Results tagged ‘ All-Star Game ’
Then, I Woke Up…
Photo by Randy Stern
So, how was the All-Star Game?
I’ll admit I didn’t watch it. I have my reasons – nothing against the Commissioner or FOX or MLB. I was pretty busy with my other writing. I was working on three pieces at once for Victory & Reseda – probably why I haven’t been much in tune with the game.
I do know that the National League won. I know that Prince Fielder was the MVP. I also know that Robinson Cano won the Home Run Derby. However, I did catch the Celebrity softball game on MLB.com. Can we say “hot mess?”
Last night was the Triple-A All-Star Game in Salt Lake City. Apparently, if you’re a Tampa Bay Rays fan, you may want to put Russ Canzler on your radar. He was the hero for the International League as they won against the Pacific Coast League, 3-0.
Now that the second half of the season is under way, perhaps we should talk about the waiver wire. Answer me this: When did Francisco Rodriguez become such a hot property all of the sudden? Also, when did the Milwaukee Brewers decide they would become the next team to throw money for acquisitions and trades? Yes…I know…Ryan Braun (who is hurt, BTW).
At least it’s not Cliff Lee. Looks like he’s staying put in Philadelphia. Or, is he? You never know with him.
Another consequence of my writing obligation to MLB Advanced Media (and, you, dear friends) is my missing the upcoming Out in The Stands on July 22 at Target Field. I explained to Barry from Lavender magazine that I had a scheduling conflict with my now alma mater. I was invited to talk to the incoming Capstone class to relate my experiences with the process. This should be fun…
The last time I talked to Barry, they were almost sold out of their 500+ seat allotment for that game. To those attending…have fun!
I’m not sure how this season will shake out. I’m doing what I can to follow as much as I could. All I can say is between my experiences with the Saint Paul Saints and with Emma (Crzblue’s Dodger Blue World), Lorena and KJ over two games at Target Field, my baseball season had had some amazing moments. It would be nice if more moments would come my way…
Lastly, I wanted to wish my brother, Matthew, a Happy Birthday today! He turned 50. I did offer him a car (or two), but my “connections in the industry” didn’t come through…ah, well!
“I Got a Promotion at Work!”
Photo by Will Bentzel/MiLB.com - Courtesy of Minor League Baseball.com
Fireworks went off…and Bryce Harper landed in Harrisburg just in time. Coincidence? Perhaps…
BRYCE ARRIVES IN HARRISBURG: On July 4, Bryce Harper was given a promotion. After proving his worth in Single-A Hagerstown, he took a ride up Interstate 81 to arrive in the middle of the Susquehanna River – on Harrisburg’s City Island.
Pennsylvania’s capital is no stranger to high profile draft picks. Remember a guy named Stephen Strasburg. He was the Senators’ big draw at the beginning of 2010 before jumping to Syracuse, DC and the disabled list.
Now, it’s Harper’s turn to wow the fans of South Central Pennsylvania. His first outing at Metro Bank Park certainly matched his marquee value. Harper batted 2 for 3, scoring one run and drew one walk. Yesterday, Harper earned his first RBI in the Senators’ victory over Erie.
So far, a great start. However, he is not eligible for the Eastern League All-Star Game, since he already made his presence in the South Atlantic League’s classic in Salisbury, Maryland. A hitless presence, but one that helped earn him the two-step promotion to Harrisburg nonetheless.
THE COUNTDOWN TO PHOENIX: The All-Star rosters…well…they’re not bad, really. Actually, I happen to like these lineups…despite a few issues.
On the AL side, it is quite Yankees heavy. Then again, when you give a person a chance to stuff the ballot 25 or more times, they’ll vote based on their prejudice for their favorite team. Therefore, Robinson Cano, Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter and Curtis Granderson will represent the Pinstripers next Tuesday inside Chase Field. Joining them will be Adrian Gonzalez and Big Papi of the Red Sox, Jose Bautista of the Blue Jays, Josh Hamilton of the Rangers and Alex Avila of the Detroit Tigers. Avila is actually a great choice to start as he represents a new class of catcher coming through in a post-Joe Mauer future behind the plate.
