2011 MLB Season (Over/Under)
I knew this day would come. Someone would call me out on my lack of posting. I naturally assumed no one read my work and that those view counter simply indicated the absurd amount of porn-bots that frequent my site. But sure enough, there are actual human people that read the words I write for some reason. And they (by "they" I mean my friend John) are calling for me to give my predictions for the 2011 MLB season.
So that's what I'm going to do. I know the season starts tomorrow. But look, I'm a very busy man.
/plays SNAKE on an old Nokia phone for four hours
I'm fairly certain I say this prior to every single prediction post I write, but remember, these posts and my opinions in general are based off of little to no factual material at all. I have essentially done zero research in preparation for this post. The only thing I looked up were the Vegas over/under win totals for every MLB team. And all that researching has got me exhausted. So I'm going to keep this short.
PITTSBURGH PIRATES: 67.5 (Over)
Why not right? They deserve it. After 36 straight losing seasons, how about a crisp 81 win output? It really is frightening how inept they have been as a franchise for the last two decades. And it's not like they've developed can't-miss talent and had to trade it away, they don't develop anyone. There are high schools in California that have more major league talent. But hey, maybe this will be there year. They do have that Andrew fellow. McSomethingorother. Sounds promising.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS: 70 (Over)
I have read in certain publications recently that the Royals have the best farm system in the sport. That the higher-ups in the Kansas City organization have stock-piled both arms and bats. We can only hope these players work out for them. Because if there is a team more pathetic than the Pirates, it's the Royals. At times, I honestly forget they're even a team.
HOUSTON ASTROS: 71.5 (Under)
I went to Houston last fall. It was hot. And that's basically what I know about the city. Which is about as much as I know about the team. I know they have guys like Hunter Pence and Carlos Lee. And that they play at Minute Maid Park. And that they got rid of Roy Oswalt. So I'm going to take the under.
WASHINGTON NATIONALS: 71.5 (Under)
Call me when Strasburg pitches. Which, according to my Tommy John watch, shouldn't be until next season. I think I predicted a similar fate for Strasburg prior to his call-up last season. In my scenario, he comes back from the surgery 50 pounds overweight and eventually moves to Mexico to dominate for the Gauchos. Something like that.
SEATTLE MARINERS: 71.5 (Over)
Remember when the Mariners had, like, respectability? Now like have Felix Hernandez, Ichiro and their stadium. That's about it. As a Yankee fan, I used to be petrified of Seattle. Edgar Martinez would often send me to my room to fetch a new pair of pants. Now, Mr. Martinez is all but a faint memory of the Mariners of yesteryear.
CLEVELAND INDIANS: 73 (Over)
I really have nothing to say about the Indians. Honestly. I've been sitting here for the past few minutes just staring at my computer. They have a new coach right? Acta? I could be wrong. And Sizemore is coming back from injury. Oh god, it's all so boring. What a boring team. A boring team in a boring city. How awful.
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS: 74 (Over)
Another team I have no opinion on. How about this weather? I mean really. It's like March 30th. Where's even a little bit of warmth? It's making me want to move. Maybe to...Arizona? Boom! Dots connected. I'm taking the over.
BALTIMORE ORIOLES: 74 (Over)
I tell you what, the AL East is going to be a buzz saw. How's that for dynamite analysis? But seriously, the Orioles are a very good young team. And there's a very good chance that they come in last place. Stick them in the NL West and they'll run away with the division in August.
SAN DIEGO PADRES: 75.5 (Under)
Really stupid of me to take the under here. The Padres always over perform. EDITORS NOTE: Please be aware of my constant broad generalizations and over usage of hyperbole and exaggeration. Expect words like "always", "never", "greatest", and "the history of the world".
TORONTO BLUE JAYS: 77 (Under)
Rogers Centre has to be the most depressing venue in all of sports. It's so bland, sterile, and ugly. I'm no scientist, but I'm 100% certain that the sterility of their stadium is the reason why the Blue Jays have been so terrible over the past decade or so. So until they knock that thing down, I'm going to expect more of the same. Under city.
NEW YORK METS: 78 (Over)
There can be books longer than War and Peace written about the 2011 New York Mets. They are a sports writers wet dream. Money problems, underperforming stars, unhappy players, a testy fan base. It's like a bad (or good) telenovela.
CHICAGO CUBS: 82 (Under)
This is it. This is their year. They're going to win 81 games, but this is their year. "Their year" doesn't have to mean winning the World Series. It could mean whatever they want it to mean. Anyway, they suck. They'll suck again. But at least they'll sell out Wrigley again. So no need for the franchise to panic.
