The Bloody Sock: Selling the Drama; MLB Stuffage

Selling the Drama - Schilling and More on the Sock: Well, Curt Schilling is now out to prove that his sick was indeed bloody with crimson red. He offered $1 million to anyone who could prove it was not blood that blotted his famous sock in the 2004 playoffs, and criticized members of the media in his blog, 38 Pitches, on Friday.

from his entry, 'Ignorance Has It's Privledges'

"When I walked into the room for the post game interviews and offered up my first response to the questions about the game I basically said that the night was a revelation for me. That my faith in God that evening showed me things I’d never believed. As I uttered those words I could see pretty much every person in that room roll their eyes and smirk. That’s not what any of them wanted to hear, truth or not. That was not good copy. They needed more and what I didn’t give them, they got themselves."

and...

Take Gary Thorne, John, Jack Joe or whatever his first name is, Heyman, Karen Vescey, Woody Paige, CHB, Jay Marriotti, Bill Plaschke, and a host of other people that litter the media landscape, and put them all on an island somewhere.

Does anyone stop reading their newspapers? Watching the shows they appear on? The answer to that is no. Instead of using the forums they participate in to do something truly different, change lives, inspire people, you have an entire subset of media whose sole purpose in life is to actually be the news, instead of report it. They have little to no talent at what they do and other than a mastery of the English language their skill sets are non-existent.

also...

It was blood. You can choose to believe whatever you need to, but facts are facts. The 25 guys that were in that locker room, the coaches, they all know it. In the end nothing else really matters. The people that need to believe otherwise are people with their own insecurities and issues.


Wow. I knew it was blood...

I'm siding with Curt on this one, but there has to be a time where you have to forgive and forget rather than extend a story, you know?

I feel bad for Gary Throne and I’m sure it was an embarrassment to have attention brought onto him for a comment he made during a slow point of the game; however, Throne was a little silly in saying what he did.

Throne, as a long time commentator should have known better, especially the importance of the ’sock’ to Red Sox Nation.

***

John Smoltz and his Contract Extension: It looks like John Smoltz will be a Brave for even longer. According to the AP, he agreed to a contract extension yesterday that could be worth $39 million.

In the report, it says that the new contract also includes a $12 million option for 2009 that becomes guaranteed if Smoltz pitches 200 innings the previous season. The club has an option for 2010, at a cost of $13 million if he pitches 200 innings in '09 or $12 million if he falls short of that total.

Sammy Slams Two: Sammy Sosa's two homers set a major league record as he homered in his 44th ballpark at Cleveland's Jacobs Field. He had been tied with Ken Griffey Jr., and Fred McGriff with homers in 43 ballparks. He’s now got 594 career homers, 6 short of 600.

Gregg Zaun on the Shelf: Blue Jays’ catcher Gregg Zaun had surgery on his broken right thumb and is expected to miss six to eight weeks.

Torii Hunter Hit in the Mouth: Twins centerfielder Torii Hunter needed three stitches to close a cut on the inside of his mouth after he was hit by a pitch from Kansas City's Zack Greinke, and is okay. He should play today.

Live From the Yard: Red Sox vs. O's Tonight -- Thorne, Schilling, Millar and the Meeting of the Minds...

Hey all,

I am here at the Yard and I'll try to blog from the game tonight. Well, if you all have not been to a Red Sox/O's game at the Yard, there are not many of us.

There's a sea of red and blue here, and that's the way it always is.

Anyhow, Gary Throne and Terry Francona met during batting practice, and it was a media circus.

As well, Curt Schilling, Kevin Millar, Doug Mirabelli and Francona met and conferenced as well.

Pictures below.

Game time in about 1/2 a hour so.

It's Beckett versus Loewen tonight...

The Biggest Mercenary in Sports

Roger Clemens. Will he, or won’t he come back?

This week, his agent Randy Hendricks asserted, “better than 50-50'' that Clemens plays somewhere”.

We all know what that means. Sometime in June, the lead story will be Roger Clemens signs with X team. ESPN’s Baseball Tonight, the other cable networks, the media and the bloggers, including myself will spend countless hours wondering about the good ol’ Rocket.

Once again, one of the mot intriguing topics of the winter (ok, it is spring if you’re here in Maryland spring in Mid-January), is the ever-going saga of Roger Clemens. The man is a living legend, his feats are worthy of tall tales though they are true, and he’s a Hall of Famer for sure.

