I'm sitting here knowing I need to get to bed. It's 9:08 mountain time. I wake up at 4 a.m. to go to KNUS radio. Need to be there at 5. Don't tell my bosses this but I usually amble in around 5:10.
So instead of washing up and getting to bed what am I doing? I'm analyzing Kiko Calero's delivery as I watch a replay of this afternoons Cardinals-Mets exhibition game. It's in the top of the 7th with St. Louis leading 7-2. I don't know the final so it's like watching the game live.
I need to get to bed but I'm mesmerized by a stupid spring training game between two teams I couldn't care less about. And I'll wonder why I'll be tired tomorrow. Ugh.
Oh well, maybe I'll just watch for another 5 minutes before going to bed.
By the way, I think I could hit Kiko Calero who just gave up a bomb to Matt Holliday. It's Holliday's second of the game, both to dead-centerfield. Good night kids and good night Kiko.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Coach Steen
I was thinking about my high school baseball coach yesterday. Coach Harry Steen was a good coach and a nice guy but there was one time I was really steamed at him.
During one particular practice, for about 20-minutes, he preached to us the importance of being patient at the plate. We were apparently swinging at too many bad pitches. I distinctly recall him telling the team that "You get three strikes. If a pitch comes in and you don't like it, let it go by unless you have two strikes."
He went on and on about being selective at the plate early in the count. Make the pitcher come to you and swing at a pitch you can handle. It was a good mental session on hitting. It made perfect sense then and it makes perfect sense now.
Next day we had a game. I vividly remember stepping into the batters box. First pitch came in. It was a pretty good delivery, low and outside, clipping the corner. The umpire said, "Steeerike." Ok, no big deal. I'm displaying my patience at the plate and waiting for a pitch to connect on and drive. Immediately after the called strike, I heard Coach Steen yelling from the third base coaches box, "Come on, what are you doing up there? Be aggressive! Swing the bat, come on!"
Wa, wa, wa, wait a second here coach. I felt like walking up the third base line and saying, "Hey, weren't you the guy who told us about being patient at the plate? Don't I still get two more strikes?"
Ok, I thought, fine. He can yell at me all he wants, I'll just get a hit and he'll pipe down.
I was thinking, "Be aggressive."
Next pitch comes in and it's in my eyes. I swing and foul it off.
From the third base coaches box, I hear it again.
"What the hell are you swinging at? Come on, wake up, see the ball. Let's go in there."
So, to recap, two pitches, two strikes and an angry coach up the third base line. I should mention that we wore hideously ugly all orange uniforms with black trim. We were the Tigers so I guess those had to be our colors. Coach Steen was not a slim man. As a matter of fact he was quite rotund. You can imagine how distracting it is trying to hit when some guy who looks like a giant pumpkin is barking at you from the coaches box. Plus, as a left handed hitter I could see him out of the corner of my eye. My concentration was shot.
Third pitch comes in. Right down the middle. Strike three, take a seat. I couldn't pull the trigger. I was thinking too much. Paralysis by analysis.
As I walked back to the bench after my three pitch strikeout, I glanced at Coach Steen. He was staring at me. I wanted to mean-mug him back but thought better of it.
But I was angry at striking out and I thought Coach Steen messed me up.
I liked Coach Steen. He worked hard, liked the kids and gave me a chance to play. I was saddened when my mom sent me his obituary several years ago. Still, I'm having a hard time letting go of that particular strikeout. I think I need to seek counseling. Nah.
During one particular practice, for about 20-minutes, he preached to us the importance of being patient at the plate. We were apparently swinging at too many bad pitches. I distinctly recall him telling the team that "You get three strikes. If a pitch comes in and you don't like it, let it go by unless you have two strikes."
He went on and on about being selective at the plate early in the count. Make the pitcher come to you and swing at a pitch you can handle. It was a good mental session on hitting. It made perfect sense then and it makes perfect sense now.
Next day we had a game. I vividly remember stepping into the batters box. First pitch came in. It was a pretty good delivery, low and outside, clipping the corner. The umpire said, "Steeerike." Ok, no big deal. I'm displaying my patience at the plate and waiting for a pitch to connect on and drive. Immediately after the called strike, I heard Coach Steen yelling from the third base coaches box, "Come on, what are you doing up there? Be aggressive! Swing the bat, come on!"
Wa, wa, wa, wait a second here coach. I felt like walking up the third base line and saying, "Hey, weren't you the guy who told us about being patient at the plate? Don't I still get two more strikes?"
Ok, I thought, fine. He can yell at me all he wants, I'll just get a hit and he'll pipe down.
I was thinking, "Be aggressive."
Next pitch comes in and it's in my eyes. I swing and foul it off.
From the third base coaches box, I hear it again.
"What the hell are you swinging at? Come on, wake up, see the ball. Let's go in there."
So, to recap, two pitches, two strikes and an angry coach up the third base line. I should mention that we wore hideously ugly all orange uniforms with black trim. We were the Tigers so I guess those had to be our colors. Coach Steen was not a slim man. As a matter of fact he was quite rotund. You can imagine how distracting it is trying to hit when some guy who looks like a giant pumpkin is barking at you from the coaches box. Plus, as a left handed hitter I could see him out of the corner of my eye. My concentration was shot.
Third pitch comes in. Right down the middle. Strike three, take a seat. I couldn't pull the trigger. I was thinking too much. Paralysis by analysis.
As I walked back to the bench after my three pitch strikeout, I glanced at Coach Steen. He was staring at me. I wanted to mean-mug him back but thought better of it.
But I was angry at striking out and I thought Coach Steen messed me up.
I liked Coach Steen. He worked hard, liked the kids and gave me a chance to play. I was saddened when my mom sent me his obituary several years ago. Still, I'm having a hard time letting go of that particular strikeout. I think I need to seek counseling. Nah.
A Bad Look
My favorite player in baseball, and has been for a while, is Derek Jeter. I like everything about his game except one thing...his damn pants.
I wish Jeter and every other player who wears his pants legs to his shoes would stop it. They need to pull up the pants legs and get away from the pajama look. Show your socks.
Troy Tulowitzki also wears the pants low. Since he admires Jeter, if Jeter changed his look for the better maybe Tulo would follow.
Anyway, the pants should come down to just below the knee and if I owned a Major League team that's the way it would be. But, alas, I don't own a Major League team. Although it appears I'm helping to run the Nationals. (Read earlier posts "The Nats Read My Blog!" and "More Nationals" to understand.)
I wish Jeter and every other player who wears his pants legs to his shoes would stop it. They need to pull up the pants legs and get away from the pajama look. Show your socks.
Troy Tulowitzki also wears the pants low. Since he admires Jeter, if Jeter changed his look for the better maybe Tulo would follow.
Anyway, the pants should come down to just below the knee and if I owned a Major League team that's the way it would be. But, alas, I don't own a Major League team. Although it appears I'm helping to run the Nationals. (Read earlier posts "The Nats Read My Blog!" and "More Nationals" to understand.)
FINALLY! BR's 2010 Baseball Predictions!
Well, today is as good a time as any to reveal my 2010 MLB Predictions. I'm sure the sports books in Vegas will be busy today as my faithful readers look to cash in. *Signifies wildcard winner.
Here we go kids...
AL EAST: NYY, TB, BOST, TOR, BALT.
AL CENTRAL: CHI, MINN*, DET, CLE, KC.
AL WEST: SEA, TEX, LAA, OAK.
ALCS: NYY OVER CHI
NL EAST: PHIL, FLA*, ATL, WASH, NYM.
NL CENTRAL: STL, CHI, CINN, MILW, HOU, PGH.
NL WEST: COL, SF, LA, ARIZ, SD.
NLCS: COL OVER STL
WORLD SERIES: NYY OVER COL IN 5
AL MVP: MARK TEXIERA
AL CY YOUNG: C.C. SABATHIA
AL ROOKIE: AUSTIN JACKSON
AL MANAGER: DON WAKAMATSU
NL MVP: HANLEY RAMIREZ
NL CY YOUNG: UBALDO JIMENEZ
NL ROOKIE: STEPHEN STRASBURG
NL MANAGER: FREDI GONZALEZ
Here we go kids...
AL EAST: NYY, TB, BOST, TOR, BALT.
AL CENTRAL: CHI, MINN*, DET, CLE, KC.
AL WEST: SEA, TEX, LAA, OAK.
ALCS: NYY OVER CHI
NL EAST: PHIL, FLA*, ATL, WASH, NYM.
NL CENTRAL: STL, CHI, CINN, MILW, HOU, PGH.
NL WEST: COL, SF, LA, ARIZ, SD.
NLCS: COL OVER STL
WORLD SERIES: NYY OVER COL IN 5
AL MVP: MARK TEXIERA
AL CY YOUNG: C.C. SABATHIA
AL ROOKIE: AUSTIN JACKSON
AL MANAGER: DON WAKAMATSU
NL MVP: HANLEY RAMIREZ
NL CY YOUNG: UBALDO JIMENEZ
NL ROOKIE: STEPHEN STRASBURG
NL MANAGER: FREDI GONZALEZ
Dragging
This is the worst week on the baseball calendar. The last week of spring training just drags on and on. And on.
I've had enough already. Bring on the real games.
Sunday night, Yanks at Boston, can't get here fast enough.
I've had enough already. Bring on the real games.
Sunday night, Yanks at Boston, can't get here fast enough.
More Nationals
Gotta hand it to the Nationals.
They obviously read this blog.
After I recommended they get rid of Elijah Dukes and Christian Guzman, they released Dukes that very morning.
They haven't released Guzman, since they don't want to give him the 8-million remaining on the last year of his contract for nothing. But he has been replaced at shortstop by youngster Ian Desmond. I don't know how Desmond will fare but he has to be better than Guzman. I don't think Guzman could crack the lineup in my Over-35 League.
Hey Nationals, thanks for reading and how about a monetary donation of some kind? You know, to keep the advice coming.
They obviously read this blog.
After I recommended they get rid of Elijah Dukes and Christian Guzman, they released Dukes that very morning.
They haven't released Guzman, since they don't want to give him the 8-million remaining on the last year of his contract for nothing. But he has been replaced at shortstop by youngster Ian Desmond. I don't know how Desmond will fare but he has to be better than Guzman. I don't think Guzman could crack the lineup in my Over-35 League.
Hey Nationals, thanks for reading and how about a monetary donation of some kind? You know, to keep the advice coming.
The President
President Obama is going to throw out the first pitch at the Nationals home opener on April 5th.
Democrats are hoping he doesn't bounce the ball to the plate like he did at the All Star game last July.
Republicans are hoping he fires in a strike in the belief that Washington might actually sign him since lefthanders are a scarce commodity and the Nationals are...well, the Nationals!
By the way, William Howard Taft was the first president to throw out the first pitch. The heaviest president at well over 300 pounds did the honors in 1910. Obama might be the lightest president at 87 pounds.
As far as the best first pitch ever by a president, that would have to be George W. Bush at Yankee Stadium before game three of the 2001 World Series. Just a month removed from 9-11, the president fired a strike from the pitching rubber. Say what you want about Bush, and this isn't a politcal blog, but he showed some major stones that memorable night. He sent a message that America won't be deterred and we won't have fear. Meanwhile, Osama bin Laden continues to hide out in a cave like the piece of crap coward that he and his minions are.
Democrats are hoping he doesn't bounce the ball to the plate like he did at the All Star game last July.
Republicans are hoping he fires in a strike in the belief that Washington might actually sign him since lefthanders are a scarce commodity and the Nationals are...well, the Nationals!
