(S)Chilling Moments

(S)Chilling Moments

Why Curt Schilling Belongs In Cooperstown: Part II

In November of 2012, I wrote a piece about the Hall of Fame candidacy and worthiness of former Red Sox ace Curt Schilling, where I (incorrectly) predicted that Schilling would be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Here we are four years later, and I make the same case.

Curt Schilling deserves induction in 2017, and here's why:

During his 20-year career, Schilling amassed just 216 career wins against 146 losses. He never won a Cy Young Award (a victim of the steroid era). But his numbers still pop out of the page at you. He finished third in Strikeout to Walk ratio, his 3,116 strikeouts rank 15th all-time. His pitching WAR, according to an article by Deadspin writer Tim Marchman, is on par with Bob Gibson and Steve Carlton. A six-time All-Star, Schilling led the National League in strikeouts in 1997 and 1998, and also led Major League Baseball in wins during the 2001 and 2004 seasons. In 1993, Schilling earned the NLCS MVP award by pitching to a 1.69 ERA with 19 strikeouts over two games. In 2001, he posted a 22-6 record with a 2.96 ERA as the Arizona Diamondbacks went on to defeat the New York Yankees in what many people consider to be among the greatest World Series of all time, and what I consider to be one of the worst days of my childhood. Schilling's postseason success that year, including going 4-0 with a 1.12 ERA and winning his only decision, led to him being named the World Series Co-MVP along with Hall of Famer Randy Johnson. Schilling won 23 games the following year.

After a sub-par 2003 season, Schilling signed with the Boston Red Sox, where he broke my heart again. He posted a 21-6 record and led the league with a league-leading .778 winning percentage. His 21 wins also led the league. During the playoffs, Schilling won his only start against the Angels in the ALDS. Then came his magical performance in the ALCS against the Yankees. After a disastrous Game 1, Schilling famously pitched Game 6 on his injured ankle, where he hurled seven strong innings, giving up just a single run on four hits with four strikeouts. He was the runner-up for the American League Cy Young Award. His 2005 season was spent recovering from his injuries as he posted an unimpressive 5-5 record with a 5.69 ERA. He rebounded in 2006, starting the season 4-0 with a 1.61 ERA, and finishing the season 15-7 with a 3.97 ERA. In his final season, he went 9-8 with a 3.97 ERA before retiring due to age and injuries. On June 7, 2007, he came within one out of a no-hitter. During the four-year period from 2001-2004, arguably his most dominant stretch, Schilling was 74-28 with a 3.11 ERA. By comparison, Randy Johnson went 67-33 with a 2.70 ERA during that same time period. His 2.06 ERA in the World Series is the third lowest of a pitcher in the World Series, behind Bob Gibson (1.89) and Sandy Koufax (0.94). His 8.6 strikeouts per nine innings among pitchers with 3,000 or more innings ranks third, behind Nolan Ryan and Randy Johnson, and Sandy Koufax.

Schilling led the league in Games Started in 1997, 1998, and 2001, in winning percentage in 2004. He led the league in WHIP during both the 1992 and 2002 seasons.

Schilling was never the "best" pitcher in the league. He finished as the runner-up for the Cy Young Award three times and finished fourth in 1997. He only won 216 games over 20 years, three fewer than Pedro Martinez did in 18 years. Nevertheless, his numbers speak for themselves. For a period of time, Schilling was one of the best pitchers in baseball, and as someone who watched him repeatedly dominate to postseason when the games matter the most, I am adamant that Curt Schilling is a Hall of Famer.

In Defense of Bud Selig

A Second Look at Selig

Former Commissioner Deserving of Induction

Last month, the Veteran's Committee announced that former Commissioner Bud Selig will be a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame class of 2017. Selig joins Atlanta Braves executive John Schuerholtz, who built the formidable Braves teams of the 1990s, including the teams that lost to the New York Yankees in both the 1996 and 1999 World Series.

While Schuerholtz's selection was met with near-universal praise, that of Selig was met with the opposite, with many fans blaming him for the steroid scandal that plagued Major League Baseball in the 1990s and 2000s and continues today, albeit to a lesser extent than in the past. 

Selig first rose to prominence in 1970, when he purchased the first-year Seattle Pilots franchise and moved them to Milwaukee. He would spend the next 22 years as owner. He then moved into a front office role, eventually being named acting Commissioner in 1992, before being officially elected to the office in 1998.

