St. Louis Blues owner Dave Checketts has dropped Rush Limbaugh from his group that is looking to buy the St. Louis Rams.
The Reverend Al Sharpton, Chris Matthews and the NFL Players Association are ecstatic.
It is a sad day for the pursuit of happiness.
I have no idea whether Rush Limbaugh would have been good for the St. Louis Rams. The Rams could have become worse, they could become the Greatest Show on Turf or somewhere in between. But we will never know the answer because Rush has been denied the opportunity to pursue happiness. I fail to see the harm in letting him compete in this bid.
The NFL is under no obligation to award him or anyone else a franchise but there is an obligation towards letting him make his case. Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said he wouldn't support Limbaugh's bid without even giving him a chance. If Irsay has a concern with Limbaugh's involvement in the organization or with his interactions with player personnel let Irsay express those concerns and let Limbaugh have a forum in which to explain himself. That Irsay has already made up his mind doesn't speak well of the bidding process.
It is also unfortunate that Checketts didn't see fit to stand by Rush when times got tough. It's bad enough that the Sharptons and Matthews of the world are getting their way on the basis of a falsehood. But the behavior of Sharpton and Matthews is reinforced when the Checketts of the world won't defend their business associates and leave them to hang out to dry. Checketts had to know there would be strong reaction to Limbaugh's presence and been prepared for the onslaught. If he had would have been in better position to defend his association with Limbaugh. An association which he entered into of his own free volition.
The bottom line here is that Rush got rammed. From both ends.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
"Captain" Lou Albano, 1933-2009. R.I.P.
Captain Lou Albano, tag team wrestling manager extraordinaire in the 1970s and 1980s, died today at the age of 76.
Albano was a manager wrestling fans loved to hate. He managed such teams as The Wild Samoans, the Moondogs as well as Mr. Fuji & Mr. Saito to World Wrestling Federation tag team gold. Singles wrestlers such as Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, The Magnificent Muraco and Jimmy Snuka were also part of Albano's stable of heels at various times.
Albano is best known for helping to broaden wrestling's appeal to mainstream audiences in the mid-1980s. He did so by appearing in several of Cyndi Lauper's videos most notably "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." Lauper would later participate in an angle with Albano which involved The Fabulous Moolah losing the WWF Womens' Title to Wendi Richter after holding it for 28 years. Consequently, Albano became a fan favorite. This coincided with the rise of Hulk Hogan and Hulkamania as well as consumating the marriage between rock and wrestling.
Lauper, however, wasn't Albano's only foray into music. For a time, Albano also managed the band NRBQ. Albano ended his association with the WWF in 1986 to concentrate on movies and television appearances (although he would briefly return in 1994.)
Albano would eventually become a vegetarian and shed more than 150 pounds during the 1990s. However, his health had been in decline for several years especially after suffering a heart attack in 2005.
Here's Albano doing what he did best.
Albano was a manager wrestling fans loved to hate. He managed such teams as The Wild Samoans, the Moondogs as well as Mr. Fuji & Mr. Saito to World Wrestling Federation tag team gold. Singles wrestlers such as Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, The Magnificent Muraco and Jimmy Snuka were also part of Albano's stable of heels at various times.
Albano is best known for helping to broaden wrestling's appeal to mainstream audiences in the mid-1980s. He did so by appearing in several of Cyndi Lauper's videos most notably "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." Lauper would later participate in an angle with Albano which involved The Fabulous Moolah losing the WWF Womens' Title to Wendi Richter after holding it for 28 years. Consequently, Albano became a fan favorite. This coincided with the rise of Hulk Hogan and Hulkamania as well as consumating the marriage between rock and wrestling.
Lauper, however, wasn't Albano's only foray into music. For a time, Albano also managed the band NRBQ. Albano ended his association with the WWF in 1986 to concentrate on movies and television appearances (although he would briefly return in 1994.)
Albano would eventually become a vegetarian and shed more than 150 pounds during the 1990s. However, his health had been in decline for several years especially after suffering a heart attack in 2005.
Here's Albano doing what he did best.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Thoughts on Rush Limbaugh & Slavery
Those who accuse Rush Limbaugh of supporting slavery ought to ask themselves some questions.
If Rush Limbaugh had actually spoke in support of slavery don't you think it would have been unveiled long before submitting his bid to buy the St. Louis Rams?
If Rush Limbaugh had actually spoke in support of slavery don't you think he would have been banished off the airwaves?
If Rush Limbaugh had actually spoke in support of slavery don't you think conservatives would have distanced themselves from him as fast as they distanced themselves from former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott in 2002?
If Rush Limbaugh had actually spoke in support of slavery don't you think President Obama and the White House would have put that front and center when they focussed their sights on him earlier this year and tried to cast him as the leader of the Republican Party?
Now, I disagreed with Limbaugh when it came to his comments about Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb six years ago. I disagree with them now.
But if the NBA can put up with someone like Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban who trades in 9/11 conspiracy theories then surely the NFL can put up with Rush Limbaugh.
If Rush Limbaugh had actually spoke in support of slavery don't you think it would have been unveiled long before submitting his bid to buy the St. Louis Rams?
If Rush Limbaugh had actually spoke in support of slavery don't you think he would have been banished off the airwaves?
If Rush Limbaugh had actually spoke in support of slavery don't you think conservatives would have distanced themselves from him as fast as they distanced themselves from former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott in 2002?
If Rush Limbaugh had actually spoke in support of slavery don't you think President Obama and the White House would have put that front and center when they focussed their sights on him earlier this year and tried to cast him as the leader of the Republican Party?
Now, I disagreed with Limbaugh when it came to his comments about Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb six years ago. I disagree with them now.
But if the NBA can put up with someone like Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban who trades in 9/11 conspiracy theories then surely the NFL can put up with Rush Limbaugh.
Republicans get their own private online social networking site, republicanville.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Charles A. Jensen
Phone: 602-539-5520
Email: press@republicanville.com
Republicans get their own private online social networking site, republicanville.com
October 13, 2009
Phoenix, Arizona
Republicanville.com, the ultimate free online social network for Republicans, Independents, and Libertarians has just launched. Republicanville aims to change the political landscape. The site is founded on the core principles of fiscal conservatism, smaller government, low taxes, stronger defense, and capitalism. Republicanville provides individuals and political leaders a social network that is strictly for their political involvement, where everyone is free to speak their mind with others who share the same political interests and voting goals. This unique virtual nation will allow everyone to connect instantly and personally with friends, elected officials, candidates, and organizations.
Co-Founder & CEO Stryker Lampe says, “Our vision is simple, we want to advance the Republican Party through technology. We want people to know we are not your grandfather’s GOP. This is not some Washington-funded idea, this is simply two guys following and protecting the American Dream.”
Branded “A social network of the people, by the people, and for the people,” this online social network will give citizens and politicians FREE networking tools to advance their political views and communicate with their constituents. Members can make new friends and express what’s on their mind using blogs, videos, pictures and social linking. Members can also start groups, post events & jobs and chat live. In the works are a number of amazing features and applications to assist in connecting individuals with their elected officials and vice versa.
One of the most interesting features of the social network is that you can handle all your tweets, followers and search twitter without ever leaving the site. Another great feature is that you can invite all your friends from Facebook, LinkedIn, email accounts and other networks all inside republicanville.
Charles A. Jensen Co-Founder, President and COO says, ”In a social media world people are running into increasing problems expressing their political views on networks like Facebook as their statements may conflict with “friends,” their content could be held against them. Networks like Facebook can shut down your account at anytime. People who join republicanville are there for one thing: political activism. We do not hide what we are about.”
About republicanville llc:
Republicanville is a private social media company based out of Scottsdale Arizona and founded by Stryker Lampe & Charles A. Jensen. They plan on reinventing politics with social media and applications. They are launching a sister site votingcounts.com that will concentrate on voter registration.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Phillies Conqueor Rockies
The Philadelphia Phillies will be headed to the NLCS for a second straight year against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Phillies prevailed over the Colorado Rockies in Game 4 of the NLDS 5-4. They took three games out of four.
In Game 1, Phillies starter through a complete game en route to a 5-1 victory.
In Game 2, the Rockies evened the series with a 5-4 win.
Game 3 was initially scheduled to be played on Saturday but was delayed 24 hours due to a snowstorm in Denver.
With Lee throwing a complete game in Game 1 many wondered about Phillies manager Charley Manuel's confidence in closer Brad Lidge. But it was the Rockies bullpen that faltered. It was Huston Street not Lidge who gave up the go ahead run to the Phillies in the 9th inning during both Games 3 & 4. Last night, Ryan Howard drove in the go ahead run with a sacrifice fly. Tonight, the Phillies scored three runs in the 9th with two outs. Howard hit a two run double to tie the game and then Jayson Werth singled him in for the go ahead run. Meanwhile, Lidge managed to save both games. If Lidge is back in his 2008 form in which he did not blow a save that entire year then the Dodgers are in trouble. The Phillies could repeat in 2009. But, of course, they have to get past the Dodgers first. I won't dismiss them as easily this time around.
Game 1 of the NLCS begins Thursday in Los Angeles.
The Phillies prevailed over the Colorado Rockies in Game 4 of the NLDS 5-4. They took three games out of four.
In Game 1, Phillies starter through a complete game en route to a 5-1 victory.
In Game 2, the Rockies evened the series with a 5-4 win.
Game 3 was initially scheduled to be played on Saturday but was delayed 24 hours due to a snowstorm in Denver.
With Lee throwing a complete game in Game 1 many wondered about Phillies manager Charley Manuel's confidence in closer Brad Lidge. But it was the Rockies bullpen that faltered. It was Huston Street not Lidge who gave up the go ahead run to the Phillies in the 9th inning during both Games 3 & 4. Last night, Ryan Howard drove in the go ahead run with a sacrifice fly. Tonight, the Phillies scored three runs in the 9th with two outs. Howard hit a two run double to tie the game and then Jayson Werth singled him in for the go ahead run. Meanwhile, Lidge managed to save both games. If Lidge is back in his 2008 form in which he did not blow a save that entire year then the Dodgers are in trouble. The Phillies could repeat in 2009. But, of course, they have to get past the Dodgers first. I won't dismiss them as easily this time around.
Game 1 of the NLCS begins Thursday in Los Angeles.
Top Obama Adviser on FNC: "Let's Not Pretend They're a News Network."
Appearing on the CNN show Reliable Sources hosted by Howard Kurtz, White House Interim Communications Director Anita Dunn pilloried the Fox News Channel.
Aside from stating, "Let's not pretend they're a news network," Dunn also called FNC "a wing of the Republican Party."
Dunn isn't exactly a low ranking flunkie. You might recall she was interviewed on 60 Minutes along with David Axelrod, David Plouffe and Robert Gibbs by Steve Kroft the night Obama was elected President.
So this salvo against FNC is coming up from high on the Obama food chain.
I understand why they are doing it. Liberals hate FNC. Despite claims of vegetarianism, liberals love red meat as much as conservatives. So when the Obama White House rails against FNC their people are happy.
But can FNC really be called "a wing of the Republican Party"? If the Obama White House had bothered to watch Katie Couric they would know Glenn Beck thinks John McCain "would've been worse" than Obama.
I think it would be more accurate to state to label FNC conservative rather than Republican. It reminds me of when I went to see Ann Coulter speak at Boston College shortly after Bush was re-elected in 2004. She said FNC should admit it's conservative provided all the other networks admitted they were liberal.
Of course there's about as much chance of that happening as Mahmoud Ahmadinejad buying Israel Bonds.