FLORIDA MARLINS: 82.5 (Over)
Oh man. I'm not even half way through and I'm already running on fumes. This is what happens when you leave things off until the last minute. I should be relaxing on my couch watching Top Chef, but I'm hastily tapping away on my iPad trying to meet your deadlines. You are like a demanding editor.
LOS ANGELES ANGELS: 82.5 (Over)
I still can't believe the Angels didn't make the playoffs last season. They've been essentially a shoe-in for the past decade. And now, they're in danger of not making the playoffs two years running. Luckily, their division is unreliable. They could sneak in.
OAKLAND ATHLETICS: 82.5 (Over)
CINCINNATI REDS: 83 (Over)
DETROIT TIGERS: 83.5 (Over)
LOS ANGELES DODGERS: 83.5 (Under)
MILWAUKEE BREWERS: 84.5 (Over)
COLORADO ROCKIES: 84.5 (Under)
Clearly, I have hit a wall. At this point, it's all about getting my predictions out. Because that's what the people want. They don't want to hear about the above teams. Look at them. They're boring. In fact, baseball has become so top heavy that a majority of the league is more or less irrelevant.
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS: 84.5 (Over)
TAMPA BAY RAYS: 85 (Under)
CHICAGO WHITE SOX: 85 (Over)
MINNESOTA TWINS: 85 (Over)
Currently, I am half-writing, half-nodding off. So excuse me if I rush through the remainder of this. Look, the Cardinals could easily win their division. The Rays will clearly struggle with the Red Sox and Yankees after losing 90% of their bullpen. And the White Sox as well as the Twins will fight until October to win the central. Like they always do. My bed sounds fantastic right about now.
TEXAS RANGERS: 85.5 (Over)
ATLANTA BRAVES: 87 (Over)
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS: 87.5 (Under)
NEW YORK YANKEES: 92.5 (Over)
BOSTON RED SOX: 96.5 (Under)
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES: 97.5 (Over)
Talk about going out with a whisper.
/downs NyQuil
I'm out. Enjoy Opening Day.
Meet the Mets
I've had this video opened up in a tab for about two days now. After watching it for the first time I knew I had to write about it. There was just too much to take in though. My thoughts were jumbled. I had to let it digest.
So after letting what I saw circulate around in my brain for 48 hours, I'm finally ready to give my thoughts...
What the hell was that? Was that real? Are the Mets really a professional baseball team? The players in this video, they get paid millions, right? Am I wrong? Will I continue to ask questions?
I know the Mets are strapped for cash, but this video could have been shot in my basement by my imaginary six year old cousin. Hold on, I need to watch it again...
I especially like the still shot of Jose Reyes holding the autograph. The production value is just off the charts.
But lets get down to brass tax. What are the Mets? When will they stop being the Yankees little brother? They seem to do everything wrong. Give an erratic head-case a 3-year, $36 million contract? Check. Trust half of their fortune to a suspected swindler? Check. Produce this video? Check.
Who approved this video anyway? I've have sent my resume to every sports franchise since the day I graduated from college and not once (well, once) have I got a call back. But this, THIS gets green-lit? I didn't make the cut, but THIS is produced with real dollars?
Here's the thing, someone should have been fired for this mess. In a just universe, the man or woman who allowed this to happen would have been sent packing before it was even uploaded into YouTube. But with the way the Mets are run, I bet they were promoted. They were promoted to head of marketing. Or even to the VP of Sales and Marketing. Given a corner office, an expense account, and a secretary. Next thing you know, they'll make a transition over to player scouting and development, and you'll have Omar Minaya all over again.
Ladies and Gentlemen, your 2011 New York Mets!
Pointless
Pre-preseason baseball is an interesting time. Nothing has happened. Players are just reporting to their teams. The baseball media doesn't really know what to do with itself. They kind of mosey around the workouts, asking asinine questions about the upcoming season to guys who probably won't see Opening Day, and just generally being a nuisance. To pass the time, they make up stories. Not necessarily fabricating fake truths, but just making something that is very small and insignificant into something enormous.
Take for example, the "story" that would have been on the back page of today's NY Post had Carmelo Anthony not signed with the Knicks. The "story" of how Hank Steinbrenner, the co-chairman of the New York Yankees, said that the 2010 Yankees weren't concentrated enough on the season because they were too busy "building mansions" and celebrating the previous year's World Series Championship.
