Chat with Joe Morgan
Welcome to The Show! On Friday, Hall of Famer and ESPN baseball analyst Joe Morgan will drop by to take your questions!
An analyst for ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball, Morgan was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990. He won back-to-back MVP awards with the Reds in 1975 and '76 along with two World Series rings.
Send your questions now and join Joe in The Show on Friday at 11 a.m. ET!
SportsNation Buzzmaster: Hellooooooo! We'll get started with Joe momentarily!
SportsNation Joe Morgan: Good morning! I'm looking forward to chatting with you this morning!
Flemming (Copenhagen, Denmark): Joe, do you think any thing out of order will happen when Pedro steps to the plate on Sunday against the Yankees?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I would say no. The Yankees are focused on trying to get to first place in the division. Right now they are playing great ball and don't want anything to distract from that.
Nick (Shakopee): Are Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau the best pair of young guys on a team? Will they be able to keep up their success? Will Jason Bartlett take ss back over?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I look at Joe Mauer and I see a lot of talent and a burning fire to succeed. I look at Morneau and I see a guy with a little more power. But they both have a desire to succeed and that is what it takes to succeed over the long haul.
John, Dallas: Joe, Hardly anyone is talking about the streak that Kenny Rogers is on right now...30 consecutive scoreless innings. Why is that? And why do some pitchers get better with age?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I think we have seen that theory in Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling, etc. As with hitters, you learn more about your craft as you get older. But what usually happens is once you learn everything, you can't execute because of your body getting older. But guys are staying in such good shape now, they CAN stay productive ast they get older.
John (Portland, ME): Joe, am I the only one tired of interleague play? It seems like the only reason MLB keeps it around is because of NYC and Chicago. Why not try going without it for a couple years and see what happens?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: Yes, you are the only one! Attendance goes up during interleague play. I'm not a big fan either, but I do know other fans look forward to it.
Mark (Allentown, PA): How will the Mets fair this weekend against those darn Yankees?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I think it will be a good barometer for the Mets. The Yanks are playing very well righ now. The Mets will find out what kind of team they really have.
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I think they will hold up well against the Yankees.
Sean (Boston): Hey Joe. What are you hearing about Frank Thomas? Is he going to have a good season if he stays healthy?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: After the last few years of injury, you wonder how he will perform. The biggest thing for any hitter is confidence. His can't be very high right now.
Sean (NYC): hey joe, what was your favorite thing to eat for breakfast when you had a big game?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: It varied. I didn't have a special Wheaties breakfast or anything like that. Sometimes if it was a doubleheader, I would eat pancakes or oatmeal. But regular games I had a regular breakfast.
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I ate a lot of steak before night games.
Jordan (Jasper,IN): Do you see the Reds going something to shake up the team. I'm getting tried of seeing them blow games both early and late.
SportsNation Joe Morgan: They definitly need to shake up the late inning relief and put some more fire in the starters. As you say, they are losing games early and late and that's not acceptable. They are making me look bad for picking them to do well!
Dave (Sacramento): Morning Joe...will anyone ever step up to the plate as a leader and help baseball gain back its integrity...like our mentor, Wille Stargell?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: Being honest, I would say no. I don't think anybody wants to put themselves in that position. Willie is a special player and person, but I can't see him or anyone else wanting to be scrutinized that way. It's unfortunate.
Rowena (Lancaster, PA): Joe: Who's the next 2B to make the Hall? Biggio? Alomar? Kent?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: Alomar will be the next.
Chip (New York City): Joe, is it better for baseball, the tradition of the game and the reputation of the sport if Barry never returns to break Aaron's record?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: No. I don't think you can put all that on one person. What about the players who have been proven guilty of wrongdoing? Barry has only been suspected at this point. Barry does bring a lot of energy to the ballpark and people love to watch him play. He needs to play and whatever happens happens.