On the home…er, NL, side, it is strangely enough a Sconnie-heavy side with Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder and Rickie Weeks representing the Brewers. Joining the Sconnie squad are Matt Kemp of the Dodgers, Brian McCann of the Braves, Jose Reyes of the Mets and Placido Polanco of the Phillies. The one choice that made me scratch my head was Lance Berkman of the Cardinals. I get it…he’s having a happier year than the last two in Houston and the Bronx respectively.
What we have yet to hear are the starting pitching assignments, but from what I gathered amongst the picks made last Sunday, it should be a tough choice in both leagues. If you’re Ron Washington, could you go with Felix Hernandez to start? Or, go with your own guy, C.J. Wilson? If I was Mr. Washington, I pick neither of them. Jered Weaver would be my AL starter – just look at his year so far!
As for Bruce Bochy, his job isn’t as easy as Ron Washington’s. He could go with Tim Lincecum or Matt Cain – but, why? Not when the best pitcher in the NL is Jair Jurrjens! That would be my pick based on the great year Jurrjens is having so far as well.
Don’t forget about the final vote! I made my picks. Some of you will think I’m crazy for them – Andre Ethier and Adam Jones. Just sayin’…
FRIENDS AND THE GAME – 2011 EDITION: I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who are friends, acquaintances or associates that have patronized ballgames this season so far. Your Facebook and Twitter messages warm my heart to know that you support this game. The photos pretty much put me over the top – positively, might I add.
Now, I’m not just talking my fellow MLBloggers. Our support comes pretty much automatic – hence why we do this sort of thing. It’s the ones I know outside our little realm. Your presence at places, such as Target Field, Wrigley Field, Sun Life Stadium, Chase Field, Nationals Park, Yankee Stadium, Miller Park…and various others I probably don’t have the brain power to recall right now…cemented a love for the game that we all share.
It also makes this work a much happier experience.
Baseball and World AIDS Day
It’s not an ambulance… Photo by Randy Stern
To quote Barbra Streisand: “Memories, may be beautiful, but yet/ What’s too painful to remember/We simply choose to forget.”
Sorry, those were the first lyrics that came to mind when thinking about this blog post.
Today is World AIDS Day. It is not a topic of discussion across the Blogosphere, but it has touched the game in various ways. Whether the impact was positive or negative, to have the discussion of the HIV virus in the context of baseball always constitutes an awkward dance.
Perhaps I should discuss this awkward dance by pointing out key names and organizations that have put the two entities of baseball and HIV/AIDS in the same room.
GLENN BURKE: When he arrived with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Oakland, California-native had a lot of promise. He was a brilliant minor leaguer that scouts love to watch. Upon arriving with the big team, he continued his rise to the game with enthusiasm and a willingness to show his teammates he can play. Though he gave the world the “high-five,” Burke dealt with some demons. Beyond Burke’s homosexuality, he contracted HIV which was quickly converted into AIDS. His life was also spiraling out of control due to the way he was sent off from the game – ostracized by it – eventually hitting levels beyond bottom. A year before he died, Burke’s AIDS diagnosis was made public. The Oakland A’s did reach out to him to raise funds for his care. He would become only the first baseball player to come out, but not the first to have contracted AIDS – and died due to complications of the disease.
ALAN WIGGINS: No discussion of baseball and AIDS is complete without talking about the quick San Diego Padres/Baltimore Orioles second baseman who died of complications from AIDS prior to Burke’s death. It’s been said that he contracted the disease through his extensive drug use possibly leading back to his playing days. Neither Burke or Wiggins are poster subjects for AIDS in baseball – they shouldn’t be. However, his daughter, Candice of the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx, continues to advocate the cause of HIV/AIDS in her father’s name.
