Larry King is reportedly part of a group interested in buying the Dodgers.
I hope he gets a shot to become a part-owner of the team he loved while growing up in Brooklyn.
I've always been a fan of Larry and while he would own a very small portion of the team, it would be good for him, for baseball and his 37-ex wives.
Better yet, how about his last major act would be bringing the Dodgers back to Brooklyn! Now that would be a great story.
Of course it would never happen but fun to think about, no?
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Valentine's Day
The Bostons have a new manager and it's the always interesting and outspoken Bobby Valentine.
Already some Red Sox players have been chirping that they don't like the move. Too freaking bad. The way the Sox folded down the stretch they have no say. And since when do the employees decide who the boss will be?
I truly believe one of two things will happen.
Valentine will be a huge success in Boston (maybe, possibly). Or, he could be a disaster of the highest degree (maybe, hopefully!).
But whatever the outcome will be, Bobby V will certainly make things interesting in Beantown.
My personal feeling is...good hire by the Red Sox. They may have to clean house first though before they consider themselves contenders next year.
If I was in charge, Youkilis, Varitek and Papi would be gone. And I don't mean Stan Papi. He's gone already and has been for many years. By the way, Stan Papi hit 7 home runs in the big leagues. All were off lefthanders. Bet you didn't know that. Bet even Stan Papi didn't know that.
I'm not making sense now. Later.
Already some Red Sox players have been chirping that they don't like the move. Too freaking bad. The way the Sox folded down the stretch they have no say. And since when do the employees decide who the boss will be?
I truly believe one of two things will happen.
Valentine will be a huge success in Boston (maybe, possibly). Or, he could be a disaster of the highest degree (maybe, hopefully!).
But whatever the outcome will be, Bobby V will certainly make things interesting in Beantown.
My personal feeling is...good hire by the Red Sox. They may have to clean house first though before they consider themselves contenders next year.
If I was in charge, Youkilis, Varitek and Papi would be gone. And I don't mean Stan Papi. He's gone already and has been for many years. By the way, Stan Papi hit 7 home runs in the big leagues. All were off lefthanders. Bet you didn't know that. Bet even Stan Papi didn't know that.
I'm not making sense now. Later.
42 is 42
Hard to believe but Mariano Rivera is 42 years old. He looks the same as he did when he exploded onto the scene in 1996 as John Wetteland's set up man. The next season he was the closer and, well he's still there, as good as ever.
I did hear that Rivera's throat has been bothering him and he might need a surgical procedure. Hopefully, if that is the case it is nothing too serious and that it goes well.
I've seen some great closers in my lifetime...Rollie Fingers, Bruce Sutter, Goose Gossage, Sparky Lyle, Trevor Hoffman and Armando Benitez but Mariano is better than them all. Hopefully he has, oh, 10 more seasons left in him. Seriously, I get ill when I think of the Yankees bullpen without him. He can't pitch forever. Can he?
Anyway, Happy Birthday to Mariano. He turned his uniform number yesterday.
Oh, I was only kidding about Armando Benitez. Give me some credit will ya!
I did hear that Rivera's throat has been bothering him and he might need a surgical procedure. Hopefully, if that is the case it is nothing too serious and that it goes well.
I've seen some great closers in my lifetime...Rollie Fingers, Bruce Sutter, Goose Gossage, Sparky Lyle, Trevor Hoffman and Armando Benitez but Mariano is better than them all. Hopefully he has, oh, 10 more seasons left in him. Seriously, I get ill when I think of the Yankees bullpen without him. He can't pitch forever. Can he?
Anyway, Happy Birthday to Mariano. He turned his uniform number yesterday.
Oh, I was only kidding about Armando Benitez. Give me some credit will ya!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Incredible Picture
I stumbled upon an awesome picture recently and every time I look at it I see something different. Take a look for yourself before I continue. If the link thing doesn't work, copy and paste and take a look at it in a new window.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5060/5455215608_23f1bf840f_o.jpg
It's a shot of Exposition Park in Pittsburgh, circa 1905. It was where the Pirates played before heading to Forbes Field for the 1909 season.
There are many reasons why this picture is most fascinating to me. First of all, the clarity of the shot. You rarely see pictures this crisp from that time.
Secondly, there are two games being played simultaneously. One in Exposition Park and the other a sandlot game outside the big league park.
In the sandlot game several things strike me. Notice how close the third base stands are. How many people got drilled by foul balls? How many runners rounding third and heading for home took a detour and ended up in the grandstand?
Look how deep the third baseman and shortstop are playing. They better have cannons for arms. I can't even spot the leftfielder. Was the guy at bat a feared slugger, the Harmon Killebrew of his time?
How would you like to be an outfielder on this field? There appears to be not one but two telephone poles in short center field, a short pole and a long one.
There doesn't seem to be a home plate umpire either as I magnify the photo.
Look at the cars parked behind the first base grandstand of Exposition Park. Why didn't cars park in the vacant lot next to the sandlot field? Can you spot the horse drawn carriage?
Three Rivers Stadium, former home of the Pirates and Steelers was built to the left of where Exposition Park stood. More the the left is where PNC Park sits today. Heinz Field, new home of the Steelers is to the right of where Exposition Park was.
The river in the picture is the Allegheny River. Everything on the near side of the river in this picture is gone. On the far side of the river there are buildings that still stand, including the large building with an arch that is a prominently seen today from PNC Park.
