The sound you heard Thursday was the sound of cars veering off the freeway, jaws scraping the floor, and eyes popping out of sockets of sports fans everywhere.
Maybe we shouldn't be surprised anymore, but the news of Manny Ramirez receiving a 50 game suspension was enough to catch my attention, and bring a brief moment of sadness.
For those of us, who have followed baseball since a young kid, we now are faced with the realization that many of our favorite stars were cheating by using performance enhancing drugs that didn't start with a V.
As yet another star falls from grace, we are left with lingering questions, what about Pujols, what about Ryan Howard, David Ortiz, Jim Thome.....the list can go on, because there really isn't an innocent until proven guilty quality about players that played in the "steriods era".
On a side note, I've always had a fondness for Manny Ramirez, as my wife and I visited Fenway Park during his first year with the Red Sox. While we were not Red Sox or Manny fans, it was easy to feel the excitement the crowd had, every time he came to the plate, and the "Manny! Manny!" chants that erupted when he hit a double. For the boxscore from that game, click here (baseball-reference.com is a wonderful place).
So now, like we will be dealing with for the next several years, we're left with sorting through the aftermath of another messy steriods-use admission.
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts
Friday, May 8, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Odd Man Out
I've recently finished reading a book called "Odd Man Out". It's about a former minor league left-handed pitcher named Matt McCarthy.
He tells his experiences from a year in Rookie ball with the Angels Organization.
Fascinating book, with a few cringe moments. Of course you have to look past the language as well.
Sports Illustrated did an excerpt from the book that gives the "flavor" of the story, if you want a cleaner version.
Probably the best baseball I've read since "Moneyball" by Michael Lewis (and no I didn't bother reading the steroid accounts of Mr. Canseco and Mr. Bonds).
Monday, January 19, 2009
Highs and Uh-Oh's
Well....it won't be the NFC Championship game, without an Eagles loss.
I barely remember the 1 time (out of 5) that they actually did win. I believe I was in a hotel room in Illinois with a few co-workers.
I suppose, in time, you can make an appreciative attempt at putting things in perspective (how many coaches/QBs actually make 5 Championship round games), but for now the loss still stings.
Am I one of those despondent, rabid fans who now has a dim view of life....no. I am a guy who enjoyed the ride the last few weeks have given, bought into the concept that the Eagles were the '07 Giants, and believed that things were breaking right for them, and despite the collective history of the city, Philly would get a rare championship.
On a more humorous note, prior to the Panthers-Cardinals game, I heard a story of an interview Kurt Warner gave. In that interview he said that his wife told the kids if "daddy" makes the super bowl, the family would get a puppy. The point of the story was, you don't bet against God (Warner's a devout Christian) and you don't bet against puppies.
In that light, the Eagles really had no chance....
At least they made a game of it. It looked like they were done, but they came back, took the lead, and allow Eagle fans to dream. To the Cardinals credit, they came back with a(now) astonishing 7 minute drive and scored a touchdown.
They deserved to win, and I'll be routing for them in the Super Bowl.
On a minor note, I really like the LeBron Browns commercial, and thought the Ditka-Billick Coors Light commercial was okay, even if they denigrated the "Coach" (insert Chicago accent).
I barely remember the 1 time (out of 5) that they actually did win. I believe I was in a hotel room in Illinois with a few co-workers.
I suppose, in time, you can make an appreciative attempt at putting things in perspective (how many coaches/QBs actually make 5 Championship round games), but for now the loss still stings.
Am I one of those despondent, rabid fans who now has a dim view of life....no. I am a guy who enjoyed the ride the last few weeks have given, bought into the concept that the Eagles were the '07 Giants, and believed that things were breaking right for them, and despite the collective history of the city, Philly would get a rare championship.
On a more humorous note, prior to the Panthers-Cardinals game, I heard a story of an interview Kurt Warner gave. In that interview he said that his wife told the kids if "daddy" makes the super bowl, the family would get a puppy. The point of the story was, you don't bet against God (Warner's a devout Christian) and you don't bet against puppies.
