A few random thoughts before packing …
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- August
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* Toronto has won five of its last six and has A.J. Burnett and the great Roy Halladay throwing in this series. The Yankees better show up, which is a 50-50 proposition these days.
* Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe had this quote from a scout: “In a few years, Melky (Cabrera) will be playing in some independent league. Or in the Mexican League.” Can’t say I disagree. Melky has gotten worse the last two years and considerably so. Other than throw, what does he do well?
UPDATE, Aug. 21, 12:45 a.m.: Turns out Nick Cafardo did not write this. Baseball Prospectus’ Week In Quotes said that he did but Nick e-mailed to say that he did not get that quote. I have no idea who actually did. My apologies to Nick.
* I’m a proponent of instant replay to decide home runs and boundary calls. But why is MLB rushing to start its system later this month? Take your time and start next season. Some team that got robbed of a home run in May could see one of its rivals win a game in September because of the replay system. That’s not fair.
* Hank Steinbrenner has little credibility. He has been to one series in the Bronx this season. He did not attend the All-Star Game with his father, Bobby Murcer’s memorial service or the recent MLB owner’s meetings. It’s about time that we in the media stop calling him for quotes. His brother and his sister Jenny are far more involved.
* Generation Kill on HBO is no Band of Brothers, but it’s better than anything else out there this summer. Tivo it.
* I covered the 1996 Olympics. They sent me one day to cover a water polo match despite my knowing nothing about the sport. Greece was beaten by the U.S., which apparently was unexpected. The first question to the Greek coach from a reporter from his country was, “Clearly this is a disgrace, when will you resign?”
I always think of that and laugh when I hear somebody say the New York media is tough.
* My other lasting memory of those Games was getting on an elevator at the Olympic Stadium (now Turner Field) and the doors being held for Muhammad Ali. There were five of us on the elevator all just staring at him. I mean it’s Muhammad Ali, the most famous person walking the face of the earth. He finally smiles and says, “Don’t y’all speak at the same time.”
Now that’s knowing who you are.
* Beach volleyball is not an Olympic-caliber sport. Hot tanned chicks in bikinis leaping around while music is playing is a Cinemax movie at 3 a.m., not a sport.
* Here’s how bad the current summer movies are: The only thing worth going to see is The Dark Knight for a second time. And it’s still great.
* So I’m at Mohegan Sun last night playing blackjack. I have two queens and the guy in the last seat hits on his 16 (against the dealer’s 6) and the entire table loses when the dealer draws five cards to 21. The card he took was a king, which would have busted the dealer.
To my way of thinking, if the four other people on the table beat that guy to death, it shouldn’t be a crime. Two of us literally got up and left and the dealer said, “I don’t blame you.”
But this is why Mohegan Sun keeps building hotels and I’m gassing up in Connecticut because it’s a few cents cheaper than New York.
* When they open the new Yankee Stadium, here is what needs to go:
YMCA
Cotton-Eye Joe
God Bless America every day
The “entertainment” isn’t entertaining any more. It’s predictable. As for God Bless America, I’m as patriotic as anybody, but the Star-Spangled Banner is fine. We’re at a baseball game, not a rally for democracy.
* Why are there preseason polls in college football? Let the teams play for three weeks then have a poll. What’s the rush?
* Mad Dog Russo is supposedly going to get $15.5 million for five years from Sirius radio and have his own channel. Now he should play God Bless America every day.
* Madonna turned 50 the other day. 50! Minka Kelly is 28. It must be tough for Derek Jeter not to burst out laughing every time he talks to A-Rod.
* I finally finished Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. It’s about how Abraham Lincoln filled his cabinet with his political rivals because he put their intellect above their disagreements. Imagine if we still had politicians like that?
* You know what? We were all wrong about Joe Maddon in the spring. He really was building a winner. If anybody else gets a first-place vote for manager of the year in the AL there should be an investigation.
* My niece, who is 8, went to her first big-league game the other day. Stop right now and think about your first game. One of the best days in your life, right? Greatest thing ever, seeing that green grass and those crisp white uniforms for the first time.
Back to business tomorrrow. Lots of blogging for the rest of this week.
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on Monday, August 18th, 2008 at 8:47 pm by Peter Abraham.
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Chad Jennings
Sam Borden
Josh Thomson
Hi from vegas.
Safe travels Pete.
Pete I like the random thoughts you should do it more often.
Pete-
Have a safe trip. I enjoyed this post, but have one gripe – though I don’t like Madonna (as much as you can not like a person you’ve never met), she is not your typical 50-year-old woman – and might I add, many of us are not!
But shes Madonna…
Half the people on here are probably going to have to google Minka Kelly to even know what she looks like. Myself included.
Maddux to the Dodgers.
hilarious post. generation kill is the best thing i’ve seen on tv since season 5 of the wire. derek jeter can get into the hall using just his resume of girls he dated.
Wow. Lots of things bouncing around in that big melon of yours. Agreed with most, laughed at some. Three things.
1. You may not consider beach volleyball a sport, but they are some of the best conditioned athletes in the world. The DJ’s gotta go. They don’t show too much of the cheerleaders on tv. The networks must be embarrassed.
2. Minka Kelly is 28? Sounds overripe for DJ.
3. Joe Maddon could’ve built a winner without escalating what happened in ST. He may come off of Scocia’s managing tree, but Mike’s better than that.
I love Jerry Reese
Instead of God Bless Americas at each game, maybe Ronin Tynan(sp?) will recite Lincoln’s second inaugural address.
August 18th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Ken Davidoff of Newsday was on just on 1050 and basically accused Pavano of not needing Tommy John. Said he shopped himself until he found a doctor who would perform the surgery.
” Here’s how bad the current summer movies are: The only thing worth going to see is The Dark Knight for a second time. And it’s still great. ”
Pete, I guess brainless entertainment suits you the best.
You know, I definitely thought it was weird how Hank wasn’t there at the All Star game with his father. It’s nice to hear you point that out. I mean, how do you run your mouth like he has all season and not show up and ride around the stadium with your father?
BBB where the hell are ya… Dominek Hixon and Giants prison yard D spanking Cleveland right now.
Victor Zambrano went 5ip 4 hits 0 er 1 walk and 5k’s for Trenton tonight. Supposedly Rick Peterson was pumped.
why not try melky as a pitcher if he cant find himself in hitting
” Beach volleyball is not a sport. Hot tanned chicks in bikinis leaping around while music is playing is a Cinemax movie at 3 a.m., not a sport.”
i’m assuming that’s a flip statement because of a personal lack of interest in the sport.
the reality is that two person pro beach volleyball is a physically much more demanding sport than pro baseball. if you can’t jump out of the sand , you can’t play. getting out of the sand is pure strength. then you have to jump serve, and cover the court defensively.
there’s all kinds of defensive strategies called at the net before the serve with the two hands and fingers of the blocker signaling blocking line or angle on both opposing players.
you pick on the weaker player when serving because they’ll be handling the ball twice and hitting into the block.
if you can’t run ten miles easily and dunk a basketball when you’re done, it’s difficult to play beach volleyball at a high level. a 3-4 foot vertical is helpful.
but other than that, i guess you could say it’s not that hard.
People enjoy hearing God Bless America at Yankee Stadium because all they hear in the media, Hollywood, etc. about anything patriotic is: What are we, at a rally for democracy?
A constant stream of argument that blames America first: For everything. Yankee Stadium and its “rally for democracy” has almost become contrarian, and I dearly hope it stays.
Think TB would give us Kazmir for Victor?
30 – 3 GMEN !
Hey we fixed him in 10 minutes so maybe?
“It’s about time that we in the media stop calling him for quotes.”
Promise?
“Beach volleyball is not a sport. Hot tanned chicks in bikinis leaping around while music is playing is a Cinemax movie at 3 a.m., not a sport.”
and now we know what Pete is doing up at 3am adding posts to the blog.
“It must be tough for Derek Jeter not to burst out laughing every time he talks to A-Rod.”
Until he remembers he dated Mariah Carey.
Great post, Pete! Definitely do this more often.
One major disagreement: “Man On Wire” is easily the best movie of the year so far. That Batman stuff is drivel — computer-generated drivel at that! — compared to what this man did.
4-1 Boston. Bay again. ):
Good stuff on the random thoughts Pete.
Mariah was doable back then
JMO:
I love America. But why is a baseball game the best place to just play a random patriotic song? Let’s play My Country Tis of Three after the third inning, This Land is Your Land after the fifth inning and Yankee Doodle Dandy after the sixth inning, too.
The national anthem is fine. It’s appropriate, it’s meaningful and it’s what we should do. But at this point it’s got less to do with patriotism and more to do with the Yankees trying to show they’re more patriotic than anybody else, which they’re not.
A8: Since you’re such a genius, what are you going to see? Sometimes a movie is a just a movie.
My first game was game 1 of the 1998 World Series. I’ll remember it forever, and I doubt it will ever be topped.
I actually think someone could vote for Gardenhire, although Maddon is shoo-in. But Gardenhire does deserve consideration. Trade Garza, trade Santana, don’t have Liriano for most of the year and lose Torii Hunter? Give the man a little due. Look where he has them.
Randy:
Nick is one of the most respected baseball writers in America. What are you talking about? I also wrote that he wrote for the Globe.
Why are people so bitter and hateful of others? It’s sad.
randy l -
I don’t doubt the athleticism involved in beach volleyball. But I truly, truly, don’t understand the uniform. Track shorts and a tank top (fitted, of course) would go a long way toward legitimizing the sport. Not to mention I noticed one of our girls clearing sand from her suit in an uncomfortable area.
My first game was at Wrigley Field. Cubs vs Cincy. (at least I think it was Cincy. Don’t remember much, just sitting up high. I was probably 6 or 7.
Is Andy Sonnanstine good or something? I mean, what the hell?
“i think melky just needs some time to get his game together. he may not be good enough to be the yankee center fielder, but he is talented enough to play somewhere in the bigs.”
There aren’t 5 teams who would allow him to start in their outfield. He’s a 4th OF type who does ONE thing well and is well below average offensively.
Melky will have a long career in baseball like Ricky Ledee has.
Pete – Your post is one of the several reasons why I keep coming back to this blog.
And it is strange about Hank not showing up at the All Star Game when his father is honored like that. I remember reading that Jenny Steinbrenner is actually interested in the team, but was kept out by her father and his sense of a woman’s place. Sounds typical of George.
Jennifer – Ken Davidson said that? Very damning.
