Game 59 - Mets
Mets 3, Mariners 2
Record: 27-32
Steve Trachsel stinks, Tom Glavine stinks, Jae Seo . . . pitches a dandy? Can't beat the last-place Brewers, can beat the best-in-AL Mariners? This game is so stupid. I felt sure the shoddy defensive exhibition McEwing and Alomar put on in the 4th would come back to haunt them, but Jason Phillips and Cliff Floyd subsequently hit solo shots to give the Mets just enough runs to squeak this one out. Benitz pitched the ninth, giving up the obligatory two-out hit but closing the door. You know, watching him pitch this well and watching the rest of the league's closer suffer a series of meltdowns, it makes me think twice about trading him aw--------------- ah ah ah, no siree! You almost had me there, Armando, I swore I wouldn't get suckered in and yet there I go. Wow, I was really close that time. But I've sat through one too many Level 5 meltdowns when it really, really mattered. You see, with the fascist Braves running away with the NL East and the Mets 7.5 games out of the stinkin' wild card spot already, there are no high-pressure, must-win, true edge-of-your-seat situations for them these days. This is the briar patch for Armando Benitez. He needs to work for the Federal Government. Trade him to a contender now and let them lose hair when he wets himself in the big game.
Saturday, June 07, 2003
Game 59 - Red Sox
Milwaukee Brewers 9, Red Sox 3
Record: 33-26
I keep trying to muster up some righteous indignation about the Sox, as they stumble through this miserable stretch (2-7 in the last 9), but I just can't gather the anger. I think it's because everyone else of consequence in the American League is flailing about, too. As I type this, I'm watching the Yankees scuffle against the Cubs, as Clemens failed once more to get his 300th win. The Yankees simply aren't as good as they have been in recent years. The Sox could not possibly play any worse (well, to be sure, they couldn't pitch any worse - the offense is fine), and they're STILL only 1.5 games back of the Yankees and only 1 back of Oakland in the Wild Card standings. I'd like to see them play better, and I know that all the games count the same, but I just cannot bring myself to get more than marginally ticked off, because I know (think?) that this is a really good team. I'm mostly concerned about the fact that they're only 6 games north of the Mets, frankly.
Here's the Sox schedule from now through the end of July: 2 at Milwaukee, 3 against St. Louis, 3 against Houston, 4 at the White Sox, 3 at Philly, 4 against Detroit, 3 against Florida, 3 at Tampa Bay, 4 at New York, 3 at Toronto, 3 at Detroit, 4 against Toronto, 2 against Detroit, 2 against Tampa Bay, 3 against New York, 3 at Texas. 49 games, 20 against league's most mediocre teams, and 14 against the top division opponents. Better make hay, because August is a rough slog against Oakland, Seattle, Anaheim, Toronto, and the Yankees, with the Orioles thrown in for balance.
Milwaukee Brewers 9, Red Sox 3
Record: 33-26
I keep trying to muster up some righteous indignation about the Sox, as they stumble through this miserable stretch (2-7 in the last 9), but I just can't gather the anger. I think it's because everyone else of consequence in the American League is flailing about, too. As I type this, I'm watching the Yankees scuffle against the Cubs, as Clemens failed once more to get his 300th win. The Yankees simply aren't as good as they have been in recent years. The Sox could not possibly play any worse (well, to be sure, they couldn't pitch any worse - the offense is fine), and they're STILL only 1.5 games back of the Yankees and only 1 back of Oakland in the Wild Card standings. I'd like to see them play better, and I know that all the games count the same, but I just cannot bring myself to get more than marginally ticked off, because I know (think?) that this is a really good team. I'm mostly concerned about the fact that they're only 6 games north of the Mets, frankly.
Here's the Sox schedule from now through the end of July: 2 at Milwaukee, 3 against St. Louis, 3 against Houston, 4 at the White Sox, 3 at Philly, 4 against Detroit, 3 against Florida, 3 at Tampa Bay, 4 at New York, 3 at Toronto, 3 at Detroit, 4 against Toronto, 2 against Detroit, 2 against Tampa Bay, 3 against New York, 3 at Texas. 49 games, 20 against league's most mediocre teams, and 14 against the top division opponents. Better make hay, because August is a rough slog against Oakland, Seattle, Anaheim, Toronto, and the Yankees, with the Orioles thrown in for balance.
Friday, June 06, 2003
Game 58 - Red Sox
Pirates 5, Red Sox 4
Record: 33-25
Crappy loss to a crappy team compounded by the fact that crappy Ramiro Mendoza was in the game to take the loss. John Burkett was his typical aggravating self, allowing a bunch of baserunners and 4 runs, but pitching juuuust well enough to (probably) keep his spot in the rotation. Then, Mendoza pitched a scoreless 7th before putting runners on 1st and 3rd with one out in the 9th. Alan Embree came in, but couldn't stop the runner on 3rd from scoring to give the Bucs the margin of victory. Why on God's Green Earth is the team's worst freaking pitcher called on to pitch in the late innings of a tie game? If that's not a Bill Jamesian high leverage situation, I don't know what is. Where were Lyon, Timlin, Embree, or even Seanez to start the 8th? Dammit, Grady, these games all count.
This morning brings the revelation that Pedro Martinez thinks that the media is being hard on Sammy Sosa because he's black and latin, and that if Pedro were not the same ethnic combo, he would have won the Cy Young last year. I happen to believe that he's wrong on the first issue - the media noise is massive because there is simply so much media trying to be heard - and right on the second. If Roger Clemens had posted Pedro's 2002 numbers, he would have won his 7th Cy Young, hands down. I don't know if this means that the media is inherently racist, or if the natural inclination is to subconciously support those who look more like ourselves, but I think Pedro's got a point.
