Results tagged ‘ Chicago Cubs ’
Game Review: Houston 3 @ Chicago (NL) 2
All photos by Randy Stern
The bucket list has been lightened by one item today. This one took ten years to complete.
My first actual trip to Chicago came in February of 2001 as a visitor from Madison, Wisconsin. One of the first things I wanted to see was Wrigley Field. I’ve seen it on television – dating back to the Dodgers’ road broadcasts in the 1970s – and I always wanted to see in person. Luckily, it was right by Boystown – a convenient stop for a wandering gay man wanting the feel of a big city enclave where everything happens all in one space.
Every time I come to Chicago, I would look at Wrigley and say “someday.” U.S. Cellular and United Center were already achieved by 2009…but, not Wrigley.
I had a few mixed messages about Wrigley – some from my fellow MLBloggers. In all, the overarching message is to simply go and experience it. Thanks to my friends who were pretty busy that day – Wrigley was the only thing on my agenda on a wet Sunday.
Obviously, the Cubs have been out of the pennant race for a while – a division dominated by the Milwaukee Brewers. They faced the someday-to-be-former division rival, the Houston Astros – that is if everyone involved in the Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations is smart enough to say “no” to the Commissioner’s request to move the ‘Stros to the American League.
The wet morning yielded to a decent start with the tarp coming off for an on-time first pitch. Ryan Dempster was not at his finest. It was the opposite. His first batter, Jason Bourgeois, eventually scored the first run. The Astros took command in the first, 3-0, before Starlin Castro led off the bottom of the first with his own answer to Bourgeois. The sacrifice fly by Bryan LaHair was deep enough for Starlin to trot home. Trot? You’re supposed to run, fool!
The game remained 3-1 in favor of the visitors until the bottom of the eighth. The rain had picked up by this time and the Astros left Brett Myers to his own devices. He simply ran out of gas. Darwin Barney came in for the ninth spot to help himself to get on base – well to third thanks to a fielding error by Brian Bogusevic. That opened the door for Aramis Ramirez. With Barney on third and Starlin on first, Aramis sent a ball far enough for Darwin to score. Now the Cubs are within a run away from tying.
Then, all hell broke loose. Starlin is on first with an out on the board when my old hero Carlos Pena heads to the plate. On the seventh pitch by Myers, Pena smacks one deep. It appeared that the ball hit the top of the basket on one angle, signifying a home run. However, the ground rule states that if the ball hits the basket and falls back into the field of play, it is not a home run. The umpires called it a home run, however Houston disputed the call and the red flag went out on the field…
Oh, wait, wrong sport.
Try this…the umpires exercise the review rule for controversial home runs. Well…after further review, the home run was overturned. Pena was given a double instead of a round-tripper and Starlin was awarded third.
Mike Quade was justifiably upset. Upset enough to head to the showers early.
The rain was simply too much for play to resume after Marlon Byrd’s fly out to end the eighth.
When play resumed, Ramon Ortiz bore down on the Astros. That opened for some glimmer of hope. But, I was for naught. No “W” flag flew at the end of today’s game over Wrigley.
The game and the weather is not the story here. It’s about finally accomplishing the Wrigley experience. Sure, I heard stories of nasty smelling bathrooms, rude fans and the ballpark’s overall condition. I found something completely different – history backed by friendly, helpful staff and legroom that rivals First Class on a mainline air carrier. I sat in the 200s, part of the lower bowl, and found that the steps to be a cit challenging, but was greeted to a comfortable seat for the game.
Of course, no game at Wrigley would be complete without a rousing round of “Take Me Out to The Ballgame.” The tradition Harry Caray left behind continues. This time, it was Pat Hughes and Keith Moreland of the Cubs’ radio broadcasting team that led the singing. I made sure to at least stay through that part of the Wrigley experience.
As soon as I arrived back to the Wood Dale Metra station to collect my vehicle that General Motors lent me for the week (for Victory & Reseda purposes, mind you), I knew that I accomplished something that would elude me for years if I hadn’t done so today. Wrigley had always been part of plan. Now, with a couple of weeks left in the lifespan of this blog, the Friendly Confines is now off the list.
Thank you, Chicago. You finally gave me a reason to justify my love for the game itself.
Caps and Gowns
Photo by John Irvine
Forgive me, fellow MLBloggers and fans, I have been neglecting my duties to this space.
There is no excuse, really. Been working, preparing for Twin Cities Pride, reacting to a security person’s admonishment of a lesbian couple at a Twins game, doing my Victory & Reseda work with back-to-back vehicles from GM’s Press Fleet sitting in front of the house.
