Results tagged ‘ Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim ’
Waving Flags
Photo by Randy Stern
I guess there’s nothing else to say. I won’t sing K’naan’s biggest hit in the process, so here it goes…
2011 IN TARGET FIELD: It’s official – I’m done with the Minnesota Twins for 2011.
If you’ve followed what little I’ve contributed to this blog, you would sense my disappointment with my local ballclub. This would excuse me from stating the reasons for my disappointment.
Injuries are one thing, but the lack of intelligent moves on and off the field are frustrating. This team can be fun to watch. However, when they’re frightening – they’re embarrassing.
One bright side has been my affirmation that Luke Hughes will be a strong member of next year’s ballclub. His power is there, but what Hughes needs is to sharpen up his contact hitting and fielding. Once he gets to those spots, he will elevate himself to the level of Michael Cuddyer.
But, that’s next year. The Twins could spoil…like the Kansas City Royals often do.
MY POSTSEASON OUTLOOK (OTHER THAN THE AL EAST): It’s easier to simply punch the tickets of the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox into this year’s postseason. There are six other slots to decipher.
Perhaps the best chance at clinching a postseason berth at this point is the Milwaukee Brewers. Just when you thought the NL Central was going to be tight with four potential contenders, the Brew Crew ratcheted things up a few notches by creating a gap of 10-1/2 games between them and the rest of the pack. The talk has been of MVPs – Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun – and a cadre of strong talent across the board. Even Nyjer Moragn has been behaving himself. Perhaps being Tony Plush helped – a lot! Former Cy Young Award winner Zack Grienke has been the ace in a strong rotation, by augmenting Yovanni Gallardo, Shaun Marcum and Randy Wolf. Let’s not forget the emergence of John Axford as the name closer in the NL. Sorry, Brian Wilson.
Another so-called surprise is the Arizona Diamondbacks. I’ve already discussed how Kevin Towers had simply rebuilt this team around the leadership of manager Kirk Gibson. The proof of the reboot in Phoenix has been the dedication to a work ethic as laid out by Gibson using a no-nonsense approach to the game. Though the defending World Champs, the San Francisco Giants, are breathing down the D-Back’s neck, Gibson’s club remains running on all cylinders. What can happen in September would be if the D-Back’s motor would run out of gas long enough for yet another to-the-wire finish in the NL West. The Jints couldn’t wait for that to happen…
What’s happening in Sconnie and ‘Zona may be a surprise. Other places have not been so surprising. I expected the Philadelphia Phillies to become the most dominant team in baseball. The rotation of Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt remain the best in the game – proof of Ruben Amaro, Jr’s ambition towards elevating the Phils to the next level. The Phils already have a comfortable lead in the NL east over the probable Wild Card, the Atlanta Braves, but they also contended with the injury bug. A healthy Phillies club is not one to take lightly. They could be beat, but not this year.
The Texas Rangers simply built upon a formula from last year. There are more claws and antlers to this year’s club that have built upon the core from the World Series debut in 2010. However, the Rangers are again being threatened by the Los Angeles Angels – a mere 3-1/2 games behind the defending AL champs. I would not call this one just yet.
As for the AL Central…um…well…
Maybe, They Were Tired…
Before I go on, here’s a few words from the President of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Frank Coonelly, in a statement presented to the Commissioner’s Office today:
“The Pittsburgh Pirates organization is extremely disappointed by the way its 19-inning game against the Atlanta Braves ended earlier this morning. The game of baseball and this game in particular, filled with superlative performances by players on both clubs, deserved much better. We have filed a formal complaint with the Commissioner.
“While we cannot begin to understand how umpire Jerry Meals did not see the tag made by Michael McKenry three feet in front of home plate, we do not question the integrity of Mr. Meals. Instead, we know that Mr. Meals’ intention was to get the call right. Jerry Meals has been umpiring Major League games for 14 years and has always done so with integrity and professionalism. He got this one wrong.
“For Pirates fans, we may have lost a game in the standings as a result of a missed call but this game, and the gutsy performances by so many of our players, will make us stronger, more unified and more determined as we continue the battle for the National League Central Division.”
What happened? It was the bottom of the 19th inning at Turner Field last night with one out on the board. Scott Proctor of the Atlanta Braves hit off Daniel McCutchen of the Bucs, then slipped on the grass en route to first. Meanwhile, the Braves’ Julio Lugo was charging in from third towards home. The Bucs’ Pedro Alvarez threw to catcher McHenry just short of home plate, who swiped a tag on Lugo.
