With the World Baseball Classic now over, and Japan having defended their inaugural WBC championship, I thought I'd revisit it, and add some personal pics.
So I watched the end of the first semifinal game, Korea beating Venezuela 10-2. Also I watched most of Japan beating the US 9-4. The commentators for MLB International, what I watched here in Canada, Gary Thorne and Rick Sutcliffe brought up the point about the Korean work ethic during their semifinal game. I believe I heard the same in regards to the Japanese squad too earlier on at some point.
They said how they Koreans were playing balls off the outfield walls, to see how the ball caroms. Also how they stress the importance of drills, such as practising the 6-4 and 4-6 toss to initiate a DP. They also on numerous occasions note how the Asians play very sound fundamental ball. I admit to not being a big fan of Asian baseball prior to this years WBC, as I am North American, grew up with MLB, and so on, with that said, my appreciation for Asian baseball has grown.
Prior to this, I have heard that the Japanese box score is much more detailed than ours, and also that they have two batting cages going simultaneously for batting practise. With all this in mind one can easily see how the level of baseball in Japan is very high, not to mention Asia in general.
On paper, Venezuela should have been the team to handle Korea, as Korea had just one MLB player on their roster. The same applies to the Japan USA game, although not quite as much, as we know Japan is a strong baseball nation. Japan only had 5 MLB players on their roster.
For those that play baseball, as I do, we can learn a lot from the Asian work ethic. I predict plenty more Asian MLB imports in the near future, including, but definitely not limited to Yu Darvish.
Of note in the final, as the above commentators said, you'd never see a MLB manager leaving a relief pitcher in after allowing the tying run, and then to start the next inning too. Therefore he was credited with the blown save, and a save!
That reminds me how the commentators also said how during any stoppage in play, tv commercials, etc, the Asian teams, I imagine Japan, and Korea at least, the players would get on the field (just off the bench, in foul territory) to warm up, or stay warm. Once that was disallowed, the players would use the dugout to toss the ball. Most players being against the dugout fencing, thus leaving a decent space to stay warm and toss the ball.
So this post ended up being a little longer than I expected, so I'll write a final WBC post that includes a couple pics.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Minor League (Triple A) affiliation changes for 2009
This was a post I have been meaning to write for a little while ago. I'd probably write more about the minors if I knew more! Anyway, there are a few changes worth noting. I'll start with Triple A.
The Syracuse Chiefs are now the Triple A affiliate of the Washington Nationals. Their triple A club prior was the Columbus Clippers for 2007 and 2008. The Jays end their long 31 year affiliation with them, and now have the Las Vegas 51s. I mentioned this in a past post. That won't be too convenient unless the Jays are playing on the West Coast. The 51s were the Dodgers affiliate from 2001 - 2008.
The Dodgers now have the Albuquerque Isotopes (named after the Simpsons episode where the Springfield Isotopes were supposed to move to Albuquerque). They were the Marlins affiliate before that, from 2003 - 2008. Said Simpsons (Hungry, Hungry Homer) episode aired March 4, 2001. At that point the Albuquerque Isotopes were still the Calgary Cannons. On another note, Canada should have more minor league ball, not to mention major league ball (*cough*Montreal*cough*), maybe the World Baseball Classic will help bring more ball back to Canada, as that is the goal of the tourney, or one of. That and when Selig leaves, but this all deserves a post of its own.
So the Marlins have a better affiliate now geographically, the New Orleans Zephyrs. They were affiliated with the Mets for 2007 and 2008, Nationals for 2005 and 2006, and the Astros from 1997 - 2004 (to go a little ways back). They were the first professional team to return after Hurricane Katrina (from Wikipedia). I actually helped with that Wikipedia article around that time! Anyway...
The Mets now have the Buffalo Bisons as their Triple A squadron. It was a possibility that the Jays would get Buffalo, but I suppose that obviously did not work out, or happen. They were the Indians affiliate from 1995 - 2008. So now the Indians have the Columbus Clippers.
I think that covers it. I will end this post now, and cover more affiliation changes soon. I had a lot of help from this article, Baseball affiliation changes don’t follow the script, and accompanying graphic!
The Syracuse Chiefs are now the Triple A affiliate of the Washington Nationals. Their triple A club prior was the Columbus Clippers for 2007 and 2008. The Jays end their long 31 year affiliation with them, and now have the Las Vegas 51s. I mentioned this in a past post. That won't be too convenient unless the Jays are playing on the West Coast. The 51s were the Dodgers affiliate from 2001 - 2008.
The Dodgers now have the Albuquerque Isotopes (named after the Simpsons episode where the Springfield Isotopes were supposed to move to Albuquerque). They were the Marlins affiliate before that, from 2003 - 2008. Said Simpsons (Hungry, Hungry Homer) episode aired March 4, 2001. At that point the Albuquerque Isotopes were still the Calgary Cannons. On another note, Canada should have more minor league ball, not to mention major league ball (*cough*Montreal*cough*), maybe the World Baseball Classic will help bring more ball back to Canada, as that is the goal of the tourney, or one of. That and when Selig leaves, but this all deserves a post of its own.
So the Marlins have a better affiliate now geographically, the New Orleans Zephyrs. They were affiliated with the Mets for 2007 and 2008, Nationals for 2005 and 2006, and the Astros from 1997 - 2004 (to go a little ways back). They were the first professional team to return after Hurricane Katrina (from Wikipedia). I actually helped with that Wikipedia article around that time! Anyway...
The Mets now have the Buffalo Bisons as their Triple A squadron. It was a possibility that the Jays would get Buffalo, but I suppose that obviously did not work out, or happen. They were the Indians affiliate from 1995 - 2008. So now the Indians have the Columbus Clippers.
I think that covers it. I will end this post now, and cover more affiliation changes soon. I had a lot of help from this article, Baseball affiliation changes don’t follow the script, and accompanying graphic!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Baseball pictures
So, for lack of a better post, not actually saying this is a bad post though, I thought I'd post something underrated. As the title states, that would be baseball pictures.