ANTAEUS (Venice Beach): Joe: loved you in The Naked Gun! Do you think Ken Griffey is healthy?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I did the game a couple weeks ago and he's not 100 percent. Again, it's about confidence.
By the way, I have turned down parts in some movies because I"m not an actor and I don't like cameos.
Deluca (Boston): Hey Joe! Tonight I have first row Green Monster tickets for the Red Sox. Have you had a chance to sit up there at any time yet? How is the view?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I haven't been up there. It looks like a fantastic seat.
Mike: (Howell,NJ): Joe, How do you think Giambi looked at the plate over the West Coast trip? Is he coming around or is he never going to be that intimidating force at the plate again?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I think the problem is still how will he get his ABs? What about Bernie Williams? Ruben Sierra? Both gave the Yankees more than Giambi last season. The problem I have is watching Bernie hit a GS to win the game and then he doesn't play the next day but Giambi does and goes 1-4? Bernie is just as important is Giambi. He helped them win 4 WS titles.
Yousef (Jerusalem): Joe, is there chance that guys like Rickey Henderson or Fred McGriff will be back?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: Personally, I think Ricky's time has come and gone. I understand his love for the game, but let's face it, the last time he was in the big's, his bat was just too slow. I don't see him back in the majors. I feel badly for McGriff. He is so close to 500 HRs. He is one of the few guys that there has never been any talk of steroids. I just feel badly for him. He has carried himself like a tru pro. Never any controversy.
jack, minnesota: Will Santana return to last years second-half form?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: He's been doing it the first half! He will continue to pitch well with that great change up. It's as good as an overpowering fastball. He is my AL Cy Young pick.
Drew (FL): Jore are you a believer that a few small things can really get a ballclub going and turned around. As a cubs fan I'm hoping the two late inning wins and the upcoming sox series can get them moving in the right direction
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I'm a believer in small things having a big impact. But the Cubs are still going to have trouble scoring runs consistently. With Zambrano hurt and Wood hurt, they are going to struggle. You better have godo pitching if you aren't going to score a lot of runs. I'm just not sure how long this turnaround can last with those guys not healthy.
Yolanda (Tampa): Joe -- how long could you stand it if you were managing my D-Rays? Does Piniella walk sometime soon?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I don't know Lou's state of mind right now. But he is no quitter. He knew it wasn't going to be easy. I think he realized that early on. I personally don't think I would have the patience for that situation. I don't see him quitting.
Jared Re (San Fransisco): Joe I am looking to do some stadium traveling this year. What parks are a must see to watch a game?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: Well, you want to see Wrigley, Yankee Stadium and Fenway. But don't miss Cleveland. It's very unique. In the mode of Camden Yards in Baltimore. Pittsburgh is probabyl the nicest and prettiest of them all. Most of the new ones are all must see parks.
Jack,minnesota: Will the wild-card come out of the AL Central?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: No. I think it will come out of the AL East. Baltimore, NY, Boston .. in the Central you just don't have as many serious contenders.
Doug (NY): Joe, what do you think of all this Clemens-to-Yanks trade talk? I can't see it -- Clemens is the Astros only crowd draw and the Yanks have nothing to give anymore.
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I don't see how it would happen. But stranger things have happened. I talked to Roger on Sunday and he is happy being with his family. He gets to watch his son play. I thought that was why he retired. I don't see it.
Dewey (Philly): Joe: does Thome jumpstart this Phillies offense when he comes back, or can we expect more of the same?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: The Phillies problem is consistency. I still think their pitching is the key to whether they play well or not. Thome will help.
3FF (Arlington, VA): Will the Reds theory of win now hurt them in the future? I just don't seem them competing in the NL in the next five years...I mean Eric Milton??? What were they thinking?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: How can you hurt what is already going downhill? They have been a contender for 6-7 years. Might as well try and win now.
Doug (NYC): Good Morning Joe. Clint Barmes - what is your long term predictions for him? Is he in the Derek Jeter neighborhood, even if its the Coors inflation factor?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I don't know how you can compare him to a guy with 4 world championships. I won't get into that.
