Well folks, our month together has come to an end. We set out to preview every team in baseball before Opening Day and made it just in time. It wasn't always easy to stay objective. There were times we wanted to tear a team a new one (Yankees, Angels). There were times we wanted to coddle and promote a team (Pirates, A's). And there were times when we wanted to stop writing altogether and go watch 30 Rock because we knew that literally no one following this blog gave a rat's behind about that particular team (Astros, Royals, teams from Ohio).
Nonetheless, we persevered. And our fantasy teams are stronger because of it. We now have an entire season ahead of us to sit back and see how many of our worst case scenarios come true.
To put closure on this long, strange trip, Eric and I are each going to briefly share our predictions for the coming season's Division winners and player award recipients.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Stuck on Repeat / MLB Preview: San Francisco Giants
As Michael Jackson once said, this is it. The final team on the final day before the 2011 regular season.
Close your eyes and imagine you're in Heaven. What's it like? Who is there? How do you spend your time? How are you reading this if your eyes are closed? Are there any horse socks?
Ok, now open them. What did it look like to you?
When you Google image search "Heaven", you get some interesting results. My favorite was this:
Close your eyes and imagine you're in Heaven. What's it like? Who is there? How do you spend your time? How are you reading this if your eyes are closed? Are there any horse socks?
Ok, now open them. What did it look like to you?
When you Google image search "Heaven", you get some interesting results. My favorite was this:
For any fan of the San Francisco Giants, Heaven looked like November 1, 2010. It looked like Brian Wilson firing a 3-2 cutter past Nelson Cruz. It looked like the pandemonium outside AT&T Park, where fans gathered to light toiled paper on fire, throw corn tortillas in the air and other things celebratory mobs do. It looked like a million people packing Market St. and skipping an entire afternoon of work and not feeling an ounce of guilt. It looked like watching the World Series games on DVD so many times that your girlfriend thought a new baseball season had already started.
Monday, March 28, 2011
MLB Preview: Oakland Athletics
We're here. We've made it. The promised land. The team at least one follower of this blog cares about. We're In This Thing proudly presents the Green and Gold, the Swingin' A's, the Oakland Athletics.
I was a bit inspired reading Frank's Pirates post. In 1992 the A's won the AL West at 96-66. In 1993, they went 68-94. It was a bit of a turnaround, to say the least. They reached their low in 1997 at 65-97. But there was hope on the 1997 team in the presence of then LF/1B Jason Giambi and September callup shortstop Miguel Tejada. By 98 they added another kid in third baseman Eric Chavez, and by 1999 a dynasty was born. So, why were the A's able to turn it around in 7 years, while the Pirates are working on their 20th losing season? Moneyball.
Of course, there were bumps along the road. This guy was once a number 1 starter and top prospect.
I was a bit inspired reading Frank's Pirates post. In 1992 the A's won the AL West at 96-66. In 1993, they went 68-94. It was a bit of a turnaround, to say the least. They reached their low in 1997 at 65-97. But there was hope on the 1997 team in the presence of then LF/1B Jason Giambi and September callup shortstop Miguel Tejada. By 98 they added another kid in third baseman Eric Chavez, and by 1999 a dynasty was born. So, why were the A's able to turn it around in 7 years, while the Pirates are working on their 20th losing season? Moneyball.
Of course, there were bumps along the road. This guy was once a number 1 starter and top prospect.
MLB Preview: Pittsburgh Pirates
1992 was quite a year.
War broke out in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sinead O'Connor tore up a picture of the Pope on Saturday Night Live. Princess Diana and Prince Charles announced their divorce. Miley Cyrus was born.
It was also the last year the Pittsburgh Pirates were above .500 to finish a baseball season. I was five years old.
The Pirates have endured an unprecedented streak of futility. Their eighteen consecutive losing seasons is the longest such streak in the history of professional sports in America.
Think of it this way -- The Yankees haven't had a single losing season since 1992. The Giants have finished above .500 11 times since 1992. Hell, even the Royals have finished above .500 twice since then.
But let's plug our noses and dig even a little deeper. The Buccos haven't just finished below .500. They haven't finished with more than 68 wins since 2004. That's at least 94 losses for the last six years. They've finished either dead last or second to last in the NL Central for the past seven seasons. They've finished with fewer than 70 wins 11 times in the past 18 seasons.
And I say all this as a Pirates fan. I've had this logo hanging in my bedroom since age 4.
War broke out in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sinead O'Connor tore up a picture of the Pope on Saturday Night Live. Princess Diana and Prince Charles announced their divorce. Miley Cyrus was born.
It was also the last year the Pittsburgh Pirates were above .500 to finish a baseball season. I was five years old.
The Pirates have endured an unprecedented streak of futility. Their eighteen consecutive losing seasons is the longest such streak in the history of professional sports in America.
Think of it this way -- The Yankees haven't had a single losing season since 1992. The Giants have finished above .500 11 times since 1992. Hell, even the Royals have finished above .500 twice since then.
But let's plug our noses and dig even a little deeper. The Buccos haven't just finished below .500. They haven't finished with more than 68 wins since 2004. That's at least 94 losses for the last six years. They've finished either dead last or second to last in the NL Central for the past seven seasons. They've finished with fewer than 70 wins 11 times in the past 18 seasons.
And I say all this as a Pirates fan. I've had this logo hanging in my bedroom since age 4.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Giants Baseball vs. Jersey Shore
I've got some good news.
