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6 comments

[–] cyclops1771 3 points (+3|-0)

A guy I went to grade and high school with started in the minor leagues with Colon.

They played on the same team in the Carolina league, and then at Akron, and he sort of kept getting worse as they tried to change his delivery to get better "stuff", and while he regressed, Colon shined and was called up in 1996. IN 1997, he finally quit after being sent down to A ball again.

Talking to him that fall, he said he quit because, "Bart had such nasty stuff. His fastball moved more than my breaking ball! Everyone can hit a 91mph fastball in the majors, especially if it is straight. When I saw what Colon could do with a ball, I knew I had no chance. He was so far and away better than me." And this was a kid who dominated HS baseball. Pitched in the CWS for a major Big10 school. Was drafted twice, after 3rd year in college, but stayed for senior year to graduate.

I always followed Colon after that, if he was THAT much better than the best player I ever faced, he must be good. 244 wins later, I guess my friend was right!

[–] [Deleted] 2 points (+2|-0)

It's amazing how much longevity Colon has had. I know a lot of Tribe fans were sad to see him go, but it was an incredible trade for us. We should have never traded away Phillips, that was a mistake, which I blame Eric Wedge for. Wedge couldn't get along with Brandon, and it made us lose a great player.

[–] cyclops1771 1 points (+1|-0)

Damn! I had no idea they got those 3 players in that haul!

[–] [Deleted] 0 points (+0|-0)

It was a great trade. Just a shame Sizemore's body broke down. I blame some of that on Wedge too. Grady played very hard, and Wedge hardly ever gave the kid rest.