Just so much to see in this picture and so many questions. I'd love to go back in time to this exact moment. If I knew the date of the photo, I could figure out who the Pirates are playing. Honus Wagner one of the all-time greats is likely playing in the big field. I can't see much of what is going on inside Exposition park but I can see first base through the stands.
I'd really love to know who the photographer was and find out what is currently at the spot this shot was taken.
That picture was taken 105 or so years ago. Every single person in that photo is dead. When the picture was taken I'm willing to bet that not a soul in that shot could have expected some guy in Denver in 2011 to be pouring over every detail of the picture, completely and totally enthralled by it. But that's the case.
To give credit where credit is due, I found this picture in the ballparks section of www.baseball-fever.com. Awesome website, awesome picture. Just beautiful.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5060/5455215608_23f1bf840f_o.jpg
It's a shot of Exposition Park in Pittsburgh, circa 1905. It was where the Pirates played before heading to Forbes Field for the 1909 season.
There are many reasons why this picture is most fascinating to me. First of all, the clarity of the shot. You rarely see pictures this crisp from that time.
Secondly, there are two games being played simultaneously. One in Exposition Park and the other a sandlot game outside the big league park.
In the sandlot game several things strike me. Notice how close the third base stands are. How many people got drilled by foul balls? How many runners rounding third and heading for home took a detour and ended up in the grandstand?
Look how deep the third baseman and shortstop are playing. They better have cannons for arms. I can't even spot the leftfielder. Was the guy at bat a feared slugger, the Harmon Killebrew of his time?
How would you like to be an outfielder on this field? There appears to be not one but two telephone poles in short center field, a short pole and a long one.
There doesn't seem to be a home plate umpire either as I magnify the photo.
Look at the cars parked behind the first base grandstand of Exposition Park. Why didn't cars park in the vacant lot next to the sandlot field? Can you spot the horse drawn carriage?
Three Rivers Stadium, former home of the Pirates and Steelers was built to the left of where Exposition Park stood. More the the left is where PNC Park sits today. Heinz Field, new home of the Steelers is to the right of where Exposition Park was.
The river in the picture is the Allegheny River. Everything on the near side of the river in this picture is gone. On the far side of the river there are buildings that still stand, including the large building with an arch that is a prominently seen today from PNC Park.
Just so much to see in this picture and so many questions. I'd love to go back in time to this exact moment. If I knew the date of the photo, I could figure out who the Pirates are playing. Honus Wagner one of the all-time greats is likely playing in the big field. I can't see much of what is going on inside Exposition park but I can see first base through the stands.
I'd really love to know who the photographer was and find out what is currently at the spot this shot was taken.
That picture was taken 105 or so years ago. Every single person in that photo is dead. When the picture was taken I'm willing to bet that not a soul in that shot could have expected some guy in Denver in 2011 to be pouring over every detail of the picture, completely and totally enthralled by it. But that's the case.
To give credit where credit is due, I found this picture in the ballparks section of www.baseball-fever.com. Awesome website, awesome picture. Just beautiful.
Verlander
I hate when pitchers win the MVP Award as Tigers hurler Justin Verlander did today. I'm of the school that a pitcher has his own award and shouldn't be eligible for the MVP.
As I anticipated on this blog over the weekend, Jacoby Ellsbury finished ahead of Curtis Granderson in the voting.
Here's the breakdown...
1) Verlander (24-5, 2.40)
2) Ellsbury (32 HR, 105 RBI's, 39 steals, .321 ave, 119 runs)
3) Jose Bautista (43 HR, 103 RBI's, .302)
4) Curtis Granderson (41 HR, 119 RBI's, .262 ave, 136 runs, 25 sb's)
5) Miguel Cabrera (30 HR, 105 RBI's, .344 ave)
As I anticipated on this blog over the weekend, Jacoby Ellsbury finished ahead of Curtis Granderson in the voting.
Here's the breakdown...
1) Verlander (24-5, 2.40)
2) Ellsbury (32 HR, 105 RBI's, 39 steals, .321 ave, 119 runs)
3) Jose Bautista (43 HR, 103 RBI's, .302)
4) Curtis Granderson (41 HR, 119 RBI's, .262 ave, 136 runs, 25 sb's)
5) Miguel Cabrera (30 HR, 105 RBI's, .344 ave)
Saturday, November 19, 2011
The Honey Man
While tooling around baseballreference.com as I kill time before the Boston College-Notre Dame football game (the bad Catholics, BC, versus the good Catholics, ND!) I happened upon a guy with a sweet nickname.
Honey Barnes, real name John Francis Barnes, played with the Yankees in 1926. Well, he kind of played for the Yankees.
His career consisted of just one game, on April 20th, an 18-5 Yankees win at Washington.
In that game, Honey Barnes made one plate appearance and he walked. He caught a couple of innings with no putouts or assists. And that was that, the extent of his major league career. His walk though made his career on-base percentage 1.000, tied with a few others for the highest OBP in big league history! Chew on that Billy Beane.
Speaking of that game, there were 9 future Hall of Famers involved. Earle Combs, Tony Lazzeri, Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth and Miller Huggins (manager) for the Yankees while Sam Rice, Goose Goslin, Walter Johnson and Bucky Harris (player-manager) played for the Senators. Ruth went 5 for 6 with 6 RBI's including a homer off of Johnson. It wasn't one of Johnson's better games. He left after 3 innings allowing 7 runs.
