Mets have never had
Shortstop with such a career
Thus we hate on him
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Cry out. Just say it. Mercy. Where I coin a new baseball term...
HIGH AND TIGHT
Props to the Head Torturer in "Braveheart" for the title.
We are now approaching the end of my least favorite time of the baseball season, where championship play is suspended for several weeks so that "natural rivals", and some not so much, take part in Interleague play.
It's also the time of year where we see the spectacle of American League pitchers risk life and limb to take part in the carnival game of batting, as the DH is suspended in NL parks.
Tonight, for example, the Boston Red Sox have moved MVP candidate Adrian Gonzalez into the OF for the 2nd time in his career so that David Ortiz would not have to sit again.
The Yankees in 2008 were the special victims, as pitcher Chien-Ming Wang's career was permanently altered by a Lisfranc Sprain -- a severe injury to a joint in the top of the foot -- when scoring in Houston.
Yes, I am a fan of the Designated Hitter, given the alternative "strategery" provided by the pitcher hitting, adding a .125 (or worse) hitter in a key spot, effectively neutering the bottom of the lineup. Don't you love it when the .240 hitting shortstop or catcher batting 8th gets walked with 2 outs?
I have come up with an approriate name for this condition, for which I want full credit:
THE MERCY OUT
Yes, the Mercy Out. A free pass given to an ineffective pitcher, an opportunity to walk several hitters to get to face the other team's hurler, effectively grading the game on a curve.
15 years of Interleague Play has exposed this, in a number of ways:
- First, the large disparity in the records of the AL over the NL in American League parks, and National League teams are forced to DH a bench player or Minor call-up. Think Big Papi versus Daniel Murphy or Lucas Duda.
- The only league at any level of baseball where the pitcher still bats is the National League. Why not start at the top?
- If American League roster construction produces this much of a disparity, doesn't that make it a better roster? Stop shaking your head. And why not make them sit their 1st or 2nd best player for a week?
- The relegation of inferior pitching talent, i.e. "contact" pitchers, to the National League. American League teams, in dealing with more circular lineups, are forced to get more power pitchers who can miss some bats, and the NL gets the ground ball guys. Interesting stat of the day: in 2010, NL pitchers struck out 80 more hitters than AL despite having 2 more teams.
- "I think he might bunt now!" Really?
- "Wow, a double switch!" There's something you don't see every day!
National League fans are under the impression that owners in their league have been avoiding the DH to keep the rules pure. Really? Then why was it that skinflint Bud Selig's Brewers were the team to switch leagues? Could it have been for the drop in payroll achieved by eliminating the DH?
The National League almost had the DH, but for an "accident of history" in 1980. Due to low attendance, there was a vote taken of the teams on the DH, which needed 75% of the 12 teams to pass, 9 votes.
The Pittsburgh Pirates instructed GM Harding Peterson to do whatever their rivals, the Phillies did. GM Bill Giles represented Philadephia, while owner Ruly Carpenter was in Europe, and could not be reached. He instructed Giles to vote 'yes' on the original proposal.
As it happened though, there was an amendment involving roster construction, and Giles was unsure that he had the authority to vote in the affirmative, so he abstained. Peterson abstained as well. Their votes were counted as 'nay', and a 7-5 result in favor of the proposal, not enough to pass it.
So now you know the rest of the story.
Props to the Head Torturer in "Braveheart" for the title.
We are now approaching the end of my least favorite time of the baseball season, where championship play is suspended for several weeks so that "natural rivals", and some not so much, take part in Interleague play.
It's also the time of year where we see the spectacle of American League pitchers risk life and limb to take part in the carnival game of batting, as the DH is suspended in NL parks.
Tonight, for example, the Boston Red Sox have moved MVP candidate Adrian Gonzalez into the OF for the 2nd time in his career so that David Ortiz would not have to sit again.
The Yankees in 2008 were the special victims, as pitcher Chien-Ming Wang's career was permanently altered by a Lisfranc Sprain -- a severe injury to a joint in the top of the foot -- when scoring in Houston.
Yes, I am a fan of the Designated Hitter, given the alternative "strategery" provided by the pitcher hitting, adding a .125 (or worse) hitter in a key spot, effectively neutering the bottom of the lineup. Don't you love it when the .240 hitting shortstop or catcher batting 8th gets walked with 2 outs?
I have come up with an approriate name for this condition, for which I want full credit:
THE MERCY OUT
Yes, the Mercy Out. A free pass given to an ineffective pitcher, an opportunity to walk several hitters to get to face the other team's hurler, effectively grading the game on a curve.
