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The Ups and Downs of the Game
We are not even finished with the first month of the baseball season, but plenty has happened already. Here are some of my early-season observations with an invitation for readers to add their own to the blog.
THE PLAYER I AM MOST HAPPY FOR: Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees. As most people know I am the farthest thing from a Yankee fan, and I have never been an A-Rod fan, no matter what uniform he was wearing. But last season the New York high-priced player took much of the blame for the Yankees' failures. Through it all he maintained his class, answered the repetitive questions politely and put on the uniform each day without complaint, even when he was relegated to the eighth spot in the batting order during post-season play. April 2007 has been quite a month for Rodriguez. Place no blame at his locker for the Yankees' losing record this month. Even though I never cheer for him, I have to admit that he deserves a good month. He's saying "I told you so" to the New York media and booing fans without even opening his mouth.
THE PLAYER I FEEL SADDEST ABOUT: Eric Gagne of the Texas Rangers by way of the Los Angeles Dodgers. From August 2002 through 2004 he was the best relief pitcher in baseball, converting 84 consecutive save opportunities. No one has ever done better; no one has ever been so flawless. In his career he has saved 161 of 167 chances, a 96% conversion rate. By comparison future Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera of the Yankees has a conversion rate of 86%. Gagne set the save record without a great deal of fanfare, seemingly not interested in being a superstar. Sadly, over the last few years, Gagne has struggled with back and arm injuries. When the Dodgers finally gave up on him, the Rangers took a chance. But he's back on the disabled list and may never pitch again. What a shame!
THE PLAYER I DON'T CARE ABOUT: Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants. The opposite of A-Rod, the opposite of Eric Gagne, Bonds feels that baseball and the world owe him everything. I'd pick other Giants' players like Ray Durham and Dave Roberts as roles models for my kid.
THE GROUP I FEEL MOST SORRY FOR: Baseball fans who have been subscribers to the Extra Innings baseball package that Charter Communications cable company offered the last few years. That was my summer ticket to almost ten baseball games a day, including those late night games of my beloved Dodgers. This year we were shutout, thanks to major league baseball and DirectTV. There are rumors we might still eventually be offered the package, but things at this point look as bleak as the Yankees' pitching staff.
THE REASON THERE IS HOPE FOR US ALL: Check out the statistics of relief pitchers Bob Wickman of the Atlanta Braves and Todd Jones of the Detroit Tigers. They are racking up saves like they are 20-year-old fireballers. However, Wickman is 38 with 6 saves and he has given up no earned runs in 10 games! Jones is 39 and already has 8 saves! And check out their other stats -- their waistlines. Wickman is listed at 240 pounds but that was a few pizzas ago. The Tigers claim Jones weighs 230 pounds, but they can't look you in the eye when they say that. Heck, if baseball needs relief pitchers that bad maybe I should get my arm loose. During my senior year of high school I developed a nasty knuckle-curve ball. And my friend John Ireland was quite a lefty reliever for the New York State champion American Legion baseball team back in 1969. He'd look great in a big league uniform.
MOST FRUSTRATED MANAGER IN BASEBALL: Joe Torre of the New York Yankees. The Yankees, baseball's highest salaried club, are in last place and he doesn't even have one pitcher who can last five innings. And each night he has to face a bevy of reporters with the same questions. And he gives the same answer: "It's just one of those things and we just didn't get it done." I wonder why no one asks pitching coach Ron Guidry any questions. Isn't it his job to work with and develop an effective pitching staff? And why are the Yankees' wasting Joe Kerrigan as the bullpen coach? His big job is to answer the phone out in the bullpen and watch relievers warm up. Before he donned a Yankees uniform in 2006 Kerrigan was considered baseball's hardest working and most effective pitching coach. I just don't get it.
All this and we haven't even finished the first month of the season. Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack!
Comments
Don't forget Joe Borowski, nine saves and he will be 36 this Friday. Look at who is in first place in the Central.
(Foxy's note: Good one from Ken, ever the Indians fan!)
Posted by: Ken Hoeltzel | May 1, 2007 1:46 PM
John and Foxy.
Charter is still negotiating with the MLB. Discussions have not been closed, and they have stated publicly that it will be available. Basically they just have to cross the T's and dot the I's and it will be offered. Word is, early next week.
(Foxy's note: Thanks for the update, Matt, and I hope you are correct. I've already got my name on a waiting list!)
Posted by: Matt | April 30, 2007 10:23 AM
I am also upset about not being able to watch MLB. The Exrtra Inninigs package is available to cable companies. Charter Comunications has failed to reach an agreement with MLB Extra Innings. They are telling customers that they will not offer it. Other cable companies have reached agreements.
Anyone who wants to view MLBTV.com on their TV should check out the new box called Apple TV (apple.com). It allows you to wirelessly broadcast what's on your computer to your TV.
(Foxy's note: Now that might be worth a look, John. I know I do not want to watch the games on my computer, but I will check out the Apple TV box.)
Posted by: John | April 28, 2007 10:29 PM
Foxy,
Kerrigan has a much more important role than bullpen coach. This year the Yanks fired their advance scouts and went to video scouting. Kerrigan runs the video scouting meetings and prepares the staff for upcoming opponents. As a Red Sox fan I would love to see Kerrigan take over as the NYY manager. Joe was a great pitching coach but was over his head managing the Sox. Torre will be made the fall guy for the organization's years of selling out the farm for a quick fix.
Posted by: Rick K | April 28, 2007 12:07 PM
Foxy: You have hit on a blog that is sure to create some fine responses. I for one, being a longtime Yankee fan believe like you, why is Joe Kerrigan sitting in the bullpen, especially with the major league resume that he has. Ron Guidry was great and truly amazing during his playing days, but he has not proven he is a competent pitching coach. The other big issues is all of the injuries. Where is the medical staff and why did Brian Cashman change all of his trainers this year? I like Cashman and feel he has made some truly outstanding player moves especially getting six young arms for Sheffield and Randy Johnson. I hope that the Yanks are just lulling everyone into a false sense of security and will snap out of this losing spell soon.
Posted by: Mike Mannix | April 28, 2007 11:18 AM
Foxy,
You can still buy a subscription to the baseball package. It is at MLBTV.com
You can buy for the whole season or by the month. Unfortunately for Yankee and Met fans our area code blocks these games. The down side is you have to watch the games on your computer. It's better than not at all.
Posted by: jim carr | April 28, 2007 11:01 AM