It happened again last night. Number one Florida State was playing unranked Oklahoma State.
Normally the closeness of the score would have kept me watching until the end with the possibility of a major upset at the beginning of the season destroying Heisman winner Winston's chances of another national championship.
Instead I turned it off early and went to bed. IF Florida State would have lost it would have meant nothing in the title hunt.
A full season of sudden-death pressure football is gone, to be replaced by a whole season of meaningless games and meaningless playoffs.
The average fan may not noticed anything has changed.
And that's the saddest thing of all.
I might as well watch soccer.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Twins
It's difficult to be angry with the Twins losing to division leaders. Another great start last night by Gibson went to waste, but Baltimore's got some of the best pitching in the majors, so I can't blame the Twins hitters either.
Notes:
Dozier is second in the majors in runs scored. He's getting on base a lot even with his low batting average. And those hitting behind him have been doing a good job all season.
Sam Deduno is gone. It bothers me that we put him on waivers so close to the expanded roster date, but it's obvious we weren't planning on using him any more than we already were. Which wasn't much. I sure hope Houston can figure out how to use him. I need a name for next season of ex-Twins who did well after we got rid of them.
Notes:
Dozier is second in the majors in runs scored. He's getting on base a lot even with his low batting average. And those hitting behind him have been doing a good job all season.
Sam Deduno is gone. It bothers me that we put him on waivers so close to the expanded roster date, but it's obvious we weren't planning on using him any more than we already were. Which wasn't much. I sure hope Houston can figure out how to use him. I need a name for next season of ex-Twins who did well after we got rid of them.
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Deja Vu All Over Again
It seems like every year that we see a former Twin do something good for someone else.
Kubel, Cuddyer, and Liriano immediately come to mind. This year, it's Justin Morneau who is having a great season for the Rockies. He leads the National League in hitting. Oh, and notice number THREE as well...
Kubel, Cuddyer, and Liriano immediately come to mind. This year, it's Justin Morneau who is having a great season for the Rockies. He leads the National League in hitting. Oh, and notice number THREE as well...
Friday, August 29, 2014
A&M
I thinks it's funny. Johnny Manziel established himself as one of the best QBs in college football history over the last two seasons at Texas A&M. YET last night, in his very FIRST game as a starter for A&M, new starter Kevin Sumlin broke Manziel's record of most passing yards in a single game (511) in a rout of a top 10 team (South Carolina).
The hits, they just keep on coming. And South Carolina doesn't have to worry about that early season rout. The NEW college bowl system says they can now lose and still be eligible for the National Championship later this season.
In effect, the game meant NOTHING. That's why I didn't watch it. College football has lost its allure for me. I wonder how long before others realize that, like college basketball, none of the games matter any more?
Except the last one.
You heard it here first, and for several years now.
The hits, they just keep on coming. And South Carolina doesn't have to worry about that early season rout. The NEW college bowl system says they can now lose and still be eligible for the National Championship later this season.
In effect, the game meant NOTHING. That's why I didn't watch it. College football has lost its allure for me. I wonder how long before others realize that, like college basketball, none of the games matter any more?
Except the last one.
You heard it here first, and for several years now.
Minnesota Looks Good
Both the Vikings and Twins looked very good last night.
The Twins waited until the 10th inning to blow away division-leading Kansas City while the Vikings, with Teddy Bridgewater at the helm looked great early, even though the field conditions were less than optimal.
It's nice to see the Vikings looking sharp the entire preseason. While most coaches say wins and losses in preseason don't mean anything, I've noticed a trend over the years that teams that win effortlessly in preseason are often the best teams in the regular season as well. IT'S NOT ABOUT "MOMENTUM,"(something I don't even think truly exists in terms of sport) it's about playing sharp consistent football with few errors and training yourself to do that consistently.
IF the Vikings stay healthy, they appear to finally have a coaching staff that understands that philosophy. As a result, we should have a good year.
The Twins season is winding down. They can't get consistent scoring or consistent pitching, but last night, they scored a bunch of runs again. Good for them. As long as they get some good pitching and some good hitting I still get some entertainment from them.
I'm starting to get the feeling they might not win the division this year, but they've got a few gems on the roster right now. I'm looking forward to how it all may sort out next season.
Go Vikings! Go Twins!
The Twins waited until the 10th inning to blow away division-leading Kansas City while the Vikings, with Teddy Bridgewater at the helm looked great early, even though the field conditions were less than optimal.
It's nice to see the Vikings looking sharp the entire preseason. While most coaches say wins and losses in preseason don't mean anything, I've noticed a trend over the years that teams that win effortlessly in preseason are often the best teams in the regular season as well. IT'S NOT ABOUT "MOMENTUM,"(something I don't even think truly exists in terms of sport) it's about playing sharp consistent football with few errors and training yourself to do that consistently.
IF the Vikings stay healthy, they appear to finally have a coaching staff that understands that philosophy. As a result, we should have a good year.
The Twins season is winding down. They can't get consistent scoring or consistent pitching, but last night, they scored a bunch of runs again. Good for them. As long as they get some good pitching and some good hitting I still get some entertainment from them.
I'm starting to get the feeling they might not win the division this year, but they've got a few gems on the roster right now. I'm looking forward to how it all may sort out next season.
Go Vikings! Go Twins!
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Vikings Tonight
The last preseason game is usually the worst. Very few starters will be used for fear of injury. Bridgewater may start, but he won't have any normal starters to throw to. I'll try watching the first half.
Hughes Good, Bullpen Bad
You have to give KC credit, They are a very good team this year, Hughes was great through seven, showed a chink in his armor in the eighth, and the bullpen was not much relief.
sigh
sigh
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Walk-Off Hard to Watch
We we're having a pizza party at my aunt's last night along with a visiting cousin. She doesn't get Fox Sports One, so I didn't get to see any of the game last night until I got home. Nolasco was having a great outing through seven. Burton pitched an equally great eighth and...
...Perkins gave up a single followed by a homerun in the ninth. Final 2-1.
At least it was KC. Anything that will get them in playoffs over Detroit is a good thing.
It was still difficult to watch.
...Perkins gave up a single followed by a homerun in the ninth. Final 2-1.
At least it was KC. Anything that will get them in playoffs over Detroit is a good thing.
It was still difficult to watch.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Cassel Named Team's Starter
In a move that surprised no one, the Vikings named Matt Cassel the team's starting QB. If Cassel would get hurt suddenly, Christian Ponder would probably be the team's first back-up. That's why we're still keeping him.
