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Blum v Podsednik


Antonio Osuna

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Let's see if we can approach this objectively.

 

Arguments for Podsednik:

- won game, no pitching or fielding needed

- hitter did not hit one out during the entire regular season

- off extremely formidable closer (v obviously tired middle reliever for Blum)

- followed defensive miscue by same player

 

Arguments for Blum:

- While he has hit a few longballs in the past 365 days (5, precisely), he hit fewer HRs than Podsednik did in 2004. So you could argue that Podsednik's stats are misleading, as he had a greater latent HR power that he was merely choosing not to use. As such, you could argue that homering is more difficult for Blum than for Podsednik.

- Blum sat on the bench for weeks prior to this game (v Pods being a regular)

- it made it possible for Marte and Buehrle to end the longest game in World Series history

- 3-0 is obviously bigger than 2-0

 

As far as historical comparisons go, Podsednik's shot is sort of by itself. There was a guy for the Braves that homered in the World Series after a 12-year drought, but I don't believe it was in a walk-off or game-altering situation (correct me if I'm wrong). The Podsednik HR is probably most comparable to Gibson, but you can see how there are obviously major differences.

 

The Blum HR, on the other hand, has an excellent parallel in a very recent series. Alex S. Gonzalez in the 2003 series against Weaver. Same situation: extra-inning game, guy that has no business getting a hit in the World Series hitting a game-winner off a tired reliever. You could argue that smallpox boy for the Astros is better than 2003 Weaver was; but I submit that bench player Blum is a worse player than Sea Bass.

 

So: of the two HRs, which is bigger, objectively?

Edited by Antonio Osuna
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