List the 15 best players in MLB since the beginning of the 2010 season, before you look at the list.
The list is based upon WAR (wins over replacement) which is a very telling stat, assuming that it is accurate.
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/brett-gardner-elite-player/
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Best Baseball Movie of All-Time
The above is a trailer for the movie Money Ball. Looks really good to me. Here is my top 5 so far...
Serious Films
1) Field of Dreams
2) A League of Their Own
3) Eight Men Out
4) Bull Durham
5) The Natural
Funny/Kid Movies
1) Sandlot
2) Major League
3) Little Big League
4) Major League 2
5) Hard Ball
Friday, June 17, 2011
Realignment Olney vs. Stark
MUST READ.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&page=rumblings110617&campaign=rss&source=MLBHeadlines
Sent from my HTC on the Now Network from Sprint!
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&page=rumblings110617&campaign=rss&source=MLBHeadlines
Sent from my HTC on the Now Network from Sprint!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Stats to Think About
Adrian Gonzalez since 5/1: 41 games, 61-169, .361, .405 ob%, 12 dbl, 12 hr, 34 runs, 45 rbi,
Curtis Granderson against fastballs this season: .331 Avg, .793 Slg, 17 HR. Against off-speed pitches: .181 Avg, .351 Slg, 4 HR.
Pirates are 2 games over .500 this late in a season for first time since they were 40-38 on July 2, 1999.
Where did I get these stats? TWITTER! The greatest thing to happen to sports fans since MLB Network. I hated twitter for a long time, then Lis showed me how to use it. Now all I follow is Buster Olney, Tim Kurkjidan, all the Yankees best writers and Baseball Tonight. Constant updates during the night on what's going on in baseball filled with stats. Seriously awesome. Plus I follow players like Swisher and Brian Wilson who are hilarious. You might think I'm stupid now but just try it. Mind blowing.
Curtis Granderson against fastballs this season: .331 Avg, .793 Slg, 17 HR. Against off-speed pitches: .181 Avg, .351 Slg, 4 HR.
Pirates are 2 games over .500 this late in a season for first time since they were 40-38 on July 2, 1999.
Where did I get these stats? TWITTER! The greatest thing to happen to sports fans since MLB Network. I hated twitter for a long time, then Lis showed me how to use it. Now all I follow is Buster Olney, Tim Kurkjidan, all the Yankees best writers and Baseball Tonight. Constant updates during the night on what's going on in baseball filled with stats. Seriously awesome. Plus I follow players like Swisher and Brian Wilson who are hilarious. You might think I'm stupid now but just try it. Mind blowing.
Rickey, Rickey, Rickey
Here's a question for everyone. With Rickey Henderson's 81 leadoff the game homeruns (which is 28 more than 2nd place Alfonso Soriano)...hold on...have you guys looked at Rickey's numbers? Freaking unbelieveable. I love Rickey. Definately my favorite player ever. I used to stand like this guy in Little League as if I was actually going to steal a base. Then I'd go back to the base because you can't lead in Little League. But when I first started following Rickey and collecting his baseball cards that was when I realized I loved baseball, and black people. Ok, mostly baseball.
So check this out. He's second in total walks all time. Who is #1? Bonds. Why? Because he was juicing all those years and everyone intentionally walked him. So I think that is a record that was destroyed because of steroids. Rickey got screwed out of that #1 placement. Really unfortunate. Bonds would NOT have had 200 plus walks several years in a row if he wasn't hitting 70 homeruns. He wouldn't have hit 70 homeruns if he wasn't on steroids. Therefore Rickey wins again.
My real question is, and I can't find this stat yet on the internet, is what do you think the batting average is of the guy that followed Rickey after his leadoff the game homeruns was? Conversely, what was the success rate of the pitcher following Rickey's 81 homeruns? It would be interesting to know if that lead off the game homerun led to a walk the next guy up or another hit because he may have been rattled or if the pitcher beared down and k'd the #2 guy? It could be researched but would take some time digging through box scores. Which would actually be a lot of fun! Place your bets now, I'm going to figure it out!
 |
| Just let him go to second...he's already stolen this base... |
Here's a question for everyone. With Rickey Henderson's 81 leadoff the game homeruns (which is 28 more than 2nd place Alfonso Soriano)...hold on...have you guys looked at Rickey's numbers? Freaking unbelieveable. I love Rickey. Definately my favorite player ever. I used to stand like this guy in Little League as if I was actually going to steal a base. Then I'd go back to the base because you can't lead in Little League. But when I first started following Rickey and collecting his baseball cards that was when I realized I loved baseball, and black people. Ok, mostly baseball.
So check this out. He's second in total walks all time. Who is #1? Bonds. Why? Because he was juicing all those years and everyone intentionally walked him. So I think that is a record that was destroyed because of steroids. Rickey got screwed out of that #1 placement. Really unfortunate. Bonds would NOT have had 200 plus walks several years in a row if he wasn't hitting 70 homeruns. He wouldn't have hit 70 homeruns if he wasn't on steroids. Therefore Rickey wins again.
My real question is, and I can't find this stat yet on the internet, is what do you think the batting average is of the guy that followed Rickey after his leadoff the game homeruns was? Conversely, what was the success rate of the pitcher following Rickey's 81 homeruns? It would be interesting to know if that lead off the game homerun led to a walk the next guy up or another hit because he may have been rattled or if the pitcher beared down and k'd the #2 guy? It could be researched but would take some time digging through box scores. Which would actually be a lot of fun! Place your bets now, I'm going to figure it out!
Ranking all 30 Baseball Owners
Did I mention I love Jim Caple? Love the Nolan Ryan and Jeff Moorad comments!!
Fred Wilpon furthered his candidacy for worst owner in baseball this week when he ripped everyone but Mr. Met in The New Yorker, then told Sports Illustrated that the Mets are "bleeding money." He thus violated two cardinal rules of ownership. One, he criticized his own players while maintaining exorbitant ticket prices to see them play. Two, he complained about his situation. Like anyone cares about a billionaire's financial problems.