A lot’s been happening in the game – I know. Interleague play, Albert Pujols’ injury, Derek Jeter’s slow march to 3,000 hits taking a pause and the wrap-up on All-Star Game balloting – all needing some form of attention. Well, so has Facebook drama, chats on Twitter, arguments in real life, job interviews, lamenting about ex-friends and foes…and, so forth.
What can a person do? Buy a Saint Paul Saints cap!
When you were a kid, do you remember that first piece of headwear? That felt just right on you – especially when it is your favorite team (or, your parents). A cap is a flag, according to New Era. Yet, it is also a fashion statement about who you are, where you came from, whom you support (or not) and how it looks good on you (or not).
I always loved baseball caps. With a round head like mine – one that prefers a little hair as humanly possible – it completes the look. It has become somewhat of a signature, but only if I’m walking around in a t-shirt and jeans/shorts. Dressed up a little – not so much. Not even a Yankees cap can make me look snazzier if I got a button-down shirt, my best jeans and cool shoes.
In the photo above, someone might think, “oh, he’s in a pickup truck – he might be a redneck!” Cue Jeff Foxworthy! Or, better still…take me to a place where there are guys who are indeed rednecks that just happen to be attractive to the same gender.
Rather, “are you sure you can put off a butch look knowing you’d rather attract a different kind of guy?” Um, what?!?
Besides, I like my St. Paul Saints cap. If it weren’t for great folks such as Sean, Annie, Adam, George and the rest of the team, that blue cap would not have been purchased. Nor would tickets…or given the coverage last month to the American Association’s best known ballclub.
Come to think of it, it’s a good ballcap to wear anywhere. Who in the bloody buggery world knows the Saints? I can imagine walking in Chicago, Detroit or L.A. with it on with people thinking, “it’s a cool hat…and he’s not an ironic hipster!”
My meandering must be dizzying you. Fine. A few things are happening this week: Twin Cities Pride, the arrival of Emma (Crzblue’s Dodger Blue World) and Lorena to see the Twins-Dodgers series and the graduation of my niece Stephanie from high school in Southern California. Can life be any better?
I’ll let the Cubs take care of that…
Video courtesy of Major League baseball via YouTube
Sabean’s Throw Down
OK, no time to waste…let’s do this…
APOLOGY NOT ACCEPTED? In the aftermath of Buster Posey’s season-ending injury, the aggressor in this situation, the Florida Marlins’ Scott Cousins, called the Giants’ catcher to apologize. That call was not returned. In Posey’s defense, Giants’ General Manager Brian Sabean defended Posey’s non-reaction on a sports radio talk show in San Francisco on Thursday. Sabean even went as far to say that if he “never hear from Cousins again or never plays another day in the big leagues, I think we’ll all be happy.”
Classy.
They’re defending World Champs. They just did a video reaching out to GLBT youth for the It Gets Better Project. They supported one of their fans as he continues in a coma after the attack on him on Opening Day at Dodger Stadium. Now this?
Sabean went on to defend his comments to the point of saying that “there’s no love lost” over the “overly aggressive” play by Cousins. Is this the kind of defense a GM can justify when he lost a key championship asset and that asset is the key to his club’s future? Also, Giants’ manager Bruce Bochy did request that Joe Torre, the MLB’s disciplinarian, some changes in the rules to protect catchers. Torre is apparently looking into the request.
How much more leeway should we give the defending champs this season? I’d rather you debate this…
THE BRYCE UPDATE: Last year’s first Draft Pick, Bryce Harper, has been enjoying a spectacular season on the Single-A Hagerstown Suns with acknowledgement from Washington Nationals’ General Manager Mike Rizzo. Rizzo’s loving Harper’s progress in the South Atlantic League that there are rumors swirling of a promotion later this season. The talk is that Harper could end up with the Double-A Harrisburg Senators, skipping over Single-A Advanced Potomac.
Harper’s numbers are indeed noteworthy: He’s batting .346 with 13 home runs, 41 RBIs and a .432 OBP. Currently, Harper is tied for the lead in home runs and RBIs in the SAL. He had some heroic moments while with the Suns, including a walk-off, two-run homer on Thursday at home against Greenville.
Perhaps it is time to promote Harper, as some of his competitors in the SAL have done already. For example, Bryce Brentz already jumped to Single-A Advanced Salem in the Boston Red Sox system from Greenville. Matt Curry began the year with the West Virginia Power has been elevated to Double-A Altoona in the Pirates organization. What’s Rizzo waiting for?
Speaking of which, the Entry Draft is next week.
LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON? We’ve had over the years some father-son combinations that worked out just fine. Cecil and Prince Fielder. Ken Griffey and Ken, Jr. That’s only a couple to speak of.