My first game was David Wells perfect game. I didn’t even really know what was going on because I was too young. My mom and her friend got tickets for the game because they were obsessive beanie baby collectors and it was Beanie Baby give away day.
A few weeks ago I came across the ticket stub that I had saved, and I put it in a frame with a signed Wells picture. I almost feel bad that I wasn’t an avid baseball fan then (I was only 8), but at least I can say I was actually there.
Here is my problem with the comment about Melky. Yes he has played terribly this year but in his first 2 seasons he was a slightly below average offensive player. he was an above average defensive player with pretty good range and a great arm. add that up and that makes him a slightly above average player at a very young age. now maybe he is out of baseball completely in 2 years but no one will answer who was the last player to be slightly above average at that young of an age and then completely wash out by 24 or 25 (without injuries or drugs or something like that)
I remember my first game… A sunny July afternoon in 2002 (No i’m not a kid.. I came to the US only in 2000 and followed baseball only from 2001 world series)… Yanks vs Bluejays… The whole staircase and concession stand everything is dark (in shades)… I’m Walking through the aisle into the seats, I see the lush green field with 50,000 ppl and the yanks playing catch on a 75 degree sunny day… I had goosebumps and still can’t forget that feeling.. I never felt that walking into anyother stadium.. Imagine that happening to a kid.. Pete, I’m sure your neice would never forget that moment..
I hope I get that same feeling when I walk into the new stadium next year..
Joe yep, pretty much confirms what I think of him. (Pavano that is)
Is it becoming a trend for teams to pick pitchers in the draft that they know will need surgery (Brackman, Bleich) knowing that the likelihood is that TJ surgery will ensure a stronger pitcher when they return, with a slim possibility of needing another TJ surgery in the future?
Also, I’m guessing teams feel that they can make those choices in the draft with college players so that when they come back, they don’t need as much time in the minors?
Anyone have an answer?
If you ever run into Marlins catcher Matt Treanor, be sure to ask him if he thinks beach volleyball is a sport. His wife is one of the hot tanned bikini clad ladies leaping around representing the USA.
is it just me, or has Pete’s posts become a lot more negative recently..?
Thanks for the guest post, Peter King
Dodgers acquire Maddux from Padres.
Awesome post Pete
im more patriotic than almost anyone i know, navy vet, etc. and i agree, the god bless america has to go.
id also like to add that the editing they did of that song is rediculous! if you’re gonna play that in front of 4 million people you should at least clean it up so it doesnt sound like a drunk spliced it with a dull razor blade. its embarrasing.
Regarding Madonna at 50 versus Minka at 28: It’s the life in your years, not the years in your life. Then again, A-Rod is getting divorced, already has 2 kids and probably isn’t looking to get hitched again anytime soon while Jetes is looking for a wife and mother to his future kids. Apples and oranges really.
Still, without boring anybody with the details of my bachelor days, let me just say that 50 year old women can be far more beautiful, sexy, secure, independent and interesting than a lot of 28 year olds. The fine wine analogy holds pretty true. JMHO of course.
Max:
A few weeks ago I thought the same thing…I guess when the Yanks are losing there’s nothing positive to write about.
Max – I just think Pete is pointing out some quirks and inconsistencies, and some of his own opinion (it is his blog, after all) in an entertaining way; and being entertained, and getting some enjoyment, from what Pete writes and at least some of those who post here, is why we keep coming back.
Besides, I think if you read his stuff enough, you see he does point out some of the good people and actions in pro sports. The fact that he doesn’t do it more may reflect the people who inhabit pro sports and society more than it says anything about Pete.
Can’t stand the guy or his team but have to agree about Joe Madden for AL MOY.
Minka Kelly is 28??! She plays a high school girl on TV! She’s very pretty but when it comes to the captain I have high standards. Why can’t he date someone classier and more sophisticated? or at least more A list like a Gisele?
Beach volleyball shouldn’t be an Olympic sport. If you’re only in this sport b/c you were not good enough to be in the real version (volleyball), then you’re not an elite athlete and shouldn’t be at the Olympics. Same applies to trampoline who I believe are people who were not good enough to be gymnasts. Also trampoline is a slippery slope, what’s next, Olympic gold for cheerleading?
A bit harsh about Melky don’t you think?? I know Melky’s been everyone’s favorite target these days and yYes I believe he’s been playing poorly and did deserve to get sent down to make room, but his talent I think is at least at AAA level. Don’t forget he did hit 8 homers in 2 months earlier in the season, not bad for your #8/9 batter. Plus he’s young, a bit maturing and more concentration will do him good. Indy ball is too harsh.
If they’re gonna go the patriotic route, shouldn’t Star Spangled Banner be played? Can’t get more patriotic than the official, national anthem…
i loved bob sheppard, he stands for everything good about the stadium and the yankees and i certainly hope he is there next year.
however, can we please find a replacement with some life to his voice, not someone trying to imitate bob? i think we should seriously think about finding a woman to do the job.
my random thought of the day why isbit that teams place there players on the do hours AFTER the deadline has passed to set my fantasy team for the week?
This is like the fifth time this month that I am stuck with a player this time ian kindler who they announce to the dl too late for me to make the change
I guess everyone thinks if they say melky can never bounce back from this year enough then that will make it so. i guess melky will be one of the few people to have a solid start to his career at a young age and be in mexico by 25. also coming into this year his comparables on baseball-reference were very good and most yankee fans liked him a lot last year but one bad year can apparently make a lot of yankee fans pretend the past never happened.
ED Randall was the pa guy old timers weekend and I thought be was good. I also heard that the regular guy was told to sound like sheppard why I do not know he ticks me off to know end
Torii Hunter is having a good year. Let’s see him in Year 3 of that 5 year deal – at, what, $18M per? Will it still be a good deal then?
OH GOD
Victor Zambrano
5.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K’s
I’d take some vodka if he hits the field.
Oh, but if Victor Zambrano ever does pitch for the Yankees (and pitches well, for that matter), then that’s even more material to poke at the Mets with
The O’s are trying to make a game of it.
I grew up a long haired anti war hater of Richard Nixon and everything he stood for. I bet I’m as close to a bleeding heart liberal as anybody here. But I think the 7th ininng stretch version of God Bless America is a tribute to those that serve and in particular those that perished on 9/11.
At every game I attend, most of the folks sitting around me are singing out loud. This is New York and I think people don’t want to forget that nearly unprecedented patriotic bond they felt on 9/11.I think it’s a good thing.
Pete, your post made me think of A Beautiful Mind – not the crazy parts of John Forbes Nash Jr., but just the fact that I truly think you have a beautiful mind! I also think you have some comic genius in you. I am very serious. You make this blog worth coming back to again and again and again.
Thanks for that great stream of consciousness.
Someone’s been doing too much thinking, LOL. Great post Pete.
@YanksSox
You couldn’t pay me to sleep with Madonna…and I mean just sleep.
As far as the rest of entertainment goes, I’d love to see the end of YMCA and Cotton Eyed Joe is long in the tooth. I’d be fine with just about anything, as long as it’s not that syrupy, wimpy “Sweet Caroline”.
Remember when you guys mocked me about Ty Wigginton he’s hitting .500 in his last 15 games plus a 15 game hitting streak.
I’m with 4-5 on God Bless America. They can play it as much as they want to and I’m fine with it.
God bless America.
Victor Zambrano is like the little girl with the little curl. He can be very very good, and he can be horrid.
So much for making a game out of it.
I’ve had some late nights lately. I’m turning in. Thanks to those who post here for helping make Pete’s blog a fun place to kill some time.
Pete,
I would highly recommend you read Thomas DiLorenzo’s “The Real Lincoln”. This group of modern day authors who gush over Lincoln as if he was a savior and a prophet is disgusting and this book is a good counter-point.
Why we have “President’s Day” as a national holiday is beyond me- it used to be Washington’s birthday, who is probably the only president worthy of having a holiday since this was a man who could have easily been king but whose desire for a free state led him to only run for two terms.
Other than that maybe we should celebrate the birthday of Calvin Coolidge or James Polk- the former for actually believing in individual liberties, the latter for having the decency to die just 103 days after he left office so the American people weren’t subjected to the 1840’s equivalent of a retired president that never shut up.
Manny Delcarmen is Kyle Farnsworth at his worst. He tried to make it a game but the O’s bullpen trumped him.
Not my “first” game but my first game at Yankee stadium, late summer of 1978 with my cousins from Jersey.
I was just in awe. Made old Comiskey look like the little leagues, And from that day forward I have been a New York Yankee’s fan.
Haven’t been since ‘79 or’80, but I am coming back in September for my last visit. I got tickets for the stadium tour, and tickets against the White Sox with the Bleacher creatures.
RustyJohn,
Are you saying James Polk would have been the presidential version of Curt Schilling? LOL
I have been at blackjack tables where the hit on 16 makes the table win. It all evens out but it drives me crazy as well to see people play that way.
Mohegan is great, right in the middle of Boston and NY. Plenty of Sox and yankee fans in there. You get NESN and YES on the local cable service. Pete, watch your wallet, they are adding a new poker room.
My first game was Rangers vs. Red Sox at Fenway in like 2000 (I live in Boston). But the only Yankee game I’ve been to was June 5th this year…Giambi’s walkoff homerun.
Lincoln is very overrated as a President. Lincoln suspended habeas corpus, declared martial law, and didn’t care that much about freeing the slaves – that was a consequence of the Civil War, not a motive.
and Sherman’s march thru Georgia, given its attacks on civilians, was in some ways worse than Vladimir Putin’s. but 1864 was an election year, and that march is what got Lincoln reelected.
to be fair, others may have done worse things in his shoes. he inherited an ugly situation. but it seems it would have been better to just let the south go instead of setting these terrible precedents to win the war.
Note: I’m not a Confederate flag-waving doofus. i just think Lincoln’s record never gets examined, all we ever hear about is the myth.
Pete,
I feel your pain regarding blackjack, I once doubled down a c-note and the lady at the last chair not only takes one card she took two, busted and blew the whole table…if I recall I may have balled her out in front of everyone at the table.
Two things that everyone should know about blackjack:
1) The object of the game is to beat the dealer not to get 21…that is a bonus.
2) If you do not know what you are doing never, ever, sit at the last seat on the table and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Do you think the dealer is talking any of your money home?
Women’s volleyball:
Pete wasn’t hating on it — he was just noting that hot, athletic chicks in bikinis sounds more like erotica than it does like sport — I’m sure Pete has all teh world’s respect for the ladies.