By the way, William Howard Taft was the first president to throw out the first pitch. The heaviest president at well over 300 pounds did the honors in 1910. Obama might be the lightest president at 87 pounds.
As far as the best first pitch ever by a president, that would have to be George W. Bush at Yankee Stadium before game three of the 2001 World Series. Just a month removed from 9-11, the president fired a strike from the pitching rubber. Say what you want about Bush, and this isn't a politcal blog, but he showed some major stones that memorable night. He sent a message that America won't be deterred and we won't have fear. Meanwhile, Osama bin Laden continues to hide out in a cave like the piece of crap coward that he and his minions are.
I'm Still Alive
Sorry I haven't updated Mysterious Walker since Friday and I apologize. How you made it through the weekend without new stuff on this blog is unfathomable.
Anyway, I had to call a bunch of hockey games in Fort Collins and Loveland. Something called the World Hockey Summit with teams from Quebec, Slovakia and two from Colorado.
I know what you are thinking. We don't care Bill. Update your damn blog. In the words of great baseball coach Ron Stilanovich, "Excuses are like poems, they're for sissies and no one wants to hear 'em."
Who is Ron Stilanovich? If you are not familiar with Ron, go to YouTube and type in "Hardball Made Easy." Watch the traiing videos. There are five of them and they are absolutely hilarious.
Anyway, I had to call a bunch of hockey games in Fort Collins and Loveland. Something called the World Hockey Summit with teams from Quebec, Slovakia and two from Colorado.
I know what you are thinking. We don't care Bill. Update your damn blog. In the words of great baseball coach Ron Stilanovich, "Excuses are like poems, they're for sissies and no one wants to hear 'em."
Who is Ron Stilanovich? If you are not familiar with Ron, go to YouTube and type in "Hardball Made Easy." Watch the traiing videos. There are five of them and they are absolutely hilarious.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Remember When? I Don't!
Henry Ford produced his first Model-T automobile in 1908. Also that year, Japanese immigration to the United States was banned and the Olympics were held in London. Oh yeah, the Cubs won the World Series in 1908. It was their last World Series win until 2010! Just kidding Cubs fans, your team isn't going to win the Series this year.
However, the Cubs certainly could make a run at the division title and, at the least, the wildcard.
Of all the teams in baseball the Cubs might have the most "Ifs." If Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, Alfonso Soriano, Carlos Zambrano and Ted Lilly stay healthy they might compete. Would you bet that none of those guys will spend time on the DL this season? I wouldn't.
Carlos Marmol is penciled in as the closer. Another if. He has the ability but does he have the mentality to close? I don't know.
Will catcher Geovanny Soto rebound after a lousy 2009 season?
So while the Cubs have a lot of question marks, I think they will be better than last season (83-78). Even though the only real move they made was trading one headache (Milton Bradley) for another (Carlos Silva) I think they will contend. But the World Series drought will continue.
By the way, I did a little research on the Cubs 1908 World Series victory over the Tigers. The winning share for each player? $1,318. Total attendance for the Series? 62,232. Game 5, the clincher for the Cubs was played before just 6,210 fans at Detroit. It remains the lowest attendance figure ever for a World Series game.
So, do you believe in the law of averages? Because the law of averages would say that the Cubs, especially back in the days of eight teams per league, would have won a World Series since 1908. It's almost hard not to win one in 101-years. Who knows when the Cubs will win the World Series again, if they ever do, but I hope to live long enough to see it. And I'm seven years old! Actually, add 40 to that number but you get the point.
However, the Cubs certainly could make a run at the division title and, at the least, the wildcard.
Of all the teams in baseball the Cubs might have the most "Ifs." If Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, Alfonso Soriano, Carlos Zambrano and Ted Lilly stay healthy they might compete. Would you bet that none of those guys will spend time on the DL this season? I wouldn't.
Carlos Marmol is penciled in as the closer. Another if. He has the ability but does he have the mentality to close? I don't know.
Will catcher Geovanny Soto rebound after a lousy 2009 season?
So while the Cubs have a lot of question marks, I think they will be better than last season (83-78). Even though the only real move they made was trading one headache (Milton Bradley) for another (Carlos Silva) I think they will contend. But the World Series drought will continue.
By the way, I did a little research on the Cubs 1908 World Series victory over the Tigers. The winning share for each player? $1,318. Total attendance for the Series? 62,232. Game 5, the clincher for the Cubs was played before just 6,210 fans at Detroit. It remains the lowest attendance figure ever for a World Series game.
So, do you believe in the law of averages? Because the law of averages would say that the Cubs, especially back in the days of eight teams per league, would have won a World Series since 1908. It's almost hard not to win one in 101-years. Who knows when the Cubs will win the World Series again, if they ever do, but I hope to live long enough to see it. And I'm seven years old! Actually, add 40 to that number but you get the point.
Move Over Steinbrenners
Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter says he wants to get into ownership when he is done playing baseball. He added that he plans on playing a long time.
Jeter is in the final year of his 10-year deal. He'll want some big scratch and get it too. However, as a negotiating tool, would the Steinbrenner family dangle part ownership of the Yanks? How about 5-percent stake in the team?
If you think that is far fetched, Mario Lemieux owned the Penguins when he came out of retirement to play for them.
While it is nice to think of Jeter owning the Yankees one day, I don't know if the Steinbrenners would ever sell. Plus, how much would the Yankees go for...2-billion?
How about this to make Yankees fans chuck. Jeter one day ends up owning the Red Sox or Mets. Think Yanks fans could digest that?
Jeter is in the final year of his 10-year deal. He'll want some big scratch and get it too. However, as a negotiating tool, would the Steinbrenner family dangle part ownership of the Yanks? How about 5-percent stake in the team?
If you think that is far fetched, Mario Lemieux owned the Penguins when he came out of retirement to play for them.
While it is nice to think of Jeter owning the Yankees one day, I don't know if the Steinbrenners would ever sell. Plus, how much would the Yankees go for...2-billion?
How about this to make Yankees fans chuck. Jeter one day ends up owning the Red Sox or Mets. Think Yanks fans could digest that?
Thursday, March 25, 2010
An Early Prediction
I haven't made my full, 2010 predictions yet. Don't worry, they're coming and then you can take that trip to Vegas to make some prop wagers. Just kidding...don't do it!
Anyway, on an earlier post, I mentioned that I am picking the Seattle Mariners to win the AL West.
Today, I am going to make my NL West pick and to me it's a no-brainer. Now, you may fall out of your chair when you read this but hang on sloopy. Here we go...my pick to win the NL West is (drum roll) the Colorado Rockies! Now, that may not have made you fall out of your chair. But this might. The Rockies will not only win the West but they will dominate and win it going away. The Rockies are going to win in excess of 95 games. 100 victories is not out of the question with this team. They will win the West by 10-games or more. What happens in the playoffs, who knows. But they will run roughshod over the West. I'm not impressed with any of the contenders. Not in the least. If you are a Dodgers, Giants, Diamondbacks or Padres fan you should hope for the wildcard. Because you have no chance to win the West. None.
The Giants can pitch but still scare no one offensively. The Dodgers are dysfunctional, from the McCourt's messy divorce to the that schmuck with dreadlocks in left field. Manny is on the decline and it will be exacerbated without his little helpers. The Padres and Diamondbacks just flat out stink.
The Rockies have the best starting pitching, the best bullpen, the best everyday lineup and the best bench in the division. They have the second best manager in the dugout. I'll give the best manager nod to Joe Torre.
The race will be over in early June and Jim Tracy can start working on his playoff rotation. The Rocks in a cakewalk. Trust me on this one.
Anyway, on an earlier post, I mentioned that I am picking the Seattle Mariners to win the AL West.
Today, I am going to make my NL West pick and to me it's a no-brainer. Now, you may fall out of your chair when you read this but hang on sloopy. Here we go...my pick to win the NL West is (drum roll) the Colorado Rockies! Now, that may not have made you fall out of your chair. But this might. The Rockies will not only win the West but they will dominate and win it going away. The Rockies are going to win in excess of 95 games. 100 victories is not out of the question with this team. They will win the West by 10-games or more. What happens in the playoffs, who knows. But they will run roughshod over the West. I'm not impressed with any of the contenders. Not in the least. If you are a Dodgers, Giants, Diamondbacks or Padres fan you should hope for the wildcard. Because you have no chance to win the West. None.
The Giants can pitch but still scare no one offensively. The Dodgers are dysfunctional, from the McCourt's messy divorce to the that schmuck with dreadlocks in left field. Manny is on the decline and it will be exacerbated without his little helpers. The Padres and Diamondbacks just flat out stink.
The Rockies have the best starting pitching, the best bullpen, the best everyday lineup and the best bench in the division. They have the second best manager in the dugout. I'll give the best manager nod to Joe Torre.
The race will be over in early June and Jim Tracy can start working on his playoff rotation. The Rocks in a cakewalk. Trust me on this one.
Scott Kazmir
Every time I think of Angels pitcher Scott Kazmir I think of Led Zeppelin.
You know, Kashmir.
Am I the only one?
You know, Kashmir.
Am I the only one?
How Do They Do That?
I've always wondered, how do groundskeepers mow designs into the grass? Some designs are quite elaborate. The field designs in Pittsburgh are rather impressive. Maybe by having fans focus on the pretty field designs it will take their thoughts away from the slop served up by the team.
Still, I prefer the simple checkerboard pattern. Looks fresh and clean.
By the way, Thomas Harding, who does a great job covering the Rockies for MLB.com always says, "Feeling fresh, feeling clean", when you ask him how he's doing. I digress.
Anyway, if anyone knows how groundskeepers mow designs into the grass, please let me know.
Still, I prefer the simple checkerboard pattern. Looks fresh and clean.
By the way, Thomas Harding, who does a great job covering the Rockies for MLB.com always says, "Feeling fresh, feeling clean", when you ask him how he's doing. I digress.
Anyway, if anyone knows how groundskeepers mow designs into the grass, please let me know.
Bad Guy? Well, Yes.
Mariners outfielder and clubhouse cancer Milton Bradley is lamenting that he is known as baseball's "bad guy."
Well, when you are a hot head that is constantly sticking his foot in his mouth and spouting off about this and that, along with fighting with teammates, then yeah, you'll get the rep as a bad guy.
This is a guy who blamed the city of Chicago for his bad season with the Cubs last year. Milton apparently hasn't learned much about personal accountability.
Here's a good Milton Bradley story.
In 1997, I was announcing baseball for the Hudson Valley Renegades in the New York-Penn League, Class A baseball. We were in Vermont for a two game series against the Vermont Expos of which Milton Bradley was a member.
The first night, Bradley got into an altercation and did some chirping at the Renegades dugout. He wasn't shy about holding his emotions back then either.
The next night, I sat in for a couple of innings on the Expos broadcast with their fine announcer George Commo. During that broadcast, I referred to Bradley's dust up with the Renegades the night before and added, "Bradley isn't well liked by the Renegades." During the next commercial break, George told me, "Bradley isn't well liked by his own team either."
The Mariners made some good moves this off-season. Getting Milton Bradley isn't one of them. Sit back, relax and get ready for Milty to explode sometime this season. Why? Cause he's a bad guy.
Well, when you are a hot head that is constantly sticking his foot in his mouth and spouting off about this and that, along with fighting with teammates, then yeah, you'll get the rep as a bad guy.
This is a guy who blamed the city of Chicago for his bad season with the Cubs last year. Milton apparently hasn't learned much about personal accountability.
Here's a good Milton Bradley story.
In 1997, I was announcing baseball for the Hudson Valley Renegades in the New York-Penn League, Class A baseball. We were in Vermont for a two game series against the Vermont Expos of which Milton Bradley was a member.
