Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Some Thoughts

A very depressing first game against the Blue Jays. It's too bad Rasner wasn't able to get a win. Burnett's stuff is electric, it's amazing that he doesn't have more success in his non-Yankee starts.

My four year old daughter named her doll, Kim Jones. Is it possible that I watch too many Yankee games?

A quick confession. Sometimes when I'm typing (and looking at the screen) I hear Doogie Howser music in my head.

Competing in the Steeplechase must be very annoying. By the time you're finished with your race, your sneakers and socks are all wet.

This is totally coming from my heart, but I think the Jets can be really dangerous this year.

Speaking of the Jets, Eric Mangini has gotten lots of the attention, but in my opinion, the Jets also have a real good one in Mike Tannenbaum.

Bruce Springsteen is rumored to be playing the half time show at this year's Super Bowl. If the rumor is true, then it would only be fitting if a Jersey based team played in the game.

In recent days, I've heard numerous people (Al Leiter, Mike Francesa, etc...) say that Pudge Rodriguez is a borderline Hall of Famer. What do you think?

I found out today that my wife listens to (and enjoys) Craig Carton every morning. I think Carton can be amusing at times, but he strikes me as a little sleazy. Not the good kind of sleazy (think Angelina Jolie) either. I'm not exactly sure why I feel this way about Carton. I guess it's just one of those gut feelings, or maybe it's only because he hates the Yankees.

Speaking of my wife, we have tickets for the last two regular season home games at Yankee Stadium. I would like to go to the games, but my wife wants me to sell the tickets and make some money. I guess we're at an impasse. What would you do?

I was at a pig roast recently in eastern Connecticut. This particular part of Connecticut is evenly split between Yankee fans and Red Sox fans. There were lots of kids there that day, and I noticed two things. Number one, all the well behaved kids were the Yankee fans, while all the poorly behaved future juvenile delinquents were Red Sox fans. I found that very interesting. Number two, all the kids who were Red Sox fans had red hair and freckles. I'm not talking about one or two kids either. There were like 15-20 red haired, freckled, future juvenile delinquent Red Sox fans at the pig roast. Anyway, it reminded me of this hysterical video.


Monday, August 18, 2008

Why Bobby Abreu Is Scared Of Outfield Walls

I've never seen this mentioned before.

When Bobby Abreu was a young minor league player in the Astros system, he attended his first Major League baseball game. While sitting in the CF bleachers, Abreu and his teammates witnessed maybe the most gruesome sports injury ever to be captured on film.

Apparently, Abreu doesn't like to talk about the incident, however, the play has certainly had an effect on his outfield play.

Please be warned, this video is not for the squeamish.


Sunday, August 17, 2008

The Least Marketable Skill In The World

I just came across this site. www.battingstanceguy.com

In a nutshell, a guy does batting stances of past and current players. Maybe it's only because it's very late, but I thought it was very funny (and accurate, too).

Here's a video of some of his Yankee stances.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Some Thoughts

Granted, Robinson Cano's play (and according to some, his attitude) this year leaves a lot to be desired, however, last offseason would have been the ideal time to trade him, not this offseason. The same goes for Melky Cabrera. Buy low, sell high. It's not rocket science.

Hank Steinbrenner should not be talking about next year (unless, he's using reverse psychology with the players). It sends a very bad message. I can't get mad at Hank, though. He's a funny and cuddly goofball, and with all his ranting and raving, it's not like he ever does anything rash or crazy (like firing the manager 16 games into the season). In fact, the more we learn about the Steinbrenner brothers, the more it seems as if Hal is the one with the most influence.

Brian Stokes pitched 4 shutout innings for the Mets the other night. Despite the fact that he entered the game with a 10-0 lead, he was awarded a save. I know it's within the rules, but how dumb is that? Wow! I just realized that this is something that Bob Raissman would write. Pretty scary.

Speaking of Bob Raissman. He's one of the few sportswriters who still uses the word, jive.

Getting back to Hank and Hal. Hank reminds me of the gruff (but lovable) guy who worked at the front desk on E.R. As for Hal, doesn't he look a little bit like Tom Cruise?

Mike & the Mad Dog were certainly annoying at times, with that being said, today is a sad day in the world of New York sports. Despite it's flaws, The Mike & the Mad Dog show was an institution that helped shape sports talk radio nationwide. During the Yankees 1996 championship run (among many other times), their show was a must listen.

Here's one of Chris's finer moments.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

The Lost Weekend

Let's look on the bright side. There have been worse weekends.

Friday, August 8, 2008

A Five Tool Prospect

This is the type of position player that the Yankees need. Young, athletic, and fast.

Check out the video.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Some Thoughts

I really like Robinson Cano. He has a sweet stroke, is young and tremendously talented (both offensively and defensively), but sometimes he really makes me scratch my head. His Chuck Knoblaugh impersonation in the 2nd inning of last night's game almost made me put my fist through the television. In addition, a player with his hitting ability should never have a .300 on base percentage.

Tommy Hunter reminds me of Andrew Giuliani.

After years of watching Jorge Posada, it was great to see a Yankees catcher actually block home plate last night. Jorge should try it some time.

Frankie Catalanatto would be the perfect type of player for the Yankees.

The Rays are not a fluke, but they will hit a rough stretch before this month is over. Mark my words.

In many ways 2008 is a transition year for the Yankees, and their current starting staff does kind of remind me of some of their starting staffs in the 80's. With that being said, the Yankees will make a real run at this thing (the WHOLE thing) this year. I just have a feeling.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

The MaryAnne Kaat Memorial Fund

Via Peter Abraham's site:

ZEELAND, Mich. — MaryAnn Kaat might not be a familiar name to the lineup of little league baseball players who step to the plate in this Midwest town. But when they look back upon those warm summer nights under the lights, they just might appreciate her contribution to the game.

MaryAnn, wife of pitcher Jim Kaat, lost her spirited battle with cancer on July 21, 2008. In her final days, Jim made her a promise that he would establish a fund in her name for continued enhancement of the Jim Kaat Ballpark in his hometown of Zeeland, Mich.

“MaryAnn lit up my life,” said Jim, who spent 25 years as a Major League Baseball pitcher, including 16 consecutive Gold Glove Awards, and many more years in broadcasting. “I can only hope that this effort will help shine a light on little league players for years to come.”

MaryAnn served as her husband’s agent and manager since 1995, and also helped dedicate the Jim Kaat Ballpark in 2006. The ballpark commemorates Kaat’s legacy in America’s pastime and is now the center for vibrant little league and community programs.

Following MaryAnn’s death, Jim contacted local civic leaders with his idea for the MaryAnn Kaat Memorial Fund as a way to further the couple’s involvement with his hometown and to enhance the ballpark for generations to come. Funds will be used for improvements, such as lighting, under the direction of the Zeeland Recreation Little League Advisory Board.

“I hope this fund will help promote youth baseball,” said Jim. “There’s no better way to remember MaryAnn than through the game that has given us so much.”

The MaryAnn Kaat Memorial Fund is managed by the non-profit Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area. Donations can be made by visiting www.cfhz.org. You may also mail your check to Community Foundation H/Z, 70 W. Eighth Street, Suite 100, Holland, MI 49423. Please specify MaryAnn Kaat Memorial Fund.