What to do with this quote? Any normal person would have just tossed it aside. Hank Steinbrenner seems to come out from the cloud of smoke that surrounds him every so often to yell, cause a minor controversy, then go back to the OTB. His role in the Yankees Universe has been reduced down to a title on their letterhead. To give any legitimacy to whatever he says is laughable. But, being the story-hungry lot that they are, the media immediately rush over to Derek Jeter for his reaction.
Why Derek Jeter? Because he has just completed construction on his new mansion in St. Petersburg, Florida. Oh, scandalous! There's a story a-brewin'!
Obviously Jeter laughed it off, dismissing it completely and went on with his day. What exactly were the media expecting him to say? To curse out Steinbrenner? Demand a trade? Take a shit on his desk? He's Derek Jeter. He hasn't said anything interesting since the day he was drafted. For a guy who is basically the most covered sports figure in the history of New York, he could be the most boring. There wasn't a story here. And the media still headed to Jeter for a reaction. Derek incorporates the words "teamwork", "effort", and "bunt" into every quote. Even if it's in regards to his love life. Bor-ing.
Want a story? Follow Joba around for a few days. See exactly what he eats. If he makes consecutive stops to two different Cinnabons within the span of an hour, then I'll be interested. Until then media, hang low for a while. Real stories will be here soon enough.
Baseball and that…
Today, the Chicago Cubs signed former Rays' 1st baseman Carlos Pena to a 1-year, $10 million contract.
And if you're keeping score at home, Pena batted a robust .196 for the 2010 season.
Say what you will, but given 484 at-bats, I think I could hit .196. Maybe not hit 28 home runs or drive in 84 runs, but I think I could squeeze out at least 95 infield singles, bloopers, checked-swing dunkers, seeing-eyers, and the occasional mammoth upper-decker. Obviously this can't be proven, but I'll just go out on a limb and say I could.
The point is, what in the hell is up with these historically bad contracts during this off-season? That Jayson Werth contract is an abomination. He's 31 (32 in May), past his prime, has a career OPS of .848 and just signed a 7-year, $126 million contract with the Washington Nationals. That's (whips out scientific calculator) $18 million a year! For what?! 25 home runs, 90 RBI's for 3 more years at best. Then a precipitous decline for the remaining four years of that contract. That's franchise player money. That's "In a few years I'll basically be stealing from you" money. I'd like to meet Jayson Werth's agent and shake his hand. I'd also like to meet him to see if he's stopped laughing.
And how about the Carl Crawford contract? What is it, 7 years, $142 million? Something like that. No exactly the smartest move in my book (my book is about the size of a pamphlet). Giving 7 years to a 30 year old whose game is predicated on speed is just downright dumb. I wonder how he'll perform when he's 34-35. Slow is my guess. Very slow. Unless he takes steroids, then by all means, give him a 15-year contract.
I tweeted that in a few years the AL East will become "the land of the Albatross Contracts". And it's definitely shaping up to be that way. CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, Alex Rodriguez, Carl Crawford, Adrian Gonzalez (I'm assuming that I'll be enormous), and potentially Cliff Lee. In 2014, all of these players will just be uncomfortable to watch on the field. Both because of their performances on the diamond and because of the realization of how much they're getting paid.
Look, I love my Yanks, but they're ruining baseball. Salary cap is a necessity. Too bad that both the teams and players are making huge chunks of monies. So this thing will never get resolved.
Thanks Yanks! (and Red Sox)
2010 NFL Season: Week 1
Baseball used to be my favorite sport. I would dread the last day of the playoffs, even if it conincided with yet another Yankees championship (te he!). The offseason was agonizing. Nearly five whole months of either no baseball or meaningless preseason baseball. I would count the days until Opening Day. And when it came, I would skip out of school just to watch the Yanks.
Not anymore.
Sure, I still look forward to Opening Day, but not nearly as much. And I'm fairly certain any excitement I have for it is because it coincides with the unofficial start of Spring (any season not named "Winter" is a good season). That being said, those feelings I once had for baseball have long been replaced by football.
Oh, how I love football. It's practically the perfect sport. It has everything you could want. Star players, franchises rich in history, rabid fan bases, incredible athletes, insanely fat offensive linemen, and Sundays packed with entertainment. And all of that goodness will be on display starting at 9:00pm on Thursday when the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints take on Brett Favre (and the rest of the Vikings). Oh boy!