In that light, the Eagles really had no chance....
At least they made a game of it. It looked like they were done, but they came back, took the lead, and allow Eagle fans to dream. To the Cardinals credit, they came back with a(now) astonishing 7 minute drive and scored a touchdown.
They deserved to win, and I'll be routing for them in the Super Bowl.
On a minor note, I really like the LeBron Browns commercial, and thought the Ditka-Billick Coors Light commercial was okay, even if they denigrated the "Coach" (insert Chicago accent).
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Wow, this is why I'm a football fan. Just when it looked like the Eagles were going to finish another season on a huge let-down (losing to the Redskins after collectively raising the hopes of all Eagles fans).....they find a way to DEMOLISH the Cowboys.
Thanks to clever scheduling by the local CBS & Fox stations, we were able to track the Raiders/Bucs game, and the Vikings/Giants game. Both games had meaning to the Eagles, though it was the combination of the Bucs & Bears both losing that opened the door for the Eagles.
Earlier in the afternoon I had said to Linford, it's probably like a 5-10% chance they actually make the playoffs. For one, the Raiders had next to nothing to play for, while the Bucs on the other hand were at home, would clinch a playoff spot with a win, and were trying to stop a 3-game losing streak.
Of course then it came down to which Eagles team were we going to see: the listless, unimaginative team that lost to the Redskins, or the exciting, passion-filled team that beat the Giants, Cardinals and Browns in 3 weeks running.
Turns out it was better than anything we could have imagined.
Very few games in sports are just out-right enjoyable games. Too many games (Football & Baseball) are the type that you enjoy along the way, but with a degree of nail-biting.
This one had the same feel that Victorino's grand slam against C.C. did....in that the team I was rooting for, in this case the Eagles, was going to win, and it was going to be quite a ride.
I felt that way after seeing defensive-lineman Chris Clemons rumble 75 yards for a touchdown, after a Romo fumble bounced right into his hands, AND stiff-arming a player before falling over in exhaustion in the end zone.
What a game!!!!!
Now, it's setting up for a let-down game, on the road against the Vikings, but it's not inconceivable that they win there, and play strong against the Giants a week later. The second part is considerable harder than the first, because usually only 1 team of the 4 that advances to the 2nd round (and play the rested 1 & 2 seeds) will win that second game.....but you never know....could be a nice ride.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Sons of the Father(s)
So I learned today, that Irving Fryar's son is playing college football. To my knowledge, Senior Fryar is the only current (or former) NFL player to deliver a sermon at our church. I remember being amazed at the size of his hands, and well, at how many people were suddenly interested in coming to church. To his credit, it wasn't a celebrity focused sermon, it was a biblically-based sermon....but than again I was only 15-17, so I might not have been all that objective....but I digress...
His son, Londen, is a 5-11, 194 cornerback for the Western Michigan Broncos. NFL material...probably not, based on his size and where he plays, but who knows...
I also read an article on ESPN.com about the sons of 3 rather people who play high school football for Oaks Christian Academy in Los Angeles.....where some of you might remember that "7" came from, before his ND days.
Talk about star power....on the JV football team is quarterback Trevor Gretzky....son of the "Great One". The wide receiver he throws to is Trey Smith, son of the "Fresh Prince", and the quarterback of the Varsity team is some guy named Montana.
So picture Wayne Gretzky, Will Smith & Joe Montana in the stands for a high school football game....crazy awesome! The writer even talks about how when they see a helicopter circling the field that they think it's Will Smith, running a few minutes late.
Last but not least, how about those Ball State Cardinals?? I never knew why a college located in Muncy, Indiana could come up with the name..."Ball State"...maybe it's a reference to baskeball, but who knows, I certainly don't.
Anyways, the university, best known for being Dave Letterman's alma mater is unbeated and ranked 17th in the country, higher than ND (ouch), Michigan and only 6 spots behind Ohio State. How about them "Cardinals".
His son, Londen, is a 5-11, 194 cornerback for the Western Michigan Broncos. NFL material...probably not, based on his size and where he plays, but who knows...
