While flipping through the TV channels this morning at the radio station (yes, working very hard), I stumbled across The Road Runner. One of the few cartoons I watched as a kid.
After watching for about 30-seconds, beep-beep, I naturally thought of Ralph Garr, the former Braves and White Sox outfielder whose nickname was, The Road Runner.
I forgot that Garr also played for the Angels.
I decided to look up his stats on baseball-reference.com.
Whenever I look up a player I try to remember, or guess, some of his stats. I guessed Garr to be a lifetime .280 hitter with about 1,200 hits. Well, Garr was a .306 career hitter with 1,562 hits.
The Road Runner was a better player than I remembered. Especially in 1974 when he led the National League in hits (214), triples (17) and average (.353).
Ralph Garr could play. He recently turned 65. Yikes!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Rocco Retires
Too bad Rocco Baldelli of the Rays had to retire. Just 29-years old, his promising career was wrecked by a disorder that causes muscle fatigue.
He ends his career with a .278 average with 60 home runs and 262 RBI's. When I first saw him break in with Tampa I thought he would be a future star. Without the physical ailments I think he would have been.
There is a good ending though to the story. Although he won't play anymore the Rays have hired Baldelli to work in scouting and player development.
He ends his career with a .278 average with 60 home runs and 262 RBI's. When I first saw him break in with Tampa I thought he would be a future star. Without the physical ailments I think he would have been.
There is a good ending though to the story. Although he won't play anymore the Rays have hired Baldelli to work in scouting and player development.
Jeter in Center?
Derek Jeter is the Yankees shortstop this season for certain. Yanks general manager Brian Cashman said so in the New York papers today.
But he did add that he could envision Jeter finishing his new four year deal in centerfield.
Makes sense. While he's lost a step rangewise at short, he still has excellent speed and agility and would probably make a smooth coversion to centerfield at some point. He keeps himself in shape and I could see him making the SS to CF move as Robin Yount did. Although, Yount was younger (29) than Jeter when he made the move.
When Jeter gets to 4,000 hits, he'll almost definitely be playing centerfield.
But he did add that he could envision Jeter finishing his new four year deal in centerfield.
Makes sense. While he's lost a step rangewise at short, he still has excellent speed and agility and would probably make a smooth coversion to centerfield at some point. He keeps himself in shape and I could see him making the SS to CF move as Robin Yount did. Although, Yount was younger (29) than Jeter when he made the move.
When Jeter gets to 4,000 hits, he'll almost definitely be playing centerfield.
Over 45 It Is
Went to the meeting last night for the NABA league. My team from last year is moving up to the 45 and over division. Actually moving down.
I was hoping we would stay in the Over 35 league but it didn't happen.
You can read more in the previous post.
I hate not playing with my team from the past two years and it bothers me.
As for which team I'll be on this year, I don't know. I did speak to three managers last night and all had an interest in signing me. They all have my contact information and I'll see if any of them get back to me.
I was hoping we would stay in the Over 35 league but it didn't happen.
You can read more in the previous post.
I hate not playing with my team from the past two years and it bothers me.
As for which team I'll be on this year, I don't know. I did speak to three managers last night and all had an interest in signing me. They all have my contact information and I'll see if any of them get back to me.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
BR's Dilemma
I play in an adult baseball league called the NABA, National Adult Baseball Association. The league website, if you are interested, is www.dugout.org.
The past two seasons, I've played on a team called the Stars in the Over 35-Division. We were 11-7 in 2009 and 7-11 last season with early first round exits in the playoffs both years.
I was looking forward to playing with the Stars again this season. I started working out for another season of baseball in January. And yes, it is baseball, NOT SOFTBALL.
To my dismay, our team is seriously considering joining the Over 45-Division. I really want to play with the Stars because they are a great group of guys. There isn't one teammate I don't like. I don't know how they feel about me but I really enjoy the guys I play with. But I also don't want to play in the Over 45 league.
The reason is competition. The competition is obviously better in the Over 35 league and I want to play in the better league for as long as I can before I make the move to the Over 45 division. I'm sure there are good players in the Over 45 league but as long as I'm pretty good in the Over 35 league I'd prefer to stay there.
So my dilemma is do I stay with the Stars and move to the Over 45 Division? Or, do I say "Adios Stars" and find a team to play with in the Over 35 League? Playing in the Over 35 Division is where I am leaning right now. The Over 45 League really doesn't appeal to me...yet.
The best solution is if the Stars play in the Over 35 League one more year. But that doesn't look good since on our team conference call last night everyone except me seemed to be looking to go down a level to the 45's. It was apparent on the call last night that I'm the "bad guy" for wanting to stay in the same league as the past two seasons.
There is a league meeting tonight. I'm going to go to see what the deal is and to lobby our new co-managers, John Castellano (no relation to the Castellano crime family in New York...I don't think) and Chad Lucero one final time to stay in the 35 Division. If that is unsuccessful then I'll probably talk to the managers of the remaining 35 division teams to see if they want to add this particular free agent, the best shortstop in the league (tongue in cheek...sort of!).
The past two seasons, I've played on a team called the Stars in the Over 35-Division. We were 11-7 in 2009 and 7-11 last season with early first round exits in the playoffs both years.
I was looking forward to playing with the Stars again this season. I started working out for another season of baseball in January. And yes, it is baseball, NOT SOFTBALL.
To my dismay, our team is seriously considering joining the Over 45-Division. I really want to play with the Stars because they are a great group of guys. There isn't one teammate I don't like. I don't know how they feel about me but I really enjoy the guys I play with. But I also don't want to play in the Over 45 league.
The reason is competition. The competition is obviously better in the Over 35 league and I want to play in the better league for as long as I can before I make the move to the Over 45 division. I'm sure there are good players in the Over 45 league but as long as I'm pretty good in the Over 35 league I'd prefer to stay there.
So my dilemma is do I stay with the Stars and move to the Over 45 Division? Or, do I say "Adios Stars" and find a team to play with in the Over 35 League? Playing in the Over 35 Division is where I am leaning right now. The Over 45 League really doesn't appeal to me...yet.
The best solution is if the Stars play in the Over 35 League one more year. But that doesn't look good since on our team conference call last night everyone except me seemed to be looking to go down a level to the 45's. It was apparent on the call last night that I'm the "bad guy" for wanting to stay in the same league as the past two seasons.
There is a league meeting tonight. I'm going to go to see what the deal is and to lobby our new co-managers, John Castellano (no relation to the Castellano crime family in New York...I don't think) and Chad Lucero one final time to stay in the 35 Division. If that is unsuccessful then I'll probably talk to the managers of the remaining 35 division teams to see if they want to add this particular free agent, the best shortstop in the league (tongue in cheek...sort of!).
Good Bye Fenway?
The Red Sox payroll for 2011 is going to be over 180-million. If they are in the hunt, and with the talent they have assembled they certainly should be, they will likely add to the payroll as the season rolls on. Add on the luxury tax they'll be held accountable for and you are looking at the Bostons shelling out over 200-million in salaries this season.
