A Sad Day In The World Of Scrappy-ness: David Eckstein Retires

by Rockkstarr12 on Jan 22, 2012 2:06 PM EST

I, like many others, am a fan of scrappy infielders and in the game, there have been many names that come to mind upon hearing the word scrappy: Augie Ojeda, Craig Counsell, Ryan Roberts, Ozzie Smith, Troy Tulowitzki, just to name a few...but one I didn't mention sticks way out in my mind: David Eckstein. I discovered him with my fave AL team, the Angels, just as I discovered Joe Saunders with that same team. Eckstein really left an indelible impression on me not just for his scrappy-ness, but for his size and stature. Not every baseball player has to be 6-some-odd feet tall and built like a brick outhouse you know. These players range in all sizes...and what David Eckstein lacks in height, he makes up for in attitude, heart, and scrappy-ness.

I'm glad he was a Diamondback, even if it wasn't for as long as I'd hoped for, and I am happy to say I got to meet him and talk with him many times. He is an amazing guy and a true talent. He will be sorely missed by me and many other fans.

Farewell X Factor...Good Luck & God Speed!

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/01/22/david-eckstein-37-has-retired-from-baseball/

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Nooooooooooooooo!!!

Who now will carry the banner for all scrappy players everywhere?!?!

isitspringtrainingyet.com

by imstillhungry95 on Jan 22, 2012 3:26 PM EST reply actions

Ryan Roberts can carry on the tradition!

Welcome Back Bazooka Joe!!!

Geoff Blum: BEST hair in the Major Leagues!

by Rockkstarr12 on Jan 22, 2012 3:45 PM EST up reply actions

Troy Tulowitzki

is considered a scrappy infielder?

For some reason I always thought scrappy and talented were mutually exclusive.

by blue bulldog on Jan 22, 2012 3:51 PM EST reply actions

He's also 6' 3"

I didn’t think you got to play the “scrappy” card unless you were under six feet tall. And he only plays ONE middle infield position? For shame, Tulo, for shame…

Ian, Daniel, Josh, and two Trevors: It's not a Christian rock group.

by Zavada's Moustache on Jan 22, 2012 3:57 PM EST up reply actions

If you re-read my post...

I said that they range in a variation of sizes…not all scrappy players were short either…Craig Counsell was scrappy and he’s 6 feet tall

Welcome Back Bazooka Joe!!!

Geoff Blum: BEST hair in the Major Leagues!

by Rockkstarr12 on Jan 22, 2012 4:09 PM EST up reply actions

Not every baseball player has to be 6-some-odd feet tall and built like a brick outhouse you know

Implies that “scrappy” players are typically shorter than six feet. Tulowitzki is 6-2, 215 lbs. Not that it really matters, as Tulo is a very good player regardless of his scrappiness.

Ian, Daniel, Josh, and two Trevors: It's not a Christian rock group.

by Zavada's Moustache on Jan 22, 2012 6:04 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

Eh,

Both Fangraphs and BRef have him at 6-3, but the larger point stands.

Ian, Daniel, Josh, and two Trevors: It's not a Christian rock group.

by Zavada's Moustache on Jan 22, 2012 6:06 PM EST up reply actions

lol

nicely-done on the “ONE middle infield position”

i forgot about that as a requirement for scrappy infielders

i guess to be fair though, i’ve heard of Pedroia being referred to as a scrappy infielder. i think he’s the best player i’ve ever heard being referred as a scrappy player. i’ve honestly never heard of Tulo being referred to as one.

by blue bulldog on Jan 22, 2012 5:30 PM EST up reply actions