tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60530276691196005072024-03-13T21:49:44.127-05:00ANDY MASUR THE BLOGRandom thoughts from me...Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860596357991348019noreply@blogger.comBlogger139125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053027669119600507.post-40710130740943408062022-01-24T10:27:00.000-06:002022-01-24T10:27:07.293-06:00Bears Lose Without Even Playing This Weekend<p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">The NFL spoiled its fans with the action of this past weekend. Sometimes the playoffs don’t live up to the hype, but in this case, wow. Every game was won on the final play of the game. Field goals in the 49’ers/Packers, Bengals/Titans and Rams/Buccaneers games and the OT touchdown pass by Patrick Mahomes in the Chiefs/Bills game. Incredible drama and action.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Now, while I was watching the Chiefs/Bills game yesterday, I was absolutely amazed at the resiliency of both teams and the never say die attitude. Not only was there attitude, but there was talent. Real talent was on display. As a fan though, I was really conflicted. I loved what I was seeing out of Mahomes, you know, the guy that the Bears’ former GM didn’t even want to bother with. Allen was ridiculous too. After seeing a game plan that actually suited the QB, I wanted to scream. WHY?? <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWO655E_EXa1eLBVDe_xgb31zBMaOc3-W337bXaWgL891lphkW72AXSA9MIlkVY3a7ohmPNWQAAtJlLzdSEKYAQSE0CDKiZ0MpLmSd7b0JvbnohTUKNjdJQWHLoExpRkdGLWflDGgNnj1w7-VqgADdcdLBA8sI8vbO6Nx7yjYQHvYy2Znfy604Lmf7bw=s460" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="460" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWO655E_EXa1eLBVDe_xgb31zBMaOc3-W337bXaWgL891lphkW72AXSA9MIlkVY3a7ohmPNWQAAtJlLzdSEKYAQSE0CDKiZ0MpLmSd7b0JvbnohTUKNjdJQWHLoExpRkdGLWflDGgNnj1w7-VqgADdcdLBA8sI8vbO6Nx7yjYQHvYy2Znfy604Lmf7bw=w320-h180" title="Patrick Mahomes" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Watching these games, especially the AFC game yesterday, I wondered, are the Bears actually an NFL team worthy of competing at this level? Right now, the answer would be no. I couldn’t imagine the previous coaching staff, being organized enough and have the wherewithal to have a quarterback rally a team with only 13-seconds left in a game. The Bears as constructed the last seven years are light years behind any of the playoff teams that competed so far. Light years. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">How did we get here? It begs several other questions. Why couldn’t the Bears even sort of develop a quarterback over the last four seasons? I mean, Mitch Trubisky may not have been very good, but he showed some flashes. So, what if the stubborn former head coach, hired by the too smart for his own good former GM, adapted instead of insisting that a square peg fit into a round hole? What if the same principles could be applied to another first round pick, that actually has a future? It makes me ache for an actual plan for an organization, that understands the questions to ask and the decisions that need to be made. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHlEvsvJMJIXV_JXy_wZS6veF0NVCfQo3BYIaI9f9ZAJuzWOP1gX9p6crTNE4LfpgAYSwlkFbv2TD2QlJAjKSVmNz8jPX778kk4G3Wkp3IHtqzFfqvq77ii3YMFCS8FAiL2W5oxwzPU2by9hvrwywPicCHSQUpbjt6lSj-D2BZZ-obk1XWOjSwpQlfpw=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="2560" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHlEvsvJMJIXV_JXy_wZS6veF0NVCfQo3BYIaI9f9ZAJuzWOP1gX9p6crTNE4LfpgAYSwlkFbv2TD2QlJAjKSVmNz8jPX778kk4G3Wkp3IHtqzFfqvq77ii3YMFCS8FAiL2W5oxwzPU2by9hvrwywPicCHSQUpbjt6lSj-D2BZZ-obk1XWOjSwpQlfpw=w269-h179" width="269" /></a></div>For Bears fans, the last four years, is time you’ll never get back. While Matt Nagy was as nice a guy as there is, the determination to make HIS offense the law, regardless of the crimes being committed contributed mightily to his down fall. The sheriff, Ryan Pace, had no regard for the law and allowed his ‘officer’ to continue to rule with his own iron fist was complicit. So were the higher ups that looked the other way, when after a fluky first year, things fell apart and then crashed and burned. <o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">This is what absolutely frightens me about what may happen next. The same people are making the decision about what the future holds for Bears fans everywhere. The same people that signed off on trading up to draft a quarterback nobody else wanted, when a future Hall of Fame QB slipped and is now on to his 4<sup>th</sup> straight AFC Championship game. The same people that allowed that man to hire a relatively inexperienced play caller to lead an offense that sometimes resembled a division two college game plan. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">From the outside, the Bears search for a GM and coach look unorganized and frantic. Interviewing so many candidates says to me, “we have absolutely no clue what we are looking for in a GM or coach, so we may as well interview them all”. Maybe they’ll luck into something but I’m not counting on it. Teams that have a plan are going to move on candidates this week and quickly. The Bears may be left in the dust again. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">To me, hiring a coach before the GM is another recipe for disaster. Then again, not hiring a director of football operations, is the same thing. It just shows the arrogance of the man making the decision. George McCaskey admitted to being a “fan and not a football evaluator” in his very bizarre 60-minute press conference a few weeks ago. He is ultimately in charge and has no football acumen at all. He is relying on a very talented evaluator that has been out of the game for ten years. Bill Polian is in the Hall of Fame, and he belongs there, but the game has changed completely since he last ran an organization. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMZbbNnlgnKb8uJx9P2B6BpEx8mz7JL3doVi_3cDJCg1K76AG1WLKIdLHVE4QZ6xV92u1pajGDcOlLqNvgoA2WoPh2cPuQyOHTWcIl8w_B93Sn0jmkuU04MqUhm_rwa3ydP-iHvnNPMk-MVmD64LnFPz0AkyUI9Fy_q0JRsgHgfiWJpy3BUaBD6i6usA=w269-h151" width="269" /></div><o:p> </o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">I hope I’m wrong, and I will admit it if I am, but I have zero faith in this team getting it right on either hire. It’s laughable to see other organizations flourishing and the Bears, a charter NFL franchise, continuing to bottom feed. This is and always has been a Bears town, and it seems like ownership is taking advantage of that. These next hires are critical and will show the fans how serious this team is about winning. Can you trust them to do the right thing? Trust is waning. <o:p></o:p></p>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860596357991348019noreply@blogger.com0Chicago, IL, USA41.8781136 -87.6297982-12.606843020635829 131.74520180000002 90 52.995201800000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053027669119600507.post-2560401250788329652021-06-17T16:07:00.039-05:002021-06-17T16:15:55.351-05:00Please Welcome Your Chicago (Arlington Heights) Bears!!<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Arlington Park is in its final year of racing. It’s owner is looking to sell the 326-acre park and there should be at least one, if not two, Chicago sports owners looking to buy and do it now. Thankfully one of them <a href="https://www.chicagobears.com/news/a-statement-from-president-ceo-ted-phillips" target="_blank">just told us that they are in the bidding for the land</a>. The Chicago Bears. This is the franchise that SHOULD be looking at this as a viable place to move the franchise.</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"></span></span></p><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ljYiNRrUKxzgOBx3mne00yJFGTwXfOd_OwNi32L6OHPN_5Wpe-D-mXC2kpAWrpdKWgVJfCgOeo-nbPsrfoXsW_quMOcJPh_t1eEotms_RumF-64NFVGjjeRIXtxuwIS-b5cfiimFKbv-/s1200/E4GupuzWEAg60KR.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ljYiNRrUKxzgOBx3mne00yJFGTwXfOd_OwNi32L6OHPN_5Wpe-D-mXC2kpAWrpdKWgVJfCgOeo-nbPsrfoXsW_quMOcJPh_t1eEotms_RumF-64NFVGjjeRIXtxuwIS-b5cfiimFKbv-/w320-h180/E4GupuzWEAg60KR.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">The Bears spent a total of 660-million dollars on it and basically wasted all of it. Moving out would have been the best thing for everyone. The Park District still runs things and the playing surface is an absolute joke. Late November and December, it’s green paint on dirt. Looks terrible and plays even worse. A move to the suburbs would take the Park District out of the equation and field turf could be installed. Easier upkeep, safer than dirt. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">When the team moved into the “Spaceship to be named later” they ensured that there will never be a Superbowl at Soldier Field or in Chicago. Since the NFL started using cold weather cities, the Bears home stadium would have been a great showcase for Chicago and the league. Not going to happen now. Under the NFL rules to host the big game, a stadium must have at least 70,000 seats to host a Superbowl. The Bears actually LOST 5,000 seats in the renovation and have just a 61,500 capacity. Money out the window. A big lack of vision. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitG-eLyXdbOrRmkBVcGRPPeDPYd4yAjt0ERCcSNEjfJ1MF6R-ZbJSsp4sjKAdSS5tGezXb8MbvakZvSUtiu-OYTuQG2bGMrVXiv9gO7ODKrHvfr5pQKAG7GlShXxJ4ErLTZEd3zW5ZCsku/s275/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitG-eLyXdbOrRmkBVcGRPPeDPYd4yAjt0ERCcSNEjfJ1MF6R-ZbJSsp4sjKAdSS5tGezXb8MbvakZvSUtiu-OYTuQG2bGMrVXiv9gO7ODKrHvfr5pQKAG7GlShXxJ4ErLTZEd3zW5ZCsku/w200-h133/Unknown.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Soldier Field (USA Today photo)</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">This next statement might seem blasphemous, but hear me out. The Bears would have been best served to build a state-of-the-art retractable roof stadium. That would have helped the city attract the NCAA, for a regional final or the Final Four. I know, “Bear weather, woof woof”, it’s RETRACTABLE, meaning you can keep it OPEN during football games. Dual purpose, to keep all parties happy. Just because it opens, doesn’t mean it has to, am I right? Get the big events here, keep the big events here. Money, money, money! <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">I know, they are the CHICAGO Bears, not the Arlington Heights Bears. Ok, well then they’re the East Rutherford, NJ Jets/Giants, The Santa Clara 49’ers and the Miami Gardens Dolphins. Seriously? We’re going to quibble over a name? They need to move, stop with the silliness. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">My feelings about keeping the team in the city were much more passionate until I saw what was done to Soldier Field. For the money they spent, a brand-new building could have gone up in Rosemont, or Arlington Heights, or on the south side. In 2021, they’d be renovating it to keep up with the times and probably spending a lot less for the upkeep. Silly mistake. Build it big, make it opulent, make a statement and they will come to Arlington Heights. Oh, and out of towners will still make their way to the city and spend some dollars, so don’t worry about that. Think about the tailgating lots that could dot the landscape of the huge plot of land. You’d still have all the comforts of the old place, in a better, more fan friendly environment. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Here’s another good reason to move. Getting in and out of Soldier Field, both as a fan and a driver is ridiculously insane. Egress that funnels you into Lake Shore Drive with no place to go. Sometimes the ride to and from adds up to the time spent watching the game. Now, I realize Arlington Heights isn’t perfect, but with some major highways and roads leading into the complex, it has to be better. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIgVvuk48frWA97RS-mswJhJmAnc4Kp53CyAF1xsXZ1PMMeDWNouOtfrQEEfmhUghYa4C59c9pxICL7b1uW9Se4k5MGG_LiWsvwbjmfvXDwM_dru98cCDutewkmEgQycYG9TaUzsnjQCm/s545/ef187133d3daa7f12b77fb2518bfe360.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="535" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIgVvuk48frWA97RS-mswJhJmAnc4Kp53CyAF1xsXZ1PMMeDWNouOtfrQEEfmhUghYa4C59c9pxICL7b1uW9Se4k5MGG_LiWsvwbjmfvXDwM_dru98cCDutewkmEgQycYG9TaUzsnjQCm/w196-h200/ef187133d3daa7f12b77fb2518bfe360.gif" width="196" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Now there is the giant elephant in the room that has to be addressed. Who’s paying for it? Well since I don’t have the details on that and since the move isn’t official yet, let’s see how it plays out. Taxpayers are likely to be footing some of the bill, it would be really nice if the McCaskey Family realized the mistake it made in 2003 and pours most of, if not all the money in. We know that isn’t going to be happening, but at least this is a start, right? <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">What to do with Soldier Field? The Chicago Fire recently moved back to the facility and there are a number of events held there during non-football time. I’d love to see the White Sox move there. It would be a gutting of what is there now and if the lords of baseball allow it (MLB), have the skyline pop out of the outfield and make it one of the best views in the sport. The Cubs aren’t going anywhere, so it’s a perfect opportunity for the White Sox to still be true to their south side roots and erect a state-of-the-art park of their own. Just a thought. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">We can sort out what will occupy that land on the lakefront later, but right now my message to the Bears: Pack up and don’t look back. It’s time for the franchise to reach new heights in Arlington Heights. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860596357991348019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053027669119600507.post-77953268110813446192021-06-16T10:40:00.003-05:002021-06-16T12:02:35.415-05:00No Sunscreen, No Rosin, No Grip<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Leave it to baseball to get itself in a sticky situation, just as interest in the sport is on an upswing. Puns intended. MLB notified teams this week about how it will be enforcing and cracking down on pitchers using foreign substances on the baseball. Starting Monday pitchers will be subject to random checks and could face ejections, fines and suspensions if found with a substance on the ball or their glove. </p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Teams were notified in Spring Training, but MLB didn’t seem to be in a rush to actually reprimand anyone. Until now. Nearly 3 months into the season baseball all of the sudden will be suspending pitchers for 10 games (with pay) if they are found to be doctoring the ball. A bit of an overreaction? Yes. Considering, as many players have pointed out, the hypocritical nature of the mandate, by a league that didn’t even suspend one single Houston Astros player for actually cheating the game. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Even worse, now umpires like Joe West, who doesn’t need a further spotlight shone on him, will be the ones looking to enforce the rules. West already <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-umpire-joe-west-confiscates-hat-of-cardinals-pitcher-giovanny-gallegos-ejects-manager-mike-shildt/" target="_blank">overreacted to a Cardinals pitcher</a> entering a game with a hat that looked worn and appeared to have something on it. Cardinals' manager Mike Schildt was ejected for arguing with West. The only thing that resulted was the pitcher had to change hats. This is unfortunately shades of things to come. Umpires have already had an awful year enforcing actual rules of the game. See Marty Foster’s created, made up “interference” call or Angel Hernandez’s strike zone during a game. Ugh. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Rays’ pitcher Tyler Glasnow, who pitched against the White Sox Monday and left with an elbow injury <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/tampa-bay-rays-tyler-glasnow-suffered-partial-ucl-tear-will-try-avoid-tommy-john-surgery-injured-192809527.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAM1h6ukXUEaFE-SQNW86HD-hijiPaxOJczLZfpm2l-wQEcB52XHQTvuLmB47iH7O_cm5y01cVNmTi3UhgSNbmOryE6wgnoLH6NK53aX0ZmTLIiQwo_P_7C9jqaHEcv5pnIaA3tpbeW-oNgpry8wPTFYy1ns12_mZ7s5RVDclTQM6" target="_blank">thinks the impending enforcement led to his malady</a>. He told reporters via Zoom, “I switched my fastball grip and my curveball grip. I had to put my fastball deeper into my hand and grip it way harder. Instead of holding my curveball at the tip of my fingers, I had to dig it deeper into my hand.” Glasnow said.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFAFAhVP_6tpDLS3apP5lV_SWb8zetwcKcsXTrPe4qAUO8joJOD_Z_VtQYk6CBIhutcROk3a-LZorbRjKQnJaVwia2Y9CnF3ru5A5ASmBrOfWgiSYHRPT8wtgtJ7R7e8MPhEhQz-fbLQP/s350/i.png" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tyler Glasnow" border="0" data-original-height="254" data-original-width="350" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFAFAhVP_6tpDLS3apP5lV_SWb8zetwcKcsXTrPe4qAUO8joJOD_Z_VtQYk6CBIhutcROk3a-LZorbRjKQnJaVwia2Y9CnF3ru5A5ASmBrOfWgiSYHRPT8wtgtJ7R7e8MPhEhQz-fbLQP/w200-h145/i.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyler Glasnow (MLB.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Glasnow also echoed a sentiment shared by many pitchers in baseball. "Do it in the offseason. Give us a chance to adjust to it. But I just threw 80 innings, then you tell me I can't use anything in the middle of the year. I have to change everything I've been doing the entire season. I'm telling you I truly believe that's why I got hurt."<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">The point being made by MLB is strikeouts are up and it’s because of the pitcher’s spin rates are up. Power numbers are still there, as the White Sox Dallas Keuchel pointed out after last night’s game. Is it possible that as baseball has evolved over the last decade plus, the taboo of the strikeout by a hitter has all but vanished? It’s possible that pitchers have managed to figure out weak spots in a hitter’s game, with all the video and heat maps that are available to them now. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">According to a chart in the <a href="https://www.baseball-almanac.com/hitting/histrk4.shtml" target="_blank">Baseball Almanac</a>, in 2000 the combined strikeout numbers between the AL and NL was 31,356. In 2019 the number soared to 42,823. There has definitely been more attention paid to “StatCast” numbers from MLB, which focus on launch angle, exit velocity, spin rates and strike out rates more than most other stats. This to me is more of an explanation to the increased numbers, because organizations aren’t looking at strikeouts as a bad thing. That message is being conveyed in the minors and younger players are learning as they go through the system to accept the “K” as a necessary evil. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Don’t misunderstand me, altering a baseball should be illegal. Pitchers caught with substances like sandpaper, spider tack and cutting the ball, deserve the punishment. Those that are using, rosin (there’s a rosin bag on the mound for each pitcher, it’s right there to see for everyone) and sunscreen, to me, aren’t doing anything put ensuring a grip on a baseball. The ball itself has been manipulated by MLB over the years, that more and more pitchers had to use substances. When the league decided using a “superball” a couple of years ago, pitchers would say they couldn’t feel the seams. Pitching is all about feel and touch on the baseball. With the live arms in the game now, routinely hitting 95+ mph, I’m not sure I’d like to face a guy throwing that hard with no control or feel of the baseball. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtYK5oAXI_uuyBvFDknLdEBwo31dvoePvjwROdksjC7wxg2xSpBbbLIUUumFRNueE-ojAs_7898-QhmnaC6QIrhyH0vLEQOwmTlXG24uBEZKrDNngP80xVHws45c58w2D0wQQXSxjOS24/s1200/AP21013740646244.0.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtYK5oAXI_uuyBvFDknLdEBwo31dvoePvjwROdksjC7wxg2xSpBbbLIUUumFRNueE-ojAs_7898-QhmnaC6QIrhyH0vLEQOwmTlXG24uBEZKrDNngP80xVHws45c58w2D0wQQXSxjOS24/w200-h133/AP21013740646244.0.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Baseball looked the other way during the “Steroid Era” because fans loved watching home runs being hit. Pitchers suffered because of the amounts of long balls being hit and as a result, they were looking for the equalizer. Now that the pitchers have a bit of an edge this season, baseball is choosing to overreact and enforce rules in the middle of a season. So, what if players were stealing bases at a record pace, would MLB eliminate leadoffs midseason? Let the players, play the game. Hitters worth their salt, don’t care what a pitcher is using on a baseball, they’re going to hit it eventually. Stop tinkering with the game already MLB, what’s next, </span><a href="https://www.si.com/mlb/2021/04/27/pioneer-league-home-run-derby-extra-innings-rule" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;" target="_blank">home run derby instead of extra innings</a><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">? Oh wait, they’re already experimenting with that. See what I mean? </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860596357991348019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053027669119600507.post-27543287561076638682020-05-04T12:34:00.000-05:002020-05-04T17:26:28.277-05:00Newest Plan For Baseball Makes Sense In Ways...<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Here we sit, several weeks after Major League Baseball was supposed to have started. We are anxious to get outside and resume life as we knew it, but we have to wait. Medical professionals need to give us the go ahead when they deem it safe to return to some semblance of normalcy. It's difficult to remain patient, folks need to get back to work and to a lesser extent, we need our sports. I have no inside knowledge, but I really feel like we're close to getting baseball back up and running. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Rumors about various plans continue to pile up, but the latest one, might be the best so far. It was reported by Bob Nightengale of USA Today, that the league suggested a new plan. It would allow players to actually be home and play in home ballparks this Summer. Perhaps without fans, depending on what the medical experts deem safe. Mike Trout and Clayton Kershaw were both on record saying they didn't want to be sequestered under the previous "Arizona Plan" It would have meant players and staff would be away from their families for almost 5 months. This plan alleviates that part of the plan. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rob Manfred</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Under the proposal MLB would do away with the "American and National" Leagues and instead break it down to 3, 10 team divisions, the East, Central and West. Teams would only play regular season games against their own division and the playoffs would be expanded. Here's the breakdown on what the "divisions" could look like if approved:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">EAST</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">New York Yankees, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Washington Nationals, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">CENTRAL</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Minnesota Twins, Atlanta Braves and Detroit Tigers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">WEST</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco Giants, Oakland A's, San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, Texas Rangers, Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">There are a couple of things I might change about the alignment. Makes no sense for the Braves to be in the Central, so flip them to the East and bring the Pirates to the Central. You could also argue that the Astros and Rangers would be better off in the Central, because they are on CDT. Tough to replace them in the West because no other teams really make sense going to that division. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The best part about this proposal as laid out is the travel situation. Playing all of your games within a 2-3 hour flight (most cases will be much less) is ideal, cutting down on one of the most grueling parts of a season. In a lot of cases, no flight would even be required. The Chicago, New York and Los Angeles teams would bus between ballparks. San Diego is a bus ride from Los Angeles. Chicago to Milwaukee also an easy trip. You see where I'm going with this. Atlanta in the Central is really the only fly in the ointment. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Guaranteed Rate Field</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">(Chicago Tribune)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I figured to play 108 games, division opponents could play each other 12 times, 6 home and 6 road, likely with 2 visits to each city. That is smart, because there is guaranteed to be at least a couple of rain outs, especially in the Central and East, and a second trip could make scheduling make up games easier. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The question of playoffs has not really been answered yet. With three divisions might there be a playoff bye for the team with the best record overall? How many teams will qualify? I have a few scenarios in mind, see what you think.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Scenario 1:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Top 4 teams in each division qualify for playoffs, ranked in win order 1-4<br />Team 1 would face Team 4, Team 2 would face Team 3 in a 5 game series<br />Winners of that round would face off in a “division round” of 7 games<br />From there it gets tricky, you could “seed” the round covering the entire league and the top team theoretically could get a bye to the “World Series”.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Scenario 2:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Again, have top 4 teams in each division qualify for the playoffs and seed 1-4.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Team 1 faces Team 4, </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Team 2 faces Team 3, both would be 5 game series or even a 3 game set.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Winners emerge and 6 teams would still be alive, 2 from each division. those teams are then seeded 1-6 based on record with 1 v 6, 2 v 5, 3 v 4. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">3 winners emerge re-seed 1-3, team 1 has a bye to the championship round.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">SCENARIO 3</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Scenario 3:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">You could have a tournament bracket, </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">with the top 4 in each division qualifying. The </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">bracket would be determined by record and all divisions combined (tie breakers could be run differential or in some other fashion)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">1<sup>st</sup> round best of 3 (1v8, 2v7, 3v6, 4v5)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">2<sup>nd</sup> round best of 5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">WS round best of 7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This one is a little cleaner with no byes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Whatever MLB decides, it will certainly buck the traditional postseason we've all become used to. It will also test the "old school" way of running a regular season. I consider myself more of a purist, but I still find this intriguing and kind of fun in a way. If it gets us to a season sooner rather than later, I'm all for it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Catch every Chicago White Sox game, on WGN Radio, 720. </i></span></div>
