Red Sox fans are notorious ballot stuffers, but not this year.
I cannot believe it, but it looks like that no Red Sox will start the game that will determine whether the World Series starts in Philadelphia or Boston.
I guess I can't really complain because we've been a bit spoiled in recent years. (Jason Varitek, a manager/player/coach pick in 2008, is one of the worst selections ever.) And although I filled out a handful of ballots at the park, I haven't filled out any online yet. {Greg and I must have different definitions of "handful." We've filled out quite a few ballots at the games we've gone to this spring.}
That said, I can't explain some of these results:
Kevin Youkilis, the best first baseman in the game, is a distant fourth in the voting. Victor Martinez, who should not be ahead of Joe Mauer, also should not be behind Jorge Posada. David Ortiz's slow start and recent slump probably warrant his first vacation since 2003, but there's no way he should trail Hideki Matsui and the retired Ken Griffey Jr. (At least Papi has passed Pat Burrell in DH voting.)
If there's a silver lining, maybe it's a sign that some of the newcomers are jumping off the Red Sox bandwagon. Or maybe the real fans are just tired of stuffing the box.
Tonight's games: Both our teams are off, but we have baseball on: MLB Network's two-hour special on perfect games. Have I mentioned that I love this channel? Excellent - they showed Carl Everett break up Mike Mussina's shot at a perfect game as a pinch-hitter with just one out to go. I remember watching that game in my apartment. It was on ESPN.
Rest in peace: Oscar Azocar died. For some reason, he always stuck out in my mind. Probably because of his name, I always kind of liked him despite his Yankee-ness.
Showing posts with label MLB Network. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MLB Network. Show all posts
Jun 14, 2010
Mar 17, 2010
More homegrown follies
When I wrote about the Phillies MLB Network-selected all-time homegrown team, I predicted what the Red Sox lineup would look like, but forgot to mention the results.
There wasn't any example as bad as Ryne Sandberg over Chase Utley on the Phillies team, but it was not a perfect selection.
My prediction:
Well, they put Yaz at first. That's kind of weak but understandable, I guess, because I didn't realize they were picking a position-specific outfield instead of just three outfielders. Accompanying Williams in the outfield were center fielder Tris Speaker and right fielder Babe Ruth.
The biggest outrage for me came at closer, where they went with SoxandPhil Sparky Lyle over Jonathan Papelbon. How many friggin' Yankees can there be on an all-time Red Sox team?
Entering 2010, each had played five seasons for the Red Sox. Papelbon - in a more offensive era - has a 1.84 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 10.4 K/9 in 298 innings. Lyle had a 2.85 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 5.5 K/9 over 331.1 innings.
Each was a fine pitcher, and I'm sure somebody could make a legitimate case for Lyle, but again, on selections like this, extra credit should be awarded to the player more associated with the franchise. Demerits should be awarded for those more closely associated with the enemy.
Oh, and I hadn't even considered Lyle homegrown because he was selected by the Orioles. I only learned recently of MLB Network's criteria that a player had to play at least one game for the major league club to be counted, and he didn't play any games for the Orioles.
Of course, it's entirely possible that the folks at the network were on heavy narcotics when coming up with these teams. Actually, I'm getting them confused with Rangers manager Ron Washington and his positive cocaine test.
There wasn't any example as bad as Ryne Sandberg over Chase Utley on the Phillies team, but it was not a perfect selection.
My prediction:
Off the top of my head, and without verifying who is homegrown, here's my prediction for the Red Sox team: C-Carlton Fisk, 1B-Mo Vaughn, 2B-Bobby Doerr,
3B-Wade Boggs, SS-Nomar Garciaparra, OF-Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski and Jim Rice, SP-Roger Clemens, RP-Papelbon. We'll see how close I am on March 11.
Well, they put Yaz at first. That's kind of weak but understandable, I guess, because I didn't realize they were picking a position-specific outfield instead of just three outfielders. Accompanying Williams in the outfield were center fielder Tris Speaker and right fielder Babe Ruth.
The biggest outrage for me came at closer, where they went with SoxandPhil Sparky Lyle over Jonathan Papelbon. How many friggin' Yankees can there be on an all-time Red Sox team?
