Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday can hit. That is undisputed. The guy can flat out rake. As for the rest of his game...uh, not so good.
He's a butcher in the outfield. Two plays come to mind. Misjudging a key fly ball in the Padres-Rockies play-in game in 2007 when he played for Colorado. And two years ago in the playoffs, for the Cards, he blew Game 2 of the Division Series at Dodger Stadium when he tried to catch a liner off his abdomen. Okay, so the guy can't field. He's not the only one with an iron glove out there.
Now to his base running. Bad. Example today. Bottom 6, the Cards have runners on 1st and 2nd, no outs in a 2-2 game against the Padres. Holliday is the runner on second. He spaces out and gets picked off. On Opening Day. Geez.
Reminded me of Game 2 of the 2007 World Series. In the 8th inning, 2-1 Boston, Holliday, with Helton at the plate, got picked off first for the third out. What? How does that happen?
The guy must daydream out there. Again, Holliday can rake with the best of them. But the rest of his game isn't up to par. He really should be in the American League as a DH.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Tex Message and Dandy Grandy
Mark "I Always Get Off To A Slow Start In April" Teixiera belted a 3-run homer off Justin Verlander and former Tiger Curtis Granderson went yard in the 7th off former Yank Phil Coke as the Yankees got past the Detroiters 6-3 at drizzly, cold and inclement Yankee Stadium today. Good start for the Bombers.
A few observations. Sure the weather was crappy but could the crowd have been any less enthusiastic? The field box seats were virtually empty for a couple of reasons. Real fans are priced out of them and the fat cats who would sit there certainly aren't about to park their cans out in the cold. They probably watched the game in some fancy, exclusive stadium club.
Secondly, I was surprised Verlander threw 114 pitches in those conditions. Has Smokey Jim Leyland forgotten that the baseball season is not a sprint, its a marathon? In typical fashion, Leyland didn't crack a smile all day.
As for Teixiera, he was 1-17 off Verlander before his homer. Also, a good sign when Granderson goes ya-ya off a lefty.
Meanwhile, Jeter didn't get a hit but he did knock in a run and drew a walk. He's sitting on 2,926 hits in his quest for 3,000. Something tells me he'll get it.
A few observations. Sure the weather was crappy but could the crowd have been any less enthusiastic? The field box seats were virtually empty for a couple of reasons. Real fans are priced out of them and the fat cats who would sit there certainly aren't about to park their cans out in the cold. They probably watched the game in some fancy, exclusive stadium club.
Secondly, I was surprised Verlander threw 114 pitches in those conditions. Has Smokey Jim Leyland forgotten that the baseball season is not a sprint, its a marathon? In typical fashion, Leyland didn't crack a smile all day.
As for Teixiera, he was 1-17 off Verlander before his homer. Also, a good sign when Granderson goes ya-ya off a lefty.
Meanwhile, Jeter didn't get a hit but he did knock in a run and drew a walk. He's sitting on 2,926 hits in his quest for 3,000. Something tells me he'll get it.
Best Fielding First Basemen
You don't really notice a great fielding first baseman as much as you notice crappy ones.
Maybe the worst fielding first baseman I've ever seen is Jason Giambi. He has no flexibility and he throws like my grandma. And she's dead.
In the previous post, I wrote about Todd Helton and how his fielding has never suffered, despite injuries limiting him offensively.
Of all the first basemen I've seen in my lifetime, the best defensively was Keith Hernandez followed closely by Don Mattingly. Then I would throw Todd Helton in right behind them. There are a lot of good fielding first basemen but I'd take those guys in a heartbeat over anybody.
Am I missing anybody?
Maybe the worst fielding first baseman I've ever seen is Jason Giambi. He has no flexibility and he throws like my grandma. And she's dead.
In the previous post, I wrote about Todd Helton and how his fielding has never suffered, despite injuries limiting him offensively.
Of all the first basemen I've seen in my lifetime, the best defensively was Keith Hernandez followed closely by Don Mattingly. Then I would throw Todd Helton in right behind them. There are a lot of good fielding first basemen but I'd take those guys in a heartbeat over anybody.
Am I missing anybody?
The Old Pro
Todd Helton had the worst year of his big league career last season. He must have been embarrassed at the final totals of 8 homers, 37 RBI's and a .256 batting average, well below his career .324 mark.
Back trouble sapped him of strength and he spent much time on the disabled list.
However, having watched Helton for most of his career, even seeing him in the minors at New Haven in AA ball, I have to think that Helton has at least one more good season in him. Maybe not great but good. He's a proud guy and if he thought he would have another dismal season like last year, I don't think he would have returned. If he thought he was finished then he would have walked away from all the money. I'm convinced of that simply because he's a team player first and foremost and he's always been that way.
I'll make a prediction on Helton's numbers this season. I'll go with 17 homers (his uniform number, which one day will be retired), 83 RBI's and a batting average of .314. How's that? Would you take it? I bet Helton wouldn't because he thinks he can do better. And I hope he does.
One thing to point out about Helton is this. Actually two things. One: Despite injuries and age (he's 37) his fielding has never suffered. He's had struggles at the plate at times but never with the glove. Two: I hope they have Helton Burgers again at Coors Field. Last year, they had a concession stand under the left field scoreboard that sold Helton Burgers. They were mighty tasty and well worth the trip from the press box.
Back trouble sapped him of strength and he spent much time on the disabled list.
However, having watched Helton for most of his career, even seeing him in the minors at New Haven in AA ball, I have to think that Helton has at least one more good season in him. Maybe not great but good. He's a proud guy and if he thought he would have another dismal season like last year, I don't think he would have returned. If he thought he was finished then he would have walked away from all the money. I'm convinced of that simply because he's a team player first and foremost and he's always been that way.
I'll make a prediction on Helton's numbers this season. I'll go with 17 homers (his uniform number, which one day will be retired), 83 RBI's and a batting average of .314. How's that? Would you take it? I bet Helton wouldn't because he thinks he can do better. And I hope he does.
One thing to point out about Helton is this. Actually two things. One: Despite injuries and age (he's 37) his fielding has never suffered. He's had struggles at the plate at times but never with the glove. Two: I hope they have Helton Burgers again at Coors Field. Last year, they had a concession stand under the left field scoreboard that sold Helton Burgers. They were mighty tasty and well worth the trip from the press box.
Weather
Just checked the forecast for the Bronx.
Showers, temperatures in the mid 40's. Not good for Opening Day.
Always a bummer when Opening Day gets postponed. I hope they get the game in. After all, I'll be sitting in front of my TV set watching in comfort while people at the game have to deal with the crappy weather.
I really feel bad for those fans who paid several hundred dollars to attend Opening Day only to have to sit in miserable conditions. Yep, feel really bad for them.
By the way, you spend over a hundred dollars for a regular season baseball game you're an idiot.
At least the weather will be great in Colorado for tomorrow's Rockies Opener at Coors Field. Hope I didn't just jinx it.
Showers, temperatures in the mid 40's. Not good for Opening Day.
Always a bummer when Opening Day gets postponed. I hope they get the game in. After all, I'll be sitting in front of my TV set watching in comfort while people at the game have to deal with the crappy weather.
I really feel bad for those fans who paid several hundred dollars to attend Opening Day only to have to sit in miserable conditions. Yep, feel really bad for them.
By the way, you spend over a hundred dollars for a regular season baseball game you're an idiot.
At least the weather will be great in Colorado for tomorrow's Rockies Opener at Coors Field. Hope I didn't just jinx it.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
A Yanks Fan Laments
Just for the record, I'm a Yankees fan. Don't hate me for that. It's in my DNA. I was born a Yankees fan and it isn't easy these days to be pulling for a losing organization. Let me explain.
In the first 99 years of the Yankees existence, they won 26 World Series titles. Now for those of you with a semblance of baseball history, not you Cornell, you of course know that the Yankees were the Baltimore Orioles for the first two years of their existence in 1901 and 1902. Those were the first seasons of the newly formed American League. To go off on a little tangent here, I know the National League started in 1876 but let's knock it off with the "Junior Circuit" crap. That pisses me off. Yeah, in 1912 it might have been in vogue to call the American League the Junior Circuit. But the AL has been around for more than 100 years and has won 20 more World Series titles than the NL (64-44) so shut the hell up with that "Junior Circuit" stuff.
Anyway, the Yankees started off as the Orioles and when they moved to New York they became the Highlanders. In 1913 they officially became the Yankees. In franchise history, up until 2000, they won a little more than 27% of all World Series matchups. Four of those seasons, 1901, 02, 04 and 94 there was no World Series. It wasn't invented in the first two years of the American League. In 1904, Giants manager John McGraw was yellow (afraid?) and didn't want to play the American League champs, the Boston Americans. They were also, at times, known as the Pilgrims. In 1908 they officially became known as the Red Sox.
So, if you are still reading this "I have no idea where this is going" post, congrats. And you might want to work on getting a life. Where was I? Oh yeah, the Yankees in the previous century were pretty darn good. Especially when you consider their first World Series championship came in 1923. So, even after giving all other franchises head starts on championships, the Yankees have won, since 1923, 34% of all World Series played.
That's what I call a good century.
Now we come to this century. Is this the 21st century? I'm not sure. Still, it doesn't matter. What matters is this. In the last 10 Fall Classics, the Yankees have won just one of them. JUST ONE STINKING WORLD SERIES TITLE IN THE LAST 10 YEARS FOR A DISMAL...are you ready for this, 10%! After winning 27% of the World Series in the previous century the Yankees are winning championships in this century at an embarrassing 10% clip. Only 2009 has allowed Yankee fans to show a little bit of pride in their team. All the other seasons has resulted in Yankee fans hiding their heads in shame. I must admit, for much of this century, when I've been asked which team I root for, I have to say quietly and with my head bowed, "Uh, Yankees." The snickering and mocking really hurts. Some teams relish the "happy loser" mentality. I'm talking to you Cubs fans. But when you are a fan of the Yankees, it hurts to be alive when they don't win the World Series. You feel like the losers that the Yankees are and have become. One World Series title in ten years? I'm talking out loud now. Go ahead, say it, "One World Series title in ten years." If you are a Yankees fan it is painful beyond belief.
I'm not expecting the Yankees to win it every year. But winning the series, say 8 out of every 10 years would be acceptable. I'd even take a decade where the Yanks win only 7 World Series titles. I'm not greedy. Other teams (except the Mets) deserve to win a World Series from time to time.
So I'm asking all you baseball fans to send some prayers in the Yankees direction. You can certainly sacrifice your own team's success for a year in order for the Yankees to win the World Series. Even if you don't like the Yanks, I'm asking you for this favor. All prayers and well wishes will be gladly accepted. Because winning the World Series at a 10% clip is not good for anybody. I'm not asking you to feel sorry for me. OK, I am asking you to feel sorry for me because I wouldn't wish this type of losing on my worst enemy.
Thank you for your concern and sympathy. Go Yanks. Go ahead, surprise me and win the World Series in October. You know, for old times sake.
The Quest for 28 begins tomorrow in the Bronx at the fake Yankee Stadium Mallpark.