Barnes was born on January 31, 1900 in Fulton, New York. He went to Colgate University. He died on June 18, 1981. So thanks to his one game career in 1926, Honey Barnes was able to tell people for the next 55-years that he was teammates with Ruth, Gehrig, Lazzeri and Combs and was managed by Huggins. But I wonder if he resentful of Huggins for not playing him more or if he appreciated his one tiny appearance in the majors.
While Honey Barnes didn't make much of an impact in Major League baseball, he did play in one game. That is one game more than the millions of kids, me included, that wishes they could have played in one game in The Show.
Honey Barnes, real name John Francis Barnes, played with the Yankees in 1926. Well, he kind of played for the Yankees.
His career consisted of just one game, on April 20th, an 18-5 Yankees win at Washington.
In that game, Honey Barnes made one plate appearance and he walked. He caught a couple of innings with no putouts or assists. And that was that, the extent of his major league career. His walk though made his career on-base percentage 1.000, tied with a few others for the highest OBP in big league history! Chew on that Billy Beane.
Speaking of that game, there were 9 future Hall of Famers involved. Earle Combs, Tony Lazzeri, Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth and Miller Huggins (manager) for the Yankees while Sam Rice, Goose Goslin, Walter Johnson and Bucky Harris (player-manager) played for the Senators. Ruth went 5 for 6 with 6 RBI's including a homer off of Johnson. It wasn't one of Johnson's better games. He left after 3 innings allowing 7 runs.
Barnes was born on January 31, 1900 in Fulton, New York. He went to Colgate University. He died on June 18, 1981. So thanks to his one game career in 1926, Honey Barnes was able to tell people for the next 55-years that he was teammates with Ruth, Gehrig, Lazzeri and Combs and was managed by Huggins. But I wonder if he resentful of Huggins for not playing him more or if he appreciated his one tiny appearance in the majors.
While Honey Barnes didn't make much of an impact in Major League baseball, he did play in one game. That is one game more than the millions of kids, me included, that wishes they could have played in one game in The Show.
Uniform Changes
Props to the Blue Jays for changing their uniforms back to the way they used to be, specifically returning to the color blue and for re-incorporating the red maple leaf on the logo.
For the past 15 years or so the Jays looked more like the Toronto Black Birds. Why they abandoned blue for black makes no sense other than they thought they could sell more merchandise to gang members. I'm sure the team will enjoy wearing white jerseys at home and gray on the road instead of all-black tops, especially on hot sunny days.
Plus, they won two World Series in those original style unis.
Moving on, the Marlins are now the Miami Marlins and with that a uniform change. The change looks crappy. The "M" logo featured on the hat is dull, boring and ugly. It looks like an 8-year old kid designed it, no offense to 8-year old kids. Very unimaginative uniform for Flori...Miami. I'm glad they are switching their name to Miami by the way. The minor league teams that played there were always called Miami. Miami Tarpons comes to mind. Miami Miracle too which was another minor league team.
The Orioles changed their caps and will go back to the cartoon bird on the large white panel on the front. While it seems to be well received in Baltimore and beyond, personally I hate that hat. I like the ones they've used the past decade plus. To me, the ornithologically correct bird logo was awesome, which they've used since 1989 with a couple of tweaks along the way. I really like that hat. The cartoon bird to me looks silly. If I want to watch cartoon characters, I'll just watch the Orioles play.
As for the Padres, they've made minor changes to their uniform. Who cares. Since their inception in 1969, the Padres have had numerous uniforms, several disastrous but not once in my estimation have they ever had a uniform that I would say was "nice." The finest uniforms of the Padres have always been mediocre at best. They are simply a franchise that has never had a sweet looking uni and I don't know if they ever will.
For the past 15 years or so the Jays looked more like the Toronto Black Birds. Why they abandoned blue for black makes no sense other than they thought they could sell more merchandise to gang members. I'm sure the team will enjoy wearing white jerseys at home and gray on the road instead of all-black tops, especially on hot sunny days.
Plus, they won two World Series in those original style unis.
Moving on, the Marlins are now the Miami Marlins and with that a uniform change. The change looks crappy. The "M" logo featured on the hat is dull, boring and ugly. It looks like an 8-year old kid designed it, no offense to 8-year old kids. Very unimaginative uniform for Flori...Miami. I'm glad they are switching their name to Miami by the way. The minor league teams that played there were always called Miami. Miami Tarpons comes to mind. Miami Miracle too which was another minor league team.
The Orioles changed their caps and will go back to the cartoon bird on the large white panel on the front. While it seems to be well received in Baltimore and beyond, personally I hate that hat. I like the ones they've used the past decade plus. To me, the ornithologically correct bird logo was awesome, which they've used since 1989 with a couple of tweaks along the way. I really like that hat. The cartoon bird to me looks silly. If I want to watch cartoon characters, I'll just watch the Orioles play.
As for the Padres, they've made minor changes to their uniform. Who cares. Since their inception in 1969, the Padres have had numerous uniforms, several disastrous but not once in my estimation have they ever had a uniform that I would say was "nice." The finest uniforms of the Padres have always been mediocre at best. They are simply a franchise that has never had a sweet looking uni and I don't know if they ever will.