Entering 2010, each had played five seasons for the Red Sox. Papelbon - in a more offensive era - has a 1.84 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 10.4 K/9 in 298 innings. Lyle had a 2.85 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 5.5 K/9 over 331.1 innings.
Each was a fine pitcher, and I'm sure somebody could make a legitimate case for Lyle, but again, on selections like this, extra credit should be awarded to the player more associated with the franchise. Demerits should be awarded for those more closely associated with the enemy.
Oh, and I hadn't even considered Lyle homegrown because he was selected by the Orioles. I only learned recently of MLB Network's criteria that a player had to play at least one game for the major league club to be counted, and he didn't play any games for the Orioles.
Of course, it's entirely possible that the folks at the network were on heavy narcotics when coming up with these teams. Actually, I'm getting them confused with Rangers manager Ron Washington and his positive cocaine test.
Mar 6, 2010
Homegrown case closed
I caught some of MLB Network's 30 in 30 on the Phillies this morning. This year, the network selected an all-time team of homegrown talent. I like that twist; for example, it was interesting seeing an all-time Yankees team without Babe Ruth in right field.
But this dimension had some curiosities in the Phillies lineup. I figured the infield would be the current team plus Mike Schmidt at third. Nope. Ryan Howard and J-Roll made the cut with Schmidt, but not Chase Utley. It was Ryne Sandberg. At this point, I can accept a spirited debate over which of these two has had a better career, but on a list like this, Utley's seven dominant years that occurred in a Phillies uniform should far outweigh the 13 games Sandberg played for Philly.
I was actually more surprised when they got to closer: Ricky Bottalico, whose sixth slot on the all-time Phillies save list is in serious danger, providing Brad Lidge is able to convert six more. But the network quickly noted that Mitch Williams wasn't homegrown and neither were any other notable Phillies closers.
Out of the top 10 - Jose Mesa, Steve Bedrosian, Williams, Tug McGraw, Ron Reed, Bottalico, Lidge, Turk Farrell, Jack Baldschun and Billy Wagner - only Ricky Bo and the Turk were homegrown.
Out of curiosity, I checked the Red Sox list. They have a much better quality of homegrown closers on their list, but not that many more names. The top three - Jonathan Paplebon, Bob Stanely and Dick "The Monster" Radatz - are homegrown, but the last seven are not - Ellis Kinder, Jeff Reardon, Derek Lowe, Sparky Lyle, Tom Gordon, Lee Smith and Bill Campbell.
I guess good closers don't grow on trees.
Off the top of my head, and without verifying who is homegrown, here's my prediction for the Red Sox team: C-Carlton Fisk, 1B-Mo Vaughn, 2B-Bobby Doerr, 3B-Wade Boggs, SS-Nomar Garciaparra, OF-Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski and Jim Rice, SP-Roger Clemens, RP-Papelbon. We'll see how close I am on March 11.
But this dimension had some curiosities in the Phillies lineup. I figured the infield would be the current team plus Mike Schmidt at third. Nope. Ryan Howard and J-Roll made the cut with Schmidt, but not Chase Utley. It was Ryne Sandberg. At this point, I can accept a spirited debate over which of these two has had a better career, but on a list like this, Utley's seven dominant years that occurred in a Phillies uniform should far outweigh the 13 games Sandberg played for Philly.
I was actually more surprised when they got to closer: Ricky Bottalico, whose sixth slot on the all-time Phillies save list is in serious danger, providing Brad Lidge is able to convert six more. But the network quickly noted that Mitch Williams wasn't homegrown and neither were any other notable Phillies closers.
Out of the top 10 - Jose Mesa, Steve Bedrosian, Williams, Tug McGraw, Ron Reed, Bottalico, Lidge, Turk Farrell, Jack Baldschun and Billy Wagner - only Ricky Bo and the Turk were homegrown.
Out of curiosity, I checked the Red Sox list. They have a much better quality of homegrown closers on their list, but not that many more names. The top three - Jonathan Paplebon, Bob Stanely and Dick "The Monster" Radatz - are homegrown, but the last seven are not - Ellis Kinder, Jeff Reardon, Derek Lowe, Sparky Lyle, Tom Gordon, Lee Smith and Bill Campbell.