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<br />Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860596357991348019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053027669119600507.post-15550531012698152062020-04-10T14:21:00.001-05:002020-04-20T20:44:02.384-05:00Give Me Some Baseball....PLEASE!!<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
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Right now, we’d be nearly two weeks into the Major League Baseball season, but for obvious reasons we aren’t. With the COVID-19 pandemic upon us, safety has become a top priority and of course it should be. There should be no arguing with the “Stay at home” orders, no arguing with social distancing or any other way to help “flatten the curve,” it’s just our reality. But our distractions and diversions are missing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There’s only so much Netflix, Prime Video or other streaming platforms you can take, right? What to binge next has become the biggest decision many of us has had to make for about a month already. As someone put it on Twitter the other day, “Ok, I’m done with Netflix, what do I do now?”. Meaning, I’ve already watched all I can! I mean can anything really top “Tiger King”? Only one thing in my mind can, BASEBALL. Please!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thinking about what could still be for the White Sox this season has me itching to get the baseball season started. When? Where? How? Well these are all spectacular questions that I wish I had the answer for, but I don’t. At least not yet. Though MLB has worked through some scenarios, at least reportedly, so let’s see what they are thinking.<o:p></o:p></div>
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PLAN 1:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/29008797/players-managers-intrigued-mlb-all-arizona-option" target="_blank">Have all 30 teams play their games in Arizona</a>. Use all the Spring Training facilities and Chase Field in Phoenix to play a modified schedule. No fans would be allowed in the parks. The plan is to have all the teams in one area to keep a close eye and monitor if the virus is around still. Players, staff and media would basically be sequestered in hotel rooms or apartments between games. They’d only be allowed to go out when heading to or going home from the stadiums. Seems a bit ambitious to me and a bit illogical as far as the schedule is concerned.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I count 10 facilities, or 11 counting Chase. There would have to be 15 games per day, unless doubleheaders are part of the equation. Not just two games for each team, but two games per facility. For example, the White Sox could play in Glendale’s Camelback Ranch in the day time and the Dodgers could play there against another team at night. Makes for a crowded schedule and the need to perhaps find a few more fields in the area, like maybe Phoenix Municipal, the former home of the A’s and now home to Arizona State Baseball. Still that’s just 12 parks with 30 teams in the same crowded area.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This plan was thought to be ready to go by May, giving MLB time to play as close to a full schedule as possible. Not sure that’s a realistic thing, considering Arizona was one of the last states in the union to order a “stay at home” plan. This one may be a little too ambitious, though I do love the notion of starting next month.<o:p></o:p></div>
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PLAN 2:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2020/04/10/mlb-realignment-league-considers-radical-move-for-2020-season/5128935002/" target="_blank">A plan was unveiled Friday as reported by Bob Nightengale of USA Today</a>. This plan is much more radical, but also pretty cool to me. This one would utilize both Florida and Arizona and take away play in the “National and American Leagues”. It would basically keep the Grapefruit League teams in Florida and the Cactus League teams in Arizona. The beauty is there are 15 teams in each league making it a little more balanced in scheduling. Also, reportedly part of this plan is “radical realignment” within each of the “Leagues”. So according to the report, this is how each would break down in three divisions:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>CACTUS LEAGUE</u></b><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #303030;">WEST:</span></strong> Los Angeles Dodgers, <b><u>Chicago White Sox</u></b>, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Angels.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #303030;">NORTHEAST:</span></strong> <b><u>Chicago Cubs</u></b>, San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, Oakland Athletics.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #303030;">NORTHWEST:</span></strong> Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, Kansas City Royals.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<strong><u>GRAPEFRUIT LEAGUE</u></strong><br />
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<b>NORTH:</b> New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>SOUTH:</b> Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins, Atlanta Braves, Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>EAST:</b> Washington Nationals, Houston Astros, New York Mets, St. Louis Cardinals, Miami Marlins.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Interesting look isn’t it? Oh, did I mention the plan also reportedly calls for use of the universal DH? Yup. There has been talk about what baseball might look like after possible expansion and when the new collective bargaining agreement goes into effect next year, this could be pretty close. Elimination of the “Leagues” again and a redesigning of divisions which could have the Sox and Cubs in the SAME division. That’s a bit down the road though.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Let’s look at what this PLAN 2 is all about. For those that don’t know, the Cactus League is a much easier travel league. There really isn’t one park that is more than a 45 minute to an hour drive. Not the same can be said for Florida, many of the Grapefruit League games require a short flight to play. In Arizona the teams were grouped by those that share a complex, like the White Sox and Dodgers and by one or two solo park teams. Makes sense. In Florida the geography of where teams are located comprises the divisions, so the games where you’d play the bulk of the games are within driving distance. Plus each team will have a “home base” in which to operate out of, which is ideal.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For the White Sox, they’d be joined by familiar division opponent Cleveland. The Indians are a team somewhat in flux after making a few deals this year, most notable the trade of ace Corey Kluber to Texas. The Reds share a complex with the Indians in Goodyear, AZ. Cincinnati added a bunch this off-season including familiar faces to Sox fans like Nicholas Castellanos and Mike Moustakas. The Angels of course are now managed by former Cubs skipper Joe Maddon. They spent some money in the off-season acquiring Anthony Rendon. Plus, they have arguably the best player in the game, Mike Trout. The Dodgers are the odds-on favorite to win the National League (well now the Cactus League) and they added Mookie Betts. Won’t be an easy trek for the Sox if this plan comes to fruition.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For the Cubs, they get some rebuilding teams and some, well, I’m just not sure about for the upcoming year. The Giants have a new manager and the A’s always seem to be in contention, somehow some way. Arizona basically gets the advantage of playing true “home” games and the Rockies pitching staff may be better off not throwing in Colorado at Coors Field.<br />
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This plan is logistically more feasible with almost 30 parks being used including 3 major league parks that have domes (Tropicana Field, Marlins Park, Chase Field). Plus, as mentioned, will cut down on travel times and distances dramatically more than a regular season.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Not mentioned yet is a concrete start time and a finite number of games to be played. Nightengale speculates that there can be 12 games vs. division opponents and 6 games each against those outside. If my math is correct that adds up to 108 total games (48 in division, 60 outside). There would be at least one doubleheader a night when all teams are scheduled to play because of the odd number of teams in each state.<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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As far as playoffs, he guesses, <span style="color: #303030;">there could still be division winners and wild-card winners, perhaps adding two more wild-card teams to each league, or a postseason tournament with all 30 teams. The winner of the Cactus League in Arizona would play the winner of the Grapefruit League in Florida for the World Series championship, utilizing the domed stadiums in late November.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #303030;">This sounds like the better plan, though there could be some issues. Weather being one of them. In Florida it’s all about rain. In the Summer, it routinely rains at certain times each day depending on the region. That could create a nightmare for scheduling if there are multiple rain outs per day or week. How do you make them up without the season going into December? In Arizona it’s the heat. 100 degrees or more in the Summer will make it tough on players, especially pitchers going deep into games.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #303030;">Along those lines, I wonder if MLB would consider upping the roster limits to maybe 30, with a chance to perhaps have a “taxi” squad in reserve since the Minor League season may be in jeopardy as well. So, maybe “dress” 30 players each game, but have another 10 that you can use to make roster moves with? Just spit balling here. Something will have to be done to protect players from injury.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #303030;">Whichever plan, the all Arizona, the Arizona-Florida or another one, goes into effect, I’ll just be happy to talk and see some baseball being played. If it can be done safely keeping everybody’s well-being in mind, I’m all for it. Let’s go!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #303030;">Remember, you'll hear every Chicago White Sox game broadcast on WGN Radio, 720AM!</span><br />
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Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860596357991348019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053027669119600507.post-27683236371268103102019-03-16T11:35:00.000-05:002019-03-16T11:35:50.416-05:00White Sox Camp Notes 3.16.19Good morning from Glendale!<br />
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<a href="http://www.whitesox.com/" target="_blank">White Sox</a> camp continues and they'll face their complex mates the Dodgers in an afternoon game today from the Valley of the Sun.<br />
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<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/ivan-nova-467100?season=2019&team=145" target="_blank">Ivan Nova</a> will make the start today, it will be his third of the Spring. Nova is 0-1, with a 9.00 ERA. While on that subject, the numbers in the Cactus League don't mean a whole lot. Many pitchers will tell you that they are working on one specific pitch or one location per inning, regardless of the situation. So don't expect a guy to be feeding fastballs low and in to a lefty while ahead in the count during the regular season. This is what this exhibition season is all about, getting reps, building up arm strength and innings.<br />
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Same is true for numbers offensively, for many of the same reasons. The sky is tough here in Arizona. The ground is hard and unforgiving on a fielder. So many of the 'hits' that are credited to batters may not be on a perfectly manicured infield in the big leagues.<br />
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I realize baseball is all about stats and numbers, but that's not exactly what the decision makers are truly looking at when it comes to the final roster.<br />
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Numbers were not the downfall of <a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/eloy-jimenez-650391?stats=career-r-hitting-minors&year=2019" target="_blank">Eloy Jimenez</a> this camp. Ricky Renteria hinted at it yesterday and Jimenez himself admitted to it today, he was pressing at the plate.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/G9lZbCCll5ZSWB-_If_n8YL4kEs=/0x0:2804x3904/1200x800/filters:focal(1137x807:1585x1255)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61036955/usa_today_10785035.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="133" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/G9lZbCCll5ZSWB-_If_n8YL4kEs=/0x0:2804x3904/1200x800/filters:focal(1137x807:1585x1255)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61036955/usa_today_10785035.0.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eloy Jimenez <br />
(MLB/MILB)</td></tr>
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"I tried to do too much, I think that's why I didn't have the good results," said Jimenez. "I'm going to keep working and I'm going<br />
to try and control that (pressing)."<br />
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Now as far as what he thought about his timing being off. Jimenez said he's never dealt with that issue before. "Not really, its the first time. It was good that it happened here in Spring Training." Jimenez says the White Sox haven't told him specifically what they want him to do in Charlotte. He added that he'll work on his total game, offense, defense and running the bases.<br />
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Lineup for today's 3:05 game vs. Dodgers, Camelback Ranch - NO RADIO TODAY<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/daniel-palka-594953?season=2019&team=145" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="254" data-original-width="350" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_tIyaMv8BiQRFmd3RxqbZvau7JSFraL3UEnRr75BoxeJS7TEktoYIRCNy0zyGgq30JzDy4_M3FN1F-S79RbXXIByI22ncaz8w0g5S5jl8anBZKORO-9UxlhsEIGF_aS5ciJyrBMQKEz9/s200/i-1.png" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/daniel-palka-594953?season=2019&team=145" target="_blank">Daniel Palka - RF today(White Sox)</a></td></tr>
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Leury Garcia LF<br />
Yoan Moncada 3B<br />
Jose Abreu 1B<br />
Yonder Alonso DH<br />
Daniel Palka RF<br />
Welington Castillo C<br />
Yolmer Sanchez 2B<br />
Tim Anderson SS<br />
Adam Engel CF<br />
Ivan Nova P<br />
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More later on <a href="http://www.wgnradio.com/" target="_blank">WGN Radio</a>.<br />
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<br />Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860596357991348019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053027669119600507.post-17833647556688383722019-03-15T13:50:00.001-05:002019-03-15T13:50:07.274-05:00Arizona, Hello!So here I am, finally made it to Arizona after a few travel headaches yesterday. It's great to be back in the Valley of the Sun for Spring Training. The last time I was here was 2014, just before moving back to Chicago to start my second stint with the folks at WGN.<br />
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Today, the <a href="http://www.whitesox.com/" target="_blank">White Sox</a> face the <a href="http://www.cubs.com/" target="_blank">Cubs</a> in a Cactus League game here at Camelback Ranch. We have the broadcast for you starting at 3:05 on <a href="http://www.wgnradio.com/" target="_blank">WGN Radio</a>. Ed Farmer and Darrin Jackson will have the call, I'll stop by the booth in the bottom of the third inning and stick around in the 4th. Looking forward to that very much.<br />
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I poked my head into the clubhouse this morning and saw some of the new faces on this Sox team. Among them Yonder Alonso and Jon Jay, who were lockered by each other in one of the corners of the clubhouse.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://securea.mlb.com/mlb/images/players/head_shot/543510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="213" height="200" src="https://securea.mlb.com/mlb/images/players/head_shot/543510.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James McCann (MLB)</td></tr>
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I also met new catcher James McCann, who joined me for a few brief moments before a team meeting. Here are some of the things I gleaned from the conversation:<br />
- He is very much looking forward to working with the young pitching staff of the White Sox...<br />
- McCann was very happy to be staying in the division, due to a familiarity with it and the teams...<br />
- He and Welington Castillo have already formed a good relationship...<br />
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Manager Ricky Renteria spoke to us before the game today and mentioned that he was happy to see what Eloy Jimenez did in camp. He said that Jimenez was going to go down to AAA and work on his timing at the plate and some of his defense as well. But Renteria has no doubt that Jimenez is still on track to do some work in the big leagues soon.<br />
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We'll have today's game, along with Sunday, Monday and Tuesday of next week on the air on WGN, so make a note of that.<br />
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Here's the staring lineup for today's game with the Cubs (3:05 CDT)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisChNgwfFv8mDaaBlyT1d0ATZjZcFGuCj7b4ueIAPiVxn5XKjshMTVi8f0GOIvSIySBrkhImtfuYjDXgMXLDBOL1vIs1TNNFqmseQnlcJ8FKvweMVTNBBtKfIbcBKbo29RjO9DeFJ-tuqG/s1600/584d4aff0a44bd1070d5d48d.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1159" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisChNgwfFv8mDaaBlyT1d0ATZjZcFGuCj7b4ueIAPiVxn5XKjshMTVi8f0GOIvSIySBrkhImtfuYjDXgMXLDBOL1vIs1TNNFqmseQnlcJ8FKvweMVTNBBtKfIbcBKbo29RjO9DeFJ-tuqG/s200/584d4aff0a44bd1070d5d48d.png" width="144" /></a>Leury Garcia RF<br />
Brandon Guyer LF<br />
Jose Abreu 1B<br />
James McCann C<br />
Yonder Alonso DH<br />
Yoan Moncada 3B<br />
Tim Anderson SS<br />
Yolmer Sanchez 2B<br />
Adam Engel CF<br />
Lucas Giolito P<br />
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<b><u>Notes</u></b>:<br />
The <a href="http://www.chicagoblackhawks.com/" target="_blank">Chicago Blackhawks </a>announced that Jim Thome will drop the ceremonial puck at the Hawks/Canucks game at the United Center Monday night. Fans are invited to attend a special pregame celebration in the UC Atrium. Since Thome hit 612 home runs, the first 612 fans to the atrium that night will receive a commemorative t-shirt.<br />
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Roster Moves: Outright Juan Minaya to Charlotte re-assigned to minor league camp, Randall Delgado also re-assigned to minor league camp. Sox 40 man roster stands at 39 now.<br />
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Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860596357991348019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053027669119600507.post-78027580992062216542017-07-12T13:15:00.003-05:002017-07-12T13:23:21.286-05:00Fox Hits Home Run with All-Star Game Telecast/Cubs, Sox outlook This one didn't count, but count the 2017 Baseball All-Star game among those that were very enjoyable to watch. Fox was able to do things this year it couldn't in the past because the game counted. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcqUvZ-oXtwRn35KMpL5_uwJTahPHe-utzDXyD6Lq3qvIy8OHOuMEdoN-4EiH5M_5CjeOmHZVgJRBBmIBJfVVRyzBFlyIRGiELO50r4P_emiT5PblIQqEYiVGQrSKpKLV14GJumf_e3b4/s1600/2017-All-Star-Game-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1600" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcqUvZ-oXtwRn35KMpL5_uwJTahPHe-utzDXyD6Lq3qvIy8OHOuMEdoN-4EiH5M_5CjeOmHZVgJRBBmIBJfVVRyzBFlyIRGiELO50r4P_emiT5PblIQqEYiVGQrSKpKLV14GJumf_e3b4/s320/2017-All-Star-Game-logo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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In the past (since the 2002 tie in Milwaukee) the winning league took home field advantage in the World Series. Ludicrous on so many levels. Enter new commissioner Rob Manfred and order was restored and the game went back to its original roots as an exhibition game. </div>
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With so many young "faces of the game" on display, Fox was able to take us into their livelihoods while actually on the field. Play-by-play man Joe Buck and analyst John Smoltz conducted interviews with Astros outfielder George Springer while he played left field and Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper while he patrolled right in separate innings. What followed was awesome. </div>
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While interviewing Springer, normally a centerfielder for the Astros, the crew asked him about the difference between CF and LF. Then with Giancarlo Stanton at the plate Buck deadpanned, "You better back up," to Springer who followed with <span style="font-family: inherit;">“That’s my plan." Buck then asked Springer if he gets amped up when a power hitter comes up to bat, "Yeah, and I'm about 200, 300 feet away." </span></div>
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The Harper interview was even better. Harper has been portrayed by some as a "spoiled brat" type player, but he embraced the time and showed well for himself. He had a fun time with the "imposition" during the game. Buck said something to the effect of "I'll bet you're good at multi-tasking", then the conversation shifted from baseball to the NFL. Of course Buck is the lead voice of the NFL on Fox, so Harper said he felt like he was "commentating on the NFL Network" and shifted the talk to his team, the Dallas Cowboys. "Hey Joe how's Dak (Prescott) going to be this year?", Buck then waxed poetic on the Cowboys quarterback and team. A pretty cool moment during a baseball game.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0szFpDL9EHg1D6nO_RrqkP2dScqcoj-tsA639OF2VgCMIKcYqo4PseMyJ03fZYldBtvS_EW2Ruao1zPiGFefaDaZ8V8qC1PJy635twlbbfIes4r1X2hpAG6m3JOuACFTYV61wPi6fqWO/s1600/bryce-harper-in-game-832x447.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="832" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0szFpDL9EHg1D6nO_RrqkP2dScqcoj-tsA639OF2VgCMIKcYqo4PseMyJ03fZYldBtvS_EW2Ruao1zPiGFefaDaZ8V8qC1PJy635twlbbfIes4r1X2hpAG6m3JOuACFTYV61wPi6fqWO/s320/bryce-harper-in-game-832x447.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryce Harper interviewed on Fox in game (Courtesy Fox Sports)</td></tr>