As Commissioner, Selig oversaw incredible revenue growth in Major League Baseball. He instituted re-alignment and the Wild Card rounds (both first and second), he created inter-league play 20 years ago, consolidated the offices of American and National League President into Major League Baseball in 2000, instituted instant replay, and created the World Baseball Classic. He also instituted the highly controversial Home Field Advantage rule for the winner of the All Star Game, which lasted for 13 years before being shelved this past winter as a condition of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Selig presided over 21 years of labor peace in baseball.

However, many criticized him fiercely for his role in the steroid era during his term. In addition, his refusal to act on a Mets ownership change in 2011 during Fred Wilpon's ponzi scheme financial problems  which decimated the club, while simultaneously forcing Frank McCourt to sell the Dodgers, gained him a fair amount of criticism from fans. His unprecedented 211 (later reduced to 162) game suspension for Alex Rodriguez's second steroid admission in 2013-14 had him fall out of favor with many fans. 

Despite his obvious shortcomings as Commissioner, Selig oversaw a period of great growth and success in Major League Baseball, and his Hall of Fame election, though rightfully controversial, is well-deserved.

A National Treasure

A National Treasure

Baseball Needs to Keep the Tradition

I am a longtime Yankees fan, who for my entire 20 year life has watched the team play game after game under the American League's 1973 rule 5.11.

A hitter may be designated to bat for the starting pitcher and all subsequent pitchers in any game without otherwise affecting the status of the pitcher(s) in the game. A Designated Hitter for the pitcher, if any, must be selected prior to the game and must be included in the lineup cards presented to the Umpire-in-Chief. If a manager lists 10 players in his team’s lineup card, but fails to indicate one as the Designated Hitter, and an umpire or either manager (or designee of either manager who presents his team’s lineup card) notices the error before the umpire-in-chief calls “Play” to start the game, the umpire-in-chief shall direct the manager who had made the omission to designate which of the nine players, other than the pitcher, will be the Designated Hitter.

Year after year, CBA after CBA, the debate rages on: Should the National League adopt the designated hitter? Should the American League drop it? Fans of both styles of play have very strong opinions about it. As a fan myself, so do I. 

We need National League Baseball.

Pure baseball.

Please understand that I am not suggesting that the American League should eliminate the DH. I enjoy the extra offense and the chance to see power hitters and offense in the lineup. But National League Baseball is real baseball. The game the way Babe Ruth played it. The way Don Larsen played it. The way Walter Johnson played it. The way it was meant to be played.

Why is it that pitchers, whom some people consider the best athletes on the field, can't hit their way out of a paper bag? Or successfully bunt their way on base? These people are obviously amazing athletes or they wouldn't be playing in the major leagues, so why can't they compensate? Managers have to make tough decisions on whether to leave them in the game and for how long? Bench players get more playing time as pinch hitters for pitchers. The game is overall better with National League baseball staying the way it is. 

Yes, pitchers will get hurt. Yes, pitchers will continue to strike out. Yes, fans, owners, and others may complain. 

But in the end, Bartolo Colon, Carlos Zambrano, and Madison Bumgarner should be allowed to continue to hit. There is an option for pitchers to go to the American League as free agents if they so dread wielding the bat, but for those pitchers above, as well as countless others who at least enjoy trying to get that elusive hit or occasional home run, why ruin the game? 

Critics argue there are two leagues, playing by two sets of rules. And they are right.

That's what makes the MLB the best sports league. The NFL, NBA, and NHL have a unified set of rules, making their conferences and leagues identical, and therefore just for show. Don't turn the MLB into that as well. Don't cater to the "casual fan", who would probably be watching or doing anything else besides baseball were the option open. Don't cater to the generation of people too spoiled by an era of steroids and cheating, desperately begging for more offense. 

Cater to the tradition and strategy that actually makes the game different, and makes the game interesting. Eight other players go up ready to clobber home runs over the fence, Make it so one actually has to bunt, has to swing the bat and barely get that blooper over the second baseman's head. Make Inter-League play more entertaining by letting the fans see pitchers hit, like we do now. Because in the end, baseball made a great decision in 1973 to adopt the designated hitter.

And the National League countered with an even better decision to stay out of it.

http://m.mlb.com/video/v138948683/mianym-colon-drives-in-recker-with-a-double

Hot Stove

The Cincinnati Reds have re-signed RHRP Jonathan Broxton to a 3-year, $21,000,000 contract. He was 4/6 in save chances for the Reds with a 2.82 ERA.

