I stole this from Richard over at Pearly Gates, but if you look over at the sidebar underneath all of those band links, you'll see a list of the last ten songs I've listened to on my trusty old Windows Media Player. It's a work in progress, because I usually listen to stuff on Rhapsody, but with the bigger hard drive on the new work computer, I'm letting Rhapsody download tracks to my hard drive to be listened to on WMP. Can't burn them, because they've got some crazy copy protection, but oh well. I think this is pretty cool, and yes, now you, lucky reader, can keep track of every song I listen to. I know you've been thinking 'I wish I knew exactly what Seitz was listening to so that I could listen to the same stuff and become almost as cool as him.' Well, your prayers have been answered.
And for Matt, Rhapsody has the Corvids' CD available, so some of those fine tunes may just turn up once in a while.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Angels 4, wait no, make that 5 so far; Rangers none so far
I'm only recapping the first inning and a half tonight. I have been called away to do research on local entertainment establishments. I suspect the game will be over before I return.
For all intents and purposes, Rivera replaces Finley in tonight's lineup. So far, I like the results.
That is all.
**Update** - Bengie. Yardball. I like it.
For all intents and purposes, Rivera replaces Finley in tonight's lineup. So far, I like the results.
That is all.
**Update** - Bengie. Yardball. I like it.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Angels 8; Rangers 6
Mike Scioscia is a dumbass. And so is any other manager who brings the closer into the game in a non-save situation.* There was absolutely no reason to remove Shields after the way he tore through the 8th inning. I'd love to see numbers on what Percival's ERA was in non-save situations compared to save situations. There's just a concentration issue or something. They amost lost this game when Scioscia made that move, and while Frankie didn't pitch well, this loss would have been completely on Scioscia's shoulders.
This one should have been out of hand after the first inning. Great job of picking up four runs with two outs after a Vlad rocket got to the wall too fast to allow Erstad to fo first to third. That kept the double play in order, and GA hit one right off the Rangers menu. They recovered, though, and picked up four more in the next inning, sending Chan Ho to an early shower. Hey, look on the bright side, Chan Ho. It's not like you gave up two grand slams to the same guy in the same inning or anything.
Bartolo was a little off. I'm not sure if it was Merriweather's strike zone or what (computer tonight - no extra innings because of the KCAL broadcast), but he wasn't getting strikes in bunches of quite the same size as he has been lately, which led to a lot of baserunners in the early innings. But he pitched well enough to win, and he pitched to the score, to the extent that's possible, and reasonable people can and do disagree.
Couple more hits for Dallas, as he is hopefully coming out of his slump. That's three hits in the last two games. Erstad remains red hot, with three hits. He's not hitting for power, but he's racking up base hits by the ton, and he's even walking.
Jeff Davanon could use a trip to the brain specialist. Guy comes in with the bases juiced, throws six straight balls, and what does Davanon do? Swings away and pops up. Honestly, make the dude throw you a strike in that situation. Please. If only for my sanity.
Had a tooth pulled tonight. First time I've ever done that. It was a wisdom tooth that was pretty much all the way in, but had a pretty big cavity, so the doc just yanked it. The novacaine has worn off, and it doesn't even hurt. I'll be throwing back a vicodin all the same, ya know, just in case. After the pain I went through a week and half ago, any discomfort this procedure may cause can't be anything more than child's play.
*Disclaimer - as the Idiot points out in the comments, there are exceptions, the most obvious being at some point late in a tie game. I should have been clearer. I was referring generally to games where the lead is too big to earn a save, like last night's game.
This one should have been out of hand after the first inning. Great job of picking up four runs with two outs after a Vlad rocket got to the wall too fast to allow Erstad to fo first to third. That kept the double play in order, and GA hit one right off the Rangers menu. They recovered, though, and picked up four more in the next inning, sending Chan Ho to an early shower. Hey, look on the bright side, Chan Ho. It's not like you gave up two grand slams to the same guy in the same inning or anything.
Bartolo was a little off. I'm not sure if it was Merriweather's strike zone or what (computer tonight - no extra innings because of the KCAL broadcast), but he wasn't getting strikes in bunches of quite the same size as he has been lately, which led to a lot of baserunners in the early innings. But he pitched well enough to win, and he pitched to the score, to the extent that's possible, and reasonable people can and do disagree.
Couple more hits for Dallas, as he is hopefully coming out of his slump. That's three hits in the last two games. Erstad remains red hot, with three hits. He's not hitting for power, but he's racking up base hits by the ton, and he's even walking.
Jeff Davanon could use a trip to the brain specialist. Guy comes in with the bases juiced, throws six straight balls, and what does Davanon do? Swings away and pops up. Honestly, make the dude throw you a strike in that situation. Please. If only for my sanity.
Had a tooth pulled tonight. First time I've ever done that. It was a wisdom tooth that was pretty much all the way in, but had a pretty big cavity, so the doc just yanked it. The novacaine has worn off, and it doesn't even hurt. I'll be throwing back a vicodin all the same, ya know, just in case. After the pain I went through a week and half ago, any discomfort this procedure may cause can't be anything more than child's play.
*Disclaimer - as the Idiot points out in the comments, there are exceptions, the most obvious being at some point late in a tie game. I should have been clearer. I was referring generally to games where the lead is too big to earn a save, like last night's game.
Mid Morning Round Up
I've been noticing that I get a fair amount of non-unique hits throughout the day, or in other words, the same people seem to be checking in for new content. Now, most of the time, my stuff tends to be limited to a loose collection of comments and thoughts built around game recaps, which means that there usually isn't going to be any new stuff until after the game (or during, if the urge to live-blog grabs me). There are a couple of things to talk about today, though, so I figure I'll do some bonus material. I don't know if this will become a regular feature. Rob McMillin already has his "Pickoff Moves", so I don't want to step on any toes. Also, I lack creativity, so I'm not sure I could come up with a cool name for a regular feature. Anyway....
Cabrera's hurt: I was going to take the opportunity to rip Cabrera last night, prompted by the solid play of Maicer Izturis, who was ripping up the PCL in his rehab stint. I mean, honestly, could any of us say right now that Cabrera is THAT much better than Izturis? But if he's hurt, I'll refrain. I say DL him. Can't take the chance of being down to 23 men while Donnelly (possibly) serves his suspension. Call up Bootcheck, and shorten the bench by one player. I mean seriously, it's the freaking American League. We can do without a bench player for two weeks.
Nice article on Ryan Tucker: For those that don't know, Ryan Tucker was the 34th overall pick, selected in the supplemental round by the Florida Marlins. Ryan Tucker is also a (soon to be) graduate of Temple City High School. Us T.C. grads don't get too many baseball players going high in the draft. I think Warren Busick, whom none of you have ever heard of (his brother Steve played linebacker at U$C and for the Broncos), was the last good one we had, and I think he ran into arm problems before he had a chance to get to the majors. I also don't think he went as high as Tucker. Our greatest active athletes are Rocky Biddle, and U$C running back/special teams player Desmond Reed. Good luck, Ryan, and make the Rams proud. I'm so generous, I'm not even going to hold the fact that you played for Temple City American against you.
Brian Carlwell commits to the Illini: Good news for Illinois fans. First Dee takes his name out of the draft, then Bruce lands his second quality big man for 2006, to go along with Richard Semrau. This is the bump that we're supposed to get out the tremendous season that the Illini just had. Let's hope this puts to rest some of the "He can only win with Self's players, and he can't recruit" B.S. that the naysayers have flung at coach Weber. As for Dee, I think circumstances have led him to make what was the right decision all along, although I feel bad for the way it happened. It's his dream to play in the NBA, and he's seeing his best friend get a ton of pub as the draft approaches, and I think most people knew that going pro now was the wrong move. It's a shame it had to happen the way it did, but I think he'll be better off. And I KNOW the Illini will be better off.
Cabrera's hurt: I was going to take the opportunity to rip Cabrera last night, prompted by the solid play of Maicer Izturis, who was ripping up the PCL in his rehab stint. I mean, honestly, could any of us say right now that Cabrera is THAT much better than Izturis? But if he's hurt, I'll refrain. I say DL him. Can't take the chance of being down to 23 men while Donnelly (possibly) serves his suspension. Call up Bootcheck, and shorten the bench by one player. I mean seriously, it's the freaking American League. We can do without a bench player for two weeks.
Nice article on Ryan Tucker: For those that don't know, Ryan Tucker was the 34th overall pick, selected in the supplemental round by the Florida Marlins. Ryan Tucker is also a (soon to be) graduate of Temple City High School. Us T.C. grads don't get too many baseball players going high in the draft. I think Warren Busick, whom none of you have ever heard of (his brother Steve played linebacker at U$C and for the Broncos), was the last good one we had, and I think he ran into arm problems before he had a chance to get to the majors. I also don't think he went as high as Tucker. Our greatest active athletes are Rocky Biddle, and U$C running back/special teams player Desmond Reed. Good luck, Ryan, and make the Rams proud. I'm so generous, I'm not even going to hold the fact that you played for Temple City American against you.
Brian Carlwell commits to the Illini: Good news for Illinois fans. First Dee takes his name out of the draft, then Bruce lands his second quality big man for 2006, to go along with Richard Semrau. This is the bump that we're supposed to get out the tremendous season that the Illini just had. Let's hope this puts to rest some of the "He can only win with Self's players, and he can't recruit" B.S. that the naysayers have flung at coach Weber. As for Dee, I think circumstances have led him to make what was the right decision all along, although I feel bad for the way it happened. It's his dream to play in the NBA, and he's seeing his best friend get a ton of pub as the draft approaches, and I think most people knew that going pro now was the wrong move. It's a shame it had to happen the way it did, but I think he'll be better off. And I KNOW the Illini will be better off.
Monday, June 20, 2005
Angels 5; Rangers 1
Paul Freaking Byrd. What a performance. Complete game with 91 pitches against probably the best offensive team in the league. Wow. That was a very impressive performance, marred only by the home run by David Delluci, who appears to be about three times the size I remember him being from seasons past. Byrd had the Rangers beffudled all night, in true Jamie Moyer/Doug Jones fashion, with a fastball approaching 90 mixed in. Games like this are why they signed him, and now they're guaranteed to go into the Dodgers series with a lead in the division.
Vlad, well, there's not really much you can say about him anymore. He absolutely demolished the first pitch he saw from Chris Young in the first, and that turned out to be all Byrd needed. A sac fly and an RBI double completed a 4 RBI night for the reigning MVP. Up and down the lineup, the Angels hit tonight. Well, except for Finley, but I consider him to be somewhere other than up or down the lineup, and I wish Scioscia would, too. Anyway we can Sebestyen* him? Kennedy with three hits, Figgins with three hits, Erstad stays hot with two hits... If those three get on base like that, this team can score some runs.
It appears that the Angels will also pick up a game on the Mariners. I know, I know, why do I care about the Mariners. Well, they're as close to Angels as anyone is to the White Sox, and I think we've learned the hard way that you never count them out. Any steps the Angels can put between them are good things.
Chan Ho vs. Big Bart tomorrow. Park has apparently been picking up secrets from Bartolo, which is the only way to explain a 7-1 record with an ERA over 5.00. Not that this series is make or break, but it sure would be nice to wrap up a series win tomorrow, and set up the sweep for Wednesday (unlikely with the Gambler on the mound).
*Mike Sebestyen is a friend of a friend here in Chicago (or more accurately, a friend whom I met through another friend). High school football coach, and former high school athlete. Great guy. Teased often because he was, from what I understand, he's one of the few (if not only) position players in Fenwick High School history to be DH'd so that the pitcher could hit. Perhaps this isn't a rare occurence at other schools, but among the crew of Fenwick grads that I hang out with in Chicago, the practice of DH'ing for a position player has come to be known as being "Sebestyened".
Vlad, well, there's not really much you can say about him anymore. He absolutely demolished the first pitch he saw from Chris Young in the first, and that turned out to be all Byrd needed. A sac fly and an RBI double completed a 4 RBI night for the reigning MVP. Up and down the lineup, the Angels hit tonight. Well, except for Finley, but I consider him to be somewhere other than up or down the lineup, and I wish Scioscia would, too. Anyway we can Sebestyen* him? Kennedy with three hits, Figgins with three hits, Erstad stays hot with two hits... If those three get on base like that, this team can score some runs.
It appears that the Angels will also pick up a game on the Mariners. I know, I know, why do I care about the Mariners. Well, they're as close to Angels as anyone is to the White Sox, and I think we've learned the hard way that you never count them out. Any steps the Angels can put between them are good things.
Chan Ho vs. Big Bart tomorrow. Park has apparently been picking up secrets from Bartolo, which is the only way to explain a 7-1 record with an ERA over 5.00. Not that this series is make or break, but it sure would be nice to wrap up a series win tomorrow, and set up the sweep for Wednesday (unlikely with the Gambler on the mound).
*Mike Sebestyen is a friend of a friend here in Chicago (or more accurately, a friend whom I met through another friend). High school football coach, and former high school athlete. Great guy. Teased often because he was, from what I understand, he's one of the few (if not only) position players in Fenwick High School history to be DH'd so that the pitcher could hit. Perhaps this isn't a rare occurence at other schools, but among the crew of Fenwick grads that I hang out with in Chicago, the practice of DH'ing for a position player has come to be known as being "Sebestyened".
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Marlins 7; Angels 5
The big number put up by the Marlins really doesn't surprise me. The kid is going to be inconsistent. He struggled with his location today and got knocked around a bit. Shake it off and get ready for your next start.
What bothers me is the anemic offense. Once again, the Angels offense proves to be the cure for what ails a struggling pitcher. I can't remember how many times over the years the Angels have faced someone who has come into the game on an awful streak, only to have him leave looking like Cy Young. It doesn't help when your big RBI guy strikes out on a pitch over his head with two on. This is twice in two series' in which the opponent has been more or lessed forced to start a guy who sucks because they simply didn't have anything better, and the Angels have looked like a Little League team at the plate. Very frustrating.
Dallas in a big slump. 0 for his last 13. Not good. Hopefully it's just a little downturn, and doesn't represent something that the league has picked up on him.
Congratulations to the Maori Man on a fantastically played US Open. What a great birdie on 17 that was. A perfect answer for Tiger's birdie on 18. Tough day for Jason Gore. Would have been nice to see the big guy from Pepperdine make some noise on the last day. And Goosen! Yikes! What happened to that dude? Mr. U.S. Open really threw up all over himself today.
What bothers me is the anemic offense. Once again, the Angels offense proves to be the cure for what ails a struggling pitcher. I can't remember how many times over the years the Angels have faced someone who has come into the game on an awful streak, only to have him leave looking like Cy Young. It doesn't help when your big RBI guy strikes out on a pitch over his head with two on. This is twice in two series' in which the opponent has been more or lessed forced to start a guy who sucks because they simply didn't have anything better, and the Angels have looked like a Little League team at the plate. Very frustrating.
Dallas in a big slump. 0 for his last 13. Not good. Hopefully it's just a little downturn, and doesn't represent something that the league has picked up on him.