Meals called Lugo safe.
I can imagine the many post-game arguments that went on in light of this play – a mere six hours and 39 minutes after the first pitch. I know Clint Hurdle was beyond upset. I know the pundits have been chomping at a chance to pontificate on changes in instant replay or making excuses for either team. I can go on playing conspiracy theorist – but, why?
Though there is nothing Commissioner Selig or Joe Torre can do about the situation, Coonelly simply filed a complaint to the Commissioner’s Office on behalf of the Pirates.
Meals had his hands full already that evening tossing out the Braves’ Nate McLouth and Fredi Gonzalez.
No excuses, perhaps? None whatsoever. The game went too long and something had to give.
On a quick note, Ervin Santana of the Los Angeles Angels thew a quick and early no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field this afternoon. Too bad those who attended had to go back to work in downtown Cleveland…
Photo of Jerry Meals (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?
Majors and Minors and More Craziness
Plenty of ground to cover…I better get to it…
WHAT’S WRONG WITH THE RED SOX? I have no clue, really. I wished I had an answer as to why the Sox are coming home to Fenway with an 0-6 start. They open at home against the New York Yankees, who are 4-2, including taking two from the visiting Minnesota Twins. How long do you think this will go on? Um, well…
…AND THE RAYS? Same thing – a mystery! They’re on the South Side facing Ozzie Guillen’s team and there’s no let up. It’s puzzling when you have two contending AL East clubs winless after the first six games…
DID I FORGET ABOUT THE TUCSON PADRES? I did, I’m afraid. The former Portland Beavers opened their 2011 campaign on the road in Colorado Springs with intentions on making their temporary home a good spot to make a run in the Pacific Coast League’s Pacific South division. They’ll have some tough company with the Fresno Grizzlies and Sacramento River Cats. However, day 1 of the Tucson Padres ended on a high note: An 18-14 victory over the host Sky Sox.
HOW DID BRYCE DO? The Hagerstown Suns’ Bryce Harper – the first pick of last year’s Amateur Draft for the Washington Nationals – went 2-for-4 against the host Rome Braves. He brought in a run, but struck out once. From all reports, he certainly impressed everyone with an array of fielding skills and poise at bat (if you take out the strike out, that is). How soon do you think he’ll make the next level at Woodbridge, VA and the Potomac Nationals? No clue there…
THE INFIRMARY: The White Sox’ Adam Dunn went in for appendectomy. He appears to be recovering nicely as Dunn trotted out for the South Siders’ home opener on Thursday. Then, Tsuyoshi Nishioka of the Minnesota Twins broke his leg on a slide defensive slide by Nick Swisher at Yankee Stadium on Thursday. While Nishi sits on the Disabled List, the Bloke from Perth, Luke Hughes, will fill in for the time being. As sad as I am to see Nishi hurt, I’m happy to see Hughes up for the time being.
BACK TO THE TOP: The Texas Rangers remain the only undefeated ball club in the week of the season. That may not last long as they travel to Baltimore to meet the Orioles. The Orioles sit on top of the AL East with a single loss to their record. This could be an early series to watch. Maybe the Rangers will give Vlad his ring for his work with them from last year.
FRIDAY’S HOME OPENERS: Besides the Twins and Red Sox, there’s a slate of home openers happening on Friday. The Seattle Mariners, San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Angels, Atlanta Braves, New York Mets, Houston Astros, Arizona Diamondbacks and Detroit Tigers open up their doors for the first time in 2011. The Giants will celebrate 2010 with the presentation of the World Series championship rings, awarding Buster Posey’s Rookie of the Year nod and the hoisting of the pennant – all wrapped in gold. That could be tarnished quickly – Sammy Hagar will be singing the National Anthem.
Opening Day 2011: The Heirloom’s Guide to Tomorrow’s Festivities
Photo courtesy of The Telegraph.co.uk
All of us who love this wonderful game are excited for Opening Day. This is the first time that it will fall on a Thursday. No, seriously…
It is odd, but, hey, this game has been through so many changes since Bud Selig showed up to work as Commissioner. Some of these changes are dumb, but what can you do…
If you’re wondering when to actually celebrate the start of the regular season, here’s a primer of events for tomorrow (all times are Eastern)…
11:00AM – CINCINNATI: Joe Morgan is set to be the Grand Marshall of the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade – the traditional first act of the baseball season. The parade usually runs through downtown Cincinnati until it reaches the gates of the Great American Ballpark. This should be a special parade as the Reds are celebrating last year’s NL Central pennant.
