Saturday, June 28, 2014

TTM Goodness: Miller, Salkeld, Krenchicki, Ochoa

We're down to the last few days of the Mega Contest. Get those entries in for one of the nine prize packages.
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Some random TTM goodness for ya on this warm Saturday.
Corky Miller is up there among my favorite players. Signed by the Reds in 1998 out of UNLV. Debuted in 2001, finding himself in 76 games in the ensuing 4 seasons. Then 5 games for the Twins in 2005. Then 1 game for the Red Sox in 2006. Then 43 games for the Braves in 2007 and 2008. Then 14 games for the White Sox in 2009. Then back to Cincy for 53 games in 2009 and 2010. Then a miracle comeback due to Reds catcher attrition for 17 games in 2013. Currently with the Reds' AAA Louisville Bats, his 17th season in baseball. Corky is 7 full points south of the Mendoza line in the majors, but dammit the boy can catch a baseball game. You don't get 17 years of employment without creating value. Signed is a 2002 Topps Total #564.

Roger Salkeld was drafted by the Mariners in 1989 and debuted for them in 1993, starting 15 games for them over two seasons. He was traded to the Reds in 1995 for Tim Belcher. Salkeld started 19 games and appeared in 10 more for Cincinnati in 1996, going 8-5 with 82 strikeouts before calling it a career. He is the grandson of major leaguer Bill Salkeld. Signed is a 1997 Topps #178.

Wayne Krenchicki was drafted by Baltimore in 1976 and debuted for them in 1979. He then found himself in Cincinnati from 1982-1985, with a brief stop in Detroit in 1983. He would hit .283 in 332 games for the Reds After the 1986 season with the Expos, he finished his major league career, thought would play in the Senior Professional Baseball Association in 1989 and 1990. He would go on to manage a few minor league teams, including the Beloit Brewers, Newark Bears, and Evansville Otters. Signed is a 1986 Donruss #140.

Alex Ochoa was drafted by the Orioles in 1991 and debuted for the Mets in 1995. Over an 8 year career he would appear for the Mets, Twins, Brewers, Reds, Rockies, Brewers again, and Angels. In one and a half seasons with Cincinnati in 2000 and 2001, Ochoa hit .300 with 20 homers and 93 RBI. He closed his career in Japan, and in so doing, became the only player to hit for a cycle in both America's and Japan's highest league. Sweet. He would later join the staff of the Boston Red Sox as a first base coach. Signed is a 2001 Upper Deck Victory #527.

Go Reds.

2 comments:

  1. Corky Miller will be managing in the minors in a year and in the majors in 5. That's the kind of guy that GMs like. Just ask Mike Matheny.

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    Replies
    1. Totally. I would love to see Corky start a 40 year managerial career.

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