I think the Obama Administration is thinking in the short term. First, they continue to demonstrate that they can't take criticism of any sort. Second, they are moving away from their own playbook. When Kroft asked Plouffe how they won states like Indiana and North Carolina he said, "I think part of it is not being afraid to venture out and try win in what has been considered hostile territory." Part and parcel of that strategy was Obama going on The O'Reilly Factor. You can be sure that Obama won a lot of respect and votes by those who had supported Bush in 2000 and 2004 by going mano a mano with O'Reilly.
The fact is 2012 is coming sooner rather than later. If Obama wants to be re-elected he's going to need voters who watch the Fox News Channel. I'm sure that he'll appear on FNC in the final 60 days before the '12 election. But spending years trashing FNC and by extension its viewers will have taken their toll and Obama's last minute efforts to play nice will backfire. By then no one will be listening to him.
With that in mind, Anita Dunn and Obama Administration officials should keep doing what they are doing.
Aside from stating, "Let's not pretend they're a news network," Dunn also called FNC "a wing of the Republican Party."
Dunn isn't exactly a low ranking flunkie. You might recall she was interviewed on 60 Minutes along with David Axelrod, David Plouffe and Robert Gibbs by Steve Kroft the night Obama was elected President.
So this salvo against FNC is coming up from high on the Obama food chain.
I understand why they are doing it. Liberals hate FNC. Despite claims of vegetarianism, liberals love red meat as much as conservatives. So when the Obama White House rails against FNC their people are happy.
But can FNC really be called "a wing of the Republican Party"? If the Obama White House had bothered to watch Katie Couric they would know Glenn Beck thinks John McCain "would've been worse" than Obama.
I think it would be more accurate to state to label FNC conservative rather than Republican. It reminds me of when I went to see Ann Coulter speak at Boston College shortly after Bush was re-elected in 2004. She said FNC should admit it's conservative provided all the other networks admitted they were liberal.
Of course there's about as much chance of that happening as Mahmoud Ahmadinejad buying Israel Bonds.
I think the Obama Administration is thinking in the short term. First, they continue to demonstrate that they can't take criticism of any sort. Second, they are moving away from their own playbook. When Kroft asked Plouffe how they won states like Indiana and North Carolina he said, "I think part of it is not being afraid to venture out and try win in what has been considered hostile territory." Part and parcel of that strategy was Obama going on The O'Reilly Factor. You can be sure that Obama won a lot of respect and votes by those who had supported Bush in 2000 and 2004 by going mano a mano with O'Reilly.
The fact is 2012 is coming sooner rather than later. If Obama wants to be re-elected he's going to need voters who watch the Fox News Channel. I'm sure that he'll appear on FNC in the final 60 days before the '12 election. But spending years trashing FNC and by extension its viewers will have taken their toll and Obama's last minute efforts to play nice will backfire. By then no one will be listening to him.
With that in mind, Anita Dunn and Obama Administration officials should keep doing what they are doing.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Yankees Sweep Twins
The last baseball game has been played at the Metrodome.
The Yankees beat the Twins 4-1 to sweep the ALDS and will advance to the ALCS against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
The Yankees dominance of the Twins continues unabated. The Twins did not win a regular season game against the Yankees and could not muster a win in the ALDS despite leading in every game.
The Twins had a 2-0 lead early in Game 1 only to have the Yankees score seven unanswered runs.
In Game 2, the Twins had a 3-1 lead into the bottom of the 9th when Twins closer Joe Nathan gave up a two run home run to Alex Rodriguez to tie the game. The Twins did have the bases loaded and no one out in the 11th but could not score. Mark Teixeira hit a line drive home run in the bottom of the 11th to give the Yankees a 2-0 ALDS lead.
Today, Andy Pettitte and Carl Pavano were locked in a pitcher's duel. Pavano, who pitched for the Yankees between 2005 and 2008, struck out nine batters over seven innings. The Twins scored first on a single by Joe Mauer in the bottom of the 6th. Pavano, however, surrendered two solo home runs to A-Rod and Jorge Posada in the 7th to give the Yankees a 2-1 lead.
The Twins had a chance to tie in the 8th but Nick Punto overran the third base bag on a ball hit by Denard Span and Derek Jeter alertly threw the ball home to Posada who in turn threw the ball to A-Rod who tagged out Punto.
The Yankees added two runs in the 9th on singles by Posada and Robinson Cano after three consecutive walks by three different Twins relievers.
Whatever momentum the Twins had in the final three weeks of the season was stopped dead in its tracks by the Yankees.
It's perhaps just as well the Twins have played their last game at the Metrodome. Maybe Target Field will yield greater success for the Twins against the Yankees and the rest of the AL. After the game, home plate was dug up so it can be moved to Target Field. Joe Nathan grabbed some dirt from the pitcher's mound as a keepsake. I remarked to my Dad that when ballparks were retired in the early 1970s the fans would rip the ballpark apart up and to including taking seats from the ballpark. But we are in a much different world now.
As for the Yankees, they will host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for Game 1 of the ALCS on Friday. The Angels clinched their ALDS against the Red Sox earlier today. So both teams will have five days to rest.
The Angels have defeated the Yankees in the ALDS twice (2002 and 2005) but this is the first time the two teams have squared off in the ALCS. Unlike the Twins, the Angels have consistently beaten the Yankees in a way no other team have including the Red Sox. The Yankees should have far more competition in this playoff series than they did in the ALDS nothwithstanding the Twins stellar efforts in Game 2.
The Yankees beat the Twins 4-1 to sweep the ALDS and will advance to the ALCS against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
The Yankees dominance of the Twins continues unabated. The Twins did not win a regular season game against the Yankees and could not muster a win in the ALDS despite leading in every game.
The Twins had a 2-0 lead early in Game 1 only to have the Yankees score seven unanswered runs.
In Game 2, the Twins had a 3-1 lead into the bottom of the 9th when Twins closer Joe Nathan gave up a two run home run to Alex Rodriguez to tie the game. The Twins did have the bases loaded and no one out in the 11th but could not score. Mark Teixeira hit a line drive home run in the bottom of the 11th to give the Yankees a 2-0 ALDS lead.
Today, Andy Pettitte and Carl Pavano were locked in a pitcher's duel. Pavano, who pitched for the Yankees between 2005 and 2008, struck out nine batters over seven innings. The Twins scored first on a single by Joe Mauer in the bottom of the 6th. Pavano, however, surrendered two solo home runs to A-Rod and Jorge Posada in the 7th to give the Yankees a 2-1 lead.
The Twins had a chance to tie in the 8th but Nick Punto overran the third base bag on a ball hit by Denard Span and Derek Jeter alertly threw the ball home to Posada who in turn threw the ball to A-Rod who tagged out Punto.
The Yankees added two runs in the 9th on singles by Posada and Robinson Cano after three consecutive walks by three different Twins relievers.
Whatever momentum the Twins had in the final three weeks of the season was stopped dead in its tracks by the Yankees.
It's perhaps just as well the Twins have played their last game at the Metrodome. Maybe Target Field will yield greater success for the Twins against the Yankees and the rest of the AL. After the game, home plate was dug up so it can be moved to Target Field. Joe Nathan grabbed some dirt from the pitcher's mound as a keepsake. I remarked to my Dad that when ballparks were retired in the early 1970s the fans would rip the ballpark apart up and to including taking seats from the ballpark. But we are in a much different world now.
As for the Yankees, they will host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for Game 1 of the ALCS on Friday. The Angels clinched their ALDS against the Red Sox earlier today. So both teams will have five days to rest.
The Angels have defeated the Yankees in the ALDS twice (2002 and 2005) but this is the first time the two teams have squared off in the ALCS. Unlike the Twins, the Angels have consistently beaten the Yankees in a way no other team have including the Red Sox. The Yankees should have far more competition in this playoff series than they did in the ALDS nothwithstanding the Twins stellar efforts in Game 2.
Americans for Prosperity's Defending The Dream summit emphasizes social media
Laura Ingraham speaking at the summit
I attended Americans for Prosperity's third annual Defending the American Dream summit earlier this month in Washington, D.C. along with 2000 others, and was amazed at the energy there. Obama's bailouts and push for nationalized healthcare have gotten Americans riled up, with tea party protests all over the nation like we've never seen before under other presidents. Americans for Prosperity has been one of the key organizations assisting the protesters logistically, providing a way for grassroots organizers to network and organize. So it was thrilling to see many of the most active protesters over the past year come together at this summit.
Americans for Prosperity is one of a few leading organizations on the right that sees the value of bloggers and social media, and the conference heavily emphasized the role of bloggers, who had their own special press room for blogging.
Steve Schippert from Wizbang blog reported on keynote speaker Newt Gingrich's speech. Gingrich said the socialist wing of the Democrat Party is going to lead them to defeat in the next election. He writes that Newt,
Tells story of gas rationing in the 70's when you could only get gas on certain days depending on whether your license plate ended in an odd or even number. A father would have his son go out and switch the license plates on the cars to get gas when needed.
If you're a conservative and you hear of 13 year olds figuring out how to get around a program, you want to repeal the program.
If you're a liberal and you hear that story, you want to install program police at every gas station in the country.
Regarding Obama on economics, Newt said, "Yes we can. But not his way." Gingrich also quipped, "Bowing to a Saudi king is not an energy policy."
Schippert relayed that Hot Air columnist Ed Morrissey talked about ridiculous examples in the tax code like deductions for pets. Unfortunately they all came from Republicans.
Writing for Townhall.com, Jillian Bandes covered a speech that took place at the healthcare protest rally at the U.S. Capitol during the summit,
“[The health care bill] was supposed to go for a vote in July. Then September. Then October,” Rep. Patrick McHenry, (R-S.C.) told a rowdy crowd. “Last night, Steny Hoyer said it would be two more weeks. What they’re trying to do now is twist arms.”
Over 2000 people showed up to the healthcare protest at the U.S. Capitol, which was also covered by Jim Jess at the Examiner. He relays a speech by Shona Holmes, a Canadian whose medical care was delayed due to rationing in Canada:
She said the Canadian government was quite proud that its citizens only have to wait 100 days for a MRI, a time frame that would be unacceptable in the U.S. Holmes received treatment at the Mayo Clinic in the United States and said she would have died without the timely medical attention she received. She only had to wait a week for her MRI. Ironically, two of her doctors were Canadians who left Canada due to its socialized system and now practice in the U.S.Jim Jess also quotes Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) saying that 53 new government agencies would be created under H.R. 3200, the Democrats' healthcare reform bill.
Karyn McDermott of the Examiner relayed what AFP President Tim Phillips told a packed audience at dinner Friday night,
When the President and his friends on the left say 'hope' they mean their hope is in the government for the solution of the challenges we face today.Legendary blogger John Hawkins of Right Wing News (left, with legendary Twitterer Tabitha Hala aka
Pink Elephant Pun) wrote up an entertaining synopsis of the summit which included lots of photos here. He said Newt Gingrich was the best speaker at the summit: "He had a combination of ideas, gravitas, and raw charisma that was difficult for anyone else to match." Hawkins himself got a lot of applause speaking on a panel when he said he interviewed and raised money for Joe Wilson.I agree that Newt was tremendous, but was also impressed with Rep. Mike Pence from Indiana, who does a really funny imitation of George W. Bush. He is the dark horse candidate for president in 2012. Watch Mike Pence imitate George W. Bush here.
Leslie
Carbone, former Director of Tax Policy at the Family Research Council and author of Slaying Leviathan: The Moral Case for Tax Reform, attended the conference and gave an interview about her book here.Arizona's Sean Noble, Chief of Staff for Rep. John
Shadegg, gave a rousing speech at the "Tribute to Ronald Reagan" dinner.Bill Smith from ARRA News Service covered several of the speeches, including one by Steve
Moore from the Wall Street Journal. Moore said, “Since we passed the economic stimulus bill we’ve lost $3 million jobs." Smith also covered Fox News contributor and talkshow host Herman Cain, who said liberals S.I.N.: They SHIFT the subject. They IGNORE facts. They NAMECALL. Cain found out that liberals think HE is racist.Overall, it was very inspiring to see how the Obama administration's policies have rallied so many people into action. Watch for AFP to take the lead in rallying Americans to revolt against this administration.