In the first 99 years of the Yankees existence, they won 26 World Series titles. Now for those of you with a semblance of baseball history, not you Cornell, you of course know that the Yankees were the Baltimore Orioles for the first two years of their existence in 1901 and 1902. Those were the first seasons of the newly formed American League. To go off on a little tangent here, I know the National League started in 1876 but let's knock it off with the "Junior Circuit" crap. That pisses me off. Yeah, in 1912 it might have been in vogue to call the American League the Junior Circuit. But the AL has been around for more than 100 years and has won 20 more World Series titles than the NL (64-44) so shut the hell up with that "Junior Circuit" stuff.
Anyway, the Yankees started off as the Orioles and when they moved to New York they became the Highlanders. In 1913 they officially became the Yankees. In franchise history, up until 2000, they won a little more than 27% of all World Series matchups. Four of those seasons, 1901, 02, 04 and 94 there was no World Series. It wasn't invented in the first two years of the American League. In 1904, Giants manager John McGraw was yellow (afraid?) and didn't want to play the American League champs, the Boston Americans. They were also, at times, known as the Pilgrims. In 1908 they officially became known as the Red Sox.
So, if you are still reading this "I have no idea where this is going" post, congrats. And you might want to work on getting a life. Where was I? Oh yeah, the Yankees in the previous century were pretty darn good. Especially when you consider their first World Series championship came in 1923. So, even after giving all other franchises head starts on championships, the Yankees have won, since 1923, 34% of all World Series played.
That's what I call a good century.
Now we come to this century. Is this the 21st century? I'm not sure. Still, it doesn't matter. What matters is this. In the last 10 Fall Classics, the Yankees have won just one of them. JUST ONE STINKING WORLD SERIES TITLE IN THE LAST 10 YEARS FOR A DISMAL...are you ready for this, 10%! After winning 27% of the World Series in the previous century the Yankees are winning championships in this century at an embarrassing 10% clip. Only 2009 has allowed Yankee fans to show a little bit of pride in their team. All the other seasons has resulted in Yankee fans hiding their heads in shame. I must admit, for much of this century, when I've been asked which team I root for, I have to say quietly and with my head bowed, "Uh, Yankees." The snickering and mocking really hurts. Some teams relish the "happy loser" mentality. I'm talking to you Cubs fans. But when you are a fan of the Yankees, it hurts to be alive when they don't win the World Series. You feel like the losers that the Yankees are and have become. One World Series title in ten years? I'm talking out loud now. Go ahead, say it, "One World Series title in ten years." If you are a Yankees fan it is painful beyond belief.
I'm not expecting the Yankees to win it every year. But winning the series, say 8 out of every 10 years would be acceptable. I'd even take a decade where the Yanks win only 7 World Series titles. I'm not greedy. Other teams (except the Mets) deserve to win a World Series from time to time.
So I'm asking all you baseball fans to send some prayers in the Yankees direction. You can certainly sacrifice your own team's success for a year in order for the Yankees to win the World Series. Even if you don't like the Yanks, I'm asking you for this favor. All prayers and well wishes will be gladly accepted. Because winning the World Series at a 10% clip is not good for anybody. I'm not asking you to feel sorry for me. OK, I am asking you to feel sorry for me because I wouldn't wish this type of losing on my worst enemy.
Thank you for your concern and sympathy. Go Yanks. Go ahead, surprise me and win the World Series in October. You know, for old times sake.
The Quest for 28 begins tomorrow in the Bronx at the fake Yankee Stadium Mallpark.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
The Caseman's Blog
My radio compadre Casey Bloyer has started a new blog called, "Casey at the Draft" as in draft beer, not the NFL Draft. Although he'll probably write about the NFL Draft anyway.
He'll be blogging about sports, mostly baseball he says.
While I'm sure that the Caseman's blog will be good, if he thinks he can compete against MysteriousWalker.blogspot.com then he better think again.
Bring it on Caseman, bring it on. And good luck with it. I'm sure it will be worth visiting...after you visit this blog!
He'll be blogging about sports, mostly baseball he says.
While I'm sure that the Caseman's blog will be good, if he thinks he can compete against MysteriousWalker.blogspot.com then he better think again.
Bring it on Caseman, bring it on. And good luck with it. I'm sure it will be worth visiting...after you visit this blog!
It Hit Me
It finally hit me today.
Baseball will be back on Thursday.
I'll get out of the radio station a little early in order to catch the first pitch of the Tigers-Yankees opener.
Then I'll be at Coors Field on Friday for the Rockies opener. It will be my 13th consecutive Rockies home opener.
I'm excited. It's been a long winter. And spring training seems like it will never end. Bring on the 2011 campaign.
Baseball will be back on Thursday.
I'll get out of the radio station a little early in order to catch the first pitch of the Tigers-Yankees opener.
Then I'll be at Coors Field on Friday for the Rockies opener. It will be my 13th consecutive Rockies home opener.
I'm excited. It's been a long winter. And spring training seems like it will never end. Bring on the 2011 campaign.
The Barry Trial
Kimberly Bell, the former mistress of Barry Bonds, testified in his perjury trial, that he threatened to cut her head off and leave her in a ditch. She also testified that he said he was going to burn her house down and cut off her breasts, since he paid for them.
Who knows if Bonds will be found guilty of lying about his steroid use. His defense is "he didn't know" that he was putting steroids in his body. Sure.
Guilty or not, it is undeniable that Bonds is one of the worst human beings to ever wear a Major League uniform. Check that, he's one of the worst human beings ever. A complete piece of fecal matter.
Who knows if Bonds will be found guilty of lying about his steroid use. His defense is "he didn't know" that he was putting steroids in his body. Sure.
Guilty or not, it is undeniable that Bonds is one of the worst human beings to ever wear a Major League uniform. Check that, he's one of the worst human beings ever. A complete piece of fecal matter.
Relax Buck and Smokey
Jake Fox of the Orioles swung at a 3-0 pitch in an exhibition game against the Tigers yesterday. Baltimore led 13-3 in the 8th inning when Fox took his cut. He ended up walking and when he got to first Detroit manager Jim Leyland yelled at him. Shut up smokestack. It's a damn exhibition game. What good does it do a guy to walk in spring training? Isn't he trying to get his swing down?
Immediately the Baltimores anal manager Buck Showalter removed Fox with a pinch runner and berated him in the dugout. Methinks Bucky is wound a little too tight and he shouldn't be showing up his player in full view of everybody. If Showalter was upset at Fox breaking a so-called unwritten rule, he should have taken Fox aside, out of view and explained his thinking. But to just rip a guy for taking a 3-0 swing in an exhibition game is stupid.
Showalter is a smart baseball man but he ends up alienating his team because of his stupid rules and unhappy demeanor. He's always got the ass about something and that is why his teams eventually tune him out. Plus, he's taking heat, and rightfully so, for his comments on the way Derek Jeter supposedly gets calls on inside pitches by the way he bails out, and his negative comments on Red Sox G.M. Theo Epstein, saying Epstein wouldn't be so smart if he had the Rays payroll. Red Sox manager Terry Francona was rightfully upset with those comments. Showalter should worry about his own team and pipe down about other players and teams.
Meanwhile, Jim Leyland is another salty-ass. My friend Jan Sumner was a batting practice pitcher for the Rockies for six seasons, including Leyland's one year in Colorado in 1999. Jan said that Leyland didn't say hello to him once. He never acknowledged someone who was part of the organization. I guess it was beneath Leyland to talk to a BP pitcher.
When I look at Leyland and Showalter I see two miserable guys and overbearing managers. Do they ever get any joy out of managing and being in the big leagues? I hope they have crappy seasons this year. It would fit their dispositions.
Immediately the Baltimores anal manager Buck Showalter removed Fox with a pinch runner and berated him in the dugout. Methinks Bucky is wound a little too tight and he shouldn't be showing up his player in full view of everybody. If Showalter was upset at Fox breaking a so-called unwritten rule, he should have taken Fox aside, out of view and explained his thinking. But to just rip a guy for taking a 3-0 swing in an exhibition game is stupid.
Showalter is a smart baseball man but he ends up alienating his team because of his stupid rules and unhappy demeanor. He's always got the ass about something and that is why his teams eventually tune him out. Plus, he's taking heat, and rightfully so, for his comments on the way Derek Jeter supposedly gets calls on inside pitches by the way he bails out, and his negative comments on Red Sox G.M. Theo Epstein, saying Epstein wouldn't be so smart if he had the Rays payroll. Red Sox manager Terry Francona was rightfully upset with those comments. Showalter should worry about his own team and pipe down about other players and teams.
Meanwhile, Jim Leyland is another salty-ass. My friend Jan Sumner was a batting practice pitcher for the Rockies for six seasons, including Leyland's one year in Colorado in 1999. Jan said that Leyland didn't say hello to him once. He never acknowledged someone who was part of the organization. I guess it was beneath Leyland to talk to a BP pitcher.
When I look at Leyland and Showalter I see two miserable guys and overbearing managers. Do they ever get any joy out of managing and being in the big leagues? I hope they have crappy seasons this year. It would fit their dispositions.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Barmes
One of my favorite players is Clint Barmes. The former Rockies SS/2B is now with the Astros and is also now on the disabled list. He broke his hand thanks to an errant pitch delivered by Ivan Nova of the Yankees last night.
Barmes is a great guy and I think the Rockies will miss him. I'm bummed out he'll miss 4-6 weeks. Hopefully he'll recover quickly and return to action soon.
By the way, since Opening Day is less than a week away, I thought I'd bring up the best ending to an Opening Day game I've ever been to.
In the Rockies Opener in 2005, Barmes belted a 2-run homer off Trevor Hoffman in the bottom of the 9th to cap a 4-run rally and lift Colorado to a 12-10 win over the Padres. It was the 4th hit of the day for the rookie and an incredible moment for the Rockies and Barmes. Not so much for T-Hoff who also coughed up a game in 2007 that was a little more important. The Rockies scored 3 in the 13th off Hoffman to win 9-8 and advance to the post-season.
Wow, in 6 days I'll be at Coors Field for my 13th consecutive Rockies home opener. Can't wait. Maybe there will be another moment like the one Barmes provided six years ago. The joy of baseball is that you never know what is going to happen. It's the ultimate reality show. If someone asks me if I watch reality shows, I tell them, "Yes, I watch sports."
Barmes is a great guy and I think the Rockies will miss him. I'm bummed out he'll miss 4-6 weeks. Hopefully he'll recover quickly and return to action soon.
By the way, since Opening Day is less than a week away, I thought I'd bring up the best ending to an Opening Day game I've ever been to.
In the Rockies Opener in 2005, Barmes belted a 2-run homer off Trevor Hoffman in the bottom of the 9th to cap a 4-run rally and lift Colorado to a 12-10 win over the Padres. It was the 4th hit of the day for the rookie and an incredible moment for the Rockies and Barmes. Not so much for T-Hoff who also coughed up a game in 2007 that was a little more important. The Rockies scored 3 in the 13th off Hoffman to win 9-8 and advance to the post-season.