But is all that -- and the lack of a Mets world championship since 1986 -- enough to snag the worst baseball owner title? Read Off-Base's completely objective and scientifically based ranking of baseball's owners:
1. John Henry, Red Sox: In case you hadn't heard, the Red Sox hadn't won the World Series for at least a couple years before Henry took over. Now with two recent world championships and a spiffed-up Fenway Park always overflowing with "Sweet Caroline"-singing fans, Red Sox Nation is so rich and powerful that NATO should declare a no-fly zone over Boston.
2. Nolan Ryan, Rangers: Sure, this is way premature. Nolan's group hasn't owned the team for even a year yet. But when you're rating owners, premature is a good thing because, given enough time, all owners eventually do something to alienate fans (some quicker than others -- see Tom Ricketts). Although Nolan is just one of 17 investors, he's the CEO who calls the shots, and he played a major role in the Rangers' reaching the World Series.
And if a pitcher with a 5-9 record and 4.82 ERA asks for $6 million in arbitration, Nolan can tell him, "Son, back in my day, if I had an ERA over 4.00, struck out fewer than 300 batters and didn't throw at least one no-hitter, shoot, I would be too embarrassed to go out in public, let alone howl about needing a raise. I would just go home to Alvin, Texas, and build up my arm strength by installing more air-conditioning units in the winter. Now, why don't you just take our $600,000 offer, cover up those tattoos and go work on your cutter."
3. Arte Moreno, Angels The Angels have reached the postseason five times in his eight years as owner; he invests heavily in the team; and his club has passed the Los Angeles Dodgers of Divorce Court as the best franchise in southern California. True, he could spend that money a little wiser (Gary Matthews Jr.?) but who cares? The man lowered beer prices when he took over! He should be commissioner!
4. The Steinbrenners, Yankees: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Under the late Boss and then his sons the Yankees have won 11 American League pennants and seven world championships and have reached the postseason 15 times in the past 16 seasons. The Yankees are easily the most successful franchise in American sports and, as Wilpon demonstrates, it isn't just because they play in New York, either. Jealous fans can only wish their team's owners would demand such a high level of success. On the other hand, do they have be such asses about it so often?
5. Stuart Sternberg, Rays: When he took over the team after the 2005 season, the Rays had never had a winning record and were baseball's official punch line. Within three years, he had them in the World Series. Imagine what he could do with an actual fan base.
6. Jerry Reinsdorf, White Sox: Back in the '80s, Reinsdorf threatened to move the Sox to Tampa Bay's lovely new dome unless he got a new stadium, then played a major role in ownership's stubborn stance during the 1994-95 strike. On the other hand, he treats his employees well and won a World Series, which makes up for a lot. Plus, anyone who lets Ozzie Guillen speak his mind is OK with me.
7. Bill DeWitt Jr., Cardinals: You have two teams in Missouri. In Kansas City, you have David Glass and a team that hasn't been a factor in a quarter century. In St. Louis, you have DeWitt and the Cardinals, who are perennial contenders, won the World Series in 2006 and are in first place this season despite losing one of their best pitchers. Which is proof that market size and location aren't nearly as important as having a good owner. (Note: If DeWitt doesn't re-sign Pujols, he will slide down this list so rapidly he should be on a luge sled.)
8. David Montgomery, Phillies: A decade ago, he would have been much further down this list. But since then, the Phillies owners have turned the team into a world champion and one of the best-run franchises in baseball. Even Philadelphia fans would be slower than normal to complain anymore.
9. Mike Ilitch, Tigers: Despite how hard Detroit was hit by the recession, Ilitch keeps pouring money into the team and trying to win. It's almost enough for me to forgive him for moving the team out of Tiger Stadium.
10. Bill Neukom, Giants: He took over the team in fall 2008 and had the Giants winning their first World Series in San Francisco just two years later. The team is in first place; the ballpark is packed every night; and, best of all, no one worries about the size of the best player's testicles.
11. Mark Attanasio, Brewers: Attanasio invested in the team, let his employees do their jobs, increased attendance and made the Brewers relevant again. Which is a whole lot better than a certain previous owner who would have just continued moaning about small-market resources (not that I have anyone in mind).
12. Bob Castellini, Reds: Castellini is a driven, passionate owner who is working hard to return the Reds to their glory days. That's very good. Another bonus: He doesn't let his dog use the infield as a bathroom.
13. Liberty Media, Atlanta: CEO Terry McGuirk isn't exactly Ted Turner. Not that there is anything wrong with that at all.
14. Hiroshi Yamauchi, Mariners: The former head of Nintendo lives in Japan and has never seen the Mariners play in person. Now, Nintendo's purchase saved baseball in Seattle, and the club has spent money and genuinely cares about the fan experience. But the problem is that, like Yamauchi, Seattle fans have never seen the Mariners play in a World Series. Maybe things would be different if Yamauchi had to listen to fans and friends constantly hounding him about why the team hasn't drafted better in the past 15 years or added a needed bat or lowered beer prices or why it ever traded for Milton Bradley
15. The Pohlad family, Twins: I frequently criticized Carl Pohlad for his banker background and threats to move or contract the Twins, but he did win two World Series and showed incredible loyalty to employees. And the Twins are still in Minnesota. His sons also are willing to spend money now that the Twins are in a new stadium. So I'm declaring a personal moratorium on foreclosure references.
16. Rogers Communications, Blue Jays: The Jays are a long way from their glory days when they filled SkyDome and won consecutive World Series. But the club is investing in the draft and making an effort to grow the fan base across Canada (it even broadcasts some games in French on a Montreal radio station) while also no doubt wishing real hard that it played in a different division.
17. Lewis Wolff, Athletics: Wolff is in a tough position but -- and mind you, this is just a wild guess -- he probably would be more popular if he concentrated less on getting a new stadium in San Jose and more on winning in Oakland.
18. Ted Lerner, Nationals: Lerner will be judged on what happens after Stephen Strasburg returns and Bryce Harper reaches the majors. In the meantime, here's an interesting stat: The Nationals' payroll ($63 million) is the same as it was in 2006 when the league was still running the team. So at least there is one guy in Washington who can stick to a budget.
19. Jeff Moorad, Padres: It's too early to evaluate him, but it's interesting that Moorad used to be an agent (he represented Manny when Ramirez signed his $160 million deal with the Red Sox). This should make for some intriguing contract negotiations:
Player: I want a four-year, $50 million contract.