Mark (Allentown, PA): Do you see the Mets making any moves for some bullpen help any time soon??
SportsNation Joe Morgan: There has to be somebody out there than can get somebody out. But can they pay the price? You have to have starters and closers. The Mets just have not been able to close games out. They need help, quick.
Joe (Lincoln): Good morning, Joe. As a Padres fan, I am obviously very excited of their play lately. Do you see them as a serious NL pennant contender or are the Cardinals too tough?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I think San Diego has a very fine ballclub. I picked them last year to bea surprise team in the West and they suprised me in how they did not play well. They have the parts to win the NL. Their individual pitching might be better than the Cards. But the Cardinals have such a great offense. I do believe in the Padres. They have what it takes.
3FF (Arlington, VA): Sorry to keep harping on the Reds Joe, but you said they are already going downhill, does this mean Reds fans have seen the last of the Reds finishing near the top of the Central for a while?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: The one thing about baseball is there are no flawless teams. You can turn things around quickly. You just have to be willing to spend some money and you have to make smart decisions. You can go last to first these days because ever team has weaknesses.
Hank (WV): Joe, What will happen with Robinson Cano? Should the Yanks finally keep a top prospect rather than trade him away?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I don't think they will trade him. They brought him up for a reason. They don't make trades with major leagues. They make trades with minor leaguers.
Loriann Smith, East Greenbush, NY: Joe, take one from the ladies! I've been hearing lately that Joe Torre "can't" take Matsui out of the lineup because of his consecutive games streak, even though he was in a horrible slump earlier in the year. I remember criticism of Ripken's manager when he was at something like 1800 games for "putting the streak ahead of the team". If Matsui needs a day off, shouldn't Torre do it now - the longer you wait the more "impossible" it's going to be to pull him for a day. Agree or disagree? Thanks for answering!
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I've never been a big fan of streaks. Sometimes it does get in the way of team success. I remember when Rose had a hitting streak going. It put more pressure on the manager to make the right decision. All streaks put pressure on managers. That said, I think Torre can handle any situation that could come up. I don't see it as a huge problem in the future.
Chris (DC): What is the true impact of steroids in baseball? It appears as though injuries are up overall this year. Could steroids be a factor?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: Anything could be a factor with injuries. Weather, ballparks, etc. It's a proven fact that steroids have had an impact. It helps you as a baseball player. It enhances your focus, your eyesight, your ability to feel like you can't be beat, and also helps you recover from injury, in addition to building strength.
Jack, minnesota: Is Mauer the best catcher in the bigs?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: No. Ivan Rodriguez would still get my vote.
SportsNation Joe Morgan: You are talking to the wrong guy when you want to compare a guy in his first year to an established player has been around. How can we say a first year player is better than a veteran?
Leila (Miami): Do you think the minor league managers baby their pitchers too much nowadays? Guys like Livan Hernandez come from Cuba and pitch 260 innings.
SportsNation Joe Morgan: Great question, Leila. I talked to John Sherholz about this and that was our conclusion. Guys are getting babied and can't pitch on three days rest like they used to. Minor league managers have to be careful because if they make a mistake, they will get fired. Some guys you have to literally tear the ball out of their hands. Other guys are 5 and Fly. They put in their five innings and then look for somebody to come in and help them.
Randy (El Paso): Joe: was it easier to get up to play every day when you were with the Big Red Machine, as opposed to some of those crummy Astros teams?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: No. I LOVED playing baseball. Every day I had a great time. From a little kid to the day I stepped off the field, I enjoyed playing. AA, college, MLB. Any kind of baseball. Once the game started, I didn't realize if I was in first or last. I just loved to play.