I have to agree.
The plans are in place for me to bring my 10 week old son to his first game in two weeks. He’ll never remember it, but we’ll take pictures and videos to attempt to jog his memory. I can’t not take him to a game in the last year of this Yankee Stadium.
Good movies this summer: The Last Mistress, Tell No One, Edge of Heaven. Get out of the mall and go to some of the more selective cinemas in the City!
Or not. If you got used to good movies you might have to look for some good music as well…
I know. De gustibus non disputandem. But if we read your (good) baseball blog we have to hear about your taste in movies and music — it’s not harsh to comment, since you bring it up.
Thank you! Please get rid of
YMCA
Cotton-Eye Joe
God Bless America every day
I hate to admit it Drive 4-5, but you are right on target about Manny Delcarmen. He gets two out in the eighth and then promptly walks two.
On a different note, I was one of the many on here that claimed earlier in the season that Tampa Bay would fade.
Sadly I was wrong. They have lots of injuries right now and they just keep winning as evidenced by playing the Angels tough tonight. Sox haven’t been able to buy a game against the Angels lately.
No time to watch the Olympics with baseball and real life to keep up with, but my 14 year old nephew thinks beach volleyball gives whole new meaning to sports on TV.
what a great post. post of the year, man! (said in the “soakadayear” accent of jean-paul from the classic seinfeld episode.)
random thoughts in response to your random thoughts.
wait, hank steinbrenner’s a clown? seriously? this whole time? in other news, the sun rose in the east today and is scheduled to set in the west.
the thing i like most about generation kill so far is that these guys aren’t caricatures. they’re marines who, admittedly, want to kill. however, they’re not portrayed as monsters or psychopaths. it’s up to the audience to decide where the line is/should be drawn, and whether these characters are stepping over it. this is neither a pro-war series, nor is it an anti-war series. it’s very well done. wouldn’t expect less from the guys behind the wire.
summer movies currently in theatres worth seeing: pineapple express, tropic thunder, man on wire (not exactly blockbuster fare, but incredibly compelling), vicky christina barcelona (typical woody allen flick; scarlett johansson is very, very bad at acting but very, very good at being gorgeous. bardem and cruz are worth the price of admission.), my winnipeg (if you’re a guy maddin fan). i’d still see dark knight a second time before seeing any of the afore-mentioned flicks, but they were all enjoyable. whoever referred to dark knight as mindless entertainment clearly has not seen it. ledger absolutely disappeared into that character. even as ennis del mar, you were still thinking “wait a minute, that marble-mouthed gay cowboy is heath ledger…” not so in dark knight.
hilarious jeter/arod crack. one of your best.
i think the loss of carl crawford hurts the rays too much for them to make any noise in october, should they get there, but you’re absolutely right about maddon. he’s done an incredible job.
Baseball Reference lists Roberto Clemente as a ’similar batter thru age 22″. check out Clemente’s stats – in his 3rd season he really regressed – truly awful 1957 season, to the tune of .253/.288/.348.
very similar to Clemente’s first season. must’ve been a lot of doubters.
I agree with removing God Bless America during the 7th inning stretch. Take me out to the ballgame is perfectly acceptable to play during the stretch. The Steinbrenner family doesn’t need to flaunt their patriotism, because of George’s involvement with Nixon. Most people don’t remember what he did, or don’t really care anymore. He made illegal campaign contributions, and was convicted in 1974. He was later pardoned by Reagan in 1989. People have done far worse than this over the years(Just visit Jersey), although what he did was wrong.
My first game was September 23 in 1993. I remeber as a 12 year I was excited to see the grass, and the smell of the Stadium. The Yankees played the Tigers, and before the game Bernie Williams signed my program. It was amazing!
As for the music: Ditch YMCA and Cotton Eyed Joe, but keep God Bless America. I don’t understand why, or how people can find fault in the playing of that. Playing it once a game is the least the Stadium can do.
I would be surprised if Melky returned to the Pinstripes.
Have a safe trip!
Pete, I work as an usher at the Stadium and I completely agree with you on changing those songs. The YMCA was cute the first 5000 times they did it but the groundscrew isn’t even into it anymore, and I’m only seconds away from sending Cotton-Eye Joey back to where he came from. ‘God Bless America’ is overkill on patriotism; the national anthem is enough for me.
At least change it up every now and then … it can’t hurt. Also, does anyone the name of Jeet’s second AB song? I just know it’s from A Tribe Called Quest but I can’t think of the name of the song
we’re not seriously comparing melky cabrera to roberto clemente, are we? really?
Yankee2123, or any other state, see CT, RI, MA…on second thought, maybe it is just the northeast that is corrupt.
Lots of us who were in New York City “that day”, including the most progressive, developed a sudden new tolerance for sentimental gestures like “that song” popping up at ballgames.
When will it be time to let it go? Hard to say. Anybody else remember the twin columns of blue light? Was I the only one who wanted them to stay in the sky forever? And I didn’t even like those ugly towers … until they were gone.
“But shes Madonna… Half the people on here are probably going to have to google Minka Kelly to even know what she looks like. Myself included.”
I bet everyone knows what Joan Rivers looks like too, you think Arod will go after her next?
*Melky will have a much longer and more productive career than Brett Gardner.
Eight years old and attended her first baseball game…..My first memory of going to see a ballgame was 1961, the year of Mantle & Maris…..I was overwhelmed by the colors of the place….I watched games all the time, but WPIX was in black & white….I’m certain there may be a few here who expierenced the same sensation…The Mick hit two and Roger hit one….
My two most memorable yankees games were my first one vs Tampa in like 03 or 04 and the Yanks won 13-0 with a first pitch leadoff homerun by Soriano. My next most memorable was a Sat day game 5-5 vs. Texas going into extras in like 06 and Bernie hit a walkoff three run homerun in tthe 11th into my section of the bleachers (almost got the ball)
“Remember when you guys mocked me about Ty Wigginton he’s hitting .500 in his last 15 games plus a 15 game hitting streak.”
Broken clock, twice a day, etc.
Too bad we don’t have Taschner and Threets, eh?
I’m OK with God Bless America being played during the 7th inning but I think it’s time for the Yankees to retire that awful recording of Kate Smith singing it — sounds like it’s coming from a 78 record on a hand cranked Victrola.
They’ll need to update their version for the new Stadium….can a Madonna version be in our future?
“Baseball Reference lists Roberto Clemente as a ’similar batter thru age 22″. check out Clemente’s stats – in his 3rd season he really regressed – truly awful 1957 season, to the tune of .253/.288/.348.
very similar to Clemente’s first season. must’ve been a lot of doubters.”
So, which Independent League did Clemente end up playing in?
Too bad we don’t have Taschner and Threets, eh?
Threets I said…nevermind it’s a run on.
Rays 6-4 over the Angels.
Weekend wrap up from the Lakewood – Charleston series. Tonight was ugly for the Riverdogs. Adam O pitched. Rough first inning for him as he got himself in trouble with walks and then a possible ending inning DP went through Cuello’s legs. Lakewood scored three that innings. Montero again the IHOP strike out player of the game, except he went 2-4 in the game. Hit one to straight away center that the centerfielder dove for and I think he might have separated his shoulder. Wound up on 3rd only to get stranded.
Overall thoughts from the weekend:
Synder- played first after Laird got hit by a pitch on Saturday. Good glove, looks like a ballplayer. A bit on the small side, but a nice little hitter who can play a variety of positions
Angelini- had one good game with the bat. Played fairly good defense at SS. I think he needs to build strength in the offseason. Good athlete
Montero- absolute beast. Looks the part of a major leaguer. Good receiver, but I’m not sure about his arm because he didn’t throw on the one runner that stole second (stole the bag off the pitcher).
Williams- He grew on me over the weekend. Average isn’t much to show for but he has a good arm in the outfield, surprisingly fast for a tall guy and looks like he has some pop.
Betances- very good. Comparisons to Daniel Cabrera are a bit off. At times, more often than not, I don’t think Cabrera has a clue on the mound, this kid does. Three very good pitches at 20 years old, fastball, hard slider and curve, each about 8-10 miles apart.
Romine- very athletic catcher, with good bat control. Looks to hit the ball to all fields, has some power too. Cannon for an arm behind the plate, every throw in between innings was about 2 feet off the ground and a laser. I don’t remember Lakewood trying to run off him
Krum- I like this kid. Nice lefty, can play a couple of outfield positions, gets on base, hits the ball well. He’s another one like Synder, just looks like a ballplayer
Almonte- good CF, hit the ball okay, but has been struggling in the second half at the plate. Very fast down the line
Suttle- good lefty swing, plays solid defense at third, not sure if he stays there though.
I think we’re all going to enjoy watching some of these kids come through the system and either wind up Yankees or supplement the big league by becoming valuable trading chips.
I was listening to the Sox on the radio because I was in the car. All I know is that Jerry Castiglione (the Sox radio announcer) straightforwardly said that giving up two walks in the eighth inning was unacceptable, and that Delcarmen shouldn’t be surprised if Francona has no confidence in him.
Just pointing out that not all Sox announcers are complete homers.
you want a good movie…watch requiem for a dream, not that dark knight summer blockbuster garbage.
“Jerry Remy would cut his tongue before he ever would tell you that Mike Timlin and Manny Delcarmen are quite possibly the worst bullpen tanden in the American League”
Little selective hearing tonite??? Right after saying it was a bad night for the O’s bullpen, he said the Boston pen hadn’t been much better. FWIW, Remy and the other guy with him are one of the few in the game who will call out the team they are working for when they deserve it.
george
Sherman’s march through the south as brutal as it was saved lives in shortening the war and breaking the back of the south.
Rip Lincoln all you like, although he was a less popular president at the time then the current president because of the war. He perserved the Union and paid for it with his life, your revisionist opinion means very little in the grand scheme of things.
Maybe another 911 on a grander scale in one of our major cities will revive the willingness to give up a few minutes for “God Bless America” during the ballgames.
Great movie this summer: Man on Wire. Documentary about the French tightrope walker who spent 45 minutes on a wire he and his friends had surreptitiously strung between the World Trade Center towers in the 70s. It was surprisingly moving and really cool. Not playing on many screens (one of which is BAM), but worth it if you can find it.
i don’t have as much of a problem with God Bless America itself as that OLD, OLD, OLD, OLD, OLD recording of Kate Smith we have to hear every game. i mean i’m not trying to be insensitive but come on she passed away 22 years ago. i would prefer like, 4 out of 5 games just play Take Me Out to the Ballgame and on the other day, have some singer actually sing God Bless America live.
