As we are into the playoffs, we are currently talking about the post-season, and here are the topics we chatted about on Wednesday night.
Admiring your own shot, always lovely. It shows you're great, you're good and living in the moment.
Manny Being Manny; okay, he can look cute and funny at times.
He's probably one of the pre-eminent hitters of out time, but in this instance he's a complete jackass. During last night's game during the back-to-back-to-back homer barrage, he decided he should celebrate his home run.
I swear if I were an Indian pitcher, I'd love to bean him; however, what fool acts like that when his team is down 4 runs in a pivotal game.
It would be like Shaq hanging onto the rim growling to show off his strength and masculinity when the Heat are down 20 to the Spurs...
Sheesh. I guess doing it when you're hitting off a walk-homer is one thing; however, doing it when you're down is another and shows where your head is at.
Well, this is a sight -- Bobby Knight talking baseball, and he's wearing a blue sweater? I know he's a close friend of Tony LaRussa; however, it is real interesting that he's talking about the sport.
Yeah he's ornery, nasty, boorish and can be an ass, but he knows a lot about the game and it shows. Take out the time to listen and experience a side of Bobby Knight few see.
Captain America, the Rockies were better than you.
See the cartoon here: Link
Well, no one is watching the NLCS. How sad.
According to the Washington Post, The Colorado Rockies' sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks will go down as the series most of America missed.
This year's National League Championship Series recorded the lowest television ratings in LCS history as late start times and small-market clubs failed to capture viewer interest.
The four games on TBS drew an average rating of about 3.0, including a new record-low of 2.2 for Friday night's Game 2, according to Nielsen Media Research. The previous record-low for an LCS game was 4.9. Each ratings point equals about 1.1 million households.
The NLCS ratings were a disappointment for TBS, which became the first cable network to air an LCS series after striking a deal with baseball last year to show the NLCS and all of the league's division series games.
The low ratings likely will be blamed at least in part to start times that were less-than-ideal for viewers on the populated East Coast. Major League Baseball and TBS, in an effort to accommodate Rockies and Diamondbacks fans in the West, scheduled Games 2 and 4 to start after 10 p.m. ET. Games 2 and 4 ended well after 1 a.m. for fans in the Eastern time zone.
The ALCS matchup between the Cleveland Indians and Boston Red Sox on Fox has aired at 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. ET and has seen a 5.7 household rating overall, a 10 percent ratings increase over last year.
"People like to watch TV in the evening," MLB spokesman Pat Courtney said. "We thought these games would be more desirable in the 7 to 8 o'clock window local time. We like to schedule games when the most people are available to watch them."
Courtney acknowledged the NLCS' low ratings and said baseball routinely has conversations with its broadcast partners about possible changes.
Not to go too deep back into revisionist history; let us hark back to what was said 2 weeks ago when the Yankees were on the verge of their season ending...
"His job is on the line," the owner was quoted in Sunday's editions of The Record of New Jersey. "I think we're paying him a lot of money. He's the highest-paid manager in baseball, so I don't think we'd take him back if we don't win this series." -- the words of the "Boss", George Steinbrenner...
Joe Torre's future with the New York Yankees remained unclear Tuesday after team officials gathered at the home of owner George Steinbrenner to debate whether the manager should return for a 13th season.
"The meetings are adjourned for tonight," spokesman Howard Rubenstein said shortly after the session ended about 4 p.m. "There have been no decisions made, nor will there be any comment today. The meetings will resume tomorrow."
Well, the Boston Red Sox are in trouble as they are now down 3-1 to the Cleveland Indians.
Indians’ right hander, Paul Byrd, once again came through in the clutch; pitching five strong innings where only allowed two runs and struck out four. Once again,
They would soon knock Tim Wakefield out of the game and that coffin was nailed shut for the Red Sox by Jhonny Peralta’s three-run homer.
Peralta’s homer was the second for him in the series.
Despite an amazing display of back-to-back-to-back home runs by
The Red Sox season may come to an end tonight as Josh Beckett needs to have another amazing game, and the Tribe counters with C.C. Sabathia, who has struggled in the playoffs.
Meanhwile, what can you say about the
Incredible.
Right now, they are the biggest story in sports and most of
I don’t know how they have won; nor do I care, It’s an awesome story and we can be on the verge of history here. It looks like they have built up the team right and has players you can root for, starting with Todd Helton, Matt Holliday, to Troy Tulowitzki all that way down to Jamey Carroll.
It seems like they cannot do anything wrong and have a new hero, each and every day.
It’s too bad that TBS and MLB decided to put their games well after 10pm on the East Coast (where I live), making it near impossible for anyone to watch. Just a shame.
