Here's an open invitation to Manny Ramirez regarding his latest rejection of a two year $45 million dollar contract from the Dodges. Get out of our country!!!!! Go ahead and make that kind of money in your home country of the Dominican Republic.
You see Manny, one out of 13.15 people in this country are currently out of work an can't afford to come out to the ball park and watch you do your thing here in the U.S.. We aren't looking for sympathy, as this recession shall pass. But if you are that stupid to listen to Scott Bor"ass" then you aren't worth the price of admission anyway.
Sometimes it's not the player that we come to see, it's the person. As of right now, I am not sure that you fit that category.
Grow up, suit up and think of someone else besides yourself for once.
Has anyone seen my soap box?
Ahhh.....the beauty of the game being bigger than any of it's players.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
MLB 2009 Playoff Picks (guesses).......
Here are what I think are going to be the teams in the playoffs this year (please note that I picked the Tigers vs. the Mets in the World Series last year).
AL:
Rays, Twins, A's, Yanks.
ALCS: A's vs. Rays
Winner: Rays
NL:
Mets, Cubs, D-Backs, Brewers
NLCS: Mets
World Series: Rays vs. Mets
Winner: Rays
Last year's experience left a bad taste in the Ray's throat. They will prevail this year.
Has anyone seen my packet of Alka Seltzer?
Ahhhhh....the beauty of gastric indigestion.
AL:
Rays, Twins, A's, Yanks.
ALCS: A's vs. Rays
Winner: Rays
NL:
Mets, Cubs, D-Backs, Brewers
NLCS: Mets
World Series: Rays vs. Mets
Winner: Rays
Last year's experience left a bad taste in the Ray's throat. They will prevail this year.
Has anyone seen my packet of Alka Seltzer?
Ahhhhh....the beauty of gastric indigestion.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Baseball 2009
This one is not going to be easy. I am going to try to predict the division winners based on what I know as of today. There are still some major free agents out there that I am guessing will be signed by openihg day, but I will give it my best shot to say how the playoffs will shape up anyway.
NL East:
1) NY Mets: 94-68: Bullpen is strong, lineup is tough. I am hopeful that this year the Mets can find a way to not squander a lead late in the season.
2) Phillies: 90-72 : I think that the Phillies and or Braves will fight for the Wild card spot. I think that the Phillies will find a way to get it done.
3) Braves: 88-74: The braves will finsh just a bit outside of the playoffs this year, but will be better to watch than they had last year.
4) Marlins: 86-76: I think the Marlins will compete this year, but also think they will find a way to lose a few close games at critical times.
5) Nationals: 76-86: This team will be in more games than people think. They added Adam Dunn who will give daily tours of the National Mall on a daily basis with is bat.
NL Central:
1) Cubs: 98-64; This team is built to win many games this year. Soriano has come out and said that he is willing to bat in a spot other than lead off which will allow him to drive in more runs.
2) Brewers: 92-70: This club just has too many holes that have not been filled to make a serious run at the division.
3) Astros: 88-74: This team wants to win. I actually think that Roy Oswalt can make a run for the NL Cy Young award this year.
4) Cardinals: 86-76: Too many questions about this club. So many that I may be generous giving them this many wins.
5) Reds: 84-78: Another team that has more questions than answers. I see no relief in sight.
6) Pirates: 70-92: This team will win a few more games than last year, but let's face it, the front office is nothing more than a warm up band for Tiffany (they will be alone at the bottom again).
NL West:
1) Diamondbacks: 93-69: Oneof the best starting rotations in the game will give them the edge over the Dodgers this year.
2) Dodgers: 88-74: If they do not re-sign Manny, it is going to be a long season in the Revene.
3) Rockies: 85-77: Losing Matt Holiday sent a message to me that this team is primed for a re-building phase.
4) Padres: 70-92: This team is in an ownership transition. I am being generous by saying that they will win this many games.
