Sports Radio Service


		The Zulewski report By Tom Zulewski November 15, 2010

	The Baseball Writers of America had no clue how far the San Francisco Giants were going in post season but most them had an idea who they wanted for National League Rookie of the Year voting took place before the playoffs started and Giant catcher Buster Posey won by 22 votes over Braves rookie and highly touted outfielder Jason Heyward 129-107. Posey most likely got the selection due to his ability to lead the Giants pitching staff into contention in the closing weeks of the season after it looked like the team wouldn't even get close to making post season. Heyward was the odds on favorite to win the award at the start of the season and looked like he would coast to winning. But Posey after taking over the reins of catcher for veteran Bengie Molina who was later dealt to Texas and would meet Posey in the World Series came in and handled the pitchers like a seasoned veteran. Posey caught on quick and scouts, managers, and coaches were amazed to see Posey handle pitchers like he worked with them all his career. He called the right selection of pitches, he worked with veterans such as Matt Cain, Barry Zito, Tim Lincecum, and Jonathan Sanchez. With their approval and everyone watching the results there was no doubt that Posey was on his way. Team General Manager Brian Sabean knew that Posey was destined for great things but had no idea that he would reach such a plateau when Posey was going through the minor league system. Sabean knew that Posey would be good, but a rookie that was a big piece of the puzzle to take the team to a World's Championship who would have thunk it. Posey with the selection becomes San Francisco's first rookie of the year winner since John "the Count" Montefusco did it in 1975. Dave Niehaus remembered by M's: The great call of "get out the rye bread, mustard and the mayo Grandma it's grand salami time" was one of many signature calls by Seattle broadcaster Dave Niehaus whose voice was silenced last week on Wednesday when the 72 year old broadcaster died of a heart attack on the back deck of his Seattle home during a sunny afternoon and was found by his wife Marilyn and was survived by his three children and six grandchildren. Niehaus was a staple in the Seattle Mariners organization and was credited for helping build the Mariner organization marketing and fan base since it's inception in 1977.Niehaus began his career calling Angels games in 1969. Former Mariners Spanish broadcaster Amaury Pi Gonzalez said that Niehaus had the flare, flash, dash, and presentation on the air and the class of not only of a great co-worker in sports broadcasting but off the air too, he was regarded like a family member, friend and great adviser to many who covered Mariners baseball. "It's tough to lose someone like Dave Niehaus and the loss will be great during the holidays that are coming up for his family and the Mariners family." said Pi Gonzalez. The Mariners on the 2011 home opener plan a big life celebration for Niehaus and plan to have his family present when the Mariners will show highlights of some Niehaus' great moments and great calls in those famous games and post game moments and who could forget his home run calls when Ken Griffey Jr. went yard at the Kingdome back in the day. Niehaus had health problems dating back to 1996 when he had to go through two angioplasties procedures and had to give up smoking and change his diet. In July 1999 when Safeco Field first opened up Niehaus was asked to throw out the first ball at the new park because he meant so much to the Mariners in terms of marketing and bringing fans to the park. "Dave was the consummate professional and he was such a huge fan of the game. He loved baseball. He never wanted to take a day off. He always wanted to be out there." said former M's outfielder Jay Buhner. "This is a terrible loss, he has been the link between the fans and the team since the club was founded." said Mariners President Chuck Armstrong. This is Tom Zulewski's final column for Sportstalk, Tom has been with us since 2002 we wish him nothing but the best. Tom does sports writing in Utah for newsprint and is a NASCAR analyst on Utah radio.