15 years of Interleague Play has exposed this, in a number of ways:
- First, the large disparity in the records of the AL over the NL in American League parks, and National League teams are forced to DH a bench player or Minor call-up. Think Big Papi versus Daniel Murphy or Lucas Duda.
- The only league at any level of baseball where the pitcher still bats is the National League. Why not start at the top?
- If American League roster construction produces this much of a disparity, doesn't that make it a better roster? Stop shaking your head. And why not make them sit their 1st or 2nd best player for a week?
- The relegation of inferior pitching talent, i.e. "contact" pitchers, to the National League. American League teams, in dealing with more circular lineups, are forced to get more power pitchers who can miss some bats, and the NL gets the ground ball guys. Interesting stat of the day: in 2010, NL pitchers struck out 80 more hitters than AL despite having 2 more teams.
- "I think he might bunt now!" Really?
- "Wow, a double switch!" There's something you don't see every day!
National League fans are under the impression that owners in their league have been avoiding the DH to keep the rules pure. Really? Then why was it that skinflint Bud Selig's Brewers were the team to switch leagues? Could it have been for the drop in payroll achieved by eliminating the DH?
The National League almost had the DH, but for an "accident of history" in 1980. Due to low attendance, there was a vote taken of the teams on the DH, which needed 75% of the 12 teams to pass, 9 votes.
The Pittsburgh Pirates instructed GM Harding Peterson to do whatever their rivals, the Phillies did. GM Bill Giles represented Philadephia, while owner Ruly Carpenter was in Europe, and could not be reached. He instructed Giles to vote 'yes' on the original proposal.
As it happened though, there was an amendment involving roster construction, and Giles was unsure that he had the authority to vote in the affirmative, so he abstained. Peterson abstained as well. Their votes were counted as 'nay', and a 7-5 result in favor of the proposal, not enough to pass it.
So now you know the rest of the story.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Down In Front! Episode 4 - Replay 6/25/11
The episode of "Down In Front! that we broadcast live will be replayed on Saturday, June 25, 2011 @ 12 Noon on CTV Channel 34. It can be seen on Time Warner Cable Staten Island, and FiOS in Staten Island, Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Our next live show is scheduled for Wednesday 7/13 @ 8PM, and will focus on MLB's second half.
Our next live show is scheduled for Wednesday 7/13 @ 8PM, and will focus on MLB's second half.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Ballparks (yes, Ballparks!)
As I have lately been more critical in my blog posting (the High And Tight segment), it's refreshing to take a break and see some games at different parks.
This week, my cousin Tony and his son Anthony were up from North Carolina to partake in our annual ritual of seeing a few games together at different parks, a tradition dating back to Tony and my trip to Southern California in 1993.
This past week, I saw 4 games in 5 days: Wednesday @ Yankee Stadium; Thursday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park in Phildadelphia; Citi Field on Friday night; and a Fathers Day treat from my wife on Sunday, to see Phil Hughes' rehab start at MCU Park in Coney Island for the Staten Island Yankees against the Mets' NY/Penn League affiilate, the Brooklyn Cyclones.
Wednesday's game was a win for the "New Age" Yankees of Eduardo Nunez, Ramiro Pena and Brett Gardner. Nunez and Pena both homered.
On Thursday, Cliff Lee no-hit the Marlins through 4 2/3, ultimately throwing a two-hit shutout. A "Roast Pork Italian" with Broccoli Rabe and Sharp Provolone from the Tony Luke's stand made the trip very worthwhile. This is the sandwich that beat Bobby Flay on Throwdown.
We braved a thunderstorm, flooding and massive traffic on Friday to get to Citi Field, where the Angels outlasted the Mets. I was watching Jose Reyes very closely, and he is clearly their field leader. I got to try the Kansas City Ribs at Blue Smoke: highly recommended.
Sunday evening started with a trip to the original Nathan's for franks cooked on their 95 year-old grill -- with 95 years of grease! Are there any better fries anywhere? I doubt it.
A stroll on the Coney Island boardwalk then preceded Phil Hughes' (below) outing, which lasted 4 1/3 innings and 61 pitches. He hit 95 on the gun, and will start again for Trenton on Friday, as he makes his way back to the Yankees' rotation. MCU Park, formerly Keyspan, is one of my favorite places to see a game, for the laid back atmosphere, and the great breezes coming off the Atlantic.
This past week really got me into the baseball season --- finally!
