In my younger, more innocent days, I loved the derby. I looked forward to the HR Derby more than the actual main event, the All-Star Game. Once I found out what the field would look like, I would try to prognosticate who would hit how many dongs. I even loved Chris Berman chanting "BACK, BACK, BACK, BACK, GONE". I think I'm most embarrassed about the Chris Berman thing, considering I see him as the biggest hack on the Worldwide Leader today. Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux were only half right when they famously figured out that chicks dig the long ball. I can't think of anyone who doesn't dig the long ball.
Over the years, the Derby has lost a little bit of spectacle for me. I don't see the joy that I saw on the faces of the participants years ago, with sluggers like Vlad and Albert Pujols treating the event as just another day in the office. I learned that Chris Berman is, essentially, a buffoon. (BTW, who wants to take bets on the following jokes from Boomer: a Evan Longoria/Eva Longoria joke, a Brawny paper towel man reference, and "there sure wasn't anything Uggla with that swing!") I learned that Joe Morgan basically reads from a script. Step one: mention that I was on the Big Red Machine. Step two: suggest that a player who has already locked a spot in the semis or finals to just quit. It's a goddamn exhibition, you pompous ass. If Justin Morneau quits just because he's guaranteed a spot in the finals, he deserves to be booed mercilessly.
Don't ask me why, but I'm amped for this Derby though, probably for the same reasons why T and others are so down on it. These eight guys represent what's good in this league (yes, even the former junkie, Josh Hamilton). There are no superegos here, just the two best second basemen in baseball (apologies to Ian Kinsler) and two of the most underrated stars of the past five years (that is, if an MVP can be underrated. I think he can. I got your back, Justin). Three future studs that, at this rate, will do the unthinkable and make Tampa, Texas, and Milwaukee exciting again, and the dreamy Grady Sizemore. This isn't your father's home run derby. And this guy couldn't be happier. Chicks may dig the long ball, but I dig the studs of tomorrow aiming for the black in centerfield. I was on the Big Red Machine.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
All-Star break...finally!
The first half of the season took WAAAY too long this year, and it wasn't just arduous for Mets' fans, but fans of almost every team.
A reminder of my preseason predictions (current standing at break):
AL East: BoSox (half a game up on the Rays)
AL Central: Tigers (7 games behind ChiSox)
AL West: Angels (6 games up on Oakland)
AL Wild Card: Injuns (14 out of Wild Card race, second worst team in AL)--I'll pat myself on the back for that one
NL East: Mets (half a game back of the Phillies)--pardon me for assuming they win tonight. When you're playing the NL West's bottom-feeders, you're allowed to assume the W.
NL Central: Cardinals (4.5 behind the Cubbies)
NL West: D'backs (1 game up on the Dodgers)
NL Wild Card: Hotlanta (7.5 out of Wild Card race)
Though that is how my results will be judged at the end of the season to decide how much money Barrows owes me, here's what I really think will happen now that we're halfway home. Each race is going to be very interesting in its own right except for the AL West:
AL East: Red Sox will maintain first, Yankees will give it a good run and finish second, Rays will fade to third place, finish about 10 games over .500, yet still not get any respect. They'll be laughing last, however, because they'll have three aces at the beginning of next year, and none of their starting pitchers will be over the age of 27. They're going to be really good for a really long time if everyone in St. Pete stays healthy. Side note: Is Dice-K really 10-1 with a 2.65 era?? WOW.
AL Central: None of these teams can get it together. The ChiSox don't seem like they can keep their swagger, the Twins' pitching isn't good enough, and the Tigers can sneak in and win if they keep playing consistently. With all three teams having a legit chance, I'll take the Tigers. Verlander is starting to pitch really well, and good pitching is contagious.
AL West: Angels. Angels. Angels.
NL East: Mark Teixeira is a second half hitter, so he'll vault the Braves into contention. Ryan Howard is heating up at the wrong time, but Rollins and Utley have yet to have their second winds. Of course I'm picking the Mets because everything seems to finally be coming together, but I know they're going to hit another rough patch, so it should be another good race. Hopefully whichever team wins doesn't win by default because the other teams keep losing.
NL Central: The Cubs are up at the break, but they're also like the only team in all of baseball that hasn't suffered serious heartbreak so far this year. Their suffering will come again, as it has for the last 100 years. Milwaukee and Chicago both made huge acquisitions for front-line starters. Who do I think wins? Sticking with my original pick--the team that hasn't made a move yet. The trades for Harden and C.C. will cancel each other out since these teams are only going to be beating up on each other the rest of the way. The Cardinals will be getting their big pitchers back from the DL, they've got great role players in the form of Ludwick and Ankiel, and oh yeah, they have that guy...what's his name? Albert Pujols.
NL West: The Rockies and Padres are the only teams that want to win this division, but they suck. The Giants are just in a world of hell without Barry Bonds. The D'backs and Dodgers will lose their way to the finish line...I don't see Arizona making a big roster move before the deadline, and the Dodgers have been getting great pitching performances lately. Can they keep it up? Their offense can only get better, so I'll take the Dodgers. Plus, I don't want to see Webb and Haren in the postseason...if I'm even in the postseason.
I'm picking the NL to finally win the All-Star game by a score of 6-2, and I'm picking Lance Berkman to take the home run derby in one of the least impressive fields we'll ever see. Josh Hamilton will be in the finals against him, and the three right handers (Uggla, Longoria, Braun) won't see a second round. I hope Mariano Rivera starts the game like everyone wants him to and then gets lit up for a couple runs. Then I hope Derek Jeter makes a couple errors to allow the other runs. %#$&ing Yankees.
A reminder of my preseason predictions (current standing at break):
AL East: BoSox (half a game up on the Rays)
AL Central: Tigers (7 games behind ChiSox)
AL West: Angels (6 games up on Oakland)
AL Wild Card: Injuns (14 out of Wild Card race, second worst team in AL)--I'll pat myself on the back for that one
NL East: Mets (half a game back of the Phillies)--pardon me for assuming they win tonight. When you're playing the NL West's bottom-feeders, you're allowed to assume the W.
NL Central: Cardinals (4.5 behind the Cubbies)
NL West: D'backs (1 game up on the Dodgers)
NL Wild Card: Hotlanta (7.5 out of Wild Card race)
Though that is how my results will be judged at the end of the season to decide how much money Barrows owes me, here's what I really think will happen now that we're halfway home. Each race is going to be very interesting in its own right except for the AL West:
AL East: Red Sox will maintain first, Yankees will give it a good run and finish second, Rays will fade to third place, finish about 10 games over .500, yet still not get any respect. They'll be laughing last, however, because they'll have three aces at the beginning of next year, and none of their starting pitchers will be over the age of 27. They're going to be really good for a really long time if everyone in St. Pete stays healthy. Side note: Is Dice-K really 10-1 with a 2.65 era?? WOW.
AL Central: None of these teams can get it together. The ChiSox don't seem like they can keep their swagger, the Twins' pitching isn't good enough, and the Tigers can sneak in and win if they keep playing consistently. With all three teams having a legit chance, I'll take the Tigers. Verlander is starting to pitch really well, and good pitching is contagious.
AL West: Angels. Angels. Angels.
NL East: Mark Teixeira is a second half hitter, so he'll vault the Braves into contention. Ryan Howard is heating up at the wrong time, but Rollins and Utley have yet to have their second winds. Of course I'm picking the Mets because everything seems to finally be coming together, but I know they're going to hit another rough patch, so it should be another good race. Hopefully whichever team wins doesn't win by default because the other teams keep losing.
NL Central: The Cubs are up at the break, but they're also like the only team in all of baseball that hasn't suffered serious heartbreak so far this year. Their suffering will come again, as it has for the last 100 years. Milwaukee and Chicago both made huge acquisitions for front-line starters. Who do I think wins? Sticking with my original pick--the team that hasn't made a move yet. The trades for Harden and C.C. will cancel each other out since these teams are only going to be beating up on each other the rest of the way. The Cardinals will be getting their big pitchers back from the DL, they've got great role players in the form of Ludwick and Ankiel, and oh yeah, they have that guy...what's his name? Albert Pujols.
NL West: The Rockies and Padres are the only teams that want to win this division, but they suck. The Giants are just in a world of hell without Barry Bonds. The D'backs and Dodgers will lose their way to the finish line...I don't see Arizona making a big roster move before the deadline, and the Dodgers have been getting great pitching performances lately. Can they keep it up? Their offense can only get better, so I'll take the Dodgers. Plus, I don't want to see Webb and Haren in the postseason...if I'm even in the postseason.
I'm picking the NL to finally win the All-Star game by a score of 6-2, and I'm picking Lance Berkman to take the home run derby in one of the least impressive fields we'll ever see. Josh Hamilton will be in the finals against him, and the three right handers (Uggla, Longoria, Braun) won't see a second round. I hope Mariano Rivera starts the game like everyone wants him to and then gets lit up for a couple runs. Then I hope Derek Jeter makes a couple errors to allow the other runs. %#$&ing Yankees.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
AL All-Star Team Position Players Review
Search around the internet, you'll be hard pressed to find too many positives on many of the players selected by the fans to start in the American League All-Star game. When you break down the list, even some of the players selected by the players themselves were questioned. Where's the positives here? Let's take a look.
Key:
Starters are in bold
American League
Position: Catcher
Selected: Joe Mauer(Minn), Dioner Navarro(TB), Jason Varitek(Bos)
In 83 games this season, Joe Mauer is batting .323 and has driven in 39. All-Star numbers, though he could have more power having only hit four home runs thus far this season. On the year, he has 28 extra base hits, 23 of them doubles. A good selection overall.
Dioner Navarro has played well for the up-start Tampa Bay Rays. A key part of the surprise success in Tampa, Navarro is hitting .306 in 68 games for the Rays. Navarro's average has dropped recently, hitting .263 and .253 in June and July respectively. Still, Navarro is providing solid defense behind the plate for the Rays. Many don't expect Navarro to return to the numbers from April and May, but Navarro has earned his spot on this team.
