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Remember when the Cleveland Indians had one of the best switch-hitting outfielders of all time in the minor leagues but they let him go because he requested it? No? Well, it happened with Robbie Grossman (would you prefer me to call you Mr. Grossman? Sorry, Mr. Grossman, of course Mr. Grossman).
The 26-year-old outfielder, who the Indians signed to a minor league deal prior to the season, played in 34 games for the Triple-A Columbus Clippers, bringing his golden arm and perfect swing to the blessed fans of Huntington Park night after night. The future Hall of Famer showed us signs of his greatness with a .256/.370/.453 slash line and six home runs.
"Guffaw," we all exclaimed, "Who cares about this, we can't even tell him and Shane Robinson apart. Besides, he's never done much of anything in his career, anyway." But we were wrong. And for that, we are sorry, Mr. Grossman.
We did not realize the precious jewel we had right in our midst, sitting there in Triple-A, wondering why he was not wearing a Cleveland Indians uniform and leading his favorite team to a 20-game winning streak. It was with a heavy heart that Mr. Grossman -- who was once probably compared to Michael Jordan -- was granted his release by the Tribe to seek other employment on May 16.
Since being freed from his minor league cage as any great eagle should aspire to do, Mr. Grossman has been spectacular for the otherwise lowly Minnesota Twins. So great, in fact, that he now technically is on a list with some scrub by the name of Mickey Mantle:
Best OPS by a switch-hitter (minimum 100 PA):
— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) June 15, 2016
1.177 Mantle 1957
1.169 Mantle 1956
1.135 Mantle 1961
1.100 ROBBIE GROSSMAN
1.091 Mantle 1962
Again, I say, we are sorry. Please come back.
Mr. Grossman has walked in 20.6 percent of his at-bats since joining the Twins, while slashing .333/.471/.630 for a wRC+ of 197 -- Mike Trout has never reached such a mark in his career, and Bryce Harper merely tied it last season. I could bring up his BABIP (it's .393), but I do not wish to slander Mr. Grossman in this time of deep regret and apology.
When Mr. Grossman looks back at his 17-year career at his Hall of Fame induction ceremony, I just know he is going to think about this post and realize he made the right decision by deciding to return to his one true home, the Cleveland Indians.