The Royals traded RHP Vin Mazzaro and 1B Clint Robinson to the Pirates for minor leaguers Luis Santos and Luis Rico. Mazzaro was 4-3 with a 5.73 ERA and Robinson was 0-4 with 2 Ks in his batting debut.

The Boston Red Sox have hired Greg Colbrunn their new hitting coach. This rounds out their 2013 staff:

Manager: John Farrell
Pitching Coach: Juan Nieves
Hitting Coach: Greg Colbrunn
First Base Coach: Arnie Beyeler
Third Base Coach: Brian Butterfield
Bench Coach: Terry Lovullo
Bullpen Coach: Gary Tuck (lone holdover from Valentine/Francona days).

Andy's Still Dandy!

Andy's Still Dandy

Veteran Southpaw agrees to 1-year deal with Yankees

The Yankees announced that they have agreed to re-sign LHSP Andy Pettitte to a 1-year, $12,000,000 contract plus bonuses, according to ESPN.com.

 

Pettitte was 5-4 with a 2.87 ERA in his 12 starts in 2012.

 

Pettitte has always been one of my personal favorite players. His comeback last year was unbelievable and his record proved he can certainly still pitch.

 

Pettitte walks in from the bullpen before the game on June 10, 2012. Russell Martin hit two home runs including a walkoff, Jason Bay made an epic fail of an error, Pettitte was injured barehanding a ball, and I had the greatest 16th birthday one could ever imagine!

Free Agency

The Los Angeles Angels have begun to re-tool their bullpen for 2013, signing RHRP Ryan Madson to a 1-year contract for terms yet to be disclosed. Madson missed the entire season with Tommy John surgery.

The Chicago Cubs are at it again, signing RHSP Scott Feldman to a 1-year, $6,000,000 contract with $1,000,000 in incentives. He was 6-11 with a 5.09 ERA in 21 starts.

The Tampa Bay Rays have signed 3B Evan Longoria to a 6-year $100,000,000 contract extension with the Tampa Bay Rays. Longoria hit .289 with 17 homers and 55 RBIs in 2012.

The Chicago White Sox announced that Harold Baines will move to assistant hitting coach, Daryl Boston will become the first base coach, and Bobby Thigpen will move to bullpen coach.

DeMarlo Hale has been hired as the new bench coach for the Toronto Blue Jays. Pete Walker moves to pitching coach and Chad Motolla moves to hitting coach.

And finally, the New York Mets announced that RHSP Mike Pelfrey, RHRP Manny Acosta, and OF Andres Torres will be non-tendered this offseason. No surprise there.

Torres hit .230 with with 3 homers, 35 RBIs and many injuries in 2012.

Torres leaves injured on Opening Day...yup, pretty lame.

Pelfrey allowed 19 hits in 19.2 innings in 2012 before having Tommy John surgery in May...good riddence.

This picture pretty much sums up Mike Pelfrey's 2011 and 2012 seasons.

Acosta was 1-3 with a 6.46 ERA and allowed 34 earned runs in just 47 innings.

Acosta reacts after surrendering a three-run home run to Ty Wigginton in the ninth inning on May 28, 2012. The Mets lost.

 

 

Good riddence to all!

Heading to The Hall

Former ace pitcher Curt Schilling will be eligible for Hall of Fame induction in 2013.

Schilling pitched for 20 years, compiling a record of 216-146.

Schilling will also be a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2013, and here is why...

His win total is less than impressive, however, over his career he had 3,116 strikeouts, and a 3.46 ERA.

He was the co-MVP of the 2001 World Series, with future Hall of Famer Randy Johnson (see my article on him in 2014).

He was a six-time All Star (1997-1999, 2001, 2002, 2004), a three-time World Series Champion (1993 with the Phillies and 2004 and 2007 with the Red Sox).

In 1993 he was the NLCS MVP as the Phillies went all the way to the World Series, where they lost to the Blue Jays, and he was the 1995 Lou Gehrig Award recipient.

In 2001 he was awarded the Roberto Clemente Award, Babe Ruth Award, Branch Rickey Award, and the Hutch Award, (what a year!)

Schilling's win total does him no justice, however, he spent most of his career with bad teams such as the Orioles in the late eighties, and the Astros and Phillies in the nineties.

