Hard to write about a World Series when you like one of the teams and have a lifelong hatred of the other. Add to that the narcissist twins, one on each team: Cole Hamels (the only one on the planet who thought he should start another series game) and A.J. (me, me, me) Burnett). Both melodramatics in search of their curve balls. So I took a break and let the inevitable happen.
Now let’s face the facts. The Yankees deserved to win this Series. They played almost flawlessly, and had such depth that the disappearance of Mark Teixeira, Robinson Cano and Nick Swisher from their offense was of little consequence. Derek Jeter batted higher than those three combined. Hideki Matsui had more RBIs in Game 6 (six) than the threesome did in the entire Series. And Andy Pettitte’s grit and determination were fiercesome.
The Phillies offense took the Series off. Shane Victorino and Ryan Howard, the cornerstone of last years’ offense did virtually nothing. Cliff Lee, lefty extraordinaire, had a higher average than they did. The starters weren’t bad but when they needed help, it wasn’t there. The bullpen turned out to be Six Pitchers in Search of a Save. And who, exactly, was going to start a Game 7?
So the Yankees win, the fans are either elated or relieved to be rid of it and we are done with baseball for a while. At least they didn’t wave those silly towels.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Game 1
There are days when Cliff Lee looks like the best pitcher in baseball, when you know with certainty that no one can touch him. Yesterday, Game 1 of the World Series in New York, was one of those days. He pitches with such authority and enthusiasm that the stage he was on– Yankee Stadium with its fans believing a championship is a New York entitlement– didn’t matter. Nine innings, ten strikeouts, no walks. Wow.
Most other teams simply find a way to defer to the Yankees, by playing below their level of competence even though they don’t need to because these Yankees don’t need much help to win. The Phillies don’t defer to anyone. When Chase Utley’s first home run cleared the right field porch – a cheap Yankee Stadium home run to be sure—he set the tone for what was to come.
Tonight Pedro Martinez takes the mound for the Phillies, center stage at the center of the universe. Just where he wants to be. The Yankees go with A.J. Burnett who has showed signs of being a bit of a head case this year and can’t seem to pitch to the best catcher the Yankees have. Stay tuned.
Most other teams simply find a way to defer to the Yankees, by playing below their level of competence even though they don’t need to because these Yankees don’t need much help to win. The Phillies don’t defer to anyone. When Chase Utley’s first home run cleared the right field porch – a cheap Yankee Stadium home run to be sure—he set the tone for what was to come.
Tonight Pedro Martinez takes the mound for the Phillies, center stage at the center of the universe. Just where he wants to be. The Yankees go with A.J. Burnett who has showed signs of being a bit of a head case this year and can’t seem to pitch to the best catcher the Yankees have. Stay tuned.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
The World Series
So it’s the Yankees and the Phillies, at night, in November, just like we all thought it would be. Too bad the games will start when East Coast kids should be getting to bed and the fans can dress in winter white.
The cool kids from both California teams underperformed and went back home to the palm trees and birds of paradise. For the Dodgers it was the collapse of their pitchers, who gave away more than their hitters could get back. Hard to explain why the team with the best record in the N.L. , the team with what was generally regarded as the best pitching staff, and certainly a far superior bullpen, looked tentative and overmatched. But it did and the final NLCS game featured Vicente Padilla, a cast off from the Texas Rangers earlier this season, struggling and failing to keep the Dodgers alive. Not the way it was supposed to happen.
And how to account for the Angels, a smart, savvy bunch with their wise manager, playing like they were supposed to lose because, after all, it was the Yankees out there. More bad base running and bad fielding than we expected from them – and that deer-in-the-headlight look. Oh my.
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The cool kids from both California teams underperformed and went back home to the palm trees and birds of paradise. For the Dodgers it was the collapse of their pitchers, who gave away more than their hitters could get back. Hard to explain why the team with the best record in the N.L. , the team with what was generally regarded as the best pitching staff, and certainly a far superior bullpen, looked tentative and overmatched. But it did and the final NLCS game featured Vicente Padilla, a cast off from the Texas Rangers earlier this season, struggling and failing to keep the Dodgers alive. Not the way it was supposed to happen.
And how to account for the Angels, a smart, savvy bunch with their wise manager, playing like they were supposed to lose because, after all, it was the Yankees out there. More bad base running and bad fielding than we expected from them – and that deer-in-the-headlight look. Oh my.
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Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Two Good Games
In between Viagra commercials, the Anaheim Angels finally beat the Yankees in game 3 of the ALCS. It took 11 innings, an inexplicable pitching move by Yankees manager Joe Girardi and a timely hit by the Angels back-up catcher but they got it done. This does not appear to be a formula for success and The Best Team that Money Can Buy is playing extremely well but it was fun for one afternoon.
Jeff Mathis, the game hero, is one of those players that most of us identify as some guy who plays in the American League. Jeff Mathis, the Fox broadcasters assured us, should have been pulled for a pinch runner earlier in the game, because he runs too slowly. But Jeff Mathis, stayed in the game, was stranded on third base because none of the Angels big guns could drive him in, and won the game himself a little later.
Meanwhile, on the West Coast, the Phillies may have dealt the Dodgers a knock-out punch with a come from behind win against their best reliever. See, the thing about relief pitchers who throw 100 mph and look like the incredible hulk is, that if they walk batters and hit batters, they’re gonna lose. Because while the rest of us are awed by the triple digits on the radar gun, the batter who is going to win the game is fouling off the pitches he can’t hit and waiting for one he can drive for a double to the gap.
Jeff Mathis, the game hero, is one of those players that most of us identify as some guy who plays in the American League. Jeff Mathis, the Fox broadcasters assured us, should have been pulled for a pinch runner earlier in the game, because he runs too slowly. But Jeff Mathis, stayed in the game, was stranded on third base because none of the Angels big guns could drive him in, and won the game himself a little later.
Meanwhile, on the West Coast, the Phillies may have dealt the Dodgers a knock-out punch with a come from behind win against their best reliever. See, the thing about relief pitchers who throw 100 mph and look like the incredible hulk is, that if they walk batters and hit batters, they’re gonna lose. Because while the rest of us are awed by the triple digits on the radar gun, the batter who is going to win the game is fouling off the pitches he can’t hit and waiting for one he can drive for a double to the gap.
Monday, October 19, 2009
A Blow-out in Philadelphia
It was one of those games that was over almost before it began. The Phillies overwhelmed the Dodgers, with every Philly in the starting lineup scoring, even the pitcher. The Dodgers started Hiroki Kuroda, a decision Joe Torre agonized over, weighing Kuroda’s injury versus his prior success against the Phils. The Phillies feasted on him. In the first inning Ryan Howard tripled, scoring two; a moment later Jayson Werth homered, a towering shot, scoring another two. Kuroda never got out of the second inning.
Cliff Lee, the trading deadline pick-up that keeps on giving, was terrific for the Phils. He pitches the way the rest of us wish we could write: quickly, economically and with purpose. Eight shutout innings.
A word about the weather and the length of the season. I’m sure it’s lovely in southern California these days, warm and sunny. But in Philadelphia and New York it’s miserable to watch baseball in a cold rain and we’re not even half way through the league championship series. The TV gods dictate that there is no flexibility in the schedule and the games are scheduled at night, starting past 8pm in the East. Even I, who go into baseball mourning when the World Series is over, think the season is too damn long.
Cliff Lee, the trading deadline pick-up that keeps on giving, was terrific for the Phils. He pitches the way the rest of us wish we could write: quickly, economically and with purpose. Eight shutout innings.
A word about the weather and the length of the season. I’m sure it’s lovely in southern California these days, warm and sunny. But in Philadelphia and New York it’s miserable to watch baseball in a cold rain and we’re not even half way through the league championship series. The TV gods dictate that there is no flexibility in the schedule and the games are scheduled at night, starting past 8pm in the East. Even I, who go into baseball mourning when the World Series is over, think the season is too damn long.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Game On
Pedro Martinez and Vicente Padilla, masters of the mound, experience and guile. Even Chip Caray , robo announcer, seemed to appreciate these remarkable performances. Padilla made Raul Ibanez and Jayson Werth look foolish at the plate, lunging after pitches they had no chance to hit. Pedro did the same to Manny Ramirez who struck out weakly. Pedro pitched seven scoreless innings giving up two hits, no walks, three strikeouts. Pretty good for a pitcher the NY Mets didn’t want.
Padilla started the eighth, gave up a walk to the first batter and was taken out by Joe Torre. He walked off the mound, dark hair dripping with sweat, and as he neared the dugout, he tipped his cap to the fans in a way young pitchers never do. His bullpen did the job.
The Phils turned to their bullpen in the eighth. It was painful to watch. Chan Ho Park, who will be remembered more for kicking another pitcher in a brawl than for any actual pitching accomplishments, couldn’t stay out of trouble. To be fair, he had help from Chase Utley who has been playing second base in the post season like he wants to be a designated hitter. Four pitchers later, the inning was over and so was the game. Dodgers’ Bullpen: 1 Phillies Bullpen: 0.
Padilla started the eighth, gave up a walk to the first batter and was taken out by Joe Torre. He walked off the mound, dark hair dripping with sweat, and as he neared the dugout, he tipped his cap to the fans in a way young pitchers never do. His bullpen did the job.
The Phils turned to their bullpen in the eighth. It was painful to watch. Chan Ho Park, who will be remembered more for kicking another pitcher in a brawl than for any actual pitching accomplishments, couldn’t stay out of trouble. To be fair, he had help from Chase Utley who has been playing second base in the post season like he wants to be a designated hitter. Four pitchers later, the inning was over and so was the game. Dodgers’ Bullpen: 1 Phillies Bullpen: 0.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Bright Lights
Yesterday’s NLCS opener featured pitching meltdowns on both sides. These are not your parents’ Phillies or Dodgers where the pitchers keep bringing it inning after inning. This was a very talented kid in blue who tried to strike everyone out and ending up walking most of them and giving up five runs in five innings. He is 21 years old and Joe Torre thought he was Bob Feller. Perhaps some day he will be, but it wasn’t last night.
On the Phillies side, there was Cole Hamels. Hamels did his best impression of a spoiled brat when his infielders didn’t make the double play he thought he was entitled to and then gave a post-game interview explaining why. Meantime, he fell apart and gave the Dodgers a chance to get back into the game.
While the pitchers were struggling, the hitters were treating their fans to a good time. Manny Ramirez whacked one for the Dodgers in dramatic fashion, as Manny often does. But it was the Phils who prevailed after homers by Carlos Ruiz and Raul Ibanez and a big hit by Ryan Howard. Carlos Ruiz is one of those players who work in relative obscurity and then, bang, come up huge in the post season. How to explain it? “He likes the bright lights,” said Ryan Howard. Bright lights indeed.
On the Phillies side, there was Cole Hamels. Hamels did his best impression of a spoiled brat when his infielders didn’t make the double play he thought he was entitled to and then gave a post-game interview explaining why. Meantime, he fell apart and gave the Dodgers a chance to get back into the game.
While the pitchers were struggling, the hitters were treating their fans to a good time. Manny Ramirez whacked one for the Dodgers in dramatic fashion, as Manny often does. But it was the Phils who prevailed after homers by Carlos Ruiz and Raul Ibanez and a big hit by Ryan Howard. Carlos Ruiz is one of those players who work in relative obscurity and then, bang, come up huge in the post season. How to explain it? “He likes the bright lights,” said Ryan Howard. Bright lights indeed.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
"Why Time Begins on Opening Day"
About twenty years ago I read a book of essays by Tom Boswell called “Why Time Begins on Opening Day.” What a great title. In fact, I remember almost nothing about the collection except that title and the concept it embodies. The thing that is so appealing about opening day is that every team has a chance to win it all, everyone’s record is perfect.