Wow, in 6 days I'll be at Coors Field for my 13th consecutive Rockies home opener. Can't wait. Maybe there will be another moment like the one Barmes provided six years ago. The joy of baseball is that you never know what is going to happen. It's the ultimate reality show. If someone asks me if I watch reality shows, I tell them, "Yes, I watch sports."
Two Retirements
Mike Sweeney, one of baseball's good guys, signed a one-day contract with the Royals in order to retire with the organization he spent most of his career with. Injuries took their toll in him but when he was healthy, he was lethal with the bat. He ends up with 215 homers, 909 RBI's and a very healthy .297 average. He'll be a Hall of Famer...the Royals Hall of Fame that is. Sweeney also played for the Athletics, Mariners and Phillies. In his only post season at-bat, he singled for the Phils. Hopefully Sweeney will stay in the game in some capacity.
Another guy who announced his retirement today was Mike Hampton. Frankly, I forgot he was still pitching. He won only 10 games in the past 5-seasons. Overall, Hampton won 148 games, lost 115 with an ERA of 4.06. At times a very good pitcher, as evidenced by his 22-4, 2.90 season in 1999 with the Astros. But injuries took their toll and he missed a ton of action. Hampton, addition to the Astros, pitched for the Mets, Rockies, Braves and Diamondbacks. He was also a great hitting pitcher.
The lefty also made a ton of money, over 124-million in his 16-year career.
While baseball will miss Sweeney, I'm not sure how many people will miss Hampton. I've never met Sweeney but have heard only good things about him. I have met Hampton, since he was a Rockie for two seasons in 2001 and 2002, and I found him to be a paranoid, salty, little jerkoff. He was always very skeptical of the media in my opinion and even when things were going very well, he seemed to be miserable. I just didn't like the way he treated people. If I made the kind of money he did to play baseball, I'd like to think I'd enjoy it more then Hampton did.
I won't miss Mike Hampton and I'm glad I won't have to read about him going on the disabled list again.
Another guy who announced his retirement today was Mike Hampton. Frankly, I forgot he was still pitching. He won only 10 games in the past 5-seasons. Overall, Hampton won 148 games, lost 115 with an ERA of 4.06. At times a very good pitcher, as evidenced by his 22-4, 2.90 season in 1999 with the Astros. But injuries took their toll and he missed a ton of action. Hampton, addition to the Astros, pitched for the Mets, Rockies, Braves and Diamondbacks. He was also a great hitting pitcher.
The lefty also made a ton of money, over 124-million in his 16-year career.
While baseball will miss Sweeney, I'm not sure how many people will miss Hampton. I've never met Sweeney but have heard only good things about him. I have met Hampton, since he was a Rockie for two seasons in 2001 and 2002, and I found him to be a paranoid, salty, little jerkoff. He was always very skeptical of the media in my opinion and even when things were going very well, he seemed to be miserable. I just didn't like the way he treated people. If I made the kind of money he did to play baseball, I'd like to think I'd enjoy it more then Hampton did.
I won't miss Mike Hampton and I'm glad I won't have to read about him going on the disabled list again.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Rent-A-Glove
I was thinking about a post I made yesterday titled, "Soapbox Time," which deals with my fear and worry about people sitting close to the action without a protective screen in front of them.
I don't think baseball will extend the screens until a calamity happens, that calamity being somebody killed by a screaming liner into the crowd.
But I do offer a partial solution today.
I wonder how many people go to a game not knowing where their seats are? Maybe a buddy says, "Hey, I got a couple of tickets to the game, want to go?"
When they get there I'm sure some people say, "What great seats, so close to the field. I wish I brought my glove."
Well, baseball teams, how about a "Rent-A-Glove" concession?
If somebody wishes they brought their glove to the park to grab foul balls but forgot, then they can go to the Rent-A-Glove booth. For $5, they can rent a baseball glove for the game. This would offer some protection from sizzling foul balls or a better chance at catching foul balls or home runs at various locations throughout the park.
All the team has to do is scrounge up a bunch of cheap baseball gloves, lefthanded and righthanded, and rent them out. The fan would have to give his credit card slip which would be returned to him when he, or she, returns the glove. Or, they can leave a 30-dollar or so cash deposit that would be returned when the team gets the glove back. You don't want people just walking out of the park with the gloves.
Mark Anderson, who works with me here at the radio station, likes this idea and added, "The team should give the rent-a-glove money to charity." Great idea.
I think this would be a good way for a team to make some money for charity while at the same time filling a need for those fans who forgot to bring their gloves and those that want some form of protection. Maybe they could also have a "Rent-A-Catchers-Mask" booth too.
I don't think baseball will extend the screens until a calamity happens, that calamity being somebody killed by a screaming liner into the crowd.
But I do offer a partial solution today.
I wonder how many people go to a game not knowing where their seats are? Maybe a buddy says, "Hey, I got a couple of tickets to the game, want to go?"
When they get there I'm sure some people say, "What great seats, so close to the field. I wish I brought my glove."
Well, baseball teams, how about a "Rent-A-Glove" concession?
If somebody wishes they brought their glove to the park to grab foul balls but forgot, then they can go to the Rent-A-Glove booth. For $5, they can rent a baseball glove for the game. This would offer some protection from sizzling foul balls or a better chance at catching foul balls or home runs at various locations throughout the park.
All the team has to do is scrounge up a bunch of cheap baseball gloves, lefthanded and righthanded, and rent them out. The fan would have to give his credit card slip which would be returned to him when he, or she, returns the glove. Or, they can leave a 30-dollar or so cash deposit that would be returned when the team gets the glove back. You don't want people just walking out of the park with the gloves.
Mark Anderson, who works with me here at the radio station, likes this idea and added, "The team should give the rent-a-glove money to charity." Great idea.
I think this would be a good way for a team to make some money for charity while at the same time filling a need for those fans who forgot to bring their gloves and those that want some form of protection. Maybe they could also have a "Rent-A-Catchers-Mask" booth too.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
My 2011 Predictions
I usually reveal my baseball predictions on the radio show the Sunday before the season starts. And I will do that along with my radio sidekicks. I also post everyone's predictions on the www.turfsports.net website.
But I can't wait to reveal my picks for this upcoming season.
I'll let you know now, I always predict the Yankees to win the World Series. I'm picking the Rockies to win the National League pennant because I want to see the Yanks and Rocks in the World Series. But I also think Colorado is actually going to win the National League pennant.
So, here are my predictions. Don't laugh...until around July. Actually, you can laugh at my A.J. Burnett Cy Young Award prediction. Shoot, I'm laughing at that one too. But I had a feeling the other day that he was going to have a big season. Why? I don't freaking know.
Anyway, here goes...
AL EAST: NYY, BOST*, TB, BALT, TOR.
AL CENTRAL: CHI, MINN, DET, CLE, KC
AL WEST: LAA, TEX, OAK, SEA
ALCS: NYY OVER BOST
NL EAST: PHIL, FLA, ATL, WASH, NYM
NL CENTRAL: CHI, CINN, STL, MILW, HOU, PGH
NL WEST: COL, SF*, LA, SD, ARIZ
NLCS: COL OVER SF.
WORLD SERIES: NYY OVER COL IN 5 GAMES.
AL MVP: ALEX RODRIGUEZ...AL CY YOUNG: A.J. BURNETT...AL ROOKIE: JEREMY HELLICKSON...AL MANAGER: OZZIE GUILLEN
NL MVP: CARLOS GONZALEZ...NL CY YOUNG: UBALDO JIMENEZ...NL ROOKIE: AROLDIS CHAPMAN...NL MANAGER: MIKE QUADE
*=Wildcard
But I can't wait to reveal my picks for this upcoming season.
I'll let you know now, I always predict the Yankees to win the World Series. I'm picking the Rockies to win the National League pennant because I want to see the Yanks and Rocks in the World Series. But I also think Colorado is actually going to win the National League pennant.
So, here are my predictions. Don't laugh...until around July. Actually, you can laugh at my A.J. Burnett Cy Young Award prediction. Shoot, I'm laughing at that one too. But I had a feeling the other day that he was going to have a big season. Why? I don't freaking know.
Anyway, here goes...
AL EAST: NYY, BOST*, TB, BALT, TOR.
AL CENTRAL: CHI, MINN, DET, CLE, KC
AL WEST: LAA, TEX, OAK, SEA
ALCS: NYY OVER BOST
NL EAST: PHIL, FLA, ATL, WASH, NYM
NL CENTRAL: CHI, CINN, STL, MILW, HOU, PGH
NL WEST: COL, SF*, LA, SD, ARIZ
NLCS: COL OVER SF.
WORLD SERIES: NYY OVER COL IN 5 GAMES.
AL MVP: ALEX RODRIGUEZ...AL CY YOUNG: A.J. BURNETT...AL ROOKIE: JEREMY HELLICKSON...AL MANAGER: OZZIE GUILLEN
NL MVP: CARLOS GONZALEZ...NL CY YOUNG: UBALDO JIMENEZ...NL ROOKIE: AROLDIS CHAPMAN...NL MANAGER: MIKE QUADE
*=Wildcard
The Bearded One
Giants closer Brian Wilson is hyterical. He's a typical baseball flake and I'm surprised he isn't left-handed.
He had a guest spot during the off season, which you can find on YouTube, on the George Lopez show and he was incredibly funny. Funnier than the host, which I must say isn't that hard to do.
Anyway, Wilson probably isn't in much of a funny mood today since he strained his left oblique nearly a week ago and had a throwing session cut short today because of pain.
It doesn't look good for Wilson to be available when the season starts. I'm guessing the Giants put him on the disabled list. It's a long season and you don't want him to miss more time than necessary.
He's also missed time this spring with lower back pain. Not good for San Fran.
When you look at closers, not many can put together several great seasons in a row. Many are up one year, down the next. That is why Mariano Rivera is so ridiculous. He's never had a bad season.
I'm not saying Wilson will have a bad season this year. But I'm also not saying he's going to dominate and rack up 48 saves like he did last year.
The Giants have great pitching. That is undeniable. But if they don't have a guy to shut the door in the 9th, then there could be some wasted efforts from the starters. If I'm Lincecum, Cain, Sanchez or Bumgarner, I'm pretty worried about The Bearded One.
He had a guest spot during the off season, which you can find on YouTube, on the George Lopez show and he was incredibly funny. Funnier than the host, which I must say isn't that hard to do.
Anyway, Wilson probably isn't in much of a funny mood today since he strained his left oblique nearly a week ago and had a throwing session cut short today because of pain.
It doesn't look good for Wilson to be available when the season starts. I'm guessing the Giants put him on the disabled list. It's a long season and you don't want him to miss more time than necessary.
He's also missed time this spring with lower back pain. Not good for San Fran.
When you look at closers, not many can put together several great seasons in a row. Many are up one year, down the next. That is why Mariano Rivera is so ridiculous. He's never had a bad season.
I'm not saying Wilson will have a bad season this year. But I'm also not saying he's going to dominate and rack up 48 saves like he did last year.
