Random Collection of Thoughts re April 21 and 22 in MLB

Monday April 21st

The average of the MLB went up drastically!  The Cleveland Indians activated 43 year old Jason Giambi from the DL AND the New York Mets called up 40 year old Bobby Abreu.


A possible nine out of ten teams who finished in the bottom third of the MLB in 2013.  Of those nine teams, only the Miami Marlins would lose.  I know it's an obscure stat but seriously, how many times will the Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros, New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies each win on the same night?


On this night the Cubs and Astros both beat struggling teams. The Cubs beat the Arizona Diamondbacks on the strength of the pitchers BAT!  If ever there was a statement to sum up the D'Backs season thus far, that was it.  The Astros beating Seattle Mariners, that's ho-hum news.  The fact the Astros beat Felix Hernandez **blink blink** no words explain the surprise. 


The Mets and the Phillies blanked their respective opponents on this night, willing to bet a Canadian Beer that feat does not occur again in 2014!!

Tuesday April 22nd

Remember I told you to bet on David Price finding his groove against the Minnesota Twins.  Complete game, 12 strikeout getting his groove on win for Mr. Price.

Coming into the season most "experts" would not so boldly predict that the Colorado Rockies would be led by their offense and if/when the Rox failed it would be due to their pitching.  The Rockies currently lead the MLB in runs scored while their pitching has given up the sixth most runs in the league.  On Tuesday night, for the second time this season, the Rockies outpitched the San Francisco Giants in a pitching duel.  Going back to those "experts", many predicted the Los Angeles Dodgers to walk away with the NL West.  My prediction, if the Colorado Rockies pitching staff can improve to even just mediocre (not in the top 13 in runs allowed), the final series of the 2014 regular season is in LA against those Dodgers and could be for the division title.

Speaking of those Los Angeles Dodgers, they just dropped their second straight game to the Philadelphia Phillies.  If you take away the 7-1 record amassed versus the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Dodgers are 5-8 on the season.  I keep asking for the "real" Washington Nationals to stand up so we could learn whether they are "contenders" or "pretenders".  Maybe it's time I start asking that question to the Dodgers.

Speaking of those Washington Nationals, they go into Wednesday's game trying not to get swept by the Anaheim Angels.  Also on "sweep alert", the Oakland Athletics at the hands of the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at the hands of the Houston Astros.  The last time the Houston Astros swept a series - - September 9-11 against a Robinson Cano-less Seattle Mariner team.

Random Collection of Thoughts re April 18 in MLB

Houston Astros uber-prospect George Springer collected his first MLB RBI and stolen base.  Shame his Astros were already 8-0 by the time he stole his first base in the top of the 3rd.  Not that it's any consolation to Mr. Springer but Chicago White Sox Cuban sensation Jose Abreu & Philadelphia Phillies sophomore starting pitcher Jonathon Pettibone also found themselves down by more than 8 runs in their respective games.


A late season call up by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2012, relief pitcher Josh Wall is still struggling to find his groove in the MLB.  Mr. Wall never made it past last April with the Dodgers and Friday had his first appearance with the Anaheim Angels.  Mr. Wall never even got out of his inning.  Luckily he was "protecting" an 11-1 win.


The San Francisco Giants have played in 8 straight one run games with a .500 record of 4-4. Playoff wildcard runs by the 2013 Cleveland Indians (30-17) and the 2012 Baltimore Orioles (29-9) were in part fuelled by their record in one run games.  On the other side of the coin, the Boston Red Sox won their division and the 2013 World Series finishing .500 in one run games.  The Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers are currently tied for first place in the NL West.  The Giants have taken four of six meetings this young season against the Dodgers with a 2-1 record in one run games against them.


The Arizona Diamondbacks finally caught a lucky break!  A wild pitch on an INTENTIONAL WALK scored a runner from third base to give the D'Backs a 2-1 lead in the top of the 9th.  The curse that has been 2014 meant that naturally the bullpen would cough up the lead in the bottom of the ninth but the D'Backs would win the game in the 12th!


Remember ladies and gentleman, boys and girls of all ages, if you play baseball, don't use your face to stop the ball.  There has to be a less painful way to make it into the pages of Sports Illustrated.

Random Collection of Thoughts re April 13 in the MLB

Sweeps and their ramifications will be the subject of the day.


The Los Angeles Dodgers swept the Arizona Diamondbacks making it a 5-0 regular season start against the NL West Kirk Gibson led foe.  The D'Backs currently sit at 4-11 two days away from Jackie Robinson Day on Tuesday April 15th.  I mentioned in an earlier post that if going into Jackie Robinson Day the Diamondbacks were still counting wins with only one hand that Manager Kirk Gibson likely does not make it through the month of May with his job.  A 3 game series with the New York Mets may just be what the doctor ordered.  Then again, it may be the iceberg that sank the Titanic.


