So many of you by now have probably read that David Ortiz has joined Alex Rodriguez on what is sure to be the long list of baseball players who used performance enhancing drugs in the early 2000s. In this case, 2003. Even as a Red Sox fan, I can't say I find this particularly shocking. What is becoming increasingly clear through the names that so far have been leaked from this supposedly closed list, is that many of MLBs big stars during these years were linked to steroids. It's beginning to seem that if Henry Aaron's asterisk for PED users gets approved, we are going to be seeing a whole bunch of asterisks for players during the 2000s. With these high-profile names being leaked, it does make a fan wonder, is this only the tip of the icerberg? Was steroid use as widespread as it appears to be, or were PEDs linked primarily to these players who happened to be at the top of the batting charts? Unfortunately until the whole list is released or leaked, us ordinary fans will have no idea just how widespread PED use was in baseball, all we will be able to do is speculate on who may or may not have done steroids or used other drugs to get a leg up on their fellow players.
As a fan of the Red Sox, I have to say it is saddening in some ways to see two of the best players (Ortiz and Manny Ramirez) on the 2004 World Series team linked to PEDs by this report. At the same time, I would not be surprised to learn if there were other members of the team whose names are also on the PED list. To all the fans who I'm sure will come out of the woodwork and argue that this somehow cheapens the World Series rings that the Red Sox won during this time frame, I cannot really refute this argument completely. But part of me can't help but think that if we were to have the list in front of us, that there would likely be a representative from every team in baseball on that list.
Will we ever see the list appear fully? Somehow I doubt it, unless it gets to a point where credibility for the league gets to such a low that the Players Union just decides to release the list to the press. Part of the reason that we will be unlikely to see a leak of the list, in my opinion is the fact that whoever posts it will get the pants sued off them by an angry group of players who were informed that this list was going to be confidential. On this disappointing day for Red Sox fans, and once again for baseball fans overall, I can't help but look ahead to the coming weeks and months when I'm sure we will find what other players rode the PED bus.
Kyle
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Neal Huntington, what are you doing?
Pirates GM Neal Huntington is going down a slippery slope. His team's opening day roster looked like this:
C - Ryan Doumit (Pirates)
1B - Adam LaRoche (Red Sox)
2B - Freddy Sanchez (Giants)
3B - Andy LaRoche (Pirates)
SS - Jack Wilson (Mariners)
LF - Nyjer Morgan (Nationals)
CF - Nate McLouth (Braves)
RF - Brandon Moss (Pirates)
http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PIT/opening.shtml
Obviously, the team the player is currently with is in parenthesis.
It's turned into a horrible version of VH1's "Where are they now"? The team they had on the field that day would not have won anything. However, they have stockpiled young players and ensured a losing team for a few years to come. However, once the next two to three years are over, did the stockpiling prove to be anything? Assuming they got good value for their trades, each player should be a slight upgrade, and that will get them to maybe 80 or so wins. However, their real future will be heavily dependent on drafting good pitching. If only they were slightly worse last year then THEY would be in the Stephen Strasburg predicament.
The Pirates have become America's Farm Team.
C - Ryan Doumit (Pirates)
1B - Adam LaRoche (Red Sox)
2B - Freddy Sanchez (Giants)
3B - Andy LaRoche (Pirates)
SS - Jack Wilson (Mariners)
LF - Nyjer Morgan (Nationals)
CF - Nate McLouth (Braves)
RF - Brandon Moss (Pirates)
http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PIT/opening.shtml
Obviously, the team the player is currently with is in parenthesis.
It's turned into a horrible version of VH1's "Where are they now"? The team they had on the field that day would not have won anything. However, they have stockpiled young players and ensured a losing team for a few years to come. However, once the next two to three years are over, did the stockpiling prove to be anything? Assuming they got good value for their trades, each player should be a slight upgrade, and that will get them to maybe 80 or so wins. However, their real future will be heavily dependent on drafting good pitching. If only they were slightly worse last year then THEY would be in the Stephen Strasburg predicament.