Moorad: Are you sure that's enough? If I were you, I would hold out for $60 million, plus incentive bonuses. Based on your popularity and our need for offense, the club would pretty much have to give it to you. D'oh! I shouldn't have said that.
20. Dick and Charlie Monfort, Rockies: A couple of years ago, the Monfort brothers were less popular than Rocky Mountain oysters served raw. But with the 2007 World Series and the 2009 playoff appearance, the Troy Tulowitzki contract and rising attendance, they don't look quite so bad anymore.
21. Ken Kendrick, Diamondbacks: He recently called for a ban on smokeless tobacco. Which is great. Now, if he can only enact a ban on overreacting to the team's fortunes.
22. Drayton McLane, Astros: He just sold the team, but I'm guessing few will miss him very much in Houston.
23. Tom Ricketts, Cubs: He told a Chicago reporter last week that "I can't stand it when I hear someone say they can't afford to go to a game. It might be hard to get tickets for a Yankees or Sox game, but there's no reason why they can't afford to go to another game." It must be nice to be so detached from the real world.
24. Larry Dolan, Cleveland: His team is leading the AL Central, but Rachel Phillips still was a more popular Cleveland owner in the original "Major League."
25. Jeffrey Loria, Marlins: I remember watching Loria run a victory lap around the bases at Yankee Stadium after winning the 2003 World Series and wishing that all the Expos fans he screwed over in Montreal were right behind nipping at his heels
26. Peter Angelos, Orioles: I applaud his refusal to participate in the 1995 replacement player scheme, but his ownership is a disaster otherwise. The Orioles haven't had a winning season since 1997, and attendance has dropped by half. If it gets much worse, Baltimore fans will start feeling nostalgic about Bob Irsay.
27. David Glass, Kansas City: Can't find an Eric Hosmer Royals replica jersey yet? Don't worry. The way Glass runs the team, you'll be able to buy a Hosmer White Sox replica jersey in a couple of years.
28. Bob Nutting, Pirates: Pittsburgh fans have suffered through 19 consecutive losing seasons, but that hasn't stopped Nutting from depositing those revenue-sharing payments into his wallet. He makes the judge in "The Natural" look like a big spender.
29. Fred Wilpon, Mets: Despite playing in baseball's most lucrative market, his team hasn't won a World Series in 25 years. He needed an emergency $25 million loan to cover expenses last year. He says the team could lose $70 million this season. And he's complaining about Carlos Beltran underperforming?
30. Frank and Jamie McCourt, Dodgers: The team has performed fairly well (two NLCS series), but then again, a lot of real estate portfolios performed well for a while, too. The McCourts paid an astrologer six figures to be a team consultant ("I sense big things for Juan Pierre in Dodger Stadium"). They're so over-leveraged they might not meet payroll, and even attendance is plummeting. It's so bad that Walter O'Malley would have a higher approval rating in Brooklyn now than the McCourts have in Los Angeles.
But is all that -- and the lack of a Mets world championship since 1986 -- enough to snag the worst baseball owner title? Read Off-Base's completely objective and scientifically based ranking of baseball's owners:
1. John Henry, Red Sox: In case you hadn't heard, the Red Sox hadn't won the World Series for at least a couple years before Henry took over. Now with two recent world championships and a spiffed-up Fenway Park always overflowing with "Sweet Caroline"-singing fans, Red Sox Nation is so rich and powerful that NATO should declare a no-fly zone over Boston.
2. Nolan Ryan, Rangers: Sure, this is way premature. Nolan's group hasn't owned the team for even a year yet. But when you're rating owners, premature is a good thing because, given enough time, all owners eventually do something to alienate fans (some quicker than others -- see Tom Ricketts). Although Nolan is just one of 17 investors, he's the CEO who calls the shots, and he played a major role in the Rangers' reaching the World Series.
And if a pitcher with a 5-9 record and 4.82 ERA asks for $6 million in arbitration, Nolan can tell him, "Son, back in my day, if I had an ERA over 4.00, struck out fewer than 300 batters and didn't throw at least one no-hitter, shoot, I would be too embarrassed to go out in public, let alone howl about needing a raise. I would just go home to Alvin, Texas, and build up my arm strength by installing more air-conditioning units in the winter. Now, why don't you just take our $600,000 offer, cover up those tattoos and go work on your cutter."
3. Arte Moreno, Angels The Angels have reached the postseason five times in his eight years as owner; he invests heavily in the team; and his club has passed the Los Angeles Dodgers of Divorce Court as the best franchise in southern California. True, he could spend that money a little wiser (Gary Matthews Jr.?) but who cares? The man lowered beer prices when he took over! He should be commissioner!
4. The Steinbrenners, Yankees: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Under the late Boss and then his sons the Yankees have won 11 American League pennants and seven world championships and have reached the postseason 15 times in the past 16 seasons. The Yankees are easily the most successful franchise in American sports and, as Wilpon demonstrates, it isn't just because they play in New York, either. Jealous fans can only wish their team's owners would demand such a high level of success. On the other hand, do they have be such asses about it so often?
5. Stuart Sternberg, Rays: When he took over the team after the 2005 season, the Rays had never had a winning record and were baseball's official punch line. Within three years, he had them in the World Series. Imagine what he could do with an actual fan base.
6. Jerry Reinsdorf, White Sox: Back in the '80s, Reinsdorf threatened to move the Sox to Tampa Bay's lovely new dome unless he got a new stadium, then played a major role in ownership's stubborn stance during the 1994-95 strike. On the other hand, he treats his employees well and won a World Series, which makes up for a lot. Plus, anyone who lets Ozzie Guillen speak his mind is OK with me.
7. Bill DeWitt Jr., Cardinals: You have two teams in Missouri. In Kansas City, you have David Glass and a team that hasn't been a factor in a quarter century. In St. Louis, you have DeWitt and the Cardinals, who are perennial contenders, won the World Series in 2006 and are in first place this season despite losing one of their best pitchers. Which is proof that market size and location aren't nearly as important as having a good owner. (Note: If DeWitt doesn't re-sign Pujols, he will slide down this list so rapidly he should be on a luge sled.)
8. David Montgomery, Phillies: A decade ago, he would have been much further down this list. But since then, the Phillies owners have turned the team into a world champion and one of the best-run franchises in baseball. Even Philadelphia fans would be slower than normal to complain anymore.