Teddy looks very good so far, but Mike Zimmer and Norv Turner want him to be a little more seasoned before he even comes close to being given the reigns. Unless the Vikes are given something major in trade, it'll stay that way for the foreseeable future.
Speaking of reigns, I learned another interesting trivia fact this week. Roman Reigns, the big new star from the WWE, and former Shield member there, was once a Minnesota Viking. He was signed as an undrafted free agent a few years back. He didn't make the final cut for the regular season roster but much like Brock Lesnar, he was a Viking for awhile after being a defensive standout at Georgia Tech.
Teddy looks very good so far, but Mike Zimmer and Norv Turner want him to be a little more seasoned before he even comes close to being given the reigns. Unless the Vikes are given something major in trade, it'll stay that way for the foreseeable future.
Speaking of reigns, I learned another interesting trivia fact this week. Roman Reigns, the big new star from the WWE, and former Shield member there, was once a Minnesota Viking. He was signed as an undrafted free agent a few years back. He didn't make the final cut for the regular season roster but much like Brock Lesnar, he was a Viking for awhile after being a defensive standout at Georgia Tech.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Man Mountain Vargas Had Three Hits
He deserves his own headline as he is the primary reason I'm even watching these games.
Rams And Bills May Need Ponder
Sam Bradford is going to miss the entire season with his ACL tear, and the Bills NEED a quarterback. Ponder's former college coach is at Buffalo now and is looking his direction. There are rumors that a trade has already taken place, but the best sources say the Vikings are still weighing their options.
They might even keep him, but his trade value has never been higher. Ponder has said repeatedly, when asked, that's he's content to be in Minnesota as a back-up for now.
This may become more of a story in a couple of days.
For those of you wondering, Joe Webb is a quarterback again, this time as the third string back-up in Carolina behind Cam Newton. With Newton coming off knee surgery in the off-season and having a rib injury in last week's game, he's PROBABLY going to make the final roster cut. They like his freakish athletic ability as much as we did.
They might even keep him, but his trade value has never been higher. Ponder has said repeatedly, when asked, that's he's content to be in Minnesota as a back-up for now.
This may become more of a story in a couple of days.
For those of you wondering, Joe Webb is a quarterback again, this time as the third string back-up in Carolina behind Cam Newton. With Newton coming off knee surgery in the off-season and having a rib injury in last week's game, he's PROBABLY going to make the final roster cut. They like his freakish athletic ability as much as we did.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Trevor May Spoils Almost Perfect Day
Trevor May may not be ready yet for prime time. He went to 0-3 yesterday with another horrible outing. I won't dwell on it.
The rest of the day's sports action was great. The Twins won the first game of a double header yesterday with Man Mountain Vargas leading the way.
And the Vikings looked great last night against a very good Kansas City team, especially Teddy Bridgewater. Cassel wasn't as sharp last night, but both he and the defense had good showings.
Throw in Star Trek, and I say that the day went pretty well indeed.
The rest of the day's sports action was great. The Twins won the first game of a double header yesterday with Man Mountain Vargas leading the way.
And the Vikings looked great last night against a very good Kansas City team, especially Teddy Bridgewater. Cassel wasn't as sharp last night, but both he and the defense had good showings.
Throw in Star Trek, and I say that the day went pretty well indeed.
Star Trek
A few friends ventured to the Mall of America yesterday to enjoy a detailed Star Trek exhibit. Here we are posing on the original bridge replica. The original costumes, masks, and props were really cool. The table in engineering was by far the coolest and well made of the props.
Photographs were not allowed except for the one you see.
Photographs were not allowed except for the one you see.
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Vikings Tonight
I always like the third preseason game the most. The starters usually play longer in this game than in any other, and next week they may not play at all.
Also Cassel goes back to KC to play his former team, who he left on bad terms.
Two Twins games today. And a Vikings game. And a trip to the Mall of America to see their cool Star Trek exhibit...
It may be more than this fan/geek can handle.
But I'll try...
Also Cassel goes back to KC to play his former team, who he left on bad terms.
Two Twins games today. And a Vikings game. And a trip to the Mall of America to see their cool Star Trek exhibit...
It may be more than this fan/geek can handle.
But I'll try...
Twenty!
I hate to admit it, but I stopped watching the game last night after Detroit came back to make the game 6-5, the Twins having blown a 6-1 lead. I figured, well here we go again...
But it was the Twins who scored 14 more runs in the sixth, seventh, and eighth inning to club the Tigers like baby seals. The final was 20-6, the most runs in a major league game this season.
I was just talking to Tom the Retired Twins Fan yesterday morning about how it SEEMED like the Twins offense should be a lot better than it is. They HAVE some good players.
Last night, they showed Detroit that.
Eduardo Escobar had five hits himself including a homer and a triple. Santana, Arcia, and Plouffe also had homers.
The Twins ended up with 9 walks and twenty hits. They now lead the majors with 113 runs scored in August (that's in twenty games.)
Great game. I just missed the best part.
Double header today. We'll see if the hitting continues.
But it was the Twins who scored 14 more runs in the sixth, seventh, and eighth inning to club the Tigers like baby seals. The final was 20-6, the most runs in a major league game this season.
I was just talking to Tom the Retired Twins Fan yesterday morning about how it SEEMED like the Twins offense should be a lot better than it is. They HAVE some good players.
Last night, they showed Detroit that.
Eduardo Escobar had five hits himself including a homer and a triple. Santana, Arcia, and Plouffe also had homers.
The Twins ended up with 9 walks and twenty hits. They now lead the majors with 113 runs scored in August (that's in twenty games.)
Great game. I just missed the best part.
Double header today. We'll see if the hitting continues.
Friday, August 22, 2014
Wolves
We'll know this weekend if the Wolves and Cavs finish their rumored trade that sends Love to Cleveland for some good picks.
Rumors are flying that we might get Thaddeus Young from the 76ers as our new power forward by the time all is announced. Young is no Love, but at 18 points and 6 rebounds per game last year, he sounds like he could fill much of the hole that Love will be leaving.
Rumors are flying that we might get Thaddeus Young from the 76ers as our new power forward by the time all is announced. Young is no Love, but at 18 points and 6 rebounds per game last year, he sounds like he could fill much of the hole that Love will be leaving.
NFL Now
Apple TV keeps adding channel Apps to my device. Channels like PBS, A&E, and WWE I use a lot. But the newest offering is NFL NOW which has highlight shows and in-depth analysis. I haven't watched it yet because as far as I can tell, they just added it yesterday and I've had no time.