I enjoy checking out still images, as it gives a different prospective than video, and also in many cases stuff not often seen in video. MLB.com has plenty of pics, unfortunately they are not too easily browsed. One can go to the gallery page on mlb.com, and see recent pics, but to see pics from farther back requires a bit more digging and/or clicking though the flash menus.
So I'll post some links to the sections where pics can be found.
March 14 spring training pictures. From that page you can get to other spring training daily galleries.
For an example of some things not scene in video, check out picture four from this set. It offers a glimpse into photo day, players lining up for their media photograph. Speaking of that, I read a good post over at Uni Watch, the aptly titled, "Okay, Everyone Say, ‘High Cheese…’".
Picture three in this set, from February 14, A.J. Burnett with his new club throwing a bullpen session.
Phillies specific galleries. Newest set is March 11, guess I'll find out if it will update without changing the url with newer galleries. I linked to this one as the first pic is Shane Victorino, and Jimmy Rollins in WBC USA attire before facing the Phillies in an exhibition game March 5 (the US won 9-6). Also in there is Jeter.
And, World Baseball Classic pictures.
I enjoy checking out still images, as it gives a different prospective than video, and also in many cases stuff not often seen in video. MLB.com has plenty of pics, unfortunately they are not too easily browsed. One can go to the gallery page on mlb.com, and see recent pics, but to see pics from farther back requires a bit more digging and/or clicking though the flash menus.
So I'll post some links to the sections where pics can be found.
March 14 spring training pictures. From that page you can get to other spring training daily galleries.
For an example of some things not scene in video, check out picture four from this set. It offers a glimpse into photo day, players lining up for their media photograph. Speaking of that, I read a good post over at Uni Watch, the aptly titled, "Okay, Everyone Say, ‘High Cheese…’".
Picture three in this set, from February 14, A.J. Burnett with his new club throwing a bullpen session.
Phillies specific galleries. Newest set is March 11, guess I'll find out if it will update without changing the url with newer galleries. I linked to this one as the first pic is Shane Victorino, and Jimmy Rollins in WBC USA attire before facing the Phillies in an exhibition game March 5 (the US won 9-6). Also in there is Jeter.
And, World Baseball Classic pictures.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
World Baseball Classic Pool C
Well, the biggest disappointment from Pool C is Canada not advancing to Round 2, or not getting past Italy.
Game one had a nervous, tense ending. With Brett Lawrie pinch running for Joey Votto at second, Jason Bay fouled a ball that just barely found the seats, then flied out to Shane Victorino, who I might add is very short, he is 5'9". Anyway, it was a close game, ending 6-5 in favour of the Americans. Jason Bay was the potential winning run.
With that game in mind, and generally, I don't think I was the only one thinking that beating Italy should not be so hard. Looking back though, regardless of the starting pitcher, Italy were a surprisingly good team. When they were playing Venezuela, until Venezuela broke it open, and kept the lead, it could have been anyone's game. Italy was getting the hits, just not capitalising. With two outs in the top of the first, Italy had runners on first and second, but then grounded into a force out. Frank Catalanotto and former Expo Valentino Pascucci singled before Chris Denorfia grounded into said force out, at second.
The United States Venezuela game on Sunday was good until the US got to the Venezuelan pitching in the sixth. Starting with Victor Zambrano striking our Kevin Youkilis, however he reached on a wild pitch. Then with the bases loaded, Mark DeRosa walked, and that brought in Youkilis.
I had some semi leet seats down the right field line, that is how I knew Victorino was so short. Never really noticed on TV. Bobby Abreu was getting his fair share of taunting, in the end though, Venezuela got the best of the US squad. Toward the end of the US thrashing of Venezuela, a group of American fans were yelling out they infielders starting with 1B Youkilis, in a positive way. Youk acknowledged, followed by Dustin Pedroia, and Derek Jeter. Not sure if Mark DeRosa responded, but I don't believe Heath Bell did, as he had to focus on pitching. From my vantage point, the Adam Dunn homer looked like quite a monster shot, hitting the 200 level atRogers Centre SkyDome. I can only imagine how Chris Iannetta's homer (in the final Pool C game, Venezuela at USA) would have looked if sitting down the left field line, as it truly was a towering monster shot, hitting the 400 level! Or anywhere it would have probably looked impressive for that matter. Most of this is not too exciting, just a few notes from being there. By the way, I think Adam Dunn would have been a good pickup by the Jays.
So, it was a good WBC Pool C in Toronto. I enjoyed the first three games in person. However it would have been nicer if Canada wasn't upset at home. However not quite as big of an upset as the Netherlands taking out the Dominican Republic! The eneding itself was not the most dramatic alone, but given the teams involved, it was fairly dramatic!
I'll see if I have any pictures worth uploading, and do so in my next post.
Game one had a nervous, tense ending. With Brett Lawrie pinch running for Joey Votto at second, Jason Bay fouled a ball that just barely found the seats, then flied out to Shane Victorino, who I might add is very short, he is 5'9". Anyway, it was a close game, ending 6-5 in favour of the Americans. Jason Bay was the potential winning run.
With that game in mind, and generally, I don't think I was the only one thinking that beating Italy should not be so hard. Looking back though, regardless of the starting pitcher, Italy were a surprisingly good team. When they were playing Venezuela, until Venezuela broke it open, and kept the lead, it could have been anyone's game. Italy was getting the hits, just not capitalising. With two outs in the top of the first, Italy had runners on first and second, but then grounded into a force out. Frank Catalanotto and former Expo Valentino Pascucci singled before Chris Denorfia grounded into said force out, at second.
The United States Venezuela game on Sunday was good until the US got to the Venezuelan pitching in the sixth. Starting with Victor Zambrano striking our Kevin Youkilis, however he reached on a wild pitch. Then with the bases loaded, Mark DeRosa walked, and that brought in Youkilis.
