I find the world's fascination with soccer more and more amusing. Even McDonald's latest promotion is all about the World Cup.
In a "sport" where 85% the games end with a 2-1 or 1-0 score, there is NO stunning loss. All the teams in the World Cup are capable of beating all the other teams OR THEY WOULDN'T BE THERE.
Given that basic information, I don't understand the appeal of the sport. Sure, some players might look better out there, but even the best players shooting percentage is only about 10%. (20 shots a game, only about 2 go in, and most miss by a mile) That would be like an average baseball player batting .100 and striking out most of the time. Could you imagine how awful baseball would be if everybody batted .100?
That would be soccer.
The guys that SCORE the most are those that SHOOT the most; their percentage isn't that much greater than an average player's shooting percentage.
I have no doubt that these guys are incredible athletes, but it seems like such a wasted skill when it doesn't benefit anybody.
The score of the Mexico/Netherlands "upset"?
2-1.
The prosecution rests your honor.
Monday, June 30, 2014
Twins End 9-Game Road Skid
I couldn't get myself to comment on Saturday's 5-0 loss for yesterday's blog.
By waiting one more day I get to say: The Twins won. Gibson looked good. Morales was clutch. And Perkins was lights out.
And we're still only eight games back. We have basically the same record as Texas, but they are 14 games behind Oakland in their division.
I like our division. We might be bad, but our division is so mediocre that we can still have hope.
What more could you ask for?
KC is next, tonight.
By waiting one more day I get to say: The Twins won. Gibson looked good. Morales was clutch. And Perkins was lights out.
And we're still only eight games back. We have basically the same record as Texas, but they are 14 games behind Oakland in their division.
I like our division. We might be bad, but our division is so mediocre that we can still have hope.
What more could you ask for?
KC is next, tonight.
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Abreu Hits Two More
With the season not quite half over, Jose Abreu hit hit 24th and 25th home runs of the season last night for the White Sox. That ties him for the major league lead AND puts him on pace to break Mark McGwire's rookie homerun record which stands at 49.
He's a little old for a rookie at age 27, but that's what happens when you spend most of your adult life trying to leave Cuba.
Welcome to the USA, Jose!
He's a little old for a rookie at age 27, but that's what happens when you spend most of your adult life trying to leave Cuba.
Welcome to the USA, Jose!
Texas Snaps 8 Game Losing Streak
The Twins scored four runs in the top of the ninth and had the tying run on third with one out to give Ranger fans a scare though.
The pitching hasn't been horrible during the current losing streak for The Twins, it's just that they can't score.
sigh
The pitching hasn't been horrible during the current losing streak for The Twins, it's just that they can't score.
sigh
Friday, June 27, 2014
Draft
Rumor has it that when Zack Levine was chosen by the Timberwolves at number 13 in the draft last night, that he slumped at the table like he had just found out that his mom had died. He then put his head down inconsolably and started cursing profusely.
He made it evident to all that were watching, that he did not want this to be his fate.
Welcome to Minnesota, Zack. It's all downhill from here.
We understand. Just learn to wear a better mask next time.
He made it evident to all that were watching, that he did not want this to be his fate.
Welcome to Minnesota, Zack. It's all downhill from here.
We understand. Just learn to wear a better mask next time.
Free Agency In Basketball
I get that players want to make the most money they possibly can, and in sports free agency lets you do that, but NBA basketball is weird that way, because teams have hard salary caps, big name players like LeBron don't necessarily make more money when they play for different teams.
On the Heat this year LeBron actually made LESS money than a lot of other players. I remember reading somewhere that his salary this season is less than Joe Mauer's Twins contract. Those two contracts are close either way.
And that got me thinking, should players be ALLOWED to switch teams IF their current team can match their new team's new contract?
In other words, should someone like Kevin Love be allowed to leave the Wolves if Minnesota could match the contract offer of any other team?
Free agency came about (the Curt Flood case in baseball) to give players economic leverage to earn the most their skills would allow. It's done that. BUT what about a team or a fan's right to build a winner over time?
Free agency now lets players actually determine which teams will be the champions (as demonstrated by the Heat's Big Three) and THAT is just as bad as rich teams always getting to be the winners.
My proposal in the NBA? IF a team agrees to match their current player's new contract with another team, the old team will retain the services of that player. It's a right of first refusal that the original team should always have.
It forces players to be loyal to their current team instead of always allowing them to think of greener pastures that may or may not be elsewhere.
It's best for fans, it's best for teams. and it still gives players the economic advantage and leverage they deserve and fought for.
It's what's best for business.
On the Heat this year LeBron actually made LESS money than a lot of other players. I remember reading somewhere that his salary this season is less than Joe Mauer's Twins contract. Those two contracts are close either way.
And that got me thinking, should players be ALLOWED to switch teams IF their current team can match their new team's new contract?
In other words, should someone like Kevin Love be allowed to leave the Wolves if Minnesota could match the contract offer of any other team?
Free agency came about (the Curt Flood case in baseball) to give players economic leverage to earn the most their skills would allow. It's done that. BUT what about a team or a fan's right to build a winner over time?
Free agency now lets players actually determine which teams will be the champions (as demonstrated by the Heat's Big Three) and THAT is just as bad as rich teams always getting to be the winners.
My proposal in the NBA? IF a team agrees to match their current player's new contract with another team, the old team will retain the services of that player. It's a right of first refusal that the original team should always have.
It forces players to be loyal to their current team instead of always allowing them to think of greener pastures that may or may not be elsewhere.
It's best for fans, it's best for teams. and it still gives players the economic advantage and leverage they deserve and fought for.
It's what's best for business.
Streaks
Streaks are an important part of any season. Teams with multiple long winning streaks are usually the best. Two such teams as of late are the Detroit Tigers and the California Angels of Upper and Northern Anneheim, East Hollywood, and Lower Southwest Los Angeles. The Tigers are currently on a seven game win streak. The Angels on a six game one of their own.
