I'm here in New York City with my father and older brother.
After dinner we spent the evening walking around Midtown. We stopped first at Rockefeller Center to look at the Christmas tree and those skating around the pond. We did much the same at Bryant Park before proceeding to Times Square. In a week's time that same place will be full of people as far as the eye can see.
I've been to NYC many times including on New Year's Eve. But tonight was as enjoyable a night as I've ever had in this city. There was an unmistakable warmth in the air of a cool night. You wish for such a night on all nights. But if we had this on all nights it wouldn't be so special.
So Merry Christmas to all wherever you might be.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
George Michael, 1939-2009. R.I.P.
George Michael has passed away (the sportscaster not the singer). Michael had been battling cancer for two years. He was 70.
Michael was best known as the host of nationally syndicated show The George Michael Sports Machine which aired between 1984 and 2007. It would typically air on Sunday night and show highlights from both professional and amateur sports that had occurred during the week that had passed. Some highlights were great. Some were embarrassing. Others were just plain weird.
I liked Michael's affable enthusiasm. He clearly enjoyed what he was doing. I watched the show fairly regularly when it first hit the airwaves. But as ESPN and other 24 hour sports networks expanded their reach and local networks began airing their own late night sports programming it became harder to find The George Michael Sports Machine. Either it would air in the wee hours of Monday morning or one couldn't find it at all. But on the occasions I did happen to come across I would watch it.
Here's a highlight package from one of Michael's last shows in 2007. I think you'll see why his show found a way to star on the air for nearly a quarter century.
Michael was best known as the host of nationally syndicated show The George Michael Sports Machine which aired between 1984 and 2007. It would typically air on Sunday night and show highlights from both professional and amateur sports that had occurred during the week that had passed. Some highlights were great. Some were embarrassing. Others were just plain weird.
I liked Michael's affable enthusiasm. He clearly enjoyed what he was doing. I watched the show fairly regularly when it first hit the airwaves. But as ESPN and other 24 hour sports networks expanded their reach and local networks began airing their own late night sports programming it became harder to find The George Michael Sports Machine. Either it would air in the wee hours of Monday morning or one couldn't find it at all. But on the occasions I did happen to come across I would watch it.
Here's a highlight package from one of Michael's last shows in 2007. I think you'll see why his show found a way to star on the air for nearly a quarter century.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Will The Braves Glaus Over First Base?
A day after acquiring Melky Cabrera from the New York Yankees, the Atlanta Braves are on the verge of adding power hitting veteran Troy Glaus to their lineup pending a physical. If he passes the physical, the Braves will pay Glaus $2 million in 2010.
The Braves are taking a gamble on two fronts. First, Glaus missed nearly the entire 2009 season with a shoulder injury. He played in only 14 games with the St. Louis Cardinals and struggled at the plate. In 29 at bats, he collected only five hits for a .172 batting average. Second, the Braves are looking to him to play first base where he has limited experience. Glaus is a third baseman but the presence of Chipper Jones makes that move out of the question unless Jones gets hurt (which at this stage of his career is quite likely.)
I do understand why the Braves signed Glaus. Their lineup is stacked with lefthanded hitters. Jones and the newly acquired Cabrera are switch hitters but generally generate most of their power on the left hand side of the plate. Glaus is a bonafide right handed power hitter who has 30 or more home runs in a season five times in his MLB career. It has a career that has featured with the Anaheim Angels (where he was the 2002 World Series MVP), Arizona Diamondbacks and the Toronto Blue Jays before coming to the Cardinals in a trade for Scott Rolen prior to the 2008 season.
The Braves need a big bopper. Catcher Brian McCann was the only Brave who hit more than 20 home runs in 2009. However, this is a little deceptive. Glaus is replacing Adam LaRoche who spent 2009 with the Pittsburgh Pirates and a week with the Boston Red Sox before rejoining the Braves on July 31st. If you compile LaRoche's numbers from 2009 he hit .277 with 25 home runs and 83 RBI. LaRoche has hit 20 or more home runs each of the last five seasons. His career high of 32 came in 2006 during his first stint with the Braves. It is reasonable to assume that if LaRoche were to play a full season with the Braves he would put up those kind of numbers again. Unlike Glaus, LaRoche is a known quantity at first base.
But the Braves didn't want to meet LaRoche's contractual demands so he is a free agent. The San Francisco Giants have not made any significant offseason moves. Given their weak offense they sorely need to if they expect to make a bid for the NL West or Wildcard in 2010. Adding LaRoche would be a big first step in providing protection for Pablo Sandoval in the middle of the lineup.
Of course, if the Giants were to sign LaRoche that would mean keep Sandoval at third base. If the Giants are keen to move Sandoval to first then Adrian Beltre would be an ideal fit for the Giants. If the San Diego Padres end up moving Adrian Gonzalez then LaRoche could be an option for them. However, he would have some very big shoes to fill both on and off the field.
Getting back to the Braves they are a team I am following with great curiosity in 2010. This coming season will be Bobby Cox's last as manager. I'm sure the Braves (especially Chipper Jones who has played his entire career with Cox as his only manager) want him to go out on a high note. Their strong starting rotation (even without Javier Vazquez) does make them a viable NL Wild Card contender and could give the Philadelphia Phillies a run for their money in the NL East. I like the additions of Billy Wagner and Takashi Saito to the bullpen but I think the jury is out on both Cabrera and Glaus for the time being.
The Braves are taking a gamble on two fronts. First, Glaus missed nearly the entire 2009 season with a shoulder injury. He played in only 14 games with the St. Louis Cardinals and struggled at the plate. In 29 at bats, he collected only five hits for a .172 batting average. Second, the Braves are looking to him to play first base where he has limited experience. Glaus is a third baseman but the presence of Chipper Jones makes that move out of the question unless Jones gets hurt (which at this stage of his career is quite likely.)
I do understand why the Braves signed Glaus. Their lineup is stacked with lefthanded hitters. Jones and the newly acquired Cabrera are switch hitters but generally generate most of their power on the left hand side of the plate. Glaus is a bonafide right handed power hitter who has 30 or more home runs in a season five times in his MLB career. It has a career that has featured with the Anaheim Angels (where he was the 2002 World Series MVP), Arizona Diamondbacks and the Toronto Blue Jays before coming to the Cardinals in a trade for Scott Rolen prior to the 2008 season.
The Braves need a big bopper. Catcher Brian McCann was the only Brave who hit more than 20 home runs in 2009. However, this is a little deceptive. Glaus is replacing Adam LaRoche who spent 2009 with the Pittsburgh Pirates and a week with the Boston Red Sox before rejoining the Braves on July 31st. If you compile LaRoche's numbers from 2009 he hit .277 with 25 home runs and 83 RBI. LaRoche has hit 20 or more home runs each of the last five seasons. His career high of 32 came in 2006 during his first stint with the Braves. It is reasonable to assume that if LaRoche were to play a full season with the Braves he would put up those kind of numbers again. Unlike Glaus, LaRoche is a known quantity at first base.
But the Braves didn't want to meet LaRoche's contractual demands so he is a free agent. The San Francisco Giants have not made any significant offseason moves. Given their weak offense they sorely need to if they expect to make a bid for the NL West or Wildcard in 2010. Adding LaRoche would be a big first step in providing protection for Pablo Sandoval in the middle of the lineup.
Of course, if the Giants were to sign LaRoche that would mean keep Sandoval at third base. If the Giants are keen to move Sandoval to first then Adrian Beltre would be an ideal fit for the Giants. If the San Diego Padres end up moving Adrian Gonzalez then LaRoche could be an option for them. However, he would have some very big shoes to fill both on and off the field.