Jason Varitek is a clubhouse leader for the Boston Red Sox. He walks into Fenway park for each game with the title of captain. Beyond that, his numbers don't scream All-Star. Outside of Fenway, it's hard to imagine too many people are thrilled with this selection. So where do the positives with this selection lie. Good question. Truthfully, there is none. His strikeout to walk ratio is weak, his OBP currently stands at .299, and with a battering average under .230, it's hard to imagine there wasn't a better choice.
Position: First Base
Selected: Kevin Youkilis(Boston) Justin Morneau (Minn)
Youkilis, a first time All-Star, has always drawn walks. He's turned up the heat this year, hitting .314, knocking 14 out of the park, and driving in 57 for the Sox. Youk is at a career high for batting average and slugging percentage(.571). While many around the league might have All-Star numbers, Youkilis has strong numbers and is a good selection at 1st base.
Morneau knows what it's like to be an All-Star and continues to put up numbers to earn him a spot as a reserve on the AL All-Star team in 2008. One could argue his numbers are better than Youkilis and he should be starting the game. Valid argument when you look at his .324 batting average and 68 rbis. Add in 53 runs scored and 14 home runs, and Morneau could make his case. The Twins have performed well this season, and if the Red Sox weren't in first place and one of the best teams in Major League's baseball for the first half, the debate for Morneau to be the starter would be even stronger.
Position: Second Base
Selected: Dustin Pedroia(Bos), Ian Kinsler(Tex)
Before the Pedroia haters jump on board and start to rant, let's break down his numbers before you start screaming he should be starting. Pedroia has had a strong first half, there's no doubt on the matter. Batting .311 with 9 home runs and 44 rbis, he's continued to produce for the Sox after winning the Rookie of the Year award last season.
Then there's Kinsler. Sporting a batting average of .323 and 14 home runs, Kinsler has played well. When you break down the stats further, it can be argued that Kinsler could be the starter. After all, he has 23 steals(14 more than Pedroia), and has driven in 53 runners of his own.
However you break it down, one thing is clear. Both are having great seasons and have earned a trip to the Bronx in 2008.
Position: Shortstop
Selected: Derek Jeter(NY), Michael Young(Tex)
The All-Star game is in the Bronx and there's no one better to start this game than Derek Jeter. While Jeter's numbers may not be quite as strong as player select Michael Young, we're talking about the captain of the Yankees starting at Yankee Stadium in the last All-Star game in the Bronx, in the final season of the House that Ruth Built. His numbers are down this season, with Jeter hitting .286, scoring 51 runs, and driving in 39. Only four home runs, it's safe to say Jeter is a rock in the Yankees organization, and has made it clear that if he never plays in another All-Star game in his career, he'll be content with this one being his last. It's his 9th All-Star Selection.
Michael Young's numbers make their case to be part of the hoopla in the Bronx. Batting .305, with five home runs and 50 rbis, Young has been one of the strong points on a Texas team trying to stay afloat 6.5 games back in the AL West. With six stolen bases on the season, his numbers are similar to Jeter's.
Position: Third Base
Selected: A-R0d(NY), Joe Crede(CWS), Carlos Guillen(Det), Evan Longoria(TB)
With one side of the infield full of Red Sox, it's only appropriate the other is full of Yankees. Nothing like the Yankees and Red Sox in the world of sports, and always makes for a good show in the Bronx. A-Rod adds yet another All-Star appearance to his resume. Despite missing some time earlier this season, A-Rod has played very well at third base for the Yankees. With a .311 batting average and an OBP of .394, he's had his share of time spent on the base path. That's led to 13 steals, allowing A-Rod to provide a mix of power and speed for the Yankees. The power, that would be 18 home runs in 73 games.
Joe Crede doesn't have as pretty of a batting average but has provided the White Sox with some power as well. Knocking out 16 and driving in 49, Crede has been a force in the middle of the White Sox line-up.
Carlos Guillen represents Detroit in the Bronx this year, taking up the second third base reserve spot on the AL roster. Guillen's batting average has dropped about 15 points in the last few weeks. Despite the recent drop, his .284 batting average is respectable, coupled with 8 home runs and 47 rbis. Don't forget his ability run, having swiped eight bases already this year.
The final third base spot on the AL roster made the team through the recent fan vote. Evan Longoria, in his rookie year, makes the squad with an impressive run with the Rays. A .281 batting average in his first season, Longoria has impressed many. Driving in runs for a Rays team that has lacked offense in the past few seasons helped earn a spot on the All-Star team, with 44 runs scored and 53 runs batted in. Did I mention he's hit 16 home runs and isn't too shabby on the base paths when he has to be? Well, I just did now.
Position: Outfield
Selected: Josh Hamilton(Tex),Manny Ramirez(Bos), Ichiro Suzuki(Sea),JD Drew(Bos), Carlos Quintin(CWS), Grady Sizemore(Cle)
Josh Hamilton has done just about everything for Texas this year. When they say everything is big in Texas, I guess they had Josh Hamilton in mind. The man is popular in the Longhorn state, and why not, he's only batting .313, with 21 homeruns. And he's driven in 93 runs. That's before the All-Star break. Yeah, that's a lot.
Manny Ramirez will start in the House that Ruth Built in his 12 All-Star appearance. Ramirez isn't having his best season, but is still putting up quality numbers for the Sox. The always entertaining Manny(most recently seen making a phone call in the Green Monster), is hitting .289, and has driven in 59 in 88 games this season.
Suzuki hasn't had the luxary of a break in his season in his eight years in the Majors. That's because he's made the All-Star team in each of his eight season in the Majors. The reason? It could be the .302 batting average. It could be the 62 runs scored this season. Or how about the 34 stolen bases? Something along those lines one would imagine.
Also making the squad as a reserves are JD Drew, Carlos Quintin, and Grady Sizemore. Each is with striking range of a .300 batting average and has driven over 50 thus far this season. Only JD Drew has less than 20 home runs of the three.
Position: DH
Selected: David Ortiz(Bos), Milton Bradley(Tex)
David Ortiz was selected but will not be playing. That leaves Milton Bradley starting in DH next week. Bradley certainly is deserving of the job, the switch hitter is batting .314, 37 points higher than his career batting average. Add in 39 extra base hits, including 17 home runs, and a .440 OBP, you've got the recipe for an All-Star DH.
Up next, I'll cover the National League position players. Monday night, just prior to the All-Star game on Tuesday, look forward to a look at the pitchers for both the AL and NL squads.
Key:
Starters are in bold
American League
Position: Catcher
Selected: Joe Mauer(Minn), Dioner Navarro(TB), Jason Varitek(Bos)
In 83 games this season, Joe Mauer is batting .323 and has driven in 39. All-Star numbers, though he could have more power having only hit four home runs thus far this season. On the year, he has 28 extra base hits, 23 of them doubles. A good selection overall.
Dioner Navarro has played well for the up-start Tampa Bay Rays. A key part of the surprise success in Tampa, Navarro is hitting .306 in 68 games for the Rays. Navarro's average has dropped recently, hitting .263 and .253 in June and July respectively. Still, Navarro is providing solid defense behind the plate for the Rays. Many don't expect Navarro to return to the numbers from April and May, but Navarro has earned his spot on this team.
Jason Varitek is a clubhouse leader for the Boston Red Sox. He walks into Fenway park for each game with the title of captain. Beyond that, his numbers don't scream All-Star. Outside of Fenway, it's hard to imagine too many people are thrilled with this selection. So where do the positives with this selection lie. Good question. Truthfully, there is none. His strikeout to walk ratio is weak, his OBP currently stands at .299, and with a battering average under .230, it's hard to imagine there wasn't a better choice.
Position: First Base
Selected: Kevin Youkilis(Boston) Justin Morneau (Minn)
Youkilis, a first time All-Star, has always drawn walks. He's turned up the heat this year, hitting .314, knocking 14 out of the park, and driving in 57 for the Sox. Youk is at a career high for batting average and slugging percentage(.571). While many around the league might have All-Star numbers, Youkilis has strong numbers and is a good selection at 1st base.
Morneau knows what it's like to be an All-Star and continues to put up numbers to earn him a spot as a reserve on the AL All-Star team in 2008. One could argue his numbers are better than Youkilis and he should be starting the game. Valid argument when you look at his .324 batting average and 68 rbis. Add in 53 runs scored and 14 home runs, and Morneau could make his case. The Twins have performed well this season, and if the Red Sox weren't in first place and one of the best teams in Major League's baseball for the first half, the debate for Morneau to be the starter would be even stronger.
Position: Second Base
Selected: Dustin Pedroia(Bos), Ian Kinsler(Tex)
Before the Pedroia haters jump on board and start to rant, let's break down his numbers before you start screaming he should be starting. Pedroia has had a strong first half, there's no doubt on the matter. Batting .311 with 9 home runs and 44 rbis, he's continued to produce for the Sox after winning the Rookie of the Year award last season.
Then there's Kinsler. Sporting a batting average of .323 and 14 home runs, Kinsler has played well. When you break down the stats further, it can be argued that Kinsler could be the starter. After all, he has 23 steals(14 more than Pedroia), and has driven in 53 runners of his own.
However you break it down, one thing is clear. Both are having great seasons and have earned a trip to the Bronx in 2008.
Position: Shortstop
Selected: Derek Jeter(NY), Michael Young(Tex)
The All-Star game is in the Bronx and there's no one better to start this game than Derek Jeter. While Jeter's numbers may not be quite as strong as player select Michael Young, we're talking about the captain of the Yankees starting at Yankee Stadium in the last All-Star game in the Bronx, in the final season of the House that Ruth Built. His numbers are down this season, with Jeter hitting .286, scoring 51 runs, and driving in 39. Only four home runs, it's safe to say Jeter is a rock in the Yankees organization, and has made it clear that if he never plays in another All-Star game in his career, he'll be content with this one being his last. It's his 9th All-Star Selection.
Michael Young's numbers make their case to be part of the hoopla in the Bronx. Batting .305, with five home runs and 50 rbis, Young has been one of the strong points on a Texas team trying to stay afloat 6.5 games back in the AL West. With six stolen bases on the season, his numbers are similar to Jeter's.
