Roger Clemens pled "not guilty" yesterday at his arraignment on charges of lying to congress about using steroids.
I'll admit, it looks like Clemens did use performance enhancing drugs. Just look at his stats. Like Barry Bonds, people just don't get better in baseball in their late 30's and early 40's. The stats say he used steroids.
Then you have Andy Pettitte who, when questioned, said Roger told him he used HGH. Pettitte admitted he dabbled in HGH to return from an injury sooner.
Of course, the star witness will be Clemens' personal trainer Brian McNamee. McNamee, a weaselly type, is a known liar and drug pusher. He was questioned by police, but not charged, in an alleged sexual assault in 2001 after a woman ingested GHB, also known as the date rape drug.
McNamee also claims he has syringes and needles used by Clemens that prove the Rocket used steroids. What kind of guy saves that stuff unless they have other motives down the line. Like extortion perhaps? Furthermore, if he was Clemens trainer, would it be that hard to get samples of his DNA or blood and frame him in some manner?
I'm not saying Clemens is innocent. He's far from the choir boy he has portrayed. But is it out of the realm of possiblity that McNamee, when he was fired by Clemens, decided to frame his former friend and employer? McNamee is hardly a paragon of virtue. He's a piece of crap. Why would it be so hard to believe that he has it out for Clemens?
If I'm Clemens defense team, I go after McNamee and destroy whatever credibility he has left.
Also, we have questioned in the past, if an athlete is truly innocent of using performance enhancing drugs, they why don't they sue when they are accused of doing so?
We've seen people named in Jose Canseco's book as steroid users threaten to sue. We've heard athletes say they are considering a lawsuit. Well, Clemens is the one athlete who had fought these allegations.
Maybe it was a foolhardy decision by Clemens, a decision that might have him end up in prison.
Again, while we suspect Clemens used PED's, he very well could be found innocent of these perjury charges. If that's the case, good for Roger. But his reputation, either way is shot. He's the new baseball pariah along with Bonds, Palmiero, Dykstra and to a lesser degree now, McGwire, since he's back in the game as Cardinals hitting coach and he finally came clean this spring about his steroid use.
Another pariah, Pete Rose, remains out of the game for gambling. Here's a question for you to ponder. If steroids were rampant when Rose played the game, do you think he would have used them? "Hell yeah," is my answer. I have no doubt that Charley Hustle would have used steroids. At least we know Rose's baseball stats are legit. Can't say that about anybody who played in the steroid era.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
The Wild Card
I guess I've come around on the Wild Card.
When it first came into play, in 1995, I was against it. I thought you should win your division to go to the playoffs and the Wild Card was backing into the post-season.
For the most part it has been good for baseball as the attendance figures show. If the Rockies weren't in contention for the Wild Card, there would be no interest in Denver at this time, especially with the Broncos season getting underway.
But here is where the Wild Card stinks.
The Yankees and Rays are deadlocked at 81-50 atop the AL East with 31-games to play. Prior to the Wild Card, this would be shaping up to be a race for the ages. Only one team can win the division and the other team goes home. How dramatic would that be?
Instead, we have two teams going for the division crown but with the safety net of the Wild Card.
The last real pennant race in baseball was 1993. That season the Giants and Braves battled for the NL West title with the loser knowing they would go home. The Braves won the division with a 104-58 record. The Giants were done after going 103-59. People said at the time, it wasn't fair that San Fran won 103 games and didn't play in the post-season. I say, win two more games.
It was an intense and dramatic race that wasn't decided until the last game of the season. The Dodgers by the way, beat the Giants on the final day of the regular season, on October 3rd, just 42-years after the Giants bounced the Dodgers from the World Series on Bobby Thomson's home run at the Polo Grounds. Funny how baseball works.
While that 1993 race was most memorable, this year's Yankees-Rays race will fall well short in the drama department since the loser of the two will still, in all likelihood go to the playoffs.
When it first came into play, in 1995, I was against it. I thought you should win your division to go to the playoffs and the Wild Card was backing into the post-season.
For the most part it has been good for baseball as the attendance figures show. If the Rockies weren't in contention for the Wild Card, there would be no interest in Denver at this time, especially with the Broncos season getting underway.
But here is where the Wild Card stinks.
The Yankees and Rays are deadlocked at 81-50 atop the AL East with 31-games to play. Prior to the Wild Card, this would be shaping up to be a race for the ages. Only one team can win the division and the other team goes home. How dramatic would that be?
Instead, we have two teams going for the division crown but with the safety net of the Wild Card.
The last real pennant race in baseball was 1993. That season the Giants and Braves battled for the NL West title with the loser knowing they would go home. The Braves won the division with a 104-58 record. The Giants were done after going 103-59. People said at the time, it wasn't fair that San Fran won 103 games and didn't play in the post-season. I say, win two more games.
It was an intense and dramatic race that wasn't decided until the last game of the season. The Dodgers by the way, beat the Giants on the final day of the regular season, on October 3rd, just 42-years after the Giants bounced the Dodgers from the World Series on Bobby Thomson's home run at the Polo Grounds. Funny how baseball works.
While that 1993 race was most memorable, this year's Yankees-Rays race will fall well short in the drama department since the loser of the two will still, in all likelihood go to the playoffs.
Packing Heat
The Reds have called up fireballing Cuban Aroldis Chapman. The 22-year old (allegedly) lefty recently threw a pitch in the minor leagues clocked at 105-mph on the radar gun.
The Reds will put him in the bullpen and return him to a starting role next year. They also brought him up in time to be eligible to be on the post-season roster and with the continued good play of the Reds and the floppage of the Cardinals, it looks like Cincinnati will indeed be playing ball in October.
If I'm the Reds I do something that may be odd regarding Chapman. I tell him, stop throwing so hard. If you ever hit 100-mph on the gun, you will get fined. If you reach 105-mph again, you will be taken out of the game immediately.
There is a reason guys don't throw that fast. It is hard to do and it is hard on the arm.
If Chapman dialed it down a bit, it might help save his arm. The stress of throwing over 100-mph has is off the charts. Trust me, I know. Actually, I don't know. But look at the hard throwers over the years. Most of them end up with some type of arm problem. Exhibit A...Stephen Strasburg.
If Chapman throws mid-90's that is plenty fast to get big league hitters out.
I'm looking forward to seeing Chapman pitch. I just hope for his sake, the Reds sake and the sake of the game that he stays healthy. He doesn't need to throw 105-mph. Oh yeah, I forgot, he should slow down for the sake of the hitters. I wouldn't want to stand in there and see a 105-mph fastball thrown in my direction. Wait, actually, I would like to face Chapman. That would mean I was in the big leagues instead of rotting away as a radio announcer.
The Reds will put him in the bullpen and return him to a starting role next year. They also brought him up in time to be eligible to be on the post-season roster and with the continued good play of the Reds and the floppage of the Cardinals, it looks like Cincinnati will indeed be playing ball in October.
If I'm the Reds I do something that may be odd regarding Chapman. I tell him, stop throwing so hard. If you ever hit 100-mph on the gun, you will get fined. If you reach 105-mph again, you will be taken out of the game immediately.
There is a reason guys don't throw that fast. It is hard to do and it is hard on the arm.
If Chapman dialed it down a bit, it might help save his arm. The stress of throwing over 100-mph has is off the charts. Trust me, I know. Actually, I don't know. But look at the hard throwers over the years. Most of them end up with some type of arm problem. Exhibit A...Stephen Strasburg.
If Chapman throws mid-90's that is plenty fast to get big league hitters out.
I'm looking forward to seeing Chapman pitch. I just hope for his sake, the Reds sake and the sake of the game that he stays healthy. He doesn't need to throw 105-mph. Oh yeah, I forgot, he should slow down for the sake of the hitters. I wouldn't want to stand in there and see a 105-mph fastball thrown in my direction. Wait, actually, I would like to face Chapman. That would mean I was in the big leagues instead of rotting away as a radio announcer.
Good Seats Still Available
The Rays are quite a team, involved in a terrific race for American League East supremacy with the Yankees. Both teams are 81-50 and the closet pursuer, the Red Sox, are 7-games back and appear to be finally fading.
Last night the Rays were victorious over the Blue Jays, 6-2 at Tropicana Field. It would have been a sellout...if The Trop had a capacity of 11,968.
Come on Rays fans. What gives?
I know the stadium is bad. I know that people in Tampa don't like to travel to St. Petersburg. I get it.
But if your team one day vacates the area and moves elsewhere, don't cry about it. From the looks of things, you really don't care too much about watching your team play.
The problem for the Rays would be, where would you move, or threaten to move to? Owners in all sports have played the "if we don't get a stadium deal (taxpayer funded!) we'll have to leave town." But where could the Rays go? Las Vegas? Vancouver? Montreal? Doubt Major League baseball would approve any of those cities? Charlotte? How about Pittsburgh? They don't have a big league team but have a wonderful stadium.
Last night the Rays were victorious over the Blue Jays, 6-2 at Tropicana Field. It would have been a sellout...if The Trop had a capacity of 11,968.
Come on Rays fans. What gives?
I know the stadium is bad. I know that people in Tampa don't like to travel to St. Petersburg. I get it.
But if your team one day vacates the area and moves elsewhere, don't cry about it. From the looks of things, you really don't care too much about watching your team play.
The problem for the Rays would be, where would you move, or threaten to move to? Owners in all sports have played the "if we don't get a stadium deal (taxpayer funded!) we'll have to leave town." But where could the Rays go? Las Vegas? Vancouver? Montreal? Doubt Major League baseball would approve any of those cities? Charlotte? How about Pittsburgh? They don't have a big league team but have a wonderful stadium.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Keep Me Away From Vegas
I was looking at the baseball predictions I and the Turf crew made prior to the start of this season.
I predicted Mariners skipper Don Wakamatsu would win the American League Manager of the Year Award and that the Marlins Fredi Gonzalez would capture National League managerial honors.
Well, both have already been fired. The M's (my pick to win the AL West) are floundering in last place and the Fish (my NL Wildcard choice) are staggering around the .500 mark.
Wow, those are some crappy predictions.
Anyway, if you would like to amuse yourself and check out all our predictions, just go to... www.turfsports.net and click on the "2010 Baseball Predictions" page.
I predicted Mariners skipper Don Wakamatsu would win the American League Manager of the Year Award and that the Marlins Fredi Gonzalez would capture National League managerial honors.
Well, both have already been fired. The M's (my pick to win the AL West) are floundering in last place and the Fish (my NL Wildcard choice) are staggering around the .500 mark.
Wow, those are some crappy predictions.
Anyway, if you would like to amuse yourself and check out all our predictions, just go to... www.turfsports.net and click on the "2010 Baseball Predictions" page.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
The Niekro Brothers
I'm watching the Astros-Mets game on TV.
Knuckleballer R.A. Dickey is throwing for the Mets.
So, with knuckleballers on my mind, I looked up Wilbur Wood, Phil Niekro and Joe Niekro's numbers on baseball-reference.com.