5) Giants: 65-97: In not so many words, it is my belief that this team is still going to suck.
AL East:
1) Rays: 99-63: I think this team is too good to go away after last year's performance.
2) Yankees: 96-66: If A-Roid can put together any kind of numbers that we are used to, the Spankees will win the Wild Card in the AL.
3) Red Sox: 94-68: The big questions for the "Nation" are will Penny make it the entire season. Will Big Papi have enough protection to allow him to drive in 130 runs? I don't think so is the answer to either question.
4) Blue Jays: 85-77: After some key losses in the lineup, I am thinking that the Orioles have a shot to be ahead of the Jays this year.
5) Orioles: 84-78: Please see above regarding my prediction fr this division.
AL Central:
1) Twins: 92-64: The twinkies are looking good to reagain the division based on their young quality talent.
2) Indians: 89-63: A much better season than last year, just not quite good enough.
3) White Sox: 88-64: This could be a year where the Sox are totally out of the playoff picture early which I believe could mean Ozzie's job. We shall see. It is going to be close.
4) Royals: 87-65: That's right. The Royals are going to be a Royal pain in the division's hind parts. A good start will dictate this team's success.
5) Tigers: 80-82: This division is so up in the air as far as I am concerned, that the White Sox could easily take the cellar dweller position.
AL West:
1) Oakland A's: 94-68: I think that the moves made in the offseason by this team will find them in the playoffs come October.
2) Angels: 88-74: After losing K-Rod, I think the Halo's will find it tough to contend this year.
3) Rangers: 85-77: If they can have Josh Hamilton for the entire season, this offense can put up some serious offensive numbers.
4) Seattle Mariners: 70-92: Unless they can sign Mr. Griffey, it is going to be a long season in the Pacific Northwest.
Please be on the lookout for my playoff picks. They will be here soon.
Has anyone seen my two headed coin?
Ahhhh.....the beauty of being certain.
NL East:
1) NY Mets: 94-68: Bullpen is strong, lineup is tough. I am hopeful that this year the Mets can find a way to not squander a lead late in the season.
2) Phillies: 90-72 : I think that the Phillies and or Braves will fight for the Wild card spot. I think that the Phillies will find a way to get it done.
3) Braves: 88-74: The braves will finsh just a bit outside of the playoffs this year, but will be better to watch than they had last year.
4) Marlins: 86-76: I think the Marlins will compete this year, but also think they will find a way to lose a few close games at critical times.
5) Nationals: 76-86: This team will be in more games than people think. They added Adam Dunn who will give daily tours of the National Mall on a daily basis with is bat.
NL Central:
1) Cubs: 98-64; This team is built to win many games this year. Soriano has come out and said that he is willing to bat in a spot other than lead off which will allow him to drive in more runs.
2) Brewers: 92-70: This club just has too many holes that have not been filled to make a serious run at the division.
3) Astros: 88-74: This team wants to win. I actually think that Roy Oswalt can make a run for the NL Cy Young award this year.
4) Cardinals: 86-76: Too many questions about this club. So many that I may be generous giving them this many wins.
5) Reds: 84-78: Another team that has more questions than answers. I see no relief in sight.
6) Pirates: 70-92: This team will win a few more games than last year, but let's face it, the front office is nothing more than a warm up band for Tiffany (they will be alone at the bottom again).
NL West:
1) Diamondbacks: 93-69: Oneof the best starting rotations in the game will give them the edge over the Dodgers this year.
2) Dodgers: 88-74: If they do not re-sign Manny, it is going to be a long season in the Revene.
3) Rockies: 85-77: Losing Matt Holiday sent a message to me that this team is primed for a re-building phase.
4) Padres: 70-92: This team is in an ownership transition. I am being generous by saying that they will win this many games.
5) Giants: 65-97: In not so many words, it is my belief that this team is still going to suck.
AL East:
1) Rays: 99-63: I think this team is too good to go away after last year's performance.