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Getting into this decade, the folks at Fox with MLB's blessing took to Facebook Live for an inning. Buck and Smoltz were on camera in the booth during the 5th inning. Not sure if the casual fan enjoyed the look in, but I found it very interesting as a veteran of MLB booths. The announce team was informed by their associate in the booth that after the inning they would be on camera on Fox. Smoltz asked if they needed to wear their sport coats, and I think Buck said he 'had to" because his tie was so short. </div>
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Fox tried to force a couple of things that maybe they should re-think for next year. The interviews with the lead-off hitters for each team, Charlie Blackmon for the NL and Jose Altuve for the AL were uninformative and just not worth the effort to me. Also the whole A-Rod on the field interviewing the National League infield seemed forced and didn't give me much. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7YnOwaJ5EJFRi_ICN1vOdcppQmxFOxX20YJTqxSAxRHSKXhDZr4GXEDV0HyrWaN6Awem8tAEI2lH0evHTf4sCC2rQmBcVBm-xmz4TQvEcWAC81TlJ3Z4F_bq0-8lyjq3zBBWGEgmrFph/s1600/cbfd5e57-470a-4875-ac8e-7e79db202651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="745" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7YnOwaJ5EJFRi_ICN1vOdcppQmxFOxX20YJTqxSAxRHSKXhDZr4GXEDV0HyrWaN6Awem8tAEI2lH0evHTf4sCC2rQmBcVBm-xmz4TQvEcWAC81TlJ3Z4F_bq0-8lyjq3zBBWGEgmrFph/s200/cbfd5e57-470a-4875-ac8e-7e79db202651.jpg" width="145" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rodriguez interviews Arenado<br />
(Courtesy Fox Sports)</td></tr>
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There was a strange moment in the game. Nelson Cruz came to the plate and took out his cellphone and asked National League catcher Yadier Molina to take a picture of the Mariners DH and home plate umpire Joe West. Why? Because he could, <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333;">"(MLB) didn't say I can't have a cell phone on the field so," Cruz said on Fox. "I'm a big fan of Joe West. He's been around for a while. I was like, I have to do this." </span></span>West wouldn't have been my first choice for a photo op but oh well. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0uYksdfu4bebQNTy7xETi__vUGkCM8EoGIKiiXoquIkYjry70niao9rUiqZ4MkNs1V2PwCg-7XmPsQ0ip_znZ5NE2iY8eIn1Xm_B5Wzt2wTQsc8-L_XuqnOTue5_jMzlLZcF39LFbb0h/s1600/cruz.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0uYksdfu4bebQNTy7xETi__vUGkCM8EoGIKiiXoquIkYjry70niao9rUiqZ4MkNs1V2PwCg-7XmPsQ0ip_znZ5NE2iY8eIn1Xm_B5Wzt2wTQsc8-L_XuqnOTue5_jMzlLZcF39LFbb0h/s320/cruz.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cruz and West pose for picture in 6th inning (Courtesy Fox Sports)</td></tr>
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Speaking of West, he had to be going out of his mind during this game. The "inning breaks" seemed like they were double what a normal MLB game would be. West has notoriously been a vocal critic of how long games take, yet he does nothing about it when umpiring a game. Hmm.<br />
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<b><u>Other quick thoughts about the game:</u></b><br />
- What the heck was Yadier Molina thinking? I agree with Buck, it looked like he ripped off C3PO before the game.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yadier Molina (Courtesy USA Today)</td></tr>
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- The tribute to the Latin Hall of Fame baseball players was very cool.<br />
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- Is it me, or does Fox always seem to have too much "crowd noise" when doing interviews? Was very hard to hear some of the in game interviews handled from the booth.<br />
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- Glad to see that Commissioner Manfred is not opposed to bringing the game into this century and agreed to all the things Fox wanted to do and made sure this game was an exhibition as intended.<br />
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<b><u>Why are the ratings so poor for the All-Star Game?</u></b><br />
Ratings were a little better than last year's telecast but not by a whole lot. Baseball has really harmed itself in the All-Star game ratings game and popularity. What I mean by that is with the advent of Inter-league Play it's no longer a "novelty" to see teams from the opposite league in which you root for. Accessibility has also hurt the popularity of the game. It's not over saturation, but now you can subscribe to "Extra innings" or "MLB.tv" and see pretty much every game played in a baseball season. That wasn't the case obviously when the All-Star game was a highly rated, must watch option.<br />
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<b><u>Cubs/White Sox 2nd half outlook</u></b><br />
It's been a strange first half for the Chicago baseball teams this year. The Cubs have not been able to put anything together consistently and find themselves 5 and a half games back in the awful NL Central Division at the break. The White Sox have an awful record, but the rebuild is continuing with some flashes of hope for the future.<br />
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<b><u>Cubs:</u></b><br />
For those that thought this year would be a "cake walk", you're finding out how wrong you were now. Last season was magical, this has been, well interesting. The Cubs haven't won back-to-back games since winning 3 in a row June 18-20 at Wrigley Field. The combination of a lack of starting pitching and consistent offense has spelled doom over the course of the first half.<br />
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I think the truth lies somewhere in the middle here and the law of averages would tell you that things will brighten a bit in the 2nd half especially for the starters with the return of Kyle Hendricks. For me, I'd like to see Joe Maddon figure out a way to let the young players like Ian Happ, Kyle Schwarber, Addison Russell and Javier Baez more regular playing time. The platoon system with Baez and Russell isn't working. Albert Almora Jr also needs to play a lot more than he is. <br />
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Cubs will make a deadline deal to try and acquire a controllable starting pitcher, the price will likely be Schwarber.<br />
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<b><u>Sox: </u></b><br />
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Stay the course. Things are going well with the rebuild. Fans are getting a chance to see the future of the club and it looks good. Yoan Moncada hasn't even been up yet and there's some good arms in the farm system that will be along sooner rather than later. 38-49 sounds bad and it is, but in this case, the intensity the team plays with and the never surrender attitude instilled by Ricky Renteria makes it easier to take.<br />
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The Sox youngsters are being given the chance to succeed and fail at the big league level, both are critically important for their development as they move along. Matt Davidson is showing power, Yolmer Sanchez is playing 2B well and providing some offense, and Carlos Rodon has looked better each time out after starting the year on the disabled list.<br />
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Next for the Sox is making a good deal for Jose Quintana. He may wind up with the Astros after all is said and done and would bring back a nice bounty of young talent. </div>
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<i>Andy Masur is a veteran MLB play-by-play announcer, having worked with the San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs broadcast teams. </i></div>
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Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860596357991348019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053027669119600507.post-91690125337080133062017-04-30T22:55:00.001-05:002017-05-01T20:38:45.099-05:00MLB Power Rankings April 30, 2017<div class="MsoNormal">
Week four’s power rankings have the first change of the
season at the top spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Washington
takes over after a good week, while the Cubs slip to #2 for the first time.
Cubs still among the elite but the Nationals great week can’t be over
looked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s the rest of the field…<o:p></o:p></div>
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1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Washington
Nationals<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>LW<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>4</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">There’s a new number one this week. </span><span style="text-align: center;">The Nationals scored 23 runs Sunday, with
Anthony Rendon driving in 10.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> Ryan Zimmerman
and Bryce Harper are staying hot for DC. </span></div>
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2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chicago Cubs<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>LW<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1<o:p></o:p></div>
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Still leading Central Division, still a top tier team and
finding more consistency with offense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Starting staff not going deep into games yet. <o:p></o:p></div>
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3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Houston Astros<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>LW<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>3<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dallas is flourishing in Houston…Keuchel giving Astros
flashbacks of Cy Young season in 2015. <o:p></o:p></div>
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4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Colorado Rockies<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>LW<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>5<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fun times in the Mile High City…Rockies getting the pitching
under Bud Black. Nolan Arenado hitting, Reynolds hitting, Desmond now back from
injury. <o:p></o:p></div>
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5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Baltimore Orioles<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>LW<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>2<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ends Arpil in 1<sup>st</sup> place tie with Yankees after
extra inning win Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still have one
of the best power lineups in the American League. <o:p></o:p></div>
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6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New York Yankees<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>LW<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>6<o:p></o:p></div>
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Aaron Judge making everyone rise with 10 HR’s in April…Joe
Girardi getting the most out of a young lineup.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3afpnHrpMEnZLM5nzKI_W9ua7tsjVmTg8IQS0MOhG-Thu2Gw4IvG6h5KKKK3sQnMfdLxx27COJY_X_E6Z4ZKw0Za1UNkd8ZkhpX9PS0BaD7GdnsTXuelfn0ZeNKlseif9y8yII9wmkz9x/s1600/592450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3afpnHrpMEnZLM5nzKI_W9ua7tsjVmTg8IQS0MOhG-Thu2Gw4IvG6h5KKKK3sQnMfdLxx27COJY_X_E6Z4ZKw0Za1UNkd8ZkhpX9PS0BaD7GdnsTXuelfn0ZeNKlseif9y8yII9wmkz9x/s200/592450.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">99 - Aaron Judge - NYY</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
7. Cleveland Indians<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>LW<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>7<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Happy to have Michael Brantley back from injury…has 5 home
runs in first month of the season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Francsico Lindor has 7 homers in April. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boston Red Sox<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>LW<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>10<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hanley Ramirez heating up for Boston…Benintendi continuing
to thrive as rookie in this lineup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Arizona Diamondbacks<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>LW<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>9<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shelby Miller shut down for season and will undergo Tommy
John surgery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake Lamb with a monster
home run for D-Backs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Los Angeles
Dodgers<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>LW<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>12<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Starting to put it back together…Dodgers end April on a four
game winning streak. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have series v.
struggling Giants coming up…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
11.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miami Marlins <span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>LW<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>11<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Marlins hanging around, but already 5 games back of red hot
Nationals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ended April one game under
.500.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
12.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chicago White
Sox<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>LW<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>23<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the surprise teams of the first month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rebuild going well to this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sox finish April 3 games over .500.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
13.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Milwaukee
Brewers<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>LW<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>14<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Riding hot bat of Eric Thames…to .500 after 1<sup>st</sup>
month of regular season…</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
14.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>St Louis
Cardinals<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>LW<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>19<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bouncing back from early struggles…still have bullpen
issues…at 12-12 right now…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
15.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Los Angeles
Angels<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>LW<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>25<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Starters giving Angels a chance…team is a game over 500
after first month of season…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
16.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Minnesota Twins<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>LW<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>24<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Phil Hughes has 4 wins…Miguel Sano continues to rake for the
12-11 Twins…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
17.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Detroit Tigers<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>LW<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>8<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hoping to get Miguel Cabrera and Jacoby Jones back soon…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
18.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cincinnati Reds<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>LW<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>17<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After early season success…the Reds have come back to Earth
a bit...<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
19.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pittsburgh
Pirates<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>LW<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>13<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Scuffling a bit since Marte suspension…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
20.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tampa Bay Rays<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>LW<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>21<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chris Archer gives the Rays a chance every 5<sup>th</sup>
day…only 2 games under 500…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
21.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Texas Rangers<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>LW<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>15<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Still trying to find some offense…on a consistent basis…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
22.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oakland A’s<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>LW<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>22<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having issues scoring runs…ran into hot Dallas Keuchel
Sunday. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
23.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Philadelphia
Phillies<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>LW<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>16<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have dropped 3 in a row, to fall under 500 by one game..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
24.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New York Mets<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>LW<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>18<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Injuries are absolutely killing the Metropolitans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Syndergaard leaves start Sunday, Cespedes
and others out of action for New York. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5mfsDEQ9q2Jg9zKlLmoRVu-Rq4GqqBJO-jv1HvU_lTb6Yob65-arU0uLS1tnPwe_P0PweGVsdcbsttQEnJw2On47VAPZO8X2vibmt6UupsY1AJp9G0Xfmvd8jFO_ThG-vWYJ4VfudOOL/s1600/592789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5mfsDEQ9q2Jg9zKlLmoRVu-Rq4GqqBJO-jv1HvU_lTb6Yob65-arU0uLS1tnPwe_P0PweGVsdcbsttQEnJw2On47VAPZO8X2vibmt6UupsY1AJp9G0Xfmvd8jFO_ThG-vWYJ4VfudOOL/s200/592789.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noah Syndergaard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
25.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Atlanta Braves<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>LW<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>29<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Freddie Freeman is worth the price of admission…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
26.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>San Diego Padres<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>LW<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>27<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wil Myers doing it all for 4<sup>th</sup> place San Diego…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
27.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seattle Mariners<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>LW<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>26<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First month did not treat Mariners well…end up 11-15…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
28.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>San Francisco
Giants<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>LW<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>20<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No Bumgarner equaling no wins recently for struggling San
Francisco…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
29.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Toronto Blue
Jays<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>LW<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>30<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
.320 win percentage for a playoff team…not sitting well in
Toronto…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kansas City
Royals<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>LW<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>28<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
2015 World Series
champs falling on hard times…7 wins in April. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi422Z-Yp_4f7Z_jeEuh3Td0e83m6AbRFmzbxB5Qpr8KIQRWv2m7IoBhAycxQV9FCDodFevs1LprRq7MLksixEM9TlSXgnGUCQkTETqHbyBl7lxmJ1BVYqDfGmnmI2yLdQa_bsY_3v05uOz/s1600/PowerRankings4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi422Z-Yp_4f7Z_jeEuh3Td0e83m6AbRFmzbxB5Qpr8KIQRWv2m7IoBhAycxQV9FCDodFevs1LprRq7MLksixEM9TlSXgnGUCQkTETqHbyBl7lxmJ1BVYqDfGmnmI2yLdQa_bsY_3v05uOz/s400/PowerRankings4.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860596357991348019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053027669119600507.post-36729427335222890082017-04-26T13:48:00.002-05:002017-04-26T14:34:00.433-05:00The Day Rick Monday Saved the American FlagIt was a normal Sunday afternoon of baseball on the West Coast. The Cubs were playing the Dodgers in a day game at Dodger Stadium on a sunny April 25, 1976. Rick Monday was playing centerfield for the Cubs, when he noticed two protesters kneeling down, with an American Flag on the ground. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Associated Press Photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Associated Press Photo</td></tr>
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He wasn't sure what to make of it, but knew he had to do something about it. This is an excerpt from an interview I did with Monday, know in his 24th season behind the microphone for the Dodgers about the incident in Los Angeles...<br />
<br />
<br /><audio controls><source src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/33775802/Rick%20Monday%20Saves%20the%20Flag%20Mixdown%201.mp3" />If you cannot see the audio controls, <a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/33775802/Rick%20Monday%20Saves%20the%20Flag%20Mixdown%201.mp3">listen/download the audio file here</a></audio>
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<br />
Yes that is a young Vin Scully on the play-by-play, describing the two protesters and the heroics of Monday. Ironically until this year, Monday and Scully shared the microphone on Dodgers broadcasts.<br />
<br />
Monday was presented with the flag in a ceremony at Wrigley Field by Dodgers executive Al Campanis later in 1976. The flag hung in his home for a while, but after some hurricane damage to his property, Monday put it in a safety deposit box.
Monday was traded by the Cubs the following offseason after hitting a career best 32 home runs. He was dealt for Bill Buckner and Ivan DeJesus.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baseball Hall of Fame photo</td></tr>
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<br />
He was always one of my favorite Cubs and have had the pleasure of getting to know him when I was with the Padres. Monday wore #7 and had that unique way of taking practice swings, with the barrel of the bat pointed right at the pitcher.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-Xv9jyZAwg4dV0c3p2gNdiJEsBTRnREPhejgimXxiUrRhHGos4zfZ0Q2XC5BTAJtP14e27BAbgYNd7AMBTThD-o0MCtimHr-Ci3zsSYbgCoN4cLJGvB2HChuMBF-yo_sP7RHtdTrDFQQ/s1600/8668-497675Fr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-Xv9jyZAwg4dV0c3p2gNdiJEsBTRnREPhejgimXxiUrRhHGos4zfZ0Q2XC5BTAJtP14e27BAbgYNd7AMBTThD-o0MCtimHr-Ci3zsSYbgCoN4cLJGvB2HChuMBF-yo_sP7RHtdTrDFQQ/s200/8668-497675Fr.jpg" width="145" /></a></div>
<br />
One thing you may not know about him, he was the very first player ever selected in Baseball's Amateur Draft. Monday was selected #1 out of Arizona State by the Kansas City Athletics.
Rick Monday saved the flag and became an American Hero. Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860596357991348019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053027669119600507.post-65740534232228840902017-04-23T21:47:00.003-05:002017-04-23T21:50:23.953-05:00MLB Power Rankings April 23, 2017<div class="MsoNormal">
After 3 weeks of the Major League Baseball season and what
have we learned?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know that the Cubs
are starting to hit the ball with regularity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We still think the Rockies, Orioles and Yankees are for real. The Astros
are staying hot, and we aren’t only talking about Houston in the summer.