Season 3 of Jersey Shore is finally over. No more Ronnie. No more Sammie. No more Crocodilly.
Also, this is the last Sunday we'll be without Major League Baseball for the next six months. If Duke losing doesn't make you smile, hopefully that will.
The Giants have had a turbulent last few days of Spring Training. Brian Wilson has pitched only 5 Cactus League innings as a result of back and oblique issues. Cody Ross, one of the few outfielders with his starting job secured, will be on the shelf as least three weeks with a strained/torn calf muscle. And while it likely means little in the grand scheme of things, it's no fun seeing Timmy, Cain and Bumgarner all get shelled.
But all things considered, the Giants seem to be in pretty good shape heading home from Arizona. While the Ross injury is disconcerting, outfield is at least where the Giants have the most depth. While I have no insider knowledge on the situation (Mike), the consensus gut feeling seems to be that Brandon Belt will start the season in AAA, keeping Huff at first and moving Torres to right during Ross' absence.
Season 3 of Jersey Shore is finally over. No more Ronnie. No more Sammie. No more Crocodilly.
Also, this is the last Sunday we'll be without Major League Baseball for the next six months. If Duke losing doesn't make you smile, hopefully that will.
The Giants have had a turbulent last few days of Spring Training. Brian Wilson has pitched only 5 Cactus League innings as a result of back and oblique issues. Cody Ross, one of the few outfielders with his starting job secured, will be on the shelf as least three weeks with a strained/torn calf muscle. And while it likely means little in the grand scheme of things, it's no fun seeing Timmy, Cain and Bumgarner all get shelled.
But all things considered, the Giants seem to be in pretty good shape heading home from Arizona. While the Ross injury is disconcerting, outfield is at least where the Giants have the most depth. While I have no insider knowledge on the situation (Mike), the consensus gut feeling seems to be that Brandon Belt will start the season in AAA, keeping Huff at first and moving Torres to right during Ross' absence.
Friday, March 25, 2011
MLB Preview: New York Yankees
Those of you who know me know that I am not a traditionally religious person. But, I ask for one thing every year: that the Yankees do not win the American League. They've done it 40 out of 108 possible times. Almost 2/5 of Octobers have seen the New York Yankees in the World series, and they've won it 27 times. Lord, I hate the Yankees.
The Yankees have been very fortunate. They play in New York, and they use it to their advantage. Since 1920, they've fielded some of the best players to ever wear a uniform. Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle, Berra, Maris, Rizzuto, Ford, Munson, Stengel. They Field an amazing all star team at almost every position. Of course, all those names were before Steinbrenner. Maybe I don't hate the Yankees. Maybe I just hate George Steinbrenner.
The Yankees have been very fortunate. They play in New York, and they use it to their advantage. Since 1920, they've fielded some of the best players to ever wear a uniform. Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle, Berra, Maris, Rizzuto, Ford, Munson, Stengel. They Field an amazing all star team at almost every position. Of course, all those names were before Steinbrenner. Maybe I don't hate the Yankees. Maybe I just hate George Steinbrenner.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
MLB Preview: Philadelphia Phillies
Sliced bread is pretty darn good.
But we now have something even better: Tasty Kake -- I mean, the 2011 Philadelphia Phillies.
I can remember the exact moment I learned Cliff Lee signed with the Phillies. I followed the Winter Meetings closely and was excited to hear where he wound up. A Giants fan, I was simply thankful he was staying in the American League, be it in Los Angeles, New York or Texas. Just keep him the heck out of my league.
The news came to me in a late night text message from Eric: “Lee to Phillies. Holy S***.”
My mouth dropped. I was literally stunned. Quickly the shock turned to awe, then from awe to anger. It just didn’t seem fair. I never really understood Eric’s hatred toward the Yankees. Now I knew. The National League had its Yankees.
But we now have something even better: Tasty Kake -- I mean, the 2011 Philadelphia Phillies.
I can remember the exact moment I learned Cliff Lee signed with the Phillies. I followed the Winter Meetings closely and was excited to hear where he wound up. A Giants fan, I was simply thankful he was staying in the American League, be it in Los Angeles, New York or Texas. Just keep him the heck out of my league.
The news came to me in a late night text message from Eric: “Lee to Phillies. Holy S***.”
My mouth dropped. I was literally stunned. Quickly the shock turned to awe, then from awe to anger. It just didn’t seem fair. I never really understood Eric’s hatred toward the Yankees. Now I knew. The National League had its Yankees.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
MLB Preview: Boston Red Sox
Da Sawks! We've made it to the team who looks to be the preseason favorite to win the American League. I'd have to agree, the Red Sox will be a tough team to beat in 2011. But I'd also have to admit, that the new Sox sadden me.
Before 2004, the Red Sox were lovable losers. So many horrible things happened to the Red Sox between 1918 and 2004 to keep them from winning a World Championship. There was Bill Buckner's boot. There was Fisk's home run, in my opinion one of the most beautiful moments in baseball history. Really, I get chills every time I watch that. But of course, then they lost game 7. Then, there was Bucky Dent.
Before 2004, the Red Sox were lovable losers. So many horrible things happened to the Red Sox between 1918 and 2004 to keep them from winning a World Championship. There was Bill Buckner's boot. There was Fisk's home run, in my opinion one of the most beautiful moments in baseball history. Really, I get chills every time I watch that. But of course, then they lost game 7. Then, there was Bucky Dent.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Don't Cry for Me Juan Uribe / MLB Preview: Los Angeles Dodgers
I will never forget the Jazz Hands.
