In the previous post there was a Biff Pocoroba mention. He caught for the Braves and compiled a .257 lifetime average over the course of 10 big league campaigns. He last played in 1984 and yes, Biff was his given first name.
Now, there is a pitcher, now in the Red Sox organizaton named Boof Bonser. He spent the previous three seasons with the Twins, compiling an 18-25 record with an ERA of 5.12.
Yep, his real, given first name is Boof.
What a great battery this would have been. Boof Bonser pitching to catcher Biff Pocoroba.
Ok, sorry to waste 30-seconds of your life with this post. Carry on with your day.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Cranky BR
I'm normally pretty even-keeled. I'm an easygoing fellow. But I've been somewhat salty today. Why? The Mets have won 7 in a row and are in first place in the NL East. They play the Phillies this weekend in Philly. Let's go Phils.
Meanwhile, the Braves have lost an impressive 9 in a row. I'm guessing the last time they lost 9 in a row was when Zane Smith and Rick Camp seemed to be pitching every game for Atlanta in empty Fulton County Stadium with Oddibe McDowell patrolling the outfield along with Dale Murphy...and I can't forget Biff Pocoroba behind the dish.
Meanwhile, the Braves have lost an impressive 9 in a row. I'm guessing the last time they lost 9 in a row was when Zane Smith and Rick Camp seemed to be pitching every game for Atlanta in empty Fulton County Stadium with Oddibe McDowell patrolling the outfield along with Dale Murphy...and I can't forget Biff Pocoroba behind the dish.
Pipe Down Jose
Democratic Congressman Jose Serrano from New York is asking Commissioner Bud Selig to rip the All Star Game from Arizona in 2011.
Serrano said, "This anti-immigrant law is unjust, wrongheaded, mean-spirited and unconstitutional. It is important that everyone who believes in justice and our national spirit of decency speak out against this measure. MLB has a very loud megaphone, and their rejection of Arizona's action would be an important demonstration to Arizona that we do not tolerate such displays of intolerance in our nation."
First of all, I don't think penalizing baseball fans and the Arizona Diamondbacks is the answer to a political controversy. Sports and politics should be kept separate.
Furthermore, I don't know why Arizona is being dumped on. I would think every state would like to stop the influx of illegal Mexicans into our country. I have no beef with anyone entering under the proper, legal channels. But to just bust into the United States is not only wrong but it is ILLEGAL. It is breaking the law. Serrano should shut his mouth and stop grandstanding. One good thing to come out of this for Serrano is now people know who he is. Even if he is a jackass.
The Commissioner, if he has any integrity left, should tell Serrano to "shut up and mind your own damn business."
Serrano said, "This anti-immigrant law is unjust, wrongheaded, mean-spirited and unconstitutional. It is important that everyone who believes in justice and our national spirit of decency speak out against this measure. MLB has a very loud megaphone, and their rejection of Arizona's action would be an important demonstration to Arizona that we do not tolerate such displays of intolerance in our nation."
First of all, I don't think penalizing baseball fans and the Arizona Diamondbacks is the answer to a political controversy. Sports and politics should be kept separate.
Furthermore, I don't know why Arizona is being dumped on. I would think every state would like to stop the influx of illegal Mexicans into our country. I have no beef with anyone entering under the proper, legal channels. But to just bust into the United States is not only wrong but it is ILLEGAL. It is breaking the law. Serrano should shut his mouth and stop grandstanding. One good thing to come out of this for Serrano is now people know who he is. Even if he is a jackass.
The Commissioner, if he has any integrity left, should tell Serrano to "shut up and mind your own damn business."
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Larry is The Man!
I stumbled upon one of the best stories I have seen in a while.
Springfield College in Massachusetts has a left-handed pitcher on their team who throws a knuckleball. Seems he doesn't have the heat he once did. Maybe it's because Larry Hasenfus is 58-years old.
His collegiate pitching career was dashed years ago when he flunked out of college. One reason he didn't do to well hitting the books was because he couldn't read them. He has dyslexia. Then he got married, got a job, had kids and well, life got in the way of his baseball career. But he always harbored dreams of playing college baseball.
He got laid off from his job as a plant manager at a textile firm. Thanks for more than 20-years of dedicated service Larry!
So, he went back to college to learn some new skills and to resurrect the dream of playing college sports.
He doesn't pitch much for the JV. But he works hard and contributes any way he can. He's an inspiration. A 58-year old living a dream by playing baseball and making his knuckler dance.
Springfield College in Massachusetts has a left-handed pitcher on their team who throws a knuckleball. Seems he doesn't have the heat he once did. Maybe it's because Larry Hasenfus is 58-years old.
His collegiate pitching career was dashed years ago when he flunked out of college. One reason he didn't do to well hitting the books was because he couldn't read them. He has dyslexia. Then he got married, got a job, had kids and well, life got in the way of his baseball career. But he always harbored dreams of playing college baseball.
He got laid off from his job as a plant manager at a textile firm. Thanks for more than 20-years of dedicated service Larry!
So, he went back to college to learn some new skills and to resurrect the dream of playing college sports.
He doesn't pitch much for the JV. But he works hard and contributes any way he can. He's an inspiration. A 58-year old living a dream by playing baseball and making his knuckler dance.
Olympic Baseball? No thanks.
The president of baseball's international federation, some guy named Riccardo Fraccari, says the sport needs to shed its American identity and become more of a global sport in order to return baseball to the Olympics.
Let me go off on a little diatribe here. When the Olympic committee axed baseball, I personally axed the Olympic committee. Screw them. They didn't want baseball simply because Americans are good at it. Yet they have all these stupid, idiotic sports because other countries have a chance to win at them. Synchronized swimming anyone? How about equestrian? Ballroom dancing is even an Olympic sport, but not baseball?
Look, I don't like the Olympics anymore anyway. It's turned into a cost-prohibitive grandstanding event. It's time has come and gone. I like my baseball just fine now. Softball was also dropped with baseball after the 2008 games held in that communist craphole called China. Guess what. Americans are good in softball too so they got rid of it. Tell you what, I'd like to see the USA boycott the Olympics from here on out. How do you think future Olympics would fare without the good old USA? I'll tell you. They would be totally irrelevant, more irrelevant than they are now.
What the United States should do is hold their own Olympics, kind of like the Goodwill Games. The only countries allowed to participate will be the countries that our our allies. Countries that we respect and who respect us. So go to hell China, Cuba, Venezuela and all the worthless trouble making countries in the middle east. Get lost.
Oh yeah, and baseball would be the signature sport of these new, American hosted games.
Let me go off on a little diatribe here. When the Olympic committee axed baseball, I personally axed the Olympic committee. Screw them. They didn't want baseball simply because Americans are good at it. Yet they have all these stupid, idiotic sports because other countries have a chance to win at them. Synchronized swimming anyone? How about equestrian? Ballroom dancing is even an Olympic sport, but not baseball?
Look, I don't like the Olympics anymore anyway. It's turned into a cost-prohibitive grandstanding event. It's time has come and gone. I like my baseball just fine now. Softball was also dropped with baseball after the 2008 games held in that communist craphole called China. Guess what. Americans are good in softball too so they got rid of it. Tell you what, I'd like to see the USA boycott the Olympics from here on out. How do you think future Olympics would fare without the good old USA? I'll tell you. They would be totally irrelevant, more irrelevant than they are now.
What the United States should do is hold their own Olympics, kind of like the Goodwill Games. The only countries allowed to participate will be the countries that our our allies. Countries that we respect and who respect us. So go to hell China, Cuba, Venezuela and all the worthless trouble making countries in the middle east. Get lost.
Oh yeah, and baseball would be the signature sport of these new, American hosted games.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
"Real Crappy"
Several years ago, in the Coors Field visiting locker room, I stood, along with 15 or so other media members, in Dusty Baker's small office. I had recorder in hand and it was quiet.
The Giants had coughed up a late lead in a crucial September game. Crucial for San Fran, not the Rockies.
So there we all stood, staring at Dusty who was not in a jovial mood as you might surmise.
Not wanting to stare at Dusty's right ear any longer, I decided to break the ice by asking the first question. It was not my greatest moment in broadcasting.
"Dusty, for lack of a better question, just how crappy a loss was this?"
As soon as I asked the question I thought Dusty would chew my head off. Instead he calmly turned his head towards me and then moved it to the left as he slowly spoke.
"Real crappy," said the then Giants skipper.
Well, I was at the Diamondbacks-Rockies game today and you could classify Colorado's loss as "real crappy."
The only benefit to falling behind 6-0 in the first inning is that you have time to chip away and get back in the game. The Rocks chipped away and then some. They scored 11 unanswered runs in innings 2,3 and 4 and took an 11-6 lead. Then the offense took the rest of the day off, the bullpen, specifically Rafael Bettancourt and the enigmatic Franklin Morales imploded. Kelly Johnson's 10th inning homer off Morales, number 8 on the season (really, Kelly Johnson has 8 homers), gave the Diamondbacks a 12-11 victory.
Had the Rockies held on to beat Arizona then D-Backs skipper A.J. Hinch could have said it was a "real crappy" loss. Anytime you blow a 6-0 lead would classify in the "real crappy" category.
On the plus side, from a personal standpoint, I had a nice lunch, enjoyed the fresh air and saw a wild and crazy game. A Coors Field throwback game if you will. Still, this loss was "real crappy" for the Rocks. Dusty Baker would understand.
The Giants had coughed up a late lead in a crucial September game. Crucial for San Fran, not the Rockies.
So there we all stood, staring at Dusty who was not in a jovial mood as you might surmise.
Not wanting to stare at Dusty's right ear any longer, I decided to break the ice by asking the first question. It was not my greatest moment in broadcasting.
"Dusty, for lack of a better question, just how crappy a loss was this?"
As soon as I asked the question I thought Dusty would chew my head off. Instead he calmly turned his head towards me and then moved it to the left as he slowly spoke.
"Real crappy," said the then Giants skipper.
Well, I was at the Diamondbacks-Rockies game today and you could classify Colorado's loss as "real crappy."
The only benefit to falling behind 6-0 in the first inning is that you have time to chip away and get back in the game. The Rocks chipped away and then some. They scored 11 unanswered runs in innings 2,3 and 4 and took an 11-6 lead. Then the offense took the rest of the day off, the bullpen, specifically Rafael Bettancourt and the enigmatic Franklin Morales imploded. Kelly Johnson's 10th inning homer off Morales, number 8 on the season (really, Kelly Johnson has 8 homers), gave the Diamondbacks a 12-11 victory.
Had the Rockies held on to beat Arizona then D-Backs skipper A.J. Hinch could have said it was a "real crappy" loss. Anytime you blow a 6-0 lead would classify in the "real crappy" category.
On the plus side, from a personal standpoint, I had a nice lunch, enjoyed the fresh air and saw a wild and crazy game. A Coors Field throwback game if you will. Still, this loss was "real crappy" for the Rocks. Dusty Baker would understand.
Ubaldo the Magnificent
Ubaldo Jimenez ran his record to 5-0 last night as the Rockies brutalized the Diamondbacks. Even more impressive, Jimenez has a microscopic 0.79 ERA. He's working on a 22 1/3 scoreless innings streak. Oh yeah, he also tossed a no-hitter three starts ago. You can do that when you throw 95+ consistently.
I also must mention that Jim Tracy made a smart move by letting Jimenez go just 6-innings last night. With the Rocks up 12-0 why would you let him go more? You want to save innings for pitchers when you can because come September, and hopefully October, you don't want your starters pitching on fumes. Save some ammo for later in the season. Some managers though probably would have let Jimenez go for the shutout.
Anyway, I will say it now and I don't think I'll get too much flak for it...Ubaldo Jimenez is the best pitcher in Rockies history. If he stays healthy and doesn't run into bad luck, Jimenez will be on the All-Star team and he will be the first Rockies pitcher to win 20-games. In a season that is, not a career. He might also grab himself a Cy Young Award. Yes, I know, it's early. But Jimenez is the real deal and he is fast becoming a must-see pitcher.
I'm going to the game today at Coors Field. Greg Smith is pitching for Colorado. No offense to Mr. Smith but I wish Ubaldo the Magnificent was on the hill.
I also must mention that Jim Tracy made a smart move by letting Jimenez go just 6-innings last night. With the Rocks up 12-0 why would you let him go more? You want to save innings for pitchers when you can because come September, and hopefully October, you don't want your starters pitching on fumes. Save some ammo for later in the season. Some managers though probably would have let Jimenez go for the shutout.
Anyway, I will say it now and I don't think I'll get too much flak for it...Ubaldo Jimenez is the best pitcher in Rockies history. If he stays healthy and doesn't run into bad luck, Jimenez will be on the All-Star team and he will be the first Rockies pitcher to win 20-games. In a season that is, not a career. He might also grab himself a Cy Young Award. Yes, I know, it's early. But Jimenez is the real deal and he is fast becoming a must-see pitcher.
I'm going to the game today at Coors Field. Greg Smith is pitching for Colorado. No offense to Mr. Smith but I wish Ubaldo the Magnificent was on the hill.
Juuuuuuust A Bit Outside
Bad news and good news. First the bad news. Brewers legendary announcer Bob Uecker will undergo heart surgery on Friday. The good news is that it is a common procedure and should go well. You never know with heart surgery though so I'll send a few prayers Uecker's way. He's expected to miss three months of action.
Many people know Uecker, now 75, from his funny beer commercials, his hysterical appearances on late night talk shows, the movie "Major League" or from the sit-com "Mr. Belvedere." One of the funniest people on the planet, Uecker's hilarious stories about his less than impressive catching career are classic.
However, what some people don't realize is that Uecker is a very good, no, make that a great baseball broadcaster. If you've ever heard him call a game you know what I'm talking about. He cuts down on the humor and gives you an excellent and detailed account of the game. Now, he still is funny, but not in a stand-up comic way.
While Uecker only hit .200 exactly in his career, he did get a World Series ring with the 1964 Cardinals. He hit just 14 home runs in his 6-year big league seasons but three of them were off Hall of Famers...Sandy Koufax, Gaylord Perry and Ferguson Jenkins. Not too bad.
Best wishes Uek and hope you are back calling Brewers games again soon.
Many people know Uecker, now 75, from his funny beer commercials, his hysterical appearances on late night talk shows, the movie "Major League" or from the sit-com "Mr. Belvedere." One of the funniest people on the planet, Uecker's hilarious stories about his less than impressive catching career are classic.
However, what some people don't realize is that Uecker is a very good, no, make that a great baseball broadcaster. If you've ever heard him call a game you know what I'm talking about. He cuts down on the humor and gives you an excellent and detailed account of the game. Now, he still is funny, but not in a stand-up comic way.
While Uecker only hit .200 exactly in his career, he did get a World Series ring with the 1964 Cardinals. He hit just 14 home runs in his 6-year big league seasons but three of them were off Hall of Famers...Sandy Koufax, Gaylord Perry and Ferguson Jenkins. Not too bad.
Best wishes Uek and hope you are back calling Brewers games again soon.
For The Love of the Game
"For Love of the Game" was a baseball movie starring Kevin Costner. Good movie and very underrated. Of course it was fictional.
I play in an old guy's baseball league here in Denver in the Over 35-division. It's a blast. Why are we all playing? It's simple, we love the game.
Our catcher, Jim O'Connor said recently, to no one in particular, "For three hours a week we get to be kids again." Exactly.
Which brings me to Brian Fisher, the former Major League pitcher with the Yankees and Pirates. Fisher is playing in our league this year for a team called the Mustangs. Some people might wonder, why would an ex-big leaguer play in an Over 35-league? I haven't asked Brian that question and I don't think I need to. He loves the game. Simple.
I first met Brian Fisher a few years ago when we were teammates for a charity baseball game in Colorado Springs put on by Mark Knudson. The games benefitted the Autism Society of Colorado. It was fun to meet Fisher a guy who could really bring it when he played for pay. He was still pretty good in the charity game.
Fisher is a good guy and I'm looking forward to hitting against him when we play his team in a few weeks. I think I'm looking forward to it.
I play in an old guy's baseball league here in Denver in the Over 35-division. It's a blast. Why are we all playing? It's simple, we love the game.
Our catcher, Jim O'Connor said recently, to no one in particular, "For three hours a week we get to be kids again." Exactly.
Which brings me to Brian Fisher, the former Major League pitcher with the Yankees and Pirates. Fisher is playing in our league this year for a team called the Mustangs. Some people might wonder, why would an ex-big leaguer play in an Over 35-league? I haven't asked Brian that question and I don't think I need to. He loves the game. Simple.
I first met Brian Fisher a few years ago when we were teammates for a charity baseball game in Colorado Springs put on by Mark Knudson. The games benefitted the Autism Society of Colorado. It was fun to meet Fisher a guy who could really bring it when he played for pay. He was still pretty good in the charity game.
Fisher is a good guy and I'm looking forward to hitting against him when we play his team in a few weeks. I think I'm looking forward to it.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Fire Cox Now!
The Braves are in last place in the NL East and have lost 6 in a row. Manager Bobby Cox, who said this would be his last year as Atlanta's bench boss, needs to be shown the door now, not with a grand sendoff in September at the last Braves home game of the regular season. This team, once a fixture in the post-season, is going nowhere with Cox at the helm. He should be canned because the team isn't responding to their lame duck manager.
There should be absolutely no sentimentality in this case. The team is floundering and you can't let the season go to waste just because you want to keep a once successful skipper. Sad to say it but Bobby Cox must be terminated immediately.
Ok, if you are still reading, I'm just kidding. Cox is a Hall of Fame manager and of course firing him would be insane and a public relations disaster for the Braves. Consider this a lame, late April Fool's joke.
There should be absolutely no sentimentality in this case. The team is floundering and you can't let the season go to waste just because you want to keep a once successful skipper. Sad to say it but Bobby Cox must be terminated immediately.
Ok, if you are still reading, I'm just kidding. Cox is a Hall of Fame manager and of course firing him would be insane and a public relations disaster for the Braves. Consider this a lame, late April Fool's joke.
One Happy Albert
Phillies slugger Ryan Howard has signed a 5-year contract extension worth 125-mil. According to my math, that works out to 25-million per season.