Position: Third Base
Selected: A-R0d(NY), Joe Crede(CWS), Carlos Guillen(Det), Evan Longoria(TB)
With one side of the infield full of Red Sox, it's only appropriate the other is full of Yankees. Nothing like the Yankees and Red Sox in the world of sports, and always makes for a good show in the Bronx. A-Rod adds yet another All-Star appearance to his resume. Despite missing some time earlier this season, A-Rod has played very well at third base for the Yankees. With a .311 batting average and an OBP of .394, he's had his share of time spent on the base path. That's led to 13 steals, allowing A-Rod to provide a mix of power and speed for the Yankees. The power, that would be 18 home runs in 73 games.
Joe Crede doesn't have as pretty of a batting average but has provided the White Sox with some power as well. Knocking out 16 and driving in 49, Crede has been a force in the middle of the White Sox line-up.
Carlos Guillen represents Detroit in the Bronx this year, taking up the second third base reserve spot on the AL roster. Guillen's batting average has dropped about 15 points in the last few weeks. Despite the recent drop, his .284 batting average is respectable, coupled with 8 home runs and 47 rbis. Don't forget his ability run, having swiped eight bases already this year.
The final third base spot on the AL roster made the team through the recent fan vote. Evan Longoria, in his rookie year, makes the squad with an impressive run with the Rays. A .281 batting average in his first season, Longoria has impressed many. Driving in runs for a Rays team that has lacked offense in the past few seasons helped earn a spot on the All-Star team, with 44 runs scored and 53 runs batted in. Did I mention he's hit 16 home runs and isn't too shabby on the base paths when he has to be? Well, I just did now.
Position: Outfield
Selected: Josh Hamilton(Tex),Manny Ramirez(Bos), Ichiro Suzuki(Sea),JD Drew(Bos), Carlos Quintin(CWS), Grady Sizemore(Cle)
Josh Hamilton has done just about everything for Texas this year. When they say everything is big in Texas, I guess they had Josh Hamilton in mind. The man is popular in the Longhorn state, and why not, he's only batting .313, with 21 homeruns. And he's driven in 93 runs. That's before the All-Star break. Yeah, that's a lot.
Manny Ramirez will start in the House that Ruth Built in his 12 All-Star appearance. Ramirez isn't having his best season, but is still putting up quality numbers for the Sox. The always entertaining Manny(most recently seen making a phone call in the Green Monster), is hitting .289, and has driven in 59 in 88 games this season.
Suzuki hasn't had the luxary of a break in his season in his eight years in the Majors. That's because he's made the All-Star team in each of his eight season in the Majors. The reason? It could be the .302 batting average. It could be the 62 runs scored this season. Or how about the 34 stolen bases? Something along those lines one would imagine.
Also making the squad as a reserves are JD Drew, Carlos Quintin, and Grady Sizemore. Each is with striking range of a .300 batting average and has driven over 50 thus far this season. Only JD Drew has less than 20 home runs of the three.
Position: DH
Selected: David Ortiz(Bos), Milton Bradley(Tex)
David Ortiz was selected but will not be playing. That leaves Milton Bradley starting in DH next week. Bradley certainly is deserving of the job, the switch hitter is batting .314, 37 points higher than his career batting average. Add in 39 extra base hits, including 17 home runs, and a .440 OBP, you've got the recipe for an All-Star DH.
Up next, I'll cover the National League position players. Monday night, just prior to the All-Star game on Tuesday, look forward to a look at the pitchers for both the AL and NL squads.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
"All-Stars"
I've never been huge on the All-Star game. I like the fact that it now has post-season implications. I really like that players as well as fans have a say in who plays. I just wonder how early the players vote.
The Mets only have one player representing them...Billy Wagner. He might be the 7th or 8th best closer in the NL right now. Jose Reyes and David Wright are much more deserving of spots on the team, but didn't make the roster.
Miguel Tejada was chosen as the reserve shortstop, hitting .280 with 10 homers, 44 runs batted in, 59 runs scored, and seven stolen bases. His on-base percentage is .323 and his on-base plus slugging is .759. Reasonable numbers that would warrant an all-star reserve position...if he was the only player representing the Astros.
Reyes is snubbed because he's hitting .299 with nine homers and 38 rbis. His obp is .360, ops is .845, and he has 32 stolen bases to boot. I'd quickly put him on the team over Tejada and Wagner.
Aramis Ramirez is the reserve third baseman, hitting .283 with 15 homers and 60 rbis. His obp is .379 and his ops is .877.
Wright is batting .288 with 17 homers and 70 rbis. His on-base is .382 with an .894 ops and nine stolen bases to boot.
Neither Ramirez nor Tejada got in through fan voting, and since the Cubs have six others on the All-Star roster and Tejada has been playing very poorly the past month and half, I don't understand why these two were chosen over the Mets' big two.
Alfonso Soriano at least got in through fan voting, though he doesn't deserve to be withing 3000 miles of starting the All-Star game in the outfield. Carlos Lee, Pat Burrell, and Jason Bay are much more deserving of that spot on the roster.
What I like best about the All-Star process is how the pitchers are picked. The only hiccup this year is Wagner being put on the team. He was chosen by the manager, Clint Hurdle. I guess this is why the Rockies are 14 games under .500. That was a low blow, I know.
Over on the American League side, there aren't too many ridiculous snubs. Of course David Ortiz shouldn't be on the team, but there's not much you can do about fan voting. Jermaine Dye looks like the biggest snub over there. Michael Young should be starting over Jeter, but not much you can do about that. Young will just go about business as usual and probably have another game-winning hit.
The biggest story to me is that while the Cubs and Red Sox each have seven representatives, the best team in baseball, the Rays, only have two. Scott Kazmir and Dioner Navarro. I wish Carl Crawford made the team, he's probably the most underrated player in the League. Just like what is said about Curtis Granderson and Grady Sizemore...put Crawford on a bigger stage like Boston, Chicago, or New York, and he would be a GOD.
The Home Run Derby field is looking pretty shoddy this year. Right now it's Chase Utley, Josh Hamilton, Dan Uggla, Lance Berkman, and Grady Sizemore. The big names are completely absent. I don't blame A-Rod for electing not to play, it has shown to mess up players' swings. As long as players don't drop out of the All-Star game like the NBA players do, I don't mind them not participating in the derby. There were rumors of Vlad Guerrero wanting to play in it, but I don't see him on the roster, so I don't know if he'll be in the derby. If he makes it, he's my pick to win. Jason Giambi is on the final ballot, so if he makes the team, I'd take him to win it all if Vlad isn't there. Otherwise, my pick is Berkman.
I'll wait until this weekend when the first half standings are finalized to take a look at them. How about that NL West race?
The Mets only have one player representing them...Billy Wagner. He might be the 7th or 8th best closer in the NL right now. Jose Reyes and David Wright are much more deserving of spots on the team, but didn't make the roster.
Miguel Tejada was chosen as the reserve shortstop, hitting .280 with 10 homers, 44 runs batted in, 59 runs scored, and seven stolen bases. His on-base percentage is .323 and his on-base plus slugging is .759. Reasonable numbers that would warrant an all-star reserve position...if he was the only player representing the Astros.
Reyes is snubbed because he's hitting .299 with nine homers and 38 rbis. His obp is .360, ops is .845, and he has 32 stolen bases to boot. I'd quickly put him on the team over Tejada and Wagner.
Aramis Ramirez is the reserve third baseman, hitting .283 with 15 homers and 60 rbis. His obp is .379 and his ops is .877.
Wright is batting .288 with 17 homers and 70 rbis. His on-base is .382 with an .894 ops and nine stolen bases to boot.
Neither Ramirez nor Tejada got in through fan voting, and since the Cubs have six others on the All-Star roster and Tejada has been playing very poorly the past month and half, I don't understand why these two were chosen over the Mets' big two.
Alfonso Soriano at least got in through fan voting, though he doesn't deserve to be withing 3000 miles of starting the All-Star game in the outfield. Carlos Lee, Pat Burrell, and Jason Bay are much more deserving of that spot on the roster.
What I like best about the All-Star process is how the pitchers are picked. The only hiccup this year is Wagner being put on the team. He was chosen by the manager, Clint Hurdle. I guess this is why the Rockies are 14 games under .500. That was a low blow, I know.
Over on the American League side, there aren't too many ridiculous snubs. Of course David Ortiz shouldn't be on the team, but there's not much you can do about fan voting. Jermaine Dye looks like the biggest snub over there. Michael Young should be starting over Jeter, but not much you can do about that. Young will just go about business as usual and probably have another game-winning hit.
The biggest story to me is that while the Cubs and Red Sox each have seven representatives, the best team in baseball, the Rays, only have two. Scott Kazmir and Dioner Navarro. I wish Carl Crawford made the team, he's probably the most underrated player in the League. Just like what is said about Curtis Granderson and Grady Sizemore...put Crawford on a bigger stage like Boston, Chicago, or New York, and he would be a GOD.
The Home Run Derby field is looking pretty shoddy this year. Right now it's Chase Utley, Josh Hamilton, Dan Uggla, Lance Berkman, and Grady Sizemore. The big names are completely absent. I don't blame A-Rod for electing not to play, it has shown to mess up players' swings. As long as players don't drop out of the All-Star game like the NBA players do, I don't mind them not participating in the derby. There were rumors of Vlad Guerrero wanting to play in it, but I don't see him on the roster, so I don't know if he'll be in the derby. If he makes it, he's my pick to win. Jason Giambi is on the final ballot, so if he makes the team, I'd take him to win it all if Vlad isn't there. Otherwise, my pick is Berkman.
I'll wait until this weekend when the first half standings are finalized to take a look at them. How about that NL West race?
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Brett Gardner
I got to say, one of my favorite new Yankees is Brett Gardner. Not only because of his walk-off hit against Paps, but I love every one of his at-bats. Even when the Yanks get healthy and the entire team is back, it would be a mistake to send him back to Scranton. The Yankees need someone like Gardner for pinch running and to fill in every now and then.
Chris, anything you can tell us about Gardner? What did you see from him in Scranton?
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Ironically, I was on my way to write up something, and Travis(err, Clarkie I mean) beat me to it. Let me first make it clear, it's said you shouldn't have too many favorites when you're in journalism. Brett Gardner makes that hard.
Gardner is not just a nice guy, he's a realist. He knows how it is, he understands the business of baseball, and was ready to accept what was offered to him. He was never sure if he was going to have a shot in New York, but he knew he'd have a shot somewhere.