I will never forget that man, swinging with all his might. Hacking at pitches a foot outside, whiffing so hard he fell to the ground.
But oh, when he made contact. The ball would leap to Left Field as if it were shot out of a cannon. No-doubters taylor made for Duane Kuiper's home-run call. His low, swooping swing connecting on a slow curve ball -- it's an image I will never forget.
But most of all, I will remember The Sac-Fly. And I will remember the home-run in Game 6, kicking my chair back at Raleigh's and watching in disbelief as the ball sailed into the first row. Uribe never went opposite field. But he did that night.
Here it is.
But then on a November afternoon, everything changed.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Final Desert Report
Well, it's finally time for me to leave the land of Cacti. I was only able to catch one more game after my previous post, a 4-2 ninth inning win by the D-backs over the A's. So, some final thoughts.
MLB Preview: Texas Rangers
The reigning AL Champs only went as pick number 8 in our draft, but they're ready to repeat in 2011, take it to the bank. More on this story later.
Like right now!
In 2010, the Rangers finally reached relevance. It only took almost 50 years. But hey, with Nolan Ryan calling the shots, who thought it wouldn't finally go their way.
Like right now!
In 2010, the Rangers finally reached relevance. It only took almost 50 years. But hey, with Nolan Ryan calling the shots, who thought it wouldn't finally go their way.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Desert Report: 3/19
As some of you may be aware, I've been in Phoenix for the past few days catching some spring ball. I'll post final thoughts later in the week, but here's what I've seen so far.
First, if you are not aware, Phoenix in March is absolutely beautiful. If you have the means, I highly recommend it. Second, I am getting more and more excited for baseball.
First, if you are not aware, Phoenix in March is absolutely beautiful. If you have the means, I highly recommend it. Second, I am getting more and more excited for baseball.
Friday, March 18, 2011
MLB Preview: Colorado Rockies
"F***ing juiced ball, that's bullsh**"
Well said, Timmy. Great Story. Compelling and Rich.
As we all know, Tim Lincecum has a soft spot for the f-bomb, and this particular expletive-laden outburst came in a September 2010 bout against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
You can see it clearly. Timmy rubs up the ball. Thinks to himself, "Hmm, doesn't feel right." Asks for a new ball, and then let's the world know how he feels about the Rockies' "humidor."
Well said, Timmy. Great Story. Compelling and Rich.
As we all know, Tim Lincecum has a soft spot for the f-bomb, and this particular expletive-laden outburst came in a September 2010 bout against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
You can see it clearly. Timmy rubs up the ball. Thinks to himself, "Hmm, doesn't feel right." Asks for a new ball, and then let's the world know how he feels about the Rockies' "humidor."
Now, you may be asking, "What's a humidor?" Well, it is not a fancy piece of meteorology equipment. Nor is it a type of bull fighter. No, a humidor is a temperature controlled room deep in the tunnels of Coors Field filled with hundreds of baseballs. The purpose of the humidor is to counteract Denver's mile-high thin air that makes baseballs travel farther in the air. The humidor's job is to soak baseballs in enough humid air that they don't explode off a bat quite as easily. And up until last season, this humidor and the management of balls coming out of it, was left entirely to the Rockies organization.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Our National Championship
Let the games begin.
Our country has a lot of great sports traditions. The Super Bowl, College Football Bowl Season and Opening Day to name just a few. But none of them come close to the glory that is the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament -- March Madness and our one true national championship.
I don't think I really understood the significance of the Tournament until I saw the effect it has on the American workplace. Even if just for a few weeks, the LEED certified high rises in San Francisco become a veritable 12-year-old boys' clubhouse. The banter at the automated coffee machine is at an all-time high. After a few days, you see so many college-theme polo shirts that you memorize every co-worker's alma mater. And that woman from Finance who has never even made eye contact with you let alone speak to you all of a sudden comes to your cube and asks in her low, hushed voice, "Hey. Who you got coming out of the Southwest?"
"Huh?? Oh, Kansas."
Our country has a lot of great sports traditions. The Super Bowl, College Football Bowl Season and Opening Day to name just a few. But none of them come close to the glory that is the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament -- March Madness and our one true national championship.
I don't think I really understood the significance of the Tournament until I saw the effect it has on the American workplace. Even if just for a few weeks, the LEED certified high rises in San Francisco become a veritable 12-year-old boys' clubhouse. The banter at the automated coffee machine is at an all-time high. After a few days, you see so many college-theme polo shirts that you memorize every co-worker's alma mater. And that woman from Finance who has never even made eye contact with you let alone speak to you all of a sudden comes to your cube and asks in her low, hushed voice, "Hey. Who you got coming out of the Southwest?"
"Huh?? Oh, Kansas."
MLB Preview: Los Angeles Angels
Well, we've made it to our final ten franchises in our MLB preview. It's been a bit of a ride so far, hasn't it? Well, don't expect it to let you down, as today we head down south to Anaheim, CA, home of the Los Angeles Angels. Talk about your identity crisis, these guys aren't even sure where the play home games.
And now, I ask you to feast your eyes on this!
And now, I ask you to feast your eyes on this!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
MLB Preview: St. Louis Cardinals
Baseball is a fickle game. Just when you think you're poised for greatness, the game can strike you down. You're at the starting line of the marathon that is the baseball season. You're lacing up your shoes, stretching out your hammies. Ready to win it all. You trained for months, ate right, took all precautions to avoid chaffing. And what happens?