The first night, Bradley got into an altercation and did some chirping at the Renegades dugout. He wasn't shy about holding his emotions back then either.
The next night, I sat in for a couple of innings on the Expos broadcast with their fine announcer George Commo. During that broadcast, I referred to Bradley's dust up with the Renegades the night before and added, "Bradley isn't well liked by the Renegades." During the next commercial break, George told me, "Bradley isn't well liked by his own team either."
The Mariners made some good moves this off-season. Getting Milton Bradley isn't one of them. Sit back, relax and get ready for Milty to explode sometime this season. Why? Cause he's a bad guy.
Another Doc Screwup
He would have been a Hall of Famer had drugs and alcohol not gotten in the way. Dwight Gooden made a bunch of mistakes as a young man and pitcher with the Mets before going to the Yankees, Astros and Devil Rays. Now a man of 45 he’s still making those same mistakes.
Gooden was arrested yesterday in New Jersey on charges of driving while under the influence of drugs and leaving the scene of a crash. To make matters worse, he was driving his 5-year old son to school. Nice example pop!
Such a shame that he has never learned from his mistakes. He says the right things but ends up doing something stupid again. Several trips to rehab have not worked. It seems that it’s only a matter of time until we read of Gooden dying. Some people will wonder why he didn’t get help or why somebody didn’t help him. Unfortunately, some people can’t be reached. I just hope Gooden doesn’t kill someone in the meantime. Sad story? More pathetic than sad.
Gooden was arrested yesterday in New Jersey on charges of driving while under the influence of drugs and leaving the scene of a crash. To make matters worse, he was driving his 5-year old son to school. Nice example pop!
Such a shame that he has never learned from his mistakes. He says the right things but ends up doing something stupid again. Several trips to rehab have not worked. It seems that it’s only a matter of time until we read of Gooden dying. Some people will wonder why he didn’t get help or why somebody didn’t help him. Unfortunately, some people can’t be reached. I just hope Gooden doesn’t kill someone in the meantime. Sad story? More pathetic than sad.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
A Strange But True Story
Years ago, around 1988, I was working in Leonia, New Jersey for the USA Today Sports Hotline. My boss, a guy named Frank Dena, was a big time baseball fan and growing up he was a huge fan of the NY Baseball Giants. He still is a fan of the Giants.
One of the players he liked as a kid was Willard Marshall, an outfielder who was a very good fielder and a decent hitter. I remember looking up his stats in The Baseball Encyclopedia and I also found some pictures of him in the library.
One day shortly after, I was sent on an errand to Fort Lee, New Jersey on a warm, sunny spring day. What the errand was for I don't recall. Anyway, as I was walking on the sidewalk an older man walked passed me.
I stopped, turned around and called out, "Excuse me sir." The man turned and looked at me.
"Are you Willard Marshall?" I asked.
"Yes," was the cautious reply.
"Did you play for the Giants?"
"How do you know that?"
I told him how I knew of him even though he played before my time. We chatted for several minutes. It was a very pleasant, yet strange, meeting. How I recognized a guy from a picture taken 35 or 40 years earlier I'll never know.
When I told Frank that I had just met Willard Marshall he didn't believe me.
Last I heard, Frank runs a golf course in Culpeper, Virginia. Willard Marshall, born in Richmond, Virginia in 1921, died in 2000 in Norwood, New Jersey.
Marshall hit .274 over his Major League career with 130 homers and 604 RBI's. In addition to the Giants, he played for the Braves, Reds and White Sox. Ten minutes of his 79 years, were spent with me during a surreal meeting in a town right next to the George Washington Bridge.
One of the players he liked as a kid was Willard Marshall, an outfielder who was a very good fielder and a decent hitter. I remember looking up his stats in The Baseball Encyclopedia and I also found some pictures of him in the library.
One day shortly after, I was sent on an errand to Fort Lee, New Jersey on a warm, sunny spring day. What the errand was for I don't recall. Anyway, as I was walking on the sidewalk an older man walked passed me.
I stopped, turned around and called out, "Excuse me sir." The man turned and looked at me.
"Are you Willard Marshall?" I asked.
"Yes," was the cautious reply.
"Did you play for the Giants?"
"How do you know that?"
I told him how I knew of him even though he played before my time. We chatted for several minutes. It was a very pleasant, yet strange, meeting. How I recognized a guy from a picture taken 35 or 40 years earlier I'll never know.
When I told Frank that I had just met Willard Marshall he didn't believe me.
Last I heard, Frank runs a golf course in Culpeper, Virginia. Willard Marshall, born in Richmond, Virginia in 1921, died in 2000 in Norwood, New Jersey.
Marshall hit .274 over his Major League career with 130 homers and 604 RBI's. In addition to the Giants, he played for the Braves, Reds and White Sox. Ten minutes of his 79 years, were spent with me during a surreal meeting in a town right next to the George Washington Bridge.
They Gasp in St. Loo
Albert Pujols is being treated for a sore back. He had an MRI yesterday and a shot to make him feel better. Right now the Cardinals are not making a big deal of it.
But when I think of first basemen who had back issues that hurt their careers I think of Don Mattingly and Todd Helton. Both lost much of their power due to lower back trouble. I'm not a Cardinals fan but if I was I'd be pretty concerned. I'm sure Mattingly and Helton thought "no big deal" too when their backs started giving them trouble.
But when I think of first basemen who had back issues that hurt their careers I think of Don Mattingly and Todd Helton. Both lost much of their power due to lower back trouble. I'm not a Cardinals fan but if I was I'd be pretty concerned. I'm sure Mattingly and Helton thought "no big deal" too when their backs started giving them trouble.
Knudson Responds
After reminding Mark Knudson about the home run he gave up to Cecil Fielder to ruin his shutout bid one night in Detroit nearly 20 years ago, the big righthander sent the following response.....
"That the ball Cecil hit still has not come down. Fat bastard. Wasn't a bad pitch as I remember. I hate Detroit."
At least he's not bitter about it.
"That the ball Cecil hit still has not come down. Fat bastard. Wasn't a bad pitch as I remember. I hate Detroit."
At least he's not bitter about it.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Busting Knudson's Chops
One of my favorite activities is wasting Mark Knudson's time with ridiculous e-mails. We usually go back and forth regarding college football, he a Nebraska fan and me, a diehard Notre Dame fan.
Anyway, figured it was time to send Knudson, a former Astro, Brewer and Rockie another e-mail. Here it is. I'll post his response...and he always responds.
Monday night, April 30, 1990, Tiger Stadium.....Milwaukee up 6-0, just one out away from a shutout...Cecil Fielder at the dish...BOOM. Goodbye shutout. Chuck Crim finishes up for the Tom Treblehorn led Brewers. Goodbye complete game. Record runs to 2-0. Back at the hotel you relive the pitch to Fielder over and over, no? What do you remember about this game?
Anyway, figured it was time to send Knudson, a former Astro, Brewer and Rockie another e-mail. Here it is. I'll post his response...and he always responds.
Monday night, April 30, 1990, Tiger Stadium.....Milwaukee up 6-0, just one out away from a shutout...Cecil Fielder at the dish...BOOM. Goodbye shutout. Chuck Crim finishes up for the Tom Treblehorn led Brewers. Goodbye complete game. Record runs to 2-0. Back at the hotel you relive the pitch to Fielder over and over, no? What do you remember about this game?
Interesting Tidbit
Hall of Fame pitcher Warren Spahn, who ended up with 363 lifetime wins, gave up Willie Mays first career homer. Willie then hit another 659 in his career.
Spahn also served up the first home run to Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax. Sandy went on to hit...one more.
Spahn also served up the first home run to Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax. Sandy went on to hit...one more.
Not An Average Joe
The Twins locked up catcher Joe Mauer for a while. He signed an 8-year extension worth 184-million Killebrews. The Twins signing a guy for 184-million? It works out to 23-million per season. Calvin Griffith and Carl Pohlad must be spinning in their graves.
That's a lot of money for a guy who plays such a demanding position. But I never begrudge a player from making as much as he can. If they are willing to pay it, then the player is worth it.
I'm just not a fan of guys who make that kind of money and then complain all the time anyway. I don't think that will be the case with Mauer.
When a player signs a huge contract, I'm reminded of Jim Bouton's line. Bouton said, "For a hundred years the owners screwed the players. For 25 years the players have screwed the owners - they've got 75 years to go."
Anyway, good for Mauer and good for Twins fans despite the almost guaranteed increase in ticket prices and concessions. That 23-mil has to come from somewhere.
Also, somewhere Latrell Sprewell is saying, "I'm glad for Mauer. He's got a family to feed."
That's a lot of money for a guy who plays such a demanding position. But I never begrudge a player from making as much as he can. If they are willing to pay it, then the player is worth it.
I'm just not a fan of guys who make that kind of money and then complain all the time anyway. I don't think that will be the case with Mauer.
When a player signs a huge contract, I'm reminded of Jim Bouton's line. Bouton said, "For a hundred years the owners screwed the players. For 25 years the players have screwed the owners - they've got 75 years to go."
Anyway, good for Mauer and good for Twins fans despite the almost guaranteed increase in ticket prices and concessions. That 23-mil has to come from somewhere.
Also, somewhere Latrell Sprewell is saying, "I'm glad for Mauer. He's got a family to feed."
Friday, March 19, 2010
Joe Magrane
Former Cardinals pitcher Joe Magrane is fast becoming my favorite analyst on the MLB Network.
He presents himself well, gets his points across clearly and has a good sense of humor.
I went back and checked his stats. Had he not gotten a serious elbow injury he would have likely been one of the best pitchers of the 90's. In 1989, at the age of 24 he won 18 games but never came close to that total again.
By the way, does Magrane remind you of former Major League pitcher Denny Neagle? Lookswise I'm talking about. Not Denny's fling with a mannish prostitute, his drunk driving charge or his appearance on the Mitchell report.
He presents himself well, gets his points across clearly and has a good sense of humor.
I went back and checked his stats. Had he not gotten a serious elbow injury he would have likely been one of the best pitchers of the 90's. In 1989, at the age of 24 he won 18 games but never came close to that total again.
By the way, does Magrane remind you of former Major League pitcher Denny Neagle? Lookswise I'm talking about. Not Denny's fling with a mannish prostitute, his drunk driving charge or his appearance on the Mitchell report.
NO, NO and NO!
I've been asked twice already this year to join a fantasy baseball league. The answer is NO!
I get enough enjoyment out of the game already. I don't need to join a fantasy league. I don't want to be watching a game saying, "I want the Yanks to win but Crawford is on my fantasy team so I hope he has a couple of hits and stolen bases." That's too complicated for me. Plus, playing fantasy sports just doesn't interest me in the least. Add to the fact that fantasy sports dorks irritate me and I don't want to be one of them. Nothing is more boring then some guy talking about his fantasy baseball/football/basketball/hockey or soccer team. Yes, soccer. Some idiots at KNUS actually play fantasy soccer.
So you all can play your fantasy sports and go on without me. Fortunately for you fantasy dorks, my fantasies don't involve sports. And if they did and I joined your league I would win it handily. So be thankful I have a life. Now, to borrow the words of Allen Iverson's mom, "Git out my face wit dat crazy stuff."
I get enough enjoyment out of the game already. I don't need to join a fantasy league. I don't want to be watching a game saying, "I want the Yanks to win but Crawford is on my fantasy team so I hope he has a couple of hits and stolen bases." That's too complicated for me. Plus, playing fantasy sports just doesn't interest me in the least. Add to the fact that fantasy sports dorks irritate me and I don't want to be one of them. Nothing is more boring then some guy talking about his fantasy baseball/football/basketball/hockey or soccer team. Yes, soccer. Some idiots at KNUS actually play fantasy soccer.
