Good morning from Peoria! Baseball in the Cactus League continues today as the Padres will travel to Goodyear to face the Cleveland Indians.
Here's today's Padres lineup:
CF - Will Venable
2B - Orlando Hudson
LF - Jesus Guzman
1B - Kyle Blanks
DH - Yonder Alonzo
RF - Jeremy Hermida
SS - Jason Bartlett
3B - James Darnell
C - John Baker
SP - Dustin Moseley
Moseley makes his second start of the spring, and is slated to go 3 innings today. We also are scheduled to see Luke Gregerson, Huston Street and Andrew Cashner for an inning each.
Bob Scanlan and I will have the call today, starting at 1pm PT on XX 1090, please join us!
News/Notes:
As you noticed above, Jason Bartlett is back in the lineup today and will see his first Cactus League action. He's been sidelined with a knee injury. Manager Buddy Black did bring up a good point today during our media session, Bartlett played 139 games for the Padres last season, which led the team.
Chase Headley could return to the lineup as soon as tomorrow. Headley has been battling low back stiffness.
Cameron Maybin, may be back in there tomorrow as well. He left yesterday's game in Tempe as a precaution with a 'banged up' shin. Black told us that if it were a regular season game Maybin would have stayed in the game.
Player to be named later
As I was getting ready for today's broadcast, I looked through the Indians media guide, which has bios and stats for all of their players. I made a point to look up the player formerly known as Fausto Carmona (now known as Roberto Hernandez), and sure enough he's still listed as Fausto Carmona. Further, under his personal information, it states: Full name, Fausto C. Carmona. Wonder if a special insert section is coming soon from the Indians?
Goodyear
The ballpark at Goodyear is one of the newest in the Cactus League, shared by the Indians and Reds. It's a nice place, good food selections and close parking. The one thing you can't help but notice from our vantage point in the pressbox is an "airplane graveyard" over the wall in right field. Old planes from Qantas, TWA, and other airlines just sit and wait to be scrapped for parts or whatever. It's kind of cool and eerie all at the same time. I'll try to post a picture later.
That's it for now!
Andy
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Yu Mania....
The San Diego Padres are preparing for Yu Mania today, as they'll face the Rangers in Peoria. Jeff Suppan will pitch against Yu Darvish, the 25 year old Japanese right hander making his Texas debut. The feeling around camp today, at least media wise, is get to your seat in the pressbox early as 10 times the normal amount of reporters/broadcasters will be in attendance. Over 100 extra credentials were issued by the team ahead of this "spring event".
Darvish was clocked at 96 mph in the Rangers inter-squad game last Friday, but control was an issue according to the reports from Surprise. How will the latest Japanese import fare in the big leagues? The questions start getting answered (at least a little bit) today in Peoria.
Music for Y(o)u?
Maybe I can offer a few suggestions as to the music the PA system can play today, of course with Darvish pitching today....hmmm...
"Who Are Y(o)u?" - The Who
"Y(o)u Are The One That I Want" - Olivia Newton John/John Travolta (Grease)
"With or Without Y(o)u" - U2
"Thank Y(o)u" - Led Zeppelin
"Hey Y(o)u" - Pink Floyd
"We Will Rock Y(o)u" - Queen (especially if it's a rough outing)
"No One Like Y(o)u" - The Scorpions
"I Want Y(o)u To Want Me" - Cheap Trick
"Y(o)u Can Leave Your Hat On" - Joe Cocker
"Run To Y(o)u" - Bryan Adams
Ok, you get the drift here, I love music and any chance to make a little play on words with music, I'll take!
I'm sure you have more, so if you want to leave a comment go for it and I'll maybe feature some more in the next entry.
Music Part 2...
We all try to find fun and unique ways to pass time in Peoria when the games are over and the sun goes down. Last night Corey Brock, Bret Picciolo of the Padres publications department, Josh Ishoo of the media relations staff and I went a played music trivia at a local watering hole. We had a blast. Our team name the "Key Rows" to honor one of our favorite names on the PA system in Peoria from a year ago, Guillermo Quiroz. The "Rows" finished third in the competition which featured music trivia from the 60's all the way through to today. We had a good combination of young and old, and made a great team. We are definitely going back to defend our 3rd place title!
Ok, that's all for now...don't forget Padres and Rangers today on ESPN Radio 1700, starting at 12 noon.
Andy
Darvish was clocked at 96 mph in the Rangers inter-squad game last Friday, but control was an issue according to the reports from Surprise. How will the latest Japanese import fare in the big leagues? The questions start getting answered (at least a little bit) today in Peoria.