9. Mike Ilitch, Tigers: Despite how hard Detroit was hit by the recession, Ilitch keeps pouring money into the team and trying to win. It's almost enough for me to forgive him for moving the team out of Tiger Stadium.
10. Bill Neukom, Giants: He took over the team in fall 2008 and had the Giants winning their first World Series in San Francisco just two years later. The team is in first place; the ballpark is packed every night; and, best of all, no one worries about the size of the best player's testicles.
11. Mark Attanasio, Brewers: Attanasio invested in the team, let his employees do their jobs, increased attendance and made the Brewers relevant again. Which is a whole lot better than a certain previous owner who would have just continued moaning about small-market resources (not that I have anyone in mind).
12. Bob Castellini, Reds: Castellini is a driven, passionate owner who is working hard to return the Reds to their glory days. That's very good. Another bonus: He doesn't let his dog use the infield as a bathroom.
13. Liberty Media, Atlanta: CEO Terry McGuirk isn't exactly Ted Turner. Not that there is anything wrong with that at all.
14. Hiroshi Yamauchi, Mariners: The former head of Nintendo lives in Japan and has never seen the Mariners play in person. Now, Nintendo's purchase saved baseball in Seattle, and the club has spent money and genuinely cares about the fan experience. But the problem is that, like Yamauchi, Seattle fans have never seen the Mariners play in a World Series. Maybe things would be different if Yamauchi had to listen to fans and friends constantly hounding him about why the team hasn't drafted better in the past 15 years or added a needed bat or lowered beer prices or why it ever traded for Milton Bradley
15. The Pohlad family, Twins: I frequently criticized Carl Pohlad for his banker background and threats to move or contract the Twins, but he did win two World Series and showed incredible loyalty to employees. And the Twins are still in Minnesota. His sons also are willing to spend money now that the Twins are in a new stadium. So I'm declaring a personal moratorium on foreclosure references.
16. Rogers Communications, Blue Jays: The Jays are a long way from their glory days when they filled SkyDome and won consecutive World Series. But the club is investing in the draft and making an effort to grow the fan base across Canada (it even broadcasts some games in French on a Montreal radio station) while also no doubt wishing real hard that it played in a different division.
17. Lewis Wolff, Athletics: Wolff is in a tough position but -- and mind you, this is just a wild guess -- he probably would be more popular if he concentrated less on getting a new stadium in San Jose and more on winning in Oakland.
18. Ted Lerner, Nationals: Lerner will be judged on what happens after Stephen Strasburg returns and Bryce Harper reaches the majors. In the meantime, here's an interesting stat: The Nationals' payroll ($63 million) is the same as it was in 2006 when the league was still running the team. So at least there is one guy in Washington who can stick to a budget.
19. Jeff Moorad, Padres: It's too early to evaluate him, but it's interesting that Moorad used to be an agent (he represented Manny when Ramirez signed his $160 million deal with the Red Sox). This should make for some intriguing contract negotiations:
Player: I want a four-year, $50 million contract.
Moorad: Are you sure that's enough? If I were you, I would hold out for $60 million, plus incentive bonuses. Based on your popularity and our need for offense, the club would pretty much have to give it to you. D'oh! I shouldn't have said that.
20. Dick and Charlie Monfort, Rockies: A couple of years ago, the Monfort brothers were less popular than Rocky Mountain oysters served raw. But with the 2007 World Series and the 2009 playoff appearance, the Troy Tulowitzki contract and rising attendance, they don't look quite so bad anymore.
21. Ken Kendrick, Diamondbacks: He recently called for a ban on smokeless tobacco. Which is great. Now, if he can only enact a ban on overreacting to the team's fortunes.
22. Drayton McLane, Astros: He just sold the team, but I'm guessing few will miss him very much in Houston.
23. Tom Ricketts, Cubs: He told a Chicago reporter last week that "I can't stand it when I hear someone say they can't afford to go to a game. It might be hard to get tickets for a Yankees or Sox game, but there's no reason why they can't afford to go to another game." It must be nice to be so detached from the real world.
24. Larry Dolan, Cleveland: His team is leading the AL Central, but Rachel Phillips still was a more popular Cleveland owner in the original "Major League."
25. Jeffrey Loria, Marlins: I remember watching Loria run a victory lap around the bases at Yankee Stadium after winning the 2003 World Series and wishing that all the Expos fans he screwed over in Montreal were right behind nipping at his heels
26. Peter Angelos, Orioles: I applaud his refusal to participate in the 1995 replacement player scheme, but his ownership is a disaster otherwise. The Orioles haven't had a winning season since 1997, and attendance has dropped by half. If it gets much worse, Baltimore fans will start feeling nostalgic about Bob Irsay.
27. David Glass, Kansas City: Can't find an Eric Hosmer Royals replica jersey yet? Don't worry. The way Glass runs the team, you'll be able to buy a Hosmer White Sox replica jersey in a couple of years.
28. Bob Nutting, Pirates: Pittsburgh fans have suffered through 19 consecutive losing seasons, but that hasn't stopped Nutting from depositing those revenue-sharing payments into his wallet. He makes the judge in "The Natural" look like a big spender.
29. Fred Wilpon, Mets: Despite playing in baseball's most lucrative market, his team hasn't won a World Series in 25 years. He needed an emergency $25 million loan to cover expenses last year. He says the team could lose $70 million this season. And he's complaining about Carlos Beltran underperforming?
