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.
Showing posts with label baseball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baseball. Show all posts
Saturday, 19 April 2014
Wednesday, 9 April 2014
Random Collection of Thoughts re: April 9 in the MLB
Three "first's" happened today that not many people would not have expected to wait over a week to see (or in the last example, expected at all). The Kansas City Royals hit their 1st homerun of the season and the Cincinnati Reds speed demon Billy Hamilton stole his first two bases of the season. Toronto Blue Jays catcher Dioner Navarro stole his first base since 2009.
Many people likely expected Ervin Santana to have some rust in his pitching debut for the Atlanta Braves. 8 innings played, 0 runs allowed, 3 hits against, no walks allowed, 6 strikeouts. It doesn't matter that it's against the 4th lowest scoring team in the NL because coming in, Atlanta themselves are the lowest scoring team. That's the real surprise, Atlanta is barely averaging 2 runs per game heading into Santana's debut.
Baltimore Oriole starter Miguel Gonzalez is set to earn $529,000 this season. New York Yankee starter Masahiro Tanaka just commenced a seven years, $155M contract. Both have almost identical lines from their meeting against each other, biggest difference, Tanaka was plus 7 in the strikeout category! The Orioles would win the game in the 9th with Tanaka out of the game and no option to put in Mariano Rivera or his "replacement" David Robertson for the Yankees.
Game of the night honors goes to the Miami Marlins/Washington Nationals! Marlins surge out to a 5-0 lead after two innings. After marching back to take a 6-5 lead in the 6th, the Nats leave the bases drunk which naturally means the Marlins tie it the first chance they get. The tying run came via the first uncontested homerun (first two were reviewed) of the game in the top of the 7th. Marlins would take the lead in the top of the 8th on an umpire reviewed home plate play. At this rate of reviews before reacting to anything on the field, you may want a minute or so.
I have professed my affinity for fantasy baseball in previous articles and through that affinity, I have learned that the last adjective to describe relief pitcher Carlos Marmol is reliable. Now pitching for the Marlins, the game of the night would effectively end when the Nats were able to load the bases against him in the bottom of the 8th and Jayson Werth would empty the bases with a (un-reviewed) grand slam.
Many people likely expected Ervin Santana to have some rust in his pitching debut for the Atlanta Braves. 8 innings played, 0 runs allowed, 3 hits against, no walks allowed, 6 strikeouts. It doesn't matter that it's against the 4th lowest scoring team in the NL because coming in, Atlanta themselves are the lowest scoring team. That's the real surprise, Atlanta is barely averaging 2 runs per game heading into Santana's debut.
Baltimore Oriole starter Miguel Gonzalez is set to earn $529,000 this season. New York Yankee starter Masahiro Tanaka just commenced a seven years, $155M contract. Both have almost identical lines from their meeting against each other, biggest difference, Tanaka was plus 7 in the strikeout category! The Orioles would win the game in the 9th with Tanaka out of the game and no option to put in Mariano Rivera or his "replacement" David Robertson for the Yankees.
Game of the night honors goes to the Miami Marlins/Washington Nationals! Marlins surge out to a 5-0 lead after two innings. After marching back to take a 6-5 lead in the 6th, the Nats leave the bases drunk which naturally means the Marlins tie it the first chance they get. The tying run came via the first uncontested homerun (first two were reviewed) of the game in the top of the 7th. Marlins would take the lead in the top of the 8th on an umpire reviewed home plate play. At this rate of reviews before reacting to anything on the field, you may want a minute or so.
I have professed my affinity for fantasy baseball in previous articles and through that affinity, I have learned that the last adjective to describe relief pitcher Carlos Marmol is reliable. Now pitching for the Marlins, the game of the night would effectively end when the Nats were able to load the bases against him in the bottom of the 8th and Jayson Werth would empty the bases with a (un-reviewed) grand slam.
Thursday, 6 March 2014
The Grand Scheme of Life in Relation to Baseball
Frank Jobe, the doctor who "invented" Tommy John surgery,
has passed way. Rest In Peace Mr. Jobe.
You enabled the ability to extend more MLB careers than steroids ever has or will.
Like being in caught up in the majesty that is Disneyland and catching yourself chatting away to one of the suited characters, sometimes fans forget that baseball is just a game. I give you four very different examples of "real life" interfering with "the game".
1) Rich Hill signed this past off-season with the Boston Red Sox in large part due to a desire to be closer to his family. His infant son, barely two months old recently passed away.
He was recently quoted on CBS Sports website ""Excited to be here, to be playing baseball again and get back into the normalcy of my profession and to be around a great group of guys and to just take that next step,""
I sincerely hope he makes the Red Sox major league squad to help work through the pain.
2) Oscar Taveras of the St Louis Cardinals is a "can't miss" prospect. The banana peel on the roadway to stardom? Oscar Taveras had ankle surgery last season to end his AAA season and is, rightfully, a little leery about going full boar to test his surgically repaired ankle.
