What do you get for the country that has everything? On this day- the 231st birthday of the good ole' U.S. of A, I offer up Texas Rangers CF Kenny Lofton pitching. While goofing around prior to batting practice on Monday (July 1), Kenny decided to get all Frank Tanana on us. He was throwing to Victor Diaz, who seemed mildly impressed by Lofton's repertoire (featuring a knuckle ball, slider, change and a fastball that wasn't too different from the change-up). By the way, The Bry Guy shot this- be a pal and check out one of the best boxing blogs on the web. By the way America- if my Lofton offering isn't a solid birthday present- maybe you'll like my new ink better.
Lofton pitching: is it entertaining? Maybe not. Is this the only blog where you'll find it? Yup.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Monday, July 2, 2007
Dressing kids- a major league challenge
The wives of Jason Varitek, Ron Mahay, Joe Borowski and Doug Mirabelli (how did this crew assemble?) created this website
, after confronting the unenviable task of spending "a long time trying to outfit their kids to attend baseball games".
Holy friggin' crap. I'm imagining Tatum Borowski furiously rummaging through her kids' mammoth walk-in closets trying to spot something "comfy and chic." See, this is difficult, because "Children of athletes endure the public eye and are always looking for the newest ways to show support to their parents as well as look adorable." I tried to add an html code that would allow you to puke in a tidy box somewhere within this blog post, but I couldn't find it.
Note: Deadspin- The giant of sports related sarcasm has linked to lefty's blog. Awesome.
, after confronting the unenviable task of spending "a long time trying to outfit their kids to attend baseball games".Holy friggin' crap. I'm imagining Tatum Borowski furiously rummaging through her kids' mammoth walk-in closets trying to spot something "comfy and chic." See, this is difficult, because "Children of athletes endure the public eye and are always looking for the newest ways to show support to their parents as well as look adorable." I tried to add an html code that would allow you to puke in a tidy box somewhere within this blog post, but I couldn't find it.
Note: Deadspin- The giant of sports related sarcasm has linked to lefty's blog. Awesome.
Jacoby Ellsbury: Runs fast, speaks softly
The word "phenom" tends to be tossed around fairly liberally in baseball circles. It's a slang term used to describe a young talent who has exceptional skill. Well, I suppose that possessing the ability to run like Clark Kent in his prime earns you such a tag. Jacoby Ellsbury made his big league debut this weekend,and the 2005 first round selection of the Boston Red Sox showed why he is regarded as the finest athletic talent to come through the Boston system since the pre-Mia days of Nomar. Earlier today, I was part of a chat that the soft-but well-spoken rookie had with six or seven media members who surrounded him near his locker (which doesn't even have the official nameplate yet!).
Note: Joe Haggerty of
Hacks with Haggs, the Boston Metro, ESPN radio and just about every other media outlet that exists in New England was in this media scrum as well. He asked the most pointed questions- regarding Ellsbury's speed, and what he learned from his time spent on an Indian reservation (the 23-year old is Navajo Indian). On a related note, Haggs offered this blog's first official "shout out", which is much appreciated.
Q: What’s the biggest difference between AAA pitching and the bigs?
Ellsbury: Everything happens a little quicker. Pitchers are making adjustments and hitters are making adjustments a lot quicker as well, so the adjustments, I’d say are the biggest difference.
Q: The center field at Fenway is so different than it is in Pawtucket (AAA) or Portland (AA)- Are you getting your bearings out there?
JE: I’ve been working on it. The dimensions are a lot different than most ballparks, but, just like any new ballpark, I try to get a feel for it as soon as possible.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from this locker room since you’ve been here?
JE: Just to go out and have a good time. Play like you have and have a good time. It’s the same game, (smiles) just a little bit more people watching. My first game- the drive up here I was more nervous than once I got to the field, once I got to the clubhouse, once I stepped on the field, I felt at home- I felt comfortable- a comfort zone. It’s been a great experience, big league debut at Fenway ballpark in front of a sellout crowd- ya know- a great experience.
Q: How do you feel your speed will help you (at this level)?
JE: It gets me on base. Infielders have a tendency to rush throws. They have to come up and charge the ball to throw me out. And defensively, it puts pressure on the defense. If I hit a ball in the gap, it forces them to rush their throw, and it can create extra base hits.
Q: Who are some of your idols growing up?
JE: Ken Griffey Jr. By far. Him being left handed, and being from the Northwest, being a center fielder,
Q: Players talk about their “welcome to the Big leagues” moment. Have you already had that, or are you still waiting for it?
