So what AGE is Aging...???

[Alex]

The StoveBoard people claim it's anyone over 29!

So I guess Manny is about a year or two away from being considered "Aging".

I think for everyday players it's anyone over 35...(catchers, I'd say 33-34)

and for pitchers it's anyone over 39...

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Alex

[Bye!]

Actually I think it's impossible to actually put an age to it. For instance you say catchers 33 - 34, but I would say it depends on their injuries and how they take care of themselves. For instance, Diaz has only been catching for about 6 years or so. Until then he was a 3rd baseman. He may be able to last a little longer than some others.

Another thing you have to consider is a player's build. Generally speaking, players that are considered thick and muscular (Thome) seem to have a shorter career than the more slender agile players (Bonds).

An interesting stat I came across some time ago said that no team has ever won a WS title with a SS over the age of 34. That's why I think trading Alomar (I know he's a 2nd baseman) was the right thing to do, and trading Omar should also be considered. So I'm thinking middle infielders start fading around 33 - 34 also.

But generally most players that keep themselves in good shape, eat right, and avoid serious injuries, hang around a little longer than the ones that don't. Guys like Clemens and Bonds are rigid with their training regimen, and they've avoided serious injuries throughout most of their career.

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[Ytown Tribe fan]

If you go strictly by shortstops, it's true that the oldest regular SS to help his team win a Ring was Larry Bowa (34) with the '80 Phillies.

However, if you look at all regulars, many teams have won Rings with older starters at several positions, including second base.

Look at the defending champs:

2B - Jay Bell (35)
CF - Steve Finley (36)
1B - Mark Grace (37)
3B - Matt Williams (35)

The D'backs left and right fielders were both 33 and the catcher and shortstop were both 31. Oddly, the only regular under 31 was the DH, Durazo. Of course, their two best pitchers were 34 and 37.

Brady Anderson is aging, Robbie Alomar is experienced.

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[Alex]

Youngstown, your post rips to shreds the idea that the Indians were aging.

The only other issue on the table was the clubouse character issue...of which I know nothing about...

although a year and a half ago I did freak out and post on Cleveland Live how I thought Robbie's antics about retaliation were not in the best interest of the club.

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Alex

[srg]

His post fails to point out that the WS Champs top two starters (Randy Johnson-Curt Schilling) are Hall Of Fame pitchers still in their prime, The Cleveland Indians top two starters absolutely pale in comparison. Colon and Sabathia are nowhere near the caliber of those, down the road maybe, meanwhile the everyday lineup continues to age. If and when those two turn out to be the caliber starters Schilling and the big Unit are, our core everyday starters will be collecting their pension.



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[srg]

As for when Age is aging that is relative. It depends on the player in question and his work ethic or lack thereof. Carlos Baerga for instance was finished at age 27 b/c of his lack of committment and priorities wich caused the eroding of his tools, ditto for a Player like Wil Cordero who once was a five tool SS but like Baerga his lifestyle was his downfall. Players today have the luxuries that there predecessors didn't have in modern fittnese equipment and strength coaches. Rocky Colavito was finished at age 31. Players in his day took civilian jobs in the winter time instead of training 24/7 like the modern day ballplayer does.

Another factor is injury, no matter how well trained and conditioned a player is once his body reaches its peak physically (25-28) it just does not bounce back or recover like it did once he hits 30. JuanGone having back problems in his twenties is not a good sign, this is why teams have backed off from signing him to anything other than 1-2 year deals.



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[Ytown Tribe fan]

I invite anyone here to compare Sabathia and Randy Johnson, at the same age.

There is not much comparison -- Randy didn't make the majors until he was 24.



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[srg]

The same can be said of Schilling but the point is neither Colon or Sabathia are currently putting up the kind of numbers that Schilling and Johnson are nor will they in the next year or two therefore the purging of the aging everyday players must continue.

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