I went with my wife, brother and a friend to the Mariners/Rangers game last night at Safeco field. As Randy Jackson might say on American Idol, it was just alright for me, dawg.
The Mariners are mediocre and the Rangers aren't much better. Slammin' Sammy is just So-So, and Eric Gagne's stuff seemed to be Gone (topping out at 94 m.p.h. on the radar gun isn't bad, but it isn't 98-99, either) in his return to the Bigs.
Now forgive me for a moment while I wax philosophical.
There we were at a beautiful stadium -- which was fortunate, because it was a less than beautiful evening -- watching the greatest game there is. (Sorry, jai alai.) The company wasn't bad, either.
But between innings, we were absolutely inundated with entertainment. There was the dancing field crew, a digital boat race, a digital car race, a trivia contest and a lot more. Basically, we were fed a steady diet of noise, which left very little time to talk baseball and soak in the atmosphere.
The experience was indicative of the state of our culture, I think. The more noise and entertainment we soak ourselves in, the less we are confronted with matters of greater significance. You know, things like faith, life purpose, and relationships. Those things are easily pushed to the background while we try and track which flying and swiveling hat the digital baseball is under.
What I love about the game of baseball is that it moves at such a pace that there is room for pure enjoyment of the game and space for thought and relationships in between. Somehow, though, we've grown uncomfortable with that and it looks like there's no turning back.
Apr 14, 2007
Apr 12, 2007
Duke lacrosse players consider lawsuit
The Duke lacrosse scandal is rearing its ugly head yet again. Just when I had started to forget about this case, the situation has become even more bizarre.
Not only have all charges against the Duke lacrosse players been dropped, but now the players are considering a lawsuit against prosecuting attorney Mike Nifong.
Nifong has probably wronged these students, and his overzealousness has certainly come at a cost to his political endeavors. Nifong overstepped his bounds, and he deserved the punishment he received -- he's been fired, criminally charged, and is now facing the possibility of disbarment.
And yet, something strikes me as odd about all of this. Just because nothing can be definitively proved doesn't make these young men innocent from all wrongdoing. Far from it. But here they are, proclaiming their innocence and turning the tables on the entire situation.
Are the Duke lacrosse players innocent of rape? Probably. But I don't think that lets them off the hook for their unquestionably irresponsible actions.
Not only have all charges against the Duke lacrosse players been dropped, but now the players are considering a lawsuit against prosecuting attorney Mike Nifong.
Nifong has probably wronged these students, and his overzealousness has certainly come at a cost to his political endeavors. Nifong overstepped his bounds, and he deserved the punishment he received -- he's been fired, criminally charged, and is now facing the possibility of disbarment.
And yet, something strikes me as odd about all of this. Just because nothing can be definitively proved doesn't make these young men innocent from all wrongdoing. Far from it. But here they are, proclaiming their innocence and turning the tables on the entire situation.
Are the Duke lacrosse players innocent of rape? Probably. But I don't think that lets them off the hook for their unquestionably irresponsible actions.
Apr 9, 2007
The Rise of the Switch Pitcher?
Every day at 3:00 p.m., my co-workers and I play catch on the grassy area adjacent to our office building. It's my favorite 10 minutes of the work day.
One co-worker, who plays for a recreational softball team, has taken to throwing left-handed during the break time, even though that isn't his dominant side. He says he's saving his arm, but I think he's plotting to become the major league's next ambidextrous pitcher.
When the topic came up, I turned to my greatest ally for information, the internet (thanks, Al Gore). There was some information about Greg Harris, the only man to ever pitch both left and right-handed in a game in the 20th century.
But the more interesting link was a New York Times story about a guy named Pat Venditte, who is an ambidextrous pitcher for Creighton. Venditte pitches from both sides of the plate, and it's not just a circus act. He has a 3.29 ERA, and may wind up as a draft pick in an upcoming MLB draft.
It's a fascinating story, but I don't think this guy will end up being big league material. My guess is the novelty will wear off when he can't get anyone out in Double-A. He may be good -- even very good -- throwing from both sides, but in order to maintain and improve his ability, he'll have to choose a side. And then the novelty is gone.
What about switch hitters, you ask? True, but I answer that if you look closely, most switch hitters experience a significant drop in average or power (or both) from one side of the plate.