Today we are at the opposite end of the spectrum: almost every team has been eliminated. The Kansas City Royals did not have a miracle year despite the efforts of Zack Greinke. The Colorado Rockies and Minnesota Twins sprinted into the playoffs and collapsed. The Tampa Bay Rays could not repeat. The Mets were awful.
So what do we have? The New York Yankees who try to spend their way to a world championship year after year and may have hit on the right combination of talent and ego to do it. The Los Angeles Dodgers, brimming with young talent and a wise old manager. The Philadelphia Phillies, last year’s champs, who play with what Mark Twain described as the calm confidence of a Christian with four aces. And the Anaheim Angels or whatever they have chosen to call themselves this year, who are playing for the memory of Nick Adenhart, the young pitcher killed by a drunk driver early in the season.
I have no idea how this story ends but I can’t wait to find out.
Today we are at the opposite end of the spectrum: almost every team has been eliminated. The Kansas City Royals did not have a miracle year despite the efforts of Zack Greinke. The Colorado Rockies and Minnesota Twins sprinted into the playoffs and collapsed. The Tampa Bay Rays could not repeat. The Mets were awful.
So what do we have? The New York Yankees who try to spend their way to a world championship year after year and may have hit on the right combination of talent and ego to do it. The Los Angeles Dodgers, brimming with young talent and a wise old manager. The Philadelphia Phillies, last year’s champs, who play with what Mark Twain described as the calm confidence of a Christian with four aces. And the Anaheim Angels or whatever they have chosen to call themselves this year, who are playing for the memory of Nick Adenhart, the young pitcher killed by a drunk driver early in the season.
I have no idea how this story ends but I can’t wait to find out.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The Phillies Win
I’m not sure what was more impressive in last night’s Phillies win over Colorado to clinch the Division Series: their three run ninth inning comeback or the fact that Brad Lidge closed out the game without any drama.
After another terrific effort by starter Cliff Lee, we saw why Charlie Manuel is sticking with Lidge as his closer. Ryan Madsen came in to close out the eighth, and promptly gave up the lead, and pretty nearly the game.
The atmosphere at Coors Field reminded me more of a college football game than a baseball game. It’s hard to take a team seriously when the fans are wrapped up in blankets, waving little towels and making up cheers for their favorite player (“Tulo, Tulo”).
And lest you think you’ve seen it all, someone named Dexter Fowler actually hurdled over Chase Utley to avoid being tagged out on a force play. Utley was so disconcerted that he threw poorly to second and was charged with an error. It’s not clear what sport Mr. Fowler thought he was playing. But the Phillies play baseball and play it very well.
After another terrific effort by starter Cliff Lee, we saw why Charlie Manuel is sticking with Lidge as his closer. Ryan Madsen came in to close out the eighth, and promptly gave up the lead, and pretty nearly the game.
The atmosphere at Coors Field reminded me more of a college football game than a baseball game. It’s hard to take a team seriously when the fans are wrapped up in blankets, waving little towels and making up cheers for their favorite player (“Tulo, Tulo”).
And lest you think you’ve seen it all, someone named Dexter Fowler actually hurdled over Chase Utley to avoid being tagged out on a force play. Utley was so disconcerted that he threw poorly to second and was charged with an error. It’s not clear what sport Mr. Fowler thought he was playing. But the Phillies play baseball and play it very well.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Bye, bye Redbirds
Who were those guys dressed in Cardinals uniforms and what did they do to the real Cardinals, the ones who can hit and field? These Cardinals made Dodger pitcher Vicente Padilla look like Cy Young while playing the field like they’d taken Prozac. The pitchers, who rarely failed during the season, looked pedestrian throughout the series.
Meanwhile, in the other dugout, the Dodgers, who had done their best blow their lead in the N.L. West, looked strong in every department. Vicente Padilla, a Ranger castoff, really did pitch the game of his life while the Dodger hitters had their way with whoever the Cardinals put out there. Even John Smoltz couldn’t stop the bleeding. The Dodgers were comfortable and had fun; the Cardinals didn’t.
It’s funny how some teams flourish in the post-season and seem to grow into better, more confident teams while some tense up, overthink, and try too hard. Players who ordinarily look fearsome at the plate, look tentative and overmatched. Matt Holliday, who came to the Cards at the trading deadline and flourished in St. Louis, who seemed never to make an out, tried to catch a ball with his stomach. There were two out in the ninth inning with the Cardinals leading. The floodgates opened, the Cardinals lost the game and never recovered. You never know
Meanwhile, in the other dugout, the Dodgers, who had done their best blow their lead in the N.L. West, looked strong in every department. Vicente Padilla, a Ranger castoff, really did pitch the game of his life while the Dodger hitters had their way with whoever the Cardinals put out there. Even John Smoltz couldn’t stop the bleeding. The Dodgers were comfortable and had fun; the Cardinals didn’t.
It’s funny how some teams flourish in the post-season and seem to grow into better, more confident teams while some tense up, overthink, and try too hard. Players who ordinarily look fearsome at the plate, look tentative and overmatched. Matt Holliday, who came to the Cards at the trading deadline and flourished in St. Louis, who seemed never to make an out, tried to catch a ball with his stomach. There were two out in the ninth inning with the Cardinals leading. The floodgates opened, the Cardinals lost the game and never recovered. You never know
Friday, October 9, 2009
A mixed bag
Watching the post season on TBS is like biting into a big, shiny apple and tasting mush. On the one hand, this is it. The best teams, the finest pitchers, the smartest managers. On the other hand, three games stacked one after the other, with announcers who have studied up but don’t really know the teams and a guy in a lilac sport coat, trying to drum up some phony human interest story. Oy vey.
From my perspective, the drama is already there. TBS has the easiest job in the world: just let it play out. Why hire all these former players and second rate broadcasters who frankly don’t seem to be enjoying the games all that much? Let Vin Scully do the Dodgers games. He’s a national treasure that we won’t have around much longer. Let the home team broadcasters do all the games like they used to do in the early days. Now that would be a treat.
From my perspective, the drama is already there. TBS has the easiest job in the world: just let it play out. Why hire all these former players and second rate broadcasters who frankly don’t seem to be enjoying the games all that much? Let Vin Scully do the Dodgers games. He’s a national treasure that we won’t have around much longer. Let the home team broadcasters do all the games like they used to do in the early days. Now that would be a treat.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
The Tiebreaker
It was one of those games that felt like a ride on a roller coaster, and it was a fantastic, marathon ride. Rick Porcello, the Tigers rookie pitcher brought not only his A-game but his composure to the Metrodome and turned in 5+ innings. The Tigers jumped out to an early lead but you knew it wouldn’t hold and the lead seesawed back and forth through 12 excruciating innings. It was fabulous; just the kind of game I had hoped for. And if the ending wasn’t quite what I wished for, it really didn’t matter because it was really all about the game. As the TV announcers kept reminding us, “the winner gets to go to New York and play the Yankees.” Yeah, and the loser has to go and play them twice.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Decisions, decisions...
You know how when you were a kid you thought that the things that you did (or didn’t do) influenced the outcome of events? I still think that. Thus it is with great seriousness that I picked out my tee shirt this morning and am deliberating on whether to sit on the sofa or the recliner when I watch the Tigers take on the Twins later today. There will likely be several other decisions with momentous consequences which I will make during the game. After all, as a little girl I was responsible for the Dodgers finally beating the Yankees in the 1955 World Series. Or so I thought.
Monday, October 5, 2009
It's a Tie!
Yesterday while the Twins breezed to a win over K.C., the Tigers eked out a victory over the White Sox for the privilege of playing one more game. Here’s the problem. The Tigers have to play that game in the Metrodome, the giant baggie in Minnesota where 50,000 screaming Twins fans will wave little towels and make them miserable. The Tigers pitcher will be 20 year old Rick Porcello, who had a terrific rookie season, except when he pitched in the Metrodome, where his E.R.A. rivaled what mine would be if I tried to pitch there.
They have no one to blame but themselves, blowing a seven game lead in the Central Division over the last three weeks. Even Tigers Manager Jim Leyland sounded pessimistic when asked about his team’s chances. So this game could get ugly early. But wouldn’t it be something if the Tigers won?
They have no one to blame but themselves, blowing a seven game lead in the Central Division over the last three weeks. Even Tigers Manager Jim Leyland sounded pessimistic when asked about his team’s chances. So this game could get ugly early. But wouldn’t it be something if the Tigers won?
Sunday, October 4, 2009
The Detroit Tigers
I can only imagine what it feels like to be in Detroit during the last couple of weeks with the whole season slipping away as the Minnesota Twins keep on coming. Detroit: a solid team with a comfortable lead that couldn’t close the deal. And the Twins, opportunistic, determined, finding a way to win, if just barely, and keep the pressure on Detroit.
I feel for Jim Leyland, my favorite major league manager since his days with the Pirates when you could catch him sneaking a drag on his cigarette in the dugout as the young Barry Bonds and Bobby Bonilla kept the Pirates competitive. Now, his offense has collapsed, his pitching rotation is screwed up and his team is tied with the Twins on the last day of the season.
If both teams win or if they both lose and nothing is decided, they will meet in a playoff game sometime next week, apparently at the convenience of the NFL, in Minneapolis. If that were to happen, the Tigers’ season would hinge on the outcome of a game played in a rather large hefty bag, amid a crowd of screaming Minnesotans, no doubt waving little towels. I’d rather they lose today.
I feel for Jim Leyland, my favorite major league manager since his days with the Pirates when you could catch him sneaking a drag on his cigarette in the dugout as the young Barry Bonds and Bobby Bonilla kept the Pirates competitive. Now, his offense has collapsed, his pitching rotation is screwed up and his team is tied with the Twins on the last day of the season.
If both teams win or if they both lose and nothing is decided, they will meet in a playoff game sometime next week, apparently at the convenience of the NFL, in Minneapolis. If that were to happen, the Tigers’ season would hinge on the outcome of a game played in a rather large hefty bag, amid a crowd of screaming Minnesotans, no doubt waving little towels. I’d rather they lose today.
Friday, October 2, 2009
The National League Post Season
I wouldn’t want to be Charlie Manuel these days. Well, except for the part about being the manager of the world champion, Philadelphia Phillies and repeating this year in the N.L. East. But I wouldn’t want to have to figure out how to win ballgames with my closer setting all sorts of very bad records (an E.R.A. of a remarkable 7.38, 11 blown saves in 41 tries) and no one else to step in. How did the Phillies let their bullpen get so thin?
It will be interesting to watch Tony La Russa micromanage the Cardinals through the post season and perhaps through the World Series. No one wrings so much from so little. Except this year, it’s no so little. With two fabulous starters and a lineup filled both with stars and surprises, the Cards would be a safe bet to advance.
And lest you think that the manager has only marginal impact on a team’s performance, I give you exhibit A, Jim Tracy, who, at the end of May, took the last place Rockies and managed them from ten games below .500 to 23 games above. How is that even possible?
Last, there are the talent-laden Dodgers with Joe Torre at the helm. He’s got six starting pitchers, none of them quite as good as the Cards or the Phillies and tough decisions about who to include on his post-season roster, especially the pitchers. Will anyone be the hero?
It will be interesting to watch Tony La Russa micromanage the Cardinals through the post season and perhaps through the World Series. No one wrings so much from so little. Except this year, it’s no so little. With two fabulous starters and a lineup filled both with stars and surprises, the Cards would be a safe bet to advance.
And lest you think that the manager has only marginal impact on a team’s performance, I give you exhibit A, Jim Tracy, who, at the end of May, took the last place Rockies and managed them from ten games below .500 to 23 games above. How is that even possible?
Last, there are the talent-laden Dodgers with Joe Torre at the helm. He’s got six starting pitchers, none of them quite as good as the Cards or the Phillies and tough decisions about who to include on his post-season roster, especially the pitchers. Will anyone be the hero?