I also read an article on ESPN.com about the sons of 3 rather people who play high school football for Oaks Christian Academy in Los Angeles.....where some of you might remember that "7" came from, before his ND days.
Talk about star power....on the JV football team is quarterback Trevor Gretzky....son of the "Great One". The wide receiver he throws to is Trey Smith, son of the "Fresh Prince", and the quarterback of the Varsity team is some guy named Montana.
So picture Wayne Gretzky, Will Smith & Joe Montana in the stands for a high school football game....crazy awesome! The writer even talks about how when they see a helicopter circling the field that they think it's Will Smith, running a few minutes late.
Last but not least, how about those Ball State Cardinals?? I never knew why a college located in Muncy, Indiana could come up with the name..."Ball State"...maybe it's a reference to baskeball, but who knows, I certainly don't.
Anyways, the university, best known for being Dave Letterman's alma mater is unbeated and ranked 17th in the country, higher than ND (ouch), Michigan and only 6 spots behind Ohio State. How about them "Cardinals".
Thursday, October 30, 2008
WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS!!!!!
Wow! What a ride for this self-proclaimed sports nut!
Every year, as a big-time baseball fan, I watch the world series celebration (unless its the Yankees) and enjoy the excitement of it, seeing the emotions the players experience.
But every year, I could only observe as an outsider. I wasn't a fan of that team, those weren't players that I followed from February to October, and so part of me always wondered what it would be like to celebrate from a fans perspective.
Last night gave that chance.
We had church until 8:30, so I knew I'd miss a bit of the drama (and well, the Obama infomercial, which was not a problem).
We left church after it was finished and started the 12 minute drive home, making it within 5 minutes of the house when Jayson Werth's bloop hit brought home Geoff Jenkins!
Let the Party begin!!!! or not so fast.... Ryan Madsen gave up a rare run. At the time everyone thought he jammed Baldelli, but Baldelli got enough of the bat on the ball to drive it out of the park.
To the fans credit, they did not boo Madsen when he left the game (Commissoner Selig...that's a different story).
Romero came in and got the out. He looked a bit more nervous/figety than normal. Call it a "3-deep breath" moment instead of just the normal 1. He also had a huge double-play ball to erase an early Rays threat.
Burrell then delivered in his only hit of the World Series, and perhaps last at-bat as a Phillie. Again the celebration was about to begin as he drove a pitch to left-center, only to hit the top of the wall (ala Manny Rameriz a round earlier).
Again, in a true team-effort, Pedro Feliz, a 49 RBI guy during the regular season, came through with the biggest one in recent Phillies history!
Lidge came in, shut the door, and let the celebration begin!!!
Who would have thought it. A good team (the Phillies) finally taking a step and becoming a great team! After season upon season of disappointment, than the no-show in the playoffs last year, to World Series champions the next!!!!
What a great ride! Thank you Ed Wade, without your desire to have Geoff Geory, Michael Bourn and Michael Costanzo the Phillies would not have landed Brad Lidge, the former Golden Domer!
Every year, as a big-time baseball fan, I watch the world series celebration (unless its the Yankees) and enjoy the excitement of it, seeing the emotions the players experience.
But every year, I could only observe as an outsider. I wasn't a fan of that team, those weren't players that I followed from February to October, and so part of me always wondered what it would be like to celebrate from a fans perspective.
Last night gave that chance.
We had church until 8:30, so I knew I'd miss a bit of the drama (and well, the Obama infomercial, which was not a problem).
We left church after it was finished and started the 12 minute drive home, making it within 5 minutes of the house when Jayson Werth's bloop hit brought home Geoff Jenkins!
Let the Party begin!!!! or not so fast.... Ryan Madsen gave up a rare run. At the time everyone thought he jammed Baldelli, but Baldelli got enough of the bat on the ball to drive it out of the park.
To the fans credit, they did not boo Madsen when he left the game (Commissoner Selig...that's a different story).
Romero came in and got the out. He looked a bit more nervous/figety than normal. Call it a "3-deep breath" moment instead of just the normal 1. He also had a huge double-play ball to erase an early Rays threat.
