Junior Retires

When Ken Griffey Jr announced that he was retiring on Wednesday night, it was sad to see such a great player and class act end his career on such a bad note. With his Mariners doing poorly this season and his own numbers in a daze (as well as himself in the clubhouse), it is easy to forget what a great player Griffey was.

Ken Griffey Jr. was a 13- time All Star, a 10-time Gold Glover, and also won an MVP in 1997. Amazingly Griffey was named to the All-Century team, despite just being in the middle of his career when the team was named in 2000. Fans will always remember Junior busting it around the bases in the 1995 ALDS to score the winning run and eliminate the Yankees, his diving catches into the wall, and his pure left-handed swing. Unfortunately, it was his great defense that also cost his, as he injured himself numerous times playing an aggressive centerfield.

Still, Griffey finishes with 630 home runs, leaving him 5th all-time. Tim Kurkjian of ESPN considers Griffey Jr. the 5th best center fielder of all-time, which is amazing for a guy who so much time due to injury, especially during his years as a Cincinnati Red. You hear a lot of "What ifs" when people think back on Griffey's career, but the truth is that durability is part of the game. Hank Aaron, the former all-time home run king, never had a season over 50 home runs, something that Griffey did twice, but his durability allowed him to reach that record. While it is certainly possible that Griffey could've added at least another 100 home runs to his total, this cant be assumed.

Still, the lasting memory of Griffey will not be his injuries or his disappointing return to Seattle, but instead he will be remembered as a man who played during the Steroid Era, but played the game clean. While McGwire, Sosa, Bonds, A-Rod and Manny all have steroids questions swirling around their heads, it is believed by most the Griffey was a clean player. This elevates Griffey's numbers to even more impressive, and makes him one the best players of the past 20 years.

Poor Poor Armando

Entering the 9th inning, Armandao Galarraga was just three outs away from a perfect game. Galarraga, clearly nervous, gives up a shot to center field that appears is going to fall. However, rookie centerfielder Austin Jackson did his best Willie Mays impression and made an over the shoulder catch to keep the perfect game in tact.

A groundout later, an Galarraga was one out away from history, and what would have been the third perfect game in less than 30 days. Until a roller was hit to the right side, and first baseman Miguel Cabrera questionably decided to field the ball, which appeared to be second baseman range. Cabrera caught it, took his time and hit the running Galarraga with a throw that lead him to the base. That was it. Armando Galarraga had become the third pitcher in 30 days to pitch a perfect game. BUT WAIT. Umpire Jim Joyce, called the runner safe.

Shortstop Jason Donald, hustled all the way down the line, and forced a split-second decision by umpire Jim Joyce at first base. Although the play was somewhat close, it is still hard to believe that Joyce blew this one. However, the question that came to my mind is why is Joyce calling it safe anyway? Unless it was a clear safe call, there would have been no complaints over the runner being called out in a 3-0 game that was for all purposes over.

There was no need for Joyce to put his career on the line with a decision like this. The once trusted umpire of 22 years will now have his career remembered for this game. No thanks to Jason Donald, I also was confused to as why Donald was busting it so hard down the line. It's one thing if you break up a perfect game in the fourth was a cheapo infield single, but on the last out of the game, it would have been nice for Donald to simply jog to first base, eliminating the possibility for all such drama.

Following the game, the Joyce blown call was all the talk of the sports world, with Facebook statuses and Twitter updates calling for the head of Jim Joyce. At first it was hard to sympathize for the guy who cost a no-name pitcher a chance at glory, but seeing his reaction during the game the following day had to make fans feel sorry for his mistake. Joyce was given the option of taking the day off, but instead he chose to stand behind the plate and ump.Prior to the game, Galarraga was given a car by the team and Joyce and Galarrage shared an emotional moment with each other, with Joyce shedding a few tears.

One thing we learned is that replay is necessary in baseball. Yes reviewing every close play would potentially add 30 minutes to an hour onto the ball game, but if the MLB were to adopt a plan similar to the NFL's challenge system, or the NHL's system it could work. If the MLB were to go the NFL route, managers could be given 1-2 challenges per game in which the head ump could review the call made on the field. This would not include arguments over balls and strikes, but close calls and each base could be made correctly. Another suggestion would be to do what the NHL does and consult with league officials upon calls. Instead of having the umpires leave the field, they could call a league official who can tell them the right call. These options wouldn't add too much time to the game, and would insure that disasters like Galarraga's near perfect game didn't occur again.

Still, the thing that I come away with after all this was the class of Armando Galarraga. He was put in a position that would have seen many players verbally attack the umpire, but he just smiled and retired the next batter. Although clearly upset with the situation, Galarraga set a great example for baseball players around the league, and deserves a lot of credit.