Pirates 5, Red Sox 4
Record: 33-25
Crappy loss to a crappy team compounded by the fact that crappy Ramiro Mendoza was in the game to take the loss. John Burkett was his typical aggravating self, allowing a bunch of baserunners and 4 runs, but pitching juuuust well enough to (probably) keep his spot in the rotation. Then, Mendoza pitched a scoreless 7th before putting runners on 1st and 3rd with one out in the 9th. Alan Embree came in, but couldn't stop the runner on 3rd from scoring to give the Bucs the margin of victory. Why on God's Green Earth is the team's worst freaking pitcher called on to pitch in the late innings of a tie game? If that's not a Bill Jamesian high leverage situation, I don't know what is. Where were Lyon, Timlin, Embree, or even Seanez to start the 8th? Dammit, Grady, these games all count.
This morning brings the revelation that Pedro Martinez thinks that the media is being hard on Sammy Sosa because he's black and latin, and that if Pedro were not the same ethnic combo, he would have won the Cy Young last year. I happen to believe that he's wrong on the first issue - the media noise is massive because there is simply so much media trying to be heard - and right on the second. If Roger Clemens had posted Pedro's 2002 numbers, he would have won his 7th Cy Young, hands down. I don't know if this means that the media is inherently racist, or if the natural inclination is to subconciously support those who look more like ourselves, but I think Pedro's got a point.
Games 57 & 58 - Mets
Brewers 8, Mets 7
Brewers 5, Mets 3
Record: 26-32
"The only thing worse than a Mets game is a Mets doubleheader." Dammit, Casey was right. The Mets are now 0-4 in doubleheader games this season. Steve Trachsel and Tom Glavine (that'd be the 1-2 starters) took beatings, with Glavine leaving in the second with an elbow injury. The upside? The bullpen was very strong, allowing just one run on 8 hits over 13 innings. Ty Wigginton hit a homer in each game. And Tony Clark add another pinch-hit dinger in Game 1. (He sucked in Game 2, whiffing when it mattered and dropping his average to .196, but for Mr. Russell's reading pleasure, let's focus on his 7th HR this year.) But these games were frightening overall, mainly because it was the last-place Brewers. Up next: the white-hot Mariners, winners of nine straight (all on the road). Then the Mets go to Texas and Anaheim. Boy, they really needed this pair of games.
Speaking of the Mariners, I was able to watch them overtake the Phils last night in the top of the ninth on a Mike Cameron tater. Exciting game; too bad it was ruined by a moronic fan. Down a run, the Phillies started the ninth with a single followed by a double down the first baseline. The double would have caromed off the stands and definitely would have scored the runner to tie the game. Instead, some bozo reached down and grabbed the ball, sending the runner back to third on the ground rule double for fan interference. The Phillies did not end up scoring, and the game ended with another loss. This bothered me for a few reasons. First, it reinforces the by-now obvious fact that most fans are ignorant buffoons. As Bill Veeck once said, "A fan's knowledge of the game is inversely proportional to the price of his ticket.'' And the nimrods in the box seats who lean over to grab a live ball that would have propelled the home team into a tie instead of a loss should be punished with more than an ejection. I think they should be suited up with catcher's equipment and be forced to catch an incoming ball while Jim Thome barrels through them to the plate. Something of that variety. I had just gotten done hollering at the Pittsburgh fans (via the TV -- can they hear me like that?) for getting up to leave en masse with two outs in the top of the 9th . . . with the tying run at the plate. Are the four minutes of traffic you're going to beat by leaving a batter early really going to justify (a) the potential you face of missing a dramatic ending, (b) possibly affecting the pitcher when he cannot help but see the entire behind-the-plate box file out hurriedly as he readies for the final out, (c) being outed as one of those pseudo-sportsfan sissies who paid a lot of money and took the time to come to the ballpark but won't stay for the entire game?
Anyway, then I saw the Phillies debacle and it boggled my mind. Watching all of these games, it has reinforced that while baseball is an epic, 162-game season, it still comes down to the tiniest of crossroads in games that make the ultimate difference, and the little things here and there that cost you ballgames along the way can keep you from postseason glory. A bad call on a 3-1 pitch keeps a runner off base; he eventually strikes out and the inning is slightly altered. A bang-bang play at first is called the wrong way, and an insurance run scores; as it turns out, it was a huge run. A fan reaches down and grabs a live ball; a run is taken off the board, and the game is subsequently lost. These are the little events glossed over in the daily pages, but what drive players, managers, and fans insane. If you lose just one game a month, just one out of every 27 contests by one of these common, stupid, seemingly minor mistakes not even your own, that's six games a year. And this is the six-game lead the lucky, timely, and yes, good teams have over the unfortunate, damned, and not quite as good teams come late September.
What irks me even more about the Philadelphia incident is how little press that fan got. Oh, he goofed up, he got booted, end of story. When Sammy Sosa's broken bat has gotten as much worldwide press as terrorist activities the past few days, you'd think that perhaps this would get blown up, too. This story actually cost a team a game, which is supposed to be the bottom line. Meanwhile, the Sosa story is basically all hype and an open invitation for archival factories like ESPN.com to compile lists, create polls, and unearth ancient yarns about bat-corkers. How about a front-pager called "Don't Be a Fucking Idiot When You Go to a Ballgame"?