Some of us bloggers hanging outPictures from "Tribute to Ronald Reagan" dinner
Pictures from Saturday morning's general session
Videos from AFP's national town hall at the Capitol
Recap of summit from Tim Phillips
Large collection of videos from summit
My pictures
The 2nd worst person in the world, AFP's Erik Telford, with Kerry Pickett from The Washington Times
Angels Stun Red Sox Nation
Red Sox Nation is stunned.
The Red Sox were one strike away from extending the ALDS to Game 4.
It never came.
The Sox had a 5-2 lead against the Angels heading into the 8th inning. With two out and two on, Sox manager Terry Francona opted to remove Billy Wagner in favor of closer Jonathan Papelbon to get the final four outs of the game.
Papelbon promptly gave up a single in the gap to Juan Rivera scoring two inherited runners. The Sox lead was now 5-4. But Papelbon managed to get out of the inning when he picked off pinch runner Reggie Willits at first.
The Sox added an insurance run in the bottom of the inning on a Mike Lowell double down the right field line scoring pinch runner Joey Gathright who had stolen second base moments earlier. Gathright was pinch running for David Ortiz who hit a single up the middle for his lone hit of the ALDS.
Everything appeared to be in order for Game 4. But as Yogi Berra says, "It ain't over 'til it's over."
Papelbon retired Macier Izturis on a pop out to catcher Victor Martinez and then got pinch hitter Gary Matthews, Jr. to fly out to Jacoby Ellsbury.
All that stood between the Red Sox and Game 4 was Erick Aybar. Papelbon quickly had two strikes on Aybar. But the scrappy Aybar would stroke a single up the middle.
Up came Chone Figgins. Prior to this plate appearance, Figgins was 0 for 12 in the ALDS. Papelbon quickly got two strikes on him. But Figgins managed to hang in there for a walk.
At this point, I have a very bad feeling because here comes Bobby Abreu. The ex-Yankee has the uncanny ability to take pitches, draw walks and get clutch hits. Papelbon got two strikes on him as well. But Abreu is at his best with two strikes on him. This time was no different as Abreu hit a wall ball double scoring Aybar. The Sox lead was now down to 6-5.
With first base open, Papelbon intentionally walked Torii Hunter to load the bases. Vladimir Guerrero is the anti-Abreu. Guerrero will swing at just about anything even if its at his head. True to form, Guerrero hit the first pitch up the middle for a two run single to give the Angels a 7-6 lead. Francona then removed Papelbon from the game.
Angels closer Brian Fuentes had a one-two-three inning in the bottom of the 9th.
The Angels won the 2009 ALDS sweeping the Red Sox.
Let's face it. The Angels were the better team. They were hungrier. The memory of Nick Adenhart looms large. The inspired performances by Angels starters John Lackey and Jered Weaver in Games 1 & 2 were a tribute to Adenhart's unfulfilled potential.
Today, the Angels scored three runs after being down to their last strike in three separate plate appearances. If that isn't a measure of perserverance I don't know what is.
The Red Sox have to the Angels what the Yankees have been to the Red Sox. The Angels lost the ALDS to the Red Sox in 2004, 2007 and 2008. Let's also not forget the 1986 ALCS in which the Red Sox came back from three games to one. The Angels were one strike away from going to their first World Series when Dave Henderson hit an 0-2 forkball over the left field wall off Donnie Moore.
Ironically, Dave Henderson was on hand today to throw out the first pitch before the game. Life wasn't so kind to Donnie Moore. Less than three years after the 1986 ALCS, Moore committed suicide. Somewhere beyond the sky, Nick Adenhart paid Donnie Moore a visit to give him some small measure of comfort.
It could be said the Angels are on a mission from G-d.
The Angels could find out who they will face off against in the ALCS in a few short hours. The New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins will face off in Game 3 of their ALDS. The Yankees need one more win to clinch the ALDS. Although one wonders if the hometown fans will inspire the Twins to live another day. Otherwise, it could be the last baseball game played in the Metrodome.
Game 1 of the ALCS begins on Friday.
The Red Sox were one strike away from extending the ALDS to Game 4.
It never came.
The Sox had a 5-2 lead against the Angels heading into the 8th inning. With two out and two on, Sox manager Terry Francona opted to remove Billy Wagner in favor of closer Jonathan Papelbon to get the final four outs of the game.
Papelbon promptly gave up a single in the gap to Juan Rivera scoring two inherited runners. The Sox lead was now 5-4. But Papelbon managed to get out of the inning when he picked off pinch runner Reggie Willits at first.
The Sox added an insurance run in the bottom of the inning on a Mike Lowell double down the right field line scoring pinch runner Joey Gathright who had stolen second base moments earlier. Gathright was pinch running for David Ortiz who hit a single up the middle for his lone hit of the ALDS.
Everything appeared to be in order for Game 4. But as Yogi Berra says, "It ain't over 'til it's over."
Papelbon retired Macier Izturis on a pop out to catcher Victor Martinez and then got pinch hitter Gary Matthews, Jr. to fly out to Jacoby Ellsbury.
All that stood between the Red Sox and Game 4 was Erick Aybar. Papelbon quickly had two strikes on Aybar. But the scrappy Aybar would stroke a single up the middle.
Up came Chone Figgins. Prior to this plate appearance, Figgins was 0 for 12 in the ALDS. Papelbon quickly got two strikes on him. But Figgins managed to hang in there for a walk.
At this point, I have a very bad feeling because here comes Bobby Abreu. The ex-Yankee has the uncanny ability to take pitches, draw walks and get clutch hits. Papelbon got two strikes on him as well. But Abreu is at his best with two strikes on him. This time was no different as Abreu hit a wall ball double scoring Aybar. The Sox lead was now down to 6-5.
With first base open, Papelbon intentionally walked Torii Hunter to load the bases. Vladimir Guerrero is the anti-Abreu. Guerrero will swing at just about anything even if its at his head. True to form, Guerrero hit the first pitch up the middle for a two run single to give the Angels a 7-6 lead. Francona then removed Papelbon from the game.
Angels closer Brian Fuentes had a one-two-three inning in the bottom of the 9th.
The Angels won the 2009 ALDS sweeping the Red Sox.
Let's face it. The Angels were the better team. They were hungrier. The memory of Nick Adenhart looms large. The inspired performances by Angels starters John Lackey and Jered Weaver in Games 1 & 2 were a tribute to Adenhart's unfulfilled potential.
Today, the Angels scored three runs after being down to their last strike in three separate plate appearances. If that isn't a measure of perserverance I don't know what is.
The Red Sox have to the Angels what the Yankees have been to the Red Sox. The Angels lost the ALDS to the Red Sox in 2004, 2007 and 2008. Let's also not forget the 1986 ALCS in which the Red Sox came back from three games to one. The Angels were one strike away from going to their first World Series when Dave Henderson hit an 0-2 forkball over the left field wall off Donnie Moore.
Ironically, Dave Henderson was on hand today to throw out the first pitch before the game. Life wasn't so kind to Donnie Moore. Less than three years after the 1986 ALCS, Moore committed suicide. Somewhere beyond the sky, Nick Adenhart paid Donnie Moore a visit to give him some small measure of comfort.
It could be said the Angels are on a mission from G-d.
The Angels could find out who they will face off against in the ALCS in a few short hours. The New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins will face off in Game 3 of their ALDS. The Yankees need one more win to clinch the ALDS. Although one wonders if the hometown fans will inspire the Twins to live another day. Otherwise, it could be the last baseball game played in the Metrodome.
Game 1 of the ALCS begins on Friday.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Dodgers Sweep Cardinals
On Monday, I predicted there would be a sweep in the NLDS between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
There was a sweep alright. It's just that I picked the wrong team to sweep.
The Dodgers beat the Cardinals 5-1 in Game 3 of the NLDS and will advance to the NLCS against either the Philadelphia Phillies or the Colorado Rockies.
Dodgers starter Vicente Padilla, who was claimed off waivers from the Texas Rangers in August, pitched seven shutout innings giving up only four hits and a walk.
I think this series caught nearly everyone by surprise. I don't think anyone expected Chris Carpenter to get knocked around in Game 1. I don't think anyone expected Matt Holliday to drop a ball with two outs in the bottom of the 9th in Game 2. I don't think anyone expected the Dodgers to then score two runs to win the game. And I certainly don't think anyone expected Padilla to throw seven shutout innings today.
So at the risk of underestimating the Dodgers again I don't think they'll win the NLCS. The reason I say this is because they don't play again until Thursday. The Dodgers can practice all they want but either the Phillies or Rockies will be less rusty.
As for the Phillies-Rockies, Game 3 of their NLDS was postponed due to a heavy snowfall in Denver. The game has been rescheduled for tomorrow night.
Meanwhile, both the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim could sweep their respective ALDS against the Minnesota Twins and the Boston Red Sox tomorrow.
There was a sweep alright. It's just that I picked the wrong team to sweep.
The Dodgers beat the Cardinals 5-1 in Game 3 of the NLDS and will advance to the NLCS against either the Philadelphia Phillies or the Colorado Rockies.
Dodgers starter Vicente Padilla, who was claimed off waivers from the Texas Rangers in August, pitched seven shutout innings giving up only four hits and a walk.
I think this series caught nearly everyone by surprise. I don't think anyone expected Chris Carpenter to get knocked around in Game 1. I don't think anyone expected Matt Holliday to drop a ball with two outs in the bottom of the 9th in Game 2. I don't think anyone expected the Dodgers to then score two runs to win the game. And I certainly don't think anyone expected Padilla to throw seven shutout innings today.
So at the risk of underestimating the Dodgers again I don't think they'll win the NLCS. The reason I say this is because they don't play again until Thursday. The Dodgers can practice all they want but either the Phillies or Rockies will be less rusty.
As for the Phillies-Rockies, Game 3 of their NLDS was postponed due to a heavy snowfall in Denver. The game has been rescheduled for tomorrow night.
Meanwhile, both the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim could sweep their respective ALDS against the Minnesota Twins and the Boston Red Sox tomorrow.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Marge Simpson in Playboy?
It's true.
In honor of The Simpsons 20th anniversary, Marge Simpson will be Ms. October in the forthcoming issue of Playboy which is due to be released next Friday.
As far as cartoons go she's not my type.
If it were Daphne from Scooby-Doo on the other hand.....
In honor of The Simpsons 20th anniversary, Marge Simpson will be Ms. October in the forthcoming issue of Playboy which is due to be released next Friday.
As far as cartoons go she's not my type.
If it were Daphne from Scooby-Doo on the other hand.....
Is Obama's Nobel a Consolation Prize for Losing The Olympics?
When I heard that President Obama had been bestowed the Nobel Peace Prize this morning the first thing I asked myself, "Is this a consolation prize for losing the Olympics?"
It also came to mind that it was just a few days ago that President Obama refused to meet with the Dalai Lama, a fellow Nobel Peace Prize winner, to get in the good graces of China.
And how must Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter feel?
Bill Clinton, after all, got Yasser Arafat to shake hands with Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Peres on the White House lawn. Yet no Nobel.
Sure Jimmy Carter got his Nobel. But it was 25 years after he got Menachem Begin and Anwar Sadat to shake hands on the White House lawn.