That combo has been deadly to the Twins standings in the last few days who have now lost three straight in a streak of their own. They currently are eight games behind in the division becoming more like the team we all imagined they would be.
Streaks also influence fan interest.
The Twins are currently dead to me.
That combo has been deadly to the Twins standings in the last few days who have now lost three straight in a streak of their own. They currently are eight games behind in the division becoming more like the team we all imagined they would be.
Streaks also influence fan interest.
The Twins are currently dead to me.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Love
The Wolves tried to trade Kevin Love to Cleveland yesterday for a first round draft pick, but Love squelched the deal. Cleveland could offer him a lot of money but he wants to play for a winner with championship potential.
He's a lot like LeBron that way.
And that's not a good thing.
Building a winner where you are will leave a better legacy.
He's a lot like LeBron that way.
And that's not a good thing.
Building a winner where you are will leave a better legacy.
Lincecum
The Twins got behind early last night and lost.
But THE story coming out of California yesterday was Tim Lincecum pitching his SECOND no-hitter against the Padres in two seasons. Better? ESPN cut to the broadcast in the ninth inning LIVE and we saw it happen.
Kershaw last week. Lincecum last night. Even with the Twins faltering, there's still a lot to like about baseball.
But THE story coming out of California yesterday was Tim Lincecum pitching his SECOND no-hitter against the Padres in two seasons. Better? ESPN cut to the broadcast in the ninth inning LIVE and we saw it happen.
Kershaw last week. Lincecum last night. Even with the Twins faltering, there's still a lot to like about baseball.
Loyalty
This billboard in San Antonio this week illustrates why people like Tim Duncan so much and detest LeBron James. San Antonio has worked with the same core group of players and coaches for over a decade, always building for the future, while LeBron is merely a mercenary hiring himself to the highest bidder.
And he and his teammates are taking bids once more. In the long run, I'll see Duncan as one of the greatest ever.
And I'll see LeBron has someone who couldn't get the job done in Cleveland, so he quit on them and his team.
The greats build a winner where they are at.
LeBron needed to go elsewhere because he couldn't get it done without a lot of rich help.
And he and his teammates are taking bids once more. In the long run, I'll see Duncan as one of the greatest ever.
And I'll see LeBron has someone who couldn't get the job done in Cleveland, so he quit on them and his team.
The greats build a winner where they are at.
LeBron needed to go elsewhere because he couldn't get it done without a lot of rich help.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Inside Joke
I came across this photo the other day, and I can't help but think this would have been a drawing my younger brother (who is both an artist an a bodybuilder) would have done when younger.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Play of the Week: Knockout Punch
TCU first baseman Kevin Cron tags out Virginia's
Kenny Towns in a run down between third base
and home plate in the eighth inning
of a College World Series game Tuesday.
Kenny Towns in a run down between third base
and home plate in the eighth inning
of a College World Series game Tuesday.
Aaron Hicks
In another depressing development, Aaron Hicks, who officially gave up switch hitting a month ago while on the DL, has decided to resume switch hitting, now that he is recovering from yet another stint on the DL.
He can barely hit at a major league level from the right side of the plate. He can't hit from the left side at all.
Ultimately, I think the Twins are just waiting for Byron Buxton to mature. He is the Twins future. Even Eddie Rosario is a better choice at center in the short term, but he's not ready yet either.
Hicks is not in their long-term plans at all.
And that is as it should be.
Sam Fuld can stay where he is at in the meantime. He's better than the indecisive Hicks.
He can barely hit at a major league level from the right side of the plate. He can't hit from the left side at all.
Ultimately, I think the Twins are just waiting for Byron Buxton to mature. He is the Twins future. Even Eddie Rosario is a better choice at center in the short term, but he's not ready yet either.
Hicks is not in their long-term plans at all.
And that is as it should be.
Sam Fuld can stay where he is at in the meantime. He's better than the indecisive Hicks.
Monday, June 23, 2014
World Cup
I was around yesterday afternoon and early evening so I gave the team USA game a chance. We went from a one goal deficit to a 2-1 lead while I watched. And then with 15 seconds left in "extra made-up ref time" (Just another example of the stupidity of soccer) Portugal scored to tie the game and change the destination of 5 or 6 other teams in the next round of greatness. It all depends on some made-up scale of greatness. When all the scores are 1-0, or 2-1 something has to distinguish the "good" from the "bad."
Evidently, that is the made up scale of greatness. It sounds like something out of The Wizard of Oz and Harry Potter.
You would have to be insane to be a soccer fan.
Evidently, that is the made up scale of greatness. It sounds like something out of The Wizard of Oz and Harry Potter.
You would have to be insane to be a soccer fan.
Hughes Iffy, Bullpen Spiffy, Mauer's Hot Streak Continues
Sometimes you have to rely on everybody. Hughes looked bad in his five innings yesterday, but the bullpen was solid even with Perkins taking a needed day off.
And Joe Mauer had a couple of more hits and a couple of more RBI.
Net Result: The first four-game sweep of the White Sox in 20 years!
The problem is that Detroit is on four game winning streak of their own so we're still FIVE full games back.
Five is do-able, the season isn't quite half over yet, and we're way, way better than I ever thought possible.
Twins start a road trip tomorrow night with the California Angels of Upper and Greater Los Angeles and Lower Annaheim. I'll miss most of those games. These old, tired bones can't take late nights any more.
Go Twins!
And Joe Mauer had a couple of more hits and a couple of more RBI.
Net Result: The first four-game sweep of the White Sox in 20 years!
The problem is that Detroit is on four game winning streak of their own so we're still FIVE full games back.
Five is do-able, the season isn't quite half over yet, and we're way, way better than I ever thought possible.
Twins start a road trip tomorrow night with the California Angels of Upper and Greater Los Angeles and Lower Annaheim. I'll miss most of those games. These old, tired bones can't take late nights any more.
Go Twins!
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Charity
It's nice to know that sports can do some good at times. The Nationals announced yesterday that their fifth annual fundraiser, "A Night at the Park," raised $300,000 for MS research.