One co-worker, who plays for a recreational softball team, has taken to throwing left-handed during the break time, even though that isn't his dominant side. He says he's saving his arm, but I think he's plotting to become the major league's next ambidextrous pitcher.
When the topic came up, I turned to my greatest ally for information, the internet (thanks, Al Gore). There was some information about Greg Harris, the only man to ever pitch both left and right-handed in a game in the 20th century.
But the more interesting link was a New York Times story about a guy named Pat Venditte, who is an ambidextrous pitcher for Creighton. Venditte pitches from both sides of the plate, and it's not just a circus act. He has a 3.29 ERA, and may wind up as a draft pick in an upcoming MLB draft.
It's a fascinating story, but I don't think this guy will end up being big league material. My guess is the novelty will wear off when he can't get anyone out in Double-A. He may be good -- even very good -- throwing from both sides, but in order to maintain and improve his ability, he'll have to choose a side. And then the novelty is gone.
What about switch hitters, you ask? True, but I answer that if you look closely, most switch hitters experience a significant drop in average or power (or both) from one side of the plate.
Apr 6, 2007
Pothead/Zenmeister returns to NFL
After leaving the league on a "high" note, it looks like Ricky Williams is coming back for another round.
Upon being suspended for a fourth time for marijuna, Williams took his dope show up north to Canada. He had a mediocre season (526 yards on 109 carries), but considering the competition, I don't think anyone south of Toronto cared.
Apparently, Williams has taken up Eastern philosophy and has been teaching yoga in California for a few months now. According to his agent, Ricky's "interest in Eastern philosophy has overcome his desire for mind-altering substances."
Ummmm, sure.
Anyway, look for Williams' return to make barely more than a ripple this season. He's a few months older than Edgerrin James, a running back of similar style, who has clearly lost his Edge.
It's a shame that Williams traded several seasons in his prime and a place in the NFL history books for weed. Now that he's made an attempt to right the ship, it's probably too late. Best of luck to him in his new endeavors, though. May the force be with him... or something like that.
Upon being suspended for a fourth time for marijuna, Williams took his dope show up north to Canada. He had a mediocre season (526 yards on 109 carries), but considering the competition, I don't think anyone south of Toronto cared.
Apparently, Williams has taken up Eastern philosophy and has been teaching yoga in California for a few months now. According to his agent, Ricky's "interest in Eastern philosophy has overcome his desire for mind-altering substances."
Ummmm, sure.
Anyway, look for Williams' return to make barely more than a ripple this season. He's a few months older than Edgerrin James, a running back of similar style, who has clearly lost his Edge.
It's a shame that Williams traded several seasons in his prime and a place in the NFL history books for weed. Now that he's made an attempt to right the ship, it's probably too late. Best of luck to him in his new endeavors, though. May the force be with him... or something like that.
Apr 5, 2007
Living in Fantasy Land
So the fantasy league I'm in finally held its auto draft last night, and the results are in: I'm officially more excited about my fantasy team than I am about the Giants.
That's not saying much at this point, unfortunately. The Giants have stumbled out of the gate to an 0-2 start, and based on the box scores, they aren't exactly showing signs of promise. I hate to be a doomsayer -- especially after just two games -- but it's not looking good.
My best hope is that we won't trade any of our young pitching for a stopgap offensive "solution." That's pretty much what our entire team is this season anyway (I'm talking about you, Rich Aurilia and Dave Roberts). Can we please, PLEASE, let what little young talent we have left develop without trading them away?!
Anyway, posted below is my draft. It's a 14-team league, so I feel pretty good about most of the picks. Except for Mark Mulder, who I didn't realize is supposed to be out for half the season.
1. Lance Berkman (good HR and RBI guy. I'm happy with this pick, especially since it was the 13th overall)
2. Manny Ramírez (always nice to get Manny in the 2nd round)
3. Daisuke Matsuzaka (A risk? Yes. But I will be able to tell my children someday that I once drafted the great Dice-K.)
4. Víctor Martínez (Good-hitting catchers are hard to come by.)
5. Chone Figgins (Injured to start the season, but I think this is the third time I've had him on my team. It's sort of a fantasy "crush"...)