Getting back to the Braves they are a team I am following with great curiosity in 2010. This coming season will be Bobby Cox's last as manager. I'm sure the Braves (especially Chipper Jones who has played his entire career with Cox as his only manager) want him to go out on a high note. Their strong starting rotation (even without Javier Vazquez) does make them a viable NL Wild Card contender and could give the Philadelphia Phillies a run for their money in the NL East. I like the additions of Billy Wagner and Takashi Saito to the bullpen but I think the jury is out on both Cabrera and Glaus for the time being.
Why Jews Should Not Forgive Jimmy Carter
Lo and behold, former President Jimmy Carter has had an epiphany and has sought forgiveness from Jews for his public positions on the State of Israel. Carter writes:
We must recognize Israel’s achievements under difficult circumstances, even as we strive in a positive way to help Israel continue to improve its relations with its Arab populations, but we must not permit criticisms for improvement to stigmatize Israel. As I would have noted at Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, but which is appropriate at any time of the year, I offer an Al Het for any words or deeds of mine that may have done so.
Yet it just so happens that his grandson is seeking elected office in Georgia. Jason Carter recently announced that he would seek a seat in the Georgia State Senate. The district in which he is running has a large Jewish population. Of course, Carter says the whole thing is just a coincidence. Yeah surre.
Carter writes, "I never intended or wanted to stigmatize the nation of Israel." An example of this was the title of his 2006 book Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid. Yet when Carter visited Brandeis University in January 2007 he sang a very different tune. "I can see it would precipitate some harsh feelings," said the 39th President, "I chose that title knowing that it would be provocative."
The term apartheid it is associated with the old racist regime in South Africa. The world rightly ostracized and stigmatized South Africa for its behavior. Why then use the term "apartheid" unless it one intends to galvanize world opinion into ostracizing and stigmatizing Israel in a similar manner?
The book would be followed by a film Jimmy Carter: Man From Plains directed by Academy Award winning director Jonathan Demme. It documented his U.S. book tour promoting Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid. The film arrived in theaters a year after the release of the book.
At one point during the film he is being interviewed on The Tavis Smiley Show. While Smiley generally praises Carter and the book he does take him to task for the use of the word apartheid. Carter responded by claiming Palestinians are treated worse by Israel than blacks were in apartheid era South Africa.
He would go further than that. During an appearance on MSNBC's Hardball on November 28, 2006, Carter said:
What is being done to the Palestinians now is horrendous in their own territory by occupying powers which is Israel. They've taken away all of the basic human rights of the Palestinians as was done in South Africa against the blacks.
Carter knew exactly what he was doing when gave the book that title and the furor that would follow. He did everything in his power to fan the flames of anti-Israel sentiment. If Carter wasn't trying to stigmatize the State of Israel then it's impossible to fathom what the hell he was doing.
For Carter's plea for forgiveness to ring true then he must come out and say that he willfully and wantonly lied about the State of Israel. Until then Jews should view his plea as nothing more than crass political opportunism and dismiss it out of hand. Jimmy Carter has not shown himself to be worthy of forgiveness.
We must recognize Israel’s achievements under difficult circumstances, even as we strive in a positive way to help Israel continue to improve its relations with its Arab populations, but we must not permit criticisms for improvement to stigmatize Israel. As I would have noted at Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, but which is appropriate at any time of the year, I offer an Al Het for any words or deeds of mine that may have done so.
Yet it just so happens that his grandson is seeking elected office in Georgia. Jason Carter recently announced that he would seek a seat in the Georgia State Senate. The district in which he is running has a large Jewish population. Of course, Carter says the whole thing is just a coincidence. Yeah surre.
Carter writes, "I never intended or wanted to stigmatize the nation of Israel." An example of this was the title of his 2006 book Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid. Yet when Carter visited Brandeis University in January 2007 he sang a very different tune. "I can see it would precipitate some harsh feelings," said the 39th President, "I chose that title knowing that it would be provocative."
The term apartheid it is associated with the old racist regime in South Africa. The world rightly ostracized and stigmatized South Africa for its behavior. Why then use the term "apartheid" unless it one intends to galvanize world opinion into ostracizing and stigmatizing Israel in a similar manner?
The book would be followed by a film Jimmy Carter: Man From Plains directed by Academy Award winning director Jonathan Demme. It documented his U.S. book tour promoting Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid. The film arrived in theaters a year after the release of the book.
At one point during the film he is being interviewed on The Tavis Smiley Show. While Smiley generally praises Carter and the book he does take him to task for the use of the word apartheid. Carter responded by claiming Palestinians are treated worse by Israel than blacks were in apartheid era South Africa.
He would go further than that. During an appearance on MSNBC's Hardball on November 28, 2006, Carter said:
What is being done to the Palestinians now is horrendous in their own territory by occupying powers which is Israel. They've taken away all of the basic human rights of the Palestinians as was done in South Africa against the blacks.
Carter knew exactly what he was doing when gave the book that title and the furor that would follow. He did everything in his power to fan the flames of anti-Israel sentiment. If Carter wasn't trying to stigmatize the State of Israel then it's impossible to fathom what the hell he was doing.
For Carter's plea for forgiveness to ring true then he must come out and say that he willfully and wantonly lied about the State of Israel. Until then Jews should view his plea as nothing more than crass political opportunism and dismiss it out of hand. Jimmy Carter has not shown himself to be worthy of forgiveness.
Thoughts on Rudy Giuliani
Today, Rudy Giuliani announced he will not seek elected office in 2010. There had been talk he would make a run for the U.S. Senate or the Governor's Mansion.
With regard to the latter he threw his support behind Rick Lazio. Of course, when Giuliani withdrew from the 2000 U.S. Senate race against Hillary Clinton due to prostate cancer it was Lazio who became the GOP standard bearer.
Giuliani said, “My life is interesting. It’s not as if I’m looking for something interesting to do.”
It sounds to me like Giuliani is content to watch the Yankees. He is no more interested in trekking to Albany or becoming the lowest ranking member of the U.S Senate than he was in traversing Iowa and New Hampshire in 2008. If you want to attain higher office there are certain things you must do and at this stage of his life Giuliani isn't prepared to do them.
With regard to the latter he threw his support behind Rick Lazio. Of course, when Giuliani withdrew from the 2000 U.S. Senate race against Hillary Clinton due to prostate cancer it was Lazio who became the GOP standard bearer.
Giuliani said, “My life is interesting. It’s not as if I’m looking for something interesting to do.”
It sounds to me like Giuliani is content to watch the Yankees. He is no more interested in trekking to Albany or becoming the lowest ranking member of the U.S Senate than he was in traversing Iowa and New Hampshire in 2008. If you want to attain higher office there are certain things you must do and at this stage of his life Giuliani isn't prepared to do them.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
More Marquis Moves in MLB
Here's my take on a few free agent signings and trades that have gone down over the past 48 hours or so.
Jason Marquis signs 2-year, $15 million contract with the Washington Nationals
The veteran righthander went 15-13 with a 4.05 ERA in his only season with the Colorado Rockies who went on to win the NL Wild Card. Marquis had a very strong first half winning 11 of those games before the All-Star Break en route to making his first NL All Star team.
Don't count on Marquis to win 15 games for the Nationals in 2010. But if he wins 10 games in '10 he will have accomplished something. John Lannan led the Nationals in wins in '09 with 9. In a rotation full of twenty somethings, the 31-year-old Marquis will serve as an anchor and mentor to Nationals young pitching staff. Marquis has pitched in the NL his entire big league career that has included stops with the Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs before pitching in Denver this past season.