Washington is heating up too, and it has nothing to do with politics. Here’s
this week’s power rankings, enjoy!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1 1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Chicago Cubs<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>LW:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1<br />
The Cubs bats are warming up and
getting more consistent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had several
come from behind wins last week, and the pen is righting its ship. Still the best team in the majors.<br />
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2 2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Baltimore Orioles<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>LW:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>4<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
A 4-2 week and two series wins for the
Birds who stay on top of the AL East. Doing it with Manny Machado hitting only
.206.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dylan Bundy has a 1.37 ERA.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3 3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Houston Astros<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>LW:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>2<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
Astros went 5-2 last week and remain
affixed atop the AL West.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jose Altuve is
doing his thing, hitting .324, while Dallas Keuchel is healthy (3-0, 0.96). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4 4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Washington Nationals<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>LW:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>3<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nationals have won 6 in a row. The middle
of the order is hot too, B. Harper has 7 homers, R. Zimmerman has 5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shawn Kelley has 3 saves as new closer. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5 5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Colorado Rockies<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>LW:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>6<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fresh off a sweep of the Giants, the
Rockies are still in 1<sup>st</sup> place in the NL West.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nolan Arenado continues to rake and Mark
Reynolds has 5 HR’s.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6 6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->New York Yankees<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>LW:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>7<o:p></o:p></div>
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Joe Girardi has his young guys playing well
and the Yanks are only 1.5 games behind the Orioles in the AL East.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aaron Judge is a freak show at the plate.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqkQHg4Z7SF7Pdw1o59XVfghYzOQQyX1J9Uwo0vEueRp-N70CCrD0QN1Hi5r3LNRj_E2ZyQeZWtgGITYDxHUKVdY1VlIvHyL70gWrCXTma6d4rRgh9Z-28HU_1l3oG4IyhNAePxC0A-fR/s1600/Boston%252BRed%252BSox%252Bv%252BNew%252BYork%252BYankees%252Bc_WJ3yjqMhgl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqkQHg4Z7SF7Pdw1o59XVfghYzOQQyX1J9Uwo0vEueRp-N70CCrD0QN1Hi5r3LNRj_E2ZyQeZWtgGITYDxHUKVdY1VlIvHyL70gWrCXTma6d4rRgh9Z-28HU_1l3oG4IyhNAePxC0A-fR/s200/Boston%252BRed%252BSox%252Bv%252BNew%252BYork%252BYankees%252Bc_WJ3yjqMhgl.jpg" width="141" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe Girardi</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Cleveland Indians<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>LW:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>8<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
A 5-1 week has the Tribe back in a first place
tie with Detroit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cleveland swept
Minnesota and took 2 of three against the White Sox. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Detroit Tigers<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>LW:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>12<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
Staying in first place without Miguel
Cabrera who’s on the DL with a groin strain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tigers are getting help from some minor league call-ups these days.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Arizona Diamondbacks<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>LW:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>11<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
Knocking on door of 1<sup>st</sup> place,
while Goldschmidt slumps and now Shelby Miller leaves a game early. Yasmani
Tomas had a 2 HR game v. LA. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Boston
Red Sox<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>LW:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>10<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
Rookie Benenintendi has 5-for-5 game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mookie Betts and Hanley Ramirez help Boston
to a win at Baltimore.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1 11.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Miami
Marlins<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>LW:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>13<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
The power has been turned on, though it was
against SD. Stanton with 2 more HR.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Miami is only 2.5 back of Nationals. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1 12.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Los
Angeles Dodgers<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>LW:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>5<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
Rough times for the Dodgers, with Rich Hill
being bothered by blisters. Joc Pederson left a game with groin tightness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kenta Maeda struggling too. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1 13.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Pittsburgh
Pirates<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>LW:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>14<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
Big blow suffered with the suspension of
Starling Marte. Polanco and McCutchen try to hold outfield together.<o:p></o:p><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqV3Vz_9N8wwxmagoad2vODmamrB31ct4rx5Tt9QGLOq7hMmXBnghc3V12tw2K_lxM1OL1EpVX486XQniEhOaHwbjEwjgIau7cOnRDxVTCvzNOVUrI-QM3q4g94uQa4a_G1BnUOPAlxeXp/s1600/starling-marte-041916-getty-ftrjpg_10ja0gr39johc19u677kxuusno.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqV3Vz_9N8wwxmagoad2vODmamrB31ct4rx5Tt9QGLOq7hMmXBnghc3V12tw2K_lxM1OL1EpVX486XQniEhOaHwbjEwjgIau7cOnRDxVTCvzNOVUrI-QM3q4g94uQa4a_G1BnUOPAlxeXp/s200/starling-marte-041916-getty-ftrjpg_10ja0gr39johc19u677kxuusno.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starling Marte (Sports Illustrated)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1 14.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Milwaukee
Brewers<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>LW:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>24<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
Brewers may have found diamond in the rough
with hot hitting Eric Thames and catcher Jett Bandy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love that name. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1 15.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Texas
Rangers<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>LW:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>22<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
Rangers sweep Royals with help from Yu
Darvish. Rangers have won 4 in a row and are only 4 games out of first. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1 16.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Philadelphia
Phillies<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>LW:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>25<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
Coming off sweep of the Braves, the Phillies
are at .500 for the season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2B Cesar
Hernandez is rolling, has 4 homers and 10 RBI over his last 19 games.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1 17.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Cincinnati
Reds<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>LW:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>19<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
Reds are hanging around with the Cubs, and
avoided a sweep with a win today. Bronson Arroyo pitched like it was 2004. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1 18.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->New
York Mets<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>LW:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>9<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
Fallen below .500 with tough stretch of 7
losses in 8 games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bruce and Cespedes
lead with 6 HR’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1 19.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->St
Louis Cardinals<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>LW:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>30<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
Moved up after falling to #30 last week.
Fattened up against the Brewers this week, getting some good pitching from Mike
Leake and Adam Wainwright. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2 20.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->San
Francisco Giants<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>LW:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>16<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
Giants are hurting, losing Madison Bumgarner
for an extended time will not help them in the NL West. Shut out by the Rockies
Sunday. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJxM7YrgWIJD95eFehHxNGf7SxcYxHlnoF_B4ObgfUxcs1TO3hUK12nSE6_42L6iLZzux_Jj9FfhU8vjYcXo06YUCoJSWff8l2JUKXkULPH5tbEmtKaJ1gp3vuYUIPXCwCS2doSH0F5vp/s1600/920x920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJxM7YrgWIJD95eFehHxNGf7SxcYxHlnoF_B4ObgfUxcs1TO3hUK12nSE6_42L6iLZzux_Jj9FfhU8vjYcXo06YUCoJSWff8l2JUKXkULPH5tbEmtKaJ1gp3vuYUIPXCwCS2doSH0F5vp/s200/920x920.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madison Bumgarner<br />
(SF Gate)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 21.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Tampa
Bay Rays<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>LW:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>21<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
Swept Tigers mid week, but lost two of three
to the Astros. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 22.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Oakland
A’s<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>LW:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>27<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
2<sup>nd</sup> place team in the AL West,
but 3 games back and losing 5 of last 10 games.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 23.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Chicago
White Sox<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>LW:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>18<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
Bats warmed up in finale against the Indians.
Derek Holland throwing well for the Sox.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2 24.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Minnesota
Twins<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>LW:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>15<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
Lost two in a row and have dropped 7 of their
last 10 games. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2 25.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Los
Angeles Angels<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>LW:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>26<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
Angels having a tough time of late, losing 8
of their last 10 games.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2 26.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Seattle
Mariners<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>LW:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>23<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
Team struggling away from Safeco Field, only
2-9 on the road. Start series at Detroit this week. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2 27.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->San
Diego Padres<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>LW:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>29<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
2 straight losses, and 7 of the last 10 have
been dropped by the Padres. Already 5.5 games out of first. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2 28.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Kansas
City Royals<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>LW:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>17<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
Lost four straight games.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2 29.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Atlanta
Braves<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>LW:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>20<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
After winning first four games in new home,
lost the last 3 there, and 6 straight overall.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywI3ClJ3q9wQB0OlqZsC5FZBOq1eb8NedwphH_vxU2bpTQOgRcDsHnJ6wKBj8J9hlcSz1tm3p3NVV7nyBx_jnYJNPQTpy8cr2TFzv8CFOGm8J1nxVLCuVRA6TEu9TwpP-kLHaTXCfLGHA/s1600/TBJ2015_PrimaryClubMark_RGB.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywI3ClJ3q9wQB0OlqZsC5FZBOq1eb8NedwphH_vxU2bpTQOgRcDsHnJ6wKBj8J9hlcSz1tm3p3NVV7nyBx_jnYJNPQTpy8cr2TFzv8CFOGm8J1nxVLCuVRA6TEu9TwpP-kLHaTXCfLGHA/s200/TBJ2015_PrimaryClubMark_RGB.png" width="200" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3 30.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Toronto
Blue Jays<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>LW:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>28<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
Jays continue to scuffle in last place in
AL East, already 7.5 out of 1<sup>st</sup>.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
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Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860596357991348019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053027669119600507.post-69084796097266562032017-04-17T01:01:00.005-05:002017-04-17T14:17:46.592-05:00MLB Power Rankings Week 2, April 16, 2017<div class="MsoNormal">
Now nearly two weeks into the baseball season, there have
been a lot of surprises, both good ones and bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Cubs still hold the top spot in this
week’s rankings, but have a slim lead over the hot Astros.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Marlins were the biggest mover in the
positive direction (up 12 spots from last week), while the Cardinals dropped
like a stone in a river falling 21 spots…Here’s this week’s Power Rankings…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. Chicago Cubs<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>LW: 1<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><span style="font-family: "mlb nl";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bullpen is a bit of a mess these days, but Cubs still have
the best team in baseball, only a matter of time before offense gets
consistent. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2FUpiBygm1atyB7_eXGVVh8TInYDoPZmTpkUeR-KCmc9d29Zf5WknyCMOwNblDx2NGDH5QfGU85ipnhpcDTTCkXbzOEokZix4WGbQCDDJylvtfsKkdV63_ewCVb7BKVGWiITZ5hyphenhyphentfQNL/s1600/EP-170419852.jpg%2526updated%253D201704111123%2526MaxW%253D800%2526maxH%253D800%2526noborder.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2FUpiBygm1atyB7_eXGVVh8TInYDoPZmTpkUeR-KCmc9d29Zf5WknyCMOwNblDx2NGDH5QfGU85ipnhpcDTTCkXbzOEokZix4WGbQCDDJylvtfsKkdV63_ewCVb7BKVGWiITZ5hyphenhyphentfQNL/s200/EP-170419852.jpg%2526updated%253D201704111123%2526MaxW%253D800%2526maxH%253D800%2526noborder.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Daily Herald </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
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2. Houston Astros<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW: 6<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Astros have won four in a row and most importantly for them
Dallas Keuchel is back healthy (2-0, 0.86 ERA).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Still love their young offensive talent. Had a good week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. Washington Nationals<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW: 7<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nationals are happy that Bryce Harper is playing like an
MVP…hit 2 HR's including a walk-off HR Sunday. Daniel Murphy remains hot as does the pitching.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-EBs3m9gLJbsM205phwZvz8bYdLalK5vvkyuMZsV7GA_DuNp2HSjuDspSLkNDBtrNO5S90JBJrNb1faufayvlRAC6LPmt214AEvUV6bGW9l2FHby-hIk43thGNu3swDvcpjRA6zJ4npoD/s1600/9535814-bryce-harper-mlb-philadelphia-phillies-washington-nationals-850x560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-EBs3m9gLJbsM205phwZvz8bYdLalK5vvkyuMZsV7GA_DuNp2HSjuDspSLkNDBtrNO5S90JBJrNb1faufayvlRAC6LPmt214AEvUV6bGW9l2FHby-hIk43thGNu3swDvcpjRA6zJ4npoD/s200/9535814-bryce-harper-mlb-philadelphia-phillies-washington-nationals-850x560.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryce Harper </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4. Baltimore Orioles<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW: 11<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Coming off a 4-2 week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dylan Bundy has 2 wins for the leaders in the AL East.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trey Mancini leads the O’s with 4 HR’s, Chris
Davis has 3 for Baltimore. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5. Los Angeles Dodgers<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW: 3<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dropped to 3<sup>rd</sup> place in NL West, but still the
class of the division.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Injury worries
with Rich Hill and his blisters. Still have Clayton Kershaw and Corey Seager. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6. Colorado Rockies<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW: 5<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bud Black is doing great things in Denver with this young
Rockies team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They just took 3 of four
at San Francisco.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Antonio Senzatela,
leads with 2 wins. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
7. New York Yankees<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>LW: 18<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Joe Girardi’s team has won 7 in a row, swept the Cardinals
at The Stadium. Michael Pineda is pitching well, Greg Bird and Aaron Hicks are
providing some offense too. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
8. Cleveland Indians<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW: 2<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lost series to Detroit, and White Sox on current homestand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even as the Tribe has fallen into last place,
it’s still a long season. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
9. New York Mets<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW: 13<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Swept Phillies, but lost 3 of four at Miami.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good news for Mets, that Matt Harvey is off
to 2-0 start…Yoenis Cespedes off to a 6 home run start. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eTKm3dCOlZbruA5iealHBnrbdnoeNJaDsDXXBaAh-gFc01q8PTyQxYT0QMiAmdZD2_i5mwEUbiqJelUrUswxyDszEEXI-aXA8s_Uhja4I7t_km37BY8rz8vx-wPOEeQ4nC3sLO5W6UmK/s1600/image.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eTKm3dCOlZbruA5iealHBnrbdnoeNJaDsDXXBaAh-gFc01q8PTyQxYT0QMiAmdZD2_i5mwEUbiqJelUrUswxyDszEEXI-aXA8s_Uhja4I7t_km37BY8rz8vx-wPOEeQ4nC3sLO5W6UmK/s200/image.JPG" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt Harvey <br />
(Courtesy New York Newsday)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
10. Boston Red Sox<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW: 4<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have won last two games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mitch Moreland won a game with 2 run single.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joe Kelly leads staff with 2 wins. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
11. Arizona Diamondbacks<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW: 14<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2-4 week, included losses against division foes, Los Angeles
and San Francisco.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zach Greinke and
Shelby Miller only have one win a piece for the 8-5 D-Backs. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
12. Detroit Tigers<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW: 15<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tigers now lead the AL Central, and took 2 of three from the
Indians in Cleveland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Matthew Boyd
pitching well, leads staff with 2 wins. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
13. Miami Marlins<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW: 25<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tied with Nationals for lead in NL East.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over last week and a half won 5 of 7 against
the Mets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rookie JT Riddle was no joke
in hitting walk off homer v. New York.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
14. Pittsburgh Pirates<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW: 19<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Enter the week after sweeping the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
Andrew McCutchen is hitting again, and young pitchers starting to come through
consistently. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
15. Minnesota Twins<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>LW: 12<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dropped consecutive series, to Tigers and White Sox this
week. Ervin Santana threw a gem against the Sox, a one-hitter with 8
strikeouts. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
16. San Francisco Giants<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW: 8<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After starting the week taking 2 of 3 from the Padres, the
Giants dropped 3 of 4 from the Rockies at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Giants are a half game behind San Diego in NL West standings. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
17. Kansas City Royals<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW: 22<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Royals have gotten hot of late, having won four straight
games and moving back to the .500 mark. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
18. Chicago White Sox<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW: 21<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Made major league history this week starting an ALL-Garcia
outfield.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>White Sox finished the week
taking 2 of 3 at Minnesota.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNSJPbzkF_kDAkm8KDcvbF3JCDhdwSHxcef3eWQik51Rn8WvYD4ZS0e9TUxP38Avw2RYyHaTQG24YtI_0obUgRf4T37pNEQjDQxWauevK4vMyZJQSKfS6whP0vf5-Yq8IG__ofK8-flyy/s1600/C9ZIf51XYAAOdoE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNSJPbzkF_kDAkm8KDcvbF3JCDhdwSHxcef3eWQik51Rn8WvYD4ZS0e9TUxP38Avw2RYyHaTQG24YtI_0obUgRf4T37pNEQjDQxWauevK4vMyZJQSKfS6whP0vf5-Yq8IG__ofK8-flyy/s200/C9ZIf51XYAAOdoE.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 Garcia Outfield for White Sox<br />
(courtesy CSN Chicago)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
19. Cincinnati Reds<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW: 26<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reds maintain the top spot in the NL Central, finished the
week 4-3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will get tested this week with
three game series against Baltimore in Cincinnati. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
20. Atlanta Braves<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW: 28<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Opened new home this week, taking each of the first three
games against San Diego. Bartolo Colon wins his first game with the Braves. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