6. Robinson Canó (Didn't exactly mean to pick him up, but he'll probably score lots of runs in the NY lineup.)
7. Felipe López (Don't know much about him, but I like his SB stats.)
8. Jeremy Bonderman (Should get lots of wins, hopefully lots of Ks.)
9. Raúl Ibañez (Rauuuuuuuuuuuuul!)
10. Eric Chávez (Always a nice player to have.)
11. Tim Hudson (Should bounce back this year.)
12. Mark Mulder (At least we have DL spots.)
13. Greg Maddux (Not sure this was a GREAT pick, but I'm OK with it.)
14. José Guillén (If he doesn't break his throwing arm off, he might have a good season.)
15. Adam Wainwright (I must have been overly impressed with him in the playoffs...Then again, he's a starter that I can use as a reliever.)
16. Rafael Soriano (A great reliever, but not too many projected saves. Maybe Wickman will get hurt.)
17. Brad Penny (Had a great first half last year.)
18. Kei Igawa (Big question mark, but again, gambles on the unknown often turn out OK.)
19. Cliff Floyd (Hoping he'll bounce back in the friendly confines of Wrigley.)
That's not saying much at this point, unfortunately. The Giants have stumbled out of the gate to an 0-2 start, and based on the box scores, they aren't exactly showing signs of promise. I hate to be a doomsayer -- especially after just two games -- but it's not looking good.
My best hope is that we won't trade any of our young pitching for a stopgap offensive "solution." That's pretty much what our entire team is this season anyway (I'm talking about you, Rich Aurilia and Dave Roberts). Can we please, PLEASE, let what little young talent we have left develop without trading them away?!
Anyway, posted below is my draft. It's a 14-team league, so I feel pretty good about most of the picks. Except for Mark Mulder, who I didn't realize is supposed to be out for half the season.
1. Lance Berkman (good HR and RBI guy. I'm happy with this pick, especially since it was the 13th overall)
2. Manny Ramírez (always nice to get Manny in the 2nd round)
3. Daisuke Matsuzaka (A risk? Yes. But I will be able to tell my children someday that I once drafted the great Dice-K.)
4. Víctor Martínez (Good-hitting catchers are hard to come by.)
5. Chone Figgins (Injured to start the season, but I think this is the third time I've had him on my team. It's sort of a fantasy "crush"...)
6. Robinson Canó (Didn't exactly mean to pick him up, but he'll probably score lots of runs in the NY lineup.)
7. Felipe López (Don't know much about him, but I like his SB stats.)
8. Jeremy Bonderman (Should get lots of wins, hopefully lots of Ks.)
9. Raúl Ibañez (Rauuuuuuuuuuuuul!)
10. Eric Chávez (Always a nice player to have.)
11. Tim Hudson (Should bounce back this year.)
12. Mark Mulder (At least we have DL spots.)
13. Greg Maddux (Not sure this was a GREAT pick, but I'm OK with it.)
14. José Guillén (If he doesn't break his throwing arm off, he might have a good season.)
15. Adam Wainwright (I must have been overly impressed with him in the playoffs...Then again, he's a starter that I can use as a reliever.)
16. Rafael Soriano (A great reliever, but not too many projected saves. Maybe Wickman will get hurt.)
17. Brad Penny (Had a great first half last year.)
18. Kei Igawa (Big question mark, but again, gambles on the unknown often turn out OK.)
19. Cliff Floyd (Hoping he'll bounce back in the friendly confines of Wrigley.)
Apr 2, 2007
Gators Chomp Success at College Level
Well, it's official: Florida has repeated as NCAA champions.
Even though I had hoped it would be a closer game, I'm glad Florida won. Here's why. The Gators were a team full of players that had already won championships, yet elected to stay in school.
Granted, it's doubtful anyone from last year's team would have been taken high in the draft, and though Noah, Brewer and Horford are likely first-rounders, I question whether they will become impact players in the NBA. Still, they could have cashed in last year but decided not to. It's a shining example of why, as they always told us growing up, it's cool to stay in school.
I like LeBron James, and I'm just as amazed as everyone else that he's so good as such a young age. For that matter, I think Greg Oden will be pretty good in the NBA next year as a 19-year old. But for every LeBron or Oden (who probably would have left were it not for the NBA's new eligibility rule), there are plenty of flops that never succeed in the NBA.