Schilling was a tremendous pitcher, and he will be elected this year with Piazza and Biggio. I cannot wait to see them in Cooperstown!

Biggio is Back: Hall of Fame 2013

Former Houston Astors legend Craig Biggio is eligible for Hall of Fame induction in 2013.

Biggio hit just .281, with 291 homers and 1,175 RBIs in his carrer. However, I will tell you why I believe he will get into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot,

Biggio finished his career with 3,060 career hits, of the players with 3,000 or more hits, only Derek Jeter (active), Biggio, Palmiero (roidhead), and of course Pete Rose, are not in the Hall of Fame. He also had 668 doubles, and 414 stolen bases.

Biggio was as seven-time All Star (1991, 1992, 1994-1998), four time Gold Glove winner (1991, 1994-1997), and a five-time Silver Slugger award winner (1989, 1994-1998).

Biggio was the recipient of the 2007 Branch Rickey award, the 2005 Hutch Award, and the 2007 Roberto Clemente Award. He was also hit by pitches 285 times, a modern record. On August 17, 2008 his number 7 was retired by the Houston Astros.

Biggio was a true legend in Houston. He played in the outfield, as a catcher, and a second baseman.

I look forward to being at his Hall of Fame induction in July!

Biggio's 3,000th career hit.

Yankees 2013: The Catching Conundrum

The Yankees catchers were once again stellar defensively. However, as I should have seen coming, they weren't so great on offense.

Russell Martin hit just .211 with 21 homers and 53 RBIs, a sharp decline from 2011. However, once again his defense was unmatched in the American League. That may not make up for a 2/14 postseason slump though.



Miguel Montero and Mike Napoli are availible, the Yankees should look to them before making a decision on Martin. Chris Stewart on the other hand, is almost certainly staying as CC's (non)-personal catcher.

New York parted ways with C/DH Jesus Montero, much to my delight. If Stewart goes, the Yankees can use Austin Romine or Francisco Cervelli as backup, so a major move should be made to go for either Montero or Napoli.

Hot Stove

Even before free agency begins, the Major League teams that did not make the postseason are already making moves.

The Minnesota Twins have promoted Terry Ryan to General Manager, he had taken over midseason.

The Angels have re-signed Catcher Chris Ianetta to a 3-year, $15.55 million contract. He hit .240 with 9 homers and 26 RBIs over 79 games.

And in other news, the New York Yankees announced that they have agreed to a deal that will keep them on WCBS 880 AM in 2013. This also means that John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman will return for another season. Sterling, "The Voice of the New York Yankees", began calling games in 1989, while Suzyn joined him for the 2005 season and has been there ever since.

MLB Hot Stove

Well, the offseasons have begun for many teams, and it is sure to be a tumultuous one for many...

The Boston Red Sox have fired manager Bobby Valentine after a season where the team finished 769-93, 26 games out of first place. The move seemed to me like an inevitable one, as Boston really did SUCK last season and Booby V was a very controvesial figure. As much as I love Bobby, he wasn't the best choice to succeed the morelaid-back Terry Fancona.

His coaching staff, with the exception of bullpen coach and catching instructor Gary Tuck, who controls his own destiny, are also awaiting word on their fates. Base coaches Jerry Royster and Alex Ochoa are likely to be fired. Bench coach Tim Bogar and hitting coach Dave Magadan are both highly regarded but, "could be victims of a house-cleaning, if it comes to that" according ESPN Red Sox writer Gordon Edes.

Gary Tuck is, in my opinion, the greatest catching instructor in the game today. During his time with the Yankees he worked with Joe Girardi, Jim Leyritz, and Jorge Posada, and then went to Boston to work with Jason Varitek. The success of his protoges are no accident, and letting him walk would be a stupid move on the part of GM Ben Cherington.

I knew this was going to happen, but words cannot express the saddness I feel for poor Bobby V. He came into a tumultous clubhouse after the greatest collapse in baseball history, and from the start was doomed with a team that couldnt get things done. Pitchers who were flops all year, (Jon Lester and Josh Beckett), injuries (Carl Crawford, David Ortiz, John Lackey), and controversial comments on his players.

He cannot, and will not, go out like this! He must return to a better situation in he future, but also should take time off before resuming his managerial career!

In other news...

Twins bullpen coach Rick Stelmaszek was let go Thursday after spending 32 years in various roles with the team.

The Mariners have fired hitting coach Chris Chambliss after a disasterous season.