Maybe today. Just what I need, ANOTHER channel to waste time with. :)
Maybe today. Just what I need, ANOTHER channel to waste time with. :)
Hughes, Vargas, And Plouffe
Phil Hughes did it again. It's not just that he wins, he's in such control while he's out there. 8 more strikeouts yesterday. Zero walks.
Man Mountain Vargas had another great day as well. A homerun, a double, and an infield (!) single to bring his batting average up to .316. The Twins hoped for power and RBI, but his consistent average at this point is a very pleasant surprise.
And Plouffe had yet another timely hit in later innings to give us much needed runs.
Perkins picked up his 32nd save in the ninth. I once again enjoyed the "squeeze play" version of the game last night on FSN. Every at-bat condensed to one pitch. It's nifty and you can watch the whole game in less than 26 minutes including commercials.
Tommy Milone gets another chance tonight to prove he was worth the trade from Oakland. So far, he has not looked good for the Twins. We'll see.
Man Mountain Vargas had another great day as well. A homerun, a double, and an infield (!) single to bring his batting average up to .316. The Twins hoped for power and RBI, but his consistent average at this point is a very pleasant surprise.
And Plouffe had yet another timely hit in later innings to give us much needed runs.
Perkins picked up his 32nd save in the ninth. I once again enjoyed the "squeeze play" version of the game last night on FSN. Every at-bat condensed to one pitch. It's nifty and you can watch the whole game in less than 26 minutes including commercials.
Tommy Milone gets another chance tonight to prove he was worth the trade from Oakland. So far, he has not looked good for the Twins. We'll see.
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Vikings
IF you've been paying attention, you've noticed that the Vikings aren't just mixing things up on offense this year, they are also mixing up defensive schemes as well.
Frequently.
And Chad Greenway, though out with a wrist injury currently, will be the primary defensive signal caller this season.
All of this flies in the face of what the Vikings have done since Denny Green.
The coach is actually requiring his players to show intelligence and athletic diversity in all phases of the game this season.
Imagine that. A play book that has more than one play in it.
It's a regular book. With multiple pages even.
We won't even recognize the Vikings this year.
Frequently.
And Chad Greenway, though out with a wrist injury currently, will be the primary defensive signal caller this season.
All of this flies in the face of what the Vikings have done since Denny Green.
The coach is actually requiring his players to show intelligence and athletic diversity in all phases of the game this season.
Imagine that. A play book that has more than one play in it.
It's a regular book. With multiple pages even.
We won't even recognize the Vikings this year.
Kevin Durant Offered $265 Million Over Ten Years
By Under Armour for being a spokesman for the sportswear giant.
Nike, his current sponsor, is giving him $20 million a year and has the right to match that offer to retain his services.
In either case, he will make more from one advertiser than he can from any team including Oklahoma.
There are, of course, other sponsors seeking deals with him as well, from shavers and mobile phones to soft drink companies.
Michael Jordan proved years ago that your NBA deal can be just a fraction of what you really make. Kevin Durant is going to take that figure to a whole new level. LeBron James is going to have some major competition from advertising revenue from now on.
Kevin Love wants some of that money too. Just another reason he left Minnesota and its losing ways. Your team has to be good for you to make real money. Salary is just a starting point.
Nike, his current sponsor, is giving him $20 million a year and has the right to match that offer to retain his services.
In either case, he will make more from one advertiser than he can from any team including Oklahoma.
There are, of course, other sponsors seeking deals with him as well, from shavers and mobile phones to soft drink companies.
Michael Jordan proved years ago that your NBA deal can be just a fraction of what you really make. Kevin Durant is going to take that figure to a whole new level. LeBron James is going to have some major competition from advertising revenue from now on.
Kevin Love wants some of that money too. Just another reason he left Minnesota and its losing ways. Your team has to be good for you to make real money. Salary is just a starting point.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Simpson
It's always bothered me that players could be suspended for four games for losing weight "the wrong way" (using a banned an NFL substance that you or I could legally buy over the counter at most larger pharmacies) while allowing those convicted of drunk driving a free pass.
Now the NFL is actually punishing players for DUI. Vikings receiver, Jerome Simpson is one of the first examples of this new policy. He's supposed to serve a three-game suspension for getting caught.
Now I don't like Simpson not being available for the first three games of the season this year either, BUT it bothers me even more that Simpson is appealing the suspension trying to get the League to change their mind about the policy.
Something much bigger is at stake here and its the safety of players (and those on the road) when these players regularly drive drunk. The NFL is moving in the right direction on this matter. It's not time to start back peddling now.
Simpson's case? He refused to take a chemical test when caught and pled guilty to a lesser charge of careless driving. By doing so, he's setting the precedent of all future players caught driving drunk TO DO THE SAME THING. In other words, he's exploiting a loop hole to make the new policy impossible to enforce. The breath test caught him at .95 and Simpson's attorney say he would have passed the blood test IF he had taken it.
But he didn't so there is no verification of drunk driving either way. This is a horrible way for anyone to flaunt the law.
Simpson said he's optimistic that the league will drop the suspension. I say that would be a big mistake. It would take all the teeth out of a very good policy.
And make it easier for players to continue driving drunk in the future.
The blood test is given for a reason. IF you refuse it, its your OWN fault.
Now the NFL is actually punishing players for DUI. Vikings receiver, Jerome Simpson is one of the first examples of this new policy. He's supposed to serve a three-game suspension for getting caught.
Now I don't like Simpson not being available for the first three games of the season this year either, BUT it bothers me even more that Simpson is appealing the suspension trying to get the League to change their mind about the policy.
Something much bigger is at stake here and its the safety of players (and those on the road) when these players regularly drive drunk. The NFL is moving in the right direction on this matter. It's not time to start back peddling now.
Simpson's case? He refused to take a chemical test when caught and pled guilty to a lesser charge of careless driving. By doing so, he's setting the precedent of all future players caught driving drunk TO DO THE SAME THING. In other words, he's exploiting a loop hole to make the new policy impossible to enforce. The breath test caught him at .95 and Simpson's attorney say he would have passed the blood test IF he had taken it.
But he didn't so there is no verification of drunk driving either way. This is a horrible way for anyone to flaunt the law.
Simpson said he's optimistic that the league will drop the suspension. I say that would be a big mistake. It would take all the teeth out of a very good policy.
