Realmscapes

Men and Boys

“We’ve been getting stomped around the last 10 years and it isn’t going to happen anymore. I had to let them know early and let them know right away,” is the "wisdom" bestowed on baseball by Rays pitcher, James Shields, the day after sparking the bench-clearing ball when he plunked Coco Crisp.

And that's pretty much been the Tampa Bay attitude since the beginning of Spring Training, when the Rays went after The Evil Empire to establish their apparent theme for 2008. Up until this season, I was impressed by Manager Joe Maddon's steady leadership on a team that got very little attention. Not this season; either he's going along with his players destructive attitude, or he's spearheading it.

High schoolers believe they can earn respect by brawling with rivals in the parking lot and corridors, Mr Manager. Men earn theirs stoically and without fanfare. The Rays do not have the depth of the Sox, or the blank checks of the Bombers; this may be only season where the Rays can take the East by storm before returning to earth for awhile (like the Rockies have, or the Pirates did). Why throw it away for short-term pride?

If you haven't realised this now, perhaps you will come to remember it when you're sitting through a drubbing of your bullpen in Texas or LAofaA. I hope you will not have to reflect on it in October while staring at a schedule result sheet that shows a season lost following June 5th.

Boston's Wall of Weird

The only commentary I have on last night's game is: Don't blame Wakefield.

I was against his being used. Not because he doesn't deserve to be in the game but because I simply thought it was risky to pitch a guy who hadn't played for over two weeks--and the games he did play before that were bad--due to injury, I know, but sometimes bad consistent performances carry over (psychologically).

But Wake stepped up and was awesome. That homer by Blake means nothing. As for the infamous liner that followed: TV commentators talk like Wake had no business going after that ball hit back through the box. But the truth is, Wake was reacting. A ball comes that close, and you react to catch it. Baseball is a game of reflexes, Joe. Maybe if you played the game instead of just commentating on it all the time you'd know that. And Tim, you should know better and be correcting your fellow talker. Shame on you.

The scary thing right now is the Tribe are getting all the lucky breaks. The ball just keeps jumping into their gloves like two magnets, while their par 3 & 4 pitchers have been made to look stellar because of double-plays and seven-run innings. And it's the "weird" stuff like that that often sends a team to the next round. (And it obviouslly doesn't help that only Papi, Manny, and Lowell are hitting with any consistency in this series.)

I also blame baseball economics. Without all the hooplah and too many millions surronding Daiske, there is no way he is in the rotation for the AL Championship. I have nothing against him--I think he will be much better next year now that he has tasted a season of American baseball--but the guy is clearly spent...like three weeks ago now. I'm surprised that Francona doesn't bench him citing the familiar "Papelbon Paranoia Syndrome" (whether he feels that way or not). But because of the overseas expectation and $$$ he's forced to start him.

Economics costing a team a World Series berth: always Weird, and always maddening.

The devils are in the Statistics

Former Cy Young Winner (Chicago White Sox), "Black" Jack McDowell, was a guest on the MLB Radio All-Star Game broadcast last night. What an incredible baseball man to listen to that guy is. He got on the topic of how stats are ruining the game of baseball. He spoke primarily about the stupidity of "the pitch count", which in his opinion (and mine) is the reason why so many pitchers are being robbed of truly Hall of Fame numbers--and not just for Ks and Wins, but also Innings Pitched and Complete Games. He reminded the listening audience that not that long ago (in the strike-shortened 1994 season) he pitched three complete games over the course of four starts.

I lament how the game has become obessed with pitch counts, pitch speed, statistical match-ups, and status quo strategy. Baseball is a beautiful game where mental strength, visual apitutude, instinct and fundamentals are what creates winners and legends. But everyone tries to master the numbers game these days because every star player (or potential star) is seen as an investment instead of a baseball player.

McDowell ended his argument by asking this (paraphrased) question: Are there less injuries in baseball now that we have shifted focus from the science of just playing the game to the science of the numbers?

Of course not. But we have created a game where stats are the reason why we have overpriced players, starting pitchers who barely make it through six innings, a growing focus on the role of the bullpen (which is almost as boring as the DH), and players pumping crap into their bodies believing its what they need to keep up with the numbers. Baseball is in danger of losing its identity unless it gets back to the way the game was played not all that long ago.