JE: Getting that first hit. The standing ovation from the crowd was a great moment. Stepping on the field for the first time. There has been a lot of great moments so far. I’m still waiting to get that first win, that’s the biggest thing.
Q: Are the rumors of the 4.2 second 40-yard dash speed true?
JE: I’ve run a 4.2 (second) forty (yard dash), and a sixty as well. Six-two. I did it at scout day in college, I ran a 6.29 in the sixty (yard dash), but I haven’t run a forty of late.
Q: Have you picked up some speed since then?
JE: I think from the training I’ve been doing in the off-season, I’ve put on some weight (goes on to say that he hasn’t really gained weight, but has gained strength). I don’t know if I’ve gotten faster, but I’ve definitely maintained that. Maybe I’m a little bit quicker.
Q: What’s the toughest part of transitioning from college ball to pro ball?
JE: I’d say the toughest thing is preparing your body to play every day. Mentally and physically. That’s the biggest thing- you play three times a week in college, and in pro ball you play every single day.
Q: What are you passionate about, besides baseball?
JE: In the off-season, I like to relax. Golf. Not really do too much. I’m from a small town, just that small town atmosphere in the off season is what I like.
Q: Can you tell us how proud you are of your Navajo heritage?
JE: I’m very proud. I had the chance when I was younger to live on an Indian reservation. It opened up my eyes to a lot of different things. I’m definitely proud of it and I’m working with my mother, learning Navajo. My mother speaks it fluently, so I’m looking to improve on that.
Q: What kinds of things did you learn on the Indian Reservation?
JE: Just cultural differences. I mean, even my high school was a one third Hispanic, a third white and a third Native American, so from that perspective, you just see different cultures and how they interact, and language barriers, so at a young age I was exposed to it so it’s helped me out just to understand people from different nations. Latin communities and I think it’s a positive thing.
Q: How much did that help you when you got to the college level, and pro level?
JE: I’d say the biggest thing is just relating to them. Being open to them right away- introducing yourself, and then being comfortable with them. When you look around Major League baseball, there’s a lot of races and ethnicities, and its something that’s easy for me to deal with.
Note- After tonight's 7-3 victory over the Rangers, Terry Francona said that Coco Crisp will likely be ready to rejoin the Sox lineup on Tuesday, when the Sox host Tampa Bay. Crisp has been nursing a sprained thumb. According to Francona, Coco's thumb only "hurts when he first puts his glove on." The return of Crisp casts doubt on how much longer Ellsbury will enjoy his current stint with the big club.
Trivia question: Only one other major league baseball player in the last half-century is Native American. Who is he? (submit comment below- winner gets a tube sock)
Note: Joe Haggerty of
Hacks with Haggs, the Boston Metro, ESPN radio and just about every other media outlet that exists in New England was in this media scrum as well. He asked the most pointed questions- regarding Ellsbury's speed, and what he learned from his time spent on an Indian reservation (the 23-year old is Navajo Indian). On a related note, Haggs offered this blog's first official "shout out", which is much appreciated. Q: What’s the biggest difference between AAA pitching and the bigs?
Ellsbury: Everything happens a little quicker. Pitchers are making adjustments and hitters are making adjustments a lot quicker as well, so the adjustments, I’d say are the biggest difference.
Q: The center field at Fenway is so different than it is in Pawtucket (AAA) or Portland (AA)- Are you getting your bearings out there?
JE: I’ve been working on it. The dimensions are a lot different than most ballparks, but, just like any new ballpark, I try to get a feel for it as soon as possible.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from this locker room since you’ve been here?
JE: Just to go out and have a good time. Play like you have and have a good time. It’s the same game, (smiles) just a little bit more people watching. My first game- the drive up here I was more nervous than once I got to the field, once I got to the clubhouse, once I stepped on the field, I felt at home- I felt comfortable- a comfort zone. It’s been a great experience, big league debut at Fenway ballpark in front of a sellout crowd- ya know- a great experience.Q: How do you feel your speed will help you (at this level)?
JE: It gets me on base. Infielders have a tendency to rush throws. They have to come up and charge the ball to throw me out. And defensively, it puts pressure on the defense. If I hit a ball in the gap, it forces them to rush their throw, and it can create extra base hits.
Q: Who are some of your idols growing up?
JE: Ken Griffey Jr. By far. Him being left handed, and being from the Northwest, being a center fielder,
Q: Players talk about their “welcome to the Big leagues” moment. Have you already had that, or are you still waiting for it?
