Rascoe Barahona

ctorg · 12-13-2006, 10:22 AM

I just want to give my annual end-of-the-year bump (well, it's not a bump, but it wouldn't work well if I bumped it because it's in a dead forum) to one of my favorite stories ever from OOTP, the story of Rascoe Barahona. If you've never read it, take a moment and do so. It's not that long. To me, it's what this game is all about.

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ad.php?t=18175

Raidergoo · 12-13-2006, 11:01 AM

I've made Rascoe Barahona a respected baseball analyst in one of my online leagues, offering commentary and analysis from the perspective of a retired star.

OOTP was made to breathe life into Rascoe Barahona.

Lucas718 · 12-13-2006, 11:07 AM

Always a great read. I can't believe it's been 4 years since that post was made.

1998 Yankees · 12-13-2006, 12:04 PM

It's corny and over the top ("Rascoe and I, well, we laughed and cried ……") and at first one might be tempted to say "get a life," but then one realizes that he has also done similar things in his game and achieved similar satisfaction and enjoyment.

I don't know if I would write a short story about it, but I have signed some of "my boys" to minor league contracts at the end of their careers so that they have jobs until they choose to retire, despite having red rating numbers. As posters said on that thread, it's a tribute to the game itself if it makes you care about your teams and players in this manner.

It's also comforting to know that old threads don't die, they just fade away until somebody digs them up again.

Assos · 12-13-2006, 01:10 PM

Always a classic.... I always thought he would be a great color guy for TV.

Dark Horse · 12-13-2006, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctorg

I just want to give my annual end-of-the-year bump (well, it's not a bump, but it wouldn't work well if I bumped it because it's in a dead forum) to one of my favorite stories ever from OOTP, the story of Rascoe Barahona. If you've never read it, take a moment and do so. It's not that long. To me, it's what this game is all about.

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ad.php?t=18175

Thanks for bringing this back up, ctorg. Always a great read. This should be an OOTP tradition. Every year on Opening Day (or when the latest version of OOTP is released; whichever comes first) this story should be posted.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raidergoo

I've made Rascoe Barahona a respected baseball analyst in one of my online leagues, offering commentary and analysis from the perspective of a retired star.

OOTP was made to breathe life into Rascoe Barahona.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Assos

Always a classic.... I always thought he would be a great color guy for TV.

In my mind, Rasco either retires in anonymity and becomes an assistant baseball coach for some high school in a small town. Of course, the players on the team don't know who he is. They just think he's the assistant coach that tosses batting practice sometimes.

OmahaBaseball · 12-13-2006, 08:44 PM

Always enjoy reading this one - it is a classic !!!

bp_ · 12-13-2006, 08:59 PM

It's a nice post but not my all time fav. That is reserved for Mr. Borkholder: http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ad.php?t=96457

silvam14 · 12-14-2006, 12:26 AM

Ahhh, nothing like a re-hashing of this story to start to get me into the baseball mood again!

ctorg · 12-14-2006, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bp_

It's a nice post but not my all time fav. That is reserved for Mr. Borkholder: http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ad.php?t=96457

Oh, man, what a roffice I just had from that! I'd never seen it before.

Twelvefield · 12-14-2006, 02:53 PM

The Rascoe Barahona Story... classic!

MattH3322 · 12-14-2006, 06:38 PM

Some how this story has passed me in the 4 years I have been around. I loved this story. I think the story would be good advertisement for the game. Just to show new people how into this game you can get.

RchW · 12-14-2006, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bp_

It's a nice post but not my all time fav. That is reserved for Mr. Borkholder: http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ad.php?t=96457

Another classic. Good fun

Curtis · 12-16-2006, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark Horse

In my mind, Rasco either retires in anonymity and becomes an assistant baseball coach for some high school in a small town. Of course, the players on the team don't know who he is. They just think he's the assistant coach that tosses batting practice sometimes.

And this puts me in mind of something that just came up two weeks ago.

My father received his quarterly alumni newsletter from his high school, and in it was a vintage notice from 1938 that their gym teacher was going to be absent for awhile because he was headed to Florida to the Cincinnati Reds' spring training camp in his annual effort to 'catch on'. The teacher's name? Jim Konstanty. You could look him up.