The baseball gods give you severe constipation and a swollen ankle the morning of the race. And then a pigeon craps on your head while waiting for the starting gun.
Such is the current state of the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cards came into Spring Training as favorites to win the NL Central. Loaded with perennial Cy Young candidates and superstar hitters, the Cardinals were ready for their marathon. And then came the pigeon.
The baseball gods give you severe constipation and a swollen ankle the morning of the race. And then a pigeon craps on your head while waiting for the starting gun.
Such is the current state of the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cards came into Spring Training as favorites to win the NL Central. Loaded with perennial Cy Young candidates and superstar hitters, the Cardinals were ready for their marathon. And then came the pigeon.
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Tuesday, March 15, 2011
MLB Preview: Chicago Cubs
The Cubbies. How they always warm our hearts with their cute hi-jinks and never say die attitude. They are possibly one of the hardest franchises to dislike when you live on the west coast. Why? Because they never win.
The Cubs are the franchise that has gone the longest since winning a World Series. They did it last in 1908, after having won the previous one as well. They were at that point one of the best franchises around, centering on their talented infielders, Joe Tinker, Johnny Evers, and Frank Chance. So much so, that a Giant fan even wrote a poem about them:
These are the saddest of possible words:
"Tinker to Evers to Chance."
Trio of bear cubs, and fleeter than birds,
Tinker and Evers and Chance.
Ruthlessly pricking our gonfalon bubble,
Making a Giant hit into a double –
Words that are heavy with nothing but trouble:
"Tinker to Evers to Chance."
The Cubs are the franchise that has gone the longest since winning a World Series. They did it last in 1908, after having won the previous one as well. They were at that point one of the best franchises around, centering on their talented infielders, Joe Tinker, Johnny Evers, and Frank Chance. So much so, that a Giant fan even wrote a poem about them:
These are the saddest of possible words:
"Tinker to Evers to Chance."
Trio of bear cubs, and fleeter than birds,
Tinker and Evers and Chance.
Ruthlessly pricking our gonfalon bubble,
Making a Giant hit into a double –
Words that are heavy with nothing but trouble:
"Tinker to Evers to Chance."
Monday, March 14, 2011
Athletes' Empty Apologies
It seems like at least every other week, a professional athlete says something stupid on Twitter. It happens all the time. Athletes tweet things about other athletes faking injuries, or about celebrities, or in the most recent case, the disaster in Japan.
Now I don't have a problem with athletes tweeting stupid things. That's bound to happen. We all say stupid things at times. And many athlete's use Twitter like Kleenex to dispose of whatever random crap is filling their head so the odds are a lot higher.
What I have a problem with is their apologies. Their fake, empty and completely ridiculous apologies that are supposed to somehow distance themselves from any bad intentions and paint the whole thing as a big misunderstanding.
What really irks me? One line found in every single one of those empty apologies: "I didn't realize anyone would take offense."
Case in point: As reported by ESPN, WNBA player Cappie Pondexter unloads the following tweets in the days after last week's earthquake and tsunami in Japan:
Now I don't have a problem with athletes tweeting stupid things. That's bound to happen. We all say stupid things at times. And many athlete's use Twitter like Kleenex to dispose of whatever random crap is filling their head so the odds are a lot higher.
What I have a problem with is their apologies. Their fake, empty and completely ridiculous apologies that are supposed to somehow distance themselves from any bad intentions and paint the whole thing as a big misunderstanding.
What really irks me? One line found in every single one of those empty apologies: "I didn't realize anyone would take offense."
Case in point: As reported by ESPN, WNBA player Cappie Pondexter unloads the following tweets in the days after last week's earthquake and tsunami in Japan:
MLB Preview: Detroit Tigers
This isn't New York City. Or the Windy City. Or Sin City. And it's certainly no one's emerald city. My final foray into the American League takes us to the Motor City. Chrysler is back and so are the Detroit Tigers.
Detroit has had a tough go of it lately. Beyond the city's economy being reduced to dust after the collapse of the American auto industry, Detroit's sports landscape has been similarly bleak. It's a shame. Detroit is one of America's great sports cities. It features teams with storied histories from every major pro sport as well as some of the proudest fans this country has to offer. Michigan as a whole is just great. Need proof? Enjoy the greatest video ever made -- 1986 Oscar winner for Best Documentary (Short Subject):
Ok, back to Detroit's sports legacy. The Detroit Red Wings, one of the NHL's original six, are nothing short of hockey's Yankees. The Detroit Lions have been around 1929, winning 4 NFL championships in the pre-Super Bowl era. The Detroit Pistons joined the NBA in 1941 and featured one of the most iconic teams in league history in the Bad Boys. Plus they beat the Lakers for the 2004 NBA title, which is always good.
Detroit has had a tough go of it lately. Beyond the city's economy being reduced to dust after the collapse of the American auto industry, Detroit's sports landscape has been similarly bleak. It's a shame. Detroit is one of America's great sports cities. It features teams with storied histories from every major pro sport as well as some of the proudest fans this country has to offer. Michigan as a whole is just great. Need proof? Enjoy the greatest video ever made -- 1986 Oscar winner for Best Documentary (Short Subject):
Friday, March 11, 2011
MLB Preview: Chicago White Sox
Remember the 2005 World Series? Not many people do outside of Chicago. Not much drama. But it was the South Siders' first World Series title since 1917, and first appearance since 1959. After a controversial dropped third strike catapulted AJ Pierzynski in White Sox lore and the White Sox in to the series, they swept NL Wild Card winner Houston to bring the World Series trophy to the South Side. It was a big deal, it broke the Black Sox curse.