The Phillies have hired Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg as their new first base coach.

The Indians have spoken with Terry Francona about a managerial job for 2013.

Mets 2012: A Review

Well, it's official, the New York Mets will finish the 2012 Major League Season with a record of 74-85.

(Not So) Fantastic at 50

The season that they started out on was not at all the season that they finished. Dramatic wins, heartbreaking losses. Great starters, horrible bullpens, and historic moments, cannot alleviate the pain of another lost season.

However, that doesn't mean that they cannot improve for next season.

Infield
The Mets primary move this season is to re-sign star third baseman David Wright to a long-term (six or seven year) contract. They cannot trigger his 2013 option without attempting a long-term deal. His option is worth $16 million for the 2013 season. He hit .306 with 21 homers and 93 RBIs while scoring 91 runs. He set the Mets hits and RBI record earlier in September.

In addition, Justin Turner, former second baseman turned backup, will return. Turner hit .266 with two homers and 19 RBIs in 2012. He has become one of my favorites for his ability to come through in the clutch.

Daniel Murphy, .293, six homers, 65 RBIs, has made up for his lack of power with his great production.

Ike Davis has been coming up as a trade target for the Mets following his strong finish this season. The Red Sox look to be in hot pursuit. While Ike is not a star player, I would be disappointed to see him go.

Ruben Tejada (.285, 25 RBIs and 53 runs scored) is a lock for the shortstop job in 2013.

The same cannot be said for Ronny Cedeno, the infielder signed to a reserve role in 2012. He hit just .259 last season and should not return.

Outfield
One of the few changes last season began with the trade that netted Andres Torres. Torres in turn was more or less a solid complimentary piece, hitting .230 with 34 RBIs and 46 runs scored. With the rise of young talent like Lucas Duda and Captain Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Torres is a sure-fire goner.

Which brings us to good old Jason Bay. The worst player on the team, Bay hit just .165 with 8 homers, 20 RBIs, and, get this, 58 strikeouts. GET OUT NOW!!!!! Bay has one year and $16 million left on his contract for 2013. The team NEEDS to trade Bay now. Don't give me this "bad season, can't trade" crap. If the Red Sox can unload Beckett and Crawford in one deal, than the Mets can certainly eat Bay's contract.

Meanwhile, the Mets $1 million dollar man, Scott Hairston, hit .263 with 19 homers, 55 RBIs and 51 runs scored. He absolutely MUST come back.

Mike Baxter, .263 with 17 RBIs and 26 runs scored in just 88 games, is a leading candidate to replace Bay or Torres.

Catchers
Josh Thole, .234 1 homer and 21 RBIs, was an offensive disappointment this season. Even with the games he missed with a concussion, he has failed again to put up solid offensive numbers. He is arbiration eligible and he will likely return, but his time is running out.

Kelly Shoppach, .237 with 8 homers 27 RBIs and 23 runs scored, is likely to be let go. But with the poor season Mike Nickeas has had, he is possibly a return if Nickeas is demoted.

Starting Pitchers

The Mets starters were brilliant this season, and all gave their greatest effort.

 

 

Johan Santana (6-9, 4.85 ERA), started the season, with a victory, pitched the Mets first no-hitter in June, and fell apart afterwards. He is due to make $25 million next season, and his option will not be triggered in 2014. The Mets must make sure he is healthy for 2013, his farewell tour in New York.

 

"In their 51st Season, Johan Santana has thrown the first no-hitter in New York Mets history!" (Gary Cohen)

 

Meanwhile, the Mets true ace, R.A. Dickey (21-6), is up for free agency in 2013. He must be extended in the offseason, even as he turns 38 in October.

Jon Niese (13-9, 3.40 ERA) is stepping into the role of Mets ace. He needs to prove he can handle the pressure next season.

 

Chris Young (4-9 4.15 ERA) is ending his Mets career with a no-decision. With the Mets headed towards a "2014 or bust" campaign, and Chris being 33-years-Young (see what I did there?), the Mets are unlikely to retain him.

 

With Jenry Mejia, Matt Harvey, and Collin McHugh up and ready, the end is nigh for former draft bust Mike Pelfrey. Pelf (0-0) in three games with 24 hits in 19 innings, ends his Mets career in a disasterous fashion, with Tommy John surgery in April.

 

Menawhile, Dillon Gee (6-7 with a 4.10 ERA) was shut down with a major arm injury. Gee is a good young pitcher and the Mets hope he can return to form in 2013.