And make it easier for players to continue driving drunk in the future.
The blood test is given for a reason. IF you refuse it, its your OWN fault.
The First Inning Was Great
Five runs before they even had one out.
27 outs without a run the rest of the way.
Cleveland wins 7-5. What a truly awful game.
27 outs without a run the rest of the way.
Cleveland wins 7-5. What a truly awful game.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Another Tough Loss
Trevor May was much better last night. The fifth was tough but he looked good out there. Its hard when you get absolutely no run support from the offense while you're in there.
The game looked closer on the scoreboard than it really was. When you score three in the bottom of the ninth it pads some individual stats, but it didn't really do anything toward winning the game. It was nice to see that Plouffe blast, but it was too little too late.
sigh
The game looked closer on the scoreboard than it really was. When you score three in the bottom of the ninth it pads some individual stats, but it didn't really do anything toward winning the game. It was nice to see that Plouffe blast, but it was too little too late.
sigh
Manziel
I am SO GLAD the Vikings didn't draft Johnny "Football" Manziel. It seems like he's making headlines everyday. And not GOOD headlines. More like Lindsay Lohan headlines.
The latest is that he flipped off the Redskins sidelines last night in frustration of how the 'Skins defense was treating him. He was late to practice last week and said he didn't think it was that big a deal. And earlier it looked like he was doing drugs in a public restroom.
He MAY yet make an outstanding NFL quarterback, but I'll take our QB pick any day. Divas have to be real, real good to prove they are worth the extra attention and effort.
We don't have to sit through the long maturing process in Minnesota to find out. What we have is just fine.
The latest is that he flipped off the Redskins sidelines last night in frustration of how the 'Skins defense was treating him. He was late to practice last week and said he didn't think it was that big a deal. And earlier it looked like he was doing drugs in a public restroom.
He MAY yet make an outstanding NFL quarterback, but I'll take our QB pick any day. Divas have to be real, real good to prove they are worth the extra attention and effort.
We don't have to sit through the long maturing process in Minnesota to find out. What we have is just fine.
Monday, August 18, 2014
Fake Sport Vs Real Sport
Yesterday's Twins' game was unwatchable. It started with a rain delay, a hugely unsuccessful second inning, and it ended with more rain, and more bad baseball.
WWE Summer Slam last night, on the other hand, was far more entertaining. Just seeing John Cena squashed by Brock Lesnar was worth the price of admission, but the show had several other great matches as well. I don't know where they go from here, but it looks like another story line reboot at the top of the card.
And I get to follow it for only $9.99 a month. What a deal.
WWE Summer Slam last night, on the other hand, was far more entertaining. Just seeing John Cena squashed by Brock Lesnar was worth the price of admission, but the show had several other great matches as well. I don't know where they go from here, but it looks like another story line reboot at the top of the card.
And I get to follow it for only $9.99 a month. What a deal.
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Bridgewater Rallies the Vikes
The Vikes offense was solid in the first half though the defense kind of faltered.
The second half was even better when Terry Bridgewater got rolling. He ended with a couple of TDs of his own as the Vikings managed a nifty preseason win against Arizona.
Its only preseason, but its still nice to see we have two QBs at this point that can move the ball and are ALLOWED to pass.
I'm actually optimistic about the coming season. Good coaching will do that for a guy.
The second half was even better when Terry Bridgewater got rolling. He ended with a couple of TDs of his own as the Vikings managed a nifty preseason win against Arizona.
Its only preseason, but its still nice to see we have two QBs at this point that can move the ball and are ALLOWED to pass.
I'm actually optimistic about the coming season. Good coaching will do that for a guy.
Hughes Great Again
Where would the Twins be this year without Phil Hughes?
Or Kurt Suzuki?
Hughes pitched seven plus innings last night and the only run that KC scored was off a Suzuki throwing error. Suzuki more than made up for that rare error with his bat, with two RBI in the seventh and a home run in the eighth.
I almost felt sorry for KC with the Tigers beating Seattle, but it sure was good seeing the Twins win.
Hughes and Suzuki sure made the game worth watching. I missed the first half because of the annual Corn Days parade in Sleepy Eye. I'm just glad that everything good happened in the later innings.
Or Kurt Suzuki?
Hughes pitched seven plus innings last night and the only run that KC scored was off a Suzuki throwing error. Suzuki more than made up for that rare error with his bat, with two RBI in the seventh and a home run in the eighth.
I almost felt sorry for KC with the Tigers beating Seattle, but it sure was good seeing the Twins win.
Hughes and Suzuki sure made the game worth watching. I missed the first half because of the annual Corn Days parade in Sleepy Eye. I'm just glad that everything good happened in the later innings.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Twins Lose
Twins pitchers were great last night EXCEPT for that dreadful fourth inning. Willingham, with the bases loaded, showed us he makes a pretty good foe. A two run triple later that inning sealed our fate.
KC in on a role and if they win the division instead of the Tigers, this loss will be worth it.
The Vikings play again tonight. Cassel is expected to play the whole first half. Peterson isn't going to play until the regular season. I plan on watching some of the game but preseason isn't really something to get excited about.
KC in on a role and if they win the division instead of the Tigers, this loss will be worth it.
The Vikings play again tonight. Cassel is expected to play the whole first half. Peterson isn't going to play until the regular season. I plan on watching some of the game but preseason isn't really something to get excited about.
Friday, August 15, 2014
Performance Enhancers
I've always maintained that baseball players from the 50's, 60's, 70's, and early 80's cheated with performance enhancers. Their drug of choice wasn't steroids or HGH, it was amphetamines. And those drugs were far more effective and widely used than steroids at their height of popularity.
Basically everyone used them. And they helped performance more than steroids. When balls were flying out of ballparks in then record numbers in the 1960's BY AVERAGE-SIZED ballplayers it was because they had an advantage players don't have today, they had uppers in their lockers.
Rather than acting on muscle mass like steroids, these pep pills allowed the players to focus their minds better while stimulating their adrenal systems. And as any top athlete will tell you, focused concentration produces far better results than muscles alone. The results were amazing. You had TWO guys, the same year, challenging Babe Ruth's single season home run record. You had a guy who weighed a 170 pounds soaking wet break the Bambinos all-time career home run mark!
Do you honestly think it was skill alone that produced such amazing results?
