8/9/2007

Of course Barry Bonds decides to break the homerun record on a Tuesday night. That’s how it works when you decide to not write a blog update on Wednesday. Thankfully, he hit no.757 last night, although not nearly with the fanfare given to the last 22 previously. In my view anything that keeps Pedro Gomez’s mismatching hair and eyebrow combo off my hi-def is ok by me. The speculation has already started on where Bonds will play next year, and it will probably be in the American League, where he can dh and not totally destroy a team with his declining outfield abilities. I can’t see him in Detroit, Boston, New York, Toronto, or Cleveland due to their already crowded DH situations. I can’t see Barry playing for Tampa, Baltimore, Texas, Chicago, Kansas City or Minnesota either, as either the market would be too small or he just wouldn’t be a good fit (especially in Chicago with AJ Pierzynski, yeesh). That leaves possible destinations in Oakland (this was discussed last winter and Billy Beane wasn’t a big fan), the Angels (This wouldn’t require Stoneman to trade a prospect, but they have not really been hard charging after Piazza, who is very affordable, why would they get into a 7-10 million bidding war for a DH?) and my logical pick, Seattle (they could use the offense, the pr, and if any nosey reporters started to bug Barry, the Mariner Moose could run them down on his ATV), although they currently have Jose Vidro holding down the DH fort. This will be very interesting, to say the least.

The Red Sox won a wild one in Anaheim last night, and the game didn’t end until a little after 2am on the East Coast. Eric Gagne hasn’t been the shut down guy the Sox thought they were acquiring over a week ago, I wonder if anyone is a little nervous about this in “The Nation” and has started having flashbacks to the Larry Anderson trade. Yes, I know, a cheap shot, but hey it didn’t cross your mind once? Like when when the Yanks signed Jason Giambi it didn’t bring flashbacks of Ken Phelps and Steve Balboni? Like it or not every free agent pitcher from now on is going to have to erase any comparison to Matt Clement, Carl Pavano, Jack McDowell or Barry Zito whenever they sign a large deal. Bad free agent signings are like a bad relationship, sometimes even when you see the warning signs you can’t stop yourself (see JD Drew, Edgar Renteria, and Kyle Farnsworth for reference).

The Rockies absolutely hammered young Yovanni Gallardo and the Brew Crew yesterday. However, in Houston, Roy Oswalt shut down the Cubs and Big Z, keeping the Cubs out of first place again. Creeping up from behind in the NL Central? The once-dead St Louis Cardinals. Hey, how about a post-season without Tony LaRussa for once? Please?

Reggie Miller returning to the NBA to play for the Celtics? I will believe it when I see it.

Brady Quinn finally made it into Browns camp, however, picture this (no not Brady Quinn’s sister). 2 rookies and two veterans listening to bad advice from agents, living in the same house and hoping to “Get Paid” (directly from Asanta Samuel’s tattoo)? We already have inside training camp and Hardknocks, how much fun would it be to see JaMarcus Russell, Darrelle Revis, Asante Samuel and Larry Johson share a house together during their holdouts? How they would react to press clippings and quotes? Listening to what their agents tell them? That wouldn’t be better than the 1989 version of NFL Follies? Toss in Michael Strahan and his family drama, and you have some high rated shows (even though Time Warner refuses to budge and let the NFLN on their system) God, I wish I was a producer, that way a show like that or maybe even a show where a recently retired player is followed around for a year (for instance, Drew Bledsoe’s transition to civilian life could be followed this year) or “Cut”, a story of how a guy tries to stick with one team, or maybe ends up in the CFL. There are so many stories that are not being told that could be.

Big game of the day in MLB, Braves/Mets this afternoon. Sit down and enjoy it if you can, because now that the Bonds watch is over, it’s time to get some attention on the pennant races.

See you kids tomorrow….

