Post by Saitama on Dec 18, 2012 10:33:31 GMT -5
Reunited with Old Friend, Canseco Rejuvinated
Canseco and McGwire have a long history back in Oakland
Boston, Massachusetts -- In the days of 1987, a young rookie named Mark McGwire hit 49 home runs in his first full year in the majors. But he didn't do it alone. Friend and mentor Jose Canseco taught McGwire the ropes, leading McGwire to the 1987 Rookie of the Year award, an award that Canseco had won just a year prior. This friendship was highly beneficial to the A's organization, and they became known as the 3-4 combination "The Bash Brothers". Likely the most feared 3-4 in the late 80's/early 90's, it was a sight to behold. But like all good things, it came to an abrupt end when Jose Canseco was traded, while still in the on deck circle, to the Texas Rangers. Many say that he fell out of favor with the Oakland management.
Fast forward to 1996. Jose Canseco is struggling for the Boston Red Sox. Management decides that they need a power bat, with Mo Vaughn waiting on a diagnosis for injury. Red Sox management makes a radical decision to make a blockbuster trade for power slugger Mark McGwire, arguably the front runner for the MVP after the first month of the season. Mo Vaughn, as feared, was taken out for the year with the broken foot he had been playing on for a week while hiding the pain. Jose Canseco was the first to greet his old friend when he arrived in Boston, excited to reunite as one of the most feared 3-4 lineups in history.
This may be more true than even he realized, because since the acquisition of Big Mac, Canseco is playing like it's 1987 all over again. Some stats to keep in mind:
Before Trade (In 27 Games):
.243 AVG
4 HR
14 RBI
After Trade (In 39 Games):
.302 AVG
17 HR
45 RBI
Whether the rejuvenated Jose Canseco remains this potent or not is still left to be seen, but for now, it appears McGwire has his biggest competition right behind him in the order.
Fast forward to 1996. Jose Canseco is struggling for the Boston Red Sox. Management decides that they need a power bat, with Mo Vaughn waiting on a diagnosis for injury. Red Sox management makes a radical decision to make a blockbuster trade for power slugger Mark McGwire, arguably the front runner for the MVP after the first month of the season. Mo Vaughn, as feared, was taken out for the year with the broken foot he had been playing on for a week while hiding the pain. Jose Canseco was the first to greet his old friend when he arrived in Boston, excited to reunite as one of the most feared 3-4 lineups in history.
This may be more true than even he realized, because since the acquisition of Big Mac, Canseco is playing like it's 1987 all over again. Some stats to keep in mind:
Before Trade (In 27 Games):
.243 AVG
4 HR
14 RBI
After Trade (In 39 Games):
.302 AVG
17 HR
45 RBI
Whether the rejuvenated Jose Canseco remains this potent or not is still left to be seen, but for now, it appears McGwire has his biggest competition right behind him in the order.