Usually when I make my picks, I ignore the spread and pick the games straight up. Also, unlike other "handicappers", I do little to no research on the teams and/or the matchups. I rely strictly on preconceived notions, sterotypes, gross generalizations, and what I've seen on SportsCenter. So clearly, trust me, you should not. That not to say I'm completely ignorant. I do play fantasy football obsessively, so I know a thing or two about what players are hot and who to watch out for in terms of sleepers. But you've been warned...
Saints over Vikings
I hate Brett Favre about as much as the next guy or girl or human, but I say this without any bias or agenda. He's going to have a completely average year. And that's being nice. Can any reasonable person out there readily predict a year similar to last year's for Favre? He's one year older. And going from 39 to 40 is a hell of a lot different than going from 29 to 30. He has a bad everything. I wouldn't be surprised to eventually see on the scroll at the bottom of ESPN to read "Brett Favre, DOUBTFUL: Dementia". Sidney Rice is out for at least half of the season. Percy Harvin needs to take 65 Tylenol a day to fight his migraines and stay on the field. Favre is going to get desperate and gunslingerish early on and start chucking picks quicker than you can say "pain-killer addiction". I'd be wary of the Vikings this season.
Giants over Panthers
YEAH! New Meadowlands Stadium! It's the stadium without a sponsor and therefore, without a name. And that's actually kind of refreshing, because before you know it, Al Michaels will be opening up Sunday Night Football with "Tonight, the New York Giants host the Dallas Cowboys here at AshleyMadison.com Field!" But we'll see.
Falcons over Steelers
Can you believe that Peter King (SI writer, Favre caresser) choose the Steelers to win the Super Bowl? I can. Because Super Bowl picks are decidedly meaningless. Even if the Steelers DO win the Super Bowl, it won't be because of the reasons King states. Teams change too much over the course of a season. Players get injured, losing streaks, winning streaks, dropped passes, fumbles, picks, etc. By the time the Super Bowl rolls around, you're usually looking at a totally different team. And no Peter, that won't be the team you picked at the beginning of the season. Anyway, I like the Falcons.
Buccaneers over Browns
Oh God, what a terrible game. I don't even think their respective fan bases are looking forward to this. Wait, actually, on second thought, they are. Because there's a good chance either one of these teams could win and therefore be undefeated. Thus resulting in dreams of Super Bowl championships and sugarplums dancing in their heads. And...that's it, I got nothing else. Delhomme, Mangini, Raheem Morris, there's nothing left to say.
Jaguars over Broncos
Brandon Marshall: Traded to the Dolphins. Elvis Dumervil: Out for a long while. Forgive me if I'm not in love with the Broncos. But hey, they surprised a lot of people last year by starting the season hot and finishing 8-8. And also, never count out Tim Tebow. Say what you will, but the guy wins (with unbelievable talent surrounding him). So all they need is the relatively superb talent and they'll be fine.
Texans over Colts
Finally! This is the Texans year. I can smell it. Matt Schaub is a top ten QB. Arian Foster, Steve Slaton and Derrick Ward could be the best running back trifecta in all of the NFL. Andre Johnson is the best WR in the sport. And they have a very formidable defense. But you know the rest of the story. They'll score a lot of points, look fabulous for three quarters every game, and inevitably go 8-8, barely missing the playoffs. Also, pencil in the Colts for another 13-3 season (the 3 losses being weeks 14 through 17 when they rest starters).
Dolphins over Bills
Why are there so many Dolphin fans in New York/New Jersey? I know two Dolphin fans, and that's plenty. You live in the Northeast. Not only that, you could practically look out your window and see the New Meadowlands Stadium and you root for Miami? Let the New York transients who moved all the way down there to live among the Cubans and be on Burn Notice to root for them. Not you, you're better than that.
Lions over Bears
My hatred for Brett Favre is only rivaled by my hatred for Jay Cutler. He throws picks just like Favre. A lot of them (like Favre). Yet he doesn't crave the attention like Favre. He just wants to throw his picks and be left alone....Sorry, I lost my train of thought. The Bourne Ultimatum is on. That whole movie is heart-stopping wire-to-wire. Anyway, Culter sucks.
Titans over Raiders
It's a new beginning for the Raiders and their fans. JaMarcus is gone! And he's been replaced with a fairly decent quarterback in Jason Campbell. I'm hopeful for them. And I'll go as far as to say they might even go 8-8 this year. Tom Cable, when he's not sucker-punching his assistants, has been a relatively good coach and seems to have the respect of his players. And that's nothing to scoff at. Titans Side Note: Keep an eye on that Chris Johnson kid. I see special things for him this year.