THE SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS: In 1994, the Giants teamed up with the Until There’s a Cure Foundation for a unique promotion that would break a wall between the game and the virus. Until Earvin “Magic” Johnson made his announcement of his HIV status, any support for fundraising for the virus was kept away from presumably masculine institutions due to the stigma of the majority of the virus’ victims – gay/bisexual men. Once the door opened up that the virus is not exclusive to this population – and it can hit anyone – the Giants felt an obligation to the fans they had not been able to reach out to for an annual fundraiser to bridge the HIV/AIDS (and the GLBT community) with the game. This year, the newly crowned World Series champions held its 17th annual Until There’s a Cure Day. They know that as long as the virus is still out there, the Giants will be there to help raise funds to do something about it.
ROBERTO ALOMAR: Supposedly, there are accusations stating the former Toronto Blue Jays/Baltimore Orioles/etc. star has AIDS. This news had been under the radar for no particular reason – except for the Postseason. Is this true? When there are more accusations than confirmations – you have to question the facts. But, what if it was true? How will the fans perceive this future Hall of Famer? I can only imagine the outrage considering the circumstances of these accusations – including his wife stating he exposed her to the virus. Whether or not it is true, I can feel the discussion rising to the surface again throughout the game. Perhaps it will come with a lesson for anyone to take responsibility with their lives outside the ballpark.
ALMA MARTINEZ: Being the Los Angeles Dodgers’ representative of this year’s “People Magazine’s 30 Stars Among Us,” it was a leap of faith to give the spotlight to this woman from Redondo Beach. What Martinez have done for the past sixteen years have been bridging care and concern with people throughout Los Angeles who are low income and HIV-positive. Her Sin Barreras/Friends non-profit group achieves this by bridging medical care, providing food and social opportunities to these people on the outskirts of life. For the Dodgers to support her and the cause she works hard to provide the best services for is indeed a major step. For Major League Baseball to honor her is gratifying indeed to this particular fan!
THE HEIRLOOM: Of course, this is the first time I’ve discussed a cause on this blog. It is something I am very familiar with as to the number of people I’ve known over the years who had contracted the virus and/or have died due to its complications. I am HIV-negative. I came into the disease with full knowledge of what it can do and the stigmatism it continue to have upon me and my people. I delayed coming out in the 1980s because I feared that I could easily die from it since there were no tethers or nets in the gay community to keep others from not contracting it. Since the Magic Johnson revelation, I made sure to do what I can to keep myself safe from contracting the virus.
Yet, I do not wear a red ribbon. Why should I? My views of HIV have been beyond the point of asking for a cure. It is wondering when the ignorance and stupidity around the virus will end so we can go forward in ensuring its demise. This anger is not just aimed towards those who stigmatize whole populations of people with the pall of the virus, but rather those who are supposed to do something about it. For example, I get angry when someone who is HIV-positive is acting irresponsibly putting people I know at risk. I also get angry at others who try to create more drama around someone’s confirmed or supposed HIV status even for public consumption.
To channel this anger, I do what I can to help support the events and organizations involved with providing HIV/AIDS services in the region. In the spring, I support one of the walk teams for the AIDS Walk here in the Twin Cities, supporting the Minnesota AIDS Project. I have also continued as a photographer to the area’s Dining Out for Life, supporting the Aliveness Project. In my current grad school Residency, the organization I am working with, the One Voice Mixed Chorus, participates in HIV-related events around the year.
Yet, I am concerned that the game, as a whole, is not doing anything else about this cause beyond what the World Champions are doing. It will take a sea change in terms of looking at HIV/AIDS from a stigmatized point of view. It will take more than just avoiding jokes and clubhouse behaviors to respect the disease that has been in our midst for the past 30 years. I do not have the answers in doing so. I’ll leave that up to you to find ways to help Major League Baseball and all organizations associated throughout baseball to find a way to humanize the cause with the game.
Thirty years is too long for people to avoid a subject like this.