JE: Getting that first hit. The standing ovation from the crowd was a great moment. Stepping on the field for the first time. There has been a lot of great moments so far. I’m still waiting to get that first win, that’s the biggest thing.
Q: Are the rumors of the 4.2 second 40-yard dash speed true?
JE: I’ve run a 4.2 (second) forty (yard dash), and a sixty as well. Six-two. I did it at scout day in college, I ran a 6.29 in the sixty (yard dash), but I haven’t run a forty of late.
Q: Have you picked up some speed since then?
JE: I think from the training I’ve been doing in the off-season, I’ve put on some weight (goes on to say that he hasn’t really gained weight, but has gained strength). I don’t know if I’ve gotten faster, but I’ve definitely maintained that. Maybe I’m a little bit quicker.
Q: What’s the toughest part of transitioning from college ball to pro ball?
JE: I’d say the toughest thing is preparing your body to play every day. Mentally and physically. That’s the biggest thing- you play three times a week in college, and in pro ball you play every single day.
Q: What are you passionate about, besides baseball?
JE: In the off-season, I like to relax. Golf. Not really do too much. I’m from a small town, just that small town atmosphere in the off season is what I like.
Q: Can you tell us how proud you are of your Navajo heritage?
JE: I’m very proud. I had the chance when I was younger to live on an Indian reservation. It opened up my eyes to a lot of different things. I’m definitely proud of it and I’m working with my mother, learning Navajo. My mother speaks it fluently, so I’m looking to improve on that.
Q: What kinds of things did you learn on the Indian Reservation?
JE: Just cultural differences. I mean, even my high school was a one third Hispanic, a third white and a third Native American, so from that perspective, you just see different cultures and how they interact, and language barriers, so at a young age I was exposed to it so it’s helped me out just to understand people from different nations. Latin communities and I think it’s a positive thing.
Q: How much did that help you when you got to the college level, and pro level?
JE: I’d say the biggest thing is just relating to them. Being open to them right away- introducing yourself, and then being comfortable with them. When you look around Major League baseball, there’s a lot of races and ethnicities, and its something that’s easy for me to deal with.
Note- After tonight's 7-3 victory over the Rangers, Terry Francona said that Coco Crisp will likely be ready to rejoin the Sox lineup on Tuesday, when the Sox host Tampa Bay. Crisp has been nursing a sprained thumb. According to Francona, Coco's thumb only "hurts when he first puts his glove on." The return of Crisp casts doubt on how much longer Ellsbury will enjoy his current stint with the big club.
Trivia question: Only one other major league baseball player in the last half-century is Native American. Who is he? (submit comment below- winner gets a tube sock)
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Analyzing the AL East- as motorcoaches
I believe it was Peter Gammons who said, "On the road of life, there are passengers and there are drivers." Actually, wait- no. I think that was a Subaru ad. Whatever the case, here is a comparison of the current state of American League East teams and automobiles.
Boston Red Sox (1st place, 49-30)- TOYOTA AVALON- We haven't gone with a model this, well, Japanese before. This thing works better than we thought! I mean, yeah, we paid for the nicer model with the extra features, but I didn't didn't think I'd be so happy with it. And if we feel up to it, it still has room for upgrades (Lester, the annual shortstop replacement). Still, we can't be certain how well it'll perform once the weather starts to turn in October.
Toronto Blue Jays (2nd place, 39-41, 10.5 games back, 7.5 back in Wild Card race)- VW GOLF- Safe, dependable, foreign. While always pretty decent, nobody is envious of a product that has a couple nice features (Vernon Wells, Halladay, good gas mileage), yet rarely turns heads. For the record, I drive a golf and I am not a jays fan. Probably time for a new "whip".
New York Yankees (3rd place, 37-40, 11 games back, 8 back in Wild Card race)
- ANY LATE MODEL JAGUAR- Are parts that cost this much money supposed to break down so often? While once the finest that money could buy, deep-pocketed yet impractical ownership has led to a product that just doesn't carry the same luster it used to. Will always have its loyal supporters, but sure doesn't resemble its classy, dominant forefathers.
Baltimore Orioles (4th place, 35-44, 14 games back, 11 back in Wild Card race)
- HUMMER H2-This was cool idea at first. Big price tag, highly visible. Then, after commuting regularly in this money-pit, you realize that you've invested everything in a stunning combination of high cost/poor performance. Too bad 36 monthly payments still exist. Where can I park this thing?