1:05PM – THE BRONX: This is perhaps the first time in a long while that the Yanks would be the first to throw the first pitches of the season. They start their 109th season with the usual fanfare as expected from the Yanks as they open up against another AL original – the Detroit Tigers. Moose – yes, Mike Mussina – will toss the ceremonial first pitch o the delight of the fans inside the New Cathedral. Haley Swindal will sing the National Anthem. Who’s Haley Swindal? The Boss’ granddaughter who happens to be on a cast of some Broadway production somewhere…
1:05PM – THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: Where South Capitol Avenue meets the Anacostia River, the Nats will start the NL off with the rival Atlanta Braves in tow. The President of the United States will not throw out the first pitch. That honor will be in charge of five members of the armed forces – one from each branch. The U.S. Navy Band will play the National Anthem instead of singing it. After all, the ballpark is a few blocks from the Navy Yard and it is one of the most powerful cities in the world. Not to mention that “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” will soon be history (I hope for sure), I have no problem propping up our armed forces! Ironically, Livan Hernandez will start for the Nats…
2:10PM – CINCINNATI: The parade may be over, but the party will be in full swing. The Reds meet Nyjer Morgan and the Milwaukee Brewers for their first game of the season. Edinson Volquez gets the nod against Yovani Gallardo when the pleasantries begin. Prior to Volquez taking the mound, the former police chief of Cincinnati, Tom Streicher, will toss out the first pitch. Better still, Brian McKnight and his two sons will sing the National Anthem. I’d go just for that!
4:10PM – KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI: Kaufmann Stadium returns to the Opening Day ritual with the Los Angeles Angels in tow. By then, the Yankees-Tigers and Nationals-Braves games would be finished, just in time for Luke Hochevar and Jared Weaver to trade pitches. As I was trying to find out who will throw out the first pitch or do the National Anthem, a curious bit of hoopla is scheduled to occur before the game: A bridge opening. Not just any bridge mind you – one with George Brett’s name on it. I’m sure it’ll be just fun…
4:15PM – ST. LOUIS: Across Missouri, along Interstate 70, is yet another opener…the Cardinals! Chris Carpenter will get the ball against Tim Stauffer and the San Diego Padres. That also means Albert Pujols will be there, too! To celebrate all things Cardinals, there will be pep rallies outside the ballpark and inside. After all, there is a new nation on this planet – Cardinal Nation. Nikko Smith, formerly of American Idol, will sing the National Anthem and Jim Edmonds will toss out the ceremonial first ball.
8:00PM – CHAVEZ RAVINE: Last, but not least, it’s the Dodgers and the Giants. They get the nightcap as they renew their absolute hatred for each other fueled by the Jints’ World Series title. But, remember, this is Los Angeles! San Francisco may have the better opera opening night gala – but the Dodgers have Placido Domingo (pictured above), the General Director of the LA Opera, singing the National Anthem. That’s how they do it in Los Angeles!
There’s your agenda for Thursday. What are you watching/listening/following?
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?).
Five Favorites for The Summer – The Heirloom Edition
Been there, done that. Photo by Randy Stern
Oh, wait, why am I crossing over blogs here?
On my other blog (randystern.net), I’ve been running a series of “Five Favorite” posts for the summer highlighting a theme and five favorite automobiles/roads/alternative modes of transport/etc. Well, I figured…why not do a five favorite baseball moments I’ve witnessed live in my lifetime.
Sure…why not?
Here’s how it works: I’ll pick five moments – could be individual games, seasons or an individual career – and try to parse them out as I normally do on that other blog. It should be easy, right?