Look, Howard is a fine player and citizen. But is he worth 25-million a year? Perhaps, although if I were the Phils he wouldn't have gotten that much.
He can be pitched to, is prone to slumps and isn't as good as....Albert Pujols. I'm sure Albert and his agent jumped with joy when they saw Howard get his new deal. If Howard is worth 25-million beans a year, what will Pujols command? If I'm Albert's agent (and man would I love that!) I start at 35-million per season and will come down to 30-mil. Not a penny less.
Albert is a better player than Howard, is younger and no pitcher has figured out how to pitch to him. The Cards have an option for 2011 and then he's a free agent. Methinks St. Louis is going to lose him or Matt Holliday. How are they going to afford to keep both?
Look, Howard is a fine player and citizen. But is he worth 25-million a year? Perhaps, although if I were the Phils he wouldn't have gotten that much.
He can be pitched to, is prone to slumps and isn't as good as....Albert Pujols. I'm sure Albert and his agent jumped with joy when they saw Howard get his new deal. If Howard is worth 25-million beans a year, what will Pujols command? If I'm Albert's agent (and man would I love that!) I start at 35-million per season and will come down to 30-mil. Not a penny less.
Albert is a better player than Howard, is younger and no pitcher has figured out how to pitch to him. The Cards have an option for 2011 and then he's a free agent. Methinks St. Louis is going to lose him or Matt Holliday. How are they going to afford to keep both?
Monday, April 26, 2010
What A Lovely Steel Beam
The New York Post ran an article this weekend about the new football stadium in the Meadowlands for the Giants and Jets. Nothing was wrong with Giants Stadium at all but both teams wanted more luxury boxes and Personal Seat Licenses to gouge their loyal fans. Anyway, the article stated and showed a picture of some seats right behind support columns.
Last year, the Yankees and Mets both opened new ballparks and there were plenty of obstructed view seats in those venues.
In this day and age and with all the advancements in design and construction, how in the world can you build a billion dollars stadium and have obstructed view seats? Granted, most of the obstructed view seats are in the upper decks or the corners where the "cheap" seats are. Of course, there are no cheap seats anymore (except the $4 rockpile seats at Coors Field!) and owners don't really give a rats behind about those customers anyway. It's all about serving the suckers, check that, the well heeled patrons who think nothing of dropping a grand to see a football or baseball game.
It is just mystifying how three new stadiums ('stadia' for you English teachers who get torqued at my use of the word 'stadiums') in the New York area have been built with obstructed views.
Maybe Art Vandelay designed these venues. Or a sixth grader with a slide rule and a compass.
Last year, the Yankees and Mets both opened new ballparks and there were plenty of obstructed view seats in those venues.
In this day and age and with all the advancements in design and construction, how in the world can you build a billion dollars stadium and have obstructed view seats? Granted, most of the obstructed view seats are in the upper decks or the corners where the "cheap" seats are. Of course, there are no cheap seats anymore (except the $4 rockpile seats at Coors Field!) and owners don't really give a rats behind about those customers anyway. It's all about serving the suckers, check that, the well heeled patrons who think nothing of dropping a grand to see a football or baseball game.
It is just mystifying how three new stadiums ('stadia' for you English teachers who get torqued at my use of the word 'stadiums') in the New York area have been built with obstructed views.
Maybe Art Vandelay designed these venues. Or a sixth grader with a slide rule and a compass.
West Surprises
Yes it's early. I'm aware of that. However, if the season were to end today, the champions of the AL and NL West divisions would be...The Athletics and the Padres. On paper, both teams stink. But, baseball is a funny game where the worst team can beat the best team on any given night. Shoot, the worst team could sweep the best team in a three game series.
While I don't think it will last, the A's and Padres have to be given credit for good starts. We'll see how long it plays out. What if they keep it up all season? That would certainly be a big middle finger to all the experts and prognosticators thus proving there are no experts when it comes to baseball.
Meanwhile, a couple of weeks ago, on our radio show, I mentioned to Kevin Wheeler, our Turf Baseball Analyst from KMOX radio is St. Louis, that I thought the Nationals would be a surprise team this year. Wheeler, as usual, disagreed with me completely calling Washington a joke and one of the worst teams in baseball.
Well, Wheeler, the Nationals are 10-9, just a game and a half behind the first place Phillies in the NL East. Now, 10-9 isn't lighting it up but the Nats are playing decent baseball, better than what many people expected. But again it's April which reminds me of a line from a Frank Sinatra song..."Riding high in April, shot down in May." Perfect for baseball since many times a hot start by a team or individual is followed by a cooling off period in May.
Meanwhile, the Pirates, after a torrid (for them) 7-5 start didn't wait for May to get shot down. The Bucs are 7-11, riding a 6-game losing streak. I guess it was fun while it lasted for the 500 or so Pirates fans still in existence.
While I don't think it will last, the A's and Padres have to be given credit for good starts. We'll see how long it plays out. What if they keep it up all season? That would certainly be a big middle finger to all the experts and prognosticators thus proving there are no experts when it comes to baseball.
Meanwhile, a couple of weeks ago, on our radio show, I mentioned to Kevin Wheeler, our Turf Baseball Analyst from KMOX radio is St. Louis, that I thought the Nationals would be a surprise team this year. Wheeler, as usual, disagreed with me completely calling Washington a joke and one of the worst teams in baseball.
Well, Wheeler, the Nationals are 10-9, just a game and a half behind the first place Phillies in the NL East. Now, 10-9 isn't lighting it up but the Nats are playing decent baseball, better than what many people expected. But again it's April which reminds me of a line from a Frank Sinatra song..."Riding high in April, shot down in May." Perfect for baseball since many times a hot start by a team or individual is followed by a cooling off period in May.
Meanwhile, the Pirates, after a torrid (for them) 7-5 start didn't wait for May to get shot down. The Bucs are 7-11, riding a 6-game losing streak. I guess it was fun while it lasted for the 500 or so Pirates fans still in existence.
Most Underrated Player?
Who is the most underrated player in baseball?
Without doing any research, the guy who immediately jumps to mind is White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko.
Konerko leads the majors in homers with 8. Of course that's a small sampling and doesn't justify why he is underrated.
Just 34, Konerko has 334 lifetime homers and over 1,000 RBI's. He is a shoe-in for 400-plus homers and well over 2,000 hits (currently 1,708 knocks). He's been a three-time All-Star and has a World Series ring. But how many times have you been in on a discussion about the best first basemen in the game and someone brings up Paul Konerko? Granted, he's not a Hall of Famer (at this point) but the guy has been a very productive, solid, consistent and yes, underrated player for a long time for the Pale Hose.
Without doing any research, the guy who immediately jumps to mind is White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko.
Konerko leads the majors in homers with 8. Of course that's a small sampling and doesn't justify why he is underrated.
Just 34, Konerko has 334 lifetime homers and over 1,000 RBI's. He is a shoe-in for 400-plus homers and well over 2,000 hits (currently 1,708 knocks). He's been a three-time All-Star and has a World Series ring. But how many times have you been in on a discussion about the best first basemen in the game and someone brings up Paul Konerko? Granted, he's not a Hall of Famer (at this point) but the guy has been a very productive, solid, consistent and yes, underrated player for a long time for the Pale Hose.
Cheap Shot Tex
Last week, I wrote a post called "The Need To Slide." I took issue with players steamrolling a catcher with the sole intent to dislodge the ball from the catcher by dislodging the head of the catcher. I believe baseball needs to adapt a rule that prohibits players from taking gratuitous cheap shots on a catcher, especially a defenseless one.
That played out on Friday night when Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira, 6-3, 225, barrelled into Angels catcher Bobby Wilson. Wilson was in front of the plate on the first base side awaiting the throw from right field. Teixeira, with a full head of steam, had plenty of room to slide. The plate was not blocked. He would have scored easily with a slide or even standing up. But he ran right at Wilson and with both forearms delivered a shot to the unprotected head of Wilson. Wilson suffered a concussion and an ankle injury as he was bent backwards the way humans are not supposed to bend. As bad as it was, it could have been worse for Wilson.
We don't see guys go after the head of an infielder on a play on the bases. So why is it alright for a runner to go straight for the catcher's head?
A runner should be made to slide to try and score. This running full speed into the head of a catcher is a disaster waiting to happen.
Until the rules are altered regarding collisions at home plate, it is open season on backstops.
That played out on Friday night when Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira, 6-3, 225, barrelled into Angels catcher Bobby Wilson. Wilson was in front of the plate on the first base side awaiting the throw from right field. Teixeira, with a full head of steam, had plenty of room to slide. The plate was not blocked. He would have scored easily with a slide or even standing up. But he ran right at Wilson and with both forearms delivered a shot to the unprotected head of Wilson. Wilson suffered a concussion and an ankle injury as he was bent backwards the way humans are not supposed to bend. As bad as it was, it could have been worse for Wilson.
We don't see guys go after the head of an infielder on a play on the bases. So why is it alright for a runner to go straight for the catcher's head?
A runner should be made to slide to try and score. This running full speed into the head of a catcher is a disaster waiting to happen.
Until the rules are altered regarding collisions at home plate, it is open season on backstops.
Mel Kiper Jr.
Now that the NFL Draft is over, what is Mel Kiper Junior to do? I suppose prepare for the 2011 NFL Draft. The guy does his homework so I'm sure that is what Kiper is doing as I right this.
However, I think Mel should get into the baseball business. The June amateur draft is coming up and baseball could use Mel Kiper Junior and he could use baseball.
Diversify Mel, diversify!
However, I think Mel should get into the baseball business. The June amateur draft is coming up and baseball could use Mel Kiper Junior and he could use baseball.
Diversify Mel, diversify!
Friday, April 23, 2010
A First of 2010
The Marlins-Rockies game at Coors Field has been postponed, the first rain out of the ML season.
I'm glad I didn't go.
I'm glad I didn't go.
A Collective "Uh oh!"
Omissioner Bud Selig says baseball is closing watching the World Anti-Doping Agency's test for human growth hormone.
The US Anti-Doping agency says the WADA's test is valid.
HGH is banned by baseball but players aren't tested for it. Once baseball is satisfied the test is legit and it is implemented, I'm guessing a lot of baseball players will be saying, "Oh crap!"
I wonder if they would be able to test retroactively on previously collected samples. That would certainly be a scary proposition for many players, past and present.
The US Anti-Doping agency says the WADA's test is valid.
HGH is banned by baseball but players aren't tested for it. Once baseball is satisfied the test is legit and it is implemented, I'm guessing a lot of baseball players will be saying, "Oh crap!"
I wonder if they would be able to test retroactively on previously collected samples. That would certainly be a scary proposition for many players, past and present.
Bad Baseball
Settling in for an evening of baseball. I was going to go to the Rockies game at Coors Field but the weather is crappy, suited more for Tim Tebow and the Broncos, then a baseball game. I don't do cold and rain too well. I want clear skys and temps in the 90's. Upper 90's. Then I'm set.
I started watching the Orioles-Red Sox game on NESN. As an aside, get well soon to Red Sox field reporter Heidi Watney who has been out with a concussion. Anyway, top 2, the O's had catcher Matt Wieters on second base, one out, with Garrett Atkins at the plate. Atkins hit a grounder to third. Adrian Beltre fields, and much to his surprise and anybody else who has an ounce of baseball knowledge, Wieters is running to third. Beltre tags Wieters then throws to first. A slow developing play, Atkins beats the throw easily, right? Wrong. Atkins isn't running hard down the line. Double play. If I was Orioles manager Dave Trembley, I bench both of them immediately. Of course that didn't happen. Despite his 'no more Mr. Nice Guy' speil the other day, Trembley is getting walked on by his team. He'll be the first manager fired. Atkins is a disgrace. What the hell happened to this guy? After several productive years with the Rockies, he had an off-season last year and this year with the Baltimores he hitting 8th in the lineup, .236 with no homers and just 5 RBI's. Loafing on the basepath tells me the laid back Atkins just isn't into it. If you don't want to play, go home.
*Update: Atkins just struck out looking in the 4th with the bases loaded.
I started watching the Orioles-Red Sox game on NESN. As an aside, get well soon to Red Sox field reporter Heidi Watney who has been out with a concussion. Anyway, top 2, the O's had catcher Matt Wieters on second base, one out, with Garrett Atkins at the plate. Atkins hit a grounder to third. Adrian Beltre fields, and much to his surprise and anybody else who has an ounce of baseball knowledge, Wieters is running to third. Beltre tags Wieters then throws to first. A slow developing play, Atkins beats the throw easily, right? Wrong. Atkins isn't running hard down the line. Double play. If I was Orioles manager Dave Trembley, I bench both of them immediately. Of course that didn't happen. Despite his 'no more Mr. Nice Guy' speil the other day, Trembley is getting walked on by his team. He'll be the first manager fired. Atkins is a disgrace. What the hell happened to this guy? After several productive years with the Rockies, he had an off-season last year and this year with the Baltimores he hitting 8th in the lineup, .236 with no homers and just 5 RBI's. Loafing on the basepath tells me the laid back Atkins just isn't into it. If you don't want to play, go home.
*Update: Atkins just struck out looking in the 4th with the bases loaded.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
It's About Time
Orioles Manager Dave Trembley met with the media and basically said "no more Mr. Nice Guy." Trembley admitted he's been an excuse maker for his horrible ballclub. He's had it and he said he will be more forthright and if that means criticizing players, then that's the way it goes.
My question is, what took so long?
The 2-14 Orioles are expected to reach double digits in wins sometime in July. Unfortunately, Trembley probably won't be around to see it.
My question is, what took so long?
The 2-14 Orioles are expected to reach double digits in wins sometime in July. Unfortunately, Trembley probably won't be around to see it.
Mr. Pom Poms
Rob Dibble is a disgrace to broadcasting. His constant cheering in the Washington Nationals booth is amateurish, childish and annoying.
He was a big league pitcher. I want some big league analysis. If I wanted to hear a cheerleader in the booth I'd ask teams to hire avid fans. Plus, what is it about Nats baseball that is so damn exciting?
It's one thing to be a homer. It's another thing to be a blatant cheerleader. He interrupts Bob Carpenter's play-by-play calls constantly. I can't believe a pro like Carpenter likes working with Dibble.
Dibble is the worst "color commentator" ever and the Nationals should be embarrassed. Who hired this ass-clown? They should be shown the door along with Dibble.
He was a big league pitcher. I want some big league analysis. If I wanted to hear a cheerleader in the booth I'd ask teams to hire avid fans. Plus, what is it about Nats baseball that is so damn exciting?
It's one thing to be a homer. It's another thing to be a blatant cheerleader. He interrupts Bob Carpenter's play-by-play calls constantly. I can't believe a pro like Carpenter likes working with Dibble.
Dibble is the worst "color commentator" ever and the Nationals should be embarrassed. Who hired this ass-clown? They should be shown the door along with Dibble.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Giambino Should Be Gonebino
I am a big fan of Jason Giambi. But there comes a time in every player's career when he can't do it any more. That time is now for Giambi.
Every time Giambi fills in for Todd Helton at first base for the Rockies I cringe. The guy is an absolute disaster in the field. He can't throw, he can't move and he can't bend over to field a ground ball.
Tonight, in the loss to the Nationals, Giambi let a routine grounder towards the line get past him. Adam Dunn was credited with a double. Any decent first baseman gets an out from that grounder.
At the plate, Giambi is off to a 1-13 start, an .077 average. He has walked 6 times but he looks lost at the plate.
While I know it is only April and Giambi is a veteran, he looks like he's finished. He should never be allowed to play in the field again. Ever. He's a DH and should be in the American League. Giambi is 39 and if I'm Rocks G.M. Dan O'Dowd I say thanks and goodbye to the Giambino.
The Rockies need a younger, mobile, faster and better defensive option at first on the days that Helton takes off.
Every time Giambi fills in for Todd Helton at first base for the Rockies I cringe. The guy is an absolute disaster in the field. He can't throw, he can't move and he can't bend over to field a ground ball.
Tonight, in the loss to the Nationals, Giambi let a routine grounder towards the line get past him. Adam Dunn was credited with a double. Any decent first baseman gets an out from that grounder.
At the plate, Giambi is off to a 1-13 start, an .077 average. He has walked 6 times but he looks lost at the plate.
While I know it is only April and Giambi is a veteran, he looks like he's finished. He should never be allowed to play in the field again. Ever. He's a DH and should be in the American League. Giambi is 39 and if I'm Rocks G.M. Dan O'Dowd I say thanks and goodbye to the Giambino.
The Rockies need a younger, mobile, faster and better defensive option at first on the days that Helton takes off.
Saving Money
One of the biggest complaints people talk to me about is the price it costs to attend professional sporting events. While this is a baseball blog, I’m going to share some money-saving tips to help you regardless of which professional sport you are attending.
First of all, don’t buy season tickets unless you absolutely plan to go to every game. Many season ticket holders end up eating tickets for games they can’t attend.
If a game is sold out and you don’t have a ticket, remember, there is no such thing as a sold out event. Someone somewhere will be selling tickets. Wait until just before the start of the game or right when the game starts to buy a ticket from a scalper. The prices come way down because a scalper doesn’t want to end up with an unused ticket and no money.
Parking fees are exorbitant if you park relatively close to the stadium. I say park several blocks away and walk to the ballpark. That’s right, get off your fat lazy ass and walk a few blocks. You’ll save a few bucks and drop a few pounds. Public transportation is another method of saving money. No car to park.
Never go to the ballpark hungry. Eat before the game, bring a few granola bars with you and always know where the water fountains are. Teams will price gouge the hell out of you because they can. You are a captive audience and you are at their mercy if you become hungry. So, fill up before the game. Also, you can buy peanuts outside the park from vendors for a fraction of the cost than inside the park.
Plenty of people complain to me about the cost of beer at the ballpark. But, they buy it anyway. If you think the beer or anything else is overpriced, show some will power and self-control and don’t buy it. If there was a beer boycott you can bet the prices would come way down. But no, people complain yet buy anyway. Not a smart move.
Some people at baseball games like to keep score. Great, more people should do that. However, don’t buy a scorecard at the game. Another rip-off. My suggestion would be to buy your own scorebook and bring it to every game. Or, you can simply print a score sheet and the rosters of each team off the internet. Furthermore, there is no need to buy a souvenir program. You can read all you want on your team off the internet or in the newspaper. A program is just a giant advertisement with some glossy photos and lame articles. No need for it. Plus, you’ll be helping the environment by saving trees.