Roger Clemens once again does now know if he’ll be pitching in 2007, but we all know for the right amount of cheese and situation (a chance at the World Series) he’ll make himself available.

To most of us in the baseball world, he’ll be with BFF, Andy Pettitte. So, he’ll most likely in pinstripes, since the Yankees are the Yankees and they are contenders. Brian Cashman and the fanbase up there want him, and since Randy and Gary Sheffield have now been jettisoned, George and company will be hard charging for him.

From what I know, the Yankees are the typical corporate organization where everyone knows their role and plays by the rules. Do I think the team would allow him to do as he please and have the schedule he had with the Astros?

No, but the lore of winning leads to desperation. They’ll bend the rules for him if he can be gotten.

The Red Sox aren’t likely to go after him anymore, since their rotation is fairly set, but you never know.

The Astros will mostly go after him since they have had a history, but the situation may be fuzzy down there, as they didn’t resign Pettitte over a few million and it looks like they are rebuilding. However, in the NL Central, it looks anyone could be possibly win it, so Clemens returning might be a possibility. As well, Houston would be most likely the team that would allow him the most liberal schedule.

The problem I find with Clemens is that he’s all for the ring and a hefty paycheck, and not much else. I don’t know him, and I have heard he’s a great teammate, good for the young guys, but isn’t part of being a teammate also being there for your team through the thick and thin, through every out and defeat?

Yeah, Roger isn’t just any pitcher, but are we all not tired of the song and dance?

Sports are a business and winning is everything. Clemens is the typical capitalist in America – however, it is sad that he has no sense of loyalty to anyone except himself and the dollar whatsoever.

Jim Caple's Article on ESPN's Page Two...

An article from ESPN's Jim Caple that compares the Yankees and Red Sox; Caple asserts now that the Red Sox have become the Yankees thanks to not having much homegrown talent on their roster, high ticket prices and now expectations of winning.

Also the article by Caple focuses on the drug debate and why baseball is seen in a much more harsh light than football. A good little read...

Link: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=caple/061221

The Explosion and Annoyance of Yankee and Red Sox fans at Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Well, this next post is concerns a long standing issue that angers many Oriole fans throughout the Mid Atlantic region.

It concerns our great friend and sometime troublemakers to the north – our dear Yankees and Red Sox fans. In attending some of the Boston and New York games here the past year, I have gotten friendly a few of the fans and chatted with them about why a lot of them would travel to Baltimore.

All in all, a good portion of those fans are well-behaved, somewhat respectful of Camden Yards and the history of the Baltimore Orioles. However, a small minority of the Red Sox and Yankees fan do engage in some boorish and disgusting behavior. At least for me, with some of my friends being Yankee and Red Sox fans, inviting them to a game at Camden Yards does allow for some bantering and good natured ribbing.

Why have they taken over? I have 3 main reasons.

The first reason is simply supply and demand, accessibility along with economics. Well, I went to school in NYC and would venture up to Boston once a year in the 1990's, and I will tell you right now, it was nothing in terms of fan support for either team as it is now. I remember the Yankees drawing 25-30K per game in 96' and the stadium being half empty! Simply, because tickets rare readily available through Orioles.com or Ebay, anyone at anytime can get tickets rather easily. A lot of the fans who come down to Baltimore either cannot get up close to their favorite ballplayers, or tickets are very scarce & in the case of the Red Sox, impossible to get without spending your mortgage.

These days in that part the country of, unless you make a good living, or have grandfathered yourself into the season ticket base for both teams, the average family cannot afford to see their team, so they come here. In New York City and New England, tickets are also hard to find for those teams, so it makes more sense to come here to Baltimore for a lot less money.The second reason is the recently fan and media explosion of both teams. The fanaticism in Boston and New York now was nothing like it was in the mid-90s'. Both teams are now in a peak period, where fan interest is strong, the two teams have ridiculous media coverage, a lot of cash, hyped up 24-a-day RSN's, Sports Talk Radio which seems to cover their teams like the White House Corps cover President Bush, charismatic players, a lot of bandwagon fans, and the feeling you of needing to be "in" to be a fan and you have the main reasons why the Yankee and Red Sox fan bases are so fanatical.