Neil (VA): Joe, how many wins do you think the Nationals are going to pick up this year? They've been competitive in practically all their games so far, so does that mean they are a piece or two away from becoming a true contender?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I think they have done a fantastic job. But I've always said Frank Robinson was the second best manager I ever played for. And I only say that because I only played a couple seasons with him. Him and Sparky Anderson were the two best. He just doesn't get enough credit for what he has done with the Nationals. They do need another pitcher and another bullpen guy.
Clint (NYC): Joe, please take my HOF question. Why isn't Keith Hernandez in? 11 Gold Gloves, 2 Silver Sluggers, MVP, World Series, .300 hitter, 2000+ hits. What's the problem??
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I don't like to comment on players and their HOF things because I'm the Vice Chairman of the HOF Board. People take what I say out of context. If I say Keith belongs in the Hall, they take that to mean I think Gil Hodges shouldn't be. But to be honest, I don't even know why he's not in. The writers vote on that. The one real glaring ommision is Maury Wills. He changed the game. Sandy Koufax told me Maury was just as important as him and Don Drysdale. In all those low scoring games, Wills was the one scoring the runs.
Feargus (County Clare): Joe -- have you ever tried playing cricket? Do you think the skills carry over?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I never tried cricket.
Alice (NJ Turnpike): Joe, what's your advice to a high school phenom -- go straight to pro ball or go to college?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: Very good question. It's a very tough decision. The one thing to remember, it's really about what your goal is in life. All I ever wanted to do was play MLB. The sooner I got to pro ball the better. I got my degree in the offseason. The sooner you start playing pro, the sooner you are going to be able to make it to the bigs. There is so much to learn. Some players go to college and learn. Example, Alex Rodriguez, Ken Griffey, etc. did not go to college. But their only goal was to make it to the majors. It's a family decision to be made.
Sean (NYC): so Joe, how much is "a lot of steak"?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I ate a steak every day! Every day! 5 times a week! Porterhouse to t-bone to filet .. you name it. We were always looking for protein. Football teams still feed their guys steak before a game. I still eat steak!
Thanks for the questions! It was a great chat today! I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have. I look forward to talking to you all again next week!
Welcome to The Show! On Friday, Hall of Famer and ESPN baseball analyst Joe Morgan will drop by to take your questions!
An analyst for ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball, Morgan was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990. He won back-to-back MVP awards with the Reds in 1975 and '76 along with two World Series rings.
Send your questions now and join Joe in The Show on Friday at 11 a.m. ET!
SportsNation Buzzmaster: Hellooooooo! We'll get started with Joe momentarily!
SportsNation Joe Morgan: Good morning! I'm looking forward to chatting with you this morning!
Flemming (Copenhagen, Denmark): Joe, do you think any thing out of order will happen when Pedro steps to the plate on Sunday against the Yankees?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I would say no. The Yankees are focused on trying to get to first place in the division. Right now they are playing great ball and don't want anything to distract from that.
Nick (Shakopee): Are Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau the best pair of young guys on a team? Will they be able to keep up their success? Will Jason Bartlett take ss back over?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I look at Joe Mauer and I see a lot of talent and a burning fire to succeed. I look at Morneau and I see a guy with a little more power. But they both have a desire to succeed and that is what it takes to succeed over the long haul.
John, Dallas: Joe, Hardly anyone is talking about the streak that Kenny Rogers is on right now...30 consecutive scoreless innings. Why is that? And why do some pitchers get better with age?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I think we have seen that theory in Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling, etc. As with hitters, you learn more about your craft as you get older. But what usually happens is once you learn everything, you can't execute because of your body getting older. But guys are staying in such good shape now, they CAN stay productive ast they get older.
John (Portland, ME): Joe, am I the only one tired of interleague play? It seems like the only reason MLB keeps it around is because of NYC and Chicago. Why not try going without it for a couple years and see what happens?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: Yes, you are the only one! Attendance goes up during interleague play. I'm not a big fan either, but I do know other fans look forward to it.
Mark (Allentown, PA): How will the Mets fair this weekend against those darn Yankees?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I think it will be a good barometer for the Mets. The Yanks are playing very well righ now. The Mets will find out what kind of team they really have.