Darren Oliver becomes a Ranger for the third time
Veteran southpaw Darren Oliver has signed a one-year contract worth $3.5 million. The 39-year-old pitched with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for the past three seasons and was a crucial part of their bullpen. Oliver has the versatility to pitch both short relief and long relief and can start a game if the occasion calls for it.
Oliver made his major league debut with the Rangers back in 1993. He pitched with the Rangers until the middle of the 1998 season when he along with Fernando Tatis were traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for Todd Stottlemyre and Royce Clayton. Now that's going down amnesia lane.
Oliver returned to the Rangers in 2000 where he would pitch the next two seasons before being traded to the Boston Red Sox for the controversial Carl Everett. He went on to pitch with the Colorado Rockies, Houston Astros, Florida Marlins, New York Mets before joining the Angels in 2007. Oliver pitched in the post-season in each of the last four seasons (once with the Mets and thrice with the Halos.) Although I don't think that's where the Rangers will be headed in 2010.
OF Coco Crisp signs a 1-year, $4.5 million contract with the Oakland Athletics
Of course, I got see Crisp play up and close during his three seasons with the Boston Red Sox before he was traded at the end of 2008 to the Kansas City Royals for relief pitcher Ramon Ramirez.
Crisp did not have a good '09 campaign in Kansas City. He hit only .228 in 49 games before undergoing season ending shoulder surgery. Originally drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals, Crisp made his MLB debut with the Cleveland Indians in 2002. Despite winning a World Series ring with the Red Sox in '07, Crisp's best seasons were with the Tribe.
But if the 30-year-old outfielder is healthy he still possesses very good speed and can play some spectacular defense. Although he does have a tendency to dive for balls he has no chance of catching. Nonetheless, Crisp should be the Athletics starting centerfielder in 2010.
Atlanta Braves trade pitchers Javier Vazquez and Boone Logan to the New York Yankees for outfielder Melky Cabrera and pitcher Mike Dunn
The big names in this deal are Vazquez and Cabrera. Logan and Dunn are two lefty relievers with comparable ability.
Vazquez went 15-10 with a 2.87 ERA in his lone season in Atlanta. His 238 strikeouts were second in the NL. Only NL Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum had more with 261. Originally with the Montreal Expos, Vazquez pitched with the Yankees in 2004 going 14-10 with a 4.91 ERA. However, he had a weak second half and was demolished in the ALCS by the Boston Red Sox. In fact, he gave up two home runs to Johnny Damon in Game 7 of the 2004 ALCS. But perhaps a World Series in '09 with Damon as a major contributor has erased those old wounds.
Entering the 2010 season, Vazquez is 6th amongst active pitchers with 2,253 strikeouts. At 32, it is not out of the question for him to reach 3,000 strikeouts. However, his career won loss record is barely above .500 at 142-139. After one season in pinstripes, Vazquez was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks for Randy Johnson. Prior to the 2006 season, Vazquez was traded to the Chicago White Sox where he spent three seasons before being dealt a year ago to Atlanta. Strangely, Boone Logan was also involved in that deal.
Look for Vazquez to be the number four starter in the Yankees rotation behind C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte. With a starting rotation of Derek Lowe, Jair Jurrjens, Tommy Hanson, Tim Hudson and Kenshin Kawakami, the Braves wanted get more offense and shed some payroll. Vazquez becomes a free agent at the end of 2010.
Cabrera has been a Yankee his entire professional career. He made the big club in 2005. Cabrera reminds me of slightly less powerful Manny Ramirez. He can be absolutely spectacular or look absolutely awful especially with the glove. Cabrera might benefit from a change of scenery and at 25 perhaps the best is still yet to come. My guess is that he will play left field with the Braves with the Gold Glove caliber Nate McLouth patrolling centerfield and Matt Diaz in right. I'm sure Jordan Schafer will figure in there somehow especially if Cabrera stumbles.
Despite Vazquez's good '09 campaign there's no guarantee AL hitters will be anymore accommodating to him than they were during his previous stint in the Bronx. Melky Cabrera could hit 40 home runs next year or hit 4 home runs next year. This trade is a gamble for both clubs but especially the Braves.
Two Brandons
I believe this is the first time in MLB history that two players named Brandon have been traded for each other. The Seattle Mariners sent pitcher Brandon Morrow to the Toronto Blue Jays for pitcher Brandon League and a minor leaguer.
It is interesting to see how Morrow has fallen out of favor in Seattle. Morrow was the Mariners number one draft pick in 2006 and made the Opening Day roster in 2007. A year ago he was considered untouchable. In 2008, Morrow became the Mariners closer when J.J. Putz got hurt. But later in the season he was sent down to the minor leagues to be converted into a starter. A month later, in his first major league start, Morrow threw 7 and two thirds innings of no-hit ball against the New York Yankees.
But by the beginning of 2009, Morrow was the closer again before he went on the DL with tendonitis in his biceps in early May. David Aardsma took over the M's closer and never looked back. When Morrow came off the DL he was made a starter but struggled with his control and was sent back down to Triple A Tacoma.
The Mariners simply couldn't make up their minds as to whether they wanted Morrow as a starter or reliever and hopefully the Blue Jays won't make that mistake. Yet, at the moment, it is not clear whether the Jays are going to do with Morrow. For me, it makes more sense to have Morrow close. Morrow is a diabetic and has expressed a preference for relief work. Jason Frasor led the Jays in saves with 11 in 2009. The Jays and the Cleveland Indians were tied for the fewest saves in the AL in '09 with 25. Unless the Jays are going to sign Jose Valverde, Fernando Rodney or Matt Capps then Morrow should be their closer in 2010.
Brandon League is similar to his fellow Brandon in that he throws very hard but often lacks control. But when he is on he is nearly unhittable. I've seen him pitch both in the majors and the minors. While League has pitched for the Jays each of the last six seasons, he spent most of 2007 in the minors after developing shoulder trouble. Late that season, I saw him pitch with the Double A New Hampshire Fishercats.
The Hawaiian League has a very colorful personality and I'm not talking about his tattoos. It will be interesting to see how League gets on with Milton Bradley. If League can harness his control on the mound he would be an ideal 8th inning set up man for Aardsma. The Mariners game could be seven innings and then over once turned over to League and Aardsma. So Chone Figgins, Cliff Lee, Bradley and now League. The Mariners are looking more and more like the team to beat in the AL West next year.
Jason Marquis signs 2-year, $15 million contract with the Washington Nationals
The veteran righthander went 15-13 with a 4.05 ERA in his only season with the Colorado Rockies who went on to win the NL Wild Card. Marquis had a very strong first half winning 11 of those games before the All-Star Break en route to making his first NL All Star team.
Don't count on Marquis to win 15 games for the Nationals in 2010. But if he wins 10 games in '10 he will have accomplished something. John Lannan led the Nationals in wins in '09 with 9. In a rotation full of twenty somethings, the 31-year-old Marquis will serve as an anchor and mentor to Nationals young pitching staff. Marquis has pitched in the NL his entire big league career that has included stops with the Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs before pitching in Denver this past season.
Darren Oliver becomes a Ranger for the third time
Veteran southpaw Darren Oliver has signed a one-year contract worth $3.5 million. The 39-year-old pitched with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for the past three seasons and was a crucial part of their bullpen. Oliver has the versatility to pitch both short relief and long relief and can start a game if the occasion calls for it.
Oliver made his major league debut with the Rangers back in 1993. He pitched with the Rangers until the middle of the 1998 season when he along with Fernando Tatis were traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for Todd Stottlemyre and Royce Clayton. Now that's going down amnesia lane.