8/7/2007

Watched alot of baseball yesterday, starting with the rare Monday Afternoon game with the Yanks and Jays. Yes the Yanks won, thanks to Melky Cabrera and Robinson Cano (by the way, the YES announcers were looking for a nickname for those two yesterday, suggestions ranged from C+C boys, C+C crew, etc. Why not the the C+C Line Drive Factory?) Luis Vizcaino is a one inning guy, Jim Brower didn’t make any new fans yesterday, and Kyle Farnsworth is, well, Kyle Farnsworth. Mo Rivera cannot and should not pitch in the 8th inning, ever (do not get me started on closers pitching more than one inning, or pitching in a non-save situation. In fact, I may have a rant about that on Thursday or Friday). Will Joba Chamberlain be the answer? Is it possible he could pitch the 7th, Vizcaino the 8th and Mo the 9th? I certainly hope so, and Bomber fans better certainly hope so.

Curt Schilling returned for the BoSox last night with not quite Schilling(instead of thrilling, I am on FIRE today!) results. He got bitten by a couple of hanging splitters and a bone-headed defensive play in which he didn’t cover first base. No word yet on whether the slight finger injury hurt his splitter last night, but it wouldn’t shock me if it did. The Angels continue to have the best bullpen in baseball and win because of it more often than not. How much better would this team be with a, oh I don’t know, big bat behind Vladdy Guerrero? Also, Red Sox fans who attend road games are becoming a nationwide phenomenon, and last night’s game was no exception. I pose this question to all of you out there, are Red Sox fans becoming more obnoxious than Yankees fans?

Paul Byrd shut down the Twins last night, and the Tigers parlayed the D-Rays bullpen woes and a horrific exhange between BJ Upton and Carl Crawford into a 6-4 come from behind win. No word yet on if A-Rod was in the stands yelling “I got it” to screw with Carl Crawford’s mind. Fernando Rodney is back for the Tigers, and you could tell it helped their team just knowing they had at least one guy they could rely on.

I was wrong, Barry is still on 755. He had a chance at one in the first inning, but popped it up in foul ground and it was caught by a hustling Ryan Zimmerman. God I hope this is over soon. I know it is baseball history and all, but it is starting to fell like a colonoscopy that is going horribly wrong.

On the legal beat Knicks center Randolph Morris was arrested in Lexington, KY this morning on a charge of reckless driving. No , Zach Randolph wasn’t with him. I am also pretty sure Tim Donaghy nor Rick Tocchet had posted any odds on the first Knick to get into legal trouble, but I think Morris would have been a longshot at 25-1.

Asante Samuel’s agent has imposed a no information moratorium, in other words “If no progress is being made, we are not talking”. Can’t they trade this guy to Washington for 2 number one picks and a second rounder at some point? It’s apparent that Asante wants to “Get Paid”, send him somewhere where they will pay him.

That’s all for today unless something nutty hits the rounds today. No splog tomorrow, be back on Thursday.

Manic Monday-8/06/2007

Tom Glavine got his 300 th win last night, in case you have been living under a rock. There is plenty of talk that he may be the last 300 game winner we see for a long time, or possibly ever, now that baseball has been “LaRussad” and most starters are considered a “Horse” if they make into the 7th. I wonder how this will affect the decision process for pitchers getting voted into the Hall of Fame.

The curse of the Mets 2nd basemen continues as Luis Castillo left last night’s game with dizziness from the heat and had to be helped from the clubhouse. This doesn’t seem to be too serious, unlike the rash of injures Mets second basemen have suffered since the beginning of last year. The (notable) Mets 2nd basemen since the WallyBackman-Tim Teufel platoon disbanded after the 1988 season include-

• Gregg Jefferies
• Keith Miller
• Tommy Herr
• Bill Pecota
• Jeff Kent
• Willie Randolph
• Chico Walker
• Fernando Vina
• Edgardo Alfonzo
• Jose Vizcaino
• Carlos Baerga
• Manny Alexander
• Luis Lopez
• Kurt Abbott
• Joe McEwing
• Desi Relaford
• Roberto Alomar
• Marco Scutaro
• Danny Garcia
• Jeff Keppinger
• Ty Wigginton
• Miguel Cairo
• Marlon Anderson
• Jose Reyes
• Kaz Matsui
• Chris Woodward
• Damion Easley
• Ruben Gotay
• Luis Castillo