Brewers 8, Mets 7
Brewers 5, Mets 3
Record: 26-32
"The only thing worse than a Mets game is a Mets doubleheader." Dammit, Casey was right. The Mets are now 0-4 in doubleheader games this season. Steve Trachsel and Tom Glavine (that'd be the 1-2 starters) took beatings, with Glavine leaving in the second with an elbow injury. The upside? The bullpen was very strong, allowing just one run on 8 hits over 13 innings. Ty Wigginton hit a homer in each game. And Tony Clark add another pinch-hit dinger in Game 1. (He sucked in Game 2, whiffing when it mattered and dropping his average to .196, but for Mr. Russell's reading pleasure, let's focus on his 7th HR this year.) But these games were frightening overall, mainly because it was the last-place Brewers. Up next: the white-hot Mariners, winners of nine straight (all on the road). Then the Mets go to Texas and Anaheim. Boy, they really needed this pair of games.
Speaking of the Mariners, I was able to watch them overtake the Phils last night in the top of the ninth on a Mike Cameron tater. Exciting game; too bad it was ruined by a moronic fan. Down a run, the Phillies started the ninth with a single followed by a double down the first baseline. The double would have caromed off the stands and definitely would have scored the runner to tie the game. Instead, some bozo reached down and grabbed the ball, sending the runner back to third on the ground rule double for fan interference. The Phillies did not end up scoring, and the game ended with another loss. This bothered me for a few reasons. First, it reinforces the by-now obvious fact that most fans are ignorant buffoons. As Bill Veeck once said, "A fan's knowledge of the game is inversely proportional to the price of his ticket.'' And the nimrods in the box seats who lean over to grab a live ball that would have propelled the home team into a tie instead of a loss should be punished with more than an ejection. I think they should be suited up with catcher's equipment and be forced to catch an incoming ball while Jim Thome barrels through them to the plate. Something of that variety. I had just gotten done hollering at the Pittsburgh fans (via the TV -- can they hear me like that?) for getting up to leave en masse with two outs in the top of the 9th . . . with the tying run at the plate. Are the four minutes of traffic you're going to beat by leaving a batter early really going to justify (a) the potential you face of missing a dramatic ending, (b) possibly affecting the pitcher when he cannot help but see the entire behind-the-plate box file out hurriedly as he readies for the final out, (c) being outed as one of those pseudo-sportsfan sissies who paid a lot of money and took the time to come to the ballpark but won't stay for the entire game?
Anyway, then I saw the Phillies debacle and it boggled my mind. Watching all of these games, it has reinforced that while baseball is an epic, 162-game season, it still comes down to the tiniest of crossroads in games that make the ultimate difference, and the little things here and there that cost you ballgames along the way can keep you from postseason glory. A bad call on a 3-1 pitch keeps a runner off base; he eventually strikes out and the inning is slightly altered. A bang-bang play at first is called the wrong way, and an insurance run scores; as it turns out, it was a huge run. A fan reaches down and grabs a live ball; a run is taken off the board, and the game is subsequently lost. These are the little events glossed over in the daily pages, but what drive players, managers, and fans insane. If you lose just one game a month, just one out of every 27 contests by one of these common, stupid, seemingly minor mistakes not even your own, that's six games a year. And this is the six-game lead the lucky, timely, and yes, good teams have over the unfortunate, damned, and not quite as good teams come late September.
What irks me even more about the Philadelphia incident is how little press that fan got. Oh, he goofed up, he got booted, end of story. When Sammy Sosa's broken bat has gotten as much worldwide press as terrorist activities the past few days, you'd think that perhaps this would get blown up, too. This story actually cost a team a game, which is supposed to be the bottom line. Meanwhile, the Sosa story is basically all hype and an open invitation for archival factories like ESPN.com to compile lists, create polls, and unearth ancient yarns about bat-corkers. How about a front-pager called "Don't Be a Fucking Idiot When You Go to a Ballgame"?
Thursday, June 05, 2003
Tigers Watch Suspended Indefinitely
The Detroit Tigers, thanks to their continued rise from hapless ineptitude to utter mediocrity, achieved a positive milestone yesterday. For the first time this season, their winning percentage is not dead last in the league. The Padres, who have lost consecutive games to Detroit, sit at 17-43 (.283), while the increasingly victorious Tigers are perched at 16-40 (.286). Neither is on pace to out-stink the beacon for woefulness in the modern era, the 1962 Mets, so we are officially discontinuing a steady watch of either ballclub until one or both of them sink below the Marv Throneberry Meter.
In other news, the sports media world, which with every day moves away from icons like Curt Gowdy, Shirley Povich, and The Sporting News to iconoclasts like Joan Rivers, Jim Rome, and The National Enquirer, has gathered in a frenzy regarding the Sammy Sosa corked bat incident. A few reasons this story isn't nearly so significant:
1. If Sammy were corking all along, he would have broken a bat long ago and the cat would be out already.
2. If you really want an asterisk by Sosa's numbers, it's a steroid-induced asterisk.
3. The real perpetrators of corking, like 'roids, are pretty obvious to anyone who's paying attention. Instead of demonstrating a moderately steady rise to power, like Sammy, they have an EKG-like spike in their slugging numbers, like classic Mets corker Howard Johnson. HoJo used more cork than Korbel in the late '80s, jumping from 10 taters in 1986 to 36 in 1987 (5th in the NL). Whitey Herzog perpetually accused and investigated, but it didn't matter. HoJo was endorsed by Quartet (Skokie, IL) corkboards, but it didn't matter. We all knew, we loved it, and it didn't matter. He never got caught, so his stats stand uncontested. Brady Anderson's 16-to-50 jump was, without any intended insult to mentally challenged people, retarded. In addition to using creatine, I'm thinking he had cork, superballs, little springs in his bats, plus maybe some smoke and mirrors from David Copperfield that year. But he never got caught doing anything illegal, so he goes down in history with all of the other 50-HR guys. Now Sosa breaks a corked bat that may or may not have been an innocent mistake, and people want to destroy his credibility in the record books? Hush your mouth.
