The Brandon League Something-Akin-to-Appreciation Thread

[Schad]

Nine whole years and two GMs ago, Gord Ash grabbed you with a second rounder. Then, you were a scrawny 18 year old starting pitcher fresh out of Hawaii, a kid with a big fastball and nothing else. You flew through the minor league system and into our hearts, making the majors at 21. You kinda blew for three years thereafter, but finally started to get things together over the last two years. So we traded you.

But you don't get an appreciation thread because you're a pretty good relief pitcher. Nay, you get an appreciation thread because your mound antics and occasional blowups brought levity and gallows humour to a fanbase that frequently needed it. And for that, I salute you.

Godspeed, gentle Egyptian drug lord!

[LieCheatSteal]

I remember that the colour guy that worked with the Phillies raved about the guy last year and wondered out loud why he wasn't better than he is.

I guess that's one thing to be appreciated about League- the fact that he was still considered a something enough by people outside the team to merit being traded for a pretty good pitcher with a high upside.

Make no mistake, this is a steal for AA. Morrow, if figured out exactly what he is, either a starter or a reliever, is pretty darn good. Most likely, I think he'll be a starter because, hell, the Jays really won't have much to play for this year and they need to figure out what they got. They knew what they had with League (middle reliever with amazing closer-like stuff that couldn't get it together) and Chavez (a young, idling prospect with power).

[Hoopstarr]

But you don't get an appreciation thread because you're a pretty good relief pitcher. Nay, you get an appreciation thread because your mound antics and occasional blowups brought levity and gallows humour to a fanbase that frequently needed it. And for that, I salute you.

And for putting up with this guy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_6TNbdqfho

[MGD24]

I am extremely happy he is gone...I used to turn off the TV when he came in to pitch.

[s e n s i]

I'm gonna frickin miss good ol' Leaguer. His ability to load the bases in pretty much every way imaginable and some will sorely be missed in what looks to be a long season. Now we have to settle for the less-interesting Lance Broadway in the slim hopes that he'll provide a fraction of the entertainment Brandon did on a daily basis.

Throwing behind batters, 3 feet short of the plate, right down broadway, coupled with the perilous look of an inked-up Saharan cartel boss made Brandon League worth sitting through an inning with Jamie Campbell and Pat Tabler.

The Brandon League Buffer, so long.

[spykelee]

Good Riddance. I hated Brandon League. Why couldn't this guy ever put it together?? I will definetely miss his abilty to load the bases and give us some humor with his abilty to throw 2-3 wild pitches an inning. but this guy was "the future" for an eternity. He has electric stuff, but he never developed any consistent control. Adios Leaguer, i certainly wont miss ya

[dennistokyo]

I was always pulling for League. Oh well, since I get an Ichiro game a day here, I can see what he does.

[rtcaino]

I liked when Wilner used to talk about Hawaiian Punch-Outs, despite his less than stellar K rates.

[Schad]

I will say this, though...League's groundball tendencies plus Seattle's defense and Safeco's ability to erase fly ball outs will lead to a career year. If David Aardsma falters, he could be closing for them in short order.

[Geddy]

I'll miss his sport glasses.

[s e n s i]

I'll miss his unprescribed sport glasses.

Fixed.

[jalenrose#5]

I will say this, though...League's groundball tendencies plus Seattle's defense and Safeco's ability to erase fly ball outs will lead to a career year. If David Aardsma falters, he could be closing for them in short order.

My thoughts exactly...and that is probably THE REASON that the M's GM pulled the string on the deal and why initially this deal looked like a steal for AA.

Make no bones about it, League has overpowering stuff and when he's on, he could be unhittable. The tendancy to get ground balls and the fact Safeco is HUGE only boads well for League.

I can totally see him setting up for them this season and having a sub 3 ERA, possibly closing depending on their closers health and/or effectiveness.

I wish you well B.League

[Michael Bradley]

I thought moving League to the bullpen permanently, before figuring out if he could work as a starter, was a mistake. He may not have a huge variety of pitches, but for a long time he lacked consistent command, which is why he would be so unpredictable in one inning stints. If he were stretched out for 5-6 innings, with his stuff and ability to induce ground balls, he may have surprised in that role. As a reliever, his upside is probably set-up man (unless he really breaks out next year), which is valuable but not irreplaceable.

He was rushed to the big leagues and was moved to the bullpen so early in his career that he probably never got to develop (innings-wise) as much as he should have.

[Double Y]

Then, you were a scrawny 18 year old starting pitcher fresh out of Hawaii, a kid with a big fastball and nothing else.

I'm not sure if he's developed into anything else other than a kid with a big fastball and nothing else.

You kinda blew for three years thereafter, but finally started to get things together over the last two years.

I'm not convinced he finally got things together, even in the last two years.

I will admit this, he did always kept me on the edge of my seat. And in some ways, he was always effectively wild. Reminds me a bit of Mitch Williams, actually. Personally, I'm of the opinion that he'll be lights out for a few years just because of his stuff, then face control problems and flame out after those years.

Don't get me wrong, I actually like the guy, but I don't trust him. All the best in Seattle.

[zilby]

i just got back from my vacation. been gone for 2 weeks.

what happened to league?

[Schad]

i just got back from my vacation. been gone for 2 weeks.

what happened to league?

We traded him for Brandon Morrow, a power pitcher who was at one time considered a top prospect. Thus far in his career he has been very good as a reliever and considerably less good as a starter, but he has plenty of potential...if he can figure out how to get the round white thing over the pentagonal white thing with some consistency.

[zilby]

i just got back from my vacation. been gone for 2 weeks.

what happened to league?

We traded him for Brandon Morrow, a power pitcher who was at one time considered a top prospect. Thus far in his career he has been very good as a reliever and considerably less good as a starter, but he has plenty of potential...if he can figure out how to get the round white thing over the pentagonal white thing with some consistency.

oh ok.morrow was with the mariners if i recall correctly?

anyways, if morrow can be consistent, great trade for us.

[SCF99]

was always one of my favs, waiting for him to bust out, but was starting to make me nervous...so best of luck