With Joe Niekro, I forgot he passed away four years ago of a brain aneurism. Anyway, Joe Niekro hit one home run in 973 career at-bats. It came on May 29th, 1976 at Fulton-County Stadium in Atlanta against...his brother Phil!
It got me to thinking, did Phil groove one to his brother, a lifetime .156 hitter? Or, did Joe, having probably batted against his brother a million times in backyard wiffleball games, just know how to hit Phil?
By the way, combined, the Niekro's won a combined total of 539 wins (Phil 318, Joe 221. They also combined for 8 big league homers. Joe's one bomb off Joe and Phil's 7 roundtrippers.
By the way, I've always been a Phil Niekro fan. Why? We share the same birthday but he's a bit older than me.
Knuckleballer R.A. Dickey is throwing for the Mets.
So, with knuckleballers on my mind, I looked up Wilbur Wood, Phil Niekro and Joe Niekro's numbers on baseball-reference.com.
With Joe Niekro, I forgot he passed away four years ago of a brain aneurism. Anyway, Joe Niekro hit one home run in 973 career at-bats. It came on May 29th, 1976 at Fulton-County Stadium in Atlanta against...his brother Phil!
It got me to thinking, did Phil groove one to his brother, a lifetime .156 hitter? Or, did Joe, having probably batted against his brother a million times in backyard wiffleball games, just know how to hit Phil?
By the way, combined, the Niekro's won a combined total of 539 wins (Phil 318, Joe 221. They also combined for 8 big league homers. Joe's one bomb off Joe and Phil's 7 roundtrippers.
By the way, I've always been a Phil Niekro fan. Why? We share the same birthday but he's a bit older than me.
Old Guy's Baseball: The Playoffs
My old guy's baseball team, the Stars, limp into today's playoffs with a 6-game losing streak. We have played horrible baseball and have looked awful doing it.
However, the nice thing is all we need to do is win today (4 p.m start) to advance. I think we can do it. We better do it. I want our season to continue.
Win and we advance. Lose and see you next year.
I'm not planning on losing. I'm planning on winning today and two more after that. All we need is a three-game winning streak and we are Denver Over 35 World Champions!
I'll keep you posted.
However, the nice thing is all we need to do is win today (4 p.m start) to advance. I think we can do it. We better do it. I want our season to continue.
Win and we advance. Lose and see you next year.
I'm not planning on losing. I'm planning on winning today and two more after that. All we need is a three-game winning streak and we are Denver Over 35 World Champions!
I'll keep you posted.
Feller Ailing
Hall of Famer Bob Feller, 91, is being treated in Cleveland for leukemia. He said he is feeling better and the treatment seems to be working.
I've met Feller a couple of times and liked him. Many people think he's a bitter, salty old coot but I found him to be anything but.
Feller is very opinionated and opinionated people tend to rub those who don't agree with them the wrong way.
I'm guessing, had there been sports talk radio back when Feller retired, he would have made a great host. Opinionated people don't tend to be boring.
I've also been to Van Meter, Iowa, Feller's home town. While driving to Chicago a few years back on I-70, I saw a small sign for the Bob Feller Museum. I made the side trip and visited the small museum. Neat place.
Feller is also the third oldest living Hall of Famer with Lee McPhail and Bobby Doerr both 92.
I've met Feller a couple of times and liked him. Many people think he's a bitter, salty old coot but I found him to be anything but.
Feller is very opinionated and opinionated people tend to rub those who don't agree with them the wrong way.
I'm guessing, had there been sports talk radio back when Feller retired, he would have made a great host. Opinionated people don't tend to be boring.
I've also been to Van Meter, Iowa, Feller's home town. While driving to Chicago a few years back on I-70, I saw a small sign for the Bob Feller Museum. I made the side trip and visited the small museum. Neat place.
Feller is also the third oldest living Hall of Famer with Lee McPhail and Bobby Doerr both 92.
Dilemma
The Mets are a game under .500. I would love to see them finish under the .500 level. But if that happens, do the Mets finally fire incompetent general manager Omar Minaya? Does that mean manager Jerry Manuel is out the door?
My fear is that the Mets fire those clowns and replace them with competent people.
Wait, their the Mets. They'll make the wrong hires. What was I thinking?
My fear is that the Mets fire those clowns and replace them with competent people.
Wait, their the Mets. They'll make the wrong hires. What was I thinking?
Helton Homers Again
Maybe Todd Helton reads this blog. Perhaps he read the post I wrote about him on August 20th where I said this should be Helton's last year playing with the Rockies.
Well, Helton has shown his old stroke of late, belting home runs in the past two games.
I'm not one who likes to eat crow but in this case, I would love to see Helton finish strong and then hit like the Helton of yesteryear. I would gladly eat crow in that case.
Still, a couple of games where he has looked like Todd Helton is supposed to look, hasn't changed my opionion. Yet. I hope he keeps it up.
Well, Helton has shown his old stroke of late, belting home runs in the past two games.
I'm not one who likes to eat crow but in this case, I would love to see Helton finish strong and then hit like the Helton of yesteryear. I would gladly eat crow in that case.
Still, a couple of games where he has looked like Todd Helton is supposed to look, hasn't changed my opionion. Yet. I hope he keeps it up.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Brandon Inge
Brandon Inge the other night collected his 1,000th career hit, all with the Tigers.
While Inge isn't going to the Hall of Fame, it is a nice milestone for a guy who plays the game the right way.
I'm happy for Inge and one of the reasons is that I saw him in his first professional season. In 1998, I was announcing NY-Penn League games for Hudson Valley and Inge was playing in his first professional season for the Jamestown Jammers. He has spent his entire pro career in the Detroit organization.
Jamestown Jammers sounds like a fledgling minor league basketball team, no?
By the way, one boring hot day in Jamestown I took a visit to the big tourest attraction in town...the Lucille Ball Museum! Lucy was from Jamestown. The other big celebrity from Jamestown? That would be singer Natalie Merchant. I don't know of a museum for her, yet, in Jamestown. If there was a Natalie Merchant Museum in Jamestown I would have visited it as well. Probably in the same day I saw the Lucy Museum since it took all of 45-minutes to wander through.
Anyway, Jamestown is where Inge's career started and good for him that he got his 1,000th big league hit in a Detroit Tigers uniform.
While Inge isn't going to the Hall of Fame, it is a nice milestone for a guy who plays the game the right way.
I'm happy for Inge and one of the reasons is that I saw him in his first professional season. In 1998, I was announcing NY-Penn League games for Hudson Valley and Inge was playing in his first professional season for the Jamestown Jammers. He has spent his entire pro career in the Detroit organization.
Jamestown Jammers sounds like a fledgling minor league basketball team, no?
By the way, one boring hot day in Jamestown I took a visit to the big tourest attraction in town...the Lucille Ball Museum! Lucy was from Jamestown. The other big celebrity from Jamestown? That would be singer Natalie Merchant. I don't know of a museum for her, yet, in Jamestown. If there was a Natalie Merchant Museum in Jamestown I would have visited it as well. Probably in the same day I saw the Lucy Museum since it took all of 45-minutes to wander through.
Anyway, Jamestown is where Inge's career started and good for him that he got his 1,000th big league hit in a Detroit Tigers uniform.
If I Were A Bird
The Brewers unveiled a statue of former owner and current Commissioner Bud Selig outside of Miller Park in Milwaukee.
I'd be happy if I were a bird. I would have a nice new target to let loose on.
I'd be happy if I were a bird. I would have a nice new target to let loose on.
The Whiff Kids!
The Phillies had the Whiz Kids in 1950.
The Diamondbacks have the Whiff Kids in 2010.
Arizona has five players, yes five, who have struck out at least 100 times this season, led by the modern day Dave Kingman, Mark Reynolds.
Here are the D-Backs Whiff Kids and their frighteningly impressive K totals.
Mark Reynolds with an astounding 171 whiffs.
Justin Upton / 142
Adam LaRoche / 131
Kelly Johnson / 110
Chris Young / 108
Maybe Arizona's management likes these strikeout machines. After all, the breeze helps keep the air conditioning bill down at their plane-hanger of a ballpark, whatever they call that place these days.
The Diamondbacks have the Whiff Kids in 2010.
Arizona has five players, yes five, who have struck out at least 100 times this season, led by the modern day Dave Kingman, Mark Reynolds.
Here are the D-Backs Whiff Kids and their frighteningly impressive K totals.
Mark Reynolds with an astounding 171 whiffs.
Justin Upton / 142
Adam LaRoche / 131
Kelly Johnson / 110
Chris Young / 108
Maybe Arizona's management likes these strikeout machines. After all, the breeze helps keep the air conditioning bill down at their plane-hanger of a ballpark, whatever they call that place these days.
Wild One In San Fran Too
The Reds led the Giants 10-1 today and blew the advantage, just like the Braves this afternoon.
However, unlike the Braves, the Reds actually won the game, 12-11 in 12-innings. The Giants didn't help themselves by making 5 errors.
Joey Votto, the in the hunt for the rare triple crown had a day. Votto was 4-7 with 2 jacks and 4 ribs. He's hitting .326 (1st) with 31 homers (Tied for 2nd...Albert Pujols has 33 bombs, Adam Dunn has 31) and 90 RBIs (2nd...Pujols has 92).
Obviously, Pujols is in the triple crown discussion with his .320 average. It will be fun reading the box scores of Votto and Pujols down the stretch.
However, unlike the Braves, the Reds actually won the game, 12-11 in 12-innings. The Giants didn't help themselves by making 5 errors.
Joey Votto, the in the hunt for the rare triple crown had a day. Votto was 4-7 with 2 jacks and 4 ribs. He's hitting .326 (1st) with 31 homers (Tied for 2nd...Albert Pujols has 33 bombs, Adam Dunn has 31) and 90 RBIs (2nd...Pujols has 92).
Obviously, Pujols is in the triple crown discussion with his .320 average. It will be fun reading the box scores of Votto and Pujols down the stretch.
But Hendu Said It Was Over
In the Coors Field press box today, I was sitting, as usual next to Ed Henderson. We were lamenting the Rockies dismal showing to that point as they were down 10-1 to the Braves heading into the 4th inning.
"This game is basically over, I'm outta here," Hendu said as he exited the press box and the stadium.
The nice thing about baseball is you can't run out the clock. You can't stall. You need to get 27 outs. The Braves got 24 outs.
The Rockies rallied and a 4-run 8th inning put them on top to stay.
Final Score: Rockies 12 Braves 10.
Somewhere on this steamy Denver night,
Hendu sits and shakes his head,
Leaving the game was just not right,
"It ain't over till it's over," Yogi said.
"This game is basically over, I'm outta here," Hendu said as he exited the press box and the stadium.
The nice thing about baseball is you can't run out the clock. You can't stall. You need to get 27 outs. The Braves got 24 outs.
The Rockies rallied and a 4-run 8th inning put them on top to stay.
Final Score: Rockies 12 Braves 10.
Somewhere on this steamy Denver night,
Hendu sits and shakes his head,
Leaving the game was just not right,
"It ain't over till it's over," Yogi said.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Sammy The Stupid
Sammy Sosa is bitter, again, that the Cubs haven't retired his #21 jersey.