The Heirloom/Randy supports the following HIV/AIDS resources…
Minnesota AIDS Project
The Aliveness Project
Calendar of World AIDS Day event from the Minnesota Department of Health
World AIDS Day 2010
Target Field’s Flaws, Showalter in B’More and ASG 2011/12
Oh, look, a design flaw! Photo by Randy Stern
While doing laundry on Sunday, I was multitasking between strategizing for the following week on both school and professional stuff and watching the Twins game on television. I’m glad I did. Thankfully, the dryer went off just after Delmon Young’s walk-off RBI hit – the first for the Twins at Target Field.
This is true. The Twins have not fully exploited the ballpark. It is a superb doubles and triples park with its dangerous nooks in the corners and around center field. Home runs? Not so much. The winds never go the way you’d want them and the humidity can slow a ball down in velocity. But, the stadium’s design does not lend itself for a home run to truly exploit its velocity against the air. They happen, but not as much as fans hoped.
Is it a pitcher’s park? Not sure, either. There had been some excellent pitching outings, but you need excellent pitchers to prove the ballpark’s worth for anyone on the mound. Carl Pavano and Francisco Liriano are proving the ballpark to be favorable for them. So has Nick Blackburn on good starts. Still, it has the potential for being a good pitcher’s park – to the extent of visiting pitchers for now.
At Friday’s game, I also examined what I consider the only design flaw in the ballpark: Right field. Above the regular wall is an overhang housing a set of seats. This provides a challenge for everyone. The fans in that section will not be able to see anything below them, including some acreage of grass before the warning track. Hits can smack the Kasota Stone facade of this overhang – and get a home run from it. And, though it is better than the baggie in the Metrodome, right fielders will have to plan on playing the ball off the overhang to bring it back into the infield.
This also explains why there had been only one series sweep at Target Field. The ballpark can frustrate players than excite them. Yes, it’s a great stadium with nice seats and amenities for the fans to enjoy. For the players on the field – this is going to be challenge.
Switching topics, how many times are we going to hear about Buck Showalter taking over for Juan Samuel as the Baltimore Orioles’ manager? To answer my own question, YES, Peter Angelos is really that stupid.
In the meantime, jot these down: The next All-Star Game will be in Phoenix at Chase Field for 2011. However, 2012 has been awarded to Kaufmann Stadium in Kansas City. That means Target Field will be up for 2014. We can wait, right?
All-Star Game 2010: Folding The Tents
All-Star Game number eighty-one is in the books! How was it? Considering I didn’t watch much of it, but here what I gathered…
BIG PAPI’S STICK: It was massive! David Ortiz took the State Farm Home Run Derby with authority, despite being third in the first round to Hanley Ramirez and Corey Hart. The one thing I’d change would be Papi’s sunglasses. He didn’t wear them in the Derby, but did you see that pair he wore to the Presser on Monday? It made anyone on Jersey Shore looked somewhat attractive…
A-ROD WAS LOOSE: During the AL reserves introductions, while noticing that every ballplayer simply tipped their cap or politely waved, Alex Rodriguez was quite animated. The rest of the Yankees’ reserves, too! What was that all about? I mean, your Principal Owner died that morning – you’re wearing black armbands in remembrance of your late Boss! And, y’all still got booed…geez, guys!
THE BIGGEST CHEERS: You never thought that members of three teams would gather the biggest cheers at Angels Stadium: The Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and the host Angels. That has never happened in All-Star history…
THE CLASSIEST ALL-STAR MOMENT EVER! In introducing Derek Jeter, the Angels decided to replay the Yankee’s own public address announcement – the late Bob Shepherd’s. The long-time Yanks’ PA announcer died over the weekend and have used his pre-recorded intro for Jeter at the new Cathedral. It was indeed a fitting tribute to the classiest voice ever heard in the game of baseball.
THE NATIONAL LEAGUE WINS! Thanks to Brian McCann’s double that cleared all the bags, the senior circuit snapped an embarrassing losing streak dating back to 1996. It was a low scoring affair with some superb pitching all around. Ubaldo Jimenez helped himself out with a double play early in the game. It ended with good defense – thanks to Marlon Byrd throwing out the Home Run Derby Champ Ortiz with Jonathan Broxton saving the NL’s longtime victory. McCann is the All-Star MVP. Matt Capps takes the win, while Phil Hughes loses it for the AL.