21. Tampa Bay Rays<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW: 20<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lost important piece in starting rotation, Jake Odorizzi is
on the 10-day DL with left hamstring tightness. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
22. Texas Rangers<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW: 16<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Three straight losses for the Rangers who are falling fast
in the AL West.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Rangers are 4-8. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
23. Seattle Mariners<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW: 10<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mariners having trouble closing out games struggling at back
end of bullpen. Felix Hernandez still King in Seattle.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
👀<i style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://andy-masur.blogspot.com/2017/04/cubs-show-class-with-rings-for-santo.html" target="_blank">See also "Cubs Show Class With Rings for Santo and Banks"</a></i></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
24. Milwaukee Brewers<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW: 27<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Brewers have won 5 of their last 6 games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eric Thames is providing some offense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thames is 1<sup>st</sup> player in team
history with 5 homers in first 10 games w/team. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
25. Philadelphia Phillies<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW: 29<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Phillies are in last place in the NL East, but have scored
the third most runs in the division. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
26. Los Angeles Angels<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW: 24<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Falling back to reality, have lost five in a row.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Angels are still in 2<sup>nd</sup> place
in weak AL West division. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
27. Oakland A’s<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW: 23<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
See above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The A’s
have lost 3 in a row but are still in 3<sup>rd</sup> place in AL West. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
28. Toronto Blue Jays<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW: 17<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Toronto owns the worst record in baseball after two weeks of
the season. 2-10 record has the Jays in last place in the AL East. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
29. San Diego Padres<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW:
30<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
San Diego lost 3 in a row to Atlanta in its new home. Padres
are tied for the worst run differential in baseball (- 22). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPxVo6YKlnnxOOzLz2epa3UTTbZ7nFw7PAwF_gla1C3T5GhKe73NkLg5VRhRuHAsFLDlhmNXgGfek9lDfVQ5R96FCxgrrUQhpi_C-IllH478inQH_98z2Qh4DYYN7cDbPtjuPeFQdM_Az/s1600/7a56d38830927a1c007c2bc75639fbf8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPxVo6YKlnnxOOzLz2epa3UTTbZ7nFw7PAwF_gla1C3T5GhKe73NkLg5VRhRuHAsFLDlhmNXgGfek9lDfVQ5R96FCxgrrUQhpi_C-IllH478inQH_98z2Qh4DYYN7cDbPtjuPeFQdM_Az/s200/7a56d38830927a1c007c2bc75639fbf8.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
30. St Louis Cardinals LW: 9</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-align: center;">What has happened to the Cardinals? </span><span style="text-align: center;">St Louis is the team that shares the worst
run differential with the Padres.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> St
Louis has lost 3 in a row and are last in NL Central.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860596357991348019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053027669119600507.post-89942022814199752502017-04-13T00:14:00.002-05:002017-04-13T00:37:53.180-05:00Cubs Show Class With Rings for Santo and Banks...Kudos <a href="http://www.cubs.com/" target="_blank">Cubs</a>. Kudos to you, The Ricketts Family.<br />
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDHfir6fNUy9Yex-BcDXbFB-3z_5w2oWu7j8ykx_Sfr1bIQi5A55Uag5-RWD-93jcihYmWzlkd7anHOVN0cUFau5XO-442u9q9DkJnkfQb9T_uGtl9anaqC9goVfF3wYk4sJ_Cq06Pmll/s1600/cubs_ring.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDHfir6fNUy9Yex-BcDXbFB-3z_5w2oWu7j8ykx_Sfr1bIQi5A55Uag5-RWD-93jcihYmWzlkd7anHOVN0cUFau5XO-442u9q9DkJnkfQb9T_uGtl9anaqC9goVfF3wYk4sJ_Cq06Pmll/s200/cubs_ring.0.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">World Series Rings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the midst of all the crazy celebration, the pomp, the circumstance at Wrigley Field the last few days, you didn't forget anyone. You rewarded front office members, ushers, broadcasters and even your part-time seasonal workers with World Series rings. That is incredible. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But more importantly you didn't forget a couple of guys that bled Cubbie Blue their entire lives. </div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Plus, there are posthumous rings for Ernie Banks and Ron Santo, to be saved in the Wrigley Field archives. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cubs?src=hash">#Cubs</a></div>
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) <a href="https://twitter.com/CarrieMuskat/status/852306417465872384">April 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<br />
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwJRVSd-hqJRr42yr6k-0A8I0Vn7P6F_zQ0ygHsfv-IHgeZeaIz4nB8Onn5cLmdGAKPkjLwucqH7lSBVEOfqr8mlmVa5MU_caBeq8PCHVJXRKE0Z7XzFW7JudbfLkcarCI1XMatu0ufL5/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-04-12+at+11.44.58+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwJRVSd-hqJRr42yr6k-0A8I0Vn7P6F_zQ0ygHsfv-IHgeZeaIz4nB8Onn5cLmdGAKPkjLwucqH7lSBVEOfqr8mlmVa5MU_caBeq8PCHVJXRKE0Z7XzFW7JudbfLkcarCI1XMatu0ufL5/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-04-12+at+11.44.58+PM.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Jeff Santo's Facebook Page</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What an amazing, heartwarming gesture made to these two fine gentlemen, their families and fans. Such a classy move by the organization.<br />
<br />
Both of these All-Star players gave their all, 9 innings at a time for many years in Cubs pinstripes. They are two of the greatest players in the history of the organization and truly deserve this honor.<br />
<br />
I couldn't help but get a little choked up at the site of other great Cubs legends that never experienced the ultimate prize, but nonetheless were a huge part of the banner raising and ring ceremony. Hall of Famers Billy Williams, Fergie Jenkins and Ryne Sandberg were made to feel as though they were still players by this family run organization. They looked so proud as if they were still playing. This is how greats of yesteryear should be embraced and appreciated. They laid the groundwork, built the framework of what was ultimately accomplished after a long long 108 year championship drought.<br />
<br />
During the Cubs run to the 2016 World Series, I couldn't help but think of how much I wanted Ron Santo sitting next to me, watching every game. I imagined the bruises on my arms from him punching me with excitement, or grabbing my shoulder in frustration. Gladly I would have accepted a few games worth of pain to have my friend getting to enjoy it with me. But seeing how the Cubs honored Ronnie and Ernie made me smile a little through the tears, making it a little easier to take.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGhefTt8OaeVxygBdXzjr8qSzY8KCQ6JKyXcx9CqJnG8raUgl_9v0m1hvIs0pklVDWmbcGrZXSG9WcZFsMtXATEpzhWgQTaiHLVsczQWR_ZwCmPcQH9I6Xt80iRLe9xJojR0xz4A-215O/s1600/IMG_0219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGhefTt8OaeVxygBdXzjr8qSzY8KCQ6JKyXcx9CqJnG8raUgl_9v0m1hvIs0pklVDWmbcGrZXSG9WcZFsMtXATEpzhWgQTaiHLVsczQWR_ZwCmPcQH9I6Xt80iRLe9xJojR0xz4A-215O/s320/IMG_0219.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wrote my grandpa's name on the wall<br />
at Wrigley Field</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've gotten to know Ron's children, Ron Junior, Jeff and Linda Santo over the years, I'm so happy for them. They were all invested deeply in this run to the title for the Cubs. I remember having Jeff on our radio postgame show soon after the final out of Game 7. He was tearing up with emotion. It was real. It meant a lot. I'm sure his reaction and that of his siblings is much the same tonight thanks to the Cubs organization.<br />
<br />
It's funny how the emotional memories of November 2, 2016 came flooding back to so many of us as the flag was raised and several fortunate Cub fans handed over the rings to the players. For me, thinking about Ron and my late grandfather Sam Masur, the man who made my dad Steve a fan, who in turn passed it on to me. "Papa" Sammy would have turned 108 years old November 5, 2016.<br />
<br />
Thank you Ricketts Family for showing you can win with class. </div>
Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860596357991348019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053027669119600507.post-51090153352613620262017-04-09T21:31:00.001-05:002017-04-09T21:33:42.851-05:00MLB Power Rankings April 9, 2017<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">MLB POWER RANKINGS
4.9.17<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, we are a week into the new baseball season and I
figured I would start ranking the teams from 1-30 from time to time (I’ll try
to do it weekly).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hard to do this after
only a week, but here goes…(LW indicates Last Week's Ranking)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Chicago Cubs</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>LW: - </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8jYDEtu1iIPlxDtxbpbDv25qyvGzoRVFahYb5s15NT4IkkTp8s7h4hhKskh5jn3r9SMv_HygtFJLCr42nPEEYONbLf9gO1Yu94zslsb1hskSL9M1QZczvHFCx3M-BpEmM5IK2igGX7_L/s1600/CC2015_PrimaryClubMark_RGB.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8jYDEtu1iIPlxDtxbpbDv25qyvGzoRVFahYb5s15NT4IkkTp8s7h4hhKskh5jn3r9SMv_HygtFJLCr42nPEEYONbLf9gO1Yu94zslsb1hskSL9M1QZczvHFCx3M-BpEmM5IK2igGX7_L/s200/CC2015_PrimaryClubMark_RGB.png" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">As the defending World Series Champions get ready to raise
the banner at Wrigley Field Monday night, the 4-2 start to the season, with all
the games being on the road give them the early top spot.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">Good pitching, and contributions from Jason
Heyward are positive signs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. <b>Cleveland Indians</b><b> </b> LW: - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3-3 record on early season is deceiving to me…swept Rangers,
got swept by Arizona. Pen still solid. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Los Angeles
Dodgers</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW: - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Corey Seager showing he’s an MVP Candidate this
season…Yasiel Puig is off to a great start.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRf77LjKROWBch91CF2z_H2wUiGyQBo5fd8hswXkioDwMkJDrnaZvijcjPQHnsLM5FinACaQhsOuIfYAyAmrPoVLLUKcMfIkLjjNndGxloqplo6q5dh9Kh8iBR5JPRAJYL15GW7MVEWO3/s1600/ph_608369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRf77LjKROWBch91CF2z_H2wUiGyQBo5fd8hswXkioDwMkJDrnaZvijcjPQHnsLM5FinACaQhsOuIfYAyAmrPoVLLUKcMfIkLjjNndGxloqplo6q5dh9Kh8iBR5JPRAJYL15GW7MVEWO3/s1600/ph_608369.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corey Seager</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Boston Red Sox</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>LW: -<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Still have great pitching, outfield defense and offense from
Benintendi, Betts and Bradley makes them a threat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Colorado Rockies</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>LW: - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Surprise team of the early season?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No name pitching staff benefits from Bud
Black.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nolan Arenado is a stud.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Houston Astros</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>LW: - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Took 3 of four from Seattle to open the season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dallas Keuchel seems back on track. Young
offense a plus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Washington
Nationals</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW: - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Threatening to leave top 10 status after losing 2 of three
to the Phillies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>San Francisco
Giants</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW: - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">See above, but insert Padres for Phillies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Madison Bumgarner out homering several teams
by himself.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobNwwu1OvXbxf0Dq2RT_OkYxnZJjF7oI0PyFaYEG51-eg0VoT_H1qMtVH_Jf4q_xJs_3eC_LM4MZWioOI3CbGxfCjY_cwAGXejv2J7bDkzJaY34j_QnqJ_yjpWuuoeT8VdYcwQPvOYMpq/s1600/ph_518516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobNwwu1OvXbxf0Dq2RT_OkYxnZJjF7oI0PyFaYEG51-eg0VoT_H1qMtVH_Jf4q_xJs_3eC_LM4MZWioOI3CbGxfCjY_cwAGXejv2J7bDkzJaY34j_QnqJ_yjpWuuoeT8VdYcwQPvOYMpq/s1600/ph_518516.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madison Bumgarner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>St. Louis
Cardinals</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW: -<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Again see #7, then insert Reds for Phillies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yadier Molina and his sticky chest protector
are just 2-4.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">10. <b>Seattle Mariners</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>LW:
- <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Giving them benefit of much doubt, after going<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1-6 on the road<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">11. <b>Baltimore Orioles</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW:
-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Zach Britton converts 3 straight saves…O’s were one of the
last undefeated teams in baseball.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">12. <b>Minnesota Twins</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>LW:
-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Riding the Miguel Sano wave…2 HR and 8 RBI thru first six
games.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NaK681a4XgGeZzgd9SNb1SV_r4g2e3WLRU_uGBeX2J5-cjFCaLFRoEH82CF1hRRAqrtj1sKoAUwT6zoMDVrpTUfPN4q3IB0PilATpByBv4Fo5yXOWIBAtv3A6VdVQsTubqe9pQCwNwrc/s1600/ph_593934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NaK681a4XgGeZzgd9SNb1SV_r4g2e3WLRU_uGBeX2J5-cjFCaLFRoEH82CF1hRRAqrtj1sKoAUwT6zoMDVrpTUfPN4q3IB0PilATpByBv4Fo5yXOWIBAtv3A6VdVQsTubqe9pQCwNwrc/s1600/ph_593934.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miguel Sano</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">13. <b>New York Mets</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>LW:
-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2-3 start to season, not a lot of offense early.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">14. <b>Arizona Diamondbacks</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW:
-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Offense is clicking after first seven games at hitter
friendly Chase Field. Greinke and Corbin holding down starting staff fort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">15. <b>Detroit Tigers</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>LW:
-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ian Kinsler picking up where he left off in WBC…Jordan
Zimmermann wins his first game for the Tigers, trying to bounce back from last
year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">16. <b>Texas Rangers</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>LW:
-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Trouble brewing at the back end of the bullpen…closer Sam
Dyson gave up 8 earned runs in two appearances.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">17. <b>Toronto Blue Jays</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW:
- <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lost 3 of 4 to the Rays…danger of dropping out of top 20.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">18. <b>New York Yankees</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW:
-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Gary Sanchez could be out for a bit, Greg Bird also is
banged up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Youth/rebuild still the plan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">19. <b>Pittsburgh Pirates</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW:
-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3 game sweep of Braves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Starling Marte is taking over as face of the team.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">20. <b>Tampa Bay Rays</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>LW:
-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Took 3 of four from Blue Jays…Steven Souza Jr off to a great
start.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">21. <b>Chicago White Sox</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW:
-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Up and down start to season. Still have Jose Quintana, but
for how long. Geovany Soto off to a great start.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">22. <b>Kansas City Royals</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW:
-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Won three of four from Astros.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Salvador Perez has four homers early.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2vqeYfbxFpn6j-t3lwQLok-3fGMjbIpnZB1C3bd_tSb6nEEV0-el661RBUUzenDYUX6H_tcZVFyd1T1iuSD2o8xSLM-a454Li7gDT19nylawDP2nywPSb5AygdpZU25HnU2sId6RU8RT/s1600/ph_521692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2vqeYfbxFpn6j-t3lwQLok-3fGMjbIpnZB1C3bd_tSb6nEEV0-el661RBUUzenDYUX6H_tcZVFyd1T1iuSD2o8xSLM-a454Li7gDT19nylawDP2nywPSb5AygdpZU25HnU2sId6RU8RT/s1600/ph_521692.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salvador Perez</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">23. <b>Oakland A’s</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>LW:
- <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yonder Alonso hitting .389 early this season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">24.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Los Angeles
Angels</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW: -<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">5-2, still not a believer. Mike Trout w/2 HR’s to lead
Angels.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">25. </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Miami Marlins</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">LW:
-</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">J.T. Realmuto a bright spot in early season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">26. <b>Cincinnati Reds</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>LW:
-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4-2 start v. Phillies and Cardinals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">27. <b>Milwaukee Brewers</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW:
-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Rebuild is underway in Milwaukee<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">28. <b>Atlanta Braves</b><b> </b> LW:
- <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">See above<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">29. <b>Philadelphia Phillies</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>LW:
-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Too early to tell<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">30. <b>San Diego Padres</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>LW:
-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Intriguing youth, but still far away. </span><o:p></o:p><br />
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Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860596357991348019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053027669119600507.post-5230724711298427592017-04-05T19:12:00.002-05:002017-04-05T19:12:47.825-05:00Masur's Musings: The Podcast Season 2 Episode 2<span class="ember-view" id="ember10520" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.701961); font-family: "source sans pro" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif , "hiragino kaku gothic pro" , "meiryo" , "hiragino sans gb w3" , "noto naskh arabic" , "droid arabic naskh" , "geeza pro" , "simplified arabic" , "noto sans thai" , "thonburi" , "dokchampa" , "droid sans thai" , "droid sans fallback" , , ".sfnsdisplay-regular" , "heiti sc" , "microsoft yahei" , "segoe ui"; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My latest podcast is posted, please give it a listen. If you're a baseball fan, you've undoubtedly noticed the new "Statcast" numbers on a game broadcast. Learn what the numbers mean from </span><a class="feed-link feed-s-main-content__mention ember-view" data-control-name="mention" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetriello/" id="ember10523" role="link" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #0084bf; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Hiragino Kaku Gothic Pro', Meiryo, 'Hiragino Sans GB W3', 'Noto Naskh Arabic', 'Droid Arabic Naskh', 'Geeza Pro', 'Simplified Arabic', 'Noto Sans Thai', Thonburi, Dokchampa, 'Droid Sans Thai', 'Droid Sans Fallback', -apple-system, '.SFNSDisplay-Regular', 'Heiti SC', 'Microsoft Yahei', 'Segoe UI'; font-size: 15px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" tabindex="0">Mike Petriello</a><span class="ember-view" id="ember10525" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.701961); font-family: "source sans pro" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif , "hiragino kaku gothic pro" , "meiryo" , "hiragino sans gb w3" , "noto naskh arabic" , "droid arabic naskh" , "geeza pro" , "simplified arabic" , "noto sans thai" , "thonburi" , "dokchampa" , "droid sans thai" , "droid sans fallback" , , ".sfnsdisplay-regular" , "heiti sc" , "microsoft yahei" , "segoe ui"; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> who works at MLB.com and is heavily involved in the evolution of the product! </span><br />
<span class="ember-view" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.701961); font-family: "source sans pro" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif , "hiragino kaku gothic pro" , "meiryo" , "hiragino sans gb w3" , "noto naskh arabic" , "droid arabic naskh" , "geeza pro" , "simplified arabic" , "noto sans thai" , "thonburi" , "dokchampa" , "droid sans thai" , "droid sans fallback" , , ".sfnsdisplay-regular" , "heiti sc" , "microsoft yahei" , "segoe ui"; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
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<span class="ember-view" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.701961); font-family: "source sans pro" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif , "hiragino kaku gothic pro" , "meiryo" , "hiragino sans gb w3" , "noto naskh arabic" , "droid arabic naskh" , "geeza pro" , "simplified arabic" , "noto sans thai" , "thonburi" , "dokchampa" , "droid sans thai" , "droid sans fallback" , , ".sfnsdisplay-regular" , "heiti sc" , "microsoft yahei" , "segoe ui"; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span class="ember-view" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.701961); font-family: "source sans pro" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif , "hiragino kaku gothic pro" , "meiryo" , "hiragino sans gb w3" , "noto naskh arabic" , "droid arabic naskh" , "geeza pro" , "simplified arabic" , "noto sans thai" , "thonburi" , "dokchampa" , "droid sans thai" , "droid sans fallback" , , ".sfnsdisplay-regular" , "heiti sc" , "microsoft yahei" , "segoe ui"; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span class="ember-view" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.701961); font-family: "source sans pro" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif , "hiragino kaku gothic pro" , "meiryo" , "hiragino sans gb w3" , "noto naskh arabic" , "droid arabic naskh" , "geeza pro" , "simplified arabic" , "noto sans thai" , "thonburi" , "dokchampa" , "droid sans thai" , "droid sans fallback" , , ".sfnsdisplay-regular" , "heiti sc" , "microsoft yahei" , "segoe ui"; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="208" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://podomatic.com/embed/html5/episode/8406113?autoplay=false" width="504"></iframe>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860596357991348019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053027669119600507.post-86648079462988008272017-03-31T00:21:00.000-05:002017-04-01T18:52:08.680-05:00Masur's Musings: The Podcast. Season 2, Episode 1Hey All,<br />
