A Public Service Announcement From UmpBump.com

Hi, kids. I’m Paul Moro from UmpBump.com.

Did you know that every year, millions of baseball fans put themselves in harm’s way around this time of the year? It’s true. Because now’s the time when we’re all discussing amongst friends, co-workers and families who should win the MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year Awards. And we end up sounding like jackasses because we have no idea what we’re talking about.

Take Jim Duquette for example. Now Jim was the general manager of the New York Mets in 2004 and will forever be remembered for his brilliant acquisition of Victor Zambrano at the trade deadline that year in a deal that sent top prospect Scott Kazmir to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays - despite the fact that the Mets were already out of contention by then. So we know that Jim reached the top of his profession by becoming GM. We just don’t know how the hell that happened.

Now Jim does commentary online for MLB.com. And about a month ago, he laid out his top-five National League rookies (you can see video here). And Jim sounded like a jackass. Why? Because he put Edinson Volquez at #1.

Jim, Edinson Volquez IS NOT A ROOKIE. Here’s what the rule book says:

Determining rookie status:
A player shall be considered a rookie unless, during a previous season or seasons, he has (a) exceeded 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the Major Leagues; or (b) accumulated more than 45 days on the active roster of a Major League club or clubs during the period of 25-player limit (excluding time in the military service and time on the disabled list).

Volquez had already thrown 80 innings in his Major League career from 2005-2007. Which means he’s not a rookie. And I know what you’re all thinking. You’re saying, “But Paul, shouldn’t former general managers know these things?” Yes. Yes, they should.

So before you open your mouth or type up some words on blogs regarding the NL Rookie of the Year this year, just remember, kids. Edinson Volquez is not a rookie. Don’t be a jackass. Don’t be like Jim.

UPDATE: It just got worse. UmpBump’s Sarah just sent this along. It appears that a player’s poll back in August asked “Which rookie has impressed you the most?” And who was on the list? You betcha. Tied for second with 16% of the votes, Edinson Volquez. Congratulations, MLB players.