THANK YOU, BOSS: Before Rod Carew threw the ceremonial first pitch at Angels Stadium, our game lost one of the toughest competitors to own a ballclub: George Steinbrenner. What he did in 1973 was to rescue one of the finest ball clubs in the Majors from a mere division of CBS to an entity of its own. He forged a culture in the Bronx that revolved around excellence – and anything less was unacceptable. To recount every personnel move, every contact with the media, every instance of community involvement and the path to building of the new Cathedral would not give The Boss honest justice. Love him or hate him, you have to give him his respect due. Thank you, George – rest in peace.
Intermission
Photo by Randy Stern
Now, we’re on break! And, not a moment too soon!
Though, I have to admit a bit of “wishing I was there” when I saw photos from the Fan Fest at the Anaheim Convention Center by both my brother and an old friend of ours – along with Emma/CrzBlue as a volunteer there.
When Milwaukee last had the All-Star Game, I thought about going to the Fan Fest at the Midwest Airlines Center. It was the Sunday of the Fan Fest when I made it out to Milwaukee from where I was living at the time in Madison. I stood there, asked about tickets…and walked away. For the life of me, I could not remember why I didn’t go in – that was pretty foolish on my part.
There is hope. When the Commissioner’s Office awards the All-Star Game to Target Field, I’ll be there – at least to the Fan Fest!
We all must take stock in one thing: We have a reprieve in the pennant races. They’ll be back up and running after everything settles down in Anaheim. When they do, the wick will be turned up.
What do we expect coming out of the All-Star Game? All heck breaking loose. Predicted winners running into walls of expectations. Off-season deals souring like outdated milk. Logistical nightmares created from wasted trades or waiver pickups.
It takes a Zippo lighter to ignite a pennant race into oblivion. It could also take brittle bones and destroyed tendons to cascade down the domino line.
I can’t predict what happens next. It’s either too obvious or too complicated to parse out.
It’s intermission for us baseball fans. Time to walk around, get in a few sips, mingle and breathe a sigh of relief. The All-Star Game is simply a side attraction – a show within the show – that brings us all together for a few days.
Once the lights flicker, it’s Act Two. Wagner couldn’t think of any better Act Two to script that would equate this season with any of the Ring Cycle.
Right now, I’m in line for my beverage not even thinking about when Intermission will end. When it does, I’ll be there for the start of Act Two – at Target Field on Friday.
All-Star Game 2010: The Shouting Over The Roster Continues
It just seems that every year, everyone who cares about the game of baseball ends up squabbling over a largely democratic process – the All-Star Balloting. Sure, we pick the starting lineups (save for the pitcher), but we also leave it to the squad’s managers to select the rest (with help – but we don’t know exactly who helps Joe Girardi or Charlie Manuel in doing so).
Still, the shouting begins with “who got snubbed” and “why do we have to pick one additional player after we voted for the starting players?” Sure, it’s a popular vote – and some players get in because of their popularity with the fans. Still, an All-Star Game is a reflection of the accomplishments that have transpired since the start of the season.
This ain’t the Oscars, Emmys or Tonys, people! We voted for 19 people (including the two being voted on right now) to play in Anaheim – not members of some exclusive Academy fed with free DVDs of potential nominees for their consideration. But, you bet there’s been plenty of campaigning across the Major Leagues!
And, no one did what Chris Bosh did when he was first voted into the NBA All-Star Game – a funny viral video on YouTube.
So, about the All-Star rosters, what do I think about them? Well…
NATIONAL LEAGUE STARTERS: A very good lineup, indeed! Not a bad choice among them! You can’t have an All-Star squad without Albert Pujols, Chase Utley and Hanley Ramirez. Jason Heyward deserves his slot, as does Yadler Molina, Andre Ethier, Ryan Braun and David Wright. Not one dud here.