There's more to life than selfish athletes who are always taking. It's nice to be reminded of that once in a while.
There's more to life than selfish athletes who are always taking. It's nice to be reminded of that once in a while.
Hope
U.S. women's soccer star goalkeeper Hope Solo was arrested at a suburban Seattle home early Saturday on suspicion of assaulting her sister and 17-year-old nephew. Both had noticeable injuries on them.
Love
Golden State officials are at an impasse. They want Kevin Love but it looks like not enough of them want to give up one of the best shooting duos in NBA history to get him.
The Love watch continues. About the ONLY thing that might keep him here is a long play-off run this coming season. And the chances of us keeping him long enough for that run is growing increasingly remote.
sigh
The Love watch continues. About the ONLY thing that might keep him here is a long play-off run this coming season. And the chances of us keeping him long enough for that run is growing increasingly remote.
sigh
2.14
That's the ERA number for the Twins starters for the last 11 ball games. At the same time, the Twins have a record of 5-5 in their last 10 games.
The difference? Arcia, Willingham, and Morales HAD an impact early upon their arrival earlier this month. Lately? Not so much. If not for the clutch hitting Joe Mauer (?!) in the last couple of ballgames, the Twins record wouldn't even be that good.
They also miss Plouffe who is on the disabled list with ab/back problems.
And just when you thought the Tigers had went in the tank with a bullpen ERA of 4.79 (29th in the majors), THEY decide to win THREE straight again.
Net result: The Twins are 5 back, or about where they were 10 games ago.
The more things change, the more things stay the same.
The difference? Arcia, Willingham, and Morales HAD an impact early upon their arrival earlier this month. Lately? Not so much. If not for the clutch hitting Joe Mauer (?!) in the last couple of ballgames, the Twins record wouldn't even be that good.
They also miss Plouffe who is on the disabled list with ab/back problems.
And just when you thought the Tigers had went in the tank with a bullpen ERA of 4.79 (29th in the majors), THEY decide to win THREE straight again.
Net result: The Twins are 5 back, or about where they were 10 games ago.
The more things change, the more things stay the same.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Best of All-Time?
The details on Clayton Kershaw's no-hitter this week:
15 strikeouts.
No walks.
Only 3 balls made it out of the infield.
If not for a throwing error on a routine play by his shortstop in the eighth, he would have had a perfect game.
Most who saw it, say it was more perfect than any perfect game.
Best all-time?
Kershaw says that's ridiculous.
Fans who saw it would probably disagree.
I LOVE baseball.
15 strikeouts.
No walks.
Only 3 balls made it out of the infield.
If not for a throwing error on a routine play by his shortstop in the eighth, he would have had a perfect game.
Most who saw it, say it was more perfect than any perfect game.
Best all-time?
Kershaw says that's ridiculous.
Fans who saw it would probably disagree.
I LOVE baseball.
Another Great Start
Perkins had a bad ninth but the bottom of the ninth turned out okay.
Whew.
AND Seattle had a big comeback over KC last night.
5 Back.
Whew.
AND Seattle had a big comeback over KC last night.
5 Back.
Friday, June 20, 2014
Twins Great Pitching Continues
Pino looked very good. Joe Mauer had a couple of RBI. We're still just 5 1/2 games back. We got the win.
Where there is good pitching, there is hope.
Where there is good pitching, there is hope.
Warriors/Wolves Discuss Love
Former Gopher Mychal Thompson has a son named Klay, a Golden State Warrior, who currently is one of the best shooters in the league. He's has been added to the discussion in the trade talks between the Wolves and Golden State. Golden State's All-Star forward David Lee is also being offered.
IF this deal is worked out, there is a good chance that Wolves swingman Kevin Martin's name will be added to the mix as well, AND J.J. Barea's name has been thrown in too.
Love's representatives have made it clear to the Wolves that Love wants out of Minnesota. The Wolves are thinking a trade in their favor now would be better than trying to get draft picks for Love later.
So a variation of this trade with Golden State seems like the best possibility for both teams.
We'll wait and see.
Like always.
IF this deal is worked out, there is a good chance that Wolves swingman Kevin Martin's name will be added to the mix as well, AND J.J. Barea's name has been thrown in too.
Love's representatives have made it clear to the Wolves that Love wants out of Minnesota. The Wolves are thinking a trade in their favor now would be better than trying to get draft picks for Love later.
So a variation of this trade with Golden State seems like the best possibility for both teams.
We'll wait and see.
Like always.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Twins Score One
Gibson was great. One hit through 7 innings.
Fien gave up back to back homers in the 10th.
Great game if you are a Boston fan.
*sigh*
Fien gave up back to back homers in the 10th.
Great game if you are a Boston fan.
*sigh*
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Twins Score One
You can't fault the Twins pitching so far against Boston. They've given up just three runs in the series so far.
But Boston's pitching has been better.
Another really tough loss.
But Boston's pitching has been better.
Another really tough loss.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
24
The television show "24" just keeps getting better and better. I switched to the Twins during commercial breaks last night, knowing they'd end up losing 1-0. (Cynical, wiser, older me knows such things, remember.)
But the ending to last night's 24 was unbelievable. I realize why so many people aren't attracted to sports, and why those who are, gradually fall away. Scripted dramas can make you go, "Wow!" so more often then sports.
Last night was a "wow" night for scripted drama.
The Twins merely lost 1-0, the absolute worst way to lose a baseball game. My enthusiasm going into this past weekend now on life support.
BUT I can't wait for 24 next Monday night.
Jack Bauer > Joe Mauer
But the ending to last night's 24 was unbelievable. I realize why so many people aren't attracted to sports, and why those who are, gradually fall away. Scripted dramas can make you go, "Wow!" so more often then sports.
Last night was a "wow" night for scripted drama.
The Twins merely lost 1-0, the absolute worst way to lose a baseball game. My enthusiasm going into this past weekend now on life support.
BUT I can't wait for 24 next Monday night.
