Cleveland’s Kenny Lofton is the most exciting player in the American League, Tiger manager Sparky Anderson said Tuesday.
“Lofton can flat fly,” said Anderson, “and I love flyers.”
But all dimensions considered-average, power, defense-the best?
“Ken Griffey is the best player in America,” said Anderson, “only because he’s 24 years and he plays center, which is a tough position. Where first base is not as tough to play.”
Which gives him the edge over Frank Thomas-who, even before Tuesday’s homer, was impressive in his own way, Anderson said.
“That guy can flat kill you,” Anderson said. “He has a better eye than Griffey. He’ll walk more times, he’s more patient-he’s like Ted Williams. Where do you find a big guy like that who has that kind of patience?”
Looking ahead: More from Anderson, who wasn’t talking about Tiger Stadium but was: “Tradition’s for history. Put it in the books and leave it alone. It ain’t to live in.”
So that’s why: Some eyebrows rose over Gene Lamont sending Ron Karkovice in to run for Craig Grebeck in Monday night’s ninth inning.
Is Karkovice really faster that Grebeck?
“I don’t know,” Grebeck said. “We don’t go out and race every day. But obviously at that time it must have been him.”
Karkovice, who scored the game-winner, knew. “Why do you think he put me in?” said Karkovice, who then scowled playfully. ” `Catcher faster than an infielder’-that’s pitiful.”
Factor: Grebeck continues to wear a brace to protect the ankle that put him on the disabled list in May.
Speaking of the DL: Dan Pasqua, in Chicago rehabbing that right knee in the company pool, hopes to get back to baseball stuff after the break.
And speaking of Lamont: He and Cleveland’s Mike Hargrove will be Cito Gaston’s coaches at Tuesday’s All-Star game. Exactly what Lamont will coach hasn’t been decided, but third base-his job for the Pirates-is a fair guess. It doesn’t seem to matter. Lamont is tickled. “It’s the All-Star game,” said Lamont. “And the fact that it’s in Pittsburgh makes it better.”