Remember Gunnar Berge? He was the Norwegian Labour politician who headed the Nobel Prize committee who said, "With the position Carter has taken...(the award) can and must also be seen as criticism of the line the current U.S. administration has taken on Iraq."
A reporter then asked Berge if awarding Carter the Nobel was a "kick in the leg" at Washington, Berge said, "Yes, the answer is an unconditional 'yes."'
What has President Obama done to bring about world peace other than give a few speeches where he threw America under the bus? He's chaired a UN Security Council meeting in which he spared the feelings of Iran and North Korea and barely has the time to meet with General McChrystal about the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan.
It's probably just as well that Obama wins the Nobel. If not Obama, they would have instead given it to some Chinese dissident rotting away in some prison in Liaoning Province. The Nobel Committee can ease their consciences with the knowledge that nameless dissident will die behind bars thus rendering him ineligible for consideration.
So now Obama can look forward to having a dinner held in his honor in Oslo before Christmas. Perhaps he can invite that kindergarten class from New Jersey to sing in praise of him. It would be a fitting tribute given that his policies are geared to the mentality of a five-year old.
It also came to mind that it was just a few days ago that President Obama refused to meet with the Dalai Lama, a fellow Nobel Peace Prize winner, to get in the good graces of China.
And how must Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter feel?
Bill Clinton, after all, got Yasser Arafat to shake hands with Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Peres on the White House lawn. Yet no Nobel.
Sure Jimmy Carter got his Nobel. But it was 25 years after he got Menachem Begin and Anwar Sadat to shake hands on the White House lawn.
Remember Gunnar Berge? He was the Norwegian Labour politician who headed the Nobel Prize committee who said, "With the position Carter has taken...(the award) can and must also be seen as criticism of the line the current U.S. administration has taken on Iraq."
A reporter then asked Berge if awarding Carter the Nobel was a "kick in the leg" at Washington, Berge said, "Yes, the answer is an unconditional 'yes."'
What has President Obama done to bring about world peace other than give a few speeches where he threw America under the bus? He's chaired a UN Security Council meeting in which he spared the feelings of Iran and North Korea and barely has the time to meet with General McChrystal about the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan.
It's probably just as well that Obama wins the Nobel. If not Obama, they would have instead given it to some Chinese dissident rotting away in some prison in Liaoning Province. The Nobel Committee can ease their consciences with the knowledge that nameless dissident will die behind bars thus rendering him ineligible for consideration.
So now Obama can look forward to having a dinner held in his honor in Oslo before Christmas. Perhaps he can invite that kindergarten class from New Jersey to sing in praise of him. It would be a fitting tribute given that his policies are geared to the mentality of a five-year old.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Obama Administration Cuts Funding to Monitor Human Rights in Iran
Given that the Obama Administration and its left-wing allies in Congress are giving out federal money like it was cake doesn't have but a morsel to spare when it comes to monitoring human rights in Iran.
Back in July, the State Department chose not to allocate any funding to the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center (IHRDC). Since 2004, it had received $3 million in federal funding and was seeking $2.7 million over the next two years. The IHRDC has devoted itself to monitoring human rights abuses in Iran since the Islamic Revolution and seeks, amongst other things, to promote accountability, respect for human rights and the rule of law in Iran.
Suzanne Maloney of the Brookings Institute insists the decision has nothing to do with the Obama Administration's policy of engagement and appeasement of Iran:
I could see why it's being seen as a policy symbol, but we have to be careful not to create tempests and teapots where they don't exist. This funding is not intended to send policy signals. In all likelihood, this is a bureaucratic decision.
So the decision to cut federal funding to an organization that monitors human rights in Iran was made by a mid-level manager in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs. It has nothing to do with the fact that engagement with Iran is the centerpiece of the Obama Administration's foreign policy. Yeah surrre. Just like President Obama's decision not to meet with the Dalai Lama had nothing to do with getting in the good graces of China. Just like health care reform won't add a dime to the federal deficit.
Back in July, the State Department chose not to allocate any funding to the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center (IHRDC). Since 2004, it had received $3 million in federal funding and was seeking $2.7 million over the next two years. The IHRDC has devoted itself to monitoring human rights abuses in Iran since the Islamic Revolution and seeks, amongst other things, to promote accountability, respect for human rights and the rule of law in Iran.
Suzanne Maloney of the Brookings Institute insists the decision has nothing to do with the Obama Administration's policy of engagement and appeasement of Iran:
I could see why it's being seen as a policy symbol, but we have to be careful not to create tempests and teapots where they don't exist. This funding is not intended to send policy signals. In all likelihood, this is a bureaucratic decision.
So the decision to cut federal funding to an organization that monitors human rights in Iran was made by a mid-level manager in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs. It has nothing to do with the fact that engagement with Iran is the centerpiece of the Obama Administration's foreign policy. Yeah surrre. Just like President Obama's decision not to meet with the Dalai Lama had nothing to do with getting in the good graces of China. Just like health care reform won't add a dime to the federal deficit.
Heartbreak for Holliday
The St. Louis Cardinals were one out away from tying the NLDS at a game apiece.
With the Cardinals leading 2-1, Dodgers first baseman James Loney hit what appeared to be a routine line out but Cardinals left fielder either didn't pick up the ball or had a bad jump because it bounced off his chest and Loney ended up at second. Juan Pierre was inserted as a pinch runner.
Cardinals closer Ryan Franklin then walked Casey Blake and then gave up a game tying single to Ronnie Belliard. Franklin then issued another walk to Russell Martin. This brought up pinch hitter Mark Loretta. During his career, Loretta was hitless in fifteen at bats against Franklin. Not this time. Loretta hit a bloop single to score Blake to give the Dodgers a 3-2 win and a two games to none lead in the NLDS.
Ironically, Holliday had a hit a homerun in the 2nd inning to give the Cards a 1-0 lead. It doesn't take much to go from hero to goat in this game.
The Dodgers could sweep the Cardinals on Saturday night at Busch Stadium and advance to the NLCS.
Or perhaps Holliday could redeem himself in St. Louis.
With the Cardinals leading 2-1, Dodgers first baseman James Loney hit what appeared to be a routine line out but Cardinals left fielder either didn't pick up the ball or had a bad jump because it bounced off his chest and Loney ended up at second. Juan Pierre was inserted as a pinch runner.
Cardinals closer Ryan Franklin then walked Casey Blake and then gave up a game tying single to Ronnie Belliard. Franklin then issued another walk to Russell Martin. This brought up pinch hitter Mark Loretta. During his career, Loretta was hitless in fifteen at bats against Franklin. Not this time. Loretta hit a bloop single to score Blake to give the Dodgers a 3-2 win and a two games to none lead in the NLDS.
Ironically, Holliday had a hit a homerun in the 2nd inning to give the Cards a 1-0 lead. It doesn't take much to go from hero to goat in this game.
The Dodgers could sweep the Cardinals on Saturday night at Busch Stadium and advance to the NLCS.
Or perhaps Holliday could redeem himself in St. Louis.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Quick NLDS & ALDS Predictions
The 2009 MLB postseason gets underway today with the NLDS and ALDS. Remember it's the best three out of five. So here are my quick picks.
NLDS - Colorado Rockies vs. Philadelphia Phillies
The Rockies losing their ace Jorge de la Rosa could be a crippling blow. On the other hand there is the Phillies bullpen.
Phillies in four.
NLDS - St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Cardinals have a decided edge with their starting three.
I'll also take Albert Pujols over Manny Ramirez. This isn't 2004.
A Cardinals sweep.
ALDS - Minnesota Twins vs. New York Yankees
The Twins have not fared well against the Yankees in recent years and were 0-7 against the Bronx Bombers in 2009. But the Twins are on a mission from G-d. But even G-d can't save them.
Yankees in five.
ALDS - Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
It's Red Sox & Angels for the third straight year. The spirit of the late Nick Adenhart might move mountains but I don't think it overcomes the Bosox.
Red Sox in five.
NLDS - Colorado Rockies vs. Philadelphia Phillies
The Rockies losing their ace Jorge de la Rosa could be a crippling blow. On the other hand there is the Phillies bullpen.
Phillies in four.
NLDS - St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Cardinals have a decided edge with their starting three.
I'll also take Albert Pujols over Manny Ramirez. This isn't 2004.
A Cardinals sweep.
ALDS - Minnesota Twins vs. New York Yankees
The Twins have not fared well against the Yankees in recent years and were 0-7 against the Bronx Bombers in 2009. But the Twins are on a mission from G-d. But even G-d can't save them.
Yankees in five.
ALDS - Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
It's Red Sox & Angels for the third straight year. The spirit of the late Nick Adenhart might move mountains but I don't think it overcomes the Bosox.
Red Sox in five.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Twins Beat Tigers in 12 to Win AL Central
If you live in the land of 10,000 lakes you must be ecstatic.
The Minnesota Vikings are 4-0 with the dynamic duo of Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson. Their latest win came yesterday in the Metrodome against the Green BayPackers - Favre's old team.
Twenty-four hours later, the Minnesota Twins hosted the Detroit Tigers to determine the winner of the American League Central Division. In 12 innings, the Twins outlasted the Tigers 6-5 and will go to the Big Apple to play the New York Yankees in less than another twenty-four hours in Game 1 of the American League Division Series.
When the game started I was still at work. I saw Twins shortstop Orlando Cabrera make two sensational plays in the top of the 2nd to keep the game scoreless. I said to a colleague that obtaining Cabrera was the best acquisition they made during the season. Of course, Cabrera was a member of the 2004 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox. The Sox acquired Cabrera from the Montreal Expos the same deal that saw Nomar Garciaparra go to the Chicago Cubs.
I never understood why the Sox got rid of Cabrera that offseason. Supposedly Sox management didn't like the people Cabrera was hanging out with but Cabrera was a solid citizen during his nearly eight seasons in an Expos uniform. If he was a bad actor it wouldn't have been kept under wraps for almost a decade. Cabrera is still received warmly when he plays at Fenway.
Since Cabrera left the Red Sox, he's gone to the postseason four out of the last five seasons. Cabrera played in the postseason with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2005 and 2007 and with the Chicago White Sox last season. Cabrera began 2009 with the Oakland Athletics but was dealt to the Twins at the trade deadline for minor league shortstop Tyler Ladendorf. Along with getting Carl Pavano from Cleveland it was a very shrewd move by Minnesota.
However, early in the game it was all Detroit. The Tigers scored three runs in the top of the 3rd on a single by Magglio Ordonez and a two run homerun by Miguel Cabrera. Tigers starter Rick Porcello pitched well. The 20-year-old righty was sharp striking out eight batters over five and two thirds innings pitched. Porcello only made two mistakes in the game. The first was a throwing error in the bottom of the 3rd to allow Matt Tolbert to score. The second was to surrender a solo homerun to Jason Kubel, who along with teammate Delmon Young was named AL Player of the Week.
Cabrera would loom large again when he hit a two run homerun in the bottom of the 7th off Tigers reliever Zach Miner. This gave the Twins a 4-3 lead. However, the Tigers promptly tied it in the top of the 8th on a solo homerun by Ordonez off Twins reliever Matt Guerrier. Cabrera came to the rescue again in the top of the 9th. The Tigers had runners at first and third against Twins closer Joe Nathan with no outs. After Nathan struck out Placido Polanco he had to face Ordonez hot off his homerun. Ordonez hit the ball hard again but right at Cabrera who picked the speedy Curtis Granderson off first base for an inning ending double play.
The game went to extra innings and the Tigers again struck first on a Brandon Inge double off Twins reliever Jesse Crain. The Tigers were up 5-4 and the Twins once again had their backs to the wall. The Twins responded with a lead off triple by Michael Cuddyer off Tigers closer Fernando Rodney who would score on a single by Matt Tolbert to tie the game at 5-5. However, pinch runner Alexei Casilla would be thrown out at home on a great throw by Tigers left fielder Ryan Raburn.