The Giants have great pitching. That is undeniable. But if they don't have a guy to shut the door in the 9th, then there could be some wasted efforts from the starters. If I'm Lincecum, Cain, Sanchez or Bumgarner, I'm pretty worried about The Bearded One.
Soapbox Time
In the aftermath of Braves coach Luis Salazar losing his eye in a horrific foul ball incident, I want to discuss something that I've preached about for a long time.
People who go to baseball games need to pay attention. Absolute close attention. Especially people sitting behind the dugouts and down the foul lines.
Foul balls that come screaming into the stands can be lethal. How we don't see more incidents of people being seriously injured or even killed is a miracle. I cringe when I see people, especially young kids, looking all around at everything but the game.
I firmly believe teams, at all levels, should extend the screen behind home plate. The protective screens should go from first base around to third base. Maybe a little bit further.
While some people might see it as a distraction, I would have to politely disagree. After five minutes you won't even notice the screen is even there.
I hope baseball doesn't wait until there is a fatality to act on this. The NHL put screens up above the glass a few years ago after the death of a young girl who was hit in the head by a puck. In retrospect, it would have been nice if the NHL had the foresight to put the screens up before that sadder than sad tragedy.
I'm a person who pays attention to the games. I have pretty good reflexes and I think I would have a good shot to get out of the way of a foul ball rocketing towards me if I were sitting close to home plate. However, I don't like sitting in those seats because I feel it is too dangerous. Call me a wimp, call me a wuss, I don't care. Those seats are too close to the action not to have protective screening.
I prefer to sit further away. When I go to Coors Field I sit in the press box and still pay attention to balls that come flying up there. But I also like to wander around from time to time since sitting in the press box can be somewhat boring. I enjoy walking around Coors Field but I won't sit in a seat behind the dugouts.
If I owned a Major League team, or had some influence, I would extend the screens from home plate out towards the bases. In this age of texting and cell phones, too many people are not watching the game. It could have a catastrophic result.
People who go to baseball games need to pay attention. Absolute close attention. Especially people sitting behind the dugouts and down the foul lines.
Foul balls that come screaming into the stands can be lethal. How we don't see more incidents of people being seriously injured or even killed is a miracle. I cringe when I see people, especially young kids, looking all around at everything but the game.
I firmly believe teams, at all levels, should extend the screen behind home plate. The protective screens should go from first base around to third base. Maybe a little bit further.
While some people might see it as a distraction, I would have to politely disagree. After five minutes you won't even notice the screen is even there.
I hope baseball doesn't wait until there is a fatality to act on this. The NHL put screens up above the glass a few years ago after the death of a young girl who was hit in the head by a puck. In retrospect, it would have been nice if the NHL had the foresight to put the screens up before that sadder than sad tragedy.
I'm a person who pays attention to the games. I have pretty good reflexes and I think I would have a good shot to get out of the way of a foul ball rocketing towards me if I were sitting close to home plate. However, I don't like sitting in those seats because I feel it is too dangerous. Call me a wimp, call me a wuss, I don't care. Those seats are too close to the action not to have protective screening.
I prefer to sit further away. When I go to Coors Field I sit in the press box and still pay attention to balls that come flying up there. But I also like to wander around from time to time since sitting in the press box can be somewhat boring. I enjoy walking around Coors Field but I won't sit in a seat behind the dugouts.
If I owned a Major League team, or had some influence, I would extend the screens from home plate out towards the bases. In this age of texting and cell phones, too many people are not watching the game. It could have a catastrophic result.
A Positive Outlook
Luis Salazar lost his left eye this month after being struck by a foul ball while standing along the railing in the Braves dugout. The Braves spring training coach and minor league manager fell backwards and hit his head. He underwent three surgeries and eventually had to have his eye removed.
Salazar feels fortunate. He's glad he's still among us.
"I'm very fortunate to be alive. God gave me a second chance in this life, and I'm going to take advantage of it."
He also told the player who hit the unfortunate foul ball, Brian McCann, to "move on and forget the incident."
Salazar is looking forward to managing the Braves Class A team in Lynchburg. With his attitude and outlook, he'll be successful and an inspiration to his club.
I admire Luis Salazar and may his recovery continue and his attitude stay the same.
Salazar feels fortunate. He's glad he's still among us.
"I'm very fortunate to be alive. God gave me a second chance in this life, and I'm going to take advantage of it."
He also told the player who hit the unfortunate foul ball, Brian McCann, to "move on and forget the incident."
Salazar is looking forward to managing the Braves Class A team in Lynchburg. With his attitude and outlook, he'll be successful and an inspiration to his club.
I admire Luis Salazar and may his recovery continue and his attitude stay the same.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Adios Oliver
The cash strapped Mets have released pitcher Oliver Perez. The fact that the Mets would rather eat the 12-million dollars owed to Perez than to have him pitch another season for them tells me what everyone else already knew a long time ago. Perez stinks. Plus, his attitude is horrible. He refused to go to the minor leagues last year to try to work through his problems. Just a bad teammate and a lousy pitcher although, at times, he had the Yankees number in interleague play.
The first time I saw Perez pitch was when he was with the Padres. It was at Coors Field in 2002 and he struck out 13 Rockies in 6 innings. I thought this skinny lefty was going to be great. I was wrong.
Just 29 and left-handed, I'm sure someone will pick him up. But if I were a general manager I wouldn't even think about it. Not for two seconds.
The first time I saw Perez pitch was when he was with the Padres. It was at Coors Field in 2002 and he struck out 13 Rockies in 6 innings. I thought this skinny lefty was going to be great. I was wrong.
Just 29 and left-handed, I'm sure someone will pick him up. But if I were a general manager I wouldn't even think about it. Not for two seconds.
Phillies Worried?
The Phillies signed recently released second baseman Luis Castillo. The Mets decided to get rid of Castillo and part of the reason they said was because the fans hated him. I guess they never forgave him for dropping a pop up against the Yankees a couple of years ago that cost them the game.
Plus, Castillo is 35 (so he says), has no power, no range and hit .235 last season. He's clearly on the decline after a pretty decent big league career.
But the signing of Castillo tells me the Phillies are really worried about Chase Utley. For as great as Utley has been, he's showing signs of breaking down at the age of 32. He's had hip surgery and now he's sidelined with knee problems. Hopefully Utley is back in the lineup soon because I love watching great players and I don't like watching Luis Castillo. Simple as that.
Plus, Castillo is 35 (so he says), has no power, no range and hit .235 last season. He's clearly on the decline after a pretty decent big league career.
But the signing of Castillo tells me the Phillies are really worried about Chase Utley. For as great as Utley has been, he's showing signs of breaking down at the age of 32. He's had hip surgery and now he's sidelined with knee problems. Hopefully Utley is back in the lineup soon because I love watching great players and I don't like watching Luis Castillo. Simple as that.
Tweaks
I'm going to talk about Tweaks, not tweets, tweaks. I don't do that tweeting/twitter stuff. Not exactly sure what it is or what its purpose is but it doesn't interest me.
I'm here to talk to you about tweaks. As in injuries.
Andy Cornell, my long time radio cohort, played high school and college football as well as running track and field. He coaches football and track at Englewood High and told me the other day, "I watched some baseball practice yesterday. A lot of standing around watching grass grow."
He thinks baseball players are soft and at times I'm forced to agree with him and here's why.
When you talk about a football or hockey player tweaking something, it usually means a play or two off or a shift off. If a football player or hockey player tweaks a hamstring or something else, it will usually get taped up and the guy is out there again quickly. A more serious tweak and he might miss a few minutes. Maybe get a shot or something. A tweak is not that big a deal in most sports.
But baseball, a tweak is not a good thing. A player tweaks an elbow or an ankle, we're talking disabled list. What is just a "tweak" in another sport is a serious calamity in baseball. An announcer might say, "It looks like Smith tweaked his back on that last swing." That means, he could be out for the year.
So remember, tweaks in football, hockey, basketball or some other sport, not a big deal. A tweak in baseball? It could be career ending. Coach Cornell finds that funny. I don't.
I'm here to talk to you about tweaks. As in injuries.
Andy Cornell, my long time radio cohort, played high school and college football as well as running track and field. He coaches football and track at Englewood High and told me the other day, "I watched some baseball practice yesterday. A lot of standing around watching grass grow."
He thinks baseball players are soft and at times I'm forced to agree with him and here's why.
When you talk about a football or hockey player tweaking something, it usually means a play or two off or a shift off. If a football player or hockey player tweaks a hamstring or something else, it will usually get taped up and the guy is out there again quickly. A more serious tweak and he might miss a few minutes. Maybe get a shot or something. A tweak is not that big a deal in most sports.
But baseball, a tweak is not a good thing. A player tweaks an elbow or an ankle, we're talking disabled list. What is just a "tweak" in another sport is a serious calamity in baseball. An announcer might say, "It looks like Smith tweaked his back on that last swing." That means, he could be out for the year.
So remember, tweaks in football, hockey, basketball or some other sport, not a big deal. A tweak in baseball? It could be career ending. Coach Cornell finds that funny. I don't.
The Payoff...32 Years Later
When I was 16, I remember taking batting practice at Spring Valley High School. It was my turn to step into the batters box and I did so sans batting helmet. My JV coach Mr. Sachs yelled to me, "Put on a helmet." I said to him, "It's only batting practice."
Mr. Sachs told me, sternly, to put the helmet on and that since I wear a batting helmet during a game I should wear it during BP as well. It actually made sense so ever since then I've worn a batting helmet when taking BP. Doesn't matter if it's at the batting cage or if some guy is throwing meatballs up to the plate for BP, I wear my batting helmet.
Of course, wearing a batting helmet when a pitcher is throwing BP at 53 miles per hour can lend itself to ridicule. Even worse is if its a really hot day and you wear a helmet with a guy just lobbing in BP pitches. Still, I've always worn my helmet any time I've hit, or attempted to hit. It's not the cool thing to do but I can take the ribbing.
This past Saturday, my old guy's baseball team had our first outdoor practice. We've been hitting at the indoor cages the previous several weeks, and yes, I've been the only guy to wear a helmet at those sessions. It was nice to finally get outside.
I was the last guy to hit and I noticed two things. It looks like I'm the only left-handed batter on the team. Plus, I was the only guy who wore a batting helmet.
When taking BP on this windy, sun-splashed Saturday, I did something I've never done before in my life. Ever. I've taken thousands of cuts at baseballs in my lifetime and for the very first time I fouled a ball off...my head. I've seen guys bunt balls off their faces, which is actually pretty funny despite the pain and blood usually associated with that. I've never bunted a ball off my face thankfully, but it can, and does happen from time to time. Hilarity will ensue. But have you ever seen a guy foul a ball straight off his head?
So I took a vicious cut off our BP throwing player/manager Steve Brouwer. The pitch was up in the zone and normally that ball would be a rocket into right-centerfield. This time though, I fouled it directly off the brim and front of my helmet. It hit with such force that it knocked the helmet off my head and for about two to three seconds I saw nothing but black. It made a pretty loud noise too. I was stunned for a couple of seconds. I reached down and picked up the helmet, looked it over and put it back on my head. Steve was laughing behind the pitcher's screen. When I stepped back into the box I had a flashback to when I was ordered to "put on a helmet."