Currently, Cubs rookie outfielder Tyler Colvin is donning #21.
Sosa says that the Cubs don't care about him. Awww, poor Sammy. Actually, rich Sammy. He made a fortune from the Cubs and probably made a lot of scratch too with his "non-profit" foundation that went out of business due to mismanagement and lack of contributions from Sammy.
Sosa must be delusional.
Earlier this year he said he was retired and would calmly wait for his induction into the Hall of Fame. Hellooooo? Did he forget he was on a list of players who used steroids in 2003?
Does Sammy think anyone with half a brain believes his home run numbers are legit?
Sammy is a fraud and that is why the Cubs are trying to distance themselves from one of the biggest phonies the game has ever seen. Plus, when he left the Cubs, it wasn't exactly with warm and fuzzy feelings.
My advice to Sammy? Shut up and go away. The Cubs have enough problems, they don't need you to add to them.
Currently, Cubs rookie outfielder Tyler Colvin is donning #21.
Sosa says that the Cubs don't care about him. Awww, poor Sammy. Actually, rich Sammy. He made a fortune from the Cubs and probably made a lot of scratch too with his "non-profit" foundation that went out of business due to mismanagement and lack of contributions from Sammy.
Sosa must be delusional.
Earlier this year he said he was retired and would calmly wait for his induction into the Hall of Fame. Hellooooo? Did he forget he was on a list of players who used steroids in 2003?
Does Sammy think anyone with half a brain believes his home run numbers are legit?
Sammy is a fraud and that is why the Cubs are trying to distance themselves from one of the biggest phonies the game has ever seen. Plus, when he left the Cubs, it wasn't exactly with warm and fuzzy feelings.
My advice to Sammy? Shut up and go away. The Cubs have enough problems, they don't need you to add to them.
Bucs Make The Bucks
The Associated Press published an article Sunday on the money making Pittsburgh Pirates.
Before you think, "Losing team, must be losing money," know this. The Pirates over the past two seasons made more than 29-million while running up a collective record of 129-194, a combined 59-games out of first place.
However, the Pirates, according to the report, made a profit of more than 16-million in 2008 and more than 14-million last year.
This from a franchise that recently lost their 82nd game this season to clinch their record 18th consecutive losing season.
Robert Nutting, the owner of the Pirates, should be ashamed of himself. Instead of putting together a competitive team and trying to win, I think he is purposely trying to lose. Winning ballclubs cost money and his losing team is making him some serious scratch. Why mess with that formula?
The people of Pittsburgh have been fleeced. They are being taken advantage of. Their loyalty is being rewarded with a craptastic team and when one of their players gets decent, he is traded or cast away as a free agent.
If I were a Pirates fan, I would disown the team until a new owner was found.
A guy like Mark Cuban, the Dallas Mavericks owner who despperately desires to win, wants into baseball ownership but is constantly denied, yet baseball allows some schmucky huckster like Nutting to pilfer his patrons while desecrating a once-proud franchise.
Pirates fans need to stay away from PNC Park. Until this team shows a committment to winning they should steer clear. The only way that will happen is when Nutting is replaced.
What a disgrace and embarrassment the Pirates have become. It's a shame. As someone who went to school in Pittsburgh and knows a lot of Bucco fans, I really feel for those people. It's sad and commissioner Bud Selig looks on and ignores the problem. Trust me, when you don't have owners who want to win and hide behind the "small market" excuse, then there is a problem. So, screw Bud Selig too.
And another thing, Pirates fans, please, STAY AWAY FROM PNC PARK. Boycott the Bucs.
Before you think, "Losing team, must be losing money," know this. The Pirates over the past two seasons made more than 29-million while running up a collective record of 129-194, a combined 59-games out of first place.
However, the Pirates, according to the report, made a profit of more than 16-million in 2008 and more than 14-million last year.
This from a franchise that recently lost their 82nd game this season to clinch their record 18th consecutive losing season.
Robert Nutting, the owner of the Pirates, should be ashamed of himself. Instead of putting together a competitive team and trying to win, I think he is purposely trying to lose. Winning ballclubs cost money and his losing team is making him some serious scratch. Why mess with that formula?
The people of Pittsburgh have been fleeced. They are being taken advantage of. Their loyalty is being rewarded with a craptastic team and when one of their players gets decent, he is traded or cast away as a free agent.
If I were a Pirates fan, I would disown the team until a new owner was found.
A guy like Mark Cuban, the Dallas Mavericks owner who despperately desires to win, wants into baseball ownership but is constantly denied, yet baseball allows some schmucky huckster like Nutting to pilfer his patrons while desecrating a once-proud franchise.
Pirates fans need to stay away from PNC Park. Until this team shows a committment to winning they should steer clear. The only way that will happen is when Nutting is replaced.
What a disgrace and embarrassment the Pirates have become. It's a shame. As someone who went to school in Pittsburgh and knows a lot of Bucco fans, I really feel for those people. It's sad and commissioner Bud Selig looks on and ignores the problem. Trust me, when you don't have owners who want to win and hide behind the "small market" excuse, then there is a problem. So, screw Bud Selig too.
And another thing, Pirates fans, please, STAY AWAY FROM PNC PARK. Boycott the Bucs.
Jose Bautista
Jose Bautista last night hit is 39th and 40th home runs of the season in the Blue Jays 3-2 win over the Yankees.
Bautista was overly sensitive when he batted after his 39th homer and Yanks rookie pitcher Ivan Nova threw one high and tight, although it wasn't nearly as close as Bautista thought.
When Bautista homered in the 8th off David Robertson to give Toronto the lead, he styled at home plate and glared out to the mound.
If I were a Yankees pitcher, I would remember that and in a situation where it wouldn't matter, I would drill him in the rib cage. That would give him something to glare about.
Before this season, the most home runs Bautista hit in a season was 16 in 2006 with the Pirates. Last year, his first full season with the Jays he hit 13. Does anybody else think Brady Anderson when you look at Bautista this season?
Bautista was overly sensitive when he batted after his 39th homer and Yanks rookie pitcher Ivan Nova threw one high and tight, although it wasn't nearly as close as Bautista thought.
When Bautista homered in the 8th off David Robertson to give Toronto the lead, he styled at home plate and glared out to the mound.
If I were a Yankees pitcher, I would remember that and in a situation where it wouldn't matter, I would drill him in the rib cage. That would give him something to glare about.
Before this season, the most home runs Bautista hit in a season was 16 in 2006 with the Pirates. Last year, his first full season with the Jays he hit 13. Does anybody else think Brady Anderson when you look at Bautista this season?
Hall for Sweet Lou?
Since Lou Piniella retired after Sunday's game, I've heard people bring up Lou's Hall of Fame credentials.
While his 23 seasons and 1,835 wins are impressive, I think he falls short of the Hall of Fame.
He won just one World Series (1990 Reds), which many non-Hall of Fame managers have done. He is just 122 games over .500 for a winning percentage of .517.
Lou Piniella, a very good manager over a long period time? Absolutely. Hall of Fame manager? No.
By the way, nice of the Cubs, in typical fashion, to lose Sunday 16-5 to the Braves. Way to sack up for your departing skipper.
While his 23 seasons and 1,835 wins are impressive, I think he falls short of the Hall of Fame.
He won just one World Series (1990 Reds), which many non-Hall of Fame managers have done. He is just 122 games over .500 for a winning percentage of .517.
Lou Piniella, a very good manager over a long period time? Absolutely. Hall of Fame manager? No.
By the way, nice of the Cubs, in typical fashion, to lose Sunday 16-5 to the Braves. Way to sack up for your departing skipper.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Me No Like
Rockies at Diamondbacks.
Situation, Top 2.
Rockies have Helton on 2nd (single) and Ianetta on first (single).
One out, scoreless game.
Ian Kennedy on the hill for Arizona.
At the plate, pitcher Esmil Rogers.
Rocks skipper Jim Tracy has Rogers...bunt?
He got the sacrifice down and the Rockies had runners on 2nd and 3rd but with 2 outs. Eric Young Junior then flew out.
I hate bunting in that situation. I don't like giving up outs, especially when the sacrifice makes it two outs. If nobody was out, then yes, bunt. But not with one out.
You might say, well, it's better to bunt them over than for Rogers to hit into a double play. True, but you can't manage passively like that. Plus Rogers, who was originally an infielder, can swing the bat. This year, coming into tonight's game, Rogers was 3-10 with 2 doubles. One of the doubles I recall was a laser-beam to the left-centerfield wall in Pittsburgh. The guy isn't an automatic out...unless you take the bat out of his hands and make him bunt with one out in the second inning of a scoreless game with runners on first and second.
Bad managing there by Tracy in my opinion.
Situation, Top 2.
Rockies have Helton on 2nd (single) and Ianetta on first (single).
One out, scoreless game.
Ian Kennedy on the hill for Arizona.
At the plate, pitcher Esmil Rogers.
Rocks skipper Jim Tracy has Rogers...bunt?
He got the sacrifice down and the Rockies had runners on 2nd and 3rd but with 2 outs. Eric Young Junior then flew out.
I hate bunting in that situation. I don't like giving up outs, especially when the sacrifice makes it two outs. If nobody was out, then yes, bunt. But not with one out.
You might say, well, it's better to bunt them over than for Rogers to hit into a double play. True, but you can't manage passively like that. Plus Rogers, who was originally an infielder, can swing the bat. This year, coming into tonight's game, Rogers was 3-10 with 2 doubles. One of the doubles I recall was a laser-beam to the left-centerfield wall in Pittsburgh. The guy isn't an automatic out...unless you take the bat out of his hands and make him bunt with one out in the second inning of a scoreless game with runners on first and second.
Bad managing there by Tracy in my opinion.
Helton Turns 37
Happy Birthday to Todd Helton, the greatest player in Rockies history. Yes, better than Ronnie Belliard.
But will this be the last birthday Helton celebrates in a Colorado Rockies uniform?
If it were up to me, yes.
I have loved watching Helton play over the years. But he's finished. I hate to say it but he's done.
The Rockies need to buy him out and find some power at first base. Right now Helton looks old, slow and he no longer has any thunder in his bat. A lifetime .324 hitter, Helton is batting .244. He has 4 homers and 21 RBI's all season, totals he used to get in three weeks.
Injuries and age have caught up to Helton. It's sad but it's baseball.
The Rocks need to buy out Helton's contract which has three years and 29-million dollars remaining on it. Unless of course, Helton decides to retire. Then the Rockies need to figure out when to retire his number 17 and how to keep him in the organization in some capacity.
But will this be the last birthday Helton celebrates in a Colorado Rockies uniform?
If it were up to me, yes.
I have loved watching Helton play over the years. But he's finished. I hate to say it but he's done.
The Rockies need to buy him out and find some power at first base. Right now Helton looks old, slow and he no longer has any thunder in his bat. A lifetime .324 hitter, Helton is batting .244. He has 4 homers and 21 RBI's all season, totals he used to get in three weeks.