No Beefs
Justin Verlander won the American League Cy Young award and Clayton Kershaw took National League Cy Young honors this week.
They both are deserving, should have won and did.
No beefs here.
It's incredible how close their stats were.
Verlander was 24-5 with an ERA of 2.40 with 250 strikeouts in 251 innings pitched.
Kershaw finished at 21-5, 2.28 with 248 K's in 233 innings of work.
They both allowed 174 hits and had two shutouts apiece. One of those shutouts for Verlander was a no-hitter. Walks? Verlander 57, Kershaw 54.
As for the Manager's of the Year, Joe Madden of the Rays was most deserving in the American League. That team was dead and they kept on keeping on and ended up in the playoffs thanks to perseverance and the Red Sox historic collapse.
Kirk Gibson won the NL skipper of the year and there really wasn't anyone else who could have been considered. Maybe Clint Hurdle of the Pirates midway through the season but they fell apart in the second half as usual.
So no beefs again.
Rookies of the Year? Jeremy Hellickson of the Rays in the AL and Craig Kimbrel of the Braves in the NL. I would have probably voted for Mark Trumbo of the Angels for American rookie honors and Kimbrel would have gotten my NL Vote. Hellickson is certainly deserving though.
So once again, no beefs with the post-season awards so far. The MVP's will be announced next week.
I'll go with Curtis Granderson of the Yankees in the American League and the Brewers Ryan Braun in the National League to edge out Matt Kemp of the Dodgers.
While I think Granderson is very deserving I would bet that Jacoby Ellsbury of the Red Sox wins the award. The voters (media) are in love with all things Boston.
They both are deserving, should have won and did.
No beefs here.
It's incredible how close their stats were.
Verlander was 24-5 with an ERA of 2.40 with 250 strikeouts in 251 innings pitched.
Kershaw finished at 21-5, 2.28 with 248 K's in 233 innings of work.
They both allowed 174 hits and had two shutouts apiece. One of those shutouts for Verlander was a no-hitter. Walks? Verlander 57, Kershaw 54.
As for the Manager's of the Year, Joe Madden of the Rays was most deserving in the American League. That team was dead and they kept on keeping on and ended up in the playoffs thanks to perseverance and the Red Sox historic collapse.
Kirk Gibson won the NL skipper of the year and there really wasn't anyone else who could have been considered. Maybe Clint Hurdle of the Pirates midway through the season but they fell apart in the second half as usual.
So no beefs again.
Rookies of the Year? Jeremy Hellickson of the Rays in the AL and Craig Kimbrel of the Braves in the NL. I would have probably voted for Mark Trumbo of the Angels for American rookie honors and Kimbrel would have gotten my NL Vote. Hellickson is certainly deserving though.
So once again, no beefs with the post-season awards so far. The MVP's will be announced next week.
I'll go with Curtis Granderson of the Yankees in the American League and the Brewers Ryan Braun in the National League to edge out Matt Kemp of the Dodgers.
While I think Granderson is very deserving I would bet that Jacoby Ellsbury of the Red Sox wins the award. The voters (media) are in love with all things Boston.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Pen Changes
The Red Sox are in need of not only a manager but a closer too.
Jonathan Papelbon, who always has reminded me of Stanley Ipkiss in the movie "The Mask", is now a Philadelphia Phillie, signing a 4-year, 50-million dollar deal as a free-agent. From a Phils perspective, they needed a reliable closer. But, at 31 next season, will Papelbon and his contract become a burden in the future? For Philadelphia, the future is now so it looks like a good deal in the short term. But remember, relievers tend to lose it quickly. At least those closers not named Rivera or Hoffman.
Are the Red Sox comfortable with Daniel Bard taking over as closer? Maybe. He averages a strikeout per inning. But the Red Sox will certainly look much different than they did a year ago.
Oh, one other thing. If you are wondering about Papelbon's loyalty to the team that he played seven seasons for that included a World Series title in 2007 and a franchise that paid him over 29-million dollars over that period, don't. There is no loyalty in professional sports on either side. Once a player has slipped or is finished, teams will look for a replacement. If a player can get more money elsewhere he'll take it. Loyalty in professional sports is a nice concept. It is also a thing of the past if it ever existed in the first place.
Jonathan Papelbon, who always has reminded me of Stanley Ipkiss in the movie "The Mask", is now a Philadelphia Phillie, signing a 4-year, 50-million dollar deal as a free-agent. From a Phils perspective, they needed a reliable closer. But, at 31 next season, will Papelbon and his contract become a burden in the future? For Philadelphia, the future is now so it looks like a good deal in the short term. But remember, relievers tend to lose it quickly. At least those closers not named Rivera or Hoffman.
Are the Red Sox comfortable with Daniel Bard taking over as closer? Maybe. He averages a strikeout per inning. But the Red Sox will certainly look much different than they did a year ago.
Oh, one other thing. If you are wondering about Papelbon's loyalty to the team that he played seven seasons for that included a World Series title in 2007 and a franchise that paid him over 29-million dollars over that period, don't. There is no loyalty in professional sports on either side. Once a player has slipped or is finished, teams will look for a replacement. If a player can get more money elsewhere he'll take it. Loyalty in professional sports is a nice concept. It is also a thing of the past if it ever existed in the first place.