As for souvenir items like jerseys, t-shirts, caps and those foam number one things, don’t buy them at the stadium. If you really need to have those type items, go to Wal-Mart or some department store. You’ll get it much cheaper then you would at the stadium gift shop.
Also, kids love going to games because they can load up on junk food, play video games and get neat souvenirs. Learn the word “No.” It is okay to tell the spoiled punk to sit down and watch the game and forget about the cotton candy, soda, hot dogs and the $115 official replica team jersey. The word “No” will save you money. It’s not that you are being mean, you are being thrifty. Kids are shakedowns artists. Don’t let them get away with it.
Go to the park with the mentality that you refuse to get ripped off, stick to your guns, enjoy the game and laugh at the suckers who turn what should be a $40 night at the ballpark into a $300 night. Then you take the money you save, invest it in solid growth mutual funds and you can help pay for your bratty kid’s college education someday. Then maybe he’ll understand that telling him “No” allowed you to say yes to other, more important things.
First of all, don’t buy season tickets unless you absolutely plan to go to every game. Many season ticket holders end up eating tickets for games they can’t attend.
If a game is sold out and you don’t have a ticket, remember, there is no such thing as a sold out event. Someone somewhere will be selling tickets. Wait until just before the start of the game or right when the game starts to buy a ticket from a scalper. The prices come way down because a scalper doesn’t want to end up with an unused ticket and no money.
Parking fees are exorbitant if you park relatively close to the stadium. I say park several blocks away and walk to the ballpark. That’s right, get off your fat lazy ass and walk a few blocks. You’ll save a few bucks and drop a few pounds. Public transportation is another method of saving money. No car to park.
Never go to the ballpark hungry. Eat before the game, bring a few granola bars with you and always know where the water fountains are. Teams will price gouge the hell out of you because they can. You are a captive audience and you are at their mercy if you become hungry. So, fill up before the game. Also, you can buy peanuts outside the park from vendors for a fraction of the cost than inside the park.
Plenty of people complain to me about the cost of beer at the ballpark. But, they buy it anyway. If you think the beer or anything else is overpriced, show some will power and self-control and don’t buy it. If there was a beer boycott you can bet the prices would come way down. But no, people complain yet buy anyway. Not a smart move.
Some people at baseball games like to keep score. Great, more people should do that. However, don’t buy a scorecard at the game. Another rip-off. My suggestion would be to buy your own scorebook and bring it to every game. Or, you can simply print a score sheet and the rosters of each team off the internet. Furthermore, there is no need to buy a souvenir program. You can read all you want on your team off the internet or in the newspaper. A program is just a giant advertisement with some glossy photos and lame articles. No need for it. Plus, you’ll be helping the environment by saving trees.
As for souvenir items like jerseys, t-shirts, caps and those foam number one things, don’t buy them at the stadium. If you really need to have those type items, go to Wal-Mart or some department store. You’ll get it much cheaper then you would at the stadium gift shop.
Also, kids love going to games because they can load up on junk food, play video games and get neat souvenirs. Learn the word “No.” It is okay to tell the spoiled punk to sit down and watch the game and forget about the cotton candy, soda, hot dogs and the $115 official replica team jersey. The word “No” will save you money. It’s not that you are being mean, you are being thrifty. Kids are shakedowns artists. Don’t let them get away with it.
Go to the park with the mentality that you refuse to get ripped off, stick to your guns, enjoy the game and laugh at the suckers who turn what should be a $40 night at the ballpark into a $300 night. Then you take the money you save, invest it in solid growth mutual funds and you can help pay for your bratty kid’s college education someday. Then maybe he’ll understand that telling him “No” allowed you to say yes to other, more important things.
The Arbiter Coach
Teams have first and third base coaches. They have pitching and hitting coaches and bullpen and bench coaches. Managers have a bunch of coaches at their disposal. But there is one type of coach I would have on the bench if I were the owner of a Major League ballclub. That coach would be the “Arbiter Coach.” This coach would be a lawyer who, instead of the manager, would be the guy to run out on the field and argue with an umpire whenever a dispute arose. Exhibit A:
Vin Scully: “Here’s the pitch….Helton swings and grounds it sharply to second….Carroll to second for one and there will be no relay throw as Furcal has been taken out on a slide by Fowler….and Joe Torre sends Dodgers arbiter coach Sol Ginsberg out to talk to umpire Bob Davidson. I can see a close-up of Ginsberg on the monitor and apparently he is quoting sections of the rule book. Ginsberg has now pulled out photographic evidence to show Davidson that clearly shows that Fowler went out of the baseline and interfered with Furcal’s attempt to throw to first. Davidson is weighing the evidence….and Davidson calls Helton out at first on interference by Fowler. The crowd is going nuts. Ginsberg wins another argument. Now here comes Rockies manager Jim Tracy. The Rockies don’t have an arbiter coach and it looks as if Tracy has no chance on getting this decision reversed on appeal. Ginsberg heads back to the Dodgers dugout and he’s now 6-0 in arguments. The guy has been a worth this weight in gold to the Dodgers this season……”
The arbiter coach of course would wear a uniform complete with a tie and dress shoes. In the off-season he could work with the front office on contracts and arbitration cases. Why send a manager out to argue when you can have a lawyer make his case for him?
Vin Scully: “Here’s the pitch….Helton swings and grounds it sharply to second….Carroll to second for one and there will be no relay throw as Furcal has been taken out on a slide by Fowler….and Joe Torre sends Dodgers arbiter coach Sol Ginsberg out to talk to umpire Bob Davidson. I can see a close-up of Ginsberg on the monitor and apparently he is quoting sections of the rule book. Ginsberg has now pulled out photographic evidence to show Davidson that clearly shows that Fowler went out of the baseline and interfered with Furcal’s attempt to throw to first. Davidson is weighing the evidence….and Davidson calls Helton out at first on interference by Fowler. The crowd is going nuts. Ginsberg wins another argument. Now here comes Rockies manager Jim Tracy. The Rockies don’t have an arbiter coach and it looks as if Tracy has no chance on getting this decision reversed on appeal. Ginsberg heads back to the Dodgers dugout and he’s now 6-0 in arguments. The guy has been a worth this weight in gold to the Dodgers this season……”
The arbiter coach of course would wear a uniform complete with a tie and dress shoes. In the off-season he could work with the front office on contracts and arbitration cases. Why send a manager out to argue when you can have a lawyer make his case for him?
Crime Doesn't Pay!
The Rangers swiped a team record nine bases last night...and lost 7-6 to the Red Sox. The Bostons snapped a five game slide while the Rangers losing streak extends to five.
What does this tell you? It says the Rangers, despite many preseason prognosticators picking them to win the West, are still the Rangers and that coke snortin' skipper Ron Washington's seat is getting hotter and hotter. I say he doesn't last past May.
What does this tell you? It says the Rangers, despite many preseason prognosticators picking them to win the West, are still the Rangers and that coke snortin' skipper Ron Washington's seat is getting hotter and hotter. I say he doesn't last past May.
I Called It!!!
People mocked me. I was ridiculed. Laughing stock was what I had become. Yes, I went out on a limb and predicted that the Astros, despite losing their first 6 home games, would win at least one game this year at Minute Maid Park.
Of course any time one makes a bold prediction the naysayers come out of the woodwork.
However, my prediction has been justified. Last evening, before a believing crowd of 24,135 in Houston, the Astros defeated the Marlins 7-5.
I could go even further and say that before the season ends the Astros will get a second home win. I could make that prediction. But I won't.
Nice to have Lance Berkman back. One of my favorite players, Berkman had a double and 2 RBI's in his first game of the season after knee surgery.
Of course any time one makes a bold prediction the naysayers come out of the woodwork.
However, my prediction has been justified. Last evening, before a believing crowd of 24,135 in Houston, the Astros defeated the Marlins 7-5.
I could go even further and say that before the season ends the Astros will get a second home win. I could make that prediction. But I won't.
Nice to have Lance Berkman back. One of my favorite players, Berkman had a double and 2 RBI's in his first game of the season after knee surgery.
Another Idiot
Edinson Volquez has been suspended 50-games by Major League baseball for using performance enhancing drugs. The Reds pitcher is on the disabled list after Tommy John surgery last year. Still, he can start serving his suspension now and is expected to be ready to pitch in July when his suspension will be over with.
My feeling is that when he is ready to pitch, then his suspension should start. Actually, if it were up to me anyone using performance enhancing drugs would be suspended for two years and then another positive test and a lifetime ban would be enforced. Do you think that would clean up the game? I do. 50-games is nothing especially in the case of Volquez.
Of course Volquez had a lame excuse claiming he got a prescription in the Dominican Republic to help him get his wife pregnant.
I'm waiting for some guy to say, "Ya know, I'm looking for a new contract and I wanted an edge. I cheated hoping I wouldn't get caught."
Instead we get insulting excuse after insulting excuse. I'm sick of it.
My feeling is that when he is ready to pitch, then his suspension should start. Actually, if it were up to me anyone using performance enhancing drugs would be suspended for two years and then another positive test and a lifetime ban would be enforced. Do you think that would clean up the game? I do. 50-games is nothing especially in the case of Volquez.
Of course Volquez had a lame excuse claiming he got a prescription in the Dominican Republic to help him get his wife pregnant.
I'm waiting for some guy to say, "Ya know, I'm looking for a new contract and I wanted an edge. I cheated hoping I wouldn't get caught."
Instead we get insulting excuse after insulting excuse. I'm sick of it.
Sad Day For The Rocks
I didn't feel like writing anything on here yesterday after the sad and tragic news that Rockies President Keli McGregor passed away in a Salt Lake City hotel, apparently of natural causes. He was in Utah on team business. McGregor, a former football star at Colorado State who played some in the NFL, was just 48.
Incredibly sad. He leaves behind a wife and four children.
I didn't know McGregor. I saw him a few times at Coors Field and he seemed like a quiet guy. He was big too, standing 6'7 and he looked as if he could still play football. A lot of people let themselves go but he was in great shape.
It's odd that so many people are out of shape and you wonder how they haven't keeled over. Yet we hear a story about someone in great condition passing and we scratch our heads. I guess when your time is up your time is up.
The Rockies had a number 88 jersey with McGregor's name on it hanging in the dugout last night. That was his football number. The Rocks beat the Nationals 10-4, certainly a bittersweet win.
My condolences go out to McGregor's family and friends and the entire Rockies organization.
Incredibly sad. He leaves behind a wife and four children.
I didn't know McGregor. I saw him a few times at Coors Field and he seemed like a quiet guy. He was big too, standing 6'7 and he looked as if he could still play football. A lot of people let themselves go but he was in great shape.
It's odd that so many people are out of shape and you wonder how they haven't keeled over. Yet we hear a story about someone in great condition passing and we scratch our heads. I guess when your time is up your time is up.
The Rockies had a number 88 jersey with McGregor's name on it hanging in the dugout last night. That was his football number. The Rocks beat the Nationals 10-4, certainly a bittersweet win.
My condolences go out to McGregor's family and friends and the entire Rockies organization.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Bosox TV Crew
If you know me, you know that I'm not exactly a Red Sox fan. As a matter of fact, I've hated the Bostons since I started following baseball as an embryo.
That doesn't mean I can't give credit when it is warrented.
I must confess, I love listening to the Red Sox broadcasting team of Jerry Remy and Don Orsillo. They have great chemistry and are simply a great listen.
I'm watching the Patriot's Day game on TV. Patriot's Day is a holiday in Boston when they have the Boston Marathon and a Red Sox game that begins at 11 a.m. Eastern.
Anyway, Remy just told a story that made me laugh. He called an unnamed national announcer "a clown" while relaying the story about the time "the clown" asked Remy and Orsillo if they were "national or just local."
A couple of seconds later the TV showed a shot of Remy and Orsillo and Orsillo said, "Here we are in our local booth."
They are just a great broadcasting team and even though I hated Remy as a player I like him as an announcer.
I also like Heidi Watney the sideline reporter. While she may not have the baseball acumen expected of a Boston reporter, she does have attributes that I like. If you saw her you would understand where I'm coming from.
By the way, it's Tampa Bay 6 Boston 0 in the third at Fenway. The Rays are looking for the sweep which would mean a five game losing skid for the Bostons. I'm not upset.
That doesn't mean I can't give credit when it is warrented.
I must confess, I love listening to the Red Sox broadcasting team of Jerry Remy and Don Orsillo. They have great chemistry and are simply a great listen.
I'm watching the Patriot's Day game on TV. Patriot's Day is a holiday in Boston when they have the Boston Marathon and a Red Sox game that begins at 11 a.m. Eastern.
Anyway, Remy just told a story that made me laugh. He called an unnamed national announcer "a clown" while relaying the story about the time "the clown" asked Remy and Orsillo if they were "national or just local."
A couple of seconds later the TV showed a shot of Remy and Orsillo and Orsillo said, "Here we are in our local booth."
They are just a great broadcasting team and even though I hated Remy as a player I like him as an announcer.
I also like Heidi Watney the sideline reporter. While she may not have the baseball acumen expected of a Boston reporter, she does have attributes that I like. If you saw her you would understand where I'm coming from.
By the way, it's Tampa Bay 6 Boston 0 in the third at Fenway. The Rays are looking for the sweep which would mean a five game losing skid for the Bostons. I'm not upset.
The Bowler Hat
I love looking at old black and white baseball photographs taken in the days of Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth. Besides looking at the players, I enjoy looking at pictures of the fans in the stands.
Predominantly an adult male crowd, I find it fascinating that they all dressed in dark suits and bowler hats.
Back then, very few women attended games and kids were hardly to be seen. It was a crowd of cigar chomping, hard drinking, sharply dressed men who enjoyed placing a wager or two on the outcome of the game. While we are familiar with the fixed 1919 World Series, games that were not always "on the level" in those days was not unheard of.
Today, you hardly ever see a fan show up in a suit and tie. People are dressed comfortably, wearing team apparrel. If that same person jumped in a time machine and showed up to a game at the Polo Grounds in 1915 they would be looked upon as a bum.
I'd like to know; when did men stop wearing suits and bowler hats to games? When did some guy say, "Screw it. I don't want to wear a damn suit to the ballpark and this bowler hat looks ridiculous. Plus, it obscures the view of the guy behind me."
Anyway, on our radio show last night, for some reason bowler hats were brought up.
Since we can't send a modern day fan in his cut-off shorts, officially licensed team cap, his team T-shirt while wearing sandals (sandals...ugh, a bad look in any era) back to 1923 via time machine, why not have someone dress up in an old time suit and a bowler hat go to a game today just to see what the reaction would be like?
How about this promotion, Bowler Hat Day at the ballpark? I think it would be a great promotion to invite men to the park for a free bowler hat providing they wear a suit too. Wear a suit, get a bowler hat! Of course, we'll leave the cigars and gambling out of the promotion.
Shoot, if I had an old-timey suit and a bowler hat I'd go to a game dressed as an old fan. I'd even apply a fake handlebar mustache.
I'm a promotional genius. Unfortunately, I'm the only one who realizes this.
Predominantly an adult male crowd, I find it fascinating that they all dressed in dark suits and bowler hats.
Back then, very few women attended games and kids were hardly to be seen. It was a crowd of cigar chomping, hard drinking, sharply dressed men who enjoyed placing a wager or two on the outcome of the game. While we are familiar with the fixed 1919 World Series, games that were not always "on the level" in those days was not unheard of.
Today, you hardly ever see a fan show up in a suit and tie. People are dressed comfortably, wearing team apparrel. If that same person jumped in a time machine and showed up to a game at the Polo Grounds in 1915 they would be looked upon as a bum.
I'd like to know; when did men stop wearing suits and bowler hats to games? When did some guy say, "Screw it. I don't want to wear a damn suit to the ballpark and this bowler hat looks ridiculous. Plus, it obscures the view of the guy behind me."
Anyway, on our radio show last night, for some reason bowler hats were brought up.
Since we can't send a modern day fan in his cut-off shorts, officially licensed team cap, his team T-shirt while wearing sandals (sandals...ugh, a bad look in any era) back to 1923 via time machine, why not have someone dress up in an old time suit and a bowler hat go to a game today just to see what the reaction would be like?
How about this promotion, Bowler Hat Day at the ballpark? I think it would be a great promotion to invite men to the park for a free bowler hat providing they wear a suit too. Wear a suit, get a bowler hat! Of course, we'll leave the cigars and gambling out of the promotion.
Shoot, if I had an old-timey suit and a bowler hat I'd go to a game dressed as an old fan. I'd even apply a fake handlebar mustache.
I'm a promotional genius. Unfortunately, I'm the only one who realizes this.
Refund?
So you live in the Washington, DC area and you feel like taking in a Sunday afternoon game at spiffy Nationals Park. You rustle up the family, drive to the park, pay an exorbitant amount for parking, grab a few hot dogs and beverages, find your seat and thumb through the program until the Brewers-Nationals game begins.
As you watch Washington lead off man Willy Taveras stride to the plate in the bottom of the first you glance at the scoreboard in disbelief as the Nats are down 10! That's right, Milwaukee scored 10 in the top of the first. Jason Marquis started and allowed 7-earned runs. He allowed all seven batters he faced to reach base, four on hits, one on a walk and he hit two batters. Marquis is off to a less than impressive start at 0-3 with an ERA of 20.52.
When a visiting team scores 10 or more runs in any inning, fans in the ballpark should all be entitled to a refund. It would actually be rather entertaining when fans realize that if the visiting team has already scored 8 or 9 runs in an inning that they would get a refund if they could tack on a couple of more runs. You know they would be cheering for the visitors to get to 10 runs so they could get their hard-earned money back.
How about fans get refunds any time the visiting team wins? You're right, that's a stupid idea. But I do like the refund for the 10-runs in an inning happenstance.
As you watch Washington lead off man Willy Taveras stride to the plate in the bottom of the first you glance at the scoreboard in disbelief as the Nats are down 10! That's right, Milwaukee scored 10 in the top of the first. Jason Marquis started and allowed 7-earned runs. He allowed all seven batters he faced to reach base, four on hits, one on a walk and he hit two batters. Marquis is off to a less than impressive start at 0-3 with an ERA of 20.52.