How about Wayne and Trevor Gretzky?
The son of perhaps one of the greatest player in professional hockey history is getting a tryout in Arizona for the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Trevor played baseball for a private high school in Westlake Village, California with success. In October, he signed a letter of intent to play baseball for Tony Gwynn at San Diego State University. Whether Trevor gets in on the draft next week will depend on how he did in the two combines in Arizona.
If you’re scratching your head as to why the son of the greatest hockey player ever is playing a sport unlike his dad – ask Ken Griffey, Jr. about his son Trey. It appears the third generation Griff is being recruited by several colleges to play football.
LAST, BUT NOT LEAST: To follow up on my last post on the San Francisco Giants “It Gets Better” video, we now know who’s next in the MLB to do such a PSA: The Cuubbies! Oh, I have to see this one…
Photo of Scott Cousins (above) courtesy of Major League Baseball
Is There More Than Enough Baseball Where You Live?
There’s enough seats in these ballparks for 71 of us in the Twin Cities…
Photos by Randy Stern
Let me ask y’all a question: How much baseball can you have in one market?
When I was going through the schedules of the Independent Leagues, I noticed that the Chicagoland area hosts two Major League Baseball franchises (the Cubs and White Sox), a farm club (Kane County Cougars), a member of the independent American Association (Gary-South Shore), a member of the North American Baseball League (Lake County in Zion) and two members of the Frontier League (Joliet and Windy City in Crestwood). Until last season, there was a team in Schaumburg and they would have played in the newly merged NABL if they didn’t get their act together.
It just seems that in every nook and cranny of the Chicago region, you have a baseball team vying for your entertainment dollar!
Until last season, this was the case in the Los Angeles Basin – stretching well into the Inland Empire. To break that down, you still had two Major League teams (Dodgers, Angels), four minor league clubs (Rancho Cucamonga, Inland Empire in San Bernardino, Lake Elsinore and Lancaster) and two Golden Baseball League clubs (Long Beach and Orange County in Fullerton). This season, only the two Major League and the four minor league clubs are in operation.
I use these two regions as examples as to my familiarity with them. I also understand the challenges of the independent leagues in competing against the established circuits in these markets. Even in smaller, more concentrated markets (Minneapolis-St. Paul, for example), the independent leagues would be a compliment to the established and dominant franchise in the region. There is an offset where there is a value proposition as an alternative to the dominant market holder where fans can enjoy the game at a lower ticket price even if the accommodations are less comfortable than the dominant venue. The offset in some cases would the entertainment value as minor and independent leagues offer more fun for the dollar with in-between innings diversions – as well diversions in the stands and in the concourses.
This is not to say that a Major League experience is a stuffy one versus a fun-laden minor league one. The argument is not what you get in the value proposition when comparing ticket and concession prices. The question I have is whether certain markets are indeed saturated with baseball options for the fan to choose from.
After some number crunching, I got some answers. If you take the Metropolitan Statistical Area of the Chicago region based on the 2010 Census – this is an area stretching from Gary all the way up to Kenosha and out past the Fox River into LaSalle County – you have well over 9.5 Million people. You also have 117,832 seats at seven ballparks to fill. That would mean that there’s 81 people for every a seat at a given ballpark in the greater Chicago area.
Compared to the Los Angeles Basin, where the population rises to 18.8 Million stretching from Ventura County into the Inland Empire, your seat average comes to 147 people per every seat available in the region. In contrast, the Twin Cities seat average comes to 71 people per each seat between the Twins and the Saints.
Where’s the saturation point? Or, is it OK to have choices in major metropolitan markets? In the case of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, the ratio to seats in terms of population and regional footprint is much denser than in the Chicago and Los Angeles areas. It also creates some interesting scenarios especially when the distance between Target Field and Midway Stadium is about five miles. The distance between Wrigley Field and U.S. Cellular Field is twice the distance.
Going back to the notion that choice is indeed good, as long as there is variety in the baseball offerings, there’s plenty to go around. Maybe the independent leagues were smart enough to look at suburban or secondary markets inside established metropolitan areas as a way to add some baseball entertainment value for consumers.
Funny thing, I’m going to a Saints game later this month…
That Was April…
Without further ado…here’s what went down last month….
THE SURPRISES: First off, look at the top of the American League Central. Then, look at the bottom. The Cleveland Indians share the best record in April with the Philadelphia Phillies – which comes as a surprise. I argue otherwise as the Tribe had been building a young core to replace its regulars from last decade, yet keeping Fausto Carmona and Shin-Soo Choo at its core. They also added journeyman Orlando Cabrera for that extra spark to this young team. It doesn’t surprise me that a Manny Acta team can be on top of a table this early in the going.