Jack Bauer > Joe Mauer
Monday, June 16, 2014
Poof! Heat Dreams of Three-Peat Go Up In Smoke
I actually watched the final 9 minutes of last night's NBA final. How could I not? The Spurs had an 18 point lead and a Heat loss in this one would end the series.
Better? Wade, Bosch, and LeBron are all free agents now. It's very possible the curse of the Heat will finally end for NBA fans.
San Antonio and their coach have been together for years, they showed that great team play with older veterans and a talented bench can beat 3 superstars who never really got the hang of team play.
Miami was a good team for a couple of seasons, but they were never great. Greatness is proven over time. The Spurs are the very definition of that term.
Better? Wade, Bosch, and LeBron are all free agents now. It's very possible the curse of the Heat will finally end for NBA fans.
San Antonio and their coach have been together for years, they showed that great team play with older veterans and a talented bench can beat 3 superstars who never really got the hang of team play.
Miami was a good team for a couple of seasons, but they were never great. Greatness is proven over time. The Spurs are the very definition of that term.
Arcia
I was joking around about Arcia's lousy defense a couple of days ago on this blog.
AND boom, yesterday's finish and Arcia's glove makes be long for the days of Delmon "I got it, I got got it, I don't got it" Young.
It wasn't exactly an easy play for a drunken softball player playing Thursday night leagues in Sleepy Eye, but it should have been a catch for a major league outfielder. That play in the ninth sunk the Twins.
When I was a young baseball fan I ALWAYS thought they should win.
As I got older I realized baseball doesn't work that way, but I still had hope that they could pull it out in the end.
Now, jaded and wiser, I always expect somebody to goof up a perfectly good game.
Yesterday it was Arcia.
It'll be somebody else next game.
Older and wiser.
AND boom, yesterday's finish and Arcia's glove makes be long for the days of Delmon "I got it, I got got it, I don't got it" Young.
It wasn't exactly an easy play for a drunken softball player playing Thursday night leagues in Sleepy Eye, but it should have been a catch for a major league outfielder. That play in the ninth sunk the Twins.
When I was a young baseball fan I ALWAYS thought they should win.
As I got older I realized baseball doesn't work that way, but I still had hope that they could pull it out in the end.
Now, jaded and wiser, I always expect somebody to goof up a perfectly good game.
Yesterday it was Arcia.
It'll be somebody else next game.
Older and wiser.
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Deduno
Sam Deduno didn't do himself any favors giving up seven EARNED runs in the third inning yesterday.
He looked awful his last time out as well. Gardy, who finds himself in a surprise pennant race, no longer has the luxury of letting Deduno find himself. The Twins supposedly have some good young arms in Triple A. He's going to have to consider bringing one of them up NOW.
As much as I like Deduno when he's pitching well, he's currently pitching like Francisco Liriano after arm surgery, and that simply is not acceptable.
When a team scores NINE runs in a game and still lose that tells me something.
It's time for a change in the starting rotation.
The Kendrys Morales situation continues to send ripples through the roster. First Josmil Pinto was sent back to Triple A. Now, Jason Kubel has been released after clearing waivers and refusing minor league reassignment.
Aaron Hicks went right back on the disabled list Friday after being diagnosed with a bad shoulder after just being gone for a concussion. At least the Twins have given up on him being a switch hitter...
Mike Pelfrey had surgery to remove scar tissue in his right elbow. The Twins are hoping that will stop the tingling in his pitching arm. He's going to miss at least two more months of the season.
Brian Dozeir took time off from his bad back to hit another homerun for the Twins yesterday.
As Cranky Curtis mentioned when I saw him at the Holiday gas station in New Ulm yesterday, Dozier is on pace to enter the rather elite 30 homerun, 30 stolen bases club this season.
Meanwhile our quarter billion dollar man, Joe Mauer, went 0-5 yesterday, and is batting in the .250 range.
He looked awful his last time out as well. Gardy, who finds himself in a surprise pennant race, no longer has the luxury of letting Deduno find himself. The Twins supposedly have some good young arms in Triple A. He's going to have to consider bringing one of them up NOW.
As much as I like Deduno when he's pitching well, he's currently pitching like Francisco Liriano after arm surgery, and that simply is not acceptable.
When a team scores NINE runs in a game and still lose that tells me something.
It's time for a change in the starting rotation.
The Kendrys Morales situation continues to send ripples through the roster. First Josmil Pinto was sent back to Triple A. Now, Jason Kubel has been released after clearing waivers and refusing minor league reassignment.
Aaron Hicks went right back on the disabled list Friday after being diagnosed with a bad shoulder after just being gone for a concussion. At least the Twins have given up on him being a switch hitter...
Mike Pelfrey had surgery to remove scar tissue in his right elbow. The Twins are hoping that will stop the tingling in his pitching arm. He's going to miss at least two more months of the season.
Brian Dozeir took time off from his bad back to hit another homerun for the Twins yesterday.
As Cranky Curtis mentioned when I saw him at the Holiday gas station in New Ulm yesterday, Dozier is on pace to enter the rather elite 30 homerun, 30 stolen bases club this season.
Meanwhile our quarter billion dollar man, Joe Mauer, went 0-5 yesterday, and is batting in the .250 range.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Quote Of the Week
Oswaldo Arcia twisted an ankle while running the bases last weekend, and when the Twins got to Toronto there was some question about whether he was ready to play in the outfield.
Ron Gardenhire wrote him in the lineup with this explanation, "He ran around in pregame practice and missed all the balls he'd normally miss during a game." He was ready.
Ron Gardenhire wrote him in the lineup with this explanation, "He ran around in pregame practice and missed all the balls he'd normally miss during a game." He was ready.
Twins Are On A Roll
It's not hard to see that the Twins made a good decision in letting Joe Nathan go a few seasons back. Watching him struggle in the ninth inning, against us, made it even more obvious. Detroit has been faltering as of late and one of the major reasons is that Nathan might be coming to the end of a very good career.
Perkins picking up his 17th save of the season for the Twins made the decision still more obvious.