I had some semi leet seats down the right field line, that is how I knew Victorino was so short. Never really noticed on TV. Bobby Abreu was getting his fair share of taunting, in the end though, Venezuela got the best of the US squad. Toward the end of the US thrashing of Venezuela, a group of American fans were yelling out they infielders starting with 1B Youkilis, in a positive way. Youk acknowledged, followed by Dustin Pedroia, and Derek Jeter. Not sure if Mark DeRosa responded, but I don't believe Heath Bell did, as he had to focus on pitching. From my vantage point, the Adam Dunn homer looked like quite a monster shot, hitting the 200 level at
So, it was a good WBC Pool C in Toronto. I enjoyed the first three games in person. However it would have been nicer if Canada wasn't upset at home. However not quite as big of an upset as the Netherlands taking out the Dominican Republic! The eneding itself was not the most dramatic alone, but given the teams involved, it was fairly dramatic!
I'll see if I have any pictures worth uploading, and do so in my next post.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Warming up for the World Baseball Classic
Plenty of interesting exhibition games currently going on in Florida, and a few in Arizona.
Tuesday I did not work so I could watch Canada face the Blue Jays. I watched most until I dosed off during it, until the very very end. It looked pretty sweet, however the announcers said it was only in the 50s Fahrenheit, or between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. Canada won 6-4. Matt Stairs received an ovation from the Dunedin crowd. Today the Blue Jays won in a walk off win against Team USA, while Canada lost to the Phillies 6-5. Surely Matt Stairs would have received another ovation at Bright House Field, spring training home of the Phillies in Clearwater, FL. I'll have some highlights to watch (nuts to the NHL trade deadline!).
On Tuesday the Dominican Republic creamed the Florida Marlins 10-1. The Netherlands had a close game against Pittsburgh, losing 5-4. Also a close game for Puerto Rico, losing 3-2 against Minnesota. The United States beat the Yankees 6-5. All these scores and more.
Today, Italy beat Florida this time, but by the score of 5-1. Panama beat Detroit 9-3. Cincinnati beat the Netherlands 5-4 in 10. Mexico lit up Arizona, beating them 19-4! Puerto Rico beat Tampa Bay 2-1, and Australia beat Seattle 11-9. Again, however Wednesday's results.
Today, Canada plays the Yankees, and USA plays the Phillies. Despite the fact the MLB clubs are the spring training clubs, so they have many minor leaguers, looks like the World Baseball Classic should prove to be interesting. Today's schedule, and eventually results.
I'll be heading to Toronto for the first three games at Skydome (yup!). Canada vs the US, Italy vs Venezuela, and game one winner vs game two winner.
Tuesday I did not work so I could watch Canada face the Blue Jays. I watched most until I dosed off during it, until the very very end. It looked pretty sweet, however the announcers said it was only in the 50s Fahrenheit, or between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. Canada won 6-4. Matt Stairs received an ovation from the Dunedin crowd. Today the Blue Jays won in a walk off win against Team USA, while Canada lost to the Phillies 6-5. Surely Matt Stairs would have received another ovation at Bright House Field, spring training home of the Phillies in Clearwater, FL. I'll have some highlights to watch (nuts to the NHL trade deadline!).
On Tuesday the Dominican Republic creamed the Florida Marlins 10-1. The Netherlands had a close game against Pittsburgh, losing 5-4. Also a close game for Puerto Rico, losing 3-2 against Minnesota. The United States beat the Yankees 6-5. All these scores and more.
Today, Italy beat Florida this time, but by the score of 5-1. Panama beat Detroit 9-3. Cincinnati beat the Netherlands 5-4 in 10. Mexico lit up Arizona, beating them 19-4! Puerto Rico beat Tampa Bay 2-1, and Australia beat Seattle 11-9. Again, however Wednesday's results.
Today, Canada plays the Yankees, and USA plays the Phillies. Despite the fact the MLB clubs are the spring training clubs, so they have many minor leaguers, looks like the World Baseball Classic should prove to be interesting. Today's schedule, and eventually results.
I'll be heading to Toronto for the first three games at Skydome (yup!). Canada vs the US, Italy vs Venezuela, and game one winner vs game two winner.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Woohoo, baseball again!
The Minnesota Twins host the Boston Red Sox (split squad) at Fort Myers, Florida at Hammond Stadium. Game time is 19:05 EST. It can be seen on NESN, MLBN, or Sportsnet in Canada.
Earlier today in a 7 inning exhibition game, the Red Sox beat Boston College 7 - 1. Read about it over at Joy of Sox.
Tonight:
Boston
Ellsbury, CF
Pedroia, 2B
Youkilis, 1B
Bay, LF
Wilkerson, RF
Lowrie, SS
Bailey, DH
Bard, J,
Velazquez, 3B
Minnesota
Casilla, 2B
Punto, SS
Morneau, 1B
Cuddyer, RF
Kubel, DH
Young, LF
Buscher, 3B
Redmond, C
Pridie, CF
And Wakefield vs Glen Perkins on the mound.
As stated above, former Expo Brad Wilkerson makes his Red Sock debut, in right.
Since it is spring training, I won't elaborate too much. Instead, go here for spring training results and schedules.
Earlier today in a 7 inning exhibition game, the Red Sox beat Boston College 7 - 1. Read about it over at Joy of Sox.
Tonight:
Boston
Ellsbury, CF
Pedroia, 2B
Youkilis, 1B
Bay, LF
Wilkerson, RF
Lowrie, SS
Bailey, DH
Bard, J,
Velazquez, 3B
Minnesota
Casilla, 2B
Punto, SS
Morneau, 1B
Cuddyer, RF
Kubel, DH
Young, LF
Buscher, 3B
Redmond, C
Pridie, CF
And Wakefield vs Glen Perkins on the mound.
As stated above, former Expo Brad Wilkerson makes his Red Sock debut, in right.
Since it is spring training, I won't elaborate too much. Instead, go here for spring training results and schedules.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Brad Wilkerson joins the Red Sox
It took a little while, as it looks like the Brad Wilkerson deal was done February 3, pending a physical, but it was officially announced February 16 that the Red Sox "signed OF Brad Wilkerson to a Minor League contract and invited him to Spring Training."
Assuming he makes the team, it should be interesting to see if he returns to form. He has not played as well as he could have since leaving the Expos. And that includes the Nationals.
He will be trying to for roles as backup first baseman and fifth outfielder.