4. People have been cheating in baseball for eons; the cheaters are getting away with it much less these days. It used to be almost humorous, just mischievous, the ways guys would try to gain an advantage. Now people without any sense of baseball history come at this from a personally insulted angle. Please shut up and go away.
5. This is just one more example of the masses trying to tear down our heroes. Sammy Sosa will take his place in a long line of sports media crucifixions, alongside such wronged men as Pete Rose, Michael Irvin, and O.J. Simpson. Damn them all to hell!
The Detroit Tigers, thanks to their continued rise from hapless ineptitude to utter mediocrity, achieved a positive milestone yesterday. For the first time this season, their winning percentage is not dead last in the league. The Padres, who have lost consecutive games to Detroit, sit at 17-43 (.283), while the increasingly victorious Tigers are perched at 16-40 (.286). Neither is on pace to out-stink the beacon for woefulness in the modern era, the 1962 Mets, so we are officially discontinuing a steady watch of either ballclub until one or both of them sink below the Marv Throneberry Meter.
In other news, the sports media world, which with every day moves away from icons like Curt Gowdy, Shirley Povich, and The Sporting News to iconoclasts like Joan Rivers, Jim Rome, and The National Enquirer, has gathered in a frenzy regarding the Sammy Sosa corked bat incident. A few reasons this story isn't nearly so significant:
1. If Sammy were corking all along, he would have broken a bat long ago and the cat would be out already.
2. If you really want an asterisk by Sosa's numbers, it's a steroid-induced asterisk.
3. The real perpetrators of corking, like 'roids, are pretty obvious to anyone who's paying attention. Instead of demonstrating a moderately steady rise to power, like Sammy, they have an EKG-like spike in their slugging numbers, like classic Mets corker Howard Johnson. HoJo used more cork than Korbel in the late '80s, jumping from 10 taters in 1986 to 36 in 1987 (5th in the NL). Whitey Herzog perpetually accused and investigated, but it didn't matter. HoJo was endorsed by Quartet (Skokie, IL) corkboards, but it didn't matter. We all knew, we loved it, and it didn't matter. He never got caught, so his stats stand uncontested. Brady Anderson's 16-to-50 jump was, without any intended insult to mentally challenged people, retarded. In addition to using creatine, I'm thinking he had cork, superballs, little springs in his bats, plus maybe some smoke and mirrors from David Copperfield that year. But he never got caught doing anything illegal, so he goes down in history with all of the other 50-HR guys. Now Sosa breaks a corked bat that may or may not have been an innocent mistake, and people want to destroy his credibility in the record books? Hush your mouth.
4. People have been cheating in baseball for eons; the cheaters are getting away with it much less these days. It used to be almost humorous, just mischievous, the ways guys would try to gain an advantage. Now people without any sense of baseball history come at this from a personally insulted angle. Please shut up and go away.
5. This is just one more example of the masses trying to tear down our heroes. Sammy Sosa will take his place in a long line of sports media crucifixions, alongside such wronged men as Pete Rose, Michael Irvin, and O.J. Simpson. Damn them all to hell!
Why Doesn't the Sun Shine?
Another rain-out for the boys in royal blue and blaze orange. It provided me more time to witness the Yanks lose again, the neato Braves win again, the O's choke again, the Sox crush the Pirates, Shea Hillenbrand hit his first D-back HR, and just a whole lot o' baseball. (God love this Extra Innings thing.) Today the Mets may finally square off against the Brewers after a much-needed three day rest. For a thoroughly banged-up team, this was the equivalent of a well-timed bye week. Casey Stengel once said, ""The only thing worse than a Mets game is a Mets doubleheader." Let's hope the 22-34 Brew Crew don't make Casey's witticism true 40 years later.
Another rain-out for the boys in royal blue and blaze orange. It provided me more time to witness the Yanks lose again, the neato Braves win again, the O's choke again, the Sox crush the Pirates, Shea Hillenbrand hit his first D-back HR, and just a whole lot o' baseball. (God love this Extra Innings thing.) Today the Mets may finally square off against the Brewers after a much-needed three day rest. For a thoroughly banged-up team, this was the equivalent of a well-timed bye week. Casey Stengel once said, ""The only thing worse than a Mets game is a Mets doubleheader." Let's hope the 22-34 Brew Crew don't make Casey's witticism true 40 years later.
Games 56 & 57 - Red Sox
Red Sox 11-8, Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3
Sweep, baby! What a difference a day makes. The Sox entered yesterday's games on a 5-game losing skid, trailing the Yankees by a game and leading the Blue Jays by a game. The Sox woke up this morning in first place in the division, .5 games ahead of the Yankees and 2.5 games ahead of Toronto.
There were tons of positives in the games against the Buccos. Byung Hyun Kim pitched a terrific game in his first Sox start, going 7 innings and allowing 1 earned run in the first game of the twinbill. Manny Ramirez helped the Bunger by going 4 for 4 with 4 RBI. Jason Varitek hit a bomb, as did Trot Nixon. In game two, Derek Lowe finally pitched well on the road, going 7 strong innings and picking up the win. Nixon went yard again, and Nomar matched a big-league record by recording a triple for the fourth straight game. Even Johnny Damon - who's been moved to the bottom of the order - pitched in, driving in 3 runs with a 3 for 4 outing. Knock wood, but if Kim and Lowe pitch like this, the Sox pitching problems get a whole let less worrisome.
Red Sox 11-8, Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3
Sweep, baby! What a difference a day makes. The Sox entered yesterday's games on a 5-game losing skid, trailing the Yankees by a game and leading the Blue Jays by a game. The Sox woke up this morning in first place in the division, .5 games ahead of the Yankees and 2.5 games ahead of Toronto.