It's always funny how the Red Sox squawk about the Yankees spending money as if they throw dollars around like manhole covers.
Anyway, with all the money being spent in Boston, there is only a finite number of people they can cram into Fenway Park. There are a limited number of revenue streams available to the Red Sox as they keep trying to expand Fenway and generate as much income as they can.
The ticket prices to a Red Sox game are already astronomical. Not Yankees astronomical but still awfully high. The Monster seats go for $165 and the field boxes are $135 per game. The cheapest seats are the upper bleachers in right for $12. Remember to bring your telescope for those seats.
Sooner or later, the Red Sox are going to have to ditch Fenway Park. I know that nobody wants that, especially New Englanders who consider Fenway to be a baseball cathedral...and it is.
But if they can tear down Yankee Stadium with all its history in order for the Yankees to create new and more revenue streams with their new ballpark, the Red Sox eventually will have to do the same. And they will justify it with "we have a 200-million dollar payroll and we have to keep up with the Yankees."
To think Fenway will meet the wrecking ball one day is sad. I'd rather the Red Sox trim payroll, keep Fenway and finish in third place in the AL East every year. Then everyone would be happy. The Yankees would be happy. The Fenway fans would be happy. And the true Red Sox fans, who are used to failure more than their recent World Series successes, could go back to being the faithful, woe is me diehards that they love to portray.
The clock is ticking on Fenway and my prediction is the final season for Fenway Park will be in 2019. Get ready for the Red Sox new home, the 48-thousand seat, retractable dome stadium, complete with field turf, called Prudential Park.
I love getting Red Sox fans worked up.
It's always funny how the Red Sox squawk about the Yankees spending money as if they throw dollars around like manhole covers.
Anyway, with all the money being spent in Boston, there is only a finite number of people they can cram into Fenway Park. There are a limited number of revenue streams available to the Red Sox as they keep trying to expand Fenway and generate as much income as they can.
The ticket prices to a Red Sox game are already astronomical. Not Yankees astronomical but still awfully high. The Monster seats go for $165 and the field boxes are $135 per game. The cheapest seats are the upper bleachers in right for $12. Remember to bring your telescope for those seats.
Sooner or later, the Red Sox are going to have to ditch Fenway Park. I know that nobody wants that, especially New Englanders who consider Fenway to be a baseball cathedral...and it is.
But if they can tear down Yankee Stadium with all its history in order for the Yankees to create new and more revenue streams with their new ballpark, the Red Sox eventually will have to do the same. And they will justify it with "we have a 200-million dollar payroll and we have to keep up with the Yankees."
To think Fenway will meet the wrecking ball one day is sad. I'd rather the Red Sox trim payroll, keep Fenway and finish in third place in the AL East every year. Then everyone would be happy. The Yankees would be happy. The Fenway fans would be happy. And the true Red Sox fans, who are used to failure more than their recent World Series successes, could go back to being the faithful, woe is me diehards that they love to portray.
The clock is ticking on Fenway and my prediction is the final season for Fenway Park will be in 2019. Get ready for the Red Sox new home, the 48-thousand seat, retractable dome stadium, complete with field turf, called Prudential Park.
I love getting Red Sox fans worked up.
The Less Boring Rays
I've always liked Tampa Bay manager Joe Madden. The reason is, I find him to be interesting, funny and he doesn't manage "by the book." He seems like the kind of guy a player would like to play for.
But outside of Madden, the Rays have been a boring franchise. From their humble beginnings through their World Series appearance in 2008 and despite some really good players of late, the Rays have been really dull.
Perhaps it's because of the ballpark they play in. Maybe it's their lack of a lengthy history. Whatever the reason, the Rays are just a mundane franchise.
Well, with the recent signings of Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon, the Rays just got more interesting both on and off the field.
Ramirez, who hit just 9 home runs last season with the Dodgers and White Sox (remember his stint in Chicago? Neither does Manny!), had an injury filled season and at 38 is coming to the end of the line unless he has a resurgent season. Strange but Ramirez hasn't been the same since he was popped for using performance enhancing drugs.
Meanwhile, Damon, always a good clubhouse guy, is 37. He's still a serviceable player but probably not an everyday guy. He's 429 hits away from 3,000 and I'm guessing he will stick around until he gets there. Figure he's got at least three decent seasons in him to get those hits.
When these two were teammates with the Red Sox they were a hoot at times. Who can forget Manny, from left-field, cutting off a Damon throw from center-field at Fenway Park?
While Manny has become tiresome and Damon isn't the player he once was, they still should be good for a few headlines this year for the Rays.
In the past the Rays were always developing young players. Now they've gone the other way with a couple of oldsters.
When I was announcing minor league baseball and today, covering the Colorado Rockies, I have one wish every season and that is that the team is competitive and isn't boring. Boring is bad. The people in Tampa who cover the team are probably happy to have Man-Ram and Damon in the Rays clubhouse.
But outside of Madden, the Rays have been a boring franchise. From their humble beginnings through their World Series appearance in 2008 and despite some really good players of late, the Rays have been really dull.
Perhaps it's because of the ballpark they play in. Maybe it's their lack of a lengthy history. Whatever the reason, the Rays are just a mundane franchise.
Well, with the recent signings of Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon, the Rays just got more interesting both on and off the field.
Ramirez, who hit just 9 home runs last season with the Dodgers and White Sox (remember his stint in Chicago? Neither does Manny!), had an injury filled season and at 38 is coming to the end of the line unless he has a resurgent season. Strange but Ramirez hasn't been the same since he was popped for using performance enhancing drugs.
Meanwhile, Damon, always a good clubhouse guy, is 37. He's still a serviceable player but probably not an everyday guy. He's 429 hits away from 3,000 and I'm guessing he will stick around until he gets there. Figure he's got at least three decent seasons in him to get those hits.
When these two were teammates with the Red Sox they were a hoot at times. Who can forget Manny, from left-field, cutting off a Damon throw from center-field at Fenway Park?
While Manny has become tiresome and Damon isn't the player he once was, they still should be good for a few headlines this year for the Rays.
In the past the Rays were always developing young players. Now they've gone the other way with a couple of oldsters.
When I was announcing minor league baseball and today, covering the Colorado Rockies, I have one wish every season and that is that the team is competitive and isn't boring. Boring is bad. The people in Tampa who cover the team are probably happy to have Man-Ram and Damon in the Rays clubhouse.
Justin Morneau
The Twins have told first baseman Justin Morneau to stay away from the Twins fan fest this weekend as he continues his recovery from a concussion suffered last season.
Morneau was concussed sliding into second base on July 7th and hasn't played since.
When you think of a player getting a concussion, you think football or hockey first. Then you figure the guy may be out a week or two.
Obviously Morneau's concussion was more serious than anybody figured. He hasn't even started to swing a bat in preparation for 2011.