30. Frank and Jamie McCourt, Dodgers: The team has performed fairly well (two NLCS series), but then again, a lot of real estate portfolios performed well for a while, too. The McCourts paid an astrologer six figures to be a team consultant ("I sense big things for Juan Pierre in Dodger Stadium"). They're so over-leveraged they might not meet payroll, and even attendance is plummeting. It's so bad that Walter O'Malley would have a higher approval rating in Brooklyn now than the McCourts have in Los Angeles.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Jim Caple- Page 2
I like Jim Caple. Probably one of my favorite sportswriters, bit of a throwback baseball fan. Here's his latest review on baseball stadiums. He's not done yet (as evident by the 11 teams done not 30) but it's always interesting to see what other people think about stadiums when they've been to them all. Here you go:
Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City: I'm torn on this one. I've always liked Kauffman Stadium, for years baseball's most underrated ballpark. Seeing the stadium lights from the highway after a night game was an even grander sight than watching the outfield fountains from home plate or watching George Brett's stroke. And it always amazed me that a place so beautiful was built in the early '70s when the rest of baseball gave us Veterans Stadium and Riverfront and Three Rivers. It was as out of place for the era as seeing someone in classic polo shirt and khakis amid guys in leisure suits. How you rate Kauffman now depends on how you feel about the recent remodel (which, I wrote at the time, was a nice effort but as unnecessary as plastic surgery for Megan Fox). On the one hand, there was something very relaxing and pastoral about seeing the wide green berm surrounding the fountains in the original ballpark. It made you want to go have a picnic there. That's gone now, replaced by outfield seating and lots of concessions and amusements. It's all very busy, but, I must admit, it's also very fun if you're a fan. So, how do I feel about it? I don't know. It's still a great stadium, but I miss the old layout.
Score: 86.
Current rankings
1. AT&T Park, San Francisco 94
2. Camden Yards, Baltimore 92
3. Target Field, Minnesota 91
4. Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles 88
5. Safeco Field, Seattle 87
6. Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City
7. Jacobs Field, Cleveland 82
8. Busch Stadium, St. Louis 78
9. The Ballpark in Arlington, Texas 77
10. Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum 74
11. Tropicana Field, Tampa Bay 68
BALLPARK RANKINGS
Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City: I'm torn on this one. I've always liked Kauffman Stadium, for years baseball's most underrated ballpark. Seeing the stadium lights from the highway after a night game was an even grander sight than watching the outfield fountains from home plate or watching George Brett's stroke. And it always amazed me that a place so beautiful was built in the early '70s when the rest of baseball gave us Veterans Stadium and Riverfront and Three Rivers. It was as out of place for the era as seeing someone in classic polo shirt and khakis amid guys in leisure suits. How you rate Kauffman now depends on how you feel about the recent remodel (which, I wrote at the time, was a nice effort but as unnecessary as plastic surgery for Megan Fox). On the one hand, there was something very relaxing and pastoral about seeing the wide green berm surrounding the fountains in the original ballpark. It made you want to go have a picnic there. That's gone now, replaced by outfield seating and lots of concessions and amusements. It's all very busy, but, I must admit, it's also very fun if you're a fan. So, how do I feel about it? I don't know. It's still a great stadium, but I miss the old layout.
Score: 86.
Current rankings
1. AT&T Park, San Francisco 94
2. Camden Yards, Baltimore 92
3. Target Field, Minnesota 91
4. Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles 88
5. Safeco Field, Seattle 87
6. Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City
7. Jacobs Field, Cleveland 82
8. Busch Stadium, St. Louis 78
9. The Ballpark in Arlington, Texas 77
10. Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum 74
11. Tropicana Field, Tampa Bay 68
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Sports Agents and the Ruination of Professional Sports
Why do athletes pay up to 33% of their earnings to agents?
Is it really that complicated to sign a contract.
Read a freakin' book and figure it out dude.
Due to free agency and the arrival of greedy scum suckers like Scott Boras costs have skyrocketed, but are the players really benefiting?
Agents are also causing many problems with college players by luring them with bucks, illegally.
Do we really need a whole new industry called sports agents, a new major in college??
How about if owners refused to negotiate with agents?
All sports should have a different salary structure with not just a minimum salary as they have now, but also a maximum.
Why should a hot shot running back or qb who is the first round draft pick get paid more than veterans?
Agents.
Lawyers by a different name.
Is it really that complicated to sign a contract.
Read a freakin' book and figure it out dude.
Due to free agency and the arrival of greedy scum suckers like Scott Boras costs have skyrocketed, but are the players really benefiting?
Agents are also causing many problems with college players by luring them with bucks, illegally.
Do we really need a whole new industry called sports agents, a new major in college??
How about if owners refused to negotiate with agents?
All sports should have a different salary structure with not just a minimum salary as they have now, but also a maximum.
Why should a hot shot running back or qb who is the first round draft pick get paid more than veterans?
Agents.
Lawyers by a different name.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Mariners a Contender?
Growing up in Alaska it was hard not to like the Mariners. Their games where on TV and on the radio. And Dave Niehaus’s screams blasting through the radio "And it’s a Grandsalomi!" on the way home from church in Anchorage, forever indented in my brain a love for both baseball, and the Mariners. Then when I got a little bit older I started to appreciate the prestige that the mariner organization was building, with the exception of the occasional Lou Pinela rant. What with guys like Jay Buhner, Tino, Edgar, and of course Griffey…. I mean I could list dozens more but that’s a separate post in itself.
They haven’t been to the playoffs since 2001. So it is very easy for me to get excited when they are only 1.5 games back. Granted they are in an inferior division as compared to the AL East. But it seems to me that all the right pieces are coming together for a championship contending team. Maybe not this year, but hopefully by next year they will be considered a serious contender.
And no, their pitching staff does not solely revolve around King Felix. David Pauly who has been a dominant reliever hasn’t lost a game this year, and has a .96 ERA in 40 IP. And I’m sure everyone has heard of the hard throwing Pineda. And Jason Vargas is starting to pitch really well; he had 9 scoreless innings against Baltimore and got a no decision.
So great, they have good pitching but no run support. Well first off Chone Figgins needs to be shot, batting .198. But there is hope. Obviously Ichiro. Although his average is considerably lower than normal .258, but it’s still early and come on, it’s Ichiro.
Also hard hitting Justin Smoak is starting to pan out in a big way, and he’s a Switch hitter. And with Gutierez back we have some mediocre speed on the base paths and the best centerfielder in baseball. Their closer Brandon League is starting to be quite successful as well, 18-21 in save opportunities, tied for the best in the majors.
All I am saying is that I want an Ichiro jersey for Christmas. Also we need to get Noah on here. Quit going to NPR and contribute! Last thing. Can we get a picture of Kevin Costner on the picture slide? If Kenny Powers gets to be on there so should KC.
MLB changes
According to rumors, two changes are in the offing for MLB with the new CBA (labor agreement with owners) One rumor that baseball has floated is moving the Astros to the AL. Really? Who cares? They want to have the same number of teams in each league. I guess that's not a bad idea.