Oliver returned to the Rangers in 2000 where he would pitch the next two seasons before being traded to the Boston Red Sox for the controversial Carl Everett. He went on to pitch with the Colorado Rockies, Houston Astros, Florida Marlins, New York Mets before joining the Angels in 2007. Oliver pitched in the post-season in each of the last four seasons (once with the Mets and thrice with the Halos.) Although I don't think that's where the Rangers will be headed in 2010.
OF Coco Crisp signs a 1-year, $4.5 million contract with the Oakland Athletics
Of course, I got see Crisp play up and close during his three seasons with the Boston Red Sox before he was traded at the end of 2008 to the Kansas City Royals for relief pitcher Ramon Ramirez.
Crisp did not have a good '09 campaign in Kansas City. He hit only .228 in 49 games before undergoing season ending shoulder surgery. Originally drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals, Crisp made his MLB debut with the Cleveland Indians in 2002. Despite winning a World Series ring with the Red Sox in '07, Crisp's best seasons were with the Tribe.
But if the 30-year-old outfielder is healthy he still possesses very good speed and can play some spectacular defense. Although he does have a tendency to dive for balls he has no chance of catching. Nonetheless, Crisp should be the Athletics starting centerfielder in 2010.
Atlanta Braves trade pitchers Javier Vazquez and Boone Logan to the New York Yankees for outfielder Melky Cabrera and pitcher Mike Dunn
The big names in this deal are Vazquez and Cabrera. Logan and Dunn are two lefty relievers with comparable ability.
Vazquez went 15-10 with a 2.87 ERA in his lone season in Atlanta. His 238 strikeouts were second in the NL. Only NL Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum had more with 261. Originally with the Montreal Expos, Vazquez pitched with the Yankees in 2004 going 14-10 with a 4.91 ERA. However, he had a weak second half and was demolished in the ALCS by the Boston Red Sox. In fact, he gave up two home runs to Johnny Damon in Game 7 of the 2004 ALCS. But perhaps a World Series in '09 with Damon as a major contributor has erased those old wounds.
Entering the 2010 season, Vazquez is 6th amongst active pitchers with 2,253 strikeouts. At 32, it is not out of the question for him to reach 3,000 strikeouts. However, his career won loss record is barely above .500 at 142-139. After one season in pinstripes, Vazquez was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks for Randy Johnson. Prior to the 2006 season, Vazquez was traded to the Chicago White Sox where he spent three seasons before being dealt a year ago to Atlanta. Strangely, Boone Logan was also involved in that deal.
Look for Vazquez to be the number four starter in the Yankees rotation behind C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte. With a starting rotation of Derek Lowe, Jair Jurrjens, Tommy Hanson, Tim Hudson and Kenshin Kawakami, the Braves wanted get more offense and shed some payroll. Vazquez becomes a free agent at the end of 2010.
Cabrera has been a Yankee his entire professional career. He made the big club in 2005. Cabrera reminds me of slightly less powerful Manny Ramirez. He can be absolutely spectacular or look absolutely awful especially with the glove. Cabrera might benefit from a change of scenery and at 25 perhaps the best is still yet to come. My guess is that he will play left field with the Braves with the Gold Glove caliber Nate McLouth patrolling centerfield and Matt Diaz in right. I'm sure Jordan Schafer will figure in there somehow especially if Cabrera stumbles.
Despite Vazquez's good '09 campaign there's no guarantee AL hitters will be anymore accommodating to him than they were during his previous stint in the Bronx. Melky Cabrera could hit 40 home runs next year or hit 4 home runs next year. This trade is a gamble for both clubs but especially the Braves.
Two Brandons
I believe this is the first time in MLB history that two players named Brandon have been traded for each other. The Seattle Mariners sent pitcher Brandon Morrow to the Toronto Blue Jays for pitcher Brandon League and a minor leaguer.
It is interesting to see how Morrow has fallen out of favor in Seattle. Morrow was the Mariners number one draft pick in 2006 and made the Opening Day roster in 2007. A year ago he was considered untouchable. In 2008, Morrow became the Mariners closer when J.J. Putz got hurt. But later in the season he was sent down to the minor leagues to be converted into a starter. A month later, in his first major league start, Morrow threw 7 and two thirds innings of no-hit ball against the New York Yankees.
But by the beginning of 2009, Morrow was the closer again before he went on the DL with tendonitis in his biceps in early May. David Aardsma took over the M's closer and never looked back. When Morrow came off the DL he was made a starter but struggled with his control and was sent back down to Triple A Tacoma.
The Mariners simply couldn't make up their minds as to whether they wanted Morrow as a starter or reliever and hopefully the Blue Jays won't make that mistake. Yet, at the moment, it is not clear whether the Jays are going to do with Morrow. For me, it makes more sense to have Morrow close. Morrow is a diabetic and has expressed a preference for relief work. Jason Frasor led the Jays in saves with 11 in 2009. The Jays and the Cleveland Indians were tied for the fewest saves in the AL in '09 with 25. Unless the Jays are going to sign Jose Valverde, Fernando Rodney or Matt Capps then Morrow should be their closer in 2010.
Brandon League is similar to his fellow Brandon in that he throws very hard but often lacks control. But when he is on he is nearly unhittable. I've seen him pitch both in the majors and the minors. While League has pitched for the Jays each of the last six seasons, he spent most of 2007 in the minors after developing shoulder trouble. Late that season, I saw him pitch with the Double A New Hampshire Fishercats.
The Hawaiian League has a very colorful personality and I'm not talking about his tattoos. It will be interesting to see how League gets on with Milton Bradley. If League can harness his control on the mound he would be an ideal 8th inning set up man for Aardsma. The Mariners game could be seven innings and then over once turned over to League and Aardsma. So Chone Figgins, Cliff Lee, Bradley and now League. The Mariners are looking more and more like the team to beat in the AL West next year.
Ahmadinejad to Obama: "We Don't Care!!!"
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has dismissed the White House's warnings over the December 31st deadline regarding its nuclear program.
"We don't care," said Ahmadinejad, "We are not afraid of sanctions against us and we are not intimidated." Ahmadinejad added that Iran is "ten times stronger than last year."
Now one could dismiss that last statement as bluster. But if it is not clear to President Obama that Iran isn't interested in engagement now then I am not sure if it will ever be.
Frankly, Ahmadinejad has no reason to care. What's Obama and the international community going to do? Sure there might be some sanctions but the regime will remain large and in charge.
Ahmadinejad and The Mullahs won't entertain changing their behavior unless they believe their grip on power will be wrested by force either from abroad or from within.
There will soon be a new year but it will the same old regime.
"We don't care," said Ahmadinejad, "We are not afraid of sanctions against us and we are not intimidated." Ahmadinejad added that Iran is "ten times stronger than last year."
Now one could dismiss that last statement as bluster. But if it is not clear to President Obama that Iran isn't interested in engagement now then I am not sure if it will ever be.
Frankly, Ahmadinejad has no reason to care. What's Obama and the international community going to do? Sure there might be some sanctions but the regime will remain large and in charge.
Ahmadinejad and The Mullahs won't entertain changing their behavior unless they believe their grip on power will be wrested by force either from abroad or from within.
There will soon be a new year but it will the same old regime.
Alaina Reed-Amini, 1946-2009. R.I.P.
Actress/singer Alaina Reed-Amini died on December 17th after a two year battle with breast cancer. She was 63.