Right now, I'm glad he did get his shot, he's deserved it for sometime. Everything you've heard from announcers on the YES Network, ESPN, Fox Sports, or wherever you get your sports news, it's most likely true. But just in case you haven't heard a scouting report on Gardner, here's one for you.
Brett Gardner is an 80/80 when it comes to speed. I think that was evident from his first at bat. He grounded out to first base, yet nearly had a single because of his speed. That's a testament to the type of player Gardner is.
At the plate, he isn't going to wow you with power, but he's smart. He knows what his weapon is, and he'll utilize it. He's improved his bunting ability greatly since last year, much to the advice of a few major leaguers who made their way to Scranton at some point throughout last year. He's a fighter at the plate, if that isn't clear to you already, I'm telling you he's a fighter. He won't give up, and he'll get on base.
While he's got a great eye, he's been trying to become more aggressive over the past year and a half. It's worked. He still needs to cut down on his strikeouts, but his OBP is going to be strong for you. He generally takes about 35-50 at bats to adjust to the new level of pitching his facing, and he's slowly approaching that number.
I think the at bat tonight against Paps shows he just might be turning over that comfort level sooner than he usually does, but I'm not sold just yet. One way or another, he's going to get on base.
One thing, he's not a guy who the Yankees want to sit on a bench too much. If he's on the Major League roster, he's going to play. No doubt about that. If he has a day off at some point, he's likely to pinch hit or pinch run. He shouldn't have more than a day off in a row in the Bronx, however, as Cashman sees too much value in him.
My only fear, and it's natural as we know the Yankees, is Gardner as trade bait. If the Yankees trade Gardner, it's a huge mistake. I think him and Cabrera are a hot topic right now due to the fact that Gardner has been tagged by some to replace him. Should he? That's up for debate as Cabrera is younger and still has room to grow. He's got a rocket, but in the long run, is he just a fourth outfielder? You be the judge.
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Ironically, I was on my way to write up something, and Travis(err, Clarkie I mean) beat me to it. Let me first make it clear, it's said you shouldn't have too many favorites when you're in journalism. Brett Gardner makes that hard.
Gardner is not just a nice guy, he's a realist. He knows how it is, he understands the business of baseball, and was ready to accept what was offered to him. He was never sure if he was going to have a shot in New York, but he knew he'd have a shot somewhere.
Right now, I'm glad he did get his shot, he's deserved it for sometime. Everything you've heard from announcers on the YES Network, ESPN, Fox Sports, or wherever you get your sports news, it's most likely true. But just in case you haven't heard a scouting report on Gardner, here's one for you.
Brett Gardner is an 80/80 when it comes to speed. I think that was evident from his first at bat. He grounded out to first base, yet nearly had a single because of his speed. That's a testament to the type of player Gardner is.
At the plate, he isn't going to wow you with power, but he's smart. He knows what his weapon is, and he'll utilize it. He's improved his bunting ability greatly since last year, much to the advice of a few major leaguers who made their way to Scranton at some point throughout last year. He's a fighter at the plate, if that isn't clear to you already, I'm telling you he's a fighter. He won't give up, and he'll get on base.
While he's got a great eye, he's been trying to become more aggressive over the past year and a half. It's worked. He still needs to cut down on his strikeouts, but his OBP is going to be strong for you. He generally takes about 35-50 at bats to adjust to the new level of pitching his facing, and he's slowly approaching that number.
I think the at bat tonight against Paps shows he just might be turning over that comfort level sooner than he usually does, but I'm not sold just yet. One way or another, he's going to get on base.
One thing, he's not a guy who the Yankees want to sit on a bench too much. If he's on the Major League roster, he's going to play. No doubt about that. If he has a day off at some point, he's likely to pinch hit or pinch run. He shouldn't have more than a day off in a row in the Bronx, however, as Cashman sees too much value in him.
My only fear, and it's natural as we know the Yankees, is Gardner as trade bait. If the Yankees trade Gardner, it's a huge mistake. I think him and Cabrera are a hot topic right now due to the fact that Gardner has been tagged by some to replace him. Should he? That's up for debate as Cabrera is younger and still has room to grow. He's got a rocket, but in the long run, is he just a fourth outfielder? You be the judge.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Try managing this team:
Baseball has a lot of over-privileged, self-righteous players who overdose from the fumes of their own brand. Without any hesitation, I present my MLB-all-ass team of this generation:
C: A.J. Pierzynski - Altercations with Michael Barrett and Carlos Zambrano on back-to-back days, multiple complaints from teammates, and just as Derek Jeter won the "most overrated" award from MLB players, Pierzynski won "most deserving to get beaned," with an overwhelming 18 percent.
1b: Jeff Kent - A racist redneck who didn't reach his prime until after the Mets traded him. Arguments with teammates, breaking contract by riding his motorcycle, getting in an accident, and blaming the injuries on "falling while I was washing my truck." I only list him as 1b because of the 2b listed below...
2b: Roberto Alomar - September 27, 1996, after being called out on strikes, Alomar began to argue with home plate umpire John Hirschbeck. Words were exchanged, and Alomar ended up spitting in Hirschbeck's face. He was only suspended five games...let's see what would happen nowadays. Don't even get me started on how poorly he played in his years with the Mets.
SS: Derek Jeter - "The Captain" is anything but a captain. He doesn't speak up and support his teammates publicly, he is grossly overpaid, and these "intangibles" everyone speaks of are becoming less and less apparent as the years go on. He thinks he runs the show, but can't back it up on the field. Then off the field, he gets all the beautiful women I wish I could get.
3b: Scott Rolen - Drama with Tony LaRussa during the 2006 season and during the playoffs earns Rolen a spot on my list. Third base is a shallow category here. Plus, I love A-Rod too much to put him on my list.
OF: Barry Bonds - Doesn't talk to the media, won't play in Boston because it's a racist city, won't admit ever knowingly taking steroids, and won't sign autographs for white fans...I still believe he belongs in the Hall of Fame, but he also belongs atop this list.
OF: Milton Bradley - Career highlights include tearing his ACL while arguing with an umpire, and rampaging through Kauffman Stadium looking for Royals' play-by-play announcer, Ryan Lefebvre for making questionable comments about him. Another team's announcer talking trash about the opponent of the team that pays him??? It's a good thing Bradley wasn't watching or listening when the Rangers just played the Yankees. Michael Kay and John Sterling would be on Bradley's mantle right now.
OF: Carl Everett - Where to start? He doesn't believe in homosexuality or dinosaurs. I know, it's a strange combination, but it's true. He threatened to set any gay teammates straight. He also said since dinosaurs aren't in the bible and nobody saw them, then they don't exist. People saw Adam and Eve, so they exist. Umpires don't like him, fans don't like him, and teammates don't like him. He loves being hated.
There were too many outfielders to choose from, so I have to include an honorable mention:
Honorable Mention:
Vince Coleman (injured Doc Gooden while wildly swinging a golf club in the clubhouse, throwing lit fireworks into a crowd of fans, injuring a three-year old), Elijah Dukes (throwing bats at umpires, fighting with managers in dugouts), Albert Belle (probably should be in my starting outfield...check out his resume under "controversy"), Lastings Milledge (publicly upstaging veterans, making C-list rap songs), Jose Guillen (continuing drama with Mike Scioscia, one of the best managers in the game, ratted out Brendan Donnelly for "illegal substances" on his glove, played for 9 teams in 11 seasons...there's got to be something wrong there) , Paul Lo Duca (little man syndrome, likes underage girls, and likes picking fights he can't win), Karim Garcia (beating up grounds crew members at Fenway), Michael Barrett (fighting with teammates and opponents--Roy Oswalt [twice], A.J. Pierzynski, Carlos Zambrano), Doug Mientkiewicz (trying to keep Boston's '04 W.S. ball. Earn some street cred with the city and the team before trying to own history.), Coco Crisp (spiking Akinori Iwamura without proper justification, saying he thought it was Jason Bartlett...I don't see the resemblance--Crisp was drilled the next day, inciting a brawl that probably hasn't been settled yet now that the Rays are in first), Gerald Williams (mound-charger extraordinaire), Jose Reyes (I'm waiting for the day Carlos Delgado punches him in the face for acting up), and Gary Sheffield (accusing everyone and their mother of being racist, speaking out on controversial topics at inopportune times...I don't know if he can coexist on the same team as Jeter seeing as how Jeter "ain't all the way black")
SP: Roger Clemens - Broken bat incident with Mike Piazza, 9th on the all-time hit batsmen list, accused on more than one occasion of being a headhunter, cheats on his wife with 15-year old girls, and dare we even begin to mention the Mitchell Report?
SP: Randy Johnson - Third all-time on the hit batsmen list, several testy run-ins with the media, and he killed a dove with a 100-mph fastball. Shave that mullet.
SP: Scott Olsen - Olsen makes my starting rotation just because of his upside. He's still only 24, but an entire division hates him. He has an insane temper, publicly fights with teammates (Miguel Cabrera, Sergio Mitre), surfaces with black eyes from other teammates (Randy Messenger), and is cited for disciplinary problems from Managers. Tells the media he "hates" Chase Utley and the Phillies because they own the Marlins. Fled from Police after being pulled over for driving 48 in a 35. He was found sitting in a plastic chair in his front yard. Police had to taser him when he resisted arrest by kicking at them...he failed the ensuing sobriety test. This kid has a great future ahead of him in the MLB.
SP: Curt Schilling - His blog makes more headlines than he does nowadays, talking trash about players, management, and media...Schilling is more concerned about getting face time on TV than he is about playing the game or helping his team.
SP: Pedro Martinez - I hate to do it, but it's only right. Pedro speaks a little too much of what's on his mind with the media, and he's never been afraid to pitch high and tight...then admit it either after the game, if not on the field. See: Pointing at Jorge Posada's head saying he'll drill him.
RP: Billy Wagner - Another racist redneck to join Kent, Clemens, and Johnson. I forsee Wagner picking on the minorities of this team when they lose games and he blows the save. He likes to burn bridges after leaving teams.