So you all can play your fantasy sports and go on without me. Fortunately for you fantasy dorks, my fantasies don't involve sports. And if they did and I joined your league I would win it handily. So be thankful I have a life. Now, to borrow the words of Allen Iverson's mom, "Git out my face wit dat crazy stuff."
Tennis Anyone?
Athletics closer Andrew Bailey, who likely won't repeat as American League Rookie of the Year in 2010, will be out of action for a week or so with tennis elbow. My suggestion to AB would be to stop playing tennis (rimshot!).
Bailey expects to be ready for Opening Day. Of course pitchers who have arm problems during the spring always say they'll be ready by Opening Day.
"Yeah, the chain saw severed all the tendons in my elbow and wrist but I should be good to go on Opening Day."
Bailey expects to be ready for Opening Day. Of course pitchers who have arm problems during the spring always say they'll be ready by Opening Day.
"Yeah, the chain saw severed all the tendons in my elbow and wrist but I should be good to go on Opening Day."
Note To MLB Network
It's official. I'm sick and tired of the "Major League Baseball 2K10" video game commercial featuring Evan Longoria and Justin Verlander.
Is that the only commercial they have? Let's mix it up MLB Network.
Is that the only commercial they have? Let's mix it up MLB Network.
Vin, Connie or ?
I've always been fascinated by the question of which human has seen the most Major League games in person?
Immediately coming to mind is Vin Scully who has been announcing Dodgers games since 1950.
Connie Mack has to be considered. He played 11 seasons in the Majors (when they only played around 125 games per season) and managed another 53 years.
Jerry Coleman who played for seven seasons with the Yankees and parts of two more, has been a broadcaster since 1960. He still announces Padres games but only about 30 a season now. While Coleman is up there, I'm guessing he falls short of both Scully and Mack in terms of MLB games witnessed.
By the way, Coleman is 85 years old. Scully is a relative pup at 82. May they both broadcast baseball for many more years.
Does anyone else wonder about who has seen the most Major League games in person?
Immediately coming to mind is Vin Scully who has been announcing Dodgers games since 1950.
Connie Mack has to be considered. He played 11 seasons in the Majors (when they only played around 125 games per season) and managed another 53 years.
Jerry Coleman who played for seven seasons with the Yankees and parts of two more, has been a broadcaster since 1960. He still announces Padres games but only about 30 a season now. While Coleman is up there, I'm guessing he falls short of both Scully and Mack in terms of MLB games witnessed.
By the way, Coleman is 85 years old. Scully is a relative pup at 82. May they both broadcast baseball for many more years.
Does anyone else wonder about who has seen the most Major League games in person?
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Still Employed?
How is Ron Washington still the manager of the Texas Rangers?
It has come out that he failed a drug test last season after using cocaine. Washington admits he used it once and seems very remorseful from the video clip of him that I viewed.
Still, when you can't control your drug use, how are you supposed to control a Major League clubhouse.
Rangers President Nolan Ryan is more forgiving than I would be in the same situation.
Cocaine just doesn't show up at your house does it? Doesn't one have to conciously go out and find it? It's not like you are on a diet and fall to temptation over the bag of chips on the counter. This drug is illegal and people who have used it have fallen into downward spirals. Some have died from cocaine. So why would Washington use it?
I'm all for helping a guy who has a problem. I'm not about to throw someone into the path of a moving train. By all accounts Washington is a good guy. However, that doesn't mean I want him managing my baseball team. A trust has been broken. I don't know if he'll have the respect of his team and there is always the wonder of when something like this will happen again.
I'm surprised the Rangers are keeping him on as their manager. If it were me, I would politely show him the door.
It has come out that he failed a drug test last season after using cocaine. Washington admits he used it once and seems very remorseful from the video clip of him that I viewed.
Still, when you can't control your drug use, how are you supposed to control a Major League clubhouse.
Rangers President Nolan Ryan is more forgiving than I would be in the same situation.
Cocaine just doesn't show up at your house does it? Doesn't one have to conciously go out and find it? It's not like you are on a diet and fall to temptation over the bag of chips on the counter. This drug is illegal and people who have used it have fallen into downward spirals. Some have died from cocaine. So why would Washington use it?
I'm all for helping a guy who has a problem. I'm not about to throw someone into the path of a moving train. By all accounts Washington is a good guy. However, that doesn't mean I want him managing my baseball team. A trust has been broken. I don't know if he'll have the respect of his team and there is always the wonder of when something like this will happen again.
I'm surprised the Rangers are keeping him on as their manager. If it were me, I would politely show him the door.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
The Nats Read My Blog!
Earlier this morning, at 5:27 a.m., I wrote that the Nationals should release troublemaking outfielder Elijah Dukes.
Well, I read on ESPN.com (posted at 11:41 a.m.)that the Nationals have just released Elijah Dukes. I think it's wise for Washington to not only read this blog but also to act upon my recommendations.
If I were Christian Guzman I would be somewhat uncomfortable since I also suggested that the Natsters release him too.
I think the Nationals should put me on the payroll.
Well, I read on ESPN.com (posted at 11:41 a.m.)that the Nationals have just released Elijah Dukes. I think it's wise for Washington to not only read this blog but also to act upon my recommendations.
If I were Christian Guzman I would be somewhat uncomfortable since I also suggested that the Natsters release him too.
I think the Nationals should put me on the payroll.
St. Patrick's Day
Today is the day that many teams wear green during spring training games. Some teams will only go with the green caps while other teams will don green jerseys too. Do I like it? I don't know. This is one of the few things in baseball that I have no opinion on.
Anyway, here is my All-Irish Baseball Team, just off the top of my head.
C- Todd Hundley
1B: Sean Casey
2B: Eddie Collins
3B: Pete Rose
SS: Derek Jeter (His mom is Irish)
RF: Paul O'Neill
CF: Dale Murphy
LF: Johnny Damon
DH: Adam Dunn
Pitchers: Nolan Ryan
Whitey Ford
Jack McDowell
Dave McNally
Brendan Donnelly
Marian O'Rivera (Ok, a stretch but he's still on the team!)
Bench:
Brian Doyle
Denny Doyle
Cory Sullivan
Tim McCarver (Better on the team as a player than a broadcaster. Actually, I like McCarver as a broadcaster but I need a backup catcher)
Buck O'Neil (Maybe?)
Ed Walsh
King Kelly (Walsh and Kelly...a couple of oldtimers for ya!)
Manager: Connie Mack (Cornelious McGillicuddy)
3B Coach: John McGraw
1B Coach: Danny Murtaugh
GM: Me
Broadcasters: Vin Scully, Jack Corrigan
Owner: Art Rooney (Yes, I know he owned the Steelers...but would you rather have Walter O'Malley? Ask the people of Brooklyn that one.)
There you have it my all Irish baseball team. Yes, I left a bunch out but I'm not in the mood to research it.
As for my all Jewish Baseball Team...
I'll go with Sandy Koufax and Hank Greenberg and that's about it. Relax, relax. I kid my Jewish friends, I kid.
Anyway, here is my All-Irish Baseball Team, just off the top of my head.
C- Todd Hundley
1B: Sean Casey
2B: Eddie Collins
3B: Pete Rose
SS: Derek Jeter (His mom is Irish)
RF: Paul O'Neill
CF: Dale Murphy
LF: Johnny Damon
DH: Adam Dunn
Pitchers: Nolan Ryan
Whitey Ford
Jack McDowell
Dave McNally
Brendan Donnelly
Marian O'Rivera (Ok, a stretch but he's still on the team!)
Bench:
Brian Doyle
Denny Doyle
Cory Sullivan
Tim McCarver (Better on the team as a player than a broadcaster. Actually, I like McCarver as a broadcaster but I need a backup catcher)
Buck O'Neil (Maybe?)
Ed Walsh
King Kelly (Walsh and Kelly...a couple of oldtimers for ya!)
Manager: Connie Mack (Cornelious McGillicuddy)
3B Coach: John McGraw
1B Coach: Danny Murtaugh
GM: Me
Broadcasters: Vin Scully, Jack Corrigan
Owner: Art Rooney (Yes, I know he owned the Steelers...but would you rather have Walter O'Malley? Ask the people of Brooklyn that one.)
There you have it my all Irish baseball team. Yes, I left a bunch out but I'm not in the mood to research it.
As for my all Jewish Baseball Team...
I'll go with Sandy Koufax and Hank Greenberg and that's about it. Relax, relax. I kid my Jewish friends, I kid.
Scary Stuff
Red Sox minor league prospect Ryan Westmoreland underwent five hours of brain surgery yesterday to remove a "cavernous malformation" from his brain stem. Doctors deemed the operation a success but Westmoreland has a long recovery period ahead.
Just surviving and leading a healthy and normal life is the main thing. Returning to baseball would just be icing on the cake.
Westmoreland is just 19 years old and discovered this condition after experiencing headaches. Former Astros Manager Larry Dierker had the same thing in 1999. After a seizure, he underwent an operation and four weeks later was managing again.
The Red Sox sought out one of the leading doctors in the field, Dr. Robert Spetzler, to perform the operation.
Right now, Jonathan Papelbon is the all-time saves leader for the Red Sox. If everything turns out for the best with Westmoreland, Dr. Spetzler will own the greatest save in Red Sox annuls.
I know you join me in hoping and praying for Westmoreland's recovery. And if he once again patrols the outfield in the Red Sox system on his way to the big leagues all the much better.
Just surviving and leading a healthy and normal life is the main thing. Returning to baseball would just be icing on the cake.
Westmoreland is just 19 years old and discovered this condition after experiencing headaches. Former Astros Manager Larry Dierker had the same thing in 1999. After a seizure, he underwent an operation and four weeks later was managing again.
The Red Sox sought out one of the leading doctors in the field, Dr. Robert Spetzler, to perform the operation.
Right now, Jonathan Papelbon is the all-time saves leader for the Red Sox. If everything turns out for the best with Westmoreland, Dr. Spetzler will own the greatest save in Red Sox annuls.
I know you join me in hoping and praying for Westmoreland's recovery. And if he once again patrols the outfield in the Red Sox system on his way to the big leagues all the much better.
The Ex-Expos
I'll admit, I kind of miss the Montreal Expos. I think the fans of Montreal got a raw deal. The strike of 94 killed that franchise. They were in first place when the strike occured and the city never warmed up to the team again. Plus, Bud Selig and the owners wanted baseball out of Montreal and sabatoged that franchise over the last several sad seasons of its existance.
Anyway, the Expos became the Nationals and that is that.
The Nationals have picked up where the Expos left off and that is as a bottom feeder in the National League.
I'll make a confession here. I tend to pull for really bad baseball teams. Why would you root against a team like the Nationals or Pirates? Just out of human compassion I would like to see them do better this year than in previous seasons. And there is a lot of improvement needed to be done with the Nationals.
They do have some decent players. Ryan Zimmerman is a fantastic player. Also, well...OK, that's about it. Nyger Morgan has some potential to be a good outfielder and Adam Dunn will slug and strikeout. Stephen Strasburg is on the horizon.
This is a team that is building for the future. So why do the Nationals have Elijah Dukes penciled in as the starting rightfielder and Christian Guzman at short? Dukes is a bad guy. When a team has to hire a former policeman to follow him around to keep him out of trouble it is, to me anyway, a bad sign. Guzman, who is making 8-million to stink it up, is wasting a roster spot for a young player who might help when (if) the team gets good. You don't win with players like Dukes and Guzman. Until players like Dukes and Guzman are gone, it tells me the Nationals are going nowhere.