Bengals over Patriots
Remember how I said I hate both Brett Favre and Jay Cutler? I hate the Patriots doubly more. I hate Bill Belichick. I hate their fans. I hate their owner. I hate Gillette Stadium. And I hate them just because. It's a sporting type of hate. Not REAL hate. But I REALLY hope they lose every game this season. They've had enough winning. It's time to share the wealth. So please Cincinnati, commence the pain. I want to see both T.O. and OchoCinco dancing in the endzone come Sunday.
Cardinals over Rams
Hey, it's two of the teams Kurt Warner left in his wake. One team has their quarterback of the future starting (Sam Bradford) and the other just cut its quarterback of the future (Matt Leinart) and is stuck with one-season wonder Derek Anderson. Both these teams are clearly in rebuilding mode. I think the Rams have a brighter future with Bradford, but with the ineptitude of the NFC West, the Cardinals have a chance to compete for a playoff spot.
49ers over Seahawks
Did I mention how terrible the NFC West is? Yes, I did, in the previous paragraph. Just look at these teams. They're both okay, at best. And both could win the division. Which is good for my dad. He's a Niner fan. And he's been NFL-depressed since Steve Young retired. He seems to be encouraged with Alex Smith under center and Mike Singletary play-calling. Oh, 49ers, don't let him down!
Packers over Eagles
If there's one thing I've been adamant about this entire offseason is that I believe the Eagles with reject trading Donovan McNabb. A lot of people seem to LOVE Kevin Kolb. Why?! What has he shown?! Ever?! Nothing, that's what. You traded the best QB you'll ever have and now he'll make you look stupid by succeeding with the Redskins (I believe). Eagle fans: You'll end up booing Kolb and it'll be awesome.
Redskins over Cowboys
Oh look! Everyone is picking the Cowboys to win the Super Bowl again! How original! This is their year apparently. Tony Romo will get better again, I guess? Wade Phillips will suddenly become a big game coach, right? Dez Bryant is NOT the next T.O (Primadonna wise), okay? Got it.
Jets over Ravens
Clearly a homer pick. Because the Ravens look good and the Jets look...? If Hard Knocks is any indication, New York will be loud, late, and obnoxious. So I guess we can't go on that. What we know is that the league's best defense got better. Pace may be out for the first few games, but Jenkins is back and the additions of Jason Taylor and Antonio Cromartie can't hurt. And yes, Revis Island is under contract and showing up to practice (good things). I'll be at this game. Just thought I'd mention that.
Chargers over Chiefs
My prediction for the Chargers: 14-2, out in the divisional round, Rivers throws 2 picks. Man, I sound like a broken record. That was prediction for San Diego for the past 4 years. But hey, I was close each time. By the way, the Chiefs look decent. Matt Cassel, when healthy, can play very well. I'd also like to see Kansas City do well. They honestly have terrific fans.
Until Week 2...
Thoughts on the 2009 World Series/2010 Season
-Finally, I can enjoy my winter for the first time since 2000. I usually rate years of my life based on how the Yankees did. So, for me, 2009 will forever be known as "a good year".
-Sure I'm spoiled. I turn 22 on the 30th and have been lucky to experience five World Series championships. But don't assume that I have appreciated them any less. I'll never take them for granted. If I live to be a 100 and never watch the Yankees win another championship, I'll always have these five.
-It's going to be really interesting how the Yankees approach the whole resigning of Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui. There are so many questions that need to be addressed. Do they want to stay in New York? How many years are they looking for? Does Matsui want to play left field? Do the Yankees want to employ a full-time DH? Aren't they looking to get younger? Obviously, all of these concerns will be ironed out over the next few months.