When a visiting team scores 10 or more runs in any inning, fans in the ballpark should all be entitled to a refund. It would actually be rather entertaining when fans realize that if the visiting team has already scored 8 or 9 runs in an inning that they would get a refund if they could tack on a couple of more runs. You know they would be cheering for the visitors to get to 10 runs so they could get their hard-earned money back.
How about fans get refunds any time the visiting team wins? You're right, that's a stupid idea. But I do like the refund for the 10-runs in an inning happenstance.
A Little Extra
The Mets and Cardinals played a 20-inning game Saturday. Good for them.
I love extra innings but 20 is a bit much although the 1964 Mets would say that 20-innings is nothing.
In the first year of Shea Stadium, the Mets hosted the Giants in a doubleheader. The first game went the standard 9-innings. The second game went 23-innings. That's a tripleheader plus 5-innings. Always nice for a pitching staff.
Speaking of tripleheaders, I was involved in one in college. We (Duquesne) lost all three games at Penn State once. Rainouts forced us to play three. Ernie Banks would have been ecstatic. Anyway, the mighty Dukes should have won the second game but Dave Smith, our second baseman, booted a routine one-hopper, a perfect double play ball that would have ended the game in our favor. Not that it has bothered me over the years.
The longest game I've ever been to was an Indians-Yankees game in the late 80's or maybe the early 90's. It went 17-innings and I can't even remember how it ended. Something tells me a sac fly. It is rare for me to be so hazy on a game like this but I am. Can't remember much about it other than it was a night game and the Yanks won in 17.
Maybe I'll do some research and find out the details. Maybe I won't.
I love extra innings but 20 is a bit much although the 1964 Mets would say that 20-innings is nothing.
In the first year of Shea Stadium, the Mets hosted the Giants in a doubleheader. The first game went the standard 9-innings. The second game went 23-innings. That's a tripleheader plus 5-innings. Always nice for a pitching staff.
Speaking of tripleheaders, I was involved in one in college. We (Duquesne) lost all three games at Penn State once. Rainouts forced us to play three. Ernie Banks would have been ecstatic. Anyway, the mighty Dukes should have won the second game but Dave Smith, our second baseman, booted a routine one-hopper, a perfect double play ball that would have ended the game in our favor. Not that it has bothered me over the years.
The longest game I've ever been to was an Indians-Yankees game in the late 80's or maybe the early 90's. It went 17-innings and I can't even remember how it ended. Something tells me a sac fly. It is rare for me to be so hazy on a game like this but I am. Can't remember much about it other than it was a night game and the Yanks won in 17.
Maybe I'll do some research and find out the details. Maybe I won't.
The Need To Slide
If I were the commissioner of baseball, and I should be (plus I'd work for less than Bud Selig's 18-mil per season. Really, that's what he makes), I would institute a rule change immediately. The rule would protect the catcher.
We see many highlights of plays at home plate where the runner, who will be out by a mile, tries to run over the catcher to dislodge the ball. It's an exciting play for sure but very dangerous. That a catcher, to my knowledge, hasn't had his neck broken is a miracle. With the NFL getting serious about head injuries it's time for some preventative action by baseball. I'm afraid it's going to take a catastrophic injury to a catcher before baseball implements a rules change.
My rule change would be simple. No more barrelling into a catcher when he is attempting to make a tag. The runner has to slide in an effort to score. If the catcher is blocking the plate, a runner still had to slide to try to score. He can slide through the catcher's legs or slide past the catcher and attempt to tag the plate with his hand. Whatever the case is, a runner has to try to score. Any attempt to run over the catcher by nailing him in the head with a forearm blow will be met with immediate ejection and an automatic out.
Also, a catcher can't block the plate until he has possession of the ball. If a catcher sticks his leg out before he has the ball then the runner is automatically safe.
I think these subtle rule changes will avert injuries. You don't see runners going in head high on a tag play on the bases. Why should it be different at home plate? This dangerous play of steamrolling a catcher needs to be taken out of the game.
We see many highlights of plays at home plate where the runner, who will be out by a mile, tries to run over the catcher to dislodge the ball. It's an exciting play for sure but very dangerous. That a catcher, to my knowledge, hasn't had his neck broken is a miracle. With the NFL getting serious about head injuries it's time for some preventative action by baseball. I'm afraid it's going to take a catastrophic injury to a catcher before baseball implements a rules change.
My rule change would be simple. No more barrelling into a catcher when he is attempting to make a tag. The runner has to slide in an effort to score. If the catcher is blocking the plate, a runner still had to slide to try to score. He can slide through the catcher's legs or slide past the catcher and attempt to tag the plate with his hand. Whatever the case is, a runner has to try to score. Any attempt to run over the catcher by nailing him in the head with a forearm blow will be met with immediate ejection and an automatic out.
Also, a catcher can't block the plate until he has possession of the ball. If a catcher sticks his leg out before he has the ball then the runner is automatically safe.
I think these subtle rule changes will avert injuries. You don't see runners going in head high on a tag play on the bases. Why should it be different at home plate? This dangerous play of steamrolling a catcher needs to be taken out of the game.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
NO NO UBALDO!!!
I settled in to watch the Rockies-Braves game tonight. You can never expect it but it happened, a no-hitter by Ubaldo Jimenez. He did walk 6 guys, none after the 5th inning, and Dexter Fowler made a ridiculously amazing diving catch in the left-centerfield gap but Jimenez was spectacular. He was throwing 98 in the 9th inning. He struck out 7.
Oh yeah, the Rocks won 4-0. Congrats to Ubaldo for tossing the first no-hitter in Rockies history. That's right, Brian Bohannon never threw a no-hitter.
Also, the list of teams never to throw a no-hitter shrinks to two. The Padres, in business since 1969 and the Mets who have been around since 1962.
A memorable Saturday night. And Ubaldo better buy Fowler a dinner. A really nice dinner.
Oh yeah, the Rocks won 4-0. Congrats to Ubaldo for tossing the first no-hitter in Rockies history. That's right, Brian Bohannon never threw a no-hitter.
Also, the list of teams never to throw a no-hitter shrinks to two. The Padres, in business since 1969 and the Mets who have been around since 1962.
A memorable Saturday night. And Ubaldo better buy Fowler a dinner. A really nice dinner.
Big Mac Reaction
Alex Rodriguez homered today for the Yanks, his 584th career clout, placing him ahead of Mark McGwire for 8th on the all-time HR list.
McGwire said, "I'm pissed. I hate to see my records passed by some guy who used steroids. It's just not right."
The Maris family agrees.
McGwire said, "I'm pissed. I hate to see my records passed by some guy who used steroids. It's just not right."
The Maris family agrees.
David Eckstein
I've been meaning to write about Padres second baseman David Eckstein for a while but I haven't gotten around to it...until now.
There is only one reason Eckstein is in the Major Leagues. It is not because he is so physically gifted because he isn't. He isn't big, isn't very fast and I've seen better arms on a rocking chair. I'll tell you why he's in the bigs but only after a little story.
In 1997 I was announcing minor league ball in the Class A NY-Penn League. I was in Massachusetts for a game between the Hudson Valley Renegades and Lowell Spinners.
I always hated waiting around all day in the hotel so I would frequently head to the ballpark early. Real early. I grabbed lunch and headed to Alumni Field, a crappy temporary ballpark being used until the Spinners spiffy new park was ready the following year.
It was about 12:30 and the early afternoon sun was scorching. Throw in some heavy humidity and it was a sauna in Lowell that day.
As I was reading some notes in the un-air conditioned press box, I thought I was the only one in the park. I've always enjoyed the solitude of an empty ballpark and watching it come to life bit-by-bit as game time approached. Well, I wasn't the only one in the park.
I heard a loud "thwack." Then another "thwack" and another. I looked down the right field line and there was a guy hitting off a batting tee into a net. It was Eckstein. I watched for about 15-minutes then grabbed my tape recorder and headed down to the field.
After his workout, I introduced myself. We chatted for a bit and then I asked him to do a pre-game interview with me for our radio broadcast. He was a little surprised to be asked to do an interview but we did it, in the dugout and out of the hot sun, and it was a good interview.
A few years later, when Eckstein was with St. Louis, I approached him in the Cardinals dugout at Coors Field before batting practice.
"Hi David, do you remember me?"
He looked at me and I could tell he was thinking, "I know this guy but where?"
I decided to help him.
"Lowell, Massachusetts."
"Oh yeah," said Eckstein, "I remember. You interviewed me in the dugout."
He was correct. We talked a bit and he was as nice as can be. Some guys change when they make the big leagues but Eckstein wasn't one of them.
"How did you remember that interview?" I asked him.
He said, "Because it was the only interview I did that year!"
Ever since that interview on a hot muggy day in a dusty dugout, I've followed Eckstein's career. I talked to a bunch of scouts about him when he was in the minors and most of them said, basically, "Nice little player (5'7, 170 lbs...maybe), good attitude, plays the game right but not a prospect." Then they would go on to say, he doesn't have a good arm, no power, not fast enough and so on. They focused on what they thought he couldn't do.
Well, David Eckstein is in his 10th Major League season. He's been on two All-Star teams, he's won a World Series ring with the Angels and a ring with the Cardinals in 2006. Oh yeah, he was the World Series MVP that year.
At the beginning of this post I wrote that I would tell you why David Eckstein is in the Major Leagues. I don't think I have to tell you now do I? But I will. It's because I interviewed him in 1997. No, no. The reason he's been in "The Show" for 10-years is because of his intense work ethic, hustle and desire to succeed. Novel concept isn't it?
There is only one reason Eckstein is in the Major Leagues. It is not because he is so physically gifted because he isn't. He isn't big, isn't very fast and I've seen better arms on a rocking chair. I'll tell you why he's in the bigs but only after a little story.
In 1997 I was announcing minor league ball in the Class A NY-Penn League. I was in Massachusetts for a game between the Hudson Valley Renegades and Lowell Spinners.
I always hated waiting around all day in the hotel so I would frequently head to the ballpark early. Real early. I grabbed lunch and headed to Alumni Field, a crappy temporary ballpark being used until the Spinners spiffy new park was ready the following year.
It was about 12:30 and the early afternoon sun was scorching. Throw in some heavy humidity and it was a sauna in Lowell that day.
As I was reading some notes in the un-air conditioned press box, I thought I was the only one in the park. I've always enjoyed the solitude of an empty ballpark and watching it come to life bit-by-bit as game time approached. Well, I wasn't the only one in the park.
I heard a loud "thwack." Then another "thwack" and another. I looked down the right field line and there was a guy hitting off a batting tee into a net. It was Eckstein. I watched for about 15-minutes then grabbed my tape recorder and headed down to the field.
After his workout, I introduced myself. We chatted for a bit and then I asked him to do a pre-game interview with me for our radio broadcast. He was a little surprised to be asked to do an interview but we did it, in the dugout and out of the hot sun, and it was a good interview.
A few years later, when Eckstein was with St. Louis, I approached him in the Cardinals dugout at Coors Field before batting practice.
"Hi David, do you remember me?"
He looked at me and I could tell he was thinking, "I know this guy but where?"
I decided to help him.
"Lowell, Massachusetts."
"Oh yeah," said Eckstein, "I remember. You interviewed me in the dugout."
He was correct. We talked a bit and he was as nice as can be. Some guys change when they make the big leagues but Eckstein wasn't one of them.
"How did you remember that interview?" I asked him.
He said, "Because it was the only interview I did that year!"
Ever since that interview on a hot muggy day in a dusty dugout, I've followed Eckstein's career. I talked to a bunch of scouts about him when he was in the minors and most of them said, basically, "Nice little player (5'7, 170 lbs...maybe), good attitude, plays the game right but not a prospect." Then they would go on to say, he doesn't have a good arm, no power, not fast enough and so on. They focused on what they thought he couldn't do.
Well, David Eckstein is in his 10th Major League season. He's been on two All-Star teams, he's won a World Series ring with the Angels and a ring with the Cardinals in 2006. Oh yeah, he was the World Series MVP that year.
At the beginning of this post I wrote that I would tell you why David Eckstein is in the Major Leagues. I don't think I have to tell you now do I? But I will. It's because I interviewed him in 1997. No, no. The reason he's been in "The Show" for 10-years is because of his intense work ethic, hustle and desire to succeed. Novel concept isn't it?
The Timmy Show
Tim Lincecum is pitching as I write this against the Dodgers. He has three strikeouts through 3 innings so far. The Giants are leading 5-0 and not only is Lincecum dealing on the mound, he's 2-2 with 3 RBI's at the plate.
Lincecum is amazing. He's listed at 5'11, 170. 170 pounds? I don't think so. Actually, he's probably closer to 150 with the remaining 20-pounds accounted for by his hair.
He looks like a surfer dude but is must watch viewing when he is pitching. Every time he throws it looks like his arm is going to fly off and land between the mound and home plate. If that happens his career would likely be over. That is why when I get a chance to watch Lincecum pitch I do it. The guy is incredible.
Lincecum is amazing. He's listed at 5'11, 170. 170 pounds? I don't think so. Actually, he's probably closer to 150 with the remaining 20-pounds accounted for by his hair.
He looks like a surfer dude but is must watch viewing when he is pitching. Every time he throws it looks like his arm is going to fly off and land between the mound and home plate. If that happens his career would likely be over. That is why when I get a chance to watch Lincecum pitch I do it. The guy is incredible.
A Nice Pace
The Yankees beat the Rangers today 7-3 at the new stadium. Derek Jeter had 3 hits, a homer and 2 RBI's. He's off to a torrid start at .380 and is on pace to collect 280 hits on the season. He is now just 237 hits shy of 3,000.
I'll be honest, I don't think Jeter will reach 3-grand in hits this season. Actually, the whole point of this post is to just let Red Sox fans know that Jeter isn't slowing down with age. He'll be 36 in June and the way he keeps in shape I think he'll be around another 20-years and rack up about 6,000 hits.
Obviously Jeter is one of my favorite Yankees ever. Here would be a good time to post my all-time favorite Yankees.
C- Thurman Munson
1B- Don Mattingly
2B- Willie Randolph (with a soft spot for Horace Clarke)
3B- Graig Nettles
SS- Derek Jeter
LF- Roy White
CF- Bernie Williams
RF- Bobby Murcer (Although a CF)
DH- Reggie Jackson, although he was infuriating at times.
LHP- Ron Guidry
LHP- Andy Pettitte
RHP- Catfish Hunter
RHP- Mel Stottlemyre
RP- Mariano Rivera
RP- Goose Gossage
RP- Sparky Lyle
MGR- Billy Martin edging out Joe Torre
Somehow Mel Hall and Ed Whitson didn't make my list of favorite all-time Yankees.
I'll be honest, I don't think Jeter will reach 3-grand in hits this season. Actually, the whole point of this post is to just let Red Sox fans know that Jeter isn't slowing down with age. He'll be 36 in June and the way he keeps in shape I think he'll be around another 20-years and rack up about 6,000 hits.
Obviously Jeter is one of my favorite Yankees ever. Here would be a good time to post my all-time favorite Yankees.
C- Thurman Munson
1B- Don Mattingly
2B- Willie Randolph (with a soft spot for Horace Clarke)
3B- Graig Nettles
SS- Derek Jeter
LF- Roy White
CF- Bernie Williams
RF- Bobby Murcer (Although a CF)
DH- Reggie Jackson, although he was infuriating at times.
LHP- Ron Guidry
LHP- Andy Pettitte
RHP- Catfish Hunter
RHP- Mel Stottlemyre
RP- Mariano Rivera
RP- Goose Gossage
RP- Sparky Lyle
MGR- Billy Martin edging out Joe Torre
Somehow Mel Hall and Ed Whitson didn't make my list of favorite all-time Yankees.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Ban Smokeless Tobaccy
After ridding the game of steroids (not really) but not HGH, the United States Congress is seeking to ban smokeless tobacco from the Major Leagues.
I'm all for it. It is a disgusting habit, it causes cancer and influences any number of young kids who emulate big leagers. To me it's a no-brainer to eliminate tobacco from the game.
Giants relief pitcher Brandon Medders thinks differently. He says, "We work outside. It's been part of the game for 100 years."
Okay, since it has been around for so long, let's keep it in the game. It's tradition! So what if players get oral, esophageal and stomach cancer. Baseball and tobacco go hand in hand!
Medders, a user of smokeless tobacco, also said the idea of banning tobacco from baseball is "just stupid."
No Brandon. You are stupid. Stupid for using smokeless tobacco and stupid for opening your disgusting, tobacco filled, brown-stained, white-lesioned mouth.
Meanwhile, the Minor Leagues banned smokeless tobacco in 1993. It is a shallow ban. Why? Because it is still prevalent in the minor leagues. I saw it first hand. During games you may not see it. But before games, in the clubhouses and on team buses guys use tobacco all the time. Most of the umpires, who are supposed to enforce the ban, use tobacco. I once asked a NY-Penn League umpire who had a bunch of tobacco in his mouth, how he enforces the ban when he himself dips. He said, "I don't give a shit."
That is what would happen if the majors banned smokeless tobacco. It would be used but not out in the open during a game. Before and after the game and during the game out of view guys would be still chewing and dipping.
Of course when they get cancer down the road they'll all say, "I shouldn't have done it. I was stupid."
Tobacco in baseball should be banned immediately and the players union should insist on it. Then the ban has to be enforced and not by umpires, jock sniffers or lackeys who also use that crap.
I'm all for it. It is a disgusting habit, it causes cancer and influences any number of young kids who emulate big leagers. To me it's a no-brainer to eliminate tobacco from the game.
Giants relief pitcher Brandon Medders thinks differently. He says, "We work outside. It's been part of the game for 100 years."
Okay, since it has been around for so long, let's keep it in the game. It's tradition! So what if players get oral, esophageal and stomach cancer. Baseball and tobacco go hand in hand!
Medders, a user of smokeless tobacco, also said the idea of banning tobacco from baseball is "just stupid."
No Brandon. You are stupid. Stupid for using smokeless tobacco and stupid for opening your disgusting, tobacco filled, brown-stained, white-lesioned mouth.