Thursday, September 24, 2009
In Opposite Directions
The Oakland Athletics have a 72-79 record and are in last place in the A.L. West. They have nothing left to play for in the sense that baseball commentators mean at this time of year. After the trading deadline, they brought up several guys from Triple A and let them play. By and large, they liked what they saw and stayed with the program. When one guy didn’t work out, they moved him back down, brought up another guy and gave him a chance. Add a sprinkling of veterans and mix well. The line-up is virtually the same every day and so is the result: they keep winning.
The Houston Astros have a 70-80 record and are 16 games out in the mediocre N.L. Central. They lost seven straight and finally fired the manager. They keep on losing. The Astros are a team with players past their prime who have contracts with years to go, but more alarming is that most of the September call ups belong back in the minors. After G.M. Jerry Hunsicker left to build a winner in Tampa Bay, the Astros, in safe, comfortable Astros fashion, promoted from within and Tim Purpura took over. It didn’t take him long to wreck the farm system; the draft roster from the Purpura years is a long list of players we will never see in major league uniforms. What was it that Bill Terry once said: “Baseball must be a great game to survive the fools that run it.”?
The Houston Astros have a 70-80 record and are 16 games out in the mediocre N.L. Central. They lost seven straight and finally fired the manager. They keep on losing. The Astros are a team with players past their prime who have contracts with years to go, but more alarming is that most of the September call ups belong back in the minors. After G.M. Jerry Hunsicker left to build a winner in Tampa Bay, the Astros, in safe, comfortable Astros fashion, promoted from within and Tim Purpura took over. It didn’t take him long to wreck the farm system; the draft roster from the Purpura years is a long list of players we will never see in major league uniforms. What was it that Bill Terry once said: “Baseball must be a great game to survive the fools that run it.”?
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
A Change in Management
Yesterday the Astros fired manager Cecil Cooper and if you thought I could resist commenting, you were wrong. It was a move which had been rumored since June or July, so the timing, with only 13 games left to play this season, is odd. Poor Dave Clark, the interim manager, has less than two weeks to make his case. I’d be surprised if the job is his next year. The Astros have always favored hiring from within the family so the names Bagwell, Biggio, Bogar, Acta and Ausmus are in the air. Don’t forget, this is the team that hired its TV broadcaster to manage a while back.
Indeed, this is a franchise, and I’m sure it starts with the owner, that wants most of all to feel comfortable. It has a history of stocking the team with nice, polite, family men who play well enough to fill the seats but lack the fire to win it all. It’s a team that finally made it to the World Series in 2005 after 30 years of trying and rolled over for the Chicago While Sox. Lots of teams get swept but this team seemed satisfied simply to have gotten there.
I’ve never been in a major league clubhouse (I did once climb aboard the Detroit Tigers team bus to get an autograph) but apparently the Astros clubhouse was a most unhappy place. MLB.com interviewed the Chronicle’s Richard Justice who provided details as to just how bad it had gotten, with guys wearing black T shirts with “Really?” on them. “Really” refers to some of the more bizarre Cooper moves on the field. And yet these same players dutifully told reporters how it was their fault for not hitting with men in scoring position or getting that third out and how sorry they were that Coop had to go. Let’s see what the nice, polite guys do for the new manager.
Indeed, this is a franchise, and I’m sure it starts with the owner, that wants most of all to feel comfortable. It has a history of stocking the team with nice, polite, family men who play well enough to fill the seats but lack the fire to win it all. It’s a team that finally made it to the World Series in 2005 after 30 years of trying and rolled over for the Chicago While Sox. Lots of teams get swept but this team seemed satisfied simply to have gotten there.
I’ve never been in a major league clubhouse (I did once climb aboard the Detroit Tigers team bus to get an autograph) but apparently the Astros clubhouse was a most unhappy place. MLB.com interviewed the Chronicle’s Richard Justice who provided details as to just how bad it had gotten, with guys wearing black T shirts with “Really?” on them. “Really” refers to some of the more bizarre Cooper moves on the field. And yet these same players dutifully told reporters how it was their fault for not hitting with men in scoring position or getting that third out and how sorry they were that Coop had to go. Let’s see what the nice, polite guys do for the new manager.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Here Come the Twins
I’ve never liked the Minnesota Twins. First of all, they play in that abomination, the Metrodome. It’s a truly disgusting place to watch a ballgame, sterile, ugly, with fans that are ignorant of the game and surprisingly rude. Second, they always seem to beat the teams I like while being hopelessly inept when they play the Yankees.
Now they are doing it again. After failing miserably earlier this season against the dreaded Yankees they are taking on the Tigers and going after a sweep this afternoon at home. A win would put them just one game back in the A.L. Central. Believe me, it’s no accident that this is taking place in the Metrodome. It’s loud, dark and while the fans might not know much about the fine points of baseball, they sure do know how to make noise. It’s not a coincidence that the two World Series victories that the Twins have occurred in years when they played four games at home and three in the National League city. The Twins won every home game. But they lost every road game.
Actually, there is something admirable about a small market team which year after year manages to be competitive, develops talented players through its minor league system since it can’t afford to throw money at free agents and doesn’t whine about it. Perhaps I’ll like them better next year when they move out of the Metrodome and play in a real ballpark.
Now they are doing it again. After failing miserably earlier this season against the dreaded Yankees they are taking on the Tigers and going after a sweep this afternoon at home. A win would put them just one game back in the A.L. Central. Believe me, it’s no accident that this is taking place in the Metrodome. It’s loud, dark and while the fans might not know much about the fine points of baseball, they sure do know how to make noise. It’s not a coincidence that the two World Series victories that the Twins have occurred in years when they played four games at home and three in the National League city. The Twins won every home game. But they lost every road game.
Actually, there is something admirable about a small market team which year after year manages to be competitive, develops talented players through its minor league system since it can’t afford to throw money at free agents and doesn’t whine about it. Perhaps I’ll like them better next year when they move out of the Metrodome and play in a real ballpark.
Guess who?
It’s a team that has no chance to advance to the post-season, with a record below .500. It’s a team with a line-up filled with rookies and youngsters, with a pitching staff of names you’ve never heard of. Most of the starters can barely complete six innings. Seven, tops. Yet it’s a team that just knocked the Rangers out of contention for the A.L. wild card and has just won six in a row. It’s the Oakland Athletics and boy do they seem to be having fun.
I can explain why watching a Mets game or an Astros or Cubs game these days is so painful. It’s the excuses, the lapses (both mental and physical) and the lack of fire and enthusiasm. What I can’t explain is why the A’s, who just ran both the Rangers and the Indians off the field, are different. Why is this bunch of guys finding ways to win every night with new heroes every night instead of whining their way through September?
I can explain why watching a Mets game or an Astros or Cubs game these days is so painful. It’s the excuses, the lapses (both mental and physical) and the lack of fire and enthusiasm. What I can’t explain is why the A’s, who just ran both the Rangers and the Indians off the field, are different. Why is this bunch of guys finding ways to win every night with new heroes every night instead of whining their way through September?
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Why We Go to the Ballpark
I’m trying to understand the phrase “meaningful September game” that the NY Times Mets beat writer used about last night’s Mets loss to the Braves. Are there really baseball games, open to the public, with hot dogs and nachos for sale that are not meaningful? Of course the writer meant that the two teams involved have no chance to advance to the post-season. But is that what makes a game meaningful?
Not to me. I go to see that suicide squeeze play that catches the third baseman playing deep or the complete game shutout that Cliff Lee pitched the other night in Philadelphia. I go to see the young shortstop, called up from triple A in August, play himself into the starting lineup or the big first baseman who gets sent back down because he can’t hit a major league breaking ball. I go because the game has always been there for me, because sometimes you blow the lead two or three times and win it with two outs in the bottom of the ninth.
Not to me. I go to see that suicide squeeze play that catches the third baseman playing deep or the complete game shutout that Cliff Lee pitched the other night in Philadelphia. I go to see the young shortstop, called up from triple A in August, play himself into the starting lineup or the big first baseman who gets sent back down because he can’t hit a major league breaking ball. I go because the game has always been there for me, because sometimes you blow the lead two or three times and win it with two outs in the bottom of the ninth.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Rumble in the Bronx
I had just finished watching (flipping the channels) between two games (Phillies v. Nats and Orioles v. Rays) in which lots of players who make a lot less money than Jorge Posada acted like grownups. ESPN carried the story of Posada and his buddy Mitre, who tried to substitute aggression for ability. From what I could gather, Posada seems to think that it’s okay for his pitcher to throw at batters' heads but it’s not okay for the other team to throw behind his back. Must be “Yankee logic” that the rest of us are fortunate enough not to understand.
The GABP
I travelled to Cincinnati on Monday to watch the Astros play the Reds at the Great American Ball Park, a name that makes one appreciate naming rights. It was a chance to cross off another ball park from the list and to see our hometown team, the Astros, from whom we are geographically separated.
GABP is a mixed bag. It has the least retro feel of all the faux old ballparks built since Camden Yards. That’s because it’s very red – all the seats are red, a fact made more apparent when there are no fans in them. It also has a lot of neon – the line score, the scores of other games, the league standings are all neon, lots of it red. So it doesn’t have the sedateness of a Camden Yards or a Jacobs Field. But it’s a nice place to watch a game. The seats are actually angled right so that you are pointed toward the pitching mound without having to turn yourself into a pretzel The park works in terms of parking, logistics, food and ticket prices are reasonable. The ushers, in their red shirts, guard the aisles leading to the empty field level seats with great fervor.
The game itself had its moments. Jay Bruce came off the DL to win the game for the home team. Wandy Rodriguez pitched brilliantly for the Astros for six shutout innings. But while I had travelled far to see the game, most of the Astros just mailed it in. The manager, Cecil Cooper, left Wandy in just long enough to insure that if things went south Wandy would get the loss. And that’s exactly what happened. A good manager doesn’t do that.
At this time of year you can see lots of teams with no chance for post-season glory. Some of them just go through the motions like the Astros did. Fortunately most of them find some reason – pride, their job next season, an understanding of how lucky they are to be playing at all—to run out the ground balls or to dive to keep the ball in the infield. It’s not much fun to watch the teams that don’t.
And that batting practice home run we caught in center field? Yeah, that was sweet.
GABP is a mixed bag. It has the least retro feel of all the faux old ballparks built since Camden Yards. That’s because it’s very red – all the seats are red, a fact made more apparent when there are no fans in them. It also has a lot of neon – the line score, the scores of other games, the league standings are all neon, lots of it red. So it doesn’t have the sedateness of a Camden Yards or a Jacobs Field. But it’s a nice place to watch a game. The seats are actually angled right so that you are pointed toward the pitching mound without having to turn yourself into a pretzel The park works in terms of parking, logistics, food and ticket prices are reasonable. The ushers, in their red shirts, guard the aisles leading to the empty field level seats with great fervor.
The game itself had its moments. Jay Bruce came off the DL to win the game for the home team. Wandy Rodriguez pitched brilliantly for the Astros for six shutout innings. But while I had travelled far to see the game, most of the Astros just mailed it in. The manager, Cecil Cooper, left Wandy in just long enough to insure that if things went south Wandy would get the loss. And that’s exactly what happened. A good manager doesn’t do that.
At this time of year you can see lots of teams with no chance for post-season glory. Some of them just go through the motions like the Astros did. Fortunately most of them find some reason – pride, their job next season, an understanding of how lucky they are to be playing at all—to run out the ground balls or to dive to keep the ball in the infield. It’s not much fun to watch the teams that don’t.