Tampa Bay Devil Rays (5th place, 33-46, 16 games back, 13 back in Wild Card race)- HYUNDAI TIBURON- Sure it looks hot, but it's still a Hyundai anyway you cut it. Don't fool yourself into thinking its a sporty alternative, this is not something you want to have anything to do with. They even both have weird, undiscernable "fishy-like" logos. Some major malfunctions (Edwin Jackson, Rocco).
Boston Red Sox (1st place, 49-30)- TOYOTA AVALON- We haven't gone with a model this, well, Japanese before. This thing works better than we thought! I mean, yeah, we paid for the nicer model with the extra features, but I didn't didn't think I'd be so happy with it. And if we feel up to it, it still has room for upgrades (Lester, the annual shortstop replacement). Still, we can't be certain how well it'll perform once the weather starts to turn in October.
Toronto Blue Jays (2nd place, 39-41, 10.5 games back, 7.5 back in Wild Card race)- VW GOLF- Safe, dependable, foreign. While always pretty decent, nobody is envious of a product that has a couple nice features (Vernon Wells, Halladay, good gas mileage), yet rarely turns heads. For the record, I drive a golf and I am not a jays fan. Probably time for a new "whip".
New York Yankees (3rd place, 37-40, 11 games back, 8 back in Wild Card race)- ANY LATE MODEL JAGUAR- Are parts that cost this much money supposed to break down so often? While once the finest that money could buy, deep-pocketed yet impractical ownership has led to a product that just doesn't carry the same luster it used to. Will always have its loyal supporters, but sure doesn't resemble its classy, dominant forefathers.
Baltimore Orioles (4th place, 35-44, 14 games back, 11 back in Wild Card race)
- HUMMER H2-This was cool idea at first. Big price tag, highly visible. Then, after commuting regularly in this money-pit, you realize that you've invested everything in a stunning combination of high cost/poor performance. Too bad 36 monthly payments still exist. Where can I park this thing?
Tampa Bay Devil Rays (5th place, 33-46, 16 games back, 13 back in Wild Card race)- HYUNDAI TIBURON- Sure it looks hot, but it's still a Hyundai anyway you cut it. Don't fool yourself into thinking its a sporty alternative, this is not something you want to have anything to do with. They even both have weird, undiscernable "fishy-like" logos. Some major malfunctions (Edwin Jackson, Rocco).
Friday, June 29, 2007
From Sparky to Spaceman: the Sox greatest southpaws
With the imminent arrival of Southpaw phenom (and cancer survivor) Jon Lester, I wondered who the best Red Sox lefty of all time might be. Whenever you come up with a list like this, you have to break it into two groups: those most dominant over a given span, and those with the most impressive body of work. Here are the Sox most stupendous Southpaws...
Best single seasons with the Sox:
#6- Mickey McDermott (1953)
McDermott- who looked like a malnourished giraffe, went 18-10 with a 3.01 ERA in '53. He was supposed to be the next Lefty Grove, but he never put it together beyound this season. This famous Norman Rockwell painting was based on McD's rookie call up in 1948, when he was 19.
#5- Bill Lee (1973)
'73 was a breakout season for Lee. Tabbed as a regular starter for the first time in his career, he responded with a 17-11 record and 18 complete games and 120 strikeouts. This was the only season in the "the Spaceman's" 14-year career that he ever whiffed more than 100 hitters. To appreciate the Spaceman, check out his quotes.
#4- Robert Moses Lefty" Grove (1937)
Grove never really had a a dominant season with the Sox. He won 20 games once with the Sox ('35), but he was better in 1937. As I wrote that , I feel the need to assure you that I do have a life. A girlfriend, even. In any event, in 1937, Grove stuck out 153 and won 17 games while posting a 3.02 ERA. Bottom line- either 1935 or '37 could be called his best year in Boston, but neither season exhibited his greatness that he showed in earlier campaigns with the Philly A's.
#3- Bruce Hurst (1988)
His only all-star campaign came the year before ('87), but all in all, I'll take this 18-6 season as his best, which sadly, was the lefty's last in Boston. I think '88 was really the year that I started watching the Sox, and I liked that Hurst threw the ball from the correct side. I respected that about him. He also whiffed 166 batters in '88. Hurst's best year probably would have been the 1986 AL Championship season had he not gotten hurt- he posted a 2.99 ERA in 25 starts.
#2- Mel Parnell (1949)
For some reason his nickname was "Dusty". If anyone knows why, keep it to yourself, smart ass. Mel's best season was undoubtedly 1949. He went 25-7 with a 2.77 ERA. Those numbers woud stand up in any era. He only K'd 122 in 295 innings, but he completed, wait for it...TWENTY SEVEN games in thirty three starts. Lets not rain on my parade with any of those "well, thats what they did back in those days" arguments.