Congratulations to the Maori Man on a fantastically played US Open. What a great birdie on 17 that was. A perfect answer for Tiger's birdie on 18. Tough day for Jason Gore. Would have been nice to see the big guy from Pepperdine make some noise on the last day. And Goosen! Yikes! What happened to that dude? Mr. U.S. Open really threw up all over himself today.
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Angels 2; Marlins 1 ......... White Sox 5; Dodgers 3 ...... Cog Hill 1; Me 0
Missed the Angels game, except for a few innings of the radio feed, for a couple of reasons. Lots of traffic coming back from Cog Hill, and left early to tailgate before the Sox game (which didn't happen, also becuase of traffic). Also, any saturday games on the regular Fox will be missed because MLB is stupid. Not much to say on that other than what everyone already knows. Vlad is awesome. The bullpen is getting it done. Lackey is starting to really put it together.
As for Sox-Dodgers, I was pulling for the Sox, or rather, against the Dodgers. Dessens was very sharp, and Sanchez was blowing it by the Sox. Freddie Garcia got in a lot of early trouble, but ended up pitching pretty well. Brazoban was not good. And can someone explain the inexplicable defense by the Dodgers that allowed Willie Harris to practically walk to second base after pinch running for Carl Everett? I will say, it was nice of the Sox to provide me with a walk off home run, since I missed Vlad's. Too bad it had to be from Pierszynski, who's a dick.
My round at Dubsdread? Hit the ball OK to good, couldn't putt (although it was an improvement over Coyote Crossing), but mostly couldn't get up and down, which means I couldn't score (86). Exorcised some demons on 5, 9, and 11, finished with some good drives, and aboslutely BOMBED a couple of two irons off the tee on 8 and 16. I'm talking 240 or so with the two iron. So there were some encouraging signs, and there are a lot of places I can make up strokes when I head back in July. Those greens have me psyched out, though. Especially when the pin placements are as stupid as some were today (#14, I'm looking in your direction). My buddy had a four footer for birdie after hitting a beautiful four iron (I hit five iron, because I'm so fucking long). He barely missed and was left with a 20 footer for par. That's just dumb. Anyway, time to hit the range and work on a few things before the next trip.
As for Sox-Dodgers, I was pulling for the Sox, or rather, against the Dodgers. Dessens was very sharp, and Sanchez was blowing it by the Sox. Freddie Garcia got in a lot of early trouble, but ended up pitching pretty well. Brazoban was not good. And can someone explain the inexplicable defense by the Dodgers that allowed Willie Harris to practically walk to second base after pinch running for Carl Everett? I will say, it was nice of the Sox to provide me with a walk off home run, since I missed Vlad's. Too bad it had to be from Pierszynski, who's a dick.
My round at Dubsdread? Hit the ball OK to good, couldn't putt (although it was an improvement over Coyote Crossing), but mostly couldn't get up and down, which means I couldn't score (86). Exorcised some demons on 5, 9, and 11, finished with some good drives, and aboslutely BOMBED a couple of two irons off the tee on 8 and 16. I'm talking 240 or so with the two iron. So there were some encouraging signs, and there are a lot of places I can make up strokes when I head back in July. Those greens have me psyched out, though. Especially when the pin placements are as stupid as some were today (#14, I'm looking in your direction). My buddy had a four footer for birdie after hitting a beautiful four iron (I hit five iron, because I'm so fucking long). He barely missed and was left with a 20 footer for par. That's just dumb. Anyway, time to hit the range and work on a few things before the next trip.
Angels 3; Marlins 2
Not much on this one. I really walked in the door just in time to see the last pitch of the game (date night). Honestly if this gets more serious, I'm gonna have to limit dates to dinners after work on West Coast game nights.
Great at bat by Davanon to end the game. Reminiscent of Spiezio, only less important (slightly). Nice comeback after the last two demoralizing losses. The moral: sometimes you fuck up (Finley, I'm looking in your direction), and sometimes you benefit from a fuck up. Tough break for Alex Gonzales and Brian Moehler, but the Angels needed it after the Rangers win.
Boy, tough series in Arlington, huh. Too bad someone has to win. On the plus side, there's a loser in each contest as well.
Tomorrow's game is radio only in this household, and I'll probably head to Commiskey to tailgait before the Sox game, so I'm not sure what I'll come up. Cog Hill #4 in the morning, so if I show up to play, I may write something about that.
Great at bat by Davanon to end the game. Reminiscent of Spiezio, only less important (slightly). Nice comeback after the last two demoralizing losses. The moral: sometimes you fuck up (Finley, I'm looking in your direction), and sometimes you benefit from a fuck up. Tough break for Alex Gonzales and Brian Moehler, but the Angels needed it after the Rangers win.
Boy, tough series in Arlington, huh. Too bad someone has to win. On the plus side, there's a loser in each contest as well.
Tomorrow's game is radio only in this household, and I'll probably head to Commiskey to tailgait before the Sox game, so I'm not sure what I'll come up. Cog Hill #4 in the morning, so if I show up to play, I may write something about that.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Book Meme - 'Cos I'm Bored
The Fatman tagged me for this thing (before he knew I had a blog, and after I'd been blogging for about two months), and I've been putting it off, but since today's on off day, and since we all need a little bring down from the week's excitement to this point, I figured I'd give it a shot. Prepare to be extremely unimpressed.
1) Total Number of Books I Own: Who the fuck knows? I'm certainly not going to go count them. 50? 100? Something in between sounds about right. I do know that I have books from college that still have the plastic wrap on them.
2) The Last Book I Bought: Here comes the boring part. The last two (bought at the same time) are So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish, and Mostly Harmless, both by Douglas Adams, and the last two books in the Hitchhiker's Guide series. Never got around to reading them, and wanted to read them before I saw the movie, which I still have yet to see. But hey, if this whole girl thing works out, I might start seeing more movies.
3) Last Book I Read: Currently reading both Mostly Harmless (about 30 pages left), and the Crossing, by Cormac McCarthy (put on hold while I finish the Adams books). I'll probably move on to All the Pretty Horses before finishing the Border Trilogy with Cities of the Plain.
4) Five Books That Mean a Lot to Me: I don't like the way this one sounds, so I guess I'll do my five favorite books, or those I'm most likely to re-read.
1) Total Number of Books I Own: Who the fuck knows? I'm certainly not going to go count them. 50? 100? Something in between sounds about right. I do know that I have books from college that still have the plastic wrap on them.
2) The Last Book I Bought: Here comes the boring part. The last two (bought at the same time) are So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish, and Mostly Harmless, both by Douglas Adams, and the last two books in the Hitchhiker's Guide series. Never got around to reading them, and wanted to read them before I saw the movie, which I still have yet to see. But hey, if this whole girl thing works out, I might start seeing more movies.
3) Last Book I Read: Currently reading both Mostly Harmless (about 30 pages left), and the Crossing, by Cormac McCarthy (put on hold while I finish the Adams books). I'll probably move on to All the Pretty Horses before finishing the Border Trilogy with Cities of the Plain.
4) Five Books That Mean a Lot to Me: I don't like the way this one sounds, so I guess I'll do my five favorite books, or those I'm most likely to re-read.
- You Gotta Have Wa, by Robert Whiting - Seminal book on Japanese baseball, and an interesting look at the cultural differences between Japan and the U.S. through the prism of baseball. A lot of great stories, including one by one of the Lee brothers, in which he relays the tale of a manager who called a squeeze with the bases loaded and a 3-2 count so as to avoid a double play. The sign was stolen, so the opposing manager called for pitchout, which would of course walk in a run. The batter, afraid of failing to get the bunt for it, lunged, missed, struck out, and the runner from third was a dead duck, resulting, of course, in a double play. This one was a secret Santa gift when I was a freshman in the dorms from a very creative guy that lived across from us (he hid the gifts and gave clues on where to find them). I don't think he was gay, he was just kind of cool. He was big Echo fan, too.
- Into the Wild, by John Krakauer - I like Krakauer's writing style, and this was a fascinating story, set in many parts of the country which I've visited. I've read this book at least five time.
- Bankruptcy Anthology, by Charles J. Tabb - You're probably thinking "what the fuck?" I have an acknowledgement from having done a fair amount of work on this one. Any book with my name in it automatically makes the list.
- Mike Nelson's Movie Megacheese, by Mike Nelson - I've never, ever, laughed so hard at a book before. So it's just a collection of bad movie reviews. Who cares? It's fucking hilarious.
- Fast Food Nation, by Eric Schlosser - I read this book four years ago, and I can count on one hand the number of times I've eaten at McDonalds since. But not only did this get me off mega-chain fast food, it praised In-N-Out to the hilt.
Baseball's Ike Turner
Sean channels Ike Turner, or probably more likely, Tim Meadows playing Ike Turner:
Guillen is baseball's Ike Turner, ladies and gentlemen. "Treat me with respect, you piece of garbage! You're a damn piece of garbage! Oh, baby, you know I don't mean that...c'mon back to Jose. Please? Jose loves you so much. Look, I brought you these flowers. Aren't they pretty? What are you still crying for? Look, will you just take the flowers? TAKE THE DAMN FLOWERS, BITCH!"He doesn't allow comments, so I can't post this on his site, but damn, that's some funny stuff. Enjoy your deal with the Devil, Gnats fans.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Nationals 1; Angels 0
Colon goes back to getting the Escobar treatment. He was terrific, but the offense returned to their mid-May form and couldn't pick him up. Steve Finley continues to disappoint, picking the absolute worst time to strike out. Roenicke finally made the right decision, and in retrospect, with Erstad running, he probably would have been better off making the wrong one. As for Bengie, at least he didn't hit into a double play.
McPherson is sliding a bit again, but his defense has still been excellent, a nice surprise.
Not much more to say about this one, really. No fireworks, just good pitching. Three more games and I can go back to not giving a shit about the NL East again.
McPherson is sliding a bit again, but his defense has still been excellent, a nice surprise.
Not much more to say about this one, really. No fireworks, just good pitching. Three more games and I can go back to not giving a shit about the NL East again.
The day after
I'm just going to reiterate what I posted on Primer for the benefit of the Yudites and the Ballpark Guys, who seem to be far too angry at Rob for some odd reason.
Donnelly broke the rules. No one is denying that. It's not important if he was doing it to add movement to the ball, or if he was doing it to get a better grip, or if he was doing it because he thought it smelled neat. Not the point. He was wrong, he should have been kicked out, and he should be suspended.
Frank Robinson has every right to challenge any Angels pitcher who takes the mound. Scioscia has exactly the same right, and Robinson shouldn't be surprised if Scioscia does it. As long as there's no disincentive (like in hockey) for being wrong, why not do it? Especially if you know it's going to piss off the opposing manager. Gamesmanship is a two way street.
None of this changes the fact that I think Frank Robinson is a prick. He would still be a prick even if he hadn't had Donnelly thrown out. Anybody who walks into a press conference with only one issue of importance and immediately declares that issue off limits for discussion, then gets pissed off when people bring it up, is a prick.
I see no reason to discontinue comments, mostly because I rarely get any to begin with, and I won't start here. If anyone feels that they need to attack me the way they apparently attacked Rob, have at it. The Yudites didn't have a problem doing it on a site I didn't know existed, so they ought not have a problem doing it here.
And thanks for the traffic. I've had about 3 to 4 times my normal number of hits today. Feel free to come back anytime. It's not ALL Angels here, just mostly.
Donnelly broke the rules. No one is denying that. It's not important if he was doing it to add movement to the ball, or if he was doing it to get a better grip, or if he was doing it because he thought it smelled neat. Not the point. He was wrong, he should have been kicked out, and he should be suspended.
Frank Robinson has every right to challenge any Angels pitcher who takes the mound. Scioscia has exactly the same right, and Robinson shouldn't be surprised if Scioscia does it. As long as there's no disincentive (like in hockey) for being wrong, why not do it? Especially if you know it's going to piss off the opposing manager. Gamesmanship is a two way street.
None of this changes the fact that I think Frank Robinson is a prick. He would still be a prick even if he hadn't had Donnelly thrown out. Anybody who walks into a press conference with only one issue of importance and immediately declares that issue off limits for discussion, then gets pissed off when people bring it up, is a prick.
I see no reason to discontinue comments, mostly because I rarely get any to begin with, and I won't start here. If anyone feels that they need to attack me the way they apparently attacked Rob, have at it. The Yudites didn't have a problem doing it on a site I didn't know existed, so they ought not have a problem doing it here.
And thanks for the traffic. I've had about 3 to 4 times my normal number of hits today. Feel free to come back anytime. It's not ALL Angels here, just mostly.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Corksuckers 4 + Cabrera 2; Angels 3
Well, the kid looks like he can pitch a little bit.
Two guys I didn't know were still alive: Carlos Baerga and Wil Cordero.
Unfortunately the wheels totally came off when Frank Robinson decided to have Donnelly's glove challenged. I don't know what they found, probably pine tar, but Shields was awful in the 8th, getting knocked all over the yard, including a homer to public enemy number one (yes, I've turned on Guillen as quiclkly as he turned on the Shields slider). If I'm Bart, the fist pitch I throw to Guillen tomorrow hits him square in the numbers, asssuming the rumor about him ratting Donnelly out is true.
Man, Frank Robinson's a real dick, isn't he?
Oh well, I can't talk about this one anymore. This is too depressing.
Orlando Cabrera sucks. Man, I can't say it any plainer than that. Guys in my softball league play shortstop better than that.
EDIT: Title update, Roman Moroney style. Ya know, for the kids. And thanks, Rob.
Two guys I didn't know were still alive: Carlos Baerga and Wil Cordero.
Unfortunately the wheels totally came off when Frank Robinson decided to have Donnelly's glove challenged. I don't know what they found, probably pine tar, but Shields was awful in the 8th, getting knocked all over the yard, including a homer to public enemy number one (yes, I've turned on Guillen as quiclkly as he turned on the Shields slider). If I'm Bart, the fist pitch I throw to Guillen tomorrow hits him square in the numbers, asssuming the rumor about him ratting Donnelly out is true.
Man, Frank Robinson's a real dick, isn't he?
Oh well, I can't talk about this one anymore. This is too depressing.
Orlando Cabrera sucks. Man, I can't say it any plainer than that. Guys in my softball league play shortstop better than that.
EDIT: Title update, Roman Moroney style. Ya know, for the kids. And thanks, Rob.
Blogger, WTF?
Question for any of you out there who use Sitemeter:
Do you occasionally get a bunch of hits all of the sudden from other blogspot sites? I mean, like 5-10 in succession, in a short period of time? What's up with that?
In the past hour, I've supposedly received hits from USAMediablog, Fallbrookinstsyle, Vishu8, depression1resources (I know I just turned 32, but I'm not that depressed. yet.), compteachis10, maristarrynight, dermatiteatopica (I thought no one knew about that rash), wordonthestreetis (word on the street is your blog sucks - j/k), omdatikvanmeou (I don't even know what language that is), and lordofthedamned (this one could actually be a real referral). Thanks to each and every one of you. However, I'm guessing these aren't actual people, but rather some random glitch in blogger software that occurs every few days.
So, anybody else getting crap like this? Anyone know why?
Do you occasionally get a bunch of hits all of the sudden from other blogspot sites? I mean, like 5-10 in succession, in a short period of time? What's up with that?