And that batting practice home run we caught in center field? Yeah, that was sweet.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
September Blues
It’s depressing to look at the standings this early in September and see that most of the division races are essentially over. While no one has mathematically clinched, only two teams have less than a six game lead in their divisions. The Angels and the Dodgers are those teams and I wouldn’t bet against either one of them. That’s not to say that some dramatic collapse or inspiring surge can’t happen, but where would it come from?
The N.L. West is a possibility where both Colorado (whose surge a few years ago still amazes) and the Giants could overtake the Dodgers. And the Rangers certainly have a chance to overtake the Angels. Less likely is the A.L. Central where Detroit leads by six but neither Minnesota nor the White Sox have shown they can win consistently. At least the Twins don’t have any more games against the Yankees and have six against the Tigers but they have been playing themselves out of the race even against lesser teams.
Two pleasant surprises have emerged from the gloom. Texas and Seattle, emphasizing pitching and defense have winning records and Texas at least has a shot at the wild card spot. Early this season we heard that the new sheriff in town, Nolan Ryan, actually expected Rangers pitchers to pitch well into the game. Those that bought into the “new” system flourished, those that didn’t are gone. (Note for any youngsters reading this: in the olden days, starting pitchers tried to pitch nine innings, not five and a half or, in the ridiculous case of Joba Chamberlain, three.)
So what’s going to keep September interesting for us? Well, we could watch the race for most teams with 80 plus losses. The Pirates, Nats, Orioles and Royals have already grabbed their spots. How many others will too? San Diego, Arizona, Cincinnati, Oakland, Cleveland and Toronto are poised to join them. The Mets and the Astros also have a shot. How did so many teams get so bad this year?
The N.L. West is a possibility where both Colorado (whose surge a few years ago still amazes) and the Giants could overtake the Dodgers. And the Rangers certainly have a chance to overtake the Angels. Less likely is the A.L. Central where Detroit leads by six but neither Minnesota nor the White Sox have shown they can win consistently. At least the Twins don’t have any more games against the Yankees and have six against the Tigers but they have been playing themselves out of the race even against lesser teams.
Two pleasant surprises have emerged from the gloom. Texas and Seattle, emphasizing pitching and defense have winning records and Texas at least has a shot at the wild card spot. Early this season we heard that the new sheriff in town, Nolan Ryan, actually expected Rangers pitchers to pitch well into the game. Those that bought into the “new” system flourished, those that didn’t are gone. (Note for any youngsters reading this: in the olden days, starting pitchers tried to pitch nine innings, not five and a half or, in the ridiculous case of Joba Chamberlain, three.)
So what’s going to keep September interesting for us? Well, we could watch the race for most teams with 80 plus losses. The Pirates, Nats, Orioles and Royals have already grabbed their spots. How many others will too? San Diego, Arizona, Cincinnati, Oakland, Cleveland and Toronto are poised to join them. The Mets and the Astros also have a shot. How did so many teams get so bad this year?
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Albertville
Last night Albert Pujols came to bat in the bottom of the ninth inning with the score tied as St. Louis batted against the Washington Nationals. It had been an excellent game with the newest Cardinal, the latest in a long line of older players who find new life and happiness in the baseball nirvana that is St. Louis, John Smoltz pitching for St. Louis and John Lannan, working quickly and efficiently for the Nats.
Albert had looked terrible against Lannan in three at bats and would now face Jason Bergmann, who throws harder and faster than Lannan. I don’t think there was anyone in the ballpark who thought Pujols wasn’t going to hit a home run. Certainly the Nats announcers, Bob Carpenter and the ever annoying Ray Knight, said so. Heck even I, half asleep in Virginia, knew it. And, of course, the great thing about Albert is that he did it.
It’s interesting that even though the Cardinals have been leading the NL Central all season, they are rarely featured on national TV. When ESPN and Fox deviate from their Yankees, Mets, Red Sox formula, it tends to be last year’s World Series winner. So we see the Phillies and the Braves, the Phillies and the Mets, etc. Guess we will see more of the Cardinals next season, after they win something.
Albert had looked terrible against Lannan in three at bats and would now face Jason Bergmann, who throws harder and faster than Lannan. I don’t think there was anyone in the ballpark who thought Pujols wasn’t going to hit a home run. Certainly the Nats announcers, Bob Carpenter and the ever annoying Ray Knight, said so. Heck even I, half asleep in Virginia, knew it. And, of course, the great thing about Albert is that he did it.
It’s interesting that even though the Cardinals have been leading the NL Central all season, they are rarely featured on national TV. When ESPN and Fox deviate from their Yankees, Mets, Red Sox formula, it tends to be last year’s World Series winner. So we see the Phillies and the Braves, the Phillies and the Mets, etc. Guess we will see more of the Cardinals next season, after they win something.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
The Squeeze
The other day I saw a successful suicide squeeze play at Nationals Park. Sitting on the third base side of the field, I saw the base runner suddenly break toward the plate as the pitcher delivered. As the crowd gasped, the batter, Nyjer Morgan, laid down a perfect bunt and the runner scored easily. It was fantastic. And it occurred to me that it was because I was there, with a view of the whole field, that the play was so exciting. If I’d been watching on TV or listening on the radio, the experience of seeing the runner break and realizing what was happening would have been diminished. No amount of replays or slo-mos could duplicate being there.
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This is the time of year when teams who are not in contention (and some that are) have pitching rotations filled with inexperienced, young arms. These pitchers by and large seem to pitch 5 2/3 inning and are out. They get through the opposing team’s lineup twice and can’t make it through the third time. We hear a lot about pitch counts but the reason that pitchers are running up 100 pitches in 5 plus innings is, in part, because they can’t get through the line-up three times.
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This is the time of year when teams who are not in contention (and some that are) have pitching rotations filled with inexperienced, young arms. These pitchers by and large seem to pitch 5 2/3 inning and are out. They get through the opposing team’s lineup twice and can’t make it through the third time. We hear a lot about pitch counts but the reason that pitchers are running up 100 pitches in 5 plus innings is, in part, because they can’t get through the line-up three times.
Friday, August 21, 2009
The Baseball Draft
The Nats will introduce their $16 million man today. He is a pitcher from San Diego State who was the number one draft pick this year. Pitchers have, of course, been notoriously tricky draft picks, with many more misses than hits. This is one of the reasons I don’t get too excited about first round draft picks. But I have been thinking about drafts of old. For example, only two players from the 1987 major league baseball draft are still active. One is Ken Griffey, Jr. The other, drafted in the 48th round, with 1150 players drafted ahead of him, is Brad Ausmus. Brad Ausmus, by the way, has never been on the disabled list throughout his major league career. So you never know. And the team that drafted Brad Ausmus? It was the New York Yankees.
Here are some other active players who were late round selections: Mike Lowell (20th round), Barry Zito (59th round), Jason Bay (22nd round) Roy Oswalt (23rd round), Ian Kinsler (17th round), Mark Buerhle (38th round), Brad Hawpe (47th round), Kevin Youklis (8th round), Trevor Hoffman (11th round), Tim Lincecum (48th round), and Jake Peavy (15th round). A veritable All-Star team.
Here are some other active players who were late round selections: Mike Lowell (20th round), Barry Zito (59th round), Jason Bay (22nd round) Roy Oswalt (23rd round), Ian Kinsler (17th round), Mark Buerhle (38th round), Brad Hawpe (47th round), Kevin Youklis (8th round), Trevor Hoffman (11th round), Tim Lincecum (48th round), and Jake Peavy (15th round). A veritable All-Star team.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Quick Takes
No one can blow a save faster than Brad Lidge.
Hey pitchers: quit throwing at batters’ heads. You’re going to kill someone.
The Phillies discovered the perfect solution to their excess of starters: three innings of Pedro, a rain delay, and six inning of Jamie Moyer.
Strange things happen in August and September. The Dodgers’ nine game lead in the NL West is down to 3.5. Phenom Kershaw threw 97 pitches in 3 plus innings. How is that even possible?
Barry Zito, free agent disaster, seems to be finding himself (and his curve ball) in San Francisco. Finally.
Hey pitchers: quit throwing at batters’ heads. You’re going to kill someone.
The Phillies discovered the perfect solution to their excess of starters: three innings of Pedro, a rain delay, and six inning of Jamie Moyer.
Strange things happen in August and September. The Dodgers’ nine game lead in the NL West is down to 3.5. Phenom Kershaw threw 97 pitches in 3 plus innings. How is that even possible?
Barry Zito, free agent disaster, seems to be finding himself (and his curve ball) in San Francisco. Finally.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
What's a bad baseball team to do?
He was hailed as the once in a generation pitching savior. They were called the worst team in baseball. He was called ready for the major leagues Now. They were called the worst team in baseball. He has a 100 mph fastball and Scott Boras as an agent. They fired their manager.
As the signing deadline approached, the Nats were bashed by every commentator and blogger who could spell Strasburg, and many that couldn’t. They had to sign him. The fans would demand it, the money would be made up at the gate. They couldn’t not sign him.
So they signed him with 90 seconds to spare. And the commentators turned on a dime. Now the chorus was: he’s never thrown a pitch in the major leagues; pitchers drafted in the first round have historically underperformed in the bigs (no kidding); he may need Tommy John surgery; they never should have drafted him in the first place All that and more.
So much for a feel good story. Show ‘em Stephen.
As the signing deadline approached, the Nats were bashed by every commentator and blogger who could spell Strasburg, and many that couldn’t. They had to sign him. The fans would demand it, the money would be made up at the gate. They couldn’t not sign him.
So they signed him with 90 seconds to spare. And the commentators turned on a dime. Now the chorus was: he’s never thrown a pitch in the major leagues; pitchers drafted in the first round have historically underperformed in the bigs (no kidding); he may need Tommy John surgery; they never should have drafted him in the first place All that and more.
So much for a feel good story. Show ‘em Stephen.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Break Up the Nats
I checked in on the Nats and Marlins about an hour after the game started yesterday afternoon. The Nats were down 6 to 0. Time to do something else, right? A few minutes later the score was 6 to 3, then 8 to 3. Same old story, right? Wait, it’s 8 to 7, then tied, then the Nats pull ahead 12 to 8. Who are these guys with their name spelled correctly on their uniforms and big hits flying off their bats?
For those of you who don’t have access to the Nats local broadcasts, their color commentator is a knowledgeable, candid, insightful broadcaster. He’s a former pitcher who talks very little about himself despite his success at the major league level. His name? Rob Dibble! The fierce, intimidating reliever who I absolutely hated grew up to be an excellent broadcaster.
***** ****** ***** ***** ***** *****
Okay, I’m ready to call the experiment over. Sadly, John Smoltz has not been the pitcher I had hoped for when the Red Sox put him in the rotation this season. It’s probably time to move on.
For those of you who don’t have access to the Nats local broadcasts, their color commentator is a knowledgeable, candid, insightful broadcaster. He’s a former pitcher who talks very little about himself despite his success at the major league level. His name? Rob Dibble! The fierce, intimidating reliever who I absolutely hated grew up to be an excellent broadcaster.
***** ****** ***** ***** ***** *****
Okay, I’m ready to call the experiment over. Sadly, John Smoltz has not been the pitcher I had hoped for when the Red Sox put him in the rotation this season. It’s probably time to move on.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
More on Pitchers and a hopeful sign in your nation's capital
A number of NL Rookie pitchers have been very impressive this season. J.A. Happ, the Phillies lefthander, is 8 and 2 and just threw a complete game shutout last night. He is fighting for a spot in the rotation because the Phils have more starters than spots for them. With the addition of Cliff Lee and Pedro Martinez, something’s got to give. It will likely be Happ because not only has he done very well as a starter, he’s been effective out of the bullpen. The other starters are pure starters. Every team should have such problems.
Another successful rookie is Braves pitcher Tommy Hanson who pitched six solid innings in front of crowds of cheering thousands (friends and family) in San Diego last night. He was pulled after giving up a two run homer in the sixth after only 72 pitches. Guess the Braves didn’t want to take any chances. Hanson was one of the reasons they gave for releasing Tom Glavine, wasn’t he?