“Baseball Reference lists Roberto Clemente as a ’similar batter thru age 22″. check out Clemente’s stats – in his 3rd season he really regressed – truly awful 1957 season, to the tune of .253/.288/.348.
very similar to Clemente’s first season. must’ve been a lot of doubters.â€
Melky may be the next Roberto Clemente? Cool. Maybe we should give him Roberto’s uniform number…number 21…if he ever makes it back to the Bronx.
Oh, wait. The O’Neilites would boo him for wearing Paul O’Neil’s number.
Melky has regressed. But to say the process is irreversible is nonsense. The Boston media has fallen a long way down from Gammons, Leigh Montville, Larry Whiteside and Bob Ryan. The latest generation of Boston media just feeds the frezy. 2 recent World Series titles or not, Boston suffers from Napoleanic Syndrome.
“you want a good movie…watch requiem for a dream, not that dark knight summer blockbuster garbage.”
yeah, because requiem for a dream is a flawless piece of cinema. nevermind that leto’s accent is cartoonish, connelly’s acting is right out of “melodramatic, shameless oscar grabs 101,” aronofsky’s visual metaphors are ham-fisted at best, and his quick-cut edits owe a substantial debt of gratitude to, oh, every third music video on MTV in the late ’90s. that film gets touted because of its subject matter and because aronofsky’s style ended up being aped by every film school student in the country, but it is hardly without its faults.
Comparing Melky to Clemente is unfathomable.
Hey, Civil War revisionsist history! Sweet!
Once we finish that, can we clear things up about that pesky War of 1812 too?
Even more pathetic, moronic and unnecessary Melky-bashing. Poor kid isn’t even on the team anymore and he still gets treated like a human pinata around here. Unbelievable.
We do get quite a mixed bag when the Yankees don’t play, don’t we?
JMZ,
I saw Man on a Wire at the Angelika. I agree, it’s a great flick.
I totally agree about Hank. I like the guy and find him amusing, but he’s got zero credibility. I laugh when sports columnists and radio talk show give him so much attention.
On the other hand, he is (supposedly) one of the guys in charge.
These Sirius guys sure throw around a lot of money for a company that doesn’t really make any money.
IMO, Lincoln is the greatest President – I’m not up to debating that with anyone at this moment. Pete, I read Team of Rivals and I thought it was fantastic, one of the best books I’ve ever read. I loved it so much that I wrote to Doris Kearns Goodwin, and she replied – that was a huge thrill. I was touched by the friendship that developed between Seward and Lincoln….Stanton and Lincoln as well.
My favorite President, though – tied with Lincoln, if not ahead of, is Theodore Roosevelt. I just adore him. He was not only a great personality, but a brilliant President and a loving father. I have several books on him and I’ve visited Sagamore Hill more than once. I can’t imagine a more fascinating figure than TR.
Anyone else like this trade. Cano, Phil Hughes and IPK foR Chad Billingsley and Kemp.
The Captain has impeccable taste, A-Rod, not so much . . .
“the reality is that melky has already accomplished what the writer and scout( if there is one) will never accomplish by playing major league baseball.”
You may be right about Carfado in general, but what does Carfado’s lack of MLB experience have to do with anything? That’s ridiculous. Wouldn’t your logic extend to every single person who posts on this blog? We shouldn’t express opinions because we haven’t played in the majors?
Next you’ll be saying people shouldn’t think Joe Morgan is a poor announcer just because he’s a Hall of Famer!
Al, the only problem is it would leave us well off in the outfield but bad at 2B. I think Cano will be better next year and him at 2B and Gardner or whoever at CF is better than Kemp at CF and whoever at 2B considering no great options. I like O-Dog but I don’t know.
I liked the Angelina Jolie movie (Wanted) and Iron Man.
Also, that comment about Melky was uncalled for and incredibly harsh. Melky may not be particularly good, but he is a major leaguer, even if just a back up. To say that he belongs in the scrubs tells me all I need to know about that scout. Sheesh -this reminds me why, when Sports Illustrated has scouts comment in their Baseball previews, I don’t even bother reading the Yankees section. Scouts, I find, are patently wrong about the Yankees and they go overboard on their negativity.
“team of rivals” was one of the best books I have ever read
“first of all you wouldn’t say that about a white kid. that this comes from a boston writer talking about a yankee to his red sox readers makes it seem like a homer pandering to red sox nation .”
Why wouldn’t one say this about a white kid??
“In a few years, Melky (Cabrera) will be playing in some independent league. Or in the Mexican League.â€
“I was touched by the friendship that developed between Seward and Lincoln….Stanton and Lincoln as well.”
It’s true, Lincoln really did like Mike Stanton. But he couldn’t stand Jeff Nelson, for some reason. I’m told he like Ramiro Mendoza, but only to a point.
“Anyone else like this trade. Cano, Phil Hughes and IPK foR Chad Billingsley and Kemp.”
I like the Cano-Kemp swap. I’d love to have Billingsley…but do not want to give up Hughes AND Kennedy for him.
Al, once I see Phil Hughes in a trade proposal, I admit that I just turn away. I’m not directing this to you, but I’m pretty saddened by all the Yankee fans who think Phil is nothing special anymore and would just love to trade him. There’s nothing I can do about it, but hope that the kid one day lives up to his potential. I think I can be patient, given that he’s 22.
CC’s pitching the 9th inning with a 7-run lead. Curious. And boy is he going to be a bit fatigued if they play in the post-season? (117 pitches btw)
RhapsodyInBlue
August 18th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
george
Sherman’s march through the south as brutal as it was saved lives in shortening the war and breaking the back of the south.
Rip Lincoln all you like, although he was a less popular president at the time then the current president because of the war. He perserved the Union and paid for it with his life, your revisionist opinion means very little in the grand scheme of things.
Maybe another 911 on a grander scale in one of our major cities will revive the willingness to give up a few minutes for “God Bless America†during the ballgames.
Methinks someone watches a lot of FOXNews
Nick, LOL………….what did Abe think about Pavano?
If Will Rogers had met Carl, he might not have said “I never met a man I didn’t like”, lol
CC Will do it again.
Looks like another complete game and about 120 pitches. What the … are the Brewers thinking. They don’t have anyone in the pen who can protect a 7 run lead.
I worry about signing a guy with so much wear and tear on his arm. He has been great though.
actually I thought Requiem for A Dream one of Jennifer Connelley’s best dramatic performances, far exceeding in its depth and range the role in Witless Mind for which she won the Academy Award, as was her performance in House of Sand and Fog.
Betsy,
I recently read a book that Mario Cuomo wrote about Lincoln. “Why Lincoln Still Matters” It was pretty good. I’ve heard only good things about the Doris Kearns Goodwin book.
Doris From Rego Park
Methinks you read palms in the back of some slimy trailer.
Fredo Corleone,
Guthrie hadn’t finished the 1st inning when he gave his first shot at the Orioles. He said the Orioles wish they had 4 more like him, meaning the other 4 stink. In April he said Mariano isnt what he used to be.
Mariano, has since gone on to have one of his best seasons.Have you ever heard someone with class, like a Jim Kaat or a Vince Scully, say such a thing about an opponent?
I live in Mass. and suffer through Remy and his puppet Orsillo on an almost nightly basis. When Timlin threw at a batters head yesterday in frustration they said not a word,but they kill opponents for doing the same.NESN’s promos of Yankee/Sox games include footage of Prdro/Zimmer and other fights. It’s a classless organization from the top to it’s foolish mouthpiece bottom.
CC is gonna look real good in a Yankees uni next year.
“Al, once I see Phil Hughes in a trade proposal, I admit that I just turn away. I’m not directing this to you, but I’m pretty saddened by all the Yankee fans who think Phil is nothing special anymore and would just love to trade him. There’s nothing I can do about it, but hope that the kid one day lives up to his potential. I think I can be patient, given that he’s 22.”
I don’t get this unwavering loyalty to Hughes. If you honestly think that Phil Hughes is better than Billingsley then I can understand but to keep the guy just based on principle is a bit silly. BTW Billingsley’s numbers are tremendous and hes 25.
I don’t think CC is going to want to leave the NL. 8-0 there.
“He said the Orioles wish they had 4 more like him, meaning the other 4 stink”
Now sure how you can arrive at the conclusion that he meant the other 4 stink, but the O’s would like four more like Guthrie. He’s been great………and the other 4 do stink.
BTW Billingsley’s numbers are tremendous and hes 25.
And Hughes is 22 what’s your point ? I know I wouldn’t deal Hughes
How ’bout the Rays beating the Angels tonight? You have to tip your hat to Tampa. They’re getting it done, injuries or not.
If you think Generation Kill is the best show this summer, then you’re obviously not watching Mad Men.
Doris, I agree…….Look, I understand why the South despises Sherman, but he was out to win the war and help win it he did.
As to Lincoln, I think suspending the writ of habeus corpus is a relatively minor thing in comparison to keeping the Union together. It’s true, his initial goal was solely to keep the country united, but he grew and changed during his years in office. Without delving too deeply into it here, if Frederick Douglass could love and respect Lincoln, that’s good enough for me. This country’s history changed completely when he was assassinated. If he had lived, Lincoln would not have punished the South and Reconstruction would not have been the disaster it turned out to be under Johnson. Race relations were set back 100 years thanks to John Wilkes Booth.
Clay, I’ll check that out at the bookstore over the weekend. I’ve also heard good things about the new book on Mary Lincoln, which is a sympathetic account. That pleases me because I think she gets a very raw deal in history.
I’ve said it before, if CC stays in the NL he might win 30 games.
Betsy, I think Lincoln said “A Pavano divided against itself cannot stand.” How right he was.
“Beach volleyball shouldn’t be an Olympic sport. If you’re only in this sport b/c you were not good enough to be in the real version (volleyball), then you’re not an elite athlete and shouldn’t be at the Olympics. ”
first of all , most indoor volleyball players get trounced on the beach by beach players.
the beach game takes more athletic skill because two people cover almost the same area defensively that 6 indoor players cover ( beach is 8 by 8 meters)( indoors is 9 by 9 meters).
that said,the ideal volleyball player would be one who could play both beach and indoor.
the swimsuits are what women wear at the beach in florida or california where the game is mostly played. if you’re around the beach a lot, you don’t even notice it. it’s just part of the scene. no big deal.
