All-Non-Juice Team

This is the team of "good guys" to combat last blog's collection of "bad guys." These guys did it the right way, and experienced great success in a bloated world. While guys like Brady Anderson and Luis Gonzalez were blowing up for 1 year of 50 HR, guys like Fred McGriff were consistently belting 30 a year. You might give the edge to this team based on pitching alone (Maddux & Mo vs. Clemens & Grimsley).

Manager – Cal Ripken Jr. (BAL)

Ripken makes this list as the manager for a few reasons. First, he had gray hair since he was in his late 20’s, so I’ve always thought of him as an old man. Secondly, he began the steroid era as a decent shortstop, and ended his career a decent third baseman. Lastly, the steroid era was at the end of his career, at which time he was merely an ordinary player. I may take a hit for this, but in terms of being a “spectacular player,” I feel that:

1)      Derek Jeter ranks above him on the list of great shortstops of all-time

2)      Chipper Jones is a better hitting third baseman than him

I feel this way because Ripken had only four seasons of 100+RBI. He had 5 mediocre years from age 25-29, sandwiched in-between two HOF years, followed by 8 of 9 “non” HOF years to close his career. If you look at his year-by-year stats, he wasn’t all that spectacular on a regular basis. I hesitate to throw around the “C” word (COMPILER), but let’s temper our praise of Cal. He’ll make a good manager for this team. He can carry Derek Jeter’s bat bag.

See what I mean? 1990 and he's got gray hair already. Despite my assault on him in the blurb above, he's one of baseball's good guys, and a darn good player.

--------------------------------------------

C – Jason Varitek (BOS) / Jorge Posada (NYY)

Varitek will likely be an unpopular choice, but I have to spread the wealth. I initially had Mike Piazza (my favorite player growing up) in here, but there is some question about the authenticity of his numbers (which I think is bullcrap). So I’m deciding to play it fair. Also, Jorge Posada is near-and-dear to my heart, so I have to include him (especially with his numbers being what they are). Varitek gets the nod for being in fact – the heart – of his team for so long. Looking at his career numbers, you wouldn’t think he belongs on this team, but if you watched him play through an objective lens, you agree.

These guys had better start getting along, if they're going to share catching duties on Ripken's team. Traditionally, Maddux (see below) uses a personal catcher, which would be more likely to be Varitek than Jorge.

----------------------------------------------------

1B – Fred McGriff (TOR, SD, ATL, TB, CHC)

The Crime Dog was the first player whose name I associated with being a home run threat. My first HR in R.B.I Baseball 3 on Sega Genesis was with Fred McGriff of the Blue Jays. Perhaps the single biggest victim of the steroid era in terms of his stats being devalued… McGriff’s Career Line:

.284 BA

2,490 hits

493 HR

1550 RBI

Including 10 seasons of 30+HR, and 8 seasons of 100+RBI. The problem is, you never saw Fred McGriff and thought “Wow, he’s a dominating power hitter.” How much of that, though, was a function of the All-Juicers being on the scene and muddy-ing the water? Even with all that being considered, I still feel that McGriff should “take a bite out of” the Hall of Fame fruit. (Did you like that one?)

The "Crime Dog" as a young puppy. Knew how to hit the long ball, but apparently not how to wear his hat.

-----------------------------------------------

2B – Craig Biggio (HOU)

Seton Hall’s finest. A unique member of this team (like McGriff) for having played before, during, and after the steroid era. It’s laughable that detractors do not want to place him in the Hall of Fame. The only other 2B  of this era who compare are Roberto Alomar and Jeff Kent. Do I need to say anything about Kent? He could’ve been mentioned in my previous blog. Biggo’s Career Line:

.281 BA

3,060 hits

291 HR

1175 RBI

414 SB

4 gold gloves

Most of this out of the leadoff spot. AND he moved from Catcher to 2B to OF, and then back to 2B. One of the players I most respected as a fan of the game.

Craigy-----ewwww! Biggio was always known for his pine tar-laden helmet, and for laying it on the line. Could be used by Ripken as a utility player (C, IF, OF eligible).

-----------------------------------------

SS – Derek Jeter (NYY)

Der-ek Je-ter…..I don’t want to beat the horse dead, so you can refer to my previous blog (Jilted by Jeter?) for my feelings on the Yankee captain. 5-time World Champion who will end up with 3500 hits.

Fist pump! Clearly, he was born in New Jersey...And now, he is a member of the hallowed PepeVibe All-Non-Juice team...