In the past hour, I've supposedly received hits from USAMediablog, Fallbrookinstsyle, Vishu8, depression1resources (I know I just turned 32, but I'm not that depressed. yet.), compteachis10, maristarrynight, dermatiteatopica (I thought no one knew about that rash), wordonthestreetis (word on the street is your blog sucks - j/k), omdatikvanmeou (I don't even know what language that is), and lordofthedamned (this one could actually be a real referral). Thanks to each and every one of you. However, I'm guessing these aren't actual people, but rather some random glitch in blogger software that occurs every few days.
So, anybody else getting crap like this? Anyone know why?
Monday, June 13, 2005
Angels 11; Exponats 1
I'm reminded of a song by one of my favorite bands:
This one was fun to watch, even if you had to watch some of it on TiVo and missed the first three innings (I'll get to that later). Missed the first few runs, but man o man did Dallas crush that pitch. Not too many balls make it up on to that hitters' backdrop, and he flirted with it earlier this season. Nice to see him pop one up there early in his career.
I'm no doctor, but my Bill Frist "Diagnosis by Video for Dummies" training tells me that Vlad is OK. But seriously, don't take my word for it. Check the box score. The only really surprising thing about his day at the plate was the ball he hit out didn't get out by very much. But hey, horseshoes and hand grenades, right?
How bad was this one for the Nationals staff? A Figgins triple, homers by Vlad, D-Mac, and Juan Rivera, and a double by Davanon? That stuff's gonna happen. But you really know you're going bad when you let Kotchman hit one to the outfield.
I can't say I approve of the negative response to the introduction of Guillen. Sure, he's a headcase, but I really think the guy gave it his all on the field for the Angels last year. He played hurt at times, and I think deep down, he just wanted to win, and I don't think the Angels would have won the West without him. However, he also went ballistic over one of the most obvious pinch run situations in the history of baseball, and the way he had swung it over the previous month+, I don't think the Angels would have won the West with him in the lineup over the last week+. I've documented it somewhere else (probably Primer), and I'll see if I can find it again, or maybe I'll redo it this week, but his replacements didn't exactly fall on their faces. And one of them provided a HUGE double (Curtis Pride) that tied the game in the ninth at Texas, a game ultimately won on a Troy Glaus homer.
Lost in the offensive explosion were excellent performances from Paul Byrd, and Steve Yan. Byrd has a tendency to give up runs after he gets them from his offense, so it was nice to see him hold them down while the offense could take off. Steve was unhittable. Great stuff from him. Wouldn't it be great if he could do it when it mattered?
Hey, is it just me, of was Figgins playing WAY too shallow on that double by Wilkerson? The guy has 25 doubles this season. Who the hell was positioning him?
Missed the beginning because I was at the Sox game for seven innings. It was really over after Contreras got knocked all over the yard in the second. Good game to go to if you, like me, don't really care all that much about either team. The heavyweights showed up, with homers by Sean Green, Luis Gonzales, Troy Glaus (about the fifth or sixth I've seen him hit at Commiskey), Frank Thomas, and............Chris Snyder (one of these things is not like the others). He really didn't get hit that hard at first, a few singles just squeaking through, and Jermaine Dye pulling a Garret Anderson on a ball that dropped in shallow right. But before too long, he was getting absolutely pounded. Give him credit, though. He hung in for six innings and saved the bullpen. Weird night for Dye. He loafed on the blooper, got easily doubled up on a ball that Royce Clayton bobbled, but also made a diving catch and a nice catch at the wall.
Date night, as the new girl I'm seeing came out with yours truly, a buddy, and his fiancee to the game. She doesn't mind going to baseball games, so that's a major point in her favor. Although, somewhat inexplicably, she doesn't mind hanging out with me, so I'm gonna have to figure that one out. Next step is to she if can handle a concert.
Bottle yoursHey, I love a good blow out as much as the next guy. I just don't want to see them turn around and end up with about three hits tomorrow. But who am I to complain?
when the rain starts falling
bottle yours
in my heart
bottle yours
This one was fun to watch, even if you had to watch some of it on TiVo and missed the first three innings (I'll get to that later). Missed the first few runs, but man o man did Dallas crush that pitch. Not too many balls make it up on to that hitters' backdrop, and he flirted with it earlier this season. Nice to see him pop one up there early in his career.
I'm no doctor, but my Bill Frist "Diagnosis by Video for Dummies" training tells me that Vlad is OK. But seriously, don't take my word for it. Check the box score. The only really surprising thing about his day at the plate was the ball he hit out didn't get out by very much. But hey, horseshoes and hand grenades, right?
How bad was this one for the Nationals staff? A Figgins triple, homers by Vlad, D-Mac, and Juan Rivera, and a double by Davanon? That stuff's gonna happen. But you really know you're going bad when you let Kotchman hit one to the outfield.
I can't say I approve of the negative response to the introduction of Guillen. Sure, he's a headcase, but I really think the guy gave it his all on the field for the Angels last year. He played hurt at times, and I think deep down, he just wanted to win, and I don't think the Angels would have won the West without him. However, he also went ballistic over one of the most obvious pinch run situations in the history of baseball, and the way he had swung it over the previous month+, I don't think the Angels would have won the West with him in the lineup over the last week+. I've documented it somewhere else (probably Primer), and I'll see if I can find it again, or maybe I'll redo it this week, but his replacements didn't exactly fall on their faces. And one of them provided a HUGE double (Curtis Pride) that tied the game in the ninth at Texas, a game ultimately won on a Troy Glaus homer.
Lost in the offensive explosion were excellent performances from Paul Byrd, and Steve Yan. Byrd has a tendency to give up runs after he gets them from his offense, so it was nice to see him hold them down while the offense could take off. Steve was unhittable. Great stuff from him. Wouldn't it be great if he could do it when it mattered?
Hey, is it just me, of was Figgins playing WAY too shallow on that double by Wilkerson? The guy has 25 doubles this season. Who the hell was positioning him?
Missed the beginning because I was at the Sox game for seven innings. It was really over after Contreras got knocked all over the yard in the second. Good game to go to if you, like me, don't really care all that much about either team. The heavyweights showed up, with homers by Sean Green, Luis Gonzales, Troy Glaus (about the fifth or sixth I've seen him hit at Commiskey), Frank Thomas, and............Chris Snyder (one of these things is not like the others). He really didn't get hit that hard at first, a few singles just squeaking through, and Jermaine Dye pulling a Garret Anderson on a ball that dropped in shallow right. But before too long, he was getting absolutely pounded. Give him credit, though. He hung in for six innings and saved the bullpen. Weird night for Dye. He loafed on the blooper, got easily doubled up on a ball that Royce Clayton bobbled, but also made a diving catch and a nice catch at the wall.
Date night, as the new girl I'm seeing came out with yours truly, a buddy, and his fiancee to the game. She doesn't mind going to baseball games, so that's a major point in her favor. Although, somewhat inexplicably, she doesn't mind hanging out with me, so I'm gonna have to figure that one out. Next step is to she if can handle a concert.
Best. Blog Meme. Ever.
Right here. Damn, that was hilarious. I may take a shot at that one right after I get to that book meme that Fat passed along to me.
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Angels 4; Mets 3
Well, this was a nice surprise after yesterday's giveaway. Pretty much a solid if unspectacular game. The defense was good, the pitching was good, the hitting was timely, and the bullpen did it's job.
Great job by Peralta to come in knowing he was probably only going to face one batter, and get the strikout. You really can't do much better than Shields did. When he has that two seamer going, and he's getting the low strike, he's really good.
It's really easy to be down on Finley after what he did last night, and the two double plays he hit into in his first two at bats didn't make him look any better, but credit where credit's due. That was a huge double he hit. And great at bat by D-Mac to put the ball in play and drive in the tying run. Big enough for me to overlook the big strikeout that came later.
Anyway, not much else to report on this one. They let one get away yesterday, and they won one that, on paper, they probably shouldn't have today. It all evens out. 6-6 on a twelve game trip is fairly respectable, especially against the teams they played. Sure, there were games that they let get away, but that's going to happen, especially on the road. Great trip? No, but it could have been worse.
Great job by Peralta to come in knowing he was probably only going to face one batter, and get the strikout. You really can't do much better than Shields did. When he has that two seamer going, and he's getting the low strike, he's really good.
It's really easy to be down on Finley after what he did last night, and the two double plays he hit into in his first two at bats didn't make him look any better, but credit where credit's due. That was a huge double he hit. And great at bat by D-Mac to put the ball in play and drive in the tying run. Big enough for me to overlook the big strikeout that came later.
Anyway, not much else to report on this one. They let one get away yesterday, and they won one that, on paper, they probably shouldn't have today. It all evens out. 6-6 on a twelve game trip is fairly respectable, especially against the teams they played. Sure, there were games that they let get away, but that's going to happen, especially on the road. Great trip? No, but it could have been worse.
Spoon w/ the Clientele at the Vic, June 11, 2005
I've already covered Spoon here, so I'm not going to rehash everything. But for starters, the Clinetele was not so good. I mean, I guess they were OK, but they were kind of like the Innocence Mission with a guy singer. There are times where I want to listen to the Innocence Mission. Last night was not one of them.
So with that out of the way, let's get to the headliners. Incomplete and out of order set list (except for the first song, Chicago at Night, which they probably always lead off with in Chicago):
Personally, I thought they rocked. And that's with my opinion jaded by two things: 1) the Angels blew two leads in the late innings on lost on a Cliff Floyd homerun (I was checking the wireless web on my phone during the show), and 2) my buddy walked out halfway through because he wasn't enjoying the show, which I thought was a little weird (but it was really hot in there). The latter was mitigated by me taking his spot, from which I could see everything very clearly, compared to the crappy spot I was in before that.
Britt Daniel looked like he was having a pretty good time, and that encouraged the crowd to do the same. Jim Eno was smiling throughout as well, and when the band is having fun, it usually makes for a pretty good show. So despite the Angels thing and the other thing, I give it a thumbs up.
So with that out of the way, let's get to the headliners. Incomplete and out of order set list (except for the first song, Chicago at Night, which they probably always lead off with in Chicago):
- Chicago at Night
- Beast and Dragon Adored
- Two Sides of Monsieur Valentine
- I Turn My Camera On
- My Mathematical Mind
- Delicate Place
- Sister Jack
- I Summon You
- Infinite Pet
- Small Stakes
- Way We Get By
- Jonathan Fisk
- Paper Tiger
- Everything Hits at Once
- Me and the Bean
- Lines in the Suit
- Fitted Shirt
- Anything You Want
- Utilitarian
- Metal Detektor
Personally, I thought they rocked. And that's with my opinion jaded by two things: 1) the Angels blew two leads in the late innings on lost on a Cliff Floyd homerun (I was checking the wireless web on my phone during the show), and 2) my buddy walked out halfway through because he wasn't enjoying the show, which I thought was a little weird (but it was really hot in there). The latter was mitigated by me taking his spot, from which I could see everything very clearly, compared to the crappy spot I was in before that.
Britt Daniel looked like he was having a pretty good time, and that encouraged the crowd to do the same. Jim Eno was smiling throughout as well, and when the band is having fun, it usually makes for a pretty good show. So despite the Angels thing and the other thing, I give it a thumbs up.
Angels 3; Mets 5
Didn't see it. Was at the Spoon show. I'm just going to act like this one never happened, and I suggest you do the same.
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Ivy w/ Astaire at the Double Door - June 9, 2005
This was Ivy's first trip to Chicago since late 2001, when they played the Double Door the same night the Beta Band were playing at the Metro. That was before I was into the Beta Band, so I wasn't disappointed, but looking back, I would like to have seen the Beta Band before they broke up. That night I was practically on the stage, but Thursday, I was pretty much dead center, about 15 feet from the stage, which is a good place to be at the Double Door. It was hot as hell, and I probably lost five pounds just standing there. It was as hot as it was the night we saw the Charlatans and BRMC at the Double Door almost exactly four years ago.
The show started about a half hour later than what was printed on the ticket, which meant I was 15 minutes early instead of 15 minutes late. I'd only heard a few Astaire songs, and they didn't really appeal to me, but they were terrific in person. They only have an EP available, so their set was limited, but I was pretty impressed. The band is made up of brother/sister combo Bruce and Erica Driscoll. Erica picks up where the last slew of bands I saw live left off by being hot. They also included an unexpected version of Shine On from the House of Love, which was pretty cool, since that's from one of my favorite albums (third album down, the Fontana recording). So thumbs up to Astaire.
See, she's hot
Ivy took the stage around 10:30 and played for about an hour and 15 minutes. Mostly stuff from the new album, with some older stuff, including their cover of the Orange Juice song "I Guess I'm Just a Little Too Sensitive". Incomplete and out of order setlist:
Dominique Durand was looking more stunning than ever, and the rest of the guys....well...I wasn't really paying attention to them, because Dominique Durand was on stage.
She's married to the guy over her left shoulder
Although I did notice some of them wearing jackets, and I think Andy Chase was wearing some sort of tweed looking thing with elbow patches. It had to be brutally hot up there.
Anyway, another solid performace, worth the $15, but I could have done without the extra $11 tacked on by ticketbastard. I need to start a) deciding to go to these things a little sooner, and b) getting motivated to buy tickets at the box office. Now that my office is closer to the blue line, I'll have to start buying Double Door tickets on my lunch break again.
Tonight, the babes on stage concert series comes to an end with the Spoon show, unless you're a chick and you think Britt Daniel is attractive, which would certainly be a legitimate opinion. Dude seems pretty cool in interviews, and he writes a mean rock song. Review of that show forthcoming.
Babe? I don't know. I don't swing that way.
The show started about a half hour later than what was printed on the ticket, which meant I was 15 minutes early instead of 15 minutes late. I'd only heard a few Astaire songs, and they didn't really appeal to me, but they were terrific in person. They only have an EP available, so their set was limited, but I was pretty impressed. The band is made up of brother/sister combo Bruce and Erica Driscoll. Erica picks up where the last slew of bands I saw live left off by being hot. They also included an unexpected version of Shine On from the House of Love, which was pretty cool, since that's from one of my favorite albums (third album down, the Fontana recording). So thumbs up to Astaire.
See, she's hot
Ivy took the stage around 10:30 and played for about an hour and 15 minutes. Mostly stuff from the new album, with some older stuff, including their cover of the Orange Juice song "I Guess I'm Just a Little Too Sensitive". Incomplete and out of order setlist:
- Thinking About You
- Keep Moving
- Tess Don't Tell
- Four in the Morning
- Corners of Your Mind
- I've Got You Memorized (I'm pretty sure)
- This is the Day
- Ba Ba Ba
- Get out of the City
- These Are the Things About You (once again, I'm pretty sure)
- Get Enough
Dominique Durand was looking more stunning than ever, and the rest of the guys....well...I wasn't really paying attention to them, because Dominique Durand was on stage.
She's married to the guy over her left shoulder
Although I did notice some of them wearing jackets, and I think Andy Chase was wearing some sort of tweed looking thing with elbow patches. It had to be brutally hot up there.