Injuries and age have caught up to Helton. It's sad but it's baseball.
The Rocks need to buy out Helton's contract which has three years and 29-million dollars remaining on it. Unless of course, Helton decides to retire. Then the Rockies need to figure out when to retire his number 17 and how to keep him in the organization in some capacity.
Sick Bay
Mets Manager Jerry Manuel says that left-fielder Jason Bay is done for the season thanks to his concussion suffered July 23rd at Dodger Stadium.
If there is any lingering problems or concerns then the Mets should shut Bay down. The Mets are out of the race so there is no need to take any chances when it comes to a guy's head. The Mets are making the right move. Plus, Bay cannot go more than 48 hours without a recurrence of concussion related symptoms. Scary stuff.
So, what did the Mets get from their off-season free-agent acquisition?
Bay, if he doesn't play again this season, ends the year with an average of .259 with 6 homers and 47 RBI's. Bay will make 8.6 million this year and the next three years is due 16-million per year and then 17-million in 2014.
Citi Field obviously played a major part in the lack of production by Bay who hit 36 homers and knocked in 119 last season with the Red Sox.
The Mets need to become a pitching and defense type team that emphasises speed on the bases, sort of like the Whitey Herzog Cardinals of the 80's. If they want to build with power, they are wasting their time. The ballpark isn't conducive to that kind of team.
If there is any lingering problems or concerns then the Mets should shut Bay down. The Mets are out of the race so there is no need to take any chances when it comes to a guy's head. The Mets are making the right move. Plus, Bay cannot go more than 48 hours without a recurrence of concussion related symptoms. Scary stuff.
So, what did the Mets get from their off-season free-agent acquisition?
Bay, if he doesn't play again this season, ends the year with an average of .259 with 6 homers and 47 RBI's. Bay will make 8.6 million this year and the next three years is due 16-million per year and then 17-million in 2014.
Citi Field obviously played a major part in the lack of production by Bay who hit 36 homers and knocked in 119 last season with the Red Sox.
The Mets need to become a pitching and defense type team that emphasises speed on the bases, sort of like the Whitey Herzog Cardinals of the 80's. If they want to build with power, they are wasting their time. The ballpark isn't conducive to that kind of team.
I'm A Believer
The Monkees sang, "I'm A Believer."
I would have to say the same thing about the Padres. I'm a believer.
I've been waiting all year for the wheels to fall off and they just keep winning and pulling away in the NL West.
They have the best record in the National League at 73-47 and hold a 6-game lead over the second place Giants.
The Padres have the best pitching in baseball, have the highest team fielding percentage in the game and they get timely hitting.
It's funny, I just looked at the Artificial Turf 2010 Baseball Predictions on my website (www.turfsports.net). Of the 10 people participating, every single one of us except Justin Adams picked San Diego to finish last in the division. Justin picked them to finish 4th with only Arizona worse off.
Bud Black should win the NL Manager of the Year Award with Dusty Baker coming in a distant second.
Nobody thought the Padres would sniff winning the West and now, they are running away with it.
Yes, I'm a believer.
I would have to say the same thing about the Padres. I'm a believer.
I've been waiting all year for the wheels to fall off and they just keep winning and pulling away in the NL West.
They have the best record in the National League at 73-47 and hold a 6-game lead over the second place Giants.
The Padres have the best pitching in baseball, have the highest team fielding percentage in the game and they get timely hitting.
It's funny, I just looked at the Artificial Turf 2010 Baseball Predictions on my website (www.turfsports.net). Of the 10 people participating, every single one of us except Justin Adams picked San Diego to finish last in the division. Justin picked them to finish 4th with only Arizona worse off.
Bud Black should win the NL Manager of the Year Award with Dusty Baker coming in a distant second.
Nobody thought the Padres would sniff winning the West and now, they are running away with it.
Yes, I'm a believer.
Getting Uglier for Roger
A grand jury indicted Roger Clemens for allegedly lying to congress regarding his use of performance enhancing drugs.
The more information that comes out the more it looks bad for Clemens.
The arrogant attitude that served him so well on the mound doesn't work so well for him off the field.
Who would have ever thought that a guy with 354 lifetime wins and a career ERA of 3.12 over 24-seasons would be fighting for his Hall of Fame life.
Does he get in? Well, maybe, eventually. But it probably won't be for a long, long time. Perhaps 50-years from now voters will say, "OK he made some mistakes. Time to put him in the Hall." But it won't be the voters of today.
Clemens in the Hall of Fame? No way. Pete Rose has a better chance of getting in now than Clemens. Very sad story but Clemens has no one to blame but himself.
Clemens lawyer Rusty Hardin said yesterday, "Roger is looking forward to his day in court. He is happy this has finally happened. We have known for some time this was going to happen. We'll let everything get taken care of in court."
For some reason, I fail to believe that Clemens is happy about the indictment and is looking forward to his day in court.
By the way, if I could give Clemens some advice, I would tell him, "Rusty? You have a lawyer named Rusty? Tell you what Roger, get yourself a real lawyer."
The more information that comes out the more it looks bad for Clemens.
The arrogant attitude that served him so well on the mound doesn't work so well for him off the field.
Who would have ever thought that a guy with 354 lifetime wins and a career ERA of 3.12 over 24-seasons would be fighting for his Hall of Fame life.
Does he get in? Well, maybe, eventually. But it probably won't be for a long, long time. Perhaps 50-years from now voters will say, "OK he made some mistakes. Time to put him in the Hall." But it won't be the voters of today.
Clemens in the Hall of Fame? No way. Pete Rose has a better chance of getting in now than Clemens. Very sad story but Clemens has no one to blame but himself.
Clemens lawyer Rusty Hardin said yesterday, "Roger is looking forward to his day in court. He is happy this has finally happened. We have known for some time this was going to happen. We'll let everything get taken care of in court."
For some reason, I fail to believe that Clemens is happy about the indictment and is looking forward to his day in court.
By the way, if I could give Clemens some advice, I would tell him, "Rusty? You have a lawyer named Rusty? Tell you what Roger, get yourself a real lawyer."
Keeping Score At Home
Frequently we hear baseball announcers say, "If you're keeping score at home."
My question is, who keeps score at home? People don't keep score at the ballpark these days, never mind keeping score at home.
Games last too long and people don't have the attention span to keep score at home.
When I'm at the ballpark, even the guys in the press box don't have the attention span needed to keep score on their own. Many times you will hear someone say, "What did Helton just do?"
I also find it humorous when broadcasters say, "For you kids at home, notice how he followed through on his swing." Like kids are getting their baseball tips by watching the games. Kids don't watch baseball anymore. Again, it's an attention span thing. Too many kids would rather play video games or ride on their skateboards than watch baseball on television.
My question is, who keeps score at home? People don't keep score at the ballpark these days, never mind keeping score at home.
Games last too long and people don't have the attention span to keep score at home.
When I'm at the ballpark, even the guys in the press box don't have the attention span needed to keep score on their own. Many times you will hear someone say, "What did Helton just do?"
I also find it humorous when broadcasters say, "For you kids at home, notice how he followed through on his swing." Like kids are getting their baseball tips by watching the games. Kids don't watch baseball anymore. Again, it's an attention span thing. Too many kids would rather play video games or ride on their skateboards than watch baseball on television.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
A $983,607 Screwup
Shawn Chacon is an idiot. And apparently a poor idiot. Why else would someone, allegedly, pass $50,000 worth in bad checks at a Las Vegas hotel? Because their poor and they're idiots.
Chacon's problems stem from his 2008 assault on Astros General Manager Ed Wade, the same GM who gave him a one-year, 2-million dollar contract that spring.
Chacon was unhappy and decided to throw Wade to the ground and beat on him before teammates intervened. Shockingly, Chacon was released the next day and hasn't pitched in the Majors since. The assault on Wade cost Chacon $983,607, money that would have come in handy in Las Vegas. Also, maybe had he not gone Mike Tyson on Wade, he would have been able to continue his career and make more money. He was only 30-years old at the time of the attack and was a former All-Star as well.
In his career, Chacon has made more than 14-million dollars. Seems as if Mr. Hothead has squandered it. An athlete blowing his fortune? Get in line Chacon.
I remember speaking a few times to Chacon when he was with the Rockies. He's from Greeley, Colorado and you would have liked to pull for the guy for the local angle alone. But he always had a kind of "gangsta" attitude. He just seemed like he was too cool for the room.
Anyway, the players union filed a grievance and several month's after the grievance was heard, the decision was that Chacon, for his attack on Wade, would not be entitled to the money remaining on his contract. Good. Justice for once was done.
Chacon's problems stem from his 2008 assault on Astros General Manager Ed Wade, the same GM who gave him a one-year, 2-million dollar contract that spring.
Chacon was unhappy and decided to throw Wade to the ground and beat on him before teammates intervened. Shockingly, Chacon was released the next day and hasn't pitched in the Majors since. The assault on Wade cost Chacon $983,607, money that would have come in handy in Las Vegas. Also, maybe had he not gone Mike Tyson on Wade, he would have been able to continue his career and make more money. He was only 30-years old at the time of the attack and was a former All-Star as well.
In his career, Chacon has made more than 14-million dollars. Seems as if Mr. Hothead has squandered it. An athlete blowing his fortune? Get in line Chacon.
I remember speaking a few times to Chacon when he was with the Rockies. He's from Greeley, Colorado and you would have liked to pull for the guy for the local angle alone. But he always had a kind of "gangsta" attitude. He just seemed like he was too cool for the room.
Anyway, the players union filed a grievance and several month's after the grievance was heard, the decision was that Chacon, for his attack on Wade, would not be entitled to the money remaining on his contract. Good. Justice for once was done.
Sack Up Angels, will ya?
While I appreciate the Angels knocking out the Red Sox in the playoffs last season, I can't understand why they are Boston's punching bag, again, this season.
After the Boston's rallied past the California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels last night, 7-5, the Halos stood 0-9 this season against the Bosox.
While the Angels aren't as good a team this season as they were a year ago, can't they beat Boston once in a while? Come on Angels, show a little fire instead of curling up in the fetal position every time you see the Green Monster.
After the Boston's rallied past the California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels last night, 7-5, the Halos stood 0-9 this season against the Bosox.
While the Angels aren't as good a team this season as they were a year ago, can't they beat Boston once in a while? Come on Angels, show a little fire instead of curling up in the fetal position every time you see the Green Monster.
Bobby Thomson
I wonder, of the 21,508 days Bobby Thomson lived after October 3, 1951, how many days did someone not mention the 3-run home run he hit at the Polo Grounds to give the Giants the pennant over the Dodgers?
How many of those days were "The Giants Win The Pennant" free for Thomson? How many of those days did he not even think of the home run?
Baseball heroes don't always last as long at Thomson did. He passed away at 86 on August 16th, close to 60-years after his dramatic home run off Ralph Branca. Branca by the way is still alive and became close friends with Thomson over the years.
Before you think Thomson was a one hit wonder, he wasn't. He had a solid 15-year big league career, clubbing 264 home runs with 1,705 hits and 1,026 RBI's. He ended up with a .270 career average. Thomson by the way is just one of 7 players born in Scotland to play in the Major Leagues.