But Casilla had the last laugh. The Tigers kept in Rodney for three innings plus and he ran out of gas. Rodney gave up a lead off single to Carlos Gomez. A ground out by Cuddyer advanced Gomez to second. The Tigers opted to intentionally walk Delmon Young. Aside from having a hot bat it also set up a possible double play. However, Casilla is pretty swift and isn't a double play candidate. It all became academic when Casilla stroked a single through the right side to score Gomez and give the Twins a 6-5 victory and their fifth AL Central Division title since 2002.
What a disappointment for the Tigers who led the division throughout the second half of the season. The Tigers could have clinched the division against the Twins on Thursday but couldn't close the deal. They then lost two of three to the Chicago White Sox thus forcing today's game. Despite a well played game even a bailout from Washington couldn't save the Tigers.
So where does this leave Jim Leyland? The Tigers extended his contract last June through the 2011 season. But this is the kind of thing from which teams don't easily recover and managers are the first casualty. Just ask Willie Randolph.
It wouldn't surprise me if Leyland were to announce his resignation during the off season. But if he stays on I've a funny feeling he won't last half way through the 2010 season. At the very least there are going to be some personnel changes. Magglio Ordonez can't have another season where he hits only nine homeruns. Ordonez, Carlos Guillen, Placido Polanco and Brandon Inge are all north of 30.
Despite the result, the Tigers did rebound in 2009. After winning the AL championship in 2006, the Tigers had disappointing seasons in both 2007 and 2008. But that is of small comfort to Tigers fans.
Twins fans, on the other hand, will get to see at least one more baseball game in the Metrodome. But the Twins must first play two in the new Yankee Stadium. The Twins went 0-7 against the Yankees in 2009. The Twins haven't won in New York since the Fourth of July 2007 at the old Yankee Stadium. The Yankees pretty much own the Twins.
Yet the Twins have won 17 of their last 21 games. They are playing better now without Justin Morneau in the lineup. Joe Mauer will probably win the AL MVP because of it. The Twins are playing their best baseball maybe ever. I think the Yankees will prevail against the Twins in the ALDS as they did in 2003 and 2004. But if there is a window for the Twins to beat the Yankees it is open right now. If the Twins can't beat the Yankees now they will never do so.
Somewhere up in heaven Kirby Puckett is smiling upon the Twin Cities.
The Minnesota Vikings are 4-0 with the dynamic duo of Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson. Their latest win came yesterday in the Metrodome against the Green BayPackers - Favre's old team.
Twenty-four hours later, the Minnesota Twins hosted the Detroit Tigers to determine the winner of the American League Central Division. In 12 innings, the Twins outlasted the Tigers 6-5 and will go to the Big Apple to play the New York Yankees in less than another twenty-four hours in Game 1 of the American League Division Series.
When the game started I was still at work. I saw Twins shortstop Orlando Cabrera make two sensational plays in the top of the 2nd to keep the game scoreless. I said to a colleague that obtaining Cabrera was the best acquisition they made during the season. Of course, Cabrera was a member of the 2004 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox. The Sox acquired Cabrera from the Montreal Expos the same deal that saw Nomar Garciaparra go to the Chicago Cubs.
I never understood why the Sox got rid of Cabrera that offseason. Supposedly Sox management didn't like the people Cabrera was hanging out with but Cabrera was a solid citizen during his nearly eight seasons in an Expos uniform. If he was a bad actor it wouldn't have been kept under wraps for almost a decade. Cabrera is still received warmly when he plays at Fenway.
Since Cabrera left the Red Sox, he's gone to the postseason four out of the last five seasons. Cabrera played in the postseason with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2005 and 2007 and with the Chicago White Sox last season. Cabrera began 2009 with the Oakland Athletics but was dealt to the Twins at the trade deadline for minor league shortstop Tyler Ladendorf. Along with getting Carl Pavano from Cleveland it was a very shrewd move by Minnesota.
However, early in the game it was all Detroit. The Tigers scored three runs in the top of the 3rd on a single by Magglio Ordonez and a two run homerun by Miguel Cabrera. Tigers starter Rick Porcello pitched well. The 20-year-old righty was sharp striking out eight batters over five and two thirds innings pitched. Porcello only made two mistakes in the game. The first was a throwing error in the bottom of the 3rd to allow Matt Tolbert to score. The second was to surrender a solo homerun to Jason Kubel, who along with teammate Delmon Young was named AL Player of the Week.
Cabrera would loom large again when he hit a two run homerun in the bottom of the 7th off Tigers reliever Zach Miner. This gave the Twins a 4-3 lead. However, the Tigers promptly tied it in the top of the 8th on a solo homerun by Ordonez off Twins reliever Matt Guerrier. Cabrera came to the rescue again in the top of the 9th. The Tigers had runners at first and third against Twins closer Joe Nathan with no outs. After Nathan struck out Placido Polanco he had to face Ordonez hot off his homerun. Ordonez hit the ball hard again but right at Cabrera who picked the speedy Curtis Granderson off first base for an inning ending double play.
The game went to extra innings and the Tigers again struck first on a Brandon Inge double off Twins reliever Jesse Crain. The Tigers were up 5-4 and the Twins once again had their backs to the wall. The Twins responded with a lead off triple by Michael Cuddyer off Tigers closer Fernando Rodney who would score on a single by Matt Tolbert to tie the game at 5-5. However, pinch runner Alexei Casilla would be thrown out at home on a great throw by Tigers left fielder Ryan Raburn.
But Casilla had the last laugh. The Tigers kept in Rodney for three innings plus and he ran out of gas. Rodney gave up a lead off single to Carlos Gomez. A ground out by Cuddyer advanced Gomez to second. The Tigers opted to intentionally walk Delmon Young. Aside from having a hot bat it also set up a possible double play. However, Casilla is pretty swift and isn't a double play candidate. It all became academic when Casilla stroked a single through the right side to score Gomez and give the Twins a 6-5 victory and their fifth AL Central Division title since 2002.
What a disappointment for the Tigers who led the division throughout the second half of the season. The Tigers could have clinched the division against the Twins on Thursday but couldn't close the deal. They then lost two of three to the Chicago White Sox thus forcing today's game. Despite a well played game even a bailout from Washington couldn't save the Tigers.
So where does this leave Jim Leyland? The Tigers extended his contract last June through the 2011 season. But this is the kind of thing from which teams don't easily recover and managers are the first casualty. Just ask Willie Randolph.
It wouldn't surprise me if Leyland were to announce his resignation during the off season. But if he stays on I've a funny feeling he won't last half way through the 2010 season. At the very least there are going to be some personnel changes. Magglio Ordonez can't have another season where he hits only nine homeruns. Ordonez, Carlos Guillen, Placido Polanco and Brandon Inge are all north of 30.
Despite the result, the Tigers did rebound in 2009. After winning the AL championship in 2006, the Tigers had disappointing seasons in both 2007 and 2008. But that is of small comfort to Tigers fans.
Twins fans, on the other hand, will get to see at least one more baseball game in the Metrodome. But the Twins must first play two in the new Yankee Stadium. The Twins went 0-7 against the Yankees in 2009. The Twins haven't won in New York since the Fourth of July 2007 at the old Yankee Stadium. The Yankees pretty much own the Twins.
Yet the Twins have won 17 of their last 21 games. They are playing better now without Justin Morneau in the lineup. Joe Mauer will probably win the AL MVP because of it. The Twins are playing their best baseball maybe ever. I think the Yankees will prevail against the Twins in the ALDS as they did in 2003 and 2004. But if there is a window for the Twins to beat the Yankees it is open right now. If the Twins can't beat the Yankees now they will never do so.
Somewhere up in heaven Kirby Puckett is smiling upon the Twin Cities.
Paul Krugman Paints The Kettle Black
Paul Krugman of The New York Times believes the conservative movement is adolescent.
He comes to this conclusion based on the reaction many conservatives (myself included) had when we learned last Friday that Chicago would not get the 2016 Olympics:
So what did we learn from this moment? For one thing, we learned that the modern conservative movement, which dominates the modern Republican Party, has the emotional maturity of a bratty 13-year-old.
But more important, the episode illustrated an essential truth about the state of American politics: at this point, the guiding principle of one of our nation’s two great political parties is spite pure and simple. If Republicans think something might be good for the president, they’re against it — whether or not it’s good for America.
Where does one begin?
Paul Krugman is hardly in any position to be the arbiter of civil political discourse.
After all, this is a man who back in August 2004 referred to Bill O'Reilly as a "quasi-murderer" when the two appeared on Meet the Press with the late Tim Russert.
Five Augusts later, Krugman was amongst many liberals who accused those protesting at the health care town hall meetings of having racial animus. Krugman wrote, "(T)hey’re probably reacting less to what Mr. Obama is doing, or even to what they’ve heard about what he’s doing, than to who he is."
Let it be said that he who is without spite cast the first stone.
Now I admit that when the news came to attention while I was in an elevator I pumped my fist and said, "Yes." Krugman can call me immature to his heart's content. But my reaction wasn't that I didn't want the Olympics to return to the United States. In fact, I was fully prepared (as I suspect many people were) for Chicago to win the vote. If Chicago had been awarded the Olympics chances are there would have been baseball. I've never been to Chicago and it would have been as good a reason as any to go especially if those games had been played in Wrigley Field.
But as I wrote back on Friday awarding Chicago the Olympics would have been done for all the wrong reasons. If Chicago had been awarded the 2016 Olympics it would have become "The Obama Olympics." Sorry Paul, nothing against Chicago or America. It was about Obama and his strange set of policies and priorities.
Shortly before President Obama took office, Krugman made this observation:
Mr. Obama therefore has room to be bold. If Republicans try a 1993-style strategy of attacking him for promoting big government, they’ll learn two things: not only has the financial crisis discredited their economic theories, the racial subtext of anti-government rhetoric doesn’t play the way it used to.
Racial subtext?
Perhaps Krugman has some growing up to do.
Then again some people just never learn - Nobel Prize or not.
He comes to this conclusion based on the reaction many conservatives (myself included) had when we learned last Friday that Chicago would not get the 2016 Olympics:
So what did we learn from this moment? For one thing, we learned that the modern conservative movement, which dominates the modern Republican Party, has the emotional maturity of a bratty 13-year-old.
But more important, the episode illustrated an essential truth about the state of American politics: at this point, the guiding principle of one of our nation’s two great political parties is spite pure and simple. If Republicans think something might be good for the president, they’re against it — whether or not it’s good for America.
Where does one begin?
Paul Krugman is hardly in any position to be the arbiter of civil political discourse.
After all, this is a man who back in August 2004 referred to Bill O'Reilly as a "quasi-murderer" when the two appeared on Meet the Press with the late Tim Russert.
Five Augusts later, Krugman was amongst many liberals who accused those protesting at the health care town hall meetings of having racial animus. Krugman wrote, "(T)hey’re probably reacting less to what Mr. Obama is doing, or even to what they’ve heard about what he’s doing, than to who he is."
Let it be said that he who is without spite cast the first stone.
Now I admit that when the news came to attention while I was in an elevator I pumped my fist and said, "Yes." Krugman can call me immature to his heart's content. But my reaction wasn't that I didn't want the Olympics to return to the United States. In fact, I was fully prepared (as I suspect many people were) for Chicago to win the vote. If Chicago had been awarded the Olympics chances are there would have been baseball. I've never been to Chicago and it would have been as good a reason as any to go especially if those games had been played in Wrigley Field.