That is a pretty long list. Jose Reyes started to stay healthy once he left second base and Jeff Kent exploded once he left New York. Other than that it’s a position filled with cast-offs, aging veterans, utility guys and bad free agent signings. I hope Castillo has a policy with Lloyd’s of London.

Barry Bonds will break the homerun record tonight in the 1st or 3rd inning. Mark it down.

Watched the Hall of Fame game last night on NFLN. Bryant Gumbel is still doing play by play. Does anyone at NFL Network realize how BAD this guy is?

The Steelers looked sharp last night. It’s not usually easy to change an offensive philosophy and see results in the first exhibition game, but the Steelers did. I wonder if this going to be like the 1995 and 2002 Steelers, who were content to air it out with Neil o’Donnell and Tommy Maddox, respectively.

The Detroit Tigers look like the wheels are about to fall of of their train. With a streaking Yankees club firing on all cylinders (albeit against weak competition) right now, a decent hot streak by the Indian could pull them away.

Kerry Wood looked as a good of shape as I have ever seen him. Perhaps he realized hard work could keep him healthy. Or he realized in order to make any more good money he has to become a dominant closer. I would not be surprised if he takes over the reins from Ryan Dempster before the end of the year.

Central Maine Fantasy Football has 5 more slots left open for the 2007 Fantasy Draft, which will be held live at my house or online via Yahoo Chat. Team Entry fee is $30 and the winner receives $200. Sign up at Central Maine Fantasy Football.

Also as most of you know I am also a football handicapper, with my college football system hitting at over 70% the past two seasons. I do not start using that system until week 4 so keep that in mind. You can follow my picks at Wagerline. My user name on the site is bwell316, and I do run a daily survivor selection as well.

Now if you will excuse I am going to get this “honey-do list” finished so I can get settled in for the Yankees and Jays at 1pm in crystal clear hd.

8/03/2007

Thoughts and recaps and even some links today…

First off thank the maker that Barry L Bonds didn’t tie that record in Chavez Ravine. That could have been ugly. I honestly thought the nation’s terror alert was going to be upgraded when Bonds so much as hit a single to right field. I wonder how much he will play in San Diego this weekend.

Vladdy Guerrero busted out of a homerun slump with two of them last night. Keep in mind he has still been hitting well and driving in runs during the homer less drought, but when there is no one else in the lineup with so much as 20 homer a year power, a team, it’s media and fan base all notice.

Got to watch the Nationals in HD last night thanks to Directv’s Extra Innnings Superfan package. Luckily no close up shots up Jim Bowden. Of course, he would actually have to be in attendance and caring about the franchise to be shown on camera. In HD, Dmitri Young and Ronnie Belliard still don’t look like they are worth contract extensions.

Watched most of the Astros/Braves game last night, aka the thing that wouldn’t die. God bless Jason Jennings for hitting an rbi single in the 14th before it came down to utility players pitching. I believe the ‘Stros actually matched half of their total season run output in this game alone. The Braves are going to be very tough to deal with in the NL East, as this may be the best NL offensive lineup since the 93 Braves. Edgar Renteria hurt his ankle in the 8th and may miss some time. Bobby Cox had to get creative and moved Chipper Jones to short and Willie Hrris to third in the wake of the injury.

Eric Gagne’s Red Sox debut was good, bad, and scary, but I wouldn’t be too concerned. It’s not like he pulled a Lee Smith or Alan Embree on opening day in 1988 and 2003 and gave up a walk off homer.