Music for Y(o)u?
Maybe I can offer a few suggestions as to the music the PA system can play today, of course with Darvish pitching today....hmmm...
"Who Are Y(o)u?" - The Who
"Y(o)u Are The One That I Want" - Olivia Newton John/John Travolta (Grease)
"With or Without Y(o)u" - U2
"Thank Y(o)u" - Led Zeppelin
"Hey Y(o)u" - Pink Floyd
"We Will Rock Y(o)u" - Queen (especially if it's a rough outing)
"No One Like Y(o)u" - The Scorpions
"I Want Y(o)u To Want Me" - Cheap Trick
"Y(o)u Can Leave Your Hat On" - Joe Cocker
"Run To Y(o)u" - Bryan Adams
Ok, you get the drift here, I love music and any chance to make a little play on words with music, I'll take!
I'm sure you have more, so if you want to leave a comment go for it and I'll maybe feature some more in the next entry.
Music Part 2...
We all try to find fun and unique ways to pass time in Peoria when the games are over and the sun goes down. Last night Corey Brock, Bret Picciolo of the Padres publications department, Josh Ishoo of the media relations staff and I went a played music trivia at a local watering hole. We had a blast. Our team name the "Key Rows" to honor one of our favorite names on the PA system in Peoria from a year ago, Guillermo Quiroz. The "Rows" finished third in the competition which featured music trivia from the 60's all the way through to today. We had a good combination of young and old, and made a great team. We are definitely going back to defend our 3rd place title!
Ok, that's all for now...don't forget Padres and Rangers today on ESPN Radio 1700, starting at 12 noon.
Andy
Sunday, March 4, 2012
3:10 and Thru Yuma...
Well, I made it safe and sound to Peoria earlier this afternoon, and I must say it's good to be back. I'll be making my first trip to the Padres complex tomorrow morning and look forward to seeing the assembled media corps and of course manager Bud Black. I'll hope to have an updated blog entry describing anything interesting (or not that interesting?) that happens each day. Now, as they say, half the fun is getting here...
Well as the Talking Heads once asked, "Well, how did I get here?"
The one thing I always dread about heading to spring training is...the packing. I mean, four weeks is a long time and a lot of clothing. This is not an easy chore. This is what it looked like, the night before I loaded up the car...
.JPG)
I managed to pare it down and use only 2 suitcases and a duffle bag to get out here which for an 'over-packer' like me was a pretty good!
Essentials
Car loaded. Check. Full tank of gas. Check (ouch was that pricey). Sirius/XM radio working and presets all working. Check. Cooler filled with Diet Dr. Pepper and water. Check. Alright, ready to go!
Here we go!
The drive as many of you that have done it before is not all that exciting. I did get the extra special treat of high wind signs, as I wound my way through the mountains of California before the border. Once I was back near "sea level" the cruise control was set at "an undisclosed speed" and I was on my way.
First stop for me is always Yuma. I know it holds a special place in the hearts of long time Padres fans, as it served as the old spring training home for the team. To me now, it's a place to stop and use a restroom, usually at the Carl's Junior, and fill the tank with much cheaper gas! The 20 minute stop is always welcomed, since it's only another few hours to Peoria.
Next stop Gila Bend. Again, a quick fill up on gas and a stretch of the legs before the final leg of the journey. The trip up the 85 North is never without seeing at least 4 of Arizona's finest. With that in mind the cruise control was set to a "lower undisclosed speed".
The sight of the 10 East sign is like seeing the finish line, just another 30 minutes and I'm there. And so the trip came to an end.
Some things I noticed along the way...
- As much as I cringe driving the winding roads in the mountains, it's really stunning and beautiful scenery.
- Some drivers need a refresher course on the rules of the road. The LEFT lane is for PASSING ONLY. The lane is not designed for those who like to just drive at their own pace and cause problems for others. This means you elderly couple in a tan BMW!
- There is a Brock Research Center (I didn't know some dedicated their lives to research Corey Brock)
- Sirius/XM radio is great for long drives. Punching between 80's on 8, 70's on 7, 90's on 9, Classic Rewind, Classic Vinyl, 1st Wave, Lithium, Coffee House, MLB Network Radio, and listening to the final few minutes of the Blackhawks/Red Wings game (Hawks win! Hawks win!) mad the long drive seem not so long.
- Cruise control rules!
So there you go, a little tiny glimpse into my travels to Peoria. More to come tomorrow and throughout the spring!