But as I wrote back on Friday awarding Chicago the Olympics would have been done for all the wrong reasons. If Chicago had been awarded the 2016 Olympics it would have become "The Obama Olympics." Sorry Paul, nothing against Chicago or America. It was about Obama and his strange set of policies and priorities.
Shortly before President Obama took office, Krugman made this observation:
Mr. Obama therefore has room to be bold. If Republicans try a 1993-style strategy of attacking him for promoting big government, they’ll learn two things: not only has the financial crisis discredited their economic theories, the racial subtext of anti-government rhetoric doesn’t play the way it used to.
Racial subtext?
Perhaps Krugman has some growing up to do.
Then again some people just never learn - Nobel Prize or not.
Hamas Isn't The IRA
I came across this piece in The Washington Post concerning the role of Hamas in Middle East peace talks or lack thereof. The headline reads, "Hamas Digs In, Dimming Hopes for Mideast Peace Talks."
Digging in? Dimming hopes?
Since when has Hamas been interested in peace with Israel? When has anyone been full of hope that Hamas would sit down and negotiate with Israel?
Perhaps one of the larger problems (in an ocean full of them) is the mindset of Middle East Envoy George Mitchell. The former Senate Majority Leader seems to be under the impression this is another Northern Ireland:
Mitchell faced a similar dilemma during the Northern Ireland peace process, when there was opposition to the inclusion of the Irish Republican Army in the peace talks and demands that the group disarm before becoming party to the discussions.
But as Mitchell and fellow peace envoy Richard Haass would later write, "it's hard to stop a war if you don't talk with those who are involved in it."
Let me state this as succinctly as possible. Hamas isn't the IRA. While the IRA engaged in terrorism they were a whole different creature from Hamas. The IRA's objective was to remove Britain from Northern Ireland to create a united Ireland. It did not seek to forcably replace Britain altogether much less supplant the Church of England. Whereas Hamas wants to kill Jews and seeks to take over Israel (as well as Gaza and the West Bank) and turn it into an Islamic caliphate. Somehow I don't think Hamas is merely content to rule Gaza.
It never ceases to amaze me how the George Mitchells and the liberal elites of this world cannot grasp these simple facts.
Note: In the midst of writing this post, I came across this article that appeared in The New York Times in August 2007 by Zion Evrony, Israel's Ambassador to Ireland. It is titled, "Hamas isn't the IRA":
Underlying my Irish friends' advice is the expectation that should Israel start a dialogue with Hamas, the latter will change its ideology, renounce terrorism, recognize Israel, stop all acts of violence, suicide bombings and Qassam rocket attacksand relinquish its weapons.
Such expectation is rooted in the assumption that when two parties with diametrically opposing views engage in a dialogue, the dynamic created changes the chemistry of the conflict, moderates the positions of both sides and makes a compromise possible. Although this theory may be valid in some cases, unfortunately it is not in the case of Hamas.
It is a shame that Mitchell does not seek Ambassador Evrony's wise counsel.
Digging in? Dimming hopes?
Since when has Hamas been interested in peace with Israel? When has anyone been full of hope that Hamas would sit down and negotiate with Israel?
Perhaps one of the larger problems (in an ocean full of them) is the mindset of Middle East Envoy George Mitchell. The former Senate Majority Leader seems to be under the impression this is another Northern Ireland:
Mitchell faced a similar dilemma during the Northern Ireland peace process, when there was opposition to the inclusion of the Irish Republican Army in the peace talks and demands that the group disarm before becoming party to the discussions.
But as Mitchell and fellow peace envoy Richard Haass would later write, "it's hard to stop a war if you don't talk with those who are involved in it."
Let me state this as succinctly as possible. Hamas isn't the IRA. While the IRA engaged in terrorism they were a whole different creature from Hamas. The IRA's objective was to remove Britain from Northern Ireland to create a united Ireland. It did not seek to forcably replace Britain altogether much less supplant the Church of England. Whereas Hamas wants to kill Jews and seeks to take over Israel (as well as Gaza and the West Bank) and turn it into an Islamic caliphate. Somehow I don't think Hamas is merely content to rule Gaza.
It never ceases to amaze me how the George Mitchells and the liberal elites of this world cannot grasp these simple facts.
Note: In the midst of writing this post, I came across this article that appeared in The New York Times in August 2007 by Zion Evrony, Israel's Ambassador to Ireland. It is titled, "Hamas isn't the IRA":
Underlying my Irish friends' advice is the expectation that should Israel start a dialogue with Hamas, the latter will change its ideology, renounce terrorism, recognize Israel, stop all acts of violence, suicide bombings and Qassam rocket attacksand relinquish its weapons.
Such expectation is rooted in the assumption that when two parties with diametrically opposing views engage in a dialogue, the dynamic created changes the chemistry of the conflict, moderates the positions of both sides and makes a compromise possible. Although this theory may be valid in some cases, unfortunately it is not in the case of Hamas.
It is a shame that Mitchell does not seek Ambassador Evrony's wise counsel.
Thoughts on Letterman
I caught last night's edition of The Late Show with David Letterman.
His apology to his wife, Regina Lasko, was a little hard to swallow. It's funny how spouses who cheat are only sorry for their actions after they've been caught. One must also consider that Letterman admitted to affairs with more than one woman. How many women? For how long? The fact that he didn't apologize to her when he raised the matter on Thursday is rather telling. The best Letterman could do was to say, "I got my work cut out for me." You better believe he does.
Of course, this doesn't excuse the actions of Robert "Joe" Halderman. Just because Letterman has behaved badly does not mean you are entitled to extort money from him. If Halderman is guilty of extortion he ought to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
I do find it hard to sympathize with Letterman given his callous treatment of Sarah Palin. He did apologize to her again but then again one cannot be sure if that apology is any more sincere than the one he issued to his wife.
Letterman had Steve Martin and Martin Short on hand for moral support. There is one thing I wonder about though. Remember that President Obama sat down with Letterman a mere fortnight ago. Will Obama avoid Letterman in the same way that he is avoiding Reverend Wright, Bill Ayers and Van Jones?
His apology to his wife, Regina Lasko, was a little hard to swallow. It's funny how spouses who cheat are only sorry for their actions after they've been caught. One must also consider that Letterman admitted to affairs with more than one woman. How many women? For how long? The fact that he didn't apologize to her when he raised the matter on Thursday is rather telling. The best Letterman could do was to say, "I got my work cut out for me." You better believe he does.
Of course, this doesn't excuse the actions of Robert "Joe" Halderman. Just because Letterman has behaved badly does not mean you are entitled to extort money from him. If Halderman is guilty of extortion he ought to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
I do find it hard to sympathize with Letterman given his callous treatment of Sarah Palin. He did apologize to her again but then again one cannot be sure if that apology is any more sincere than the one he issued to his wife.
Letterman had Steve Martin and Martin Short on hand for moral support. There is one thing I wonder about though. Remember that President Obama sat down with Letterman a mere fortnight ago. Will Obama avoid Letterman in the same way that he is avoiding Reverend Wright, Bill Ayers and Van Jones?
Robert Kirby, 1948-2009. R.I.P.
Musical arranger Robert Kirby has died. I am not clear about the specifics surrounding his death other than he died during while undergoing a surgical procedure on October 3rd. He was 61.
Kirby attended Cambridge in the late 1960s with Nick Drake where they became musical collaborators. While recording his debut album Five Leaves Left in 1968, Drake was unhappy with the heavy orchestral arrangements and suggested that Kirby be brought in despite having no experience in a recording studio. Drake was partial to string quartets and preferred Kirby's sparser arrangements. His producer, Joe Boyd, agreed to Drake's request although he was skeptical.
However, Boyd was quickly won over by Kirby and was hired. Kirby would also arrange strings on Drake's second album Bryter Layter which was released in 1970. However, he did not work on Drake's final studio album Pink Moon which he recorded unaccompanied on acoustic guitar (save for one piano dub on the title track.) Drake died in November 1974 at the age of 26. But Kirby went on to work with the likes of Elton John, Elvis Costello, Iain Matthews and Vashti Bunyan.
Here's my favorite Kirby arrangement. From Five Leaves Left here's "Way To Blue."
Kirby attended Cambridge in the late 1960s with Nick Drake where they became musical collaborators. While recording his debut album Five Leaves Left in 1968, Drake was unhappy with the heavy orchestral arrangements and suggested that Kirby be brought in despite having no experience in a recording studio. Drake was partial to string quartets and preferred Kirby's sparser arrangements. His producer, Joe Boyd, agreed to Drake's request although he was skeptical.
However, Boyd was quickly won over by Kirby and was hired. Kirby would also arrange strings on Drake's second album Bryter Layter which was released in 1970. However, he did not work on Drake's final studio album Pink Moon which he recorded unaccompanied on acoustic guitar (save for one piano dub on the title track.) Drake died in November 1974 at the age of 26. But Kirby went on to work with the likes of Elton John, Elvis Costello, Iain Matthews and Vashti Bunyan.
Here's my favorite Kirby arrangement. From Five Leaves Left here's "Way To Blue."
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Tigers & Twins Face Off on Tuesday for AL Central
Both the Detroit Tigers and the Minnesota Twins live to fight another day.
The Tigers snapped a three game losing streak with 7 and two thirds innings pitched by their ace Justin Verlander en route to a 5-3 victory. It was Verlander's 19th victory of the season which ties him for the league lead in wins with C.C. Sabathia of the Yankees. Verlander also leads the AL in strikeouts and that might get him a few extra Cy Young votes.
Ryan Raburn drove in three of the Tigers five runs with two home runs. Magglio Ordonez also homered. The White Sox scored all three of their runs in the top of the 8th off Verlander. Tigers manager Jim Leyland took out Verlander with runners on first and second with Carlos Quentin representing the go ahead run. Quentin has killed Tigers pitching hitting 7 of his 21 home runs this season against Detroit. Leyland brought in Tigers closer Fernando Rodney to record the final four outs. Quentin hit a shot into Comerica Park's cavernous outfield by centerfielder Curtis Granderson made a diving catch to hold onto the lead.
The Twins demolished the Kansas City Royals 13-4. Jason Kubel drove in six runs with two three run homeruns. Delmon Young also hit two solo shots. Carl Pavano pitched five and two thirds innings giving up four runs on eight hits along with seven strikeouts. What a shrewd move for the Twins to pick up Pavano from the Cleveland Indians nearly two months ago.
So for the second year in a row the Twins will play a one game playoff to determine the AL Central. They did so a year ago against the Chicago White Sox and came up on the wrong end of a 1-0 score. This year the one game playoff is in the Metrodome. This could be the last game played in the Metrodome for the Twins as they will play at a new outdoor stadium named Target Field beginning in 2010. The Hubert H. Humpherey Metrodome is a football stadium. In the early years, it wasn't unusual for a ball hit on the outfield turf to bounce 40 feet in the air. Then, of course, there are those lights which many an outfielder has lost a ball.
But when the Metrodome is filled with noisy fans carrying homer hankies the Twins have an incredible advantage as was the case when they won the 1987 and 1991 World Series. Since 2002, the Twins have won the AL Central four times but were eliminated in the first round three of those occasions. But this Twins team has a different edge to it. When it was announced that Justin Morneau would miss the rest of the season with a stress fracture in his back it appeared the Twins were done.
However, since September 13th the Twins have gone 15-3. Players like Joe Mauer, Michael Cuddyer, Jason Kubel and over the past few days Delmon Young have really stepped up their game. The Tigers have gone 11-10 over the same period. That's slightly over .500 ball which under normal circumstances would have been good enough. But not this year. The Twins picked up 5½ games on the Tigers in three weeks.