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I think they will hold up well against the Yankees.
Sean (Boston): Hey Joe. What are you hearing about Frank Thomas? Is he going to have a good season if he stays healthy?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: After the last few years of injury, you wonder how he will perform. The biggest thing for any hitter is confidence. His can't be very high right now.
Sean (NYC): hey joe, what was your favorite thing to eat for breakfast when you had a big game?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: It varied. I didn't have a special Wheaties breakfast or anything like that. Sometimes if it was a doubleheader, I would eat pancakes or oatmeal. But regular games I had a regular breakfast.
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I ate a lot of steak before night games.
Jordan (Jasper,IN): Do you see the Reds going something to shake up the team. I'm getting tried of seeing them blow games both early and late.
SportsNation Joe Morgan: They definitly need to shake up the late inning relief and put some more fire in the starters. As you say, they are losing games early and late and that's not acceptable. They are making me look bad for picking them to do well!
Dave (Sacramento): Morning Joe...will anyone ever step up to the plate as a leader and help baseball gain back its integrity...like our mentor, Wille Stargell?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: Being honest, I would say no. I don't think anybody wants to put themselves in that position. Willie is a special player and person, but I can't see him or anyone else wanting to be scrutinized that way. It's unfortunate.
Rowena (Lancaster, PA): Joe: Who's the next 2B to make the Hall? Biggio? Alomar? Kent?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: Alomar will be the next.
Chip (New York City): Joe, is it better for baseball, the tradition of the game and the reputation of the sport if Barry never returns to break Aaron's record?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: No. I don't think you can put all that on one person. What about the players who have been proven guilty of wrongdoing? Barry has only been suspected at this point. Barry does bring a lot of energy to the ballpark and people love to watch him play. He needs to play and whatever happens happens.
ANTAEUS (Venice Beach): Joe: loved you in The Naked Gun! Do you think Ken Griffey is healthy?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I did the game a couple weeks ago and he's not 100 percent. Again, it's about confidence.
By the way, I have turned down parts in some movies because I"m not an actor and I don't like cameos.
Deluca (Boston): Hey Joe! Tonight I have first row Green Monster tickets for the Red Sox. Have you had a chance to sit up there at any time yet? How is the view?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I haven't been up there. It looks like a fantastic seat.
Mike: (Howell,NJ): Joe, How do you think Giambi looked at the plate over the West Coast trip? Is he coming around or is he never going to be that intimidating force at the plate again?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I think the problem is still how will he get his ABs? What about Bernie Williams? Ruben Sierra? Both gave the Yankees more than Giambi last season. The problem I have is watching Bernie hit a GS to win the game and then he doesn't play the next day but Giambi does and goes 1-4? Bernie is just as important is Giambi. He helped them win 4 WS titles.
Yousef (Jerusalem): Joe, is there chance that guys like Rickey Henderson or Fred McGriff will be back?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: Personally, I think Ricky's time has come and gone. I understand his love for the game, but let's face it, the last time he was in the big's, his bat was just too slow. I don't see him back in the majors. I feel badly for McGriff. He is so close to 500 HRs. He is one of the few guys that there has never been any talk of steroids. I just feel badly for him. He has carried himself like a tru pro. Never any controversy.
jack, minnesota: Will Santana return to last years second-half form?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: He's been doing it the first half! He will continue to pitch well with that great change up. It's as good as an overpowering fastball. He is my AL Cy Young pick.
Drew (FL): Jore are you a believer that a few small things can really get a ballclub going and turned around. As a cubs fan I'm hoping the two late inning wins and the upcoming sox series can get them moving in the right direction
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I'm a believer in small things having a big impact. But the Cubs are still going to have trouble scoring runs consistently. With Zambrano hurt and Wood hurt, they are going to struggle. You better have godo pitching if you aren't going to score a lot of runs. I'm just not sure how long this turnaround can last with those guys not healthy.