Speaking of baseball managers doubling as crew members of the Titanic, Kansas City manager Ned Yost must be feeling sea sick after being outscored 21-6 whilst being swept by the Minnesota Twins.  The Royals now have lowest scoring offense in the American League 0.02 less runs per game than the Houston Astros.  The Astros happen to be their next opponent before an opportunity for redemption when the Twins visit Kauffman Stadium next weekend.  For a trendy pick to win the division, the Royals are doing it wrong!!


Speaking of trendy picks to win the division, the Washington Nationals just got swept by the Atlanta Braves, the team they would have to overcome to win the NL East.  The Braves scored 23 runs during the series doubling their season long production at the plate.  Another Nats sweep of the Miami Marlins would likely keep them neck and neck with the Braves for 1st place but an abysmal showing in their 4 game set with the St. Louis Cardinals next weekend will help solidify their "pretender not contender" status.


Speaking of the Miami Marlins, anybody remember when they were 5-1?  After being swept by the Philadelphia Phillies, the Marlins now sit at 5-8.  I never thought they would keep pace with the Nationals and Braves but third place in the NL East is feasible.  The Marlins will have to win these games back from the Phillies when they visit Miami May 20-22.


I ran out of "speaking of" tie-ins.  The Milwaukee Brewers extended their winning streak to 9 games by sweeping the Pittsburgh Pirates.  Now the real fun begins as they host the St. Louis Cardinals then fly to Pittsburgh for a three game re-match.  The Cardinals were the gold standard last season beating the Brewers in the pennant race by 23 games.  Can a full year of Ryan Braun and tweaked starting rotation really close that gap?

Random Collections of Thoughts re: April 4th in MLB

My last entry highlighted the New York Yankees, Anaheim Angels, Miami Marlins and Colorado Rockies as the teams to watch going into this weekend.  Friday night the four teams won by the average margin of a touchdown!


Masahiro Tanaka gave himself two innings to figure out the MLB then threw five solid innings to guide the Yankees to victory.  All nine starters for the Anaheim Angels collected at least a hit ensuring they did not need to rely on pitching for their victory.  The Miami Marlins have apparently all become hitting machines and led by Charlie Blackmon's 6 for 6 evening the Colorado Rockies dismantled the Arizona Diamondbacks.  I linked Blackmon to his career stats so you wouldn't have to Google him.


Official prediction, if the Arizona Diamondbacks can count their season total of wins on one hand come Jackie Robinson Day, Tuesday April 15, Kirk Gibson will be the first manager fired in 2014.  The D'Backs are currently 1-6.


Pittsburgh 12 St Louis 2.  Six months ago to the day, the Pirates beat the Cards 7-1 in Game 2 of the NLDS.  We all know how that ended.


I have heard all spring that the Los Angeles Dodgers outfield is over-crowded.  I remember reading comments from Matt Kemp saying "he is no fourth outfielder".  Why not trade Yasiel Puig?  Seriously, an upgrade at second base and someone to inherit third base from Juan Uribe is not a ridiculous trade demand for a 24 year old causing more trouble than a wolf in a chicken coop.

Huge Contracts Overshadow Feel Good Stories

According to Wikipedia, Miguel Cabrera has just signed the largest pro sports contract in history.  Looking at the Top 25 top contracts, 23 belong to the MLB!!  A stunning 6 of those were signed going into this season!  The New York Yankees signed Jacoby Ellsbury and Masahiro Tanaka to the 23rd and 20th largest contracts in history and watched the Seattle Mariners sign former Yankee Robinson Cano to the 4th largest contract.  The Cincinnati Reds and the LA Dodgers placed contracts on the list at numbers 6 and 7 with Joey Votto and Clayton Kershaw respectively.


I randomly chose playoff predictions from Sports Illustrated and here's what I found in regards to the 5 teams listed above handing out history making deals.  From SI's panel of six experts, only 2 of them had the Yankees making the playoffs while none of them have the Mariners making the post season.  Only 2 of them have the Cinncinati Reds making the postseason in a very tough NL Central while the Dodgers and Tigers are both clean sweeps to make the playoffs.


Amidst all the pomp and circumstance around big money deals, there is a feel good story to mention.  The Boston Red Sox have announced that Grady Sizemore will be there opening day starting center fielder completing a road to recovery that spanned two years!


Staying with the Boston Red Sox and news that's good for the soul.  On April 21st, the Red Sox will wear home jersey's with the word "Boston" across the front instead of "Red Sox" to honour the city of Boston one year after the Boston Marathon bombings.