The Pirates have become America's Farm Team.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Small Preview:
With 42 days until the NFL Regular Season kicks off, I have decided to sound off on each of the 32 NFL teams with a focus on each one's Offense and Defense. Expect more on this project coming soon.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
MLB Hall of Fame Day
With a congratulations to Rickey Henderson and Jim Rice, who entered the MLB Hall of Fame today - I have been a baseball fan for 10 years. However, I always love speculating both youth and talent. This is a list for just myself, but these are guys who are going to wind up in the HOF, or at least on a ballot at some point who are personal favorites of mine. Here's the twist - they are all going to be under 28. (For football, I will do a similar list, but those guys will all be under 26).
Note: all players must have played in the Majors.
Position - Name (age)
Four man starting rotation:
SP - CC Sabathia (28)
SP - Justin Verlander (26)
SP - Tim Lincecum (25)
SP - Jered Weaver (26)
I just can't put in Joba or Hughes as much as I want to. Also, I am afraid Linceum will have the same problems Dontrelle Willis had. While I think Linecum has far better stuff, a lot of it is a direct result of his quirky windup and throwing motion. Major league hitters could figure it out in the coming years.
The lineup.
C - Joe Mauer (26)
1B - Justin Morneau (28)
2B - Dustin Pedroia (25)
SS - Hanley Ramirez (25)
3B - Evan Longoria (23)
OF - BJ Upton (24)
OF - Jay Bruce (22)
OF - Grady Sizemore (26)
Guys I just couldn't leave off the list:
1B - Miguel Cabrera (26)
3B - David Wright (26)
I'll be completely honest. There were two guys who seemed like LOCKS in their position, and they were Joe Mauer and Dustin Pedroia. They just know baseball. It's unbelievable watching them play, some players just have that natural look or ability. However, I have one player who has gotten a LOT of hype and I believe - barring a Mark Prior like career - will be fantastic.
If you haven't heard of him, you will:
Bryce Harper (16)
And of course the kid who is so good he can't even get a rookie contract:
SP - Stephen Strasburg (21)
Another joy of being a sports fan? Watching the young talent grow from a high school phenom, become a star in college then get drafted and earn the money by fantastic play. My favorite list is doing this for football though. I have played with scouts inc. for years and think Mel Kiper Jr. has the greatest job in the country. I'm going to give everyone a hint. The starting QB for the under 26 team? Matt Ryan.
Note: all players must have played in the Majors.
Position - Name (age)
Four man starting rotation:
SP - CC Sabathia (28)
SP - Justin Verlander (26)
SP - Tim Lincecum (25)
SP - Jered Weaver (26)
I just can't put in Joba or Hughes as much as I want to. Also, I am afraid Linceum will have the same problems Dontrelle Willis had. While I think Linecum has far better stuff, a lot of it is a direct result of his quirky windup and throwing motion. Major league hitters could figure it out in the coming years.
The lineup.
C - Joe Mauer (26)
1B - Justin Morneau (28)
2B - Dustin Pedroia (25)
SS - Hanley Ramirez (25)
3B - Evan Longoria (23)
OF - BJ Upton (24)
OF - Jay Bruce (22)
OF - Grady Sizemore (26)
Guys I just couldn't leave off the list:
1B - Miguel Cabrera (26)
3B - David Wright (26)
I'll be completely honest. There were two guys who seemed like LOCKS in their position, and they were Joe Mauer and Dustin Pedroia. They just know baseball. It's unbelievable watching them play, some players just have that natural look or ability. However, I have one player who has gotten a LOT of hype and I believe - barring a Mark Prior like career - will be fantastic.
If you haven't heard of him, you will:
Bryce Harper (16)
And of course the kid who is so good he can't even get a rookie contract:
SP - Stephen Strasburg (21)
Another joy of being a sports fan? Watching the young talent grow from a high school phenom, become a star in college then get drafted and earn the money by fantastic play. My favorite list is doing this for football though. I have played with scouts inc. for years and think Mel Kiper Jr. has the greatest job in the country. I'm going to give everyone a hint. The starting QB for the under 26 team? Matt Ryan.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Halladay, Wise, and My Top 3
I've been putting off writing about "why the Phillies need/don't need Roy Halladay" because it just seemed like such a cliche kind of thing to do. I mean, more than half the stories posted under the Phillies on BleacherReport this week had that as their basic argument.