Another thing that probably will happen, because of money; is adding one more wild card team in each league for the playoffs.
Not sure I like this idea. In danger of having too many teams in the playoffs, making the season longer (it is already too long) and watering down the playoffs.
I suppose that if the two wild card teams in each league played each to get to the rest of the games that would be ok except for the extra time it takes, even if it is a three game series.
They also are talking about making the wild card series a seven game series, again; money.
I hate that the NBA and NHL have half their teams in the playoffs, don't think baseball should expand the playoffs.
MLB should also shorten the season by having more doubleheader day/night games.
I have given up on the greedy pukes ever going back to true doubleheader. One ticket-two games. Awesome.
Lebron apparently left his heart in Cleveland. Or he drank too much chicken soup.
Pirates are getting good dudes. Wait till Pedro comes back. Andew McCutchen is becoming a star.
Vote for him in all-star game.
http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=457705
Please help the Yankees, send a few good pitchers over.
Another thing that probably will happen, because of money; is adding one more wild card team in each league for the playoffs.
Not sure I like this idea. In danger of having too many teams in the playoffs, making the season longer (it is already too long) and watering down the playoffs.
I suppose that if the two wild card teams in each league played each to get to the rest of the games that would be ok except for the extra time it takes, even if it is a three game series.
They also are talking about making the wild card series a seven game series, again; money.
I hate that the NBA and NHL have half their teams in the playoffs, don't think baseball should expand the playoffs.
MLB should also shorten the season by having more doubleheader day/night games.
I have given up on the greedy pukes ever going back to true doubleheader. One ticket-two games. Awesome.
Lebron apparently left his heart in Cleveland. Or he drank too much chicken soup.
Pirates are getting good dudes. Wait till Pedro comes back. Andew McCutchen is becoming a star.
Vote for him in all-star game.
http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=457705
Please help the Yankees, send a few good pitchers over.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
2011/2012 NFL Season?
Will there be an NFL season? The way things are looking it doesn’t appear to be happening. And even if they did somehow figure this thing out, say within the next month, it will have already been to late.
All of the rookies drafted this year are losing months and months of valuable practice and conditioning. And it’s not just the rookies, any NFL player has to stay in peek physical condition to keep ahead of the steady influx of talent into the NFL. Manly veterans like Ronde Barber, who is entering his 16th season and is still regarded as one of the best DB in football. Or Daren Sharper who I believe to be the greatest safety of all time, but both of them have a tremendous work ethic!! And I’m sorry but I just don’t see Cam Newton hitting the gym everyday or studying playbooks on his own accord. But maybe he does. And then I make the "Bret Favre" argument, I doubt that he was training during his retirements, and besides last year was pretty successful upon his return. But he is not human!! Let me know what you think or if you care. No NFL could make the MLB huge this fall.
Modern Sports Media- I DON'T CARE!!!!!
This has bothered me for quite some time. Maybe because I just wish sports were sports but more so because I just don't think it's any of my business. In a new world of Facebook, Twitter, up to the minute sports tickers, news tickers, scrolling news, and non-stop blogging we are bombarded with information from every direction. Every minute of every day we are getting up to the second updates on situations across the world. It's no different in sports.
This would all be great if it meant we are getting pumped box scores only but the recent years have shown more and more of a growing trend to cover "news" outside the baseball diamond, football stadium and arena. Now, the off field miscues, mistakes and downright stupidity are covered with more passion than the 9th inning walkoff from the night prior.
Case in point: Mark Grace. Grace was an All-Star first basemen for the Cubs for many, many years in the 80's and 90's. Then he came to the Diamondbacks and was a star for them. Gold Glover, .300+ hitter. Great overall player and very outgoing personality. He's retired now of course and the color commentator for the Diamondbacks games every night. Over Memorial Day weekend this year he was making a wide right turn, weaved a little and he was pulled over by the Scottsdale Police Department. He was cited for a DUI and yesterday it hit the news channels, sports websites and news tickers. It's all over the news.
So the question is: Why is this any of our business? He's not a politician who has an ethics clause in his job description like Representative Weiner. He's not a teacher who can lose their license for being convicted of a DUI. He's a former professional baseball player who is now the announcer for the Diamondbacks. I'm not convinced that this should be public knowledge as it has no bearing on how I feel he is going to commentate a game.
Another example: Andy Reid's son was a drug addict. Not our business. Lenny Dykstra, former stud for the World Champion Phillies 18 YEARS AGO, was arrested this week. Espn.com didn't hesitate to cover that one. Jim Leyritz killed a guy while drunk driving in Florida. Still...not our business.
Imagine this happening in any other business or your own life. You get a DUI and within an hour it's all over the internet?? How is it affecting your performance on the field? It's not so it shouldn't be brought up in the news. The media is stretching for coverage because the overall media conglomerate cares only about ratings and not journalism. Drama creates ratings. If you don't believe me maybe you should check out the ratings of the 200+ reality TV shows that dominate the channels.
I can understand Plaxico Burress shooting himself in the leg as that clearly, obviously is affecting his job. He's then kicked out of football and in prison. That is a big story. Kobe raped a girl (would it have been as big a story if he raped a black girl? ...I wonder.) Pretty big story because had that happened in any other major corporation that would be major news as well, (see IMF former President allegedly raping housekeeper in The Pierre hotel NYC last month). Former NFL star OJ Simpson murdering two people? Pretty big news.
But professional coaches sons getting DUI's? Why drag that kid through the mud? Some of them are not even in sports, just their dads coach college teams and they print and "report" on minor criminal acts their family members allegedly commit. If you are out of professional sports I don't see the need to ever print another word about that person unless you are promoting the person's charity event. I don't care what Mike Gallego is doing right now.
If he's not playing baseball I don't care what is going on in his life.
Why? Because it's none of my business.
This would all be great if it meant we are getting pumped box scores only but the recent years have shown more and more of a growing trend to cover "news" outside the baseball diamond, football stadium and arena. Now, the off field miscues, mistakes and downright stupidity are covered with more passion than the 9th inning walkoff from the night prior.