Move
The kidnapping this week of Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos in his native Venezuela was frightening.
Just a rookie last year, Ramos made just $415,000. Not much in Major League salary terms but a fortune in Venezuela.
Thank goodness Ramos was rescued shaken but unharmed just two days after his abduction.
This isn't the first time a person of note was kidnapped. Just a few years ago then Rockies catcher Yorvit Torrealba's son was kidnapped for ransom. Fortunately he also was rescued physically unharmed.
If you have money in Venezuela then you are a target for these ruthless kidnappers. If you are a Major League baseball player you have some money. My suggestion to every Venezuelan baseball player would be to move out of the country. It is only a matter of time until this happens again and maybe the outcome won't be as fortuitous. And as a side note to that idiot President (dictator) Hugo Chavez...fix your country.
Just a rookie last year, Ramos made just $415,000. Not much in Major League salary terms but a fortune in Venezuela.
Thank goodness Ramos was rescued shaken but unharmed just two days after his abduction.
This isn't the first time a person of note was kidnapped. Just a few years ago then Rockies catcher Yorvit Torrealba's son was kidnapped for ransom. Fortunately he also was rescued physically unharmed.
If you have money in Venezuela then you are a target for these ruthless kidnappers. If you are a Major League baseball player you have some money. My suggestion to every Venezuelan baseball player would be to move out of the country. It is only a matter of time until this happens again and maybe the outcome won't be as fortuitous. And as a side note to that idiot President (dictator) Hugo Chavez...fix your country.
Worse Than The Black Sox
Prior to this past week, I would have immediately said that the 1919 Black Sox scandal, where the White Sox threw the World Series against the Reds, was the worst scandal in American sports history.
Well, with all the disgraceful events coming out of Penn State this week I would say we have a new "Worst Scandal in American Sports History."
With the Black Sox, it was a crime that shook the sports confidence of America. Certainly a horrible event and a terrible black eye. But who got hurt? Sports fans of all ages, the entire sport of baseball, the players who threw the games and the gamblers who didn't turn a profit.
Who got hurt in the Penn State child sexual abuse scandal perpetrated by former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky? Kids. Kids getting hurt trumps gamblers and sports fans. Then the collateral damage of everyone involved with Penn State. I feel for the innocent people who work at Penn State, who graduated from PSU and the players. Still, young boys were hurt in this case beyond my comprehension thereby making it the worst sports scandal ever.
Penn State played yesterday, losing to Nebraska 17-14. The announced attendance was 107, 903. Wouldn't it have been nice if Penn State's trustees said, "Thanks for coming and for your support. All the gate proceeds from this game will go towards victims of child abuse and child abuse prevention programs."
Finally, there was a moment of silence for the victims of Jerry Sandusky, also known as one of the biggest pieces of shit ever. Did anyone else feel uncomfortable watching that? Wasn't silence the problem and why Sandusky was able to sodomize young boys for such a long period of time?
Well, with all the disgraceful events coming out of Penn State this week I would say we have a new "Worst Scandal in American Sports History."
With the Black Sox, it was a crime that shook the sports confidence of America. Certainly a horrible event and a terrible black eye. But who got hurt? Sports fans of all ages, the entire sport of baseball, the players who threw the games and the gamblers who didn't turn a profit.
Who got hurt in the Penn State child sexual abuse scandal perpetrated by former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky? Kids. Kids getting hurt trumps gamblers and sports fans. Then the collateral damage of everyone involved with Penn State. I feel for the innocent people who work at Penn State, who graduated from PSU and the players. Still, young boys were hurt in this case beyond my comprehension thereby making it the worst sports scandal ever.
Penn State played yesterday, losing to Nebraska 17-14. The announced attendance was 107, 903. Wouldn't it have been nice if Penn State's trustees said, "Thanks for coming and for your support. All the gate proceeds from this game will go towards victims of child abuse and child abuse prevention programs."
Finally, there was a moment of silence for the victims of Jerry Sandusky, also known as one of the biggest pieces of shit ever. Did anyone else feel uncomfortable watching that? Wasn't silence the problem and why Sandusky was able to sodomize young boys for such a long period of time?
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Beat Writer Opening in Denver
One of the Rockies beat writers, Jim Armstrong, left Denver Post on Friday. Saturday a story appeared in the same paper about a gambling ring that was busted and Armstrong was identified in court documents as being one of the people that wagered on sports.
Is it coincidental that Armstrong left the paper on Friday and then the story of the gambling issues happened to come out the next day? Probably not.
Gregory L. Moore, editor of The Post, had the following comment in the newspaper yesterday.
"Readers have to believe and trust that all of us at The Denver Post cover events impartially and without a stake in the outcome. We take this very seriously."
The betting operation was apparently big with some heavy hitters involved. It evidently wasn't a 20-dollars a bet type deal.
Should he have been let go? Probably. It just doesn't look good to have someone who is wagering on games covering them. Could he actually influence a game? Probably not.
It's funny, in this country we have lotteries, fantasy football, Las Vegas, office pools, side bets and all sorts of things to gamble on. Yet when a guy places a bet with a bookmaker all of a sudden people get all hot and bothered.