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.

Weird MLB Rule Explained, New Pop Flavour, Injury Thoughts and a Notso Daring Comparison

The Houston Astros offer Outfielder George Springer, the Astros' top prospect a 7 year 23 million dollar contract.  Springer declines the offer and is demoted to the minors.  Here's the real reasoning behind the demotion - - > If an uber-prospect debuts on Opening Day, he'll be a free agent in six years, presuming he remains on the big league club. However, by waiting one month, a team can push back his free agency an entire year.  Mr. Springer will be an Astro in May.


LeBron James now has is own flavor of Sprite.  My vote for a MLB player to have his own flavor of Sprite would be the Angels Mike Trout.  Somehow it's a sponsorship I don't see working!


Re-visiting the notion of "slips from grace", Hiroyuki Nakajima played his first two innings of exhibition baseball with Oakland A's recently.  Nakajima was projected to be the A's starting shortstop in 2013 after signing a two-year, $6.5 million contract before last season.  Today, Nakajima isn't even on the A's 40-man roster.  Must not drink Sprite.


Los Angeles Dodger 1B Adrian Gonzalez reportedly has a stiff lower back from walking around sightseeing.  Raise your hands if this excuse would earn you a day off of work.  Anybody?  This is exactly why some folks have a hard time respecting baseball players, suck it up buttercup!


The Miami Marlins posted a picture of Derek Dietrich and his nasty bruise after taking a baseball to the face on field. Cinncinati Red Aroldis Chapman only wishes he was that lucky.


You should be as worried about Derek Jeter’s spring training average of .132 in 41 plate appearances this spring as you are excited about Dustin Ackley's spring training average of .457 in 46 plate appearances.

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!

MLB Tidbits & Gems

April 21, 2012 Philip Humber threw a Perfect Game for the Chicago White Sox.  22 months later, Humber is simply trying to win a job with the Oakland A's. 




Opening Day 2013, Justin Sellers was the starting shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers.  10 months later, he has been designated for assignment.  You probably thought your job was thankless!



Watching from the comforts of my couch in Edmonton, opinions of players are in many ways shaped and formed by how the media portrays the player.  I always got the feeling, even from his hometown commentators, that Barry Bonds was not the easiest person to like.  "Barry Bonds is scheduled to return to the organization in March, this newspaper has learned, serving as a special instructor for the Giants' hitters" See more at: http://www.prosportsdaily.com/articles/barry-bonds-will-be-spring-training-giants-instructor-291765.html#sthash.27PyflVr.dpuf Interesting!!




Staying with "media perception", Joey Votto of the Cincinnati Reds has released a two minute video "explaining" himself to the fans - - http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid2893069007001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAACEa2yvk~,I3kckfVxEjenAeITDjThxucAtVSXPuHP&bctid=3237865925001&sf23115708=1&sf23117768=1
Thanks to Bill Baer of Hardballtalk!




Going to Barry Bonds' former team, the Pittsburgh Pirates, outfielder Travis Snider has been cleared to throw again after injuring a finger on his left hand while cutting sweet potatoes.  I can't make this stuff up!

Len being Len about Baseball

This morning Toronto Blue Jay Jose Bautista tweets "...fans are the most important part of baseball..." which got me to thinking - - aside from the typical "fan clubs" and "promotion nights" (which fans have been lucky enough to become almost become bored of) what are some of the niftier things baseball clubs are doing to reach out to their fans. 




The following is my top four finds:




1) Milwaukee Brewers Create a Commercial Contest
Contest closes on February 28th and is exactly what it sounds like, you get to make a freakin commercial to be aired during their games.




2) Baltimore Orioles - Orioles Magic Moments
A monthly contest where you send in videos of some of the "magic moments" of Oriole History.  This month it's Cal Ripken Jr setting the "iron man streak".




3) Detroit Tigers - Kids Opening Day Contest
"How do you and your child pledge to live a healthy lifestyle this summer?"  Parents write an essay on behalf of their kids and 21 winners will have the chance to a part of the production of the game. Example, Announce the Starting Line-Ups on the Comerica Park Public Address (two children)




4) Kansas City Royals/Texas Rangers/Los Angeles Dodgers
All three baseball clubs run "Rewards Play and Win" program where by registering to play, the fan collects points by visiting specified sections of their respective teams website and social media.



Blog Update:




a) I have added a "Sweet Tweets" side column to keep together some of the better finds throughout the season.  Today I added a tweet from the Medicine Hat Mavericks, a team in the WMBL




b) I have also added a "Words to Live By" side column to keep together some of the better quotes throughout the season.  Today I added a quote from Toronto Blue Jay GM Alex Anthopoulos