There were tons of positives in the games against the Buccos. Byung Hyun Kim pitched a terrific game in his first Sox start, going 7 innings and allowing 1 earned run in the first game of the twinbill. Manny Ramirez helped the Bunger by going 4 for 4 with 4 RBI. Jason Varitek hit a bomb, as did Trot Nixon. In game two, Derek Lowe finally pitched well on the road, going 7 strong innings and picking up the win. Nixon went yard again, and Nomar matched a big-league record by recording a triple for the fourth straight game. Even Johnny Damon - who's been moved to the bottom of the order - pitched in, driving in 3 runs with a 3 for 4 outing. Knock wood, but if Kim and Lowe pitch like this, the Sox pitching problems get a whole let less worrisome.
Wednesday, June 04, 2003
Doubleheader Baseball, Baby
One of my fondest baseball memories was made possible by a rainout. During my senior year of college, the Sox were neck and neck with the Toronto Blue Jays for the AL East title. In late September, a series of storms in the Baltimore area forced the Sox and the O's to schedule a rare afternoon doubleheader. It was the last season for Baltimore's Memorial Stadium, and the home team was woeful, so Cap Noonan, John Kelleher, and I - Sox fans all - decided on a whim to try to get to Baltimore from Williamsburg, VA in time to make the first pitch of the first game.
We left the 'burg at around 9:00, and gametime was scheduled for 12:30. Cap drove while Jake studied in the back seat for an upcoming exam. The baseball gods smiled on our noble quest, parting traffic all along the Eastern Seaboard, and slowing time to aid our cause. We reached Balmer at around 12:20 - 3 hours 20 minutes from Williamsburg to Charm City is pretty damn good - just in time to park, get tix, and get into the stadium, which was flat out empty.
We spent the whole afternoon following the sun, as total attendance for the two games was 10,728 (many thanks to retrosheet for the details), and drinking watered down beer. The Sox took the first game, 2-1, behind a stellar 10-strikeout performance by Roger Clemens, who hadn't yet entered his "I get paid, so why should I keep myself in shape" phase. Heading into the 9th inning of the second game, the Sox held a 5-4 lead, and were positioned to sweep the series and tighten the race with the Jays to a game or two. Then, the ghosts of Memorial Stadium stood up for one last time, and after Cal Ripken singled in a run to tie the game at 5, and Randy Milligan walked to load the bases, Dwight Evans came to the plate against Greg Harris.
Evans, who was in his swan song as a player, batted .270 with 6 homers and 38 RBI in 1991, his final season, and only campaign with the O's after 19 standout seasons with the Red Sox. And though he was a shell of his former self, I turned to Cap and Jake and said, "We may as well leave, because Dewey's going to beat the Sox." Sure enough, Evans worked a walk, and Mike Devereaux crossed the plate with the winning run. The Sox lost 9 of 11 to end the season, including this game, and wound up fading to 7 games behind the Jays. And it was all Dewey's fault.
One of my fondest baseball memories was made possible by a rainout. During my senior year of college, the Sox were neck and neck with the Toronto Blue Jays for the AL East title. In late September, a series of storms in the Baltimore area forced the Sox and the O's to schedule a rare afternoon doubleheader. It was the last season for Baltimore's Memorial Stadium, and the home team was woeful, so Cap Noonan, John Kelleher, and I - Sox fans all - decided on a whim to try to get to Baltimore from Williamsburg, VA in time to make the first pitch of the first game.
We left the 'burg at around 9:00, and gametime was scheduled for 12:30. Cap drove while Jake studied in the back seat for an upcoming exam. The baseball gods smiled on our noble quest, parting traffic all along the Eastern Seaboard, and slowing time to aid our cause. We reached Balmer at around 12:20 - 3 hours 20 minutes from Williamsburg to Charm City is pretty damn good - just in time to park, get tix, and get into the stadium, which was flat out empty.
We spent the whole afternoon following the sun, as total attendance for the two games was 10,728 (many thanks to retrosheet for the details), and drinking watered down beer. The Sox took the first game, 2-1, behind a stellar 10-strikeout performance by Roger Clemens, who hadn't yet entered his "I get paid, so why should I keep myself in shape" phase. Heading into the 9th inning of the second game, the Sox held a 5-4 lead, and were positioned to sweep the series and tighten the race with the Jays to a game or two. Then, the ghosts of Memorial Stadium stood up for one last time, and after Cal Ripken singled in a run to tie the game at 5, and Randy Milligan walked to load the bases, Dwight Evans came to the plate against Greg Harris.
Evans, who was in his swan song as a player, batted .270 with 6 homers and 38 RBI in 1991, his final season, and only campaign with the O's after 19 standout seasons with the Red Sox. And though he was a shell of his former self, I turned to Cap and Jake and said, "We may as well leave, because Dewey's going to beat the Sox." Sure enough, Evans worked a walk, and Mike Devereaux crossed the plate with the winning run. The Sox lost 9 of 11 to end the season, including this game, and wound up fading to 7 games behind the Jays. And it was all Dewey's fault.
Here Comes The Rain / I Love the Rain
After softball in Virginia was rained out, I took solace in the fact that I would get to enjoy an overstuffed slate of baseball games on the Extra Innings tube. Then the Mets and Red Sox were rained out, too, eliminating my two most-watched teams. So I got to watch the Reds knock off the Yanks in dramatic fashion and was forced to endure the annoying Braves top the Rangers in more dramatic fashion. But the solace I am taking from the Mets' wash-out is in the listed starters for tonight's game against the Brewers. The Brew Crew have decided just to go with last night's projected starter, Matt Kinney. New York, however, has skipped over Mike Bacsik in favor of tonight's regularly scheduled pitcher, Steve Trachsel. Based on pretty much any analysis, this is a pitching upgrade reminiscent of going from Rudy Stein to Amanda Whurlitzer for the '76 Bears. I'm not sure whether tonight's game will go off, either, and I'm not sure what the pitching match-up will be when they make up last night on July 28, but the elements may have just saved the Mets one game.
