yanks Have a Few Starting Pitching Options

Saturday, November 26th, 2011

Some quick Saturday night updates -  There are several teams that could be looking at C.J. Wilson besides the Yankees, with the Red Sox being one of them and also Detroit and Philadelphia. - At least six clubs have contacted the Giants about Matt Cain besides the Yankees. - The Braves are really pushing the Yankees hard to make […]

Oakland Moneyball Trio in Historical Context

Thursday, November 24th, 2011

When the movie Moneyball was released in September, the main gripe by the public was how Michael Lewis never addressed how that team was built on the foundation of great starting pitching. A couple of weeks ago I debated with Chris Plummer at the Perpetual Post who was the best member of the A’s during that […]

Trading for Jair Jurrjens

Monday, November 21st, 2011

John Harper of the Daily News reported this weekend the Braves interest in Yankees utility man Eduardo Nunez. This created speculation the Yanks could work out a deal for Jair Jurrjens, who is available this offseason. Jurrjens is arbitration eligible and made $3.25 million a year ago. His salary will certainly enter the $5 million a year range after […]

Mets and Yanks History With the 2nd Wild Card

Friday, November 18th, 2011

Bud Selig announced yesterday that MLB has added a second Wild Card team that he hopes will be in effect for the 2012 season. I am all for this as I believe it will engage more cities later in the season. It will also give meaning to winning a division championship, which has largely been […]

Closing the Book on Jorge Posada and the Yankees

Thursday, November 10th, 2011

It shouldn’t be a surprise that Jorge Posada announced his career with the Yankees is over. “I don’t think there’s even a percentage of a chance that I can come back,” Posada said to the Daily News. “It’s not going to happen.” It was a rough year for Posada both on and off the field. On the […]