There are plenty of former Expos still around, including players that have been in the Expos system. I won't pretend to know where they all are. I pretty much only know the most familiar, and some up and coming players in the last few years. For a much better list, I recommend checking out this forum post: Ancien Expos - 2009 over at encorebaseballmontreal.com. To translate a bit, the first list is ex Expos in regular lineups, followed by non-roster invitees (NRI), former players in the Expos organisation in regular team lineups, and finally former players in the organisation that are NRI.
Speaking of encorebaseballmontreal.com, if you are reading this and you are located in Montreal, they have a baseball league in the summer, so you should join, and see me embarrass myself in the summer!
Links:
Now a Sox, Wilkerson aims high: Veteran in camp hoping to land a spot as backup for Boston. (note to the author/mlb, it should be now a Sock, or now a Sox member)
Also, unrelated, Baseball growing in Canada, says Bay.
Assuming he makes the team, it should be interesting to see if he returns to form. He has not played as well as he could have since leaving the Expos. And that includes the Nationals.
He will be trying to for roles as backup first baseman and fifth outfielder.
There are plenty of former Expos still around, including players that have been in the Expos system. I won't pretend to know where they all are. I pretty much only know the most familiar, and some up and coming players in the last few years. For a much better list, I recommend checking out this forum post: Ancien Expos - 2009 over at encorebaseballmontreal.com. To translate a bit, the first list is ex Expos in regular lineups, followed by non-roster invitees (NRI), former players in the Expos organisation in regular team lineups, and finally former players in the organisation that are NRI.
Speaking of encorebaseballmontreal.com, if you are reading this and you are located in Montreal, they have a baseball league in the summer, so you should join, and see me embarrass myself in the summer!
Links:
Now a Sox, Wilkerson aims high: Veteran in camp hoping to land a spot as backup for Boston. (note to the author/mlb, it should be now a Sock, or now a Sox member)
Also, unrelated, Baseball growing in Canada, says Bay.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Major League Baseball Spring Training 2009
With Spring Training 2009 getting underway, I updated my little Google Maps mashup, hopefully I will get around to make it somewhat better, but it works anyway.
MLB Spring Training 2009
So a few changes were made since last year. Most notable is the Dodgers leaving Vero Beach and Holman Stadium for the Cactus League. Spring training was held in Dodgertown for 61 seasons, from 1948 to 2008. Going back to when they were still in Brooklyn. Their brand new Cactus League park is Camelback Ranch in Glendale, just outside Phoenix.
The Cleveland Indians are the other team leaving the Grapefruit League for the Cactus League. There new location in Arizona is the Goodyear Park in Goodyear, AZ. They are returning to the Cactus League after 16 seasons in Florida. They were in Winter Haven, Florida, at the Chain of Lakes Park.
The Tampa Bay rays move slightly south, from St. Petersburg to Port Charlotte. They move to the "newly renovated state-of-the-art" Charlotte Sports Park after having been in the Progress Energy Park, Home of Al Lang Field.
The Chicago White Sox move from Tucson to Phoenix (Glendale to be more specific) to share Camelback Ranch with the Dodgers.
So now in 2009 the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues are closer to the same number of teams. In 2008 there were 18 teams in Florida, and obviously 12 in Arizona, now however the ratio is 16 to 14. Next year the Cincinnati Reds will leave the Grapefruit League, and join the Indians in Goodyear.
For the geeks: Maps showing each teams move in plain old Google Maps (as I don't have the javascript knowledge to do a DIY site!).
Los Angeles Dodgers: Vero Beach, Florida to Glendale, Arizona.
Cleveland Indians: Winter Haven, Florida to Goodyear, Arizona.
Tampa Bay Rays: St. Petersburg to Port Charlotte.
Chicago White Sox: Tucson to Glendale.
MLB Spring Training 2009
So a few changes were made since last year. Most notable is the Dodgers leaving Vero Beach and Holman Stadium for the Cactus League. Spring training was held in Dodgertown for 61 seasons, from 1948 to 2008. Going back to when they were still in Brooklyn. Their brand new Cactus League park is Camelback Ranch in Glendale, just outside Phoenix.
The Cleveland Indians are the other team leaving the Grapefruit League for the Cactus League. There new location in Arizona is the Goodyear Park in Goodyear, AZ. They are returning to the Cactus League after 16 seasons in Florida. They were in Winter Haven, Florida, at the Chain of Lakes Park.
The Tampa Bay rays move slightly south, from St. Petersburg to Port Charlotte. They move to the "newly renovated state-of-the-art" Charlotte Sports Park after having been in the Progress Energy Park, Home of Al Lang Field.
The Chicago White Sox move from Tucson to Phoenix (Glendale to be more specific) to share Camelback Ranch with the Dodgers.
So now in 2009 the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues are closer to the same number of teams. In 2008 there were 18 teams in Florida, and obviously 12 in Arizona, now however the ratio is 16 to 14. Next year the Cincinnati Reds will leave the Grapefruit League, and join the Indians in Goodyear.
For the geeks: Maps showing each teams move in plain old Google Maps (as I don't have the javascript knowledge to do a DIY site!).
Los Angeles Dodgers: Vero Beach, Florida to Glendale, Arizona.
Cleveland Indians: Winter Haven, Florida to Goodyear, Arizona.
Tampa Bay Rays: St. Petersburg to Port Charlotte.
Chicago White Sox: Tucson to Glendale.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Marlins Stadium and Selig
I am not one to usually post such short blog entries, but felt my last post was appropriate. It comes after the announcment of Allan 'Bud' Selig's salary of the fiscal year ending October 31, 2007 being $18.35 million. $17.47 million in base compensation, and "$461,540 in contributions to employee benefit plans, and $422,590 in expense accounts and other allowances." That is $7.15 million more than his NFL equivalent, Roger Goddell. Surely he could afford to give himself more (hopefully he won't!), however, that is still a huge sum. I have no idea how much of his personal money he gives to charity, but surely the MLB endorsed Boys and Girls club would not mind some!
My logic for being happy to see him go is mostly for his role in helping the demise of baseball in Montreal. He was there during the 1994 strike, where the Expos were the best in baseball at the time, and there all the time Montreal was struggling to keep a team, until becoming a lame duck team, and of course their departure. I'm sure there are plenty more reasons people do not like him.