Compare the coverage of the Orioles on MASN in comparison to NESN or YES. You’ll see the difference. Try to find a baseball report on the Orioles during the winter here, but, however, reports are available on the Red Sox and Yankees – almost several times a day!

The third reason is our fellow Oriole Fans, access and our ticket affordability. As well, a lot of season ticket holders and fans sell their tickets via EBay and Stub Hub for a profit, so that's another reason for the proliferation of Yankee and Red Sox fans to Baltimore.

Furthermore, especially for die-hard Yankee fans, they have to ability to see their players up close during the game and batting practice, snap pictures, get autographs, and come to one of the crown jewels in baseball. You also have a lot of the businesses and hotels that cater and wait for those fans to show up so they can make a buck. As well, add to that the generous ticket prices we offer here, you have the reason for the takeover for each Red Sox/Yankee series.

Now where does that leave those who bleed for the Black and Orange? Well, simply it is a reflection of the state of this team. Not to put all the onus on Angelos, but he's captain of the ship, and no matter what, he needs to realize the impact that these fans have on us. Oriole fans no doubt care for their team, but why spend your hard earned money if the entity you give to doesn't put out a competitive product.

Combine the lack of a product now, and the Orioles fine history until 1998 and the lack of anything to remember for the past decade, we have the seeds for fan apathy.

Simply put, not to beat a dead horse, we need to get better, spend the cash, rebuild the farm system and get the players to play for pride and to win, not for the paycheck. If not, for the Yankee and Red Sox attendance, we'd be in the position of the Pittsburgh Pirates. There's too much history and too much to be proud of for the amount of fan apathy -- but, everything starts at the top, and since they are collecting our money, they need to do their part.

Fans will come back and support a superior product. We don't have that right now. It's up to Mr. Angelos and his Front Office to do whatever they can to make this team competitive again. It's embarrassing and demoralizing to see the visiting fans outnumber you 50-50, 60-40 or 70-30...

Smart investments, restoring the pride of what the Orioles once were, caring about the fans and their welfare can create a Renaissance like is being seen in Detroit.

Quick News...

• Happy trails. Astros first baseman, Jeff Bagwell announces his retirement after 15 Major League seasons. Riddled with injuries the past few years and unable to play in '06, while in Houston established himself as the face of the team and pretty much holds all it's offensive records.
  
• More D-Mat. Well, now that he's reached the States, Daisuke Matasuaka will be well taken care of. On top of being PAID, The Red Sox and Scott Boras, superagent, agreed to a package of benefits that included a physical therapist, massage therapist, interpreter, personal assistant, a total of 80 to 90 flights over the course of the contract, special transportation and living accommodations for D-Mat. Yes, he's special, but he's been pampered. However, he probably does not know a word of English, and his teammates don't know Japanese. I think the Red Sox are trying to make him as comfortable as possible.
• According to ESPN, Vernon Wells will be signed to an extension by the Blue Jays. Look to seeing Wells sign for 7 years and at least 126 million.
• ESPN also reports Boston got pitcher Brendan Donnelly from the Angels for Phil Seibel. As well, J.C. Romero and Doug Mirabelli have been resigned.
• After D-Mat signed from Japan, the Devil Rays signed Japanese infielder Akinori Iwamura to a $7.7 million, three-year contract.

Has Japan Become America's Farm Team? From Time.com

Link: http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1569776,00.html

The article looks at if Japan can be a furtile training ground for Major League talent. Much of the focus of the short article centers around Daisuke Matsuzaka and what his impact leaving Japanese baseball will leave on fans and the business aspect of the game there.

Most do believe that the elite level Japanese players can indeed play in the majors, but however, the question remains what happens to the sport in Japan, once the big money guys have moved on.

Some are afraid, but for most to see a player like Matsuzaka is a source of pride and strength.

I think if a player can play in the major leagues, by all means do it and hope he helps a team win. Look at the Latin influence in baseball, now. Japan, through Ichiro and Mastui have helped to show they can on this level, and even though both players are more workman-like, their play and efficiency have helped both the Mariners and Yankees win.

Daisuke Matsuzaka Agrees to Join the Red Sox

Well, as you probably know by now, Daisuke Matsuzaka has reportedly agreed to a contract with the Red Sox for 6 years and 52 million dollars. Everyone should be happy, no one leaves with egg on their face and most importantly, we in the States get a chance to see a potential star in the making.