Anyway, another solid performace, worth the $15, but I could have done without the extra $11 tacked on by ticketbastard. I need to start a) deciding to go to these things a little sooner, and b) getting motivated to buy tickets at the box office. Now that my office is closer to the blue line, I'll have to start buying Double Door tickets on my lunch break again.
Tonight, the babes on stage concert series comes to an end with the Spoon show, unless you're a chick and you think Britt Daniel is attractive, which would certainly be a legitimate opinion. Dude seems pretty cool in interviews, and he writes a mean rock song. Review of that show forthcoming.
Babe? I don't know. I don't swing that way.
Friday, June 10, 2005
Angels 12; Mets 2
Tonight we experiment at L.A. Seitz of Chicago. Tonight's entry is being written while I'm both drunk, and suffering from the world's worst toothache.
Anyway, another solid effort from Bart. Man, that dude has been throwing a ton of strikes lately. His strike to ball ratio has been off the charts.
Nice to see them get to Ishii, who is just the type of pitcher that kills the Angels. A wild pitcher against a team that swings at everything is a bad combination. Fortunately, Legs showed some patience, drew a walk, and the floodgates opened. I'm not gonna look it up, but this makes a couple of game in which the predominantly left-handed lineup has done some serious damage against a left-handed pitcher.
Joel Peralta, big leaguer. Get used to it. That guy is here to stay. Hey, remember that Kevin Gregg guy? I don't.
Kelvim to the DL. Good call. Hopefully they'll make the next good call and make him have the surgery.
Anyway, I'm falling behind. I still have the Ivy concert review to write, the book thing that the Fatman is making do, and the Spoon review after tomorrow's show. Lots 'o work to do.
Anyway, another solid effort from Bart. Man, that dude has been throwing a ton of strikes lately. His strike to ball ratio has been off the charts.
Nice to see them get to Ishii, who is just the type of pitcher that kills the Angels. A wild pitcher against a team that swings at everything is a bad combination. Fortunately, Legs showed some patience, drew a walk, and the floodgates opened. I'm not gonna look it up, but this makes a couple of game in which the predominantly left-handed lineup has done some serious damage against a left-handed pitcher.
Joel Peralta, big leaguer. Get used to it. That guy is here to stay. Hey, remember that Kevin Gregg guy? I don't.
Kelvim to the DL. Good call. Hopefully they'll make the next good call and make him have the surgery.
Anyway, I'm falling behind. I still have the Ivy concert review to write, the book thing that the Fatman is making do, and the Spoon review after tomorrow's show. Lots 'o work to do.
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Angels 8; Braves 4
Couple of things to cover tonight, on what would normally be a happy occasion (and I guess still is, to some extent):
1) Let's stop the nonsense with Escobar. DL him, cut him open, fix it, and let him heal correctly. This two starts on, three starts off thing is getting ridiculous. It's pretty clear that the guy simply isn't right. He obviously did something in the fourth inning. You could tell when threw about 12 straight pitches under 90 mph. He finally realized that he couldn't get by on the splitter alone any longer and had to throw something hard. They have two guys capable of stepping into the rotation in Santana and Bootcheck. Give one of them the job for now and protect the investment before Escobar really shreds something in his elbow.
2) It's time to get rid of the illusion that Bengie Molina is a good defensive catcher. The guy can't catch the ball, which is a pretty important skill for a catcher to possess. I've never seen a gold glove catcher NOT catch so many pitches. It's not about his lack of speed. It's like he caught lackadasickitis from Garret Anderson. I'm not saying they should take him out of the lineup, because he's hitting right now. But let's just quit with the good defense thing.
3) Can anyone on this team play solid defense in right field? Or rather, can anyone who has a chance of being put in right field actually play solid defense in right field? Figgins? Nope. Davanon? I've followed his nose, and it says no (then again, he looks shaky in every outfield position, but usually makes the catch). Rivera? Not sold. Seriously, I love Vlad, but when he is the best defensive option you have in right field, well, let's just be happy that he's also the best offensive option in right field, too.
Great effort by the bullpen again, and Donnelly almost got himself a knock, and just may have if they weren't playing him up the middle. Something scares me about Frankie when he gets three fly ball outs. Oh well, it will pass.
Dallas is starting to hit, and it's at just the right time. It's coinciding with GA's resurgence, and Kennedy as well. Let's not forget that two of those guys are about a month behind everyone else. The offense is back to the point where I no longer consider the game a lost cause as soon as the Angels get behind. Or maybe I'm just in a better mood lately.
Kotchman actually hit a couple out of the infield, but foul. Baby steps, Casey. Baby steps.
Good win. Now let's go to New York and get back to .500 on the trip. Then Vlad comes back, things start to click, and the Angels will re-establish themselves in their rightful place atop the division stay (I hope).
1) Let's stop the nonsense with Escobar. DL him, cut him open, fix it, and let him heal correctly. This two starts on, three starts off thing is getting ridiculous. It's pretty clear that the guy simply isn't right. He obviously did something in the fourth inning. You could tell when threw about 12 straight pitches under 90 mph. He finally realized that he couldn't get by on the splitter alone any longer and had to throw something hard. They have two guys capable of stepping into the rotation in Santana and Bootcheck. Give one of them the job for now and protect the investment before Escobar really shreds something in his elbow.
2) It's time to get rid of the illusion that Bengie Molina is a good defensive catcher. The guy can't catch the ball, which is a pretty important skill for a catcher to possess. I've never seen a gold glove catcher NOT catch so many pitches. It's not about his lack of speed. It's like he caught lackadasickitis from Garret Anderson. I'm not saying they should take him out of the lineup, because he's hitting right now. But let's just quit with the good defense thing.
3) Can anyone on this team play solid defense in right field? Or rather, can anyone who has a chance of being put in right field actually play solid defense in right field? Figgins? Nope. Davanon? I've followed his nose, and it says no (then again, he looks shaky in every outfield position, but usually makes the catch). Rivera? Not sold. Seriously, I love Vlad, but when he is the best defensive option you have in right field, well, let's just be happy that he's also the best offensive option in right field, too.
Great effort by the bullpen again, and Donnelly almost got himself a knock, and just may have if they weren't playing him up the middle. Something scares me about Frankie when he gets three fly ball outs. Oh well, it will pass.
Dallas is starting to hit, and it's at just the right time. It's coinciding with GA's resurgence, and Kennedy as well. Let's not forget that two of those guys are about a month behind everyone else. The offense is back to the point where I no longer consider the game a lost cause as soon as the Angels get behind. Or maybe I'm just in a better mood lately.
Kotchman actually hit a couple out of the infield, but foul. Baby steps, Casey. Baby steps.
Good win. Now let's go to New York and get back to .500 on the trip. Then Vlad comes back, things start to click, and the Angels will re-establish themselves in their rightful place atop the division stay (I hope).
Braves 3; Angels 2
Well, according to Rob, nothing much happened. I had a bad feeling about the offense in this one for some reason, and sure enough, they didn't come through. Honestly, I only saw probably the first three innings. The weekend, the red-eye, and the lack of sleep caught up with me, and I passed out about 7:30 CDT, and missed pretty much the whole thing. I woke up with the game over, and the TiVo tuned to the Discovery Channel to record Deadliest Catch.
Once again, I shirk my responsibility to you, the reader. I offer my apologies. Feel free to provide your own recap in the comments.
Once again, I shirk my responsibility to you, the reader. I offer my apologies. Feel free to provide your own recap in the comments.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Ryan Tucker
Right handed pitcher out of Temple City High School was drafted 34th by the Marlins. I think that's the highest that TC has ever had a player drafted. Good luck, Ryan, and go Rams!
And while I'm on the subject, am I the only one who thinks it's weird that the Angels used two of their first three picks on middle infielders?
And while I'm on the subject, am I the only one who thinks it's weird that the Angels used two of their first three picks on middle infielders?
Angels 4; Braves 2
I know, this is late, but I just got into the office after taking the red-eye last night. Didn't really have time to recap because I was packing and what not.
Another strong start from Lackey, who finally looks like he's putting it all together. We've been waiting for this for a couple of years now, and it's great to finally see it happening. One mistake to LaRoche, which he paid for, but he didn't get rattled, and he got them through six and to the bullpen. This is how it's supposed to work; six strong from the starter, one from Donnelly, one from Shields, one from Frankie. Perfect. It's like when you make par by hitting it in the fairway, on the green, and a routine two putt.
The Erstad play: First, what is Roenicke smoking this season? How many crappy decisions has he made sending runners from third. Erstad was out by a mile, but for the collision. And what a collision it was. There can't really be any way to prepare for that if you're Estrada. He was just full on drilled, and poor guy, he almost held on. Smart play by Erstad though. He still has that football player mentality.
Angels got screwed on the close play at second where the throw pulled Giles off the bag (I think it was Giles at second). Note to the second base ump - once the runner hits the bag, it's no longer a force. If he comes off the bag, they have to tag him.
Good start to the trip. It's sad to think they have to win both of the remaining series to go .500 on the trip, but I'd sure take that right now. Vlad's starting to do some things on the side, so if they can tread water until he's back, they should be set up to make a run. And Dallas seems to be getting more comfortable at the plate. What he's done to this point doesn't matter. All that matters is what he does from here on in. And is it just me, or does he, for a power hitter, hit a lot soft line drives? A lot of them drop in, but I still think it's weird.
Another strong start from Lackey, who finally looks like he's putting it all together. We've been waiting for this for a couple of years now, and it's great to finally see it happening. One mistake to LaRoche, which he paid for, but he didn't get rattled, and he got them through six and to the bullpen. This is how it's supposed to work; six strong from the starter, one from Donnelly, one from Shields, one from Frankie. Perfect. It's like when you make par by hitting it in the fairway, on the green, and a routine two putt.
The Erstad play: First, what is Roenicke smoking this season? How many crappy decisions has he made sending runners from third. Erstad was out by a mile, but for the collision. And what a collision it was. There can't really be any way to prepare for that if you're Estrada. He was just full on drilled, and poor guy, he almost held on. Smart play by Erstad though. He still has that football player mentality.
Angels got screwed on the close play at second where the throw pulled Giles off the bag (I think it was Giles at second). Note to the second base ump - once the runner hits the bag, it's no longer a force. If he comes off the bag, they have to tag him.
Good start to the trip. It's sad to think they have to win both of the remaining series to go .500 on the trip, but I'd sure take that right now. Vlad's starting to do some things on the side, so if they can tread water until he's back, they should be set up to make a run. And Dallas seems to be getting more comfortable at the plate. What he's done to this point doesn't matter. All that matters is what he does from here on in. And is it just me, or does he, for a power hitter, hit a lot soft line drives? A lot of them drop in, but I still think it's weird.
Monday, June 06, 2005
My round with TJ
Missed the game today, but from what I understand, the Angels were undone by the bullpen again. At least this time it was by the guys who are supposed to screw up. 2-4, not a promising start to the road trip.
I missed the game because I was playing in The Guardians' "Swing Fore the Home" charity golf tournament. The Guardians is a charity that raises money for the Jewish Home for the Aging. I was invited to play by LA Times columnist, T.J. Simers, for reasons that really don't need to be rehashed at this point. It's all in the posts below, complete with links to the relevant columns.
The day started with registration and collections of "goody bags", in this case, they consisted of very nice Adidas athletic bags, a couple of pairs of socks, a visor, and $50 to spend at the Nike merchndise booth by the first tee. They had all kinds of shoes and shirts, but I spent the money on a dozen balls and a new glove. I already get much better shoes (Footjoy Classics) at cost from the course at which I used to work. Also along the way, we collected samples of Pravda Vodka, and Corazon Tequila, which is very tasty Tequila. Having never gotten sick on Tequila, I still like to drink it.
Before teeing off, we did a segment on the radio show he does with his daughter, Tracy, on Sunday mornings. She was the reason we were there, and she was a lot of fun to hang out with the night before. Very funny and personable, especially for a domer. The first bachelor (at this point, if you're confused, you really need to go back and read the previous posts and columns) was a Dodgers fan, and he was asked his opinion on the McCourts. TJ got him to do a complete 180 on his answer before he was finished. Bachelor number two fielded a Shaq/Kobe question, and a 'no more beer at $C' question. I took a question on the Angels name change (I don't care, but I don't like Anaheim, so I'm sorta for it), and a question on Moreno, which ended with me complaining about the length of the Cabrera signing, what with all of the middle infield talent in the pipeline. It was pretty casual, and a nerve wracking, yet enjoyable experience.
Simers is almost universally despised by most commenters over at BTF, but I've always liked his stuff. He's just as irreverent and funny in person, and he's very quick. He never misses an opportunity to needle you about something. I ended up riding in the same cart with him all day, so we had a lot of good exchanges. He's very sarcastic, and he loves to make fun of people, so if you're sensitive, you're going to hate him, but if you roll with it, and give back, he's a fun guy to be around. And he seems to appreciate a quick wit, and I got the sense that he respects people with the stones to give as good as they get. One of the things we joked about was the way I mark my golf balls for identification (a common practice among most semi-serious goflers, and all serious golfers). For years, I've marked the space above the logo with a small '26'. He was determined to find out why*, but it took him a good 12-13 holes to get it out of me, and led to some pretty good back and forth as he pressed for an answer, while I dodged and weaved.
We shot 10 under (it was a scramble). That probably had us in the top ten, but not in the money (or Vodka, as it were). I didn't hit the ball as well as I did Friday, but I acquitted myself fairly well. One of the other guys was pretty good, and the other, well, let's just say he wasn't. By far the best aspect of the tournament was the free In-N-Out from the truck they brought on-site. For those that don't know, In-N-Out has some mobile units that go to special events or occasionally schools, where they cook up Double Doubles that taste as good as they do from a regular restaurant. I treated myself to a Double Double and a cheeseburger before I was done. Let's face it, In-N-Out is the real reason I keep coming home to visit. It is the greatest chain fast food burger in existence. There can be no argument over this.
All in all it was a great experience, and I'm glad I did it (despite the fact that Malibu Country Club is nothing to write home about). Met some great people, had a great time, played some golf, got some free stuff. Even saw Shannen Doherty in the pro shop after the tournament, as she was heading out to play (the place is public, but it must have some private memberships). The Guardians put on a first class event, and we were treated very well. All of the people we met in association with the tournament were first rate. And boy oh boy, do they have some money. When I rolled up in a Honda Civic, I think they thought I was the help.
So all in all, great event, great people, didn't get married, but got to come home for a couple of days. And I had another brush with media mediocreness.
*I do it in honor of the greatest European player in the history of the NHL, Peter Stastny.
I missed the game because I was playing in The Guardians' "Swing Fore the Home" charity golf tournament. The Guardians is a charity that raises money for the Jewish Home for the Aging. I was invited to play by LA Times columnist, T.J. Simers, for reasons that really don't need to be rehashed at this point. It's all in the posts below, complete with links to the relevant columns.
The day started with registration and collections of "goody bags", in this case, they consisted of very nice Adidas athletic bags, a couple of pairs of socks, a visor, and $50 to spend at the Nike merchndise booth by the first tee. They had all kinds of shoes and shirts, but I spent the money on a dozen balls and a new glove. I already get much better shoes (Footjoy Classics) at cost from the course at which I used to work. Also along the way, we collected samples of Pravda Vodka, and Corazon Tequila, which is very tasty Tequila. Having never gotten sick on Tequila, I still like to drink it.