Andy
Well as the Talking Heads once asked, "Well, how did I get here?"
The one thing I always dread about heading to spring training is...the packing. I mean, four weeks is a long time and a lot of clothing. This is not an easy chore. This is what it looked like, the night before I loaded up the car...
.JPG)
Essentials
Car loaded. Check. Full tank of gas. Check (ouch was that pricey). Sirius/XM radio working and presets all working. Check. Cooler filled with Diet Dr. Pepper and water. Check. Alright, ready to go!
Here we go!
The drive as many of you that have done it before is not all that exciting. I did get the extra special treat of high wind signs, as I wound my way through the mountains of California before the border. Once I was back near "sea level" the cruise control was set at "an undisclosed speed" and I was on my way.
First stop for me is always Yuma. I know it holds a special place in the hearts of long time Padres fans, as it served as the old spring training home for the team. To me now, it's a place to stop and use a restroom, usually at the Carl's Junior, and fill the tank with much cheaper gas! The 20 minute stop is always welcomed, since it's only another few hours to Peoria.
Next stop Gila Bend. Again, a quick fill up on gas and a stretch of the legs before the final leg of the journey. The trip up the 85 North is never without seeing at least 4 of Arizona's finest. With that in mind the cruise control was set to a "lower undisclosed speed".
The sight of the 10 East sign is like seeing the finish line, just another 30 minutes and I'm there. And so the trip came to an end.
Some things I noticed along the way...
- As much as I cringe driving the winding roads in the mountains, it's really stunning and beautiful scenery.
- Some drivers need a refresher course on the rules of the road. The LEFT lane is for PASSING ONLY. The lane is not designed for those who like to just drive at their own pace and cause problems for others. This means you elderly couple in a tan BMW!
- There is a Brock Research Center (I didn't know some dedicated their lives to research Corey Brock)
- Sirius/XM radio is great for long drives. Punching between 80's on 8, 70's on 7, 90's on 9, Classic Rewind, Classic Vinyl, 1st Wave, Lithium, Coffee House, MLB Network Radio, and listening to the final few minutes of the Blackhawks/Red Wings game (Hawks win! Hawks win!) mad the long drive seem not so long.
- Cruise control rules!
So there you go, a little tiny glimpse into my travels to Peoria. More to come tomorrow and throughout the spring!
Andy
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Hope Springs Eternal....
Let the fun begin! This is undoubtedly my favorite time of year to be a sports fan. Let's go through the list, MLB Spring Training, March Madness, and soon to follow the Masters, and the NHL Playoffs. I feel fortunate to be able to be around two of those great events, of course Padres spring training, and the USD Toreros in the WCC Tournament.
Vegas Baby!
I'll be heading to Las Vegas this week, as the Toreros, the number 6 seed, face the 7th seed the Pepperdine Waves in the second game on Thursday night. The games are at the Orleans Arena, a great venue to watch college hoops. The game will tip sometime around 8:30pm, and of course I'll have the call on XTRA Sports 1360 and www.usdtoreros.com. I like USD's chances in the first round, they swept Pepperdine in the regular season, and the Toreros won 4 of their final 6 WCC games and are playing some good team basketball. Johnny Dee and Christopher Anderson have been a breath of fresh air in the program. Great young talents that should be fun to watch for the next few years. Of course they are not a two man wolf pack, as, Dennis Kramer, Ken Rancifer, Simi Fajemisin, Darian Norris, Chris Manresa, Cameron Miles, John Sinis, Nick Kerr, Keith Stackhouse and Blair Banker have all contributed to the season. Good luck Toreros!
Back to Peoria...
Looking forward to getting back into the flow and routine of baseball. I should be in Peoria by early next week, ready to take on my 6th season with the San Diego Padres. Spring Training gives me a great chance to talk to the new guys, to get to know them a little before the games actually count. Met a few of the guys at the Padres Fan Fest at Petco, including new catcher John Baker and new first baseman Yonder Alonso.
As a guy who spent a lot of time in Peoria, IL (home of my alma mater Bradley University), it's always strange to tell friends and colleagues that I'm heading to Peoria in March. Some of my friends from college and my early working days, think I'm coming back to Illinois to see them. Always a confusing time. Peoria, AZ has really been built up since the Padres first moved there in the early 90's and every chain restaurant imaginable calls the area home. Every once in a while, myself, and Corey Brock (of @FollowThePadres fame) discover a nice little 'hole in the wall' to hang out in, and usually the next year it's gone. I'm confident in Mr. Brock's ability to find us another place to call 'home' this spring.