While the Tribe sit on top of the AL Central, the Kansas City Royals are right behind them, followed by the Detroit Tigers. However, at the bottom half sits the Chicago White Sox (along with Ozzie Guillen’s bilingual Twitter feeds) and the Minnesota Twins (with more problems than you see on the surface – even without Nishioka and Mauer in the lineup). Is something strange happening in this division? If so, please let me know…
The Colorado Rockies may not seem like a surprise, but having a commanding record in April is a sign that things may have stabilized in Denver. By building a core that began with the 2007 National League Championship team, a once young team has matured into a feared unit using their high-altitude ballpark as a major advantage. Well, not exactly…the Rox have a better record on the road than at home. In fact, it’s the best road record of any ballclub in the Majors – and, that’s a surprise!
Want a big surprise? The Boston Red Sox. All the hype over the deals they made in the off-season ran them into a string of bad luck in April. Now, they sit at the bottom of the AL East. It’s truly puzzling, but there is optimism at Fenway for a summer comeback. I hope so…
THE BENCHMARKS: Aren’t benchmarks fun? They make this game interesting as it is. And, we’re glad for that!
This past week, Chipper Jones of the Atlanta Braves tied with Mickey Mantle for second on the all-time RBI list – for switch hitters. Really? I never knew that made that distinction somehow. But, in this game, any benchmark will do? Who does Chipper need to beat to become the greatest of his kind? Not Hank Aaron! In case you’re wondering, Chipper needs 788 more to tie the RBI record owned by The Hammer. Chipper’s next mark will be Eddie Murray, the switch-hit RBI king. He needs bring in 408 more runners to match that mark. Could Chipper do it?
Also, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Andre Ethier attained the longest hitting streak – in the month of April. The mark was set for just 26 straight games. Sure, it matters to have a hit streak of some sort, but the talk shouldn’t be above mature conversation level unless he is closer to the ultimate hit streak of Joe DiMaggio’s. Sure, Ethier could safely hit in 33 more games – piece of cake! But, that’s not even easy. Many have tried and failed to match DiMaggio’s lofty benchmark. Perhaps owning a monthly record would be fine for Ethier.
MORE INDIVIDUAL AWESOMENESS: The Chicago Cubs’ Matt Garza has the most strikeouts in the Majors. You can say what you want about his attitude and the past with the Minnesota Twins organization and a few bouts with the Tampa Bay Rays, but Garza is for real at Wrigley. However, Garza’s 51 K’s is just two better than Jered Weaver’s 49 for the Los Angeles Angels. Not only that, Weaver had a perfect April: 6-0. That’s good news for Mike Scioscia’s ballclub.
The Cubs’ also own a monthly home run king along with their NL Central rival, the Milwaukee Brewers. Both Alfonso Soriano and Ryan Braun slammed 10 dingers last month. Braun also brought 23 runs in April as well. Ryan Howard had the most in the RBI column with 27, sandwiching Braun with Prince Fielder and Ben Zobrist. Zobrist got 10 of his 25 RBIs on Thursday during the day-night doubleheader at Target Field against the Twins. Is that a record somewhere?
Speaking of the Cubs, how about Matt Holliday’s batting average in April? The Cards’ outfielder has a .408 average coming into today – which may not stick if the reality of the season carries on. But, hey, we love .400 batters, do we? And, how about that NL Central?
Opening Day 2011: The Heirloom’s Guide to Friday’s Festivities
Cincinnati, The Bronx, Washington, Kansas City, St. Louis and Los Angeles – they kicked off Opening Day in their stylish ways. It also meant victories for the Yankees, Braves, Reds, Angela, Padres and Dodgers.
Friday’s slate of openers is nothing to sneeze at, either. There are eleven of them. I can’t go over each one – maybe the ones that intrigue me the most. (Times are Eastern)
1:05PM – PHILADELPHIA: The Phillies start off Friday’s openers being the first to the bell. The NL Cy Young winner Roy Halladay takes the mound against Brett Myers and the Houston Astros. Seriously, who needs a National Anthem or a ceremonial first pitch? Trot out Doc from the bullpen and it’s game on! That’s more than enough to fire up the crowd at Citizens Bank Park!
2:20PM – WRIGLEYVILLE: The Cubs may have improved over the off-season (including ridding themselves of chronic underachiever Carlos Silva), but there is one thing on everyone’s mind: This will be the first Opening Day without Ron Santo. The Cubs will entertain the Pirates – perennial spoilers of North Side fans – with Ryan Dempster getting the ball against Kevin Correia. Would you believe that Robert Redford – Roy Hobbs, himself – is throwing out the ceremonial first ball at Wrigley? Ron Santo, Jr. will do the seventh inning stretch honors. It should be crazy as usual at Clark and Addison – and Halsted, too!