Yolanda (Tampa): Joe -- how long could you stand it if you were managing my D-Rays? Does Piniella walk sometime soon?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I don't know Lou's state of mind right now. But he is no quitter. He knew it wasn't going to be easy. I think he realized that early on. I personally don't think I would have the patience for that situation. I don't see him quitting.
Jared Re (San Fransisco): Joe I am looking to do some stadium traveling this year. What parks are a must see to watch a game?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: Well, you want to see Wrigley, Yankee Stadium and Fenway. But don't miss Cleveland. It's very unique. In the mode of Camden Yards in Baltimore. Pittsburgh is probabyl the nicest and prettiest of them all. Most of the new ones are all must see parks.
Jack,minnesota: Will the wild-card come out of the AL Central?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: No. I think it will come out of the AL East. Baltimore, NY, Boston .. in the Central you just don't have as many serious contenders.
Doug (NY): Joe, what do you think of all this Clemens-to-Yanks trade talk? I can't see it -- Clemens is the Astros only crowd draw and the Yanks have nothing to give anymore.
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I don't see how it would happen. But stranger things have happened. I talked to Roger on Sunday and he is happy being with his family. He gets to watch his son play. I thought that was why he retired. I don't see it.
Dewey (Philly): Joe: does Thome jumpstart this Phillies offense when he comes back, or can we expect more of the same?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: The Phillies problem is consistency. I still think their pitching is the key to whether they play well or not. Thome will help.
3FF (Arlington, VA): Will the Reds theory of win now hurt them in the future? I just don't seem them competing in the NL in the next five years...I mean Eric Milton??? What were they thinking?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: How can you hurt what is already going downhill? They have been a contender for 6-7 years. Might as well try and win now.
Doug (NYC): Good Morning Joe. Clint Barmes - what is your long term predictions for him? Is he in the Derek Jeter neighborhood, even if its the Coors inflation factor?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I don't know how you can compare him to a guy with 4 world championships. I won't get into that.
Mark (Allentown, PA): Do you see the Mets making any moves for some bullpen help any time soon??
SportsNation Joe Morgan: There has to be somebody out there than can get somebody out. But can they pay the price? You have to have starters and closers. The Mets just have not been able to close games out. They need help, quick.
Joe (Lincoln): Good morning, Joe. As a Padres fan, I am obviously very excited of their play lately. Do you see them as a serious NL pennant contender or are the Cardinals too tough?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I think San Diego has a very fine ballclub. I picked them last year to bea surprise team in the West and they suprised me in how they did not play well. They have the parts to win the NL. Their individual pitching might be better than the Cards. But the Cardinals have such a great offense. I do believe in the Padres. They have what it takes.
3FF (Arlington, VA): Sorry to keep harping on the Reds Joe, but you said they are already going downhill, does this mean Reds fans have seen the last of the Reds finishing near the top of the Central for a while?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: The one thing about baseball is there are no flawless teams. You can turn things around quickly. You just have to be willing to spend some money and you have to make smart decisions. You can go last to first these days because ever team has weaknesses.
Hank (WV): Joe, What will happen with Robinson Cano? Should the Yanks finally keep a top prospect rather than trade him away?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I don't think they will trade him. They brought him up for a reason. They don't make trades with major leagues. They make trades with minor leaguers.
Loriann Smith, East Greenbush, NY: Joe, take one from the ladies! I've been hearing lately that Joe Torre "can't" take Matsui out of the lineup because of his consecutive games streak, even though he was in a horrible slump earlier in the year. I remember criticism of Ripken's manager when he was at something like 1800 games for "putting the streak ahead of the team". If Matsui needs a day off, shouldn't Torre do it now - the longer you wait the more "impossible" it's going to be to pull him for a day. Agree or disagree? Thanks for answering!