I guess good closers don't grow on trees.
Off the top of my head, and without verifying who is homegrown, here's my prediction for the Red Sox team: C-Carlton Fisk, 1B-Mo Vaughn, 2B-Bobby Doerr, 3B-Wade Boggs, SS-Nomar Garciaparra, OF-Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski and Jim Rice, SP-Roger Clemens, RP-Papelbon. We'll see how close I am on March 11.
Feb 20, 2010
Spaceman hits the big screen
I had the opportunity to clear out the DVR recently and finished off Spaceman: A Baseball Odyssey.I liked it even though it didn't blaze any new ground on one of the game's greatest characters - especially for anyone who has read Bill Lee's autobiography, The Wrong Stuff.
I read that book several years ago. I've always admired Lee's honesty and willingness to be himself even though it meant less opportunity to play the game he loves. And watching the movie gave me the sense that it was a "documentary based on the book."
One major difference was Lee's aunt stealing the show in her commentary, especially punctuating how he probably pitched while high but that it didn't affect him.
There was also a part about a barnstorming tour Lee took in Cuba a few years ago. That was some fascinating stuff, especially the bit in which he's walking around cow fields in full uniform trying to find a stadium. You had the feeling he would bump into Fidel Castro and they would have a catch. That wouldn't surprise anyone with the Spaceman.
I did gain a greater appreciation for just how much Lee loves playing baseball and how that love gives him an instant connection to so many people no matter their background.
It was definitely an enjoyable movie, and I hope MLB Network continues to show things like this. I'd rather be riding Space Mountain, but if that's not possible, I'll take a good baseball movie like Spaceman.
Jan 17, 2010
Nearing the top of that winter hill
Last night, Christine was taking pins out of some shirts we had bought.
I offered to get her something out of the kitchen.
"Thanks," she said. "I can't move."
"Afraid you'll knock the pins into the cracks of the couch?"
"No, I can't stop watching this."
On the screen was a riveting contest from 1989 in with Philadelphia beat Pittsburgh 15-11. It was not a low-scoring football game, but a slugfest between two awful baseball teams on June 8, 1989.
The Pirates knocked out Phillies starter Larry McWilliams after one-third of an inning. They scored 10 runs in the first, famously prompting announcer Jim Rooker to say, "If the Pirates lose this game, I'll walk home."
That's famous because in the fall he had to walk the 300 miles after the Phillies - led by Steve Jeltz - kept chipping away and finally took the lead with an five-run 8th inning, which was preserved by Steve Bedroisian.
Jeltz hit two of his five career home runs in this game despite entering the game in the 2nd inning when it was assumed the game was a blowout. Von Hayes had four RBI, and newly acquired - and baby-faced - John Kruk had four hits.
It was an awful game that we couldn't stop watching (and we weren't even sure at the time whether the Phillies would win). It was great see a younger Kruk and much skinner Barry Bonds and Bobby Bonilla. The late Eric Gregg was a treat to watch umpiring at home plate.
Christine's only lament was that we got the Pirates broadcasters (although in retrospect it was probably intentional because of Rooker's line) instead of Harry Kalas and Richie Ashburn.
With 78 days to opening day, let's hope MLB Network airs some more like this in the coming weeks.
I offered to get her something out of the kitchen.
"Thanks," she said. "I can't move."
"Afraid you'll knock the pins into the cracks of the couch?"
"No, I can't stop watching this."
On the screen was a riveting contest from 1989 in with Philadelphia beat Pittsburgh 15-11. It was not a low-scoring football game, but a slugfest between two awful baseball teams on June 8, 1989.
The Pirates knocked out Phillies starter Larry McWilliams after one-third of an inning. They scored 10 runs in the first, famously prompting announcer Jim Rooker to say, "If the Pirates lose this game, I'll walk home."
That's famous because in the fall he had to walk the 300 miles after the Phillies - led by Steve Jeltz - kept chipping away and finally took the lead with an five-run 8th inning, which was preserved by Steve Bedroisian.
Jeltz hit two of his five career home runs in this game despite entering the game in the 2nd inning when it was assumed the game was a blowout. Von Hayes had four RBI, and newly acquired - and baby-faced - John Kruk had four hits.