In other news, the Florida Marlins new park which would be scheduled to open in 2012 comes down to two votes today (city, 9 a.m. county, 1 p.m.). Even if it indeed comes to fruition, looks like it will be just like Montreal's Olympic Stadium, being paid off for years to come. It took 30 years after the Olympics to pay off the Olympic Stadium, and for the new Marlins park it would look like this: "roughly $1.8 billion over 40 years, with payments starting small but escalating significantly over time." Read more, Florida Marlins stadium comes down to two votes Friday. Also check out Field of Schemes for this and other ballpark, stadium and arenafiascoes news. Oh, and check out the local coverage links to the side for respective newspaper coverage.
Finally, looks like 762* is back in the news (That, and all it encompasses is another story in itself to tie to Selig!)
My logic for being happy to see him go is mostly for his role in helping the demise of baseball in Montreal. He was there during the 1994 strike, where the Expos were the best in baseball at the time, and there all the time Montreal was struggling to keep a team, until becoming a lame duck team, and of course their departure. I'm sure there are plenty more reasons people do not like him.
In other news, the Florida Marlins new park which would be scheduled to open in 2012 comes down to two votes today (city, 9 a.m. county, 1 p.m.). Even if it indeed comes to fruition, looks like it will be just like Montreal's Olympic Stadium, being paid off for years to come. It took 30 years after the Olympics to pay off the Olympic Stadium, and for the new Marlins park it would look like this: "roughly $1.8 billion over 40 years, with payments starting small but escalating significantly over time." Read more, Florida Marlins stadium comes down to two votes Friday. Also check out Field of Schemes for this and other ballpark, stadium and arena
Finally, looks like 762* is back in the news (That, and all it encompasses is another story in itself to tie to Selig!)
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
World Baseball Classic provisional rosters announced
I plagiarised that title, but that is it!
So anyway, I think Canada'a team looks good, as Canada has had more and more players in the bigs the past few years. Obviously it won't be easy.
A few names:
Jeff Francis LHP
Eric Gagné RHP
Rich Harden RHP
Scott Richmond RHP
Russell Martin Catcher
Justin Morneau 1B
Pete Orr 2B/Inf
Mark Teahen Inf.
Joey Votto 1B
See all the provisional rosters here (PDF). And all WBC news here.
Update:
Better viewing options for the provisional rosters:
All players
Sorted by MLB club
Team rosters
So anyway, I think Canada'a team looks good, as Canada has had more and more players in the bigs the past few years. Obviously it won't be easy.
A few names:
Jeff Francis LHP
Eric Gagné RHP
Rich Harden RHP
Scott Richmond RHP
Russell Martin Catcher
Justin Morneau 1B
Pete Orr 2B/Inf
Mark Teahen Inf.
Joey Votto 1B
See all the provisional rosters here (PDF). And all WBC news here.
Update:
Better viewing options for the provisional rosters:
All players
Sorted by MLB club
Team rosters
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Tim Wallach named Albuquerque Isotopes new manager
Montreal Expos veteran, Tim Wallach has been named the new manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers Triple-A affiliate, the Albuquerque Isotopes. This is the first year the Isotopes are the Dodgers Triple-A affiliate, as they had the Las Vegas 51s prior (as I mentioned in a previous post). The Isotopes were the Marlins Triple-A team from 2003 to 2008.
Wallach spent 13 seasons with the Expos, before moving onto the Dodgers, California Angels, and ending his career with the Dodgers. He was a three time gold glover at third, and a two time silver slugger.
After retiring in 1996, he was named hitting instructor for the then Class A (high level) Dodgers affiliate, San Bernardino Stampede, in 1997 (They are once again a Dodgers affiliate, now called the Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino since 2003. They were a Mariners affiliate from 2001 to 2006.). He then stepped in as manager for the second half of the 1998 season. In 2000 he coached at Cal State-Fullerton. In 2001 he took over as manager for the Class A advanced Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. They have been an Angels affiliate since then.
Wallach spent 13 seasons with the Expos, before moving onto the Dodgers, California Angels, and ending his career with the Dodgers. He was a three time gold glover at third, and a two time silver slugger.
After retiring in 1996, he was named hitting instructor for the then Class A (high level) Dodgers affiliate, San Bernardino Stampede, in 1997 (They are once again a Dodgers affiliate, now called the Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino since 2003. They were a Mariners affiliate from 2001 to 2006.). He then stepped in as manager for the second half of the 1998 season. In 2000 he coached at Cal State-Fullerton. In 2001 he took over as manager for the Class A advanced Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. They have been an Angels affiliate since then.
Friday, January 09, 2009
2008, Former Expos with the Nationals
Last year I never got around to write about the former Expos still with, or with the Nationals. So, no time like the present.
Starting with the pitching staff, Chad Cordero is the most notable. He only played in 6 games though, all in April, no thanks to (right) shoulder tendinitis starting at the end of March. Shoulder issues persisted, and landed him on the DL May 2nd, with a tear of the right latissimus dorsi muscle. That is what caused him to miss the remainder of the season. On October 30th, he refused his assignment to Triple-A Syracuse (now the Nationals Triple-A team, not the Blue Jays. The Jays get the Dodgers former Triple-A squad, the Las Vegas 51s, only 2000 (3218 KM) or so miles away as the crow flies or 3600 (5793 KM) driving! More on affiliations in a future post.) and became a free agent. He won't be returning to the Nationals as Jim Bowden said Cordero would be non tendered after the season in July. Cordero was upset that the announcement was made so early. Bowden gave the news out first to a sports talk radio station (Sports Talk 980), and apologised acknowledging he should have told Cordero and his agent first.
Luis Ayala played in 62 games with the Nationals before being sent to the Mets August 17 for a player to be named later (INF Anderson Hernandez August 20). He then played 19 games as a Met. Ayala started with the Expos in 2003 making his MLB debut March 31, 2003. He played in 65 and 81 games for the Expos in 2003 and 2004 respectively.