7-0 and the Brewers are still pitching CC? Wow – who’s their pitching coach? That’s unbelievably stupid, but not surprising. The Brewers just want to max out on their investment as CC is not going to re-sign. That’s disgraceful, the way they are pushing him.
pete,
It is really disturbing everytime you go after the singing of God Bless America. The song isn’t intended to serve as “entertainment” value as you so ignorantly put it but as a reminder of how wonderful this country can be (baseball happens to very much embody as well). How lucky you are to be able to write what you feel everyday.
“I don’t get this unwavering loyalty to Hughes”
More troubling to me than that is the notion that proposing the trade of a player means you have “given up on him”. Simply not the case. To get outstanding talent, like a Billingsley, you need to move outstanding talent, like a Hughes. While I personally would not be a fan of a Hughes/Cano for Billingsley/Kemp swap (am I really solving a problem with this deal or creating a hole at 2nd??? Plus I want the younger pitcher), proposing it should not be viewed as an afront to Hughes or Cano.
I don’t think CC is going to want to leave the NL. 8-0 there.
oh really
I find the assumption that CC will automatically go to the Yankees laughable.
A lot of team have dough to spend on an ace pitcher.
Does CC have a bet with Roy Halladay over who can throw more complete games or something? No reason to throw 130 pitches with a 7 run lead and not even bidding for a shutout.
Not your typical 50-year-old woman: no, she’s way worse – a fake-Brit-accented, stringy-armed, relentless self-promoter, 100% talent-free.
“BTW Billingsley’s numbers are tremendous and hes 25.
And Hughes is 22 what’s your point ? I know I wouldn’t deal Hughes”
Brandon- I would expect a less biased opinion from you. Just on numbers alone that trade makes sense. Billingsley is already a guy who can dominate games and has 162 K’s in 156 IP. Phil hasn’t proven he can pitch for more than 5 weeks without getting hurt. In regards to Phil trading him for Johan who is approaching his 30th birthday would have been a bad idea. However trading Hughes for a young power arm that has shown the one thing he hasn’t shown, the ability to be a consistent contributor to a staff is a big step up.
Betsy -
It was 9-2, ended at 9-3. He ended up with somewhere around 130 pitches. I agree – they certainly are making sure they get their money’s worth. But to be honest, CC didn’t look upset about it, from what you can see via the t.v.
Betsy CC isn’t getting abused, infact he said he’s gotten even better as he goes deep into games, Roy Halliday and CC are an example what throw back players were like. He’s the guy telling Yost that he wants to finish the game and he just gets better and better.
“The Brewers just want to max out on their investment as CC is not going to re-sign. That’s disgraceful, the way they are pushing him.”
In general, I’ve had no issues with how the Brewers have used Sabathia, but tonite I do. Sabathia did not have his A stuff and was laboring all night. Bringing him out for the 9th was just nuts.
Milwaukee doesn’t care one but about burning out Sabathia. They aren’t the ones giving him a 7 yr deal for 20 mill per.
“He’s the guy telling Yost that he wants to finish the game and he just gets better and better.”
He didn’t get “better and better” tonite. Being out there in the 9th on this night was uncessary and flat out wrong.
Keep in mind fans what you wish for when you give CC 7 yrs and 20 mill per.
Let’s see how that arm and body holds up in yr 3-4.
This is the same crowd that didn’t want Santana who is a superior athlete to get that kind of deal.
lil’ m -
I said I didn’t like her. But the insinuation by Pete was that 50 was old. I think it depends on who the 50-year-old is.
The manager makes these decisions.
They shouldn’t be leaving this up to the players. What player worth their salt would say take me out?
Just like Manuel with Santana. Wasting bullets in his arm by throwing him in the 8-9 in 5 run games because of what? Talk radio BS?
People remembering 3 pitchers from “back in the day”?
“ohh bob gibson would have gone 9 today!”
It’s a new Era. Live in it.
CC’s 9th inning was not a good one. He was tiring and his fielders didn’t help him out. Had a few baserunners, including a bases loaded situation.
“someone would say ian kennedy is so bad he’s going to be in the independent leagues or the mexican league.”
Lot of white kids in the independant leagues in case you haven’t noticed. This is a tempest in a teapot that you’re trying to amke something bigger of. Melky stinks. Scouts have called him on it…..on a few different occasions. Doesn’t make them racists.
“Betsy CC isn’t getting abused, infact he said he’s gotten even better as he goes deep into games, Roy Halliday and CC are an example what throw back players were like. He’s the guy telling Yost that he wants to finish the game and he just gets better and better.”
Which is why he deserves the gross salary the Yanks are going to offer him this offseason. Ace pitchers who also eat innings are very rare in fact I can count them on one hand Halladay, CC, Webb and perhaps Wang when healthy having 2 of those handful of guys on our staff would be nice.
hey nick -
did you happen to notice livan got his 11th win while going 1-3 hitting?
turns out he’s a lifetime .230 hitter.
i’m having fun pointing that out to my red sox friends because that’s higher than varitek’s average this year.
think about it. livan is a better hitter than varitek.
the yankees still have a chance.
no team that has a starter who hits worse than livan can be considered a sure thing.
So war crimes, suspended constitutional rights, grasping on to a political charged topic in order to start a war all in the hopes of centralizing federal power is okay…sounds like something familiar.
nick in sf is killing me tonight.
kill-schill, i don’t think connelly’s very good in much of anything (save labyrinth, of course), but i’ll agree that she was better in requiem than in beautiful mind (awful) and sand and fog (even worse).
Pete,
Can you explain to me how the guy who hit on 16 gave you and/or the table statistically worse odds of winning? Of course he made his own odds worse by hitting there, but as far as I can tell, it had absolutely no effect on your odds of winning.
“Not your typical 50-year-old woman: no, she’s way worse – a fake-Brit-accented, stringy-armed, relentless self-promoter, 100% talent-free.”
Shocking since she’s always said such nice things about you.
““someone would say ian kennedy is so bad he’s going to be in the independent leagues or the mexican league.â€
Lot of white kids in the independant leagues in case you haven’t noticed. This is a tempest in a teapot that you’re trying to amke something bigger of. Melky stinks. Scouts have called him on it…..on a few different occasions. Doesn’t make them racists.”
Yeah baseball scouts are so racist they only said that about Melky because hes Dominican. People who play the race card on every issue that they disagree with are people who have no facts or ideas to back up their logic. If you haven’t noticed baseball has a lot of Latino ball players and one of the most heavily scouted areas these days are countries like the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Venezuela. Gee if Baseball scouts were trying to discriminate against Latinos dont you think they would avoid Spanish speaking nations.
“Melky stinks. Scouts have called him on it…..on a few different occasions.”
i don’t think melky stinks. i think he’s going through a learning experience. he was hitting abut .290 at this time last year. you don’t do that for 3/4 of a season at the mlb level at that age if you stink.
what scouts? names would be nice.
randy, that’s cool about Livan. I’m not surprised that he’s a good hitter though, since there was no DH when he was learning the game back in the 40’s.
I don’t know if it was ever discusses on here, but there was a great article in the Sunday NY Times about Babe Ruth pitching a couple games for the Yanks vs. the Red sox pretty late in his career, pretty much as stunts when both teams were out of the pennant race. Ruth pitches complete game victories both times.
Check it out:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08.....ref=slogin
Pete,
I’m a big fan of yours and your blog. But there is always time for beach volleyball played by hot tanned chicks even if we have to classify it as a sport. Table tennis and badminton are not sports!
Generation Kill the best thing on TV this summer?
Clearly you are forgetting “Mad Men”
“Generation Kill the best thing on TV this summer?
Clearly you are forgetting “Mad Men—
Mad Men is pretty good. Rescue Me would have been nice but they jipped us with those mini-sodes.
ok folks, before this gets out of hand, a red sox writer bad mouthed one of our young players and backed it up with an anonymous scout.
who’s side are you on? red sox fans( and red sox writers who have red sox loyalties) hope to never see melky again.
but why would any yankee fan hope that melky will never be seen again at the mlb level with the yankees? that’s just absurd. any real yankee fan should hope he gets his game back and realizes his potential.
one point i made was who cares what a red sox writer thinks about melky cabrera?
i still feel that way.
“Back to business tomorrrow. Lots of blogging for the rest of this week.”
- Good. Time for you to get back to work. We’re still in it and you have all off-season to rest. Thanks Pete.
Randy:
We’ll agree to disagree on Melky. I was OK with him when he was merely a below average offensive player like he was in ‘06 and ‘07, but when he regressed to truly awful this year, I folded.
funny, funny stuff tonight.
murphydog,
Are you still around? You’re the best! You think that Madonna’s like drinking fine wine? I agree, drinking fine wine with shards of wine bottle glass. It looks like it’d be painful to canoodle with her. And did you see her latest face? I think she forgot the “don’t go out in public for 2 weeks after surgery” rule.
How about some other prettier, softer women? Diane Lane? Heather Locklear? Demi Moore? Betty White? Lauren Bacall?
“any real yankee fan should hope he gets his game back and realizes his potential.”
there are more than a few of us yankees fans who believe melky HAS realized his potential.
mad men is the best show on tv.
Beach Volleyball is very big here in So. Cal…..Trust me folks, there’s nothing wrong in going to the beach, knocking down a few cold ones , sitting at beach and watching beautiful women ( who are outstanding atheletes )…Wonderful entertainment…Trust me, doing this on dry sand will wear your tail out……Misty May is a local HS product…..
I’m with kasey, Connelly’s no beauty and she needs to tame her brows.
House of Sand and Fog was a terrific, tragic tale. The movie was pretty much scripted off the book.
Amen Howard. With all the other drivel at the stadium (the dopey subway race, the three-card monty baseball hats, the Modell’s matching game that I’ve never once seen someone lose, the mind-numbing song snippets before every single batter) is God Bless America really one of the three most annoying things? God forbid we should have to stand for 30 seconds and be reminded that men and women who have volunteered are dying to protect our way of life.
On Melky, the kid’s a 23 year old switch-hitter with good speed, decent pop and excellent defensive skills. He’s also a hard worker with a plus attitude. His problem is simple: he read all the stories after his rookie year saying he needed to hit for more power and he’s been swinging from his heels ever since. The April home run surge didn’t help. He needs to get back to being the contact hitter he was 2 years ago and let the power come along in time.
I believe the demotion will help him as he was rushed in the first place and he’ll go down and work it out. When you see the way a guy like Nady is coming into his own at age 29, or Nate McLouth at 26, it’s foolish to bury Melky shy of his 24th birthday off of a couple of bad months.