It was an awful game that we couldn't stop watching (and we weren't even sure at the time whether the Phillies would win). It was great see a younger Kruk and much skinner Barry Bonds and Bobby Bonilla. The late Eric Gregg was a treat to watch umpiring at home plate.
Christine's only lament was that we got the Pirates broadcasters (although in retrospect it was probably intentional because of Rooker's line) instead of Harry Kalas and Richie Ashburn.
With 78 days to opening day, let's hope MLB Network airs some more like this in the coming weeks.
Jan 2, 2010
More anniversary
SoxandPhils isn't the only revolutionary baseball medium celebrating an anniversary this week. MLB Network launched last year on New Year's Day. I can't believe it's been just one year because I can't remember life without it. It's easily the most-watched channel in our house (except maybe during the actual season when the Phillies games are on Comcast).
I can empathize with those in North Jersey who suddenly lost the Food Network and HGTV because Cablevision dropped the ball. I am a big fan of Alton Brown, Ace of Cakes, Unwrapped and pretty much anything on the food channel, but I would be utterly devastated if FIOS got rid of MLB.
Where else can you catch a random game from 1970 between the Pirates and Expos featuring Boots Day? How about an hour-long retrospective on one of my favorite seasons, 1986? Or how about the current marathon of 2009 playoff games? Well, we can do without that last one.
The other day, Christine finally got around to starting her Harry Kalas book. When she was telling me why she was disappointed with it, MLB Network was on in the background running a bunch of highlights from the regular season. Sure enough, Harry's delightful voice came on describing how the Phillies scored eight runs in the 7th inning to beat the Braves 12-11 on April 8.
It's like the network is so ingrained that it joined our conversation.
But it also reminds us of things we may not want to remember. This morning, Game 3 of the ALDS was on. I watched a little bit of Clay Buchholz against the Angels. I knew the Red Sox would lose, but I didn't mind watching, until I stepped a way for a little bit and came back in the 6th inning when the Angels were trailing 5-1 and threatening to score. That's when I remembered how badly the Red Sox blew that game and switched the channel to Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee.
One beef: I'm tired of every channel's ticker, particularly MLB, labeling every little transaction as a huge exclusive. It's one thing to credit the reporter who breaks a huge story such as the Roy Halladay trade, but it's another to say Jon Heyman reports the Phillies sign Danys Baez, Peter Gammons reports the Mets still stink or Todd Zolecki reports the Phanatic scratched his butt.
Routine matters should not be attributed to a reporter.
Carry on.
I can empathize with those in North Jersey who suddenly lost the Food Network and HGTV because Cablevision dropped the ball. I am a big fan of Alton Brown, Ace of Cakes, Unwrapped and pretty much anything on the food channel, but I would be utterly devastated if FIOS got rid of MLB.
Where else can you catch a random game from 1970 between the Pirates and Expos featuring Boots Day? How about an hour-long retrospective on one of my favorite seasons, 1986? Or how about the current marathon of 2009 playoff games? Well, we can do without that last one.
The other day, Christine finally got around to starting her Harry Kalas book. When she was telling me why she was disappointed with it, MLB Network was on in the background running a bunch of highlights from the regular season. Sure enough, Harry's delightful voice came on describing how the Phillies scored eight runs in the 7th inning to beat the Braves 12-11 on April 8.
It's like the network is so ingrained that it joined our conversation.
But it also reminds us of things we may not want to remember. This morning, Game 3 of the ALDS was on. I watched a little bit of Clay Buchholz against the Angels. I knew the Red Sox would lose, but I didn't mind watching, until I stepped a way for a little bit and came back in the 6th inning when the Angels were trailing 5-1 and threatening to score. That's when I remembered how badly the Red Sox blew that game and switched the channel to Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee.
One beef: I'm tired of every channel's ticker, particularly MLB, labeling every little transaction as a huge exclusive. It's one thing to credit the reporter who breaks a huge story such as the Roy Halladay trade, but it's another to say Jon Heyman reports the Phillies sign Danys Baez, Peter Gammons reports the Mets still stink or Todd Zolecki reports the Phanatic scratched his butt.
Routine matters should not be attributed to a reporter.
Carry on.