Burrell then delivered in his only hit of the World Series, and perhaps last at-bat as a Phillie. Again the celebration was about to begin as he drove a pitch to left-center, only to hit the top of the wall (ala Manny Rameriz a round earlier).
Again, in a true team-effort, Pedro Feliz, a 49 RBI guy during the regular season, came through with the biggest one in recent Phillies history!
Lidge came in, shut the door, and let the celebration begin!!!
Who would have thought it. A good team (the Phillies) finally taking a step and becoming a great team! After season upon season of disappointment, than the no-show in the playoffs last year, to World Series champions the next!!!!
What a great ride! Thank you Ed Wade, without your desire to have Geoff Geory, Michael Bourn and Michael Costanzo the Phillies would not have landed Brad Lidge, the former Golden Domer!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Final 3 outs....please?
Popup!!!!! stay with it, stay with it! YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
Crawford's working him....we're all on the edge of our seats. No mistakes...
Crawford's the last hope (hopefully), Lidge has been dealing unlike other post-season games.
11:58 Slider low and away! YEAH!!!!!!! 2nd strikeout!!
Here comes Evan Longoria.
11:56 RING HIM UP!!!! YEAH!!!!!
Lidge vs. Pena
Crawford's working him....we're all on the edge of our seats. No mistakes...
Crawford's the last hope (hopefully), Lidge has been dealing unlike other post-season games.
11:58 Slider low and away! YEAH!!!!!!! 2nd strikeout!!
Here comes Evan Longoria.
11:56 RING HIM UP!!!! YEAH!!!!!
Lidge vs. Pena
11:51 wasted opportunities
A bit of a surprise that Bruntlett got an at-bat with runners in scoring position. Bring in Dobbs, put Taguchi in left-field.
Oh well, it's Lidge-time. His best against the Rays best.
Close the door. 1 - 2 - 3
P.S. the whole build-up drama thing by Joe Buck is good when you don't have a vested interest, but with the Phillies leading, it gets annoying.
Oh well, it's Lidge-time. His best against the Rays best.
Close the door. 1 - 2 - 3
P.S. the whole build-up drama thing by Joe Buck is good when you don't have a vested interest, but with the Phillies leading, it gets annoying.
11:33 1 more inning!
BIG strikeout by Madsen! This is not your father's Madsen, or maybe your "Larry Bowa's" Madsen. This guy is dealing!!
1 more inning....let's get a few insurance runs...
1 more inning....let's get a few insurance runs...
11:16 Bring this Win Home
Cole's looking good. The Phils cannot pad the lead, despite a number of different guys coming up with runners on base.
Tonight's not over, but it will be interesting to see what kind of game Myers, Moyer & Blanton have with this lack of run-support that has occasionally plagued the Phillies throughout the post-season.
Tonight's not over, but it will be interesting to see what kind of game Myers, Moyer & Blanton have with this lack of run-support that has occasionally plagued the Phillies throughout the post-season.
10:10 Blue Blazers
Breaking News.....the Tampa Bay Rays are going to wear khaki pants and blue blazers, as reported by Ken R of FoxSports.
I enjoy READING the different baseball thoughts of one Ken R, but find his side-line reporting to be a bit uninspiring.
We have yet to have a Chris Myers sighting, so one can only hope for that in later innings.
How about Burrell beating a path down the inside of the line. Looked fine from my perspective but brought about extra commentary from the announcers.
Also, I had to think about Utley's first at-bat, where he tried to bunt...I guess Rays fans wish he had done that, and not hit a home-run a few pitches later.
Kazmir still looks shaky, Cole gave one back, but we're 6 outs from turning this thing over to the bullpen, which, knock-on-wood, will hopefully be as good as the regular season (in-other-words, fantastic!).
I enjoy READING the different baseball thoughts of one Ken R, but find his side-line reporting to be a bit uninspiring.
We have yet to have a Chris Myers sighting, so one can only hope for that in later innings.
How about Burrell beating a path down the inside of the line. Looked fine from my perspective but brought about extra commentary from the announcers.