After softball in Virginia was rained out, I took solace in the fact that I would get to enjoy an overstuffed slate of baseball games on the Extra Innings tube. Then the Mets and Red Sox were rained out, too, eliminating my two most-watched teams. So I got to watch the Reds knock off the Yanks in dramatic fashion and was forced to endure the annoying Braves top the Rangers in more dramatic fashion. But the solace I am taking from the Mets' wash-out is in the listed starters for tonight's game against the Brewers. The Brew Crew have decided just to go with last night's projected starter, Matt Kinney. New York, however, has skipped over Mike Bacsik in favor of tonight's regularly scheduled pitcher, Steve Trachsel. Based on pretty much any analysis, this is a pitching upgrade reminiscent of going from Rudy Stein to Amanda Whurlitzer for the '76 Bears. I'm not sure whether tonight's game will go off, either, and I'm not sure what the pitching match-up will be when they make up last night on July 28, but the elements may have just saved the Mets one game.
Tuesday, June 03, 2003
Poor, Poor, Pitiful George
Today's New York papers bring us news that Yankee owner George Steinbrenner is upset that the Red Sox have an advantage over his team by virtue of the Sox easier interleague schedule. Taking out common opponents in St. Louis and Houston, the Sox play the Pirates, Brewers, and Marlins, while the Yankees play the Mets, Cubs, and Reds. Three things for George:
1. Shut the fuck up. The Yankees have no leg to stand on when fairness is the issue.
2. Where was this whining last year when Boston played 6 against the division champion Braves while the Yankees got to maul the helpless Mets (sorry, Whit) 6 times. Interleague play was a huge reason the Sox missed the playoffs last year, when they went 5-13 against the Braves, D-Backs, Rockies, Dodgers and Padres.
3. Shut the fuck up.
Today's New York papers bring us news that Yankee owner George Steinbrenner is upset that the Red Sox have an advantage over his team by virtue of the Sox easier interleague schedule. Taking out common opponents in St. Louis and Houston, the Sox play the Pirates, Brewers, and Marlins, while the Yankees play the Mets, Cubs, and Reds. Three things for George:
1. Shut the fuck up. The Yankees have no leg to stand on when fairness is the issue.
2. Where was this whining last year when Boston played 6 against the division champion Braves while the Yankees got to maul the helpless Mets (sorry, Whit) 6 times. Interleague play was a huge reason the Sox missed the playoffs last year, when they went 5-13 against the Braves, D-Backs, Rockies, Dodgers and Padres.
3. Shut the fuck up.
Monday, June 02, 2003
Games 54 through 56 - Mets
Flippin' Braves 5, Mets 2
Mets 4, Daggone Braves 2
Mets 10, Whiny Braves 4
Record: 26-30
It's official: this is the happiest I have been about the Mets' season all year long. The 12-game proving grounds ended with a 7-5 record, and the mighty Metropolitans won three of the four series. Last night's 10-4 win, sparked by a huge 8-run sixth inning, was one of the few times I could be seen punching the air over a Mets game with glee instead of fury. Jeromy Burnitz's Baltimore Special to cap the rally was the only time all season my wishful visions for an at-bat played out exactly right. There was timely hitting, solid defense, strong pitching, and aggressive play. Sure, there was foolish aggressive play (Jason Phillips running them out of an early inning), some bullpen angst-inducing (immediately after the Mets' big inning, David Weathers walked the first two batters), and the usual amount of annoyances up until the big inning, but it was great to see a game like this that didn't go down to the wire.
The best part of this series, which was big but by no means a season-saver, is the aftermath. The Mets feel like maybe this second season, the one featuring no-name kids instead of overpaid has-beens, might show some progress and promise for the future. Meanwhile, the mama's boy Atlanta Braves, having gotten stung in merely one three-game series, do not have the decency and professional courtesy to say that they had their asses handed to them in a 10-4 bludgeoning. No, sir. From Bobby Cox on down, they are all blaming the new Questec Umpire Information System for shrinking the strike zone, implying that this caused the loss. Let's set aside for the moment that this is generally just a bunch of infantile, sour grapes whining that discredits the Mets' actual performance. Beyond that, here is what's wrong with the argument:
1. To blame the computer and the effect it has on the ump for the loss is to ignore the fact that the Mets also utilized a pitcher for nine innings in the game. Each team had six walks. If the zone was squeezed, it was so for both teams.
2. Ray King and Darren Holmes were the pitchers assaulting the new system the most loudly. Between them, they faced seven hitters and neither issued a base on balls. Granted, they are claiming they got to 2-0 and 3-1 counts because of the strike zone shrinkage, but they were the ones who grooved the subsequent pitches to hitters. They retired just two of those seven hitters; give a little credit where it's due, take a little blame where it's due.
3. Granted, this is more technology at work, but the ESPN K-Zone graphics illustrated in nearly every case that the balls called were indeed balls, not strikes, no matter what strike zone was being used. Frankly, some of the ones Darren Holmes (who definitely should have been run, though the ump knew the Mets really wanted him still in there) bitched about most vehemently weren't all that close.