----------------------------------

3B – Chipper Jones (ATL)

“The best non-user of the steroid era.” – Timmy George

Chipper was hated by Mets fans (and many others). I can honestly say I couldn’t stand him, but respected the hell out of the way he played. Like Biggio, moved around the field for the good of his team. Not many remember that he came up as a SHORTSTOP prospect. Moved to 3B, to LF, back to 3B, with a little 1B sprinkled in. Another player on this list who is deserving of an immediate Hall of Fame induction upon retirement. Will not get to 3,000 hits, but his career line is still gaudy:

.306BA

436HR

1497RBI

8 straight seasons of 20+HR and 100RBI

Few remember that "Larry" actually came up as a shortstop....I've had many a Met-fan friend brag to me about how they chanted "Larry...Larry...Larry" whenever he came up at Shea. Lot of good that did. Is anything having to do with the Mets dysfunctional? They can't even execute a cheer properly.

------------------------------------

LF – Bernie Williams (NYY)

Gotta have Bernie on this team, and gotta have him in left field because of his arm. A four-time World Series Champion who finished just shy of attaining a Hall of Fame career. Call me a homer, but Bernie deserves to be on this team. Just looking at his career numbers, he’s JUST shy of quite a few milestones.

.297BA

2,336 hits

287HR

1257RBI

Although he’s not a HOFer, there are few players who you’d want up in October more so than Bernie.

Hands down my favorite Bernie picture ever. This was clearly before he went to Drs. Joseph & Jeffrey Dellarusso. 

-----------------------------------------

CF – Ken Griffey Jr. (SEA, CIN, CWS)

I don’t think that Griffey juiced, but some seem to have. There is no evidence other that people saying “Damn, he hit a lot of home runs.” He got bigger over the course of his career, but never to the point you would say he is “freakish.” He finished about the same size as his father was (who played in the 70’s and 80’s).

No evidence of juicing? What's this guy talking about?

Had undeniably the smoothest left-handed swing of all time. Was there any young baseball fan who did not spend time trying to imitate Griffey’s smooth stroke, followed by softly dropping the bat and walking down the first base line? Hated him, but only because he was so good. Good thing he stayed away from that nerve tonic.

Arguably the smoothest home run stroke of all-time.

-------------------------------------------

RF – Paul O’Neill (NYY)

Believe it or not, I was not crazy about O’Neill as a Yankee fan. I loved the intensity with which he approached the game. I loved the desire that he had to succeed and win. But, I hated the temper tantrums. I always thought that guys who did that stuff were trying to overcompensate for their failure by showing fans how pissed off they are. It sets a bad example for kids, however you slice it. That being said, the guy was a pure gamer. Similar career statistics to Bernie Williams:

.288BA

281HR

1269RBI

But, along with the other 1996-2000 Yankees on this list, a guy you would want up in a big spot. A guy who cared about winning, and a 4x World Champion.



Threw temper tantrums as it was....but a definite non-juicer. Could you imagine him on a 'roid rage?



---------------------------------------

DH – Tony Gwynn (SD)

I was torn on including him, because I always associated him with Robin Yount, Paul Molitor, and Wade Boggs all of whom retired just a tad early to be on this list. Gwynn, however, played into the 2000’s and was one of the most consistent hitters of all time.  A rare player who was, by any measure, relatively out of shape. He had more of an understanding of the mechanics of hitting than anyone we’ve seen in our generation. Has often said that he “could’ve hit more home runs” if he wanted to, but chose to remain a line drive hitter….to the tune of a .338 lifetime BA and 3100 hits.

Tony Gwynn is a big man....but it wasn't the juice that made him big.

BENCH – Tom Glavine, Barry Larkin, Nomar Garciaparra, Frank Thomas

Frank Thomas is a big human. Not a juicer though. He might have been snubbed not being in the starting lineup. I kind of feel that way as I'm writing this. I could envision another lineup with Thomas at DH, Gwynn in RF, and Bernie/O'Neill platooning in LF.

-------------------------------------   

SP – Greg Maddux (CHC, ATL, LAD, SD)

In an ERA where the All-Juice team was dominant, Maddux excelled by leaps and bounds. He will clearly be the last pitcher to ever win 350 games. Didn't gas it up all the time, but knew how to pitch and how to nibble on the corners. If you needed someone to give you 7-8 innings and guarantee your team to be in the game, there is nobody else you choose.

Maddux owned the hill in the 90's and 00's.

-----------------------------------------

  RP – Mariano Rivera (NYY)

Is there even a question he belongs on this team? 185 lbs., 583 saves and counting...



Look at the grip he has on the baseball in his right hand. That's your performance enhancement.