This week, my cousin Tony and his son Anthony were up from North Carolina to partake in our annual ritual of seeing a few games together at different parks, a tradition dating back to Tony and my trip to Southern California in 1993.
This past week, I saw 4 games in 5 days: Wednesday @ Yankee Stadium; Thursday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park in Phildadelphia; Citi Field on Friday night; and a Fathers Day treat from my wife on Sunday, to see Phil Hughes' rehab start at MCU Park in Coney Island for the Staten Island Yankees against the Mets' NY/Penn League affiilate, the Brooklyn Cyclones.
Wednesday's game was a win for the "New Age" Yankees of Eduardo Nunez, Ramiro Pena and Brett Gardner. Nunez and Pena both homered.
On Thursday, Cliff Lee no-hit the Marlins through 4 2/3, ultimately throwing a two-hit shutout. A "Roast Pork Italian" with Broccoli Rabe and Sharp Provolone from the Tony Luke's stand made the trip very worthwhile. This is the sandwich that beat Bobby Flay on Throwdown.
We braved a thunderstorm, flooding and massive traffic on Friday to get to Citi Field, where the Angels outlasted the Mets. I was watching Jose Reyes very closely, and he is clearly their field leader. I got to try the Kansas City Ribs at Blue Smoke: highly recommended.
Sunday evening started with a trip to the original Nathan's for franks cooked on their 95 year-old grill -- with 95 years of grease! Are there any better fries anywhere? I doubt it.
A stroll on the Coney Island boardwalk then preceded Phil Hughes' (below) outing, which lasted 4 1/3 innings and 61 pitches. He hit 95 on the gun, and will start again for Trenton on Friday, as he makes his way back to the Yankees' rotation. MCU Park, formerly Keyspan, is one of my favorite places to see a game, for the laid back atmosphere, and the great breezes coming off the Atlantic.
Phil Hughes pitching for Staten Island
Thursday, June 16, 2011
2010-2011 Winter Sports Wrap-up
HIGH AND TIGHT
With the Boston Bruins 2-0 victory in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals over Vancouver, and of course the dismantling by Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks of LeBron, his talents, and his buddies for the NBA title, it's time to reflect. Congratulations to both squads, and also to fans of the residents of Madison Square Garden, as I see a silver lining.
I can't say that Miami choked, but the turning point was certainly the letdown they suffered at the end of Game 4 when they were sure they had the title in the bag, began celebrating, and gave the Mavs new life. In addition to Dirk, I'm happy for Mark Cuban, who I believe is an excellent owner, and especially Jayson Kidd, who finally got a ring after carrying the New Jersey Nets to 2 straight NBA Finals on his back. Do not underestimate that accomplishment.
My worry with the Knicks was that it's been very hard to assess what their ceiling is, as they are a work in progress. That was complicated, however, with the fact that we perceived the Heat to be some uber team, a permament obstacle in the Knicks' path to the title. We now know that is not the case.
But my comfort in that knowledge is tempered by two things: first, the fact that GM Donnie Walsh, the architect of the solution to their salary cap problems, will not get to finish the job. It's upsetting that he was pushed without a true successor in place. Which brings us to my second reservation: the looming shdow of Isaiah Thomas.
Memo to Jim Dolan: as a kid in the 70's, I rooted for the great Knick teams of Willis and Clyde, and the Nets, that other New York Team in the "beachball" league. It was not hard to get behind Rick Barry and Dr. J, especially since the locals would never play each other.
My point: bring back "Zeke", and I'll root for the Nets again in Brooklyn. That's a promise.
This at times was a brutal series to watch, as the Canucks were diving like a European soccer team, and the Bruins at times brought back memories of
Slapshot. However, with Tim Thomas playing valiantly in net, they proved themselves a worthy champion, as much as it pains me to see another parade in Boston.
BTW, what's up with Canada and burning cars after the Stanley Cup Finals?
As for the Rangers, the Bruins victory brings much the same analysis as with the Knicks. The Rangers, with a dysfunctional offense, played even when facing Boston. The addition of a 1st line center like Brad Richards should make them that much more competitive. I do believe, however, that they only have about a 3-year window with Henrik Lundqvist to accomplish this.
There is hope on 7th and 32nd.
With the Boston Bruins 2-0 victory in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals over Vancouver, and of course the dismantling by Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks of LeBron, his talents, and his buddies for the NBA title, it's time to reflect. Congratulations to both squads, and also to fans of the residents of Madison Square Garden, as I see a silver lining.