Not sure how important a sign this is, but over the last week or so an odd thing has happened. The Nats, who I blasted as a double A team playing in the major leagues, are no longer an automatic loser. They have a modest win streak but it’s more than that. The bats have some life in them, Nyjer Morgan is a real spark plug and fun to watch and there’s someone in the bullpen who throws 97 mph and can close. Will it last? Who knows but it’s why you watch the games.
Another successful rookie is Braves pitcher Tommy Hanson who pitched six solid innings in front of crowds of cheering thousands (friends and family) in San Diego last night. He was pulled after giving up a two run homer in the sixth after only 72 pitches. Guess the Braves didn’t want to take any chances. Hanson was one of the reasons they gave for releasing Tom Glavine, wasn’t he?
Not sure how important a sign this is, but over the last week or so an odd thing has happened. The Nats, who I blasted as a double A team playing in the major leagues, are no longer an automatic loser. They have a modest win streak but it’s more than that. The bats have some life in them, Nyjer Morgan is a real spark plug and fun to watch and there’s someone in the bullpen who throws 97 mph and can close. Will it last? Who knows but it’s why you watch the games.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
A few thoughts on pitchers
There’s nothing like an intimidating pitcher to make a game worthwhile. My favorite is Josh Beckett. There is something so economical about his motion and his control is often so laser-like that he is great fun to watch. He pitched a few days ago against the Orioles at Camden Yards in front of a crowd that seemed to have been imported from Boston. It was certainly not his best performance but he appears so dominating that I actually felt bad for the Oriole hitters.
This morning’s news focused on Jared Washburn’s debut with his new team, the Detroit Tigers. It was forgettable. But I don’t think he was the story. I think the story was the debut of Brian Matusz, a lefty brought up from double A by the Orioles to pitch against him. He was drafted in 2008, started the season in A ball, got promoted to double A and suddenly is on the mound last night in Detroit. I don’t know if he’s the real deal or not. Dave Trembly, the O’s manager, says he is. But the real deal is that many major league teams have so many pitching problems that they are forced to bring up guys like Matusz way before they want to and way before the pitchers are ready. The phrase “he’s learning at the big league level” comes to mind.
This morning’s news focused on Jared Washburn’s debut with his new team, the Detroit Tigers. It was forgettable. But I don’t think he was the story. I think the story was the debut of Brian Matusz, a lefty brought up from double A by the Orioles to pitch against him. He was drafted in 2008, started the season in A ball, got promoted to double A and suddenly is on the mound last night in Detroit. I don’t know if he’s the real deal or not. Dave Trembly, the O’s manager, says he is. But the real deal is that many major league teams have so many pitching problems that they are forced to bring up guys like Matusz way before they want to and way before the pitchers are ready. The phrase “he’s learning at the big league level” comes to mind.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
And the winner is...
Nobody. In one of the most tedious trade deadline hypes in years Roy Halladay remained a Toronto Blue Jay. After three weeks of almost non-stop speculation, the Blue Jays turned down offers from contenders in both leagues and no trade was made. Thank goodness that’s over.
But there were some interesting moves made over the past week, especially yesterday’s stealth move by the White Sox who traded prospects to the Padres for the disabled Jake Peavy. I particularly liked this one because not one commentator saw it coming and one by one they admitted surprise and had virtually nothing interesting to say about it, including why Peavy, who exercised the no-trade clause in his contract to veto a trade to the White Sox a few months ago did not do the same thing now.
The Cardinals made two moves early in the nonwaiver trading period, picking up Matt Holliday and Julio Lugo in separate deals. These two then promptly illustrated the value of a change of scenery by playing way over their heads for their new team. Lugo, who distinguished himself early in his career with Houston by showing very little talent in the field, at the plate and running the bases, is now hitting .375 with the Cardinals. Holliday, whose robust batting average in Colorado tapered off a bit in Oakland, is hitting like Ted Williams in his debut with the Cardinals. How long will the honeymoon last?
But there were some interesting moves made over the past week, especially yesterday’s stealth move by the White Sox who traded prospects to the Padres for the disabled Jake Peavy. I particularly liked this one because not one commentator saw it coming and one by one they admitted surprise and had virtually nothing interesting to say about it, including why Peavy, who exercised the no-trade clause in his contract to veto a trade to the White Sox a few months ago did not do the same thing now.
The Cardinals made two moves early in the nonwaiver trading period, picking up Matt Holliday and Julio Lugo in separate deals. These two then promptly illustrated the value of a change of scenery by playing way over their heads for their new team. Lugo, who distinguished himself early in his career with Houston by showing very little talent in the field, at the plate and running the bases, is now hitting .375 with the Cardinals. Holliday, whose robust batting average in Colorado tapered off a bit in Oakland, is hitting like Ted Williams in his debut with the Cardinals. How long will the honeymoon last?
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Pete Rose and the Hall of Fame
The issue of Pete Rose and the Hall of Fame is in the air once again. The discussion arises every year around the induction of each new class into the Hall. Hank Aaron added to the “should we or shouldn’t we” with his remarks that we should. The talking heads on ESPN yammered for a day or two under the banner: Bud Selig considering lifting the ban…
Yesterday there was a review of a new book on the Hall by Zev Chafets, who argues, according to the review, that the Hall is already filled with drug addicts, drunks, cheats, the mentally ill and the morally challenged. “Cooperstown Confidential” seems to leave no doubt that the selection process is seriously flawed and that players who should have been voted in early in their eligibility have been made to wait (Jim Rice, Fergie Jenkins) or been denied entrance altogether while some who have not deserved it were voted in by their cronies (the veterans committee).
But none of this means we should keep on making the same mistakes and vote in Rose. Pete Rose was a ballplayer who did everything right on the ball field and everything wrong off it. He played with an intensity and competiveness missing in many quarters today. But he bet on baseball and he lied about it. Repeatedly. His accomplishments are Hall of Fame worthy but he is not.
A postscript to my son, Peter: You are not named after Pete Rose. I would never do that.
Yesterday there was a review of a new book on the Hall by Zev Chafets, who argues, according to the review, that the Hall is already filled with drug addicts, drunks, cheats, the mentally ill and the morally challenged. “Cooperstown Confidential” seems to leave no doubt that the selection process is seriously flawed and that players who should have been voted in early in their eligibility have been made to wait (Jim Rice, Fergie Jenkins) or been denied entrance altogether while some who have not deserved it were voted in by their cronies (the veterans committee).
But none of this means we should keep on making the same mistakes and vote in Rose. Pete Rose was a ballplayer who did everything right on the ball field and everything wrong off it. He played with an intensity and competiveness missing in many quarters today. But he bet on baseball and he lied about it. Repeatedly. His accomplishments are Hall of Fame worthy but he is not.
A postscript to my son, Peter: You are not named after Pete Rose. I would never do that.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
The Washington Nationals
I had every intention of being a loyal Nat fan when I moved to the area a while ago. But it’s very, very hard. They really are a double A team which can’t spell its own name, playing in the NL East. By and large they play from behind, pitch from behind and end up behind.
Last night was an exception though. Despite shaky starting pitching from Craig Stammen, one of the bright spots among the young starters, the Nats overcame a 2-0 deficit with two grand slams by Josh Willingham.
Willingham is a good young player, one of the reasons there’s some basis for optimism about the future. So is Nyjer Morgan, recently acquired from the Pirates, who is a legitimate lead-off hitter and base stealer. So too is John Lannan, who at the ripe old age of 24 is the dean of the pitching rotation. On a more talented team, he would be a third or fourth starter, learning from older pitchers. Here he is numero uno and sometimes looks like the weight of the world is on his shoulders. I hope he gets some help soon.
But there are way too many retreads, tried and failed and trying again players on this roster.
The Nats website contains this offer, presumably with no irony intended, “Take the Nationals with you, wherever you go.” Such a deal.
Last night was an exception though. Despite shaky starting pitching from Craig Stammen, one of the bright spots among the young starters, the Nats overcame a 2-0 deficit with two grand slams by Josh Willingham.
Willingham is a good young player, one of the reasons there’s some basis for optimism about the future. So is Nyjer Morgan, recently acquired from the Pirates, who is a legitimate lead-off hitter and base stealer. So too is John Lannan, who at the ripe old age of 24 is the dean of the pitching rotation. On a more talented team, he would be a third or fourth starter, learning from older pitchers. Here he is numero uno and sometimes looks like the weight of the world is on his shoulders. I hope he gets some help soon.
But there are way too many retreads, tried and failed and trying again players on this roster.
The Nats website contains this offer, presumably with no irony intended, “Take the Nationals with you, wherever you go.” Such a deal.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
The A.L. Central
With last night’s extra inning win over the White Sox, the Detroit Tigers increased their lead in the AL Central to three games. The Tigers have always been one of my favorite teams and Jim Leland is one of my favorite managers so I am enjoying this race quite a bit. Add to this my dislike of the White Sox (except Mark Buerhle and Jim Thome) and you have true happiness. The win is especially sweet since it came after a blown save in the ninth inning by Bobby Jenks who should seriously consider a second career as in the “even a caveman can do it” ads for Geico.
While the AL Central doesn’t get half the attention that the East does, there are always compelling stories here. The Minnesota Twins who always seem to find a way to contend despite their tiny payroll. The Kansas City Royals who put out a ray of sunshine every April and are hopelessly out of the race in July. The Cleveland Indians who arose from baseball’s graveyard in the mid 90s with one of baseball’s best faux retro stadiums and some exciting teams only to tumble back to mediocrity of late. Ah, the Midwest. You gotta love it.
While the AL Central doesn’t get half the attention that the East does, there are always compelling stories here. The Minnesota Twins who always seem to find a way to contend despite their tiny payroll. The Kansas City Royals who put out a ray of sunshine every April and are hopelessly out of the race in July. The Cleveland Indians who arose from baseball’s graveyard in the mid 90s with one of baseball’s best faux retro stadiums and some exciting teams only to tumble back to mediocrity of late. Ah, the Midwest. You gotta love it.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Fox Sports Comes Through
Fox Sports Saturday game in my area was the Orioles v. the White Sox with Dick Stockton and Mark Grace in the booth.
Two teams that seldom get national exposure with two broadcasters who actually are fun to listen to. Add two excellent starting pitchers, the underappreciated Mark Buerhle and one of the baby Orioles, Brad Bergeson, and you have the makings of a great game. And it was. With Buerhle pitching his usual quick, efficient game and Bergeson going right after one tough hitter after the next.
Those of you who don't see the Orioles on a regular basis like I do have been spared the Matt Wieters debut. Wieters rose quickly through the Orioles farm system with great fanfare. His call-up earlier this season was like a coronation, carefully timed and orchestrated. Thousands of extra tickets were sold for his first game. And how has he done? As of this morning he is hitting .239. His game calling and defense have been about what you can expect from a 23 year old handling a young staff. Another example of what his manager calls learning to play at the major league level.
Contrast this with another Oriole rookie, the left fielder, Nolan Reimold. Reimold seemed to just appear one night with no hype at all. He's hitting 30 points higher than Wieters, with twice as many RBIs. Of course it's still very early for both these players and it will be fun to watch them grow.
Two teams that seldom get national exposure with two broadcasters who actually are fun to listen to. Add two excellent starting pitchers, the underappreciated Mark Buerhle and one of the baby Orioles, Brad Bergeson, and you have the makings of a great game. And it was. With Buerhle pitching his usual quick, efficient game and Bergeson going right after one tough hitter after the next.