The world of baseball is finally going to see if Matsuzaka will be a stud for the Red Sox, or a potential dud. Over the life of contract, plus the right to bid for him, the Red Sox have invested over $100 million for one player, and one who’s never pitched in the majors.

Based on what I saw in the World Baseball Classic, and if he lives up to potential, Matsuazaka will be a huge star – very much godlike in Boston.

The Red Sox should be commended to pretty much sticking to their guns, and after the negotiations with Scott Boras, they should consider the deal that they made for him to more than fair. With the posting included, the Red Sox will invest more than 17 million a year for him. Considering the outrageous contracts handed out for pitching, especially to a player like a Gil Meche, the Red Sox’s offer was more than equitable.

Although the Red Sox have spent quite an amount to secure Matsuzaka, they’ll now have a foothold in Japan and potentially spread their already lucrative market which is tied into marketing, clothing and the big money maker, TV.

I’m sure the Sox fans are already buzzing, but also a little afraid. I say he’ll have at least 12 wins with a sub 3 or low 4 ERA. I think he compliments very well with the Red Sox rotation, especially one that looked very strong on paper before Matsuzaka hit the scene.

Eventually, I think the deal got made partly because the Red Sox seemed to be very intent on making it happen by flying out west to talk with Scott Boras. Furthermore, the Red Sox had the leverage and baseball relations could have become very bad between the U.S. and Japan.

In the end, Matsuazaka and Boras took the offer, as he wanted to play in the States amongst the best and see where he stands. He really did not want to go back, and his pride superseded the money, as he might have faced a lot of shame and plus a reduced pay day if he rejoined the Lions.

Boras’ reputation as a master negotiator and agent showed up in this instance. Although, he might have not gotten the money and demands he wanted for his client, Boras should still be counted a winner for getting Matsuzaka a contract with the Red Sox. More importantly, he didn’t end up in the mud and foul up the chance for Matsuzaka to be a member of the Red Sox.

Trust me, if Boras had screwed up the deal, or nothing got accomplished, he would have been baseball’s equivalent to Drew Rosenhaus.

Of course, the big winners in this deal are the Seibu Lions. They are going to most likely be out of debt and a huge windfall is probably in order.

As an O’s fan, I’ll probably have our team dread facing this guy, but for fans of the sport, his signing is a good one and everyone wins.

Search Engine Optimization and SEO Tools

D-Mat headed to Boston...

Good. The Red Sox should be elated that this deal got worked out when it did.

According to ESPN, D-Mat and the Red Sox contingent of Theo Epstein, Lucchino and Henry are heading back to Boston together. It looks there's an agreement, and embarrassment on all sides have been avoided.

Everything is dependant on a physical and the basic health checkup.

We'll see what happens.

O's Quick Notes

• First off, if you have not heard, David Newhan and Todd Williamas were informed that their contracts will non-tendered by the O's. In other words, they have been released and are free to sign with other teams. I had spoken to David Newhan a few times while he was part of the Orioles, and I'll say he's one of the nicest guys in baseball who was very open to the fans and would take a minute to chat with anyone. He was a fan favorite, and although his numbers were marginal for the past few seasons, he always tried and played the game with passion. Todd Williams had a few good seasons with the O's, but got killed last year and was a victim of the bullpen improvements.
• Second, Jay Payton is now officially an Oriole. He's signed for 2 years and about 10 million. In reading the Sun article this evening, I found this statement from him really cool when he described his desire in playing in the stacked AL East against the Sox and Yankees : "I love trying to battle ... the two Evil Empires, I call them, between Boston and New York, and knock those teams off," said Jay Payton, the 34-year-old outfielder, who hit .296 with 10 home runs and 59 RBIs for the Oakland Athletics last season. "It's a lot of fun to go into the stadiums and play in front of those crowds with all that energy."
• Third, the Orioles were chosen to play the New York Mets in the Hall of Fame game on May 21st in Cooperstown, NY. Of course, as we all know Cal is expected to be inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame this year.
• Fourth, Lee Mazzilli, former O's manager, recently on the Yankee bench as a coach has accepted a job with SportNet NY, the Mets Channel up in the Big Apple, NYC. Lee played for the New York Mets from 1976 to 1981, as well as in '86, when they won the World Series.

Search Engine Optimization and SEO Tools