Meanwhile, the Minor Leagues banned smokeless tobacco in 1993. It is a shallow ban. Why? Because it is still prevalent in the minor leagues. I saw it first hand. During games you may not see it. But before games, in the clubhouses and on team buses guys use tobacco all the time. Most of the umpires, who are supposed to enforce the ban, use tobacco. I once asked a NY-Penn League umpire who had a bunch of tobacco in his mouth, how he enforces the ban when he himself dips. He said, "I don't give a shit."
That is what would happen if the majors banned smokeless tobacco. It would be used but not out in the open during a game. Before and after the game and during the game out of view guys would be still chewing and dipping.
Of course when they get cancer down the road they'll all say, "I shouldn't have done it. I was stupid."
Tobacco in baseball should be banned immediately and the players union should insist on it. Then the ban has to be enforced and not by umpires, jock sniffers or lackeys who also use that crap.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
O's Finished
The Rays got past the feisty Orioles today 9-1 in Baltimore. The loss eliminates Baltimore from playoff contention. The Birds fall to 1-8 on the season.
It was a good run for the Orioles and their fans. A break here or there and they could have stayed in the race another week. I think we can all agree, Orioles fan or not, that we are proud of the effort put forth by the team.
So, the Baltimores are back to the familiar role of playing spoiler for the next 5 1/2 months. Good try Orioles. Better luck next year.
It was a good run for the Orioles and their fans. A break here or there and they could have stayed in the race another week. I think we can all agree, Orioles fan or not, that we are proud of the effort put forth by the team.
So, the Baltimores are back to the familiar role of playing spoiler for the next 5 1/2 months. Good try Orioles. Better luck next year.
Godzilla in The Bronx
Hideki Matsui picked up his World Series ring yesterday at Yankee Stadium. The DH looked out of place in an Angels uniform. It was nice to see his former Yankees teammates give him a giant group hug on the field before the game.
His ex-mates also played a prank on him by giving him an old, rusted ring instead of his real World Series ring. Of course he got the real ring, one he earned by being the 2009 World Series MVP.
While Nick Johnson will do well as the Yankees DH this year I can't help but think in the post-season the Yanks will wish they had Matsui in pinstripes. The guy is clutch and is a very tough out, even against lefties. Even worse is if the Yankees play the Angels and Matsui has a chance to do some damage against his former team.
By the way, why does Matsui still need a translator? In seven years in New York he didn't learn English? Or, does he want to limit his interviews by claiming he can't speak English? Maybe he can't afford to get the "Rosetta Stone" learn how to speak English tapes. Perhaps he forgets how to speak English in front of a microphone the way Sam Sosa forgot how to speak English before congress.
His ex-mates also played a prank on him by giving him an old, rusted ring instead of his real World Series ring. Of course he got the real ring, one he earned by being the 2009 World Series MVP.
While Nick Johnson will do well as the Yankees DH this year I can't help but think in the post-season the Yanks will wish they had Matsui in pinstripes. The guy is clutch and is a very tough out, even against lefties. Even worse is if the Yankees play the Angels and Matsui has a chance to do some damage against his former team.
By the way, why does Matsui still need a translator? In seven years in New York he didn't learn English? Or, does he want to limit his interviews by claiming he can't speak English? Maybe he can't afford to get the "Rosetta Stone" learn how to speak English tapes. Perhaps he forgets how to speak English in front of a microphone the way Sam Sosa forgot how to speak English before congress.
Props To Milton
I’ve been harsh on Mariners outfielder Milton Bradley on this blog. I think I’ve been fair though. It’s not as if I’ve been picking on the guy for no reason.
I was going to write today about Milton flipping off fans in Oakland and starting out his Mariners career 1-22, an impressive .045 clip. He had a sit down with M’s skipper Don Wakamatsu who said that Bradley was feeling pressure and he wanted him to relax. Bradley and relax don’t always coexist.
But time to give credit where credit is due.
Bradley belted a 3-run 8th inning homer last night to give the Mariners a 3-0 victory over the Athletics. Milty was 2-4 on the night and brought his average up to a robust .115. Two of his three hits have been homers.
I’ll be honest here. The guy is a knucklehead but for some reason I kind of like him. He’s interesting and not boring. Still, I’m waiting for the big explosion that will come. In the meantime, at least for one night anyway, Milton Bradley had game.
I was going to write today about Milton flipping off fans in Oakland and starting out his Mariners career 1-22, an impressive .045 clip. He had a sit down with M’s skipper Don Wakamatsu who said that Bradley was feeling pressure and he wanted him to relax. Bradley and relax don’t always coexist.
But time to give credit where credit is due.
Bradley belted a 3-run 8th inning homer last night to give the Mariners a 3-0 victory over the Athletics. Milty was 2-4 on the night and brought his average up to a robust .115. Two of his three hits have been homers.
I’ll be honest here. The guy is a knucklehead but for some reason I kind of like him. He’s interesting and not boring. Still, I’m waiting for the big explosion that will come. In the meantime, at least for one night anyway, Milton Bradley had game.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Ah Ha!
Jose Guillen is off to a hot start. A year ago, Guillen played just 81 games with 9 homers and 40 RBI's while batting a meager .242.
After today's game (Det 6 KC 5) Guillen is hitting .313 with 4 homers and 8 RBI's. A very small sample true but still it looks like Guillen is on his way to a solid season.
Oh yeah, he's also in the last year of his contract. Motivation can work wonders.
After today's game (Det 6 KC 5) Guillen is hitting .313 with 4 homers and 8 RBI's. A very small sample true but still it looks like Guillen is on his way to a solid season.
Oh yeah, he's also in the last year of his contract. Motivation can work wonders.
The Mets In Town
Whenever the Mets are in town I get a chance to see my friend Chris Majkowski. My nickname for him is Scammy. He doesn't like the nickname. Anyway, it's a long story as to how I nicknamed him Scammy and I don't need to tell it here.
Chris is the radio engineer for the Mets radio broadcasts and one reason I like to see Chris is because he's a good guy. Also, the Mets radio announcing team of Howie Rose and Wayne Hagin, the former Rockies radio broadcaster, are gracious enough to let me sit in for an inning or two and eavesdrop on their broadcast.
While I've always hated the Mets, I've always loved their announcers. The original team of Lindsay Nelson, Bob Murphy and Ralph Kiner were great. Ralph is still contributing to Mets TV broadcasts at the age of 87. The current group of announcers is outstanding with Rose, Hagin and Ed Coleman. On the TV side, you can't go wrong with Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling. Kevin Burkhardt, a guy I knew when he was at a small radio station in Pompton Plains, New Jersey (WGHT), is the excellent Mets TV reporter. I knew Kevin was an up and coming star in the business when I heard him call high school football and basketball games on WGHT.
Meanwhile, across town, Yankees fans are stuck listening to the insufferable John Sterling and the unlistenable Suzyn Waldman on the radio. Michael Kay on the TV side for the Yanks has turned into a shill and a borefest.
In summation, on the field the Yanks have it all over the Mets. In the broadcast booths though, hands down, the Mets have a huge advantage. Except for that radio engineer of course!
Chris is the radio engineer for the Mets radio broadcasts and one reason I like to see Chris is because he's a good guy. Also, the Mets radio announcing team of Howie Rose and Wayne Hagin, the former Rockies radio broadcaster, are gracious enough to let me sit in for an inning or two and eavesdrop on their broadcast.
While I've always hated the Mets, I've always loved their announcers. The original team of Lindsay Nelson, Bob Murphy and Ralph Kiner were great. Ralph is still contributing to Mets TV broadcasts at the age of 87. The current group of announcers is outstanding with Rose, Hagin and Ed Coleman. On the TV side, you can't go wrong with Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling. Kevin Burkhardt, a guy I knew when he was at a small radio station in Pompton Plains, New Jersey (WGHT), is the excellent Mets TV reporter. I knew Kevin was an up and coming star in the business when I heard him call high school football and basketball games on WGHT.
Meanwhile, across town, Yankees fans are stuck listening to the insufferable John Sterling and the unlistenable Suzyn Waldman on the radio. Michael Kay on the TV side for the Yanks has turned into a shill and a borefest.
In summation, on the field the Yanks have it all over the Mets. In the broadcast booths though, hands down, the Mets have a huge advantage. Except for that radio engineer of course!
Banner #27
The Yankees home opener is today and they'll raise another World Series Championship banner.
Opening Day in the Bronx was always one of my favorite days of the year. I would always try to get to the home opener. Sometimes school got in the way, later on sometimes work would prevent me from going. But when I could, I would go.
My favorite Opening Day was in 1977. The Yanks were coming off a World Series appearance (Reds swept the 76 Series) and added free agent Reggie Jackson in the off-season. The Yanks, with Catfish Hunter and Sparky Lyle combining on a 3-0 shutout, got past the Brewers. I also remember Jimmy Wynn hitting a screaming line drive over the center-field fence that took all of 2.7 seconds to leave the yard. It was also the last home run the "Toy Cannon" (great nickname) ever hit. The Yankees released Wynn and his .143 average in July. He was picked up by the Brewers, perhaps remembering his Opening Day homer. Wynn went homerless for the Brewers. He ended up with a .175 average for the 1977 season with 13 RBI's in 194 at-bats with that one home memorable round tripper. That was the end for Wynn. He had a nice career; 15 seasons, mostly with the Astros, 291 homers, 964 RBI's and a lifetime .250 average. But he lost it pretty quickly in 77.
My least favorite Opening Day was in 1982. Snow postponed the opener so Opening Day for the Yanks was doubleheader against the White Sox. I was in college at the time. Some guys go to Florida on spring break, I went to Yankee Stadium. The White Sox won both games of the doubleheader. Bad enough to start out 0-1 on Opening Day but to start 0-2 was pretty bleak. It was also a harbinger of things to come as the Yanks were horrible that season. They were so bad that I don't even want to look up their record.
I sat in the upper deck behind home plate for that 1982 DH opener. I remember seeing piles of snow behind the right-field fence and in the old bullpens. It was sunny but cold and I was not in a good mood when the second game ended.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to watching the Yanks opener today on TV. Hopefully, they can win their first opener in the new mallpark (yes, mallpark, not ballpark). Last year, they opened the new Yankee Stadium with a 10-2 shellacking dished out by the crummy Indians. At least the 2009 season ended decently at the new park...with the Yankees 27th World Championship and the banner that will be raised today with the Angels in town. That's right 27 World Championships! Take that Red Sox fans. Take that Jeff Andrews. Take that Gary Casey. Take that Fitzy. Take that Ed Henderson!
Sorry, sometimes the obnoxious New Yorker comes out in me. I apologize. Sort of.
Opening Day in the Bronx was always one of my favorite days of the year. I would always try to get to the home opener. Sometimes school got in the way, later on sometimes work would prevent me from going. But when I could, I would go.
My favorite Opening Day was in 1977. The Yanks were coming off a World Series appearance (Reds swept the 76 Series) and added free agent Reggie Jackson in the off-season. The Yanks, with Catfish Hunter and Sparky Lyle combining on a 3-0 shutout, got past the Brewers. I also remember Jimmy Wynn hitting a screaming line drive over the center-field fence that took all of 2.7 seconds to leave the yard. It was also the last home run the "Toy Cannon" (great nickname) ever hit. The Yankees released Wynn and his .143 average in July. He was picked up by the Brewers, perhaps remembering his Opening Day homer. Wynn went homerless for the Brewers. He ended up with a .175 average for the 1977 season with 13 RBI's in 194 at-bats with that one home memorable round tripper. That was the end for Wynn. He had a nice career; 15 seasons, mostly with the Astros, 291 homers, 964 RBI's and a lifetime .250 average. But he lost it pretty quickly in 77.
My least favorite Opening Day was in 1982. Snow postponed the opener so Opening Day for the Yanks was doubleheader against the White Sox. I was in college at the time. Some guys go to Florida on spring break, I went to Yankee Stadium. The White Sox won both games of the doubleheader. Bad enough to start out 0-1 on Opening Day but to start 0-2 was pretty bleak. It was also a harbinger of things to come as the Yanks were horrible that season. They were so bad that I don't even want to look up their record.
I sat in the upper deck behind home plate for that 1982 DH opener. I remember seeing piles of snow behind the right-field fence and in the old bullpens. It was sunny but cold and I was not in a good mood when the second game ended.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to watching the Yanks opener today on TV. Hopefully, they can win their first opener in the new mallpark (yes, mallpark, not ballpark). Last year, they opened the new Yankee Stadium with a 10-2 shellacking dished out by the crummy Indians. At least the 2009 season ended decently at the new park...with the Yankees 27th World Championship and the banner that will be raised today with the Angels in town. That's right 27 World Championships! Take that Red Sox fans. Take that Jeff Andrews. Take that Gary Casey. Take that Fitzy. Take that Ed Henderson!
Sorry, sometimes the obnoxious New Yorker comes out in me. I apologize. Sort of.
Old Guy's Baseball
I was never a Major League player. Unfortunately, no scout was savvy enough to sign me. Perhaps the lack of talent and ability was the reason I was never signed...but what about the intangibles?
Anyway, just because I didn't have big league ability doesn't mean I didn't have big league desire. I loved playing baseball as a kid, through high school, in college and in various summer leagues until I retired at the age of 31 to go into the broadcast booth. That's what happened. I stopped playing to broadcast minor league baseball which I did for five seasons. Then I moved to Denver and never thought I would play the great game of baseball again.
Then last year I found out about NABA (National Adult Baseball Association) which is nationwide. There is an Over-35 league which I joined and was placed on a team called the Stars. We did pretty well last year, making the playoffs.
This year we are off to a 1-0 start after manhandling the Red Raiders 15-5 Sunday in our first game.
Funny, the Rockies home opener on Friday had a flyover, a giant flag gracing center- field for the National Anthem, first ball ceremonies, a full press box, pageantry and hoopla. Our game on Sunday had none of that. Although we had a pretty good crowd on hand. A turnout of about 14, which I discovered from last year, is a decent crowd. Normally, we play before 4 to 6 fans. Most are curiosity seekers who simply got lost and decided to regain their bearings while taking in some of our game.
I still play because I love it. My body doesn't have the bounce back capability it once had but it is still fun to play. We have a great group of guys on our team and we will put up with the day-after soreness for the chance to suit up every Sunday.
The league is competitive, organized and it is great to be a part of. After seeing the Stars fine performance on Sunday I believe we have a good shot at the Denver Over-35 NABA World Championship. I'll keep you posted here or go to my website, www.turfsports.net and scroll to the bottom to the page titled "Stars Baseball."
By the way, Stars is a stupid name for a team. We have some good names in our league like Mudcats, Mustangs, Grizzlies and Spartacus. But Stars? That's weak, plus it puts undue pressure on the team. We should be called the Namos, after our manager John Namovicz.
Anyway, just because I didn't have big league ability doesn't mean I didn't have big league desire. I loved playing baseball as a kid, through high school, in college and in various summer leagues until I retired at the age of 31 to go into the broadcast booth. That's what happened. I stopped playing to broadcast minor league baseball which I did for five seasons. Then I moved to Denver and never thought I would play the great game of baseball again.
Then last year I found out about NABA (National Adult Baseball Association) which is nationwide. There is an Over-35 league which I joined and was placed on a team called the Stars. We did pretty well last year, making the playoffs.
This year we are off to a 1-0 start after manhandling the Red Raiders 15-5 Sunday in our first game.
Funny, the Rockies home opener on Friday had a flyover, a giant flag gracing center- field for the National Anthem, first ball ceremonies, a full press box, pageantry and hoopla. Our game on Sunday had none of that. Although we had a pretty good crowd on hand. A turnout of about 14, which I discovered from last year, is a decent crowd. Normally, we play before 4 to 6 fans. Most are curiosity seekers who simply got lost and decided to regain their bearings while taking in some of our game.
I still play because I love it. My body doesn't have the bounce back capability it once had but it is still fun to play. We have a great group of guys on our team and we will put up with the day-after soreness for the chance to suit up every Sunday.
The league is competitive, organized and it is great to be a part of. After seeing the Stars fine performance on Sunday I believe we have a good shot at the Denver Over-35 NABA World Championship. I'll keep you posted here or go to my website, www.turfsports.net and scroll to the bottom to the page titled "Stars Baseball."
By the way, Stars is a stupid name for a team. We have some good names in our league like Mudcats, Mustangs, Grizzlies and Spartacus. But Stars? That's weak, plus it puts undue pressure on the team. We should be called the Namos, after our manager John Namovicz.
My Favorite Giant
I've always been a big fan of the Giants classic uniforms. This season they've added old-style stirrups. Black with three orange stripes.
The one problem is, most of the Giants wear their pants all the way down to their shoes. The pajama look.
The one guy that doesn't is pitcher Barry Zito. Last night in San Fran, Zito's stirrups were on display. So was his pitching as Zito ran his record to 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in the Giants 9-3 win over Pittsburgh.
Why don't more players show their stirrups like Zito? It looks so much better than the long pants look.
The one problem is, most of the Giants wear their pants all the way down to their shoes. The pajama look.
The one guy that doesn't is pitcher Barry Zito. Last night in San Fran, Zito's stirrups were on display. So was his pitching as Zito ran his record to 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in the Giants 9-3 win over Pittsburgh.
Why don't more players show their stirrups like Zito? It looks so much better than the long pants look.
On Target
Watched the Twins defeat the Red Sox 5-2 yesterday, the first game at Target Field. The new ballpark is certainly a nice addition for Minnesota and much better than the Metrodome where they played the last 29-years. The new yard looked great on TV and let the record show that Jason Kubel hit the first home run.
In this day and age of stadium technology, you think they might have gone with the retractable roof stadium. No, they went with an open-air ballpark. While many people would think a night game in April or September in Minneapolis would be too cold to attend, the people of Minnesota probably think 42-degrees is balmy.
The Vikings lost their appeal and intimidation factor when they moved into the Metrodome. The Vikings played some classic games at old Metropolitan Stadium in frigid conditions. It doesn’t seem right that they play in a dome.
At least the Twins now play in a real ballpark. They also have gone back to the old style uniform which looks great. So props to the Twins and now we never have to watch baseball in a place where players lost the ball in the roof or that featured a hefty bag in right field.