Ive been thinking about this since Bears Quarterback Jay Cutler was roundly criticized for not playing much of the second half of the Green Bay-Chicago NFC championship game on Sunday. It was found out that Cutler suffered a sprained MCL in his knee. That's a real injury that would have certainly hampered his performance and could have hurt his career down the line. The Bears decided not to let him play. Yet all these armchair doctors were saying he was soft and if you can stand you should play. Even current and former players were saying they would have played and Cutler was soft. Unless a guy has a history of faking or milking injuries then you should give him the benefit of the doubt. Idiots like Mike Ditka, Deion Sanders and Michael Irvin were spouting off about how they would have played in that sitiuation. I haven't seen their medical degrees.
Back to Morneau. It is hard to imagine a concussion keeping a guy out this long but I would find it very difficult to criticize Morneau. The guy was having a monster year last season, hitting .345 at the time of his injury.
I remember when people were critical of J.R. Richard of the Astros in 1980. The guy was mowing batters down. He was 10-4 with an ERA of 1.90 yet he was complaining of a "dead arm" and that he didn't feel right. The critics said, "J.R. is soft. He's a hypochondriac. He's faking." Whatever. Then when he suffered a stroke because of a blood clot in his neck, then people said, "Well, I guess J.R. wasn't jaking it afterall." That was the end of Richard's dynamic, yet short career.
From that time on, I've always given an athlete the benefit of the doubt when it comes to injuries or illnesses.
With Morneau, while it is hard to believe a concussion could cause so much damage, you have to feel the guy is just as frustrated as Twins fans are. But we are learning that head injuries are a very mysterious ailment. I hope Morneau continues his recovery and that he's back to playing baseball when he is ready and the doctors have cleared him. You also have to hope that he can get back to the player he was. It would be a shame if that didn't happen.
Morneau was concussed sliding into second base on July 7th and hasn't played since.
When you think of a player getting a concussion, you think football or hockey first. Then you figure the guy may be out a week or two.
Obviously Morneau's concussion was more serious than anybody figured. He hasn't even started to swing a bat in preparation for 2011.
Ive been thinking about this since Bears Quarterback Jay Cutler was roundly criticized for not playing much of the second half of the Green Bay-Chicago NFC championship game on Sunday. It was found out that Cutler suffered a sprained MCL in his knee. That's a real injury that would have certainly hampered his performance and could have hurt his career down the line. The Bears decided not to let him play. Yet all these armchair doctors were saying he was soft and if you can stand you should play. Even current and former players were saying they would have played and Cutler was soft. Unless a guy has a history of faking or milking injuries then you should give him the benefit of the doubt. Idiots like Mike Ditka, Deion Sanders and Michael Irvin were spouting off about how they would have played in that sitiuation. I haven't seen their medical degrees.
Back to Morneau. It is hard to imagine a concussion keeping a guy out this long but I would find it very difficult to criticize Morneau. The guy was having a monster year last season, hitting .345 at the time of his injury.
I remember when people were critical of J.R. Richard of the Astros in 1980. The guy was mowing batters down. He was 10-4 with an ERA of 1.90 yet he was complaining of a "dead arm" and that he didn't feel right. The critics said, "J.R. is soft. He's a hypochondriac. He's faking." Whatever. Then when he suffered a stroke because of a blood clot in his neck, then people said, "Well, I guess J.R. wasn't jaking it afterall." That was the end of Richard's dynamic, yet short career.
From that time on, I've always given an athlete the benefit of the doubt when it comes to injuries or illnesses.
With Morneau, while it is hard to believe a concussion could cause so much damage, you have to feel the guy is just as frustrated as Twins fans are. But we are learning that head injuries are a very mysterious ailment. I hope Morneau continues his recovery and that he's back to playing baseball when he is ready and the doctors have cleared him. You also have to hope that he can get back to the player he was. It would be a shame if that didn't happen.
Shut Your Face Frenchy
The New York Daily News reported that former Mets outfielder Jeff Francoeur called Citi Field, the Mets two-year old ballpark "a damn joke."
Now with the Royals, Fancoeur belted 21 home runs for the Mets in his two partial seasons with the team, just 9 of them at Citi Field. He only hit .268 for the Mets in 199 games.
Aww, the ballpark is too big for Frenchy. I really feel bad for him. When a ballplayer uses the ballpark as an excuse for his lack of production to me that is code for "I stink."
Some ballparks are hitters parks, some are pitchers parks. Baseball is a game of adjustments and obviously Francoeur didn't adjust very well to the Mets new digs.
Really it's pathetic when players use the "stadium sucks" excuse.
In 2009, Mets third baseman David Wright hit just 5 home runs all season at Citi Field. He only hit 5 on the road too so he just had a bad power year all around. Did you hear Wright complain that Citi Field is "a damn joke"?
Last season, Wright belted 29 home runs, just 12 coming at home. So in two seasons, Wright has just 17 home runs at Citi Field, including the first Mets homer in the new yard (Jody Gerut of the Padres hit the historic first home run at Citi Field). But Wright goes about his business like a pro, not making excuses.
I remember being in the visiting clubhouse at Coors Field in 2002 when Yankees relief pitcher Steve Karsay gave up a 3-run homer to Rockies third baseman Todd Zeile in the bottom of the 10th to give Colorado a 14-11 win. Both teams combines for 37 hits. A typical old fashioned Coors Field slugfest. In his post-game comments, Karsay didn't talk about making a bad pitch or crediting Zeile, he moaned about the crappy ballpark and how they shouldn't have a team in Colorado because of the high altitude. He was completely delusional in blaming the stadium for the loss. Take it like a man. If you are a pitcher in a hitters park or a hitter in a pitchers park, adjust. If you succeed great if not don't blame the park.
As fictional coach Ron Stilanovich says in the Hardball Made Easy spoof videos, "Excuses are like poems. They're for sissies and no one want to hear 'em."
So to Fancoeur and others like him, don't blame the ballpark for your failures. Look in the mirror and admit to yourself what others already know. You stink.
Now with the Royals, Fancoeur belted 21 home runs for the Mets in his two partial seasons with the team, just 9 of them at Citi Field. He only hit .268 for the Mets in 199 games.
Aww, the ballpark is too big for Frenchy. I really feel bad for him. When a ballplayer uses the ballpark as an excuse for his lack of production to me that is code for "I stink."
Some ballparks are hitters parks, some are pitchers parks. Baseball is a game of adjustments and obviously Francoeur didn't adjust very well to the Mets new digs.
Really it's pathetic when players use the "stadium sucks" excuse.
In 2009, Mets third baseman David Wright hit just 5 home runs all season at Citi Field. He only hit 5 on the road too so he just had a bad power year all around. Did you hear Wright complain that Citi Field is "a damn joke"?
Last season, Wright belted 29 home runs, just 12 coming at home. So in two seasons, Wright has just 17 home runs at Citi Field, including the first Mets homer in the new yard (Jody Gerut of the Padres hit the historic first home run at Citi Field). But Wright goes about his business like a pro, not making excuses.