Without the "Shot heard round the world" I'm guessing Thomson would simply be remembered as a pretty good big league player whose accomplishments would be forgotten more and more as time moved on.
One question I have is, would Thomson's home run be quite as memorable without Russ Hodges frantic "The Giants win the pennant, the Giants win the pennant...." call on the radio?
If Hodges simply said, "There's a drive into the lower deck in left...home run and the Giants win the pennant 5-4" without getting crazy, would it just be a memorable home run as opposed to a mythical circuit clout?
By the way legendary broadcaster Ernie Harwell, who passed away in May, had the TV call of Thomson's home run. More people had radio's then and not as many heard Ernie's call. The TV call was not preserved unfortunately. I guarantee you though that Harwell's call wasn't as crazed as the call by Russ Hodges.
So while Thomson is now gone, he will always live on in baseball history for his home run that won the pennant for the Giants. A nice way to be remembered . And while Thomson passed at 86, like all baseball players, he'll always be remembered as a young man. He was 27 when he hit his famous home run.
How many of those days were "The Giants Win The Pennant" free for Thomson? How many of those days did he not even think of the home run?
Baseball heroes don't always last as long at Thomson did. He passed away at 86 on August 16th, close to 60-years after his dramatic home run off Ralph Branca. Branca by the way is still alive and became close friends with Thomson over the years.
Before you think Thomson was a one hit wonder, he wasn't. He had a solid 15-year big league career, clubbing 264 home runs with 1,705 hits and 1,026 RBI's. He ended up with a .270 career average. Thomson by the way is just one of 7 players born in Scotland to play in the Major Leagues.
Without the "Shot heard round the world" I'm guessing Thomson would simply be remembered as a pretty good big league player whose accomplishments would be forgotten more and more as time moved on.
One question I have is, would Thomson's home run be quite as memorable without Russ Hodges frantic "The Giants win the pennant, the Giants win the pennant...." call on the radio?
If Hodges simply said, "There's a drive into the lower deck in left...home run and the Giants win the pennant 5-4" without getting crazy, would it just be a memorable home run as opposed to a mythical circuit clout?
By the way legendary broadcaster Ernie Harwell, who passed away in May, had the TV call of Thomson's home run. More people had radio's then and not as many heard Ernie's call. The TV call was not preserved unfortunately. I guarantee you though that Harwell's call wasn't as crazed as the call by Russ Hodges.
So while Thomson is now gone, he will always live on in baseball history for his home run that won the pennant for the Giants. A nice way to be remembered . And while Thomson passed at 86, like all baseball players, he'll always be remembered as a young man. He was 27 when he hit his famous home run.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Just In The Nick Of Time
The Nationals signed pheenom Bryce Harper to a 5-year, 9.9 million dollar contract last night, just a minute before the midnight deadline.
Harper is just 17-years old.
He skipped his senior year of high school ball to play in junior college. He put up freakish numbers at the College of Southern Nevada. He hit .443 with 31 homers and 98 RBI's. If he didn't sign with the Nats, what would he prove by going back to junior college?
He had to sign. For him and for the Nationals.
Is Harper the best hitting prospect ever? I don't know but I can't think of anyone right now who was a better prospect.
The Nationals by the way, are going to move Harper from catcher to the outfield. It makes sense. When a guy hits like Harper, why have him get beat up as a catcher and maybe have his career shortened. Let him roam the outfield and concentrate on raking.
Harper is just 17-years old.
He skipped his senior year of high school ball to play in junior college. He put up freakish numbers at the College of Southern Nevada. He hit .443 with 31 homers and 98 RBI's. If he didn't sign with the Nats, what would he prove by going back to junior college?
He had to sign. For him and for the Nationals.
Is Harper the best hitting prospect ever? I don't know but I can't think of anyone right now who was a better prospect.
The Nationals by the way, are going to move Harper from catcher to the outfield. It makes sense. When a guy hits like Harper, why have him get beat up as a catcher and maybe have his career shortened. Let him roam the outfield and concentrate on raking.
The Battle for Not The Worst
The red hot Orioles (didn't think I'd say that for a while) defeated the Mariners 5-4 last night in 11-innings.
That means the Baltimores are just 4-games behind Seattle in the race not to be the worst team in the American League.
The O's are 10-4 since Buck Showalter took over and now stand at 42-77.
That means the Baltimores are just 4-games behind Seattle in the race not to be the worst team in the American League.
The O's are 10-4 since Buck Showalter took over and now stand at 42-77.
Long Trip
Many times when a team travels across the country, they do so on an off day or following an afternoon game.
Last night, the Dodgers, after losing to the Braves 4-3 when Atlanta scored 3 in the bottom of the 9th, had to get on a plane back to Los Angeles to open up a three-game series tonight with the Rockies (who were off on Monday).
Why didn't they play a day game in Atlanta yesterday?
I'm guessing the Dodgers will be a tired team when they take the field tonight. I'm also guessing they'll win since the Rockies can't play on the road.
Last night, the Dodgers, after losing to the Braves 4-3 when Atlanta scored 3 in the bottom of the 9th, had to get on a plane back to Los Angeles to open up a three-game series tonight with the Rockies (who were off on Monday).
Why didn't they play a day game in Atlanta yesterday?
I'm guessing the Dodgers will be a tired team when they take the field tonight. I'm also guessing they'll win since the Rockies can't play on the road.
Not A Certainty
Yankee fans are talking October, like they usually do, and since 1995 they've missed the post-season just once (2008).
This year the Yanks share the best record in baseball with the Rays at 72-46. So even if the Rays win the East, the Yanks will still get the wildcard, right.
Well, not necessarily.
Boston is still lurking, just 5 1/2 games out. Even though they lost Youkilis for the season, they'll get Pedroia back. This team doesn't know the meaning of quit.
The past two games, the Yankees have scored just one run and collected eight hits total in those games against the Royals and Tigers.
The Yankees are 6-9 in their last 15 and while it's not time to panic, it serve as a reminder to New York to turn off their cruise control. Boston isn't going anywhere and neither are the Rays. So, which of the three isn't going to play October baseball?
This year the Yanks share the best record in baseball with the Rays at 72-46. So even if the Rays win the East, the Yanks will still get the wildcard, right.
Well, not necessarily.
Boston is still lurking, just 5 1/2 games out. Even though they lost Youkilis for the season, they'll get Pedroia back. This team doesn't know the meaning of quit.
The past two games, the Yankees have scored just one run and collected eight hits total in those games against the Royals and Tigers.
The Yankees are 6-9 in their last 15 and while it's not time to panic, it serve as a reminder to New York to turn off their cruise control. Boston isn't going anywhere and neither are the Rays. So, which of the three isn't going to play October baseball?
KO-Rod Part 2
For every bad story there is usually a silver lining.
Bad story: Mets fireman Francisco Rodriguez beat the crap out of a 53-year old man.
Good story: Mets fireman Francisco Rodriguez will be out for the rest of the season after tearing a ligament in his thumb.
Hard to feel bad for a bad guy like Rodriguez. Too bad it wasn't a career ending injury.
Bad story: Mets fireman Francisco Rodriguez beat the crap out of a 53-year old man.
Good story: Mets fireman Francisco Rodriguez will be out for the rest of the season after tearing a ligament in his thumb.
Hard to feel bad for a bad guy like Rodriguez. Too bad it wasn't a career ending injury.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Long Day For Barmie
Off days in baseball are looked forward to by the players. The 162-game season is such a grind that those off days are precious commodities to try to recharge the batteries. Even if many off days are used for travel.
One guy probably not enjoying today's off day is Rockies second baseman Clint Barmes. Barmes, one of the best fielding second basemen in the game, misplayed a pop-up yesterday in the 9th inning that allowed the Brewers to score two runs to tie the game. Fortunately for Barmes, Troy Tulowitzki came through with an RBI single in the bottom of the 9th to give Colorado a 6-5 win. However, Barmes' muff prevented Ubaldo Jimenez from winning his franchise record 18th win. While I'm sure Jimenez will get that win and also go on to become a 20-game winner, Barmes is probably still upset with costing Ubaldo the win, thus making today's off day a less than pleasant one.
Baseball players like off days. Unless they are on a hot streak or if they screw up. The nice thing in baseball is if you mess up, you just go at it the next day. The next day for Barmes is tomorrow in Los Angeles.
One guy probably not enjoying today's off day is Rockies second baseman Clint Barmes. Barmes, one of the best fielding second basemen in the game, misplayed a pop-up yesterday in the 9th inning that allowed the Brewers to score two runs to tie the game. Fortunately for Barmes, Troy Tulowitzki came through with an RBI single in the bottom of the 9th to give Colorado a 6-5 win. However, Barmes' muff prevented Ubaldo Jimenez from winning his franchise record 18th win. While I'm sure Jimenez will get that win and also go on to become a 20-game winner, Barmes is probably still upset with costing Ubaldo the win, thus making today's off day a less than pleasant one.
Baseball players like off days. Unless they are on a hot streak or if they screw up. The nice thing in baseball is if you mess up, you just go at it the next day. The next day for Barmes is tomorrow in Los Angeles.
A Bad Do
Johnny Damon made his first appearance at Yankee Stadium as a member of the Tigers. Damon, the Tigers DH, was cheered by the fans when he stepped up to the plate for his first at-bat.
When he took his helmet off to salute the fans, he was sporting...a mohawk. A mohawk?
Come on Johnny. Mohawks may look cute on 8-year olds. But a mohawk on a grown man? That's just a brutally bad look. I guess Mrs. Damon has no say in the matter.
When he took his helmet off to salute the fans, he was sporting...a mohawk. A mohawk?
Come on Johnny. Mohawks may look cute on 8-year olds. But a mohawk on a grown man? That's just a brutally bad look. I guess Mrs. Damon has no say in the matter.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Just Go Away
So Jose Canseco is back in baseball.
He'll be the bench coach (I guess he'll teach the guys to shoot up steroids) and a DH for two home series for an independent team. The 46-year old Canseco has become a clown but the Laredo Broncos of something called The United League are the ones who should be embarrassed.
Shame on Laredo for stooping to such depths.
I know minor league baseball is always looking to do something to bring people to the park and generate excitement. But hiring Canseco, who was a flop in a similar capacity in the independent Golden League in 2006, is just pathetic.
However, I will say this about Canseco. Without his book that blew the cover off steroids in baseball, we might still be in the steroid era. Do you think Bud Selig would have looked to clean things up on his own? Of course not because if he did, he would have tried to do so before Canseco's book.
Canseco shamed baseball into doing something and once congress got involved it started the wheels in motion.
While baseball isn't completely clean, I think we are past the steroid era as we see more "normal" statistics and not the bloated stats when steroids were rampant and not tested for.
Still, it would be nice if Canseco just went away for good.
He'll be the bench coach (I guess he'll teach the guys to shoot up steroids) and a DH for two home series for an independent team. The 46-year old Canseco has become a clown but the Laredo Broncos of something called The United League are the ones who should be embarrassed.