Nov 29, 2009
Christine's new favorite former Phillie
Christine likes horses. They're definitely among her top five favorite animals.
Christine loves the Phillies. They're definitely among her top five favorite baseball teams. OK, they're her most favorite team.
So, clearly she was happy to read about former Phillie Dan Plesac and how he saved his former racehorse from the slaughterhouse. Plesac learned the racehorse he owned 12 years ago, Captain Zoom, who is presumably a fan of both the Phillies and fillies, was ailing. Plesac decided to pitch in and provide a better retirement:
The only sad part of this tale for Christine is that on our last two trips - Savannah and Lancaster - we took horse-drawn tours. In Savannah, she noticed one horse kept pulling his cart with his head down, as if he were downtrodden.
I had assured her that the horses were well taken care of, but the story says part of Captain Zoom's suffering came from pulling an Amish buggy:
But thanks to the former Phillie, he won't have to worry about that anymore:
Incidentally, the story appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer. It was written by a freelancer, Nicole Kraft, executive editor of Hoof Beats Magazine - a publication of the United States Trotting Association. Who else would write a horse-centric story about Dan Plesac?
Awkward transition: Dan Plesac works for MLB Network. He was an All-Star from 1987-1989. All weekend, the network has been running marathons of All-Star games.
I can think of only two words: Thank you.
Christine aptly described it as TV crack for me, and it's so true. I saw Ricky Bottalico represent the Phillies at Veterans Stadium's last All-Star game in 1996, Bob Costas say that Alex Rodriguez can still grow into his body, and how the biggest stars of my youth don't look so big compared with the stars of today.
I wonder why? Christine also wondered why the 2002 All-Star game wasn't in MLB's rotation.
Other than that omission, this was the perfect use of the year-old network. This is supposed to be what ESPN Classic is for, but that channel lost its way with poker, bowling and rodeo. Although the late-night cheesy professional wrestling is a nice touch.
Christine loves the Phillies. They're definitely among her top five favorite baseball teams. OK, they're her most favorite team.
So, clearly she was happy to read about former Phillie Dan Plesac and how he saved his former racehorse from the slaughterhouse. Plesac learned the racehorse he owned 12 years ago, Captain Zoom, who is presumably a fan of both the Phillies and fillies, was ailing. Plesac decided to pitch in and provide a better retirement:
"We can come up with a million excuses not to do things," Plesac said. "I couldn't have gone to bed at night knowing that I came up with a lame excuse not to take him."
The only sad part of this tale for Christine is that on our last two trips - Savannah and Lancaster - we took horse-drawn tours. In Savannah, she noticed one horse kept pulling his cart with his head down, as if he were downtrodden.
I had assured her that the horses were well taken care of, but the story says part of Captain Zoom's suffering came from pulling an Amish buggy:
He had marks from a harness collar around his neck. He also had lacerations all over his body from what appeared to be a fall on the road and fights in the pasture.
But thanks to the former Phillie, he won't have to worry about that anymore:
"When I look at him out there eating grass, all I can think is, 'You hit the lottery, big boy,'" Plesac said. "We both did."
Incidentally, the story appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer. It was written by a freelancer, Nicole Kraft, executive editor of Hoof Beats Magazine - a publication of the United States Trotting Association. Who else would write a horse-centric story about Dan Plesac?
Awkward transition: Dan Plesac works for MLB Network. He was an All-Star from 1987-1989. All weekend, the network has been running marathons of All-Star games.
I can think of only two words: Thank you.
Christine aptly described it as TV crack for me, and it's so true. I saw Ricky Bottalico represent the Phillies at Veterans Stadium's last All-Star game in 1996, Bob Costas say that Alex Rodriguez can still grow into his body, and how the biggest stars of my youth don't look so big compared with the stars of today.
I wonder why? Christine also wondered why the 2002 All-Star game wasn't in MLB's rotation.
Other than that omission, this was the perfect use of the year-old network. This is supposed to be what ESPN Classic is for, but that channel lost its way with poker, bowling and rodeo. Although the late-night cheesy professional wrestling is a nice touch.
Feb 23, 2009
Christine says: Why isn't this on VH1's Celebreality?