Pat M,
I’m such a purist that it kills me to see the circuit host events in Denver. Denver.
Did you hear one broadcast where they said either May might consider going indoors for the next Olympics?
And what happened to Elaine Young’s team? They totally choked.
I don’t think they are abusing CC… they are treating him the way pitchers should be treated. Screw the 100 pitch counts and the “starter must come out with a big lead/save situation” unwritten rules. Sabathia is conditioned just like Halladay is… with the objective of taking it the distance everytime he goes out there. He is a very strong guy, he can handle it. He will be a tremendous help in front of Joba next year.
Besides, he isin’t going to get abused here.. not with Melancon, Sanchez, Veras, Edwar, and MO
randyhater -
I agree with what you had to say about Melky. And I definitely agree that his little power surge in April, along with a couple of really key HRs even going back to the midge game last October, messed with his approach.
I had no idea that they did that silly stuff (subway race, etc.) at the Stadium. I haven’t been to a game there in quite awhile, but I was definitely under the impression that the Yankees eschewed that sort of pedestrian time-filler.
“On Melky, the kid’s a 23 year old switch-hitter with good speed, decent pop and excellent defensive skills. He’s also a hard worker with a plus attitude. His problem is simple: he read all the stories after his rookie year saying he needed to hit for more power and he’s been swinging from his heels ever since. The April home run surge didn’t help. He needs to get back to being the contact hitter he was 2 years ago and let the power come along in time.”
Agreed, the HRs will come he just needs to focus on solid contact. Hopefully this demotion will get him back to the fundamentals.
the brewers pen is awful. soloman torres is their closer? gagne is their setup man?
nick in sf-
i bookmarked that ruth story.
good one.
i hate to ask a stupid question , but why again was it that the yankees didn’t grab paul byrd when they had the chance?
when the choice was going to be pavano starting or byrd starting, how did yankee thinking go again?
fredo corleone-
agree to disagree is fine , but you surely wouldn’t mind to see melky get his act together.
Tank,
Wasn’t part of CC’s postseason struggles because of his heavy workload? And didn’t he get off to a horrible start this season?
I think he’ll stay in the NL. He had another 2 rbi’s tonight. And he can coast through the lineup 3-4 times without any problem.
Exactly Tank ..too many people BS about pitch count, news flash it’s only here because it’s an excuse to use relief pitching, it never was like that before LaRussa. Never.
mel -
I forgot about him getting to hit and apparently being good at it! I was focused on the relatively easier workload, so to speak, in the NL. He’s going to get pretty good money from whoever gets him. I think what I see happening more and more with players is once you get to a certain dollar amount, what’s the diff? You make decisions based on other things -quality of life, lack of pressure, whatever.
Nice lines for some guys tonight
Banuelos – 6 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 6 K
Vizcaino – 5 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 4 K
Jackson with his 34th double of the year.
Montero with his first triple of the year, went 2-4
Awesome post Pete! Very funny! Keep ‘em coming. Safe travels.
BTW..I did google Minka Kelly and I still don’t like Madonna.
That comment about Melky going to the Mexican League was uncalled for, but I wouldn’t expect anything else from a Boston columnist. He is our best defensive outfielder. The problem I have with Melky is his load, he rocks back and forth but he doesn’t really bring his hands back. I wish some coach would get him in a set stance on both sides and tell him to only move his hands so he’d be more ready for the pitch.
pat m-
you might be the only one who appreciates this, but i once played against sinjin smith and randy stoklas in siesta key,fla and my partner and i were leading 1-0 when i said” is that all you got to stoklas”.
he then asked me if i had insurance.
that was the last point we got.
my partner was not happy.
i always did have a big mouth.
Mel go, etc….Not certain Elain Young , but over the past 6/7 years I always make it to Huntington Beach to see my girl Holly McPeek…..Love that girl, although I think she’s retiring …..
Doreen,
CC would be great to have, but not necessary. You know, kind of like that fancy watch your husband bought you for Christmas.
Would love to have him, but wouldn’t be terribly sad if stayed in the NL.
Boy, mel, you have some memory!
I kind of feel the same way, although at first I wanted no part of CC. I guess I’m being worn down!
Banuelos and Vizcaino are going to be jewels to follow in Charleston.
Jackson is striking out too much, this is his adjustment period.
Montero the more you here about his bat the more you got to believe they have to switch him to 1B he will only get stronger and more durable. I also believe Laird and Angelini are going to blossom next year.
I was high on Cervelli (thanks scrub TB player) and in Trenton he just continues to exceed. He’s going to be in NY in 09′ bank on it.
I’m almost afraid to ask, but what are UU’s? Those mammory things?
Doreen,
I remember because I think I told you my Rolex story! I lost it 15 years ago and a new one has yet to reappear under the tree.
CC=my Rolex
If it shows up at Christmas time, I’ll be very happy.
If not, I’ll spend yet another year admiring how slim (and bare) my wrist is.
“Besides, he isin’t going to get abused here.. not with Melancon, Sanchez, Veras, Edwar, and MO”
Exactly. People fail to remember Humberto Sanchez who we got from the Sheffield trade. He is currently pitching in the GCL and he should be ready to contribute in the early to middle of next season. He has bullpen stud written all over, so him
and Melancon should be up next season to really lock up the innings before Mo.
I guess I can’t be objective about Jennifer Connelley. I’m totally and completely infatuated with her.
Jackson is in a weird slump… he is striking out like crazy and not walking, yet he is still hitting .290 and hitting doubles. It’s not like he is in a total slump and his average is dipping low into the .270s and has a bunch of 0fers, he is still hitting, it is just sandwiched around Ks.
Long season is probably wearing on him… he went to winterball too.
From what I saw of Montero in the futures game, he is tall, I’m not gonna say skinny, but he did not look bulky at all. Definite 1B build.
cant wait to see melancon and sanchez, our pen should be the best in baseball next year assuming nobody seriously regresses. bullpens are year-to-year but i have a good feeling about next years.
Banuelos and Vizcaino are going to be jewels to follow in Charleston.
“Jackson is striking out too much, this is his adjustment period.
Montero the more you here about his bat the more you got to believe they have to switch him to 1B he will only get stronger and more durable. I also believe Laird and Angelini are going to blossom next year.
I was high on Cervelli (thanks scrub TB player) and in Trenton he just continues to exceed. He’s going to be in NY in 09′ bank on it.”
Brandon- Great info Ajax is hitting the learning curve, he’ll adjust. Montero impresses the more and more I see/hear of him his raw power seems to be off the charts, a move to 1B seems in order. Cervelli is heir apparent to Jorge IMO.
I saw Montero for the first time this weekend. He’s tall and I’d agree he’s not bulky, but he is filled out. He did not look like a kid.
Jackson Jesus has gotten rid of most of his baby fat
Jesus
Brandon,
Jackson Jesus? And is that the before or the after picture?
Pete,
I hope that your neice’s first game was not to see the Red Sox, but instead that Uncle Pete got her tickets to the Yanks at The Stadium (so she can say she went to the Baseball Cathedral before it closed).
I live in RI, have a 7 year old son, and made damn sure he did not attend a game at Fenway Park before seeing the Bronx Bombers in the House that Ruth Built.
In fact we went last year and saw Shelly Duncans first HR and then went again this year only to see Cody Ransoms first HR as a Yankee.
I am sure that eventually he will get to Fenway Park, but I felt he had to see the best first and he could work his way down from there.
Brandon, thanks for the info. Hey, more power to CC if he wants to finish what he starts…….who knows how this will effect him down the line, but he does seem to be thriving and in fine health.
“God forbid we should have to stand for 30 seconds and be reminded that men and women who have volunteered are dying to protect our way of life.”
we already do that before we throw the first pitch.
im a navy veteran, all my uncles fought in ww11 and one of them died on d-day. and i say lose the god bless america.
mel I was responding to Jackson about Jesus Montero’s build.
CC = new watch? Does not compute.
Brandon,
Haha, I thought you got your wires crossed. Austin Jackson/Jesus Montero.
He looks like Melky.
BTW, what was Kim going on about Melky’s uni needing to be tighter? No thank you.
BTW, what was Kim going on about Melky’s uni needing to be tighter? No thank you.
w/o any offense I just think Kim needs some. Hey Alex is available and he’s got a thing for middle age blondes w/ racks. (j/k)
Nick in SF,
C’mon. You’ve got a high I.Q.
I lost my Rolex. I think my toddler son disposed of it because I swear the last time I saw it was draped on a door handle.
Anyway, I haven’t worn a watch since. I get along fine without it. But if I was given another one as a gift, I’d really love it and appreciate it a lot more than I did the first one.
Translation: Personally it doesn’t matter if we get CC or not. We can get by.
Cervelli batting .378 with a .975 OPS down at Trenton btw.
We didn’t lose CC and we’re not getting by!
But I understand what you’re saying.
I just don’t get why there are so many complaints about God Bless America, it take all of about 30 seconds to do. 30 seconds. It harms no one, and many find it inspirational. Would it be nice to hear someone different doing it? Sure.
It means something to hear it for many of us who lost people in 9/11. Trouble is, far too many people would rather forget the past.
Al
K/BB 4:6 in 37 AB
call me crazy but this is the yankees time to make a run. they have to fatten up on medicore teams that are coming up.
Nick,
But everyone’s assuming that we’re going to get him in the offseason (because Hank said so), but that’s far from a done deal. Not even close IMO.
CC
Joba
Wang
Mussina
Pettitte
Dominant. I’d imagine Andy and Moose would both take 1 yr deals and discounts to be apart of that rotation.
call me crazy but this is the yankees time to make a run. they have to fatten up on medicore teams that are coming up.
What mediocore teams ? we play TOR, BAL, BOS and TB non of them are mediocore.
Ponson is our Aruban CC. Except he goes 6 innings, not 9
yes but note their lineups. with the exeception of baltimores offense, the other two teams dont have much, other than role players. for the ray they have longora injuried and thier lineup does not look impsoing. plus andy and ponson shut them down when we last faced them.
$13
im a history buff, forgetting the past has nothing to do with it.
for one thing, that old recording of it is a joke, it couldnt possibly be edited more poorly, and we’ve already honored america before the game even started.
do they play the star-spangled banner at broadway shows? rock concers? openings at the met?
once per game is certainly enough. and that embarrasingly bad version they play is in poor taste imo.
yes but note their lineups. with the exeception of baltimores offense, the other two teams dont have much, other than role players. for the ray they have longora injuried and thier lineup does not look impsoing. plus andy and ponson shut them down when we last faced them.