Shame on Laredo for stooping to such depths.
I know minor league baseball is always looking to do something to bring people to the park and generate excitement. But hiring Canseco, who was a flop in a similar capacity in the independent Golden League in 2006, is just pathetic.
However, I will say this about Canseco. Without his book that blew the cover off steroids in baseball, we might still be in the steroid era. Do you think Bud Selig would have looked to clean things up on his own? Of course not because if he did, he would have tried to do so before Canseco's book.
Canseco shamed baseball into doing something and once congress got involved it started the wheels in motion.
While baseball isn't completely clean, I think we are past the steroid era as we see more "normal" statistics and not the bloated stats when steroids were rampant and not tested for.
Still, it would be nice if Canseco just went away for good.
News Flash!
I have come to the conclusion...the Royals are a horrible baseball team.
Bad pitching, bad defense, bad hitting and no power.
The Yanks beat the Royals tonight and I felt sorry for the people of Kansas City.
Once a model franchise, the AAA club they put out there on a daily and yearly basis has to be disheartening to Royals fans.
Tonight, before the game, KC honored the 1980 team that went to the World Series. George Brett took a bow and if he suited up he'd still be the best player in a Kansas City uniform. In 1985 they won the series. Since then? It's been bleak.
By the way, the Yanks won 8-3 as Alex Rodriguez belted 3 homers and knocked in 5.
Bad pitching, bad defense, bad hitting and no power.
The Yanks beat the Royals tonight and I felt sorry for the people of Kansas City.
Once a model franchise, the AAA club they put out there on a daily and yearly basis has to be disheartening to Royals fans.
Tonight, before the game, KC honored the 1980 team that went to the World Series. George Brett took a bow and if he suited up he'd still be the best player in a Kansas City uniform. In 1985 they won the series. Since then? It's been bleak.
By the way, the Yanks won 8-3 as Alex Rodriguez belted 3 homers and knocked in 5.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Tulo To The Rescue
The Rockies have been playing like a dead team. Tonight, it looked like they were sleepwalking their way to another loss.
The Breweres led 4-2 in the bottom of the 8th when Troy Tulowitzki jacked a 2-run homer off of pitcher Kameron Loe and off the glove of leftfielder Ryan Braun. Braun could have made the catch but he didn't and the Rockies had a 5-4 lead and won it by that score. Huge win for the Rocks as is every win at this stage.
Props to Rockies fine TV play-by-play man Drew Goodman. After Tulo's homer went off of Braun's glove, he recalled a similar play during the first series of the season at Milwaukee. In game 3 of this season, Braun got glove on a Miguel Olivo home run. After Goodman remembered that play, soon after Fox Sports Rocky Mountain showed a highlight of the Olivo homer. That's good broadcasting and that's good TV.
The Breweres led 4-2 in the bottom of the 8th when Troy Tulowitzki jacked a 2-run homer off of pitcher Kameron Loe and off the glove of leftfielder Ryan Braun. Braun could have made the catch but he didn't and the Rockies had a 5-4 lead and won it by that score. Huge win for the Rocks as is every win at this stage.
Props to Rockies fine TV play-by-play man Drew Goodman. After Tulo's homer went off of Braun's glove, he recalled a similar play during the first series of the season at Milwaukee. In game 3 of this season, Braun got glove on a Miguel Olivo home run. After Goodman remembered that play, soon after Fox Sports Rocky Mountain showed a highlight of the Olivo homer. That's good broadcasting and that's good TV.
Bastardo
Phillies pitcher Antonio Bastardo sounds as if he has a vulgar name, doesn't it?
If I was a kid and I said, "Bastardo," my mom would have administered swift justice.
Bastardo also sounds like it could be the name of a spaghetti western. I can see the movie trailer now, "Clint Eastwood stars as "Bastardo", the man who pillages and plunders, now playing at a theatre near you!"
If I was a kid and I said, "Bastardo," my mom would have administered swift justice.
Bastardo also sounds like it could be the name of a spaghetti western. I can see the movie trailer now, "Clint Eastwood stars as "Bastardo", the man who pillages and plunders, now playing at a theatre near you!"
KO-Rod
After his manly beatdown of a 53-year old man, should Francisco Rodriguez, K-Rod, now be known as KO-Rod?
Seriously, there is probably some type of morals clause in his contract. The Mets should use it to release this bum.
Is he a good pitcher? Yes. Are good closers hard to find? Yes. Should the Mets keep him and basically say they tolerate such classless and deviant behavior? No.
This bum should be cast aside like a used paper towel.
Of course, should the Mets release him, another team would scoop him up in a heartbeat. But wouldn't it be nice if no one did?
Seriously, there is probably some type of morals clause in his contract. The Mets should use it to release this bum.
Is he a good pitcher? Yes. Are good closers hard to find? Yes. Should the Mets keep him and basically say they tolerate such classless and deviant behavior? No.
This bum should be cast aside like a used paper towel.
Of course, should the Mets release him, another team would scoop him up in a heartbeat. But wouldn't it be nice if no one did?
Thursday, August 12, 2010
You Go Bud!
Over 100 people showed up outside the Major League owners meetings in Minnesota yesterday to protest the 2011 All Star game which is scheduled to be played in Arizona. Five protesters were arrested.
They were protesting the new law cracking down on illegal immigrants in Arizona and feel the All Star game should be played elsewhere.
So far, Baseball Ommissioner Bud Selig hasn't caved into the ridiculous demands of these idiot protesters.
Selig has said the new law is a political issue and has not made any moves or explorations into moving the game out of Arizona.
Good for Selig. If the game is indeed played next year in Arizona, I'll look differently at Selig. If he caves he will become the worst commissioner in baseball history after the absolute worst in Judge Kennesaw Mountain Landis, who is probably burning in hell right now. At least he should be.
As for the law in Arizona, what is wrong with eliminating illegals from your state? Since when is it wrong to enforce the laws of this country? If you don't belong here, then you should be rounded up and shipped back to where you came from. America has gotten soft, way too soft.
Good for Arizona. They should have the game next season.
They were protesting the new law cracking down on illegal immigrants in Arizona and feel the All Star game should be played elsewhere.
So far, Baseball Ommissioner Bud Selig hasn't caved into the ridiculous demands of these idiot protesters.
Selig has said the new law is a political issue and has not made any moves or explorations into moving the game out of Arizona.
Good for Selig. If the game is indeed played next year in Arizona, I'll look differently at Selig. If he caves he will become the worst commissioner in baseball history after the absolute worst in Judge Kennesaw Mountain Landis, who is probably burning in hell right now. At least he should be.
As for the law in Arizona, what is wrong with eliminating illegals from your state? Since when is it wrong to enforce the laws of this country? If you don't belong here, then you should be rounded up and shipped back to where you came from. America has gotten soft, way too soft.
Good for Arizona. They should have the game next season.
Total A-Holes
Mets closer Frankie Rodriguez beat up his father-in-law last night, got arrested and was suspended for 2 games (wow, 2 full games! That will teach him!) without pay by the Mets.
Meanwhile, Mets outfielder Jeff Francoeur said, "Maybe it's a distraction we need."
Well, I think Rodriguez is the bigger a-hole for beating up a 53-year old man. Francoeur isn't very far behind, looking for the positives of a man getting send to the hospital after getting his head bashed in.
Class organization those Mets. Class with an emphasis on ass.
Meanwhile, Mets outfielder Jeff Francoeur said, "Maybe it's a distraction we need."
Well, I think Rodriguez is the bigger a-hole for beating up a 53-year old man. Francoeur isn't very far behind, looking for the positives of a man getting send to the hospital after getting his head bashed in.
Class organization those Mets. Class with an emphasis on ass.
Over Early
Watched the Rockies and Mets game on TV from Shea today...check that CitiField.
The Mets scored 2-runs in the bottom of the first. I felt right there and then that with Johan Santana on the hill for New York and the way the Rockies hit, or don't hit, on the road, that the game was over.
It was.
Final: Mets 4 Rockies 0.
Santana went the distance.
Rocks end a 3-4 road trip against the Pirates and Mets. They have to do better than that if they expect to be taken seriously as a contender.
The Mets scored 2-runs in the bottom of the first. I felt right there and then that with Johan Santana on the hill for New York and the way the Rockies hit, or don't hit, on the road, that the game was over.
It was.
Final: Mets 4 Rockies 0.
Santana went the distance.
Rocks end a 3-4 road trip against the Pirates and Mets. They have to do better than that if they expect to be taken seriously as a contender.
Pap Smear
Always enjoyable to see Jonathan Papelbon cough one up.
Today at the Skydome, the Jays scored 4 in the 9th to pull out a 6-5 win over the Red Sox.
Also, to the Blue Jays announcers who were comparing Papelbon to Mariano Rivera, please, please don't insult our intelligence. Here is the comparison between Papelbon and Mariano...there is none.
Today at the Skydome, the Jays scored 4 in the 9th to pull out a 6-5 win over the Red Sox.
Also, to the Blue Jays announcers who were comparing Papelbon to Mariano Rivera, please, please don't insult our intelligence. Here is the comparison between Papelbon and Mariano...there is none.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Good Mood Gone
I was in a really good mood until just a few moments ago. Then I read that A.J. Burnett was pitching tonight for the Yankees at Texas in a possible playoff preview.
I get the feeling Burnett is more concerned with slapping pies in the faces of teammates after walkoff wins than he is in wondering why he is a barely over .500 pitcher in his career despite having "stuff" that other pitchers can only dream of.
Come on A.J....surprise me tonight.
I get the feeling Burnett is more concerned with slapping pies in the faces of teammates after walkoff wins than he is in wondering why he is a barely over .500 pitcher in his career despite having "stuff" that other pitchers can only dream of.
Come on A.J....surprise me tonight.
Jack Cust's Pants
Just saw a highlight on MLB Network of Athletics DH/outfielder Jack Cust striking out last night against the Mariners.
Whenever I see a Jack Cust highlight, I think, "I wore that guy's pants once!"
Let me explain before your mind takes you places I don't want you to go.
A few years ago, I played in a charity baseball game at Sky Sox Stadium in Colorado Springs. The game was put on by former Major League pitcher Mark Knudson and benefitted Autism awareness and the Autism Society of Colorado. Mark's son Matt has autism. It was a great event which was billed as the "Legends Game." They had a bunch former big leaguers play in the game along with a few media shanks like me. It was a fun time for all for a great cause.
This one particular year, as they passed out uniforms, I dug into the large bin that held old, discarded, Colorado Springs Sky Sox pants. The Sky Sox are the Rockies AAA team.
As I tried on several pairs, I found one that fit pretty good, nice and loose, so I wore them during the game. Following the game, when I took off the white pants, I noticed on the inside waistband the name "Cust" written in magic marker. Apparently the pants were worn by Jack Cust when he played for the Sky Sox in 2002. He hit 23 home runs that season for Colorado Springs but I could not add to the total of home runs hit in those pants.
So, there you have it, my wearing Jack Cust's pants story.