Anyway, the Expos became the Nationals and that is that.
The Nationals have picked up where the Expos left off and that is as a bottom feeder in the National League.
I'll make a confession here. I tend to pull for really bad baseball teams. Why would you root against a team like the Nationals or Pirates? Just out of human compassion I would like to see them do better this year than in previous seasons. And there is a lot of improvement needed to be done with the Nationals.
They do have some decent players. Ryan Zimmerman is a fantastic player. Also, well...OK, that's about it. Nyger Morgan has some potential to be a good outfielder and Adam Dunn will slug and strikeout. Stephen Strasburg is on the horizon.
This is a team that is building for the future. So why do the Nationals have Elijah Dukes penciled in as the starting rightfielder and Christian Guzman at short? Dukes is a bad guy. When a team has to hire a former policeman to follow him around to keep him out of trouble it is, to me anyway, a bad sign. Guzman, who is making 8-million to stink it up, is wasting a roster spot for a young player who might help when (if) the team gets good. You don't win with players like Dukes and Guzman. Until players like Dukes and Guzman are gone, it tells me the Nationals are going nowhere.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Helton HOF?
Rockies first baseman Todd Helton, after a 2-year contract extension yesterday, is likely to become one of the rare modern day ballplayers to retire after spending his entire career with the same team.
So, if he hangs up the spikes after the 2013 season when his contract runs out, will Helton be a Hall of Famer?
Let's take a looksee.
Currently, Helton has a career average of .328 which is better than Hall of Famers Rod Carew, Joe DiMaggio, Kirby Puckett, Roberto Clemente, Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle just to name a few. Helton's current lifetime average is 35th best in Major League history.
Right now, Helton has 2,134 hits. The past four seasons, he has 599 hits for an average of about 150 per season. In the final four years of his current deal, say he gets another 600 hits. That puts him at 2,634 lifetime knocks.
As for home runs, back injuries have limited his power in the latter part of his career. Helton currently has 325 lifetime jacks. The past four seasons, he has hit just 54 homers, an average of about 13 per season. Another 54 homers brings him to 379, as many as Hall of Famers Orlando Cepeda and Tony Perez and more than Hall members Ralph Kiner, Joe DiMaggio, Johnny Mize, George Brett, Rickey Henderson and Jack Heidemann. Wait, Heidemann isn't a Hall of Famer. My bad.
Anyway, if Helton can regain his power stroke and club another 75 round trippers it would certainly help his Hall chances. While 400 homers may not be what it used to be, it is a number only 45 players have reached. It's not easy to hit 400 big league homers. Just ask Andres Galarrage (399), Al Kaline (399) and Dale Murphy (398) how hard it is to belt 400 homers.
Also, when looking at Helton's walks to strikeout ratio, he has walked many more times than he has whiffed. Plus, he's been a gold glove (3 times officially) caliber first baseman his entire career. Don't forget his stolen base total. Well, actually, let's not bring that up. Put it this way, he won't run his way into the Hall.
Detractors will say he played half his career playing in hitter friendly Coors Field. So what? Do you think other players have benefited from playing in parks that aided their stats? Babe Ruth played in a ballyard that was built with a short right field porch specifically to take advantage of his lefty power swing.
In my mind, right now, Todd Helton is a borderline Hall of Famer. If he can have four more decent seasons, I think he ends up his career with an eventual call to Cooperstown.
So, if he hangs up the spikes after the 2013 season when his contract runs out, will Helton be a Hall of Famer?
Let's take a looksee.
Currently, Helton has a career average of .328 which is better than Hall of Famers Rod Carew, Joe DiMaggio, Kirby Puckett, Roberto Clemente, Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle just to name a few. Helton's current lifetime average is 35th best in Major League history.
Right now, Helton has 2,134 hits. The past four seasons, he has 599 hits for an average of about 150 per season. In the final four years of his current deal, say he gets another 600 hits. That puts him at 2,634 lifetime knocks.
As for home runs, back injuries have limited his power in the latter part of his career. Helton currently has 325 lifetime jacks. The past four seasons, he has hit just 54 homers, an average of about 13 per season. Another 54 homers brings him to 379, as many as Hall of Famers Orlando Cepeda and Tony Perez and more than Hall members Ralph Kiner, Joe DiMaggio, Johnny Mize, George Brett, Rickey Henderson and Jack Heidemann. Wait, Heidemann isn't a Hall of Famer. My bad.
Anyway, if Helton can regain his power stroke and club another 75 round trippers it would certainly help his Hall chances. While 400 homers may not be what it used to be, it is a number only 45 players have reached. It's not easy to hit 400 big league homers. Just ask Andres Galarrage (399), Al Kaline (399) and Dale Murphy (398) how hard it is to belt 400 homers.
Also, when looking at Helton's walks to strikeout ratio, he has walked many more times than he has whiffed. Plus, he's been a gold glove (3 times officially) caliber first baseman his entire career. Don't forget his stolen base total. Well, actually, let's not bring that up. Put it this way, he won't run his way into the Hall.
Detractors will say he played half his career playing in hitter friendly Coors Field. So what? Do you think other players have benefited from playing in parks that aided their stats? Babe Ruth played in a ballyard that was built with a short right field porch specifically to take advantage of his lefty power swing.
In my mind, right now, Todd Helton is a borderline Hall of Famer. If he can have four more decent seasons, I think he ends up his career with an eventual call to Cooperstown.
Thanks Mom!
Topps baseball card company is running a great promotion this year called, "Get back the cards your mom threw away."
I know a bunch of guys who have complained over the years, rightfully so, that their precious baseball cards got tossed by their mothers.
Well, I still have all my baseball cards. My mom not only didn't throw out my cards but she protected them for me over the years.
Even though she passed away in 2008, I have to send another "Thanks Mom" for not throwing my baseball cards, my childhood, out with the trash.
I know a bunch of guys who have complained over the years, rightfully so, that their precious baseball cards got tossed by their mothers.
Well, I still have all my baseball cards. My mom not only didn't throw out my cards but she protected them for me over the years.
Even though she passed away in 2008, I have to send another "Thanks Mom" for not throwing my baseball cards, my childhood, out with the trash.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Yaz
When you hear on the news or read in the newspaper, "Yaz Recall," do you immediately think of former Red Sox Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski?
"Holy crap, Boston is desperate, they recalled Yaz and he's 70 years old!"
Seriously, couldn't they give the birth control thing a different name than Yaz? Like maybe, Eck?
"Holy crap, Boston is desperate, they recalled Yaz and he's 70 years old!"
Seriously, couldn't they give the birth control thing a different name than Yaz? Like maybe, Eck?
The Baseball Encyclopedia
One of the worst things ever, for many older fellas, was the advent of The Baseball Encyclopedia. I'll explain later.
In the mid-70's my Dad bought me The Baseball Encyclopedia. As people who know me can attest, I spent more time reading that gigantic 10-pound reference book than I did reading my school books. That is why I am the functioning moron you all know and love today!
I would read about the ballplayers of days gone by as well as the modern day players. I would study the stats and find as many interesting facts as I could in the hours and hours I spent leafing through the nearly 3,000 pages. I was totally fascinated by the book.
Centuries from now, some archeologist will dig up an old Baseball Encyclopedia and proclaim, "This is the greatest discovery of the 27th century!" Or, he will proclaim, "What the hell is this nonsense?" and throw it on the scrapheap.
These days I don't even know if they publish The Baseball Encyclopedia. With everyone going "Green" and the fact that it takes a forest to print up a book, maybe time has passed for The Baseball Encyclopedia. Plus, www.baseballreference.com has taken the place of The Baseball Encyclopedia and it's much easier bring it up on a website than to lug around the book and thumb through the pages.
As for why The Baseball Encyclopedia was the worst invention for a lot of guys is because it busted them. Back in the day, a lot of older guys would claim they played in the Major Leagues for a while. There was no way to look up their claims. When I got my Baseball Encyclopedia my Mom asked me to look up a couple of people she knew who told her they played with the Dodgers or Cardinals or whomever. When I looked them up, guess what? They weren't there. Maybe they only played a game or two. No. The Baseball Encyclopedia had a record of every person who ever played in a Major League game. So, a lot of guys were caught lying about their Major League playing career, thanks to my old friend, The Baseball Encyclopedia.
In the mid-70's my Dad bought me The Baseball Encyclopedia. As people who know me can attest, I spent more time reading that gigantic 10-pound reference book than I did reading my school books. That is why I am the functioning moron you all know and love today!
I would read about the ballplayers of days gone by as well as the modern day players. I would study the stats and find as many interesting facts as I could in the hours and hours I spent leafing through the nearly 3,000 pages. I was totally fascinated by the book.
Centuries from now, some archeologist will dig up an old Baseball Encyclopedia and proclaim, "This is the greatest discovery of the 27th century!" Or, he will proclaim, "What the hell is this nonsense?" and throw it on the scrapheap.
These days I don't even know if they publish The Baseball Encyclopedia. With everyone going "Green" and the fact that it takes a forest to print up a book, maybe time has passed for The Baseball Encyclopedia. Plus, www.baseballreference.com has taken the place of The Baseball Encyclopedia and it's much easier bring it up on a website than to lug around the book and thumb through the pages.
As for why The Baseball Encyclopedia was the worst invention for a lot of guys is because it busted them. Back in the day, a lot of older guys would claim they played in the Major Leagues for a while. There was no way to look up their claims. When I got my Baseball Encyclopedia my Mom asked me to look up a couple of people she knew who told her they played with the Dodgers or Cardinals or whomever. When I looked them up, guess what? They weren't there. Maybe they only played a game or two. No. The Baseball Encyclopedia had a record of every person who ever played in a Major League game. So, a lot of guys were caught lying about their Major League playing career, thanks to my old friend, The Baseball Encyclopedia.
Term Doused
Whatever happened to the term "Fireman" when referring to a club's bullpen ace? A simple word to describe a pitcher who put out fires.
Sparky Lyle at one point was the Yankees "Fireman." Now, and for the previous 13 seasons, the Yankees "Fireman" has been Mariano Rivera. But I've never heard anyone call him the Yankees "Fireman." Rivera, and every other "Fireman", is called "closer." Closer is good but Fireman is better. When did Closer snuff out Fireman in baseball's colorful vernacular?
Sparky Lyle at one point was the Yankees "Fireman." Now, and for the previous 13 seasons, the Yankees "Fireman" has been Mariano Rivera. But I've never heard anyone call him the Yankees "Fireman." Rivera, and every other "Fireman", is called "closer." Closer is good but Fireman is better. When did Closer snuff out Fireman in baseball's colorful vernacular?
Closer Wanted
The Twins have high expectations this year as they hope to parlay last season's dramatic run to the Central title into another post-season appearance this year. Plus, they'll be moving into a new, outdoor stadium, Target Field. Outdoors? No retractable dome? In Minnesota? I digress.
Maybe I should have said the Twins had high expectations. With closer Joe Nathan down, presumably for the count, with a torn ligament in his right elbow, Minnesota is in dire need of bullpen help.
Right now, who would be the closer for the Twins? Jon Rauch, he of the hideously ugly neck tattoo, could be next in line. The 6'11 righthander does have some experience as a closer (26 saves) but he certainly will be a dropoff from Nathan.
The Twins are in trouble. Does GM Bill Smith (not the former Islanders goaltender) make a deal or will he see what Rauch can do? If he looks to make a deal, I'm sure the Yankees would be willing to part with Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes...or both for, say, ohhhh, Joe Mauer? (Note to those who take my comments too literally...I was being sarcastic. Carry on.)