So Coach Sachs' sage advice, 32 years earlier, finally paid off for me this past Saturday. Had I not been wearing my trusty helmet, which I've had since 1981, I would have been drilled right off the upper part of my forehead, dead center. It certainly would have opened up a gash and today I'd be walking around with stitches in my head, looking like Frankenstein.
Thanks Mr. Sachs. The best baseball coach, by the way, I've ever had.
Mr. Sachs told me, sternly, to put the helmet on and that since I wear a batting helmet during a game I should wear it during BP as well. It actually made sense so ever since then I've worn a batting helmet when taking BP. Doesn't matter if it's at the batting cage or if some guy is throwing meatballs up to the plate for BP, I wear my batting helmet.
Of course, wearing a batting helmet when a pitcher is throwing BP at 53 miles per hour can lend itself to ridicule. Even worse is if its a really hot day and you wear a helmet with a guy just lobbing in BP pitches. Still, I've always worn my helmet any time I've hit, or attempted to hit. It's not the cool thing to do but I can take the ribbing.
This past Saturday, my old guy's baseball team had our first outdoor practice. We've been hitting at the indoor cages the previous several weeks, and yes, I've been the only guy to wear a helmet at those sessions. It was nice to finally get outside.
I was the last guy to hit and I noticed two things. It looks like I'm the only left-handed batter on the team. Plus, I was the only guy who wore a batting helmet.
When taking BP on this windy, sun-splashed Saturday, I did something I've never done before in my life. Ever. I've taken thousands of cuts at baseballs in my lifetime and for the very first time I fouled a ball off...my head. I've seen guys bunt balls off their faces, which is actually pretty funny despite the pain and blood usually associated with that. I've never bunted a ball off my face thankfully, but it can, and does happen from time to time. Hilarity will ensue. But have you ever seen a guy foul a ball straight off his head?
So I took a vicious cut off our BP throwing player/manager Steve Brouwer. The pitch was up in the zone and normally that ball would be a rocket into right-centerfield. This time though, I fouled it directly off the brim and front of my helmet. It hit with such force that it knocked the helmet off my head and for about two to three seconds I saw nothing but black. It made a pretty loud noise too. I was stunned for a couple of seconds. I reached down and picked up the helmet, looked it over and put it back on my head. Steve was laughing behind the pitcher's screen. When I stepped back into the box I had a flashback to when I was ordered to "put on a helmet."
So Coach Sachs' sage advice, 32 years earlier, finally paid off for me this past Saturday. Had I not been wearing my trusty helmet, which I've had since 1981, I would have been drilled right off the upper part of my forehead, dead center. It certainly would have opened up a gash and today I'd be walking around with stitches in my head, looking like Frankenstein.
Thanks Mr. Sachs. The best baseball coach, by the way, I've ever had.
Not Exactly The '71 Orioles
Luke Hochevar on Opening Day followed by Jeff Francis, Kyle Davies, Bruce Chen and Vin Mazzaro. Fans, your 2011 Kansas City Royals starting rotation, a combined 36 wins and 39 losses a year ago.
If each guy can win just 7 games, that will improve productivity over last season by 6 games!
Wow. How would you like to be a Royals fan right about now? Yikes.
If each guy can win just 7 games, that will improve productivity over last season by 6 games!
Wow. How would you like to be a Royals fan right about now? Yikes.
No Mo Hoops
As you can see, I haven't posted in a few days. I was preoccupied by the NCAA Tournament. Plus, I'm going through spring training fatigue. The season seems so close yet so very far away.
As for the hoops, the two teams I pull for are done.
Notre Dame looked horrible in losing to Florida State last night. I picked the Irish to win the entire tournament. Not because I truly felt they would win it but since they were a two-seed I figured if I don't pick them this year, when would I?
Even if they lost I couldn't imagine them losing like they did last night, going down like a bunch of chumps. A really nice season ending with a thud. Not one guy played well, not one. Oh well, time to look forward to ND spring football.
My other team played their opening game like Notre Dame did. St. John's showed nothing against Gonzaga. Nothing. This is a team that walloped Duke during the regular season. They played scared and timid in the tournament. That is not how you can play in the NCAA's. You have to go after it. What got into the Irish and the Johnnies, I don't know. Hopefully, in time, I'll remember fine seasons this year for ND and the Redmen and not the lousy endings.
And yes, I called St. John's the Redmen. I don't use their newfangled nickname which sounds like a plague of some type. Their the Johnnies or the Redmen to me.
As for the hoops, the two teams I pull for are done.
Notre Dame looked horrible in losing to Florida State last night. I picked the Irish to win the entire tournament. Not because I truly felt they would win it but since they were a two-seed I figured if I don't pick them this year, when would I?
Even if they lost I couldn't imagine them losing like they did last night, going down like a bunch of chumps. A really nice season ending with a thud. Not one guy played well, not one. Oh well, time to look forward to ND spring football.
My other team played their opening game like Notre Dame did. St. John's showed nothing against Gonzaga. Nothing. This is a team that walloped Duke during the regular season. They played scared and timid in the tournament. That is not how you can play in the NCAA's. You have to go after it. What got into the Irish and the Johnnies, I don't know. Hopefully, in time, I'll remember fine seasons this year for ND and the Redmen and not the lousy endings.
And yes, I called St. John's the Redmen. I don't use their newfangled nickname which sounds like a plague of some type. Their the Johnnies or the Redmen to me.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Sad Story
Terrible story today.
Former big leaguer and current Braves coach and minor league manager Luis Salazar has lost his left eye.
Last Thursday, during a spring training game, Salazar, while watching the game from the dugout, was hit in the face with a line drive off the bat of catcher Brian McCann.
Salazar has undergone three facial surgeries and on the third one they removed his left eye. Other than that the prognosis is good and Salazar plans to return to work next week. He'll manage the Braves Class A team in Lynchburg this season.
Eyesight is a precious gift and thank God he didn't lose sight in both eyes. Still, a horrible story and hopefully Salazar recovers soon, both mentally and physically.
Former big leaguer and current Braves coach and minor league manager Luis Salazar has lost his left eye.
Last Thursday, during a spring training game, Salazar, while watching the game from the dugout, was hit in the face with a line drive off the bat of catcher Brian McCann.
Salazar has undergone three facial surgeries and on the third one they removed his left eye. Other than that the prognosis is good and Salazar plans to return to work next week. He'll manage the Braves Class A team in Lynchburg this season.
Eyesight is a precious gift and thank God he didn't lose sight in both eyes. Still, a horrible story and hopefully Salazar recovers soon, both mentally and physically.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Sign This Guy!
Diminutive infielder David Eckstein is a free agent. I find this hard to believe. You mean to tell me that no team in baseball could use Eckstein?
This guy plays the game the right way and does all the little things necessary to win baseball games.
Eckstein isn't about big stats. He's not flashy. He won't dazzle you with anything he does. He's just a winner. Period.
One of my favorite players, I've followed his career closely since I saw him play with the Lowell Spinners, a Boston farm club, in the New York-Penn League in 1997.
For a guy most people thought was too small to play in the big leagues, a guy who didn't throw well enough or run fast enough, he's carved out a nice Major League career that includes two All-Star appearances, two World Series titles and the World Series MVP Award in 2006.
I just hope his career continues a while longer. I can't understand why he hasn't been signed by some team yet.
This guy plays the game the right way and does all the little things necessary to win baseball games.
Eckstein isn't about big stats. He's not flashy. He won't dazzle you with anything he does. He's just a winner. Period.
One of my favorite players, I've followed his career closely since I saw him play with the Lowell Spinners, a Boston farm club, in the New York-Penn League in 1997.
For a guy most people thought was too small to play in the big leagues, a guy who didn't throw well enough or run fast enough, he's carved out a nice Major League career that includes two All-Star appearances, two World Series titles and the World Series MVP Award in 2006.
I just hope his career continues a while longer. I can't understand why he hasn't been signed by some team yet.
Ready To Go
Mariano Rivera made his 2011 spring training debut yesterday for the Yankees. He pitched one inning, threw 12 pitches and recorded three strikeouts.
At 41, number 42 is ready. Cue "Enter Sandman."
At 41, number 42 is ready. Cue "Enter Sandman."
Japan
Seeing the dramatic images from Japan in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami is really tough to take. For as bad as the pictures look, it probably is even worse to see in person.
It's simply a horrific situation over there and my heart aches for the Japanese people.
I can't imagine how difficult it is for the Japanese Major Leaguers in spring training getting ready for the season. It has to be a tough task. Baseball really takes a back seat to the real world in times like this.
I don't know what else to say other than my thoughts and prayers are with Japan, a country that loves baseball and has been an ally of the United States since the end of World War II.
It's simply a horrific situation over there and my heart aches for the Japanese people.
I can't imagine how difficult it is for the Japanese Major Leaguers in spring training getting ready for the season. It has to be a tough task. Baseball really takes a back seat to the real world in times like this.
I don't know what else to say other than my thoughts and prayers are with Japan, a country that loves baseball and has been an ally of the United States since the end of World War II.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Demoted
The Washington Nationals sent outfielder, and the top pick in the 2010 draft, Bryce Harper to the minor leagues. He'll start the season at Hagerstown in the Class A South Atlantic League.
By the way, Hagerstown is nicknamed the Suns. Is it really that sunny in Hagerstown, Maryland?
The Nationals did the right thing. Even though Harper hit .389 in the spring with the Nationals in 13 games, he needs seasoning and as many at-bats as possible as he works his way up the ladder. It won't be long until he's in the big leagues. September perhaps?
By the way, Hagerstown is nicknamed the Suns. Is it really that sunny in Hagerstown, Maryland?
The Nationals did the right thing. Even though Harper hit .389 in the spring with the Nationals in 13 games, he needs seasoning and as many at-bats as possible as he works his way up the ladder. It won't be long until he's in the big leagues. September perhaps?
Fine That Guy
I'm watching the Red Sox-Pirates exhibition game in Bradenton, Florida. I'm not in Bradenton, I'm in Denver. The game is in Bradenton. Nice little ballpark by the way.
Anyhow, bottom of the 8th inning and Pirates outfielder Gorkys Hernandez gets a base hit to right field to drive in a run, making it 8-4 Pittsburgh.
Hernandez, while on first base, kissed his hands and then pointed to the sky. What the hell are you doing Gorkys? And what the hell kind of name is Gorkys?
If this were a regular season game and I was the commissioner, I would just give him a warning. If it were a post-season game (Pirates, post-season...ok, I'm even laughing at that one) then I would look the other way with his point to the sky act. If it were a World Series game then I don't care. But a spring training game and you are pointing to the sky? Come on, be serious. That will cost you $5,000 for embarrassing yourself, the Pirates and the entire game of baseball. Make the check out to Bill Rogan by the way.
Anyhow, bottom of the 8th inning and Pirates outfielder Gorkys Hernandez gets a base hit to right field to drive in a run, making it 8-4 Pittsburgh.
