What You May Have Missed From MLB Games Down Under & More

It's the MLB season opener, top of the 9th, Dodgers up 3 to 1.  They announce Guerrero as a pinch hitter, the Diamondbacks change pitchers, the Dodgers change pinch hitters.  It's game one of 162 and we get ourselves a double switch on a pinch hitter.  It's easy to forget how much one measly game means in such a long season.  Thanks Don Mattingly for reminding us that every game matters.


Going into Game 2, Scott Van Slyke went from game one super sub (2-3, double, homerun & walk) to game two defensive replacement in the bottom of the 9th.  Baseball, so unfaithful.


In what had to be a missed hit and run sign in the 5th inning, Adrian Gonzalez STOLE a base as Andre Ethier took a pitch.  Gonzalez, noted as one of the slower runners in the league, advanced to third base on a poor throw that kept rolling away from Aaron Hill.


Onto other news, the Detroit Tigers have recently traded for Alex Gonzalez, Andrew Romine and even contemplated offering 46 year old Omar Vizquel a shot at the glaring hole at shortstop.  Meanwhile, Stephen Drew has reportedly reached out to the Tigers and reduced his demands to an Ervin Santana-like one year Band-Aid deal.  Good on the Tigers for not caving,  I for one will be cheering loudly for Mr. Gonzalez & Mr. Romine.


Poor Vance Worley, from 2011 third place in the NL Rookie of the Year and named one of five starting pitchers of "Baseball America" All Rookie Team to not being able to make the 2014 Minnesota Twins.  Even after elbow problems ruined his 2012, the Minnesota Twins handed him the ball in their 2013 opener.  Unfortunately, Worley never found his command and his MLB career is on hold.

Right Idea's for the MLB

MLB has a rule, if the original team extends a qualifying offer to an upcoming eligible free agent, then if another team signs them during the off-season (up until the June draft) they have to give up a draft pick as compensation.  The free agents complain about how this restricts their movement...bullfritters!!  The only restriction to free agent movement is ridiculous contract demands.  People live happily on $60,000/year so don't freakin tell me you can't make it by on only a measly $9Million/year!  I'm looking at you Stephen Drew and Kendrys Morales.


The owner of a Vancouver bar Score on Davie  has instituted an optional turn in your cell phone for the evening program.  The idea is simple, to bring us back to a simpler time (early 1990's) when an evening out meant talking to whomever you were spending the evening with.  I would love to see an MLB club adopt this optional program.


The San Diego Padres on Saturday March 15th are running a little contest.  The Padres will have 1000 fans take one swing for a homerun at the cavernous Petco Park.  Successful batters will win 2014 season tickets.


First, Ian Kinsler wishes his former team a winless season, now new Brewer Matt Garza expresses the following sentiment toward his former club the Chicago Cubs, ""I wish them the best but I like where I'm at, and I'm going to try to kick their teeth in every time I get a chance.""


What would you do if you were Carl Crawford: go to Australia with your LA Dodger teammates or stay home with "any day now" pregnant girlfriend?  Do the right thing Mr. Crawford, stay home!

A Couple MLB Hobbies and Dreams

John Axford successfully closed 19 of 26 ballgames last year for a 73% close rate.  Mr. Axford went 18 of 18, a perfect 100%, with his Oscar predictions.  I guess everybody needs a hobby.


Speaking of hobbies, I'm thinking Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson is taking a shine to Twitter.  He used Twitter to announce that Patrick Corbin and Trevor Cahill will be his starting pitchers for the 2 game series in Australia.


Kristie Reiken of the Associated Press got the following quote from twice suspended prospect Jon Singleton of the Houston Astros:

I know that I enjoy smoking weed, I enjoy being high and I can't block that out of my mind that I enjoy that," he said. "So I have to work against that
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/20140303_ap_46c2dd6f8c9040d7b9462a184c6cb1da.html#JekfI9V0rmSsXHzK.99

"At this point it’s pretty evident to me that I’m a drug addict.  I don’t openly tell everyone that, but it’s pretty apparent to myself.  I know that I enjoy smoking weed, I enjoy being high and I can’t block that out of my mind that I enjoy that.  So I have to work against that"

Good luck Mr. Singleton in staying clean and sober and realizing your MLB dreams.



I know that I enjoy smoking weed, I enjoy being high and I can't block that out of my mind that I enjoy that," he said. "So I have to work against that
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/20140303_ap_46c2dd6f8c9040d7b9462a184c6cb1da.html#JekfI9V0rmSsXHzK.99

I know that I enjoy smoking weed, I enjoy being high and I can't block that out of my mind that I enjoy that," he said. "So I have to work against that
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/20140303_ap_46c2dd6f8c9040d7b9462a184c6cb1da.html#JekfI9V0rmSsXHzK.99

Staying with the theme of realizing MLB dreams: I have twice mentioned Grady Sizemore and his attempt to return from dual microfracture knee surgeries.  Also attempting the feat is Seattle Mariner Corey Hart.  If his steal of home base is a sign, I think he is going to be okay! 


Mandatory clip to Corey Hart music video here