Lately, I've been digging a little deeper, and I found of the drug of choice since the dawn of sports, alcohol, is also considered an performance enhancer. When used in proper amounts it relaxes the body in tense situations so that you can ignore the normal impulse of being anxious or afraid. It literally helps you forget the seriousness of intense situations thus allowing your body to perform at peak efficiency. The "liquid courage" nickname it has is truly deserved.
People who drink beer a lot build up a sort of tolerance to the negative effects of alcohol while getting the maximum affects of it's nerve relaxing benefits. To put it another way, clutch players after prohibition didn't have ice water flowing through their veins, it was alcohol. Long train rides produced lots and lots of drinking, and the talented players who drank a beer or two in the club house before each game were the guys who hit the most home runs.
It's time to end the asterisk in baseball and acknowledge the sport for what it truly is, a lot of guys who are always, and have always, taken every advantage to perform better.
I'll leave you with this picture. It says a lot.
Basically everyone used them. And they helped performance more than steroids. When balls were flying out of ballparks in then record numbers in the 1960's BY AVERAGE-SIZED ballplayers it was because they had an advantage players don't have today, they had uppers in their lockers.
Rather than acting on muscle mass like steroids, these pep pills allowed the players to focus their minds better while stimulating their adrenal systems. And as any top athlete will tell you, focused concentration produces far better results than muscles alone. The results were amazing. You had TWO guys, the same year, challenging Babe Ruth's single season home run record. You had a guy who weighed a 170 pounds soaking wet break the Bambinos all-time career home run mark!
Do you honestly think it was skill alone that produced such amazing results?
Lately, I've been digging a little deeper, and I found of the drug of choice since the dawn of sports, alcohol, is also considered an performance enhancer. When used in proper amounts it relaxes the body in tense situations so that you can ignore the normal impulse of being anxious or afraid. It literally helps you forget the seriousness of intense situations thus allowing your body to perform at peak efficiency. The "liquid courage" nickname it has is truly deserved.
People who drink beer a lot build up a sort of tolerance to the negative effects of alcohol while getting the maximum affects of it's nerve relaxing benefits. To put it another way, clutch players after prohibition didn't have ice water flowing through their veins, it was alcohol. Long train rides produced lots and lots of drinking, and the talented players who drank a beer or two in the club house before each game were the guys who hit the most home runs.
It's time to end the asterisk in baseball and acknowledge the sport for what it truly is, a lot of guys who are always, and have always, taken every advantage to perform better.
I'll leave you with this picture. It says a lot.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Good Win
I watched most of yesterday's game. Mauer is still hot, extending his streak to 15 games including a homer late. Gibson is still looking good often enough to be considered one of our best. Perkins got save number 30.
I'm still interested, but can't help but root for KC too now. ANYBODY but Detroit again.
Sadly, we have Kansas City next. I want both teams to win.
I'm still interested, but can't help but root for KC too now. ANYBODY but Detroit again.
Sadly, we have Kansas City next. I want both teams to win.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Twins Notes
The Twins won again.
Mauer is back with two hits last night including the game winner in the ninth.
Recently acquired Tommy Milone pitched well for the win.
Josh Willingham was traded to KC before the game started. We all knew that was coming.
Perkins picked up his 29th save.
Nolasco is doing well, he should be back in the rotation in a few days.
I'm not even sure what the rotation IS at this point. We've been sending quite a few different starters out there recently.
Mauer is back with two hits last night including the game winner in the ninth.
Recently acquired Tommy Milone pitched well for the win.
Josh Willingham was traded to KC before the game started. We all knew that was coming.
Perkins picked up his 29th save.
Nolasco is doing well, he should be back in the rotation in a few days.
I'm not even sure what the rotation IS at this point. We've been sending quite a few different starters out there recently.
Monday, August 11, 2014
Twins Win, End Steak
The Twins beat the A's in the first game they played last season. And now they beat them in the last game with them this season. All other games in between went to the A's.
Hughes pitched a great game and the Twins ended up not getting swept for the season. I actually watched the last few innings at my Aunt's place again.
Sunday afternoons are great.
Hughes pitched a great game and the Twins ended up not getting swept for the season. I actually watched the last few innings at my Aunt's place again.
Sunday afternoons are great.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Tony Stewart Hits and Kills Driver
Late last night, famous driver Tony Stewart hit another driver's car. When the driver got out of his car to confront Stewart on the poorly lit dirt track, he was struck and killed by Stewart's car which was still racing and coming back around the track again. The victim went flying 50 feet.
Accident or on purpose? That discussion is still takinng place. Various fan videos of the incident are being looked at by police.
With all of these recent macho confrontations on the race track, something like this was bound to happen. Just another reason to detest racing.
Accident or on purpose? That discussion is still takinng place. Various fan videos of the incident are being looked at by police.
With all of these recent macho confrontations on the race track, something like this was bound to happen. Just another reason to detest racing.
Trevor May: ERA 18.00
Well that was certainly a very unimpressive debut.
4 earned runs in just two innings, is not what the doctor ordered as the Twins once again struggled to get any runs themselves. Other than a couple of high-scoring blowouts in the last month, the problem with the Twins has not been pitching, it's been hitting.
We aren't very good at getting runs across the plate. And when you don't score, you don't win.
Other teams are simply better than the Twins. Oakland is one of the elite teams in the league and we just don't match up well with them.
Just waiting for this season to be over.
4 earned runs in just two innings, is not what the doctor ordered as the Twins once again struggled to get any runs themselves. Other than a couple of high-scoring blowouts in the last month, the problem with the Twins has not been pitching, it's been hitting.
We aren't very good at getting runs across the plate. And when you don't score, you don't win.
Other teams are simply better than the Twins. Oakland is one of the elite teams in the league and we just don't match up well with them.
Just waiting for this season to be over.
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Sheamus
I'm a pop culture junkie. At least in a few areas.-- comics, movies and wrestling. I had that pointed out to me by the world's strongest twin yesterday. I know things about each of those subjects that the average person doesn't know. Where my twin is scouring the internet for Twins news from all over, I'm doing that AND finding entertainment news.
Case in point:
I like Sheamus, a red-headed wrestler from Ireland who is one of the WWE's finest. At 6 foot 4 and 270 pounds, he just LOOKS like he belongs there.
I also like Star Wars. I'm regularly following news surrounding the latest feature that J.J. Abrams is making for Disney.
The problem is that Disney and Abrams are keeping as silent about the movie and its production as much as Apple keeps their new product launches under wraps, so you have to dig for news like a detective.
