John Olerud

[rsox]

After playing in 2147 MLB games, appearing in 6 post-seasons and winning two world championships John Olerud played his first career minor league game last night for the Pawtucket Red Sox. Olerud is one of 16 players to skip the minors and go from college to the Majors.

It's amazing when you think about it, Marlins 3B Joe Dillon made his major league debut last week after playing 8 seasons down in the minors while Olerud makes his minor league debut after 15+ seasons in the majors.

To quote the great Harry Doyle (Major League) "It's a funny game, eh Monty"

[bravosfan]

Re: John Olerud

Olerud is one of 16 players to skip the minors and go from college to the Majors.

Trying to come up with the others...

I remember Jim Abbott did it with the Angels, I don't think he played any minor league ball until his career was winding down with Milwaukee.

And there was David Clyde with the Rangers in the '70s, who famously flamed out... But he was drafted out of high school, so I'm not sure if he counts.

I'm thinking maybe Dave Winfield, too...


That's all I've got. That would make a good trivia question, though.

[VanCitySportsGuy]

Re: John Olerud

The 16 players are:

Xavier Nady
Ariel Prieto
John Olerud
Jim Abbott
Pete Incaviglia
Bob Horner
Mike Morgan
Dave Winfield
Eddie Bane
Dick Ruthven
Dave Roberts
Pete Broberg
Rob Ellis
Burt Hooton
Steve Dunning
Mike Adamson

[mnhert]

Re: John Olerud

I love that man



John Olerud

[skitch]

Re: John Olerud

Wow, Dave Roberts never played a game in the Minors? That surprises me..

[BGarrett7]

Re: John Olerud

Wow, Dave Roberts never played a game in the Minors? That surprises me..

Wrong Dave Roberts. This occured in the 70s.

[skitch]

Re: John Olerud

I was getting worried about the state of the major leagues, thanks for clearing that up..

[APD0290]

Re: John Olerud

To add to that, Olerud hit a homerun in his first career minor league game. He should be called up by the end of next week.

[ILLCHILL]

Re: John Olerud

Yea, then we'll be able to trade Kevin Millar. I know he streaky and will catch fire, but I'd rather have Olerud every day at first with Millar going for a nice reliever or starter if the rotation is still shot. Or trade him for a speed guy.

[skitch]

Re: John Olerud

Wow, I'm sure not many people share your viewpoint.. Kevin Millar accounts for much of the heart and soul of Boston baseball.

[Stu]

Re: John Olerud

Wow, I'm sure not many people share your viewpoint.. Kevin Millar accounts for much of the heart and soul of Boston baseball.

That's not completely true. Those in the know say most players on the Red Sox wouldn't be too upset to see Millar gone. More than anything these guys want to win so they'd prefer somebody more productive.

That being said, we're stuck with Millar. Nobody is going to take this guy in a trade. A terrible fielding 1B that goes on 3 month cold streaks is not something in high demand.

[rsox]

Re: John Olerud

Thats not necessarily true, a team like the A's who have only left handed hitting options at 1B and DH could be interested in someone like Millar. Especially if the Red Sox would be willing to take Octavio Dotel in return.

It will be interesting to see how Olerud fits with the Sox, i don't see him sitting on the bench like Mientkiewicz did last season. If nothing else Millar can play LF, RF and 3B as well as 1B so if he is moved to the bench he should still get some decent playing time.

[sammyc521]

Re: John Olerud

Ole is missing his sweet swing. There's a reason why he was cut from the M's and from the Yankees. His defense is still top notch, but his shoulder is getting a groove in it because he never leaves his shoulder.

I wish him the best of luck whereever he goes.

[remix]

Re: John Olerud

Red Sox add Olerud in time for series against Yankees. - Red Sox purchased the contract of first baseman John Olerud from Triple-A Pawtucket. Olerud definitely won't be in the starting lineup against Randy Johnson tomorrow, but look for him to get at least one start this weekend.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Olerud split or take over the duties at 1B if Millar continues to struggle like he has throughout this season.

[rsox]

Re: John Olerud

Maybe the arrival of Olerud will jump start Millar like the acquisition of Doug Mientkiewicz did last season. With Mientkiewicz playing behind him in the final 2 months last year Millar hit 7 HR's and drove in 36 runs-2 fewer than he had the previous 4 months.