<br />
In addition to blogging here, I'm also reviving my podcast, Masur's Musings (clever name huh?). It is available on iTunes, where you can subscribe to catch all the new episodes. The podcast is also available at my website: <a href="http://www.andy-masur.com/">www.andy-masur.com</a> and I will try to get into the habit of posting it here at my blog as well.<br />
<br />
This new episode features, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/ScottMillerBbl" target="_blank">Scott Miller</a> who is the national baseball columnist for Bleacher Report. Scott has covered Major League Baseball for many years and has terrific insight into the game and teams. He is also an avid music lover, especially Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. We discuss the division races and preview the 2017 season and talk music toward the end of our conversation.<br />
<br />
Hope you enjoy the podcast and please subscribe at iTunes! <br />
<br />
Andy<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="208" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://podomatic.com/embed/html5/episode/8399885?autoplay=false" width="504"></iframe>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860596357991348019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053027669119600507.post-1703407699303630252017-03-29T17:16:00.002-05:002017-03-30T11:12:37.075-05:00Major League Baseball Preview 2017These are the days I really miss doing baseball play-by-play. The lead up to a brand new season, the hope, the dreams and the energy around a ball club and its fan base is palpable. Every team starts 0-0 and then it starts for real. <br />
<br />
I usually don't make predictions, because the baseball season is so long and you can never account for injury, so consider the following information more of a preview than something to take to the bank. In other words, before a game is played, this is how I see things shaking out. Use this information at your own risk, and for entertainment purposes only!!<br />
<br />
I'll go division by division, then to the playoffs and then to the World Series...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ96IAW4rUjVtUCaJwoOTy-UqvS3jW3OSoG8Mr-s0mYq4ao28fdgpaUyyTPgKj5i35V3724gakkkoG8gqpLX2NvXsejgfvRLtsa6KhrRlUf1C0H_CuB0qJOuDRMV2ipa8fOY-s6ZW0VNEy/s1600/ct-cubs-win-world-series-cleveland-indians-edit-1103-md-20161102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ96IAW4rUjVtUCaJwoOTy-UqvS3jW3OSoG8Mr-s0mYq4ao28fdgpaUyyTPgKj5i35V3724gakkkoG8gqpLX2NvXsejgfvRLtsa6KhrRlUf1C0H_CuB0qJOuDRMV2ipa8fOY-s6ZW0VNEy/s200/ct-cubs-win-world-series-cleveland-indians-edit-1103-md-20161102.jpg" width="200" /></a><b style="text-decoration: underline;">National League Central</b> (Projected order of finish) * = playoffs<br />
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1. Chicago Cubs *<br />
2. St. Louis Cardinals *<br />
3. Pittsburgh Pirates<br />
4. Milwaukee Brewers<br />
5. Cincinnati Reds<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7gQ0v7KAfhQNdmMWear1LBj7NYVnjnyiQUAxU4i4RMf0wZxnIoU13MB8nKxyc0H8lCNhqk_cPD4938862vdcIsOyvcJ1o-0dbRjyNXAqjRrEGp2zt0fARfmvWDPXhRPU1bHNuFQeKIGD/s1600/CC2015_PrimaryClubMark_RGB.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7gQ0v7KAfhQNdmMWear1LBj7NYVnjnyiQUAxU4i4RMf0wZxnIoU13MB8nKxyc0H8lCNhqk_cPD4938862vdcIsOyvcJ1o-0dbRjyNXAqjRrEGp2zt0fARfmvWDPXhRPU1bHNuFQeKIGD/s200/CC2015_PrimaryClubMark_RGB.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.cubs.com/" target="_blank">CUBS</a>:<br />
The outlook: The Cubs return one of the most potent lineups in all of baseball. They were in the top 5 in most offensive categories last season, and that was without Kyle Schwarber. Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant (NL MVP), Addison Russell and whoever plays 2B (Zobrist, Baez) is a pretty formidable offensive and defensive threat. Albert Almora Jr will get the first crack at replacing last year's lead off man Dexter Fowler in CF. Almora will be backed Jon Jay. Schwarber, Heyward and Zobrist will form the rest of the outfield. The rotation returns it's top four pitchers: Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, Kyle Hendricks and John Lackey. Brett Anderson will start in the rotation, with Mike Montgomery becoming a "swing" guy in the pen. The Cubs made it through 2016 relatively healthy and injuries are always a concern. Jason Heyward. Will his new swing result in better production this season? Will Wade Davis remain a viable closer after he was acquired from Kansas City in the off season.<br />
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<a href="http://www.cardinals.com/" target="_blank">CARDINALS</a>:<br />
The outlook: I'm sure it just killed Cardinals fans to see the Cubs hoist the World Series Trophy. How will they try to contend this season? They added a Cubs weapon in Dexter Fowler in CF. Fowler agreed to a free-agent deal to play in St Louis. He'll be surrounded by Randall Grichuk in LF, and Stephen Piscotty in RF. The Cardinals don't stack up offensively on the infield, with Jhonny Peralta at 3B, Aledmys Diaz at SS, Kolton Wong at 2B, and Matt Carpenter patrolling 1B. The Cardinals will lean on Yadier Molina not only to provide offense, but to guide the pitching staff through the season. Health was a major issue for the rotation last season and before this one begins, the Cardinals will be without fastball specialist Alex Reyes, out for the season with an elbow injury.<br />
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<a href="http://www.pirates.com/" target="_blank">PIRATES</a>:<br />
The outlook: The Pirates are switching things up in the outfield, moving Gregory Polanco to LF, Starling Marte to CF and former NL MVP Andrew McCutchen to right. The move may have a wrench thrown in it, with Polanco suffering a shoulder injury. The Pirates will also be without 3B Jung Ho Kang. He has been suspended and could be out until May 1. Josh Harrison may fill in there for the first month. Garrett Cole anchors a rather inexperienced rotation, and Tony Watson will close for the Pirates in 2017.<br />
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<a href="http://www.brewers.com/" target="_blank">BREWERS</a>, <a href="http://www.reds.com/" target="_blank">REDS</a>:<br />
Milwaukee is a young team. The only big name still on the roster is Ryan Braun and one has to wonder if he'll be with this team in June. Cincinnati, will start former Cubs pitcher Scott Feldman on Opening Day, that tells you what you need to know about the state of the Reds rotation. They still have Joey Votto and Billy Hamilton but not a whole lot else.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">National League East</u> (Projected order of finish) * = playoffs<br />
1. Washington Nationals *<br />
2. New York Mets<br />
3. Miami Marlins<br />
4. Philadelphia Phillies<br />
5. Atlanta Braves<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YOCwtlHgnviXvwbD1Qa-YJ47PzBwIJEYcnNu8j-ev54-pmT6kJMHafelH_hyphenhyphenQVV1Vitw4qi8u8REtxJhCcW0hs4XnRIutl1B0Ojgk-5eFKzCVnzCVAQazAmy66EbN97B6nDKF7n9ayGz/s1600/WN2017_PrimaryClubMark_RGB.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YOCwtlHgnviXvwbD1Qa-YJ47PzBwIJEYcnNu8j-ev54-pmT6kJMHafelH_hyphenhyphenQVV1Vitw4qi8u8REtxJhCcW0hs4XnRIutl1B0Ojgk-5eFKzCVnzCVAQazAmy66EbN97B6nDKF7n9ayGz/s200/WN2017_PrimaryClubMark_RGB.png" title="Washington Nationals" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.nationals.com/" target="_blank">NATIONALS</a>:<br />
The outlook: Pitching, pitching and more pitching. That will be the Nationals calling card again this season. Dusty Baker's rotation is loaded: Stephen Strasburg, Tanner Roark, Max Scherzer, Gio Gonzalez and Joe Ross could make life rough for the rest of the NL East. Add in Bryce Harper, Trea Turner and Daniel Murphy, and the Nats look like they could be poised to make a run to the playoffs. Jayson Werth will take over in LF, after the team acquired Adam Eaton from the White Sox in the off-season. Ryan Zimmerman is not the best defensive 1B in the league, but should provide his share of offense for Washington. The Nationals are deciding between a few closers, Koda Glover, Shawn Kelley and Blake Treinen will compete for that spot over the next few days of Spring Training.<br />
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<a href="http://www.nymets.com/" target="_blank">METS</a>:<br />
The outlook: While pitching is the strong point of the Nationals, it could be that way for the Mets again this season, if and only if the starters can stay healthy. Steven Matz is the latest to come down with an injury in Spring Training. Matz suffered an elbow injury putting the start of the season in jeopardy for the lefty. Matt Harvey returns to the rotation, but may be skipped a start to build up his stamina. He's touched 96 in some games. Jacob DeGrom and Noah Syndergaard round out the rotation. The Mets were able to re-sign Yoenis Cespedes after a 31 homer season last year. Jeurys Familia will miss some time after being suspended for violating the MLB domestic violence policy. David Wright could return, but probably not until after May 1.<br />
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<a href="http://www.marlins.com/" target="_blank">MARLINS</a>:<br />
The outlook: The Marlins had a very tough end to last season, losing pitching sensation Jose Fernandez to a tragic boating accident. The Marlins rotation will suffer as a result. Edinson Volquez was signed as a free-agent to anchor the staff, after that, it's a major question mark. Miami will rely heavily on Giancarlo Stanton offensively, the main problem with the talented right fielder has been health. He has 91 homers of the last 3 seasons but has been limited to an average of 113 games/year over that period. Christian Yelich is also expected to be an offensive contributor, fresh off a great WBC run for Team USA, he hit 21 homers and drove in 98 for Miami last year.<br />
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<a href="http://www.phillies.com/" target="_blank">PHILLIES</a>, <a href="http://www.braves.com/" target="_blank">BRAVES</a>:<br />
Two young teams looking for an identity. The Braves do have a potential Rookie of the Year candidate in Dansby Swanson. He has some big league experience from last season with Atlanta.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">National League West</u> (Projected order of finish) * = playoffs<br />
1. Los Angeles Dodgers *<br />
2. San Francisco Giants *<br />
3. Arizona Diamondbacks<br />
4. Colorado Rockies<br />
5. San Diego Padres<br />
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<a href="http://www.dodgers.com/" target="_blank">DODGERS</a>:<br />
The outlook: The Dodgers everyday lineup may be the best in the division. Justin Turner, 3B, Corey Seager (Rookie of Year) SS, Adrian Gonzalez, 1B and added Logan Forsythe to play 2B. Yasmani Grandal is coming off a career year behind the plate and is getting better at handling the pitching staff. Outfield consists of Joc Pedersen, Andrew Toles, and Yasiel Puig. Which Puig will the Dodgers get this season? That is anyone's guess, but when he's right, he's really good. Clayton Kershaw will lead the rotation again, and be followed by Rich Hill, who re-signed in Los Angeles after being dealt there last season. Kenley Jansen is also back in the fold, and will close games again. Health will tell the story, especially in the rotation with Kershaw and Hill.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sfgiants.com/" target="_blank">GIANTS</a>:<br />
The outlook: Have been the model of consistency over the last several years. Their even numbered year championship streak ended, when they were eliminated from the postseason by the Cubs last year. Not sure their everyday lineup can contend with the Dodgers, not to offend Buster Posey, Brandon Crawford and Hunter Pence, but they can't. The Giants can contend in the front end of the rotation with Madison Bumgarner, Johnny Cueto and a full season of Matt Moore. San Francisco went out and got a closer in free agency, Mark Melancon will be the man at the back end of the pen. Derek Law will set up.<br />
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<a href="http://www.dbacks.com/" target="_blank">DIAMONDBACKS</a>:<br />
The outlook: If any team needed a bounce back from a disappointing year, its Arizona. Zack Greinke is one guy they are looking for a rebound year from, his big money contract looked like it would bust after one season. Shelby Miller (who cost them Dansby Swanson) spent some time in the minors a season ago. Fernando Rodney will be the Diamondback's closer this year. Paul Goldschmidt is the type of hitter that any team would be happy to have on its roster. AJ Pollock was hurt most of last season, so a injury free year from him would be a welcomed addition. New manager Torey Lovullo might be the new voice needed in Arizona.<br />
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<a href="http://www.rockies.com/" target="_blank">ROCKIES</a>, <a href="http://www.padres.com/" target="_blank">PADRES</a>:<br />
Colorado has a new manager as well, he's Buddy Black, who probably should still be in San Diego. Will Black be able to get a handle on the Rockies pitching staff which is young and pitches at altitude? If anyone can, its Black. His former team, the Padres are a long way from contenting and feature a team made up of mainly inexperienced players. Hey you have to start somewhere right?<br />
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<b style="text-decoration: underline;">American League Central</b> (Projected order of finish) * = playoffs<br />
1. Cleveland Indians *<br />
2. Detroit Tigers<br />
3. Kansas City Royals<br />
4. Chicago White Sox<br />
5. Minnesota Twins<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5Sonh1BJd3BKCqXs7AyZ5hpOY_uQgpumjSP42gb6QUi8nkHQNvf0VBIK4L1mDpf7vau4JaLkjZawmmLNrsRlnpYfkOgwmIBDDsoNlLUxGBqZE5RbCb_PwseX1NtsTxmqNsQ5kWBOHjjY/s1600/CI2015_PrimaryClubMark_RGB.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5Sonh1BJd3BKCqXs7AyZ5hpOY_uQgpumjSP42gb6QUi8nkHQNvf0VBIK4L1mDpf7vau4JaLkjZawmmLNrsRlnpYfkOgwmIBDDsoNlLUxGBqZE5RbCb_PwseX1NtsTxmqNsQ5kWBOHjjY/s200/CI2015_PrimaryClubMark_RGB.png" width="200" /></a></div>
INDIANS:<br />
The outlook: After getting to Game 7 of the World Series last year, only to lose to the Cubs, the Indians didn't lose much and added a key piece to the offense. Edwin Encarnacion joins the club from the Blue Jays, after hitting 42 homers and driving in 127 runs last year. He will be the team's DH. The infield is still strong, with Franciso Lindor at SS, Jason Kipnis at 2B and Carlos Santana at 1B. Cleveland needed an offseason to get healthy. Left fielder Michael Brantley played only 11 games last year after a shoulder injury that required surgery. The team is taking it slowly with him in Spring Training. The rotation behind Corey Kluber is healthier as well. Carlos Carrasco was limited to 25 starts, and no appearances in the postseason. Danny Salazar also made just 25 starts, but was able to make only 2 appearances in the playoffs. Terry Francona is one of the game's best managers and should have the Indians in contention again.<br />
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TIGERS:<br />
The outlook: Justin Verlander is getting a bit long in the tooth, but still was able to win 16 games last season for an 86 win team. Even with a more suspect rotation, the Tigers can contend based on offense. Miguel Cabrera comes in off a .316/.393/.563 slash line with 38 homers. He's 34, but still one of the best hitters in baseball. Victor Martinez will serve as the DH, Justin Upton and Ian Kinsler should contribute offensively as well for Brad Ausmus' team. Francisco Rodriguez will be the Tigers closer this season.<br />
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ROYALS:<br />
The outlook: The Royals are a team <span style="background-color: white; color: #48494a; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px;">still trying to cope with the death of </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yordano Ventura and will have a hard time replacing him in the rotation. Danny Duffy is scheduled to open up, with Ian Kennedy and Jason Hammel to follow</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #48494a; font-family: inherit;">. The pen lost Wade Davis to the Cubs for Jorge Soler and Greg Holland to free agency. Kansas City still has Eric Hosmer, Alex Gordon and Mike </span></span><span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Moustakas in the lineup. The latter is trying to bounce back from injury. Lorenzo Cain and Salvador Perez will also be counted on to make offensive contributions. </span></span><span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Perez is one of the best catchers in the game, and will have his work cut out for him with this pitching staff. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">WHITE SOX, TWINS:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The White Sox rebuild is underway, gone are Chris Sale and Adam Eaton, sent packing for prospects. Jose Quintana could be next. Manager Rick Renteria will get to manage some young players like he did in his one season for the Cubs. The Twins are still the Twins. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">American League East</u><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>(Projected order of finish) * = playoffs</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Boston Red Sox *</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. </span></span><span style="color: #48494a; font-family: inherit;">Toronto Blue Jays *</span><br />
<span style="color: #48494a; font-family: inherit;">3. Baltimore Orioles</span><br />
<span style="color: #48494a; font-family: inherit;">4. New York Yankees</span><br />
<span style="color: #48494a; font-family: inherit;">5. Tampa Bay Rays</span><br />
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<span style="color: #48494a; font-family: inherit;">RED SOX:</span><br />
<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The outlook: Boston bolstered the starting rotation with the addition of Chris Sale from the White Sox. Rick Porcello and David Price will provide a potent top 3. Price should be ready to go despite some injury issues in Spring Training. The Red Sox core group is young. Mookie Betts is a serious MVP candidate and Andrew Benintendi is a legit Rookie of the Year prospect as well. The rest of the lineup is pretty good too...Xander Bogaerts at SS, Dustin Pedroia at 2B, Mitch Moreland will play 1B, and Pablo Sandoval after a less than productive first year in Boston is slated to play 3B. Hanley Ramirez will DH and Jackie Bradley Jr will be in CF. An underrated part of last year's success was that of Sandy Leon behind the plate, he's the #1 guy this season. Craig Kimbrel will try to bounce back from a rough 2016 and close for the Red Sox.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">BLUE JAYS:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The outlook: The Jays offense was second only to the Cubs in efficiency last season and produced a ton of home runs. Toronto lost Edwin Encarnacion and his 42 homers, but have Jose Bautista back in the fold. The Jays added Kendrys Morales from Kansas City, and he could make up at least some of the numbers produced. Defensively, the left side of the infield is tough, former MVP Josh Donaldson at third and Troy Tulowitzki at SS will help the pitching staff. Marcus Stroman anchors the rotation and appears to be in good shape after a nice run in the WBC for Team USA. Marco Estrada, JA Happ and Francisco Liriano will help fill out the rotation for </span></span><span style="color: #48494a; font-family: inherit;">Toronto. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #48494a; font-family: inherit;">ORIOLES:</span><br />
<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The outlook: Baltimore still has a young nucleus and it's a powerful one. Adam Jones, teamed with Manny Machado, Chris Davis and Mark Trumbo should equal a bunch of runs for the Orioles. The team added former Cubs catcher Wellington Castillo to the fold to replace Matt Weiters (Nationals) behind the plate. Chris Tillman anchors the rotation and Zach Britton should be fresh (ha ha) and return as one of the best closers in baseball. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">YANKEES, RAYS:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">New York could be a sleeper team in the division. Manager Joe Girardi will have some youngsters at his disposal this season. Gary Sanchez made quite a splash at the Major League level last season and will get the chance to be the everyday catcher. Matt Holliday was added to DH, and Aroldis Chapman returns to close. Tampa is a work in progress for sure, the Rays are basically Chris Archer and Evan Longoria. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">American League West</u> (Projected order of finish) * = playoffs </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Houston Astros *</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Texas Rangers *</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Seattle Mariners</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Los Angeles Angels</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Oakland Athletics</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">ASTROS:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The outlook: Youthful exuberance all over the diamond in Houston...Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, Alex Bregman contribute in the infield, while George Springer patrols CF. Altuve is always an MVP candidate, and could contend for the batting title again. The Astros added Carlos Beltran to DH and Josh Reddick to play the outfield. The key will be pitching. Dallas Keuchel a former Cy Young winner will need to bounce back from a tough season to regain his form. Lance McCullers, Collin McHugh and Mike Fiers round out the rotation. Ken Giles is set to close again for the Astros. Luke Gregerson with or without the Bald Eagle carving along with Willie Harris will set up for manager AJ Hinch. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">RANGERS:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The outlook: Texas has an everyday lineup that could contend with the Astros. Rougned Odor, Adrian Beltre and Elvis Andrus are three quality hitters. Texas added Mike Napoli to play 1B after spending last season in Cleveland. Rangers will get a full season of Jonathan Lucroy and Carlos Gonzalez which will help both their offense and defense. Cole Hamels is the number one starter, Yu Darvish is the number two starter and needs to remain healthy. Rangers should be a wild card team. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">MARINERS:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The outlook: Everyday starting lineup not as good as the Astros or Rangers, but they do have some talented players. Kyle Seager at third, Jean Segura at short and Robinson Cano playing 2B is a pretty good trio. Dan Vogelbach the former Cubs minor leaguer who was turned into Mike Montgomery at the deadline last year, is slated to start at 1B. Nelson Cruz provides a big bat at DH. Pitching will be a question mark after King Felix Hernandez. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">ANGELS, ATHLETICS:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Angels are getting old in some key spots including DH, with Albert Pujols. Added Cameron Maybin to play LF beside Mike Trout in CF. Andrelton Simmons is an exciting young player at shortstop. Luis Valbuena will play first. Will Mike Scioscia be the first manager fired this year? Athletics are just not very good. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">PLAYOFFS:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>National League</u></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Central: Cubs</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">East: Nationals</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">West: Dodgers</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wildcards: Cardinals, Giants</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #48494a; font-family: inherit;">NLCS: Cubs v. Nationals</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ03UTRtOMgdmXh67Li4EpgWuxfTNF9Ka1cEyzT5MYTuMgQDtjkVGwszSDfGYk7TK7PjOvBqXkmUd4e_tSFh0u3eSy6PjPpBNjIRHZFGIjLdSFJQImuYtCjJ-PnMnBVTt0VCix79FPuruT/s1600/DSC_8023+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ03UTRtOMgdmXh67Li4EpgWuxfTNF9Ka1cEyzT5MYTuMgQDtjkVGwszSDfGYk7TK7PjOvBqXkmUd4e_tSFh0u3eSy6PjPpBNjIRHZFGIjLdSFJQImuYtCjJ-PnMnBVTt0VCix79FPuruT/s200/DSC_8023+copy.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #48494a; font-family: inherit;"><b><u>American League </u></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #48494a; font-family: inherit;">Central: Indians</span><br />
<span style="color: #48494a; font-family: inherit;">East: Red Sox</span><br />
<span style="color: #48494a; font-family: inherit;">West: Astros</span><br />
<span style="color: #48494a; font-family: inherit;">Wildcards: Rangers, Blue Jays</span><br />
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<span style="color: #48494a; font-family: inherit;">ALCS: Indians v. Red Sox</span><br />
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<span style="color: #48494a; font-family: inherit;">World Series: Cubs v. Red Sox </span><br />
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<span style="color: #48494a; font-family: inherit;">Winner: Cubs in 7 games</span><br />