Speaking of restaurants...or is it restaurantz?
Ok, yeah, the headline is a bit confusing, but you'll understand after I explain. Last year, our PR guru Warren Miller, happened on a restaurant in a strip mall pretty close to the complex, it is called MEATBALLZ (yes with a Z, and it actually hangs down off the last "L", leading me to call it "The Hanging Z"). It's a great Italian place with authentic home cooking. The owner Robert is awesome. I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to an Italian Beef, some meatballs, and of course the greatest dessert in the desert, the Brownoli. A brownie and cannoli combination that is UNBELIEVABLE. Make sure you check out the place if you come to visit Peoria.
Random Thoughts...or musings...
Went to the Honda Center the other day (Sunday) to go watch my struggling Chicago Blackhawks lose to the Anaheim Ducks. The Honda Center is easy to get to, and the parking lots are close to the arena and not too bad to get out of after a game. While I did not enjoy the result, I did like to see a record crowd there that afternoon. It's great to see Southern Californian's get into hockey. I love the sport. I grew up watching it on TV and in person. The amount of skill these players have and what they are able to do on skates is just unbelievable. Next to baseball, hockey is the sport for me.
Technology while great, sometimes makes me shake my head. While at the game Sunday in Anaheim, I noticed more people on their phones during the game, either texting, watching movies (seriously, a kid right in front of me) or online shopping (that kid's mom) than paying attention to the game. I'll admit, I checked Twitter a few times (but my guys were down 2-1 at the time), but why go to the game if you aren't going to watch it?
Alright, that's it, the blog should be updated during the games once I get to Arizona. In the meantime Corey is taking care of you on his twitter account and at padres.com. Check him out.
Good night!
Andy
Vegas Baby!
I'll be heading to Las Vegas this week, as the Toreros, the number 6 seed, face the 7th seed the Pepperdine Waves in the second game on Thursday night. The games are at the Orleans Arena, a great venue to watch college hoops. The game will tip sometime around 8:30pm, and of course I'll have the call on XTRA Sports 1360 and www.usdtoreros.com. I like USD's chances in the first round, they swept Pepperdine in the regular season, and the Toreros won 4 of their final 6 WCC games and are playing some good team basketball. Johnny Dee and Christopher Anderson have been a breath of fresh air in the program. Great young talents that should be fun to watch for the next few years. Of course they are not a two man wolf pack, as, Dennis Kramer, Ken Rancifer, Simi Fajemisin, Darian Norris, Chris Manresa, Cameron Miles, John Sinis, Nick Kerr, Keith Stackhouse and Blair Banker have all contributed to the season. Good luck Toreros!
Back to Peoria...
Looking forward to getting back into the flow and routine of baseball. I should be in Peoria by early next week, ready to take on my 6th season with the San Diego Padres. Spring Training gives me a great chance to talk to the new guys, to get to know them a little before the games actually count. Met a few of the guys at the Padres Fan Fest at Petco, including new catcher John Baker and new first baseman Yonder Alonso.
As a guy who spent a lot of time in Peoria, IL (home of my alma mater Bradley University), it's always strange to tell friends and colleagues that I'm heading to Peoria in March. Some of my friends from college and my early working days, think I'm coming back to Illinois to see them. Always a confusing time. Peoria, AZ has really been built up since the Padres first moved there in the early 90's and every chain restaurant imaginable calls the area home. Every once in a while, myself, and Corey Brock (of @FollowThePadres fame) discover a nice little 'hole in the wall' to hang out in, and usually the next year it's gone. I'm confident in Mr. Brock's ability to find us another place to call 'home' this spring.
Speaking of restaurants...or is it restaurantz?
Ok, yeah, the headline is a bit confusing, but you'll understand after I explain. Last year, our PR guru Warren Miller, happened on a restaurant in a strip mall pretty close to the complex, it is called MEATBALLZ (yes with a Z, and it actually hangs down off the last "L", leading me to call it "The Hanging Z"). It's a great Italian place with authentic home cooking. The owner Robert is awesome. I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to an Italian Beef, some meatballs, and of course the greatest dessert in the desert, the Brownoli. A brownie and cannoli combination that is UNBELIEVABLE. Make sure you check out the place if you come to visit Peoria.
Random Thoughts...or musings...
Went to the Honda Center the other day (Sunday) to go watch my struggling Chicago Blackhawks lose to the Anaheim Ducks. The Honda Center is easy to get to, and the parking lots are close to the arena and not too bad to get out of after a game. While I did not enjoy the result, I did like to see a record crowd there that afternoon. It's great to see Southern Californian's get into hockey. I love the sport. I grew up watching it on TV and in person. The amount of skill these players have and what they are able to do on skates is just unbelievable. Next to baseball, hockey is the sport for me.