Kyle Gibson was superb through seven, and the Twins had their second shutout in three games against some of the finest hitters in baseball. Still a game below .500, they are just three games out, and have two more games with the winded Tigers.
Now is our time to pounce. Here's hoping the pitching continues to shine.
It's amazing. This is our first three game winning streak in almost a month, and yet we are still in the heart of the race.
Brian Dozier's back is still sore after having a collision on defense a couple games ago. He's not expected to play today either. Hurry back Brian!
Perkins picking up his 17th save of the season for the Twins made the decision still more obvious.
Kyle Gibson was superb through seven, and the Twins had their second shutout in three games against some of the finest hitters in baseball. Still a game below .500, they are just three games out, and have two more games with the winded Tigers.
Now is our time to pounce. Here's hoping the pitching continues to shine.
It's amazing. This is our first three game winning streak in almost a month, and yet we are still in the heart of the race.
Brian Dozier's back is still sore after having a collision on defense a couple games ago. He's not expected to play today either. Hurry back Brian!
Viking Super Bowl Championship T-Shirts For Sale
I am now a licensed dealer of all Viking Super Bowl Championship T-Shirts. They come in white, any size you need, and are only $30 plus $15 shipping per shirt. Allow about a month for delivery. (I need time to get to Walmart and pick them up for you.)
Friday, June 13, 2014
Sterling Shows He's Got VERY Sharp Manicured Claws
Donald Sterling has decided to fight back. Originally he was going to step aside and allow his Clippers to be sold for a very nice $2 billion.
But he's now changed his mind. He 's hired 4 exceptional private investigation firms to dig up ALL the dirt on the OTHER NBA owners and ALL major NBA league officials including the commissioner. He wants to show publicly that ALL of them have skeletons in their closet as well, and he''ll make them wish they never messed with him.
He's thinking of extending the witch hunt to media pundits who are calling for his resignation as well. He wants to show that he is as human as everyone else and that he SHOULD NOT BE SINGLED OUT for something said in private while he was very, very drunk.
His point is clear, if what you do in private is not illegal, it should not be held against you and paraded around in the court of public media.
Owners who asked for his resignation are going to feel his wrath. He's going to show them that you shouldn't mess with an angry billionaire with lots of time and extra money on his hands.
Billionaire owners and millionaire league officials shouldn't throw stones when they live in very fragile crystal palaces of their own.
I think it's very liberal of him.
I'm anxious to find out what happens next. Inquiring minds want to know.
And liberal owners and league officials are busy shredding documents even as I type this.
There's nothing like a liberal billionaire scorned.
But he's now changed his mind. He 's hired 4 exceptional private investigation firms to dig up ALL the dirt on the OTHER NBA owners and ALL major NBA league officials including the commissioner. He wants to show publicly that ALL of them have skeletons in their closet as well, and he''ll make them wish they never messed with him.
He's thinking of extending the witch hunt to media pundits who are calling for his resignation as well. He wants to show that he is as human as everyone else and that he SHOULD NOT BE SINGLED OUT for something said in private while he was very, very drunk.
His point is clear, if what you do in private is not illegal, it should not be held against you and paraded around in the court of public media.
Owners who asked for his resignation are going to feel his wrath. He's going to show them that you shouldn't mess with an angry billionaire with lots of time and extra money on his hands.
Billionaire owners and millionaire league officials shouldn't throw stones when they live in very fragile crystal palaces of their own.
I think it's very liberal of him.
I'm anxious to find out what happens next. Inquiring minds want to know.
And liberal owners and league officials are busy shredding documents even as I type this.
There's nothing like a liberal billionaire scorned.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Pinto
Well, we have seen the result of Kendrys Morales having a fast start as DH on the Twins roster, Josmil Pinto has been sent back to the minors. Barring unexpected injury, he probably won't be coming back. He never was a good defensive catcher and with the Twins trading the DH spot over the last month with whoever had the hot bat, that left no purpose for Pinto on the team. He gets rusty real fast with no playing time.
With Chris Hermann hurt, we'll probably be bring up Eric Flyer as Suzuki's backup backstop. (I've always wanted to type that.) Kendrys was great again yesterday. He appears to be the DH we've been waiting for.
I have no allegiances any more. I want a winner on the field. I can't believe were still in the race. Let's do everything we can to stay there.
Speaking of whatever it takes. I'd like to share with you Joe Mauer's stats with you so far this year. He's not catching. He's healthy. This is Joe Mauer, the quarter billion dollar player.
With Chris Hermann hurt, we'll probably be bring up Eric Flyer as Suzuki's backup backstop. (I've always wanted to type that.) Kendrys was great again yesterday. He appears to be the DH we've been waiting for.
I have no allegiances any more. I want a winner on the field. I can't believe were still in the race. Let's do everything we can to stay there.
Speaking of whatever it takes. I'd like to share with you Joe Mauer's stats with you so far this year. He's not catching. He's healthy. This is Joe Mauer, the quarter billion dollar player.
Hughes Smooth
Phil Hughes was great again yesterday with a season high nine strikeouts and no walks allowed.
The Twins collected a season high 16 hits highlighted by Willingham's 5th homerun in the first that gave the Twins the early lead.
At 31-33 they are still below .500, but with the Tigers on a tailspin and the Twins facing them this weekend, you can't but hope that the possibilities of that 3 1/2 game gap vanishing by Monday with continued good play.
Toronto has good pitching and hitting and just look what we did to them. We we're just one poorly pitched inning away from a sweep at Toronto. Let's hope we're even better in Detroit.
OR not.
These are still our Twins we're talking about.
The Twins collected a season high 16 hits highlighted by Willingham's 5th homerun in the first that gave the Twins the early lead.
At 31-33 they are still below .500, but with the Tigers on a tailspin and the Twins facing them this weekend, you can't but hope that the possibilities of that 3 1/2 game gap vanishing by Monday with continued good play.
Toronto has good pitching and hitting and just look what we did to them. We we're just one poorly pitched inning away from a sweep at Toronto. Let's hope we're even better in Detroit.