2) Yankees: 96-66: If A-Roid can put together any kind of numbers that we are used to, the Spankees will win the Wild Card in the AL.
3) Red Sox: 94-68: The big questions for the "Nation" are will Penny make it the entire season. Will Big Papi have enough protection to allow him to drive in 130 runs? I don't think so is the answer to either question.
4) Blue Jays: 85-77: After some key losses in the lineup, I am thinking that the Orioles have a shot to be ahead of the Jays this year.
5) Orioles: 84-78: Please see above regarding my prediction fr this division.
AL Central:
1) Twins: 92-64: The twinkies are looking good to reagain the division based on their young quality talent.
2) Indians: 89-63: A much better season than last year, just not quite good enough.
3) White Sox: 88-64: This could be a year where the Sox are totally out of the playoff picture early which I believe could mean Ozzie's job. We shall see. It is going to be close.
4) Royals: 87-65: That's right. The Royals are going to be a Royal pain in the division's hind parts. A good start will dictate this team's success.
5) Tigers: 80-82: This division is so up in the air as far as I am concerned, that the White Sox could easily take the cellar dweller position.
AL West:
1) Oakland A's: 94-68: I think that the moves made in the offseason by this team will find them in the playoffs come October.
2) Angels: 88-74: After losing K-Rod, I think the Halo's will find it tough to contend this year.
3) Rangers: 85-77: If they can have Josh Hamilton for the entire season, this offense can put up some serious offensive numbers.
4) Seattle Mariners: 70-92: Unless they can sign Mr. Griffey, it is going to be a long season in the Pacific Northwest.
Please be on the lookout for my playoff picks. They will be here soon.
Has anyone seen my two headed coin?
Ahhhh.....the beauty of being certain.
I digress........
Here is an update from my last post. After careful consideration, I have decided to change my stance on the fate of all MLB players that have been linked to the use of PED's during their playing careers.
In all aspects of our collective lives as humans on this planet, there are always good and bad times that happen while we are here. Such is the case in sports. We cannot pretend that heinous events never transpired, we just soak them in, and learn from our past transgressions.
That being said, here is my updated proposal.
All players that have been linked to PED's during their playing career should become a part of the Hall of Fame in a wing designated for all such players. There will be no plaques, no induction speeches, no thanks to all of the little people that made this day possible. There should only be the mention of the steroid era's greatest players, and their impact on the game. They should be marked as what could have been if they had cheated not only the game and it's fans, but themselves.
If you think about it, it would be quite an exhibit. Think of the names that would be included for a less than appropriate reason to our nation's most sacred game. Here are a few examples.
Alex Rodriguez, Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Mark McGuire, Rafael Palmeiro, Ivan Rodriguez, Juan Gonzalez, Jose Canseco et al. Not a bad bunch of names if not for what they meant to he game in a negative connotation.
I guess in a nutshell what I am proposing is that these legends of the game were invited to the party, but they were not allowed to join in the fun.
I have no problem with forgiving them, but I have a huge problem with honoring them.
Ahhhhh.....the beauty of setting an example.
In all aspects of our collective lives as humans on this planet, there are always good and bad times that happen while we are here. Such is the case in sports. We cannot pretend that heinous events never transpired, we just soak them in, and learn from our past transgressions.
That being said, here is my updated proposal.
All players that have been linked to PED's during their playing career should become a part of the Hall of Fame in a wing designated for all such players. There will be no plaques, no induction speeches, no thanks to all of the little people that made this day possible. There should only be the mention of the steroid era's greatest players, and their impact on the game. They should be marked as what could have been if they had cheated not only the game and it's fans, but themselves.
If you think about it, it would be quite an exhibit. Think of the names that would be included for a less than appropriate reason to our nation's most sacred game. Here are a few examples.