Hernandez, while on first base, kissed his hands and then pointed to the sky. What the hell are you doing Gorkys? And what the hell kind of name is Gorkys?
If this were a regular season game and I was the commissioner, I would just give him a warning. If it were a post-season game (Pirates, post-season...ok, I'm even laughing at that one) then I would look the other way with his point to the sky act. If it were a World Series game then I don't care. But a spring training game and you are pointing to the sky? Come on, be serious. That will cost you $5,000 for embarrassing yourself, the Pirates and the entire game of baseball. Make the check out to Bill Rogan by the way.
Clumsy Dontrelle
Reds pitcher Dontrelle Willis left the spring game today against the Cubs when he stepped on a bat while backing up home plate. He sprained his right ankle. Willis, who should be pretty good by now in backing up home plate, will miss a few days as he battles to win a spot in the Cincy bullpen.
Andy Cornell, my trusty radio sidekick, loves these stories. It gives him a chance to attack baseball players as soft and non-athletic. I must say, it is hard to disagree with him at times.
Andy Cornell, my trusty radio sidekick, loves these stories. It gives him a chance to attack baseball players as soft and non-athletic. I must say, it is hard to disagree with him at times.
Stupid Choice
Cubs outfielder Marlon Byrd is working with a trainer. Nothing unusual there. But then you hear the trainer is Victor Conte from the infamous BALCO lab in San Franciso.
Conte has served time in prison for giving athletes performance enhancing drugs. The guy is a lowlife cheat and Major League Baseball has suggested to Byrd that he sever ties with Conte. Byrd has not.
You mean to tell me that Byrd can't find another trainer in the United States to get him ready for the season and provide him with clean, approved supplements? He has to have Conte as his trainer? The guy suddenly became an honest trainer?
Byrd is making a big mistake. Conte is always trying to stay one step ahead of drug testing and it is likely only a matter of time until Byrd gets in trouble.
Oh by the way, Byrd is leading the Major Leagues in hitting this spring at .600. Mmmmm. Interesting.
Conte has served time in prison for giving athletes performance enhancing drugs. The guy is a lowlife cheat and Major League Baseball has suggested to Byrd that he sever ties with Conte. Byrd has not.
You mean to tell me that Byrd can't find another trainer in the United States to get him ready for the season and provide him with clean, approved supplements? He has to have Conte as his trainer? The guy suddenly became an honest trainer?
Byrd is making a big mistake. Conte is always trying to stay one step ahead of drug testing and it is likely only a matter of time until Byrd gets in trouble.
Oh by the way, Byrd is leading the Major Leagues in hitting this spring at .600. Mmmmm. Interesting.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Disgrace in a Baseball Uniform
The Mets are a laughable organization. From top to bottom, from the front office to the field, the Mets are losers.
I usually find humor in seeing my least liked team fumble their way through another season.
But I'm actually mad at the Mets right now. I was watching an exhibition game on TV the other day and Frankie Rodriguez was pitching. The same Frankie Rodriquez who beat up his father-in-law at Citi Field last year in an emotional and physical outburst.
If I owned the Mets or any other team for that matter, and one of my players behaved like that, he would never have the privilege of wearing my uniform again. I don't care what the contract says or what his agent says. The guy would never, ever, play for me.
Even Mets fans have a tough time pulling for this dysfunctional franchise. How can you pull for a guy like K-Rod, or should I say, KO-Rod? Answer? You can't. You can't cheer for a jackass like Rodriguez. The Mets should be ashamed but as we've learned many times in the past they have no shame.
I usually find humor in seeing my least liked team fumble their way through another season.
But I'm actually mad at the Mets right now. I was watching an exhibition game on TV the other day and Frankie Rodriguez was pitching. The same Frankie Rodriquez who beat up his father-in-law at Citi Field last year in an emotional and physical outburst.
If I owned the Mets or any other team for that matter, and one of my players behaved like that, he would never have the privilege of wearing my uniform again. I don't care what the contract says or what his agent says. The guy would never, ever, play for me.
Even Mets fans have a tough time pulling for this dysfunctional franchise. How can you pull for a guy like K-Rod, or should I say, KO-Rod? Answer? You can't. You can't cheer for a jackass like Rodriguez. The Mets should be ashamed but as we've learned many times in the past they have no shame.
Flying Meats Closure
On February 24 of 2010, I made a post about John Coomer who was suing the Royals for $25,000 for injuries suffered to his eye when a hot dog, thrown by a mascot in a Lion's suit, struck him.
He suffered a detached retina and injured cataracts. So the law suit seemed, to me anyway, to be an easy one to win. I wrote at the time that I thought he should sue the Royals for more than 25-grand. How much is someone's eyesight worth? More than $25,000 for sure.
Well, the case reached its conclusion yesterday and...John Coomer lost. That's right, he lost. How? Well, the Royals said that Coomer should have taken more protection for his personal safety. The jury agreed so no money for Coomer.
What a joke. The guy went to a baseball game and I'm sure he didn't think he had to worry about protecting himself from some guy in a lion's suit firing hot dogs at his face. Also, why wouldn't the Royals, supposedly a big league team, do the right thing and pay for Coomer's medical expenses? Do you think the Yankees, Red Sox, Angels or any other team (maybe except the Pirates) would fight the guy in court. He suffered serious eye injuries because he went to your park and got assaulted by flying meats.
Coomer's lawyer must be horrible too. How do you lose this case? Seriously, how bad a lawyer do you have to be to not be able to get the team to pay for your client's injuries?
Sometimes the system stinks and if I were Coomer, a Royals fan by the way, I would never have anything to do with this cheap-ass, suck-ass and ass-clownish organization. Screw the Royals. Every fan in Kansas City should move to a town that has a real team. I hate the Royals.
He suffered a detached retina and injured cataracts. So the law suit seemed, to me anyway, to be an easy one to win. I wrote at the time that I thought he should sue the Royals for more than 25-grand. How much is someone's eyesight worth? More than $25,000 for sure.
Well, the case reached its conclusion yesterday and...John Coomer lost. That's right, he lost. How? Well, the Royals said that Coomer should have taken more protection for his personal safety. The jury agreed so no money for Coomer.
What a joke. The guy went to a baseball game and I'm sure he didn't think he had to worry about protecting himself from some guy in a lion's suit firing hot dogs at his face. Also, why wouldn't the Royals, supposedly a big league team, do the right thing and pay for Coomer's medical expenses? Do you think the Yankees, Red Sox, Angels or any other team (maybe except the Pirates) would fight the guy in court. He suffered serious eye injuries because he went to your park and got assaulted by flying meats.
Coomer's lawyer must be horrible too. How do you lose this case? Seriously, how bad a lawyer do you have to be to not be able to get the team to pay for your client's injuries?
Sometimes the system stinks and if I were Coomer, a Royals fan by the way, I would never have anything to do with this cheap-ass, suck-ass and ass-clownish organization. Screw the Royals. Every fan in Kansas City should move to a town that has a real team. I hate the Royals.
Bad Move Zacky
When I heard that new Brewers starter Zack Greinke broke a rib playing basketball, my first thought was, "What an idiot." My second thought was, "What an idiot."
It's easy to pile on Greinke but the bottom line is he is one of the premier pitchers in baseball and he could be the missing piece to help the Milwaukees to a playoff berth.
Most player contracts, I'm sure Greinke's included, have clauses against playing basketball or participating in things that could cause injury such as skiing or hang-gliding.
Fortunately for Greinke and the Brewers he didn't tear knee ligaments or break an ankle. Breaking a rib is bad but it could have been worse. Just not a smart thing for Greinke to do. I guess he didn't learn from Aaron Boone blowing out his knee a few years ago when he was with the Yankees. That move put in motion the Yanks acquiring Alex Rodriguez. Still, some guys may pay heed to Greinke's bonehead move. But I guarantee that we haven't heard the last of a guy hurting himself playing basketball or something else.
It's easy to pile on Greinke but the bottom line is he is one of the premier pitchers in baseball and he could be the missing piece to help the Milwaukees to a playoff berth.
Most player contracts, I'm sure Greinke's included, have clauses against playing basketball or participating in things that could cause injury such as skiing or hang-gliding.
Fortunately for Greinke and the Brewers he didn't tear knee ligaments or break an ankle. Breaking a rib is bad but it could have been worse. Just not a smart thing for Greinke to do. I guess he didn't learn from Aaron Boone blowing out his knee a few years ago when he was with the Yankees. That move put in motion the Yanks acquiring Alex Rodriguez. Still, some guys may pay heed to Greinke's bonehead move. But I guarantee that we haven't heard the last of a guy hurting himself playing basketball or something else.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
The Legend of Big Bad Bill
THE LEGEND OF BIG BAD BILL…
Once upon a time in a far away land…
Stood on the mound a pitcher named Big Bad Bill…
Batters trembled with that horsehide in his hand…
They stood no chance when he zipped in that pill…
On the scoreboard the 0-2 count all would see…
They knew the next pitch would be high and tight…
Followed by a speedball on the corner at the knees…
As the overmatched batter stood in petrified fright…
The righthander had charisma on that hill…
Oh how he could make that ball spin…
Crowds would flock to see Big Bad Bill…
For they knew his team would always win…
But these days batters are a little more bold…
The batsmen wish they could face him one last time…
For the legendary hurler is getting quite old…
They shake their heads in disbelief cause Bill, Big Bad Bill, is 49!
(Happy Birthday to a great teammate, Bill Thornton. The legend lives on...
Also Happy Birthday to Jim Bouton. The former knuckleballer and a summer league baseball teammate, briefly, is 72!)
Once upon a time in a far away land…
Stood on the mound a pitcher named Big Bad Bill…
Batters trembled with that horsehide in his hand…
They stood no chance when he zipped in that pill…
On the scoreboard the 0-2 count all would see…
They knew the next pitch would be high and tight…
Followed by a speedball on the corner at the knees…
As the overmatched batter stood in petrified fright…
The righthander had charisma on that hill…
Oh how he could make that ball spin…
Crowds would flock to see Big Bad Bill…
For they knew his team would always win…
But these days batters are a little more bold…
The batsmen wish they could face him one last time…
For the legendary hurler is getting quite old…
They shake their heads in disbelief cause Bill, Big Bad Bill, is 49!
(Happy Birthday to a great teammate, Bill Thornton. The legend lives on...
Also Happy Birthday to Jim Bouton. The former knuckleballer and a summer league baseball teammate, briefly, is 72!)
Monday, March 7, 2011
Catalanotto Retires
One of the more underrated players in recent times, in my estimation, was Frank Catalanotto.
The veteran utility guy retired today after 14 big league seasons and a lifetime .291average. I know what you are thinking, "He batted .291?" Yes he did, with five teams over the course of his career, the Tigers, Rangers (twice), Blue Jays, Brewers and Mets.
I followed his career closely for one simple reason. In 1998, while at a Blue Jays-Yankees game in the Bronx, I sat next to Catalanotto's dad. His son was playing for the Tigers at the time so I asked him why he was at this game? He said, "I'm a Yankees fan."