In 1919, players of the Chicago White Sox lost the World Series on purpose in a betting scheme. They were found out, and eight players, including slugger "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, were banned from baseball forever. Charlie Sheen starred in "Eight Men Out", an awesome movie on this subject. I wonder if he had Tiger Blood back then.
In 1919, players of the Chicago White Sox lost the World Series on purpose in a betting scheme. They were found out, and eight players, including slugger "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, were banned from baseball forever. Charlie Sheen starred in "Eight Men Out", an awesome movie on this subject. I wonder if he had Tiger Blood back then.
Devastation in Japan Puts Sports in Perspective
As I turned on the TV last night and started watching the horrific images coming from Japan, I almost didn't want to admit how much time in the past months I'd spent thinking about Pablo Sandoval's weight. Or how many hours I spent agonizing over Ben Roethlisberger's failed final drive at the end of the Super Bowl. Or even how much joy I got from the Giants' World Series win last November.
I'm not going to sit here and say sports don't mean anything, because they do. They mean a lot to a lot of people, myself included. They play a big role in our society, how we relate to each other and even how we feel about ourselves.
But it's times like this that we need to take a step back and see the big picture. And in the big picture, slugging percentage doesn't really matter.
I'm not going to sit here and say sports don't mean anything, because they do. They mean a lot to a lot of people, myself included. They play a big role in our society, how we relate to each other and even how we feel about ourselves.
But it's times like this that we need to take a step back and see the big picture. And in the big picture, slugging percentage doesn't really matter.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
MLB Preview: Atlanta Braves
Down 2 to 1. Bottom of the 9th. Two outs. Bases loaded. A crack of the bat. Base hit into Left Field. One run scores, winning run rounds third. A throw from Left. A slide, a tag, an umpire.
Safe. Safe at the plate.
With that, the Atlanta Braves beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-2 in Game 7 of the 1992 NLCS. Since that day, the Pirates haven't had a single winning season.
To this day, when I think of the Atlanta Braves, that's the image that enters my brain. I used to watch the highlights from that game over and over and over on a video tape called "The Year in Sports 1992" that came with our Sports Illustrated subscription that year. I literally wore out the film. I can still hear the announcer's voice as he yelled, "Safe at the plate!" in a Dave Flemming voice crack. I can still see the Braves dog-piling on top of Sid Bream at home plate.
The real video is here: http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=13062933. Here's what's on YouTube:
Safe. Safe at the plate.
With that, the Atlanta Braves beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-2 in Game 7 of the 1992 NLCS. Since that day, the Pirates haven't had a single winning season.
To this day, when I think of the Atlanta Braves, that's the image that enters my brain. I used to watch the highlights from that game over and over and over on a video tape called "The Year in Sports 1992" that came with our Sports Illustrated subscription that year. I literally wore out the film. I can still hear the announcer's voice as he yelled, "Safe at the plate!" in a Dave Flemming voice crack. I can still see the Braves dog-piling on top of Sid Bream at home plate.
The real video is here: http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=13062933. Here's what's on YouTube:
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
MLB Preview: Cincinnati Reds
Frank got to make the journey from New York to Minnesota, I get to stay in the great state of Ohio! Let's think of good things that have come from Ohio. Got any? John Glenn? OK 1. How about things from the last 15 years? Lebron doesn't count, he took his talents to South Beach. How about the Reds?! Yeah! The Reds, team motto: "Hey, at least we aren't the Indians." The Reds have even won a national championship in the last 25 years! Absolutely fantastic. 1990 was a good year in Ohio! Look how happy Chris Sabo was about it.
And check out those goggles, definitely on the cutting edge of fashion. Did you realize Chris Sabo won the NL Rookie of the Year in 1988? Full disclosure, I did not.
And check out those goggles, definitely on the cutting edge of fashion. Did you realize Chris Sabo won the NL Rookie of the Year in 1988? Full disclosure, I did not.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
MLB Preview: Minnesota Twins
Today marks a big day for us here at We're In This Thing. No, it's not our one year anniversary. No, we didn't just sell the blog to ESPN. And no, Eric and I didn't get in a major spat over who invented WITT™ and are now counter-suing one other for $300 million.
We look forward to those days, but for now, we're satisfied celebrating the true beginning of our 30 for 30 MLB Countdown. Our first 13 entries have been fun, but baring some sort of miracle, none of those teams are going to be serious contenders for the World Series in 2011.
From here on out, every team we highlight has a legitimate chance of winning their division and making a deep playoff run. Now you may be saying, "Hey, wait a minute. What about the Pirates? " To which I say, "You're right." They're my second favorite team so I picked them second in our draft. Baring some sort of divine intervention or natural disaster in which locusts attack every MLB city besides Pittsburgh, it is unlikely the Pirates will make the playoffs in 2011.
Our upper echelon begins with perhaps the most unassuming defending division champ in all of baseball -- the Minnesota Twins.
We look forward to those days, but for now, we're satisfied celebrating the true beginning of our 30 for 30 MLB Countdown. Our first 13 entries have been fun, but baring some sort of miracle, none of those teams are going to be serious contenders for the World Series in 2011.