4. Players and coaches, projecting their own faults on the new system, will probably eliminate the first and only means Major League Baseball has ever instituted to regulate its umpiring crews. For years MLB has been the only major sport not to strictly monitor its officials and hold them accountable for their performances, giving them carte blanche to affect the outcome of ballgames unduly. Now that there is a measuring stick in place (in pilot mode), baseball players -- never folks who come off as a group of people alternately playing baseball and putting in hours at MENSA -- are going to kill it. And come October, when an ump with a track record for inconsistency, surliness, and horrible calls goofs yet again, someone needs to be there to remind the players that they really have no leg upon which to stand. The umpires, of course, are probably the ones to be blamed. They don't want to be regulated -- naturally, they like infinite job security and little to no performance appraisal -- and when MLB tries to rein them in, they say things like the ump said to Curt Schilling. The notion that they would change the way they call balls and strikes, when all batters ever really want is consistency, simply because they're scared of what the machine might say about them, is beyond preposterous. It's all about adult human beings holding themselves accountable for their job-related performance. If you suck, just say you suck and quit looking to blame the only 100% consistent entity in the mix. Be men, for Pete's sake, not . . . Braves.
On the injury front, Mike Stanton and Pedro Astacio have become the latest DL entries. Mike Bacsik, last seen issuing four-pitch walks and gopher balls on Opening Day, is back in the rotation. His numbers in AAA were startling (0-5, 6.00 ERA, .328 opponents' BA); I can see why they'd want him for a batting practice pitcher, but the rotation? With Coney finally retiring, the youth movement continues. Somehow, though, touted prospect Jose Reyes remains in Norfolk. The Tides currently have the second-best record in the International League and a 2.5-game lead in the South Division (ahaead of the Richmond f-Braves) despite a flurry of comings and goings and a lack of real up-and-comers. I'm fairly dubious in regards to odds of the Mets' continued long-term success with this slew of rookies, journeymen, and career minor leaguers. Still, I have to revisit my initial statement here: Whitney is a happy boy for now.
Flippin' Braves 5, Mets 2
Mets 4, Daggone Braves 2
Mets 10, Whiny Braves 4
Record: 26-30
It's official: this is the happiest I have been about the Mets' season all year long. The 12-game proving grounds ended with a 7-5 record, and the mighty Metropolitans won three of the four series. Last night's 10-4 win, sparked by a huge 8-run sixth inning, was one of the few times I could be seen punching the air over a Mets game with glee instead of fury. Jeromy Burnitz's Baltimore Special to cap the rally was the only time all season my wishful visions for an at-bat played out exactly right. There was timely hitting, solid defense, strong pitching, and aggressive play. Sure, there was foolish aggressive play (Jason Phillips running them out of an early inning), some bullpen angst-inducing (immediately after the Mets' big inning, David Weathers walked the first two batters), and the usual amount of annoyances up until the big inning, but it was great to see a game like this that didn't go down to the wire.
The best part of this series, which was big but by no means a season-saver, is the aftermath. The Mets feel like maybe this second season, the one featuring no-name kids instead of overpaid has-beens, might show some progress and promise for the future. Meanwhile, the mama's boy Atlanta Braves, having gotten stung in merely one three-game series, do not have the decency and professional courtesy to say that they had their asses handed to them in a 10-4 bludgeoning. No, sir. From Bobby Cox on down, they are all blaming the new Questec Umpire Information System for shrinking the strike zone, implying that this caused the loss. Let's set aside for the moment that this is generally just a bunch of infantile, sour grapes whining that discredits the Mets' actual performance. Beyond that, here is what's wrong with the argument:
1. To blame the computer and the effect it has on the ump for the loss is to ignore the fact that the Mets also utilized a pitcher for nine innings in the game. Each team had six walks. If the zone was squeezed, it was so for both teams.
2. Ray King and Darren Holmes were the pitchers assaulting the new system the most loudly. Between them, they faced seven hitters and neither issued a base on balls. Granted, they are claiming they got to 2-0 and 3-1 counts because of the strike zone shrinkage, but they were the ones who grooved the subsequent pitches to hitters. They retired just two of those seven hitters; give a little credit where it's due, take a little blame where it's due.
3. Granted, this is more technology at work, but the ESPN K-Zone graphics illustrated in nearly every case that the balls called were indeed balls, not strikes, no matter what strike zone was being used. Frankly, some of the ones Darren Holmes (who definitely should have been run, though the ump knew the Mets really wanted him still in there) bitched about most vehemently weren't all that close.
4. Players and coaches, projecting their own faults on the new system, will probably eliminate the first and only means Major League Baseball has ever instituted to regulate its umpiring crews. For years MLB has been the only major sport not to strictly monitor its officials and hold them accountable for their performances, giving them carte blanche to affect the outcome of ballgames unduly. Now that there is a measuring stick in place (in pilot mode), baseball players -- never folks who come off as a group of people alternately playing baseball and putting in hours at MENSA -- are going to kill it. And come October, when an ump with a track record for inconsistency, surliness, and horrible calls goofs yet again, someone needs to be there to remind the players that they really have no leg upon which to stand. The umpires, of course, are probably the ones to be blamed. They don't want to be regulated -- naturally, they like infinite job security and little to no performance appraisal -- and when MLB tries to rein them in, they say things like the ump said to Curt Schilling. The notion that they would change the way they call balls and strikes, when all batters ever really want is consistency, simply because they're scared of what the machine might say about them, is beyond preposterous. It's all about adult human beings holding themselves accountable for their job-related performance. If you suck, just say you suck and quit looking to blame the only 100% consistent entity in the mix. Be men, for Pete's sake, not . . . Braves.
