Leading off - Jan. 12

Two different routes to Cooperstown

Congratulations to Rickey Henderson and Jim Rice for their election to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

For Rickey, he got there quickly just like he got many a ballgame started for 10 teams over a 25-year career that included swiping an incredible 1,406 bags. I saw the Man of Steal play exactly once, in that last year for the Dodgers in 2003.

He also brought the pop for a little guy netting nearly 300 HR, mostly from the lead-off spot.

Set your DVRs, Tivo, VCRs… Whatever you do, don’t miss this man’s induction speech.

It was Rickey’s first year of eligibility.

Jim Rice was a bit before my time, and he makes his way to Cooperstown after a long wait with many close calls.

Rice’s 16-year career left the eight-time all-star and foundational member of all those great Red Sox clubs in the 1970s just two points shy of a .300 average to go with 382 HR and 1451 RBI.

This was his last shot to get in by way of the writers.

A funny Cardinals-related note on Rice. A self-identified trucker calling into MLB Home Plate on XM wondered out loud this evening if Rice’s election helps Albert Pujols’ chances… Uh… Hmm…

Different. Planets.

In case you missed it

Like life, cheating finds a way.

For the second straight season, an epidemic of ADHD diagnoses is infesting Major League clubhouses.

The entirely non-communicable disease is catching on as the illness du jour because such a finding by a “doctor” earns you the right to not observe the stimulant portion of the performance-enhancing drug ban.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder now afflicts 8% of Major League ball players. Estimates of the disease amongst children are in the 3% to 5% range.

Sure, it’s a kid’s game. But come on…

Ritalin and similar drugs used to treat ADHD are no doubt being used as replacements for “greenies,” the little green amphetamine pills that for years helped baseball players keep up their rock star lifestyles and still wake up to focus for the first pitch for all 162.

Rumor-mongering Monday

Unfortunately for increasingly impatient Redbirds’ fans, it’s another week without a lot of action. A few rumors of note:

• Too late for Takashi – former Dodgers’ closer Saito signs with Boston.
• Milwaukee hands it to Hoffman – Trevor gets $6 million plus incentives.
• They still like Mike – Cameron no longer looks Yankee-bound.
• But may part with Prince – Fielder could be had by Red Sox with the right package.
• Cubs persistent on Peavy – After Marquis is moved and Bradley is brought in, Hendry thinks Jake might jive.

And finally a pipe dream to put a bow on this piece…

Texas Rangers’ shortstop Michael Young refuses to play third base and is demanding a trade instead of being forced to the hot corner.

Would second be a better fit?

He did spend the majority of the first three years of his career there.

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