I have decided to join the bandwagon and root for
The Red Sox are great, but they have already won a World Series and frankly are closer to the Yankees than most would admit; the Indians, good team, great stars, but I have no emotional investment in them (nothing personal to fans of the Tribe).
It’s nice to see in that part of the world that the
If you have a moment, check out the Denver Post and some of their cool pictures of the celebration, their fans and of the games itself…
Crazy stuff.
Well, for a change, I might as well talk about the Baltimore Orioles. This week, a few incidents have happened such as Leo Mazzone getting canned and Terry Crowley being re-hired as the hitting coach; however, there's some good news for fans.
Yes, the old-out-of-date and ancient scoreboard on Eutaw Street is now being replaced.
According to the Baltimore Sun's report by Childs Walker:
The Orioles and the Maryland Stadium Authority have reached a tentative agreement to avoid arbitration and spend $9 million to replace the video display and audio systems at Camden Yards.
Under the agreement, which won't become official unless the Board of Public Works approves it Wednesday, the stadium authority would contribute $3.75 million to pay for an expanded, high-definition screen and scoreboard. The authority would also drop disputed claims for $1.5 million in past rent owed by the Orioles, according to a 23-page settlement document obtained by The Sun. The Orioles announced the tentative settlement agreement today in a news release.
The Orioles would allow the authority to pay for the rest of the new video display using $5.25 million from a $10 million fund reserved for ballpark improvements. The team had previously said the stadium authority should not dip into the fund -- awarded to the Orioles by an arbitrator in 2001 after a previous dispute with the authority -- to pay for the screen.
I saw this title from Babes Love Baseball and the title fit so well that I’m going to use it – “Marge Schott Rolls Over in Her Grave”.
Well, as noted yesterday, Dusty Baker got hired as manager for the Cincinnati Reds, taking over for interim manager Pete Mackanin was not retained, although he did have a winning record with the team in his time as its leader.
This would have never happened a generation ago.
It looks like Reds fans are not happy with the decision at all. If you take a look at some of the Reds forums, articles and blogs out there, fans are disgusted with the hire and some are willing to forego going to Reds’ games in the future.
Based on Baker’s resume, Cincinnati could have had a far worse hire.
Huh? Give this guy a chance to manage? I don’t want to scream out racism, but it would be sad if some close-minded people preferred someone who was white.
If he helps you win, fans won’t care if he’s green. Then again, if he loses in Cincinnati, there will be far other reasons you’ll hate him for because of his race.
And if some people do dislike him because he’s an African-American, where were you all when Marge Schott was praising Hitler? I’d hate to blame racism for some Reds fans reaction, but I being a minority in this country know it permeates pretty much every sub-section of this country – yes, including sports, which is more or less a great equalizer.
Dane Cook is annoying (not nearly as much as the Frank TV commercials); but I love that SNL finally spoofed the spots.
Nice.
Dane Cook, again - what are you famous for?
According to the Drudge Report and several outlets, it looks like shock-jock, Don Imus will be returning to the air-waves. Lest we forget, Don Imus briefly was unable to continue his profitable and controversial career on the air thanks to demeaning the Rutgers' women's basketball team earlier in the year.
Of course, my thoughts of Don Imus was probably one of the more opinionated and heated posts I have ever written on this or any blog.
From the Drudge Report: In a dramatic and dazzling career rebound, controversial radio host Don Imus has secured a deal returning him to the airwaves on December 3 -- this time on the nation's most listened to talk station, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned!
"Imus In The Morning" will make a high-impact resurrection on WABC in New York City, top sources reveal.
"We'll have him on a standard 40-second delay," a studio source explains. "Don is rested, humbled, and ready for war!"
Specific terms of the deal will not be released, but the host, who was fired by CBS and MSNBC after making disparaging comments about the Rutgers women's basketball team, has inked a eight-figure, multiyear contract with WABC parent company, CITADEL BROADCASTING.
Throughout the off-season, I'm going to take a look at what I have said during the course of season and some predictions I made before play started in 2007.
Well, I am going to start off with the American League West.
First, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:
What I said: "If the Angels pitching and their offense come together, then they could possibly win the AL West and find themselves in the playoffs. Southern California has two potential playoff contenders in the Angels and the Dodgers, and in the end, the Halos led by Guerrero, Lackey, Weaver, and company could make 2007 a year to remember in that part of the region."Prediction: Dead On.
What I said: "The Mariners play in a competitive American League West and it may be hard for the team to move up in 2007 in light of the additions made. The team has made a number of changes to attempt to get more competitive, but it looks like the Mariners may remain where they are unless the pitching rotation steps up and additions to the offense perform like they have in the past. Considering this is Ichiro’s walk year, it’s vital that the team make strides to move up the AL West standings.
The Mariners may be a few players away from seriously contending in 2007, but the young core that they have give the team hope for the future."