What I've discovered:
1. Sheamus, before he was a WWE wrestler, did promotional work for the Star Wars movies as Darth Vader in the early 2000's.
2. Sheamus was listed as not available for wrestling in WWE events the last two weeks because he "had the flu". This is odd for several reasons. One is that the WWE usually doesn't tell anybody when someone is sick AND most performers MAY take a night or two off if they are REALLY, REALLY sick. But no one takes two weeks off IN ADVANCE from being sick with flu.
3.Sheamus was not in the states at home being sick. He was in his native Ireland.
Now you may think that everybody likes being at "real home" when they are sick. But if you have the flu, the last thing you are going to do when you are sick and can't work is take a transatlantic flight in hopes of getting rest. With most bugs, you'll be better before you even touch down.
And we then find out he wasn't even visiting his hometown, he was at an isolated village that happened to be filming...
...promotional work for the new Star Wars film.
Nobody is confirming or denying anything, but most fans, who follow this sort of thing, are speculating that Sheamus will be taking David Prowse's place in the Vader suit this time around in all the new Star Wars movies.
My younger brother, who is an even bigger Star Wars geek, asked a legitimate question about this to me yesterday, "How would they be using him?" You know because he's dead.
My answer. I don't know. But it's enough to give a WWE geek, who happens to be a Star Wars geek too, goosebumps.
It gave us both goosebumps.
I SAID we were geeks.
My twin brother thinks we're nuts.
Who is to say he's not right?
Case in point:
I like Sheamus, a red-headed wrestler from Ireland who is one of the WWE's finest. At 6 foot 4 and 270 pounds, he just LOOKS like he belongs there.
I also like Star Wars. I'm regularly following news surrounding the latest feature that J.J. Abrams is making for Disney.
The problem is that Disney and Abrams are keeping as silent about the movie and its production as much as Apple keeps their new product launches under wraps, so you have to dig for news like a detective.
What I've discovered:
1. Sheamus, before he was a WWE wrestler, did promotional work for the Star Wars movies as Darth Vader in the early 2000's.
2. Sheamus was listed as not available for wrestling in WWE events the last two weeks because he "had the flu". This is odd for several reasons. One is that the WWE usually doesn't tell anybody when someone is sick AND most performers MAY take a night or two off if they are REALLY, REALLY sick. But no one takes two weeks off IN ADVANCE from being sick with flu.
3.Sheamus was not in the states at home being sick. He was in his native Ireland.
Now you may think that everybody likes being at "real home" when they are sick. But if you have the flu, the last thing you are going to do when you are sick and can't work is take a transatlantic flight in hopes of getting rest. With most bugs, you'll be better before you even touch down.
And we then find out he wasn't even visiting his hometown, he was at an isolated village that happened to be filming...
...promotional work for the new Star Wars film.
Nobody is confirming or denying anything, but most fans, who follow this sort of thing, are speculating that Sheamus will be taking David Prowse's place in the Vader suit this time around in all the new Star Wars movies.
My younger brother, who is an even bigger Star Wars geek, asked a legitimate question about this to me yesterday, "How would they be using him?" You know because he's dead.
My answer. I don't know. But it's enough to give a WWE geek, who happens to be a Star Wars geek too, goosebumps.
It gave us both goosebumps.
I SAID we were geeks.
My twin brother thinks we're nuts.
Who is to say he's not right?
Cassel: One Drive
It was definitely preseason. Visiting with all my brothers and their families yesterday took precedence over the Vikes and Twins last night.
I'm glad that it did. Other than the opening offensive drive by the Vikings, the game was basically a scrimmage.
And the Twins gave Oakland pitching several perfect innings again last night, losing once more. It looked good on the scoreboard at the end at 6-5. But a loss is still a loss.
Trevor May makes his Twins debut tonight. I'll try to catch some of that.
I'm glad that it did. Other than the opening offensive drive by the Vikings, the game was basically a scrimmage.
And the Twins gave Oakland pitching several perfect innings again last night, losing once more. It looked good on the scoreboard at the end at 6-5. But a loss is still a loss.
Trevor May makes his Twins debut tonight. I'll try to catch some of that.
Friday, August 8, 2014
Vikings
I normally don't care about pre-season games. The first team offense and defense may play a quarter or two. They may let some of the top rookies get some significant playing time...
...or they might be playing mostly scrubs just to get a look at them in game conditions.
Either way, I HOPE to see some of the game with my visiting brothers.
I expect more from the Vikings this year than in several seasons.
Why?
1) They have a new head coach who seems to understand that a typical offensive game plan is not to run it up the middle on every play.
2) That head coach hired an offensive coordinator who hasn't doesn't even know how to run the same play twice in a row, AND he likes passing the ball. A lot.
3) Matt Cassel is expected to start the first few games of the season, and he is so much better at leading a team than last year's designated starter.
4) Last year's designated starter is going to be the emergency third-string starter this year if he's not traded before the season starts.
5) Everything is much better with a better offense. With an offense that moves the ball the defense will be on the field less. With an offense that moves the ball we won't have to rely on special teams doing miraculous things every week.
6) Our special teams are really special this year. They should do miraculous things every single week even though they don't have to.
I expect a lot from THE PURPLE this year.
They better not let me down.
...or they might be playing mostly scrubs just to get a look at them in game conditions.
Either way, I HOPE to see some of the game with my visiting brothers.
I expect more from the Vikings this year than in several seasons.
Why?
1) They have a new head coach who seems to understand that a typical offensive game plan is not to run it up the middle on every play.
2) That head coach hired an offensive coordinator who hasn't doesn't even know how to run the same play twice in a row, AND he likes passing the ball. A lot.
3) Matt Cassel is expected to start the first few games of the season, and he is so much better at leading a team than last year's designated starter.
4) Last year's designated starter is going to be the emergency third-string starter this year if he's not traded before the season starts.
5) Everything is much better with a better offense. With an offense that moves the ball the defense will be on the field less. With an offense that moves the ball we won't have to rely on special teams doing miraculous things every week.
6) Our special teams are really special this year. They should do miraculous things every single week even though they don't have to.
I expect a lot from THE PURPLE this year.
They better not let me down.
Wolves and Cavs Near End of Love Trade
It LOOKS like the Love trade is a done deal, but NBA rules make it difficult to pull the switch. It LOOKS like Love will get a 5-year deal worth $120 at the end of this year if he agrees to the deal on the table, but officially they can't really HAVE that deal until the end of this coming season.