Case in point: Mark Grace. Grace was an All-Star first basemen for the Cubs for many, many years in the 80's and 90's. Then he came to the Diamondbacks and was a star for them. Gold Glover, .300+ hitter. Great overall player and very outgoing personality. He's retired now of course and the color commentator for the Diamondbacks games every night. Over Memorial Day weekend this year he was making a wide right turn, weaved a little and he was pulled over by the Scottsdale Police Department. He was cited for a DUI and yesterday it hit the news channels, sports websites and news tickers. It's all over the news.
So the question is: Why is this any of our business? He's not a politician who has an ethics clause in his job description like Representative Weiner. He's not a teacher who can lose their license for being convicted of a DUI. He's a former professional baseball player who is now the announcer for the Diamondbacks. I'm not convinced that this should be public knowledge as it has no bearing on how I feel he is going to commentate a game.
Another example: Andy Reid's son was a drug addict. Not our business. Lenny Dykstra, former stud for the World Champion Phillies 18 YEARS AGO, was arrested this week. Espn.com didn't hesitate to cover that one. Jim Leyritz killed a guy while drunk driving in Florida. Still...not our business.
Imagine this happening in any other business or your own life. You get a DUI and within an hour it's all over the internet?? How is it affecting your performance on the field? It's not so it shouldn't be brought up in the news. The media is stretching for coverage because the overall media conglomerate cares only about ratings and not journalism. Drama creates ratings. If you don't believe me maybe you should check out the ratings of the 200+ reality TV shows that dominate the channels.
I can understand Plaxico Burress shooting himself in the leg as that clearly, obviously is affecting his job. He's then kicked out of football and in prison. That is a big story. Kobe raped a girl (would it have been as big a story if he raped a black girl? ...I wonder.) Pretty big story because had that happened in any other major corporation that would be major news as well, (see IMF former President allegedly raping housekeeper in The Pierre hotel NYC last month). Former NFL star OJ Simpson murdering two people? Pretty big news.
But professional coaches sons getting DUI's? Why drag that kid through the mud? Some of them are not even in sports, just their dads coach college teams and they print and "report" on minor criminal acts their family members allegedly commit. If you are out of professional sports I don't see the need to ever print another word about that person unless you are promoting the person's charity event. I don't care what Mike Gallego is doing right now.
If he's not playing baseball I don't care what is going on in his life.
Why? Because it's none of my business.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Where have all the Patriots Gone!
Ok guys, it's summer time again. The same time last year I was starting this post and it was on and off succesful so let's get it back going. It's been pretty dormant for the past couple months so let's get some new things going. Here are some interesting fire starters:
1) What would Felix Hernandez's record be on the NYY or Boston?
2) Why is playoffs NBA basketball better and different than regular season?
3) Why is NASCAR on ESPN?
4) Can the DBacks, Pirates, Marlins, and Indians hold on all season and compete?
5) Why can't we all live near each other?
LET's DO IT!!
1) What would Felix Hernandez's record be on the NYY or Boston?
2) Why is playoffs NBA basketball better and different than regular season?
3) Why is NASCAR on ESPN?
4) Can the DBacks, Pirates, Marlins, and Indians hold on all season and compete?
5) Why can't we all live near each other?
LET's DO IT!!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Most Overrated Players in Baseball
Can't wait to hear rebuttles on this one. Fair warning: I've had 32 oz. of Coke, ran 13 miles this morning and it's 75 degrees outside and I'm NOT at work on a Friday afternoon. Laptop on the patio outside with a nice breeze on March 25th? Freaking LOVE Arizona.
Ryan Howard is a slopply mess of waste. Check this out. .279 career average. Ok, thats decent for a power hitting first basemen. No complaints there. But lets put out there that he just signed a 7 year deal at $25 million a year. He'll be 31 this year. Another contract signed at the peak of a players prime that will take them well past their crappy years. So why is he overrated? I'd even go so far as saying the MOST overrated player in baseball. The overall scope of it is the $25 million a year. If you are making THAT much money you better be putting up some serious stats. Quick look at 2010:
.276 AVG in 152 games. 87 Runs, 23 2B, 31 HR, 108 RBI, 157 K, 59 BB, .353 OBP, .505 SLG, .859 OPS
Solid right? Until you look at Adam LaRoche from the Dbacks in 2010 and realize they had almost the same year. Or that Dan Uggla had the same year or that David Ortiz had a better year or that Votto, Pujols, Cabrera, Dunn and about 30 other players had a much better year. Down year? Sure, but he's had a down year every year since his 2006 MONSTER MVP season. He's still great, but when you are not having a better year than Jayson Werth and are the 3rd-4th best hitter on your team I think you should stop doing commericals and maybe take a little less money in arbitration every year.
Here's the whammy though. Someone actually gave him a 1st place MVP vote for 2010. That means someone voted for Howard for MVP over Votto or Pujols last year. What in the freaking hell?? Flawed system for sure but thats another post.
Most telling stat is up Arod's alley. 2010 Postseason? 0 RBI's in 9 Games. Also, 30 of his last 52 Postseason at bats dating back to 2009 World Series have been strikeouts....!!!!!! And if it weren't for Mark Reynolds every year topping 200 k's Howard would be all over the news with his 199 K's in 2007 and 2008. And he's rated below average defensively.
$25 million.
Almost as bad as Jeters contract.
Ryan Howard is a slopply mess of waste. Check this out. .279 career average. Ok, thats decent for a power hitting first basemen. No complaints there. But lets put out there that he just signed a 7 year deal at $25 million a year. He'll be 31 this year. Another contract signed at the peak of a players prime that will take them well past their crappy years. So why is he overrated? I'd even go so far as saying the MOST overrated player in baseball. The overall scope of it is the $25 million a year. If you are making THAT much money you better be putting up some serious stats. Quick look at 2010:
.276 AVG in 152 games. 87 Runs, 23 2B, 31 HR, 108 RBI, 157 K, 59 BB, .353 OBP, .505 SLG, .859 OPS
Solid right? Until you look at Adam LaRoche from the Dbacks in 2010 and realize they had almost the same year. Or that Dan Uggla had the same year or that David Ortiz had a better year or that Votto, Pujols, Cabrera, Dunn and about 30 other players had a much better year. Down year? Sure, but he's had a down year every year since his 2006 MONSTER MVP season. He's still great, but when you are not having a better year than Jayson Werth and are the 3rd-4th best hitter on your team I think you should stop doing commericals and maybe take a little less money in arbitration every year.