In this day and age of stadium technology, you think they might have gone with the retractable roof stadium. No, they went with an open-air ballpark. While many people would think a night game in April or September in Minneapolis would be too cold to attend, the people of Minnesota probably think 42-degrees is balmy.
The Vikings lost their appeal and intimidation factor when they moved into the Metrodome. The Vikings played some classic games at old Metropolitan Stadium in frigid conditions. It doesn’t seem right that they play in a dome.
At least the Twins now play in a real ballpark. They also have gone back to the old style uniform which looks great. So props to the Twins and now we never have to watch baseball in a place where players lost the ball in the roof or that featured a hefty bag in right field.
Rapid Robert
Watching the highlights last night I saw Bob Feller throw out the first pitch before the Rangers-Indians game at Jacobs Field. By the way, in case you haven’t noticed, I don’t like to refer to parks by their corporate names. I will call ballparks by their original name (even if it is a corporate name) and not by their newfangled name. Until the people who pay for naming rights pay me to call the park by its new name, then I’ll call it whatever I feel like calling it.
Anyway, Feller stood on the pitching rubber and threw out the first pitch to the catcher. On the fly. Feller is 91. He’s too proud to throw the first pitch out any closer. Hard to believe that 70-years ago, at the age of 21, Feller threw the only Opening Day no-hitter, a 1-0 masterpiece against the White Sox in Chicago. Only 14,000 people were in the park that day.
I’ve heard many people say that Feller is a salty, cranky, bitter old man who despises the modern day players.
Well, I have to disagree from personal experience.
I’ve met Bob Feller three or four times when he would make appearances at minor league ballparks. I’ve interviewed him and I never got the sense that he was a crotchety old timer. In fact, he was very gracious to me and those around him. He had nothing but complimentary things to say about the modern players although he held firm that the guys in his day were pretty good ballplayers too. I like Bob Feller a lot and I think the reason he comes off as bitter is because he is opinionated. He’ll say what is on his mind and if someone gets offended, he doesn’t care.
I remember driving to Chicago a few years back from Denver. On I-70 in Iowa I saw a little sign that said, “Bob Feller Museum next right.” So, it was detour time.
I paid a visit to the “Bob Feller Museum” in Van Meter, Iowa, his hometown. It’s a neat little building with everything you wanted to know about Feller. A lot of baseball history is housed there. (www.bobfellermuseum.org).
The story of Feller getting signed is a great one. A scout went to Van Meter to watch Feller throw. The scout was talking to Feller’s dad and told the 16-year old kid to “warm up.” A minute or so later, the scout ran over to Feller, who was throwing pretty hard, and sternly said, “Kid, I told you to just warm up!” To which Feller replied, “I am warming up.”
Feller missed four seasons in his prime due to World War II. He was the first Major Leaguer to enlist, doing so on December 8th, 1941, just one day after Pearl Harbor. He finished his career with 266 wins. Without missing those four years he would certainly have won over 300 games, probably closer to 350.
Anyway, Feller stood on the pitching rubber and threw out the first pitch to the catcher. On the fly. Feller is 91. He’s too proud to throw the first pitch out any closer. Hard to believe that 70-years ago, at the age of 21, Feller threw the only Opening Day no-hitter, a 1-0 masterpiece against the White Sox in Chicago. Only 14,000 people were in the park that day.
I’ve heard many people say that Feller is a salty, cranky, bitter old man who despises the modern day players.
Well, I have to disagree from personal experience.
I’ve met Bob Feller three or four times when he would make appearances at minor league ballparks. I’ve interviewed him and I never got the sense that he was a crotchety old timer. In fact, he was very gracious to me and those around him. He had nothing but complimentary things to say about the modern players although he held firm that the guys in his day were pretty good ballplayers too. I like Bob Feller a lot and I think the reason he comes off as bitter is because he is opinionated. He’ll say what is on his mind and if someone gets offended, he doesn’t care.
I remember driving to Chicago a few years back from Denver. On I-70 in Iowa I saw a little sign that said, “Bob Feller Museum next right.” So, it was detour time.
I paid a visit to the “Bob Feller Museum” in Van Meter, Iowa, his hometown. It’s a neat little building with everything you wanted to know about Feller. A lot of baseball history is housed there. (www.bobfellermuseum.org).
The story of Feller getting signed is a great one. A scout went to Van Meter to watch Feller throw. The scout was talking to Feller’s dad and told the 16-year old kid to “warm up.” A minute or so later, the scout ran over to Feller, who was throwing pretty hard, and sternly said, “Kid, I told you to just warm up!” To which Feller replied, “I am warming up.”
Feller missed four seasons in his prime due to World War II. He was the first Major Leaguer to enlist, doing so on December 8th, 1941, just one day after Pearl Harbor. He finished his career with 266 wins. Without missing those four years he would certainly have won over 300 games, probably closer to 350.
The Crappy Oakland Coliseum
I’ve never been to a game at the Oakland Coliseum and I don’t plan on it. While there are many parks I would love to visit, the Coliseum isn’t one of them.
Judging by what I see on TV and from what I’ve heard from others, it is a horrible place for baseball. Acres and acres of foul territory, the monstrosity that is lurking in centerfield courtesy of Al Davis and the Raiders and the overall ugliness of the place makes me not want to attend a game there.
My question is; when will the Athletics finally get a new ballpark? If ever a team needed a new park, it’s the A’s. Some teams got new a new stadium and didn’t need to. The Yankees and Mets come to mind. But how do the A’s survive in that dump?
If I owned the Athletics tomorrow, my first order of business would be to build a new stadium. Of course, as an owner I would ask for public assistance even though as a non-owner of a Major League franchise (at the moment!) I frown on that sort of activity.
I would be firm and clear. I get a new ballpark or I leave town.
I would call their bluff and if I didn’t get movement on a new park immediately I would look to leave.
Where would I take the club? Well, Las Vegas would probably build me a spiffy new yard. It’s warm and I like the warm weather. So, Vegas it would be.
Bottom line, what is taking so long to get the Athletics into a real ballpark and out of the craptastic Oakland Coliseum?
Judging by what I see on TV and from what I’ve heard from others, it is a horrible place for baseball. Acres and acres of foul territory, the monstrosity that is lurking in centerfield courtesy of Al Davis and the Raiders and the overall ugliness of the place makes me not want to attend a game there.
My question is; when will the Athletics finally get a new ballpark? If ever a team needed a new park, it’s the A’s. Some teams got new a new stadium and didn’t need to. The Yankees and Mets come to mind. But how do the A’s survive in that dump?
If I owned the Athletics tomorrow, my first order of business would be to build a new stadium. Of course, as an owner I would ask for public assistance even though as a non-owner of a Major League franchise (at the moment!) I frown on that sort of activity.
I would be firm and clear. I get a new ballpark or I leave town.
I would call their bluff and if I didn’t get movement on a new park immediately I would look to leave.
Where would I take the club? Well, Las Vegas would probably build me a spiffy new yard. It’s warm and I like the warm weather. So, Vegas it would be.
Bottom line, what is taking so long to get the Athletics into a real ballpark and out of the craptastic Oakland Coliseum?
The Baltimores
The Orioles are a mess. They put a terrible product on the field and the great fans of Baltimore are fed up. How do I know that? Well, last night, in a 5-1 loss to the Rays, the O’s drew just 9,129 fans to Camden Yards, the all-time low in the 19-year history of the stadium. Just so you know, the weather was fine, mid 60’s and clear.
Baltimore is off to a 1-6 start and there isn’t much hope, again, for a decent season. The best way for fans to show their displeasure is to stay away from the park and Orioles fans sent that message loud and clear last night. Well, maybe not loud. It was probably pretty quiet at Camden Yards. It can’t be a good sign when the fans have given up just 7-games into the season.
The sad thing about the Orioles is the fact that they used to be a model franchise. I remember as a kid being very fearful of the Orioles. In the early 70’s they used to beat up the Yankees with regularity. Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson, Boog Powell, Paul Blair, Mark Belanger…those guys could hit and field. Well, Belanger couldn’t hit but he didn’t need to. The pitching staff with Jim Palmer, Dave McNally and Mike Cuellar was the best in the American League. They played fundamental baseball under Earl Weaver and they called it “The Oriole Way.” They had a great farm system and organization. Now, they are sad collection of misfits guided by incompetent owner Peter Angelos.
Since 1993, when Angelos bought the team, the Orioles have had 4-winning seasons and none since 1998. That’s 12-straight losing seasons and counting. I don’t think the Birds will have a winning season this year and apparently neither do their fans.
Sad situation.
Baltimore is off to a 1-6 start and there isn’t much hope, again, for a decent season. The best way for fans to show their displeasure is to stay away from the park and Orioles fans sent that message loud and clear last night. Well, maybe not loud. It was probably pretty quiet at Camden Yards. It can’t be a good sign when the fans have given up just 7-games into the season.
The sad thing about the Orioles is the fact that they used to be a model franchise. I remember as a kid being very fearful of the Orioles. In the early 70’s they used to beat up the Yankees with regularity. Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson, Boog Powell, Paul Blair, Mark Belanger…those guys could hit and field. Well, Belanger couldn’t hit but he didn’t need to. The pitching staff with Jim Palmer, Dave McNally and Mike Cuellar was the best in the American League. They played fundamental baseball under Earl Weaver and they called it “The Oriole Way.” They had a great farm system and organization. Now, they are sad collection of misfits guided by incompetent owner Peter Angelos.
Since 1993, when Angelos bought the team, the Orioles have had 4-winning seasons and none since 1998. That’s 12-straight losing seasons and counting. I don’t think the Birds will have a winning season this year and apparently neither do their fans.
Sad situation.
Dick Enberg
Sorry I haven't updated Mysterious Walker in a few days but sometimes life gets in the way. I've been pretty busy but I'm back today.
Backtracking, Friday's home opener for the Rockies was a blast. Started off with a special edition of Diamond Chatter on 5280sports.net with Ed Henderson at Chopper's Sports Grill. Then on to Coors Field.
I love everything about Opening Day. It never gets old. Jorge De La Rosa pitched a gem, allowing 1-hit over 7-innings while racking up 9-strikeouts.
I have two memories I'll take away from this year's Opening Day. First, the Rockies didn't have Andy Cornell's pass at the press gate and he had to wait around for a half hour or so to get it. By the way, Andy pulled up to a meter two blocks from Coors Field. There was already some time remaining. He fed $1.35 into the meter and went to the game. When he returned to his vehicle after the game...you got it, no ticket. Again, $50 to park in the lots near the stadium. Andy took a chance and, as it occurs every year, no parking ticket.
My other memory from Friday is shaking hands with new Padres announcer Dick Enberg. OH MY! I told him that he's been one of my favorite announcers and that I go back to the days of "Sports Challenge" a sports game show he hosted featuring sports athletes and sports celebrities. He said, "You don't look old enough to remember that!" Seriously, it was an absolute thrill to meet Dick Enberg, still going strong at the age of 75.
My all time favorite Dick Enberg moment though was his call of the Notre Dame win over UCLA in 1974 that broke the Bruins 88-game college basketball winning streak. I can still see Dwight Clay hitting the baseline jumper that proved to be the winning bucket. Bill Walton missed a close in shot as time ran out.
By the way, was there a better basketball broadcasting team than Dick Enberg, Al McGuire and Billy Packer. The answer is a resounding no!
Backtracking, Friday's home opener for the Rockies was a blast. Started off with a special edition of Diamond Chatter on 5280sports.net with Ed Henderson at Chopper's Sports Grill. Then on to Coors Field.
I love everything about Opening Day. It never gets old. Jorge De La Rosa pitched a gem, allowing 1-hit over 7-innings while racking up 9-strikeouts.
I have two memories I'll take away from this year's Opening Day. First, the Rockies didn't have Andy Cornell's pass at the press gate and he had to wait around for a half hour or so to get it. By the way, Andy pulled up to a meter two blocks from Coors Field. There was already some time remaining. He fed $1.35 into the meter and went to the game. When he returned to his vehicle after the game...you got it, no ticket. Again, $50 to park in the lots near the stadium. Andy took a chance and, as it occurs every year, no parking ticket.
My other memory from Friday is shaking hands with new Padres announcer Dick Enberg. OH MY! I told him that he's been one of my favorite announcers and that I go back to the days of "Sports Challenge" a sports game show he hosted featuring sports athletes and sports celebrities. He said, "You don't look old enough to remember that!" Seriously, it was an absolute thrill to meet Dick Enberg, still going strong at the age of 75.
My all time favorite Dick Enberg moment though was his call of the Notre Dame win over UCLA in 1974 that broke the Bruins 88-game college basketball winning streak. I can still see Dwight Clay hitting the baseline jumper that proved to be the winning bucket. Bill Walton missed a close in shot as time ran out.
By the way, was there a better basketball broadcasting team than Dick Enberg, Al McGuire and Billy Packer. The answer is a resounding no!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Coach Cornell
Sometimes I have to drag Andy Cornell to Coors Field. My highly energetic co-host on KNUS is a football guy first and foremost and while he's made great strides over the years improving his baseball acumen, he still would rather watch an exhibition football game than a baseball game.
However, I have no problem getting him to go to Opening Day and I sense as he learns more and more baseball he enjoys the game more although he would never admit it.
So Andy and I will be in the Coors Field press box and I'm sure he will ask me at least one really stupid question. But that's ok. I'm the go to guy for stupid baseball questions.
I'm also wondering if Andy will pull his parking scam again.
In the neighborhood around Coors Field, the parking lot owners jack up the prices on Opening Day. I believe the word is price-gouging. Parking lot owners are the same guys who if they owned a convenience store and there was a disaster like an earthquake or tornado, they would charge $50 for a gallon of milk or water or for first aid supplies.
The lots around Coors Field will be charging $50 bucks or so to park. Only idiots would pay that much to park that close to the stadium. Personally, I park several blocks away and pay $5 to park. I don't mind a nice, brisk 15-minute walk to the park. Then again, I'm a physical specimen and can endure the lengthy walk.
Where does Cornell park? Right near the stadium at a meter. He puts two dollars worth of coins into the meter and goes into Coors Field. His philosophy is, "Hey, they are charging 50-bucks to park near the stadium. A parking ticket is just 30-dollars. So, if I get a ticket, I'm still saving 20-dollars." So far, Coach Cornell hasn't gotten a parking ticket. That's just the way he rolls.
Of course, if he gets a ticket today, he'll blame me for writing about it here. As if the Denver meter maids have nothing better to do than to read this baseball blog. Heck, it appears very few are reading this blog. I don't care, I just enjoy writing and if nobody reads it, so what? However, it would be nice if more people read this stuff so if you are reading and you enjoy it (how could you not?) then feel free to tell others. I'm dropping pearls here I tell ya. And, you will get paid for your efforts from the money Coach Cornell saves today in parking fees!
However, I have no problem getting him to go to Opening Day and I sense as he learns more and more baseball he enjoys the game more although he would never admit it.
So Andy and I will be in the Coors Field press box and I'm sure he will ask me at least one really stupid question. But that's ok. I'm the go to guy for stupid baseball questions.
I'm also wondering if Andy will pull his parking scam again.
In the neighborhood around Coors Field, the parking lot owners jack up the prices on Opening Day. I believe the word is price-gouging. Parking lot owners are the same guys who if they owned a convenience store and there was a disaster like an earthquake or tornado, they would charge $50 for a gallon of milk or water or for first aid supplies.
The lots around Coors Field will be charging $50 bucks or so to park. Only idiots would pay that much to park that close to the stadium. Personally, I park several blocks away and pay $5 to park. I don't mind a nice, brisk 15-minute walk to the park. Then again, I'm a physical specimen and can endure the lengthy walk.
Where does Cornell park? Right near the stadium at a meter. He puts two dollars worth of coins into the meter and goes into Coors Field. His philosophy is, "Hey, they are charging 50-bucks to park near the stadium. A parking ticket is just 30-dollars. So, if I get a ticket, I'm still saving 20-dollars." So far, Coach Cornell hasn't gotten a parking ticket. That's just the way he rolls.
Of course, if he gets a ticket today, he'll blame me for writing about it here. As if the Denver meter maids have nothing better to do than to read this baseball blog. Heck, it appears very few are reading this blog. I don't care, I just enjoy writing and if nobody reads it, so what? However, it would be nice if more people read this stuff so if you are reading and you enjoy it (how could you not?) then feel free to tell others. I'm dropping pearls here I tell ya. And, you will get paid for your efforts from the money Coach Cornell saves today in parking fees!
Rockies Home Opener
As always, I'm looking forward to this afternoon's Rockies home opener at Coors Field. By the way, I wish that the park was named for something other than a beer company. It would have been nice if, when the park opened in 1995, if they named it after, say, a former great Rockie. Wait, there were no former great Rockies in 1995.
Anyway, it's as beautiful a park as I've ever been in although Yankee Stadium, the one they are knocking down, is my all-time favorite.
This will be my 12th consecutive opener at Coors Field. The one that stands out most for me was the 2005 opener. The Padres (today's opponent) took a 10-8 lead into the bottom of the 9th. The great Trevor Hoffman came in to close it out. Game over, correct? Well, as Lee Corso would say, "Not so fast my friend."
The Rockies scored 4 times capped off by a dramatic 2-run, 2-out homer to left by rookie Clint Barmes. The people who stayed until the end went absolutely nuts. In the clubhouse, you would have thought the Rockies had won the World Series.
By the way, Barmes is as nice a guy as you could ever meet. Hopefully this season he avoids the slumps that seem to plague him. He's a guy that you have to pull for.
I also remember the Rockies first opener ever. I was at that game on April 5th, 1993 at Shea Stadium in New York. The only reason I went was to see the first game in the history of the Colorado Rockies. As a Yankees fan, I didn't like to venture to Shea too often.
A couple of days before the game, I bought a Rockies cap. I didn't want to wear my Yankees cap and have to argue with idiot Mets fans all day. I didn't want to not wear a cap because then people would likely assume I was a Mets fan. That would be like someone assuming you are a child molester. (Did Bill just insinuate Mets fans are child molesters? Yes, that would be accurate). So, I bought the Rockies cap and for one day I was a huge Rockies fan. The Rocks lost. Dwight Gooden shut Colorado down 3-0. Here is the mystery. I don't know what happened to that Rockies cap. I don't ever remember wearing it again. I'm guessing I gave it away or just lost it.