Or look at it another way. Going into action on September 13th, the Twins had a losing record of 71-73. In 48 hours from now they could be playing the New York Yankees in the ALDS. Baseball is a crazy game and why I love it so much.
The Twins send their ace Scott Baker to the mound on Tuesday while the Tigers counter with 20-year-old rookie Rick Porcello. Baker leads the Twins in wins with 15. Porcello has comparable stats with 14 wins. It was actually Edwin Jackson's turn in the rotation but Jackson has been ineffective recently. Over his last five starts, Jackson has given up 23 runs in 31 innings pitched and has a 1-3 record over that period. In his last start against the Chisox on Friday night, Jackson gave up eight runs in only five innings pitched.
Given the conditions, they would all point to a Twins win. But the game has to be played and the Tigers might still have some roar left in them and if they do it will neutralize the Twins crowd.
The Tigers snapped a three game losing streak with 7 and two thirds innings pitched by their ace Justin Verlander en route to a 5-3 victory. It was Verlander's 19th victory of the season which ties him for the league lead in wins with C.C. Sabathia of the Yankees. Verlander also leads the AL in strikeouts and that might get him a few extra Cy Young votes.
Ryan Raburn drove in three of the Tigers five runs with two home runs. Magglio Ordonez also homered. The White Sox scored all three of their runs in the top of the 8th off Verlander. Tigers manager Jim Leyland took out Verlander with runners on first and second with Carlos Quentin representing the go ahead run. Quentin has killed Tigers pitching hitting 7 of his 21 home runs this season against Detroit. Leyland brought in Tigers closer Fernando Rodney to record the final four outs. Quentin hit a shot into Comerica Park's cavernous outfield by centerfielder Curtis Granderson made a diving catch to hold onto the lead.
The Twins demolished the Kansas City Royals 13-4. Jason Kubel drove in six runs with two three run homeruns. Delmon Young also hit two solo shots. Carl Pavano pitched five and two thirds innings giving up four runs on eight hits along with seven strikeouts. What a shrewd move for the Twins to pick up Pavano from the Cleveland Indians nearly two months ago.
So for the second year in a row the Twins will play a one game playoff to determine the AL Central. They did so a year ago against the Chicago White Sox and came up on the wrong end of a 1-0 score. This year the one game playoff is in the Metrodome. This could be the last game played in the Metrodome for the Twins as they will play at a new outdoor stadium named Target Field beginning in 2010. The Hubert H. Humpherey Metrodome is a football stadium. In the early years, it wasn't unusual for a ball hit on the outfield turf to bounce 40 feet in the air. Then, of course, there are those lights which many an outfielder has lost a ball.
But when the Metrodome is filled with noisy fans carrying homer hankies the Twins have an incredible advantage as was the case when they won the 1987 and 1991 World Series. Since 2002, the Twins have won the AL Central four times but were eliminated in the first round three of those occasions. But this Twins team has a different edge to it. When it was announced that Justin Morneau would miss the rest of the season with a stress fracture in his back it appeared the Twins were done.
However, since September 13th the Twins have gone 15-3. Players like Joe Mauer, Michael Cuddyer, Jason Kubel and over the past few days Delmon Young have really stepped up their game. The Tigers have gone 11-10 over the same period. That's slightly over .500 ball which under normal circumstances would have been good enough. But not this year. The Twins picked up 5½ games on the Tigers in three weeks.
Or look at it another way. Going into action on September 13th, the Twins had a losing record of 71-73. In 48 hours from now they could be playing the New York Yankees in the ALDS. Baseball is a crazy game and why I love it so much.
The Twins send their ace Scott Baker to the mound on Tuesday while the Tigers counter with 20-year-old rookie Rick Porcello. Baker leads the Twins in wins with 15. Porcello has comparable stats with 14 wins. It was actually Edwin Jackson's turn in the rotation but Jackson has been ineffective recently. Over his last five starts, Jackson has given up 23 runs in 31 innings pitched and has a 1-3 record over that period. In his last start against the Chisox on Friday night, Jackson gave up eight runs in only five innings pitched.
Given the conditions, they would all point to a Twins win. But the game has to be played and the Tigers might still have some roar left in them and if they do it will neutralize the Twins crowd.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Canadian PM Harper & Yo-Yo Ma Sing The Beatles
Perhaps President Obama could take a page out of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper's book.
There was a gala at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa this evening featuring world renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
Then to the shock of the audience, Prime Minister Harper came out and sat down at the piano. Accompanied by Yo-Yo Ma, Harper then proceeded to sing the Beatles "With A Little Help From My Friends."
It is believed this song wasn't picked at random. Liberal Party leader Michael Ignatieff introduced a motion of non-confidence against Harper's Conservative government on Thursday. However, Jack Layton and the NDP opposed the motion effectively keeping Harper and the Tories in power.
So what would the audience have done if Harper had sung out of tune?
Well, not a thing. Harper actually sang in tune and got a standing ovation at the end of the song.
Ringo Starr should be proud.
If you don't believe me then check out this video.
In the past, Harper has been critical of government subsidies to the arts and culture and this cost the Tories seats in Quebec during the 2008 election. So Harper has been making amends as well as friends. Perhaps his appearance shouldn't be such a surprise as his wife Laureen was the co-chair of the gala which is raising money for arts and youth organizations.
But perhaps most importantly it shows "the human side" of Harper. I met Harper once during my travels on Parliament Hill and to say he is reserved is putting it mildly. I would have never believed Harper capable of something like this fifteen years ago much less five.
It also kind of reminds me of when Bill Clinton played saxophone on The Arsenio Hall Show during the 1992 Presidential campaign. That appearance helped Clinton come off as "human." People also got the impression, "Man, he can actually do something."
For a lot of Canadians this is a side of Stephen Harper they've never seen before. Having this added dimension gives Harper an advantage against Ignatieff whenever the next election takes place. Ignatieff is seen in many quarters as arrogant, imperial, petutlantly professorial and condescending. Come to think of it arrogant, imperial, petutlantly professorial and condescending are adjectives I would use to describe President Obama.
Then again I could see President Obama and Michael Igantieff singing a Beatles song together - "Nowhere Man." Or perhaps "Taxman."
There was a gala at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa this evening featuring world renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
Then to the shock of the audience, Prime Minister Harper came out and sat down at the piano. Accompanied by Yo-Yo Ma, Harper then proceeded to sing the Beatles "With A Little Help From My Friends."
It is believed this song wasn't picked at random. Liberal Party leader Michael Ignatieff introduced a motion of non-confidence against Harper's Conservative government on Thursday. However, Jack Layton and the NDP opposed the motion effectively keeping Harper and the Tories in power.
So what would the audience have done if Harper had sung out of tune?
Well, not a thing. Harper actually sang in tune and got a standing ovation at the end of the song.
Ringo Starr should be proud.
If you don't believe me then check out this video.
In the past, Harper has been critical of government subsidies to the arts and culture and this cost the Tories seats in Quebec during the 2008 election. So Harper has been making amends as well as friends. Perhaps his appearance shouldn't be such a surprise as his wife Laureen was the co-chair of the gala which is raising money for arts and youth organizations.
But perhaps most importantly it shows "the human side" of Harper. I met Harper once during my travels on Parliament Hill and to say he is reserved is putting it mildly. I would have never believed Harper capable of something like this fifteen years ago much less five.
It also kind of reminds me of when Bill Clinton played saxophone on The Arsenio Hall Show during the 1992 Presidential campaign. That appearance helped Clinton come off as "human." People also got the impression, "Man, he can actually do something."
For a lot of Canadians this is a side of Stephen Harper they've never seen before. Having this added dimension gives Harper an advantage against Ignatieff whenever the next election takes place. Ignatieff is seen in many quarters as arrogant, imperial, petutlantly professorial and condescending. Come to think of it arrogant, imperial, petutlantly professorial and condescending are adjectives I would use to describe President Obama.
Then again I could see President Obama and Michael Igantieff singing a Beatles song together - "Nowhere Man." Or perhaps "Taxman."
Dodgers Clinch NL West; Rockies Earn NL Wild Card
The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the NL West Division crown with a 5-0 over the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers were actually in a position to clinch the division last Sunday against the nearly pathetic Pittsburgh Pirates but the Bucs pulled off a 9th inning comeback. The Pirates blew out the Dodgers on Monday and then the Dodgers dropped two in a row to the San Diego Padres before losing last night to the Rockies. If the Rockies had swept this series they would become the NL West champs.
But the Dodgers have led the NL West from start to finish. The Dodgers proved their legitimacy when they played nearly .600 ball during Manny Ramirez's suspension. During Ramirez's absence, Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp emerged as the club's offensive leaders. Ethier and Kemp continued to perform after Manny's return prior to the All-Star break. Casey Blake, James Loney, Rafael Furcal and Juan Pierre were also beacons of dependability.
Catcher Russell Martin struggled offensively but was solid behind the plate. The Dodgers starting pitching is a mixed bag. Chad Billingsley, Clayton Kershaw, Randy Wolf, Hiroki Kuroda and Jon Garland make for an adequate starting rotation. Kershaw was spectacular tonight. I've seen him pitch on a number of occasions but he never really impressed me. He began the game by striking out the first five Rockies he faced. Tonight, Kershaw pitched six shutout innings striking out ten batters.
However, the Dodgers bullpen is amazing. Jonathan Broxton throws country hard ball as the Dodgers closer. NL hitters were frustrated by the likes of Ronald Belisario, Ramon Tronscoso and Hong-Chih Kuo in the late innings.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention manager Joe Torre. He's going to the post-season for the 14th consecutive year which is an MLB record. He can now add two consecutive NL West titles with the Dodgers along with his 12 post-season appearances with the Yankees. Actually, it's his 15th post-season appearance as a manager and his 3rd NL West title. Torre guided the Atlanta Braves to the NL West title in 1982. Yes, the Atlanta Braves were in the NL West despite adhering to Eastern Standard Time until 1994.
The Dodgers will host the St. Louis Cardinals for Game 1 of the NLDS on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium.
But don't feel too sorry for the Colorado Rockies. Despite the loss, the Rockies have earned their second NL Wild Card spot in three seasons. Four months ago, it didn't look like the Rockies were going anywhere but home in October. The Rockies were 18-28 when they dismissed manager Clint Hurdle and replaced him with former Dodgers manager Jim Tracy. This is part of what I wrote on this blog back on May 29th:
Tracy did guide the Dodgers to the NL West Division Championship in 2004 but would be ousted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLDS. It is worth noting that each of the last three seasons he managed his teams have lost at least 90 games. So I'm not sure if he is the answer. Then again the Rockies might already be looking to 2010.
The Rockies sensational finish in 2007 must seem like ancient history to baseball fans in Colorado and most of all to Clint Hurdle.
Well, all Jim Tracy did was guide the Rockies to a 75-41 record. The Rockies are very much looking in the present. Ditto for their fans. So what do I know?
Bear in mind also that two of the three years that Tracy's team lost more than 90 games was when he was the helm of the Pittsburgh Pirates. What manager isn't going to lose at least 90 games with the Pirates?
As for Clint Hurdle, he harbors no bitterness. Hurdle is an occasional panelist on the MLB Network. The Rockies are a frequent topic of discussion and he couldn't be happier for their renewed success. A lot of other managers might not have tolerated being in such a position. But Hurdle had managed the team for more than seven seasons. You don't just suddenly lose affection for your players. And the Rockies haven't lost affection for Hurdle. At the time of his firing, General Manager Dan O'Dowd noted, "Clint has been offered a significant role within our organization, and it is our hope that he accepts it."