Reed was best known to millions of children as Olivia on Sesame Street where she played Gordon's younger sister. She joined the cast in 1976 and would remain until 1988. Reed was also part of the cast of the TV comedy 227 starring Marla Gibbs which aired from 1985 to 1990 on NBC.
Here she is singing a duet with George Benson on the set of Sesame Street. The sound quality isn't great but it is a nice song to remember her by.
As a child it was easy to think that those who were on Sesame Street lived inside the television including the human cast members. As a child I could not imagine they were real people with lives away from the Childrens' Television Workshop. To this day, it's funny to see those cast members in other settings. I remember seeing Emilio Delgado (Luis a.k.a. Mr. Fix It) on an episode of Law & Order: Criminal Intent and had to do a doubletake. Or years ago when Bob McGrath (a.k.a. Bob) appeared at Carnegie Hall for a tribute to Harry Chapin.
Needless to say, the death of one of the cast members is bit more jarring. You almost feel like Big Bird did when he found out Mr. Hooper had died.
Reed was best known to millions of children as Olivia on Sesame Street where she played Gordon's younger sister. She joined the cast in 1976 and would remain until 1988. Reed was also part of the cast of the TV comedy 227 starring Marla Gibbs which aired from 1985 to 1990 on NBC.
Here she is singing a duet with George Benson on the set of Sesame Street. The sound quality isn't great but it is a nice song to remember her by.
As a child it was easy to think that those who were on Sesame Street lived inside the television including the human cast members. As a child I could not imagine they were real people with lives away from the Childrens' Television Workshop. To this day, it's funny to see those cast members in other settings. I remember seeing Emilio Delgado (Luis a.k.a. Mr. Fix It) on an episode of Law & Order: Criminal Intent and had to do a doubletake. Or years ago when Bob McGrath (a.k.a. Bob) appeared at Carnegie Hall for a tribute to Harry Chapin.
Needless to say, the death of one of the cast members is bit more jarring. You almost feel like Big Bird did when he found out Mr. Hooper had died.
Thoughts on Laura Dekker
I am fascinated with the story of Laura Dekker.
She's the 14-year-old Dutch girl who wants to sail around the world solo. If successful she would be the youngest person in the world to accomplish the feat. Earlier this year, a 17-year-old British sailor named Michael Perham became the youngest person to sail solo around the world.
Dekker's father supports his daughter's ambition. The only thing standing in her way is the Dutch government. The local authorities petitioned a Dutch family court and obtained joint custody of Dekker. This joint custody is to last until July 2010.
But Dekker became restless and ran away from home several days ago. She withdrew a large amount of money and somehow found her way to Saint Martin in the Caribbean. Dekker was returned to The Netherlands with a police escort. Authorities will now investigate how she managed the leave the country.
Under normal circumstances, the idea of a 14-year-old girl sailing around the world would be sheer lunacy. But Laura Dekker is no ordinary 14-year-old girl. She was born at sea and probably knows more about the sea than some merchant marines. Dekker has been sailing boats since she was six. While other little girls played with dolls she filled out log books.
Yes, there are risks to sailing around the world solo. But she would know that better than most. It's not a question of if she is going to do this but when. The sea is in her blood. I think the Dutch government should get out of her way and let her set sail.
One must suspect that one of the reasons the Dutch authorities are so adamantly opposed to her undertaking his venture is because she is a girl though they would be loathe to admit it. If Dekker was a boy I don't think there would be anywhere the fanfare. It was certainly not the case with either Perham or Zac Sunderland, an American who also successfully sailed around the world solo alos at age 17.
It is also worth noting that Dekker isn't the only girl who wants to sail around the world solo. Australian Jessica Watson began her trek in October and has been at sea for 53 days as of this writing. If she is successful, she will eclipse Sunderland's record. But that might be shortlived. Sunderland's younger sister Abby will soon embark on her solo voyage around the world. The authorities in Australia have not thwarted Watson nor have the authorities out in California tried to thwart Sunderland.
As for Laura Dekker, she does still have time on her side even if her patience is in short supply and her restlessness is abundant. But if Dekker succeeds in becoming the youngest person to sail around the world solo the same local government that tried to stop her will tell the world she is their favorite daughter.
She's the 14-year-old Dutch girl who wants to sail around the world solo. If successful she would be the youngest person in the world to accomplish the feat. Earlier this year, a 17-year-old British sailor named Michael Perham became the youngest person to sail solo around the world.
Dekker's father supports his daughter's ambition. The only thing standing in her way is the Dutch government. The local authorities petitioned a Dutch family court and obtained joint custody of Dekker. This joint custody is to last until July 2010.
But Dekker became restless and ran away from home several days ago. She withdrew a large amount of money and somehow found her way to Saint Martin in the Caribbean. Dekker was returned to The Netherlands with a police escort. Authorities will now investigate how she managed the leave the country.
Under normal circumstances, the idea of a 14-year-old girl sailing around the world would be sheer lunacy. But Laura Dekker is no ordinary 14-year-old girl. She was born at sea and probably knows more about the sea than some merchant marines. Dekker has been sailing boats since she was six. While other little girls played with dolls she filled out log books.
Yes, there are risks to sailing around the world solo. But she would know that better than most. It's not a question of if she is going to do this but when. The sea is in her blood. I think the Dutch government should get out of her way and let her set sail.
One must suspect that one of the reasons the Dutch authorities are so adamantly opposed to her undertaking his venture is because she is a girl though they would be loathe to admit it. If Dekker was a boy I don't think there would be anywhere the fanfare. It was certainly not the case with either Perham or Zac Sunderland, an American who also successfully sailed around the world solo alos at age 17.
It is also worth noting that Dekker isn't the only girl who wants to sail around the world solo. Australian Jessica Watson began her trek in October and has been at sea for 53 days as of this writing. If she is successful, she will eclipse Sunderland's record. But that might be shortlived. Sunderland's younger sister Abby will soon embark on her solo voyage around the world. The authorities in Australia have not thwarted Watson nor have the authorities out in California tried to thwart Sunderland.
As for Laura Dekker, she does still have time on her side even if her patience is in short supply and her restlessness is abundant. But if Dekker succeeds in becoming the youngest person to sail around the world solo the same local government that tried to stop her will tell the world she is their favorite daughter.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Brittany Murphy, 1977-2009. R.I.P.
Actress/singer Brittany Murphy has died of cardiac arrest. She was only 32.
Murphy is best known for her roles in movies like Clueless, Girl, Interrupted and 8 Mile. She was also the voice of Luanne Hill on the long running FOX animated series King of the Hill. Murphy also had a number one dance hit with Paul Oakenfeld on the U.S. Billboard charts in 2006 called "Faster Kill Pussycat."
Naturally, one might think this was caused by a drug overdose given her age. But it is also possible she could have had a blocked coronary artery or some other preexisting heart condition either she knew or didn't know about. Regardless of the cause, she left this world too soon.
Murphy is survived by Simon Monjack, her husband of 2½ years.
Murphy is best known for her roles in movies like Clueless, Girl, Interrupted and 8 Mile. She was also the voice of Luanne Hill on the long running FOX animated series King of the Hill. Murphy also had a number one dance hit with Paul Oakenfeld on the U.S. Billboard charts in 2006 called "Faster Kill Pussycat."
Naturally, one might think this was caused by a drug overdose given her age. But it is also possible she could have had a blocked coronary artery or some other preexisting heart condition either she knew or didn't know about. Regardless of the cause, she left this world too soon.
Murphy is survived by Simon Monjack, her husband of 2½ years.
Grand Ayatollah Hossein-Ali Montazeri, 1922-2009. R.I.P.
Iran's Grand Ayatollah Hossein-Ali Montazeri has died. He was 87.