 

Bullpen

The worst part of the Mets that did them in was their bullpen, worst in the MLB in many categories.

 

Closer Frank Francisco needs to be cut loose as he is likely to miss the entire 2013 season with elbow tendonitis. That means that the team needs to go after a quality closer next season. His 23 saves led the team but his 5.53 ERA is an utter disaster for a closer.

Francisco after blowing a save.

 

Jon Rauch (3-7, 3.59 ERA) cleaned up his act in the second half, but the 34-year-old former Olympian was a disaster for the better part of the first half. Since he only signed a one-year deal, he is G-O-N-E GONE!

 

Bobby Parnell (5-4, 2.53 ERA) put up solid numbers, but his lack of closing ability renders him to an eighth inning role. He will return, but NOT as a closer.

 

Ramon Ramirez (3-4, 4.24 ERA and 1 save) is gone. The Mets bullpen was a disaster, and he didn't help at all.

 

Sadly, the Mets ace reliever, Tim Byrdak (2-2 4.40 ERA) is likely to miss the entire season in 2013 because of his shoulder surgery. He will not return on more than a minor league deal, and his career could very well be over, as he turns 39 on Halloween.

 

And finally...

 

Coaches

Manager Terry Collins has a very stressful job as Mets manager. His 2013 option was triggered following last season, and he must return.

 

 

 

Dan Warthen, meanwhile, is safe. The Mets pitchers were stellar last season dicounting Pelfrey and Johan after his injury. Why screw up a good thing.

 

Tom Goodwin, Tim Teufel, and Dave Hudgens are all safe, as the Mets outfielders, base running, and offense have been up to par this season.

 

However, you will notice that there is one man who I have not mentioned here as safe.

 

Bullpen coach Ricky Bones should, must, and will be fired. The Mets bullpen, dead worst in Major League Baseball in 2012. The Mets earliest move this offseason should be to fire Bones and look for a better bullpen coach.

 

The Mets future looks extremely bright, esspecially after the 2014 season when the remaining bad contracts are up. The task ahead for Manager Terry Collins is a hard one, but when all is said and done, he will be credited with the rebuilding of a great, historic franchise.

 

 

I am sorely disappointed that the season is over, but I CANNOT WAIT for an even better 2013 season, when we can once again sing...

 

Meet the Mets

Meet the Mets

Step Right Up and Greet the Mets

Bring Your Kiddies

Bring Your Wife
Guaranteed to Have the Time of Your Life
Because the Mets Are Really Rockin' That Ball
Hittin' Those Home Runs Over the Wall
East Side, West Side
Everybody Come Down
To Meet the M-E-T-S Mets
Of New York Tiown! 

 



All Star Announcement

It's official, the 2014 Major League Baseball All-Star Game will be held in...Target Field!

This caught me off guard, as I was expecting either Wrigley Field or the New Yankee Stadium. Target Field is a huge ballpark, definitely built for pitchers, so the scoring may be affected by the dimensions.

I've never shied away from my distaste for the "Era of Expansion", the time period that claimed such architectural masterpieces as Tiger Stadium, Shea Stadium, Comiskey Park, and eventually even Yankee Stadium. However, the Metrodome was not built for baseball, period. Retractable roofs are all the rage nowadays. The Twins had to leave, period.

Target Field is a better venue for baseball. With the Vikings moving in 2016, the Metrodome may meet a sad end.

But, consider this, the Metrodome was built in 1982, making it 34 years old at the time of its replacement.

The city of Minneapolis/Vikings/Twins spent $124,000,000 (million!) for a venue that lasted just 34 years. This total does not include any renovations, such as patching the roof after it collapsed in 2010.

In STARK contrast, the Red Sox spent $650,000 for a venue that has lasted 100 years, not including the $285 million spent to improve the park over the years, such as the added Green Monster seats (.406 Club).

New stadiums do not have HALF, not even HALF, of the craftsmanship, artistry, and care that was put into the old ballparks. After 34 years, the Metrodome is being abandoned. In 2011, cracks were discovered in the concrete at the New Yankee Stadium ($1.4 Billion). After just 13 years, rumors are surfacing that the Rays are thinking of leaving the Trop (please be true!).

New Stadiums are just that, stadiums. Built to attract fans and promotions, all about the cash and trying to entice people into visiting the park.

Case in point, Citi Field.