Also, I didn't want to make my contributions to this blog ONLY about the Phillies.
But I'm going to do it anyway.
Let's get one thing straight: the Phillies do not need Halladay to win the N.L. East this year. At this point, there is absolutely no excuse for not winning the division. They have the talent, they have the experience, and, oh yeah, they have a 6 game lead. I'm not saying that its impossible for someone else (Atlanta has been looking good lately) to catch them, but if you are Ruben Amaro you can't be making this deal with an eye towards winning the division - you have to rely on the guys you already have to do that.
So that means this deal is all about the Play-offs.
If the Phillies go into the post-season right now, here's what their rotation looks like:
Hamels, Blanton, Happ, Moyer (or Pedro).
And here's how far Philly will go with that rotation:
The 2009 NLDS.
Consider that last year, when they won it all, Blanton was the #4 guy on the play-off rotation, and Hamels was pitching better than any other time in his career. Now, you're going to expect Blanton to be a #2 pitcher and a below-average Hamels to beat other team's aces.
On top of that, you're going to have an unproven rookie (Happ) and an over-the-hill veteran. Moyer got beat up in the play-offs last year, and I don't think Pedro is much of an upgrade there. Happ has been great so far, but so was Kyle Kendrick in 2007. Then, in Game 2 versus Colorado, Kendrick got shelled.
With this rotation, you have to pray Hamels can beat the other ace in Game 1, then you have to pray somebody can win another game in the series to force a Game 5, where you will be praying Hamels can beat the other ace again. Not a very favorable scenario if you want to repeat as World Champions.
Now, add Halladay, even if it means subtracting Happ, and you have this:
Halladay, Hamels, Blanton, Pedro/Moyer (or Happ, if you don't have to use him to get the Doctor).
That looks more like it. Halladay will favorably match up with any ace. Hamels, even if he doesn't get it together, is better than most #2 pitchers. And I like Blanton as a #3 much more than I do as a #2.
Giving up Happ (and Drabek) might sting a little, and it might hurt down the road, but this is a team that will have its entire core intact for the next two seasons. Adding Halladay for this year and 2010 means Philadelphia has a very good chance to be the first team to win three consecutive National League pennants since the NLCS began in 1969.
*****
DeWayne Wise's catch in the top of the ninth of Mark Buehrle's perfect game on Thursday has been broken down in probably every sports blog in the country, including this one.
My two cents: It's not the "greatest catch ever" as some have been saying. It might be the catch of the year, maybe.
What makes it so remarkable, for me, is not the catch itself (we've seen a lot of guys go over the wall and rob home runs), but what happened as Wise was coming down: the ball popped out of his glove. Even if he had dropped it at that point, he still would have saved a home run, and in normal circumstances that would be impressive enough. But he manages, as he is falling to the ground, to juggle the ball with his bare hand and hold on to it. That's why this was a great catch - most guys wouldn't be able to pull off both the over-the-wall move and the bare-handed dismount.
*****
Dave's last post got me thinking about my own sports history. So here's my Top 3 sporting events that I've seen live.
3. July 15, 2007 - The Phillies losing their 10,000th game. They are the only team in North American sports history to do that, so maybe it's not all positive, but it speaks to the longevity of the team. Well I was there for number 10,000. And yes, I applauded at the end of the game, just like most of the people in the crowd.
2. June 10, 2005 - Game 4 of the 2005 Calder Cup Finals, when the Philadelphia Phantoms closed out the Chicago Wolves to sweep the series and win the title. At the time, I was thinking: wow, if this is how people celebrate a minor league championship in this city, whats it going to be like when the Eagles or Phillies win one?
1. October 25, 2008 - Game 3 of the 2008 World Series. Carlos Ruiz walk-off 30-foot dribbler to score Eric Bruntlett against 5 infielders. After a two hour rain delay before the game. After Utley and Howard hit back-to-back homers. After Jamie Moyer pitched in front of his home town fans and looked like a young man. With my girlfriend and one of my best friends. Amazing night.
Honorable Mentions - I've seen two walk-off home runs in my lifetime. The first was Aaron Royster of the Reading Phillies (AA) against the Akron Aeros in 1997 (in the 12th inning). The second was David Wright against the Padres last year.