3:05PM – CLEVELAND: While the North Side celebrates baseball, Ozzie Guillen will take his Twitterverse and the Southsiders to Cleveland with a classic match-up between Mark Buehrle and Fausto Carmona. That’s worth more than the price of admission, really. And, truly, with the pre-game tribute to Bob Feller – it would be appropriate to have a serious marquee match-up on the mound. As with the festivities in Philly, just showing up in time for Fausto’s first pitch is good enough to start the season.
4:05PM – ARLINGTON: The Rangers get their AL Championship rings while the Red Sox focus on taking them away in October/November. On the mound, C.J. Wilson meets Jon Lester to start a repeat campaign back to the Series. That’s a nice match-up already. Better still, Jeff Burroughs and Charlie Hough will throw out the ceremonial first pitches celebrating the 40th season of MLB in the Metroplex. MercyMe will sing the National Anthem.
7:07PM – TORONTO: The Twins begin their 51st season in a foreign land. They will fire up another AL Central run in the midst of a Federal election and Rob Ford’s reign as Mayor of Toronto. I’m sure fans will not only be welcomed by the Jays, but by campaigners for the Liberals, the NDP, the Greens and the Tories. Carl Pavano will start for the Twins against Ricky Romero – sponsored by Honda Canada, BTW! And, sold out, too! If you’re the lucky ticket holder at Rogers Centre, you might walk away with a new Honda! The stars of the Toronto production of Billy Elliott will sing the USA and Canadian National Anthems. What? No ceremonial first pitch? Can’t get Don Cherry to insult the fans for a few minutes? Can’t decide which party leader to put on the mound? Is Rob Ford too large to trot out in front of 50,000-plus at Rogers Centre?
7:10PM – SAINT PETERSBURG: After offing some key players from their postseason runs, the Rays come inside The Trop to meet the Baltimore Orioles and Buck Showalter’s big mouth to start 2011. The festivities begin with Florida Governor Rick Scott throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. After that, David Price will take the mound for the Rays against Jeremy Guthrie. It will be Price’s first Opening Day nod. I think that’s a good reason to show up at The Trop on Friday evening.
The Heirloom 2011 Preview: Randy’s Players to Watch
They could be cheering for one of the players listed below… Photo by Randy Stern
OK, three is the magic number, right? In the last post, three teams were discussed previously. It means I have to discuss which three players to watch?
Three, I say? Just three? Why not do this like last year and list five?
OK, fine…here’s my five players to watch – and hope I get something right out these players (consider some of last year’s picks for a moment: Denard Span, Russ Ohlendorf, Johnny Damon, Pablo Sandoval and Cliff Lee…I know I’m not out of my mind…)…
PRINCE FIELDER, MILWAUKEE BREWERS: Was there any doubt that the son of Cecil would play for the Brew Crew again? Actually, yes. However, Doug Melvin brought Fielder back to the table with Mark Attanasio’s checkbook open to the tune of $15.5 Million. That’s a lot of coin to toss at your marquee player – let alone to keep him for a year. The larger question is whether Fielder will deliver in his one-long contract to get the Brewers to a NL Central flag and/or a return to the Postseason. And, how will he accomplish this? Fielder’s game is power at bat. Spot him 30 homers (and keep him away from every Dunkin’ Donuts in Southeastern Wisconsin) and see what happens.
MATT KEMP, LOS ANGELES DODGERS: Why is he here instead of Andre Ethier? Enter Davey Lopes. For the past few years, the Dodgers’ base stealing specialist of the 1970s and early 1980s helped change the offensive nature of the Philadelphia Phillies. The reason was that Lopes added an aggressive base running element to Charlie Manuel’s aggressive approach to the plate. It worked. Ask Jimmy Rollins and others about it. Now, Lopes is back in Dodger Blue to help Don Mattingly amp up its plate presence with the same base running aggression. Enter Matt Kemp – the quickest legs on the Dodger lineup.
ADRIAN GONZALEZ, BOSTON RED SOX: The former San Diego Padres first baseman will arrive in Fort Myers with all eyes on him. His presence returned Kevin Youkilis back to third base and solidifies the justification for sending Victor Martinez elsewhere. What Gonzo provides to the Sox is a bat that connects everywhere, including over the fence. Has Gonzo scaled the Green Monster? If he does – the Nation goes wild. Two years of good-on-paper deals has Theo Epstein’s reputation on line since neither of his recent transactions panned out for immediate results. I believe his job is safe with this pick-up. Gonzo will be the difference for the Sox in 2011 – even with Carl Crawford in the lineup.