Curtis (not Borkholder — I couldn't afford the cab fare)

zonk84 · 12-18-2006, 02:34 PM

Was mine --- sadly, he just retired, and chances are --- by sticking with me, he cost himself a shot at the HOF.

Francisco came to the Cubs as little more than a throw-in deal -- when I took the team over, I basically had 2-3 marketable players, but was in rebuilding mode. I was looking to move my about-to-be-really expensive "ace" (who was really only an 'ace' because I had no one better). I went back and forth with the Rangers -- I was angling for their top minor league catcher, something called "Lucio Romero" -- who was then looking like a Ivan Rogriguez, with jaw-droppping defense and a good bat (albeit with a poor eye). I convinced the Rangers to toss this Esdel kid, another catcher, into the deal, too.

Francisco was an average to below average catcher -- he didn't have a great arm or range, but he got the job done. At the plate- he was exactly the type of player i like.... a high OBP slugger... a guy that hits HRs and draws walks.... but there was no doubt he was behind Romero in his new organization (not to mention the old one).

Without complaining, Esdel took up the task of learning 1B in AAA... and also tried his hand at 3B, LF, and RF, to boot.

He just kept on hitting -- reaching the big leagues before Romero and spending half a season as my starting backstop... putting up pretty good numbers, to boot.

We went into spring training the next year - and with Romero out of options, Esdel slid over to 1B - where he posted back-to-back 30 HR 100 RBI 100 BB seasons.

Romero, meanwhile, proved uncoachable. He was a hacker that wouldn't learn to lay off the breaking ball away, and despite his tools -- wasn't much better than mediocre at both throwing out runners or blocking pitches. No one was sorry when he shipped out of town and drifted into obscurity.

At the same time, a young burly slugger was ready to assume the full-time 1B job. Again -- without complaint -- Esdel moved again, this time back behind the plate... knowing full well this was temporary too (I had the #1 and #2 prospects, both catchers, playing in my system... one drafted, the other a foreign FA). Esdel cranked the offense up a notch, slugging 42 HRs - and making his first and only all-star team.... but both young catchers, Luis Avellar and Rafael Guerin were wasting away in AAA... putting up astronomical numbers.

Both Avellar and Guerin made the team out of spring training -- pushing Esdel, who was still relatively young at age 27 and had ratings of 10/18/18 (20 scale) in bat/power/eye -- to a reserve role on both the IF and OF corners and behind the plate. I expected contract negotations to be difficult -- Esdel deserved starters pay, and was good enough to start at either C or 1B on probably 4/5 of the rest of the league.

To my suprise, Esdel agreed to a 5 year deal, waaaayyy below market value (averaging less than 2 mil a year).

He filled in whereever asked, whenever asked -- usually posting 2-300 at-bats in a reserve role, hitting 15-25 HRs a year. He did what he could to help both the two new kids out behind the plate. He caught in the bullpen. I think he would have played the stadium organ, too -- if only I'd asked.

At age 32, he was still a feared slugger who knew how to reach 1B -- but hadn't had more than 300 at-bats in 3 years. He had 230 career HRs -- and a very slim shot at 500 (remember, playing time aside, the guy was a 40-45 HR threat if only he could get the at-bats) and the HOF, but he was a good guy to have in the clubhouse, off the bench, and in my depth chart.

I decided to see if I could milk another 3 years out of him... he wanted a bit more to stay (just over 3 mil a year this time) -- but stayed put. Content to be a role player on a good team and doing whatever was asked of him.

By this time -- even my bench was stacked, so despite still being an offensive force, Esdel was only getting 150-200 at-bats at season.

At age 35, it was once again contract time. Though his ratings were beginning to slip - he wanted to stay, and I wanted to see him retire a Cub. I gave him a 4 year deal this time, overpaying by quite a bit (there were no negotiations... I offered him 3.5 mil a year and he took it straight away).

He continued to do what Francisco Esdel had always done... filling in for a week behind the plate here and there... scrounging a start or 2 at 1B or in LF... manning 3B in a double-switch... delivering a key PH homer.