By the way, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports wrote that Nathan is almost at Mariano Rivera's level. Maybe Ken didn't see Nathan pitch last October. That's all I'll say about that.
Another thing, the Giants traded Nathan to the Twins for A.J. Pierzynski in one of the lopsided deals we don't hear too much about. Pierzynski at least went on to succcess with the White Sox but with the Giants he alienated his teammates during a mediocre 2004 season.
Maybe I should have said the Twins had high expectations. With closer Joe Nathan down, presumably for the count, with a torn ligament in his right elbow, Minnesota is in dire need of bullpen help.
Right now, who would be the closer for the Twins? Jon Rauch, he of the hideously ugly neck tattoo, could be next in line. The 6'11 righthander does have some experience as a closer (26 saves) but he certainly will be a dropoff from Nathan.
The Twins are in trouble. Does GM Bill Smith (not the former Islanders goaltender) make a deal or will he see what Rauch can do? If he looks to make a deal, I'm sure the Yankees would be willing to part with Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes...or both for, say, ohhhh, Joe Mauer? (Note to those who take my comments too literally...I was being sarcastic. Carry on.)
By the way, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports wrote that Nathan is almost at Mariano Rivera's level. Maybe Ken didn't see Nathan pitch last October. That's all I'll say about that.
Another thing, the Giants traded Nathan to the Twins for A.J. Pierzynski in one of the lopsided deals we don't hear too much about. Pierzynski at least went on to succcess with the White Sox but with the Giants he alienated his teammates during a mediocre 2004 season.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Eye Exam
No, this is not a post on umpires. I won't take a cheap shot at umps like that. Well, I would but not now. I'll save that for another time.
I went to the eye doctor today to get, ironically, my eyes checked. I play in an old guys baseball league (Over 35) and I want to make sure my eyes are in peak condition, which they are.
Anyway, as I was sitting in the waiting room at the, what are they, opthemologists or something, I thought of former Mets G.M. and former ESPN analyst Steve Phillips. Had he gone to the eye doctor he might still have his job at ESPN.
I went to the eye doctor today to get, ironically, my eyes checked. I play in an old guys baseball league (Over 35) and I want to make sure my eyes are in peak condition, which they are.
Anyway, as I was sitting in the waiting room at the, what are they, opthemologists or something, I thought of former Mets G.M. and former ESPN analyst Steve Phillips. Had he gone to the eye doctor he might still have his job at ESPN.
Bunting and...Broadcasting?
While most everything is better in baseball these days there are two things I can think of where baseball is not better.
One is bunting. At least everyone says bunting is a lost art. Personally, I get ticked off when a pitcher or a weak hitter can’t bunt. But I don’t want to see Prince Fielder or Ryan Howard laying one down soon. Wait, I would. That might actually be pretty funny.
The other area in which baseball is not nearly as good as it once was is in the broadcast booth.
In days gone by, announcers had personality, flair and color. Guys like Bob Prince, Harry Caray, Ernie Harwell and Phil Rizzuto were entertaining. You would listen even if the game wasn’t very compelling. Now, Caray and Rizzuto lost focus of the game when on TV in their latter days of broadcasting. But on the radio, in their announcing prime, they were solid announcers who had an avuncular manner about them.
Too many announcers today, in my estimation, talk down to me. They break down every pitch. Plenty of modern announcers don’t have the storytelling ability that their predecessors had. They rely way too much on stats and they speak to me in their “announcer voice.” I get the sense that too many announcers are afraid to make a verbal mistake. They speak so slowly and measured it sounds irritating. Give me a guy announcing in his regular, natural voice and I’ll listen. The guys who try to dazzle me with their “announcer’s voice” lose me quickly.
My biggest complaint of many modern announcers is their lack of desire to criticize the team they are covering. Even minor, warranted criticisms are lacking. The reason being job security. If an announcer criticizes the team, the owner may very well look for a new, “team friendly” announcer. Even when the team is playing like dog poo, the announcer will sugar coat his comments and his credibility gets thrown out the window. It happens in all sports because of the over-sensitive nature of ownerships.
I’m not looking for an announcer to do a hatchet job on his team or to rip them for the sake of ripping them. But I don’t like “house men” behind the mike either. What is wrong with fair criticism? Isn’t praise without criticism hollow?
If I ever was in charge of hiring a baseball announcer, I would find a broadcaster with personality, a friendly disposition and a normal speaking voice. Then I would let him do his job and if that meant being critical of the team at times, so be it.
One is bunting. At least everyone says bunting is a lost art. Personally, I get ticked off when a pitcher or a weak hitter can’t bunt. But I don’t want to see Prince Fielder or Ryan Howard laying one down soon. Wait, I would. That might actually be pretty funny.
The other area in which baseball is not nearly as good as it once was is in the broadcast booth.
In days gone by, announcers had personality, flair and color. Guys like Bob Prince, Harry Caray, Ernie Harwell and Phil Rizzuto were entertaining. You would listen even if the game wasn’t very compelling. Now, Caray and Rizzuto lost focus of the game when on TV in their latter days of broadcasting. But on the radio, in their announcing prime, they were solid announcers who had an avuncular manner about them.
Too many announcers today, in my estimation, talk down to me. They break down every pitch. Plenty of modern announcers don’t have the storytelling ability that their predecessors had. They rely way too much on stats and they speak to me in their “announcer voice.” I get the sense that too many announcers are afraid to make a verbal mistake. They speak so slowly and measured it sounds irritating. Give me a guy announcing in his regular, natural voice and I’ll listen. The guys who try to dazzle me with their “announcer’s voice” lose me quickly.
My biggest complaint of many modern announcers is their lack of desire to criticize the team they are covering. Even minor, warranted criticisms are lacking. The reason being job security. If an announcer criticizes the team, the owner may very well look for a new, “team friendly” announcer. Even when the team is playing like dog poo, the announcer will sugar coat his comments and his credibility gets thrown out the window. It happens in all sports because of the over-sensitive nature of ownerships.
I’m not looking for an announcer to do a hatchet job on his team or to rip them for the sake of ripping them. But I don’t like “house men” behind the mike either. What is wrong with fair criticism? Isn’t praise without criticism hollow?
If I ever was in charge of hiring a baseball announcer, I would find a broadcaster with personality, a friendly disposition and a normal speaking voice. Then I would let him do his job and if that meant being critical of the team at times, so be it.
A New Baseball Stat
There are a million baseball stats. Some might say that is far too many, others might claim the more stats the merrier. Those people are known as "Seamheads" or Tony Jarboe, my sometimes knuckleheaded nephew.
Personally, I think we are getting carried away with baseball stats. Does it really make a difference is a guy is hitting .257 in Wednesday afternoon games but .281 in Wednesday night games?
So while we can argue and debate pertinent stats versus meaningless stats, there is one category in which there is no official stat. That would be blocked pitches.
If there is a runner on base and the catcher blocks a pitch in the dirt, why isn’t that a stat? You could simply call it a “block.” They have blocked shot stats in basketball because it is important. Isn’t a catcher preventing a runner from moving up a base important too?
You could have the official scorer determine if the catcher warrants a block or not. They determine wild pitches and passed balls, why not add to their duties with “block” ascertainment? A pitch that bounces in the opposite batters box or in front of the plate would certainly warrant the catcher recording a block. However, a ball that is short-hopped in the dirt might not warrant a block. You don’t want catchers setting up a little deeper behind the plate and trying to short hop balls intentionally to enhance their “block” stats. That is why baseball would need the official scorer to determine blocks.
If it is an important part of the game, then it should become a stat. The catchers union would probably agree with me. A catcher who has 50-blocks in a season has prevented at least 50 runners from advancing a base. That catcher and his agent could certainly bring that into contract negotiations, don’t you think?
It’s time baseball adds the “block” stat.
Personally, I think we are getting carried away with baseball stats. Does it really make a difference is a guy is hitting .257 in Wednesday afternoon games but .281 in Wednesday night games?
So while we can argue and debate pertinent stats versus meaningless stats, there is one category in which there is no official stat. That would be blocked pitches.
If there is a runner on base and the catcher blocks a pitch in the dirt, why isn’t that a stat? You could simply call it a “block.” They have blocked shot stats in basketball because it is important. Isn’t a catcher preventing a runner from moving up a base important too?
You could have the official scorer determine if the catcher warrants a block or not. They determine wild pitches and passed balls, why not add to their duties with “block” ascertainment? A pitch that bounces in the opposite batters box or in front of the plate would certainly warrant the catcher recording a block. However, a ball that is short-hopped in the dirt might not warrant a block. You don’t want catchers setting up a little deeper behind the plate and trying to short hop balls intentionally to enhance their “block” stats. That is why baseball would need the official scorer to determine blocks.
If it is an important part of the game, then it should become a stat. The catchers union would probably agree with me. A catcher who has 50-blocks in a season has prevented at least 50 runners from advancing a base. That catcher and his agent could certainly bring that into contract negotiations, don’t you think?
It’s time baseball adds the “block” stat.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Where's Bucky?
MLB Network has been showing the 'Prime 9' top moments in Yankees history. With the Yankees you could actually have a 'Prime 99'. There was one omission however in MLB Network's Top 9 Yankee moments. They didn't include the 1978 playoff game against the Red Sox at Fenway Park. The Yanks won that dramatic game 5-4 to advance to the playoffs with help from Bucky Dent's 3-run homer. I think this game, specifically Bucky's home run should have made the list.
Still, it must have been difficult to come up with the Top 9 moments in Yankees history. Not as tough though as coming up with the 'Prime 9' moments for the Washington Nationals.
Still, it must have been difficult to come up with the Top 9 moments in Yankees history. Not as tough though as coming up with the 'Prime 9' moments for the Washington Nationals.
Baseball vs Basketball
I love basketball and with the college tournaments this week and then the NCAA tournament next week, I'll be pretty excited.
However, there are a couple of things that separate baseball from basketball. In baseball, you go through the batting order, one after the other. Everyone gets a turn to hit. In basketball, you can have one guy take every shot. When it comes down to a game winning shot, the coach can pick the guy who he wants to shoot. In baseball, sometimes it comes down to the worst hitter on the team. It's not as if the best hitter can come to the plate 25 times in a game.
Another funny thing about baseball, and I don't know how or why it happens, but the ball always finds the weak fielder. If you try to hide a guy in right field or maybe at first base, the ball will find him.
In basketball, if you are a weak defender, your teammates can help you out. A fielder in baseball doesn't have that luxury, especially in the outfield. If a ball goes through an infielder's legs, the outfielder is there to back up. If a ball gets by an outfielder...well, time to go chase it down.
The point of this post? There really is no post. I'm just writing stuff off the top of my head, trying to get in a groove.
However, there are a couple of things that separate baseball from basketball. In baseball, you go through the batting order, one after the other. Everyone gets a turn to hit. In basketball, you can have one guy take every shot. When it comes down to a game winning shot, the coach can pick the guy who he wants to shoot. In baseball, sometimes it comes down to the worst hitter on the team. It's not as if the best hitter can come to the plate 25 times in a game.
Another funny thing about baseball, and I don't know how or why it happens, but the ball always finds the weak fielder. If you try to hide a guy in right field or maybe at first base, the ball will find him.
In basketball, if you are a weak defender, your teammates can help you out. A fielder in baseball doesn't have that luxury, especially in the outfield. If a ball goes through an infielder's legs, the outfielder is there to back up. If a ball gets by an outfielder...well, time to go chase it down.