"Physically, there is technically nothing wrong with Taveras. But he’s reluctant to let loose and go full speed. If there’s pain, it’s in his head. He’s apparently fearful of derailing his career by re-injuring the joint, and has favored the right leg while running the bases." Credit Bernie Miklasz for the observation.
At what point in Taveras recovery do the Cards appear as if they are "playing God" with the livelihood of a 22 year old?
3) "Despite 103 RBIs, it is tough to ignore Brandon Phillips' eroding skill set as his days as an elite offensive second baseman may be numbered" The caption underneath Anthony Castrovince MLB.com report about the Cincinnati Reds "star".
Phillips, who was nearly traded to the New York Yankees during the off-season, does not feel the love and respect he feels is owed. I do not sense a Derek Jeter-like farewell tour for Mr. Phillips in the future.
4) Coincidence? Dodgers starting pitcher Zack Greinke mentions he has little interest in going to Australia and now his calf injury will keep him from going?
I'm not implying the injury is not legit but sometimes when you park at a meter and there's enough time left on it for you not to pay a toll...I hope he along with Chase Headley and Josh Hamilton are all ready for March 31/April 1.
Tuesday, 25 February 2014
MLB Tidbits and Gems
This blog starts with an addition to the "Sweet Tweets" section. Orioles skipper Buck Showalter has ordered prospect Josh Hart to write a report about Frank Robinson. Don't know who that is, shhh don't tell Buck and just google it.
In my pre-preseason picks, I have selected the Angels to make the playoffs as a wildcard. Josh Hamilton out the next couple days with a calf issue and CJ Wilson taking a ball off the side of his head while throwing batting practice has me a tad less confident. Meanwhile in Oakland, Sonny Gray Looks Like A Child According To (Manager) Bob Melvin and A.J. Griffin's weight issues.
Here's another Angels prediction: Albert Pujols will hit his 500th career homerun, his 8th of 2014, against my other pick to be an AL wildcard team, the Toronto Blue Jays on May 8th.
Did you know that Minnesota Twins pitching prospect Alex Meyer, if he makes the MLB, will only be the 9th player 6'9" or taller to make a start?
In my pre-preseason picks, I have selected the Angels to make the playoffs as a wildcard. Josh Hamilton out the next couple days with a calf issue and CJ Wilson taking a ball off the side of his head while throwing batting practice has me a tad less confident. Meanwhile in Oakland, Sonny Gray Looks Like A Child According To (Manager) Bob Melvin and A.J. Griffin's weight issues.
Here's another Angels prediction: Albert Pujols will hit his 500th career homerun, his 8th of 2014, against my other pick to be an AL wildcard team, the Toronto Blue Jays on May 8th.
Did you know that Minnesota Twins pitching prospect Alex Meyer, if he makes the MLB, will only be the 9th player 6'9" or taller to make a start?
Spring Training starts tomorrow!!
Monday, 24 February 2014
Baseball is NOT Boring
This will not be a blog bashing other sports or romanticizing baseball.
Baseball season is too long, much like the NBA and NHL. CFL/NFL and NLL have it right, about 20 weeks averaging a game week, games are events.
I mention the National Lacrosse League based on my suggestion that Lacrosse is the most exciting of the all the sports. Sadly, if the casual fan has trouble following a puck in hockey, they don't stand a chance following the ball in a lacrosse game.
Baseball is easy to watch, ironically that's the biggest fault of the sport. The sport is so easy to watch you forget that the pitcher is throwing the ball as fast as a speeding vehicle! A casual fan overlooks the fact the batter only mere seconds to decide whether to swing or not. Fielding the ball, whether it be a grounder or a fly ball, has become so high percentage that fans tend to turn to their company and use that "B" word - - sports execution at it's best does become boring.
I'm a fan of the NBA but I'm the first person to tell a "newbie" to the NBA to wait until the 4th quarter to start their new experience. You can't just simply tell a "newbie" to the MLB to watch the last two innings of a ball game.
The one unpredictable aspect to baseball is when the fist pumps and face palms will happen. Fist pumps and face palms happen many times throughout a game but yes, sometimes you have to sit through multiple foul ball counts or multiple throws over to first to check on the runner.
I admit, watching a batter adjust himself between every pitch does not have the sports appeal of hearing a quarterback bark out his cadence at the line of scrimmage. I will also testify that a baseball hit into play brings me up closer to the edge of my seat than seeing a quarterback throw a short pass.
PLAY BALL!!
Baseball season is too long, much like the NBA and NHL. CFL/NFL and NLL have it right, about 20 weeks averaging a game week, games are events.
I mention the National Lacrosse League based on my suggestion that Lacrosse is the most exciting of the all the sports. Sadly, if the casual fan has trouble following a puck in hockey, they don't stand a chance following the ball in a lacrosse game.
Baseball is easy to watch, ironically that's the biggest fault of the sport. The sport is so easy to watch you forget that the pitcher is throwing the ball as fast as a speeding vehicle! A casual fan overlooks the fact the batter only mere seconds to decide whether to swing or not. Fielding the ball, whether it be a grounder or a fly ball, has become so high percentage that fans tend to turn to their company and use that "B" word - - sports execution at it's best does become boring.