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I've never been a big fan of streaks. Sometimes it does get in the way of team success. I remember when Rose had a hitting streak going. It put more pressure on the manager to make the right decision. All streaks put pressure on managers. That said, I think Torre can handle any situation that could come up. I don't see it as a huge problem in the future.
Chris (DC): What is the true impact of steroids in baseball? It appears as though injuries are up overall this year. Could steroids be a factor?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: Anything could be a factor with injuries. Weather, ballparks, etc. It's a proven fact that steroids have had an impact. It helps you as a baseball player. It enhances your focus, your eyesight, your ability to feel like you can't be beat, and also helps you recover from injury, in addition to building strength.
Jack, minnesota: Is Mauer the best catcher in the bigs?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: No. Ivan Rodriguez would still get my vote.
SportsNation Joe Morgan: You are talking to the wrong guy when you want to compare a guy in his first year to an established player has been around. How can we say a first year player is better than a veteran?
Leila (Miami): Do you think the minor league managers baby their pitchers too much nowadays? Guys like Livan Hernandez come from Cuba and pitch 260 innings.
SportsNation Joe Morgan: Great question, Leila. I talked to John Sherholz about this and that was our conclusion. Guys are getting babied and can't pitch on three days rest like they used to. Minor league managers have to be careful because if they make a mistake, they will get fired. Some guys you have to literally tear the ball out of their hands. Other guys are 5 and Fly. They put in their five innings and then look for somebody to come in and help them.
Randy (El Paso): Joe: was it easier to get up to play every day when you were with the Big Red Machine, as opposed to some of those crummy Astros teams?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: No. I LOVED playing baseball. Every day I had a great time. From a little kid to the day I stepped off the field, I enjoyed playing. AA, college, MLB. Any kind of baseball. Once the game started, I didn't realize if I was in first or last. I just loved to play.
Neil (VA): Joe, how many wins do you think the Nationals are going to pick up this year? They've been competitive in practically all their games so far, so does that mean they are a piece or two away from becoming a true contender?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I think they have done a fantastic job. But I've always said Frank Robinson was the second best manager I ever played for. And I only say that because I only played a couple seasons with him. Him and Sparky Anderson were the two best. He just doesn't get enough credit for what he has done with the Nationals. They do need another pitcher and another bullpen guy.
Clint (NYC): Joe, please take my HOF question. Why isn't Keith Hernandez in? 11 Gold Gloves, 2 Silver Sluggers, MVP, World Series, .300 hitter, 2000+ hits. What's the problem??
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I don't like to comment on players and their HOF things because I'm the Vice Chairman of the HOF Board. People take what I say out of context. If I say Keith belongs in the Hall, they take that to mean I think Gil Hodges shouldn't be. But to be honest, I don't even know why he's not in. The writers vote on that. The one real glaring ommision is Maury Wills. He changed the game. Sandy Koufax told me Maury was just as important as him and Don Drysdale. In all those low scoring games, Wills was the one scoring the runs.
Feargus (County Clare): Joe -- have you ever tried playing cricket? Do you think the skills carry over?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I never tried cricket.
Alice (NJ Turnpike): Joe, what's your advice to a high school phenom -- go straight to pro ball or go to college?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: Very good question. It's a very tough decision. The one thing to remember, it's really about what your goal is in life. All I ever wanted to do was play MLB. The sooner I got to pro ball the better. I got my degree in the offseason. The sooner you start playing pro, the sooner you are going to be able to make it to the bigs. There is so much to learn. Some players go to college and learn. Example, Alex Rodriguez, Ken Griffey, etc. did not go to college. But their only goal was to make it to the majors. It's a family decision to be made.
Sean (NYC): so Joe, how much is "a lot of steak"?
SportsNation Joe Morgan: I ate a steak every day! Every day! 5 times a week! Porterhouse to t-bone to filet .. you name it. We were always looking for protein. Football teams still feed their guys steak before a game. I still eat steak!
Thanks for the questions! It was a great chat today! I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have. I look forward to talking to you all again next week!