Technology while great, sometimes makes me shake my head. While at the game Sunday in Anaheim, I noticed more people on their phones during the game, either texting, watching movies (seriously, a kid right in front of me) or online shopping (that kid's mom) than paying attention to the game. I'll admit, I checked Twitter a few times (but my guys were down 2-1 at the time), but why go to the game if you aren't going to watch it?
Alright, that's it, the blog should be updated during the games once I get to Arizona. In the meantime Corey is taking care of you on his twitter account and at padres.com. Check him out.
Good night!
Andy
Monday, December 19, 2011
What's going on?
Well, well, well, it certainly has been a long time, but I felt compelled to update the blog, so here goes. I'm going to try, I repeat, TRY to keep a better handle on this thing as we move forward. I've been asked by a few folks on Facebook and Twitter these days and recently about how much they liked the blog in the last few years, so I figure, why not, let's give it a go again and see what happens. Not sure what direction I'll take it, but I have some thoughts. Maybe I'll ask you folks, which way it should go?
The way I see it, I can...
Continue what I was doing, which was giving you my thoughts on the Padres, Toreros, Aztecs and Chargers on occasion, and letting you know where I stand on some of the moves and games.
Use the blog as a travelers guide to the places we get to visit during my travels with the various teams I work with.
Or just wing it! Let me know what you think.
Recent Happenings...
Back with the Padres...
Not sure if you saw it or not, but I am going to be back with the Padres for the upcoming season. I have truly enjoyed my now 5 seasons (wow how time flies), and look forward to number 6, which is just around the corner.
Finally!!
Kudos to the Hall of Fame for FINALLY getting it right with my dear friend Ron Santo. He's been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame after a stellar playing and broadcasting career. It hurts a little bit, because Ron passed away last December, and he deserved the chance to speak on stage in Cooperstown. I know his family is very excited, as I spoke to his son Jeff (producer of the film "This Old Cub") a few weeks ago to congratulate him and the rest of the crew. Ron's wife Vicki will deliver his induction speech on July 22, 2012 in New York. I'm hoping to be on hand to witness the occasion. Ron was more than a former co-worker to me, he became like a member of my extended family and I miss him every day. If you haven't gotten the chance to see Jeff Santo's film, I highly recommend it. Just follow this link for more information on This Old Cub.
Latos to Cincinnati...
Many of you out there have strong opinions on the Mat Latos trade the other day as I've read and heard the last few days. My thought is this. If you can deal one player and make your team deeper, and better, you need to do it. Mat can certainly pitch, there is no doubt in my mind about that, but so can Edinson Volquez. He won 17 games in his first full season of 2008 and should benefit from pitching at Petco Park. I'm of the opinion that Darren Balsley and Buddy Black know what they are doing, and have certainly helped a few pitchers over the years re-discover what they were or helped them to get better than they've ever been. Yonder Alonso is an intriguing addition, from everything I hear and have read, this guy is a hitter. Maybe not a typical slugging first baseman, but a gap type hitter, which will play well at Petco. I don't know enough about the minor leaguers to comment intelligently so I'll leave it at that. Sometimes you have to deal away talent to get talent back. I don't think Josh Byrnes is done dealing either, so let's wait and see what comes next before judging, good or bad, what the off season moves are.
Alright, that's all I've got time for tonight, want to watch a little Monday Night Football, but I guess there's a power outage in Candlestick Park! Ugh.
Happy Holidays everyone, and I look forward to hearing from you out there!
Andy
The way I see it, I can...
Continue what I was doing, which was giving you my thoughts on the Padres, Toreros, Aztecs and Chargers on occasion, and letting you know where I stand on some of the moves and games.
Use the blog as a travelers guide to the places we get to visit during my travels with the various teams I work with.
Or just wing it! Let me know what you think.
Recent Happenings...
Back with the Padres...
Not sure if you saw it or not, but I am going to be back with the Padres for the upcoming season. I have truly enjoyed my now 5 seasons (wow how time flies), and look forward to number 6, which is just around the corner.
Finally!!