I remember being in the visiting clubhouse at Coors Field in 2002 when Yankees relief pitcher Steve Karsay gave up a 3-run homer to Rockies third baseman Todd Zeile in the bottom of the 10th to give Colorado a 14-11 win. Both teams combines for 37 hits. A typical old fashioned Coors Field slugfest. In his post-game comments, Karsay didn't talk about making a bad pitch or crediting Zeile, he moaned about the crappy ballpark and how they shouldn't have a team in Colorado because of the high altitude. He was completely delusional in blaming the stadium for the loss. Take it like a man. If you are a pitcher in a hitters park or a hitter in a pitchers park, adjust. If you succeed great if not don't blame the park.
As fictional coach Ron Stilanovich says in the Hardball Made Easy spoof videos, "Excuses are like poems. They're for sissies and no one want to hear 'em."
So to Fancoeur and others like him, don't blame the ballpark for your failures. Look in the mirror and admit to yourself what others already know. You stink.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
American Idle
Carl Pavano, who stole 38-million dollars from the Yankees in exchange for 9 wins over four seasons, has re-signed with the Twins. Minnesota gave Pavano, who went 17-11 last year, a 2-year deal worth 16.5 million dollars.
Pavano is a guy who pitches much better when he is pitching for a new contract. It's called motivation.
My prediction is Pavano will spend time on the disabled list this year and mope his way through a very mediocre season. Then next year, he will pitch with a renewed interest in hopes of landing another nice contract.
I was stunned to read that Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman was interested in signing Pavano to a one-year deal. How do you think that would have gone down with Yankees players and fans? That's like the guy who goes back to the psycho girlfriend he broke up with because...she was a psycho girlfriend.
Read about Pavano in Joe Torre's book "The Yankee Years." Pavano gets destroyed in the book and rightfully so. The guy simply didn't want to pitch. He was content to live on the disabled list and cash his hefty checks. Mike Mussina had no use for Pavano. You had a bunch of professionals in the Yankees clubhouse trying to win a World Series and then you had a bum like Pavano taking up space.
Pavano is a guy who pitches much better when he is pitching for a new contract. It's called motivation.
My prediction is Pavano will spend time on the disabled list this year and mope his way through a very mediocre season. Then next year, he will pitch with a renewed interest in hopes of landing another nice contract.
I was stunned to read that Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman was interested in signing Pavano to a one-year deal. How do you think that would have gone down with Yankees players and fans? That's like the guy who goes back to the psycho girlfriend he broke up with because...she was a psycho girlfriend.
Read about Pavano in Joe Torre's book "The Yankee Years." Pavano gets destroyed in the book and rightfully so. The guy simply didn't want to pitch. He was content to live on the disabled list and cash his hefty checks. Mike Mussina had no use for Pavano. You had a bunch of professionals in the Yankees clubhouse trying to win a World Series and then you had a bum like Pavano taking up space.
I Find This Funny
I find it funny when a team has a press conference for a new player and they make him put on a jersey over his dress shirt and tie.
When did that practice start?
I'm not saying its a bad idea. It just looks funny to me. I don't know why.
Try showing up at your office, if you have a job that requires business attire, and wear a baseball jersey over your shirt and tie. I wonder how that would go over.
I bet people would laugh.
When did that practice start?
I'm not saying its a bad idea. It just looks funny to me. I don't know why.
Try showing up at your office, if you have a job that requires business attire, and wear a baseball jersey over your shirt and tie. I wonder how that would go over.
I bet people would laugh.
A Tad Early?
The Mets Opening Day starter will be Mike Pelphrey. The Mets new manager Terry Collins made the announcement today. Since Johan Santana is on the shelf until at least the All-Star break due to shoulder surgery, Pelphrey is the logical choice to start the opener for the Mets. He won 15 games last year.
But with pitchers and catchers not reporting to spring training for another 3 1/2 weeks, why make the announcement now?
What if Pelphrey has an awful spring? Although many veteran pitchers have crappy springs since they are working on things and wisely don't treat spring games like post-season games.
We know guys like Roy Halladay, CC Sabathia, Tim Lincecum, Ubaldo Jimenez and the like are their team's Opening Day starters. But since Pelphrey is not in that class, if I were Collins I would have made Pelphrey sweat a bit in spring training before making the announcement.
Am I picking on the Mets? Hey, it's what I do.
But with pitchers and catchers not reporting to spring training for another 3 1/2 weeks, why make the announcement now?
What if Pelphrey has an awful spring? Although many veteran pitchers have crappy springs since they are working on things and wisely don't treat spring games like post-season games.
We know guys like Roy Halladay, CC Sabathia, Tim Lincecum, Ubaldo Jimenez and the like are their team's Opening Day starters. But since Pelphrey is not in that class, if I were Collins I would have made Pelphrey sweat a bit in spring training before making the announcement.
Am I picking on the Mets? Hey, it's what I do.
Mr. Head Case
Mariners outfielder Milton Bradley was arrested yesterday in Los Angeles for allegedly making criminal threats against an unidentified woman. The charge is a felony.
I must say, I'm shocked! Shocked I tell ya!
Actually, sad to say, I'm not shocked in the least.
Anyone who has followed Bradley's career knows that the guy is a loose cannon with some serious anger management issues. He's had a multitude of run-ins with media, teammates, opponents, umpires and now, allegedly a woman.
Bradley needs some serious help, immediately before he does more than just make criminal threats. Perhaps he needs to get away from baseball for a while until he is able to control himself but at the age of 32 you wonder if he is able to change. His character issues are a reason why he's been on eight different teams in 11-years including five teams in the last four seasons.
Bradley has had issues dating back to his second season in professional baseball with the Vermont Expos of the NY-Penn League. I was announcing minor league games then and Bradley had a run in with Hudson Valley, the team I was broadcasting for. I remember speaking with Expos announcer George Commo, on the air, and said, "Bradley isn't very popular with the Renegades players." Commo responded, "He's not very popular with his own teammates either." George is pretty candid.
The bottom line is Bradley is his own worst enemy. He probably would have had a much better career to date had he just went about his business and not worried about things he can't control. Just play ball.
In the past I would have rooted for Bradley. Everyone likes a story of somebody overcoming adversity. But this guy has had a million chances and he's still a screw up. I could care less now about Bradley but I don't want him to hurt someone else or himself. I just have a feeling the Milton Bradley story could have a bad ending. I hope I'm wrong on that.
Meanwhile, I've wondered if Bradley's name has been the original source of his emotional problems. Do you think as a kid he was teased about his name? His parents naming him after a board game company may not have been the brightest idea. How many fights do you think he got into when razzed about his name? Any other first name besides Milton probably would have been better. Perhaps Bradley had a strike against him when his first name was put on the birth certificate.
I must say, I'm shocked! Shocked I tell ya!