Montazeri played a significant role in the Iranian Revolution. The Ayatollah Khomeini would eventually designate Montazeri as his successor. However, by 1987, Montazeri had become critical of the Revolution and called for the legalization of political parties. Later, he would criticize the execution of political prisoners and chided Khomeini for his fatwa against Salman Rushdie. In March 1989, Khomeini removed Montazeri as his designated heir. Khomeini died less than three months later and was succeeded by Ali Khamene'i and remains Iran's Supreme Leader to this day. Montazeri was placed under house arrest between 1997 and 2003 for his criticisms of Khamene'i.
Montazeri did not spare Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from criticism either. He criticized Ahmadinejad's nuclear and economic policies in 2007 and again during the aftermath of Iran's "elections" this past June. Montazeri said "no one in their right mind could believe" the outcome.
He would also call for three days of public mourning following the killing of Neda Agha-Soltan. His last public statement came last month during the 30th anniversary of the Iranian Revolution. Montazeri said that seizing the American embassy in Tehran had been a mistake.
Montazeri's funeral is scheduled to be held tomorrow in Qom. Given that thousands are expected to attend one wonders if the procession will turn into a protest against Khamene'i and Ahmadinejad. Even if it doesn't it would come as no surprise to me if the Revolutionary Guard or the Basij were to provoke the mourners and clash with them.
So why would the regime risk doing such a thing? Whatever condemnations might come of it the Iranian regime knows there is no one prepared to stop them. They are not afraid of President Obama nor anyone else.
Montazeri played a significant role in the Iranian Revolution. The Ayatollah Khomeini would eventually designate Montazeri as his successor. However, by 1987, Montazeri had become critical of the Revolution and called for the legalization of political parties. Later, he would criticize the execution of political prisoners and chided Khomeini for his fatwa against Salman Rushdie. In March 1989, Khomeini removed Montazeri as his designated heir. Khomeini died less than three months later and was succeeded by Ali Khamene'i and remains Iran's Supreme Leader to this day. Montazeri was placed under house arrest between 1997 and 2003 for his criticisms of Khamene'i.
Montazeri did not spare Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from criticism either. He criticized Ahmadinejad's nuclear and economic policies in 2007 and again during the aftermath of Iran's "elections" this past June. Montazeri said "no one in their right mind could believe" the outcome.
He would also call for three days of public mourning following the killing of Neda Agha-Soltan. His last public statement came last month during the 30th anniversary of the Iranian Revolution. Montazeri said that seizing the American embassy in Tehran had been a mistake.
Montazeri's funeral is scheduled to be held tomorrow in Qom. Given that thousands are expected to attend one wonders if the procession will turn into a protest against Khamene'i and Ahmadinejad. Even if it doesn't it would come as no surprise to me if the Revolutionary Guard or the Basij were to provoke the mourners and clash with them.
So why would the regime risk doing such a thing? Whatever condemnations might come of it the Iranian regime knows there is no one prepared to stop them. They are not afraid of President Obama nor anyone else.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Palin Was Right; Obama Should Have Boycotted Copenhagen
Sarah Palin was right.
President Obama should have boycotted Copenhagen.
An agreement was struck yesterday at the 11th hour to limit temperature increases to two degrees Celsius.
The Obama Administration describes the agreement as "meaningful and unprecedented."
But the agreement isn't legally binding. The only thing here is that is "meaningful and unprecedented" is that China has effectively supplanted the United States as the most powerful nation in the world under Obama's watch. When President Obama has to ask Premier Wen if he is ready to see him it tells you who is running the show.
Now there are those like Pat Buchanan who would make the case that this state of affairs has been well on its way for some time now. But at least President Bush didn't care what China thought when he would openly receive the Dalai Lama. The same cannot be said for President Obama when he snubbed The Dalai Lama, a fellow Nobel Laureate, during his visit to Washington in October. President Obama was due for his first state visit to China the following month and did not want to offend Premier Wen or President Hu. Indeed, Obama's visit did nothing to inspire the confidence of Chinese dissidents.
This isn't to say that American military strength has been surpassed. But so long as President Obama insists on denying American exceptionalism at home and belittling America abroad (Nobel speech or not) then other powers will be more than happy to fill in the breach with China topping the list with Russia close behind. President Obama has certainly done nothing to discourage the Chinese whether by bowing to President Hu or asking Premier Wen if he is ready to receive him.
If Sarah Palin were in the White House I cannot imagine her behaving in such a defensive and deferential manner.
President Obama should have boycotted Copenhagen.
An agreement was struck yesterday at the 11th hour to limit temperature increases to two degrees Celsius.
The Obama Administration describes the agreement as "meaningful and unprecedented."
But the agreement isn't legally binding. The only thing here is that is "meaningful and unprecedented" is that China has effectively supplanted the United States as the most powerful nation in the world under Obama's watch. When President Obama has to ask Premier Wen if he is ready to see him it tells you who is running the show.
Now there are those like Pat Buchanan who would make the case that this state of affairs has been well on its way for some time now. But at least President Bush didn't care what China thought when he would openly receive the Dalai Lama. The same cannot be said for President Obama when he snubbed The Dalai Lama, a fellow Nobel Laureate, during his visit to Washington in October. President Obama was due for his first state visit to China the following month and did not want to offend Premier Wen or President Hu. Indeed, Obama's visit did nothing to inspire the confidence of Chinese dissidents.
This isn't to say that American military strength has been surpassed. But so long as President Obama insists on denying American exceptionalism at home and belittling America abroad (Nobel speech or not) then other powers will be more than happy to fill in the breach with China topping the list with Russia close behind. President Obama has certainly done nothing to discourage the Chinese whether by bowing to President Hu or asking Premier Wen if he is ready to receive him.
If Sarah Palin were in the White House I cannot imagine her behaving in such a defensive and deferential manner.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Cubs Send Milton Bradley to Seattle
The Chicago Cubs have traded outfielder Milton Bradley to the Seattle Mariners for pitcher Carlos Silva and $6 million in cash.
This will be the eighth MLB uniform Bradley has worn since his debut with the Montreal Expos in 2001. Bradley has also had stops with the Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres and the Texas Rangers before signing a three-year, $30 million contract with the Cubs prior to the 2009 season.
His tenure with the Cubs was an utter disaster. Bradley struggled at the plate hitting .257 with 12 home runs and 40 RBI in 124 games in 2009 before he was suspended for the rest of the season on September 21st. The Cubs struggles last season weren't entirely Bradley's fault. Other than Derek Lee and Ryan Theriot, the Cubs offense was anemic. Carlos Zambrano's ERA ballooned to 5.63 and neither Kevin Gregg nor Carlos Marmol could cut it as the team's closer.
But Cubs fans took their frustrations out on Bradley and he gladly took his frustrations out on them. Bradley said, "You understand why they haven't won in 100 years here."
Yet when I think of Milton Bradley I think of the 2008 Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium the day before the All Star Game. The one where his Rangers teammate Josh Hamilton was hitting everything out of sight. Bradley was by his side cooling him off with a towel in between shots. He might have smiling bigger and brighter than anyone that night. Hamilton has had his own share of problems and perhaps Bradley felt at ease with him.
Bradley enjoyed his best season in 2008 when he hit .321 with 22 home runs and 77 RBI during his only year in a Rangers uniform. He led the AL in OBP (.436) and OPS (.999) in '08. So naturally there was a lot of excitement when he signed with the Cubs last January but it wasn't meant to be. The Cubs are glad that Bradley isn't toying with them anymore.