And what are they left with? Besides the payments on their customized Hummer, not much. Thank goodness for the NBA's new rule mandating a year of college. Here's hoping Florida's success will help make it stick.
Even though I had hoped it would be a closer game, I'm glad Florida won. Here's why. The Gators were a team full of players that had already won championships, yet elected to stay in school.
Granted, it's doubtful anyone from last year's team would have been taken high in the draft, and though Noah, Brewer and Horford are likely first-rounders, I question whether they will become impact players in the NBA. Still, they could have cashed in last year but decided not to. It's a shining example of why, as they always told us growing up, it's cool to stay in school.
I like LeBron James, and I'm just as amazed as everyone else that he's so good as such a young age. For that matter, I think Greg Oden will be pretty good in the NBA next year as a 19-year old. But for every LeBron or Oden (who probably would have left were it not for the NBA's new eligibility rule), there are plenty of flops that never succeed in the NBA.
And what are they left with? Besides the payments on their customized Hummer, not much. Thank goodness for the NBA's new rule mandating a year of college. Here's hoping Florida's success will help make it stick.
Apr 1, 2007
Back home with a Spring in my step...
So for all of you faithful readers (a number I hope is growing, be it ever so gradually), I just got back from a nice week's vacation in Phoenix, AZ. As Borat would say, it was "Very nice, very nice."
While I was there, I got to catch a couple of spring training games: the Rangers and Mariners in Surprise, AZ, and the Mariners vs. the Giants in Peoria, AZ. Our seats were five rows back and almost directly behind home plate for the second game, which was awesome since I'm a huge Giants fans. Thanks, Uncle Steve, for the tickets!
A couple of brief observations about the teams we watched, a thought or two about spring training in general, and then we're done.
* The Mariners, Rangers, and Giants are all in for a long season, I'm afraid. We watched Miguel Batista and Horacio Ramirez pitch for the M's, and if it wasn't for the fact that the Mariners signed one as a FA and traded for the other, I'd say that neither should make the team. The Rangers, as usual, will hit the crap out of the ball but still manage to lose most games 8-7. And the Giants, as much as I love them, are just plain old. I'm ready for a youth movement.
* As for the spring training experience itself, what a blast. The stadiums are small, kind of like minor league parks, only nicer. The players are relaxed and seem to be enjoying themselves, and the level of baseball is pretty good. That is, until #98 comes in to pitch for the Mariners and serves up a couple of the longest home runs I've ever seen.
* Finally, I had to wonder: in the long run, how good is spring training for the every day players, especially the older ones? I know they have a lot of offseason pizza and beer to work off as they gear up for the season, but a 30-game preseason schedule followed by a 162-game schedule? If I had to cut out one of the two, though, I'd say MLB should drop the regular season down to about 150 games and sprinkle in a few more off days here and there.
While I was there, I got to catch a couple of spring training games: the Rangers and Mariners in Surprise, AZ, and the Mariners vs. the Giants in Peoria, AZ. Our seats were five rows back and almost directly behind home plate for the second game, which was awesome since I'm a huge Giants fans. Thanks, Uncle Steve, for the tickets!
A couple of brief observations about the teams we watched, a thought or two about spring training in general, and then we're done.
* The Mariners, Rangers, and Giants are all in for a long season, I'm afraid. We watched Miguel Batista and Horacio Ramirez pitch for the M's, and if it wasn't for the fact that the Mariners signed one as a FA and traded for the other, I'd say that neither should make the team. The Rangers, as usual, will hit the crap out of the ball but still manage to lose most games 8-7. And the Giants, as much as I love them, are just plain old. I'm ready for a youth movement.
* As for the spring training experience itself, what a blast. The stadiums are small, kind of like minor league parks, only nicer. The players are relaxed and seem to be enjoying themselves, and the level of baseball is pretty good. That is, until #98 comes in to pitch for the Mariners and serves up a couple of the longest home runs I've ever seen.
* Finally, I had to wonder: in the long run, how good is spring training for the every day players, especially the older ones? I know they have a lot of offseason pizza and beer to work off as they gear up for the season, but a 30-game preseason schedule followed by a 162-game schedule? If I had to cut out one of the two, though, I'd say MLB should drop the regular season down to about 150 games and sprinkle in a few more off days here and there.
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