Actually, sad to say, I'm not shocked in the least.
Anyone who has followed Bradley's career knows that the guy is a loose cannon with some serious anger management issues. He's had a multitude of run-ins with media, teammates, opponents, umpires and now, allegedly a woman.
Bradley needs some serious help, immediately before he does more than just make criminal threats. Perhaps he needs to get away from baseball for a while until he is able to control himself but at the age of 32 you wonder if he is able to change. His character issues are a reason why he's been on eight different teams in 11-years including five teams in the last four seasons.
Bradley has had issues dating back to his second season in professional baseball with the Vermont Expos of the NY-Penn League. I was announcing minor league games then and Bradley had a run in with Hudson Valley, the team I was broadcasting for. I remember speaking with Expos announcer George Commo, on the air, and said, "Bradley isn't very popular with the Renegades players." Commo responded, "He's not very popular with his own teammates either." George is pretty candid.
The bottom line is Bradley is his own worst enemy. He probably would have had a much better career to date had he just went about his business and not worried about things he can't control. Just play ball.
In the past I would have rooted for Bradley. Everyone likes a story of somebody overcoming adversity. But this guy has had a million chances and he's still a screw up. I could care less now about Bradley but I don't want him to hurt someone else or himself. I just have a feeling the Milton Bradley story could have a bad ending. I hope I'm wrong on that.
Meanwhile, I've wondered if Bradley's name has been the original source of his emotional problems. Do you think as a kid he was teased about his name? His parents naming him after a board game company may not have been the brightest idea. How many fights do you think he got into when razzed about his name? Any other first name besides Milton probably would have been better. Perhaps Bradley had a strike against him when his first name was put on the birth certificate.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Andy Pettitte
While reading about Andy Pettitte and if he will or will not play this year for the Yankees, I thought about his Hall of Fame chances.
He has a 240-138 record and a somewhat high 3.88 era. Plus add 19 post-season victories. But when looking at his stats, a couple of things jumped out at me that I was unaware of.
Pettitte, in 479 starts over 16 seasons has just 25 complete games and only 4 shutouts. For a big strong guy like Pettitte I would have thought those totals would be much higher. Plus, he hasn't had a complete game since 2006 when he had two with the Astros.
By comparison, Pettitte's one time teammate Mike Mussina, who I think should be a Hall of Famer for not only his outstanding numbers but the fact he did it during the steroid era, had 57 complete games and 23 shutouts over his 18 seasons, 10 with the Orioles and 8 with the Yankees. Mussina has 270 wins and only 153 losses with an era of 3.68. He should get into the Hall of Fame.
One reason for Pettitte's lack of shutouts and complete games is also probably a reason for many of his wins. That would be Mariano Rivera. With a great closer ready to slam the door, Joe Torre and Joe Girardi, the Yankees managers during Pettitte's time in New York, would go to the guaranteed win. By bringing in Rivera, the Yankees and Pettitte would be insured of the win but at the cost of a complete game or shutout for Pettitte.
Pettitte though, right now, falls a little short. If I were in Pettitte's shoes, I would definitely play this season and try to play in 2012 as well. Another 30 or so wins might be enough to get into Cooperstown. The Yankees are always contending for the World Series as well. Of course, I don't know if those thing matter too much to Pettitte right now who is torn between pitching and spending more time with his family.
I believe when the time comes to look at Pettitte's credentials for the Hall of Fame, his lack of complete games and shutouts will be looked at as well as his admission that he used, briefly, HGH.
Still, Cooperstown or not, Pettitte has had one outstanding career, a career I hope continues for at least another season.
He has a 240-138 record and a somewhat high 3.88 era. Plus add 19 post-season victories. But when looking at his stats, a couple of things jumped out at me that I was unaware of.
Pettitte, in 479 starts over 16 seasons has just 25 complete games and only 4 shutouts. For a big strong guy like Pettitte I would have thought those totals would be much higher. Plus, he hasn't had a complete game since 2006 when he had two with the Astros.
By comparison, Pettitte's one time teammate Mike Mussina, who I think should be a Hall of Famer for not only his outstanding numbers but the fact he did it during the steroid era, had 57 complete games and 23 shutouts over his 18 seasons, 10 with the Orioles and 8 with the Yankees. Mussina has 270 wins and only 153 losses with an era of 3.68. He should get into the Hall of Fame.
One reason for Pettitte's lack of shutouts and complete games is also probably a reason for many of his wins. That would be Mariano Rivera. With a great closer ready to slam the door, Joe Torre and Joe Girardi, the Yankees managers during Pettitte's time in New York, would go to the guaranteed win. By bringing in Rivera, the Yankees and Pettitte would be insured of the win but at the cost of a complete game or shutout for Pettitte.
Pettitte though, right now, falls a little short. If I were in Pettitte's shoes, I would definitely play this season and try to play in 2012 as well. Another 30 or so wins might be enough to get into Cooperstown. The Yankees are always contending for the World Series as well. Of course, I don't know if those thing matter too much to Pettitte right now who is torn between pitching and spending more time with his family.
I believe when the time comes to look at Pettitte's credentials for the Hall of Fame, his lack of complete games and shutouts will be looked at as well as his admission that he used, briefly, HGH.
Still, Cooperstown or not, Pettitte has had one outstanding career, a career I hope continues for at least another season.
The Natural
I was thinking that it has been a while since I saw the film The Natural. I looked it up online and it is hard to believe that the movie came out in 1984! Over 30 years old, wow.
When I first saw the movie I thought it was a little far fetched. I didn't buy into a lot of the stuff in the film like the ball becoming unravelled or the guy dying after running into the outfield wall, which I suppose could happen. Funny, I had more belief in a 35-year old unknown making it to the Major Leagues than I did with much of the storyline.
One of the reasons I eventually came to love the movie was Roy Hobbs, played by Robert Redford who was 48 at the time. I was pleasantly surprised at his playing ability. His lefthanded swing looked realistic, not something you see from actors playing in sports movies. Best example of that was Tony Perkins and his painfully inept playing of Jimmy Piersall in Fear Strikes Out.
In The Natural it was apparent that Redford had played the game before. He did play at the University of Colorado. Too bad they eventually dropped the baseball program at Colorado. Prior to that, Redford went to Van Nuys High School in Los Angeles where he was teammates with Hall of Famer Don Drysdale. There's a tidbit for you. You're welcome.
When I get some time, I think I'll pull out The Natural and watch it again.
When I first saw the movie I thought it was a little far fetched. I didn't buy into a lot of the stuff in the film like the ball becoming unravelled or the guy dying after running into the outfield wall, which I suppose could happen. Funny, I had more belief in a 35-year old unknown making it to the Major Leagues than I did with much of the storyline.
One of the reasons I eventually came to love the movie was Roy Hobbs, played by Robert Redford who was 48 at the time. I was pleasantly surprised at his playing ability. His lefthanded swing looked realistic, not something you see from actors playing in sports movies. Best example of that was Tony Perkins and his painfully inept playing of Jimmy Piersall in Fear Strikes Out.