Alex Rodriguez, Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Mark McGuire, Rafael Palmeiro, Ivan Rodriguez, Juan Gonzalez, Jose Canseco et al. Not a bad bunch of names if not for what they meant to he game in a negative connotation.
I guess in a nutshell what I am proposing is that these legends of the game were invited to the party, but they were not allowed to join in the fun.
I have no problem with forgiving them, but I have a huge problem with honoring them.
Ahhhhh.....the beauty of setting an example.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Thanks but no thanks for the memories.........
I know it is a rather cryptic headline for the blog, but I felt it appropriate for the subject matter I am going to write about.
What the hell do we do about the half a dozen players that have desecrated the most sacred of American sports there is....baseball? Well, here is my take.
If you ever got caught cheating in school, what happened? You failed that test, then you stayed after class to clap erasers. Unfortunately, we are not talking about 7th grade biology. We are talking about cheating the fans who pay their hard earned money to see the best product available. Shame on every and anyone that has used PED's (performance enhancing drugs).
Roger Clemens: Sure fire 1st ballot hall of famer before getting caught. Proper punishment You're expelled from class. You cheated, and you're fired.
Alex Rodriguez: One of the greatest God given talents that the game has ever known. A sure fire hall of famer. Proper punishment: You're expelled from class. Why? You had the talent, and your crap for brains agent sends out your resume as to why you deserve to be the highest player in the history of the game. You had no problem receiving the money, yet you had a problem dealing with the self imposed pressure of delivering up to that contract on a daily basis. Blame Scott Bor"ass" not the baseball writers or fans for not getting into the "hall".
Barry Bonds: According only to the numbers the greatest home run hitter of all time. Proper punishment: expelled from class: Not only are you an arrogant self centered person, but it is obvious that you are still living in the body and mind of an eighteen year old thinking that you are impervious to all things human (i.e.taxes, spouses, your job).
Where does this leave us. A society that is looking for the next best thing? Interestingly enough, we do not have to look far, and he is not necessarily a "spring chicken". Ken Griffey, Jr. is without question the greatest baseball player of the past 20 years. In spite of his injuries, he, pound for pound is the greatest fielder and hitter this game can embrace without question.
If he didn't miss so many games due to the fact that he plays every day as though it is his last, he would have eclipsed all major slugging numbers by far.
If Mr. Griffey does not get signed for this next year, all devout baseball fan should celebrate Junior as if he is the second coming........of Ted Williams.
Ahhhh...the beauty of one of the sweetest swings of all time.
What the hell do we do about the half a dozen players that have desecrated the most sacred of American sports there is....baseball? Well, here is my take.
If you ever got caught cheating in school, what happened? You failed that test, then you stayed after class to clap erasers. Unfortunately, we are not talking about 7th grade biology. We are talking about cheating the fans who pay their hard earned money to see the best product available. Shame on every and anyone that has used PED's (performance enhancing drugs).
Roger Clemens: Sure fire 1st ballot hall of famer before getting caught. Proper punishment You're expelled from class. You cheated, and you're fired.
Alex Rodriguez: One of the greatest God given talents that the game has ever known. A sure fire hall of famer. Proper punishment: You're expelled from class. Why? You had the talent, and your crap for brains agent sends out your resume as to why you deserve to be the highest player in the history of the game. You had no problem receiving the money, yet you had a problem dealing with the self imposed pressure of delivering up to that contract on a daily basis. Blame Scott Bor"ass" not the baseball writers or fans for not getting into the "hall".
Barry Bonds: According only to the numbers the greatest home run hitter of all time. Proper punishment: expelled from class: Not only are you an arrogant self centered person, but it is obvious that you are still living in the body and mind of an eighteen year old thinking that you are impervious to all things human (i.e.taxes, spouses, your job).
Where does this leave us. A society that is looking for the next best thing? Interestingly enough, we do not have to look far, and he is not necessarily a "spring chicken". Ken Griffey, Jr. is without question the greatest baseball player of the past 20 years. In spite of his injuries, he, pound for pound is the greatest fielder and hitter this game can embrace without question.