Before teeing off, we did a segment on the radio show he does with his daughter, Tracy, on Sunday mornings. She was the reason we were there, and she was a lot of fun to hang out with the night before. Very funny and personable, especially for a domer. The first bachelor (at this point, if you're confused, you really need to go back and read the previous posts and columns) was a Dodgers fan, and he was asked his opinion on the McCourts. TJ got him to do a complete 180 on his answer before he was finished. Bachelor number two fielded a Shaq/Kobe question, and a 'no more beer at $C' question. I took a question on the Angels name change (I don't care, but I don't like Anaheim, so I'm sorta for it), and a question on Moreno, which ended with me complaining about the length of the Cabrera signing, what with all of the middle infield talent in the pipeline. It was pretty casual, and a nerve wracking, yet enjoyable experience.
Simers is almost universally despised by most commenters over at BTF, but I've always liked his stuff. He's just as irreverent and funny in person, and he's very quick. He never misses an opportunity to needle you about something. I ended up riding in the same cart with him all day, so we had a lot of good exchanges. He's very sarcastic, and he loves to make fun of people, so if you're sensitive, you're going to hate him, but if you roll with it, and give back, he's a fun guy to be around. And he seems to appreciate a quick wit, and I got the sense that he respects people with the stones to give as good as they get. One of the things we joked about was the way I mark my golf balls for identification (a common practice among most semi-serious goflers, and all serious golfers). For years, I've marked the space above the logo with a small '26'. He was determined to find out why*, but it took him a good 12-13 holes to get it out of me, and led to some pretty good back and forth as he pressed for an answer, while I dodged and weaved.
We shot 10 under (it was a scramble). That probably had us in the top ten, but not in the money (or Vodka, as it were). I didn't hit the ball as well as I did Friday, but I acquitted myself fairly well. One of the other guys was pretty good, and the other, well, let's just say he wasn't. By far the best aspect of the tournament was the free In-N-Out from the truck they brought on-site. For those that don't know, In-N-Out has some mobile units that go to special events or occasionally schools, where they cook up Double Doubles that taste as good as they do from a regular restaurant. I treated myself to a Double Double and a cheeseburger before I was done. Let's face it, In-N-Out is the real reason I keep coming home to visit. It is the greatest chain fast food burger in existence. There can be no argument over this.
All in all it was a great experience, and I'm glad I did it (despite the fact that Malibu Country Club is nothing to write home about). Met some great people, had a great time, played some golf, got some free stuff. Even saw Shannen Doherty in the pro shop after the tournament, as she was heading out to play (the place is public, but it must have some private memberships). The Guardians put on a first class event, and we were treated very well. All of the people we met in association with the tournament were first rate. And boy oh boy, do they have some money. When I rolled up in a Honda Civic, I think they thought I was the help.
So all in all, great event, great people, didn't get married, but got to come home for a couple of days. And I had another brush with media mediocreness.
*I do it in honor of the greatest European player in the history of the NHL, Peter Stastny.
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Angels 13; Red Sox 6
Colon and the Angels took a little trip down memory lane today. His 11 strike outs reminded of the days when he was a dominant strike out pitcher. His five runs allowed over six innings, and his large run support reminded of last year, when he somehow won 18 games with an ERA over 5. The Angels remembered what it was like to actually win a game in Fenway park. The Angels pounded out 13 runs on 17 hits, and just demolished the Sox bullpen, tagging the relievers for 11 runs in three innings.
Congratulations to Garret Anderson, who passed Tim Salmon for the all time Angels lead in runs driven in. That's two Salmon records he's broken this season. He also missed the cycle by a double. He seems to be regaining his power stroke a bit, and he's hitting over .300. Figgins went deep for the second time in as many games, and D-Mac chipped in with a single and a run scored. I'm still looking for any little bit of production from him. Even in a 1-5 game, I think the hit helps build his confidence, and when he starts swinging the bat a little more consistently, he's going to be a force.
This game was long. Very long. And it's length seemed to make me more exhausted. Honestly, it's almost 2:00 am Chicago time (which I'm still on), and since about 6:00 am Chicago time yesterday, I've had about two hours of real sleep, plus the winks I got on the flight. I'm on fumes at this point.
Had dinner with T.J. Simers and his daughter, and the two other guys that are playing golf with us tomorrow. Talk about a small world, one of the guys is also a UC Riverside grad. Not only that, he's a Phi Delt, and played on their hockey team. He was probably one of the two or three players that we hated the most in those days. Of course, that's all water under the bridge now, but it was spooky when I found out. And I'm serious, we hated this guy. We had a pretty nice evening all told, and TJ picked up the tab at McCormick and Schmicks. I had the Halibut. Honestly, I've become a seafood snob. When it comes to Halibut or Salmon, I refuse to eat it unless it's wild Alaskan fish. That's what happens when your brother and his family move to Anchorage, and you read about the evils of salmon farming.
Tomorrow's game is a day game, so I won't be providing a recap. Hopefully something interesting will happen at the golf tournament, and I'll write about that. I tried not to oversell myself tonight, so hopefully I'll be striking the ball like I did yesterday. I'd actually like to win this thing (it's a scramble, so thankfully, the other guys get to putt, too).
Congratulations to Garret Anderson, who passed Tim Salmon for the all time Angels lead in runs driven in. That's two Salmon records he's broken this season. He also missed the cycle by a double. He seems to be regaining his power stroke a bit, and he's hitting over .300. Figgins went deep for the second time in as many games, and D-Mac chipped in with a single and a run scored. I'm still looking for any little bit of production from him. Even in a 1-5 game, I think the hit helps build his confidence, and when he starts swinging the bat a little more consistently, he's going to be a force.
This game was long. Very long. And it's length seemed to make me more exhausted. Honestly, it's almost 2:00 am Chicago time (which I'm still on), and since about 6:00 am Chicago time yesterday, I've had about two hours of real sleep, plus the winks I got on the flight. I'm on fumes at this point.
Had dinner with T.J. Simers and his daughter, and the two other guys that are playing golf with us tomorrow. Talk about a small world, one of the guys is also a UC Riverside grad. Not only that, he's a Phi Delt, and played on their hockey team. He was probably one of the two or three players that we hated the most in those days. Of course, that's all water under the bridge now, but it was spooky when I found out. And I'm serious, we hated this guy. We had a pretty nice evening all told, and TJ picked up the tab at McCormick and Schmicks. I had the Halibut. Honestly, I've become a seafood snob. When it comes to Halibut or Salmon, I refuse to eat it unless it's wild Alaskan fish. That's what happens when your brother and his family move to Anchorage, and you read about the evils of salmon farming.
Tomorrow's game is a day game, so I won't be providing a recap. Hopefully something interesting will happen at the golf tournament, and I'll write about that. I tried not to oversell myself tonight, so hopefully I'll be striking the ball like I did yesterday. I'd actually like to win this thing (it's a scramble, so thankfully, the other guys get to putt, too).
Friday, June 03, 2005
Red Sox 7; Angels 4
Not much to say about this one. Actually, I only saw the bad parts. Donnelly has simply been awful of late, and he hasn't been tremendous all season. Shields looks a little overworked. The Red Sox have excellent plate discipline, and the fact of the matter is, if they aren't getting calls, they're going to get scored upon, because they're gonna be walking guys. That's what happened tonight.
I can only assume Escobar pitched well. I did see a hilight of a Johnny Damon line-out with the bases juiced, so apparently he was in trouble in at least one inning. I also saw a highlight of a Figgins homer. May have been his first as a righty this season, but I don't have time to check.
That's right, I'm shirking my responsibility to you, the reader. I hate to do it, especially after a couple of the largest traffic days in this blog's history (thanks to Matt and Scotto), but circumstances warranted that I miss much of the game. A friend of mine was in Indianapolis for the weekend, so me and a couple of guys drove the two hours down to West Lafayette to join him for 36 at Coyote Crossing. Great golf course. I won't bore you with the details, but I struck the ball very well, and could not putt for crap. 81 on the first round from the tips (6,800 yards) after bogeying 17 and doubling 18. The less said about the second round, the better. Suffice to say, I had about 30 putts on the front nine. Can't complain, though, as I took home the most cash. 22 greens in reg over the course of the two rounds (trust me, that's not bad), which tells me I need to hit the putting green. Anyway, we didn't get back until fairly late, and the traffic to my apartment from the West Loop was horrendous thanks to the Q101 festival (which I attended a couple of years ago when the Flaming Lips and Violent Femmes were playing).
Alright, I lied. Apparently I will bore you with the details.
Tomorrow's game I'll actually see, because it's a day game. Also, I'll be in LA. I leave tomorrow morning at about 6:20 am Chicago time, so I'll be in my parents' den in time for the first pitch. Why will I be in LA, you ask? I'll be playing golf on Sunday with LA Times sports columnist T.J. Simers. If you read his columns, and chances are you don't, you'll know what I'm talking about. Assuming you don't, you can check his column from a couple of weeks ago and draw your own conclusion. I make no apologies for my behavior, but keep in mind, it's also my parents' 40th wedding anniversary, so it was a good excuse to go home. And my mother put me up to it. Of course, that means that I'll probably miss Sunday's game, so you probably won't be treated to a recap. You may, however be treated to a recap of my round with T.J. I can tell how excited you are.
I can only assume Escobar pitched well. I did see a hilight of a Johnny Damon line-out with the bases juiced, so apparently he was in trouble in at least one inning. I also saw a highlight of a Figgins homer. May have been his first as a righty this season, but I don't have time to check.
That's right, I'm shirking my responsibility to you, the reader. I hate to do it, especially after a couple of the largest traffic days in this blog's history (thanks to Matt and Scotto), but circumstances warranted that I miss much of the game. A friend of mine was in Indianapolis for the weekend, so me and a couple of guys drove the two hours down to West Lafayette to join him for 36 at Coyote Crossing. Great golf course. I won't bore you with the details, but I struck the ball very well, and could not putt for crap. 81 on the first round from the tips (6,800 yards) after bogeying 17 and doubling 18. The less said about the second round, the better. Suffice to say, I had about 30 putts on the front nine. Can't complain, though, as I took home the most cash. 22 greens in reg over the course of the two rounds (trust me, that's not bad), which tells me I need to hit the putting green. Anyway, we didn't get back until fairly late, and the traffic to my apartment from the West Loop was horrendous thanks to the Q101 festival (which I attended a couple of years ago when the Flaming Lips and Violent Femmes were playing).
Alright, I lied. Apparently I will bore you with the details.
Tomorrow's game I'll actually see, because it's a day game. Also, I'll be in LA. I leave tomorrow morning at about 6:20 am Chicago time, so I'll be in my parents' den in time for the first pitch. Why will I be in LA, you ask? I'll be playing golf on Sunday with LA Times sports columnist T.J. Simers. If you read his columns, and chances are you don't, you'll know what I'm talking about. Assuming you don't, you can check his column from a couple of weeks ago and draw your own conclusion. I make no apologies for my behavior, but keep in mind, it's also my parents' 40th wedding anniversary, so it was a good excuse to go home. And my mother put me up to it. Of course, that means that I'll probably miss Sunday's game, so you probably won't be treated to a recap. You may, however be treated to a recap of my round with T.J. I can tell how excited you are.
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Christ! How did I miss this?!
Pitchfork is reporting that the Stone Roses are thismuch closer to reforming. This is huge. You may not realize it now, but someday, you will understand just how big this is. The band responsible for producing the finest album in the history of recorded music (and a disappointing follow up) may get back together. According the news item, Ian Brown, Mani, and Reni were reported taking in a show together. But that's not the big news. Mani and Reni are neutral players in this. Even the Ian Brown aspect isn't surprising, as he has been dropping Roses songs into his solo sets. The big news is this:
I'm not gonna lie. I'd shell out about $500 to see a reunion show. It would be that big of a deal for me. I have never heard an album that comes anywhere close to being as completely fucking mindblowingly good as the first Roses album. There's not a bad note on the entire disc. And it's not just that album. It's the whole creative period. You could put together two albums from the B-sides and other non-album tracks from their late '80/early '90s period and they would both end up in my personal top ten. If I considered Turns Into Stone and the Complete Stone Roses proper albums, they would be two of the ten best I've ever heard (to be fair, I don't consider Hatful of Hollow, Louder Than Bombs, or Outspaced proper albums either). To produce material like "Sally Cinammon", "Here it Comes", "Going Down", "Where Angels Play", "Standing Here", and of course, "Mersey Paradise", which is as good as any of their best album tracks, is simply incredible. And of course, they've created the greatest song ever written about ten car pile-up.
I'll leave you with some Squire art.
Double Dorsal (Fools Gold single)
Love is the Law (Seahorses single of the same name)
Waterfall (Single of same name)
Bye Bye Badman (Used on cover of first album)
a most surprising admission has come from guitarist John Squire, who recently told Time Out that "the plan is to make a ferocious guitar record on my own. And then to put the Roses back together."Now, anyone who has listened to "I am the Resurrection", most of the stuff from Second Coming, and "Love is the Law" from the Seahorses album knows that guitar Jesus, John Squire, is emminently qualified to write a ferocious guitar record. His last effort wasn't too bad, but it's pretty clear he's not a singer (although he is a pretty bitchin' artist). But the fact that he envisions a Roses reunion sometime down the line is nothing short of remarkable. I don't want to copy the whole story, but suffice to say these comments:
Squire referred to ex-frontman Ian Brown as a "tuneless knob" and a "paranoid mess."aren't exactly shocking given the amount of bridge that been burned over the last ten years.
I'm not gonna lie. I'd shell out about $500 to see a reunion show. It would be that big of a deal for me. I have never heard an album that comes anywhere close to being as completely fucking mindblowingly good as the first Roses album. There's not a bad note on the entire disc. And it's not just that album. It's the whole creative period. You could put together two albums from the B-sides and other non-album tracks from their late '80/early '90s period and they would both end up in my personal top ten. If I considered Turns Into Stone and the Complete Stone Roses proper albums, they would be two of the ten best I've ever heard (to be fair, I don't consider Hatful of Hollow, Louder Than Bombs, or Outspaced proper albums either). To produce material like "Sally Cinammon", "Here it Comes", "Going Down", "Where Angels Play", "Standing Here", and of course, "Mersey Paradise", which is as good as any of their best album tracks, is simply incredible. And of course, they've created the greatest song ever written about ten car pile-up.
I'm standing warm against the coldAnyway, if you've listened to this album, chances are you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, then for God's sake, get out there and find a way to listen to it. If you've listened to it and it didn't grab you, well then, I...I'm sorry, but there's just no hope for you.
Now that the flames have taken hold
At least you left your life in style
And for as far I can see
Ten twisted grills grin back at me
Bad money dies I love the scene
Sometimes I fantasise
When the streets are cold and lonely
And the cars they burn below me
Don't these times fill your eyes
When the streets are cold and lonely
And the cars they burn below me
Are you all alone
Is anybody home?
I'll leave you with some Squire art.