Christine often complains that her Phillies never get mainstream attention and respect. Christine loves reality TV shows. So she is pleased, and we're both shocked, by the MLB Network's first original series: The Pen - a reality show about the Phillies bullpen as it tries to defend the World Championship.
I hope the show doesn't limit itself to the bullpen. Brett Myers was made to be a reality TV star. (For no reason, because I have never said that before, I just had a feeling of deja vu when I typed that.)
Clay Condrey, who could be a good sidekick for Myers, is excited:
No, he's not. But Grammy-attending, white-tux wearing Shane Victorino is. Or, maybe not:
Shane does know how to grab attention, Hollywood style. He made sure to get in a SoxandPhils line to ensure he made this blog:
{Please, don't let the Phillies become my worst nightmare - the Red Sox of 2005.}
[Photo credit: Albert L. Ortega, PR Photos]
I hope the show doesn't limit itself to the bullpen. Brett Myers was made to be a reality TV star. (For no reason, because I have never said that before, I just had a feeling of deja vu when I typed that.)
Clay Condrey, who could be a good sidekick for Myers, is excited:
"I think it'll be pretty neat," Clay Condrey said.
You'll probably become a star, Clay.
"I ain't no star," he said.
No, he's not. But Grammy-attending, white-tux wearing Shane Victorino is. Or, maybe not:
"When I walked on the red carpet I was like, 'Let me just go,' because I felt so out of place there," Victorino said. "But it was definitely a neat experience. I sat there and watched and it's amazing what kind of talent it takes to do what they do. I've played at the pinnacle of my sport, and they're playing at their pinnacle - the Grammys. It's like the top. To be able to watch them perform, it was very cool. Steve Wonder was great. Carrie Underwood. She was pretty impressive."
Shane does know how to grab attention, Hollywood style. He made sure to get in a SoxandPhils line to ensure he made this blog:
"Neil Diamond was unbelievable," Victorino said.
Fan of Neil?
"I'm not a fan, but I know his music," he said. "Sweet Caroline was the last song of the night. I was like, 'Oh, Boston, seventh-inning stretch. Here we go.' That's what I thought in my head."
{Please, don't let the Phillies become my worst nightmare - the Red Sox of 2005.}
[Photo credit: Albert L. Ortega, PR Photos]
Feb 17, 2009
Quality control
The MLB Network has remained on the basic FIOS package for the past two weeks. I still like the fledgling channel despite its glitches, most notably with its programming guide.
Last week, the network had a special weekend dedicated to big strikeout games. I tried to DVR Roger Clemens' 1986 20K game against the Mariners. Despite the buffoon the roider has become, I would still like to sit down and watch the game responsible for me becoming a Red Sox fan.
The first time I tried, it wound up recording one of Randy Johnson's old Mariners games halfway through. The next time, I got the beginning of a game - David Cone's 19 strikeouts against the Phillies on the last day of the 1991 season.
I was bored so I watched the first inning - pure cheese. In the broadcast booth for the Mets that day was Ralph Kiner and Frank Cashen, who was still the team's GM but would be fired in the offseason. Perhaps the ownership didn't like to hear their top personnel guy chuckle when their leadoff hitter loafed into second on the first play of the game.
I don't know if this was just a sign of the pre-Internet times or lack of preparedness by the Mets broadcast team, but when they were talking about Phillies catcher Doug Lindsey (never heard of him), Cashen could only guess that it was his first game because his batting average was .000. For the record, it was his only game of 1991. Lindsey would appear in two more games for the Phillies in 1993 and then two more that year after being traded to the Cubs. Christine wonders whether he is proud or sad if he ever happens upon this rebroadcast.
He was the top scrub in two lineups filled with them. For the Phillies: CF Braulio Castillo, PH Jim Lindeman and SS Kim Batiste led off. For the Mets, the double play combo says it all: Kevin Miller and Jeff Gardner. Needless to say, I won't sit through this whole game. {I disagree with calling Doug Lindsey the "top scrub" of the lineup. Most Phillies fans will forever remember the names in the lineup that day, whether they were scrubs or not. Hollins, Morandini, Jordan, Chamberlain - those names mean something to us.}
Other gaffes: Recently, I had the channel on when they were showing Mike Cameron's four home run game. Coming back from a commercial break, MLB's Hazel Mae noted how well the Mariners had rebounded from losing superstars, notably Ken Griffey Jr., Randy Johnson and Alex Rodriguez. She called the trio surefire, first-ballot Hall of Famers. I hope that was taped before Slappy's steroid revelation.