After year 2 of the deal -- before his age 38 season, his rating fell off a cliff - he tried to tough it out one more season, but he was done... and was nice enough to retire before his contract was up --- saving me almost 4 mil and an active roster spot.

Esdel wrapped his career with 298 career HRs -- just over 1000 career RBIs, and a career OBP of ~.360. Had he played somewhere with a spot for him in the lineup, I have no doubt he woulda been a first ballot HOFer.

As it is, we'll be retiring his number 22... and if he ever wants a job coaching, he need only pick up the phone!

12-13-2006, 08:44 PM	#7
OmahaBaseball Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Home of the College World Series! Posts: 3,956	Always enjoy reading this one - it is a classic !!! __________________ Life is Good!

12-13-2006, 08:59 PM	#8
bp_ Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: New York, NY Posts: 2,804	It's a nice post but not my all time fav. That is reserved for Mr. Borkholder: http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ad.php?t=96457 __________________ Commish: Over The Mound

12-14-2006, 12:26 AM	#9
silvam14 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Dedham, MA Posts: 10,131	Ahhh, nothing like a re-hashing of this story to start to get me into the baseball mood again! __________________ Senior "Nancy Boy" of the OOTP Boards _______________________________________________

12-14-2006, 06:38 PM	#12
MattH3322 All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Chicago area Posts: 752	Some how this story has passed me in the 4 years I have been around. I loved this story. I think the story would be good advertisement for the game. Just to show new people how into this game you can get. __________________ People say us Irish have a bad reputation for drinking and fighting. It makes me so mad that I want to get drunk and punch someone.

12-18-2006, 02:34 PM	#15
zonk84 Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 263	Francisco Esdel Was mine --- sadly, he just retired, and chances are --- by sticking with me, he cost himself a shot at the HOF. Francisco came to the Cubs as little more than a throw-in deal -- when I took the team over, I basically had 2-3 marketable players, but was in rebuilding mode. I was looking to move my about-to-be-really expensive "ace" (who was really only an 'ace' because I had no one better). I went back and forth with the Rangers -- I was angling for their top minor league catcher, something called "Lucio Romero" -- who was then looking like a Ivan Rogriguez, with jaw-droppping defense and a good bat (albeit with a poor eye). I convinced the Rangers to toss this Esdel kid, another catcher, into the deal, too. Francisco was an average to below average catcher -- he didn't have a great arm or range, but he got the job done. At the plate- he was exactly the type of player i like.... a high OBP slugger... a guy that hits HRs and draws walks.... but there was no doubt he was behind Romero in his new organization (not to mention the old one). Without complaining, Esdel took up the task of learning 1B in AAA... and also tried his hand at 3B, LF, and RF, to boot. He just kept on hitting -- reaching the big leagues before Romero and spending half a season as my starting backstop... putting up pretty good numbers, to boot. We went into spring training the next year - and with Romero out of options, Esdel slid over to 1B - where he posted back-to-back 30 HR 100 RBI 100 BB seasons. Romero, meanwhile, proved uncoachable. He was a hacker that wouldn't learn to lay off the breaking ball away, and despite his tools -- wasn't much better than mediocre at both throwing out runners or blocking pitches. No one was sorry when he shipped out of town and drifted into obscurity. At the same time, a young burly slugger was ready to assume the full-time 1B job. Again -- without complaint -- Esdel moved again, this time back behind the plate... knowing full well this was temporary too (I had the #1 and #2 prospects, both catchers, playing in my system... one drafted, the other a foreign FA). Esdel cranked the offense up a notch, slugging 42 HRs - and making his first and only all-star team.... but both young catchers, Luis Avellar and Rafael Guerin were wasting away in AAA... putting up astronomical numbers. Both Avellar and Guerin made the team out of spring training -- pushing Esdel, who was still relatively young at age 27 and had ratings of 10/18/18 (20 scale) in bat/power/eye -- to a reserve role on both the IF and OF corners and behind the plate. I expected contract negotations to be difficult -- Esdel deserved starters pay, and was good enough to start at either C or 1B on probably 4/5 of the rest of the league. To my suprise, Esdel agreed to a 5 year deal, waaaayyy below market value (averaging less than 2 mil a year). He filled in whereever asked, whenever asked -- usually posting 2-300 at-bats in a reserve role, hitting 15-25 HRs a year. He did what he could to help both the two new kids out behind the plate. He caught in the bullpen. I think he would have played the stadium organ, too -- if only I'd asked. At age 32, he was still a feared slugger who knew how to reach 1B -- but hadn't had more than 300 at-bats in 3 years. He had 230 career HRs -- and a very slim shot at 500 (remember, playing time aside, the guy was a 40-45 HR threat if only he could get the at-bats) and the HOF, but he was a good guy to have in the clubhouse, off the bench, and in my depth chart. I decided to see if I could milk another 3 years out of him... he wanted a bit more to stay (just over 3 mil a year this time) -- but stayed put. Content to be a role player on a good team and doing whatever was asked of him. By this time -- even my bench was stacked, so despite still being an offensive force, Esdel was only getting 150-200 at-bats at season. At age 35, it was once again contract time. Though his ratings were beginning to slip - he wanted to stay, and I wanted to see him retire a Cub. I gave him a 4 year deal this time, overpaying by quite a bit (there were no negotiations... I offered him 3.5 mil a year and he took it straight away). He continued to do what Francisco Esdel had always done... filling in for a week behind the plate here and there... scrounging a start or 2 at 1B or in LF... manning 3B in a double-switch... delivering a key PH homer. After year 2 of the deal -- before his age 38 season, his rating fell off a cliff - he tried to tough it out one more season, but he was done... and was nice enough to retire before his contract was up --- saving me almost 4 mil and an active roster spot. Esdel wrapped his career with 298 career HRs -- just over 1000 career RBIs, and a career OBP of ~.360. Had he played somewhere with a spot for him in the lineup, I have no doubt he woulda been a first ballot HOFer. As it is, we'll be retiring his number 22... and if he ever wants a job coaching, he need only pick up the phone!