JD Drew’s only son took a fall and broke his collarbone, and it led to another surprise finding. I hope the kid is ok, and more importantly, rehabs better than his dad (yes, I know, I know, but who wouldn’t take that shot if the same thing happened to Carl Pavano?).

The Yankees stormed back to tie the ChiSox yesterday, only to be undone by defense and Kyle Farnsworth. If it makes Yanks fans feel any better Scott Proctor’s line last night wasn’t any better (1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1ER, 2 BB, 1K).

Speaking of the Dodger’s, Grady Little pulled off an interesting double switch last night when he brought in Joe Beimel, and put in Andre Ethier for Matt Kemp. At first it seems like a logical move, but when you consider that Jeff Kent was not in the lineup, and Ethier is not exactly an offensive force at the plate, I cannot understand why a lineup starved for offense would take Kemp out of a game. Of course, I also have a tough time figuring out why the Angels and Dodgers never go after power bats when they both obviously need one, so what do I truly know?

The Mets used the combo of Damion Easley and Brian Lawrence to thump the fading Brewers.
It was Lawrence’s first Major League start since 2005.

In other sports news Alabama wideout Tyrone Prothro has seen the end of his career, according to Nick Saban . For those of you don’t know, Prothro was the Bama receiver who made one of the most spectacular catches ever. If you haven’t seen it, click the link and watch it. Unreal.

Brady Quinn and JaMarcus Russell continue to hold out, which is a great way to assure yourself of a great career. (Insert sarcastic quip here)

We won’t have to sit through another Shaq v. Kobe game on Christmas Day this year. Apparently the NBA has realized that getting Phoenix on national TV as often as possible is a good thing. It’s amazing what realizations come to light in the wake of a ref who was on the take. I’m telling you, Boston v. Phoenix, 2008 NBA Finals.

In non sports news and for all of you sci fi fans out there, the BBC series “Torchwood” has been picked up by Mark Cuban’s HDNet. It’s set to air September 17th. It’s like X-Files meets CSI meets Nip/Tuck, only with more language and sex stuff. If you get a chance, give it a watch, if only to see Jack Harkness pull a live action Kenny McCormack on a bi-weekly basis.

A-Rod Snaps his 0-27 Streak, Yankees Storm Back

Alex Rodriguez has just snapped his 0-27 streak with an rbi single in the second. Roger Clemens left this game after 1 2/3 innings after giving up 8 runs (5 earned) and the Chi Sox had an 8-0 lead going into the bottom of the second. The Yankees have come up with 8 runs so far in the bottom of the 2nd and the score is now 8-8 and Boone Logan has taken over for Jon Garland. Thank god I have Thursdays off. This game may not end until midnight. 16 runs in one inning, which is by the way the first time in Major League history two teams have both scored 8 runs or more in an inning. Good grief.

Thursday Thoughts-What Are the Nationals Doing?

It was quite a quiet day off yesterday, as not much really happened in the sports world. 755, 500 and 300 are still, as of now, not yet reached (I’m no Tim Donaghy but I would be absolutely STUNNED if Tom Glavine didn’t pick up win 300 on Sunday, which just happens to be a night-time tilt against the first place Cubs on ESPN). There was some fallout from the Johan Santana blow-up, mainly in the Boston Herald which had an interview with David Ortiz on his thoughts about his former club. Very interesting how the Boston papers are already trying to put Santana in a Sox uniform in 2009, isn’t it? Even the New York papers haven’t jumped the gun on that (yet, anyways).