The point of this post? There really is no post. I'm just writing stuff off the top of my head, trying to get in a groove.
Happy Birthday To The BullDog
Today is Jim Bouton's birthday. Hard to believe Bouton is 71. He looks like he could still go out there and baffle opposing batsmen with his knuckleball.
Ball Four is my favorite baseball book of all time and one I try to read every year or so. If you've never read Ball Four you are missing out.
Another great book by Bouton is Foul Ball about his attempt to save old Wahconah Park in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
Anyway, Happy Birthday to #56.
Also, today is Bill Thornton's birthday. Who is Bill Thornton? He's one of my boyhood friends who pitched on my high school team. We were also teammates on many summer league teams. Good pitcher, better guy. So Happy Birthday to BT.
Ball Four is my favorite baseball book of all time and one I try to read every year or so. If you've never read Ball Four you are missing out.
Another great book by Bouton is Foul Ball about his attempt to save old Wahconah Park in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
Anyway, Happy Birthday to #56.
Also, today is Bill Thornton's birthday. Who is Bill Thornton? He's one of my boyhood friends who pitched on my high school team. We were also teammates on many summer league teams. Good pitcher, better guy. So Happy Birthday to BT.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Yogi And Seth
Yogi Berra used to get upset when he had great spring training games. He hated hitting home runs in the spring because he felt he had only a certain amount of hits and homers in him each year and he didn't want to waste them in games that didn't count.
Yesterday, in the Rockies Cactus League opener, Seth Smith rapped out three hits, including a home run. If Yogi read Smith's line, he probably was mortified.
I can understand a guy trying to make the ball club getting excited about a 3-3 day with a jack. But Smith, a hitting machine and vastly underrated, already has a spot on the Rocks Opening Day roster. He shouldn't be wasting hits. A 1-3 day with a soft single to center would have been a better way to begin the spring. At least that's what the sagacious Yogi would say.
Yesterday, in the Rockies Cactus League opener, Seth Smith rapped out three hits, including a home run. If Yogi read Smith's line, he probably was mortified.
I can understand a guy trying to make the ball club getting excited about a 3-3 day with a jack. But Smith, a hitting machine and vastly underrated, already has a spot on the Rocks Opening Day roster. He shouldn't be wasting hits. A 1-3 day with a soft single to center would have been a better way to begin the spring. At least that's what the sagacious Yogi would say.
Not A Nice Post
I’m in a bit of a salty mood today so I thought I’d give you my least liked players team. I could easily go with all Red Sox and Mets players but I won’t. These are just a few of the players I never liked and would always pull against. Some for no reason at all, even if I admired their ability. I didn’t like them...just because. With A-Rod, I have to pull for him since he plays for the Yanks but I don’t have to like it.
I could fill an entire roster of players I don’t or didn’t like. Here is just my starting 10 (DH included!) and some pitchers.
C: Carlton Fisk
1B: Ed Kranepool
2B: Davey Lopes
SS: Miguel Tejada
3B: Alex Rodriguez
OF: Manny Ramirez
OF: Barry Bonds
OF: Dave Parker
DH: Gary Sheffield
SP: Curt Schilling
SP: Steve Carlton
RP: Jonathan Papelbon
RP: Dennis Eckersley
Maybe when I'm in a better mood I'll post my favorite players lineup.
I could fill an entire roster of players I don’t or didn’t like. Here is just my starting 10 (DH included!) and some pitchers.
C: Carlton Fisk
1B: Ed Kranepool
2B: Davey Lopes
SS: Miguel Tejada
3B: Alex Rodriguez
OF: Manny Ramirez
OF: Barry Bonds
OF: Dave Parker
DH: Gary Sheffield
SP: Curt Schilling
SP: Steve Carlton
RP: Jonathan Papelbon
RP: Dennis Eckersley
Maybe when I'm in a better mood I'll post my favorite players lineup.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Hershiser Joins Sunday Night Baseball
Good news: Orel Hershiser will join the broadcast booth on ESPN's Sunday night broadcasts.
The bad news: Joe Morgan will be returning as well.
Looks like another year of watching Sunday night baseball with the sound turned down.
The bad news: Joe Morgan will be returning as well.
Looks like another year of watching Sunday night baseball with the sound turned down.
Stunning Development
Yankees DH Nick Johnson was scratched from today's exhibition game against the Phillies because of a stiff lower back. Two games into the exhibition season and Johnson is hurting. This guy is softer than tissue paper.
If Lou Gehrig was the "Iron Horse" what does that make Nick Johnson? The "Paper Mache Pussycat?"
Read the February 18th post on this blog titled, "Positive Sign For Yanks."
If Lou Gehrig was the "Iron Horse" what does that make Nick Johnson? The "Paper Mache Pussycat?"
Read the February 18th post on this blog titled, "Positive Sign For Yanks."
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
A Baseball Career
Every now and then I'll resurrect something that I wrote for my website. Below is a story that got some good feedback so I thought I'd pull it out of the archives. It was written on June 14, 2007. I'm not plagiarizing myself, am I?
I was driving home yesterday when out of nowhere the name Clyde McCullough popped into my head. Clyde McCullough? I hadn't thought of this man in probably 25 years or so and I have no idea why I thought of him now.
Clyde McCullough was a major league catcher for the Cubs and Pirates in the 40’s and 50’s and he was a coach at a baseball camp I attended in 1978 in Pennington, New Jersey. I don’t remember much about him other than he was a very good instructor, a nice old guy, somewhat leathery and quick with a smile.
When I got home, I did a little research on McCullough and he had an interesting career. He hit .252 over the course of 15-seasons. He only hit 52 lifetime home runs but three of those came in one game in 1942, a 4-3 Cubs loss to the Phillies. He hit just five home runs that entire season.
Also very peculiar was that in 1945 he played in one game and had one at bat and that was in the World Series. He had just gotten out of the Navy and rejoined the Cubs after a two-season layoff. In the 9th inning of Game 7, McCullough was called on to pinch- hit and future Hall of Famer Hal Newhouser struck him out as the Tigers won 9-3. That’s a pretty tough assignment I would think. Don’t hit for two years but go up there and try to do some damage in the 7th game of the World Series against a guy who won 25 games that season. An interesting fact about that World Series was that the first three games were played at Tiger Stadium and the next four at Wrigley Field, the last year the Cubs participated in the World Series.
One thing really has me baffled about McCullough’s career. He was an All Star in 1948and again in 1953. He didn’t appear in either game but the fact that he was on those squads is puzzling.
In 1948, McCullough batted .209 with one homer and seven RBI’s for the entire season. He played in just 69 games and collected just 36 hits. Yet he was on the All Star team? How did that happen?
In 1953, back with the Cubs after a four-year stint in Pittsburgh, McCullough’s final numbers were six homers, 23 runs knocked in with a .258 average. Better than in 48’ but All Star quality?
He had a reputation as an outstanding defensive catcher and a tough guy but offensively the numbers don’t seem to be that of an All Star.
Following his playing days, McCullough was a scout, managed in the minor leagues and coached with several major league clubs, including the Mets, Expos and Padres. He also coached me at baseball camp. He was a baseball guy through and through.
Clyde McCullough died in 1982 at the age of 65.
I was driving home yesterday when out of nowhere the name Clyde McCullough popped into my head. Clyde McCullough? I hadn't thought of this man in probably 25 years or so and I have no idea why I thought of him now.
Clyde McCullough was a major league catcher for the Cubs and Pirates in the 40’s and 50’s and he was a coach at a baseball camp I attended in 1978 in Pennington, New Jersey. I don’t remember much about him other than he was a very good instructor, a nice old guy, somewhat leathery and quick with a smile.
When I got home, I did a little research on McCullough and he had an interesting career. He hit .252 over the course of 15-seasons. He only hit 52 lifetime home runs but three of those came in one game in 1942, a 4-3 Cubs loss to the Phillies. He hit just five home runs that entire season.
Also very peculiar was that in 1945 he played in one game and had one at bat and that was in the World Series. He had just gotten out of the Navy and rejoined the Cubs after a two-season layoff. In the 9th inning of Game 7, McCullough was called on to pinch- hit and future Hall of Famer Hal Newhouser struck him out as the Tigers won 9-3. That’s a pretty tough assignment I would think. Don’t hit for two years but go up there and try to do some damage in the 7th game of the World Series against a guy who won 25 games that season. An interesting fact about that World Series was that the first three games were played at Tiger Stadium and the next four at Wrigley Field, the last year the Cubs participated in the World Series.
One thing really has me baffled about McCullough’s career. He was an All Star in 1948and again in 1953. He didn’t appear in either game but the fact that he was on those squads is puzzling.
In 1948, McCullough batted .209 with one homer and seven RBI’s for the entire season. He played in just 69 games and collected just 36 hits. Yet he was on the All Star team? How did that happen?
In 1953, back with the Cubs after a four-year stint in Pittsburgh, McCullough’s final numbers were six homers, 23 runs knocked in with a .258 average. Better than in 48’ but All Star quality?
He had a reputation as an outstanding defensive catcher and a tough guy but offensively the numbers don’t seem to be that of an All Star.
Following his playing days, McCullough was a scout, managed in the minor leagues and coached with several major league clubs, including the Mets, Expos and Padres. He also coached me at baseball camp. He was a baseball guy through and through.
Clyde McCullough died in 1982 at the age of 65.
College vs The Pros
One of the things I like about the early spring games are the matchups between college teams and the Major League teams.
I'm not sure how excited the pros are to play college guys. But as a former college player myself, I know how pumped up the collegians are to face professionals.
The college guys know they may never get another chance to face players this good again. Win (every once in a while it happens. It's baseball, remember?), lose (most likely) or draw (very rare but in the spring it can happen), the experience the college kids take from these games will last a lifetime.
I guarantee you that the college kids are thinking, "If I have a good game maybe I'll open some eyes and get drafted!"
I remember when my college team played the Phillies in spring training in Clearwater, Florida in 1983. I had three hits including a 2-run homer off John Denny who went on to win the Cy Young Award that season while leading the Phils to the World Series. I also made a couple of nice plays at short.
I thought I was going to get drafted that June because of that game. But I didn't get drafted and the reason why is probably because the story of me playing against the Phillies in spring training is totally fabricated.
I'm not sure how excited the pros are to play college guys. But as a former college player myself, I know how pumped up the collegians are to face professionals.
The college guys know they may never get another chance to face players this good again. Win (every once in a while it happens. It's baseball, remember?), lose (most likely) or draw (very rare but in the spring it can happen), the experience the college kids take from these games will last a lifetime.
I guarantee you that the college kids are thinking, "If I have a good game maybe I'll open some eyes and get drafted!"
I remember when my college team played the Phillies in spring training in Clearwater, Florida in 1983. I had three hits including a 2-run homer off John Denny who went on to win the Cy Young Award that season while leading the Phils to the World Series. I also made a couple of nice plays at short.
I thought I was going to get drafted that June because of that game. But I didn't get drafted and the reason why is probably because the story of me playing against the Phillies in spring training is totally fabricated.
Here Comes Manny
The Dodgers, for whatever reason, will play three exhibition games in Taiwan in mid-March. Personally, I would think that heading off to the far East in the middle of spring training would be a distraction and not the optimal way to get ready for the season. Maybe such trips would be more prudent to make after the season ends.
Anyway, apparently Manny Ramirez has volunteered to go on the trip. How nice of him. However, if the Dodgers want him to go they should tell him, "You're going to Taiwan whether you like it or not. We're paying you 25-mil a year, get your ass on the plane."