I'm sure there's some trepidation in Seattle. But they also know Bradley can play and contribute. The Mariners have added Chone Figgins and Cliff Lee this off season. Bradley could do a lot of damage in the middle of that lineup. Although one could have made such a comment when he signed with the Cubs. But the Cubs don't have Ken Griffey, Jr. Perhaps Griffey could act as something of an older brother to Bradley and be a calming presence. Should that happen Bradley could have the best year of his MLB career.
As for Carlos Silva, he is essentially a reclamation project. Prior to the 2008 season, Silva signed a four-year contract with the Mariners worth $48 million. It was not money well spent. Silva had an atrocious 2008 season. In 28 starts, he went 4-15 with an ERA of 6.46. Things improved little in 2009. He started only six games and went 1-3 with an ERA of 8.60 before he was shut down for the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury. Silva previous pitched with the Philadelphia Phillies and the Minnesota Twins. His best season came in 2004 when he went 14-8 with a 4.21 ERA when the Twins won the AL Central Division.
Silva's greatest strength is that he has excellent control and walks very few batters. Over his career he has averaged less than two walks per nine innings pitched. In 2005, Silva only walked nine batters in 188 and one third innings pitched. On the flipside, he's not overpowering and gives up a lot of hits including home runs. The same year he walked only nine batters he gave up 212 hits including 25 home runs. Look for Silva to compete with Tom Gorzelanny for the fifth spot in the Cubs starting rotation.
This will be the eighth MLB uniform Bradley has worn since his debut with the Montreal Expos in 2001. Bradley has also had stops with the Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres and the Texas Rangers before signing a three-year, $30 million contract with the Cubs prior to the 2009 season.
His tenure with the Cubs was an utter disaster. Bradley struggled at the plate hitting .257 with 12 home runs and 40 RBI in 124 games in 2009 before he was suspended for the rest of the season on September 21st. The Cubs struggles last season weren't entirely Bradley's fault. Other than Derek Lee and Ryan Theriot, the Cubs offense was anemic. Carlos Zambrano's ERA ballooned to 5.63 and neither Kevin Gregg nor Carlos Marmol could cut it as the team's closer.
But Cubs fans took their frustrations out on Bradley and he gladly took his frustrations out on them. Bradley said, "You understand why they haven't won in 100 years here."
Yet when I think of Milton Bradley I think of the 2008 Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium the day before the All Star Game. The one where his Rangers teammate Josh Hamilton was hitting everything out of sight. Bradley was by his side cooling him off with a towel in between shots. He might have smiling bigger and brighter than anyone that night. Hamilton has had his own share of problems and perhaps Bradley felt at ease with him.
Bradley enjoyed his best season in 2008 when he hit .321 with 22 home runs and 77 RBI during his only year in a Rangers uniform. He led the AL in OBP (.436) and OPS (.999) in '08. So naturally there was a lot of excitement when he signed with the Cubs last January but it wasn't meant to be. The Cubs are glad that Bradley isn't toying with them anymore.
I'm sure there's some trepidation in Seattle. But they also know Bradley can play and contribute. The Mariners have added Chone Figgins and Cliff Lee this off season. Bradley could do a lot of damage in the middle of that lineup. Although one could have made such a comment when he signed with the Cubs. But the Cubs don't have Ken Griffey, Jr. Perhaps Griffey could act as something of an older brother to Bradley and be a calming presence. Should that happen Bradley could have the best year of his MLB career.
As for Carlos Silva, he is essentially a reclamation project. Prior to the 2008 season, Silva signed a four-year contract with the Mariners worth $48 million. It was not money well spent. Silva had an atrocious 2008 season. In 28 starts, he went 4-15 with an ERA of 6.46. Things improved little in 2009. He started only six games and went 1-3 with an ERA of 8.60 before he was shut down for the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury. Silva previous pitched with the Philadelphia Phillies and the Minnesota Twins. His best season came in 2004 when he went 14-8 with a 4.21 ERA when the Twins won the AL Central Division.
Silva's greatest strength is that he has excellent control and walks very few batters. Over his career he has averaged less than two walks per nine innings pitched. In 2005, Silva only walked nine batters in 188 and one third innings pitched. On the flipside, he's not overpowering and gives up a lot of hits including home runs. The same year he walked only nine batters he gave up 212 hits including 25 home runs. Look for Silva to compete with Tom Gorzelanny for the fifth spot in the Cubs starting rotation.
Obama Asks Wen: "Mr. Premier, Are You Ready To See Me?"
I just caught this on CNN. During a bilateral meeting between President Obama and Chinese Premier Wen in Copenhagen, most of the American media were not allowed access to the meeting although the Chinese media got in unfettered.
Even White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs got caught in the commotion and couldn't get in either. Rick Sanchez praised Gibbs for standing up for the American media. Gibbs referred to the American press as "my guys."
But the symbolism is unmistakable. The Chinese get in and the Americans are kept out. China wants to be Number One. It doesn't help when President Obama asks Wen, “Mr. Premier, are you ready to see me? Are you ready?”
The President of the United States has effectively bowed to another foreign leader.
Even White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs got caught in the commotion and couldn't get in either. Rick Sanchez praised Gibbs for standing up for the American media. Gibbs referred to the American press as "my guys."
But the symbolism is unmistakable. The Chinese get in and the Americans are kept out. China wants to be Number One. It doesn't help when President Obama asks Wen, “Mr. Premier, are you ready to see me? Are you ready?”
The President of the United States has effectively bowed to another foreign leader.
Thoughts on Juan Pierre, Mike Gonzalez, Garrett Atkins & Nick Johnson
There are several interesting free agent signings and a trade that have taken place over the past week that warrant comment.
The Los Angeles Dodgers trade outfielder Juan Pierre to the Chicago White Sox for two minor league pitchers
Pierre might be the happiest man in MLB. For five consecutive seasons, between 2003 and 2007, Pierre played in all 162 regular season games. That all changed on July 31, 2008 when the Dodgers acquired Manny Ramirez. He was relegated to pinch running duty and late inning defense.
Yet Pierre bore no grudge against Dodgers manager Joe Torre. When Manny Ramirez was suspended for 50 games early in the 2009 season, Pierre filled in the breach and was key figure in their run for their second consecutive NL West Division title.
But Pierre will now get to be the White Sox everyday centerfielder. The Chisox haven't had a reliable everyday centerfielder since Aaron Rowand left following the 2005 season - the year they won the World Series. Speaking of World Series, Pierre and Chisox manager Ozzie Guillen have World Series rings from the 2003 Florida Marlins. Guillen was the third base coach for the Marlins that year before being named White Sox manager the following season. So Pierre can handle Ozzie's often mercurial behavior. It is worth noting that Pierre is MLB's active stolen bases leader with 459. Acquiring Pierre could do for the White Sox in 2010 what acquiring Scott Podsednik did in 2005.
The only downside of this deal is that the Chisox GM Kenny Williams parted with two more minor league pitchers. Remember that Williams dealt four minor league pitchers to the San Diego Padres to get Jake Peavy last summer. While the Chisox will contend in 2010 and Pierre will play a big part in their drive for the AL Central title, trading away that many pitchers from your own organization could do harm over the longer term.
Baltimore Orioles sign free agents Mike Gonzalez and Garrett Atkins
Relief pitcher Mike Gonzalez signed a two-year deal worth $12 million and will become the Orioles closer in 2010. Gonzalez appeared in a career high 80 games with the Atlanta Braves in 2009 going 5-4 with a 2.42 ERA. He also saved 10 games. The lefty has saved as many as 24 games in a season. He did this with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2006.
