Geoff Grace Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 Now that the 2011 MLB season is in the books, let's take a look ahead... Sources: MLB labor deal to include HGH tests Dodgers, Kemp finalize 8-year, $160M deal Source: Valentine, Red Sox will meet Monday And a look back... Blue Jays' new uniform, hats echo original look Best, Geoff My Blue Someday appears on Apple Music | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Grace Posted November 20, 2011 Author Share Posted November 20, 2011 Oh, and... http://www.geoffgrace.com/Pictures/Dodgers.jpg GO DODGER BLUE!!! Best, Geoff My Blue Someday appears on Apple Music | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J. Dan Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 Mike Matheny replaces Tony LaRussa as Cardinals manager Dan Acoustic/Electric stringed instruments ranging from 4 to 230 strings, hammered, picked, fingered, slapped, and plucked. Analog and Digital Electronic instruments, reeds, and throat/mouth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Ferris Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 Mike Matheny replaces Tony LaRussa as Cardinals manager Yeah that surprised me..Pat's brother-oh wait a minute, different spelling. I guess the biggest question left for us Cardinal fans is when and where with regard to Albert. I will be devastated if he's not back. If he stays, he will be the only Cardinal who could attain "sainthood' and take a rightful place along side Musial in Cardinal history--something that even Gibson and Ozzie, as great as they were, never reached. Well I did my part to support. I ordered $140 worth of t-shirts from Fans edge last week. I'm wondering if they are going to release a DVD on that run. What an amazing season and comeback. Game 6 will go down as one perhaps the most thrilling of all WS games, right along with the Carlton Fisk HR in '75. Happy to see Kirk Gibson win manager of the year for Arizona. Congrats to Kershaw and the Dodgers on the Cy Young award, good kid. Also hope for Dodger fans Kemp lives up to the "highest contract" in Dodger history. That's saying something given their storied history. https://soundcloud.com/dave-ferris 2005 NY Steinway D Yamaha AvantGrand N3X, P-515, CP88, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mickey Keys Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 Also hope for Dodger fans Kemp lives up to the "highest contract" in Dodger history. That's saying something given their storied history. Oh, great . . . that'll give Jose Reyes and his oft-shredded hamstrings an even more idiotic number to shoot for. Not implying that Kemp isn't worth it. But as a Mets fan I am baldly stating that Reyes isn't worth half that. The way he backed into a batting title just proved to me that he is all about himself. What nauseates me is not that he will go elsewhere - I resigned myself to that after the batting title episode - but that some moron out there will pony up something close to "Kemp Money". In the(paraphrased)words of one of the greatest GM's ever to come down the pike (Branch Rickey)"better to give up on a player a bit too soon than a bit too late". The "Barnum Bar", if you will, has been raised significantly. Memo to Sandy Alderson, do the smart thing . . . use the money to lock up David Wright and Ike Davis for as long as you can. THAT's where your franchise's future is. -Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kanker. Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 Mariners OF fatally stabbed A ROMpler is just a polyphonic turntable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Force Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 Detroit Tiger Justin Verlander, AL Cy Young, AL MVP. Steve Force, Durham, North Carolina -------- My Professional Websites Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bridog6996 Posted December 1, 2011 Share Posted December 1, 2011 Oh boy...Bobby Valentine is the new Red Sox manager. Bring on the mediocrity! It makes sense in a way, given the Red Sox' current woes. Might as well hire a manager who is used to underachieving. Bobby is about the last guy I'd hire to solidify a turbulent clubhouse and help my team get its focus back. Needless to say, I don't have a good vibe about the Sox this coming season, but I hope I'm proven wrong about that. At least the Bruins and Patriots will still be good, and the Celtics too if/when the NBA ever comes back (I never really watch basketball though). Boston sports fans have enjoyed a nice run of good teams across all the major sports the past decade or so. My YouTube Channel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adan Posted December 1, 2011 Share Posted December 1, 2011 Valentine as manager seems bizarre. His name comes up every year in connection with different managing slots and he always gets passed over, leaving him to sell his made-for-TV smile on ESPN. The Red Sox say they need a taskmaster, then they hire Bobby. I think the Sox may be entering a downcycle, weighted down by bad contracts and lack of leadership, that will carry on for several years. Gigging: Crumar Mojo 61, Hammond SKPro Home: Vintage Vibe 64 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griffinator Posted December 1, 2011 Share Posted December 1, 2011 Adan - I'm gonna stick my neck out and say leadership wasn't really what won them those two world series rings. That clubhouse was chaos back then, but it was loose and freewheeling. That's why they didn't win several in a row - that same loose and freewheeling clubhouse imploded a couple times in between the wins. That said, guys like Youk and Dusty, in congruence with a strong clubhouse presence like Valentine, are capable of instilling a workmanlike attitude in that group, now that they are coming off a complete meltdown and humbled by the experience. A bunch of loud, obnoxious music I USED to make with friends. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Zeger Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 My heart goes out to STL Cardinals fans everywhere. http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/mlb/story/_/id/7330066/sources-albert-pujols-takes-10-year-deal-los-angeles-angels Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CEB Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 They can have him. 10 years is a longtime plus he demanded a no trade clause. We do not even know how old Albert really is. I am not convinced he is really only 31. Mark Buehrle signing with the Marlins is a good signing. I think Ozzie is going to do some good down in Florida. He just needs to talk less with reporters. "It doesn't have to be difficult to be cool" - Mitch Towne "A great musician can bring tears to your eyes!!! So can a auto Mechanic." - Stokes Hunt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drawback Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 TEN years? ____________________________________Rod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Zeger Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 CJ Wilson just signed with the Angels, too. Damn. Remember, 6-7 years from now, Pujols can DH by moving to the AL but the trend has been to pay less for a DH these daysd than in the past. Then again, LAA clearly don't believe in Moneyball. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobadohshe Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 Pujols whaaaaaaaaat? I love how nobody even suspected this was on the table. Kawai C-60 Grand Piano : Hammond A-100 : Hammond SK2 : Yamaha CP4 : Yamaha Montage 7 : Moog Sub 37 My latest album: Funky organ, huge horn section https://bobbycressey.bandcamp.com/album/cali-native Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adan Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 Wow, this is the big shoe that everyone was waiting to drop, and it fell in a place no one expected. Makes a lot of sense for Puhols to play where he can eventually DH, and in a climate that's easy on an aging player. It will mean huge revenues for the Angels, especially down the road when Pulojs is approaching the all time home run record. I have tried to like the Angels but I can't not think of them as a toy baseball team, because they play in Anaheim. I've driven through Anaheim about 500 times, never felt like stopping. I actually think the Cardinals will be fine without Pujols. They can invest in a good shortstop and play Berkman at first base for a year or two. There should be lots more moves in the next few days now that the biggest piece is done. Gigging: Crumar Mojo 61, Hammond SKPro Home: Vintage Vibe 64 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Ferris Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 Oh man, I feel like someone just punched me in the stomach.... How could he do that ?!! How much friggin' money do ya need for God's sake !!!! It's not about the money--well it is, it's about the fact that he CAN get that amount. Total ego. I just lost a lot of respect for that guy. From a playing standpoint it does make a lot of sense like Adan said. He can DH, less games in the brutal humidity of St. Lou, huge Latino fan base in the LA/Orange County area . Still, man, words can't express how bad I feel right now.... The fact Tony left might have played into his decision. I guess we could always go after Fielder--wouldn't be the same though. I don't think Prince, with carrying all that extra poundage around, is destined for longevity, at least as an everyday player in the NL. https://soundcloud.com/dave-ferris 2005 NY Steinway D Yamaha AvantGrand N3X, P-515, CP88, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drawback Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 I think Tony leaving will turn out to be a bigger blow to the Cards than Pujols leaving. BTW - congratulations on the BEST World Series I think I've ever seen (well, since '92-'93) lol. ____________________________________Rod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Grace Posted December 8, 2011 Author Share Posted December 8, 2011 I've driven through Anaheim about 500 times, never felt like stopping. Two words: Winter NAMM. Disneyland for musicians. From a playing standpoint it does make a lot of sense like Adan said. He can DH, less games in the brutal humidity of St. Lou, huge Latino fan base in the LA/Orange County area . Still, man, words can't express how bad I feel right now.... The fact Tony left might have played into his decision. All good reasons. Small consolation, though, I'm sure. My condolences, Dave, Dan, and the rest of our Cardinals fans. Best, Geoff My Blue Someday appears on Apple Music | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Ferris Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 This is one big reason I gave up following most all pro sports on a regular basis years ago. Screw 'em.... https://soundcloud.com/dave-ferris 2005 NY Steinway D Yamaha AvantGrand N3X, P-515, CP88, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Force Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 This is one big reason I gave up following most all pro sports on a regular basis years ago. Screw 'em.... Always been about money. Always. Steve Force, Durham, North Carolina -------- My Professional Websites Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Grace Posted December 8, 2011 Author Share Posted December 8, 2011 How about if we send Pujols back to St. Louis and the Rams back to LA? Best, Geoff My Blue Someday appears on Apple Music | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Force Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 How about if we send Pujols back to St. Louis and the Rams back to LA? Best, Geoff And the "A"s back to Philly? The Dodgers back to Brooklyn? Steve Force, Durham, North Carolina -------- My Professional Websites Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mickey Keys Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 But as a Mets fan I am baldly stating that Reyes isn't worth half that. The way he backed into a batting title just proved to me that he is all about himself. What nauseates me is not that he will go elsewhere - I resigned myself to that after the batting title episode - but that some moron out there will pony up something close to "Kemp Money". In the(paraphrased)words of one of the greatest GM's ever to come down the pike (Branch Rickey)"better to give up on a player a bit too soon than a bit too late". The "Barnum Bar", if you will, has been raised significantly. Well, the fun is over . . . the