Canadian Shawn Hill was with the Nationals in 2008, and still is. He played a whopping 3 games with the Expos, all in 2004. His MLB debut came June 29, 2004. He was drafted by the Expos in the sixth round in 2000. He made his way up the Expos affiliation ladder starting with the GCL Expos in 2000. Last year he played in 12 games for Washington. His MLB most being 2007 with 16 GP and GS. Injury has caused him to miss a lot of games. He missed all of 2005 with Tommy John surgery.
Jon Rauch was traded to Arizona for 2B Emilio Bonifacio July 22, 2008. He played in 48 games for the Nationals last year, and 26 for Arizona. As an Expo he played in 9, and started 2 (which probably goes to show how 2004 went for the Expos, that is, starting a relief pitcher).
And finally...
Is the injury prone Nick Johnson. 2005 and 2006 were fairly good years for him, only missing a few games due to injury. In 2005 he played in 131 games, starting 126. 2006 he played in 147 games, starting 143. This compared with 73 games played, and 70 games started in 2004 for the Expos. 2005 and 2006 were the two seasons he played the most games since he started him MLB career (MLB debut August 21, 2001). He missed all of 2007 after he fractured his right femur September 23, 2006, after colliding with Austin Kearns on what would be a David Wright bloop triple. So in 2008 he played in 38 games, starting 34. All this in April and May, before landing on the DL for the rest of the season with a torn ligament sheath in his right wrist. He is still on the roster. On a side note, it is worth noting he has been showing good patience at the plate, drawing 110 base on balls in 2006, which tied him for fifth overall in the MLB.
I think that is it. Only Shawn Hill, and Nick Johnson remain with the team.
Starting with the pitching staff, Chad Cordero is the most notable. He only played in 6 games though, all in April, no thanks to (right) shoulder tendinitis starting at the end of March. Shoulder issues persisted, and landed him on the DL May 2nd, with a tear of the right latissimus dorsi muscle. That is what caused him to miss the remainder of the season. On October 30th, he refused his assignment to Triple-A Syracuse (now the Nationals Triple-A team, not the Blue Jays. The Jays get the Dodgers former Triple-A squad, the Las Vegas 51s, only 2000 (3218 KM) or so miles away as the crow flies or 3600 (5793 KM) driving! More on affiliations in a future post.) and became a free agent. He won't be returning to the Nationals as Jim Bowden said Cordero would be non tendered after the season in July. Cordero was upset that the announcement was made so early. Bowden gave the news out first to a sports talk radio station (Sports Talk 980), and apologised acknowledging he should have told Cordero and his agent first.
Luis Ayala played in 62 games with the Nationals before being sent to the Mets August 17 for a player to be named later (INF Anderson Hernandez August 20). He then played 19 games as a Met. Ayala started with the Expos in 2003 making his MLB debut March 31, 2003. He played in 65 and 81 games for the Expos in 2003 and 2004 respectively.
Canadian Shawn Hill was with the Nationals in 2008, and still is. He played a whopping 3 games with the Expos, all in 2004. His MLB debut came June 29, 2004. He was drafted by the Expos in the sixth round in 2000. He made his way up the Expos affiliation ladder starting with the GCL Expos in 2000. Last year he played in 12 games for Washington. His MLB most being 2007 with 16 GP and GS. Injury has caused him to miss a lot of games. He missed all of 2005 with Tommy John surgery.
Jon Rauch was traded to Arizona for 2B Emilio Bonifacio July 22, 2008. He played in 48 games for the Nationals last year, and 26 for Arizona. As an Expo he played in 9, and started 2 (which probably goes to show how 2004 went for the Expos, that is, starting a relief pitcher).
And finally...
Is the injury prone Nick Johnson. 2005 and 2006 were fairly good years for him, only missing a few games due to injury. In 2005 he played in 131 games, starting 126. 2006 he played in 147 games, starting 143. This compared with 73 games played, and 70 games started in 2004 for the Expos. 2005 and 2006 were the two seasons he played the most games since he started him MLB career (MLB debut August 21, 2001). He missed all of 2007 after he fractured his right femur September 23, 2006, after colliding with Austin Kearns on what would be a David Wright bloop triple. So in 2008 he played in 38 games, starting 34. All this in April and May, before landing on the DL for the rest of the season with a torn ligament sheath in his right wrist. He is still on the roster. On a side note, it is worth noting he has been showing good patience at the plate, drawing 110 base on balls in 2006, which tied him for fifth overall in the MLB.
I think that is it. Only Shawn Hill, and Nick Johnson remain with the team.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Baseball Blog of the Moment feature
For a while now I have had the baseball blog of the moment feature to the right. Anyway, thought I'd write a few sentences about it now. Basically it is a link to a good (or noteworthy) baseball blog I came upon. Also, I add the link to blog links below, working on my 'blogroll'.
So I just featured a couple 'Hot Stove' blogs, as this is the time for free agent wheeling and dealing. Now they can be found below. Now I am featuring Uni Watch. It is not solely a baseball blog, but features everything you can imagine about uniforms, logos, and so on. Click on MLB, or Minor League Baseball under categories to get to those specific posts.
So I just featured a couple 'Hot Stove' blogs, as this is the time for free agent wheeling and dealing. Now they can be found below. Now I am featuring Uni Watch. It is not solely a baseball blog, but features everything you can imagine about uniforms, logos, and so on. Click on MLB, or Minor League Baseball under categories to get to those specific posts.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Former Expo Michael Barrett signs Minor League Contract with Jays
As the title suggests, Michael Barrett, the former Expo (Cub and Padre), has been signed by the Toronto Blue Jays to a minor league contract, which includes an invite to Blue Jays Spring Training.
The last two seasons, especially last year he has missed many games due to being on the disabled list.
He had five complete seasons with the Expos, 1999 - 2003. His MLB debut came September 19, 1998. He then had three full seasons with the Cubs 2004 - 2006. He played in 57 games, starting 52, in 2007 with the Cubs before being traded to San Diego along with cash considerations for Rob Bowen and Kyler Burke. He then played in 44 games with the Padres, starting 31 to finish 2007.
Last year he managed to play in only 30 games, due to an elbow injury (missed 42 games), and broken nose (missed the last 76 games).