And then, Barry Larkin made a huge error the other night. I've been annoyed by Larkin since the network debuted. He seems too attached to players with Reds' connection, especially Ken Griffey Jr. Larkin can't accept The Kid isn't 24 years old anymore.
But in a discussion of which player in history had the greatest rookie season, Larkin picked four, including Edinson Volquez' 2008. I was ready to blow my top, but Christine calmed me as she saw the other analysts about to correct him. Nope, they just chided him for picking four players when he was asked to pick one. Don't they have interns at MLB Network to make sure its talent doesn't perpetuate embarrassing mistakes?
No quality: Alex Rodriguez spoke today about his drug abuse. He's so delusional I can't even get my head around all the lies he is spinning. I hope he gets some help.
Last week, the network had a special weekend dedicated to big strikeout games. I tried to DVR Roger Clemens' 1986 20K game against the Mariners. Despite the buffoon the roider has become, I would still like to sit down and watch the game responsible for me becoming a Red Sox fan.
The first time I tried, it wound up recording one of Randy Johnson's old Mariners games halfway through. The next time, I got the beginning of a game - David Cone's 19 strikeouts against the Phillies on the last day of the 1991 season.
I was bored so I watched the first inning - pure cheese. In the broadcast booth for the Mets that day was Ralph Kiner and Frank Cashen, who was still the team's GM but would be fired in the offseason. Perhaps the ownership didn't like to hear their top personnel guy chuckle when their leadoff hitter loafed into second on the first play of the game.
I don't know if this was just a sign of the pre-Internet times or lack of preparedness by the Mets broadcast team, but when they were talking about Phillies catcher Doug Lindsey (never heard of him), Cashen could only guess that it was his first game because his batting average was .000. For the record, it was his only game of 1991. Lindsey would appear in two more games for the Phillies in 1993 and then two more that year after being traded to the Cubs. Christine wonders whether he is proud or sad if he ever happens upon this rebroadcast.
He was the top scrub in two lineups filled with them. For the Phillies: CF Braulio Castillo, PH Jim Lindeman and SS Kim Batiste led off. For the Mets, the double play combo says it all: Kevin Miller and Jeff Gardner. Needless to say, I won't sit through this whole game. {I disagree with calling Doug Lindsey the "top scrub" of the lineup. Most Phillies fans will forever remember the names in the lineup that day, whether they were scrubs or not. Hollins, Morandini, Jordan, Chamberlain - those names mean something to us.}
Other gaffes: Recently, I had the channel on when they were showing Mike Cameron's four home run game. Coming back from a commercial break, MLB's Hazel Mae noted how well the Mariners had rebounded from losing superstars, notably Ken Griffey Jr., Randy Johnson and Alex Rodriguez. She called the trio surefire, first-ballot Hall of Famers. I hope that was taped before Slappy's steroid revelation.
And then, Barry Larkin made a huge error the other night. I've been annoyed by Larkin since the network debuted. He seems too attached to players with Reds' connection, especially Ken Griffey Jr. Larkin can't accept The Kid isn't 24 years old anymore.
But in a discussion of which player in history had the greatest rookie season, Larkin picked four, including Edinson Volquez' 2008. I was ready to blow my top, but Christine calmed me as she saw the other analysts about to correct him. Nope, they just chided him for picking four players when he was asked to pick one. Don't they have interns at MLB Network to make sure its talent doesn't perpetuate embarrassing mistakes?
No quality: Alex Rodriguez spoke today about his drug abuse. He's so delusional I can't even get my head around all the lies he is spinning. I hope he gets some help.
Jan 29, 2009
Those rat finks
Since MLB Network launched on Jan. 1, Christine and I have wondered whether the Verizon rep I spoke with last month was mistaken when she said the channel is part of a premium package or whether I would flip on channel 86 one night and get a blank screen.
I've been hooked on the channel, and I thought that because we didn't get any kind of constant reminders telling us to order the channel, that it was included in the basic service after all.
But tonight, I got the blank screen.