#1- Babe Ruth (1916)
At the age of 21, Ruth started 41 games, and went 23-12. His 170 strikeouts were third in the AL and his 6.4 hits allowed per nine innings was by far and away the best in the league. Ruth's 1.70 ERA was also the best in the junior circuit. Downside- he only hit three homers. "No no Nanette" was a sucky play, and Ruth's '16 season was the best ever by a Sox southpaw.
Best Careers with the Sox:
#5- Bill Lee (1969-1978)
"The Spaceman" got his nickname when, looking at the Green Monster for the first time, asked, ""Do they leave it there during games?" He also admitted to sprinkling marijuana on his cereal. Whatever. Lee won 94 games while losing 68 for the Sox in his decade in Boston. This lefty won 17 games in three straight seasons as the Sox contended in the mid-seventies.
#4- Robert Moses "Lefty" Grove (1934-1941)Admittedly, Grove's best year's were behind him when he came to Fenway (he was the MVP in 1931), but the guy was still awesome for the Sox as he closed out the last eight seasons of his career in Boston. He was 41 when it was all said and done, compiling a 105-62 record. He was inducted into Cooperstown in 1947.
#3- Babe Ruth (1914-1919)
He's not the fattest Sox pitcher ever. For info on that particular player, scroll to my previous post. Ruth was 89-46 with the Sox in six years. His career ERA was 2.28. Even in the deadball era- these numbers are great. Despite what you may have heard, he retired after a tidy career as a dependable starter for the Sox.
#2- Bruce Hurst (1980-1988)
Hurst is the not only the best Sox lefty of the last thirty years, but he's one of the finest pitchers in Boston history. His 88 wins place him 19th on the Sox all-time, but more impressively, his 1,043 Ks are the most by any lefty to wear a Red Sox uniform. I was surprised by how high he is (6th) on this list- right behind el Tiante and ahead of Joe Wood, Bill Monboquette and Jim Lonborg.
#1- Mel Parnell (1947-1956)
Parnell played every game of his major league career for the Red Sox and is the club's all-time winningest lefty (123-75). The team's ace and workhorse during the Ted Wiliams era, he actually saved three games in the same season he threw 21 complete games. Different era, I know, but still- he's the best lefty in Sox history.
Honorable mention:
Sparky Lyle-He was a quality reliever as a rook on the '67 "impossible dream" team 2.28 ERA in 27 appearances, and was the team's bullpen ace for the next few seasons. He was much better as a Yankee. I think it had to do with growing this moustache.
Dick Ellsworth- Went 16-7 for the '68 Sox. He was nicknamed "tricky Dick" after he bit a chunk of flesh out of Dick Williams cheek. Clearly, I made that up. Just seeing if you are still reading.
Gary Peters- Won 16 games for the 1970 Sox. Congratulations, Gary- you made someone's blog. Thats likely a first.
Frankie Viola- Well past his prime, the three-time All-Star managed to win 24 games for the Sox between '92 and '93, when he posted impressive ERAs of 3.44 and 3.14 respectively.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Return of el Guapo!
There's something so funny about watching Rich Garces pitch. I think its why he was regarded as a cult hero in the late 90's with the Sox. Sure, the guy was legit- in the 115 innings "el Guapo" threw in his heyday ('99-'00), he posted a 2.67 ERA and a 13-2 record out of Boston's 'pen. Watching the stout Guapo running out of the bullpen is appealing to baseball fans not because it's an oddity, but just the opposite. If a guy who looks like the objext he's throwing can strike out Derek Jeter, it refreshes the possibly that anyone can. The human gordito defies odds, and thats why we love him. I recently talked to Garces, who at age 36 is resurrecting his career in the Can-Am league, the lowest rung of professional baseball. Meet(all over again) the man who shatters every athletic stereotype known to man- "el Guapo"...
I talked to Nashua pitching coach Dan Lemon about his mighty righty (he's converted all nine of his save chances as of 6/28), and Lemon says that Guapo is checking as high as 90 mph. Apparently, he was throwing a tad harder than this over the Winter in the Venezuelan winter league, where he was honored as the league's releiver of the year. his velocity dipped after a five month rest period before agreeing to throw for Nashua, suggesting that someone should take a chance on him.
That said, another source close to the Pride and Garces told me that he believes that even if a major league club wanted to take a flier on Guapo, he'd decline. Guapo has two young daughters that he might not want to relocate so soon, and according to Guapo himself, "They treat me like a president who just got off the plane here."
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