VERNON WELLS, LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHEIM: The ex-Blue Jays star is an intersection of two scenarios. First, his absence in Toronto could leave a serious void in the outfield. Jose Bautista could fill this void, but one wonders whether 2010 was a fluke. If Bautista returns to his old pre-50-plus homer self, then wither the Jays. Then, there’s the situation in Anaheim between two veteran center fielders – the other being Torii Hunter. Mike Scioscia’s solution is to leave Hunter in center – moving Wells to left. Will that work? Possibly. It would also depend on Scioscia’s overall game plan for 2011 – which seems to be more of the same over the years. Perhaps with Wells (coupled with Hunter), it could work after all.
JUSTIN MORNEAU, MINNESOTA TWINS: The past two Postseasons saw the British Columbia native benched due to injury. Every pundit, blogger and fan I know always point to Morneau’s absence as one of the reasons the Twins could not advance out of the ALDS. Even when Morneau was healthy, the Twins still couldn’t get out of the first round. Therefore, the pressure is on for the first basemen to stay healthy throughout 2011 and beyond. No more concussions or anything he dealt with over the past years. We already know that Morneau is a threat at bat for the long ball from April through July. The biggest challenge is to have number 33 play in August, September and October for the first time in a while. Could he do it? Let’s hope so.
Surely, there’s more than five to watch? That’s why I’ll throw in Starlin Castro (Is the sophomore season at Wrigley an indicator of the Cubs’ fortunes?), Luke Hughes (One HR against the Tigers and the bloke from Perth is sent back down – will he stay with the Twins in 2011?), Adam Dunn (Ozzie’s latest experiment), Joe Blanton (…for purely hedonistic reasons), Nyjer Morgan (…with a bottle of sedatives ready), Vladimir Guerrero (now trying to get the O’s into the postseason – his biggest challenge ever!), Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez (Two ex-Red Sox ringbearers reunite in Tampa Bay as a stop-gap measure. Can they do it again?).
Of Managers, Future Hall of Famers and Free Agents
Before we round out the Baseball Writers Association of America Awards, there are some pressing issues that need to be discussed.
MANAGERS: I’m not going to list every new or re-signed Managers out there, but a few names that would probably need some further examination. For example, was Ryne Sandberg so bitter that he pursued the Lehigh Valley job because he didn’t get the Chicago Cubs job? The Ricketts and Jim Hendry felt that Ryno would be more effective staying in Des Moines for two more seasons to develop the club into a champion. That is why they kept Mike Quade on to help rebuild the big club. Yet, someone wanted “more.” Are the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs “more?” Can the Philadelphia Phillies provide enough prospects for a championship run in the International League to mollify Ryno for the move from Des Moines to Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton?
There are three silver linings to all of this: Kirk Gibson will stay on as Arizona Diamondbacks’ Manager. Ron Gardenhire has signed a two-year extension with the Minnesota Twins after he won his AL Manager of the Year. But, can anyone agree that Clint Hurdle was the best choice for managing the Pittsburgh Pirates? Of all the new managerial hirings, the Hurdle hiring in Pittsburgh looks like a winner – give or take a few years for the Bucs to strengthen their ballclub after saying goodbye to Zach Duke, Andy LaRoche and Delwyn Young.
“EXPANSION ERA COMMITTEE?!?” Dear National Baseball Hall of Fame, were you drinking Four Loko when you created this new Veterans Committee selection? The point is that twelve former players, executives and managers were selected as a shortlist for easy entry into the Hall by December 6. I’ve heard arguments for and against this selection – the same arguments made for the induction of a dozen or so key figures from the Negro Leagues. I can understand that part – but, the “Expansion Era?” Is the dog really dead?
And, what about the shortlist? Well, George “The Boss” Steinbrenner’s on it. So is Billy Martin, Ron Guidry, labor leader Marvin Miller, Vida Blue, Dave Concepcion, Steve Garvey, Pat Gillick, Tommy John, Al Oliver, Rusty Staub and Ted Simmons. If you ask me, I can see The Boss being inducted into the Hall through this committee. Anyone else? Um…
At the same time, the next Ford Frick Award will be voted on. It’s a good group, but God willing, please don’t vote Tim McCarver in this time! Tom Cheek, I’d vote for. Jacques Doucet, too! Maybe even Bill King. But, McCarver? No way!
OFFING JETER TO PAY PAUL: If The Boss was still alive, would he have allowed both Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera to float into Free Agency as his son and Brian Cashman just did? Now, then Yanks have been pedaling back and forth for an offer to Jeter in retaining his services. Great…but, what about Mo?