Kudos to the Hall of Fame for FINALLY getting it right with my dear friend Ron Santo. He's been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame after a stellar playing and broadcasting career. It hurts a little bit, because Ron passed away last December, and he deserved the chance to speak on stage in Cooperstown. I know his family is very excited, as I spoke to his son Jeff (producer of the film "This Old Cub") a few weeks ago to congratulate him and the rest of the crew. Ron's wife Vicki will deliver his induction speech on July 22, 2012 in New York. I'm hoping to be on hand to witness the occasion. Ron was more than a former co-worker to me, he became like a member of my extended family and I miss him every day. If you haven't gotten the chance to see Jeff Santo's film, I highly recommend it. Just follow this link for more information on This Old Cub.
Latos to Cincinnati...
Many of you out there have strong opinions on the Mat Latos trade the other day as I've read and heard the last few days. My thought is this. If you can deal one player and make your team deeper, and better, you need to do it. Mat can certainly pitch, there is no doubt in my mind about that, but so can Edinson Volquez. He won 17 games in his first full season of 2008 and should benefit from pitching at Petco Park. I'm of the opinion that Darren Balsley and Buddy Black know what they are doing, and have certainly helped a few pitchers over the years re-discover what they were or helped them to get better than they've ever been. Yonder Alonso is an intriguing addition, from everything I hear and have read, this guy is a hitter. Maybe not a typical slugging first baseman, but a gap type hitter, which will play well at Petco. I don't know enough about the minor leaguers to comment intelligently so I'll leave it at that. Sometimes you have to deal away talent to get talent back. I don't think Josh Byrnes is done dealing either, so let's wait and see what comes next before judging, good or bad, what the off season moves are.
Alright, that's all I've got time for tonight, want to watch a little Monday Night Football, but I guess there's a power outage in Candlestick Park! Ugh.
Happy Holidays everyone, and I look forward to hearing from you out there!
Andy
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Bud Black Top Dog In The NL...
Just like this past Padres season, it came down to the wire, and in the end, Bud Black prevailed over Dusty Baker, and is the NL Manager of the Year in 2010.
Deserving? You bet. To me, and admittedly I'm a bit biased, it was a no brainer. I didn't however think that the BBWA would get it right. I figured it would go to the sentimental favorite, Bobby Cox, but in the end the writers did the right thing and gave the nod to our own skipper.
The case is a simple one. He did the best job of managing a baseball team this season. Going through the peaks and valleys of the 162 game schedule, Black, guided his team to a 90 win season, 15 more wins than the previous year. That was the best win differential in MLB.
Did anybody expect this? No. Did anybody figure out how to get the most of all his players, every single game? No. Case closed. Vegas set the Padres win line at 71.5 before the season, and as GM Jed Hoyer pointed out today in a conference call, "They don't build those casinos by losing money. For me, [Black] was a clear choice."
Congratulations Buddy, on a well deserved honor. It has been my privilege to work with him every game for the last four seasons, and I really enjoy talking baseball and other things with him all the time. What you see is what you get with Bud Black, one of the good guys in the game of baseball.
I'm Baaaack...
Many of you have sent me Facebook and Twitter messages wondering about the status of my blog and after a long hiatus, I've decided to bring back Masur's Musings. I can't guarantee it will be updated every day, or even every week, but I will certainly do my best to keep it relatively current. I'm just happy that there were so many people that actually read my blog, I had no idea really, and I do appreciate the following.
Random Musings...
- What a win for the San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team the other night at Gonzaga. I've broadcast a few games at the "Kennel" and I've never heard the place as quiet as I did late in the game yesterday. These Aztecs are for real, and will be a force to be reckoned with when conference play begins.
- The USD Toreros are off to a 1-1 start, coming off a loss at Stanford, Monday night. This is a young team that Bill Grier has, 2 seniors, 2 juniors and 11 sophomores/freshman. Hopefully the non-conference season, will get this inexperienced group ready for WCC play. It's a great bunch of kids, and they are hard not to root for.
- By the way, in case you didn't hear, the Toreros games are on XTRA Sports 1360 this season. I'm back for my fourth season of play-by-play and couldn't be happier. I'll be away for the next couple of games to attend a good friend's wedding, so Ben Higgins will step in and handle the games, Friday night and Sunday afternoon at the JCP.
Alright, that's a wrap. Chat soon.
Deserving? You bet. To me, and admittedly I'm a bit biased, it was a no brainer. I didn't however think that the BBWA would get it right. I figured it would go to the sentimental favorite, Bobby Cox, but in the end the writers did the right thing and gave the nod to our own skipper.
The case is a simple one. He did the best job of managing a baseball team this season. Going through the peaks and valleys of the 162 game schedule, Black, guided his team to a 90 win season, 15 more wins than the previous year. That was the best win differential in MLB.