From here on out, every team we highlight has a legitimate chance of winning their division and making a deep playoff run. Now you may be saying, "Hey, wait a minute. What about the Pirates? " To which I say, "You're right." They're my second favorite team so I picked them second in our draft. Baring some sort of divine intervention or natural disaster in which locusts attack every MLB city besides Pittsburgh, it is unlikely the Pirates will make the playoffs in 2011.
Our upper echelon begins with perhaps the most unassuming defending division champ in all of baseball -- the Minnesota Twins.
Monday, March 7, 2011
World Series Game 6 tonight on CSN Bay Area!
Don't worry, the World Series is actually over. The Giants still won. Take a deep breath.
But in the spirit of good-natured exhibitions games, the Giants take on the Texas Ranger in a rematch of last year's Fall Classic. The game will be broadcast on CSN Bay Area with first pitch at 6:05pm PST.
You're not likely to see quite the same intensity as last October. It's even less likely that you'll see Ian Kinsler hit a homerun bounce off the top of a wall and fly straight back for a double. But nonetheless, I'm sure the Rangers will enjoy getting another crack at the Black and Orange.
Courtesy of Henry Schulman at the San Francisco Chronicle, here are the projected starting lineups:
For the Rangers: Kinsler 2B, Andrus SS, Hamilton LF, Cruz RF, Young DH, Moreland 1B, Torrealba C, Davis 3B, Borbon CF.
For the Giants: Torres CF, Sanchez 2B, Sandoval 3b, Ross RF, Burrell LF, DeRosa SS, Belt 1B, Ishikawa DH, Stewart C.
Alexi Ogando will be pitching for the Rangers, while Jonathan Sanchez will go for the Giants.
I know it's only exhibition and it'll likely turn into a AA game by the 6th inning, but it'll be a lot of fun to see those two teams on the field together again.
It happened so recently that maybe it's impossible to truly appreciate it now. But these names, the colors, the faces -- these are the things we're going to remember when we look back on 2010 many years from now. Those 5 glorious games last fall when all our dreams came true.
But in the spirit of good-natured exhibitions games, the Giants take on the Texas Ranger in a rematch of last year's Fall Classic. The game will be broadcast on CSN Bay Area with first pitch at 6:05pm PST.
You're not likely to see quite the same intensity as last October. It's even less likely that you'll see Ian Kinsler hit a homerun bounce off the top of a wall and fly straight back for a double. But nonetheless, I'm sure the Rangers will enjoy getting another crack at the Black and Orange.
Courtesy of Henry Schulman at the San Francisco Chronicle, here are the projected starting lineups:
For the Rangers: Kinsler 2B, Andrus SS, Hamilton LF, Cruz RF, Young DH, Moreland 1B, Torrealba C, Davis 3B, Borbon CF.
For the Giants: Torres CF, Sanchez 2B, Sandoval 3b, Ross RF, Burrell LF, DeRosa SS, Belt 1B, Ishikawa DH, Stewart C.
Alexi Ogando will be pitching for the Rangers, while Jonathan Sanchez will go for the Giants.
I know it's only exhibition and it'll likely turn into a AA game by the 6th inning, but it'll be a lot of fun to see those two teams on the field together again.
It happened so recently that maybe it's impossible to truly appreciate it now. But these names, the colors, the faces -- these are the things we're going to remember when we look back on 2010 many years from now. Those 5 glorious games last fall when all our dreams came true.
Update from the Desert: Oakland A's
After 10 games in the desert, the A's are 4-6. Not terribly impressive, but there are still things to be excited about.
For the most part, they're healthy. This team possibly can't be snakebitten for a third year in a row, right? With small exceptions, everyone is coming along, everyone is playing, and, from the reports I've read from people who actually get to be down their instead of in an office listening to games, everyone is having fun.
For the most part, they're healthy. This team possibly can't be snakebitten for a third year in a row, right? With small exceptions, everyone is coming along, everyone is playing, and, from the reports I've read from people who actually get to be down their instead of in an office listening to games, everyone is having fun.
MLB Preview: Cleveland Indians
To begin, let's watch a movie trailer:
Cleveland is the most unfortunate American sports city. The Cavaliers, Browns, and Indians have played a combined 156 seasons without a championship. The Indians were the last franchise in Cleveland to win a national championship. It was in 1948. In 1948 Harry Truman was president, the nightly newscast was founded, and it was still fashionable to refer to the Indians logo as "Chief Wahoo" and depict it like this:
Cleveland is the most unfortunate American sports city. The Cavaliers, Browns, and Indians have played a combined 156 seasons without a championship. The Indians were the last franchise in Cleveland to win a national championship. It was in 1948. In 1948 Harry Truman was president, the nightly newscast was founded, and it was still fashionable to refer to the Indians logo as "Chief Wahoo" and depict it like this:
Friday, March 4, 2011
Giants' Bats on Fire: Posey's HR Leaves Earth's Atmosphere
I know, I know. It's only Spring Training.
But one can't help but be excited at how well the Giants are hitting in Spring Training and how many different players are getting involved.
Posey, Sandoval, Sanchez, DeRosa, Rowand -- ok, not Rowand. But heck, even Darren Ford hit one out! That was the first extra base hit since junior high!
Posey's homerun yesterday was something you really had to see to believe. Unfortunately, video of the homerun must have also contained U.S. Foreign Policy secrets as it is literally nowhere to be found on the internet. Not CSN.com, not ESPN.com, not MLB.com, not YouTube. I saw it on Sportscenter last night, so I know the footage exists. Sigh, just another example of the Man trying to put us down.