Here's the whammy though. Someone actually gave him a 1st place MVP vote for 2010. That means someone voted for Howard for MVP over Votto or Pujols last year. What in the freaking hell?? Flawed system for sure but thats another post.
Most telling stat is up Arod's alley. 2010 Postseason? 0 RBI's in 9 Games. Also, 30 of his last 52 Postseason at bats dating back to 2009 World Series have been strikeouts....!!!!!! And if it weren't for Mark Reynolds every year topping 200 k's Howard would be all over the news with his 199 K's in 2007 and 2008. And he's rated below average defensively.
$25 million.
Almost as bad as Jeters contract.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Year of the Pitcher Indeed
I originally was going to write a post about why calling last year the "year of the pitcher" was a bunch of bull. I wanted to argue that instead of a league wide dominance in pitching it was merely the year of amazing individual performances highlighted by no hitters and perfect games. So I went to baseball-reference.com to look up the statistics for league averages in pitching statistics only to find that 2010 was one of the best years for pitching in decades.
~In 2010, MLB set the record for most K's per 9 innings with 7.06 K's/9 innings pitched!
~In 2010, MLB had the lowest ERA of 4.08 since 1992!
~In 2010, MLB allowed the least amount of HR's at .95/game since 1993!
~In 2010, MLB allowed the least amount of H's at 8.76/game since 1992!
~In 2010, MLB had the lowest WHIP of 1.347 since 1992!
Do you see a trend? There seems to be this massive 19 year gap between pitching dominance in MLB, and the difference is significant. A 4.08 ERA for the year is better by .20 or more almost every year since 1992. The strikeouts are ridiculous at 7.06 per 9 innings where in the late 90's and early 2000's K's/9 innings was in the high 5's and low 6's. Less than 1 HR allowed per game? That's crazy! In 2000 the league average was 1.17!
So what are the reasons for the decline of pitching over 19 years and then a sudden dominance in 2010? Are steroids finally done? Are pitchers getting better or more creative with new pitches? Are ballparks getting bigger and more conducive for pitchers? Are batters getting worse? Is it a combination of all?
It's very interesting that even in the year of the pitcher, there wasn't any real pitching standout. Only 3 pitchers achieved 20 wins, 3 got 19, 3 got 18, 5 got 17, and 3 got 16. Thats 17 pitchers who got more than 15 wins. Out of those 17 only 6 had ERA's under 3.00. I personally believe that Roy Halladay had the best pitching year last year going 21-10 with a 2.44 ERA and 219 K's. Will people be talking about that stat line in 20 years? Doubt it. But in the height of hitting prominence from 1998-2003, Pedro Martinez averaged 19.2 wins/year with a 2.23 ERA/year and 260.3 K's/season. Isn't that unbelievable! Shouldn't Pedro go to the Hall of Fame just for that 5 year stretch of being so far below the league averages? Koufax did.
I acknowledge that last year was the year of the pitcher, but I think that it wasn't the year of the pitching STARS. No one pitcher has popped out into Bob Gibson status since Pedro and I would like to see one pop out this year. I would love to see CC go 24-4 with a 1.98 ERA and 298 K's. My generation has witnessed McGuire and Sosa, Griffey and A-Rod, Ichiro and Jeter, but will we see a Bob Gibson or a Sandy Koufax. Will we see another Pedro or Greg Maddux? I hope so. I miss the old days when Pitchers were the stars and the bats were silenced. Here's to CC and Brian Wilson, Halladay and Jimenez, Mariano and Felez, I'm down for another year of the pitcher...defense and pitching wins and that why I'm scared of the Red Sox.
~In 2010, MLB set the record for most K's per 9 innings with 7.06 K's/9 innings pitched!
~In 2010, MLB had the lowest ERA of 4.08 since 1992!
~In 2010, MLB allowed the least amount of HR's at .95/game since 1993!
~In 2010, MLB allowed the least amount of H's at 8.76/game since 1992!
~In 2010, MLB had the lowest WHIP of 1.347 since 1992!
Do you see a trend? There seems to be this massive 19 year gap between pitching dominance in MLB, and the difference is significant. A 4.08 ERA for the year is better by .20 or more almost every year since 1992. The strikeouts are ridiculous at 7.06 per 9 innings where in the late 90's and early 2000's K's/9 innings was in the high 5's and low 6's. Less than 1 HR allowed per game? That's crazy! In 2000 the league average was 1.17!
So what are the reasons for the decline of pitching over 19 years and then a sudden dominance in 2010? Are steroids finally done? Are pitchers getting better or more creative with new pitches? Are ballparks getting bigger and more conducive for pitchers? Are batters getting worse? Is it a combination of all?
It's very interesting that even in the year of the pitcher, there wasn't any real pitching standout. Only 3 pitchers achieved 20 wins, 3 got 19, 3 got 18, 5 got 17, and 3 got 16. Thats 17 pitchers who got more than 15 wins. Out of those 17 only 6 had ERA's under 3.00. I personally believe that Roy Halladay had the best pitching year last year going 21-10 with a 2.44 ERA and 219 K's. Will people be talking about that stat line in 20 years? Doubt it. But in the height of hitting prominence from 1998-2003, Pedro Martinez averaged 19.2 wins/year with a 2.23 ERA/year and 260.3 K's/season. Isn't that unbelievable! Shouldn't Pedro go to the Hall of Fame just for that 5 year stretch of being so far below the league averages? Koufax did.
I acknowledge that last year was the year of the pitcher, but I think that it wasn't the year of the pitching STARS. No one pitcher has popped out into Bob Gibson status since Pedro and I would like to see one pop out this year. I would love to see CC go 24-4 with a 1.98 ERA and 298 K's. My generation has witnessed McGuire and Sosa, Griffey and A-Rod, Ichiro and Jeter, but will we see a Bob Gibson or a Sandy Koufax. Will we see another Pedro or Greg Maddux? I hope so. I miss the old days when Pitchers were the stars and the bats were silenced. Here's to CC and Brian Wilson, Halladay and Jimenez, Mariano and Felez, I'm down for another year of the pitcher...defense and pitching wins and that why I'm scared of the Red Sox.
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