No-go for Hammerin' Hank

Hammerin' Hank Aaron, baseball's reigning All-Time Home Run Leader, has made it public that he will not be following Barry Bonds around the country as the San Francisco media circus that is Barry closes in on the Aaron's record. And why should he? While Aaron was settling in the batters box on that April 8th night back in 1974, all Hank had was his thoughts, his family, and his fans (mostly still in Milwaukee) to support him. Yankee fans were thumbing their noses.. Atlanta fans were staying home... racist bigots were sending him hate mail and death threats.. and the Commissioner of Baseball was attending an event of even more importance: Opening Night at Cleveland Municipal Stadium--the Indians(!), who were at the height of their "Rocky Colavito Curse" at the time and were essentially back then what the Kansas City Royals have been to baseball the last decade+

Bonds and Aaron have only met once a few years back, and no times since. Clearly Hank learned from that one meeting the kind of person Bonds is. Remember when Big Mac broke Maris's record? How he almost immediately made a bee-line to the Maris family after touching homeplate? Do you think Bonds would do that if Aaron was in the front row? Of course! But only for the photo-op for his scrapbook that he probably keeps by his bedside every night. In fact I wouldn't doubt that Barry would actually be thinking that it is Aaron's priveledge to have a photo-op with the great Barry (want me to sign that picture for ya too Hank? It'll be 55 bucks tho...)

Nah. Aaron is doing the right thing, and even though Barry gave his predictable shrug of the shoulders, inside the Bonds is seething. You see, in Barry's mind, God created baseball for him and him for baseball. In Barry's mind, Babe Ruth is the white Barry Bonds--it's all about race for Barry, race and his precious legacy. Hammerin' Hank knows that, and in in Hank Aaron's mind his breaking of Ruth's record was a real achievement with real adversity for Hank Aaron. The best adversity Barry has been able to muster is a grand jury and a steroid-laced career that he created himself. That's why The Hammer is staying away from Barry; Aaron has a legacy too and there is no reason that it should get tarnished by having to rub shoulders with the most classless and egotistical superstar baseball players since probably Ty Cobb (how's that company for ya Mr Bonds?). Bonds knows that and inside Barry's livid that Hank won't be there to legitimise the breaking of the record.

Make no mistake, for Barry Bonds breaking this record is not about honouring Hank Aaron.. it's not about raising up the game of baseball (like McGwire and Sosa and Ripken did with their record-breaking).. and it's not about race. It is about Barry Bonds and Henry Aaron wants no part of that world.

Not that the great Hank Aaron needs my kudos, but I'll give it to him anyway. "Kudos to you, Mr Aaron. You'll always be 'The Hammer' and one of my heroes!"

Todd Jones on McGwire

Tigers closer, Todd Jones, had an excellent column for The Sporting News today:

...I hate to inform the [sports media], but the McGwire I've gotten the chance to know couldn't care less if he's in the Hall of Fame. You don't see him peddling his name or his likeness to keep his persona in the public conscious. He's living his life away from the spotlight just like he tried to do when he was playing.

I heard [Dayton Daily News's, Hal McCoy,] say if McGwire doesn't want to talk about the past then he doesn't want to talk about McGwire's past, either. Ooohhh, scary. You know what? The angry mob doesn't understand that you can't hold the Hall over his head. McGwire is one of those players who if he doesn't get in, it looks bad on the Hall of Fame. He was that dominant a player.

We live in a society when we want it all. The [sports media] loved McGwire in 1998 but now wants his head. Well, I want the media to know that if you put McGwire in or leave him out, that's not why he played.

Words from HOFer Mike Schmidt

Phillies HOFer, Mike Schmidt, has once again weighed in on the Mark McGwire drama that will play out for much of 2007. If you have read his book, you already know that Mike supports McGwire's bid to be in the Hall of Fame. Today he published an AP column with this to add:

The big issue confronting the writers voting this month concerns Mark McGwire. He was baseball's superman. The public wanted to see his giant biceps and long bombs, and could care less what he was putting in his milk.

Now you want to vilify him because he doesn't want to own up, or admit, or even refute an involvement with steroids? Whoa! I'd ask the voters to look past the basic question -- did he or didn't he? -- and consider the era and what fueled it.

The column is an excellent read on the voting politics of getting into the Baseball Hall of Fame, politics that he has a unique perspective of now that he is a member of the HOF's Veterans Committee.

Re: Nixon/Loretta/Gonzalez

In response to my Sister's comments:

I'm with you all the way on Trot. He's a fan favourite and has always been one of my personal favourite Sox (he's a wrestling fan...and plays WWE video games!!). More importantly, none can question his passion and loyalty (I too have heard his offer for lesser money to stay).

Boston is obviouslly looking at his prone-ness to injury, specifically his annual back issues, and drop off in power. But when he is playing, there is none better defensively in RF (only 7 miscues since 2003), and he still managed 8 HR, 24 2B, and 54 RBI in his 114 games. Plus I thought that the combo of Nixon/MoPena in Right was a good one, altho I don't know how Wily feels about that in 07 (tho he has yet to decalre free agency if he is eligible). Working in Trot's favour is that there are only a few RFs currently available that are younger (Nixon is 32) and more talented. The only one that stands out is 30-year old Jose Guillen of the Nationals who won't be cheap, comes with a minor history of attitude issues, and has his own injury baggage.