Today’s rant is going to be directed at Washington Nationals GM Jim Bowden. Normally I would be tactful about this, but I am absolutely at a loss for words, so here it goes. WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING? What is your long-term plan in Washington? Do you HAVE a long term plan? Are you aware that your farm system is as barren as the Siberian desert? Quick Nats fans, name your team’s top prospect. Come on, you can do it (answer at the end of the post). These used to be the Montreal Expos, who may have had the greatest prospect line ever until the ill-fated Bartolo Colon deal in 2003. Last year’s failure to acquire anything for Alfonso Soriano was just awful, but you took the cake here. Ronnie Belliard and Dmitri Young get extensions? Are you flipping serious? I was unaware that over 30 cast-offs were the way to build a franchise. Jon Rauch and Chad Cordero could have commanded decent packages to help that blackhole of a farm system, yet they are still in Nats uniforms? Has someone told you that you’re losing your job and you are just trying to put the screws to this franchise, a la Mike O’Connell of the Boston Bruins in 2005 and early 2006? Is Stan Kasten, who last I heard was part of the ownership group that bought the Nats, reading any newspapers that have a sports section? A new ballpark is supposed to open next year, and it was hoped that after years of suffering through tight-wad ownership groups in Montreal(stand up and take a bow Claude Brochu), overall morons (see Loria, Jeffrey) and dilapidated stadiums (I still love you, Olympic Stadium) that a return of baseball to DC would resurrect a phoenix from the ashes. Instead, we have a situation like the Pittsburgh Pirates, where a beautiful new stadium has assured the fan base of only one thing, better concessions (I wonder if the new Nats park will have enough mustard to last through the 5th inning, unlike RFK). The ownership group is MIA, the GM’s mind is MIA, and the fan base is also MIA. In fact, Harris Interactive recently ranked the Nats as the 29th most popular club in MLB, ahead of the storied Toronto Blue Jays and behind such historic clubs as the Colorado Rockies and Tampa Bay Devil Rays. I know Bud Selig is too busy talking about how making it to see 8 games during Bonds homerun chase is “a herculean effort” (he is the freaking MLB Commish, not a UN peace envoy), negotiating sweetheart ownership transfer deals to bail out good friend Jeffrey Loria, and pointing out in his “I told you so” way that if the Twins hadn’t gotten a new stadium they would have had to move, but after all the freaking posturing MLB did to get the Expos moved (without a hint of even trying to keep the team in Montreal by the way) and as long as it took them to select an ownership group, shouldn’t they have chosen someone with a clue? Is he aware that MLB can’t afford to live off of the coffers of the Red Sox and Yankees forever and to actually establish a solid long-term financial plan ALL of his teams should be making money? What was the point of moving a team to DC if they weren’t going to have the attitude of the franchise turned around? This is year 3 of the DC era, and the farm system is actually worse now than it was 3 years ago. What sucks about this is you will hear Yankee fans moan about Brian Cashman not making a bigger deal at the deadline than Proctor for Betemit, but you don’t hear a ton of outrage at Bowden or even the Pirates’ Dave Littlefield (who in acquiring washed up and expensive Matt Morris for a team that has been out of it for a month has just won this weeks “What the Hell Are YOU Doing?” Award) or a baseball insider come on Sportscenter (between “Who’s Now” vignettes and Skip Bayless and Stephen A Smith appearances of course) and publicly question if Bowden is suffering from dementia. In fact, there was only one semi-critical article in the Washington Post written by Barry Svrluga yesterday. The last article written by Thomas Boswell, who for the first two years of this franchise was the Post’s Nats authority, was written on July 12, 2007. Can you imagine the outrage if Dan Shaughnessy of the Boston Globe went three weeks in season between Red Sox columns? It would make the Bronx in 1977 look like Utopia. In a week in which the Boston Celtics became relevant again for the first time since my early teens, it would have been a nice to see another “childhood favorite” franchise at least make a move to show that they know what they are doing and give long suffering Expos-Nats fans hope. Now all I have is questions, and there doesn’t seem to be anyone out there who wants to answer them.

Answer to the question “Who is the Nats Top Prospect?”

Baseball Prospectus has Chris Marrero, a 19 year old right handed hitting left fielder as the Nats #1 prospect. He started this year in low A ball. He has pretty good stats this year for Harrisburg and Potomac. It’s a far cry from the days when Larry Walker, Marquis Grissom, and Grady Sizemore were coming out of that farm system.