He is a fairly respectable catcher, I preferred him over Brian Schneider, when they were together as Expos teammates, not based on stats, just generally. He can put up respectable numbers as a catcher too, both offensively and defensively. MLB doesn't seem to have a percentage for runners he caught stealing (just the SB and CS), but I believe he is alright in that category. The scouting report says he is typically slow for a catcher. He put up some good RBI numbers with the Cubs, as it states in the same scouting report he is a proven run producer. The most games he started as a catcher came in 2001 with the Expos starting 129, then 119 in 2004, and 114 in 2005 both with the Cubs.
I believe if he has a good spring he'll definitely be competing with Rod Barajas for the number one catching position for the Jays. Rod Barajas had a really good year after taking over the number one job from Gregg Zaun who missed 55 games due to injury (fractured right thumb, 39, and right elbow inflammation 16). Zaun was unhappy how he wasn't even told he lost the number one catcher job, and the Blue Jays have no intention of resigning him, as he is a free agent.
Meanwhile, Brad Wilkerson remains a free agent.
I have probably mentioned this before, but Gregg Zaun was a Montreal Expo during Spring Training 2004. (January 13, 2004, Expos signed him to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training. April 4, Montreal reassigned him to minor league camp. On April 8 he declined and opted for free agency. April 9 the Blue Jays signed him to a minor league contract and assigned him to Triple-A Syracuse. April 27 the Blue Jays purchased his contract from Triple-A Syracuse. During that time with Syracuse he played in 7 games, and had 23 ABs (he went 7 for 23 with 2BB).)
The last two seasons, especially last year he has missed many games due to being on the disabled list.
He had five complete seasons with the Expos, 1999 - 2003. His MLB debut came September 19, 1998. He then had three full seasons with the Cubs 2004 - 2006. He played in 57 games, starting 52, in 2007 with the Cubs before being traded to San Diego along with cash considerations for Rob Bowen and Kyler Burke. He then played in 44 games with the Padres, starting 31 to finish 2007.
Last year he managed to play in only 30 games, due to an elbow injury (missed 42 games), and broken nose (missed the last 76 games).
He is a fairly respectable catcher, I preferred him over Brian Schneider, when they were together as Expos teammates, not based on stats, just generally. He can put up respectable numbers as a catcher too, both offensively and defensively. MLB doesn't seem to have a percentage for runners he caught stealing (just the SB and CS), but I believe he is alright in that category. The scouting report says he is typically slow for a catcher. He put up some good RBI numbers with the Cubs, as it states in the same scouting report he is a proven run producer. The most games he started as a catcher came in 2001 with the Expos starting 129, then 119 in 2004, and 114 in 2005 both with the Cubs.
I believe if he has a good spring he'll definitely be competing with Rod Barajas for the number one catching position for the Jays. Rod Barajas had a really good year after taking over the number one job from Gregg Zaun who missed 55 games due to injury (fractured right thumb, 39, and right elbow inflammation 16). Zaun was unhappy how he wasn't even told he lost the number one catcher job, and the Blue Jays have no intention of resigning him, as he is a free agent.
Meanwhile, Brad Wilkerson remains a free agent.
I have probably mentioned this before, but Gregg Zaun was a Montreal Expo during Spring Training 2004. (January 13, 2004, Expos signed him to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training. April 4, Montreal reassigned him to minor league camp. On April 8 he declined and opted for free agency. April 9 the Blue Jays signed him to a minor league contract and assigned him to Triple-A Syracuse. April 27 the Blue Jays purchased his contract from Triple-A Syracuse. During that time with Syracuse he played in 7 games, and had 23 ABs (he went 7 for 23 with 2BB).)
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Yankee$
A.J. Burnett five years worth a reported $82.5 million.
Mark Teixeira eight years worth a reported $180 million.
I think I should just go pay all my attention to minor league baseball. That, and await a Selig free MLB. The Blue Jays seemed like they had a chance last year, with the Yankees not signing Johan Santana, and they probably would have done much better if they had more consistent offense. Anyway, not that they don't now, but it won't exactly be easy.
Read more: Yankee Signings of Teixeira, Sabathia, and Burnett Move Salary Figures to Cartoonish Levels, and The Anatomy of a Yankees Spending Spree.
Mark Teixeira eight years worth a reported $180 million.
I think I should just go pay all my attention to minor league baseball. That, and await a Selig free MLB. The Blue Jays seemed like they had a chance last year, with the Yankees not signing Johan Santana, and they probably would have done much better if they had more consistent offense. Anyway, not that they don't now, but it won't exactly be easy.
Read more: Yankee Signings of Teixeira, Sabathia, and Burnett Move Salary Figures to Cartoonish Levels, and The Anatomy of a Yankees Spending Spree.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Winter Classic 2009 at Wrigley Field
There is plenty going on this baseball offseason, but the baseball news I am most looking forward to at this moment is the second NHL Winter Classic, taking place New Year's Day at Wrigley Field!
It is the second regular season NHL game to be played outside in the US, and third overall. The first was Montreal at Edmonton in 2003, it was dubbed the Heritage Classic. It will face the Detroit Red Wings against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Both teams are part of the Original Six. (From Wikipedia: The Original Six is a well-known term for the group of six teams that composed the National Hockey League (NHL) for the 25 seasons between the 1942-43 season and the 1967 NHL Expansion.) And as Wikipedia states, there were other teams prior, and during that time, however those are the ones still around. The Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks were both founded in 1926. The Western Canada Hockey League (WCHL) folded, and the Portland Rosebuds became the Chicago Black Hawks (They were known as the Black Hawks from 1926 until 1986), and the Victoria Cougars became the Detroit Red Wings. The Portland Rosebuds, of Portland Oregon were originally the Regina Capitals for the short time the WCHL existed, but moved to Oregon for what would end up being their final season. The Victoria Cougars were from Victoria, British Columbia.
As last years Winter Classic (Pittsburgh Penguins at Buffalo Sabres), they'll be wearing vintage jerseys. Chicago's dates back to 1937 (till 1955), and Detroit's dates back to 1926, as an alternate logo. They were know as the Detroit Cougars from 1926 to 1930, and the Detroit Falcons from 1930 to 1932. Thus being the Red Wings from 1932 to the present.