Whenever I see a Jack Cust highlight, I think, "I wore that guy's pants once!"
Let me explain before your mind takes you places I don't want you to go.
A few years ago, I played in a charity baseball game at Sky Sox Stadium in Colorado Springs. The game was put on by former Major League pitcher Mark Knudson and benefitted Autism awareness and the Autism Society of Colorado. Mark's son Matt has autism. It was a great event which was billed as the "Legends Game." They had a bunch former big leaguers play in the game along with a few media shanks like me. It was a fun time for all for a great cause.
This one particular year, as they passed out uniforms, I dug into the large bin that held old, discarded, Colorado Springs Sky Sox pants. The Sky Sox are the Rockies AAA team.
As I tried on several pairs, I found one that fit pretty good, nice and loose, so I wore them during the game. Following the game, when I took off the white pants, I noticed on the inside waistband the name "Cust" written in magic marker. Apparently the pants were worn by Jack Cust when he played for the Sky Sox in 2002. He hit 23 home runs that season for Colorado Springs but I could not add to the total of home runs hit in those pants.
So, there you have it, my wearing Jack Cust's pants story.
Hell's Bells Coming To An End?
Trevor Hoffman gave up 3 runs in the 10th inning last night as the Diamondbacks defeated the Brewers 7-4.
Hoffman is now 2-5 on the season with a bloated 6.81 ERA. He has collected just 6 saves.
One of the all-time great closers will be 43 in October and it probably is time for him to shut it down.
However, who am I to say he should retire?
If I was a Major League player, I would play until they tore the uniform off me. Once you retire, that is it. Hoffman is making 7.5 million dollars this season. I don't think he can make that kind of money doing something else. Why not ride it out as long as possible.
Still, the way Hoffman has pitched this year, he might not have a say in whether or not he comes back.
He's one of the good guys in the game. I remember after he blew game #163 at Coors Field in 2007 that sent the Rockies to the post-season and the Padres home, Hoffman, as always, was gracious in dealing with the media. He's always been a standup guy, win or lose. A true class act. But right now, it's hard to watch him struggle like this.
Hoffman is now 2-5 on the season with a bloated 6.81 ERA. He has collected just 6 saves.
One of the all-time great closers will be 43 in October and it probably is time for him to shut it down.
However, who am I to say he should retire?
If I was a Major League player, I would play until they tore the uniform off me. Once you retire, that is it. Hoffman is making 7.5 million dollars this season. I don't think he can make that kind of money doing something else. Why not ride it out as long as possible.
Still, the way Hoffman has pitched this year, he might not have a say in whether or not he comes back.
He's one of the good guys in the game. I remember after he blew game #163 at Coors Field in 2007 that sent the Rockies to the post-season and the Padres home, Hoffman, as always, was gracious in dealing with the media. He's always been a standup guy, win or lose. A true class act. But right now, it's hard to watch him struggle like this.
Over Training
Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing, who tested positive for a fertility drug last September, wants the NFL to rescind his 4-game suspension to start the season.
His excuse? Over training. That's right, over training.
Cushing says he has a condition that triggers hormonal strikes in breaks of training. He calls this unique condition, "over-trained athlete syndrome."
By the way, check out some before and after pictures of Cushing at Southern Cal. If those pictures don't scream out steroid user, what does.
One question I have is why did the NFL wait until this year to suspend Cushing and not suspend him immediately last September?
It's funny how a baseball player using steroids is labeled a cheat, a bum and a fraud and should be kicked out of the game and never elected to the Hall of Fame. They are shamed to no end by the media and the fans and rightfully so in my estimation. But a football player on the juice? No big deal. Too bad he'll miss a few games but we'll welcome him back with open arms and forget about it. Right Shawn Merriman?
Since Cushing has come up with the "over-trained athlete syndrome," how many baseball players wish they would have used that excuse for their failed drug tests?
Maybe it's not too late for Roger Clemens to use the OAS excuse.
His excuse? Over training. That's right, over training.
Cushing says he has a condition that triggers hormonal strikes in breaks of training. He calls this unique condition, "over-trained athlete syndrome."
By the way, check out some before and after pictures of Cushing at Southern Cal. If those pictures don't scream out steroid user, what does.
One question I have is why did the NFL wait until this year to suspend Cushing and not suspend him immediately last September?
It's funny how a baseball player using steroids is labeled a cheat, a bum and a fraud and should be kicked out of the game and never elected to the Hall of Fame. They are shamed to no end by the media and the fans and rightfully so in my estimation. But a football player on the juice? No big deal. Too bad he'll miss a few games but we'll welcome him back with open arms and forget about it. Right Shawn Merriman?
Since Cushing has come up with the "over-trained athlete syndrome," how many baseball players wish they would have used that excuse for their failed drug tests?
Maybe it's not too late for Roger Clemens to use the OAS excuse.
17, 421
Baseball is a numbers oriented sport. The number in the heading, 17,421 is the number of players to play Major League baseball to this point. How do I know that?
I went on www.baseballreference.com and counted them. It took me 11 days to do so.
You believe me don't you?
Well, it is true, 17,421 guys have played in the big leagues, from the 1,484 players who have played in just one career game to Pete Rose who played in 3,562 games.
No, I really didn't count all the players. They have it listed on the front page of www.baseballreference.com.
Another tidbit about the 17,421 men who have played Major League baseball? One of them wasn't me.
I went on www.baseballreference.com and counted them. It took me 11 days to do so.
You believe me don't you?
Well, it is true, 17,421 guys have played in the big leagues, from the 1,484 players who have played in just one career game to Pete Rose who played in 3,562 games.
No, I really didn't count all the players. They have it listed on the front page of www.baseballreference.com.
Another tidbit about the 17,421 men who have played Major League baseball? One of them wasn't me.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Showy Gets My Vote
The Orioles are 6-1 under new manager Buck Showalter.
Tonight, Brian Roberts belted a game winning solo homer off J.J. Putz in the 10th inning to give the Baltimores a 3-2 win over the White Sox. It was the first home run of the year for Roberts who has been hurt most of the season.
Regardless of what happens the rest of the way, I say that Showy should get the AL Manager of the Year Award. Shoot, give it to him now.
Tonight, Brian Roberts belted a game winning solo homer off J.J. Putz in the 10th inning to give the Baltimores a 3-2 win over the White Sox. It was the first home run of the year for Roberts who has been hurt most of the season.
Regardless of what happens the rest of the way, I say that Showy should get the AL Manager of the Year Award. Shoot, give it to him now.
I'm Calling BS on Nomar
I'm watching the Cardinals-Reds game on ESPN. St. Louis is smacking around Cincinnati, midway through, 7-0.
Anyway, vastly underrated play-by-play man Dan Schulman asked Nomar Garciaparra about his two batting titles.
Nomar said, (paraphrasing) "I never worried about my average. I just wanted to be consistent and feel good at the plate and put good wood on the ball. I never looked at what my average was. At the end of the year my father would ask how I felt I did and we would see how close I was."
No way Nomar. Every player is interested in his batting average. If a player goes hitless in 15 at-bats he might avoid his average at all costs. But if he gets three or four knocks in a game, he's looking up his average. It doesn't matter if it's high school, college, the minors or in The Show. Guys always know their averages.
So Nomar, fess up. You probably knew your average as you were running down to first base. Plus, if you are in contention for the batting title, you know what your competitors averages are. Additionally, the media will talk to you about it. Finally, the stadium scoreboards post batting averages in giant font. You can't miss it.
I find it very hard to believe that Nomar didn't know his average until after the season when he sat down with his dad.
Anyway, vastly underrated play-by-play man Dan Schulman asked Nomar Garciaparra about his two batting titles.
Nomar said, (paraphrasing) "I never worried about my average. I just wanted to be consistent and feel good at the plate and put good wood on the ball. I never looked at what my average was. At the end of the year my father would ask how I felt I did and we would see how close I was."
No way Nomar. Every player is interested in his batting average. If a player goes hitless in 15 at-bats he might avoid his average at all costs. But if he gets three or four knocks in a game, he's looking up his average. It doesn't matter if it's high school, college, the minors or in The Show. Guys always know their averages.
So Nomar, fess up. You probably knew your average as you were running down to first base. Plus, if you are in contention for the batting title, you know what your competitors averages are. Additionally, the media will talk to you about it. Finally, the stadium scoreboards post batting averages in giant font. You can't miss it.
I find it very hard to believe that Nomar didn't know his average until after the season when he sat down with his dad.
Mariners Whack Wakamatsu
Many people, including me, thought the Mariners would win the AL West. Boy do we have rotten egg on our faces as Seattle is floundering at 42-70. So, Manager Don Wakamatsu got fired today.
As a rookie manager, Wakamatsu led the Mariners to a surprising 85 wins, a 24-win improvement over 2008.
What happened this year? I'm not sure but I do know the Mariners can hit worth a lick.
While building a team on pitching and defense is fine, you also need some lumber.
The interim manager of the M's is Daren Brown. I'm with you, I haven't heard of him either.
As a rookie manager, Wakamatsu led the Mariners to a surprising 85 wins, a 24-win improvement over 2008.
What happened this year? I'm not sure but I do know the Mariners can hit worth a lick.
While building a team on pitching and defense is fine, you also need some lumber.
The interim manager of the M's is Daren Brown. I'm with you, I haven't heard of him either.
Frivilous Lawsuit?
I feel bad for James Falzone. He's a Mets fan (that's bad enough) who recently got hit in the face by a broken bat while he was sitting along the third base line. He was watching the flight of the ball when he got popped in the face. He suffered multiple facial fractures while his 11-year old kid looked on. Not a nice thing to happen.
However, Falzone is suing everybody involved with the event. He's suing the Mets and Major League Baseball for not doing enough to protect fans from maple bats which have a propensity to shatter. Here is where I get disturbed by his lawsuit. He is also suing Mets second baseman Luis Castillo who was the batter and he's suing former Mets catcher Ramon Castro. Why is he suing Castro? Well, Castillo was borrowing Castro's bat. Come on. That is just from the school of "sue everyone." I hope I don't get sued for writing this item on the blog.
While I would like to see maple bats eliminated, fans know the dangers of attending a game. You could get hit by a foul ball or a bat. It's not a pleasant part of the game but it is something that unfortunately happens. While the screen behind home plate should be extended, fans who sit close know what can happen. It even warns of the dangers on a disclaimer on the back of the ticket stubs.
Here's what should happen. The Mets should pay the medical bills of Falzone. In return, Falzone should drop his lawsuit. To sue Castillo and Castro is stupid.
If the Mets don't pay his medical bills, then he should sue the Mets and no one else.
And next time he should stay home or sit in the upper deck.
However, Falzone is suing everybody involved with the event. He's suing the Mets and Major League Baseball for not doing enough to protect fans from maple bats which have a propensity to shatter. Here is where I get disturbed by his lawsuit. He is also suing Mets second baseman Luis Castillo who was the batter and he's suing former Mets catcher Ramon Castro. Why is he suing Castro? Well, Castillo was borrowing Castro's bat. Come on. That is just from the school of "sue everyone." I hope I don't get sued for writing this item on the blog.