-The game was fun last night, but what was probably even more fun was watching the agents of Damon and Matsui as the night progressed. I'm sure after every Matsui RBI-hit, his agent was lighting cigars with 8,000,000 yen and yelling the Japanese equivalent of "Cha-Ching!" The same could be said for Damon's agent. That is until the third inning when Damon pulled his calf while scoring on Hideki's hit. My guess is general managers aren't necessarily salivating over Damon's impending free agency. "OOOOOO, an aging left-fielder with no arm and a penchant for straining vital muscles!" Don't get me wrong though, I want Damon back. He was too valuable to THIS team. Which brings me to my next point:
-Damon's at-bat in the ninth inning of Game 4 will forever be known as "the most unheralded important at-bat in World Series history". Two outs and no one on base. In the previous inning, Joba Chamberlain surrendered a game-tying home run off the bat of Pedro Feliz. The series had shifted in the Phillies favor. If Lidge gets out of the ninth, there's a very good chance Philadelphia wins it in the bottom of the ninth and the series is tied 2-2. But up steps Johnny Damon. After looking silly swinging at two sliders in the dirt, Damon fouls off pitch after pitch until Lidge leaves a fastball up. Johnny knocks it into left and passes the proverbial baton to Teixeira. Surprisingly, Damon takes off for second. Since the Phillies had the shift on for Teixeira, no one was covering third. Knowing this, Johnny sprints towards third and makes it. Cue Teixeira hit-by-pitch and Arod double. Game, Blouses. Yankees take a commanding 3-1 series lead. That's why I want him back (for the right length and price).
-I'll say this once, if the Yankees don't put Joba Chamberlain in the bullpen next season, I'll lose it. Whatever "IT" is, I'll lose it. This post-season was clearly a glaring reason why they should do so. And if they didn't see it, they're either blind, stubborn, insane, or epically stupid. Both his velocity and location improved. Plus his slider was actually sliding, which it wasn't during the season. The man was born to relieve. He doesn't have the intelligence nor the attention span to start.
-Since the Yankees WILL be doing the above, this means its a perfect opportunity for Phil Hughes to start. Look, I lovedwhat he did for us in the bullpen this season. It was terrific. But unlike Joba, his pitching repertoire and overall mental makeup screams "STARTING PITCHER!!!!". He's calm, cool, calculated and smart. Once again, unlike Joba.
-Can we officially call the period between 2001 and 2008, "The Curse of Mike Mussina". Mussina arrived in New York in 2001, a year after they had won their third straight World Series championship. And retired in 2008, a year before they won their 27th world title. Bad luck? Coincidence? Was he as much of a douche as everyone said he was? I'll put my money on the latter. He was a terrific pitcher and a great Yankee, but from what I heard, he was a word that starts with a "pr" and ends with a "ick". And I'm sure his "winning personality" had some effect on team chemistry.
-Throwing aside blatant homerism, I think we can all agree that Mariano Rivera is not human. On his Baseball Reference page it says he turns 40 on November 29th. Does that mean anything really? Really? Every time he strikes out a batter, I'm reminded of a C.S. Lewis quote:
"I find in myself desires which nothing in this earth can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world"
But I have nine homeruns today!
Sometimes, I truly have a one-track mind. There are weeks where I get super-obsessed with something. Anything. This is one of those times.
I've always been an avid The Simpsons fan, but recently, I've gone all-in. Reading books about the show. Re-watching my favorite episodes. Learning more about the writers and producers. And absorbing just about any Simpsons material I can get my hands on. And since I am still in the middle of a mini-writer's block crisis, I'll substitute any original thought I have with a terrific episode of The Simpsons.
It's an episode that combines two of my favorite things: The Simpsons and Baseball. It's "Homer at the Bat". Enjoy.
Editorial
I realized today that I have a editorial due in my Sport Management class tomorrow. So about an hour ago I started whipping one up. I just finished. We were told to write an opinion piece on anything related to sports. It's a little lame, but whatever. Here it is...
It was only a few days ago that Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees admitted to using performance enhancing substances from 2001 to 2003. The admission was met with great coverage and attention by the local and national media. ESPN had a twenty minute interview conducted by senior baseball analyst Peter Gammons that led SportsCenter. The New York Yankees held a press conference at their spring training home in Florida for Rodriguez to answer any further questions. The conference was attended by hundreds of media members wielding tape recorders and notepads. Reporters from North America, South America, Europe and Asia all stood by and watched Rodriguez admit to his faults. The media storm was vast, quick, and only a few weeks later it has seemed to dissipate. Sure there are a few stories still swirling around Rodriguez regarding his relatives, his meetings with Major League Baseball, and his performance this spring training. However, the fact of the matter is, the baseball-going public has become indifferent it seems. It is not a “story” anymore.