NATIONAL LEAGUE PITCHERS: This one’s going to be tough for Manuel to choose his starter. It’s down to Roy Halladay and Ublado Jimenez. Knowing Manuel – he’ll go with his ace, Halladay. If it were me – my pick is Jimenez. Tim Lincecum can pitch third in the game. As for the omission of Stephen Strasburg – sorry, he’ll pitch next year in Phoenix.
NATIONAL LEAGUE RESERVES: This is where it gets complicated. Now that the so-called Final Vote is in, the good news is that Joey Votto is part of this team. A well deserved vote-in. It is also a great mix of established talent with new faces. My standout on the NL bench would have to be Votto, followed by Adrian Gonzalez. I expect some ASG magic from these two next Tuesday evening.
AMERICAN LEAGUE STARTERS: Not exactly a perfect lineup. On the bright side, Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau are starting. Robinson Cano is a great choice, as is Evan Longoria, Carl Crawford, Josh Hamilton and Vladimir Guerrero. Where I have to question is whether to perpetuate Derek Jeter and Ichiro Suzuki as starters or not. I’d prefer other shortstops and outfielders, but it is a popular vote. That’s why they’re in.
AMERICAN LEAGUE PITCHERS: Joe Girardi would start a Yankee above anyone. This was inevitable since it is his squad to manage. His pick? Andy Pettitte. My starter? I would have to do a coin-flip between Jon Lester and David Price. Ah, but here’s where the snubs come in – No Armando Galarraga, Dallas Braden or Mark Buehrle? OK, records aside, it would be nice if they were part of the roster. For now, we’ll have to suffice with Trevor Cahill – whom could actually start for the AL!
AMERICAN LEAGUE RESERVES: Again, this is a very complicated matter. As much as a lot of Yankee fans appreciate Nick Swisher being voted in on the Final Vote, I’m not. Not because of Kevin Youkilis, though he is hurting right now, or Delmon Young. I just don’t see Swish as part of this squad. He’ll surprise us, though. So, if I were to find some real AL standouts from the bench, I have to start with the local favorite Torii Hunter. He needs to get the Anaheim crowd in the game. From there – I got to give it to Jose Bautista. His bat has been massive this season.
There you have it – All-Star Game 2010 from Anaheim. It should be quite entertaining. Now, let’s stop crying about the snubs, OK?
All Star Madness…*Almost* Done!
“The bus and the tourists are gone.”
As profound as Al Stewart’s lyrics are in the context of the 80th All-Star Game, last night’s show pretty much lived up to its billing. The video featuring President Barack Obama and four previous Presidents applauding the “People All-Stars Among Us” touting Major League Baseball’s new campaign to “Go Beyond” the game was indeed emotional. Then, the left hander from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW made his way to the pitching mound. The President’s pitch wasn’t perfect, but Albert Pujols made it look good on his end for the fans.
Lest we forget about Carl Crawford’s grab saving a Brad Hawpe home run. That was an MVP moment. Fred Lynn, anyone? That grab, along with a run-inducing Adam Jones sacrifice fly, extended the American League’s streak to 13 wins in the midsummer classic.
The fun has ended in St. Louis, which means the real work begins for the second half of the season. This means that teams can pick up where they left off, only if they are ready to do so. It could also mean a new beginning for highly talented teams to make a run for the pennant. It might also mean disaster for any team that had a hot start before the All-Star Break if they began to fatigue within the next few weeks.
Don’t be surprised if there’s a bit of musical chairs going on in the standings by the second week of August. As I told a co-worker this morning, don’t count your favorite team out of the running, either. Anything is possible!
Ah, but one wants more pomp with a dash of circumstance! One wants more All-Star madness! If you must extend the break, then check out the Cricket Wireless Triple-A All-Star Game at PGE Park in Portland, Oregon tonight. If you read this blog last year, I recalled gushing at the old ballpark near downtown Portland and how great the fans were. Yankees farm-hand Shelley Duncan, currently with Scranton-Wilkes Barre, is one of the guys to watch tonight, along with Triple-A Home Run Derby champion Chad Huffman of the hometown Beavers. The ballpark and the atmosphere are worth watching tonight.