Double Dorsal (Fools Gold single)
Love is the Law (Seahorses single of the same name)
Waterfall (Single of same name)
Bye Bye Badman (Used on cover of first album)
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Angels 10; White Sox 7
My theory is that Frankie was a little upset that he wouldn't be pitching in a save situation, and decided to make things interesting. REALLY interesting. I would admit to my heart sinking when Uribe hit the long foul ball that almost won the game, but the fact is, I'd resigned myself to seeing them lose in dramatic fashion to the Sox AGAIN (see yesterday's post). The final out was a nice surprise.
Dallas is really starting to swing the bat well. 2 more hits tonight, and a walk, 3 runs, and 3 RBI. Nice production. And he really launched that homer. I rarely see balls hit that far to center field at the Cell. Any time you get two hits out of each of McPherson, Finley, and Cabrera, it's really a game you have to win.
At this rate, I'm picking sometime around mid-August before Kotchman gets one out of the infield. No joke, in the seventh inning, I told my buddy that the Sox were stupid to pitch to Molina, because Kotch was a guaranteed double play. Instead, they pitched to Molina, he ripped a two run single, and Kotch followed by hitting into a double play. Oh well, anytime the opposing manager outdumbs the Angels, it's fine by me.
Not as many insults tonight, but the crowd was smaller. Special thanks to the drunk lady who got off the Red Line at the North and Clybourn stop, then walked back over to the door by which I was standing, prompted me to remove my headphones (was listening to some Teenage Fanclub) just to tell me that "Anaheim sucks". I agree, Anaheim sucks.
Shields looked very sharp in the 8th, which was good to see. Note to Donnelly, you can't go to your mouth while on the mound. Three or four more automatic balls and he might figure it out. Interesting note, the scoreboard registered that as a pitch on their pitch count counter. I guess it technically has to be, but if I'm watching that to see how tired a guy is getting, it seems kind of stupid.
Much needed day off. Boston isn't scaring anyone right now, so let's go get a couple in Beantown and hope Texas takes tonights loss to the Tigers really hard.
Dallas is really starting to swing the bat well. 2 more hits tonight, and a walk, 3 runs, and 3 RBI. Nice production. And he really launched that homer. I rarely see balls hit that far to center field at the Cell. Any time you get two hits out of each of McPherson, Finley, and Cabrera, it's really a game you have to win.
At this rate, I'm picking sometime around mid-August before Kotchman gets one out of the infield. No joke, in the seventh inning, I told my buddy that the Sox were stupid to pitch to Molina, because Kotch was a guaranteed double play. Instead, they pitched to Molina, he ripped a two run single, and Kotch followed by hitting into a double play. Oh well, anytime the opposing manager outdumbs the Angels, it's fine by me.
Not as many insults tonight, but the crowd was smaller. Special thanks to the drunk lady who got off the Red Line at the North and Clybourn stop, then walked back over to the door by which I was standing, prompted me to remove my headphones (was listening to some Teenage Fanclub) just to tell me that "Anaheim sucks". I agree, Anaheim sucks.
Shields looked very sharp in the 8th, which was good to see. Note to Donnelly, you can't go to your mouth while on the mound. Three or four more automatic balls and he might figure it out. Interesting note, the scoreboard registered that as a pitch on their pitch count counter. I guess it technically has to be, but if I'm watching that to see how tired a guy is getting, it seems kind of stupid.
Much needed day off. Boston isn't scaring anyone right now, so let's go get a couple in Beantown and hope Texas takes tonights loss to the Tigers really hard.
Mr. or Ms. 1,000
Congrats to the visitor who uses something called "wideopenwest.com" as their ISP. You were the 1,000th visitor to the site. At least, you were the 1,000th visitor since I got that site-tracker thingy about a month ago when I re-started this thing. Of course, about 300 of those were probably me, so take that for what it's worth.
Yay.
Yay.
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
White Sox 5; Angels 4
Ugh. Ya know, I've been to probably 10-15 Angels games in the six and half years I've lived in Illinois (a couple while making the two hour drive from Champaign), and I think the Angels have won two in that time. And they don't even have the decency to lose big. Well, except for that time that Ken Hill pitched. Seriously, I would prefer a 10-0 loss, where most of the crowd (including me) exits early, and everyone is pretty docile. But no. They have to keep playing close games that end with the White Sox winning in their final at bat, with drunk fans all charged up. Or games in which they're way ahead, and the White Sox stage an impossible comeback to win in what should have be their penultimate at bat. Of course, neither of those were as embarrassing as the time I saw them lose to a guy with a pitching arm that was hanging by a thread. That means the long walk out of the stadium is filled with drunken shouts of "Angels suck!" and "Percival sucks". No violence, though. I mean, what do you think this is, Dodger Stadium?
Lackey looked pretty OK, and shook off some trouble in the first inning. Really couldn't tell from out seats whether Figgins should have had a play on the Iguchi triple, but seeing how he judges fly balls in right, I'll say he should have had a play. You could tell that he took just an awful route. Once again, the offense chipped away, only to have it torn apart by lousy defense. Oy. That misplay by Figgins on the Everett "double" was the worst play I've EVER seen by a major league outfielder (hell, at least Canseco judged it well enough to have it hit him in the head) and how it went as a double is beyond me. Do we expect that little of a major league outfielder that we've determined a batter deserves a hit on a routine fly ball that gets completely botched?
Nice to see GA starting to swing the bat a little bit. Dallas didn't look bad, although for a power guy, he hits more soft liners than anyone I can remember. Kotchman, well, pretty much what we saw last year. Won't strike out, but won't hit it very hard.
Not much to say about the finish, other than it was incredibly predictable. I'll put myself through the same misery tomorrow night, this time without the 6'5", 250 lbs. guy sitting next to me and walking me out of the park. If you don't hear from me tomorrow, you'll know I snapped and started mouthing off at a bunch of drunk guys. Hey, I used to do it all the time when I played hockey.
And to the dipshits sitting behind me, I know it's fun to pronounce "Chone" phonetically, or perhaps you simply haven't progressed past hooked on phonics, but it gets really stupid after a while. I mean, in the abstract, phonetically speaking, is the proper pronunciation of Chone THAT much worse than the pronunciation of Sean? I know, it's Gaelic, but that's not the point, dammit.
Lackey looked pretty OK, and shook off some trouble in the first inning. Really couldn't tell from out seats whether Figgins should have had a play on the Iguchi triple, but seeing how he judges fly balls in right, I'll say he should have had a play. You could tell that he took just an awful route. Once again, the offense chipped away, only to have it torn apart by lousy defense. Oy. That misplay by Figgins on the Everett "double" was the worst play I've EVER seen by a major league outfielder (hell, at least Canseco judged it well enough to have it hit him in the head) and how it went as a double is beyond me. Do we expect that little of a major league outfielder that we've determined a batter deserves a hit on a routine fly ball that gets completely botched?
Nice to see GA starting to swing the bat a little bit. Dallas didn't look bad, although for a power guy, he hits more soft liners than anyone I can remember. Kotchman, well, pretty much what we saw last year. Won't strike out, but won't hit it very hard.
Not much to say about the finish, other than it was incredibly predictable. I'll put myself through the same misery tomorrow night, this time without the 6'5", 250 lbs. guy sitting next to me and walking me out of the park. If you don't hear from me tomorrow, you'll know I snapped and started mouthing off at a bunch of drunk guys. Hey, I used to do it all the time when I played hockey.
And to the dipshits sitting behind me, I know it's fun to pronounce "Chone" phonetically, or perhaps you simply haven't progressed past hooked on phonics, but it gets really stupid after a while. I mean, in the abstract, phonetically speaking, is the proper pronunciation of Chone THAT much worse than the pronunciation of Sean? I know, it's Gaelic, but that's not the point, dammit.
Weaver inks (link)
Jered's in the fold. Only took 12 months for him to realize that the Angels were serious about their final offer. I'm not sure it's really worth it to rehash what was gain or lost by either side in all of this, but if the reports are right, and Weaver took the $4MM bonus, it's a pretty clear win for the Angels. It would have been nice to see him go through the instructional league and spring training, but I'd imagine he'll start at Rancho, if not some extended spring (which is ending soon). Keep him close to home for a month or so, and if he earns it, send him to Arkansas.
Ultimately, this gives the Angels at least three first round caliber guys out of the last draft period, with Weaver, Nick Adenhart, and Kendry Morales. Mark Trumbo may have been of that ilk as well. I don't know his whole story, but they signed him to a big money deal.
Baseball America is reporting that Weaver went for the $4MM bonus, so it would appear that Stoneman didn't move. If the Angels try to sign Washburn in the off-season (or before) you've got to think that Stoneman will be looking across the table and seeing nothing but his bitch in Scott Boras (pending the final numbers, of course). Then again, they'll be competing against a lot of other clubs, so maybe not.
What's done is done, Jered's in the fold, and it's time to see if he can be a big league pitcher. Welcome to the team, Jered. Good luck.
Ultimately, this gives the Angels at least three first round caliber guys out of the last draft period, with Weaver, Nick Adenhart, and Kendry Morales. Mark Trumbo may have been of that ilk as well. I don't know his whole story, but they signed him to a big money deal.
Baseball America is reporting that Weaver went for the $4MM bonus, so it would appear that Stoneman didn't move. If the Angels try to sign Washburn in the off-season (or before) you've got to think that Stoneman will be looking across the table and seeing nothing but his bitch in Scott Boras (pending the final numbers, of course). Then again, they'll be competing against a lot of other clubs, so maybe not.
What's done is done, Jered's in the fold, and it's time to see if he can be a big league pitcher. Welcome to the team, Jered. Good luck.
Monday, May 30, 2005
Sox vs. Angels - Liveblogging the HD experience
The White Sox and Cubs are broadcasting all home games in HD this season, whether they be on Comcast Sports Net or WGN. So this one is in HD today. It's the only game of the series I'll be watching on television, but man, it looks really, really nice.
- Both pitchers work pretty fast, with Buerhle in the "incredibly freaking fast" category, so this should be a quick one. I saw Buerhle on opening day, a 2:00 start. The game was over so fast that I ended up going back to the office before 5:00.
- Nice play by Figgins, as this one is rolling right along. Big ovation for the Big Hurt.
- Sox extend Guillen's contract. Reaction: At least he's good for some colorful headlines. And it's easier to do when the guy across town is taking all the heat.
- 2 on, none out, and they tell Rivera to bunt, which he predictably botches. Who the fuck is running this team? Christ, Scioscia, it's the fucking second inning! Next play, double play, and end of threat. It's no wonder this team can't score.
- 2 on, none out for the Sox. Bet they don't bunt.
- And the non-bunt pays off with a base hit. Bases juiced, no one out sounds a lot better than first and second with one out.
- Second straight inning with the bases loaded and none out. Wash might be able to avoid both spots with only one run total. But no, a two run double has probably put this game out of reach in the third inning. Wash has looked awful today. And they aren't calling smart pitches.
- Finley takes one out, providing the slightest glimmer of hope. He's been swinging it downright OK lately.
- Three straight innings with the first two men on. And Ozzie Guillen proves me wrong by outdumbing Scioscia and calling for a bunt with two on and none out, leading to a double play. These people are freaking idiots.
- Funny thing, I haven't gone through the game logs, but if I remember correctly, this is the first game in a LONG time that Washburn got out of the first inning without a threat, let alone 1-2-3. In most of the other games, he settled down and pitched very well from there on out. Today, it's been just the opposite. All kinds of baserunners, and more help from his defense, with a home to first double play, then a double play on a botched sacrifice. Weird how things work out sometimes. Although, he'll almost assuredly get the loss, so the more things change, the more they stay the same.
- Four straight innings with the lead-off runner aboard.
- No blood again thanks to the double play ball. Nice pick by D-Mac to start the double play. When people aren't talking about his defense, that means he's doing it right.
- Double for Finley. We really need that bat to be hot for a few weeks. Folllwed up by a single by Cabrera to drive in the run. The two big signings team up to get the Angels back in the game.
- Finally got the lead-off hitter, then gave up a single to Dye. Hopefully the good defense mojo can pick him up again.
- Peralta into the game. He looked terrific the other night, but I kind of have a bad feeling about this outing. I hope I'm wrong.
- I'm wrong. A double to Iguchi, but otherwise he looked strong. Maybe they found another hidden gem for the bullpen.
- Threatening. Marte - tough lefty - against D-Mac. Already 0-2, looking like a big K. If Marte throws a fastball here, he should be shot. Defensive swings keeping him at the plate. Just don't hit into a double play.
- Wow, he gets the double play ball, and Iguchi makes a bad toss for the error, and the Angels have the loaded for the might Q who comes through with a game tying single. Right about now, I'm kicking myself for removing Shields from my lineup in favor of Hermanson.
- Figgy time. I'd be taking three-one, but Figgy fouled off a pitch that was probably a strike anyway.
- Walks in the go ahead run. Wow. This would be a HUGE game to win. They're going to need every single break possible on this trip.
- Key question: Does Shields have enough left after yesterday's loooooooong inning?
- The early answer appears to be "No".
- Right now I'm really happy that I took Shields out of my lineup in favor of Hermanson.
- Well, I would have called for the intentional walk to load the bases, but apparently the Angels know that Everett isn't hitting righties well, and Shields strikes him out. Nervous time.
- And Timo comes through. Blown save. Loss. Ugh. Horrible start to the road trip. Too many lead-off runners on base.
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Angels 7; Royals 6
Whoa. Got a little crazy there at the end, but the Angels held on. I think this is actually a pretty good thing. Bad outing from Shields, but he picked a great time to have a bad outing. He did just enough to hold on, and if he worked out some of the kinks, he should be fine in his next outing.
The old man and the bat ripped a bases clearing double in the third, and scored on the Matt Stairs overthrow to complete the Little League home run. Then later, Mr. Clutch, Jose Molina, ripped a bases clearing double in the fifth to extend to a 5 run lead, which turned out to be just enough.
No homer from McPherson today, but he had a nice single in the second, an at bat in which he looked very confident to me. He also hit a ball hard for an out, and struck out twice, so maybe he's not as confident as I thought. Oh well, 3 out of 4 games isn't too bad. I still say we shouldn't send him down, although Matt may try to convince me otherwise. I mean, he did make three whole outs today. By the way, I haven't heard to many comments about his defense lately, but he sure looks OK to me.
Colon looked fairly sharp, and he owned David DeJesus. He's looking like very legitimate Cy Young candidate, and perhaps it's too early to start talking about that stuff, but with Garland's recent struggles (hey, thanks for nothing against the Rangers, John), I suspect we'll be hearing Colon's name more and more in that regard.
On to Chicago for three against the Sox. I'll probably skip tomorrow, but I've got tickets for Tuesday and Wednesday, so I hope to provide my up close and personal observations. Observation number 1: They have really good food at Commiskey. Tuesday I'll be going with a guy who likes to order a Polish loaded with grilled onions, which he then takes to the condiment section so he can add more raw onions to the mix. He's a pretty big guy, so I don't make fun of him for it. It's also a good idea to go with a really big dude when you're rooting for the other team.
On a further note, I'll be back in LA next weeked for a couple of days to play in a golf tournament, which I'll write about if I feel like I can handle the embarrassment of the whole situation. Trust me, you'll see what I mean if I do indeed comment on it.