For the better part of a decade, the game of baseball has been slapped around regarding the steroid issue. Records have been broken, congressional meetings have been held, and legacies have been tarnished. Yet baseball shows no signs of slipping. Attendance sky-rocketed over the past few years and new stadiums seem to be built every season. For a problem that was destined to end baseball as we know it, the game has quietly stepped aside as the problem passes. Barring the struggling economy, baseball will be as strong as ever. Fans will whine and moan about how their favorite athletes are “cheating the game” and “tainting the integrity of baseball”, yet they will continue to purchase their favorite teams apparel, buy three-hundred dollar tickets to the ballgame, and pay nine dollars for a hot dog.
It is always nice to believe that we as human beings have a high moral ground, or that we are entitled to certain things. Yes, it is true, those athletes who test positive for performance enhancing substances have cheated. But does that type of action warrant the amount of criticism and denigration we inflict upon those players and the sport itself? The one attribute we hold most dear in our favorite athletes are their ability to be a “real” person, yet we ostracize them when they make “real” mistakes. We voice our outrage against these players, but the turnstiles are still used from April to October.
Professional baseball has been played in America for over one-hundred and twenty years. In that time there have been dozens of instances where integrity had been compromised and the playing field was not level. Until 1947, African-Americans were not even in the league. Bats have been corked, balls have been scuffed. The 1919 Chicago Black Sox are still referenced today for throwing the World Series. And the all-time hits leader in major league baseball, Pete Rose, has been kept out of the Hall of Fame for placing bets on games he played. There have been individuals littered across the landscape of the game who stopped at nothing to gain an unfair advantage. However, baseball continues to be our national pastime, fathers still use it as a way to connect with their sons and daughters, and no sport is more symbolic of new beginnings than baseball.
For over one-hundred and twenty years, America has stood by our pastime through the ups and downs. Steroids are just another chapter in the book of baseball. The naysayers who believe that the game is doomed have a very short memory. What the past has shown is that we, as a society, treat baseball as well as sports in general, as a microcosm of life. There are triumphs and there are defeats. There are heroes and there are villains. But such is life; we enjoy the game as a whole. Baseball is not about the destination, it is about the journey.
Are you there baseball? It’s me, Sean.
"Winter, slumbering in the open air, wears on his smiling face a dream of spring"
Let's break it down, shall we?
-We're exactly one week away from the Super Bowl. A relatively boring Super Bowl at that. The Cardinals are a nice story, but they are not in a big market, lack serious star power, and could be out of this game even before the coin toss. Meanwhile, the Steelers are only one half of a good game. This game is missing something, and I'm pretty sure it won't find it in the next seven days.
-It's midseason NBA. The NBA is inherently lousy to begin with. Midseason NBA is horrific. Sure, every few weeks or so there is a matchup between LeBron and Kobe or the Celtics and the Lakers. But 95% of games on the NBA schedule are unwatchable. Remember, I say this as a Knicks fan. So, you have to take everything I say regarding the NBA with a grain of salt.
-College basketball has just entered conference play. Meaning, we are about a month and a half away from March Madness.
My friends, we have entered, sports purgatory. It's an awful place. Worse than hell itself. A place where no interesting games are played. The only thing we have to cling to is hope. Hope for Spring. Hope for Pitchers and Catchers. Hope for Opening Day. I am probably one of the few sports fans who considers baseball as my favorite sport. Many of my friends and classmates are more anxious for the NFL Draft than Opening Day. But for me, baseball isn't just about the sport itself starting. It's a time when the seasons change. Where there is some sort of rebirth. It's a time to start over, so to speak.
This sort of lull in the sports world is made exponentially worse when you live up north. What I would give to spend my life in Southern California or Florida. But at the same time, I feel that living here gives me a better appreciation for all the great things that spring and summer bring. But as of this moment, all of that appreciation escapes me as I look out my window. What do I see out that window? Figuratively speaking, nothing. I see nothing. Snow covers everything. No grass, no trees, no homes, no animals. It's a blank sheet of paper out there. Not to mention, it's freezing. I feel like I'm living in a Coca Cola Christmas commercial. Sooner or later a polar bear is going to hand me a Coke and wink at me.
Hurry up baseball!
Sorry mom, the mob has spoken.
Oh those Yankees. Those New York Yankees. They've done it again. We can all say this started last off season, around January maybe. When the Yankees had Phil Hughes, Melky Cabrera, and two "Players to be named later" on the table for Johan Santana. It seemed at the time that that would be plenty for the services of Santana. Hughes was a number one pitching prospect in the majors. Cabrera was a young, above average fielder with plenty of upside. And those two players were going to be named later. It was clearly a pro-Twins trade. In hindsight, not so much. Phil (DON'T CALL HIM PHILIP!) and Melky were flat out worthless last year. Hughes couldn't stay on the plate or off the trainer's table. And Cabrera, in my opinion, isn't too good at the game of baseball. Sure, he could throw out a few runner's at third. But that doesn't make up for 400 ground balls to the second basemen. So, to sum up, the Yankees "Youth Movement" didn't take.