RP: Todd Jones - A closer nicknamed "rollercoaster" is never a good start. We can sum Jones up in one quote: "I wouldn't want a gay guy being around me. It's got nothing to do with me being scared. That's the problem: All these people say he's got all these rights. Yeah, he's got rights or whatever, but he shouldn't walk around proud. It's like he's rubbing it in our face. 'See me, Hear me roar.' We're not trying to be close-minded, but then again, why be confrontational when you don't really have to be?"
RP: John Rocker - We probably don't need Kent, Clemens, Johnson, or Wagner. We've got the racist of all racists! Just for Rocker's sake, we'll make this team from Macon, Georgia, so he doesn't have to deal with kids with purple hair, queers with AIDS, people who have just gotten out of jail for the fourth time, or 20-year old moms with four kids. I just hope he doesn't have take issue with any overweight people on the team. He doesn't like them, either.
Honorable Mention:
Jeff Nelson (helping Karim Garcia beat up the grounds crew) , Kevin Brown (finally activated from the DL and breaks his hand punching a wall), Armando Benitez (drilled Tino Martinez after giving up a three-run shot to Bernie Williams...then challenged the entire Yankees' roster to a fight...they complied and Darryl Strawberry knocked Benitez out), Carlos Zambrano (likes to drill the same player multiple times in a game where he hits a home run off Big Z), Kenny Rogers (dirtgate, beating up cameramen)
Of course, every team needs management and front office:
President/Owner/CEO: George and Hank Steinbrenner - I could write about 2,500 words on why these two get the nod, but if you've been reading the whole way, I'll spare you and assume you can figure it out yourself.
General Manager: J.P. Ricciardi - Where's Pat Gillick? The man who brought two titles to Toronto, drafted John Olerud, one of the greatest guys to ever play the game, and only talked about his own players...Ricciardi, who has never met Adam Dunn, claims on a radio show that Dunn has no passion for the game and has no place on his last-place team. He should be begging to have a .220 hitter with 40 home runs on his squad.
Manager: Ozzie Guillen - Even if he can't light a fire under this team's ass, he'll at least make the post-game interviews worthwhile.
Bench Coach: Don Zimmer - There might not be any controversial players left for Zimmer to attack when the benches clear, but it's safe to assume that this team will cause some brawls...they could use Zimmer on their side to provide some spunk.
Honorable Mention:
Billy Beane (though I like his style, outspoken GMs drive me nuts), Jerry Reisndorf (pays more attention to the Bulls than he does to the White Sox. I also need to give the Steinbrenners a chance to deal with Ozzie Guillen), Joe Girardi (I've never liked him...reminds me of Paul lo Duca with the little-man syndrome and the pompous personality), and Lou Piniella (a God among men on this list)
I wonder how this team would do in a 162-game season...
Umpires: Joe West, C.B. Bucknor, Doug Eddings, and Angel Hernandez
Purposely left off this list: Alex Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez, Glendon Rusch, and Mark Cuban
Macon Mudslingers
C: A.J. Pierzynski - Altercations with Michael Barrett and Carlos Zambrano on back-to-back days, multiple complaints from teammates, and just as Derek Jeter won the "most overrated" award from MLB players, Pierzynski won "most deserving to get beaned," with an overwhelming 18 percent.
1b: Jeff Kent - A racist redneck who didn't reach his prime until after the Mets traded him. Arguments with teammates, breaking contract by riding his motorcycle, getting in an accident, and blaming the injuries on "falling while I was washing my truck." I only list him as 1b because of the 2b listed below...
2b: Roberto Alomar - September 27, 1996, after being called out on strikes, Alomar began to argue with home plate umpire John Hirschbeck. Words were exchanged, and Alomar ended up spitting in Hirschbeck's face. He was only suspended five games...let's see what would happen nowadays. Don't even get me started on how poorly he played in his years with the Mets.
SS: Derek Jeter - "The Captain" is anything but a captain. He doesn't speak up and support his teammates publicly, he is grossly overpaid, and these "intangibles" everyone speaks of are becoming less and less apparent as the years go on. He thinks he runs the show, but can't back it up on the field. Then off the field, he gets all the beautiful women I wish I could get.
3b: Scott Rolen - Drama with Tony LaRussa during the 2006 season and during the playoffs earns Rolen a spot on my list. Third base is a shallow category here. Plus, I love A-Rod too much to put him on my list.
OF: Barry Bonds - Doesn't talk to the media, won't play in Boston because it's a racist city, won't admit ever knowingly taking steroids, and won't sign autographs for white fans...I still believe he belongs in the Hall of Fame, but he also belongs atop this list.
OF: Milton Bradley - Career highlights include tearing his ACL while arguing with an umpire, and rampaging through Kauffman Stadium looking for Royals' play-by-play announcer, Ryan Lefebvre for making questionable comments about him. Another team's announcer talking trash about the opponent of the team that pays him??? It's a good thing Bradley wasn't watching or listening when the Rangers just played the Yankees. Michael Kay and John Sterling would be on Bradley's mantle right now.
OF: Carl Everett - Where to start? He doesn't believe in homosexuality or dinosaurs. I know, it's a strange combination, but it's true. He threatened to set any gay teammates straight. He also said since dinosaurs aren't in the bible and nobody saw them, then they don't exist. People saw Adam and Eve, so they exist. Umpires don't like him, fans don't like him, and teammates don't like him. He loves being hated.
There were too many outfielders to choose from, so I have to include an honorable mention:
Honorable Mention:
Vince Coleman (injured Doc Gooden while wildly swinging a golf club in the clubhouse, throwing lit fireworks into a crowd of fans, injuring a three-year old), Elijah Dukes (throwing bats at umpires, fighting with managers in dugouts), Albert Belle (probably should be in my starting outfield...check out his resume under "controversy"), Lastings Milledge (publicly upstaging veterans, making C-list rap songs), Jose Guillen (continuing drama with Mike Scioscia, one of the best managers in the game, ratted out Brendan Donnelly for "illegal substances" on his glove, played for 9 teams in 11 seasons...there's got to be something wrong there) , Paul Lo Duca (little man syndrome, likes underage girls, and likes picking fights he can't win), Karim Garcia (beating up grounds crew members at Fenway), Michael Barrett (fighting with teammates and opponents--Roy Oswalt [twice], A.J. Pierzynski, Carlos Zambrano), Doug Mientkiewicz (trying to keep Boston's '04 W.S. ball. Earn some street cred with the city and the team before trying to own history.), Coco Crisp (spiking Akinori Iwamura without proper justification, saying he thought it was Jason Bartlett...I don't see the resemblance--Crisp was drilled the next day, inciting a brawl that probably hasn't been settled yet now that the Rays are in first), Gerald Williams (mound-charger extraordinaire), Jose Reyes (I'm waiting for the day Carlos Delgado punches him in the face for acting up), and Gary Sheffield (accusing everyone and their mother of being racist, speaking out on controversial topics at inopportune times...I don't know if he can coexist on the same team as Jeter seeing as how Jeter "ain't all the way black")
SP: Roger Clemens - Broken bat incident with Mike Piazza, 9th on the all-time hit batsmen list, accused on more than one occasion of being a headhunter, cheats on his wife with 15-year old girls, and dare we even begin to mention the Mitchell Report?
SP: Randy Johnson - Third all-time on the hit batsmen list, several testy run-ins with the media, and he killed a dove with a 100-mph fastball. Shave that mullet.
SP: Scott Olsen - Olsen makes my starting rotation just because of his upside. He's still only 24, but an entire division hates him. He has an insane temper, publicly fights with teammates (Miguel Cabrera, Sergio Mitre), surfaces with black eyes from other teammates (Randy Messenger), and is cited for disciplinary problems from Managers. Tells the media he "hates" Chase Utley and the Phillies because they own the Marlins. Fled from Police after being pulled over for driving 48 in a 35. He was found sitting in a plastic chair in his front yard. Police had to taser him when he resisted arrest by kicking at them...he failed the ensuing sobriety test. This kid has a great future ahead of him in the MLB.
SP: Curt Schilling - His blog makes more headlines than he does nowadays, talking trash about players, management, and media...Schilling is more concerned about getting face time on TV than he is about playing the game or helping his team.
SP: Pedro Martinez - I hate to do it, but it's only right. Pedro speaks a little too much of what's on his mind with the media, and he's never been afraid to pitch high and tight...then admit it either after the game, if not on the field. See: Pointing at Jorge Posada's head saying he'll drill him.
RP: Billy Wagner - Another racist redneck to join Kent, Clemens, and Johnson. I forsee Wagner picking on the minorities of this team when they lose games and he blows the save. He likes to burn bridges after leaving teams.
RP: Todd Jones - A closer nicknamed "rollercoaster" is never a good start. We can sum Jones up in one quote: "I wouldn't want a gay guy being around me. It's got nothing to do with me being scared. That's the problem: All these people say he's got all these rights. Yeah, he's got rights or whatever, but he shouldn't walk around proud. It's like he's rubbing it in our face. 'See me, Hear me roar.' We're not trying to be close-minded, but then again, why be confrontational when you don't really have to be?"
RP: John Rocker - We probably don't need Kent, Clemens, Johnson, or Wagner. We've got the racist of all racists! Just for Rocker's sake, we'll make this team from Macon, Georgia, so he doesn't have to deal with kids with purple hair, queers with AIDS, people who have just gotten out of jail for the fourth time, or 20-year old moms with four kids. I just hope he doesn't have take issue with any overweight people on the team. He doesn't like them, either.
Honorable Mention:
Jeff Nelson (helping Karim Garcia beat up the grounds crew) , Kevin Brown (finally activated from the DL and breaks his hand punching a wall), Armando Benitez (drilled Tino Martinez after giving up a three-run shot to Bernie Williams...then challenged the entire Yankees' roster to a fight...they complied and Darryl Strawberry knocked Benitez out), Carlos Zambrano (likes to drill the same player multiple times in a game where he hits a home run off Big Z), Kenny Rogers (dirtgate, beating up cameramen)
Of course, every team needs management and front office:
President/Owner/CEO: George and Hank Steinbrenner - I could write about 2,500 words on why these two get the nod, but if you've been reading the whole way, I'll spare you and assume you can figure it out yourself.