So, that is how I started following Catalanotto's career. He ends up with 1,113 career hits (one less than Bucky F. Dent, mentioned in the previous post) with 84 homers and 457 RBI's. He never played in the post-season.
A superstar career? No. An All-Star career? No. But Frank Catalanotto had a very solid, respectable Major League career. Real solid.
The veteran utility guy retired today after 14 big league seasons and a lifetime .291average. I know what you are thinking, "He batted .291?" Yes he did, with five teams over the course of his career, the Tigers, Rangers (twice), Blue Jays, Brewers and Mets.
I followed his career closely for one simple reason. In 1998, while at a Blue Jays-Yankees game in the Bronx, I sat next to Catalanotto's dad. His son was playing for the Tigers at the time so I asked him why he was at this game? He said, "I'm a Yankees fan."
So, that is how I started following Catalanotto's career. He ends up with 1,113 career hits (one less than Bucky F. Dent, mentioned in the previous post) with 84 homers and 457 RBI's. He never played in the post-season.
A superstar career? No. An All-Star career? No. But Frank Catalanotto had a very solid, respectable Major League career. Real solid.
Bucky F. Dent
I just finished watching, on my beloved MLB Network, Game 11 of the 20 greatest games of the last 50-years, the Yankees-Red Sox playoff game of 1978.
My first thought while watching this game tonight was, can it really be 32 1/2 years since this game was played at Fenway Park?
Secondly, how in the world was this the 11th greatest game on the list? For my money, it was the best game I've ever seen played. Period, no debate.
The best game I've seen in person was the Padres-Rockies play-in game, #163 in 2007. That game had it all and was incredible. But this Yankees-Red Sox game was ten times as dramatic for the simple reason it was Yanks-Sox.
Bob Costas, in my estimation the greatest broadcaster ever, sports or otherwise and Tom Verducci, a sage baseball analyst, were the hosts and Lou Piniella and Bucky Dent were the guests.
Watching the game brought back tons of memories and when Piniella and Dent, in studio, said they were getting nervous watching the replay 32-years later, I laughed because I was feeling those emotions as well.
I don't think I've ever been as nervous as I was that sunny October 2nd afternoon, watching at home on TV. The day before I was at Yankee Stadium expecting the Yanks to beat the Indians to clinch the AL East. Didn't happen. Cleveland pummelled the Yankees 9-2 behind the immortal Rick Waits. I wasn't happy and didn't feel good again until the next day when Yaz popped out to Nettles as the Yankees hung on to win 5-4.
Bucky Dent, forever known as Bucky F****** Dent or the cleaner Bucky Freaking Dent in Boston, hit the game changing 3-run homer that day. Perhaps my favorite home run ever. I'm sure it's Bucky's favorite too.
A few years ago, in the Rockies clubhouse in Coors Field, I asked Goose Gossage about pitching in that game. He told me, "That was the scariest game I ever pitched in. I thought I was going to shit my pants."
A few years later, I played in a charity baseball game in Colorado Springs and Goose was my teammate. Can you believe that? The guy who once got Yaz to pop out to end the greatest game I've ever seen was my teammate for a day. I even took batting practice off him. I think I was more thrilled than Goose. Just a little. Still, being a smartass, I asked him, "Are you as nervous pitching in this game as you were in the playoff game?" He looked at me for a split second as if I were serious. Then he broke into a big grin and laugh.
Think about that playoff game one more time. The entire season between two bitter rivals came down to Goose, a future Hall of Famer, having to get out future Hall of Famers Jim Rice and Carl Yastrzemski with the tying and winning runs on base. Goose got it done. A 2 2/3 inning save. Thank goodness.
Great job too by MLB. But how is this game not number one on the list?
My first thought while watching this game tonight was, can it really be 32 1/2 years since this game was played at Fenway Park?
Secondly, how in the world was this the 11th greatest game on the list? For my money, it was the best game I've ever seen played. Period, no debate.
The best game I've seen in person was the Padres-Rockies play-in game, #163 in 2007. That game had it all and was incredible. But this Yankees-Red Sox game was ten times as dramatic for the simple reason it was Yanks-Sox.
Bob Costas, in my estimation the greatest broadcaster ever, sports or otherwise and Tom Verducci, a sage baseball analyst, were the hosts and Lou Piniella and Bucky Dent were the guests.
Watching the game brought back tons of memories and when Piniella and Dent, in studio, said they were getting nervous watching the replay 32-years later, I laughed because I was feeling those emotions as well.
I don't think I've ever been as nervous as I was that sunny October 2nd afternoon, watching at home on TV. The day before I was at Yankee Stadium expecting the Yanks to beat the Indians to clinch the AL East. Didn't happen. Cleveland pummelled the Yankees 9-2 behind the immortal Rick Waits. I wasn't happy and didn't feel good again until the next day when Yaz popped out to Nettles as the Yankees hung on to win 5-4.
Bucky Dent, forever known as Bucky F****** Dent or the cleaner Bucky Freaking Dent in Boston, hit the game changing 3-run homer that day. Perhaps my favorite home run ever. I'm sure it's Bucky's favorite too.
A few years ago, in the Rockies clubhouse in Coors Field, I asked Goose Gossage about pitching in that game. He told me, "That was the scariest game I ever pitched in. I thought I was going to shit my pants."
A few years later, I played in a charity baseball game in Colorado Springs and Goose was my teammate. Can you believe that? The guy who once got Yaz to pop out to end the greatest game I've ever seen was my teammate for a day. I even took batting practice off him. I think I was more thrilled than Goose. Just a little. Still, being a smartass, I asked him, "Are you as nervous pitching in this game as you were in the playoff game?" He looked at me for a split second as if I were serious. Then he broke into a big grin and laugh.
Think about that playoff game one more time. The entire season between two bitter rivals came down to Goose, a future Hall of Famer, having to get out future Hall of Famers Jim Rice and Carl Yastrzemski with the tying and winning runs on base. Goose got it done. A 2 2/3 inning save. Thank goodness.
Great job too by MLB. But how is this game not number one on the list?
Friday, March 4, 2011
BR HR Derby Champ!
I won my first home run derby yesterday.
Ok, there were only two people involved, me and Casey Bloyer. And it's not like we were Josh Hamilton-like in knocking balls well over the fence. But I did beat him 2-1 and technically it is a victory in a home run derby...so, I'm gloating!
Casey was nice enough to hit me ground balls and throw with me as I get ready for old guy's baseball. Opening Day is around the corner, Sunday April 3rd.
After hitting me ground balls we had our home run derby at Bible Park in Denver. The fences aren't close but they aren't the dimensions of Petco Park in San Diego either.
Casey took a 1-0 lead his first at-bat, his home run a bomb to left-center field.
In my first AB, I tied him up with a rocket shot to right (OK, a wind blown dinger!).
Casey's second round of pitches had him come up short. Too many line drives which is good but he couldn't get any air under them. That is bad in such a prestigious home run derby event like yesterday.
My final round, I hit the last pitch I saw out to right-center. That one was legit and gave me the HR Derby Championship. The reason it was the last pitch was because, as I told Casey, "A good one to end on."
We are thinking about doing this on a regular basis and inviting the rest of the Turf crew and our radio listeners to participate. Might be a fun time.
Actually, there was a third HR Derby participant. He was a kid named Jose, about 10-years old and didn't pose much of a threat to hit any out. But he did hit some sharp grounders and line drives. Of course the best ball he hit, Casey had to play Willie Mays and make a running, reaching over his head catch to rob the kid. Nice going Casey. Way to crush a 10-year old. I guess Casey just "had" to make the catch.
Anyway, it was a fun day yesterday, and thanks to Jose and his dad Carmelo for shagging balls and working up a sweat while us two knuckleheads were swinging for the fences. Carmelo didn't want to bat though. But his kid looks like a decent player.
That's all for now. I'm going to enjoy my title of HR Derby Champ! It's good to be the King!
Ok, there were only two people involved, me and Casey Bloyer. And it's not like we were Josh Hamilton-like in knocking balls well over the fence. But I did beat him 2-1 and technically it is a victory in a home run derby...so, I'm gloating!
Casey was nice enough to hit me ground balls and throw with me as I get ready for old guy's baseball. Opening Day is around the corner, Sunday April 3rd.
After hitting me ground balls we had our home run derby at Bible Park in Denver. The fences aren't close but they aren't the dimensions of Petco Park in San Diego either.
Casey took a 1-0 lead his first at-bat, his home run a bomb to left-center field.
In my first AB, I tied him up with a rocket shot to right (OK, a wind blown dinger!).
Casey's second round of pitches had him come up short. Too many line drives which is good but he couldn't get any air under them. That is bad in such a prestigious home run derby event like yesterday.
My final round, I hit the last pitch I saw out to right-center. That one was legit and gave me the HR Derby Championship. The reason it was the last pitch was because, as I told Casey, "A good one to end on."
We are thinking about doing this on a regular basis and inviting the rest of the Turf crew and our radio listeners to participate. Might be a fun time.
Actually, there was a third HR Derby participant. He was a kid named Jose, about 10-years old and didn't pose much of a threat to hit any out. But he did hit some sharp grounders and line drives. Of course the best ball he hit, Casey had to play Willie Mays and make a running, reaching over his head catch to rob the kid. Nice going Casey. Way to crush a 10-year old. I guess Casey just "had" to make the catch.
Anyway, it was a fun day yesterday, and thanks to Jose and his dad Carmelo for shagging balls and working up a sweat while us two knuckleheads were swinging for the fences. Carmelo didn't want to bat though. But his kid looks like a decent player.
That's all for now. I'm going to enjoy my title of HR Derby Champ! It's good to be the King!
In The Kisser
Hope Padres Coach Rick Renteria is alright after taking a batting practice liner in the mouth that sent him to the hospital.
It is almost astounding that something like this doesn't happen more often. Any time someone gets hit in the head by a baseball it is serious but hopefully this turns out good for Renteria.
The worst I ever saw somebody get hit in the face during batting practice was in Yankee Stadium (the real one) during the late 70's. It wasn't a player but a fan who got busted up in the face. A batting practice home run hit an old guy right in mug. He was standing and never saw it coming. It blasted him in the face and he went down. I remember looking out to the field and seeing a pitcher, Jesse Jefferson, laughing his ass off along with another player who was wearing a jacket, thus concealing his number and identity.
I felt bad for the old guy. He was helped immediately and taken away for repair work. But I was mad at Jefferson and wanted to jump down onto the field and ask him what the hell was so funny. I never forgot that.
Jefferson was 39-81 in his big league career with an ERA just under 5. Now THAT's funny!
It is almost astounding that something like this doesn't happen more often. Any time someone gets hit in the head by a baseball it is serious but hopefully this turns out good for Renteria.
The worst I ever saw somebody get hit in the face during batting practice was in Yankee Stadium (the real one) during the late 70's. It wasn't a player but a fan who got busted up in the face. A batting practice home run hit an old guy right in mug. He was standing and never saw it coming. It blasted him in the face and he went down. I remember looking out to the field and seeing a pitcher, Jesse Jefferson, laughing his ass off along with another player who was wearing a jacket, thus concealing his number and identity.