To circumvent the Man, I'll just describe what I saw, like in the days before moving pictures. Posey crushed what looked to be a high fastball with that incredibly even swing of his. Buster never seems to straight pull the ball, like Uribe used to do and you just knew it was gone (*respect*). But you could tell from Posey's arms how hard he clobbered this sucker. He hit it to dead center field, where the wall itself is 410 feet. Beyond the fence was a tall wall, and the ball cleared it. Let me put it this way, the Giant Glove at AT&T Park is 500 feet from home plate. 50 more feet and Posey's in the glove.
And let's be real -- where does someone hitting a ball into the glove and everyone yelling "OUT!" rank on the "List of things I'd love to see at AT&T Park but never will"? It has to be Top 3. Just being seeing a controversial replay on the jumbo-tron and Coughran's idea of showing a clip of Gandalf shouting "THOU SHALT NOT PASS" when Brian Wilson enters the game for a save.
"He crushed it," De La Rosa, the pitcher, said. "That's the longest home run [given up] in all my career." With a 2 for 2 day, Posey brought his Spring Training batting average up to .700.
Brandon Belt just joined the hit parade as well, launching his own tater just a few minutes ago. Those in the know now seem pretty sure that Belt will start in AAA Fresno, and that's fine with me. Belt has excelled immediately everywhere he's gone and Mike Krukow made a good point that you don't want a guy's first prolonged slump to occur when he first enters the Big Leagues. It can seriously mess with his confidence. He should spend some time in Fresno, work out any kinks he still has in his game and then ride into San Francisco on a shining snow-white steed, much like Buster did. When Belt comes up, they want him to be up for good.
And to anyone who's worried the Giants are going to keep Belt in Fres-yes too long "like they did with Posey", remind yourselves: we won the World Series. I'd say everything went according to plan. You have to give management the benefit of the doubt and trust they're making the right decision again.
But one can't help but be excited at how well the Giants are hitting in Spring Training and how many different players are getting involved.
Posey, Sandoval, Sanchez, DeRosa, Rowand -- ok, not Rowand. But heck, even Darren Ford hit one out! That was the first extra base hit since junior high!
Posey's homerun yesterday was something you really had to see to believe. Unfortunately, video of the homerun must have also contained U.S. Foreign Policy secrets as it is literally nowhere to be found on the internet. Not CSN.com, not ESPN.com, not MLB.com, not YouTube. I saw it on Sportscenter last night, so I know the footage exists. Sigh, just another example of the Man trying to put us down.
To circumvent the Man, I'll just describe what I saw, like in the days before moving pictures. Posey crushed what looked to be a high fastball with that incredibly even swing of his. Buster never seems to straight pull the ball, like Uribe used to do and you just knew it was gone (*respect*). But you could tell from Posey's arms how hard he clobbered this sucker. He hit it to dead center field, where the wall itself is 410 feet. Beyond the fence was a tall wall, and the ball cleared it. Let me put it this way, the Giant Glove at AT&T Park is 500 feet from home plate. 50 more feet and Posey's in the glove.
And let's be real -- where does someone hitting a ball into the glove and everyone yelling "OUT!" rank on the "List of things I'd love to see at AT&T Park but never will"? It has to be Top 3. Just being seeing a controversial replay on the jumbo-tron and Coughran's idea of showing a clip of Gandalf shouting "THOU SHALT NOT PASS" when Brian Wilson enters the game for a save.
"He crushed it," De La Rosa, the pitcher, said. "That's the longest home run [given up] in all my career." With a 2 for 2 day, Posey brought his Spring Training batting average up to .700.
Brandon Belt just joined the hit parade as well, launching his own tater just a few minutes ago. Those in the know now seem pretty sure that Belt will start in AAA Fresno, and that's fine with me. Belt has excelled immediately everywhere he's gone and Mike Krukow made a good point that you don't want a guy's first prolonged slump to occur when he first enters the Big Leagues. It can seriously mess with his confidence. He should spend some time in Fresno, work out any kinks he still has in his game and then ride into San Francisco on a shining snow-white steed, much like Buster did. When Belt comes up, they want him to be up for good.
And to anyone who's worried the Giants are going to keep Belt in Fres-yes too long "like they did with Posey", remind yourselves: we won the World Series. I'd say everything went according to plan. You have to give management the benefit of the doubt and trust they're making the right decision again.
MLB Preview: New York Mets
"So everything depends on how you push off, the course you set when you start. It means we're going to have to get very good at controlling our launches and rebounds or we're all going to end up floating around in the middle of nowhere. Ender looked around the room. A few of the boys were drifting close to the walls now, flailing their arms to catch a handhold. Most were bumping into each other and laughing; some were holding hands and going around in circles. Only a few, like Ender, were calmly holding onto the walls and watching."
Yes, I am reading Ender's Game. Yes, I am addicted. And yes, this passage applies perfectly to the New York Mets.