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<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There's my take on things. Can't wait for the season to finally get here!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #48494a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cheers!</span></span><br />
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Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860596357991348019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053027669119600507.post-15980189583397761182017-03-20T21:36:00.002-05:002017-03-20T21:43:08.829-05:00The Good Ole Days Are Now For the BlackhawksI can remember it as if it happened yesterday. My dad bringing me to my first Chicago Blackhawks game. It was 1971. I was a wide eyed 4 year old going to see his favorite hockey team play in the most iconic old building in the NHL, the Chicago Stadium. After careful review (using hockey-reference.com) I believe it was November 10, 1971, the Hawks were playing the Bruins, winding up in a 3-1 win for Chicago. We sat first row, first balcony right behind the net the Hawks shot at twice in the game. Immediately I was hooked. My dad looked at me after the Hawks scored their first goal, (for purposes of writer's embellishment lets say it was Mikita to Hull to the back of the net) the organ blaring, sell-out crowd on its feet and the guys in the white home jerseys celebrating. I was in hockey heaven.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznYriGg3trW46sk1XfCGq1dXQtoT-O3Jhr-WlWNjsqPR8gw6PQbOE0u8JH7Ti8FoAYuA3mJN-k5NZEIHfv8X2JxLJOMYzMG_LvkInwl96kRDgLg8omaTAdVGA-k8suJGnRHDNVkWGSa69/s1600/chi-photos-blackhawks-legend-bobby-hull-201401-030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznYriGg3trW46sk1XfCGq1dXQtoT-O3Jhr-WlWNjsqPR8gw6PQbOE0u8JH7Ti8FoAYuA3mJN-k5NZEIHfv8X2JxLJOMYzMG_LvkInwl96kRDgLg8omaTAdVGA-k8suJGnRHDNVkWGSa69/s200/chi-photos-blackhawks-legend-bobby-hull-201401-030.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bobby Hull<br />
Courtesy: Chicago Tribune</td></tr>
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It was a different time, the home games weren't on TV, I had to hope the NBC game of the week would show me a Blackhawks/Rangers game on a Sunday afternoon to get my fix. Plus I loved watching for Peter Puck, the cartoon hockey puck that taught your rules and things about the game. Being a self proclaimed "radio geek" I would listen to the games on a clock radio in my bedroom. Whatever station the Hawks happened to be on, whether it was "a shot and a goal" from the great Lloyd Pettit, or a "Baaaaaaaaaaaaaanerman!" from Pat Foley, I was tuned in. Needed to hear how some of my favorites were doing. Bobby Hull (who I actually invited to my birthday party as a kid), Stan Mikita, Denis Savard, Steve Larmer, Jeremy Roenick, Al Secord, Troy Murray, Eddie Olczyk, Doug Wilson, Dirk Graham and Pit Martin, I loved them all.<br />
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I was lucky, my dad's company had season tickets, so we'd go to a few games a year. It wasn't easy being a Blackhawks fan back then. I didn't think it could get any better. I couldn't have been more wrong.<br />
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Forget about everything that went on in the mid 90s and early 00s, it wound up being a means to an end. Futility to finally flourish. Last place finishes, resulting in high draft choices and immediate impact players. The passing of the team's owner and his forward thinking son taking over. That new owner thinking back to those days of popularity, reaching out to strengthen his front office and marketing, and putting home games on television where they belonged, to regrow a fallen fan base. Hired a VP, GM who had tons of hockey pedigree and is versed at working around the stingy salary cap. Plus Rocky Wirtz made an effort to reach out to those stars of yesterday that felt alienated by the team. Blackhawks ambassadors were welcomed back with open arms and helped bring some fans back as well. Brilliant.<br />
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As good as it was before, as many talented players that wore the Indian Head sweater, and as much as we loved Chicago Stadium, these in fact are "The Good Ole Days" for the Chicago Blackhawks. I hope you're paying attention and enjoying what this franchise is doing.<br />
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Think of how much tougher it is to win a Stanley Cup in today's NHL. No longer are there only 6 teams. No longer is it a quick run through the playoffs. No longer do your favorite players stay in one spot for their entire careers. It's infinitely more difficult to win in today's NHL than in yesteryear.<br />
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The salary cap itself is a huge burden and hurdle to jump. If you don't believe me, just remember what happened after the Blackhawks won their 1st of 3 recent Stanley Cup's. Trades. There was significant roster upheaval and some uncertainty for 2011. But this organization once left for dead, won the Cup again 3 years later and oh, won it again 2 years later.<br />
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Chicago became a place free agents wanted to be. Playing with drafted stars, Jonathan Toews, and Patrick Kane gave older players hope of reaching the top of the mountain in hockey. This was in direct contrast to earlier days, when stars like Bobby Hull, Jeremy Roenick and Tony Amonte fled because they wouldn't get their fair market value to stay. Or because they didn't feel there was a commitment to winning and sustaining the franchise.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kane and Toews</td></tr>
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No move showed that any clearer than the hiring of Joel Quenneville in the early stages of the 2008-09 season, after Savard was let go just 4 games into his 3rd season behind the bench. Quenneville had a track record. In his 11 seasons before coming to the Hawks he'd already won over 400 games in the NHL. Coach Q had the "Chicago temperament" the steely eyed no nonsense coach that could get the most out of some budding superstars and take them to the next level. That turned out to be a pretty good call.<br />
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How fortunate do you feel that you are able to watch/listen to what this team is accomplishing? The success of the franchise has led to now numerous appearances in outdoor games, and the 2017 NHL Draft coming to Chicago. Do you realize that players like Kane, Toews, Duncan Keith and Marian Hossa are those "once in a lifetime" type of players? Like faces on the Mt. Rushmore of recent vintage Blackhawks players.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NHL.com</td></tr>
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I'm not sure that in the time I've been a Blackhawks fan, going on 40+ years, I've seen a forward like Toews. He was named Captain at the age of 20 and earned the monicker of "Captain Serious" because of his determined play and less than flashy demeanor off ice. The way he plays both ends of the ice and refuses to lose is so fun to watch. He truly has rubbed off on this team, with his quiet confidence and matter of fact play, even though he's a Winnipeg kid, he's Chicago's kind of player.<br />
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The Blackhawks clinched a playoff berth for the 9th straight season. This "Original 6" is watching other teams try to duplicate their success, which is the ultimate compliment.<br />
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These in fact are the 'good ole days' of Blackhawks hockey.Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860596357991348019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053027669119600507.post-3365833923145969772017-02-14T14:46:00.001-06:002017-02-14T20:34:33.636-06:00Cubs Spring Training Preview...<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For the first time in over a century, the Cubs will report to Spring Training as the defending World Series Champions. The 108 year drought is over, now the quest to win it again, begins. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Last year manager Joe Maddon used “Embrace the Target” as the team’s rallying cry. This after an improbable playoff appearance in 2015 and a trip to the NLCS. Now the target is firmly on the Cubs’ backs as the 2017 season begins. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This year according to <a href="http://mlb.com/"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">MLB.com</span></a>, at Maddon’s opening press conference today, the themes will be: 1. Be uncomfortable, 2. Authenticity, 3. That's Cub, and, 4. Don’t forget the heartbeat. Interpret how you want, but it seems like Maddon won’t stand for complacency off of last year’s performance and crazy offseason. An offseason that included countless appearances on late night and daytime television programs and a trip to the White House. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As for the actual baseball outlook, Maddon plans to emphasize many of the same principals he did last season, telling <a href="http://mlb.com/"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">MLB.com</span></a>, "I think we have our best opportunity to repeat by pitching and playing defense that we've done in the past.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">OUTLOOK:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Most of the core group from last season is back. The notable exception is Dexter Fowler, who signed a free-agent deal with the Cardinals. While Fowler’s prowess at the top of the order (.277/.393/.449) will be missed the Cubs do have several options at this spot. Realizing that the entire infield returns, including swing guy Javy Baez is certainly a plus. The emergence of his game in the post-season, combined with the way Addison Russell bounced back in the playoffs has fans drooling over the possibilities of what is to come. Add in All-Stars Anthony Rizzo, Ben Zobrist and NL MVP Kris Bryant and the optimism is at all time high levels. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Looking at the outfield, the Cubs will use a platoon of Albert Almora Jr, and Jon Jay in CF. Kyle Schwarber will be the main man in LF at least to start the season, and the thoughts of him being healthy and in for the long haul this year is a plus. Jason Heyward’s down season offensively didn’t affect his defense, and the 184-million dollar man has been working on his swing all off-season. He has to be better this year than last right? </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As told to MLB.com</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The rotation returns basically intact. Jason Hammel is gone to the Royals, with Mike Montgomery getting the first shot at the 5th spot this spring. Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, Kyle Hendricks and Jon Lackey are all back and coming in off of respectable seasons a year ago. Brett Anderson adds some depth if healthy. The free-agent made only 4 starts for the Dodgers last season (after undergoing back surgery in March 2016), but in 2015 won 10 games in 31 starts in LA. Keep the names Caleb Smith (Rule 5 Draft pick), Eddie Butler (acquired from Rockies) and Alec Mills in mind for further pitching depth. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some changes were made in the bullpen this off-season. Aroldis Chapman signed as a free agent with the Yankees, Trevor Cahill is now with his hometown Padres and Travis Wood signed with Kansas City yesterday. Wade Davis is the new closer. The Cubs gave up Jorge Soler in a trade with the Royals to get him. Davis made only 45 appearances last year after going on the DL with a right forearm strain, but he saved a career best 27 games. He was the closer on the Royals World Series Championship in 2015, and had an ERA of only 0.94. A proven commodity and a guy that used to pitch for Maddon in Tampa Bay, makes the loss of Chapman easier to take. Many of the familiar faces are back, including Hector Rondon, Pedro Strop, Justin Grimm and Carl Edwards Jr will feature prominently. Newcomer Koji Uehara will provide some veteran experience in the back end of the pen. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">QUESTION MARKS:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The biggest one as mentioned a bit earlier will be production from the leadoff spot. Fowler leaves a big hole at the top of the lineup. Early contenders to fill in the blank so to speak are Kyle Schwarber and Ben Zobrist. Of the two, Zobrist has the most experience (duh!) in the spot. All time Zobrist is a .238/.330/.376 slash line hitter, with 17 homers in 705 career appearances in the top spot. Schwarber has just 8 career appearances as a leadoff hitter, hitting .375 with an OBP of .375 as well. Zobrist offers a switch hitting option, while Schwarber is a good contact hitter. Neither are the ‘pototypical’ leadoff hitters, but that notion has kind of gone by the wayside recently. An option that could evolve later, with some seasoning and development is Almora Jr. This is worth keeping an eye on as the Spring moves along. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Will Kyle Schwarber catch this season? According to the beat reporters on scene in Arizona the plan is to use Schwarber in LF everyday, and be the third “emergency” catcher”. He meets with doctors today to see if he can be cleared to catch. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Once Schwarber gets OK to catch, Theo says <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cubs?src=hash">#Cubs</a> will ease him in here, 1-2 days a week of catching work.</span></div>
<span style="font-kerning: none;">— Bruce Miles (@BruceMiles2112) <a href="https://twitter.com/BruceMiles2112/status/831573601602068480">February 14, 2017</a></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Theo said Schwarber examined today. If cleared to catch, he'll be brought along slowly. "We'll walk before we squat."</span></div>
<span style="font-kerning: none;">— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) <a href="https://twitter.com/MDGonzales/status/831573316758409230">February 14, 2017</a></span></blockquote>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Who will catch Jon Lester? With David Ross in retirement, here’s your answer…</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Plan is to have Contreras catch Lester. David Ross will work with Willson this spring <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cubs?src=hash">#Cubs</a></span></div>
<span style="font-kerning: none;">— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) <a href="https://twitter.com/CarrieMuskat/status/831573980179869696">February 14, 2017</a></span></blockquote>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Seemingly the Cubs have an excellent chance to repeat this season. Lots of things still have to go right. Health is always an issue with every MLB team, as they traverse the 162 game schedule in only 6 months time. Don’t expect too many surprises when it comes to the 25 man roster to open the season. This team should repeat as Central Division champions for sure, but will face some big competition when it comes to the NLDS and NLCS. This team though is built to win, with depth and versatility. Bottom line: Repeat. </span></span></div>
Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860596357991348019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053027669119600507.post-18315567331660580082017-02-08T23:55:00.003-06:002017-02-09T00:07:15.958-06:00MLB Considering Changes to Extra Innings Rules...One of the most interesting games I ever broadcast was an extra inning game between the Padres and the Rockies in San Diego. It was April 17 2008, which bled into April 18, after 22 innings, 42 players and 6 hours and 16 minutes of baseball. The contest didn't feature a single position player pitching, but did use a total of 15 hurlers, many needing to go multiple innings. Who won? Oh it was the <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/2008/04/18/rockies-outlast-padres-in-22-innings/" target="_blank">Rockies 2-1</a>.<br />
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I bring that game up because Major League Baseball is considering a change in rules when it comes to extra innings games. The proposal which will be tried out in the rookie level Gulf Coast League and Arizona League this year, will place a runner at 2nd base to begin each inning after 9 frames are completed. This is according to a <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/mlb-plans-to-test-new-extra-innings-rules-in-rookie-ball-with-joe-torres-approval-224914115.html" target="_blank">Yahoo Sports report published online Wednesday</a>. MLB will study the in-game scenarios this year to decide if the rule should be used at higher levels of minor league ball or even at the Big League level.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A variation of this rule has been used in international baseball for almost 10 years and will be used in the World Baseball Classic this spring. </span></span><br />
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Joe Torre, MLB's Chief Baseball Officer was quoted as saying, "Let's see what it looks like." The former Yankees manager and major leaguer, is a strong proponent of the testing. "It's not fun to watch when you go through your whole pitching staff and wind up bringing in a utility infielder to pitch. As much as it's nice to talk about being at an 18-inning game, it takes time."<br />
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"Its baseball. I'm just trying to get back to that, where this is the game that people come to watch. It doesn't mean you're going to score. You're just trying to play baseball."<br />
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This line of thinking is wrong on so many levels in my opinion. Take Torre's first point, about not wanting to see a position player wind up pitching in a game. First of all, it's a rare occasion. I'm sure those in attendance (those who stayed for all 16 innings) at the <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/cubs-beat-rockies-in-16-innings-with-catcher-john-baker-pitching-102224002.html" target="_blank">Cubs/Rockies game July 29, 2014,</a> would beg to differ at how fun it was to watch then Cubs catcher John Baker pitch. Not only did he pitch, he scored the winning run and became the 1st position player to ever win a game in the history of the franchise. Fans enjoyed it. The players enjoyed it. The game played itself out as it has for over a century.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqfUykHn4EURmv1zyrcwh1cdOn1TTa6I800GhbEjT99VJUX_aehiX0qDCWfRfgzbX5E2UWClGOqvFHaf_T0oCfP4LTtwk7Kxjj_RA5xgYXLRmRtACUMyo9tltWz26atTKqpr8IDIFQ1zr/s1600/Torre+quote.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqfUykHn4EURmv1zyrcwh1cdOn1TTa6I800GhbEjT99VJUX_aehiX0qDCWfRfgzbX5E2UWClGOqvFHaf_T0oCfP4LTtwk7Kxjj_RA5xgYXLRmRtACUMyo9tltWz26atTKqpr8IDIFQ1zr/s400/Torre+quote.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> As mentioned in a Yahoo.com Sports Report</td></tr>
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The only people that didn't enjoy the outing by Baker, were then manager Rick Renteria who didn't want to overuse his bullpen and then Colorado manager Walt Weiss who's team couldn't get to the Cubs catcher. Weiss saying, "I think he was smart enough to know that if he stayed below the hitting speed he was going to be effective and that's what he did."<br />
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Again, these are rare happenings in baseball and to over react to change the rules of the game to speed it up like this is insane.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cubs catcher John Baker pitches in extra innings 7/29/14</td></tr>
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In this day and age of minute attention spans, I'm not surprised that baseball is thinking in this way, but come on, this game has been great for so long, this particular change seems unnecessary. Why not a home run derby after 9 innings instead? That way the game will end sooner. Much in the way the NHL has used the shootout (another horrible rule to me, a tie is a point in hockey, leaving without a winner is fine with me) and soccer goes to penalty kicks.<br />
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Extra innings is filled with drama, strategy and management of a team's pitching staff and bench. Don't 'dumb this down' for the hard core fan base.<br />
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Not only will this rule change how the games are decided, but how will statistics be affected? Former Major League pitcher and now MLB Network analyst, Dan Plesac took to Twitter today "...who (pitcher) gets the L or W? Is it a TEAM loss or win?" Very good question. Baseball is a game with statistics for everything. How will these new extra inning games be scored in respect to not just W's and L's for players, but ERA, FIP, batting average w/RISP and so forth? I know this is a minor point, but one that does need to be thought about, considering how, stats equal dollar signs for players come contract time.<br />
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What tha? Minors leagues might experiment w/runner at 2B in xtra innings? Who (pitcher) gets the L Or W ? is it TEAM loss or Win ?</div>
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— Dan Plesac (@Plesac19) <a href="https://twitter.com/Plesac19/status/829505024950689793">February 9, 2017</a></div>
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There is a simple solution. I've said this countless times before, expand the roster. Not to 40, not even to 30. Seems like 26, 27 or even 28 might do the trick. Even if you want to do it like the NFL does, where you have a 53 man "roster" but dress only 45 at game time, do a 30 man, and dress 26-28. If you think that's too many how about a 27 man roster, with 25 eligible each night, but one player can be designated to be activated only in extra innings. I'm spitballing here, but this has got to be better than a drastic change to an already great game.<br />
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I understand that things have to change to survive sometimes. Its just difficult to see the rationale behind this type of move. I am willing to see how this experiment in the minors turns out. Will it shorten extra innings? Will it save time? Will it save pitchers' arms? I guess where there's a will there's a way, but is it the right way to go?<br />
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<br />Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860596357991348019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053027669119600507.post-19784701869511997492015-12-15T14:05:00.002-06:002015-12-15T14:05:47.207-06:00The Bloom is Off this Rose<br />
Growing up in Chicago, my favorite players were always local guys, Rick Monday, Ron Santo, Billy Williams and guys like that. But as a youngster, who started playing little league baseball in 1976, Pete Rose was a guy I loved to watch play. <br />
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As a diminutive hitter, I adopted the Rose "crouch" from the left side of the plate, to make it harder for pitchers to throw to me. When they couldn't, I'd run down to first base after a walk, just like Rose.<br />
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I'm probably not alone in this. Surely kids of my generation would probably tell you the same thing. "Charlie Hustle" was the guy we all wanted to play like. Always on the move, flopping into 2nd base, and the best thing as a kid, always getting dirty. <br />
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Now I just feel kind of dirty for admiring him like I did. Ok, not as a player, but for the person. A man who claimed to respect the game of baseball, did the one thing that you are not supposed to do: gamble on the great American game. Then instead of copping to it, he denied, and denied and denied it, resulting in a lifetime ban from the game he loved. The game that crowned him the All-Time hit leader. The game that made him a household name. The game that now, he'd give anything to be a part of again.<br />
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In September, Rose met with the new Commissioner of Baseball, Rob Manfred, in hopes of being reinstated. Those hopes were dashed as Manfred denied the petition yesterday.<br />
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Today during a press conference in of all places, Las Vegas, Rose talked about the tone of his meeting with Manfred, saying, "I tried to be as honest as I could with the commissioner, and I think he appreciated that." Now from all reports, Rose admitted in the meeting that he still gambles and on baseball. Wow. So maybe honesty for Rose wasn't the best policy here.<br />
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Manfred released a statement yesterday on his decision to keep Rose out of baseball:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #262525; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i> "In short, Mr. Rose has not presented credible evidence of a reconfigured life either by an honest acceptance by him of his wrongdoing, so clearly established by the Dowd Report, or by a rigorous, self-aware and sustained program of avoidance by him of all the circumstances that led to his permanent ineligibility in 1989. Absent such credible evidence, allowing him to work in the game presents an unacceptable risk of a future violation by him of Rule 21, and thus to the integrity of our sport. I, therefore, must reject Mr. Rose's application for reinstatement."</i></span></blockquote>