Try delving into my memory bank for a moment…
HEY, ISN’T THERE ANOTHER MAJOR LEAGUE BALLPARK IN THE LOS ANGELES BASIN? The Los Angeles Dodgers can scream and shout “We were here first!” Well…yeah, in terms of Major League ball clubs. In the old Pacific Coast League, the Los Angeles Angels existed playing as a farm club for the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field (not the one on Clark and Addison, mind you) in South Central Los Angeles (way before Ice Cube and Ice-T made it famous). If you know your history, the Singing Cowboy, Gene Autry went into the owner’s meetings looking for a television contract and ended up with an American League expansion club. By 1966, the Angels moved behind the Orange Curtain to a nice, neat stadium just past Disneyland. So, in 1978, after convincing my mother to take the three of us down to Anaheim, I got to see my Boston Red Sox in action for the first time (an act of teenage rebellion, you know). I learned two lessons from our Sunday venture down the Santa Ana Freeway: Be ready when a foul ball comes right at your face – don’t just stare at it – and Luis Tiant was quite a surly dude back then. I’ve been back to Anaheim quite a few times during my time in California (until I moved back east in 1996).
WE ARE FAMILY/COME ON EVERYBODY AND SING! It’s 1979 and I just finished middle school to be thrown to the wolves (er, Regents) at Reseda High School. I began my love for the Pittsburgh Pirates as an excuse for another act of teenage rebellion in my household. After all, my mother bled Dodger Blue as much as Tommy Lasorda did. I couldn’t squeeze a drop of the blue stuff, though mom did pour some money into the coffers at Chavez Ravine and spent some time on the Field Level by the foul poles for two seasons. Well, I figured the only way to you get me to Dodger Stadium that season is for me to see the Battlin’ Bucs adorned with Stargell Stars on their pillbox caps. My mom delivered: Happy Graduation, son! You’re seeing the Dodgers and the Pirates (with, I think, two families)! Luckily, we went on Camera Day and even the Bucs participated. I have since lost my photo of Bert Blyleven signing my autograph. If that wasn’t enough, I dragged my dad, who lived in the Bay Area, down to Candlestick for a meeting between the Pirates and the Giants. Yes, I was visiting up there (another graduation gift)…and had my first chance to drive (and almost smash up) his Buick Electra. Nonetheless, the Bucs won both games – and, eventually, the World Series that year.
JERUSALEM, MECCA AND THE VATICAN – ALL AT ONCE: By the time I graduated college in June, 1993 – all the ballparks I’ve ever been in were built after 1959. It was said that in order to be a real baseball fan, you have to visit one of the old time ballparks. I had a choice back then: Wrigley, Tiger, Yankee and Fenway. I chose Fenway. Actually, that almost didn’t happen. I thought about going to Montreal instead – party in the Village, go to an Expos game. Then, I thought about it: I haven’t been to the East Coast of my own country, so why cross a border at this stage in my life? Boston it was! The Red Sox accommodated me right at the Green Monster and I witnessed a decent game with the home Sox and the Baltimore Orioles. Here I was: flew out on a red eye out of San Francisco through Cincinnati, had to change at a bathroom at Logan Airport – just excited to be in Boston. I knew I had an evening in Boston before heading to Provincetown. Still, I made it to Fenway. Yeah, there was a game going on – but do I remember anything from it? Nah.
WATCHING THE FUTURE UNFOLD: Two sons of famous former Major Leaguers showed up in South Central Wisconsin during the summer of 2003. Prince Fielder was seen as a different tack on his father, Cecil – except they both exhibited power in their slugging. Tony Gwynn, Jr. was trying to break out of the shadow of his dad, though he resembled him when the former San Diego Padre began his career. The Milwaukee Brewers had their contracts as they scraped their way to Miller Park. I was lucky to catch them at Pohlman Field in Beloit, Wisconsin (on my way back from IKEA in Schaumburg, Illinois) as Prince simply made mince meat of the Midwest League. In fact, I saw Prince just got the best of the Clinton Lumberkings’ pitching. As for Tony Jr., he was Ok that evening. It was great to chat with the Snappers’ General Manager, Jeff, at the time – where he remains today with the Snappers under the Twins’ organization. Memories of Prince and Tony Jr. still resonate in that squat little town by the Illinois border.
GAME 163: That was so last year! Is it worth repeating that it was one of the most exciting moments in my baseball life? You could read about it here…or, ponder the following phrase: Having only been to one postseason game (not a World Series game, mind you) and a few division pennant clinchers in my lifetime – there has never been any game like this where I have been in attendance. It was a proper farewell to the Metrodome – and an excellent segue to Target Field.
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.
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.
Randy Stern
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