In The Natural it was apparent that Redford had played the game before. He did play at the University of Colorado. Too bad they eventually dropped the baseball program at Colorado. Prior to that, Redford went to Van Nuys High School in Los Angeles where he was teammates with Hall of Famer Don Drysdale. There's a tidbit for you. You're welcome.
When I get some time, I think I'll pull out The Natural and watch it again.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Greatest Looking Ballpark Ever
There are some great looking ballparks, past and present. Wrigley Field and Fenway Park are on the list as is Dodger Stadium and Coors Field. Ballparks that are gone or no longer used for baseball that were sights to behold include Tiger Stadium, Old Comiskey Park, Forbes Field, Crosley Field, Ebbets Field and Sportsmans Park.
But the best looking stadium of all time, bar none in my estimation, is the original Yankee Stadium.
I'm looking at a website now, www.baseball-fever.com, and checking out the ballparks section. Looking at pictures of the original Yankee Stadium thread, I am reminded of what a grand yard that was.
I am fortunate to have attended many games at the original Yankee Stadium, including in 1964. I have the ticket stub. The Yankees beat the Orioles 2-0 on July 15th. Whitey Ford got the win (12-2), going the distance while allowing just 3 hits. Dave McNally took the loss and Joe Pepitone drove in both Yankees runs in the second inning. The attendance was 26, 476. There were four future Hall of Famers in the game...Luis Aparicio and Brooks Robinson for the Baltimores, Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford for the Yankees. I'd like to say I remember this particular game but I don't. I was two years old.
I do remember many games at the old place and looking at the pictures today of The Stadium brings back a lot of vivid and wonderful childhood memories.
It's funny, when you say "The Stadium" it only refers to Yankee Stadium. In my neighborhood, if you said, "I'm going to The Stadium next week" it meant Yankee Stadium of course, not Shea or some other stadium.
The new Yankee Stadium has the famous frieze surrounding the roof. It kind of looks like a cheap, plastic knock off to me. While they tried to make the new stadium look like the original one, I don't think they came close.
Yes, you have great old and new parks but there is only one greatest park of them all...the original, 1923-1973 Yankee Stadium.
But the best looking stadium of all time, bar none in my estimation, is the original Yankee Stadium.
I'm looking at a website now, www.baseball-fever.com, and checking out the ballparks section. Looking at pictures of the original Yankee Stadium thread, I am reminded of what a grand yard that was.
I am fortunate to have attended many games at the original Yankee Stadium, including in 1964. I have the ticket stub. The Yankees beat the Orioles 2-0 on July 15th. Whitey Ford got the win (12-2), going the distance while allowing just 3 hits. Dave McNally took the loss and Joe Pepitone drove in both Yankees runs in the second inning. The attendance was 26, 476. There were four future Hall of Famers in the game...Luis Aparicio and Brooks Robinson for the Baltimores, Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford for the Yankees. I'd like to say I remember this particular game but I don't. I was two years old.
I do remember many games at the old place and looking at the pictures today of The Stadium brings back a lot of vivid and wonderful childhood memories.
It's funny, when you say "The Stadium" it only refers to Yankee Stadium. In my neighborhood, if you said, "I'm going to The Stadium next week" it meant Yankee Stadium of course, not Shea or some other stadium.
The new Yankee Stadium has the famous frieze surrounding the roof. It kind of looks like a cheap, plastic knock off to me. While they tried to make the new stadium look like the original one, I don't think they came close.
Yes, you have great old and new parks but there is only one greatest park of them all...the original, 1923-1973 Yankee Stadium.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Here Comes Mariano
With all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman retiring today, the active leader in that department is the Yankees Mariano Rivera with 559.
The Great Mariano is 42 saves behind Hoffman who finished with 601 saves. 42 happens to be Rivera's number by the way.
Six times in his career, Rivera has notched 43 saves or more. He's been the Yankees full-time closer for 14 seasons so he has a .429 percent chance of passing Hoffman in 2011.
While I wanted Hoffman to end his career with an even 600 saves, I'm hoping Rivera ends up with a lot more than 600. Even at 41, Rivera looks and pitches like he's 28. He hasn't changed a bit.
The Yankees have been blessed over the years with some pretty good relief pitchers. Just in my lifetime, the Yankees have had Lindy McDaniel, Sparky Lyle, Goose Gossage, Dave Righetti, John Wetteland and of course Mariano.
Yankees fans shudder to think of the day that a game is on the line and they don't hear the sounds of The Sandman coming from the loudspeakers. Yes, someday Rivera will retire. Yankees fans can only hope that is in about, oh, 10-years or so!
The Great Mariano is 42 saves behind Hoffman who finished with 601 saves. 42 happens to be Rivera's number by the way.
Six times in his career, Rivera has notched 43 saves or more. He's been the Yankees full-time closer for 14 seasons so he has a .429 percent chance of passing Hoffman in 2011.
While I wanted Hoffman to end his career with an even 600 saves, I'm hoping Rivera ends up with a lot more than 600. Even at 41, Rivera looks and pitches like he's 28. He hasn't changed a bit.
The Yankees have been blessed over the years with some pretty good relief pitchers. Just in my lifetime, the Yankees have had Lindy McDaniel, Sparky Lyle, Goose Gossage, Dave Righetti, John Wetteland and of course Mariano.
Yankees fans shudder to think of the day that a game is on the line and they don't hear the sounds of The Sandman coming from the loudspeakers. Yes, someday Rivera will retire. Yankees fans can only hope that is in about, oh, 10-years or so!
Trevor Calls It Quits
Last season, after Trevor Hoffman's 600th save, I wrote (9-8-10) that it would be neat if he retired with exactly 600 saves.
Well, he added one more save for the Brewers and today announced his retirement.
He'll go into the Padres front office, the team he recorded 552 saves for.
Hoffman is one of my favorite players of all time. The reason being, I've been in the Padres clubhouse at Coors Field on a couple of occasions when Hoffman blew a save against the Rockies, including the play-in game in 2007. In that game, Hoffman was handed a 2-run lead heading into the bottom of the 13th inning and he gave it up.
Most players would have run and hid from the media. Not Hoffman. Win or lose he was at his locker ready to talk to the media and that game at Coors in 2007 was no exception.
Of all the ballparks that Hoffman pitched in, Coors was probably where he had his least success. But he was always a class act on and off the field, win or lose.
The Padres are better off today now that Hoffman is back with the organization. I wonder if they'll play Hell's Bells when he walks into the office each day. I also wish he didn't get that last save. An even 600 sounds more impressive than 601, at least to me.
Here's hoping Hoffman has a long and rewarding post-playing career. He also better get into the Hall of Fame. Relievers are under-represented in the Hall and if it takes a long time for Hoffman to get in, that would be a shame.
Well, he added one more save for the Brewers and today announced his retirement.