J what the hell are you talking about
Blue Jays , Orioles, Red Sox and Rays offense is better than the Yankees on the field, forget on paper, we’re talking on the field.
A lot of people are assuming we’re going to go hard after CC and some folks are writing “CC” into their fantasy rotations for next year, but the people who think he’s all but signed are dreaming. I don’t think everyone falls into the latter category.
I agree that they’ll probably go ahead and open the new ballpark and try to field a squad even if we don’t get CC.
I also don’t wear a watch, as my nice Muji watch broke in June. But my cell phone tells me what time it is. Syndey Ponson does not tell me what time it is!
(Or does he? He tells me it’s CC time!)
i have a feeling that many of those teams will not hold up down the strech. look at the mariners last year. they were excellent until august and september. they had a collapse which paved the way for the yankees.
i have a feeling that many of those teams will not hold up down the strech. look at the mariners last year. they were excellent until august and september. they had a collapse which paved the way for the yankees.
….ok fine
did anybody see the gymnastics on the olympics tonight? nastia liukin lost on the uneven paralell bars because of the tie-breaker. nbc’s announcer had no idea what happens in a tie and after the 3 of them realized that there was a tie-breaking system, nobody had any idea what that procedure was or why the chinese 12 year old was the winner.
Ponson doesn’t need a watch. It’s always happy hour.
All we really have to do is outbid the Dodgers for CC… because thats the team that CC has a preference to go to. The question is… how big of a discount does would he take to go to LA? Is LAD willing to go into the 7 yr/$150 million plateau? They have usually been very conservative about big money deals. Most of their bad contracts were short term deals like Pierre, Schmidt, Jones etc.
I don’t see any other NL team being serious players for him, but I could see darkhorse teams like Detroit, Rangers, and the Chi Sox going hard after him. All of them can spend money and like to make big splashes. It is certainly not a given we get him but I think the FO will make every effort.
But Cashman needs to have a plan B in the event we don’t get him and that plan B can’t be Kennedy, Aceves, and Marquez.
Yea Pete! Kate Smith needs to be silenced!
Peter,
I don’t think that your point about instant replay is legitimate. Who cares if some team sees their rival win because of the replay system? Why would you let bad calls continue when you can try to resolve that issue immediately – isn’t the game more fair when the right calls are made? Additionally, not all games are equal and the games in September always seem to have more significance. Thus, wouldn’t it be appropriate and more “fair” (to use your word) to focus on making the right calls later in the season, and more importantly, the playoffs?
Tank, if we can match them Dodger Dog for Dodger Dog, CC is ours!
There is nothing more loathesome than a national baseball writer posting quotes from anonymous scouts trashing young players like this. Melky is barely 24 yrs old. He’s been a pretty solid 4th OF type and has been a starting CF at 22. To have anonymous scouts trash him without backing up what they are saying is sinful.
In 1996, Pete learned a valuable lesson about not covering sports you know nothing about. Based on his volleyball comment, I guess the lesson didn’t take.
Say, Pete, why don’t you send that comment to May/Walsh? I’d love to see them earn your respect on the court, Bobby Riggs style.
if they are going to go to a replay system, they should start it as soon as they can.
first of all, get the calls right. secondly, there are going to be bugs in the system to work out, and since they are determined to have the system this PS, it makes sense to start it a month beforehand to smooth out the rough edges.
equally as possible as pete’s example is the possibility that a team that got screwed by a bad call earlier will benefit from having the system in place and get a bad call overturned.
iv been against replay from the start, but if you’re gonna do it, theres no time like the present.
also look for the younger guys to step it up. every team that makes it into the playoffs get more $ for the players.
I love to watch gymnastics, but I can’t bear to see the American girls continued to get robbed.
There have been so many indignities suffered by Liukin, Johnson, and Sacramone.
I’m just glad that we were able to “take” 1-2 in the Women’s All-Around.
i have no problem with beach volleyball. i also have no problem with greco-roman wrestling, judo and cylcling.
my complaint is that nbc shows waaaaaaay too much beach volleyball and not enough of other sports.
if you went by the time nbc devotes to the sport, you’d think beach volleyball was as popular as soccer.
in fact, its just an hours-long commercial for a sport nbc covers all summer.
sure, let us see some beach volleyball, but lets be fair and show some other fringe sports too.
Why doesn’t one of the New York writers do a story about how the Boston pen is absolute trash after Papelbon?
Hi, Pete. Been reading your blog for a little bit now. I completely agree with your pick of Joe Maddon for manager of the year. Who would of guessed that the scrappy Rays are the AL East leaders for once. Won’t be surprised if Kansas City starts taking their division by storm next year (bc I never thought in my lifetime I would the Rays at the top). The so called entertainment at Yankee Stadium is very predictable. (i.e. the DJ guy “asking” the Yankees what song they want to hear, giveaways to an easy question in the form of Yankee numbers or “match game” style, the YMCA, Cotton Eye Joey (ugh), Kiss Cam, Fan of the Game) Needless to say I go to enough games to sit through that crap. Mad Dog will be lucky to last a year and finally play some Craps in the casino, its a team game and the odds are more in your favor.
Who do you guys think get September callups by the Yanks? I say Melky, IPK, Patterson, and Shelley come back. Plus I think they call up Chase Wright, Melancon, Miranda, and Moeller or Cervelli. Plus the guys coming off the DL.
i could see the rays winning the WS this year
Here’s my feeling on God Bless America.
The problem isn’t the song or the moment. It’s the recording.
We live in NYC. You can’t tell me the Yankees can’t come up with 81+ different talented singers from this area to come in every night and sing the national anthem and God Bless America.
There are ridiculously talented performers, old and young, who would jump at a shot to sing in a giant ballpark. It would add a lot more charm and fun for the fans too.
How do you do it? I’ll give it to the Yankees for free. Hold auditions and put everyone’s audition up on the YES website then let the public vote for who gets the singing slots. It’ll drive traffic to the site and will be a fun thing that the fans can participate in.
Right now it feels like some robot hits play on the CD player with Kate Smith and it just doesn’t have the same feeling that a live rendition would have.
Just having a live singer would be a nice touch and I’d even let them break into Take Me Out to the Ballgame and lead the crowd with that as well instead of the canned version they play.
Here’s a mindbender. Who plays CF next year?
mitchell, the yankees have never been big on bringing up alot of minor leaguers in september.
chad jennings writes that he thinks only moeller will be called up besides melky and the rehabbing major leaguers, id have to agree with him.
btw, cervelli is almost certainly not going to be called up, he’s only been at aa for about 12 games.
Can’t Cervelli at least come up to take out some Tampa Bay Ray?
btw, cervelli is almost certainly not going to be called up, he’s only been at aa for about 12 games.
He is on the 40 man roster
after all this time, i cant believe people haven’t come to realize that the ST incident was just 2 very young guys trying to make an impression on thier managers, nothing more.
cervelli probably shouldnt have blocked the plate (its generally not done in ST) and the kid probably should’ve just slid.
nobody was trying to do anything more than play hard-nosed baseball and impress the major league manager.
all the rest was just noise.
Wow scouts said Melkyh is toast.. It must be true.. They also said Moose was toadt..
they said a lot of things they are right at least 51 % of the time.. That is the difference between the experts and us peasants they are right about 2 % more then us.
But hey Peter loves to quote people that support his ideas or predictions.. Man what did Melky do to all these people fpr all the hate. The guy turned 24 the other day, plays hard, what the hell else do you want from him?
SOme expert predictions this year; Buchholtz will dominate, craig hansen is a total stud, ross ohlendorf will be the yankee 8th inning guy, Vernon Wells will be superstar, Bedard will dominate this year., cleveland ill win there division, detroit will be great, verlander is the best right hander in the AL, seatlle will compete for the whole enchilada, and on and on.. all this experts should be graded on there predictions they would fail miserably all of them…
brandon, you’re not suggesting that everyone on the 40 man gets a september call-up are you?
Y’s guy,
No beef with the play at all, but like I said earlier Maddon stoked the flames.
I prefer the Joe Torre diplomatic way. Smooth the feathers, don’t ruffle them.
I know he was trying to make a statement, but you can’t tell me that the Rays are winning because their manager said something about a meaningless incident in a ST game.
I’ve studied the mathematics behind blackjack, when the last person hits it doesn’t affect the odds of the dealer busting…the cards drawn are random. The player could draw a card that would have given the dealer 21 or could draw a card that makes the dealer bust on the next one, but for some reason people only notice when they get screwed.
Maybe it was all just noise, but I want to see Cervelli making noise on some DRay’s skull.
Forgiveness is divine but revenge is Cervellicious.
also, if you’re playing blackjack without counting cards how can you complain about losing money? you realize even if you play optimally the odds are still against you.
Peter,
You make some valid points, but whether people like it or not, beach volleyball is very popular.
And it’s more of a sport than golf, which Phil Mickelson is advocating as an Olympic sport (don’t know if he’s serious). It’s more of a sport than BMX. It’s more of a sport than shooting. Why not have archery? Isn’t that an ancient sport?
Just because they wear bikinis instead of togas doesn’t make it less of an Olympic sport.
the only thing that happened in the ST crash incident was shelley’s inexcusable attempt to injure the ray’s 2nd baseman by kicking him the the chops. THAT was bush league. yankee fans just went with the knee-jerk reaction of supporting the idiot b/c he was wearing the yankees uniform.
im as big a yankees fan as there is but dirty play is dirty play and should be condemned no matter who does it.
You make a good point; Shelley is the one who should be called up to administer the blow.
Shelley go boom!
sorry but shelley’s 15 minutes are over. he’s hitting .235
But he could bat 1.000 with his fists of fury. Just no more high kicking, that was lame.
The only reason I said Moeller or Cervelli was because Cervelli’s on the 40-man and Moeller isn’t. However, I do think they will call up Moeller and not Cervelli.
I also think Miranda deserves a callup. He was pushed to AAA after only 55 games in AA. He’s not hitting for quite as much power in AAA as he did in A/AA, but he made solid improvements on his plate discipline. I think he’ll get a look since he’s on the 40-man and big sexy’s gone.
-Hope Melky can prove the critics wrong…he seems like a good kid.
-agree with you on beach volleyball, and unfortunately it seems like it will be the one ’sport’ on from the start to finish of the Olympics.