Can’t get enough of Rene Tosoni from the Futures Game? Tonight, he’ll be at the Eastern League All-Star Game in Trenton, New Jersey. The New Britain Rock Cat (and Twins farm-hand) will lead some of the best in Double-A just a few feet from the Delaware River – and a train ride from either Philadelphia or New York City.
Just like their big brothers in Majors, they’ll have to go back to work when their buses pull out of their respective All-Star host cities.
All-Star Madness in St. Louis…Continued
Tomorrow’s the Midsummer Classic at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. So far, the weekend showed a distinctively St. Louis feel from its legends, celebrities and futures to the weather. So far…
PENA’S IN: Not only has Carlos Pena of the Tampa Bay Rays received to call to join the Midsummer Classic, he will be in tonight’s Home Run Derby. Pena comes in for the Boston Red Sox’ reigning AL MVP Dustin Pedroia, who had to skip the All Star Game due to a family matter. One would argue that the Texas Rangers’ Ian Kinsler would be the perfect replacement for Pedroia being that a second baseman could easily replace another mid-infielder. However, the call was made by the AL’s manager Joe Maddon – could this be controversial? It’s a tough choice, but as much as I like Pena, I would’ve chosen the logical replacement with Kinsler. In the meantime, there is good news for the Rangers as Nelson Cruz replaces the Los Angeles Angels’ Torii Hunter on the AL squad.
Over in the NL, Zack Duke of the Pittsburgh Pirates will come in for the San Francisco Giants’ Matt Cain as another injury replacement, along with the Milwaukee Brewers’ Trevor Hoffman replacing the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Jonathan Broxton. Lastly, the New York Mets’ Carlos Beltran’s place was taken up by Jayson Werth of the Phillies. One might still think Maddon’s choice of Pena to replace Pedroia was controversial, but this? C’mon Charlie Manuel! If you’re avoiding picking Manny Ramirez, we can point out tens of outfielders worthy to replace Beltran outside of your own club!
THE FUTURE IS HERE: The minors are always fun to watch. I truly miss watching the players in their quest to reach the big club. Not to mention the fans who support these prospects as local heroes. Luckily, the Futures Game is part of Major League Baseball’s All-Star programming. It gives the top prospects a showcase on a major league field for the fans to get a preview of the next set of stars coming through the farm systems.
After a four-hour rain delay, it would be a prospect from the Minnesota Twins, Rene Tosoni, who would grab victory for the World team against the US-born prospects at the end of a long afternoon. Who is Rene Tosoni? He’s not just the Futures Game Larry Doby MVP, but the Canadian currently with the New Britain Rock Cats (AA-Eastern League) rode the pine until the last moment when St. Louis Cardinals legend Jose Oquendo, pulled Italian-born Alex Liddi for Tosoni. Tosoni responded with a walk-off double to deliver the winning run.
Of course, fans here in The Cities wonder how soon we will see Tosoni, whether in the final days of baseball inside the Metrodome or outside at Target Field. For now, the good folks around the Hartford-New Britain area will be watching him very carefully. If you happen to be in Trenton, New Jersey on Wednesday night, Tosoni will be on the Northern Division squad at the Eastern League All-Star Game on Wednesday evening.
WELCOME TO NELLYVILLE: The St. Louis-born rapper represented his hometown well in the Legends and Celebrities Softball Game last night. Nevermind he hasn’t had a huge hit since the double album “Suit” and “Sweat,” Nelly was primed to give us a show as part of the National League squad. He delivered a two-run homer for the Busch Stadium crowd.
There were some moments aside from Nelly’s blast. Ozzie Smith did his trademark backflip proving that over-50 is the new over-40. Then, Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson out flipped the Hall of Fame shortstop by doing part of her floor routine en route to first base on a base-on-balls. In a related story, both Ozzie and Johnson got 10s with the Chinese and Russians still waiting in the team competition.