Also, I had to think about Utley's first at-bat, where he tried to bunt...I guess Rays fans wish he had done that, and not hit a home-run a few pitches later.
Kazmir still looks shaky, Cole gave one back, but we're 6 outs from turning this thing over to the bullpen, which, knock-on-wood, will hopefully be as good as the regular season (in-other-words, fantastic!).
9:39 Whewwwww
Wow, who would have thought a double-play would be so exciting. Not since Ryan Zimmerman's DP ball to win division have I enjoyed seeing the 5-4-3 DP.
I also exhaled after realizing that just a few minutes earlier I had mentioned that Cole might only need 2 runs. Not that I give creedence to the whole "jinx" thing but you never want to be proven wrong (so quickly).
Feliz, who McCarver might call Feel-is, isn't doing much offensively, but there's a reason he get's the bulk of the playing time instead of the better offensive player in Greg Dobbs.
1/3 of the way there. Time to get caffinated!!!
If my cell hadn't bit the dust, I would totally be texting people tonight.
I also exhaled after realizing that just a few minutes earlier I had mentioned that Cole might only need 2 runs. Not that I give creedence to the whole "jinx" thing but you never want to be proven wrong (so quickly).
Feliz, who McCarver might call Feel-is, isn't doing much offensively, but there's a reason he get's the bulk of the playing time instead of the better offensive player in Greg Dobbs.
1/3 of the way there. Time to get caffinated!!!
If my cell hadn't bit the dust, I would totally be texting people tonight.
9:27 Kazmir out of a jamb
The Phils might not need more than 2 runs, the way Hamels has looked early, but it's always a shame to leave a runner at 3rd when you could have gotten him in with the
2nd out.
Kazmir looks like the Kazmir from early post-season. The guy who has a 4.01 ERA in the post-season (well, higher now with the Utley home-run).
McCarver, who I waffle in my like/dislike for, has yet to show admiration for catchers making a nice block on a slider (wait for it, it's coming) did give his impression of Ru-is.....well, actually, it's Ru-ease, as in Carlos Ruiz. Oh well, least he got Iwamura right.
On a minor note, I'm really pulling for Chris Coste to get a few big hits. He's 0-2 with runners in scoring position this game, so he's struggling early, but time will tell.
Go Phils!
2nd out.
Kazmir looks like the Kazmir from early post-season. The guy who has a 4.01 ERA in the post-season (well, higher now with the Utley home-run).
McCarver, who I waffle in my like/dislike for, has yet to show admiration for catchers making a nice block on a slider (wait for it, it's coming) did give his impression of Ru-is.....well, actually, it's Ru-ease, as in Carlos Ruiz. Oh well, least he got Iwamura right.
On a minor note, I'm really pulling for Chris Coste to get a few big hits. He's 0-2 with runners in scoring position this game, so he's struggling early, but time will tell.
Go Phils!
8:57 Good Start
Great double-play ball from Hamels, after the little fiasco at first base with Ryan Howard. Wow, I new B.J. Upton was having a great post-season, but 2 home-runs away from setting the all-time mark for home runs in a post-season? Let's hope he doesn't reach it. Also, I know he was hurt, but how sick is it to have 9 home runs in the regular season, and 8 already in just 3 weeks.
Great, great start for Phillies fans everywhere. Game one in particular is huge, and to get an early lead is awesome.
Great, great start for Phillies fans everywhere. Game one in particular is huge, and to get an early lead is awesome.
8:44 UTLEY!!!!!!!!!!!
Chase Utley with a HUGE game 1 at-bat, driving the ball out of the ball-park, setting the Phillies up 2-0 and momentarily shifting momentum from the home-team.
What a home-run!
Good patience from Werth to draw the full-count walk. Early props to Charlie for going with Werth in the 2 spot instead of Victorino. The fan favorite would be to bat Victorino 2nd and Werth 6th, but I guess against Kazmir, go with the righty who has "eaten up" left-handed pitching this year (power numbers at least)
Quick side-note on Victorino. PETA has sent him a letter, asking him to not eat Spam, this after he said one of his favorite foods is Spam _____ (I forget the 2nd combination).