While I would like to see maple bats eliminated, fans know the dangers of attending a game. You could get hit by a foul ball or a bat. It's not a pleasant part of the game but it is something that unfortunately happens. While the screen behind home plate should be extended, fans who sit close know what can happen. It even warns of the dangers on a disclaimer on the back of the ticket stubs.
Here's what should happen. The Mets should pay the medical bills of Falzone. In return, Falzone should drop his lawsuit. To sue Castillo and Castro is stupid.
If the Mets don't pay his medical bills, then he should sue the Mets and no one else.
And next time he should stay home or sit in the upper deck.
Brandon Morrow
Quite a game yesterday by Brendon Morrow of the Blue Jays. Evan Longoria's 2-out single in the 9th busted up the no-hitter but Morrow got the victory in the Jays 1-0 win over the Rays.
Two things surprised me more than the no-hit bid. Morrow had 17 strikeouts. Didn't see that coming.
Also, the Blue Jays didn't hit a homer. That's a shocker.
How good is the AL East?
Toronto is in 4th place, 10-games back, despite being 7-games over 500.
The Orioles are the only pathetic team in that division.
Two things surprised me more than the no-hit bid. Morrow had 17 strikeouts. Didn't see that coming.
Also, the Blue Jays didn't hit a homer. That's a shocker.
How good is the AL East?
Toronto is in 4th place, 10-games back, despite being 7-games over 500.
The Orioles are the only pathetic team in that division.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Dead Arm
The Yankees say Javier Vasquez, who didn't hit 90 MPH on the radar gun in his last start, has a dead arm. Vasquez says he feels fine but the Yanks will limit his work between starts.
Dead arm, huh? Well, I can relate. Well, gotta go. Going to take my dead arm to D'Evelyn High School here in Denver to play in an old guy's baseball game.
I throw as hard as I ever have. The ball just doesn't get there as fast! Badda bing!
See ya!
Dead arm, huh? Well, I can relate. Well, gotta go. Going to take my dead arm to D'Evelyn High School here in Denver to play in an old guy's baseball game.
I throw as hard as I ever have. The ball just doesn't get there as fast! Badda bing!
See ya!
Desperation
With Kevin Youkilis done for the season with a thumb injury, the Red Sox injury bug continues. Every day it seems as if the Bostons have another guy go down to injury.
At least they have Mike Lowell to fill in. I guess it is good they didn't trade Lowell when they got Adrian Beltre to play 3rd base.
How desperate are the Red Sox? They just signed 38-year old first baseman Carlos Delgado to a minor league contract. Delgado, who has 473 career homers,last played with the Mets a year ago when he tallied just 26 games.
Delgado has had two hip surgeries, the last one in February. Yes, desperate times in Boston yet they are still just 6 out in the AL East and 4 1/2 behind the Rays in the Wild Card chase. Amazing the resiliency this team has shown this year. When most teams and managers would use injuries as an excuse, Terry Francona has his club still in the mix.
At least they have Mike Lowell to fill in. I guess it is good they didn't trade Lowell when they got Adrian Beltre to play 3rd base.
How desperate are the Red Sox? They just signed 38-year old first baseman Carlos Delgado to a minor league contract. Delgado, who has 473 career homers,last played with the Mets a year ago when he tallied just 26 games.
Delgado has had two hip surgeries, the last one in February. Yes, desperate times in Boston yet they are still just 6 out in the AL East and 4 1/2 behind the Rays in the Wild Card chase. Amazing the resiliency this team has shown this year. When most teams and managers would use injuries as an excuse, Terry Francona has his club still in the mix.
That's Baseball
The Pirates are 4-2 this season against the Rockies, a .667 clip heading into this afternoons game in the Steel City.
Last night, after a dramatic 3-run 9th inning homer by Ian Stewart tied it and Todd Helton's 2-run jack to give the Rocks a 7-5 lead in the 10th, Colorado coughed it up as Pedro Alvarez hit a walk-off 3-run bomb off Huston Street. Bucs win 8-7 and just another devastating loss for the Rockies.
However, the Rocks should win today (but we'll see!). They are up 6-0 on the Pirates in the 2nd inning as Carlos Gonzalez (MVP consideration?) smacked his 25th homer, a 2-run job.
Still, the fact the Rockies didn't win at least 5 of the 7 games this year against the putrid Pirates is unexplainable other than to say, "that's baseball." It is certainly most unpredictable and no team exemplifies that more than the Rockies.
Last night, after a dramatic 3-run 9th inning homer by Ian Stewart tied it and Todd Helton's 2-run jack to give the Rocks a 7-5 lead in the 10th, Colorado coughed it up as Pedro Alvarez hit a walk-off 3-run bomb off Huston Street. Bucs win 8-7 and just another devastating loss for the Rockies.
However, the Rocks should win today (but we'll see!). They are up 6-0 on the Pirates in the 2nd inning as Carlos Gonzalez (MVP consideration?) smacked his 25th homer, a 2-run job.
Still, the fact the Rockies didn't win at least 5 of the 7 games this year against the putrid Pirates is unexplainable other than to say, "that's baseball." It is certainly most unpredictable and no team exemplifies that more than the Rockies.
Downhill From Here
Toronto catcher J.P. Arencibia made his Major League debut yesterday. Not a bad start in The Show. He went 4-5 with 2 homers, a double, 3 RBI's and 3 runs scored. His first at-bat resulted in a first-pitch 2-run shot to left. I wouldn't put him in the Hall of Fame just yet but there haven't been too many debut's like Arencibia's who was called up to the bigs from AAA Las Vegas.
The Jays hit 8 home runs in yesterdays 17-11 pounding of the Rays. Jose Bautista smacked his Major League leading 34th dinger.
The Blue Jays are like a slow pitch softball team. They don't seem to care about anything but hitting home runs. They lead the big leagues in homers by a long shot with 175. Next best, the Bostons who have hit 146.
While they aren't going to get to the playoffs this year, they are a fun team to watch. Unless you are James Shields. Yesterday. He gave up 6-homers and 8-earned runs in 4-innings. That will inflate the old ERA.
The Jays hit 8 home runs in yesterdays 17-11 pounding of the Rays. Jose Bautista smacked his Major League leading 34th dinger.
The Blue Jays are like a slow pitch softball team. They don't seem to care about anything but hitting home runs. They lead the big leagues in homers by a long shot with 175. Next best, the Bostons who have hit 146.
While they aren't going to get to the playoffs this year, they are a fun team to watch. Unless you are James Shields. Yesterday. He gave up 6-homers and 8-earned runs in 4-innings. That will inflate the old ERA.
Berkman
Lance Berkman is honest. He says the only thing he has earned from the fans is their ire.
Berkman was booed yesterday at Yankee Stadium. New York's new DH/1B is hitting a less than robust .091, going 2-22.
I have no doubt he'll turn it around soon and turn those boos to cheers. I hope so anyway. Berkman is one of the game's good guys.
Berkman was booed yesterday at Yankee Stadium. New York's new DH/1B is hitting a less than robust .091, going 2-22.
I have no doubt he'll turn it around soon and turn those boos to cheers. I hope so anyway. Berkman is one of the game's good guys.
Long Time Coming
Sorry I haven't posted in a while.
Been way busy, but I'm back Jack!
I know, to quote the great Ron Stilanovich, "Excuses are like poems, their for sissies and no one wants to hear 'em."
Been way busy, but I'm back Jack!
I know, to quote the great Ron Stilanovich, "Excuses are like poems, their for sissies and no one wants to hear 'em."
Monday, August 2, 2010
Direct TV Reeks
I've settled in to watch the Blue Jays-Yankees game.
One problem. It's cloudy outside and Direct TV isn't coming in. I'm getting tired of this crap.
I might be giving Dish Network a call soon.
Help!
One problem. It's cloudy outside and Direct TV isn't coming in. I'm getting tired of this crap.
I might be giving Dish Network a call soon.
Help!
The Germ
31-years ago today was my worst moment as a baseball fan. On August 2, 1979 Yankees catcher Thurman Munson died in a plane crash.
I remember when my Uncle Bobby told me the news. Just awful. I couldn't eat for three days. Just a sad, sad situation.
Munson was one of my favorites and I think he would have been a Hall of Famer had his life not been cut short. He was a Hall of Fame type catcher, an MVP and a super clutch player. Yankees fans loved him and fans of other teams respected him.
I used to call him Thurm "The Germ". Poison to the other team.
Anyway, I still feel sad when I think of Thurman Munson every August 2nd.
I remember when my Uncle Bobby told me the news. Just awful. I couldn't eat for three days. Just a sad, sad situation.
Munson was one of my favorites and I think he would have been a Hall of Famer had his life not been cut short. He was a Hall of Fame type catcher, an MVP and a super clutch player. Yankees fans loved him and fans of other teams respected him.
I used to call him Thurm "The Germ". Poison to the other team.
Anyway, I still feel sad when I think of Thurman Munson every August 2nd.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
It's Showtime
I'm in the mood to write on this here blog but I have to get ready to do the radio show.
Stream it on www.710knus.com from 8-11 mountain time.
I'll get some things off my chest tomorrow.
By the way, Lance Berkman to the Yanks? I like.
Stream it on www.710knus.com from 8-11 mountain time.
I'll get some things off my chest tomorrow.
By the way, Lance Berkman to the Yanks? I like.
Here Come The Rocks
After a 2-9 road trip after the All Star break and losing 2 home games to the putrid Pirates, one might suspect the Rockies were toast.
Well, they salvaged the third game of the home stand against Pittsburgh and today completed a 3-game sweep of the Cubs 8-7. So, a 4-2 home stand so far with San Fran in on Tuesday.
I'm still pumped up over last night's game when Carlos Gonzalez belted a walk-off bomb in the 9th to hit for the cycle and give the Rockies a dramatic 6-5 win over Chicago.
After the game, Gonzalez said he was "just looking to get on base." He lied. He was looking to crank and he did. Into the upper deck. One of the best home run swings I've ever seen. It was measured at 462 feet and if there was no obstruction, the ball would have gone well over 500 feet.
I was sitting in the Coors Field press box with Casey Bloyer and we just looked at each other with the "holy crap did you see that" look on our faces.
Like cockroaches, you can't kill off these Rockies.
Well, they salvaged the third game of the home stand against Pittsburgh and today completed a 3-game sweep of the Cubs 8-7. So, a 4-2 home stand so far with San Fran in on Tuesday.
I'm still pumped up over last night's game when Carlos Gonzalez belted a walk-off bomb in the 9th to hit for the cycle and give the Rockies a dramatic 6-5 win over Chicago.
After the game, Gonzalez said he was "just looking to get on base." He lied. He was looking to crank and he did. Into the upper deck. One of the best home run swings I've ever seen. It was measured at 462 feet and if there was no obstruction, the ball would have gone well over 500 feet.
I was sitting in the Coors Field press box with Casey Bloyer and we just looked at each other with the "holy crap did you see that" look on our faces.
Like cockroaches, you can't kill off these Rockies.
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