The rosters filled out with celebrities and legends mostly from the St. Louis-area (and a bit beyond). Arkansas was represented by Billy Bob Thornton, a bit calmer from his interview on CBC Radio One’s “Q.” The Cards added Vince Coleman and Bruce Sutter, while Jenna Fisher showed that being on “The Office” can bring her home to play a little ball. How about Dave Winfield pulling fans from the stands to pinch run for him as he deals with his bum knee? Add Ashanti dancing at first base and Bobby Knight arguing with an umpire to round out a fun time at Busch Stadium.
Who won? Who cares? While St. Louis represented in this year’s All-Star Sunday, wait until next year for more star power at Angels Stadium in Anaheim.
LET THE BALLS FLY OUT: Carlos Pena won’t be the only one taking the plate for tonight’s Home Run Derby. There will be Nelson Cruz of the Rangers, Joe Mauer of the Minnesota Twins, Brandon Inge of the Detroit Tigers, Ryan Howard of the Philadelphia Phillies, Prince Fielder of the Milwaukee Brewers, Adrian Gonzalez of the San Diego Padres and Albert Pujols of the home Cardinals.
Since the Twins’ Justin Morneau will not be defending his Derby title from last year, all pressure will be both Mauer and Pujols to take to the yard. My choice has to be Pujols. This is his home park and his show to lose. If Pujols fails to do well in the Derby, I have to go with Pena, Mauer or Howard. Heck, all eight home run specialists have a chance to grab the Derby title this year! It will be worth watching tonight.
WHO ARE THE STARTING PITCHERS?!? (UPDATED): Maddon went for a steady starter in the Toronto Blue Jays’ Roy Halladay, while Manuel goes for the San Francisco Giants’ Tim Lincecum. For Halladay, he is Dave Stieb reincarnated – perhaps one of the best starting pitchers in Jays history. If you were looking for a good starter for this partcular All-Star Game, “Doc” Halladay’s your man.
As for last year’s NL Rookie of the Year and strikeout leader…duuuude. Don’t mind me for saying, but Lincecum is baseball’s answer to a Fall Out Boy or some altie-rock dude! I suppose if Cain’s injured, go with the other hot starter on the Giants rotation. That’s the difference between putting on a show and getting someone deserving of the call, such as Jason Marquis. I’ll let you debate this one…
The fun continues in St. Louis…enjoy!
Bran-Torino: The Final Two All-Stars
No Pena. No Kinsler. No Figgins or Lind. Not even Sandoval, Reynolds, Kemp or Guzman.
The All-Star rosters will now include Brandon Inge of the Detroit Tigers for the American League and Shane Victorino of the Philadelphia Phillies for the host National League. They survived some of the tightest balloting for the “Final Vote” ever.
Do these guys deserve their selections? I’ll say so. Inge is one of the reasons the Tigers are in command of the AL Central. With the plethora of superstars harkening back to the 2006 World Series club and acquired since, Inge is as steady as they come. His plate numbers are decent, but all you need to do is to watch Inge patrol third base. Sometimes he could evoke Craig Nettles with a dash of Brooks Robinson thrown in for good measure.
As for the Flyin’ Hawaiian (or Maui Wowie – you decide!), here’s a guy that stepped up last year to carry the Phils across the finish line. This season’s no different. The defending world champs are keeping pace in the NL East and Victorino is again a key factor for their success. If Rollins, Utley or Howard can’t deliver – no problem. Victorino just happens to be Charlie Manuel’s go-to guy in situations that require a bat and a set of legs to solve the problem.
What the crowd at Busch Stadium and the millions watching on FOX will witness are two steady and reliable guys on their respective squads. Two additions to what could be the most exciting All-Star game in a long time.
One wonders whether the Bran-Torino act could happen after the All-Star break is done. It could happen only if the Phils meet the Tigers in the World Series. Then again, Dave Dombrowski and Ruben Amaro, Jr. are taking some notes…
Randy Stern
Recent Comments