I never thought that years later I would be living in Denver and covering the Rockies. But, that's the case. And while I was a Rockies fan for a day back in '93, I must admit that now the Rockies are the team I pull for in the National League.
I do get people asking me who I root for when the Yankees play the Rockies. That would be the Yanks. They are the team I grew up with and I can't imagine cheering against them. It's in my blood. But I do root for the Rockies and I hope they reach the World Series again. That would mean a fun season is on the horizon.
Happy Home Opening Day Rockies fans.
Anyway, it's as beautiful a park as I've ever been in although Yankee Stadium, the one they are knocking down, is my all-time favorite.
This will be my 12th consecutive opener at Coors Field. The one that stands out most for me was the 2005 opener. The Padres (today's opponent) took a 10-8 lead into the bottom of the 9th. The great Trevor Hoffman came in to close it out. Game over, correct? Well, as Lee Corso would say, "Not so fast my friend."
The Rockies scored 4 times capped off by a dramatic 2-run, 2-out homer to left by rookie Clint Barmes. The people who stayed until the end went absolutely nuts. In the clubhouse, you would have thought the Rockies had won the World Series.
By the way, Barmes is as nice a guy as you could ever meet. Hopefully this season he avoids the slumps that seem to plague him. He's a guy that you have to pull for.
I also remember the Rockies first opener ever. I was at that game on April 5th, 1993 at Shea Stadium in New York. The only reason I went was to see the first game in the history of the Colorado Rockies. As a Yankees fan, I didn't like to venture to Shea too often.
A couple of days before the game, I bought a Rockies cap. I didn't want to wear my Yankees cap and have to argue with idiot Mets fans all day. I didn't want to not wear a cap because then people would likely assume I was a Mets fan. That would be like someone assuming you are a child molester. (Did Bill just insinuate Mets fans are child molesters? Yes, that would be accurate). So, I bought the Rockies cap and for one day I was a huge Rockies fan. The Rocks lost. Dwight Gooden shut Colorado down 3-0. Here is the mystery. I don't know what happened to that Rockies cap. I don't ever remember wearing it again. I'm guessing I gave it away or just lost it.
I never thought that years later I would be living in Denver and covering the Rockies. But, that's the case. And while I was a Rockies fan for a day back in '93, I must admit that now the Rockies are the team I pull for in the National League.
I do get people asking me who I root for when the Yankees play the Rockies. That would be the Yanks. They are the team I grew up with and I can't imagine cheering against them. It's in my blood. But I do root for the Rockies and I hope they reach the World Series again. That would mean a fun season is on the horizon.
Happy Home Opening Day Rockies fans.
Hammerin' Hank
Hard to believe but one of the most underrated players in baseball history is Hank Aaron. For whatever reason, Hank never seems to get his due. Sure he's mentioned among the greats but people don't treat him with the reverence that they do Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio or Babe Ruth. He seems to just get tossed into the conversation.
The guy is the all-time home run and RBI leader and is third in hits. Yet it seems to me that Hank doesn't get his due. Why?
Maybe because he wasn't and isn't a self-promoter. Perhaps because he didn't have a stylized home run trot or popped off in the media. He wasn't "controversial." He just went about his job.
I bring Aaron up because I just saw a clip of him being interviewed by Bob Costas on MLB Network. If you didn't know who Aaron was, and unfortunately people like that exist, you would surmise he was in his early to mid 50's. Wrong. Hank Aaron is...76! Holy moly. A couple of things come to mind. How does he look so young? And, I'm getting old myself. I can still see him in my mind. His swing, the way he ran, the way he threw the ball. Now he's 76 but looks like he can still play.
By the way, if you were paying attention earlier in this post, you read that I called Hank the all-time home run leader. Some might say Barry Bonds. No. I don't consider Bonds in the same class as Aaron as a home run hitter and as a human. Bonds was a steroid cheat and is a bum. Aaron is the true home run champ. Period.
The guy is the all-time home run and RBI leader and is third in hits. Yet it seems to me that Hank doesn't get his due. Why?
Maybe because he wasn't and isn't a self-promoter. Perhaps because he didn't have a stylized home run trot or popped off in the media. He wasn't "controversial." He just went about his job.
I bring Aaron up because I just saw a clip of him being interviewed by Bob Costas on MLB Network. If you didn't know who Aaron was, and unfortunately people like that exist, you would surmise he was in his early to mid 50's. Wrong. Hank Aaron is...76! Holy moly. A couple of things come to mind. How does he look so young? And, I'm getting old myself. I can still see him in my mind. His swing, the way he ran, the way he threw the ball. Now he's 76 but looks like he can still play.
By the way, if you were paying attention earlier in this post, you read that I called Hank the all-time home run leader. Some might say Barry Bonds. No. I don't consider Bonds in the same class as Aaron as a home run hitter and as a human. Bonds was a steroid cheat and is a bum. Aaron is the true home run champ. Period.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Salty on DL
I was going to write an in-depth article on Rangers catcher Jared Saltalamacchia going on the disabled list. But, after writing the name "Saltalamacchia" my fingers are too tired to type on. So, I'm done for a while.
Programming Note
If you have a computer, which is a fair assumption if you are reading this blog, then feel free to go to www.5280sports.net tomorrow morning at 10:30. Make that 10:30-ish.
Yours truly and Minnesota Twins scout Ed Henderson will be broadcasting a special Rockies Opening Day edition of "Diamond Chatter" from Chopper's Sports Grill, located at 80 South Madison Street in the Cherry Creek section of Denver. If you are in the area, feel free to stop on by and say hello and sample some of the great food that Chopper's has to offer.
One of our guests will be former Major Leaguer Mark Knudson. Mark was the first Denver native to play for the Rockies back in 1993. Mark will give us some insight into this year's edition of the Rocks. Hopefully.
Thanks in advance for tuning in. Again, www.5280sports.net at 10:30 tomorrow morning.
Yours truly and Minnesota Twins scout Ed Henderson will be broadcasting a special Rockies Opening Day edition of "Diamond Chatter" from Chopper's Sports Grill, located at 80 South Madison Street in the Cherry Creek section of Denver. If you are in the area, feel free to stop on by and say hello and sample some of the great food that Chopper's has to offer.
One of our guests will be former Major Leaguer Mark Knudson. Mark was the first Denver native to play for the Rockies back in 1993. Mark will give us some insight into this year's edition of the Rocks. Hopefully.
Thanks in advance for tuning in. Again, www.5280sports.net at 10:30 tomorrow morning.
Shut Your Fat Stinkin' Face
The Yankees and Red Sox tend to play long games. That's just the way it is. The games are intense, even early in the season as evidenced by the just completed 3-game series at Fenway Park.
Last night's game was riveting, won by the Yankees 3-1 in 10-innings. While watching the game, not once did I think, "Gee, the pace is too slow." It was high drama from the first pitch to the last.
I was focused on the game, something umpire Joe West apparently wasn't.
West was quoted today blasting the teams and length of games by saying, "They're the two clubs that don't try to pick up the pace. They're two of the best teams in baseball. Why are they playing the slowest? It's pathetic and embarrassing. They take too long to play."
Wait a second. Pathetic and embarrassing? I think that description describes Joe West. West should be focusing on the game and not how long it takes to play. Is the game delaying him from hitting the late night buffet? I know it's not cutting into his workout time. I say it's embarrassing to have an out-of-shape umpire like Joe West on the field for kids to see. Talk about pathetic.
Joe West is a fat, bloated windbag who should be more concerned with making sure he gets calls correct than the time of game. If a game is 10-1 and dragging, I can understand him trying to move things along. But when the Yankees and Red Sox are playing a typically intense game, don't worry about the time.
The beauty of baseball is there is no clock. You can't grab the lead and run out the clock. You need to get 27 outs or sometimes more as in the case last night.
I don't think people who watched the game or who were at Fenway complained about the length of last night's game.
For the record, the game last evening lasted 3-hours and 21-minutes. I guess Joe West had a hard time going without a triple decker sandwich and pepperoni pizza for that length of time.
Umpires should shut their mouths, on the field, to the media and at the dinner table. Especially Joe West.
Man, I hate umpires, I really do.
Last night's game was riveting, won by the Yankees 3-1 in 10-innings. While watching the game, not once did I think, "Gee, the pace is too slow." It was high drama from the first pitch to the last.
I was focused on the game, something umpire Joe West apparently wasn't.
West was quoted today blasting the teams and length of games by saying, "They're the two clubs that don't try to pick up the pace. They're two of the best teams in baseball. Why are they playing the slowest? It's pathetic and embarrassing. They take too long to play."
Wait a second. Pathetic and embarrassing? I think that description describes Joe West. West should be focusing on the game and not how long it takes to play. Is the game delaying him from hitting the late night buffet? I know it's not cutting into his workout time. I say it's embarrassing to have an out-of-shape umpire like Joe West on the field for kids to see. Talk about pathetic.
Joe West is a fat, bloated windbag who should be more concerned with making sure he gets calls correct than the time of game. If a game is 10-1 and dragging, I can understand him trying to move things along. But when the Yankees and Red Sox are playing a typically intense game, don't worry about the time.
The beauty of baseball is there is no clock. You can't grab the lead and run out the clock. You need to get 27 outs or sometimes more as in the case last night.
I don't think people who watched the game or who were at Fenway complained about the length of last night's game.
For the record, the game last evening lasted 3-hours and 21-minutes. I guess Joe West had a hard time going without a triple decker sandwich and pepperoni pizza for that length of time.
Umpires should shut their mouths, on the field, to the media and at the dinner table. Especially Joe West.
Man, I hate umpires, I really do.
Yankee Doodle Grandy
Some players have had a tough time fitting in with the Yankees. Ed Whitson immediately comes to mind. Carl "American Idle" Pavano is another guy who alienated Yankees fans with his lousy pitching and extended stays on the disabled list while pocketing 38-million. Pavano's nickname should be "The Criminal" for how he stole from the Yankees.
One way to ingratiate yourself to Yankees fans and your teammates is to hit game winning home runs against the Red Sox as Curtis Granderson did last night. It was his second home run of the three game series at Fenway. The home run came off Jonathan Papbelbon, who always reminds me of Jim Carrey's character Stanley Ipkiss in "The Mask." Always nice to see Papelbon and his stupid glare/stare give it up.
Anyway, I'm sure Yankees fans will give Granderson a fine welcome at the home opener on Tuesday against the Angels.
One way to ingratiate yourself to Yankees fans and your teammates is to hit game winning home runs against the Red Sox as Curtis Granderson did last night. It was his second home run of the three game series at Fenway. The home run came off Jonathan Papbelbon, who always reminds me of Jim Carrey's character Stanley Ipkiss in "The Mask." Always nice to see Papelbon and his stupid glare/stare give it up.
Anyway, I'm sure Yankees fans will give Granderson a fine welcome at the home opener on Tuesday against the Angels.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Mitch Williams
Mitch Williams was fun to watch pitch. You never knew what "Wild Thing" would do. He could walk the bases loaded or strike out the side...in the same inning! I don't know if he ever had an easy, "Mariano-like" save. Drama was at its highest with Williams on the mound.
Anyway, I would have never thought back then that Williams would become a baseball analyst. A good one too. Of all the top notch analysts on the MLB Network, Williams is my favorite. I love his sense of humor, his easy going demeanor, the way he breaks things down in a simple to comprehend manner and he speaks well. Who knew?
Maybe Williams is a good analyst because he's grounded. The guy gave up a World Series winning home run to Joe Carter in 1993. He could have let that be the defining moment of his life. A lot of guys who give up monumental home runs can't live it down. Donnie Moore comes to mind. But Williams took it in stride. I've not heard any stories about that home run being the ruination of Mitch Williams. The Phillies wouldn't have been in that position anyway without Williams.
From "Wild Thing" to ace baseball analyst. Wow. Didn't see that one coming.
Anyway, I would have never thought back then that Williams would become a baseball analyst. A good one too. Of all the top notch analysts on the MLB Network, Williams is my favorite. I love his sense of humor, his easy going demeanor, the way he breaks things down in a simple to comprehend manner and he speaks well. Who knew?
Maybe Williams is a good analyst because he's grounded. The guy gave up a World Series winning home run to Joe Carter in 1993. He could have let that be the defining moment of his life. A lot of guys who give up monumental home runs can't live it down. Donnie Moore comes to mind. But Williams took it in stride. I've not heard any stories about that home run being the ruination of Mitch Williams. The Phillies wouldn't have been in that position anyway without Williams.
From "Wild Thing" to ace baseball analyst. Wow. Didn't see that one coming.
Props to Mets Fans
At Opening Day at Shea yesterday, check that, Citi Field (Dodgers Stadium East), Mets fans booed the team's training staff during introductions.
First of all, it's pretty stupid to announce the training staff. The players and coaches should be announced, not every person in the organization.
Secondly, the booing aimed at the Mets training staff was well warranted considering how many players have been hurt in recent years, especially last season. I wonder if Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran were among those letting the training staff have it?
So, while it's rare for me to compliment Mets fans, in this instance I have to say job well done. If you are going to take bows on Opening Day and half your team is on the disabled list, then you're going to hear it from the crowd.
Actually, I said it's rare for me to compliment Mets fans. How rare? I think this is the first time I've ever complimented Mets fans. Probably the last time too.
First of all, it's pretty stupid to announce the training staff. The players and coaches should be announced, not every person in the organization.
Secondly, the booing aimed at the Mets training staff was well warranted considering how many players have been hurt in recent years, especially last season. I wonder if Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran were among those letting the training staff have it?
So, while it's rare for me to compliment Mets fans, in this instance I have to say job well done. If you are going to take bows on Opening Day and half your team is on the disabled list, then you're going to hear it from the crowd.
Actually, I said it's rare for me to compliment Mets fans. How rare? I think this is the first time I've ever complimented Mets fans. Probably the last time too.
Me Versus Team
If I were a young Major Leaguer, trying to establish myself, I would definitely have a "me" over "team" attitude.
For example, I would much prefer go 3-4 with a couple of RBI's and the team lose, than to go 0-4 and the team win. Because the more I go 0-4 the more likely I'll be on my way out, regardless of how the team fares. But if I gather some decent stats, even on a crappy team, then my chances of sticking and making more money are higher.
While we would like to think all players are concerned about winning, the main thing on every players mind is money. How much they get paid is in direct correlation to their statistics.
Now, if I became an established player, winning would become more important. By then, with the salaries doled out these days, I would already have financial security and would want to play on winning teams while still maintaining those ever important stats and paychecks.
I've been in big league clubhouses of winning and losing teams. While in the winning team's locker room, I like to observe the guys who went 0-4 or maybe a pitcher who gave up some runs. They aren't always happy even though the team won. I've seen guys in the losing locker room who had a few hits and RBI's, maybe a homer or two, and they look like they are sad because the team lost. But I'm guessing on the inside, especially if he's a younger player, that he's happy. Basically he's thinking, "I got my hits. Even though we lost, not my fault."
Bottom line is, players are happy when they do well and if the team wins that's a bonus. If a player has a bad game and the team wins, well how happy can you be if you didn't contribute and your stats take a beating? At least you can pretend to be happy. If a player has a bad game and the team also loses, well then, that's a lousy day.
For example, I would much prefer go 3-4 with a couple of RBI's and the team lose, than to go 0-4 and the team win. Because the more I go 0-4 the more likely I'll be on my way out, regardless of how the team fares. But if I gather some decent stats, even on a crappy team, then my chances of sticking and making more money are higher.
While we would like to think all players are concerned about winning, the main thing on every players mind is money. How much they get paid is in direct correlation to their statistics.
Now, if I became an established player, winning would become more important. By then, with the salaries doled out these days, I would already have financial security and would want to play on winning teams while still maintaining those ever important stats and paychecks.
I've been in big league clubhouses of winning and losing teams. While in the winning team's locker room, I like to observe the guys who went 0-4 or maybe a pitcher who gave up some runs. They aren't always happy even though the team won. I've seen guys in the losing locker room who had a few hits and RBI's, maybe a homer or two, and they look like they are sad because the team lost. But I'm guessing on the inside, especially if he's a younger player, that he's happy. Basically he's thinking, "I got my hits. Even though we lost, not my fault."
Bottom line is, players are happy when they do well and if the team wins that's a bonus. If a player has a bad game and the team wins, well how happy can you be if you didn't contribute and your stats take a beating? At least you can pretend to be happy. If a player has a bad game and the team also loses, well then, that's a lousy day.
Monday, April 5, 2010
The Buccos
If the season ended today, the Pirates would have their first winning season since 1992. Nice to see Pittsburgh get off to a good start. Bucs fans deserve some enjoyment out of their team, even if all the joy will be gone in five weeks when the team is eliminated from playoff contention.
Good day for Garrett Jones. At 28, it was his first time on an Opening Day big league roster. For good measure, he belted a pair of homers in the Pirates 11-5 win over the Dodgers. So, for one day the Pirates are a winning ballclub.
Good day for Garrett Jones. At 28, it was his first time on an Opening Day big league roster. For good measure, he belted a pair of homers in the Pirates 11-5 win over the Dodgers. So, for one day the Pirates are a winning ballclub.
Baseball-Fever.com
Visited a great website today called www.baseball-fever.com.
I went to the ballparks section and unfortunately clicked on the Yankee Stadium Demolition thread.
Very sad to see such a great and historic building being torn apart. The upper deck is completely gone and now they are ripping down the rest of it. It's like seeing a loved one die a slow painful death.
The pictures were tough to look at but like a train wreck I had to look. For a little bit. Then I couldn't take it anymore.
With the real Yankee Stadium gone, I was wondering which park takes it's place as the best in baseball.
As a traditionalist, I would go with Wrigley, followed by Fenway. But of all the current parks that I've been in, the nicest, without question is Coors Field. It is the perfect ballpark. I can't think of anything I would change about it. Great place to see a game and I'm looking forward to attending my 12th consecutive Rockies home opener on Friday. Holy crap, have I been in Colorado that long?