Did anybody expect this? No. Did anybody figure out how to get the most of all his players, every single game? No. Case closed. Vegas set the Padres win line at 71.5 before the season, and as GM Jed Hoyer pointed out today in a conference call, "They don't build those casinos by losing money. For me, [Black] was a clear choice."
Congratulations Buddy, on a well deserved honor. It has been my privilege to work with him every game for the last four seasons, and I really enjoy talking baseball and other things with him all the time. What you see is what you get with Bud Black, one of the good guys in the game of baseball.
I'm Baaaack...
Many of you have sent me Facebook and Twitter messages wondering about the status of my blog and after a long hiatus, I've decided to bring back Masur's Musings. I can't guarantee it will be updated every day, or even every week, but I will certainly do my best to keep it relatively current. I'm just happy that there were so many people that actually read my blog, I had no idea really, and I do appreciate the following.
Random Musings...
- What a win for the San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team the other night at Gonzaga. I've broadcast a few games at the "Kennel" and I've never heard the place as quiet as I did late in the game yesterday. These Aztecs are for real, and will be a force to be reckoned with when conference play begins.
- The USD Toreros are off to a 1-1 start, coming off a loss at Stanford, Monday night. This is a young team that Bill Grier has, 2 seniors, 2 juniors and 11 sophomores/freshman. Hopefully the non-conference season, will get this inexperienced group ready for WCC play. It's a great bunch of kids, and they are hard not to root for.
- By the way, in case you didn't hear, the Toreros games are on XTRA Sports 1360 this season. I'm back for my fourth season of play-by-play and couldn't be happier. I'll be away for the next couple of games to attend a good friend's wedding, so Ben Higgins will step in and handle the games, Friday night and Sunday afternoon at the JCP.
Alright, that's a wrap. Chat soon.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Hall Of Fame, what a shame....
Andre Dawson is the only player heading into the Hall of Fame in the class of 2010. I do believe that he is a deserving recipient of enshrinement. I won't get into all the debate about the numbers, but lets just say, one of three players ever, with 400 or more homers and 300 or more stolen bases. 1987 NL MVP for a LAST PLACE team. 49 homers that year. Congratulations Hawk on a long overdue honor.
He wasn't the only guy that should have gotten in this time around. Why isn't Bert Blyleven in the Hall? Why didn't Roberto Alomar get in on the first ballot? Why is San Diego native, Alan Trammell not even receiving serious consideration? Then there's Barry Larkin, and Edgar Martinez. Not to mention Lee Smith. The answer, well there are many.
First, some of the living members of the Hall of Fame that get a chance to vote, don't take the responsibility seriously. Numerous members either turn in incomplete or blank ballots. This is inexcusable. If you don't want to vote, don't and then the Hall should adjust the percentage needed to get into the exclusive club.
That leads me to my next point. Some living members of the Hall, feel a sense of elitism. Nobody should be allowed to join their club on the first ballot. Nobody. They somehow feel that because they are in, it should be a chore for others to get in. That's just great. There are certainly no-brainers when it comes to first ballot enshrinement, Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken each come to mind, but if a guy is worthy and deserving based on numbers, VOTE HIM IN. I don't get this.
Roberto Alomar has better offensive numbers than Ryne Sandberg, and the "great" Joe Morgan. But he's on the outside looking in, just because he wasn't deemed a "first ballot" guy. Incredible. I do know that at least one member of the Hall of Fame takes his voting responsibility seriously. Mr. Padre studies players numbers, and accounts for the era that the guy played in and other factors. It doesn't take him long, but at least he puts thought into it. Then again should anybody be surprised by this?
For some reason, SOME members of the BBWA (baseball writers association) feel the need to become elitist in their thinking and voting. Why? I recall one knucklehead in Chicago, didn't vote for Gwynn or Ripken, because he didn't think anybody should be a unanimous choice for election, so he would make sure it didn't happen. Great. You are an idiot. Nice to see he broke Journalism rule #1, don't become part of the story. This is the problem. Something needs to be done. Change the system. This one isn't working. To prove my point, somebody even gave David Segui a vote. Come on.
I personally like the way the NFL does it. A committee discusses a list of eligible candidates, whittles it down to a manageable number, then it's an open debate. Numbers are "broken down" and talked about. Candidates merits are outlined by people that saw these guys play, and then it's vote time. You don't see the NFL enshrine just one player per ballot do you? Deserving players get in, those that don't still may be deserving, but have to wait their turn. It's a better process than leaving it completely up to ignorant former players with agendas. Seriously.