I don't know Armstrong well. I've seen him in press boxes and have said hello to him on plenty of occasions. He's given me a "hello" back and sometimes a smile or smirk but that's about it. A beat writer is a pretty intense job so I understand if he didn't want to make small talk. But after 27 years at the Post, it is a pretty sad way for him to exit. Hopefully he'll get over this and continue his career in some capacity.
Is it coincidental that Armstrong left the paper on Friday and then the story of the gambling issues happened to come out the next day? Probably not.
Gregory L. Moore, editor of The Post, had the following comment in the newspaper yesterday.
"Readers have to believe and trust that all of us at The Denver Post cover events impartially and without a stake in the outcome. We take this very seriously."
The betting operation was apparently big with some heavy hitters involved. It evidently wasn't a 20-dollars a bet type deal.
Should he have been let go? Probably. It just doesn't look good to have someone who is wagering on games covering them. Could he actually influence a game? Probably not.
It's funny, in this country we have lotteries, fantasy football, Las Vegas, office pools, side bets and all sorts of things to gamble on. Yet when a guy places a bet with a bookmaker all of a sudden people get all hot and bothered.
I don't know Armstrong well. I've seen him in press boxes and have said hello to him on plenty of occasions. He's given me a "hello" back and sometimes a smile or smirk but that's about it. A beat writer is a pretty intense job so I understand if he didn't want to make small talk. But after 27 years at the Post, it is a pretty sad way for him to exit. Hopefully he'll get over this and continue his career in some capacity.
Can You Spare A Few Million?
The Mets, still reeling with financial issues, recently laid off 10-percent of their front office staff. So Harriet the secretary pulling in 24 thousand or Ethan in media relations pulling in 20-grand or so are out of work.
Meanwhile, the Mets are paying players a lot of money to under perform. Money they don't have. They are looking for minority investors, trying to raise 30-million or so. It's a bad situation and I feel for the "little" people who the team found expendable yet they have no issues paying Jason Bay 18-million this past year to hit 12 homers with a .245 average.
They also have a dilemma at third base. Do you keep David Wright, who will make 15-million next season, or do you trade him to save on the payroll and get prospects and cheaper players in return?
The Mets are even bringing in the fences at Citi Field to help Wright, the face of the franchise and the rest of the team hit more home runs. On a side note, I would advise the contractors in charge of erecting the new fences to get paid up front.
It is no secret the Rockies need a third baseman. As I've written before, I would ante up and sign free agent Aramis Ramirez to man the Colorado hot corner. However, I would also make a bid to get Wright. He's younger than Ramirez (Wright will be 29 next season, Ramirez 34) and he's a guy who has marketability. From all indications Wright is a good egg and will fit in nicely in the Rockies clubhouse.
Despite some injury issues the past few seasons, when healthy Wright is one of the best third basemen in baseball. Pricey yes. Risky? A little. Anytime you pay a guy 15-million there is a risk. But worth it? If he plays up to his potential, yes. I'm not sure the Rockies though want to take on a salary the size of Wright's.
Meanwhile, the Mets are paying players a lot of money to under perform. Money they don't have. They are looking for minority investors, trying to raise 30-million or so. It's a bad situation and I feel for the "little" people who the team found expendable yet they have no issues paying Jason Bay 18-million this past year to hit 12 homers with a .245 average.
They also have a dilemma at third base. Do you keep David Wright, who will make 15-million next season, or do you trade him to save on the payroll and get prospects and cheaper players in return?
The Mets are even bringing in the fences at Citi Field to help Wright, the face of the franchise and the rest of the team hit more home runs. On a side note, I would advise the contractors in charge of erecting the new fences to get paid up front.
It is no secret the Rockies need a third baseman. As I've written before, I would ante up and sign free agent Aramis Ramirez to man the Colorado hot corner. However, I would also make a bid to get Wright. He's younger than Ramirez (Wright will be 29 next season, Ramirez 34) and he's a guy who has marketability. From all indications Wright is a good egg and will fit in nicely in the Rockies clubhouse.
Despite some injury issues the past few seasons, when healthy Wright is one of the best third basemen in baseball. Pricey yes. Risky? A little. Anytime you pay a guy 15-million there is a risk. But worth it? If he plays up to his potential, yes. I'm not sure the Rockies though want to take on a salary the size of Wright's.
Rough News
Very sad week in baseball as Matty Alou and Bob Forsch both passed away, Alou on Thursday, Forsch on Friday.
Alou passed away from complications from diabetes at the age of 72 while Forsch, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 7 of the World Series, died suddenly from a chest aneurysm. He was just 61.
I remember Alou playing with the Yankees for a season. His brother Felipe was on the team as well. I liked Alou since he was a left handed hitter like me and he was a tough out (unlike me!). I looked up his stats and was a little surprised to see he had a career average of .307. Not many guys can say they played in 15-big league seasons and ended up with an average that high. I would have guessed mid .280's.
Forsch was always a solid pitcher, finishing with 168 wins . He and his brother Ken are the only brothers in Major League history to throw no-hitters. Bob had two no-no's. Looking at a picture of him from last week, he looked in great shape and very healthy. It shows you how fragile life can really be.
One of the greatest pitchers in Cardinals history, Bob Forsch's last pitch was a strike before the Cards Game 7 win. His family should get a World Series ring.
Alou passed away from complications from diabetes at the age of 72 while Forsch, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 7 of the World Series, died suddenly from a chest aneurysm. He was just 61.