Also, I didn't want to make my contributions to this blog ONLY about the Phillies.
But I'm going to do it anyway.
Let's get one thing straight: the Phillies do not need Halladay to win the N.L. East this year. At this point, there is absolutely no excuse for not winning the division. They have the talent, they have the experience, and, oh yeah, they have a 6 game lead. I'm not saying that its impossible for someone else (Atlanta has been looking good lately) to catch them, but if you are Ruben Amaro you can't be making this deal with an eye towards winning the division - you have to rely on the guys you already have to do that.
So that means this deal is all about the Play-offs.
If the Phillies go into the post-season right now, here's what their rotation looks like:
Hamels, Blanton, Happ, Moyer (or Pedro).
And here's how far Philly will go with that rotation:
The 2009 NLDS.
Consider that last year, when they won it all, Blanton was the #4 guy on the play-off rotation, and Hamels was pitching better than any other time in his career. Now, you're going to expect Blanton to be a #2 pitcher and a below-average Hamels to beat other team's aces.
On top of that, you're going to have an unproven rookie (Happ) and an over-the-hill veteran. Moyer got beat up in the play-offs last year, and I don't think Pedro is much of an upgrade there. Happ has been great so far, but so was Kyle Kendrick in 2007. Then, in Game 2 versus Colorado, Kendrick got shelled.
With this rotation, you have to pray Hamels can beat the other ace in Game 1, then you have to pray somebody can win another game in the series to force a Game 5, where you will be praying Hamels can beat the other ace again. Not a very favorable scenario if you want to repeat as World Champions.
Now, add Halladay, even if it means subtracting Happ, and you have this:
Halladay, Hamels, Blanton, Pedro/Moyer (or Happ, if you don't have to use him to get the Doctor).
That looks more like it. Halladay will favorably match up with any ace. Hamels, even if he doesn't get it together, is better than most #2 pitchers. And I like Blanton as a #3 much more than I do as a #2.
Giving up Happ (and Drabek) might sting a little, and it might hurt down the road, but this is a team that will have its entire core intact for the next two seasons. Adding Halladay for this year and 2010 means Philadelphia has a very good chance to be the first team to win three consecutive National League pennants since the NLCS began in 1969.
*****
DeWayne Wise's catch in the top of the ninth of Mark Buehrle's perfect game on Thursday has been broken down in probably every sports blog in the country, including this one.
My two cents: It's not the "greatest catch ever" as some have been saying. It might be the catch of the year, maybe.
What makes it so remarkable, for me, is not the catch itself (we've seen a lot of guys go over the wall and rob home runs), but what happened as Wise was coming down: the ball popped out of his glove. Even if he had dropped it at that point, he still would have saved a home run, and in normal circumstances that would be impressive enough. But he manages, as he is falling to the ground, to juggle the ball with his bare hand and hold on to it. That's why this was a great catch - most guys wouldn't be able to pull off both the over-the-wall move and the bare-handed dismount.
*****
Dave's last post got me thinking about my own sports history. So here's my Top 3 sporting events that I've seen live.
3. July 15, 2007 - The Phillies losing their 10,000th game. They are the only team in North American sports history to do that, so maybe it's not all positive, but it speaks to the longevity of the team. Well I was there for number 10,000. And yes, I applauded at the end of the game, just like most of the people in the crowd.
2. June 10, 2005 - Game 4 of the 2005 Calder Cup Finals, when the Philadelphia Phantoms closed out the Chicago Wolves to sweep the series and win the title. At the time, I was thinking: wow, if this is how people celebrate a minor league championship in this city, whats it going to be like when the Eagles or Phillies win one?
1. October 25, 2008 - Game 3 of the 2008 World Series. Carlos Ruiz walk-off 30-foot dribbler to score Eric Bruntlett against 5 infielders. After a two hour rain delay before the game. After Utley and Howard hit back-to-back homers. After Jamie Moyer pitched in front of his home town fans and looked like a young man. With my girlfriend and one of my best friends. Amazing night.
Honorable Mentions - I've seen two walk-off home runs in my lifetime. The first was Aaron Royster of the Reading Phillies (AA) against the Akron Aeros in 1997 (in the 12th inning). The second was David Wright against the Padres last year.