The old man and the bat ripped a bases clearing double in the third, and scored on the Matt Stairs overthrow to complete the Little League home run. Then later, Mr. Clutch, Jose Molina, ripped a bases clearing double in the fifth to extend to a 5 run lead, which turned out to be just enough.
No homer from McPherson today, but he had a nice single in the second, an at bat in which he looked very confident to me. He also hit a ball hard for an out, and struck out twice, so maybe he's not as confident as I thought. Oh well, 3 out of 4 games isn't too bad. I still say we shouldn't send him down, although Matt may try to convince me otherwise. I mean, he did make three whole outs today. By the way, I haven't heard to many comments about his defense lately, but he sure looks OK to me.
Colon looked fairly sharp, and he owned David DeJesus. He's looking like very legitimate Cy Young candidate, and perhaps it's too early to start talking about that stuff, but with Garland's recent struggles (hey, thanks for nothing against the Rangers, John), I suspect we'll be hearing Colon's name more and more in that regard.
On to Chicago for three against the Sox. I'll probably skip tomorrow, but I've got tickets for Tuesday and Wednesday, so I hope to provide my up close and personal observations. Observation number 1: They have really good food at Commiskey. Tuesday I'll be going with a guy who likes to order a Polish loaded with grilled onions, which he then takes to the condiment section so he can add more raw onions to the mix. He's a pretty big guy, so I don't make fun of him for it. It's also a good idea to go with a really big dude when you're rooting for the other team.
On a further note, I'll be back in LA next weeked for a couple of days to play in a golf tournament, which I'll write about if I feel like I can handle the embarrassment of the whole situation. Trust me, you'll see what I mean if I do indeed comment on it.
England 2; United States 1
Headed down to Soldier Field yesterday to catch the Americans take on the English. Weather was pretty good. Only a few sprinkles, and it stayed pretty cool all day. My buddy Phil and his wife Claudia flew in from LA for the game. I pretty much root for England over anyone except the U.S. In fact, I still have the St. George's cross hanging in my front window that I put up during the 2002 World Cup, then never took down. That said, I was surprised at how many Americans I saw rooting against the U.S. Like, for example, Phil and Claudia.
The crowd representation on TV had to look pretty English. They had the flags all over the place.
Lots 'o flags
Americans don't really go for that, so it looked worse than it was. No doubt, there were a lot of England fans there, but I'd say the crowd actually cheered about 60/40 for the U.S.
We actually had better seats than I expected. We were in the third row at field level, just this side of midfield. I usually prefer to sit a little higher for soccer, but from where we were, you could see most of the game pretty well, and we got a great view of the little things that you don't always see from farther away.
Sideline action
One thing very noticeable from our seats was the size of Sol Campbell. He is a big dude.
Sol Campbell is big
Anyway, England jumped out to a 1-0 lead on a beautiful curl from Kieran Richardson, playing in his international debut. From just outside the 18 yard box he curled one over the wall and away from Kasey Keller. He added another goal just before halftime on a great finish of a Joe Cole pass. The U.S., who actually had some excellent chances (especially from Landon Donovan), managed to draw within one with about 12 minutes to go on a Clint Dempsey goal.
Celebrating our only goal
This game had more action in the first 30 seconds than the entire 90 minutes of Bayern Munich vs. Man United last year. Which leads me to ask, why the hell are they called Bayern Munich? Shouldn't they be either Bavaria Munich or Bayern München? That's always bugged me.
Anyway, not much to report other than that. There's a couple more pictures at my buzznet site. The weather held up, the game had some action, our seats were good, and we didn't have to wait for trains very long (seriously, we had perfect timing). A good time was had by all.
The crowd representation on TV had to look pretty English. They had the flags all over the place.
Lots 'o flags
Americans don't really go for that, so it looked worse than it was. No doubt, there were a lot of England fans there, but I'd say the crowd actually cheered about 60/40 for the U.S.
We actually had better seats than I expected. We were in the third row at field level, just this side of midfield. I usually prefer to sit a little higher for soccer, but from where we were, you could see most of the game pretty well, and we got a great view of the little things that you don't always see from farther away.
Sideline action
One thing very noticeable from our seats was the size of Sol Campbell. He is a big dude.
Sol Campbell is big
Anyway, England jumped out to a 1-0 lead on a beautiful curl from Kieran Richardson, playing in his international debut. From just outside the 18 yard box he curled one over the wall and away from Kasey Keller. He added another goal just before halftime on a great finish of a Joe Cole pass. The U.S., who actually had some excellent chances (especially from Landon Donovan), managed to draw within one with about 12 minutes to go on a Clint Dempsey goal.
Celebrating our only goal
This game had more action in the first 30 seconds than the entire 90 minutes of Bayern Munich vs. Man United last year. Which leads me to ask, why the hell are they called Bayern Munich? Shouldn't they be either Bavaria Munich or Bayern München? That's always bugged me.
Anyway, not much to report other than that. There's a couple more pictures at my buzznet site. The weather held up, the game had some action, our seats were good, and we didn't have to wait for trains very long (seriously, we had perfect timing). A good time was had by all.
Saturday, May 28, 2005
Question
Who are these guys wearing Angels uniforms, and what have they done with the regulars?
More to come on this and the USA vs. England game (which I attended) when the guests leave.
More to come on this and the USA vs. England game (which I attended) when the guests leave.
Angels 9; Royals 8
Lots of runs. Lots of errors. Another one I didn't see (I have guests, dammit, and a very small apartment).
Garret - something ain't right.
Dallas - they shouldn't send him down. I know that's probably an unpopular opinion right now, but dammit, I'm sticking by it.
Garret - something ain't right.
Dallas - they shouldn't send him down. I know that's probably an unpopular opinion right now, but dammit, I'm sticking by it.
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Angels 3, White Sox 2
Didn't see it. Caught the last two innings at a bar down the street. Got guests in town, so I don't gots a lot 'o time.
Nice blast by Dallas. He apparently hit it a little harder than last night. Donnelly looked like he lost his release point. Good job by Scioscia to make the move. Nice work by Shields in the ninth.
I don't know if they mentioned this in the broadcast, but they didn't need to throw down to first for the last out in the eighth. First base was occupied, so the batter was automatically out. Doesn't matter anyway. We hold first for another night. Now we get the easy team. Hopefully the Sox can't knock the Rangers down a peg or two.
Anyway, I missed a lot of stuff. Someone comment and tell me how Lackey looked. Thanks in advance.
Nice blast by Dallas. He apparently hit it a little harder than last night. Donnelly looked like he lost his release point. Good job by Scioscia to make the move. Nice work by Shields in the ninth.
I don't know if they mentioned this in the broadcast, but they didn't need to throw down to first for the last out in the eighth. First base was occupied, so the batter was automatically out. Doesn't matter anyway. We hold first for another night. Now we get the easy team. Hopefully the Sox can't knock the Rangers down a peg or two.
Anyway, I missed a lot of stuff. Someone comment and tell me how Lackey looked. Thanks in advance.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
White Sox 4; Angels 2
Offense - Bad. Very bad.
Pitching - Not awful, but not great.
Peralta - Looks pretty good
Four word phrase I hope I never hear again - "Pinch hitter Bengie Molina"
Blogging - lite
Apartment - cleaner (I have guests coming to town for the USA vs. England game this weekend)
Outlook for tomorrow - solid effort from Lackey, quality start, not enough to overcome anemic offense
First place - will belong exclusively to Texas after tomorrow's game
Bright side - Hermanson got me some fantasy points tonight
Questions may be directed to the comments section.
Pitching - Not awful, but not great.
Peralta - Looks pretty good
Four word phrase I hope I never hear again - "Pinch hitter Bengie Molina"
Blogging - lite
Apartment - cleaner (I have guests coming to town for the USA vs. England game this weekend)
Outlook for tomorrow - solid effort from Lackey, quality start, not enough to overcome anemic offense
First place - will belong exclusively to Texas after tomorrow's game
Bright side - Hermanson got me some fantasy points tonight
Questions may be directed to the comments section.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
White Sox 2; Minor Leauge Caliber Offense 1
A wise man once said "Evil always wins, because Good is dumb." He was right. Tonight, dumb brought Estaban Yan into a tie game, and Evil took advantage.
Pitcher's duel, just like we all expected. Bartolo was dealing, but a long at bat or two got his pitch count up. Silly batters. The Angels hitters care not for long at bats, and would rather go down early in the count, the better to allow the opposing pitcher to go deeper into the game. Buerhle was excellent through nine, Damaso Marte picked him up for an inning in the tenth, and the Sox pushed one across again Yan in the top of the 11th on a Tadohito Iguchi double.
Honestly, I was having some serious computer issues during this game, so I wasn't able to soak as much up as I would have liked. Probably a good thing.
Freddie Garcia versus J-dub tomorrow in what should be another fine matchup, assuming good (but not dumb) Washburn pitches.
To add insult to tonight's injury, Marte stayed in to pick up the save, going two innings in the process. Meanwhile, Hermanson stayed on the bench, and could only dream of the fantasy points that he wasn't allowed to pick up for me tonight.
Ugh, this one sucked all around. And not to take anything away from Buerhle, but it's tough to listen to the Sox anouncers lavish praise on him. I'm putting this one down as 35% Buerhle goodness, 65% Angels offensive crapiness.
Pitcher's duel, just like we all expected. Bartolo was dealing, but a long at bat or two got his pitch count up. Silly batters. The Angels hitters care not for long at bats, and would rather go down early in the count, the better to allow the opposing pitcher to go deeper into the game. Buerhle was excellent through nine, Damaso Marte picked him up for an inning in the tenth, and the Sox pushed one across again Yan in the top of the 11th on a Tadohito Iguchi double.
Honestly, I was having some serious computer issues during this game, so I wasn't able to soak as much up as I would have liked. Probably a good thing.
Freddie Garcia versus J-dub tomorrow in what should be another fine matchup, assuming good (but not dumb) Washburn pitches.
To add insult to tonight's injury, Marte stayed in to pick up the save, going two innings in the process. Meanwhile, Hermanson stayed on the bench, and could only dream of the fantasy points that he wasn't allowed to pick up for me tonight.
Ugh, this one sucked all around. And not to take anything away from Buerhle, but it's tough to listen to the Sox anouncers lavish praise on him. I'm putting this one down as 35% Buerhle goodness, 65% Angels offensive crapiness.
Monday, May 23, 2005
Angels - 4; White Sox - Santana's bitches
Welcome to the big leagues, kid. You just shut-out the team with the best record in baseball. That was nothing but flat-out domination. The great thing about this game is that there's plenty of credit to go around. Normally when you see a game like this, you think one of two things: 1) It was a shut-out because of dominant pitching, or 2) It was a shut-out because the defense brought him off the wire a few times. But tonight was a little bit of both.
Santana struck out seven, walked only one, and gave just four hits (maybe five, depending on what they gave Konerko on that penultimate at bat). But the defense, or more accurately Erstad, shined as well. Erstad stole two outs on balls that should have gone foul into the Sox dugout. But tremendous concentration and athleticism shortened the game by two batters. He also started an excellent tag-the-bag/tag-the-runner double play
Aggresive baserunning led to two runs when D-Mac went first to third on a single to left center by Cabrera. If Crede had held on to the throw, McPherson would have been out easily and the inning would have been over. But Crede didn't hold on, Cabrera waltzed into second, and Kennedy drove in two with a double to the gap in left center.
Bengie provided some power and finesse, driving in a run on a blooper over the drawn in infield in the sixth, then blasting one to dead center for a solo homer in the eighth that sort of put a capper on things.
But the real story was Santana. That performance, for me, will rank right up there with some of the best outings I've actually seen in person (obviously I wasn't in Anaheim for this one, but the others stick out because I was there on those nights). One was Jason Dickson's five hit masterpiece that beat Tim Wakefield and the Red Sox 2-0 on day two of the 1997 season. We had the good seats, three rows from the front, right behind home plate, and it was a great spot from which to witness his mastery. Another was Ramon Ortiz's two hit, one run performance that beat Pedro Martinez and the Red Sox 2-1 (it should have been a shutout, but the ump blew a call at second on what should have been a single by Troy O'Leary).
Tonight Santana changed speeds, located his fast ball, and threw the right pitches at the right time. Credit Bengie for calling a great game behind the plate. By the late innings, the kid was getting the benefit of the doubt from the plate ump, and he deserved it.
I imagine that when Escobar comes off the DL, Santana will return to the minors, but I'm guessing he's done with double A. He'll most likely go down to Salt Lake and face more experienced hitters. He'll also probably option number one should another starter hit the DL. I'm not 100% familiar with the organizational moves that will need to be made to send him to Salt Lake instead of Arkansas, so I could be wrong, but I'm guessing they'll find a way to make it happen.
Good start to the homestand. They need to take at least two of these four from the White Sox, and they can pitch with this team, so I wouldn't be surprised if the starters carry them to three of four. They also must take two from KC. Anything less will be unacceptable. And with the stretch that lies ahead, they need to get some wins under their belt before the next road trip.
Santana struck out seven, walked only one, and gave just four hits (maybe five, depending on what they gave Konerko on that penultimate at bat). But the defense, or more accurately Erstad, shined as well. Erstad stole two outs on balls that should have gone foul into the Sox dugout. But tremendous concentration and athleticism shortened the game by two batters. He also started an excellent tag-the-bag/tag-the-runner double play
Aggresive baserunning led to two runs when D-Mac went first to third on a single to left center by Cabrera. If Crede had held on to the throw, McPherson would have been out easily and the inning would have been over. But Crede didn't hold on, Cabrera waltzed into second, and Kennedy drove in two with a double to the gap in left center.
Bengie provided some power and finesse, driving in a run on a blooper over the drawn in infield in the sixth, then blasting one to dead center for a solo homer in the eighth that sort of put a capper on things.
But the real story was Santana. That performance, for me, will rank right up there with some of the best outings I've actually seen in person (obviously I wasn't in Anaheim for this one, but the others stick out because I was there on those nights). One was Jason Dickson's five hit masterpiece that beat Tim Wakefield and the Red Sox 2-0 on day two of the 1997 season. We had the good seats, three rows from the front, right behind home plate, and it was a great spot from which to witness his mastery. Another was Ramon Ortiz's two hit, one run performance that beat Pedro Martinez and the Red Sox 2-1 (it should have been a shutout, but the ump blew a call at second on what should have been a single by Troy O'Leary).
Tonight Santana changed speeds, located his fast ball, and threw the right pitches at the right time. Credit Bengie for calling a great game behind the plate. By the late innings, the kid was getting the benefit of the doubt from the plate ump, and he deserved it.
I imagine that when Escobar comes off the DL, Santana will return to the minors, but I'm guessing he's done with double A. He'll most likely go down to Salt Lake and face more experienced hitters. He'll also probably option number one should another starter hit the DL. I'm not 100% familiar with the organizational moves that will need to be made to send him to Salt Lake instead of Arkansas, so I could be wrong, but I'm guessing they'll find a way to make it happen.