Well, it appears that Jim Tracy will have to jump another hurdle en route to Philadelphia where Game 1 of the NLDS will commence against the Phillies on Wednesday. During tonight's game, Rockies ace Jorge de la Rosa pulled a groin muscle after throwing a couple of pitches to Rafael Furcal in the bottom of the 4th inning. Prior to coming out of the game, de la Rosa had pitched three perfect innings.
If the Rockies lose their best pitcher in the post-season it could spell trouble. Tracy still has Ubaldo Jimenez, Jason Marquis, Jason Hammels and Aaron Cook as potential starters in the NLDS. Assuming de la Rosa is unavailable, I think Tracy will go with Cook in Game 1, Jimenez in Game 2 and Marquis in Game 3. In any case, Rockies fans would rather have that worry than not having any Roxtober at all.
So the only post-season left to be determined is the AL Central. The Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins are tied for the division's lead going into the last day of the regular season. If the Tigers and Twins both win or lose their games (against the the White Sox and Royals, respectively) then there will be a one game playoff at the Metrodome on Tuesday. The winner gets to travel to New York to play the Yankees in Game 1 of the ALDS either Wednesday or Thursday.
The Dodgers were actually in a position to clinch the division last Sunday against the nearly pathetic Pittsburgh Pirates but the Bucs pulled off a 9th inning comeback. The Pirates blew out the Dodgers on Monday and then the Dodgers dropped two in a row to the San Diego Padres before losing last night to the Rockies. If the Rockies had swept this series they would become the NL West champs.
But the Dodgers have led the NL West from start to finish. The Dodgers proved their legitimacy when they played nearly .600 ball during Manny Ramirez's suspension. During Ramirez's absence, Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp emerged as the club's offensive leaders. Ethier and Kemp continued to perform after Manny's return prior to the All-Star break. Casey Blake, James Loney, Rafael Furcal and Juan Pierre were also beacons of dependability.
Catcher Russell Martin struggled offensively but was solid behind the plate. The Dodgers starting pitching is a mixed bag. Chad Billingsley, Clayton Kershaw, Randy Wolf, Hiroki Kuroda and Jon Garland make for an adequate starting rotation. Kershaw was spectacular tonight. I've seen him pitch on a number of occasions but he never really impressed me. He began the game by striking out the first five Rockies he faced. Tonight, Kershaw pitched six shutout innings striking out ten batters.
However, the Dodgers bullpen is amazing. Jonathan Broxton throws country hard ball as the Dodgers closer. NL hitters were frustrated by the likes of Ronald Belisario, Ramon Tronscoso and Hong-Chih Kuo in the late innings.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention manager Joe Torre. He's going to the post-season for the 14th consecutive year which is an MLB record. He can now add two consecutive NL West titles with the Dodgers along with his 12 post-season appearances with the Yankees. Actually, it's his 15th post-season appearance as a manager and his 3rd NL West title. Torre guided the Atlanta Braves to the NL West title in 1982. Yes, the Atlanta Braves were in the NL West despite adhering to Eastern Standard Time until 1994.
The Dodgers will host the St. Louis Cardinals for Game 1 of the NLDS on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium.
But don't feel too sorry for the Colorado Rockies. Despite the loss, the Rockies have earned their second NL Wild Card spot in three seasons. Four months ago, it didn't look like the Rockies were going anywhere but home in October. The Rockies were 18-28 when they dismissed manager Clint Hurdle and replaced him with former Dodgers manager Jim Tracy. This is part of what I wrote on this blog back on May 29th:
Tracy did guide the Dodgers to the NL West Division Championship in 2004 but would be ousted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLDS. It is worth noting that each of the last three seasons he managed his teams have lost at least 90 games. So I'm not sure if he is the answer. Then again the Rockies might already be looking to 2010.
The Rockies sensational finish in 2007 must seem like ancient history to baseball fans in Colorado and most of all to Clint Hurdle.
Well, all Jim Tracy did was guide the Rockies to a 75-41 record. The Rockies are very much looking in the present. Ditto for their fans. So what do I know?
Bear in mind also that two of the three years that Tracy's team lost more than 90 games was when he was the helm of the Pittsburgh Pirates. What manager isn't going to lose at least 90 games with the Pirates?
As for Clint Hurdle, he harbors no bitterness. Hurdle is an occasional panelist on the MLB Network. The Rockies are a frequent topic of discussion and he couldn't be happier for their renewed success. A lot of other managers might not have tolerated being in such a position. But Hurdle had managed the team for more than seven seasons. You don't just suddenly lose affection for your players. And the Rockies haven't lost affection for Hurdle. At the time of his firing, General Manager Dan O'Dowd noted, "Clint has been offered a significant role within our organization, and it is our hope that he accepts it."
Well, it appears that Jim Tracy will have to jump another hurdle en route to Philadelphia where Game 1 of the NLDS will commence against the Phillies on Wednesday. During tonight's game, Rockies ace Jorge de la Rosa pulled a groin muscle after throwing a couple of pitches to Rafael Furcal in the bottom of the 4th inning. Prior to coming out of the game, de la Rosa had pitched three perfect innings.
If the Rockies lose their best pitcher in the post-season it could spell trouble. Tracy still has Ubaldo Jimenez, Jason Marquis, Jason Hammels and Aaron Cook as potential starters in the NLDS. Assuming de la Rosa is unavailable, I think Tracy will go with Cook in Game 1, Jimenez in Game 2 and Marquis in Game 3. In any case, Rockies fans would rather have that worry than not having any Roxtober at all.
So the only post-season left to be determined is the AL Central. The Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins are tied for the division's lead going into the last day of the regular season. If the Tigers and Twins both win or lose their games (against the the White Sox and Royals, respectively) then there will be a one game playoff at the Metrodome on Tuesday. The winner gets to travel to New York to play the Yankees in Game 1 of the ALDS either Wednesday or Thursday.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Rio de Janeiro Beats Out Chicago for the 2016 Olympics
Congratulations to Rio de Janeiro for being awarded the winning bid for the 2016 Olympics.
The IOC made the right choice. The Olympics have never been hosted in South America. I hope the Brazilians will put on a good show.
Thank G-d Chicago didn't get it. Nothing against the people of Chicago but if Chicago had been awarded the Olympics it would have been for all the wrong reasons. It would have been the Obama Olympics:
If elected to a second term in 2012, Obama would be due to leave office only a few months after the Olympics. Should Chicago be selected to host the 2016 Summer Olympics the games will become a celebration of Obama. His local political base plus his legion of admirers from throughout the United States and the world would descend upon Chicago for the Obama love fest to end all Obama love fests. It will make the Roman columns used for his Democratic National Convention acceptance speech last August look modest by comparison. Think of the ostentatious style of the Obama Inaugural only in much warmer weather.
This does renew my faith in the world just a little bit. It tells me there's a limit to the Obama charm. When ones lays it on thick it begins to wear thin. It takes more than a fancy turn of phrase to get things done in this world. Having made a personal bid for the Olympics along with the First Lady and Oprah Winfrey, President Obama returns home from Copenhagen with egg on his face. Let this be a lesson to him.
After all, if President Obama can't persuade the IOC to award the Olympics to the United States what makes President Obama think Iran will cooperate with his demands on their nuclear program?
The IOC made the right choice. The Olympics have never been hosted in South America. I hope the Brazilians will put on a good show.
Thank G-d Chicago didn't get it. Nothing against the people of Chicago but if Chicago had been awarded the Olympics it would have been for all the wrong reasons. It would have been the Obama Olympics:
If elected to a second term in 2012, Obama would be due to leave office only a few months after the Olympics. Should Chicago be selected to host the 2016 Summer Olympics the games will become a celebration of Obama. His local political base plus his legion of admirers from throughout the United States and the world would descend upon Chicago for the Obama love fest to end all Obama love fests. It will make the Roman columns used for his Democratic National Convention acceptance speech last August look modest by comparison. Think of the ostentatious style of the Obama Inaugural only in much warmer weather.
This does renew my faith in the world just a little bit. It tells me there's a limit to the Obama charm. When ones lays it on thick it begins to wear thin. It takes more than a fancy turn of phrase to get things done in this world. Having made a personal bid for the Olympics along with the First Lady and Oprah Winfrey, President Obama returns home from Copenhagen with egg on his face. Let this be a lesson to him.
After all, if President Obama can't persuade the IOC to award the Olympics to the United States what makes President Obama think Iran will cooperate with his demands on their nuclear program?
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Does Obama Think Iran Will Be Forthright in a Fortnight?
The five permanent members of the UN Security Council as well as Germany (a.k.a. P5 + 1) met with representatives from Iran today in Geneva.
President Obama told reporters today that Iran "must grant unfettered access to IAEA inspectors within two weeks" to inspect the recently discovered nuclear facility in Qom.
Let us assume Iran thumbs its nose at this edict. What does Obama do if Iran fails to comply? If Iran doesn't pony up then Obama has to do something otherwise he looks like a fool? At this point, sanctions are probably the avenue down which he could travel although it's doubtful Russia and China would go along with him. Which means he'll probably give Iran another two weeks and warn them that they had better get Qom ready or that he'll be really, really angry and send you a letter telling them how angry he is with them a la Team America: World Police. On the other hand, Iran could cooperate and then be able to declare, "Nothing to see here," and we're right back to where we are now.
President Obama also called upon Iran to take confidence building steps. He specifically cited one such step. Namely that Iran transfer its low enriched uranium to a third country. It appears that Iran will transfer its low enriched uranium to Russia. Well, isn't that convenient? This doesn't exactly inspire confidence when you consider that it is Russia that is helping them build a nuclear facility in Bushrer. Russia has a vested interest in Iran's nuclear program so of course the Iranians have no problem transferring their low enriched uranium to them. Russia is not a reliable ally of the United States, Britain, France and Germany when it comes to Iran.
In calling upon Iran to take confidence building steps there is an underlying assumption that Iran will be honest and transparent in their dealings with the international community. If Iran couldn't carry out its own election in an honest and transparent matter why is it that President Obama expects Iran will be honest and transparent with him and other Western powers where it concerns disclosing the contents of their nuclear program? Iran has been behaving dubiously for thirty years. What makes Obama think the Islamic Republic will be forthright in a fortnight?
President Obama told reporters today that Iran "must grant unfettered access to IAEA inspectors within two weeks" to inspect the recently discovered nuclear facility in Qom.
Let us assume Iran thumbs its nose at this edict. What does Obama do if Iran fails to comply? If Iran doesn't pony up then Obama has to do something otherwise he looks like a fool? At this point, sanctions are probably the avenue down which he could travel although it's doubtful Russia and China would go along with him. Which means he'll probably give Iran another two weeks and warn them that they had better get Qom ready or that he'll be really, really angry and send you a letter telling them how angry he is with them a la Team America: World Police. On the other hand, Iran could cooperate and then be able to declare, "Nothing to see here," and we're right back to where we are now.
President Obama also called upon Iran to take confidence building steps. He specifically cited one such step. Namely that Iran transfer its low enriched uranium to a third country. It appears that Iran will transfer its low enriched uranium to Russia. Well, isn't that convenient? This doesn't exactly inspire confidence when you consider that it is Russia that is helping them build a nuclear facility in Bushrer. Russia has a vested interest in Iran's nuclear program so of course the Iranians have no problem transferring their low enriched uranium to them. Russia is not a reliable ally of the United States, Britain, France and Germany when it comes to Iran.
In calling upon Iran to take confidence building steps there is an underlying assumption that Iran will be honest and transparent in their dealings with the international community. If Iran couldn't carry out its own election in an honest and transparent matter why is it that President Obama expects Iran will be honest and transparent with him and other Western powers where it concerns disclosing the contents of their nuclear program? Iran has been behaving dubiously for thirty years. What makes Obama think the Islamic Republic will be forthright in a fortnight?
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