What I said: In the end, the A’s should once again be counted as contenders for both the American League West and the pennant; however, but the team must avoid injuries and get better production from the offense. The pitching, even with Zito leaving for the National League should be among the league’s best and will be perhaps what gets Oakland into the playoff. The main competition for the American League West will be the Angels, but in a stacked American League, it may become a dog fight in the end for a playoff spot American League supremacy with the crowded talented AL Central and East.
"In the end, the Rangers may not have enough to win the AL West, but the team has a core of young and established veterans that could make an impact in ’07. A lot of the success that the team will have this upcoming season will depend on their pitching and if the weaker parts of the offense from ‘06 picking up the slack.
Also, the other storyline that America will be watching is Sammy Sosa, and whether he can reclaim his glory, or he if he’s done."
While I was up in Beantown, I saw you rip the heart out of Sox fans hoping for a 2-0 lead in the ALCS, but I saw you stink it up.
If it were not for you, the Baltimore Orioles would have two less wins than they should have gotten otherwise. However, since you joined the Red Sox, you have sucked and it's just sad how far you have fallen from your days with the Dodgers.
Son, would I not like to be you this week.
By hiring Dusty Baker as their next manager, the Cincinnati Reds have made a pronounced change in philosophy, turning to an outsider to run the team for the first time in 18 years.
The last time they did it, they won a championship.
The Reds confirmed on Sunday that Baker will become their next manager. Baker, who has a three-year deal, will be introduced at a news conference Monday in Cincinnati.
"Dusty is extremely excited to join the Cincinnati Reds with its rich history, and looks forward to helping re-establish the legacy of the Big Red Machine," said his agent, Greg Genske.
The move got the players' attention. Instead of promoting from within, the Reds went for someone with no ties to the organization. During his 14 seasons as manager, the 58-year-old Baker led San Francisco to the World Series and the Chicago Cubs to the playoffs.
"Since I've been here, we haven't had the big-name manager," said right-hander Aaron Harang, who has been with the Reds for the last five years.
George Steinbrenner's sons Hank and Hal have taken over the daily running of the New York Yankees, according to a report.
The New York Post said the details about the control of the franchise will be ironed out at top-level meetings the Yankees are holding this week in Tampa. According to The Associated Press manager Joe Torre's status for next season will be decided during discussions starting on Tuesday morning.
"George has taken on a role like the chairman of a major corporation," team president Randy Levine told the paper. "He's been saying for years he's wanted to get his sons involved in the family business. Both of them have stepped up and are taking on the day-to-day duties of what's required to run the Yankees."
Hank Steinbrenner said in the interview that he will share final say on team decisions with his brother Hal but Hank will apparently focus more on the baseball side of the business. Hal Steinbrenner will focus more on the construction of the new Yankee Stadium, which is scheduled to open in 2009.
"There's always been a succession -- and that's myself and my brother," Hank Steinbrenner told the paper.
Levine told AP on Sunday night, however, that George Steinbrenner, 77, will still have the final say on Torre.
"He's still the boss," he said.
Well, there's even more news that has come about on the Orioles coaching front, and this may be highly controversial to some fans, but the Baltimore Sun has announced that hitting coach Terry Crowley will be retained by the team.
In light of the team's offensive woes and record, it was surprise to some, including myself that Crowley was able to stay employed. I figured he might have been a victim of the recent staffing purge; however, as time went along, it was pretty obvious that he might have received a reprieve.
From the Sun: As expected, the Orioles are holding onto longtime hitting coach Terry Crowley for 2008, while they move aggressively toward filling their recently created pitching-coach vacancy.
Orioles manager Dave Trembley confirmed Crowley would be returning for his 10th consecutive season as Orioles hitting coach. Crowley is the only member of the current staff who was with the big league team at the beginning of 2006.
"I think Crow brings stability to the coaching staff. He's well-liked by the players and his work ethic is exceptional," Trembley said. "I have talked to Crow, and he is committed to supporting our philosophy and our approach to teaching and preparation. And I think that's very important as we start to identify our particular style."
Take a look at my playoff gallery here --- Red Sox vs. Indians - ALCS, Game Two....
Greetings everyone! It’s so good to be back home in Maryland. Anyhow, I was up in Boston on Saturday to partake in the whole playoff experience as I caught Game Two of the American League Championship series as the Cleveland Indians took on the Boston Red Sox.
I decided to hop on a quick flight on Airtran from Baltimore-Washington International to Boston, since I really didn’t want to deal with traffic driving through the Northeast and I kind of wanted to be home on Sunday.
That was the smartest decision I could have ever made. I was in Boston in an hour, and on the trip, I met some wonderful people who came to the Washington area to house-hunt and we talked about baseball, life in Washington, and our jobs.