He'll go into the Padres front office, the team he recorded 552 saves for.
Hoffman is one of my favorite players of all time. The reason being, I've been in the Padres clubhouse at Coors Field on a couple of occasions when Hoffman blew a save against the Rockies, including the play-in game in 2007. In that game, Hoffman was handed a 2-run lead heading into the bottom of the 13th inning and he gave it up.
Most players would have run and hid from the media. Not Hoffman. Win or lose he was at his locker ready to talk to the media and that game at Coors in 2007 was no exception.
Of all the ballparks that Hoffman pitched in, Coors was probably where he had his least success. But he was always a class act on and off the field, win or lose.
The Padres are better off today now that Hoffman is back with the organization. I wonder if they'll play Hell's Bells when he walks into the office each day. I also wish he didn't get that last save. An even 600 sounds more impressive than 601, at least to me.
Here's hoping Hoffman has a long and rewarding post-playing career. He also better get into the Hall of Fame. Relievers are under-represented in the Hall and if it takes a long time for Hoffman to get in, that would be a shame.
Donnie Baseball
I've been in a baseball stat mood today. If there is one sport where you can spend hours perusing and breaking down stats, it's baseball. Not too many stats to look up on offensive linemen. In hoops, you got your points, rebounds and assists and that's about that. Hockey? Goals, assists, plus/minus and you're done. Baseball? They invent new stats every day to the already millions of stats.
Anyway, I was looking at Don Mattingly's statistics. It is a damn shame that his back issues took away what would have been a Hall of Fame career. Check out his numbers in his first four full seasons in the bigs from 1985-1987. He was only 26 in 1987. Astounding numbers. Here are few of Mattingly's eye-popping numbers. Averages of .343, .324, .352 and .327. He had 238 hits in 1986, a Yankees single season record. In 1985, his MVP year, he knocked in 145 runs. Each year in that span he had more walks than strikeouts. Plus, he won gold gloves in 85, 86, and 87.
If you saw him play, you know he was a Hall of Fame player until the back problems.
That is why I'll have a tough time rooting against the Dodgers this year. While I've become a Rockies fan in the National League, my heart has always been with the Yankees since birth. It's in my blood. So I root for both the Yankees and the Rockies and if they ever meet up in the World Series I'm pulling for New York without hesitation.
But I'll be pulling for the Dodgers this year, except when they play the Rockies. Who knows, maybe Mattingly, who falls short of Cooperstown as a player, will eventually get in as a manager. I hope he does well piloting the Dodgers.
Of course, I'll probably never get used to seeing Donnie Baseball, one of my all-time favorites, wearing a Dodgers uniform. It always looked strange to see him in the dugout the past couple of years, next to Joe Torre, wearing Dodger blue.
Maybe one day he'll return to the Bronx as the Yankees manager. Never say never in baseball.
Anyway, I was looking at Don Mattingly's statistics. It is a damn shame that his back issues took away what would have been a Hall of Fame career. Check out his numbers in his first four full seasons in the bigs from 1985-1987. He was only 26 in 1987. Astounding numbers. Here are few of Mattingly's eye-popping numbers. Averages of .343, .324, .352 and .327. He had 238 hits in 1986, a Yankees single season record. In 1985, his MVP year, he knocked in 145 runs. Each year in that span he had more walks than strikeouts. Plus, he won gold gloves in 85, 86, and 87.
If you saw him play, you know he was a Hall of Fame player until the back problems.
That is why I'll have a tough time rooting against the Dodgers this year. While I've become a Rockies fan in the National League, my heart has always been with the Yankees since birth. It's in my blood. So I root for both the Yankees and the Rockies and if they ever meet up in the World Series I'm pulling for New York without hesitation.
But I'll be pulling for the Dodgers this year, except when they play the Rockies. Who knows, maybe Mattingly, who falls short of Cooperstown as a player, will eventually get in as a manager. I hope he does well piloting the Dodgers.
Of course, I'll probably never get used to seeing Donnie Baseball, one of my all-time favorites, wearing a Dodgers uniform. It always looked strange to see him in the dugout the past couple of years, next to Joe Torre, wearing Dodger blue.
Maybe one day he'll return to the Bronx as the Yankees manager. Never say never in baseball.
Bernie's Chances
The late Kirby Puckett is a Hall of Famer. Not too many people dispute that he belongs in Cooperstown.
With that in mind, Bernie Williams will be on the Hall of Fame ballot next season, his first time.
Should Bernie Williams get elected into the Hall of Fame next January?
Let's compare Bernie to Kirby. (Thanks baseball-reference.com)
PUCKETT WILLIAMS
Games 1,783 2,076
At-Bats 7,244 7,869
Batting Average .318 .297
Hits 2,304 2,336
Runs 1,071 1,366
Doubles 414 449
Triples 57 55
Home Runs 207 287
RBI's 1,085 1,257
Stolen Bases 134 147
Walks 450 1,069
Strikeouts 965 1,212
OBP .360 .381
Slugging .477 .477
OPS .837 .858
Gold Gloves 6 4
All-Star Games 10 5
Batting Titles 1 1
WS Titles 2 4
When Williams retired I thought he was a borderline Hall of Famer. But when comparing his stats to Kirby Puckett's I feel that Williams should get in the Hall. Since the writers are hung up on the "first ballot" Hall of Fame thing, I'm sure Bernie won't get in next year. But if Puckett is in the Hall of Fame then Williams belongs too.
(Note: I had some trouble lining up the numbers of Puckett and Williams. Sorry about that)
With that in mind, Bernie Williams will be on the Hall of Fame ballot next season, his first time.
Should Bernie Williams get elected into the Hall of Fame next January?
Let's compare Bernie to Kirby. (Thanks baseball-reference.com)
PUCKETT WILLIAMS
Games 1,783 2,076
At-Bats 7,244 7,869
Batting Average .318 .297
Hits 2,304 2,336
Runs 1,071 1,366
Doubles 414 449
Triples 57 55
Home Runs 207 287
RBI's 1,085 1,257
Stolen Bases 134 147
Walks 450 1,069
Strikeouts 965 1,212
OBP .360 .381
Slugging .477 .477
OPS .837 .858
Gold Gloves 6 4
All-Star Games 10 5
Batting Titles 1 1
WS Titles 2 4
When Williams retired I thought he was a borderline Hall of Famer. But when comparing his stats to Kirby Puckett's I feel that Williams should get in the Hall. Since the writers are hung up on the "first ballot" Hall of Fame thing, I'm sure Bernie won't get in next year. But if Puckett is in the Hall of Fame then Williams belongs too.
(Note: I had some trouble lining up the numbers of Puckett and Williams. Sorry about that)
No Beefs
Last week Bert Blyleven and Roberto Alomar were elected to the baseball Hall of Fame. Blyleven gets in on his 14th try, Alomar on his second.