Friday, July 24, 2009
I'm no Mark Buehrle...
I believe I have watched the various replays of Mark Buehrle's perfect game about a dozen times. The game itself was fantastic to watch, but not just for the game. Watching moments like these are for the fans as well. That is the joy of being a pure fan. So many people are getting caught up in steroids, but I'm just going to enjoy this is for what it is. If you haven't watch the final half inning. It is a moment in time. It can never be taken away.
This got me thinking about some of the best sports moments I have ever seen.
- The first football game I ever remember watching was Super Bowl XXVIII. This single game launched me into a level of sports fanaticism to which I have not come back from.
- The 1996 Jeffrey Maier catch against the Orioles which changed the dynamics of the entire playoffs. It was the moment that really defined the series. It didn't win it, but neither did LeBron's shot. Bill Buckner didn't LOSE the series, just botched a play. It's just a big piece of the puzzle.
- This one is more of a personal note, but when the Devils won the Stanley Cup on Jason Arnott's overtime winner. An honorable mention is when the Rangers won their cup in 1994 and Messier shaking the cup.
- When Jumbo Elliott caught the pass for the touchdown in the Monday Night Miracle.
- As much as I hate to say it, I remember when Louis Gonzalez hit that little blooper to left field. I refuse to put a link up to it.
- In an homage to my dad, I remember the Aaron Boone home run. For what it's worth, I have never seen the end of the 2004 or 2007 World Series' and I plan on keeping it that way. Regardless, they are big moments.
But the most important moment that I have experienced as a fan? This has nothing to do with sports itself.
Jack Buck's poem right after 9/11.
All this said, it is very important to remember the moments in sports that matter to you. When it really comes down to it - sports is a diversion and a method of entertainment. I am glad to be a fanatic for the teams I love and it will continuously provide us with moments that are going to remain in our memories for years to come.
This got me thinking about some of the best sports moments I have ever seen.
- The first football game I ever remember watching was Super Bowl XXVIII. This single game launched me into a level of sports fanaticism to which I have not come back from.
- The 1996 Jeffrey Maier catch against the Orioles which changed the dynamics of the entire playoffs. It was the moment that really defined the series. It didn't win it, but neither did LeBron's shot. Bill Buckner didn't LOSE the series, just botched a play. It's just a big piece of the puzzle.
- This one is more of a personal note, but when the Devils won the Stanley Cup on Jason Arnott's overtime winner. An honorable mention is when the Rangers won their cup in 1994 and Messier shaking the cup.
- When Jumbo Elliott caught the pass for the touchdown in the Monday Night Miracle.
- As much as I hate to say it, I remember when Louis Gonzalez hit that little blooper to left field. I refuse to put a link up to it.
- In an homage to my dad, I remember the Aaron Boone home run. For what it's worth, I have never seen the end of the 2004 or 2007 World Series' and I plan on keeping it that way. Regardless, they are big moments.
But the most important moment that I have experienced as a fan? This has nothing to do with sports itself.
Jack Buck's poem right after 9/11.
All this said, it is very important to remember the moments in sports that matter to you. When it really comes down to it - sports is a diversion and a method of entertainment. I am glad to be a fanatic for the teams I love and it will continuously provide us with moments that are going to remain in our memories for years to come.
Perfect Games and Other Items of Note
First off I would like to give well deserved congratulations to Mark Buehrle for his Perfect Game yesterday afternoon. As far as Perfect Games go, Buehrle's was only the 17th in regular season history and 18th overall - as you might already know Don Larsen's is still the only postseason Perfect Game in MLB history. What makes Buehrle's feat even more special, is that he is one of only 28 pitchers with multiple no-nos, and the sixth with at least 2 no-hitters and a Perfect Game. Pretty amazing huh? As well as Buehrle pitched, it was perhaps the miracle catch by his teammate Dewayne Wise that made it memorable. If you haven't seen the catch (shame on you) click on the link here. I probably watched that catch at least 20 times last night; I'm still in awe that Wise managed to not drop it. Barring some other miracle catch, this will be the catch of the year, and perhaps in the running for one of the greatest catches of all time. As a matter of fact this is currently the ESPN poll question of the day.