If he didn't miss so many games due to the fact that he plays every day as though it is his last, he would have eclipsed all major slugging numbers by far.
If Mr. Griffey does not get signed for this next year, all devout baseball fan should celebrate Junior as if he is the second coming........of Ted Williams.
Ahhhh...the beauty of one of the sweetest swings of all time.
Monday, February 9, 2009
"A-Roid"....the saga continues.....
According to Maslow, A-Rod is still a couple of french fries short of a happy meal. Sure, A-Rod has the largest contract money wise in the history of the game of baseball, but in the back of A-Rod's head, he has to be wondering, what the hell do I have to do to be liked?
As far as I am concerned, he took a giant leap forward by nutting up and taking the blame for his prior transgressions. I love the game of baseball with all of my heart, and I always said that I would have signed for a can of Copenhagen and the pen that I signed the contract with. I was not as fortunate as A-Rod. He was the next coming of Christ according to many MLB scouts. His overall numbers, to this point have shown that they may not have been too far off. I just wish that before he stuck the needle in his ass he would have taken a longer look and had seen the faces of the people he has never met yet has disappointed them because of what he has done.
That being said, I want the names of the other 103 players on the list that the FBI has. Let us put an end to this painfully slow process of government deceit and lying. Let all of those that are guilty come before us and hope that they will apologize so that we can forgive them and move on. Until then, I guess we have to continue to love the game for what it is. A complete farce.
As far as I am concerned, he took a giant leap forward by nutting up and taking the blame for his prior transgressions. I love the game of baseball with all of my heart, and I always said that I would have signed for a can of Copenhagen and the pen that I signed the contract with. I was not as fortunate as A-Rod. He was the next coming of Christ according to many MLB scouts. His overall numbers, to this point have shown that they may not have been too far off. I just wish that before he stuck the needle in his ass he would have taken a longer look and had seen the faces of the people he has never met yet has disappointed them because of what he has done.
That being said, I want the names of the other 103 players on the list that the FBI has. Let us put an end to this painfully slow process of government deceit and lying. Let all of those that are guilty come before us and hope that they will apologize so that we can forgive them and move on. Until then, I guess we have to continue to love the game for what it is. A complete farce.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
2009 MLB Season
Hello all,
I was going to share my picks for the division winners and World Series representatives this week. Unfortunately, there are still a multitude of current and past all stars that are still without a team as of today. While pitchers and catchers are set to report to camp this coming weekend, apparently free agent signings may go down to the last minute. Here is just a small sample of the players that are still without team as of today:
Manny Ramirez OF : He alone could determine a division champion based on his offensive prowess.
Orlando Hudson 2B: This multiple gold glove winner has yet to land a team. It's amazing how no one team needs a gold glove winner and a .300 hitter.
Adam Dunn 1B/OF: Hmmmm....sure he'll strike out 150 times, but he will also hit 40 home runs and drive in 120 runs.
Bobby Abreu OF: I don't know how much he has left in the tank, but he should have at least an invite to some team's camp.
Ken Griffey Jr. OF: Future Hall of Famer must decide whether to give another season a try or to hang up the spikes for good.
Garret Anderson: Great locker room guy, plenty of post season experience. Could help any team looking to secure a quality six or seven hitter in their lineup.
Luis Gonzalez OF: Gonzo is another veteran that needs to decide if it is time to call it a career. Another class act and great community service man.
Pedro Martinez SP: Is Pedro healthy? That is the question. I think he still wants to pitch, but with his age and lack of innings the past couple of years, it seems as though he might have a decision to make as well.
Ivan Rodriguez C: Quality veteran signal caller. His defense is still very good, it is his offense that has taken a plunge over the past couple of years.......... (coincidence)?
Ben Sheets SP: Since he is trying to decide on whether or not to have shoulder surgery, I am guessing that Ben will be out of work for the '09 season.