12-13-2006, 10:22 AM	#1
ctorg Global Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 9,848	Rascoe Barahona I just want to give my annual end-of-the-year bump (well, it's not a bump, but it wouldn't work well if I bumped it because it's in a dead forum) to one of my favorite stories ever from OOTP, the story of Rascoe Barahona. If you've never read it, take a moment and do so. It's not that long. To me, it's what this game is all about. http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ad.php?t=18175 __________________ My music "When the trees blow back and forth, that's what makes the wind." - Steven Wright Fjord emena pancreas thorax fornicate marmalade morpheme proteolysis smaxa cabana offal srue vitriol grope hallelujah lentils

12-13-2006, 11:01 AM	#2
Raidergoo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 9,005	I've made Rascoe Barahona a respected baseball analyst in one of my online leagues, offering commentary and analysis from the perspective of a retired star. OOTP was made to breathe life into Rascoe Barahona.

12-13-2006, 11:07 AM	#3
Lucas718 Major Leagues Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 402	Always a great read. I can't believe it's been 4 years since that post was made.

12-13-2006, 12:04 PM	#4
1998 Yankees Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Yankee Stadium, back in 1998. Posts: 8,645	It's corny and over the top ("Rascoe and I, well, we laughed and cried ……") and at first one might be tempted to say "get a life," but then one realizes that he has also done similar things in his game and achieved similar satisfaction and enjoyment. I don't know if I would write a short story about it, but I have signed some of "my boys" to minor league contracts at the end of their careers so that they have jobs until they choose to retire, despite having red rating numbers. As posters said on that thread, it's a tribute to the game itself if it makes you care about your teams and players in this manner. It's also comforting to know that old threads don't die, they just fade away until somebody digs them up again.

12-13-2006, 01:10 PM	#5
Assos All Star Starter Join Date: May 2004 Location: Just on the fair side of the foul pole! Posts: 1,768	Always a classic.... I always thought he would be a great color guy for TV.

12-14-2006, 02:53 PM	#11
Twelvefield All Star Starter Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,188	The Rascoe Barahona Story... classic!