Miscellaneous items of interest:
Baseball:
After a nearly 3 hour rain delay the Yankees managed to extend their winning streak to 7 games. It hasn't been pretty this past week, but teams been getting the job done both starters and bullpen alike. The series against Baltimore featured a couple 2-1 nailbiters as well as a Hideki Matsui walk-off winner. Last nights win also allowed my Yanks to take a 2.5 game lead in the division as Boston had an off day.
Look out - The Philadelphia Phillies have won 15 of their last 17 games, and with the addition of Pedro Martinez and possibly Roy Halladay, the defending champs are beginning to run away with the NL East and are becoming the team to beat in the National League.
Basketball:
- I know I've said basketball isn't necessarily my area of expertise, but what's with this LeBron getting dunked on hype?? Watch the video here and tell me where that is because I couldn't even discern LeBron from the other guys. So Crawford dunked on him...big deal why all the cover up? LAME.
Football:
- Aside from the beginning of camps (and Brett Favre's ongoing indecisiveness) football news is rather slow unless you're Michael Vick. The next few days will decide his football fate, and while the possibility of him becoming reinstated by Roger Goodell seems imminent, there is still a potential 4 game suspension looming. The other question that needs to be looked at is which team would sign him? Vick just got out of prison, is likely out of football shape, and if reinstated, would miss the first 4 games of the season anyway. It's a major risk for any team to take. According to ESPN.com at least a few teams have outright declared they want nothing to do with Vick, including the Giants, Jets, Rams, and 49ers. Amazing considering 3 out of those 4 teams will have their QBs battling it out in the preseason and in camps. The UFL seems to be the only real option for Michael Vick at the present moment, at least until he proves himself mature and responsible enough to rejoin the NFL.
Hope you enjoyed my post, again feel free to comment on anything I've written!
- Ash
This just in! Sportscenter has just announced that Matt Holliday will go to the Cardinals in a 4 player deal with the A's....looks like Pujols has some protection. Yikes, look out National League. I'll say this, with Holliday in the 3-hole he gives Albert an even more legit shot at the Triple Crown. I would not be surprised if he gets it now.
Miscellaneous items of interest:
Baseball:
After a nearly 3 hour rain delay the Yankees managed to extend their winning streak to 7 games. It hasn't been pretty this past week, but teams been getting the job done both starters and bullpen alike. The series against Baltimore featured a couple 2-1 nailbiters as well as a Hideki Matsui walk-off winner. Last nights win also allowed my Yanks to take a 2.5 game lead in the division as Boston had an off day.
Look out - The Philadelphia Phillies have won 15 of their last 17 games, and with the addition of Pedro Martinez and possibly Roy Halladay, the defending champs are beginning to run away with the NL East and are becoming the team to beat in the National League.
Basketball:
- I know I've said basketball isn't necessarily my area of expertise, but what's with this LeBron getting dunked on hype?? Watch the video here and tell me where that is because I couldn't even discern LeBron from the other guys. So Crawford dunked on him...big deal why all the cover up? LAME.
Football:
- Aside from the beginning of camps (and Brett Favre's ongoing indecisiveness) football news is rather slow unless you're Michael Vick. The next few days will decide his football fate, and while the possibility of him becoming reinstated by Roger Goodell seems imminent, there is still a potential 4 game suspension looming. The other question that needs to be looked at is which team would sign him? Vick just got out of prison, is likely out of football shape, and if reinstated, would miss the first 4 games of the season anyway. It's a major risk for any team to take. According to ESPN.com at least a few teams have outright declared they want nothing to do with Vick, including the Giants, Jets, Rams, and 49ers. Amazing considering 3 out of those 4 teams will have their QBs battling it out in the preseason and in camps. The UFL seems to be the only real option for Michael Vick at the present moment, at least until he proves himself mature and responsible enough to rejoin the NFL.
Hope you enjoyed my post, again feel free to comment on anything I've written!
- Ash
This just in! Sportscenter has just announced that Matt Holliday will go to the Cardinals in a 4 player deal with the A's....looks like Pujols has some protection. Yikes, look out National League. I'll say this, with Holliday in the 3-hole he gives Albert an even more legit shot at the Triple Crown. I would not be surprised if he gets it now.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