On the injury front, Mike Stanton and Pedro Astacio have become the latest DL entries. Mike Bacsik, last seen issuing four-pitch walks and gopher balls on Opening Day, is back in the rotation. His numbers in AAA were startling (0-5, 6.00 ERA, .328 opponents' BA); I can see why they'd want him for a batting practice pitcher, but the rotation? With Coney finally retiring, the youth movement continues. Somehow, though, touted prospect Jose Reyes remains in Norfolk. The Tides currently have the second-best record in the International League and a 2.5-game lead in the South Division (ahaead of the Richmond f-Braves) despite a flurry of comings and goings and a lack of real up-and-comers. I'm fairly dubious in regards to odds of the Mets' continued long-term success with this slew of rookies, journeymen, and career minor leaguers. Still, I have to revisit my initial statement here: Whitney is a happy boy for now.
Game 55 - Red Sox
Blue Jays 11, Red Sox 8
Record: 31-24
I feel like Kevin Bacon's character at the end of Animal House. All around me, Red Sox Nation is in a tizzy, running and screaming hysterically because the Sox (playing the part of the Deltas) have chosen this week to utterly implode (drive the Batmobile into the parade review stands). Meanwhile, I'm yelling, "Remain calm. All is well.", over and over again. I'm trying really, really hard to believe it. Hopefully, the next few days will see Pedro (Bluto) drive to the rescue carrying the cheerleader (a winning streak) over his shoulder.
The simple, central fact of the Sox season is this: the pitching (with the exception of Pedro, who is injured, and Brandon Lyon) has been putrid beyond reasonable expectations. Reasonable expecations, based on time-proven statistical concepts, indicate that it is nearly impossible that the Red Sox pitchers will continue to perform this poorly for the remainder of the season. The Sox are 1.5 games out in the division, and 1 game out in the Wild Card, and they have pitched as poorly as is statistically possible over the season's first 55 games. A regression to the mean over the next 107 games should translate to, well, a lot of wins.
All that aside, I was batshit about yesterday's game. The Sox scored 6 runs in the first 3 innings of this game, on 7 doubles against Toronto stud Roy Halladay. And then they pissed it away. Wakefield gave up 6, then Matt White, he of the 24.00 ERA, came in and poured kerosene on the flames. (Point of order: why was Grady inserting a struggling left-hander to face four consecutive right-handed bats?) Finally, after a few more flambe-filled relief innings, Jason Varitek put Sox fans out of their misery by grounding into a game-ending double-play with the bases loaded in the 9th. Neat effort.
Sox next 6 games are against the Pirates and the Brewers, two of the National League's weak sisters. Anything worse than 5-1 will have to be considered a disappointment, and will intensify the calls for Grady's head.
Blue Jays 11, Red Sox 8
Record: 31-24
I feel like Kevin Bacon's character at the end of Animal House. All around me, Red Sox Nation is in a tizzy, running and screaming hysterically because the Sox (playing the part of the Deltas) have chosen this week to utterly implode (drive the Batmobile into the parade review stands). Meanwhile, I'm yelling, "Remain calm. All is well.", over and over again. I'm trying really, really hard to believe it. Hopefully, the next few days will see Pedro (Bluto) drive to the rescue carrying the cheerleader (a winning streak) over his shoulder.
The simple, central fact of the Sox season is this: the pitching (with the exception of Pedro, who is injured, and Brandon Lyon) has been putrid beyond reasonable expectations. Reasonable expecations, based on time-proven statistical concepts, indicate that it is nearly impossible that the Red Sox pitchers will continue to perform this poorly for the remainder of the season. The Sox are 1.5 games out in the division, and 1 game out in the Wild Card, and they have pitched as poorly as is statistically possible over the season's first 55 games. A regression to the mean over the next 107 games should translate to, well, a lot of wins.
All that aside, I was batshit about yesterday's game. The Sox scored 6 runs in the first 3 innings of this game, on 7 doubles against Toronto stud Roy Halladay. And then they pissed it away. Wakefield gave up 6, then Matt White, he of the 24.00 ERA, came in and poured kerosene on the flames. (Point of order: why was Grady inserting a struggling left-hander to face four consecutive right-handed bats?) Finally, after a few more flambe-filled relief innings, Jason Varitek put Sox fans out of their misery by grounding into a game-ending double-play with the bases loaded in the 9th. Neat effort.
Sox next 6 games are against the Pirates and the Brewers, two of the National League's weak sisters. Anything worse than 5-1 will have to be considered a disappointment, and will intensify the calls for Grady's head.
Sunday, June 01, 2003
Game 54 - Red Sox
Blue Jays 10, Red Sox 7
Record: 31-23
The bad news is that the Sox have lost 4 in a row. The good news is that, despite suffering through their worst stretch of the season, and despite the fact that they are only 18-18 over the last 36 games, the Sox are only half a game behind the Yankees and tied for the wild card lead. So, if the Sox can find their groove again, it stands to reason that they should find themselves in good stead. Other postives: the Sox lead the AL in batting average, and Bill Mueller leads the majors in the same category (and just doubled to go to 2-2 in today's game). Other negatives: the team ERA is 5.08. That's freaking horrible, but I'm taking the glass half full approach and saying that the hitting will stay solid and the pitching simply must get better. All is well.
Oh, and I hope Roger Clemens' arm falls off today.
Blue Jays 10, Red Sox 7
Record: 31-23
The bad news is that the Sox have lost 4 in a row. The good news is that, despite suffering through their worst stretch of the season, and despite the fact that they are only 18-18 over the last 36 games, the Sox are only half a game behind the Yankees and tied for the wild card lead. So, if the Sox can find their groove again, it stands to reason that they should find themselves in good stead. Other postives: the Sox lead the AL in batting average, and Bill Mueller leads the majors in the same category (and just doubled to go to 2-2 in today's game). Other negatives: the team ERA is 5.08. That's freaking horrible, but I'm taking the glass half full approach and saying that the hitting will stay solid and the pitching simply must get better. All is well.
Oh, and I hope Roger Clemens' arm falls off today.
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