Manny is under contract to the Dodgers. He needs to repair his reputation after last year's 50-game ban for steroid use. He should be on the 13-hour plane ride to Taiwan. But let's not make it out to be that Manny is such a good guy by volunteering to go. Volunteering out of the goodness of his heart is not what Manny is about.
Anyway, apparently Manny Ramirez has volunteered to go on the trip. How nice of him. However, if the Dodgers want him to go they should tell him, "You're going to Taiwan whether you like it or not. We're paying you 25-mil a year, get your ass on the plane."
Manny is under contract to the Dodgers. He needs to repair his reputation after last year's 50-game ban for steroid use. He should be on the 13-hour plane ride to Taiwan. But let's not make it out to be that Manny is such a good guy by volunteering to go. Volunteering out of the goodness of his heart is not what Manny is about.
Ominous Sign?
Rockies closer Huston Street, who recently signed a 3-year 21-million dollar contract, has shoulder inflammation before even pitching in a spring training game.
He says it is normal for him at this time of year. However, Huston has had his share of injuries over the years and if I'm the Rockies I'm concerned.
If Street's inflammation is serious I would imagine Franklin Morales would inherit the closers role. Morales saved 7 games last September when Street was out...with shoulder inflammation.
Morales is due for a breakout season. If he stays healthy and gets steady work he'll be a huge asset for the Rockies this season. Manager Jim Tracy thought would probably prefer Morales to pitch in a specialist role and not the closers role.
He says it is normal for him at this time of year. However, Huston has had his share of injuries over the years and if I'm the Rockies I'm concerned.
If Street's inflammation is serious I would imagine Franklin Morales would inherit the closers role. Morales saved 7 games last September when Street was out...with shoulder inflammation.
Morales is due for a breakout season. If he stays healthy and gets steady work he'll be a huge asset for the Rockies this season. Manager Jim Tracy thought would probably prefer Morales to pitch in a specialist role and not the closers role.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Hatred Returns
Hate in sports is a good thing. It gives you a rooting interest. That said, I was a little concerned about my mental state today.
I watched some of the Braves-Mets exhibition game on TV. It was nice to see baseball played again. And yes, I was rooting for the Braves. Why anyone would have any type of interest in a totally meaningless game is bizarre but when I saw the Mets uniforms I just wanted bad things to happen to them.
I don't like anything about the Mets and never have. I've never pulled for them, not once in my life. I hope they lose every game. I hated Shea Stadium, hate Citi Field even though I've never been there, I can't stand Mets fans and I can't watch any highlights of the 1969 or 1986 World Series. I even hate the Mets more than the Red Sox. I at least have some respect for the Bostons. None for the Mets.
At times my hatred of the Mets makes me wonder if I need professional help. Actually, hating the Mets makes me feel good. And I feel better when they lose. Which they do. Often.
I use the exhibition season to get myself ready for a regular season of rooting for the teams I hate to have miserable seasons. With the Mets I'm already in mid-season hating form.
I watched some of the Braves-Mets exhibition game on TV. It was nice to see baseball played again. And yes, I was rooting for the Braves. Why anyone would have any type of interest in a totally meaningless game is bizarre but when I saw the Mets uniforms I just wanted bad things to happen to them.
I don't like anything about the Mets and never have. I've never pulled for them, not once in my life. I hope they lose every game. I hated Shea Stadium, hate Citi Field even though I've never been there, I can't stand Mets fans and I can't watch any highlights of the 1969 or 1986 World Series. I even hate the Mets more than the Red Sox. I at least have some respect for the Bostons. None for the Mets.
At times my hatred of the Mets makes me wonder if I need professional help. Actually, hating the Mets makes me feel good. And I feel better when they lose. Which they do. Often.
I use the exhibition season to get myself ready for a regular season of rooting for the teams I hate to have miserable seasons. With the Mets I'm already in mid-season hating form.
Take That BR
The Pirates won their spring opener over Manatee Community College today 6-1. Guess I underestimated the Battlin' Bucs. After re-analyzing the roster, I've come to the conclusion that there is a very good chance Pittsburgh wins 65 games this year.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Bad Memory
A friend of mine, Mark Knudson, was the first Denver native to pitch for the Rockies. He came up with the Astros but pitched mostly for the Brewers.
Currently, he runs a radio station in Fort Collins, Colorado and does a lot of writing. He's a former player who became a sportswriter which is somewhat akin to Osama Bin Laden becoming a Christian and joining the United States in the war on terror.
Anyway, while bouncing around on baseballreference.com, I was looking up the home run log of one of my favorite players, Graig Nettles. His first home run was hit against was in 1968 off Denny McLain. Pretty good guy to go yard against since that was the year McLain won 31 games.
His final homer was hit in 1988 off Kevin Gross, the 390th round tripper of Nettles outstanding career.
However, he hit #383 off of Knudson when Mark was throwing for the Astros and Nettles was wearing the hideous looking uniform of the Padres.
So, always looking to get under Mark's skin, I decided to send him the following e-mail.
Hi MK,
Just wandering around the great website www.baseballreference.com. I was looking up Graig Nettles home run log.
He hit 390 homers in his career.
His 383rd lifetime home run came on August 3rd, 1986 when he was with the Padres.
Anyway, Nettles non-historic 383rd homer was hit off....YOU!
Do you have any recollection?
BR
Here was Mark's response:
I've blocked that memory out of my mind. I have no recollection of anyone hitting any home runs off of me. I was great.
This recording will self destruct in 15 seconds.
- The Minister of mis-remembering
He remembers. Yes, he remembers!
Maybe I'll look up some other home runs he gave up and see if he remembers those.
Currently, he runs a radio station in Fort Collins, Colorado and does a lot of writing. He's a former player who became a sportswriter which is somewhat akin to Osama Bin Laden becoming a Christian and joining the United States in the war on terror.
Anyway, while bouncing around on baseballreference.com, I was looking up the home run log of one of my favorite players, Graig Nettles. His first home run was hit against was in 1968 off Denny McLain. Pretty good guy to go yard against since that was the year McLain won 31 games.
His final homer was hit in 1988 off Kevin Gross, the 390th round tripper of Nettles outstanding career.
However, he hit #383 off of Knudson when Mark was throwing for the Astros and Nettles was wearing the hideous looking uniform of the Padres.
So, always looking to get under Mark's skin, I decided to send him the following e-mail.
Hi MK,
Just wandering around the great website www.baseballreference.com. I was looking up Graig Nettles home run log.
He hit 390 homers in his career.
His 383rd lifetime home run came on August 3rd, 1986 when he was with the Padres.
Anyway, Nettles non-historic 383rd homer was hit off....YOU!
Do you have any recollection?
BR
Here was Mark's response:
I've blocked that memory out of my mind. I have no recollection of anyone hitting any home runs off of me. I was great.
This recording will self destruct in 15 seconds.
- The Minister of mis-remembering
He remembers. Yes, he remembers!
Maybe I'll look up some other home runs he gave up and see if he remembers those.
Spring Opener
The Pittsburgh Pirates open the 2010 exhibition season tomorrow against Manatee Community College in Bradenton, Florida.
My money is on the Manatees.
My money is on the Manatees.
Fine Eats
We all know that hot dogs aren't the healthiest thing you can eat. We also know that a steady diet of Twinkies will decrease your lifespan by 40%. Cheese, when not eaten in moderation, can cause you to become obese and will likely create some health issues.
However, West Michigan Whitecaps researches have discovered that a hot dog stuck in a Twinkie and covered with cheese actually is very healthy for you. The combination of the three actually cancels out the unhealthy aspects of each food and the result is a tasty and very healthy culinary delight.
As a result, the Whitecaps, the Detroit Tigers class A farm club in the Midwest League, will offer the Twinkie Cheese Dog as one of their concession items. On a serious note, I wonder if the Whitecaps will also promote "Heart Attack Night" at the ballpark this year or offer a salute to "Hardening of the Arteries!"
Since we are Americans and Americans will eat junk food like billy goats, I bet the Twinkie Cheese Dog will be a sensation. The Whitecaps will also likely lead the Midwest League in fans vomiting.
However, West Michigan Whitecaps researches have discovered that a hot dog stuck in a Twinkie and covered with cheese actually is very healthy for you. The combination of the three actually cancels out the unhealthy aspects of each food and the result is a tasty and very healthy culinary delight.
As a result, the Whitecaps, the Detroit Tigers class A farm club in the Midwest League, will offer the Twinkie Cheese Dog as one of their concession items. On a serious note, I wonder if the Whitecaps will also promote "Heart Attack Night" at the ballpark this year or offer a salute to "Hardening of the Arteries!"
Since we are Americans and Americans will eat junk food like billy goats, I bet the Twinkie Cheese Dog will be a sensation. The Whitecaps will also likely lead the Midwest League in fans vomiting.
March Is Here!
Today is March 1st and my disposition automatically improves on this day. According to my personal calendar, today is the first day of spring. Of course, living in Denver it is cold and there is snow on the ground. But at least we are done with February, the worst sports month.
Exhibition baseball games begin this week. Here are some things you'll be reading about.
When a team scores 12 runs in a game, the manager will say, "Well, the hitters are ahead of the pitchers at this time." The next day, when his club scores 1 run, that same manager will say, "Well, the pitchers are ahead of the hitters at this time."
Another thing to look for is when some young pup, wearing #93 and ticketed for AA, belts two homers in a spring game. The writers, desperate for something interesting to write, will tell us all we need to know about this prospect who is opening eyes. Well, that prospect will be sent to the minors next week never to be heard from again.
You can also count on an aged veteran, looking to hang on for one more year, proclaiming, "I'm in the best shape of my career."
The word "If" will be thrown around a lot, especially by crummy teams. "If our young guys come through and if we hit the ball like we are capable of and if we stay away from injuries and if we catch some breaks, we can surprise people." Of course this team (Pirates? Royals? Orioles? Padres?) won't have the young guys come through, won't hit the ball like they think they are capable of, won't stay away from injuries and won't get the breaks.
Back to March 1st. When I was at Spring Valley High in NY, practice always started on this date. Technically, it was the first day of tryouts. Our JV coach when I was a sophomore, Coach Sachs, would run us like crazy. I remember one guy (not his name) who ran a sprint and kept on going. He was weeded out the first day. I think that is what Mr. Sachs had in mind.
Exhibition baseball games begin this week. Here are some things you'll be reading about.
When a team scores 12 runs in a game, the manager will say, "Well, the hitters are ahead of the pitchers at this time." The next day, when his club scores 1 run, that same manager will say, "Well, the pitchers are ahead of the hitters at this time."
Another thing to look for is when some young pup, wearing #93 and ticketed for AA, belts two homers in a spring game. The writers, desperate for something interesting to write, will tell us all we need to know about this prospect who is opening eyes. Well, that prospect will be sent to the minors next week never to be heard from again.
You can also count on an aged veteran, looking to hang on for one more year, proclaiming, "I'm in the best shape of my career."
The word "If" will be thrown around a lot, especially by crummy teams. "If our young guys come through and if we hit the ball like we are capable of and if we stay away from injuries and if we catch some breaks, we can surprise people." Of course this team (Pirates? Royals? Orioles? Padres?) won't have the young guys come through, won't hit the ball like they think they are capable of, won't stay away from injuries and won't get the breaks.
Back to March 1st. When I was at Spring Valley High in NY, practice always started on this date. Technically, it was the first day of tryouts. Our JV coach when I was a sophomore, Coach Sachs, would run us like crazy. I remember one guy (not his name) who ran a sprint and kept on going. He was weeded out the first day. I think that is what Mr. Sachs had in mind.
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