I wouldn't normally post videos in this blog but this is worth it. The sweet commercial for the Winter Classic, using "Take Me Out to the Ball" Game as background music. See the game on NBC in the US, CBC or RDS in Canada January 1st at 1PM EST. (NHL Send me a Winter Classic jersey for the plug!)
Friday, December 12, 2008
Yankees and Mets continue spending spree
New York Yankees, CC Sabathia 7 year $161 million = $23 million per year.
New York Mets, Francisco Rodriguez 3 year $37 million = $12.33 million per year.
2008 payroll:
New York Yankees, $209,081,579
New York Mets, $138,293,378
2007 payroll:
New York Yankees, $195,229,045
New York Mets, $117,915,819
2006 payroll:
New York Yankees, $198,662,180
New York Mets, $100,901,085
2005 payroll:
New York Yankees, $208,306,817
New York Mets, $101,305,821
2004 payroll:
New York Yankees, $182,835,513
New York Mets, $100,629,303
2003 payroll:
New York Yankees, $180,322,403
New York Mets, $116,253,927
2002 payroll:
New York Yankees, $138,423,649
New York Mets, $102,863,303
2001 payroll:
New York Yankees, $114,457,768
New York Mets, $93,125,240
2000 payroll:
New York Yankees, $95,285,187
New York Mets, $82,246,383
I think Phil Rizzuto sums it up well, holy cow!
New York Mets, Francisco Rodriguez 3 year $37 million = $12.33 million per year.
2008 payroll:
New York Yankees, $209,081,579
New York Mets, $138,293,378
2007 payroll:
New York Yankees, $195,229,045
New York Mets, $117,915,819
2006 payroll:
New York Yankees, $198,662,180
New York Mets, $100,901,085
2005 payroll:
New York Yankees, $208,306,817
New York Mets, $101,305,821
2004 payroll:
New York Yankees, $182,835,513
New York Mets, $100,629,303
2003 payroll:
New York Yankees, $180,322,403
New York Mets, $116,253,927
2002 payroll:
New York Yankees, $138,423,649
New York Mets, $102,863,303
2001 payroll:
New York Yankees, $114,457,768
New York Mets, $93,125,240
2000 payroll:
New York Yankees, $95,285,187
New York Mets, $82,246,383
I think Phil Rizzuto sums it up well, holy cow!
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Atlanta Braves Acquire Javier Vazquez
Javier Vazquez has returned to the NL East after five seasons outside the NL East. He played six full seasons with the Montreal Expos. Then 2004 with the Yankees, 2005 with the Diamondbacks, and 2006 to 2008 with the White Sox. He has still played more games with the Expos (192) than outside the NL East (163).
Bobby Cox gained an appreciation for him while being the manager of the All-Star team that toured Japan in 2000. Read the full article here. Not surprisingly, the article has no mention of the Montreal Expos. They do make reference to another former Expo though:
The Braves also acquired LHP Boone Logan (sounds like his name should be reversed as Logan Boone!).
Here is the official transaction from the Braves perspective:
Based solely on his win loss record, looks like 2007 was his best year to date. Then looking at his ERA, it would look like it would be 2003 then 2001 and 2007. I recall he was pitching well in 2003, surely much better than his record would show. And of course if the Expos didn't have to travel to San Juan for 22 games... well, that is another story.
Looks like he'll be in the middle of the Braves rotation.
In other Braves news, Braves make offer to Burnett.
Also I'll try to post more with the 2008 Baseball Winter Meetings coming up December 8th through to the 11th.
Bobby Cox gained an appreciation for him while being the manager of the All-Star team that toured Japan in 2000. Read the full article here. Not surprisingly, the article has no mention of the Montreal Expos. They do make reference to another former Expo though:
Since the start of the 2000 season, Livan Hernandez is the only Major League pitcher to have thrown more innings than Vazquez, whose 208 1/3 innings this past season were 20 more than any Braves pitcher completed.
The Braves also acquired LHP Boone Logan (sounds like his name should be reversed as Logan Boone!).
Here is the official transaction from the Braves perspective:
Acquired RHP Javier Vazquez and LHP Boone Logan from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for C Tyler Flowers, INFs Jonathan Gilmore and Brent Lillibridge and LHP Santos Rodriguez.
Based solely on his win loss record, looks like 2007 was his best year to date. Then looking at his ERA, it would look like it would be 2003 then 2001 and 2007. I recall he was pitching well in 2003, surely much better than his record would show. And of course if the Expos didn't have to travel to San Juan for 22 games... well, that is another story.
Looks like he'll be in the middle of the Braves rotation.
In other Braves news, Braves make offer to Burnett.
Also I'll try to post more with the 2008 Baseball Winter Meetings coming up December 8th through to the 11th.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Free Agents on First Day Eligible
I am not a professional athlete, but find it interesting to see who has filed for free agency on the first day eligible. I suppose the main reason would be to test the market, see what offers come up. Which I suppose is true, however reasons you will not hear from players, at least the vast majority (read everyone save for Manny Ramirez!), would be that they are no longer happy where they are, do not like their current team, or are looking for more money.
65 players filed for free agency on the first day possible, the day after the World Series ended.
Topping the list is Manny Ramirez. Jason Varitek is on the list too. Ryan Dempster and Jim Edmonds from the Cubs are on the list. They obviously want a chance at a championship! Some more Red Sox and former Red Sox are on the list including Alex Cora, David Ross, Kevin Millar, and Eric Gagne.
Former Montreal Expo Brad Wilkerson is on the list as a Blue Jay.
My source is here. Numerous players have become free agents since the first day. See more here and here.
65 players filed for free agency on the first day possible, the day after the World Series ended.
Topping the list is Manny Ramirez. Jason Varitek is on the list too. Ryan Dempster and Jim Edmonds from the Cubs are on the list. They obviously want a chance at a championship! Some more Red Sox and former Red Sox are on the list including Alex Cora, David Ross, Kevin Millar, and Eric Gagne.
Former Montreal Expo Brad Wilkerson is on the list as a Blue Jay.
My source is here. Numerous players have become free agents since the first day. See more here and here.
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