If all goes well, Love will be with the Cavs for 5-6 years, LeBron will sign an extension on his current 2-year deal, AND the WOLVES will get this year's number one draft pick, last year's number one draft pick, AND next year's number one draft pick from Cleveland.
It all depends on NBA rules that won't let Love negotiate until after he's a Cav for awhile. Supposedly this is to protect the players.
But it sure makes it hard on the teams who want to "complete" a deal.
I probably won't mention this again until a deal is actually made.
I think the NBA wants to limit negative speculation, and you know me, I want to always be accommodating to those in authority.
If all goes well, Love will be with the Cavs for 5-6 years, LeBron will sign an extension on his current 2-year deal, AND the WOLVES will get this year's number one draft pick, last year's number one draft pick, AND next year's number one draft pick from Cleveland.
It all depends on NBA rules that won't let Love negotiate until after he's a Cav for awhile. Supposedly this is to protect the players.
But it sure makes it hard on the teams who want to "complete" a deal.
I probably won't mention this again until a deal is actually made.
I think the NBA wants to limit negative speculation, and you know me, I want to always be accommodating to those in authority.
Twins
So what happens when the best team in baseball with the recently acquired best pitcher in baseball (for the last month) face a tired Minnesota Twins team playing on Thursday instead of getting a day off?
Pretty much what you'd expect. Lester had a perfect game going against the Twins through five. And the Twins only managed three balls out of the infield all day.
The result was another good pitching performance by the Twins wasted as we lost 3-0.
Thankfully, I was visiting with my brother and his family, eating fresh baked cookies, and missed the entire thing.
A conversation about an old worm experiment that went horribly awry was way better than watching yet another Twins loss.
More brothers and more conversations coming up this afternoon.
Can't wait.
Pretty much what you'd expect. Lester had a perfect game going against the Twins through five. And the Twins only managed three balls out of the infield all day.
The result was another good pitching performance by the Twins wasted as we lost 3-0.
Thankfully, I was visiting with my brother and his family, eating fresh baked cookies, and missed the entire thing.
A conversation about an old worm experiment that went horribly awry was way better than watching yet another Twins loss.
More brothers and more conversations coming up this afternoon.
Can't wait.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Perkins Has Lousy Ninth
My brother from California and his family flew in for yesterday's Twins' game. They came a long way to be disappointed by that ending.
Perkins with a rare falter, and a great running catch by San Diego's centerfielder in the bottom of the ninth set the stage for an even more disappointing tenth inning.
Welcome back to Minnesota sports.
No matter how much fun you're having they'll find a way to the rip the heart out of your joy by game's end.
Perkins with a rare falter, and a great running catch by San Diego's centerfielder in the bottom of the ninth set the stage for an even more disappointing tenth inning.
Welcome back to Minnesota sports.
No matter how much fun you're having they'll find a way to the rip the heart out of your joy by game's end.
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Man Mountain Vargas
We watched most of last night's Twins game. Great pitching by Hughes. And a super blast by Kennys Vargas. I HOPE this kid can keep it up and hit major league pitching. At 6 foot five, 273 pounds he absolutely dwarfs all the other players. And he doesn't look fat.
Perkins wrapped the whole thing up with his 28th save of the season.
Go Twins!!
Perkins wrapped the whole thing up with his 28th save of the season.
Go Twins!!
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Super DUI Of the Day
The Phoenix Suns P.J. Tucker was nailed for really driving drunk. His blood Alcohol was .22, nearly 3 times most states legal limit.
He spent 3 days in prison, is currently under house arrest for ten days more, and will have an interlock device placed on his car until he proves himself sober.
No word on if The Suns management plans to discipline him further. They say they support him in his recovery though.
I'd still like to see major repercussions in player's employment status when things like this happen. Using legal drugs illegally should have at least as big a consequences as using banned substances that are legal for everyone else.
Until pro sports makes a concerted attempt to stop drunk driving, by making a big deal out of it, players will continue doing it.
Putting other people's lives at stake should be at least as important as players using something to improve performance, shouldn't it?
He spent 3 days in prison, is currently under house arrest for ten days more, and will have an interlock device placed on his car until he proves himself sober.
No word on if The Suns management plans to discipline him further. They say they support him in his recovery though.
I'd still like to see major repercussions in player's employment status when things like this happen. Using legal drugs illegally should have at least as big a consequences as using banned substances that are legal for everyone else.
Until pro sports makes a concerted attempt to stop drunk driving, by making a big deal out of it, players will continue doing it.
Putting other people's lives at stake should be at least as important as players using something to improve performance, shouldn't it?
Monday, August 4, 2014
Sweet Sixteen
Best
Game
Ever.
Well, maybe not ever, but the eighth and ninth innings sure rank up there. I didn't start watching until the eighth, when the Twins had a 4-3 lead. And then the fireworks started.
NINE runs in the eighth and then THREE consecutive home runs in the ninth.
Wow.
For a team that struggled to score seven in the entire KC series, this was truly amazing.
Game
Ever.
Well, maybe not ever, but the eighth and ninth innings sure rank up there. I didn't start watching until the eighth, when the Twins had a 4-3 lead. And then the fireworks started.
NINE runs in the eighth and then THREE consecutive home runs in the ninth.
Wow.
For a team that struggled to score seven in the entire KC series, this was truly amazing.
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Paul George
The U.S. National basketball team lost the Indiana Pacers' star on Friday night with one of those Joe Theisman leg injuries. I haven't watched the clip. I don't intend to. If everything goes well, George is scheduled to be back with the Pacers in "about a year."
My rant? Why are guys who make that much money allowed by their teams to compete? The answer? The teams can't stop them. It's some kind of patriotism sort of thing we're told.
But you know what? That's just a lie. Kevin Love, who always participates in these games, isn't this year. Why? Because he's in trade talks and free agency things and he doesn't want to reduce his value if he happens to get hurt. ALL superstars do this. If they have a long-term, guaranteed deal in place, they'll be patriotic because THEIR CURRENT team is taking all the financial risk for them to be "patriotic". When THE PLAYER'S money is at risk, they sit home.
The organizations that promote the international tournaments like this one and the Olympics are playing on the patriotism of the players and fans, but don't be fooled, hundreds of millions, sometimes billions of dollars, are at stake. And the promotors get most of it, having the best known talent available basically for free.
My buddy, Mark Cuban, outspoken owner of the Dallas Mavericks, thinks it's time to end this nonsense. It's okay to get hurt when you are playing for team that pays you. It's not okay when you get hurt in a truly meaningless exhibitions.