Go with the "evil injuries" you already know and no discipline problems (remember Carl Everett Sox fans?): Offer Trot a Games Played-incentive contract and sign him.

The Gonzalez/Loretta is tougher because of Pedroia. I personally think that Pedroia needs a full season with Boston before he takes any starting job. If I am the GM, Pedroia would fill the role that Alex Cora had on the bench. This allows Loretta and Gonzalez to play their 150/125 games respectively and would gives Pedroia nearly 50 games starting either position and plenty of ABs. By 2008, the Sox would know what position would best suit him assuming he continues his forward progress. If Gonzalez doesn't like that set-up then obviouslly things are easier--but I still wouldn't make Pedroia a full starter if they don't have to.

There really isn't a lot that Theo needs to play with outside of the pitching mound. The team was solid defensively and hit well when the batting order was healthy (AND had Youkilis leading off).

Considering Gagne

Eric Gagne's option was declined by the Dodgers, and with LA looking to resign Maddux and Nomar it is no given that this Cy Young closer will be back in Dodger-Blue--not to mention that Saito was superb in the stopper role.

I'm hoping that Theo is keeping a close eye on this potential bargain. He's come off two injury-plagued years, which means that he'll have a low price. And given the dire situation Boston's bullpen is in with Papelbon going into the rotation, I think that Gagne is definitely worth an incentive laden 1-year contract (with club option).

Matsuzaka

I have mixed feelings about the Red Sox being one of the front-runners for Daisuke Matsuzaka, the Japanese version of Johan Santana. Both New York teams are also repotedly pursuing the WBC MVP, and that means Boston will have to make a pretty decent bid. Perhaps both sides will be watching Boston vs New York Poker Showdowns in order to figure out the bluffing game--a game that Boston can ill-afford to lose. If it turns out that Boston bids $5+ million more than they needed to, that could be the difference between signing Nixon or Loretta/Rodriguez.

On the flip-side, landing Matsuzaka certainly will take pressure off the bullpen situation and maybe even give Hansen the season he needs to establish himself as the closer.

There's no justice in baseball

I am not a fan of the New York Yankees, but I am a fan of Joe Torre. And what he is about to endure this Baseball Winter is going to as unfair as any other time a manager or coach is blamed for the stupidity of his bosses. Fans and critics say its part of the job to take the symbolic heat, and sometimes the manager is the problem. But not this time.

Compare the Yankee teams that Torre took to World Series bliss with the failures he's had to manage for the last half-decade. Joe Torre is most dangerous when his teams have team chemistry combined with leadership and passion. But dump a bunch of egos and megastars on him... and well, you see the results. ARod--Sheffield--Johnson--Damon: none of them should have been brought to Bronx.

If Torre was taking the hit for anyone but Steinbrenner, I'd feel better. Steinbrenner is the Yankees problem. And Steinbrenner is a perfect of example of the kind of winning attitude and bad sportsmanship that ultimately hurts teams and fires a Joe Torre.

The Intentional Walk

Here is a rule that needs to go entirely. I do not buy for a second that it is a "strategy"--it's a cop out, plan and simple. Maybe at one point it started out as a bottom of the ninth strategic move, but when guys like Big Papi and Vlad and Howard are intetionally walked two to three times a ballgame? I'll even back Bonds on this issue, mostly because I'd love to see pitchers whiff him. But all in all it is completely unfair to the player. Imagine the numbers Ruth and Cobb and Rose and Musial would not have had if they had been intentionally put on base all the time! IBBs take valuable at-bats away from hitters--especially Hall of Fame caliber players.

It must also put a strain on an organization who cannot afford to go out and buy protection for their key hitter. Smaller market teams like the Royals and Brewers lived off of the clutchness of Brett and Yount. Imagine if those guys were walked all the time.

Most important of all, intentional walks is very unfair to the fans who come out to the ballpark and pay to see their All-Star players play--and that means swing the bat, especially in game-tying or -winning situations.. even better if its Johan Santana versus Big Papi!

If not outright banned then the intentional walk should at the very least start going into the books as automatic base hits. But the best solution is for managers to start putting confidence into their pitchers and letting them pitch. I still favour an outright ban. In the age of QwestTech, you cannot tell me that the ban could not be enforced.

BOS DH D Ortiz: MVP

My case for David Ortiz for MVP is this:

What other candidate stands out from their team?