General Manager: J.P. Ricciardi - Where's Pat Gillick? The man who brought two titles to Toronto, drafted John Olerud, one of the greatest guys to ever play the game, and only talked about his own players...Ricciardi, who has never met Adam Dunn, claims on a radio show that Dunn has no passion for the game and has no place on his last-place team. He should be begging to have a .220 hitter with 40 home runs on his squad.
Manager: Ozzie Guillen - Even if he can't light a fire under this team's ass, he'll at least make the post-game interviews worthwhile.
Bench Coach: Don Zimmer - There might not be any controversial players left for Zimmer to attack when the benches clear, but it's safe to assume that this team will cause some brawls...they could use Zimmer on their side to provide some spunk.
Honorable Mention:
Billy Beane (though I like his style, outspoken GMs drive me nuts), Jerry Reisndorf (pays more attention to the Bulls than he does to the White Sox. I also need to give the Steinbrenners a chance to deal with Ozzie Guillen), Joe Girardi (I've never liked him...reminds me of Paul lo Duca with the little-man syndrome and the pompous personality), and Lou Piniella (a God among men on this list)
I wonder how this team would do in a 162-game season...
Umpires: Joe West, C.B. Bucknor, Doug Eddings, and Angel Hernandez
Purposely left off this list: Alex Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez, Glendon Rusch, and Mark Cuban
Monday, June 30, 2008
I like more than baseball(just not the NBA yet)
Something must be said about the terrific Euro 2008 tournament. I'm not a fan of the sport of Soccer, but it's hard to not like what you saw. To see a team not win a major event for 44 years and take victory yesterday, is tremendous. Congrats to the people of Spain, you're victory I'm sure means a very large party.
Now, I'm not the biggest NBA fan but the NBA draft did occur recently. In the draft, number one went to the hometown kid. Any of the top five picks in the draft were incredible picks, but Rose and Beasley both had a tremendous upside, and were by far the best choices, as was made clear by ESPN, Foxsports, and every other sports network you watch.
My favorite team of years ago, who I will not even pretend to have followed in years, gave me no reason to follow them again. The New York Knicks drafted Danilo Gallinari. I personally don't give that Gallinari's father played with the current Knick's coach. All I know is there were better picks available.
I am not a fan of picking people whom haven't played in the American version of the sport yet in any sport, and the same goes for the NBA. Europeon players don't always work out, and I just don't see this one working out well for the Knicks. Prove me wrong, I'm fine with that, but you're going to have to for me to watch the Knicks again.
Now, I'm not the biggest NBA fan but the NBA draft did occur recently. In the draft, number one went to the hometown kid. Any of the top five picks in the draft were incredible picks, but Rose and Beasley both had a tremendous upside, and were by far the best choices, as was made clear by ESPN, Foxsports, and every other sports network you watch.
My favorite team of years ago, who I will not even pretend to have followed in years, gave me no reason to follow them again. The New York Knicks drafted Danilo Gallinari. I personally don't give that Gallinari's father played with the current Knick's coach. All I know is there were better picks available.
I am not a fan of picking people whom haven't played in the American version of the sport yet in any sport, and the same goes for the NBA. Europeon players don't always work out, and I just don't see this one working out well for the Knicks. Prove me wrong, I'm fine with that, but you're going to have to for me to watch the Knicks again.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Too bad the Yankees are Pedro's daddy.
After a slugfest like the one that went on this afternoon, the Mets should be eating, drinking, and breathing pure, 100% adrenaline.
Two homers and nine runs batted in for Carlos Delgado, five runs scored for Luis Castillo, four hits for David Wright, a bunch of two-out hits, 14 hits total, and 15 runs as a team.
Unfortunately, Pedro is pitching tonight. Granted, the opposing pitcher is SIDNEY PONSON, but Pedro is 11-10 career vs. the Yankees, the only team he has double-digit losses against. The Yankees know how to hit--and the Yankees know how to hit Pedro. Tonight will be a short night for Pedro and a long night for both bullpens.
Johan Santana, on the other hand, is 4-0 career against the Yanks. I look forward to tomorrow.
Yes, I left this wide open for the baseball gods to strike irony upon my blog yet again.
Two homers and nine runs batted in for Carlos Delgado, five runs scored for Luis Castillo, four hits for David Wright, a bunch of two-out hits, 14 hits total, and 15 runs as a team.
Unfortunately, Pedro is pitching tonight. Granted, the opposing pitcher is SIDNEY PONSON, but Pedro is 11-10 career vs. the Yankees, the only team he has double-digit losses against. The Yankees know how to hit--and the Yankees know how to hit Pedro. Tonight will be a short night for Pedro and a long night for both bullpens.
Johan Santana, on the other hand, is 4-0 career against the Yanks. I look forward to tomorrow.
Yes, I left this wide open for the baseball gods to strike irony upon my blog yet again.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
You're the men now, 'Dogs.
I won't lie, I'm not a huge college baseball fan. I did, however, follow this year's College World Series, and I'm glad I did. It was a dandy.
Fresno State won the best-of-three series against the nation's #8 squad, Georgia. Fresno State was not ranked. If they didn't win their conference tournament in May, they wouldn't have even been considered for the regional tournament. In the field of 64, where there are 16 brackets of four teams, Fresno St. was the #4 seed in theirs. To put this into perspective, it's basically being somewhere from a 13-16 seed in the NCAA men's or women's basketball tournament. Only MARIST can pull this kind of stuff off!
Fresno St. didn't exactly run the table, but since it's double-elimination in each bracket, the Bulldogs were able to go 10-4 down the stretch, beating the likes of Long Beach State (top 30), San Diego (top 10), Arizona St. (#4), Rice (#6), North Carolina (#2), and then topping it off by taking two out of three from Georgia (#8).
For a team that lost 12 of its first 20, that's not too shabby.
The only thing I question is why Fresno St. 3b Tommy Mendonca was named Most Outstanding Player instead of OF Steve Detwiler. Medonca hit .281 for the CWS...I don't know his full stats, but he must have had a huge game in the 19-10 game two win over Georgia, because Detwiler went 4-for-4 with two homers and all six runs batted in for the Bulldogs in the decisive game.
Oh well.
I think this is the greatest Cinderella story of all time--only because of the improbability of it. Just like any sport, any team can beat any other team on any given day, but to take out so many of the nation's best in this span is nearly unfathomable. ESPN gives some choices--I still have trouble comparing college sports to professional sports, because the ability kind of evens out, especially when playoffs come for professional sports. It's difficult to get into, so I'll just take Fresno St.
Fresno State won the best-of-three series against the nation's #8 squad, Georgia. Fresno State was not ranked. If they didn't win their conference tournament in May, they wouldn't have even been considered for the regional tournament. In the field of 64, where there are 16 brackets of four teams, Fresno St. was the #4 seed in theirs. To put this into perspective, it's basically being somewhere from a 13-16 seed in the NCAA men's or women's basketball tournament. Only MARIST can pull this kind of stuff off!
Fresno St. didn't exactly run the table, but since it's double-elimination in each bracket, the Bulldogs were able to go 10-4 down the stretch, beating the likes of Long Beach State (top 30), San Diego (top 10), Arizona St. (#4), Rice (#6), North Carolina (#2), and then topping it off by taking two out of three from Georgia (#8).
For a team that lost 12 of its first 20, that's not too shabby.
The only thing I question is why Fresno St. 3b Tommy Mendonca was named Most Outstanding Player instead of OF Steve Detwiler. Medonca hit .281 for the CWS...I don't know his full stats, but he must have had a huge game in the 19-10 game two win over Georgia, because Detwiler went 4-for-4 with two homers and all six runs batted in for the Bulldogs in the decisive game.
Oh well.
I think this is the greatest Cinderella story of all time--only because of the improbability of it. Just like any sport, any team can beat any other team on any given day, but to take out so many of the nation's best in this span is nearly unfathomable. ESPN gives some choices--I still have trouble comparing college sports to professional sports, because the ability kind of evens out, especially when playoffs come for professional sports. It's difficult to get into, so I'll just take Fresno St.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Are you there, God? It's me...Seattle...
Dear God,
As you may know, we finished 88-74 last season. We just missed the playoffs, but it was quite an accomplishment for a squad whose marquee names are Richie Sexson and Adrian Beltre. You know, players who make $13-15 million a year but play like they earn $400,000. Of course we had the always reliable Ichiro Suzuki, but let's be honest--he can't carry a team for a week, a month, or a year. Beltre and Sexson are the ones getting paid to do the heavy damage. We only had one starter with a sub-4.00 earned run average, and only one with more than 15 wins. J.J. Putz was a nice surprise with 40 saves and a 1.38 e.r.a. With Felix Hernandez only 21 years old and ever improving, and almost our entire starting roster returning, we were pretty confident going into the offseason.
We made our big move when we traded our number one prospect, Adam Jones, and a few other players, for Erik Bedard. This gave us two number one starters, one lefty and one righty. Our one-two punch on paper was as good as any other team's. Considering our 88 wins in '07, we expected at least 90, if not more, in '08. Definitely a contender for the division.
When the Angels lost their top two pitchers before the season even started, we instantly became favorites to take the A.L. West.
Let's skip further detail and get to the present. We're the worst team in baseball, fired our General Manager, fired our manager...now we're on our fourth in two seasons, Putz is on the DL for only you know how long, our top offseason acquisition is less than impressive in his starts so far, and injury seems imminent as he's been scratched from a few starts.
The lone bright spot has been our boy, Felix Hernandez. His e.r.a. is 2.83, and though the run support isn't there, he gives it his all each and every start.
God...I might start to get a little pissed talking to you now. I've used your name in vein more times than I can count since the bottom of the 5th inning tonight.
The game started out fine. We were facing Johan Santana and the Mets with our ace, King Felix, going for us. We capitalized early, loading the bases on an error, for Felix, who is 1-8 batting in his career. He served one out two deep right-center, and it sailed over the fence. We led 4-0, and even extended it to 5-0 before Felix gave up a leadoff double to Carlos Beltran in the bottom of the 5th. Carlos Delgado popped out, Beltran stole third, but Trot Nixon struck out swinging on a NASTY slider for the second out. With a 1-2 count on Ramon Castro, Felix threw one in the dirt and it got away. Beltran broke for home, and Felix ran in to cover the plate. Beltran slid, and caught Felix's knee. It twisted, his opposite foot stuck in the ground, and twisted the ankle on that leg. One strike away from being eligible for a win which he clearly deserved, given the masterpiece he was throwing against his fellow countryman and mentor.