I'm a fan of the NBA but I'm the first person to tell a "newbie" to the NBA to wait until the 4th quarter to start their new experience. You can't just simply tell a "newbie" to the MLB to watch the last two innings of a ball game.
The one unpredictable aspect to baseball is when the fist pumps and face palms will happen. Fist pumps and face palms happen many times throughout a game but yes, sometimes you have to sit through multiple foul ball counts or multiple throws over to first to check on the runner.
I admit, watching a batter adjust himself between every pitch does not have the sports appeal of hearing a quarterback bark out his cadence at the line of scrimmage. I will also testify that a baseball hit into play brings me up closer to the edge of my seat than seeing a quarterback throw a short pass.
PLAY BALL!!
Friday, 21 February 2014
Scuffs on the Baseball
The "Sweet Tweet" column now includes a tweet from Rawlings Sports promoting their gloves but the attention grabber is the shirt worn by Washington Nationals Outfielder Bryce Fielder - - > "PED FREE"
The original tweet was retweeted by "Bleacher Report" where I would find another gem - - Blue Jays Closer Casey Janssen Pulls off Perfect Proposal After Going Skydiving Bleacher Report writer Kyle Newport just gained a fan.
Speaking of gaining fans, Kansas City Royals Rookie Pitcher Kyle Zimmer has already been taught the words "old guys", won't win him any fans. The video is more funny than the story but it won't let me send you directly to video.
Staying with the KC Royals, they along with the Colorado Rockies and San Diego Padres, are the only MLB teams to not have their "MLBlog"-ger on the front page of their website. Just something I noticed as I went through the teams sites looking for some inside information from almost 3000 KM away.
The two most interesting finds from the "MLBlog"-ers came from Seattle's "Mariners Musings by Greg Johns." The question to new M's skip was regarding Dustin Ackley playing centerfield.
The original tweet was retweeted by "Bleacher Report" where I would find another gem - - Blue Jays Closer Casey Janssen Pulls off Perfect Proposal After Going Skydiving Bleacher Report writer Kyle Newport just gained a fan.
Speaking of gaining fans, Kansas City Royals Rookie Pitcher Kyle Zimmer has already been taught the words "old guys", won't win him any fans. The video is more funny than the story but it won't let me send you directly to video.
Staying with the KC Royals, they along with the Colorado Rockies and San Diego Padres, are the only MLB teams to not have their "MLBlog"-ger on the front page of their website. Just something I noticed as I went through the teams sites looking for some inside information from almost 3000 KM away.
The two most interesting finds from the "MLBlog"-ers came from Seattle's "Mariners Musings by Greg Johns." The question to new M's skip was regarding Dustin Ackley playing centerfield.
"“I doubt it. He’ll probably be in left field the majority of time.”
Why is he best suited for left field?
“Because that’s where I want him,” said McClendon."
Thursday, 20 February 2014
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
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
Tuesday, 18 February 2014
Scratching the Baseball Fever Itch
Here's today's hodge-podge nifty MLB findings:
a) In what could be the Tweet of the baseball season even before the pre-season starts, free agent relief pitcher Tim Byrdak bypassed using high-powered agents in an attempt to find work. Byrdak posted a picture of a hand-written classified ad selling himself as "high mileage but very serviceable". https://twitter.com/Givemethelefty/status/435831597833547776/photo/1
b) Being from Edmonton, Hockey and Football are kings of the town. Both sports carry the mantra, "if I can lace them up, I can play". So when a person reads about an MLB player missing a bullpen session due to an ingrown hair SIGH http://www.prosportsdaily.com/Headlines/ExternalArticle?articleId=290460
c) He was the opening day starter for the 2010 Toronto Blue Jays after missing 2009 recovering from Tommy John Surgery. He went 1-10 last season with the Mets while dealing with a body that just was not right. Amidst other procedures, Shaun Marcum had a freakin rib removed last July and today finds himself trying to earn a spot with the Cleveland Indians. Best wishes Mr. Marcum.
a) In what could be the Tweet of the baseball season even before the pre-season starts, free agent relief pitcher Tim Byrdak bypassed using high-powered agents in an attempt to find work. Byrdak posted a picture of a hand-written classified ad selling himself as "high mileage but very serviceable". https://twitter.com/Givemethelefty/status/435831597833547776/photo/1
b) Being from Edmonton, Hockey and Football are kings of the town. Both sports carry the mantra, "if I can lace them up, I can play". So when a person reads about an MLB player missing a bullpen session due to an ingrown hair SIGH http://www.prosportsdaily.com/Headlines/ExternalArticle?articleId=290460
c) He was the opening day starter for the 2010 Toronto Blue Jays after missing 2009 recovering from Tommy John Surgery. He went 1-10 last season with the Mets while dealing with a body that just was not right. Amidst other procedures, Shaun Marcum had a freakin rib removed last July and today finds himself trying to earn a spot with the Cleveland Indians. Best wishes Mr. Marcum.
One week til the pre-season games commence
4.5 weeks til that crazy 2 game series in Australia between the Dodgers & D-Backs.
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