I can't say that Miami choked, but the turning point was certainly the letdown they suffered at the end of Game 4 when they were sure they had the title in the bag, began celebrating, and gave the Mavs new life. In addition to Dirk, I'm happy for Mark Cuban, who I believe is an excellent owner, and especially Jayson Kidd, who finally got a ring after carrying the New Jersey Nets to 2 straight NBA Finals on his back. Do not underestimate that accomplishment.
My worry with the Knicks was that it's been very hard to assess what their ceiling is, as they are a work in progress. That was complicated, however, with the fact that we perceived the Heat to be some uber team, a permament obstacle in the Knicks' path to the title. We now know that is not the case.
But my comfort in that knowledge is tempered by two things: first, the fact that GM Donnie Walsh, the architect of the solution to their salary cap problems, will not get to finish the job. It's upsetting that he was pushed without a true successor in place. Which brings us to my second reservation: the looming shdow of Isaiah Thomas.
Memo to Jim Dolan: as a kid in the 70's, I rooted for the great Knick teams of Willis and Clyde, and the Nets, that other New York Team in the "beachball" league. It was not hard to get behind Rick Barry and Dr. J, especially since the locals would never play each other.
My point: bring back "Zeke", and I'll root for the Nets again in Brooklyn. That's a promise.
This at times was a brutal series to watch, as the Canucks were diving like a European soccer team, and the Bruins at times brought back memories of
Slapshot. However, with Tim Thomas playing valiantly in net, they proved themselves a worthy champion, as much as it pains me to see another parade in Boston.
BTW, what's up with Canada and burning cars after the Stanley Cup Finals?
As for the Rangers, the Bruins victory brings much the same analysis as with the Knicks. The Rangers, with a dysfunctional offense, played even when facing Boston. The addition of a 1st line center like Brad Richards should make them that much more competitive. I do believe, however, that they only have about a 3-year window with Henrik Lundqvist to accomplish this.
There is hope on 7th and 32nd.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
There are negotiations being made that are going to answer all of your questions and solve all of your problems. MLB Realignment
HIGH AND TIGHT
There is a proposal out there for to "realign" Major League Baseball in the following manner:
1. Move 1 National League team, presumably the Astros, to the American League, and even the leagues at 15 teams each
2. Balance the schedule in some way
3. Have the top 5 teams in each league qualify for the playoffs
Welcome to the NHL.
/facepalm
This idea is said to have a 50/50 chance of coming about, and is the single most stupid idea I have ever heard. This is a very high bar in a sport that uses its All-Star Game to determine home field in the World Series, merely because Joe Torre ran his pitching staff like a charity softball game.
Other "fringe benefits":
- With an odd number of teams in each league, the necessity for an Interleague game every day.
- Scheduling balance that will require 84 games in your own league and 78 games versus the other league.
- Some resolution of the DH -- likely its adoption in both leagues -- since in this scenario nearly 25% of the schedule would be played under a different set of rules. This would almost require a taxi squad.
- A scheduling nightmare.
- A systemic change to over 100 years of established league rivalries. It would kill the fabric of baseball as we know it.
- The likelihood that some contender will finish a season against a weak team from the other league.
- Pennant races would be reduced to a riveting contest for 5th place.
- Obsolescence of all AL and NL records.
This could only happen in Seligworld.
There is a proposal out there for to "realign" Major League Baseball in the following manner:
1. Move 1 National League team, presumably the Astros, to the American League, and even the leagues at 15 teams each
2. Balance the schedule in some way
3. Have the top 5 teams in each league qualify for the playoffs
Welcome to the NHL.
/facepalm
This idea is said to have a 50/50 chance of coming about, and is the single most stupid idea I have ever heard. This is a very high bar in a sport that uses its All-Star Game to determine home field in the World Series, merely because Joe Torre ran his pitching staff like a charity softball game.
Other "fringe benefits":
- With an odd number of teams in each league, the necessity for an Interleague game every day.
- Scheduling balance that will require 84 games in your own league and 78 games versus the other league.
- Some resolution of the DH -- likely its adoption in both leagues -- since in this scenario nearly 25% of the schedule would be played under a different set of rules. This would almost require a taxi squad.
- A scheduling nightmare.
- A systemic change to over 100 years of established league rivalries. It would kill the fabric of baseball as we know it.
- The likelihood that some contender will finish a season against a weak team from the other league.
- Pennant races would be reduced to a riveting contest for 5th place.
- Obsolescence of all AL and NL records.
This could only happen in Seligworld.
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