As I got off the plane and was about to head to train station en route to Fenway, the very same people whom I chatted with on the plane gave me a ride to the Green Line so I could see the game.
I greatly appreciated it and we exchanged info so we could keep in touch.
I got to Fenway early – real, real early, but up there the party started even earlier. Unlike the parks in the Washington and Baltimore area, you could feel like everyone was there for the moment and to be part of it all.
Well, after chatting with some fans and walking around taking pictures, I decided to wait in line to get in the park and while standing I see singer James Taylor getting into park ushered by Red Sox security.
Even though I am only 29, I recognized him immediately, said hello and he let me snap a quick picture of him.
We were allowed in the park at 6:15 or so and instantly went to the Indians dugout and started snapping away. What was amazing is that there was just a throng of media and photographers there for the game, thus you knew this was no ordinary ballgame. I got C.C. Sabathia to autograph a ball for me, and spoke a few moments with former Oriole Chris Gomez.
It was wonderful to be up that close for batting practice and hoping around to take pictures. Well, if you ever get to chance to see a ballgame at Fenway Park – do it.
As batting practice ended, I went to my seat along the first base grandstand and took it all in; however, there was one problem – the seat. Realize, I am 6’4” and basically I sat on a bench and the seats are separated by steel. Considering, I’d probably need a chiropractor by the time the game was over, I just decided to watch the from the Standing Room areas of the ballpark.
From the first inning to the eleventh (Ian from Sox and Dawgs would care not to talk about it), the game was awesome to take in. I am not a fan of either team, but it was a treat to see the two teams face off with one another and see the passion that Sox fans had towards the team.
It was cool to David Ortiz, Manny, and Mike Lowell rained down with love and desire from the Sox fans (very much missing here in the DC/Baltimore area). The game was a see-saw affair and with the long-ball abound.
I took a good walk around the ballpark and took pictures from every conceivable angle.
Fenway may be old and crackling; however, it is a baseball cathedral.
In the end, it was pathetic to see the Red Sox bullpen blow it to the Indians, but it was a well fought-out game, and it evened up the series. Fans of the Sox went home a little sad, but more frustrated than anything and it was best illustrated by numerous F-bombs that included reliever Eric Gagne’s name in a sentence.
I was going to get a hotel and get some rest; however, the game ended near 2 in the morning and my flight was at 6:30, so I just went straight to Logan airport and slept there for a few hours.
I slept on the flight home, landed back in Baltimore a little after 8 in the morning, and was home in time for church.
After service, I slept all day Sunday.
Baseball, what a game.
Too bad it will probably be my last baseball excursion of the year; alas, what a year it has been.
Cleveland Indians vs. Boston Red Sox: Game Two - ALCS Fenway Park
I'll have a story on my trip later, I just got home and I am trying to get other things done here along with thoughts of the playoffs.
Leo Mazzone is no longer the pitching coach of the Baltimore Orioles. I’m heading to Boston to catch game two of the ALCS, but I wanted to talk a little about what happened yesterday since my free time has been at a minimum this week.Well, Andy MacPhail ia making his presence known, and as Tom Treblehorn alluded to, changes would be coming.
A half an hour ago, the Baltimore Sun reported that Leo Mazzone has been relieved of his duties as pitching coach of the Baltimore Orioles.
After two years as the Orioles pitching coach, Leo Mazzone has been fired with one year remaining on his deal.
The club made the announcement this afternoon in a news release.
"I spoke with Leo today and told him I appreciated his efforts here," said manager Dave Trembley in the release. "Moving forward, I felt that we would be better served with someone else working with our young staff and that it was in his best interests and our best interests to give him an opportunity to look elsewhere now."
“This is the way I see it,” Ortiz said. “Every organization is like the human body. You have a head that, if you mess around with it, everything just goes down at the same time. I think Joe Torre is the head of that organization right there.”
“There’s no doubt about it, he’s one of the best managers in baseball,” Ortiz said. “It’s because the way they played the first two months, and going through injuries, and going through everybody apart, and end up being in the playoffs, you got to give him a lot of credit. You need to have a good head to keep the body together that way. And I think he did.”
Ortiz is irked that the Yankees are not expected to make a decision on Torre until they hold organizational meetings in Tampa, Fla. He said that the Yankees “need to give the man respect” in how they dealt with Torre’s future.
Ortiz said that Torre, who has helped lead the Yankees into the playoffs for 12 consecutive years, might have done his best job this season because he prevented the Yankees from “falling apart.” With or without Torre, the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry will continue. But if Torre is gone, Ortiz said, that will favor Boston.
“I tell you what, if he doesn’t come back to the Yankees, they’re going to feel that next year somewhere,” Ortiz said. “I’m telling you that right now. The guy, he knows what he’s doing. To tell you the truth, he plays to win.”