After New York, the Mets, and NYC spent $900,000,000 for the stadium, and playing three years in the venue, following the 2011 season, they spent an additional fortune (only stated as under the original $800,000,000 estimated for the renovations) to move in the fences.

Let this be both a warning and a lesson to future teams. Before breaking the bank to build a stadium that will last 30-40 years, think for just a few moments: Is it really worth it to spend all that money on a venue just to tear it down before it's 50th anniversary?

With that said, I will leave the taxpayers of America to ponder the very questions that I have posed and the evidence supporting or denying them. Leaving them with the writings that show the terrible quality of new venues...

...an this picture of the collpase of the Metrodome roof.

The End of An Era

I sadly report to you today the news that Red Sox legend Johnny Pesky died today at the age of 92.


Pesky hit .307 in his career and after playing became a manager, coach, and then executive for the Sox, totaling 61 years for the team and 73 years in baseball overall.

Johnny Pesky appeared at the Fenway Park centennial ceremonies on April 20, 2012 and appeared to be in great health for his age. He was a goodwill ambassador to the game and one of the greatest Red Sox players that ever lived. He will be sorely missed.

Rest in Peace, Johnny Pesky (1919-2012).

Pesky (left) and Bobby Doerr at the Fenway Park Centennial Ceremony on April 20, 2012.

Yankees @ Tigers

Miguel Cabrera homered in the fourth, 2-0 Tigers.

Chavez singled, Granderson singled on an error, and Jeter singled, 2-1. Cano singled, 2-2.

In the fifth, Avila singled and Peralta singled to move Avila to third. Infante singled, 3-2. Jackson doubled, 4-2. Dirks had a sac fly, 5-2.

Avila singled, 7-2.

Verlander went through eight innings and Jose Valverde closed it out to give the Yankees another pathetic loss. This one falls more on Nova then anyone else.

Yankees vs. Mariners

Jesus Montero singled in the first to give the Mariners a 1-0 lead, but Mark Teixeira tapped an infield single which he beat out to score Jeter, 1-1.

Chris Stewart doubled to left field with two outs and Granderson singled when Carp pulled a Bill Buckner. 2-1.


Jeter singled in the fourth, 3-1.


Montero had a bloop single in the fifth, 3-2.


Raul Ibanez launched a towering home run in the fifth, 4-2!


Ibanez had a two run bases loaded single, 6-2.


Ichiro hit a fly ball in the seventh but Michael Saunders pulled a Luis Castillo and Ichiro pulled in to second. Jayson Nix had a sac bunt to move Ichiro to third. Chris Stewart popped out and Granderson flew out to left to end the inning.


Rafael Soriano pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning and the Yankees got a well-needed win against the Mariners!

Meta vs Giants

Bay and Cedeño had singles in the first, and Wright added a single in the second, 5-0.

Hunter Pence has a sac fly in the fourth, 5-1.

Murphy and Cedeño singled in the sixth, 7-1.

Cedeño had a two-run double, 9-1.

Yankees vs. O's

In the first, Granderson had an RBI single, Cano homered, Ichiro hit into a fielder's choice, and Martin had an RBI single. All of this added up to 5-0 Yankees.

However, in the second, a ground rule double by Mark Reynolds, a two-run single by former Met Omar Quintanilla, and a grand salami by Chris Davis made it 7-5 Orioles.

Wilson Betemit had n RBI single in the fifth, 8-5 Orioles.

Markakis homered, 10-5.

Ivan Nova didn't pitch up to par, period. This team is just stumbling and will get back on track in no time.

Trade Deadline Moves!

The Yankees have traded RHP Chad Qualls to the Pittsburgh Pirates for 1B/3B Casey McGee. In addition, they have activated RHP Joba Chamberlain from the disabled list. Joba had an ERA of 0.96 in 9 1/3 rehab innings for the Trenton Thunder.

Joba being attacked by the infamous midges in the 2007 ALDS.

Yankees vs. Red Sox

Ryan Sweeny had a two-run double in the second, 2-0 Sawx.

Russell Martin drilled a solo shot to lead off the seventh, 2-1 Sox!

Andruw Jones doubled in the eighth and Russell Martin singled to tie the game at 2! Martin moved up to second on a wild pitch by Alfredo Aceves! However, Ichiro flew out to end the inning.

Ciriaco had a bloop single to score a run in the tenth, 3-2 Sawx.