I felt bad for the old guy. He was helped immediately and taken away for repair work. But I was mad at Jefferson and wanted to jump down onto the field and ask him what the hell was so funny. I never forgot that.
Jefferson was 39-81 in his big league career with an ERA just under 5. Now THAT's funny!
Put Up Your Dukes
This story is redundant. We've heard it before, or variations of it, with former Major League outfielder Elijah Dukes.
He's in jail right now after slapping his pregnant girlfriend in the face. Shame on Dukes, again. Also, shame on the woman. Not for getting hit in the face. That is certainly not her fault and is completely inexcusable. Shame on her though for being with a guy like Dukes. Why women associate with cretins like Dukes is beyond my comprehension. If I was a woman and knew of a guy's violent history towards women, then there is no way I'd go near him never mind open my legs up for him to impregnate me.
Some people are just beyond stupid and apparently those two are on that stupid list.
Dukes, 26, should be put in jail for a long, long time. Another story of wasted talent.
He's in jail right now after slapping his pregnant girlfriend in the face. Shame on Dukes, again. Also, shame on the woman. Not for getting hit in the face. That is certainly not her fault and is completely inexcusable. Shame on her though for being with a guy like Dukes. Why women associate with cretins like Dukes is beyond my comprehension. If I was a woman and knew of a guy's violent history towards women, then there is no way I'd go near him never mind open my legs up for him to impregnate me.
Some people are just beyond stupid and apparently those two are on that stupid list.
Dukes, 26, should be put in jail for a long, long time. Another story of wasted talent.
Those Scrappin' Cubs
Pitcher Carlos Silva and third baseman Aramis Ramirez got into a dugout scrap the other day after a brutal inning in which Silva gave up two homers and Ramirez committed an error. All in the first inning as the Brewers put 6 runs on the board.
Just to remind everyone, this was an exhibition game. It doesn't count although it can't help Silva's chances to be one of Chicago's five starters.
Another embarrassing episode for a team that is used to embarrassing episodes, the biggest being not having won the World Series in over a hundred years. Actually, it won't be too long until there is no one alive on the planet who was breathing when the Cubs won their last series title in 1908.
How embarrassing was this dugout skirmish? Well, even Carlos Zambrano is ashamed.
That's how embarrassing.
Just to remind everyone, this was an exhibition game. It doesn't count although it can't help Silva's chances to be one of Chicago's five starters.
Another embarrassing episode for a team that is used to embarrassing episodes, the biggest being not having won the World Series in over a hundred years. Actually, it won't be too long until there is no one alive on the planet who was breathing when the Cubs won their last series title in 1908.
How embarrassing was this dugout skirmish? Well, even Carlos Zambrano is ashamed.
That's how embarrassing.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Gary C on The Duke
One of my good friends, Gary Columbo is a baseball machine. He still plays baseball in an old guy's league...even older than the league I play in.
We can talk baseball for hours and we have on many occasions.
Gary has also been a guest on the radio show several times. Originally from Brooklyn, Gary sent me the following in an e-mail and is allowing me to post it here.
As a small boy in New York, I well remember Willie, Mickey, and the Duke from my visits to Yankee Stadium, The Polo Grounds, and Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. Even though I was a great Yankee fan, like my Italian father, I still enjoyed the games at Ebbets Field, since our family had settled in Brooklyn from our ancestral home in Syracusa, Sicily. I remember well the intense and enjoyable days of the subway world series games between the Yankees and Dodgers. The powerful and colorful Dodger lineup was always a threat, especially when The Duke would smash one of his patented home run shots onto Bedford Avenue over the fence in right field.
The Dodgers also had several powerful right-handed hitters like Gil Hodges, Roy Campanella, Jackie Robinson, and Carl (Skoonj) Furillo, but The Duke was different. Not only was he a left-handed hitter, he had that certain "air" or "class" that he took with him everywhere he went. He, like Furillo, had a good arm in the outfield, and had mastered the strange asymetrical shape of the outfield fences. In fact, the right-field fence was concave, featuring a combination of concrete, wood, and screen, just 297 feet down the line from home plate. In contrast, the right-field fence at Yankee Stadium was just 296 feet down the foul line. That short distance in both parks made for some interesting games, but the Polo Grounds was only 258 feet down the line in right, and 483 to the Eddie Grant Memorial in center - shaped like a bathtub because of the property in Coogan's Bluff where it stood.
The Duke took advantage of those short distances (as did Stan Musial who once hit 5 homers in a double-header at Ebbets), and really should have won the MVP in 1955, the only year Brooklyn won the series. Of course Campanella won it that year, as he did in '51 and '53, but The Duke hit 42 homers in '55 and actually led the Dodgers to the championship. Rumor has it that a baseball writer who voted, inadvertantly left The Duke off the MVP ballot that year, and Campy won it by a whisker.
The Duke tailed off considerably in Los Angeles, when the Dodgers moved there in 1958, the shape of the L.A. football stadium where they played having a real disadvantage for lefty hitters with its exceedingly long distance in right field. Even so, the Dodgers repeated in 1959, defeating the Go-Go Chicago White Sox, with their slugger Ted Kluszewski. Big Klu hit two homers in the opening game when the Sox scored 11 runs, but the Bums came back and won the series anyway. It was The Duke's last championship.
A few years later, when he was traded to the San Francisco Giants, The Duke had designs on retiring, but didn't because he had a kid in college and needed the money. On opening day of spring training, The Duke looked down at his jersey, and with a grimace on his face exclaimed, "...oh no, it's the Giants!" To him, it was almost unthinkable that could happen to him, very much like Jackie Robinson, who, unlike The Duke, retired after the 1956 season rather than accept a trade to the Giants. The rivalry and hatred between the two teams was so intense, it was a personal thing as well as professional. Such was the last season for The Duke, who did retire afterward.
So now The Duke is gone, at age 84, and a wonderful and vibrant piece of baseball history is ended and all we have left is the records and the memories of those wonderful days in the 1950's. There will never be another time like that one, and maybe now folks will recognize that The Duke was every bit a great center fielder like Willie and Mickey. Rest in peace, Duke. We'll miss you!!
Thanks Gary. Well done.
We can talk baseball for hours and we have on many occasions.
Gary has also been a guest on the radio show several times. Originally from Brooklyn, Gary sent me the following in an e-mail and is allowing me to post it here.
As a small boy in New York, I well remember Willie, Mickey, and the Duke from my visits to Yankee Stadium, The Polo Grounds, and Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. Even though I was a great Yankee fan, like my Italian father, I still enjoyed the games at Ebbets Field, since our family had settled in Brooklyn from our ancestral home in Syracusa, Sicily. I remember well the intense and enjoyable days of the subway world series games between the Yankees and Dodgers. The powerful and colorful Dodger lineup was always a threat, especially when The Duke would smash one of his patented home run shots onto Bedford Avenue over the fence in right field.
The Dodgers also had several powerful right-handed hitters like Gil Hodges, Roy Campanella, Jackie Robinson, and Carl (Skoonj) Furillo, but The Duke was different. Not only was he a left-handed hitter, he had that certain "air" or "class" that he took with him everywhere he went. He, like Furillo, had a good arm in the outfield, and had mastered the strange asymetrical shape of the outfield fences. In fact, the right-field fence was concave, featuring a combination of concrete, wood, and screen, just 297 feet down the line from home plate. In contrast, the right-field fence at Yankee Stadium was just 296 feet down the foul line. That short distance in both parks made for some interesting games, but the Polo Grounds was only 258 feet down the line in right, and 483 to the Eddie Grant Memorial in center - shaped like a bathtub because of the property in Coogan's Bluff where it stood.
The Duke took advantage of those short distances (as did Stan Musial who once hit 5 homers in a double-header at Ebbets), and really should have won the MVP in 1955, the only year Brooklyn won the series. Of course Campanella won it that year, as he did in '51 and '53, but The Duke hit 42 homers in '55 and actually led the Dodgers to the championship. Rumor has it that a baseball writer who voted, inadvertantly left The Duke off the MVP ballot that year, and Campy won it by a whisker.
The Duke tailed off considerably in Los Angeles, when the Dodgers moved there in 1958, the shape of the L.A. football stadium where they played having a real disadvantage for lefty hitters with its exceedingly long distance in right field. Even so, the Dodgers repeated in 1959, defeating the Go-Go Chicago White Sox, with their slugger Ted Kluszewski. Big Klu hit two homers in the opening game when the Sox scored 11 runs, but the Bums came back and won the series anyway. It was The Duke's last championship.
A few years later, when he was traded to the San Francisco Giants, The Duke had designs on retiring, but didn't because he had a kid in college and needed the money. On opening day of spring training, The Duke looked down at his jersey, and with a grimace on his face exclaimed, "...oh no, it's the Giants!" To him, it was almost unthinkable that could happen to him, very much like Jackie Robinson, who, unlike The Duke, retired after the 1956 season rather than accept a trade to the Giants. The rivalry and hatred between the two teams was so intense, it was a personal thing as well as professional. Such was the last season for The Duke, who did retire afterward.
So now The Duke is gone, at age 84, and a wonderful and vibrant piece of baseball history is ended and all we have left is the records and the memories of those wonderful days in the 1950's. There will never be another time like that one, and maybe now folks will recognize that The Duke was every bit a great center fielder like Willie and Mickey. Rest in peace, Duke. We'll miss you!!
Thanks Gary. Well done.
Yay, No Mo February!
I'm always in a great mood on March 1st. That is because the crappy month of February is over and done with for another 11 months!
Also, when March 1st hits I harken back to my high school baseball days for the Spring Valley Tigers (NY).
We always had our first practice on March 1st. Dave Sachs (JV coach) and Harry Steen (Varsity coach) had us run. And run. And run some more the first couple of days. We hardly even touched a baseball. Coach Sachs told me years later that part of the philosophy of that was to make kids cut themselves. If they weren't tough enough to survive the first couple of days of running then who needed them? I recall one kid, one year, on the first day, on about the fourth or fifth sprint, just kept going and never came back.
In college, I can't recall the date of the official start of spring practice. We would practice all winter anyway. But in high school it was always March 1st and on this day I still get the feelings of those long ago but not forgotten days at Spring Valley.
Also, when March 1st hits I harken back to my high school baseball days for the Spring Valley Tigers (NY).
We always had our first practice on March 1st. Dave Sachs (JV coach) and Harry Steen (Varsity coach) had us run. And run. And run some more the first couple of days. We hardly even touched a baseball. Coach Sachs told me years later that part of the philosophy of that was to make kids cut themselves. If they weren't tough enough to survive the first couple of days of running then who needed them? I recall one kid, one year, on the first day, on about the fourth or fifth sprint, just kept going and never came back.
In college, I can't recall the date of the official start of spring practice. We would practice all winter anyway. But in high school it was always March 1st and on this day I still get the feelings of those long ago but not forgotten days at Spring Valley.
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