What a home-run!
Good patience from Werth to draw the full-count walk. Early props to Charlie for going with Werth in the 2 spot instead of Victorino. The fan favorite would be to bat Victorino 2nd and Werth 6th, but I guess against Kazmir, go with the righty who has "eaten up" left-handed pitching this year (power numbers at least)
Quick side-note on Victorino. PETA has sent him a letter, asking him to not eat Spam, this after he said one of his favorite foods is Spam _____ (I forget the 2nd combination).
Game 1!!!!!
8:32 Your line-up is re-introduced by no other than Michael Jack Schmidt! Good move. The 'stache never grows outdated.
8:21 That must have been the longest national anthem song ever. Nick Carter and the BackStreet Boys??? Nothing says "we're here and ready to rock on the national stage" like Tampa Bay trotting out the Backstreet boys to sing a falsetto national anthem.
Advantage Phillies!!
8:13 Great opening introductions for both sides. Kind of reinforces that this isn't just any game. Mixed response from the Tampa crowd when Phillies were introduced, I expected more of a hostile response, but there's definitely a Philly continguent there. Someone said there is a whole "Tampadelphia" thing down there with people who have moved from the Philly area.
Some early questions answered: Chris Coste will be the right-handed designated hitter, and back-up catcher....stay healthy!
8:07 Mark Grace informs the rest of America that he picked the Rays at the beginning of the season. Jolly for him.
8:00 Awesome opening to the broadcast, reliving baseball's role in American history. Embellished...sure, you can say that faith and family bonds have a similar role in pulling people through tough times, but from a entertainment standpoint, it got to be baseball...
8:21 That must have been the longest national anthem song ever. Nick Carter and the BackStreet Boys??? Nothing says "we're here and ready to rock on the national stage" like Tampa Bay trotting out the Backstreet boys to sing a falsetto national anthem.
Advantage Phillies!!
8:13 Great opening introductions for both sides. Kind of reinforces that this isn't just any game. Mixed response from the Tampa crowd when Phillies were introduced, I expected more of a hostile response, but there's definitely a Philly continguent there. Someone said there is a whole "Tampadelphia" thing down there with people who have moved from the Philly area.
Some early questions answered: Chris Coste will be the right-handed designated hitter, and back-up catcher....stay healthy!
8:07 Mark Grace informs the rest of America that he picked the Rays at the beginning of the season. Jolly for him.
8:00 Awesome opening to the broadcast, reliving baseball's role in American history. Embellished...sure, you can say that faith and family bonds have a similar role in pulling people through tough times, but from a entertainment standpoint, it got to be baseball...
Monday, October 20, 2008
Phillies - Rays??
I'd say you are just as likely to see this guy show up on your door-step next Friday night, than to have predicted a world series that included both the Phillies & Rays.
Even one day ago (before game 7), you probably would have found more people who thought the Red Sox would advance.
Although the Fox executives might think otherwise, this is a perfect "storm". You have the Rays who have experienced just one winning season (this one) in their history. You have another, the Phillies, with just one World Series championship in their 100+ history of the sport.
Both teams have great offenses. The Rays have an edge in over-all starting pitching but the Phillies have the end at closing out tight games (something like 89-0 when leading after the 8th inning).
Should be exciting for all baseball fans, but particularily those in eastern Pennsylvania and Tampa Bay-St.Pete.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
7:41...CC's gone, Howard w/bases loaded
Wow,this game keeps becoming more amazing. CC just left the building. Ryan Howard is up with the bases loaded and a young Brewers pitcher (Stetter?) pitching.
I wonder when the last game, let alone play-off game featured 2 Phillies grand slams.
Not going to happen, called strike three down and away. The umpire has been effectively inconsistent, calling that low strike part of the time.
I wonder when the last game, let alone play-off game featured 2 Phillies grand slams.
Not going to happen, called strike three down and away. The umpire has been effectively inconsistent, calling that low strike part of the time.
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