-LOL at blackjack…I’m not much of a gambler (won $50 dollars at blackjack in vegas and called it a night), I work hard for my dough and I’m not about to give much of it up to a game of cards/chance.
-I agree with you again :O on God Bless America, but if they insist on playing it can they please get an updated version? I’m all for appreciating history as long as it doesn’t sound like fingernails on the chalk board!
-Yeah Jeter will be laughing until ARod points out that he’s almost knocked off the list of People Magazines of ’stars’ under 25. BTW who is Minka Kelly?
-I remember my first game vaguely, I remember the green grass and its unique patterns but not the uniforms but I remember the crowds and cheering (not booing)and just enjoying the game.
The singing of God Bless America,started after the tragedy of September 11TH. I’m sure that it’s continuation, is NOT the Steinbrenner’s attempt to be more patriotic than anyone else. I understand that you are very liberal, however you should at least try to understand that Most Americans are proud of their country. I understand that most of the members of the press feel that we are interested in their political opinions,however I can tell you that I am not. I am so SORRY for you that it is soooo inconvient for you to honor this great country, by standing during the playing of God Bless America. As has been righly stated ,no soldier in the history of the world has sacrificed more than the U.S. soldier, who has allowed you to express your opinions. I am very sorry that you don’t apperciate this! GOD BLESS AMERICA
1) Hank impresses me not the slightest. Some people just don’t know when to shut up. Just because you have an ownership interest in something doesn’t automatically mean that you are knowledgeable and savvy about it.
2) Abraham Lincoln was a rare, amazing leader. It’s as though he was born for that one role. It’s incredible, when you think about it how lucky the USA was to have him as Prez, at that time. Can you just imagine how history would have been different if it was Bush-Cheney?
3) I don’t know anything about a-rod being involvd with Madonna, but if Raquel Welch asks for me, someone give her my number, please. She’ll be 68 in a couple of weeks, but 68, 78 or 88, that’s OK– I’ll wait.
4) My first game: June 18, 1966. Yankees lost to the Tigers 4-3, but I saw Tommy Tresh and Roger Maris hit HRs. And I cheered for The Mick, even though he was o-fer-3. I still have the scorecard from that game and yearbook. What a great day. I didn’t even care that the only Yankee hitting above .260 was Bobby Richardson at .272. And I remember my father, the ex-Brooklyn Dodger fan, shaking his head saying, “I can’t believe I’m watching Johnny Podres pitching again.”
Peter, it’s so true when you talk about the toughness of New York media. After losing four tough games to Japan, Cuba, Korea and China in Beijing Olympic, Taiwanese media and fans almost “kill” players and whole coach staff. I hope things will turn out fine when Wang and Kuo need to decide to play for Taiwan in world baseball classic or not next year.
PBL- Blackjack isn’t like flipping a coin, the last person hitting does affect the odds of a dealer busting, the events are dependent on one another. If the dealer is showing 6, there is a high probability that he will bust. More importantly to the guy playing third base, if he hits there is a probability the player himself will bust.
8/13ths (61%) of the cards in the deck will result in the player busting- why would he hit?
But, to quote the Big Lebowski, “Obviously you’re not a golfer.”
Pete,
My point concerning Melky is this:
Melky has 3 consecutive years of declining numbers. He’s currently at .242 BA, .296 OBP, .337 slg%
Coco Crisp has 4 consecutive years of declining numbers. He’s currently at .246 BA, .303 OBP, .381 slg%
Coco Crisp is fast, but he can’t throw a baseball much better than Johnny Damon.
I’m neither parochial or ignorant.I based my statement on facts and what I hear come out of the Boston media ever day living in New England.
murphydog, I appreciate an old wine as much as anyone, but the wine’s not so good when the cork’s been out for decades. Madonna at 50 is a lot more like a vintage Mercedes with 500,000 miles. Still looks & runs great, but everyone’s had a chance to drive.
Nice lineup :
Position Bats Player Age
LF L Damon 35
SS R Jeter 34
1B L Kotchman 25
3B R A-Rod 33
DH L Matsui 34
RF R Nady 30
CF L Kotsay 33
C L-R Posada/Molina 38-33
2B R Ellis 31
Cutting comment, Jim in CT!
I just have to add how no one seems to worry how many “miles” our Captain will have put on by the time he’s 35. Nope, he just gets applause for his body counts. Sigh. The Double Standard will never go away.
I’m disappointed in you Pete. A baseball man should know the numbers better. The guy on first base does not effect the odds of the dealer busting. His play directly effects which card is dealt, but that card can be good or bad for the rest of the table at the exact same rate. In other words, the next card in that shoe could have been one of the five low cards and the second could have been the king. the whole thing is explained quite well on this site. http://www.wizardofodds.com
People believe that the 1B seat matter because they are looking to blame someone and they rarely notice when a bad play actually works to their advantage. Also, they follow traditional wisdom, which really isn’t very wise. They are the gamblnig equivilents of people who think that Adam Dunn is a bad hitter because he strikes out a lot.
Honestly, people getting mad about this has gotten really boorish at the tables. If you can take the time learn basic strategy, please take a little time and actually learn the odds. If you think the guy at the end of the table is bringing you bad luck, just change tables and act like you’ve been there before.
Since no one else has mentioned it, may I just say that I liked the vignette about Muhammed Ali.
If Victor Zambrano pitches for the Yanks I predict he will make Girardi crazy.
Zambrano is a guy like Dice K. He throws a lot of 3 ball counts, walks a lot of guys, and somehow manages to keep people from scoring.
Girardi’s mantra all year has been throw strikes, get ahead, put people away. Zambrano is not that type of pitcher.
I’ve watched him when he was with the Rays, and Pinella used to get so mad watching him I thought he was going to throw one of his fits several times.
I’m surprised but entirely pleased to see some anti-Lincoln comments on this board. Sure, the man preserved the geographical shape of the country, but he destroyed the very nature of our constitutional republic and initiated a war that cost a disgusting amount of lives. Doris Kearns Goodwin is nothing but a court historian.
Pete! Thank you for bringing up getting rid of YMCA, Cotton Eye Joe and God Bless America. All 3 are worn out and overkill. Also the new stadium has got to lower the audio when the music is playing. The natural sounds of the game and crowd are enough IMO.
The argument against God Bless America is this. It’s overkill and it’s a bad song. We already sing the National Anthem before games, that’s plenty. There is such a thing as too much patriotism and to be honest it wreaks of arrogance.
I don’t know if I’d say Lincoln ignited the war. The genius of Lincoln was in his ability to consider and sometimes choose the most unpopular of decisions because they were right and just in the time in which he lived. Goodwin doesn’t neglect that Lincoln had his faults and make mistakes. No one is proclaiming him a god…what he was, however, was a man not above placing within his cabinet some of the greatest and opposing thinkers of his time in an effort to achieve balance. I wouldn’t hesitate to say that maybe that’s what GWB needed to get a clearer picture of opposing points of view.
halfway thru responses (i’ll have more later…)
-plenty of sports to scratch your head at why they are in the Olympics. Beach Volleyball is all you can come up with? What about table tennis? handball?
-get a new version of God Bless America, but don’t get rid of it entirely. someone else has to have recorded a decent version. the Kate Smith one just makes me think of a 1930’s disney cartoon. get rid of the YMCA, Freddy Sez, Michael Kay, and Bobby Meachum when the new stadium opens.
-once is enough for any movie, especially in a theater. i’ve yet to hear a bad review of Tropic Thunder – that’s you’re movie of the summer. i got tired of batman 4 batmans ago…
-your arguement about starting instant replay mid-season does not make any sense. start today if they can. why not? you can get screwed twice. you can get off the hook twice. the point is, if it’s broke fix it (and the sooner the better!)
-randy l and helno51, i agree with you re: melky. he’s way too young to pronounce his career over. he carried us in April. talent just doesn’t disappear… and he’s been around long enough where i think if pitchers were going to ‘figure him out’, they’d have done it in 06 or 07. this slump is on melky, he’ll pull thru…
-DFox, I was at David Wells’ perfect game too! Still the best game I’ve been in attendance for. Probably will be for a while!
You certainly called it right on Hank … his mouth knows no limits … but he has no heart and soul for being a Yankee owner … from George to this … how sad.
Oh, and by the way … what does who a player sees or doesn’t see … or might have seen … have anything to do with baseball?
i dont mind god bless america everyday, but at least get rid of kate smith and record Ronin Tinon’s verson. Its soo much better.
as for the blackjack, wallypip made a great post.
it really doesn’t matter what the last guy on the table gets, it’s just the fact that you know what the dealer would’ve had… and that clouds up your head.
I agree with everything except the knock on Cotton-Eyed Joe. In fact, I think dancing to Cotton-Eyed Joe should become an Olympic sport.
Hank is definitely the “bluff and bluster” of the Yankee’s Front Office. But, it’s interesting to note that Hal threw the “financial curve ball/bluff” in July! And thank God or at least Jesus (Montero who I saw this weekend) that they draw the press away from Brian Cashman.
I have posted on several blogs since October 2007 that I suggest giving ball and strikes to Questech. That would also SHORTEN THE GAME!!!
Anyone with knowledge of Frankie Cervelli’s recent number would join me in despising Joe Maddon! I don’t know what position or if he ever played MLB or any PB, but, if I’m correct he coached under a former MLB catcher. What idiot would support that Spring Training collision!!!
The South was like a kid who hits three homers in his first three at-bats and then after he pops up in his fourth at-bat, steals the ball and runs away crying and whining that everybody is mean for not letting the ball drop so he can run around the bases.
Pete, you don’t owe any one an explanation for what you post. This was one of the best posts I’ve read this week from any blogger anywhere. Melky is not good, period. That’s all there is to it. Beach volleyball is not a sport. Who are we kidding? Women jumping around in the sand? Get rid of the sand and it might be a sport but I don’t follow it. People are so up in celebrity’s butts it’s sickening.
Attention Sheeple,
I am canceling my subscription to HBO for airing Generation Kill. This is a liberal series from the view of an embeded Rolling Stone Reporter.
Any embeded Rolling Stone reporters with the KGB Red Army in Georgia? That would be a good mini series.
True story: My first game was at Fenway Park when I was 3(my entire mom’s side of the family is from Boston). In the third inning, the lights go out, and I cry to the point where my parents have to take me out of the game. I’m not one to believe in supernatural forces, but somethings was certainly trying to tell me something that night.