Those of you who don't see the Orioles on a regular basis like I do have been spared the Matt Wieters debut. Wieters rose quickly through the Orioles farm system with great fanfare. His call-up earlier this season was like a coronation, carefully timed and orchestrated. Thousands of extra tickets were sold for his first game. And how has he done? As of this morning he is hitting .239. His game calling and defense have been about what you can expect from a 23 year old handling a young staff. Another example of what his manager calls learning to play at the major league level.
Contrast this with another Oriole rookie, the left fielder, Nolan Reimold. Reimold seemed to just appear one night with no hype at all. He's hitting 30 points higher than Wieters, with twice as many RBIs. Of course it's still very early for both these players and it will be fun to watch them grow.
Here We Go Again
The Astros have quietly begun their annual journey from the cellar to contention in a weak NL Central division. Most years the Astros begin the season by digging themselves into a hole and spend the rest of the season digging almost, but not quite, all the way out. They alternate that with a strong start which fizzles in June and ends in mediocrity. Either way the result is the same. Drayton McClain gets his seats filled, the team gives the fans something to cheer about and nothing changes.
This year the charge is being led by the strong pitching of Roy Oswalt and Wandy Rodriquez. Oswalt is the best pitcher most casual fans have never heard of and whose name they mispronounce. Wandy has quietly become a top of the rotation pitcher. Unfortunately, after that we have the following: Mike Hampton acquired from the infirmary in what is typical Astros acquisition strategy, i.e. get a guy late in his career cheap and see if he can still play. The answer is usually no but the pattern is well established. Hampton, who left Houston ten years ago to chase dollars in New York, Colorado (it was a lifestyle issue, he said) and Atlanta had his last really good year in 2003.
He is joined in the rotation by Brian Moehler, acquired from the senior citizens center, whose rookie year was the same year the NL last won the All Star game (hint: 1996). Moehler, with a career ERA of 4.75 does a decent job if you like lots of hits and runs. And finally there is Russ Ortiz whose last winning season was 2004.
So the Astros travel to LA to start the second half and beat up on the Dodgers in the first two games of the series with Wandy and Roy pitching. Next up Hampton and Ortiz. Let's see how it goes.
This year the charge is being led by the strong pitching of Roy Oswalt and Wandy Rodriquez. Oswalt is the best pitcher most casual fans have never heard of and whose name they mispronounce. Wandy has quietly become a top of the rotation pitcher. Unfortunately, after that we have the following: Mike Hampton acquired from the infirmary in what is typical Astros acquisition strategy, i.e. get a guy late in his career cheap and see if he can still play. The answer is usually no but the pattern is well established. Hampton, who left Houston ten years ago to chase dollars in New York, Colorado (it was a lifestyle issue, he said) and Atlanta had his last really good year in 2003.
He is joined in the rotation by Brian Moehler, acquired from the senior citizens center, whose rookie year was the same year the NL last won the All Star game (hint: 1996). Moehler, with a career ERA of 4.75 does a decent job if you like lots of hits and runs. And finally there is Russ Ortiz whose last winning season was 2004.
So the Astros travel to LA to start the second half and beat up on the Dodgers in the first two games of the series with Wandy and Roy pitching. Next up Hampton and Ortiz. Let's see how it goes.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
The Day After
Yesterday was the dreaded Day After. One of the only days during the season on which there is no ML baseball. After yet another NL loss in the All Star Game, I considered my options. The most obvious was a trip to the local minor league (Class A) Frederick Keys. It's a nice little ball field and I've seen some decent games there. I decided to pass. After all the All Star hoopla, I needed a break. So yesterday was a baseball-free day. Tonight its the Cubs at the Nats - stay tuned.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Home Run Derby
Home Run Derby: a completely meaningless commercial event created by MLB and the entertainment media. Didn't watch, will never watch, don't care.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
The New York Yankees
I will now confess to having an almost pathological dislike of the NY Yankees. I come by it honestly, having been raised by someone who firmly and sincerely believed that rooting for the Yankees was like rooting for US Steel. So when I check the Yankees score I am, admittedly, looking for a loss. Alas, this has not happened this season when the Yankees play the Twins. The Twins lost four straight in NY and all three games played in Minnesota. With one exception, the scores have been close, the Twins often lead and then lose late. I’ve come to expect it, just as (oh joy) I expect the opposite result when the Yankees meet the Angels. The Angels don’t seem to care that these are the vaulted NY Yankees and that you are supposed to find a way to lose. Instead, they find a way to win.
Today they did it again, beating the Yankees 5 to 4 and sweeping the series in Anaheim. Brian Fuentes got the side in order in the ninth, facing Jeter, Teixeira and ARod. He threw 14 pitches, 10 of them strikes. No fear, it’s just the Yankees.
Today they did it again, beating the Yankees 5 to 4 and sweeping the series in Anaheim. Brian Fuentes got the side in order in the ninth, facing Jeter, Teixeira and ARod. He threw 14 pitches, 10 of them strikes. No fear, it’s just the Yankees.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Go ahead, no-hit me
Proving once again that almost any pitcher in the majors is capable of pitching a no-hitter, especially against an anemic line-up, a young lefty called Jonathan Sanchez pitched one last night against the Padres. Sanchez, starting for the Giants after being demoted to the bullpen, offered all sorts of explanations for last night’s success –altering his motion, improving his release, etc. but the truth is he had been a spectacularly unsuccessful major league pitcher with a lopsided losing record and a bloated ERA. Yet last night he was perfect. Is the new and improved Sanchez permanent? Will the real Jonathan Sanchez please stand up.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
The Comeback
Watching the Mariners and the Orioles on a lazy afternoon with the Mariners firmly in control one would be tempted to take a nap or turn to something else. After all, the O’s had squandered several golden opportunities, including loading the bases with no one out and leaving them that way. That inning ended with a strike-out and a double play and the Mariner’s 2 -0 lead in tact. Then the M’s added an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth.
But, folks, these are the mighty Orioles, they of the ten run come from behind win against the Red Sox recently. So I stayed tuned. And sure enough, a scratch hit here, an error there, a double, another error and presto, the O’s walk away with five runs and a W. Ah, winning sure beats losing.
Which brings me to my second topic of the day, that the Orioles are actually the Astros of the East. Yesterday’s lineup featured key hits by the following O’s, all ex-Astros: Luke Scott, Aubrey Huff, Ty Wiggington and Geoff Zaun. It sure is nice to see them all doing so well for another team.
But there is one Astro who deserves a tip of the cap this season and that is Wandy Rodriquez. I must confess that when I lived in Houston and had a chance to go to a game I’d try to pick one that didn’t involve Wandy. Except in 2007, when the Astros inexplicably signed Jason Jennings, who immediately morphed into the human losing streak, Wandy was the starter to avoid. He rarely went deep into a game and rarely won. He was, frankly, boring. That was then; the 2009 Wandy just pitched a complete game shut-out, striking out ten and lowering his ERA to 2.96. A pitcher who has never won more than ten games in a season already has eight before the All Star break. So what’s going on here? Well, if you look at the stats, you can see that he’s been improving slowly every year, lowering his ERA, raising his strikeouts, walking fewer guys, etc. It’s called learning to pitch. Sometimes, I guess, it just takes a while.
But, folks, these are the mighty Orioles, they of the ten run come from behind win against the Red Sox recently. So I stayed tuned. And sure enough, a scratch hit here, an error there, a double, another error and presto, the O’s walk away with five runs and a W. Ah, winning sure beats losing.
Which brings me to my second topic of the day, that the Orioles are actually the Astros of the East. Yesterday’s lineup featured key hits by the following O’s, all ex-Astros: Luke Scott, Aubrey Huff, Ty Wiggington and Geoff Zaun. It sure is nice to see them all doing so well for another team.
But there is one Astro who deserves a tip of the cap this season and that is Wandy Rodriquez. I must confess that when I lived in Houston and had a chance to go to a game I’d try to pick one that didn’t involve Wandy. Except in 2007, when the Astros inexplicably signed Jason Jennings, who immediately morphed into the human losing streak, Wandy was the starter to avoid. He rarely went deep into a game and rarely won. He was, frankly, boring. That was then; the 2009 Wandy just pitched a complete game shut-out, striking out ten and lowering his ERA to 2.96. A pitcher who has never won more than ten games in a season already has eight before the All Star break. So what’s going on here? Well, if you look at the stats, you can see that he’s been improving slowly every year, lowering his ERA, raising his strikeouts, walking fewer guys, etc. It’s called learning to pitch. Sometimes, I guess, it just takes a while.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
The Colonel Was a Pitcher
Just finished a wonderful book about a pitcher for the old Philadelphia A’s and Cleveland Indians of the late 40s and early 50s, Lou Brissie. I’d never heard of him before catching an interview with the author on the radio recently but he was quite a guy. Severely wounded in Italy in World War II, Brissie, a lefty with a 100 mile an hour fastball, willed his way to the major leagues despite his injuries which included a leg that would have been amputated had he not insisted to the surgeons that they had to try to save it so he could pitch. And so they did.
He pitched with his left leg in a brace, pretty much in constant pain, and always in danger of infection. If there had been speed dial in those days, he would have had his surgeons on it. And yet he was always grateful that his life had been spared and that he had been given the chance (by Connie Mack) to pitch in the majors. His career was relatively short. After three good years with the A’s, he was traded to the Cleveland Indians who used him sparingly, demoted him to the minors and refused to trade him to a team that wanted him in the starting rotation. But he never complained. Instead, he retired and took a job with the American Legion baseball organization, the first of a number of baseball-related jobs, helping young men play baseball. He remains active in the community, meeting with injured Iraq war veterans well into his 80s. He has lived his life with dignity and honor.
Not to spoil the mood, but compare this to the antics of some young players today. Compare it to the Cubs latest bust, Milton Bradley, an extremely talented player who after a career year with Texas signed for three years at $30 million. He has trouble with umpires, water coolers, his manager and remembering how many outs there are. In today’s NY Times, Bradley’s teammate, Derek Lee offered this explanation: “You have Chicago fans who are die-hard, into every at-bat, every pitch…You have Wrigley Field, which is different, and you have day games to get used to.” Yeah, life is tough for Milton. Just ask Lou Brissie.
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He pitched with his left leg in a brace, pretty much in constant pain, and always in danger of infection. If there had been speed dial in those days, he would have had his surgeons on it. And yet he was always grateful that his life had been spared and that he had been given the chance (by Connie Mack) to pitch in the majors. His career was relatively short. After three good years with the A’s, he was traded to the Cleveland Indians who used him sparingly, demoted him to the minors and refused to trade him to a team that wanted him in the starting rotation. But he never complained. Instead, he retired and took a job with the American Legion baseball organization, the first of a number of baseball-related jobs, helping young men play baseball. He remains active in the community, meeting with injured Iraq war veterans well into his 80s. He has lived his life with dignity and honor.
Not to spoil the mood, but compare this to the antics of some young players today. Compare it to the Cubs latest bust, Milton Bradley, an extremely talented player who after a career year with Texas signed for three years at $30 million. He has trouble with umpires, water coolers, his manager and remembering how many outs there are. In today’s NY Times, Bradley’s teammate, Derek Lee offered this explanation: “You have Chicago fans who are die-hard, into every at-bat, every pitch…You have Wrigley Field, which is different, and you have day games to get used to.” Yeah, life is tough for Milton. Just ask Lou Brissie.
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Monday, July 6, 2009
Baseball for Dummies?
This is about my love-hate relationship with ESPN Sunday, Monday and Wednesday Night Baseball. First, let me say something unequivocally positive. For twenty years I’ve enjoyed seeing games that I otherwise don’t have access to. This was especially true before the days of mlb.com or TV all access packages. Now it’s just that I enjoy getting those games for free.
Now for the kvetching. First, I’d love to know what percentage of those games actually involved the Mets and Yankees because to me it seems like an awful lot of them did. Those that didn’t involved the Cubs, Braves and Dodgers. Precious few were like last night’s game, the Rays and the Rangers, two teams that those of us who don’t live in their hometowns, virtually never see. How often have the Rockies and the Astros been featured? Or the Indians and the Reds? Only when they play the NY teams, I think.