I understand Alomar getting the nod in his second year. Although he was probably worthy of being a first-ballot Hall of Famer, his spitting incident in 1996 with umpire John Hirshbeck probably soured the writers from voting for him in year one. Plus, he has somewhat of a sullied off the field image in his retirement with rumors of having HIV and having unprotected sex with two women who have filed lawsuits against him.
Blyleven is a different story. If writers didn't feel he was a Hall of Fame in years ago, why now? Did his stats get better?
If he is a Hall of Famer now, wouldn't he have been a Hall of Famer in, say, year three? Seven?
On Sunday's show, Andy Cornell said that Blyleven should be in the broadcasters wing of the Hall of Fame for his infamous F-bomb on live TV during a pre-game show that he thought was being taped. Ooops!
One of my major complaints about the voting process is that broadcasters are not part of it. Or do the writers feel that guys like Vin Scully, Marty Brennaman and other veteran announcers aren't qualified. I'd rather Vin Scully get a chance to vote than half the writers.
Also, how does a writer vote for a guy one year and not another year?
Strange. But I'm happy for Blyleven especially. Nasty curveball that Dutchman, nasty curveball.
I understand Alomar getting the nod in his second year. Although he was probably worthy of being a first-ballot Hall of Famer, his spitting incident in 1996 with umpire John Hirshbeck probably soured the writers from voting for him in year one. Plus, he has somewhat of a sullied off the field image in his retirement with rumors of having HIV and having unprotected sex with two women who have filed lawsuits against him.
Blyleven is a different story. If writers didn't feel he was a Hall of Fame in years ago, why now? Did his stats get better?
If he is a Hall of Famer now, wouldn't he have been a Hall of Famer in, say, year three? Seven?
On Sunday's show, Andy Cornell said that Blyleven should be in the broadcasters wing of the Hall of Fame for his infamous F-bomb on live TV during a pre-game show that he thought was being taped. Ooops!
One of my major complaints about the voting process is that broadcasters are not part of it. Or do the writers feel that guys like Vin Scully, Marty Brennaman and other veteran announcers aren't qualified. I'd rather Vin Scully get a chance to vote than half the writers.
Also, how does a writer vote for a guy one year and not another year?
Strange. But I'm happy for Blyleven especially. Nasty curveball that Dutchman, nasty curveball.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
CarGo
If it's true, that the Rockies have signed outfielder Carlos Gonzalez to a 7-year contract extension for 80-million dollars, then that is great news for everybody involved except Scott Boras.
The move keeps one of the best young players in a Rockies uniform at a reasonable price for the Rockies, a guarantee of 80-mil for Gonzalez and the fans get to embrace Gonzalez instead of worrying about him leaving as a free agent.
I'm still a little skeptical. Jayson Werth, who isn't as good as Gonzalez and is 6-years older at 31, got a 7-year 126-million dollar deal from the Nationals this off-season. I'm shocked that CarGo's agent Boras approves of this deal. While Gonzalez wouldn't be a free-agent until after the 2014 season before this extension, normally Boras has his players wait it out then go for the big bucks.
Of course 80-million over 7-years is a lot of money. But I thought that Boras would look for something in the 7-year, 140-million dollar range, which is more than Werth.
The bottom line is once Gonzalez signs the contract, that will be great news for the Rockies and their fans. It shows the Rockies are serious and committed to winning, something that has been questioned in the past.
The move keeps one of the best young players in a Rockies uniform at a reasonable price for the Rockies, a guarantee of 80-mil for Gonzalez and the fans get to embrace Gonzalez instead of worrying about him leaving as a free agent.
I'm still a little skeptical. Jayson Werth, who isn't as good as Gonzalez and is 6-years older at 31, got a 7-year 126-million dollar deal from the Nationals this off-season. I'm shocked that CarGo's agent Boras approves of this deal. While Gonzalez wouldn't be a free-agent until after the 2014 season before this extension, normally Boras has his players wait it out then go for the big bucks.
Of course 80-million over 7-years is a lot of money. But I thought that Boras would look for something in the 7-year, 140-million dollar range, which is more than Werth.
The bottom line is once Gonzalez signs the contract, that will be great news for the Rockies and their fans. It shows the Rockies are serious and committed to winning, something that has been questioned in the past.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Yankee Caps
I mentioned that I went to the Sun Bowl yesterday, New Year's Eve.
There is a huge Roman Catholic population in El Paso, Texas and the crowd of 54-thousand plus, a Sun Bowl record, was rooting primarily for Notre Dame.
I have never seen so many Mexican people wearing Notre Dame attire. But I noticed another thing yesterday. There were a ton of people wearing Yankee caps, including Notre Dame radio color analyst Allen Pinkett. Yankee caps were everywhere. I guess Notre Dame and the Yankees are El Paso's teams. Maybe I should move to El Paso, Texas.
There is a huge Roman Catholic population in El Paso, Texas and the crowd of 54-thousand plus, a Sun Bowl record, was rooting primarily for Notre Dame.
I have never seen so many Mexican people wearing Notre Dame attire. But I noticed another thing yesterday. There were a ton of people wearing Yankee caps, including Notre Dame radio color analyst Allen Pinkett. Yankee caps were everywhere. I guess Notre Dame and the Yankees are El Paso's teams. Maybe I should move to El Paso, Texas.
The Fat Kid
Sad to learn the news that Twins Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew has esophageal cancer.
I remember, as a youngin, that Killebrew was quite scary when he stepped into the batters box. He looked like a slugger...maybe because he was a slugger. He ended up with 573 homers. Killebrew was also a great name for a feared home run hitter. I don't think Killebrew would be a good name for a slap hitter.
My prayers go out to the man they called "Killer." He was also known as "The Fat Kid." I learned that from Jim Bouton's book "Ball Four," the best baseball book ever written by the way.
At 74, I hope Killebrew, a first class guy, has many more years left.
I remember, as a youngin, that Killebrew was quite scary when he stepped into the batters box. He looked like a slugger...maybe because he was a slugger. He ended up with 573 homers. Killebrew was also a great name for a feared home run hitter. I don't think Killebrew would be a good name for a slap hitter.
My prayers go out to the man they called "Killer." He was also known as "The Fat Kid." I learned that from Jim Bouton's book "Ball Four," the best baseball book ever written by the way.
At 74, I hope Killebrew, a first class guy, has many more years left.
Happy New Year
Well, I'm back from El Paso, Texas and the Sun Bowl and following Notre Dame's dominating 33-17 destruction of Miami, I'm now officially in baseball mode.
When January 1st hits and the new year is officially here, I really look ahead to the new season with last year fully in the rear view mirror.
I love the NFL playoffs, hockey and college hoops, but basically they are a diversion and something to abide my time until Opening Day which is only 88 days away.
When January 1st hits and the new year is officially here, I really look ahead to the new season with last year fully in the rear view mirror.
I love the NFL playoffs, hockey and college hoops, but basically they are a diversion and something to abide my time until Opening Day which is only 88 days away.
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