I'd like to see these tournaments feature guys who are amateurs. I hate supporting these slimy promotors.
In the mean time...
USA! USA! USA!
Because we are all at fault.
My rant? Why are guys who make that much money allowed by their teams to compete? The answer? The teams can't stop them. It's some kind of patriotism sort of thing we're told.
But you know what? That's just a lie. Kevin Love, who always participates in these games, isn't this year. Why? Because he's in trade talks and free agency things and he doesn't want to reduce his value if he happens to get hurt. ALL superstars do this. If they have a long-term, guaranteed deal in place, they'll be patriotic because THEIR CURRENT team is taking all the financial risk for them to be "patriotic". When THE PLAYER'S money is at risk, they sit home.
The organizations that promote the international tournaments like this one and the Olympics are playing on the patriotism of the players and fans, but don't be fooled, hundreds of millions, sometimes billions of dollars, are at stake. And the promotors get most of it, having the best known talent available basically for free.
My buddy, Mark Cuban, outspoken owner of the Dallas Mavericks, thinks it's time to end this nonsense. It's okay to get hurt when you are playing for team that pays you. It's not okay when you get hurt in a truly meaningless exhibitions.
I'd like to see these tournaments feature guys who are amateurs. I hate supporting these slimy promotors.
In the mean time...
USA! USA! USA!
Because we are all at fault.
Eight Is Enough
The Twins managed a win again last night and this time eight was enough runs.
Plouffe looked great. Perkins was superb. Pino was average while Santana hit another homerun.
I even watched some of the game.
Plouffe looked great. Perkins was superb. Pino was average while Santana hit another homerun.
I even watched some of the game.
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Friday, August 1, 2014
Stephen A. Smith
Love him or hate him, Stephen A. Smith always has an opinion. And he was suspended by ESPN for saying women should not provoke men by hitting them IF they don't want to get hit themselves.
You know, I hate the society we live in. Men should not hit women. Women should not hit men. BUT when someone is hit by another person, it's always been okay for the other person to to hit back.
Until now.
I'm not saying you should, I'm saying it's okay if you do.
I am so fed up by media minds that say hitting a woman is wrong while NEVER proclaiming that women should stop hitting men as well. What they are saying is that even if a woman hits a man, the man should never hit back unless "his life is at stake."
What?
Fully 30% of domestic violence assaults in this country are perpetrated by women. The figure might very well be higher but men who are regularly victimized by women are in an awkward position. They are laughed at when they report it and arrested if they try to stop the violence against them by themselves.
Women who say that men are stronger and should never hit women even when provoked are spreading the unfounded stereotype that a physically fit woman can't possible hurt a guy seriously.
Yes they can. And they do it regularly.
Women, if you want the violence to stop, tell women to stop hitting men like it's open season. And don't be surprised if someone hits you back.
Which is what Stephen A. Smith was saying.
And he was right.
Men, stop hitting women. It's wrong.
Women stop hitting men. It's wrong.
Men, stop hitting men, it's wromg.
Women stop hitting women, it's wrong.
AND if any of you throw the FIRST punch or hard slap, be prepared to get one back in return, perhaps much harder than you delivered. That's the problem with violence, it escalates.
It's okay to fight back. And it always will be. Don't throw the first punch if you're not willing to accept the immediate, direct consequences of your actions.
One of the primary reasons women still hit men is because they assume the man will not hit back.
I say stop assuming this. And stop hitting.
Domestic violence won't end until we ALL stop hitting.
You know, I hate the society we live in. Men should not hit women. Women should not hit men. BUT when someone is hit by another person, it's always been okay for the other person to to hit back.
Until now.
I'm not saying you should, I'm saying it's okay if you do.
I am so fed up by media minds that say hitting a woman is wrong while NEVER proclaiming that women should stop hitting men as well. What they are saying is that even if a woman hits a man, the man should never hit back unless "his life is at stake."
What?
Fully 30% of domestic violence assaults in this country are perpetrated by women. The figure might very well be higher but men who are regularly victimized by women are in an awkward position. They are laughed at when they report it and arrested if they try to stop the violence against them by themselves.
Women who say that men are stronger and should never hit women even when provoked are spreading the unfounded stereotype that a physically fit woman can't possible hurt a guy seriously.
Yes they can. And they do it regularly.
Women, if you want the violence to stop, tell women to stop hitting men like it's open season. And don't be surprised if someone hits you back.
Which is what Stephen A. Smith was saying.
And he was right.
Men, stop hitting women. It's wrong.
Women stop hitting men. It's wrong.
Men, stop hitting men, it's wromg.
Women stop hitting women, it's wrong.
AND if any of you throw the FIRST punch or hard slap, be prepared to get one back in return, perhaps much harder than you delivered. That's the problem with violence, it escalates.
It's okay to fight back. And it always will be. Don't throw the first punch if you're not willing to accept the immediate, direct consequences of your actions.
One of the primary reasons women still hit men is because they assume the man will not hit back.
I say stop assuming this. And stop hitting.
Domestic violence won't end until we ALL stop hitting.
Twins Score Three, Lose
Correia only gave up one earned run in his six innings which is great. The Twins left the base loaded TWICE while unearned runs cost them the game.
In other words, same old, same old.
In (I believe) good news we did get a quality starter form Oakland for Sam Fuld, though I did like Fuld's short time with the club. I find it amusing that they only guys that anyone wanted from our roster for trades were "recent acquirees". Everybody else appears to have the stink of entrenched, expensive loser on them.
We did manage to sign Suzuki for a couple of more seasons. He's our sole highlight for the season and he has handled the pitchers well.
I almost forgot, Kennys Vargas has been called up. The 23-year old man-mountain of power will get a chance to show what he can do for a month at first and DH. Most say he'll strike out a lot, but that boy does have a lot of power.
In other words, same old, same old.
In (I believe) good news we did get a quality starter form Oakland for Sam Fuld, though I did like Fuld's short time with the club. I find it amusing that they only guys that anyone wanted from our roster for trades were "recent acquirees". Everybody else appears to have the stink of entrenched, expensive loser on them.
We did manage to sign Suzuki for a couple of more seasons. He's our sole highlight for the season and he has handled the pitchers well.
I almost forgot, Kennys Vargas has been called up. The 23-year old man-mountain of power will get a chance to show what he can do for a month at first and DH. Most say he'll strike out a lot, but that boy does have a lot of power.
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