Second, ESPN can’t seem to decide who it is appealing to. Its ads are obviously aimed at morons who think a team is composed of one star and some other guys with bats and gloves as in, “Alex Rodriquez and the Yankees take on David Ortiz and the Red Sox.” Its broadcasters run the gamut. Some have been so crammed full of meaningless statistics (“Yeah Joe, he is batting .313 with men on first and third who are wearing Number 17 and 31”) that they are bursting at the seams. So is the booth itself with the pointless addition of Steve Phillips as a third voice. Others, former players like Joe Morgan, point out things that might actually interest a baseball fan.
My favorite nights are when there’s a rainout and no national back-up game is available. ESPN, bless its pointy little head, then switches to local feeds and we hop from game to game, inning after inning, picking up local broadcasters and coverage. Then the rain lets up, the tarp is removed and “Alex Rodriquez and the Yankees take on……
Now for the kvetching. First, I’d love to know what percentage of those games actually involved the Mets and Yankees because to me it seems like an awful lot of them did. Those that didn’t involved the Cubs, Braves and Dodgers. Precious few were like last night’s game, the Rays and the Rangers, two teams that those of us who don’t live in their hometowns, virtually never see. How often have the Rockies and the Astros been featured? Or the Indians and the Reds? Only when they play the NY teams, I think.
Second, ESPN can’t seem to decide who it is appealing to. Its ads are obviously aimed at morons who think a team is composed of one star and some other guys with bats and gloves as in, “Alex Rodriquez and the Yankees take on David Ortiz and the Red Sox.” Its broadcasters run the gamut. Some have been so crammed full of meaningless statistics (“Yeah Joe, he is batting .313 with men on first and third who are wearing Number 17 and 31”) that they are bursting at the seams. So is the booth itself with the pointless addition of Steve Phillips as a third voice. Others, former players like Joe Morgan, point out things that might actually interest a baseball fan.
My favorite nights are when there’s a rainout and no national back-up game is available. ESPN, bless its pointy little head, then switches to local feeds and we hop from game to game, inning after inning, picking up local broadcasters and coverage. Then the rain lets up, the tarp is removed and “Alex Rodriquez and the Yankees take on……
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Jason Marquis
Jason Marquis pitched a two-hit shutout the other night against the Dodgers for his tenth win of the season. Pretty good, right? How about this: a total of 86 pitches, 66 of them strikes. Now that’s impressive. Oh, and then there were the two RBIs he had. Marquis has always been a good but not great pitcher with good but not great teams – the Braves, the Cardinals, the Cubs and now the Rockies. The result: he has been with a team that has been in the playoffs in each of his nine major league seasons. The question: with the Rockies closing out the month of June with something like 21 wins, will this be his tenth?
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
So You Think You Know Baseball
I’ve watched enough games in my time to know that it ain’t over till it’s over, as Yogi or someone said. But I’ve also watched enough games to know that when your team is down by nine runs in the seventh inning it usually is. Especially when your team is in last place facing the one of the best teams in baseball. And yet. And yet last night’s Orioles-Red Sox game reminds us that it really aint over. It was 10 to 1 when the O’s came to bat in the bottom of the seventh. When a lineup filled with players that no one outside the mid-atlantic ever heard of scored five runs in the seventh and five again in the eighth against one of the best bullpens in baseball.
Apparently both managers forgot the “it aint over” rule too. Dave Trembly had removed Melvin Mora from the O’s lineup and Terry Francona had pulled Jason Varitek. Also forgotten was a decent start by John Smoltz and another awful outing by Rich Hill and the hour or so rain delay. Because at the end it was just magic.
Apparently both managers forgot the “it aint over” rule too. Dave Trembly had removed Melvin Mora from the O’s lineup and Terry Francona had pulled Jason Varitek. Also forgotten was a decent start by John Smoltz and another awful outing by Rich Hill and the hour or so rain delay. Because at the end it was just magic.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The Return of John Smoltz
Tonight’s starter for the Boston Red Sox is John Smoltz. How weird to see him, as I did last night, in a uniform other than the Braves. For many years, the foundation of the Braves’ success was pitching and no one embodies that more than John Smoltz. As a young, sometimes troubled starter, a fierce reliever and back to the starting rotation, Smoltz was to me a reason to tune in to the Atlanta “superstation” and watch the Braves. The other was Tom Glavine. Both have been discarded by the Braves organization in favor of younger, cheaper talent. How’s that working out for you, Atlanta? Oh, next to last in the NL East with a losing record.
So how will the 42 year old with a surgically repaired shoulder do? All the talk is positive. From present and former teammates and Smoltz himself, the word is all good. I hope they are right. I will hold my breath, root against my hometown Nats and see what happens.
So how will the 42 year old with a surgically repaired shoulder do? All the talk is positive. From present and former teammates and Smoltz himself, the word is all good. I hope they are right. I will hold my breath, root against my hometown Nats and see what happens.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Ah, the All-Star Game
In the days before internet voting, when my children were young enough to consent to go places with me, we used to go to the ballpark and vote for our favorite players to go to the All Star Game. I filled out one, maybe two, ballots as did two of the children. Mostly, they voted for their hometown players regardless of the performance of the players up to that point in the season. All of which is just fine I guess until you get to the third kid who by the end of the game had filled out approximately 1000 ballots, all of which had every Houston Astro punched out. Then he took home boxes full of ballots, so he could continue voting. For years we had those little chads in every corner of the house. Today’s parents are luckier. Their kids can vote incessantly, for every Pittsburgh Pirate or Washington National, and no one has to vacuum. But that doesn’t make the voting any better, only neater.
In the days before internet voting, when my children were young enough to consent to go places with me, we used to go to the ballpark and vote for our favorite players to go to the All Star Game. I filled out one, maybe two, ballots as did two of the children. Mostly, they voted for their hometown players regardless of the performance of the players up to that point in the season. All of which is just fine I guess until you get to the third kid who by the end of the game had filled out approximately 1000 ballots, all of which had every Houston Astro punched out. Then he took home boxes full of ballots, so he could continue voting. For years we had those little chads in every corner of the house. Today’s parents are luckier. Their kids can vote incessantly, for every Pittsburgh Pirate or Washington National, and no one has to vacuum. But that doesn’t make the voting any better, only neater.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Three Men in the Booth
Has the game of baseball suddenly gotten a lot more complicated? How else to explain ESPN's decision to cram yet another talking head into the announcer's booth this season. Steve Phillips, former Mets GM and a studio commentator for several years, is now part of the broadcast team on Sunday and Monday Night baseball. One play by play guy and two commentators to tell me what I'm looking at? I don't think so.
And then there is the weekly abomination which is Sunday baseball on TBS. Perhaps it's because they don't work together often but Chip Caray and his color commentators (who I confess are hard to distinguish) are just awful. It's bad enough when broadcasters don't add anything to the experience of watching a game but when they actually make you cringe, it's time to reach for the remote.
Where is Vin Scully broadcasting alone when we really need him?
Has the game of baseball suddenly gotten a lot more complicated? How else to explain ESPN's decision to cram yet another talking head into the announcer's booth this season. Steve Phillips, former Mets GM and a studio commentator for several years, is now part of the broadcast team on Sunday and Monday Night baseball. One play by play guy and two commentators to tell me what I'm looking at? I don't think so.
And then there is the weekly abomination which is Sunday baseball on TBS. Perhaps it's because they don't work together often but Chip Caray and his color commentators (who I confess are hard to distinguish) are just awful. It's bad enough when broadcasters don't add anything to the experience of watching a game but when they actually make you cringe, it's time to reach for the remote.
Where is Vin Scully broadcasting alone when we really need him?
Sunday, June 21, 2009
NOTE TO METS: YOU'RE NOT THAT SPECIAL
The Fox Saturday game yesterday was the Mets and the Rays, with a detour to Detroit when the rains came to Citi Field. The Mets/Rays game was a good one, well-pitched and exciting with the Rays prevailing 3 to 1. There are some teams who, more often than not, find a way to win and give you the sense that they are winners. The Mets did not play that way yesterday. They wasted an excellent outing by Johann Santana and seemed to lack any spark offensively.
The Rays, on the other hand, positively beamed when Ben Zobrist hit a homer late in the game as they surrounded him in the dugout. They looked like they were having fun and liked each other. They looked like winners.
The interlude at the Tigers - Brewers game was quite the contrast. Shortly after we joined the game, a barrage of Tiger hits seemed to put the game out of reach. But the Tigers relief corps made it closer than it needed to be by their reluctance to throw strikes despite a seven run lead. Bad baseball. Jim Leyland didn't like it either. The back-up broadcast team of Kenny Albert and Mark Grace is a good one. Low-key and knowledgeable, they don't seem compelled to prove how smart they are after every pitch.
The Fox Saturday game yesterday was the Mets and the Rays, with a detour to Detroit when the rains came to Citi Field. The Mets/Rays game was a good one, well-pitched and exciting with the Rays prevailing 3 to 1. There are some teams who, more often than not, find a way to win and give you the sense that they are winners. The Mets did not play that way yesterday. They wasted an excellent outing by Johann Santana and seemed to lack any spark offensively.
The Rays, on the other hand, positively beamed when Ben Zobrist hit a homer late in the game as they surrounded him in the dugout. They looked like they were having fun and liked each other. They looked like winners.
The interlude at the Tigers - Brewers game was quite the contrast. Shortly after we joined the game, a barrage of Tiger hits seemed to put the game out of reach. But the Tigers relief corps made it closer than it needed to be by their reluctance to throw strikes despite a seven run lead. Bad baseball. Jim Leyland didn't like it either. The back-up broadcast team of Kenny Albert and Mark Grace is a good one. Low-key and knowledgeable, they don't seem compelled to prove how smart they are after every pitch.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
How do you solve a problem like the Phillies
The Phillies lost again last night, at home, looking nothing like the team that breezed through the playoffs and won the World Series last season. They were beaten by the AL East's last place Baltimore Orioles, the team their press corp decided to trash in the day's local newspaper columns.
After jumping on the O's starter, Rich Hill, for two runs in the first inning, the Phils forgot to score through the rest of the game, while the Orioles immediately grabbed the lead in the top of the second and kept adding to it. But since the Phillies are still atop the NL East, which has quietly turned into the weakest division in baseball, this is not a tragedy.
The Orioles, playing in a division in which every other team is above .500, have an interesting lineup. Three rookies, Robert Andino, Matt Wieters and Nolan Reimold are every fan's dream for the team's future. Reimold is particularly heartening .He came up earlier this season with none of the fanfare of Wieters debut and is putting up excellent offensive numbers and doing a credible job in the outfield. The veterans, including the ex-Astros contingent of Aubrey Huff and Luke Scott, are productive and solid. And Adam Jones continues to learn, produce and prove the doubters wrong. They are fun to watch.
And on another note, Roy Oswalt pitched a complete game last night in the Astros loss to Minnesota. Typical Roy, typical Astros.
After jumping on the O's starter, Rich Hill, for two runs in the first inning, the Phils forgot to score through the rest of the game, while the Orioles immediately grabbed the lead in the top of the second and kept adding to it. But since the Phillies are still atop the NL East, which has quietly turned into the weakest division in baseball, this is not a tragedy.
The Orioles, playing in a division in which every other team is above .500, have an interesting lineup. Three rookies, Robert Andino, Matt Wieters and Nolan Reimold are every fan's dream for the team's future. Reimold is particularly heartening .He came up earlier this season with none of the fanfare of Wieters debut and is putting up excellent offensive numbers and doing a credible job in the outfield. The veterans, including the ex-Astros contingent of Aubrey Huff and Luke Scott, are productive and solid. And Adam Jones continues to learn, produce and prove the doubters wrong. They are fun to watch.