Random Musings...
Heading out of town today with USD hoops, as the WCC season begins with two games this weekend. Friday night we'll be at Santa Clara, with an 8:30 tip time on XX1090, and then Sunday at San Francisco for a 5pm tip, on XX1090 and San Diego 1700. Hope you'll join me.
Congratulations to Steve Fisher and the SDSU Aztecs on a great performance the other night, in upsetting New Mexico. The Aztecs are for real. I could see them starting to play better team basketball in the second half of the game at the Jenny Craig last month. The MWC is going to be a fun conference to watch this year. The Aztecs have a great shot at post season play this season. Hope they keep it up. It's great for San Diego basketball!
Oh, yeah, who's up for watching the BCS (one letter too many) National Championship game tonight? Wonder how many would like to see Boise State play the winner? I would. My pick tonight is Alabama over Texas and I hope it's close. Yawwwwwwn. Bowl games on January 7? What happened to the tradition of the bowl season wrapping up New Years Day or that weekend? Cha-ching.
That's it for now...more to come later! Have a great day and a great weekend!
Andy
He wasn't the only guy that should have gotten in this time around. Why isn't Bert Blyleven in the Hall? Why didn't Roberto Alomar get in on the first ballot? Why is San Diego native, Alan Trammell not even receiving serious consideration? Then there's Barry Larkin, and Edgar Martinez. Not to mention Lee Smith. The answer, well there are many.
First, some of the living members of the Hall of Fame that get a chance to vote, don't take the responsibility seriously. Numerous members either turn in incomplete or blank ballots. This is inexcusable. If you don't want to vote, don't and then the Hall should adjust the percentage needed to get into the exclusive club.
That leads me to my next point. Some living members of the Hall, feel a sense of elitism. Nobody should be allowed to join their club on the first ballot. Nobody. They somehow feel that because they are in, it should be a chore for others to get in. That's just great. There are certainly no-brainers when it comes to first ballot enshrinement, Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken each come to mind, but if a guy is worthy and deserving based on numbers, VOTE HIM IN. I don't get this.
Roberto Alomar has better offensive numbers than Ryne Sandberg, and the "great" Joe Morgan. But he's on the outside looking in, just because he wasn't deemed a "first ballot" guy. Incredible. I do know that at least one member of the Hall of Fame takes his voting responsibility seriously. Mr. Padre studies players numbers, and accounts for the era that the guy played in and other factors. It doesn't take him long, but at least he puts thought into it. Then again should anybody be surprised by this?
For some reason, SOME members of the BBWA (baseball writers association) feel the need to become elitist in their thinking and voting. Why? I recall one knucklehead in Chicago, didn't vote for Gwynn or Ripken, because he didn't think anybody should be a unanimous choice for election, so he would make sure it didn't happen. Great. You are an idiot. Nice to see he broke Journalism rule #1, don't become part of the story. This is the problem. Something needs to be done. Change the system. This one isn't working. To prove my point, somebody even gave David Segui a vote. Come on.
I personally like the way the NFL does it. A committee discusses a list of eligible candidates, whittles it down to a manageable number, then it's an open debate. Numbers are "broken down" and talked about. Candidates merits are outlined by people that saw these guys play, and then it's vote time. You don't see the NFL enshrine just one player per ballot do you? Deserving players get in, those that don't still may be deserving, but have to wait their turn. It's a better process than leaving it completely up to ignorant former players with agendas. Seriously.
Random Musings...
Heading out of town today with USD hoops, as the WCC season begins with two games this weekend. Friday night we'll be at Santa Clara, with an 8:30 tip time on XX1090, and then Sunday at San Francisco for a 5pm tip, on XX1090 and San Diego 1700. Hope you'll join me.
Congratulations to Steve Fisher and the SDSU Aztecs on a great performance the other night, in upsetting New Mexico. The Aztecs are for real. I could see them starting to play better team basketball in the second half of the game at the Jenny Craig last month. The MWC is going to be a fun conference to watch this year. The Aztecs have a great shot at post season play this season. Hope they keep it up. It's great for San Diego basketball!
Oh, yeah, who's up for watching the BCS (one letter too many) National Championship game tonight? Wonder how many would like to see Boise State play the winner? I would. My pick tonight is Alabama over Texas and I hope it's close. Yawwwwwwn. Bowl games on January 7? What happened to the tradition of the bowl season wrapping up New Years Day or that weekend? Cha-ching.
That's it for now...more to come later! Have a great day and a great weekend!
Andy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)