This alone eliminates most candidates. Only Oakland's Frank Thomas really stands out. With Chavez's and Crosby's injury-ridden year, Thomas' timely home runs are Ortiz-esque and gave the A's pitching staff a chance to get going.

Santana has a decent case, but the Twins consistently solid offense has been enough to keep the Twins crossing the plate, regardless who is pitching. Plus Santana has not been so dominant on the road. And if anything, Minnesota's "Tenth Player", the Metrodome, deserves to be an MVP candidate more than any player.

What other candidate has kept their team in contention?

I understand the want to choose an MVP from a playoff team. But when there isn't a clear cut candidate, then other factors should be considered--such as players that help their team stay in playoff contention. In other words, if Ortiz doesn't come through with his trademark clutchness, who thinks that Boston would have even been in the playoff picture this late in the season? Despite the Sox being 10.5 games out of first, coming into the Bronx, IF the Sox had swept the series they would have left the Stadium 6.5 back. That's not out of contention.

As the case ended up, Boston took 3 of 4 from the Yankees, and that included 50000+ boo-ing Ortiz--who by the way had 2 doubles, a home run, and 6 walks (2 intentional) that weekend. In comparison, Jeter (with the support of that 50000+) was 2-14 (both singles) with 0 RBI, 0 BB, and a broken hitting streak.

And what about intangibles?

Ortiz's run at Jimmie Foxx's record kept New England tuned to their TVs and radios even with the Sox officially out of the playoffs.

Not enough? How many other candidates put themselves in a hospital carrying their team through its dark times?

McGwire and Hall in the On-Deck

Already the rumblings have started about whether McGwire belongs in Cooperstown or not. I'm sure I'll have plenty to say about this issue in the coming months as Big Mac is my favorite baseball player, bar none.

I'm sick of the term "performace enhancement drugs". It's one of those stupid politically charged words the media dreamed up, like "weapons of mass destruction". The media likes these words because they're all-inclusive generic "net" words which allows them to catch anything and anyone they see fit.

In this case, performance enhancement drug not only includes steroids, but anything an athlete might use on the field to get an edge--legal or not. And that's just stupid. Contrary to common belief, a steroid does not mean "illegal". A steroid is just a chemical that stimulates the muscles. Not all steroids are banned or illegal. Some are even used in the medical field. The only thing McGwire did wrong was use a steroid that was legal at the time he was using it. Read that last part again. ... As I remember it, it was banned, and like a few days (maybe weeks later) it was discovered in Mac's locker. BAM! Media frenzy.. "Big Mac is a cheater" "Big Mac is drugee"

In the end, Mac is a guy who trained hard and beefed up so that he could contribute to the game in a style that was his. But the libs don't much like people who do what they can to rise above the rest. They don't like people who make themselves better and succeed. No. Unless you have their permission to do that, you are cheating...or they will find a way to make you into a cheat and a liar. Or in Mac's case, a bumbling drugee not fit to be a role model.

What a crock. There's a special level of hell just for media-types who pull this bullshit.

Maybe Mac did use steroids at one point--in the same way someone might smoke pot once or twice and realize "this stuff isn't good for me". He'll never be able to admit it though because of the way everyone would blow it to the moon. Giambi was more lucky he could get it off his chest. All Mac can do is say "I don't wanna talk about the past", which the media gorges itself on anyway.

Phillies legend and HOFer, Mike Schmidt has a book coming out that sits on the oppsite side of the fence as Canseco's. Schmidt has always been a great ambassador for the game, both on the field and off. In his book he says of McGwire and his Hall of Fame bid, "You have to judge him against his peers in the game. He hasn't been banished from the game like (Pete) Rose, and his accomplishments on the field stand for themselves."

Amen. Mac's homers and the broken Maris record were a product of the late 20th century culture of baseball. Every baseball player played under those conditions and a lot of baseball players did what they needed to perform, illegal or not. Does it matter? Of course. Bonds and Palmeiro and Canseco should be judged accordingly and individually. Bonds will get in because he's Bonds, but there's no way someone of his age and with his history of injuries jacks 73 longballs in a twilight season without something helping him out. Truth is (despite what he says), he wanted a major record for his legacy and, at the time, Aaron's probably didn't look all that possible to him.. Palmeiro just had some rotten luck and horrible timing and should be held back for a few years.. Canseco is just damaged goods looking to take any kind of legacy he can get, and take as many people down as possible to get it. He isn't worth the pine tar on a bat.

But Mac was never proven to have done anything wrong, and being the man of tremendous integrity and humbleness that he is I will bank that he would never have cheated to break such a cherished record. Especially because of what he and Sosa gave to the game.