I'm not saying that everyone that played the game is an honest, sincere and clean cut person. All you have to do is look back as recently as the late 90's when PED's and steroids ruled the headlines of baseball. But some of those 'accused' of usage, came clean, apologized, admitted mistakes and were embraced by the game again. Some. Not all. Now Rose falls into the latter category. I know in a book he admitted to gambling on baseball as the manager of the Reds. But has he really admitted it to himself? Doesn't sound like it. I'm not trying to be high and mighty here, I'm not perfect, but if he really loves the game like he says couldn't he work on being more truthful with himself?<br />
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The statements he's made at his press conference don't lead you to believe he is, or ever will be. Rose said today that he'll continue "the path of trying to reconfigure my life," and he feels that eventually Major League Baseball will want him back.<br />
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Baseball doesn't want him around. Can you blame it? If Rose were reinstated, there's a chance he'd be hired by a team as a coach, consultant or front office guy. Baseball doesn't want Rose influencing players, kids who are still developing as people not to mention players. <br />
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Part of me feels badly for Rose. He's 74 years old, and doesn't sound like he'll ever change. It's truly sad, when arguably the best hitter in the game, will not be a part of it, and will not be in the Hall of Fame. <br />
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I hope he'll eventually realize what is going on and make amends. Not likely, this Rose has too many thorns.<br />
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<br />Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860596357991348019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053027669119600507.post-14910209907754441672015-06-22T10:12:00.002-05:002015-06-22T10:12:19.619-05:00Captain Serious Is Seriously Someone To Respect...He's only 27 years old and already Jonathan Toews has collected 3 Stanley Cups, 2 Gold Medals, 1 Conn Smythe Trophy and 1 Frank J. Selke Trophy as the top defensive forward in the league. Not a bad resume for a full career, but he's far from finished.<br />
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The Blackhawks hit the jackpot in back to back drafts, building toward what we are seeing today. In the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, then GM Dale Tallon selected Toews with the 3rd overall pick. The kid out of North Dakota made an immediate impact on the Hawks. Toews played 64 games, scoring 24 goals recording 34 assists. The next season, with the first overall pick, the Blackhawks nabbed Patrick Kane, and as they say the rest is history. <br />
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The organization showed its' faith in the young player, by naming him the 34th captain in team history in July of 2008. The decision by then coach Denis Savard and then GM Dale Tallon, made Toews the third youngest captain in NHL history. "There's an aura about him," Tallon said. "He has leadership ability naturally. It's not something he needs to work hard at. He just is that kind of kid. We felt we might as well move forward with it and let him grow at that position." Savard added, "It's a natural fit. Personally, when I sit down with the staff and my coaches, I know that I've got my mind made up. I don't care how young you are. He's the type of person that is going to be a great captain for us." Looking back, wow, what an understatement.<br />
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Toews himself that July day nearly 7 years ago, didn't seem overwhelmed by the promotion. "When people consider you for so much responsibility at such an age, it's awesome," said Toews. "I enjoy the game. It's my life, and it's my passion. I do take it very seriously, and maybe that's one of the things that rubs off on the other guys." Thus the birth of Captain Serious. But have any truer words been uttered by a 20 year old?<br />
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The last part of his quote is what amazes me as a fan and as someone who was around Toews for a brief period in 2014. How does this guy, command so much respect, from not only younger players, but from established veterans and coaches? To me it's a presence that he has. Not a rah rah guy by any means, but as he said, Toews has a passion for this game. He does live it. Why not, he's really good at it.<br />
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The other thing about Toews, he gets it. After winning the first of his 3 Stanley Cup's, he hoisted the trophy, then passed it to Marian Hossa who had missed out on winning the cup the two previous years. In 2013 after hoisting Lord Stanley's Cup, veteran Michal Handzus was next to receive it. Finally, after the third cup, Toews passed it to Kimmo Timonen the 16 year veteran, who was playing his last ever NHL game. Aretha Franklin spelled it out, Toews has a genuine R-E-S-P-E-C-T for the game and those who play it. Maybe that has something to do with the way he is looked at by those he leads. <br />
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There are many in the game that respect the 27 year old center. Included among them, a guy that wore the #19 prominently for the Detroit Red Wings, Steve Yzerman, who happens to be the Tampa Bay Lightning GM. Yzerman thinks Toews is a better player than he ever was. "Just a better hockey player," said the Hall of Fame player. "The reality is Jonathan's bigger, stronger - better. I'm not sure I could even take him in a race either, so he's probably faster [too]." Toews responded in a fashion you'd expect, "Steve is a very complimentary person, and I don't think he'd say anything less than that," Toews said. "I just take that with a grain of salt. I think everyone here knows that's pretty much untrue, but it obviously means a lot to hear any sort of praise from a guy like that." <br />
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Chicago, feel fortunate that this guy and his running mate Kane are a part of your hockey team. With the surrounding cast in doubt now, because of another ridiculously low salary cap, these guys will make sure the Blackhawks stay competitive. He may not like the monicker of "Captain Serious", but Hawks fans are seriously glad he's here.<br />
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<b><u>Spieth halfway to the season Grand Slam</u></b><br />
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Masters and US Open Champion Jordan Spieth is halfway to the season grand slam in golf. He won the US Open after Dustin Johnson 3-putt the 18th hole. The 21-year old Spieth is the youngest US Open champion since 1923, and the youngest ever to win both the Masters and Open in the same year. He's in some pretty exclusive company, joining the likes of Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Bobby Jones and Arnold Palmer having won both majors in the same season.<br />
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Now with the British Open up next, could he possibly win his third major of the season? Don't bet against him.<br />
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By the way, was it just me in thinking the course at Chambers Bay looked like a British Open course? Dry grass in the fairways, huge rough and some almost unfair greens made it look that way to me. Several of the pros complained about the greens, but after all this is a US Open, and it's not supposed to be easy.<br />
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*Quotes in Jonathan Toews entry from <i>Chicago Tribune, July 19, 2008, written by Chris Kuc </i><br />
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<br />Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860596357991348019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053027669119600507.post-59340898543534688642015-05-25T17:20:00.001-05:002015-05-25T22:42:05.095-05:00Memorial Day Musings...Just a few thoughts this Monday afternoon...<br />
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<b><u>Bears Release McDonald</u></b><br />
I'm not sure what the Bears were expecting from Ray McDonald, but today they got exactly what a lot of people thought would happen from the beginning. McDonald was released this afternoon after a morning arrest in Northern California on charges of misdemeanor domestic violence and child endangerment. McDonald has a checkered history to say the least, one so littered in legal issues, that the 49'ers cut him loose in December. <br />
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Here's the statement released by GM Ryan Pace today:<br />
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"We believe in second chances, but when we signed Ray we were very clear what our expectations were if he was to remain a Bear," the statement continued, "He was not able to meet the standard and the decision was made to release him."</blockquote>
There's two schools of thought here, kudos for the quick response, and what the heck were you thinking in signing him in the first place? This was a highly questionable signing from the beginning. This was not actually a second chance for McDonald, it was more like a third or fourth, so there are many wondering why take a chance on this guy, instead of say somebody else? <br />
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Again, not a real shock to me how this eventually turned out. Hopefully the Bears can move on from this, I think they'll be able to for sure.<br />
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<b><u>Big 10 and Bradley</u></b><br />
Big 10 baseball is back and with a vengeance. The conference put 5 teams into the NCAA's for the first time ever. It boasts the #6 overall seed as well in Illinois. From doing some games on BTN this spring, I was impressed with the quality of play by the schools, great pitching, and all the teams seemed very fundamentally sound. What a tribute to the Administrators that took a serious look at baseball at their Universities and identified that facilities needed to be upgraded, and money needed to be spent to get and keep quality coaches. I applaud them and the proof of success is in the preverbal pudding.<br />
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My alma mater Bradley University is also in the field competing to get to the college world series for the first time since 1968! Yes, that was even before I attended the fine school in Peoria. Kind of tying in with my above statement, the Braves are the #2 seed in the Louisville bracket and will face #3 Michigan. Let's go Braves!!<br />
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<b><u>Memorial Day...</u></b><br />
I hope you are all enjoying your holiday, but also keeping in mind what it actually means. This holiday is to honor those who gave their lives in service of defending this great nation of ours. <br />
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My time in San Diego, really brought the message home, about what military service is all about. I came into contact with so many brave men and women, old, young and in between, who are making a sacrifice to keep us enjoying our freedoms here in the US. Before living there, I probably would have found it odd to walk up to a person in military uniform and just say "thank you for your service". I'd never experienced it before, but now it's almost routine to me, whether it be at the bank, at a restaurant or in an airport. I'm not preaching to you, trust me, everyone is free to enjoy/observe the holiday as they choose, but isn't that the beauty of living in this great country? <br />
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<b><u>Social Media/Photography</u></b><br />
For those new to my blog, welcome, and for those vets, please continue to support this blog, I do appreciate it. For the regulars, please indulge me for a minute to again let the 'newbies' know where to follow me for social media and my photography.<br />
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Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/Andy_Masur1">twitter.com/Andy_Masur1</a><br />
Facebook: <a href="http://facebook.com/AndyMasurBroadcaster">facebook.com/AndyMasurBroadcaster</a><br />
Instagram: <a href="http://instagram.com/andy_masur">instagram.com/andy_masur</a><br />
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For my photography, 2 places to visit:<br />
Flickr: <a href="http://flickr.com/Andy_Masur">flickr.com/Andy_Masur</a><br />
Photoshelter: <a href="http://andymasurphoto.photoshelter.com/">andymasurphoto.photoshelter.com</a><br />
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Thanks!! Have a great week!<br />
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Andy<br />
<br />Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860596357991348019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053027669119600507.post-12463055297504799632015-02-26T09:14:00.002-06:002015-02-26T09:14:10.391-06:00Kane and Rose Oh No! As if it's not hard enough to be a Chicago sports fan, dealing with disappointment and heartache seem to be as much a part of our lives as that second city chip on all of our shoulders. Tuesday night was a bad night. I mean the kind of night that you walk around your house, apartment, condo, shaking your head as if a member of the family was hurt, or lost. This is how seriously we are invested in our teams. This city is so unique in that. As that 90's song said, "We get knocked down, but we get up again..." true huh?<br />
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Tuesday, February 24, 2015 - United Center. First Period.<br />
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Patrick Kane moves toward the boards, and is tripped up falling awkwardly into said barrier. Gets up slowly, wincing in pain and is helped to the dressing room. He does not return to the game. Can anyone imagine the Blackhawks winning a championship without the league's leading scorer? Ugh.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9elYP45tCWwTMKaVJ8TGIuN3YGMJ9fYTz-HayOOaiCHhg3h55vSuPow_zpq-xV_wH9QnlBQiXNc9eggC6T-7EcgES8z5A1d4vkoL530UgkCR3Ami2l91wnJLWdZZgkLO_XFiPe-pVqgRd/s1600/gty-167614223-4_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9elYP45tCWwTMKaVJ8TGIuN3YGMJ9fYTz-HayOOaiCHhg3h55vSuPow_zpq-xV_wH9QnlBQiXNc9eggC6T-7EcgES8z5A1d4vkoL530UgkCR3Ami2l91wnJLWdZZgkLO_XFiPe-pVqgRd/s1600/gty-167614223-4_3.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patrick Kane (USA Today)</td></tr>
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Tuesday, February 24, 2015 - Advocate Center. News breaks during Hawks game.<br />
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Derrick Rose reports pain in his right knee. Further examination determines torn meniscus. Surgery. Out for an extended period of time, maybe the season. This after the news of Kane leaving the game is like a sucker punch to the "lower body". The Bulls, were tied for first in the Central Division with Cleveland. Now the former #1 pick and Chicago native Rose is out again. Double ugh.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicgG6Rwuj1h_LDn8yuw2TZ8ImHu6O836rSHGhX14vZiPIlenh6tgrHrF26GwHGPAZq1nGEQs02MqVS27uz3aJwSo-xav1poTFmurJiI9TL-kdFrRmjrzpZmbCSX9uWtINqwwdx_lPokja/s1600/img18510767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicgG6Rwuj1h_LDn8yuw2TZ8ImHu6O836rSHGhX14vZiPIlenh6tgrHrF26GwHGPAZq1nGEQs02MqVS27uz3aJwSo-xav1poTFmurJiI9TL-kdFrRmjrzpZmbCSX9uWtINqwwdx_lPokja/s1600/img18510767.jpg" height="192" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Derrick Rose (CBS Sports)</td></tr>
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Lets fast forward to present day, and what we know. <br />
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Kane had surgery to repair a broken left clavicle, and is out for up to 12 weeks. To those mathematically challenged like myself, it's 3 months. That means the playoffs could be in doubt for #88. Can the Hawks hoist the Stanley Cup without the dynamic scorer. I think we need to delve into that.<br />
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The placement of Kane on long term injury (LTI) allows GM Stan Bowman a little more cap flexibility. Without getting into the technical finances, Bowman can now acquire a player that maybe he couldn't have before the injury. While I'd rather have Kane than some of the other names out there, at least the Hawks can try to better themselves in the meantime. According to "The Fourth Period" the Hawks remain interested in Arizona winger Antoine Vermette and Calgary forward Curtis Glencross. Vermette has scored 13 goals, and has 22 assists good for 35 points. Glencross has 9 goals and 19 assists for 28 points. The two players combined have one less point, 63, than Kane has 64 (27 goals, 37 assists). Both players are 32 years old.<br />
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Even if the Hawks don't acquire a little scoring help, they do have a talented roster. Think of Marian Hossa, Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp, Brandon Saad and now with Kris Versteeg stepping up the scoring punch, it may not be as devastating as we thought. It will come down to shoring up the defense to me. <br />
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The Hawks have fire power with the above mentioned names, but the blue line to me has been the problem and disappointment to this time in the season. I wish I had a dollar for every Johnny Oduya turnover in the middle of the ice. I'll take a quarter for each of the David Runblad miscues as well. I might be able to have a nice night on the town with those two windfalls. The other defensive key for the Hawks to sustain themselves in the absence of Kane is goaltending. Corey Crawford will need to be somewhere between where he's playing now, and the guy that guided the Hawks to the Stanley Cup in 2013 (should have been the Conn Smythe winner). <br />
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Obviously this will be a tough road to the Cup without Kane, but I wouldn't ever bet against the grit and determination of Toews, and the coaching ability of Joel Quenneville. The West is tough, so getting there will not be easy. I'm still a glass half full guy. <br />
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Now as far as Rose is concerned, am I the only one who feels like the team will be ok without him? Come on, the core of this team (Gibson, Butler, Noah) have probably played more games without Rose than with him over the last few years, and have been able to contend in the East. These guys are more used to seeing Rose in a suit, than suited up to play with them. This should not be a mental blow, this should be a "same old song" situation for the group. <br />
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This year the team has a little more inside presence with Pau Gasol and his constant double-doubles, and a more efficient Jimmy Butler, who is averaging over 20 points a game. Tony Snell is starting to emerge, Aaron Brooks is adding 10 points a game and Nikola Mirotic is starting to find his stride in the NBA. There is talk of adding Nate Robinson to the mix, the guy that starred for the Bulls in the 2012-2013 season, was bought out by the Celtics and is a free agent.<br />
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As I stated with the Hawks, the Bulls will have to find a way to compensate for Rose's scoring ability, but it's the defense that has been a disappointment for the team this season. The Bulls are giving up 98.7 points per game, which is just 12th in the NBA. Tom Thibodeau has stressed defense since he took over the Bulls, and the highest opponent's points per game a team under Thib's has allowed is 92.9, in 2012. Defense to me will be a bigger priority for this team if it wants to win the conference and get into the NBA championship picture.<br />
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Obviously you'd rather have a guy like Rose in your lineup to compete with the LeBron James' of the world, but he may not be there. Rose has not had a track record of returning early from injury, so let's just say he's out for the season, something that could be a reality. It's a reality that is far too real to Bulls fans. <br />
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Hang in there fans, and remember if it gets too tough for you to take, and the Hawks and Bulls go into a tailspin without their two superstars, baseball season starts in a little over a month!<br />
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<i><span style="color: blue;">Andy Masur is a freelance broadcaster with over 15 years of MLB and NCAA Hoops play-by-play to his credit. Andy is an amateur photographer and occasional blogger. You can follow Andy on twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Andy_Masur1">@Andy_Masur1</a> and keep up to date with him on his personal website, <a href="http://www.andy-masur.com/">www.andy-masur.com</a>. </span></i><br />
<br />Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860596357991348019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053027669119600507.post-27503605908345274002015-02-12T15:25:00.004-06:002015-02-12T15:25:50.806-06:00Let the Boys be Boys...I was in a Wrigleyville Bar, when the JRW Little Leaguers won the US Championship, it was a crazy scene...<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Cblockquote%20class=%22twitter-tweet%22%20lang=%22en%22%3E%3Cp%3EWrigleyville%20bar%20I'm%20in%20erupts%20in%20applause%20as%20JRW%20wins%20US%20Championship.%20Nice%20job%20guys!%3C/p%3E%E2%80%94%20Andy%20Masur%20(@Andy_Masur1)%20%3Ca%20href=%22https://twitter.com/Andy_Masur1/status/503301462106324993%22%3EAugust%2023,%202014%3C/a%3E%3C/blockquote%3E%20%3Cscript%20async%20src=%22//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js%22%20charset=%22utf-8%22%3E%3C/script%3E"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Wrigleyville bar I'm in erupts in applause as JRW wins US Championship. Nice job guys!<br />
— Andy Masur (@Andy_Masur1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Andy_Masur1/status/503301462106324993">August 23, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></a><br />
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A bunch of 12 year olds, captured the hearts of this city, and in some respects this nation. Just footsteps from where Major Leaguers get paid big bucks to play the same game. I couldn't believe the response from this fairly crowded bar. Everyone was hooked. It was cool. <br />
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Forget that this was the first all African American team to represent the US in the title game and forget that every politician was clinging to this group of youngsters. This was pure. This was the way the game of baseball was supposed to be. A group of kids, coming together, playing hard, hustling, making plays, hitting homers and enjoying playing this game. Our National Pastime. Kids being kids. It brought back memories of playing little league myself. It reminded me of gathering my friends on a warm summer day, scrounging together enough money to buy a rubber baseball for a game of "fast pitch" at the park. <br />
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Suddenly though, those memories were interrupted by the unbelievable news, that the JRW Little League was stripped of it's US Championship, because the league used players from outside the actual boundaries of it's district. What?!? <br />
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Winning was that important to a group of adults, that they would jeopardize the hard work, and dedication of kids, playing a game meant for them. What drives this? Is it a case of not succeeding enough as a kid themselves that adults have to win at all costs? Living vicariously through some 12 year olds? Grow up. This was supposed to be about the team. There is no excuse that can ever be uttered by the "adults" in this case. You are supposed to be the example. You are supposed to be, well, the ADULT. <br />
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I'm not naive enough to think that cheating doesn't go on. Trust me. With all the baseball, football, and college basketball scandals, it's hard not to know this exists. In those money making sports, you understand that it's about money, and usually winning translates to money for a team, a player, or a school. What was to gain here in this case? What was to gain by the Bronx, NY team several years ago, when Danny Almonte toed the mound at the age of "12" in 2001, when in actuality he was 14? Don't waste my time trying to explain a motive. You cheated, you got caught and you cheated your players. End of story.<br />
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I'm just glad that the players on the JRW team, got to enjoy the tournament and their moment in the sun. It was cool to see a city the size of Chicago with all it's pro teams, embrace a group of kids. Even the pro teams got behind them. Both the Cubs and White Sox had the JRW team to the ballparks to honor them. Nobody can take that away from them. They played those games, they won those games and showed a lot of character in doing so. Too bad the coach and league director didn't show the same. Just because the title has to be vacated, the little leaguers are still champions to me. They showed a lot of class in rallying a community and city. They were fun to watch and see interact with their heroes of baseball. These kids don't need a trophy to prove they are winners. <br />
<br />Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12860596357991348019noreply@blogger.com0