I remember Alou playing with the Yankees for a season. His brother Felipe was on the team as well. I liked Alou since he was a left handed hitter like me and he was a tough out (unlike me!). I looked up his stats and was a little surprised to see he had a career average of .307. Not many guys can say they played in 15-big league seasons and ended up with an average that high. I would have guessed mid .280's.
Forsch was always a solid pitcher, finishing with 168 wins . He and his brother Ken are the only brothers in Major League history to throw no-hitters. Bob had two no-no's. Looking at a picture of him from last week, he looked in great shape and very healthy. It shows you how fragile life can really be.
One of the greatest pitchers in Cardinals history, Bob Forsch's last pitch was a strike before the Cards Game 7 win. His family should get a World Series ring.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Gardner Hosed
The Gold Glove awards don't make sense. It is probably the only award where defensive stats don't mean much. If a guy is a great hitter (Albert Pujols) his chances of winning the gold glove, even if he is an average fielder (Albert Pujols), are increased.
The American League outfielders who won gold gloves last night were: Jacoby Ellsbury, Nick Markakis and Alex Gordon.
Ellsbury, no problem. Markakis, ehh. Gordon? Really?
Brett Gardner got hosed. Big time. He had the best defensive season of any outfielder in the American League. Curtis Granderson also has a beef not getting a gold glove.
And while I'm at it, Dustin Pedroia is a great defensive player but he shouldn't have won the gold glove at second base over Robinson Cano. No way, no how. Cano makes plays that the 29 other starting second basemen in baseball can't make. But Pedroia is the loveable, scrappy keystoner for the Bostons while Cano plays for the evil Yankees.
I'll take Gardner defensively over any outfielder in the AL and Cano over any second baseman in the game today. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Cano has the best arm of any second baseman I've ever seen. Period. I challenge you to find a better arm for a second baseman.
The American League outfielders who won gold gloves last night were: Jacoby Ellsbury, Nick Markakis and Alex Gordon.
Ellsbury, no problem. Markakis, ehh. Gordon? Really?
Brett Gardner got hosed. Big time. He had the best defensive season of any outfielder in the American League. Curtis Granderson also has a beef not getting a gold glove.
And while I'm at it, Dustin Pedroia is a great defensive player but he shouldn't have won the gold glove at second base over Robinson Cano. No way, no how. Cano makes plays that the 29 other starting second basemen in baseball can't make. But Pedroia is the loveable, scrappy keystoner for the Bostons while Cano plays for the evil Yankees.
I'll take Gardner defensively over any outfielder in the AL and Cano over any second baseman in the game today. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Cano has the best arm of any second baseman I've ever seen. Period. I challenge you to find a better arm for a second baseman.
Bad Move Theo
Theo Epstein, new Cubs president, fired Mike Quade as manager just as I recommended. I also recommended that he hire Ryne Sandberg. Apparently that isn't going to happen as reports indicate he called the Hall of Famer and told him that he wasn't on the Cubs list of potential managers?
Espstein is looking for someone with coaching or managing experience on the Major League level. OK. I can understand that. But what about someone with 15-seasons of playing on the Major Freaking League level? How about someone who was a perennial All-Star and who was inducted into Cooperstown? Oh, that doesn't count for anything? He won't have the respect of the players because he hasn't been a coach or manager in the big leagues?
Theo, listen to me. No one you bring in, other than perhaps Terry Francona, will have as much respect in that clubhouse than Ryan Sandberg. Mike Quade had coaching experience in the big leagues when he got the Cubs managerial spot. He never played in the Major Leagues. How did that work out?
Sandberg, unlike many former players, didn't find it beneath him to go to the minors to manage. He did it well. He's paid his dues in the minors and is ready for a big league shot.
How will Cubs fans feel if Sandberg ends up managing the Cardinals?
Unless Theo gets Francona, anyone other than Sandberg will be a mistake. Give Ryno a shot.
Espstein is looking for someone with coaching or managing experience on the Major League level. OK. I can understand that. But what about someone with 15-seasons of playing on the Major Freaking League level? How about someone who was a perennial All-Star and who was inducted into Cooperstown? Oh, that doesn't count for anything? He won't have the respect of the players because he hasn't been a coach or manager in the big leagues?
Theo, listen to me. No one you bring in, other than perhaps Terry Francona, will have as much respect in that clubhouse than Ryan Sandberg. Mike Quade had coaching experience in the big leagues when he got the Cubs managerial spot. He never played in the Major Leagues. How did that work out?
Sandberg, unlike many former players, didn't find it beneath him to go to the minors to manage. He did it well. He's paid his dues in the minors and is ready for a big league shot.
How will Cubs fans feel if Sandberg ends up managing the Cardinals?
Unless Theo gets Francona, anyone other than Sandberg will be a mistake. Give Ryno a shot.
Listen Up Rockies
I'm not on the Rockies payroll but I'm going to offer some advice. Sound advice.
Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez is a free agent and Chicago doesn't want him back.
He's a little long in the tooth but at 34 next year he should still put up numbers similar to what he did with the Cubs this past season, .306/26/93. Plus, he still plays a solid third base.
Or would the Rockies rather go into spring training with Ian Stewart (.156/0/6) or the statuesque Ty Wigginton (.242/15/42) manning the hot corner.