overpriced "thoroughbred" has taken his show to Miami and promptly been wiped from the back-page headlines by the Pujols signing. And thanks to you all here for studiously ignoring the idiotic Reyes charade. But I will have one last word on the matter Pujols is at least arguably worth whatever he can fool someone into giving him. Found myself driving out for a sandwich at lunchtime Wednesday, listening to the Reyes "press conference" ("base-a-ball been berry, berry good to me") and hoping that on his first foray into Citi Field, Reyes gets knocked on his ass by a 96 MPH heater . . . several times. Wouldn't break my heart if a couple actually hit him. Sad part is considering the mess that Mets pitching has largely been over the last couple of seasons, we'd never know if it were deliberate or not . . . -Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Grace Posted December 8, 2011 Author Share Posted December 8, 2011 How about if we send Pujols back to St. Louis and the Rams back to LA? Best, Geoff And the "A"s back to Philly? The Dodgers back to Brooklyn? Now, let's not complicate matters. Best, Geoff My Blue Someday appears on Apple Music | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Ferris Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 This is one big reason I gave up following most all pro sports on a regular basis years ago. Screw 'em.... Always been about money. Always. Without a doubt but in the past players like Ripken, Mike Schmidt, Bench etc etc. were always identified with a team and city. Granted those were the *old days* before the super mega bucks started flying around. Different age, different mentality. Again how much dough do ya need ? It's not like he was a newer guy like Matt Kemp or Reyes signing his first big contract. It's totally ego driven I think. Very depressing... As receptive as he will find Anaheim, there ain't no place like St. Lou to play baseball. So much for loyalty... https://soundcloud.com/dave-ferris 2005 NY Steinway D Yamaha AvantGrand N3X, P-515, CP88, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bridog6996 Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 I'm not a Cardinals fan at all, but I gotta say, Pujols let me down here. I saw on ESPN yesterday after the Marlins made their signings that they dropped out of the Pujols lottery, and it basically down to the Cards, the Angels, and the Cubs (I think). I thought to myself that if there was any deal that was going to lure Pujols away, it was the Florida one. Even with that offer still on the table, though, I would have bet money that Pujols would stay in St. Louis. For whatever reason, I thought he was the type of player where it would be about more than whoever dangled the biggest check in front of his face. I guess that type of player really is gone for good. On a slightly different, but related note, I personally would love to the see a salary cap in baseball. It's probably too far gone at this point though. These guys and their mammoth salaries are ridiculous. I lose interest in watching baseball more and more every day. My YouTube Channel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antimatter Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 Baseball once was a nice family outing. Take the kids to see a game, eat hot dogs, keep the score, etc. Not anymore. Tickets are bought and dispersed through corporations. It's in every sport, but considering baseball teams play 162 games a year, you'd think it would be cheaper to go see one of their games. Regardless, money flows in, players want their share. My guess is Pujols figures he won a WS with the Cards, he doesn't owe them anything after that. Not many players would leave millions on the table, even if they're filthy rich already. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adan Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 Baseball (and other sports) aside, it's foolish to feel loyalty towards a corporate entity. Ownership changes, management changes. A corporate entity can't reciprocate loyalty over the long term. A player like Pujols acting in his own self-interest has to figure that sticking with one team for a career does give a boost to HOF chances. In Pujols' situation, you'd have to balance that against the advantages of being able to DH, warmer weather, larger hispanic fan base, etc . . . Then there's also the fact that St. Louis is more of a hitter's park, so he's giving up something there. Pujols is a virtual certainty to get into the HOF anyway. He should be thinking about where his best chances are to set alltime records for homers, etc. Gigging: Crumar Mojo 61, Hammond SKPro Home: Vintage Vibe 64 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Ferris Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 After talking with some friends in St. L. today there seems to be some thoughts that Albert did not want to start over with Matheny. Here he had played for arguably the greatest manager of all time and then going to a catcher that Albert actually played with for a short time coupled with this being Matheny's first gig in the ML-I can see the respect factor weighing into his decision. There also has long been speculation among those in the know in St. L. that Albert's age claim is similar to the situation with Fernando Valenzuela. I think he's actually closer to 34 or 35. Whatever, I think the 11 years he gave us will be hard if not impossible to live up to in the next 10 years-even at DH. I think he'll give the Angels some good years but I also think he'll be on the DL a lot too. But face it, even if he tears an ACL running out a ground ball on his first AB for Scioscia and it ends his career- he's still a shoe in for the Hall... I just hope Wainwright and Carpenter can come back, have great years and Motte turns into a monster closer. If Freese and Craig keep developing, Berkman and Holiday can stay injury free, possibly use some of that freed up dough to sign maybe Jimmy Rollins or another bat, I like our chances. We're all still devastated though...it'd be like Kobe leaving the Lakers. https://soundcloud.com/dave-ferris 2005 NY Steinway D Yamaha AvantGrand N3X, P-515, CP88, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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