Good start to the homestand. They need to take at least two of these four from the White Sox, and they can pitch with this team, so I wouldn't be surprised if the starters carry them to three of four. They also must take two from KC. Anything less will be unacceptable. And with the stretch that lies ahead, they need to get some wins under their belt before the next road trip.
When crappy broadcasters collide
Tonight presents a rare occasion for Angels fans in Southern California. It isn't often that the Physioc/Hudler experience is markedly better than their counterparts on the opposing team. But as is the case a few times every season, the Angels meet the White Sox in the battle of the awful broadcasters. Let's take a look:
Physioc vs. Harrelson
Steve Physioc is not good. Let's just get that out of the way now. He's not awful, but he does the types of things that slowly get on your nerves. It's creeping homerism. And to his credit, you do hear the excitement in his voice rise when the opposing team does something good. He gives the appearance of professionalism, and for the untrained viewer, it may take a good week or two to come to the realization that he sucks. Whether it's the Pollyana attitude, the refusal to say "damn" when referring to the "Best Damn Sports Show" when in fact, it's the word "Best" that he should be refusing to say, he just bugs after a while.
Harrelson, on the other hand, is just plain awful from the get go. There's no two ways about it. I'll admit, he has some clever catch phrases (right size, wrong shape is a good one), and I'm even willing to look beyond much of the outright blatant homerism that he brings to the table. But it's the rooting for the Sox that I can't take. "Put it on the boarrrrd, YES!" I can take. I can even live with the way he sounds like his dog just got run over whenever the opposing team scores a run. It's the "C'mon, Mark, take him right here, put him away right here" that I can't take. It's natural to get excited when a guy with whom you spend 150 days a year does something good. It's simply not professional to openly root for that to happen from the press box. Then there's whole "kind of a dick" thing. That's mitigated by the "often a dick to Marriotti" thing, which is a redeeming quality.
Edge: Physioc
Hud vs. DJ
I'll be honest, as truly awful as Hud is as an "analyst", I find him to be entertaining in much the same way I find Rip Taylor to be entertaining. Sure, it's campy and juvenile, but sometimes you just gotta stick with what got ya there. I mean, the dude once ate a bug in the dugout on a dare. While it's funny in small doses, however, the verbal confetti that spews from Hud's mouth starts to grate after a while And I know for some of my fellow fans, it's a sore subject when fans of other teams rip on him. To be honest, I'd written a bunch of other stuff here, but blogger ate it. You'll just have to trust me.
Darin Jackson is actually pretty not awful. He knows his role and he plays his part. Sure, he doens't tell me anything that I couldn't have figured out on my own, but that's the job of the modern color commentator. Call it the McCarverization of the broadcast booth. What's infuriating about DJ is his tendency to challenge the alpha male status of Harrelson. Don't get me wrong, that's when he's at his best. But it usually isn't long until he slinks back to the toady role, enthusistically yelling "He-gone!" just when he starts earning some respect. But bottom line, objectively speaking, if I had to take him for 162 games with a competent play by play guy, I could live with it. Pair him with John Rooney and the Sox would have a great pair.
Edge: DJ, by a strrrretchhh.
Sometime over the next few days, I may have try the old "synch the TiVo with the radio feed" and see if it works. But it has the be the Rory and Terry feed, and not the Sox feed. As much as I like John Rooney, man, that Ed Rooney is a real condescending cocksucker.
**UPDATE**
Game 1 is Darin Jackson and Don Pall. I'm not sure if this is a blessing or a curse.
Physioc vs. Harrelson
Steve Physioc is not good. Let's just get that out of the way now. He's not awful, but he does the types of things that slowly get on your nerves. It's creeping homerism. And to his credit, you do hear the excitement in his voice rise when the opposing team does something good. He gives the appearance of professionalism, and for the untrained viewer, it may take a good week or two to come to the realization that he sucks. Whether it's the Pollyana attitude, the refusal to say "damn" when referring to the "Best Damn Sports Show" when in fact, it's the word "Best" that he should be refusing to say, he just bugs after a while.
Harrelson, on the other hand, is just plain awful from the get go. There's no two ways about it. I'll admit, he has some clever catch phrases (right size, wrong shape is a good one), and I'm even willing to look beyond much of the outright blatant homerism that he brings to the table. But it's the rooting for the Sox that I can't take. "Put it on the boarrrrd, YES!" I can take. I can even live with the way he sounds like his dog just got run over whenever the opposing team scores a run. It's the "C'mon, Mark, take him right here, put him away right here" that I can't take. It's natural to get excited when a guy with whom you spend 150 days a year does something good. It's simply not professional to openly root for that to happen from the press box. Then there's whole "kind of a dick" thing. That's mitigated by the "often a dick to Marriotti" thing, which is a redeeming quality.
Edge: Physioc
Hud vs. DJ
I'll be honest, as truly awful as Hud is as an "analyst", I find him to be entertaining in much the same way I find Rip Taylor to be entertaining. Sure, it's campy and juvenile, but sometimes you just gotta stick with what got ya there. I mean, the dude once ate a bug in the dugout on a dare. While it's funny in small doses, however, the verbal confetti that spews from Hud's mouth starts to grate after a while And I know for some of my fellow fans, it's a sore subject when fans of other teams rip on him. To be honest, I'd written a bunch of other stuff here, but blogger ate it. You'll just have to trust me.
Darin Jackson is actually pretty not awful. He knows his role and he plays his part. Sure, he doens't tell me anything that I couldn't have figured out on my own, but that's the job of the modern color commentator. Call it the McCarverization of the broadcast booth. What's infuriating about DJ is his tendency to challenge the alpha male status of Harrelson. Don't get me wrong, that's when he's at his best. But it usually isn't long until he slinks back to the toady role, enthusistically yelling "He-gone!" just when he starts earning some respect. But bottom line, objectively speaking, if I had to take him for 162 games with a competent play by play guy, I could live with it. Pair him with John Rooney and the Sox would have a great pair.
Edge: DJ, by a strrrretchhh.
Sometime over the next few days, I may have try the old "synch the TiVo with the radio feed" and see if it works. But it has the be the Rory and Terry feed, and not the Sox feed. As much as I like John Rooney, man, that Ed Rooney is a real condescending cocksucker.
**UPDATE**
Game 1 is Darin Jackson and Don Pall. I'm not sure if this is a blessing or a curse.
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Dodger 5; Angels 2
This might not end up being the final score, but I quit caring after it got to this point. It didn't take long, Vlad or no Vlad, for the offense to get back to their old tricks. First and second with no one out and they can't even move a freaking runner up 90 feet. The signature moment? Backward K (>|) for D-Mac on a two seam fastball right down the middle of the plate. The game was pretty much over at that exact moment.
Hey, two out of three ain't bad, I guess, although it would have been nice to sweep the Dodgers. They lose ground to the Rangers, and let's face it, chances are this is the beginning of a long, slow, Vlad-less slide into second place (or worse).
Not looking forward to the next month. They need to make some hay against KC when they meet up, because those series against the White Sox, Red Sox, and Braves are gonna be ugly.
Hey, two out of three ain't bad, I guess, although it would have been nice to sweep the Dodgers. They lose ground to the Rangers, and let's face it, chances are this is the beginning of a long, slow, Vlad-less slide into second place (or worse).
Not looking forward to the next month. They need to make some hay against KC when they meet up, because those series against the White Sox, Red Sox, and Braves are gonna be ugly.
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Radio Daze - Angels 3; Dodgers 1
Career high 10 strikeouts for Lackey, who apparently pitched well, not that I could see it. Big offense from Jose Molina, with a solo shot and a single that turned out to be integral (even though he was erased on a sacrafice gone bad). Another big hit by Chone Figgins, and once again, excellent relief work held the Dodgers to just one run. That's three in a row for, if I'm not mistaken, only the second time this year. The Angels won't pick up groung, because the Ranger are absolutely demolishing the Astros (eight freaking home runs?). But they've taken the first series from the Dodgers, and that's fine with me.
Now let's complete the sweep and let them know who owns the town, at least on the field.
Now let's complete the sweep and let them know who owns the town, at least on the field.
MLB Begins Annual "Fan Alienation Days"
The Angels and Dodgers meet up again this afternoon at the Ravine at 1:05 PDT. You can catch the game on Fox. Correction, you can catch the game on Fox....if you happen to live somewhere near the West Coast. If you don't, you're stuck watching some other game. I don't live near the West Coast, so I'm stuck watching the Cubs and White Sox. I've made no secret of my hatred of the Cubs, and my general indifference to the White Sox. Suffice to say, this is a game that I normally wouldn't be watching. But if I want to watch baseball, I don't have a choice.
I paid $150 (or was it $130? I can't remember) for the Extra Innings package so that I could watch as many Angels games on my nice new TV as possible. Occasionally, like last night, some asshole at MLB chooses not to show the Angels on Extra Innings, so I paid another $80 to watch those games on the computer. Sometimes, neither team televises the game, so I'm stuck listening to the radio broadcast over the net.
That takes us to Fox. MLB has decided that Fox should be able, once a week, to make fans bend over and take it in the ass. If your team is playing on the national (loosely translated to mean "regional") game, and you're not in the region where it is being shown, you're shit out of luck. Since much of the time the Angels will be the Saturday national game on the West Coast, that means a lot of radio days for me. Which means little to no recaps for you, my loyal readers. So if you click back this evening looking for a recap, blame Rupert Murdoch. That's usually a good strategy for most things that go wrong, I've learned.
Go Angels.
I paid $150 (or was it $130? I can't remember) for the Extra Innings package so that I could watch as many Angels games on my nice new TV as possible. Occasionally, like last night, some asshole at MLB chooses not to show the Angels on Extra Innings, so I paid another $80 to watch those games on the computer. Sometimes, neither team televises the game, so I'm stuck listening to the radio broadcast over the net.
That takes us to Fox. MLB has decided that Fox should be able, once a week, to make fans bend over and take it in the ass. If your team is playing on the national (loosely translated to mean "regional") game, and you're not in the region where it is being shown, you're shit out of luck. Since much of the time the Angels will be the Saturday national game on the West Coast, that means a lot of radio days for me. Which means little to no recaps for you, my loyal readers. So if you click back this evening looking for a recap, blame Rupert Murdoch. That's usually a good strategy for most things that go wrong, I've learned.
Go Angels.
Angels 9; Dodgers 0
This should have been up last night, but I was too damn tired. I had to pack up my office for a move in the morning, I walked 18 holes in the afternoon, sat in traffic for two hours on the way home, and had to watch the game on the computer, so I was pretty beat.
The Angels made the most of their opporutunities, coming up with a bases clearing triple (Figgins would later score on a sac fly), and a grand slam in the two instances where they loaded the bases. They were facing a guy who has struck out fewer hitters than have homered off of him this season. That's not a good stat if you're a pitcher.
Good Washburn was on the mound, throwing seven strong innings before mysteriously coming off the mound after tossing a couple of warm up pitches in the 8th. Apparently just a little tightness, and he shouldn't miss a start.
And Ron Roenicke. Ron, Ron, Ron.....What were you thinking?!?! Vlad was out by a ton while trying to score from first on a Steve Finley double in the fifth. I haven't seen the tape, so it's possible that Roenicke wasn't actually sending Vlad, but rather just waving his arms hysterically from the shock of seeing Steve Finley hit a double. Regardless, Vlad was out by about 15 feet, tried to slide around the tag, and landed funny, as one is likely to do when he's 6'3" and 230 lbs. He's out for the weekend, and maybe longer. Hell, maybe there's a bright side. He hasn't exactly been lighting it up lately. Maybe he takes a week off and recharges, maybe some minor inuries heal, and maybe being in the lineup every day help Rivera heat up a bit. He has two home runs in the last week or so, which is two more than Vlad in that time.
There probably won't be much of a recap of today's game. For the reason, see the post above, unless you're reading this in the brief period between the time this post is published and before the next post is written, in which case you should click back in about 10 minutes.
The Angels made the most of their opporutunities, coming up with a bases clearing triple (Figgins would later score on a sac fly), and a grand slam in the two instances where they loaded the bases. They were facing a guy who has struck out fewer hitters than have homered off of him this season. That's not a good stat if you're a pitcher.
Good Washburn was on the mound, throwing seven strong innings before mysteriously coming off the mound after tossing a couple of warm up pitches in the 8th. Apparently just a little tightness, and he shouldn't miss a start.
And Ron Roenicke. Ron, Ron, Ron.....What were you thinking?!?! Vlad was out by a ton while trying to score from first on a Steve Finley double in the fifth. I haven't seen the tape, so it's possible that Roenicke wasn't actually sending Vlad, but rather just waving his arms hysterically from the shock of seeing Steve Finley hit a double. Regardless, Vlad was out by about 15 feet, tried to slide around the tag, and landed funny, as one is likely to do when he's 6'3" and 230 lbs. He's out for the weekend, and maybe longer. Hell, maybe there's a bright side. He hasn't exactly been lighting it up lately. Maybe he takes a week off and recharges, maybe some minor inuries heal, and maybe being in the lineup every day help Rivera heat up a bit. He has two home runs in the last week or so, which is two more than Vlad in that time.
There probably won't be much of a recap of today's game. For the reason, see the post above, unless you're reading this in the brief period between the time this post is published and before the next post is written, in which case you should click back in about 10 minutes.
Friday, May 20, 2005
Friday Random Ten
For the hell of it, here goes.
- "Asleep at the Trigger" - Autolux
- "A Night Like This" - The Cure
- "I Can't Find Time for the Time" - Jesus and Mary Chain
- "Open Heart Surgery" - Brian Jonestown Massacre
- "Strike" - Destroyer
- "The Queen is Dead" - The Smiths
- "Heaven Adores You" - Earlimart (my particular 'song of the moment')
- "Hit Rock Bottom" - the Dandy Warhols
- "You Don't Send Me" - Belle and Sebastian
- "Uncertain Smile" - The The
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Super Furry Animals tracklist
While I'm on the Pitchfork kick, apparently they've got spies. They report that SFA will have a new album out in the US on August 9th, a full week before it's released overseas, which is a lot better than the nine months that Rings Around the World took to get to Plymouth Rock. According to the article, there is more band participation in the writing and singing this time, building on the non-Gruff "Sex, War, and Robots" from Phantom Power. So I supposed that's bad news for the "All Gruff All the Time" crowd. But I'm looking forward to it. Plus, Gruff just released a solo album, so there's always that. Tracklist:
01 Zoom!
02 Atomik Lust
03 The Horn
04 Ohio Heat
05 Walk You Home
06 Laser Beam
07 Frequency
08 Oi Frango
09 Psyclone!
10 Back on a Roll
11 Cloudberries
12 Cabin Fever
I'm guessing the last track isn't a cover of the Wonder Stuff song off of Contruction for the Modern Idiot.
No word yet if Bunf's hamster will be making an appearance.
01 Zoom!
02 Atomik Lust
03 The Horn
04 Ohio Heat
05 Walk You Home
06 Laser Beam
07 Frequency
08 Oi Frango
09 Psyclone!
10 Back on a Roll
11 Cloudberries
12 Cabin Fever
I'm guessing the last track isn't a cover of the Wonder Stuff song off of Contruction for the Modern Idiot.
No word yet if Bunf's hamster will be making an appearance.
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