What did we do to deserve this, God? What did we do? This isn't like the 90's Seattle teams with Randy Johnson, Ken Griffey, Jr., Randy Johnson, etc...We have a humble team, a young team, full of role players and few stars. These guys play their hearts out every day. They don't complain, they don't quarrel within. The chemistry is exceptional, so why the hell are we victims? WHY? WHY, WHY, WHY, WHY, WHY?!
What's next? Will you somehow manipulate us into trading Ichiro to the Yankees?
Humbly your ragdoll,
The Seattle Mariners
As you may know, we finished 88-74 last season. We just missed the playoffs, but it was quite an accomplishment for a squad whose marquee names are Richie Sexson and Adrian Beltre. You know, players who make $13-15 million a year but play like they earn $400,000. Of course we had the always reliable Ichiro Suzuki, but let's be honest--he can't carry a team for a week, a month, or a year. Beltre and Sexson are the ones getting paid to do the heavy damage. We only had one starter with a sub-4.00 earned run average, and only one with more than 15 wins. J.J. Putz was a nice surprise with 40 saves and a 1.38 e.r.a. With Felix Hernandez only 21 years old and ever improving, and almost our entire starting roster returning, we were pretty confident going into the offseason.
We made our big move when we traded our number one prospect, Adam Jones, and a few other players, for Erik Bedard. This gave us two number one starters, one lefty and one righty. Our one-two punch on paper was as good as any other team's. Considering our 88 wins in '07, we expected at least 90, if not more, in '08. Definitely a contender for the division.
When the Angels lost their top two pitchers before the season even started, we instantly became favorites to take the A.L. West.
Let's skip further detail and get to the present. We're the worst team in baseball, fired our General Manager, fired our manager...now we're on our fourth in two seasons, Putz is on the DL for only you know how long, our top offseason acquisition is less than impressive in his starts so far, and injury seems imminent as he's been scratched from a few starts.
The lone bright spot has been our boy, Felix Hernandez. His e.r.a. is 2.83, and though the run support isn't there, he gives it his all each and every start.
God...I might start to get a little pissed talking to you now. I've used your name in vein more times than I can count since the bottom of the 5th inning tonight.
The game started out fine. We were facing Johan Santana and the Mets with our ace, King Felix, going for us. We capitalized early, loading the bases on an error, for Felix, who is 1-8 batting in his career. He served one out two deep right-center, and it sailed over the fence. We led 4-0, and even extended it to 5-0 before Felix gave up a leadoff double to Carlos Beltran in the bottom of the 5th. Carlos Delgado popped out, Beltran stole third, but Trot Nixon struck out swinging on a NASTY slider for the second out. With a 1-2 count on Ramon Castro, Felix threw one in the dirt and it got away. Beltran broke for home, and Felix ran in to cover the plate. Beltran slid, and caught Felix's knee. It twisted, his opposite foot stuck in the ground, and twisted the ankle on that leg. One strike away from being eligible for a win which he clearly deserved, given the masterpiece he was throwing against his fellow countryman and mentor.
What did we do to deserve this, God? What did we do? This isn't like the 90's Seattle teams with Randy Johnson, Ken Griffey, Jr., Randy Johnson, etc...We have a humble team, a young team, full of role players and few stars. These guys play their hearts out every day. They don't complain, they don't quarrel within. The chemistry is exceptional, so why the hell are we victims? WHY? WHY, WHY, WHY, WHY, WHY?!
What's next? Will you somehow manipulate us into trading Ichiro to the Yankees?
Humbly your ragdoll,
The Seattle Mariners
Sunday, June 22, 2008
OOOOVERRAAAAATED!
Seems as thought I'm not the only one who thinks Derek Jeter is overrated. In a poll conducted by Sports Illustrated, 495 current MLB players were asked who the most overrated player is. The winner of this illustrious award? Derek Jeter. The captain garnered 10% of the votes, beating out household names like Barry Zito and Alex Rodriguez.
Unfortunately, this survey seems flawed. Alex Rodriguez is not overrated. Manny Ramirez is not overrated. David Wright is not overrated. These names all appeared on the list.
I've got to be honest. I don't think Jeter is the MOST overrated player in the game. He's up there, but not the most. This poll isn't very reliable, it's just funny that Jeter came out on top. I love it.
Notes from today's NYY-CIN game:
Michael Kay is an idiot.
-He mentioned that the Reds' starting pitcher, Johnny Cueto, is among the league leaders in home runs allowed. Kay went into a rant about how it isn't fair for Cueto and Brett Myers, as well as other pitchers who pitch in hitters' parks, because a routine fly ball in other parks is 10 rows up in Cinci or Philly.
Uhh...so every park should be designed like Yankee Stadium? Where a 315-foot pop up to left field earns you four bases, and if you hit it 350 feet, it's in the upper deck? Just shut up.
-David Cone (I think) was talking about Joey Votto and how his great season is flying under the radar (I called this, but I don't want to talk about the Nick Johnson thing). Cone then starts to talk about how Cincinnati's roster is full of great names.
Cone: "Joey Votto, Johnny Cueto...sounds like a bunch of guys trying out to be on the Sopranos!"
Kay: "Edinson Volquez..."
Cueto is from the Dominican Republic and Votto is Canadian, but the names at least sound Italian. But Volquez? Just shut up.
HE'S BAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!
-Sidney Ponson is expected to be named the Yankees' starting pitcher for the second game of Friday's split-stadium doubleheader. Maybe the Mets will sign Jose Lima again so we can have a real dandy of a game. Now that I've said this, Ponson will probably throw 7+ of shutout ball.
Willie always welcome in the Bronx
-I never thought I'd be hoping that Joe Girardi KEEPS his job in New York, but now that Willie Randolph has been fired, the chances of him going back to the Bronx in some way, shape, or form, are great. I'd be torn if Willie were to manage the Yankees. I'm incapable of rooting for Willie to fail or do bad. In a perfect world, Girardi won't deliver Hank's desired results, and Willie will find a new managing job before one opens up on 161st street.
Unfortunately, this survey seems flawed. Alex Rodriguez is not overrated. Manny Ramirez is not overrated. David Wright is not overrated. These names all appeared on the list.
I've got to be honest. I don't think Jeter is the MOST overrated player in the game. He's up there, but not the most. This poll isn't very reliable, it's just funny that Jeter came out on top. I love it.
Notes from today's NYY-CIN game:
Michael Kay is an idiot.
-He mentioned that the Reds' starting pitcher, Johnny Cueto, is among the league leaders in home runs allowed. Kay went into a rant about how it isn't fair for Cueto and Brett Myers, as well as other pitchers who pitch in hitters' parks, because a routine fly ball in other parks is 10 rows up in Cinci or Philly.
Uhh...so every park should be designed like Yankee Stadium? Where a 315-foot pop up to left field earns you four bases, and if you hit it 350 feet, it's in the upper deck? Just shut up.
-David Cone (I think) was talking about Joey Votto and how his great season is flying under the radar (I called this, but I don't want to talk about the Nick Johnson thing). Cone then starts to talk about how Cincinnati's roster is full of great names.
Cone: "Joey Votto, Johnny Cueto...sounds like a bunch of guys trying out to be on the Sopranos!"
Kay: "Edinson Volquez..."
Cueto is from the Dominican Republic and Votto is Canadian, but the names at least sound Italian. But Volquez? Just shut up.
HE'S BAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!
-Sidney Ponson is expected to be named the Yankees' starting pitcher for the second game of Friday's split-stadium doubleheader. Maybe the Mets will sign Jose Lima again so we can have a real dandy of a game. Now that I've said this, Ponson will probably throw 7+ of shutout ball.
Willie always welcome in the Bronx
-I never thought I'd be hoping that Joe Girardi KEEPS his job in New York, but now that Willie Randolph has been fired, the chances of him going back to the Bronx in some way, shape, or form, are great. I'd be torn if Willie were to manage the Yankees. I'm incapable of rooting for Willie to fail or do bad. In a perfect world, Girardi won't deliver Hank's desired results, and Willie will find a new managing job before one opens up on 161st street.
Friday, June 20, 2008
I like the Angels.
I was fortunate enough to finally be able to watch the Angels play this week, an opportunity I only get about six times a year...when the Yankees are playing them, so I don't pay too much attention. This time around, however, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim were playing my Mets.
Early in the season, I openly questioned how the Angels were performing so well without their top two pitchers, John Lackey and Kelvim Escobar. The unwritten trends of baseball indicate that when a good team's top players go down, the children of a lesser god step up (see: Yankees since Wang injury, Cardinals since Pujols, injury not including the last three games). But after watching games one and three of the series (and about three innings of game two), I have a much clearer picture of how good this team actually is and why they're so good.
The Mets may have won two of three in the series, but the Angels were clearly the better team.
The Angels aren't the most powerful team, representing the bottom 10 in the entire MLB in both runs scored and home runs. They aren't in the top 10 in staff earned run average, either. Somehow, Anaheim has the fourth best winning percentage in baseball. Right behind the Rays, I might add.
The team chemistry is amazing. They have so much fun out on the diamond. They remind me of the '04 Red Sox, the only difference being the '08 Angels don't have a chip on their shoulder. It's debatable whether that makes them better or worse, but I don't think it's right to compare because of the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation for the '04 Red Sox. Basically I'm saying the Sox of that season were better, but it would be counterproductive to this blog to admit it. Oops.
Anyway, let's start on offense. A star-studded outfield consists of the most intimidating batter in baseball, Vladdy Guerrero, gold glover Torii Hunter, and the overpaid but valuable Gary Matthews, Jr. Garrett Anderson is the backup outfielder/DH. To put it in terms Mets' fans can understand, it's like not having to depend on Moises Alou to start everyday, but just using him in certain situations.
Chone Figgins and Casey Kotchman highlight the infield, with uber-role players Howie Kendrick, Reggie Willits, Robb Quinlan, and Erick Aybar chipping in here and there. None of these guys hit for an overly impressive average, but this team is more capable than any other of stringing together three or four hits or getting a two-out hit with runners in scoring position.