I understand how much the Yanks want Cliff Lee and other high profile free agents. But, it just seems that the Steinbrenners and Cashman have some hard choices to make. Yet, Jeter and Mo also need to be realistic. If they want to remain a part of the Yankees’ organization, there has to be a middle ground between what the team is offering and what they will settle for. Otherwise, life in The Bronx may be different for either party. A die-hard Yankee fan would rather not see the loss of Jeter and/or Mo happen at a more critical time than now.
The Case for Baseball Wanderlust
From my last road trip. Photo by Randy Stern
Lately, the MLBlogs front page has been touting some of the latest fans bloggers who are chronicling their tours of ballparks across North America. These are indeed some of the finest examples of wanderlust known to our baseball world. They’re living out the dream of many baseball fans who wished for younger days of sleeping in cars/RVs/cheap rooms, going from ballpark to ballpark and taking in what this country has to offer. Good on them! They make our existence on this planet fuller by the minute.
I began to think “what if I would do such a trip – how would that manifest itself?” In the past, I’d just fly or drive somewhere for the weekend, knock around town, go to a game and go home. On most occasions, this is a good weekend trip. For the baseball fan, unless there was some other historical place of interest related to the game or the focus of the trip was not centered on baseball, it would be a hollow weekend. This is why I sat down and thought about trips that would include multiple ballgames in certain locales or a string of ballparks on a nice journey.
My criteria are simple: Go to a ballpark I’ve never been before, preferably in a place I’ve never visited. Certainly there are ballparks in places I’ve frequented in the past, but never got around to watching a game in – those are included, too! In one exception – I included a ballpark I haven’t seen a game in, oh, almost 30 years. You see that pop up somewhere below…
Granted, these are not grand tours or anything – just simple “hit the ground running and enjoy any sight possible” type of trips. Oh, and don’t follow me for actual travel advice. Believe me, we have our ways of making trips the way we want them.
A DEEPER TOUR OF THE MIDWEST: I’ll admit that I’m not one for long driving trips as much as I used to. However, to balance out the time/distance factor and high regional air fares, I may have to hit the road to stretch out my sea legs in this region. But, where would I go? My first thought was to string a trip through Kansas City with the Royals and Kaufmann Stadium as my mid-point. The most ideal way to do so is to hit two independent American Association towns, Sioux Falls and Sioux City, before hitting Omaha to see the Triple-A Royals. By the time I consider such a trip, Rosenblatt Stadium would be vacant and the team would have moved to their new suburban home. After swinging through Kansas City, I can only head to St. Louis and the Cardinals at Busch Stadium (Number 3). Then, I would jump into Illinois and back into Iowa for a trio of Midwest League stops, Peoria, the Quad Cities and Cedar Rapids, before heading home. Obviously, the only mode of transportation is a car with a string of inexpensive accommodations along the way – the best way to see the Midwest, in my humble opinion.
JUST GET INTO WRIGLEY FOR RYNO’S SAKE! Over the past ten years, I’ve visited Chicago too many times to recall. Last year, I finally got in a ballgame – at US Cellular Field. Why not Wrigley? I’ve passed by it almost as many times as I’ve visited the city and never stepped foot inside. Maybe it’s time to rectify that empty hole of baseballdom just an hour-and-a-half flight from MSP (or seven-plus hour train adventure from St. Paul). Just watch a game at Wrigley. I don’t have to root for the Cubs, right? If I boo them I have to crawl to Halsted instead of walk. But, there’s more than Wrigley to check out – there’s plenty of minor league and indie baseball in the Chicagoland area. There’s Midwest League play in Geneva, Ill. (Kane County Cougars) and South Bend, Ind. (Silver Hawks), Northern League teams in Schaumburg (Flyers), Joliet (Jackhammers), Gary (Southshore Rail Cats) and Zion (Lake County Fielders) along with some Frontier League ballclub in Crestview (Windy City Thunderbolts). Obviously, the best way to get around Chicago is using the CTA, but there are suburban games that are not accessible to METRA, PACE and the South Shore Line readily for certain games – so some creativity would have to be in place before considering renting a car. This would also mean staking out a good place in Chicago to stay that is convenient to everything – and I do mean everything!
FLORIDA – BEFORE THE ATLANTIC GOES CRAZY: Here’s the problem with Florida: Spring Training. If you plan well ahead of everything, you can get good rates on flights, rental cars and hotels for March. The best way to enjoy Florida without getting overheated is to get there in April. Luckily, the Tampa Bay Rays along with the Florida State League will have plenty of activity in and around the Suncoast area. One night, I could be inside Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, the next up in Clearwater, the next at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, the next…you get the idea. What about Miami? What about the Marlins? Yeah, I’m going to South Beach – NOT! Wilton Manors, maybe – but forget seeing me on South Beach! Oh, and Walt Disney World – scratch that, too! Obviously, a rental car would be the way to go for my ventures around the Tampa area and a bit beyond – and a moderate plate to stay with access to the ballparks and nightlife afterwards.