I went to the ballparks section and unfortunately clicked on the Yankee Stadium Demolition thread.
Very sad to see such a great and historic building being torn apart. The upper deck is completely gone and now they are ripping down the rest of it. It's like seeing a loved one die a slow painful death.
The pictures were tough to look at but like a train wreck I had to look. For a little bit. Then I couldn't take it anymore.
With the real Yankee Stadium gone, I was wondering which park takes it's place as the best in baseball.
As a traditionalist, I would go with Wrigley, followed by Fenway. But of all the current parks that I've been in, the nicest, without question is Coors Field. It is the perfect ballpark. I can't think of anything I would change about it. Great place to see a game and I'm looking forward to attending my 12th consecutive Rockies home opener on Friday. Holy crap, have I been in Colorado that long?
Opening Day
Even though the Yankees and Red Sox played the official opener last night, it didn't seem like Opening Day. Opening Day should be that, a DAY game.
Anyway, I see Albert Pujols is off to a slow start...4-5, 2 homers, 3 RBI's and 4 runs scored in the Cards 11-6 win over the Reds.
Roy Halladay showed up big in the Phils 11-1 win over the Nationals. Placido Polanco put himself in the MVP discussion with 3 hits, a homer and 6 RBI's. But it's early.
The Rockies picked up a nice Opening Day win in Milwaukee. Brad Hawpe scored the Rocks first run by scoring from 2nd base on a wild pitch. Franklin Morales made it interesting in the 9th but got the save. Andy Cornell of course e-mailed me after the game and predicted a 162-0 season for Colorado.
Anyway, I watched a lot of baseball today because I couldn't do much else. I'm sick with a sore throat and a small fever. I'm in recuperation mode. I'm also angry because the news director at KNUS, Bill Jones, is the guy who got me sick. All last week he was coughing badly. I even suggested he go see a doctor. Jones kept coughing and I had to tell him to cover his damn mouth. He would just sit there and cough without covering his mouth, time and time again, and it was ticking me off. Sure enough, Friday night I started getting sick. I won't be at KNUS again tomorrow. Thanks Jones. He's a disgusting, walking, coughing bacteria factory. The next time he coughs near me without covering his mouth I might just kick his ugly old ass.
Anyway, I see Albert Pujols is off to a slow start...4-5, 2 homers, 3 RBI's and 4 runs scored in the Cards 11-6 win over the Reds.
Roy Halladay showed up big in the Phils 11-1 win over the Nationals. Placido Polanco put himself in the MVP discussion with 3 hits, a homer and 6 RBI's. But it's early.
The Rockies picked up a nice Opening Day win in Milwaukee. Brad Hawpe scored the Rocks first run by scoring from 2nd base on a wild pitch. Franklin Morales made it interesting in the 9th but got the save. Andy Cornell of course e-mailed me after the game and predicted a 162-0 season for Colorado.
Anyway, I watched a lot of baseball today because I couldn't do much else. I'm sick with a sore throat and a small fever. I'm in recuperation mode. I'm also angry because the news director at KNUS, Bill Jones, is the guy who got me sick. All last week he was coughing badly. I even suggested he go see a doctor. Jones kept coughing and I had to tell him to cover his damn mouth. He would just sit there and cough without covering his mouth, time and time again, and it was ticking me off. Sure enough, Friday night I started getting sick. I won't be at KNUS again tomorrow. Thanks Jones. He's a disgusting, walking, coughing bacteria factory. The next time he coughs near me without covering his mouth I might just kick his ugly old ass.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Sabermetrics
With the Major League Baseball season starting tonight, I’m sure you are like me when you start to pay attention to SLG, OBP, OPS and OPS+. In addition, it’s important to follow a player’s RTZ, RTZRD and RTZHM.
As far as pitchers are concerned, I need to know the WHIP figures and BF, GF, BK, WP, FPS and HR9 numbers.
Actually, I don’t really pay too much attention to those stats. I’m getting tired of all these statistics. If you consider yourself a Sabermetrician then you probably haven’t been on a date in a long time or if you happen to be married your wife is probably ugly and you are soon to be divorced. Her choice.
Stat geeks are becoming royal pains in the derriere. Every baseball discussion turns into a mathematics debate. Personally I hate math, have always hated math and don’t want these highly sophisticated mathematical equations interfering with my love of baseball.
What, simple batting averages and fielding percentages aren’t good enough for a Sabermetrician? A pitcher’s ERA is no longer good enough to digest? We have to invent stats off of the Pythagorean Theorem or Quadratic Formula?
I’m guessing most guys who never played the game feel they are making a contribution to the sport by inventing stupid stats. It also gives them leverage in an argument with people who actually know the game without the convoluted numbers.
Do you think guys who know the game and played the game like John Kruk, Mitch Williams or Harold Reynolds are interested in advanced mathematics when discussing baseball or are they interested in pertinent stats that are understandable and relatable.
I love baseball and the numerology of it. Stats are great. At least the stats that have been around for a long time and have some meaning. All these “Johnny come lately” Sabermetric stats I could do without. They make my head hurt.
As far as pitchers are concerned, I need to know the WHIP figures and BF, GF, BK, WP, FPS and HR9 numbers.
Actually, I don’t really pay too much attention to those stats. I’m getting tired of all these statistics. If you consider yourself a Sabermetrician then you probably haven’t been on a date in a long time or if you happen to be married your wife is probably ugly and you are soon to be divorced. Her choice.
Stat geeks are becoming royal pains in the derriere. Every baseball discussion turns into a mathematics debate. Personally I hate math, have always hated math and don’t want these highly sophisticated mathematical equations interfering with my love of baseball.
What, simple batting averages and fielding percentages aren’t good enough for a Sabermetrician? A pitcher’s ERA is no longer good enough to digest? We have to invent stats off of the Pythagorean Theorem or Quadratic Formula?
I’m guessing most guys who never played the game feel they are making a contribution to the sport by inventing stupid stats. It also gives them leverage in an argument with people who actually know the game without the convoluted numbers.
Do you think guys who know the game and played the game like John Kruk, Mitch Williams or Harold Reynolds are interested in advanced mathematics when discussing baseball or are they interested in pertinent stats that are understandable and relatable.
I love baseball and the numerology of it. Stats are great. At least the stats that have been around for a long time and have some meaning. All these “Johnny come lately” Sabermetric stats I could do without. They make my head hurt.
Friday, April 2, 2010
KMOX Radio
I was pumped up yesterday afternoon when I did an interview with Kevin Wheeler of KMOX radio. Kevin comes on our Sunday night show on KNUS every week and it was a little different this time with Kevin asking me the questions.
Kevin was previewing Colorado on his show and he had me on for some "expert analysis" of the Rockies.
For Wheeler it was just another interview. For me though, I was excited to be on one of the greatest radio outlets in American broadcast annals and such an important part of baseball broadcasting history.
KMOX went on the air in 1925 and broadcast Cardinals baseball from the 20's until 2006 when the team, unfortunately, went to a different radio station.
One of the reasons the Cardinals are such a popular team is because until 1957 they were the westernmost club in Major League baseball. The KMOX signal was so strong that most of the baseball fans west of the Mississippi cheered for the Cardinals. Even today, when the Cardinals come to Colorado, there are still a lot of Cards fans in the stands.
Some of the baseball broadcasters who have been on KMOX include Harry Caray, Jack Buck, Joe Buck (the announcer, not the character played by Jon Voight in Midnight Cowboy), Bob Costas, Joe Caragiola, Dizzy Dean ("He slud into second with a stand up double"), Mike Shannon and John Rooney.
KMOX...great station, amazing tradition and a thrill for me to be on their airwaves for a few minutes. Thanks Wheels!
Kevin was previewing Colorado on his show and he had me on for some "expert analysis" of the Rockies.
For Wheeler it was just another interview. For me though, I was excited to be on one of the greatest radio outlets in American broadcast annals and such an important part of baseball broadcasting history.
KMOX went on the air in 1925 and broadcast Cardinals baseball from the 20's until 2006 when the team, unfortunately, went to a different radio station.
One of the reasons the Cardinals are such a popular team is because until 1957 they were the westernmost club in Major League baseball. The KMOX signal was so strong that most of the baseball fans west of the Mississippi cheered for the Cardinals. Even today, when the Cardinals come to Colorado, there are still a lot of Cards fans in the stands.
Some of the baseball broadcasters who have been on KMOX include Harry Caray, Jack Buck, Joe Buck (the announcer, not the character played by Jon Voight in Midnight Cowboy), Bob Costas, Joe Caragiola, Dizzy Dean ("He slud into second with a stand up double"), Mike Shannon and John Rooney.
KMOX...great station, amazing tradition and a thrill for me to be on their airwaves for a few minutes. Thanks Wheels!
Nick Adenhart
It's been nearly a year since the saddest story in baseball in 2009. That was the horrible death of Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart who was killed when a drunkard ran a red light and smashed into the vehicle Adenhard was a passenger in. Two others in the car were killed and a fourth was seriously injured.
The person who caused this tragedy, Andrew Gallo, now 23, was three times the legal limit when he drove his van into Adenhart's vehicle. He also fled on foot after the crash. He was really concerned about those in the car he ran into wasn't he?
It also wasn't his first time driving drunk. He pled guilty to drunk driving in 2006 and was driving with a suspended licence at the time of last April's crash. Some people just don't care.
Gallo wants his upcoming trail moved outside of Orange County. He feels he can't get a fair trail otherwise. The three people killed and the other nearly killed didn't get a fair deal from Gallo did they?
Gallo should rot in jail.
The person who caused this tragedy, Andrew Gallo, now 23, was three times the legal limit when he drove his van into Adenhart's vehicle. He also fled on foot after the crash. He was really concerned about those in the car he ran into wasn't he?
It also wasn't his first time driving drunk. He pled guilty to drunk driving in 2006 and was driving with a suspended licence at the time of last April's crash. Some people just don't care.
Gallo wants his upcoming trail moved outside of Orange County. He feels he can't get a fair trail otherwise. The three people killed and the other nearly killed didn't get a fair deal from Gallo did they?
Gallo should rot in jail.
Autographs
I saw a picture the other day of Todd Helton signing autographs for fans at spring training.
Here's what I don't understand. Why do grown men in their 30' 40's and 50's pursue autographs?
It should be a law that people over the age of 14 can't beg for autographs. It seems somewhat pathetic to me that grown men still seek autographs. Do they do it for profit? Do they do it because they idolize any player in a uniform? Do they do it because the have nothing better to do? Maybe the answer is yes to all of the above.
At least in the picture I saw the fans were asking Helton for autographs at the ballpark. I think it should be a nuisance crime to ask a player to sign something away from the park. It's harassment to track down a player in a hotel lobby or on the street and ask for an autograph. These guys have lives and shouldn't have to be disrupted all the time to sign an autograph.
That is why players constantly try to avoid fans, especially the older ones. A lot of player like to sign autographs for kids but the older, annoying fans they could do without.
At least those autograph hounds are earning the signatures. It's really sad when someone pays to get a ball signed. I was in a memorabilia store and that same Todd Helton autograph that was free at the ballpark was going for $399 dollars. Who would pay 400-bucks for an autographed baseball? Mind boggling.
So if you are a middle aged man who is always trying to snare autographs, stop it. The players hate it, you look stupid and you need to get a life.
Here's what I don't understand. Why do grown men in their 30' 40's and 50's pursue autographs?
It should be a law that people over the age of 14 can't beg for autographs. It seems somewhat pathetic to me that grown men still seek autographs. Do they do it for profit? Do they do it because they idolize any player in a uniform? Do they do it because the have nothing better to do? Maybe the answer is yes to all of the above.
At least in the picture I saw the fans were asking Helton for autographs at the ballpark. I think it should be a nuisance crime to ask a player to sign something away from the park. It's harassment to track down a player in a hotel lobby or on the street and ask for an autograph. These guys have lives and shouldn't have to be disrupted all the time to sign an autograph.
That is why players constantly try to avoid fans, especially the older ones. A lot of player like to sign autographs for kids but the older, annoying fans they could do without.
At least those autograph hounds are earning the signatures. It's really sad when someone pays to get a ball signed. I was in a memorabilia store and that same Todd Helton autograph that was free at the ballpark was going for $399 dollars. Who would pay 400-bucks for an autographed baseball? Mind boggling.
So if you are a middle aged man who is always trying to snare autographs, stop it. The players hate it, you look stupid and you need to get a life.
Span On Target
Twins outfielder Denard Span is absolutely correct in saying baseball should extend the screen behind home plate. Too many people are too close to the action and are unprotected. This came to the forefront the other day when Span fouled off a pitch and it hit a close sitting spectator in the chest. The fan was Span's mom. Thank goodness she was ok except for a bruise but it could have been much worse.
I've long been a proponent of extending the netting behind home plate. Too many fans aren't paying attention and are vulnerable. Even if you are watching the game, the speed of the ball entering the stands is frequently too fast to get out of the way. I cringe when I see little kids sitting close to the field without the screen to protect them. That more people don't get seriously injured or killed amazes me. I won't sit behind the dugout at any game. I'd rather sit in the outfield bleachers than to sit in the first couple of rows behind the dugouts.
In 1995, when I was announcing minor league ball, a player named Ryan Gorecki fouled a ball off and hit his mom. The next day, he fouled another ball off and hit his grandmother. They were both ok but obviously shaken up. From then on they sat behind the protective screen.
Baseball teams should finally wake up and protect their greatest commodity...their fans. Extend the nets. Now.
I've long been a proponent of extending the netting behind home plate. Too many fans aren't paying attention and are vulnerable. Even if you are watching the game, the speed of the ball entering the stands is frequently too fast to get out of the way. I cringe when I see little kids sitting close to the field without the screen to protect them. That more people don't get seriously injured or killed amazes me. I won't sit behind the dugout at any game. I'd rather sit in the outfield bleachers than to sit in the first couple of rows behind the dugouts.
In 1995, when I was announcing minor league ball, a player named Ryan Gorecki fouled a ball off and hit his mom. The next day, he fouled another ball off and hit his grandmother. They were both ok but obviously shaken up. From then on they sat behind the protective screen.
Baseball teams should finally wake up and protect their greatest commodity...their fans. Extend the nets. Now.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
100 Ribs -10 Jacks
I've always been interested in players who have 100 or more RBI's in a season but were in single digits in home runs.
I knew Tommy Herr in 1985 did it with the Cardinals. Herr had 110 RBI's 8 home runs that season. I forgot that Paul Molitor also did it. In 1996 with the Twins, Molitor belted just 9 homers but knocked in 113 runs.
Herr and Molitor are the only players since 1950 to have done that. In 60 years just two players. Amazing.
Ty Cobb had seven seasons of 100 or more RBI's. In five of those seasons he hit less than 10 home runs.
By the way, when people talk about unbreakable records, how about Cobb's 23 consecutive seasons hitting .300 or better. Actually, in thsoe 23 seasons, he never hit less than .316.
I knew Tommy Herr in 1985 did it with the Cardinals. Herr had 110 RBI's 8 home runs that season. I forgot that Paul Molitor also did it. In 1996 with the Twins, Molitor belted just 9 homers but knocked in 113 runs.
Herr and Molitor are the only players since 1950 to have done that. In 60 years just two players. Amazing.
Ty Cobb had seven seasons of 100 or more RBI's. In five of those seasons he hit less than 10 home runs.
By the way, when people talk about unbreakable records, how about Cobb's 23 consecutive seasons hitting .300 or better. Actually, in thsoe 23 seasons, he never hit less than .316.
Meet the Mets, Beat the Mets.....
The Mets are picking up where they left off last year and that is with a bunch of guys on the disabled list.
Shortstop Jose Reyes, first baseman Daniel Murphy and centerfielder Carlos Beltran will all open the season on the DL. The Mets are being cautious with Reyes since he missed most of last year with a hammy problem and this year with the thyroid thing. Murphy hurt his knee in a rundown and Beltran is trying to get healthy after arthroscopic surgery last year.
The starting rotation is in a shambles already. Let's see, Johan Santana. That's pretty good. John Maine? Eh. Mike Pelphrey? Ugh. Jon Niese? Who? Oliver Perez? Yikes.
I've always been surprised when I see how bad Perez is. I recall sitting in Coors Field watching Perez strike out 13 Rockies in 2002. For him to have a career sub-500 record (58-64) and and ERA of 4.54 baffles me.
Anyway, the Mets are going nowhere this year. The same place they went to last year.
Shortstop Jose Reyes, first baseman Daniel Murphy and centerfielder Carlos Beltran will all open the season on the DL. The Mets are being cautious with Reyes since he missed most of last year with a hammy problem and this year with the thyroid thing. Murphy hurt his knee in a rundown and Beltran is trying to get healthy after arthroscopic surgery last year.
The starting rotation is in a shambles already. Let's see, Johan Santana. That's pretty good. John Maine? Eh. Mike Pelphrey? Ugh. Jon Niese? Who? Oliver Perez? Yikes.
I've always been surprised when I see how bad Perez is. I recall sitting in Coors Field watching Perez strike out 13 Rockies in 2002. For him to have a career sub-500 record (58-64) and and ERA of 4.54 baffles me.
Anyway, the Mets are going nowhere this year. The same place they went to last year.
Beckham
Alright, when you see the title of this post, whom do you think of? Do you think of David Beckham the soccer player or Gordon Beckham the White Sox second baseman?
If you think Gordon first and foremost you belong here. If you think David, well, most people probably do. But I will say this, Gordon Beckham can play. He's heading into his second year after a rookie campaign of 14 homers, 63 RBI's and a .270 average. Last year he played third base but this year he'll be at second. I'm guessing it won't be long until the first Beckham people think of is Gordon.
As for David, he's washed up. He's out of the World Cup, is recovering from a torn achilles and his wife looks like a man. Personal opinion of course.
If you think Gordon first and foremost you belong here. If you think David, well, most people probably do. But I will say this, Gordon Beckham can play. He's heading into his second year after a rookie campaign of 14 homers, 63 RBI's and a .270 average. Last year he played third base but this year he'll be at second. I'm guessing it won't be long until the first Beckham people think of is Gordon.
As for David, he's washed up. He's out of the World Cup, is recovering from a torn achilles and his wife looks like a man. Personal opinion of course.
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