The starting pitching, as I said before, is not amazing, but with Lackey having just returned, it's going to get a lot better and take a lot of pressure off of the guys who have stepped up early in the season. Joe Saunders has 10 wins, Ervin Santana, who was a disaster last year, is 8-3, and Jon Garland and Jered Weaver each have six wins.
The bullpen has weakened over the years, with the loss of Brendan Donnelly, Kevin Gregg, Troy Percival, etc...but it is still strong with Scot Shields and of course, Francisco "K-Rod" Rodriguez to seal the de
This team swings 2-0, is not afraid to steal second, and they know how to get people out. The Angels are the second most complete team in baseball right now. Red Sox/Angels is going to be a fantastic ALCS and should probably be considered the World Series, because whoever wins that series is taking the whole thing.
Early in the season, I openly questioned how the Angels were performing so well without their top two pitchers, John Lackey and Kelvim Escobar. The unwritten trends of baseball indicate that when a good team's top players go down, the children of a lesser god step up (see: Yankees since Wang injury, Cardinals since Pujols, injury not including the last three games). But after watching games one and three of the series (and about three innings of game two), I have a much clearer picture of how good this team actually is and why they're so good.
The Mets may have won two of three in the series, but the Angels were clearly the better team.
The Angels aren't the most powerful team, representing the bottom 10 in the entire MLB in both runs scored and home runs. They aren't in the top 10 in staff earned run average, either. Somehow, Anaheim has the fourth best winning percentage in baseball. Right behind the Rays, I might add.
The team chemistry is amazing. They have so much fun out on the diamond. They remind me of the '04 Red Sox, the only difference being the '08 Angels don't have a chip on their shoulder. It's debatable whether that makes them better or worse, but I don't think it's right to compare because of the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation for the '04 Red Sox. Basically I'm saying the Sox of that season were better, but it would be counterproductive to this blog to admit it. Oops.
Anyway, let's start on offense. A star-studded outfield consists of the most intimidating batter in baseball, Vladdy Guerrero, gold glover Torii Hunter, and the overpaid but valuable Gary Matthews, Jr. Garrett Anderson is the backup outfielder/DH. To put it in terms Mets' fans can understand, it's like not having to depend on Moises Alou to start everyday, but just using him in certain situations.
Chone Figgins and Casey Kotchman highlight the infield, with uber-role players Howie Kendrick, Reggie Willits, Robb Quinlan, and Erick Aybar chipping in here and there. None of these guys hit for an overly impressive average, but this team is more capable than any other of stringing together three or four hits or getting a two-out hit with runners in scoring position.
The starting pitching, as I said before, is not amazing, but with Lackey having just returned, it's going to get a lot better and take a lot of pressure off of the guys who have stepped up early in the season. Joe Saunders has 10 wins, Ervin Santana, who was a disaster last year, is 8-3, and Jon Garland and Jered Weaver each have six wins.
The bullpen has weakened over the years, with the loss of Brendan Donnelly, Kevin Gregg, Troy Percival, etc...but it is still strong with Scot Shields and of course, Francisco "K-Rod" Rodriguez to seal the de
This team swings 2-0, is not afraid to steal second, and they know how to get people out. The Angels are the second most complete team in baseball right now. Red Sox/Angels is going to be a fantastic ALCS and should probably be considered the World Series, because whoever wins that series is taking the whole thing.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Who Knew...
That the tall, kind of goofy one time backup center for the Red Hook Raiders would take Vegas by storm? As we speak, Matt Vengrin (Veng $) has made it to the final six at event 29 of the World Series of Poker. But wait....there's more. Matt has more than twice the amount of chips as John Phan, who sits in second place. Can Vengrin pull this off? Let's hope so.
Update: 8:09 p.m. by Travis
Vengrin has slipped to third place with four players remaining. He is guaranteed at least a $137,343 payout and can earn $434,789 with a win. His progress can be tracked live here.
Update: 8:44 p.m. by Michael J
The dream is over for Veng$. But a $167,973 payday is not too shabby. Nice job finishing third. Let's see how he does for the rest of the WSOP.
Update: 8:09 p.m. by Travis
Vengrin has slipped to third place with four players remaining. He is guaranteed at least a $137,343 payout and can earn $434,789 with a win. His progress can be tracked live here.
Update: 8:44 p.m. by Michael J
The dream is over for Veng$. But a $167,973 payday is not too shabby. Nice job finishing third. Let's see how he does for the rest of the WSOP.
no. No. NO! NOOOO!
Omar Minaya fired Willie Randolph about six hours ago, despite the Mets winning their second consecutive game, and glimmers of hope shining from the offense and the bullpen. Not only was Randolph fired, but so were pitching coach Rick Peterson and first base coach Tom Nieto. They're bringing up some no-names from minor league squads to take the coaching jobs, and bench coach Jerry Manuel is taking over as manager. He's got experience managing, and a few years under his belt coaching in New York...but seriously. Firing Willie was not the answer.
I'm not excited for the rest of this season and I'm not excited for the new ballpark in 2009. This is absolutely ridiculous.
Beltran is just heating up, and he's one of those players that can carry the team when he's hot...and when he's hot, everyone around him flourishes. Let's watch it all go down the drain now.
I'm not excited for the rest of this season and I'm not excited for the new ballpark in 2009. This is absolutely ridiculous.
Beltran is just heating up, and he's one of those players that can carry the team when he's hot...and when he's hot, everyone around him flourishes. Let's watch it all go down the drain now.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Hank Steinbrenner is a douche
I don't usually laugh at professional athletes' suffering, unless it's Derek Jeter, Michael Beasley, or someone who has rubbed me the wrong way for some childish reason that I can't get over (Tom Brady won me over with his charisma and boyish good looks--maybe if Jeter and Beasley were personable, I'd like them). Don't get me wrong, I like Chien-Ming Wang, even beyond fantasy purposes, but his injury serves Hank Steinbrenner right.
I haven't been watching the Astros/Yankees series, so when I saw the news that Wang was getting an MRI on his foot, I didn't think anything of it. Then I saw the headline that he was out for six weeks. Okay, I'll bench him in my fantasy league that I own him in. THEN just a few moments ago, I saw that he's out until at least September!
That prompted me to actually read the story. I needed to know what happened. Turns out he was injured running the bases. But the story is no longer about Wang being hurt, now it turned into Hank Steinbrenner crying like a two-year old who was injured in a tricycle accident. Apparently the National League "needs to join the 21st century," and implement the designated hitter.
To hell with that. The absence of a DH is the main reason I love the National League so much more than the AL. Yeah, I like watching a nice slugfest every now and again, but if pitchers weren't forced to hit in either league, there would no longer be a need for strategy. There would no longer be sacrifice bunts. Payrolls would skyrocket because every team would have a Frank Thomas or a David Ortiz. Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera would be lifers in the DH spot, as would up and coming players such as Joey Votto, James Loney, and Conor Jackson.
The art of the game would be destroyed.
This is a TERRIBLE idea for Hank to suggest, but of course he loves the idea. It's not about the pitchers, it's about him. Payrolls would go up as I already said, then ticket prices would increase even further, and it would just be more money in his dirty little pockets.
Even more ironic--guess who suffers the most? Pitchers and DHs. The National League would no longer be the "National League." It wouldn't be a safe haven for Roy Oswalt, Jake Peavy, or Johan Santana. No pitcher would even have a shot at a sub-3.00 earned run average. And as the required skill of position players diminishes, the skill of the pitchers will diminish, too. DHs like David Ortiz won't ever need to take fielding practice, because interleague games will no longer have any beauty, they'll just be regular games. Pitchers won't have to run laps to keep their hammys loose. They won't have to swing a bat...EVER. That will hurt teams in extra inning situations where bat-savvy pitchers like Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux have made second careers pinch hitting--and not to mention Micah Owings, who has a great hitting and pitching career ahead of him.
There would no longer be a reason for role players like Marlon Anderson, Endy Chavez, or Pedro Feliz to exist. Punished for being exceptional utility men and pinch hitters? Go to hell, Hank.
I don't think I've been this pissed off in a long time.
I haven't been watching the Astros/Yankees series, so when I saw the news that Wang was getting an MRI on his foot, I didn't think anything of it. Then I saw the headline that he was out for six weeks. Okay, I'll bench him in my fantasy league that I own him in. THEN just a few moments ago, I saw that he's out until at least September!
That prompted me to actually read the story. I needed to know what happened. Turns out he was injured running the bases. But the story is no longer about Wang being hurt, now it turned into Hank Steinbrenner crying like a two-year old who was injured in a tricycle accident. Apparently the National League "needs to join the 21st century," and implement the designated hitter.
To hell with that. The absence of a DH is the main reason I love the National League so much more than the AL. Yeah, I like watching a nice slugfest every now and again, but if pitchers weren't forced to hit in either league, there would no longer be a need for strategy. There would no longer be sacrifice bunts. Payrolls would skyrocket because every team would have a Frank Thomas or a David Ortiz. Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera would be lifers in the DH spot, as would up and coming players such as Joey Votto, James Loney, and Conor Jackson.
The art of the game would be destroyed.
This is a TERRIBLE idea for Hank to suggest, but of course he loves the idea. It's not about the pitchers, it's about him. Payrolls would go up as I already said, then ticket prices would increase even further, and it would just be more money in his dirty little pockets.
Even more ironic--guess who suffers the most? Pitchers and DHs. The National League would no longer be the "National League." It wouldn't be a safe haven for Roy Oswalt, Jake Peavy, or Johan Santana. No pitcher would even have a shot at a sub-3.00 earned run average. And as the required skill of position players diminishes, the skill of the pitchers will diminish, too. DHs like David Ortiz won't ever need to take fielding practice, because interleague games will no longer have any beauty, they'll just be regular games. Pitchers won't have to run laps to keep their hammys loose. They won't have to swing a bat...EVER. That will hurt teams in extra inning situations where bat-savvy pitchers like Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux have made second careers pinch hitting--and not to mention Micah Owings, who has a great hitting and pitching career ahead of him.
There would no longer be a reason for role players like Marlon Anderson, Endy Chavez, or Pedro Feliz to exist. Punished for being exceptional utility men and pinch hitters? Go to hell, Hank.
I don't think I've been this pissed off in a long time.
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