OR not.
These are still our Twins we're talking about.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Heat Smoked
I just wanted to use the headline, but the Spurs kicked them pretty good last night. San Antonio now leads the series 2 games to 1.
Correia BETTER
Dozier hit ANOTHER first-inning home run last night.
And this time Twins pitching followed through. Toronto is the best team in the A.L. and the Twins are playing them very well. Last night, they clearly outplayed them, though Correia had to be led through a couple shaky innings early by Suzuki.
Recently acquired Kendrys Morales added a couple of solid hits at DH, and the Twins look better as team than they did a week ago. They may be in last place in the division, but 4 1/2 games isn't that big a deal.
What's sad is that as good as Toronto has been this year, they only had about 20,000 fans there last night. Toronto doesn't deserve the Blue Jays.
And this time Twins pitching followed through. Toronto is the best team in the A.L. and the Twins are playing them very well. Last night, they clearly outplayed them, though Correia had to be led through a couple shaky innings early by Suzuki.
Recently acquired Kendrys Morales added a couple of solid hits at DH, and the Twins look better as team than they did a week ago. They may be in last place in the division, but 4 1/2 games isn't that big a deal.
What's sad is that as good as Toronto has been this year, they only had about 20,000 fans there last night. Toronto doesn't deserve the Blue Jays.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Primal Scream
Maria Sharapova FINALLY won another major Saturday morning In France.
I just found this picture of the celebration. Click on it to see it larger.
I just found this picture of the celebration. Click on it to see it larger.
Almost
The Twins had a dramatic comeback in the top of the ninth last night...
...and Toronto won it in the bottom of the ninth.
The Blue Jays are having a great season. The Twins, not so much.
Dozier hit another dinger. So did Santana. That was a great first inning!
You could take out everything but the first and the ninth and have a pretty good idea of what happened last night.
...and Toronto won it in the bottom of the ninth.
The Blue Jays are having a great season. The Twins, not so much.
Dozier hit another dinger. So did Santana. That was a great first inning!
You could take out everything but the first and the ninth and have a pretty good idea of what happened last night.
Monday, June 9, 2014
Twins have Miserable Day
And it got worse as the game progressed. The final was 14-5.
On the brighter side (maybe) The Twins signed free agent first baseman Kedrys Morales to possibly add some pop to their lineup. They waited until now as not to lose any draft picks by signing him.
Kedrys is with a big league club as he is out of options so they can't send him to the minors for a couple weeks to get in playing shape.
The Twins record so far this year is good enough to possibly compete for a playoff spot and they figure Morales will help them at DH while spotting Mauer an occasional day off.
We already have lots of DH guys so I don't know how this will affect the rest of the roster yet.
We'll all find out together I guess.
On the brighter side (maybe) The Twins signed free agent first baseman Kedrys Morales to possibly add some pop to their lineup. They waited until now as not to lose any draft picks by signing him.
Kedrys is with a big league club as he is out of options so they can't send him to the minors for a couple weeks to get in playing shape.
The Twins record so far this year is good enough to possibly compete for a playoff spot and they figure Morales will help them at DH while spotting Mauer an occasional day off.
We already have lots of DH guys so I don't know how this will affect the rest of the roster yet.
We'll all find out together I guess.
Sunday, June 8, 2014
I Feel a Draft
The Twins selected shortstop Nick Gordon as their first round pick in the draft. Most think that was a great choice and it was predicted. The next five picks were a bit odd. All of them are college relief pitchers with great arms. The Twins will try to convert some of them to starters just like when they did the same thing in 2012.
None of those 2012 picks have developed into anything yet, in fact, most have developed arm trouble. But the Twins will keep trying.
I'm still rooting for the day when we have nothing but relievers and no starters. But baseball is slow in reacting to new ideas, and Gardy is positively glacial in that respect.
Maybe the Astros will give the idea a try some day. Teams with nothing to lose have less reasons to maintain the status quo.
That's where revolutions begin.
Just ask Billy Beane.
None of those 2012 picks have developed into anything yet, in fact, most have developed arm trouble. But the Twins will keep trying.
I'm still rooting for the day when we have nothing but relievers and no starters. But baseball is slow in reacting to new ideas, and Gardy is positively glacial in that respect.
Maybe the Astros will give the idea a try some day. Teams with nothing to lose have less reasons to maintain the status quo.
That's where revolutions begin.
Just ask Billy Beane.
Gardy Gnome
Yesterday was Gardy Gnome giveaway day at Target Field. The hat-kicking little guy seemed to give the Twins enough luck to win the day. Santana had 4 hits and 5 RBI while Gibson pitched 7 innings of 3-hit ball, never allowing a runner past second base.
Fourth
California Chrome lost some of his luster yesterday finishing tied for fourth at the Belmont Stakes.
The owner was obviously bitter about losing, but made some very good points. Six of eight competitors of Chrome in the race never ran the first two legs of the Triple Crown, thereby assuring fresh legs for their horses at just the one race.
It far easier to win ONE race with a rested horse. And that's the primary reason that it may be a while before there's another Triple Crown winner. I think he should have made that point in the weeks leading up to the Belmont instead of after his horse lost.
It wouldn't have sounded so much like sour grapes then.
Not to be confused with Sour Grapes, who took third in the second race yesterday.
The owner was obviously bitter about losing, but made some very good points. Six of eight competitors of Chrome in the race never ran the first two legs of the Triple Crown, thereby assuring fresh legs for their horses at just the one race.
It far easier to win ONE race with a rested horse. And that's the primary reason that it may be a while before there's another Triple Crown winner. I think he should have made that point in the weeks leading up to the Belmont instead of after his horse lost.
It wouldn't have sounded so much like sour grapes then.
Not to be confused with Sour Grapes, who took third in the second race yesterday.
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Twins Lose
The Astros, the worst team in baseball for several years running, has ONE really good pitcher,
Hughes lost to him last night.
The End.
Hughes lost to him last night.
The End.