So after Johan Santana was traded to the Mets for Carlos Gomez, a bag of balls, and some Dome Wax, the Yankees faced the 2008 season with no discernible ace. Many people would make the argument for Chien-Ming Wang. But a pitcher who doesn't strike men out, does not have overpowering stuff, and greatest weapon is his ability to induce groundballs, is NOT an ace. Roy Halladay: Ace. Josh Beckett: Ace. Johan Santana: Ace. Chien-Ming Wang: Pitcher?
The 2008 season came and went for the Yankees. No playoffs since the 1993 season. The problem could've been pointed to a numerous amount of things. Bullpen. Offense. Defense. But according to the moves the Yankees made just a few days ago, it was the pitching. Two new pitchers have been added to the Yankees roster for at least the next three years. CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett.
CC Sabathia
I wonder what it took to get CC over to New York. He was adamant about pitching on the West Coast (his home coast) and in the National League. There must have been some incentive for CC to come to the Yankees and sacrifice the comforts of home. Oh right! The money! All that money. What was it? 7 years, $161 million. Boy that sounds like a lot. Seriously, its a lot. But I've come to the point with the Yankees that money literally means nothing to them. It's almost as if they are playing with monopoly money. With the new stadium, the YES network, ticket sales, and merchandise, whatever money they spend on players is offset by their profits. But lets keep in mind that over $80 million is coming off the books from last season. Mussina, Abreu, Farnsworth, Giambi (Oh God Yes), Pettitte (at least the $16 mil), Pavano, and that dreaded Wilson Betemit contract is all gone. So you can't fault the Yankees for spending. I mean, they could conceivably sign Sabathia, Ramirez, and Teixeira and still have a lower payroll than last year. In regards to the signing, it feels fail-safe for the Yankees, at least for one year. He is only 27 years old. Has terrific, overpowering stuff, and can shut down any lineup. It will be nice to have him go every fifth day. But once again, I bring it back to the weight issue. He's so fat. I mean, really fat. Like close to obese fat. And to say he'll be like David Wells, a fat guy who could pitch into his late thirties because he had a rubber arm, is ridiculous. Wells was a one-of-a-kind athlete. A terrific pitcher who was constantly spilling out of his uniform. He would pitch seven scoreless at a one o'clock start and by five he'd be throwing down shots at a bar across the street. I don't think CC is like that. Wells seemed to hold his weight well. CC, so far, has done so. But I don't see it happening until his early to mid thirties. I would love to see it though. Nothing like a fat successful athlete to bring up the hopes for the fat children of this country.
A.J. Burnett
For the longest time, I've been telling my friends that the Yankees can sign anyone they want, except Burnett. He is injury prone, has no heart, and only turns up the dial in money years. Lo and behold, he's a Yankee. And not for a couple years. Probably, the rest of his baseball career. But as soon as I saw the scroll at the bottom of my television, "Yankees sign Burnett to 5 year deal" I was already in the process of convincing myself that this was a good deal. I began to sound like those idiotic talking heads on ESPN: "Well, he's got great stuff", "He really turns it on against the Red Sox", "If he plays to potential...", "At least they didn't have to trade for him". And that's what fans do. The Yankees could trade Derek Jeter to the Orioles for Cesar Izturis and the first thing I would say is, "Hey, Izturis is a gold glove shortstop". In the end, we root for the team, not the players. Thats why I'm a BIG FAN of this Burnett deal. Couldn't BE happier. He's got Cy Young STUFF. But in reality, I'm predicting a 14-10 season with a 3.99 ERA, 190 strikeouts, a stint on the DL. Those are Burnett numbers. And that is what the Yankees paid $16.5 million a year for five years for.
Regardless of the comings and goings of the baseball off season, it just makes me want more.
Spring Training 2009 can't come quick enough.
- My Super Bowl prediction? You will get drunk.
- @jjarrigo where in westchesta?
- Just give me the moment. I'll take care of the rest.
- @jjarrigo whacha doin
- RT @Schoboats: Few things bum me out like a tired woman commuting home carrying a plastic clamshell of half-eaten salad.
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