What a crock.
Where am I going to get breathless ticker updates telling me that the Pirates are in "serious" negotiations with Eric Hinske?
Where am I going to hear about the exploits of Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds that end with the damning "but later on, there were whispers about steroids?"
And where am I going to see the dumbfounded face of Barry Larkin, who can't grasp that Ken Griffey Jr. isn't 24 years old and worthy of being a Type A free agent anymore?
Most importanlty, how am I going to convince Christine that we should splurge on the sports package to get all this cheese?
I don't know, but I can't believe I'm more upset about losing the baseball channel than the very real possibility that come tomorrow morning, we'll learn that Jason Varitek would rather sit home than get $5 million to play for the Red Sox as they attempt to wrest the World Series trophy back from the Phillies. {Not gonna happen. The wresting, that is. I have no opinion on Varitek.}
I've been hooked on the channel, and I thought that because we didn't get any kind of constant reminders telling us to order the channel, that it was included in the basic service after all.
But tonight, I got the blank screen.
What a crock.
Where am I going to get breathless ticker updates telling me that the Pirates are in "serious" negotiations with Eric Hinske?
Where am I going to hear about the exploits of Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds that end with the damning "but later on, there were whispers about steroids?"
And where am I going to see the dumbfounded face of Barry Larkin, who can't grasp that Ken Griffey Jr. isn't 24 years old and worthy of being a Type A free agent anymore?
Most importanlty, how am I going to convince Christine that we should splurge on the sports package to get all this cheese?
I don't know, but I can't believe I'm more upset about losing the baseball channel than the very real possibility that come tomorrow morning, we'll learn that Jason Varitek would rather sit home than get $5 million to play for the Red Sox as they attempt to wrest the World Series trophy back from the Phillies. {Not gonna happen. The wresting, that is. I have no opinion on Varitek.}
Jan 7, 2009
24-7
Have you ever eaten so much of your favorite food that you made yourself sick and couldn't even look at it again? We're close to that point with Phillies World Series games, thanks to the new MLB Network, which seems to be included in the basic FIOS package after all.
Other than showing the same things (a couple news shows, Don Larsen's perfect game and the 2008 World Series) ad nauseam, I love the new network.
I was a bit worried when I read a quote from MLB Network president Tony Petitti saying, "This isn't MLB Classic" because that's precisely what I was hoping for. And so far, it appears that it is filling the void left by ESPN Classic, ever since the worldwide leader decided poker and rodeo qualify as classics. Thankfully, the new baseball network has more respect for legitimate sports history - we even saw some newsreel of the 1946 World Series last night. Why did Johnny Pesky hold onto that ball?
I'm giving the benefit of the doubt that some of the repetitive programming will subside once the network gets a bit more established. My only real gripe is with its whitewashing of baseball history, such as saying that Cal Ripken and Ken Griffey Jr. - not the now-tainted home run race of 1998 - saved baseball after the 1994 strike and that the reason Andre Dawson got no contract offers in 1987 was because of his injury history without mention of the owners' collusion.
All in all, I'm very happy with the new network and will probably tune in to the their show on 1995 tonight to see how The Kid saved baseball.
Other than showing the same things (a couple news shows, Don Larsen's perfect game and the 2008 World Series) ad nauseam, I love the new network.
I was a bit worried when I read a quote from MLB Network president Tony Petitti saying, "This isn't MLB Classic" because that's precisely what I was hoping for. And so far, it appears that it is filling the void left by ESPN Classic, ever since the worldwide leader decided poker and rodeo qualify as classics. Thankfully, the new baseball network has more respect for legitimate sports history - we even saw some newsreel of the 1946 World Series last night. Why did Johnny Pesky hold onto that ball?
I'm giving the benefit of the doubt that some of the repetitive programming will subside once the network gets a bit more established. My only real gripe is with its whitewashing of baseball history, such as saying that Cal Ripken and Ken Griffey Jr. - not the now-tainted home run race of 1998 - saved baseball after the 1994 strike and that the reason Andre Dawson got no contract offers in 1987 was because of his injury history without mention of the owners' collusion.
All in all, I'm very happy with the new network and will probably tune in to the their show on 1995 tonight to see how The Kid saved baseball.
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