Juan Cruz RP: Missed some time with an arm injury last year, but still throws hard and when healthy can chew up innings.
Let's see what this coming week brings. Once some of these players come off of the board, I will give you my picks.
Have a great week!!!
Ahhhh....the smell of freshly cut grass, the sound of a fastball hitting the glove of a catcher and 2 hours of comeback drills for pitchers.
I was going to share my picks for the division winners and World Series representatives this week. Unfortunately, there are still a multitude of current and past all stars that are still without a team as of today. While pitchers and catchers are set to report to camp this coming weekend, apparently free agent signings may go down to the last minute. Here is just a small sample of the players that are still without team as of today:
Manny Ramirez OF : He alone could determine a division champion based on his offensive prowess.
Orlando Hudson 2B: This multiple gold glove winner has yet to land a team. It's amazing how no one team needs a gold glove winner and a .300 hitter.
Adam Dunn 1B/OF: Hmmmm....sure he'll strike out 150 times, but he will also hit 40 home runs and drive in 120 runs.
Bobby Abreu OF: I don't know how much he has left in the tank, but he should have at least an invite to some team's camp.
Ken Griffey Jr. OF: Future Hall of Famer must decide whether to give another season a try or to hang up the spikes for good.
Garret Anderson: Great locker room guy, plenty of post season experience. Could help any team looking to secure a quality six or seven hitter in their lineup.
Luis Gonzalez OF: Gonzo is another veteran that needs to decide if it is time to call it a career. Another class act and great community service man.
Pedro Martinez SP: Is Pedro healthy? That is the question. I think he still wants to pitch, but with his age and lack of innings the past couple of years, it seems as though he might have a decision to make as well.
Ivan Rodriguez C: Quality veteran signal caller. His defense is still very good, it is his offense that has taken a plunge over the past couple of years.......... (coincidence)?
Ben Sheets SP: Since he is trying to decide on whether or not to have shoulder surgery, I am guessing that Ben will be out of work for the '09 season.
Juan Cruz RP: Missed some time with an arm injury last year, but still throws hard and when healthy can chew up innings.
Let's see what this coming week brings. Once some of these players come off of the board, I will give you my picks.
Have a great week!!!
Ahhhh....the smell of freshly cut grass, the sound of a fastball hitting the glove of a catcher and 2 hours of comeback drills for pitchers.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Super Bowl XLIII won't soon be fogotten.
Looking past all of the potential negatives of the game yesterday, I have to say that this Super Bowl was among the top 5 of all that were ever played. The heavily favored Steelers had there collective hands full with the upstart Cardinals. While there were some gaps in excitement, the game had true football fans on the edge of their seats until the last snap. There is really not much more you could ask.
That being said, what should we expect for the 2009 regular season? I am fairly confident that there will not be a "Cinderella" story. I think that the higher seeds from both conferences have learned very valuable lessons from this campaign. I will wait to see the dust settle from the draft and free agent signings to make my early season playoff favorites for next year. Until then, hello baseball.
There are only12 days until pitchers and catchers report. There are still a bunch of big time free agents unsigned as of today (hello Manny). I will give you my spring training report towards the end of this week.
Has anyone seen my radar gun and SPF30 lotion?
Ahhh the beauty of the arrival of the boys of summer.
That being said, what should we expect for the 2009 regular season? I am fairly confident that there will not be a "Cinderella" story. I think that the higher seeds from both conferences have learned very valuable lessons from this campaign. I will wait to see the dust settle from the draft and free agent signings to make my early season playoff favorites for next year. Until then, hello baseball.
There are only12 days until pitchers and catchers report. There are still a bunch of big time free agents unsigned as of today (hello Manny). I will give you my spring training report towards the end of this week.
Has anyone seen my radar gun and SPF30 lotion?
Ahhh the beauty of the arrival of the boys of summer.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