ALL ABOARD THE PENNSYLVANIAN: Amtrak once had a tag line that goes: “There’s something a train that’s magic.” I agree wholeheartedly – but it’s been six years since my last train ride. But, would it be nice to integrate a train for a baseball journey? I found a nice run that would work that starts in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia or New York and travels through some of the nicest landscapes in this country. Even better, there will not be one car involved in the entire trip. The reasons are simple: either the ballpark and nearby accommodations are within walking distance of the train station or linked by some form of public transportation. The key three stops are Philadelphia with the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park, Harrisburg with the Senators at Metro Bank Park on City Island and Pittsburgh with the Pirates at PNC Park. A fourth stop could be made in New York City, if I wanted to stretch it out to include the Mets Citi Field or, if I get there around the New York-Penn League season, both the Brooklyn Cyclones and Staten Island Yankees. Since I have never attended a ballgame in the State of Pennsylvania – I’ll concentrate on Philly, Harrisburg and Pittsburgh for this very green and sustainable run through the Alleghenies.
A SORT OF HOMECOMING: Growing up in Los Angeles, there were two baseball teams that mattered: the Dodgers and the Angels. Actually, the guys in blue mattered more than those American Leaguers in Anaheim – until 1979. Since leaving my home town for good in 1996, I’ve only been back twice – and missed out on opportunities to return to Dodger Stadium on both occasions. Hopefully, if my next trip falls during baseball season – I will make it back to the place where The Heirloom was born for the first time since 1982. However, there is more baseball to explore in and around my hometown. I’ve yet to visit the Epicenter in Rancho Cucamonga and the new San Bernardino ballpark for my California league fill (I’ve already been to The Diamond in Lake Elsinore 14 years ago – still one fine ballpark!) and an overnight run down to San Diego to check out the Padres at PETCO Park in the Gaslamp Quarter. In-between are old and new friends and family covering everywhere from Camarillo down to San Diego. This would require a rental car and accommodations in both the Los Angeles/Orange County area and a night down in San Diego – or, not.
The Trade Deadline…and Not a Moment Too Soon!
Cliff Lee moved to Arlington – check!
Dan Haren moved to Anaheim – check!
Buck Showalter officially hired in Baltimore – check!
Scott Posednik moves to Los Angeles – check!
Jhonny Peralta is now Tiger – whoa! Another Cleveland fire sale! Might as well – Check!
Roy Oswalt heads to Philadelphia – hmmm…OK…check!
J.A. Happ is swapped in the Oswalt deal and is Houston-bound – Oh, the Astros are going to love this young arm! Check!
Jorge Cantu is also Arlington-bound – yeah, and they announced it while he was batting in the latter innings in San Francisco! Check!
Miguel Tejada to San Diego – I like this move! Check!
AND…this just in: Matt Capps heading to the Twins! This move I can get behind big time!
So, who’s left? Prince Fielder – who will wait until the final nanosecond before we find out whether the Milwaukee Brewers will keep him or shove him off somewhere. C’mon, big guy, give us a break! Are you really unhappy in Wisconsin? I was, but that’s a different story! Honestly, where do you want to go? The Yanks? The Red Sox? The Dodgers? Anyone with a lot of loot to spend on you?
And, what happens if you pull a Derek Lee on everyone? That 10-and-5 rights (10 years in the Majors, 5 years with the same team for veto rights on a trade) rule is pretty nifty – but you can’t have it, Prince! If you don’t agree to a trade, fine. It’s in your contract. But, if you say “go,” I just hope you are in a place where they want you real badly!
Who else? Adam Dunn of the Nationals. Nats’ GM Mike Rizzo was recently quoted that if he sends off a trade, it will be the other team who “will hurt the most.” This from the Atlanta Braves’ radio broadcast from earlier today. In other words, Dunn is staying in DC.
Then, there’s Ted Lilly. I thought I heard from Joe Buck’s semi-informed mouth during the All-Star Game that the Cubs’ would be looking to trade their players than get them – paraphrased, of course. If this were the case, then the Cubs would’ve sent Marlon Byrd onward by now. At least Derek Lee is sticking around – maybe for Ryne Sandberg to arrive to save his career.
I’m certain the next trade will be spectactuar – or, craptastic depending on your point of view.
Randy Stern
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