Yes, I am reading Ender's Game. Yes, I am addicted. And yes, this passage applies perfectly to the New York Mets.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
MLB Preview: Tampa Bay Rays
To begin, let's remember where this team was. In 2006, they were still the anti-religious Devil Rays, they played at the atrocious Tropicana Field, and their logo and colors looked like this:
Ok, I lied, that was the old days of 1999, it actually looked like this:
Wow. Good times. In 2006 awful manager Joe Maddon led the Rays to a record of 61-101. Only three players on the team, Carl Crawford, Ty Wigginton, and Damon Hollins appeared in more than 120 games. The lineup featured the aging Travis Lee and the great Toby Hall. Only Wigginton and Jonny Gomes (Petaluma's son) had over 20 home runs. It was a bleak time. The Devil Rays had been losers since their inception in 1998. Greg Vaughn, Vinny Castilla, Ben Grieve, Brent Abernathy, Aubrey Huff: all victims of a bad franchise in a bad town. Even last year, with a team playoff bound, was 22nd in average attendance. It was worse in 2006, when they were 29th, drawing a paltry 16,000 fans a game.
Ok, I lied, that was the old days of 1999, it actually looked like this:
Wow. Good times. In 2006 awful manager Joe Maddon led the Rays to a record of 61-101. Only three players on the team, Carl Crawford, Ty Wigginton, and Damon Hollins appeared in more than 120 games. The lineup featured the aging Travis Lee and the great Toby Hall. Only Wigginton and Jonny Gomes (Petaluma's son) had over 20 home runs. It was a bleak time. The Devil Rays had been losers since their inception in 1998. Greg Vaughn, Vinny Castilla, Ben Grieve, Brent Abernathy, Aubrey Huff: all victims of a bad franchise in a bad town. Even last year, with a team playoff bound, was 22nd in average attendance. It was worse in 2006, when they were 29th, drawing a paltry 16,000 fans a game.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
MLB Preview: Washington Nationals
Besides having far and way the best new Cap Logo of the last 30 years, the Washington Nationals have not accomplished very much in their first 6 seasons in our nation's capital. Since moving South from Montreal, the Nats have failed to finish above .500 (they went 81-81 in 2005) and have averaged only 69 wins per year.
But it's important to remember how new this team is in D.C. The Nationals have had to face the numerous off-field obstacles associated with starting a new team, and in that respect they've done pretty well. Most notably, they had a new ballpark built -- a gem right on the Anacostia River. An even bigger accomplishment was getting it named Nationals Park and not TD Ameritrade Verizon US Bank Park.
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| Nationals debate Walgreens on the topic of plagarizing W's. |
But it's important to remember how new this team is in D.C. The Nationals have had to face the numerous off-field obstacles associated with starting a new team, and in that respect they've done pretty well. Most notably, they had a new ballpark built -- a gem right on the Anacostia River. An even bigger accomplishment was getting it named Nationals Park and not TD Ameritrade Verizon US Bank Park.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Giants Cactus League Update
While Eric and I were at pub quiz last night, leading "Stuck Between a Rock and James Franco" to a respectable 3rd place finish, we discussed how hard it's going to be to condense our respective previews of the Giants and A's into a single post.
Coming up with 500 words on the Astros can be a bit like pulling teeth, but I'm sure we'll have no shortage of things to say about our own Boys of Summer.
In a preventative effort to keep my post on the Giants under 18,000 words, I'm going to spend some of my ammunition on a quick Cactus League Update.
Coming up with 500 words on the Astros can be a bit like pulling teeth, but I'm sure we'll have no shortage of things to say about our own Boys of Summer.
In a preventative effort to keep my post on the Giants under 18,000 words, I'm going to spend some of my ammunition on a quick Cactus League Update.
MLB Preview: Seattle Mariners
Sometimes writing about these hapless franchises makes one feel a little bit better about one's own hapless franchise. Two of the last three years, the Seattle Mariners have finished 61-101. The bright spot, 2009, they finished at a very respectable 85-77. So what has happened to keep them down? Why has the Emerald City never had a World Series team? Well.... it's not like they haven't tried. There have been some amazing teams and players there. The 1995 division series championship team may have been one of the best in the game. 2010, not so much. Long gone are Griffey, Martinez, and Johnson. Instead we're left with Gutierrez, Smoak, and Fister.
The clubhouse has not been very together. There has been managerial change. There has been Milton Bradley. There may have been some poor trades involving top prospects for players that leave the team quickly (re: Brenden Morrow). Actually, come to think of it, bad signings and trades have defined this team. Last year was supposed to be pitching and defense, but they quickly learned that isn't enough when you are relying on Ryan Rowland-Smith and an abysmal lineup. But, think of the busts. Bedard can't stay healthy. Johjima was less than advertised. Bradley is a waste of oxygen. This team finished last in batting average, at an anemic .236. They finished last in home runs, just getting over the century mark at 101. They finished last in runs with 513, 74 behind the 29th ranked Pirates, and 346 runs behind the Yankees, over 2 runs per game less. They were shut out 15 times. They scored only one run another 28 times. And San Francisco thinks watching the Giants is torture....
The clubhouse has not been very together. There has been managerial change. There has been Milton Bradley. There may have been some poor trades involving top prospects for players that leave the team quickly (re: Brenden Morrow). Actually, come to think of it, bad signings and trades have defined this team. Last year was supposed to be pitching and defense, but they quickly learned that isn't enough when you are relying on Ryan Rowland-Smith and an abysmal lineup. But, think of the busts. Bedard can't stay healthy. Johjima was less than advertised. Bradley is a waste of oxygen. This team finished last in batting average, at an anemic .236. They finished last in home runs, just getting over the century mark at 101. They finished last in runs with 513, 74 behind the 29th ranked Pirates, and 346 runs behind the Yankees, over 2 runs per game less. They were shut out 15 times. They scored only one run another 28 times. And San Francisco thinks watching the Giants is torture....
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