Friday, June 6, 2014
Flip Saunders
The Timberwolves have had a total of ONE successful coach in their history, Flip Saunders.
He returned to the Wolves a few years back to become one of the team's principle owners.
NOW, he's returning as coach. At least that's the rumor. It will be the first time in NBA history that an owner will also be the head coach.
Realizing that there may not be a better option out there, it's possible that this radical move may entice Kevin Love to stay put as a Minnesota player as Love has a great relationship with Saunders.
The Wolves have made the playoffs eight times in their history. Saunders was the coach in each one of those appearances.
With or without Love, Saunders is a great choice. I hope that Love will see that Saunders is a very good reason to stick around.
He returned to the Wolves a few years back to become one of the team's principle owners.
NOW, he's returning as coach. At least that's the rumor. It will be the first time in NBA history that an owner will also be the head coach.
Realizing that there may not be a better option out there, it's possible that this radical move may entice Kevin Love to stay put as a Minnesota player as Love has a great relationship with Saunders.
The Wolves have made the playoffs eight times in their history. Saunders was the coach in each one of those appearances.
With or without Love, Saunders is a great choice. I hope that Love will see that Saunders is a very good reason to stick around.
GO GO Gomez
Kevin Correia is my least favorite Twins starter. He has his moments, but he rarely has a game that gives you confidence as a longterm starting solution in the Twins rotation.
Case in point: The Twins spotted him a 4-0 lead last night, and it only took one bad pitch to Carlos Gomez to put the Brewers back in it half an inning later. It went downhill from there.
For the season, All-Star Gomez is batting .306 with 12 homeruns and 35 RBI. He just gets better and better. Seeing him run down ball after ball in centerfield with great catch after great catch doesn't make it any easier.
We have Mauer. The Brewers have Gomez.
What I wouldn't give for that to be the other way around.
To make room for Mauer's enormous salary, then Twins were forced to make a lot of stupid decisions.
Getting rid of Gomez was the grand champion of bad decisions.
And Mauer will be a dead weight around the Twins neck for years and years to come, forcing us to continue making bad decisions.
Case in point: The Twins spotted him a 4-0 lead last night, and it only took one bad pitch to Carlos Gomez to put the Brewers back in it half an inning later. It went downhill from there.
For the season, All-Star Gomez is batting .306 with 12 homeruns and 35 RBI. He just gets better and better. Seeing him run down ball after ball in centerfield with great catch after great catch doesn't make it any easier.
We have Mauer. The Brewers have Gomez.
What I wouldn't give for that to be the other way around.
To make room for Mauer's enormous salary, then Twins were forced to make a lot of stupid decisions.
Getting rid of Gomez was the grand champion of bad decisions.
And Mauer will be a dead weight around the Twins neck for years and years to come, forcing us to continue making bad decisions.
Spurs Beat Heat In Game One
The one stat that stands out? The Spurs outscored the Heat 36-17 in the fourth quarter.
Most interesting fact? The air conditioning wasn't working in San Antonio last night. It made for a miserable night for both players and fans. LeBron was forced to miss the ending from cramps and heat exhaustion.
"Heat Exhaustion" should have been my headline.
I'll try harder next time.
Most interesting fact? The air conditioning wasn't working in San Antonio last night. It made for a miserable night for both players and fans. LeBron was forced to miss the ending from cramps and heat exhaustion.
"Heat Exhaustion" should have been my headline.
I'll try harder next time.
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Follow Up
A couple years ago I made a pitched an idea that seemed to make a lot of sense. I detailed a plan that would give the Twins its stars for YEARS while paying them very little money.
It went something like this:
Every bright talent you have and are promoting to the majors, you immediately sign them to a long-term deal and then have a three year option at the end of the deal. You end up having an entire roster of starters under contract for up to eight years (their PRIME years) of service before you even have to worry about free agency or arbitration.
Well guess what? The Houston Astros have decided to give my plan a try!
Jon Singleton, a 22 year old first baseman was given a 5 year deal worth $10 million BEFORE he even had a major league at bat. NO TEAM has done anything like that before. They also signed him to a three year deal worth $20 as an extension on his first contract as an OPTION. If he's a bust, they won't have to pay him the big money. If he is good, they get him at a reasonable rate for a few years before he can become a free agent.
It's win-win.
And the Astros are looking to do the same thing with their other minor leaguers that show extreme promise. Imagine an entire starting line up that costs you less than $20 million a year? You could invest in free agent pitching to match your young stars without breaking the bank.
AND if you have to pay a few of your guys guaranteed money that don't work out, it's still better than playing a weak hitting first baseman $25 million a year for a decade. It's a low risk, high long-term reward for the Astros. Agents and the players association may not like it but It's hard to tell Jon Singleton and others who will soon be like him that he shouldn't be a multi-millionaire at 22.
He can buy a REAL nice house right now and buy one for his momma, too. And still get rewarded in the future if he proves himself.
Like I said. Win. Win.
I'm glad somebody listens to me. Thanks Astros!
It went something like this:
Every bright talent you have and are promoting to the majors, you immediately sign them to a long-term deal and then have a three year option at the end of the deal. You end up having an entire roster of starters under contract for up to eight years (their PRIME years) of service before you even have to worry about free agency or arbitration.
Well guess what? The Houston Astros have decided to give my plan a try!
Jon Singleton, a 22 year old first baseman was given a 5 year deal worth $10 million BEFORE he even had a major league at bat. NO TEAM has done anything like that before. They also signed him to a three year deal worth $20 as an extension on his first contract as an OPTION. If he's a bust, they won't have to pay him the big money. If he is good, they get him at a reasonable rate for a few years before he can become a free agent.
It's win-win.
And the Astros are looking to do the same thing with their other minor leaguers that show extreme promise. Imagine an entire starting line up that costs you less than $20 million a year? You could invest in free agent pitching to match your young stars without breaking the bank.