And on another note, Roy Oswalt pitched a complete game last night in the Astros loss to Minnesota. Typical Roy, typical Astros.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Improbable Wins and A Predictable Loss
The Washington Nationals beat the Yankees at the new stadium yesterday by the score of 3 to 0. Craig Stammen, the winning pitcher, posted his first major league victory and now has all of 34 innings under his big league belt. I had the pleasure of flipping between this and the Mets – Orioles game which also resulted in a loss for the New York team. This one was a come from behind win by a team which never comes from behind against one of the games best, certainly most expensive, closers, Francisco Rodriguez.
So two of baseball’s worst teams swept series from two of baseball’s richest teams in interleague play.
Now for the predictable loss. Once again, I tuned to WGN to watch the Cubs and White Sox play at Wrigley. It was bound to be a more enjoyable experience than the previous day’s game because the game was being called by the Cubs announcers instead of the dreaded Hawk of the Sox broadcast team.
The game proved two things. You don’t leave a game after seven innings and, unless you are Ozzie Guillen, you don’t pull your starter after seven strong innings and expect to win. But Ozzie indeed pulled Gavin Floyd after seven, turned the game over to the bullpen and watched a 5 to 1 yawner turn into a 6 to 5 loss. Look, folks, there is a reason that some pitchers are assigned to the bullpen and it’s not because they are better than the starters.
The Washington Nationals beat the Yankees at the new stadium yesterday by the score of 3 to 0. Craig Stammen, the winning pitcher, posted his first major league victory and now has all of 34 innings under his big league belt. I had the pleasure of flipping between this and the Mets – Orioles game which also resulted in a loss for the New York team. This one was a come from behind win by a team which never comes from behind against one of the games best, certainly most expensive, closers, Francisco Rodriguez.
So two of baseball’s worst teams swept series from two of baseball’s richest teams in interleague play.
Now for the predictable loss. Once again, I tuned to WGN to watch the Cubs and White Sox play at Wrigley. It was bound to be a more enjoyable experience than the previous day’s game because the game was being called by the Cubs announcers instead of the dreaded Hawk of the Sox broadcast team.
The game proved two things. You don’t leave a game after seven innings and, unless you are Ozzie Guillen, you don’t pull your starter after seven strong innings and expect to win. But Ozzie indeed pulled Gavin Floyd after seven, turned the game over to the bullpen and watched a 5 to 1 yawner turn into a 6 to 5 loss. Look, folks, there is a reason that some pitchers are assigned to the bullpen and it’s not because they are better than the starters.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
June 14, 2009
Yesterday’s games included two excellent pitching performances by unlikely arms. At Wrigley, in interleague play, the Twins beat the Cubs 2 -0. The Twins pitcher was Anthony Swarzak, who blanked the Cubs for seven innings. It was just his 5th major league appearance and ironically he was sent down to the minors after the game. Seems the guy he was filling in for is ready to come off the disabled list. So he was given the game ball and a ticket back to Triple A Rochester.
At Yankee Stadium where routine fly balls are likely to be home runs an Astros cast off called Fernando Nieve easily handled the mighty Yanks. He pitched until two out in the seventh and the bull pen handled the rest. He pitched with confidence, quickly, no big deal.
June 15, 2009
I love complete games. They don’t have to be shutouts, hell, they don’t even have to be wins. I just think starters should finish unless they can’t. Stop with the pitch counts and the seventh and eighth inning “specialists” (what bull!) and pitch nine innings. Yesterday Matt Cain of the Giants, Jared Weaver of the Angels and Cliff Lee from the Indians pitched complete games; Lee, in fact, held the Cardinals hitless until the 7th in his.
Cain went the distance and gave up three runs. It was his third complete game of the year. By contrast, Joe Torre pulled Chad Billingsley of the Dodgers after seven and felt compelled to use two pitchers to pitch two innings. God forbid the closer should have to get more than three outs. So the most ridiculous stat in baseball, the hold, was in play here.
And then there was Brad Bergeson of the Orioles. Complete game against the Braves. First complete game for the Os since last September! Bergeson is a rookie pitcher for the Birds and has looked good so far. Good to see Trembley let him go the distance.
So it seems that the complete game is making a comeback this season. Let the games, complete that is, continue.
June 16, 2009
Only two games yesterday, a Monday. I saw part of the Indians – Brewers slugfest on ESPN. It was one of those mediocre pitching, whoever hits last will win games. Sometimes those games are okay, sometimes not. Last night, with two teams that I like, it just seemed like endless scoring. Prince Fielder won it late with, drumroll, a grandslam for the Brew Crew. Carl Pavano and Dave Bush were the hapless starters. Neither got a decision; both deserved to lose.
June 17, 2009
The breaking news yesterday was that Sammy Sosa had tested positive for something in 2003, several years before he testified to Congress that he had never injected himself and never done anything illegal. Go parse that one in espanol. Now Sammy was one of the guys whose face and body testified the opposite. He looked bulked up just as Bonds did. So yesterday’s news was not a shock, just another nail in the coffin of the integrity of the game during that era. I must confess that I did enjoy the competition between Sammy and Big Mac during the home run derby season, blithely indifferent to its improbability.
Another two hit complete game last night. Felix Hernandez of Seattle at home against the San Diego Padres did the deed. Part of his newly found seriousness about his craft. Also a completer by Gil Meche of the Royals, also a shutout. Good, good.
In another game of interest, the Rangers beat the Astros 6 to 1. The Ranger’s starter Kevin Millwood, only went seven. But Jason Jennings pitched the final two. The same Jason Jennings who spent a pitiful year with the Stros in 2007, going 2 and 9. The same Jason Jennings who was 0 and 5 with the Rangers last season. More Nolan Ryan magic, I guess.
On the other hand, St. Louis pitcher Adam Wainright was pulled in the seventh with a ten run lead. After pitching exactly 100 pitches. Typical LaRussa. Wonder how many complete games the Cardinals have pitched in the Tony era.
I love Tim Wakefield.
Yesterday’s games included two excellent pitching performances by unlikely arms. At Wrigley, in interleague play, the Twins beat the Cubs 2 -0. The Twins pitcher was Anthony Swarzak, who blanked the Cubs for seven innings. It was just his 5th major league appearance and ironically he was sent down to the minors after the game. Seems the guy he was filling in for is ready to come off the disabled list. So he was given the game ball and a ticket back to Triple A Rochester.
At Yankee Stadium where routine fly balls are likely to be home runs an Astros cast off called Fernando Nieve easily handled the mighty Yanks. He pitched until two out in the seventh and the bull pen handled the rest. He pitched with confidence, quickly, no big deal.
June 15, 2009
I love complete games. They don’t have to be shutouts, hell, they don’t even have to be wins. I just think starters should finish unless they can’t. Stop with the pitch counts and the seventh and eighth inning “specialists” (what bull!) and pitch nine innings. Yesterday Matt Cain of the Giants, Jared Weaver of the Angels and Cliff Lee from the Indians pitched complete games; Lee, in fact, held the Cardinals hitless until the 7th in his.
Cain went the distance and gave up three runs. It was his third complete game of the year. By contrast, Joe Torre pulled Chad Billingsley of the Dodgers after seven and felt compelled to use two pitchers to pitch two innings. God forbid the closer should have to get more than three outs. So the most ridiculous stat in baseball, the hold, was in play here.
And then there was Brad Bergeson of the Orioles. Complete game against the Braves. First complete game for the Os since last September! Bergeson is a rookie pitcher for the Birds and has looked good so far. Good to see Trembley let him go the distance.
So it seems that the complete game is making a comeback this season. Let the games, complete that is, continue.
June 16, 2009
Only two games yesterday, a Monday. I saw part of the Indians – Brewers slugfest on ESPN. It was one of those mediocre pitching, whoever hits last will win games. Sometimes those games are okay, sometimes not. Last night, with two teams that I like, it just seemed like endless scoring. Prince Fielder won it late with, drumroll, a grandslam for the Brew Crew. Carl Pavano and Dave Bush were the hapless starters. Neither got a decision; both deserved to lose.
June 17, 2009
The breaking news yesterday was that Sammy Sosa had tested positive for something in 2003, several years before he testified to Congress that he had never injected himself and never done anything illegal. Go parse that one in espanol. Now Sammy was one of the guys whose face and body testified the opposite. He looked bulked up just as Bonds did. So yesterday’s news was not a shock, just another nail in the coffin of the integrity of the game during that era. I must confess that I did enjoy the competition between Sammy and Big Mac during the home run derby season, blithely indifferent to its improbability.
Another two hit complete game last night. Felix Hernandez of Seattle at home against the San Diego Padres did the deed. Part of his newly found seriousness about his craft. Also a completer by Gil Meche of the Royals, also a shutout. Good, good.
In another game of interest, the Rangers beat the Astros 6 to 1. The Ranger’s starter Kevin Millwood, only went seven. But Jason Jennings pitched the final two. The same Jason Jennings who spent a pitiful year with the Stros in 2007, going 2 and 9. The same Jason Jennings who was 0 and 5 with the Rangers last season. More Nolan Ryan magic, I guess.
On the other hand, St. Louis pitcher Adam Wainright was pulled in the seventh with a ten run lead. After pitching exactly 100 pitches. Typical LaRussa. Wonder how many complete games the Cardinals have pitched in the Tony era.
I love Tim Wakefield.
June 18, 2009
I came home yesterday afternoon in time to catch the end of the Cubs – White Sox game. Didn’t like anything about it. Was treated to baseball’s most annoying TV announcer, Ken Harrelson who calls himself “The Hawk” (whatever) and calls his team “the good guys” (spare us). Hawk is a knowledgeable guy but has been driving me nuts with his fawning, biased play by play for many years. I tuned in just in time to see Ozzie Guillen remove his pitcher Johnny Danks after he gave up one hit in the 8th inning of what was a shutout.
Apparently Ozzie felt that Scott Linebrink a journeyman reliever not known for actually throwing strikes was a better option than his starter who had breezed through seven innings, striking out nine. Danks marched off the mound as though he’d just climbed Everest and Linebrink made sure that it didn’t remain a shutout. Of course, he did not pitch the ninth which was reserved for Bobby Jenks who I guess hasn’t killed anyone that we know of yet.
Hawk opined that it was Ozzie’s best managed game of the year. Really.
Compare this with the Nats improbable win against the Yankees where John Lannan, the Nats good young lefty had to be dragged off the mound when he faltered in the ninth after pitching his heart out against the team he loved as a boy. The man wanted to finish the game.
I came home yesterday afternoon in time to catch the end of the Cubs – White Sox game. Didn’t like anything about it. Was treated to baseball’s most annoying TV announcer, Ken Harrelson who calls himself “The Hawk” (whatever) and calls his team “the good guys” (spare us). Hawk is a knowledgeable guy but has been driving me nuts with his fawning, biased play by play for many years. I tuned in just in time to see Ozzie Guillen remove his pitcher Johnny Danks after he gave up one hit in the 8th inning of what was a shutout.
Apparently Ozzie felt that Scott Linebrink a journeyman reliever not known for actually throwing strikes was a better option than his starter who had breezed through seven innings, striking out nine. Danks marched off the mound as though he’d just climbed Everest and Linebrink made sure that it didn’t remain a shutout. Of course, he did not pitch the ninth which was reserved for Bobby Jenks who I guess hasn’t killed anyone that we know of yet.
Hawk opined that it was Ozzie’s best managed game of the year. Really.
Compare this with the Nats improbable win against the Yankees where John Lannan, the Nats good young lefty had to be dragged off the mound when he faltered in the ninth after pitching his heart out against the team he loved as a boy. The man wanted to finish the game.
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