Sign Ramirez. It's as close to a no-brainer as possible.
Your welcome Rockies for the free advice.
Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez is a free agent and Chicago doesn't want him back.
He's a little long in the tooth but at 34 next year he should still put up numbers similar to what he did with the Cubs this past season, .306/26/93. Plus, he still plays a solid third base.
Or would the Rockies rather go into spring training with Ian Stewart (.156/0/6) or the statuesque Ty Wigginton (.242/15/42) manning the hot corner.
Sign Ramirez. It's as close to a no-brainer as possible.
Your welcome Rockies for the free advice.
Thank You MLB Network..
In years past, once the World Series was done, the next baseball we would see would be spring training games in early March where the lineup is filled with guys wearing numbers 76, 82 and 91.
Not no mo!
Last night I was watching a team of Major League players face the Taiwanese National Team in Taiwan. Curtis Granderson of the Yankees belted a grand slam in the American's 7-0 victory over Taiwan.
Couple of quick notes...The Taiwan fans have to be saluted. They filled the ballpark (not a bad little double-deck stadium with outfield bleachers) and stayed in their seats despite the rain. They also cheered the MLB stars and even gave a loud ovation to Robinson Cano who crushed a ball...foul. It was a festive atmosphere despite the rain. Great fans indeed.
The MLB'ers play 4 more games in Taiwan and I'll watch as much as I can thanks to MLB Network.
Here's a slogan for the MLB Network: MLB Network...Making Winters Almost Bearable!
(Yes I came up with that one all on my own!)
Not no mo!
Last night I was watching a team of Major League players face the Taiwanese National Team in Taiwan. Curtis Granderson of the Yankees belted a grand slam in the American's 7-0 victory over Taiwan.
Couple of quick notes...The Taiwan fans have to be saluted. They filled the ballpark (not a bad little double-deck stadium with outfield bleachers) and stayed in their seats despite the rain. They also cheered the MLB stars and even gave a loud ovation to Robinson Cano who crushed a ball...foul. It was a festive atmosphere despite the rain. Great fans indeed.
The MLB'ers play 4 more games in Taiwan and I'll watch as much as I can thanks to MLB Network.
Here's a slogan for the MLB Network: MLB Network...Making Winters Almost Bearable!
(Yes I came up with that one all on my own!)
Theo Axes Quade...Figuratively
The Cubs are looking for a new manager after Mike Quade got fired today by new team president Theo Epstein.
Epstein wanted a fresh slate and I don't blame him.
I wonder how the firing went down. Did Theo soften the blow or did he follow the conversation I outlined in Monday's "Bring Back Ryno" post.
Perhaps Theo reads this blog and was just following my advice. You are probably saying, "No way Theo Epstein reads BR's blog, no way!"
Well, I prefer to think differently. Plus, I think it is fair to say I can be delusional. So, yeah, Theo does read this blog and follows my advice!
Seriously though, do the Cubs go after Sandberg? Terry Francona is available.
Would it be too much to ask for the duo of Epstein and Francona to end another team's curse?
Epstein wanted a fresh slate and I don't blame him.
I wonder how the firing went down. Did Theo soften the blow or did he follow the conversation I outlined in Monday's "Bring Back Ryno" post.
Perhaps Theo reads this blog and was just following my advice. You are probably saying, "No way Theo Epstein reads BR's blog, no way!"
Well, I prefer to think differently. Plus, I think it is fair to say I can be delusional. So, yeah, Theo does read this blog and follows my advice!
Seriously though, do the Cubs go after Sandberg? Terry Francona is available.
Would it be too much to ask for the duo of Epstein and Francona to end another team's curse?
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Earlier Than Ever
Since I'm getting older I need to start working out earlier for the upcoming baseball season.
If you don't know, I play in an Over 35-year old baseball league. Yes, baseball, not softball. The our league is based in Denver but there are league's all over the country in something called the NABA, which stands for National Adult Baseball Association. I affectionately call the Over 35-division the Old Guy's League.
I still get great joy in playing the game I have played ever since I can remember. But as I get older I realize I need to work out harder than ever before.
Therefore today I started my workouts for Old Guy's baseball.
Opening Day is 5 months away. But I plan on playing in a kickoff tournament in Las Vegas, February 18-20. That will be a good way to get some games and at-bats in before out season starts in Denver.
Today I stretched, lifted weights, did core work, swung a bat and took an hour bike ride. I feel good. I won't start throwing though until probably late December or January. Need to get my elbow in real good shape before I do that.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to getting into peak shape for next season.
If you don't know, I play in an Over 35-year old baseball league. Yes, baseball, not softball. The our league is based in Denver but there are league's all over the country in something called the NABA, which stands for National Adult Baseball Association. I affectionately call the Over 35-division the Old Guy's League.
I still get great joy in playing the game I have played ever since I can remember. But as I get older I realize I need to work out harder than ever before.
Therefore today I started my workouts for Old Guy's baseball.
Opening Day is 5 months away. But I plan on playing in a kickoff tournament in Las Vegas, February 18-20. That will be a good way to get some games and at-bats in before out season starts in Denver.
Today I stretched, lifted weights, did core work, swung a bat and took an hour bike ride. I feel good. I won't start throwing though until probably late December or January. Need to get my elbow in real good shape before I do that.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to getting into peak shape for next season.
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