AND if you have to pay a few of your guys guaranteed money that don't work out, it's still better than playing a weak hitting first baseman $25 million a year for a decade. It's a low risk, high long-term reward for the Astros. Agents and the players association may not like it but It's hard to tell Jon Singleton and others who will soon be like him that he shouldn't be a multi-millionaire at 22.
He can buy a REAL nice house right now and buy one for his momma, too. And still get rewarded in the future if he proves himself.
Like I said. Win. Win.
I'm glad somebody listens to me. Thanks Astros!
Twins Win Again
Nolasco was great through six but looked awful in the 7th. Willingham and Arcia played the heroes AGAIN in last night's drama. Perkins pitched a scoreless ninth for his 16th save of the season and the Twins once more looked like world beaters.
I have to admit that the rotation overall is starting to gel as of late. Nolasco's last start was Friday, He gave up 1 run in six innings. On Saturday Correia went six also giving up just one run. Phil Hughes gave up 2 runs in eight innings on Sunday, Deduno gave up just two in five on Tuesday. And Nolasco looked good again last night through six.
Monday's game was the only real bad performance we've had in about a week.
Consistent pitching. Clutch hitting. Winning. Four games out. One game below .500.
Still worth watching.
I have to admit that the rotation overall is starting to gel as of late. Nolasco's last start was Friday, He gave up 1 run in six innings. On Saturday Correia went six also giving up just one run. Phil Hughes gave up 2 runs in eight innings on Sunday, Deduno gave up just two in five on Tuesday. And Nolasco looked good again last night through six.
Monday's game was the only real bad performance we've had in about a week.
Consistent pitching. Clutch hitting. Winning. Four games out. One game below .500.
Still worth watching.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Weird Finish
Last night's game was delayed when a fan fell into the Brewer's bullpen. Brewers' pitchers thought he was dead AND were forced to warm-up around him.
The fan was eventually revived, and the Twins eventually pulled off the win.
Sam Deduno showed us why he should be a starter rather than a reliever last night. In five innings he gave up four walks and six hits yet only yielded TWO runs from all of those base runners. There has always been a "give" in his pitching that allows for those situations. But he rarely breaks. Last night was just another example of that. He's wild. He lets things upset him. But he still manages to keep you in the ball game for 5 or 6 innings.
Willingham hit ANOTHER homerun. So Did Dozier. And the Twins won.
In a league of mediocrity, that may be enough to compete this year for a playoff spot.
The season is over 1/3 over and we're still in it. I can honestly say I'm pleased with that. We may be in last place in the division, but we are now closer to first than when we were in second place a week ago.
Mediocrity isn't especially a bad thing when you have so much company.
The fan was eventually revived, and the Twins eventually pulled off the win.
Sam Deduno showed us why he should be a starter rather than a reliever last night. In five innings he gave up four walks and six hits yet only yielded TWO runs from all of those base runners. There has always been a "give" in his pitching that allows for those situations. But he rarely breaks. Last night was just another example of that. He's wild. He lets things upset him. But he still manages to keep you in the ball game for 5 or 6 innings.
Willingham hit ANOTHER homerun. So Did Dozier. And the Twins won.
In a league of mediocrity, that may be enough to compete this year for a playoff spot.
The season is over 1/3 over and we're still in it. I can honestly say I'm pleased with that. We may be in last place in the division, but we are now closer to first than when we were in second place a week ago.
Mediocrity isn't especially a bad thing when you have so much company.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Twins
Mauer had two doubles early last night, but with a chance to tie the game with runners on second and third in the top of the fifth, he struck out. That was the story of the game for the Twins. They outhit the Brewers 12-9 but none of the hits came at opportune times.
Gibson wasn't horrible but he has won just one game in his last EIGHT starts. That's telling in itself.
I pretty much expect the rest of the season to go south from here on out.
Gibson wasn't horrible but he has won just one game in his last EIGHT starts. That's telling in itself.
I pretty much expect the rest of the season to go south from here on out.
Monday, June 2, 2014
Hughes
The Twins signed Phil Hughes to a three-year $24 million deal in the off season.
He's sure earning his money so far.
I read somewhere that the Twins have now won 4 of their last 5 at Yankee stadium. New Twins fans will have no idea what kind of big deal that is. Us old-timers can't believe how the once mighty Yankees have fallen.
AND Willingham hit another homerun to start a SIX RUN RALLY in the top of the ninth.
That was sweet.
He's sure earning his money so far.
I read somewhere that the Twins have now won 4 of their last 5 at Yankee stadium. New Twins fans will have no idea what kind of big deal that is. Us old-timers can't believe how the once mighty Yankees have fallen.
AND Willingham hit another homerun to start a SIX RUN RALLY in the top of the ninth.
That was sweet.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Tanaka As Good As Advertised
I didn't expect the Twins to win yesterday with Tanaka pitching for the Yankees. The only Twins run was unearned. Overall, our pitching was excellent as well. That's baseball.
I'm still having a problem getting really interested in this season. I only watched the game for a few innings yesterday and kept on thinking of better things I could be doing with my time. There is some interest, but nothing is as compelling as it used to be.
A winning streak would be helpful at this point.
And a couple of home run hitters.
Willingham and Arcia, are you listening? And Pinto should be in the lineup more, too. The Twins have lost a lot of close games lately and Pinto riding the bench is just a crime. More catching, more DHing, his bat belongs in the lineup.
On a related note, former Twin Ben Revere, hit his FIRST major league home run on Tuesday night. It happened on his 1,466 major league at bat.
I'm still having a problem getting really interested in this season. I only watched the game for a few innings yesterday and kept on thinking of better things I could be doing with my time. There is some interest, but nothing is as compelling as it used to be.
A winning streak would be helpful at this point.
And a couple of home run hitters.
Willingham and Arcia, are you listening? And Pinto should be in the lineup more, too. The Twins have lost a lot of close games lately and Pinto riding the bench is just a crime. More catching, more DHing, his bat belongs in the lineup.
On a related note, former Twin Ben Revere, hit his FIRST major league home run on Tuesday night. It happened on his 1,466 major league at bat.
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