Jim Johnson had been the O's closer after George Sherrill was traded to the Dodgers in late July. Johnson will likely become Gonzalez's set up man. Gonzalez has a very funky delivery which should be fun for O's fans to watch - unless he's walking in a run or given up a three run home run. But this is a relatively low risk investment for the O's.
Garrett Atkins, on the other hand, is at a crossroads. While the Colorado Rockies enjoyed a sensational 2009, Atkins did not batting only .226 with 9 home runs and 48 RBI. Atkins, who turned 30 on December 12th, lost his job at third base to Ian Stewart. Atkins knocked in over 100 runs in 2006 and 2007 and was an RBI short of doing it again in 2008. It might be that Atkins had an off year or it could be that he is in the midst of a precipitous offensive decline.
Atkins succeeds Melvin Mora at third base. He could also see some action as a DH. Atkins will make $4 million for the Orioles in 2010 and the club has an option for 2011.
Nick Johnson returns to the New York Yankees
Larry Bowa's nephew returns where it all started. Nick Johnson signed a one-year deal worth $5.5 million. Johnson began his big league career with the Yankees in 2001 where he was largely a role player at first base and DH. He was dealt to the Montreal Expos along with Juan Rivera and Randy Choate for Javier Vazquez after the 2003 and would remain with the team when they moved to Washington although he missed much of the 2004 season with back problems.
Johnson enjoyed his best season in 2006 when he hit .290 with 23 home runs and 77 RBI for the Nationals. Although he played in a career high 147 games in '06 he couldn't escape injury. Late that September, Johnson broke his leg in a collision with teammate Austin Kearns which sidelined for the rest of the season and would result in him missing the entire 2007 campaign. Johnson would also miss most of the 2008 season with a wrist injury. He was also plagued with injuries during his original stint with the Yankees.
But when healthy Johnson is a productive player. In 2009, Johnson split the season with the Nationals and the Florida Marlins. At first glance, Johnson's stats look modest with a .291 average, 8 home runs and 62 RBI. But he drew 99 walks finishing 6th in the NL. Johnson's .426 OBP was second in the NL only to 2009 NL MVP Albert Pujols.
With Hideki Matsui gone, Johnson will be the Yankees' DH in 2010. Unless, of course, he hurts his back, wrist or leg. But with the signing of Johnson could this mean Johnny Damon will be soon be gone as well?
The Los Angeles Dodgers trade outfielder Juan Pierre to the Chicago White Sox for two minor league pitchers
Pierre might be the happiest man in MLB. For five consecutive seasons, between 2003 and 2007, Pierre played in all 162 regular season games. That all changed on July 31, 2008 when the Dodgers acquired Manny Ramirez. He was relegated to pinch running duty and late inning defense.
Yet Pierre bore no grudge against Dodgers manager Joe Torre. When Manny Ramirez was suspended for 50 games early in the 2009 season, Pierre filled in the breach and was key figure in their run for their second consecutive NL West Division title.
But Pierre will now get to be the White Sox everyday centerfielder. The Chisox haven't had a reliable everyday centerfielder since Aaron Rowand left following the 2005 season - the year they won the World Series. Speaking of World Series, Pierre and Chisox manager Ozzie Guillen have World Series rings from the 2003 Florida Marlins. Guillen was the third base coach for the Marlins that year before being named White Sox manager the following season. So Pierre can handle Ozzie's often mercurial behavior. It is worth noting that Pierre is MLB's active stolen bases leader with 459. Acquiring Pierre could do for the White Sox in 2010 what acquiring Scott Podsednik did in 2005.
The only downside of this deal is that the Chisox GM Kenny Williams parted with two more minor league pitchers. Remember that Williams dealt four minor league pitchers to the San Diego Padres to get Jake Peavy last summer. While the Chisox will contend in 2010 and Pierre will play a big part in their drive for the AL Central title, trading away that many pitchers from your own organization could do harm over the longer term.
Baltimore Orioles sign free agents Mike Gonzalez and Garrett Atkins
Relief pitcher Mike Gonzalez signed a two-year deal worth $12 million and will become the Orioles closer in 2010. Gonzalez appeared in a career high 80 games with the Atlanta Braves in 2009 going 5-4 with a 2.42 ERA. He also saved 10 games. The lefty has saved as many as 24 games in a season. He did this with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2006.
Jim Johnson had been the O's closer after George Sherrill was traded to the Dodgers in late July. Johnson will likely become Gonzalez's set up man. Gonzalez has a very funky delivery which should be fun for O's fans to watch - unless he's walking in a run or given up a three run home run. But this is a relatively low risk investment for the O's.
Garrett Atkins, on the other hand, is at a crossroads. While the Colorado Rockies enjoyed a sensational 2009, Atkins did not batting only .226 with 9 home runs and 48 RBI. Atkins, who turned 30 on December 12th, lost his job at third base to Ian Stewart. Atkins knocked in over 100 runs in 2006 and 2007 and was an RBI short of doing it again in 2008. It might be that Atkins had an off year or it could be that he is in the midst of a precipitous offensive decline.
Atkins succeeds Melvin Mora at third base. He could also see some action as a DH. Atkins will make $4 million for the Orioles in 2010 and the club has an option for 2011.
Nick Johnson returns to the New York Yankees
Larry Bowa's nephew returns where it all started. Nick Johnson signed a one-year deal worth $5.5 million. Johnson began his big league career with the Yankees in 2001 where he was largely a role player at first base and DH. He was dealt to the Montreal Expos along with Juan Rivera and Randy Choate for Javier Vazquez after the 2003 and would remain with the team when they moved to Washington although he missed much of the 2004 season with back problems.
Johnson enjoyed his best season in 2006 when he hit .290 with 23 home runs and 77 RBI for the Nationals. Although he played in a career high 147 games in '06 he couldn't escape injury. Late that September, Johnson broke his leg in a collision with teammate Austin Kearns which sidelined for the rest of the season and would result in him missing the entire 2007 campaign. Johnson would also miss most of the 2008 season with a wrist injury. He was also plagued with injuries during his original stint with the Yankees.
But when healthy Johnson is a productive player. In 2009, Johnson split the season with the Nationals and the Florida Marlins. At first glance, Johnson's stats look modest with a .291 average, 8 home runs and 62 RBI. But he drew 99 walks finishing 6th in the NL. Johnson's .426 OBP was second in the NL only to 2009 NL MVP Albert Pujols.
With Hideki Matsui gone, Johnson will be the Yankees' DH in 2010. Unless, of course, he hurts his back, wrist or leg. But with the signing of Johnson could this mean Johnny Damon will be soon be gone as well?
Is Al Gore Blinding Us With Poetry?
Is Al Gore to poetry what Thomas Dolby was to science?
I think I liked Gore better when he and Tipper were trying to censor rock music.
But there is a method to Gore's madness. His "poetry" is a smokescreen to disperse our attention away from the excesses of environmental activism.
For every dollar spent giving countries in Africa "climate change assistance" is a dollar less to combat more acute problems facing the continent such as AIDS and malaria. How many millions of people in Africa will die of these diseases because it is more urgent to cool the earth one thousandth of one degree over the next century? Bjorn Lomborg has the answers.
I think I have the makings of a poem of my own.
I think I liked Gore better when he and Tipper were trying to censor rock music.
But there is a method to Gore's madness. His "poetry" is a smokescreen to disperse our attention away from the excesses of environmental activism.
For every dollar spent giving countries in Africa "climate change assistance" is a dollar less to combat more acute problems facing the continent such as AIDS and malaria. How many millions of people in Africa will die of these diseases because it is more urgent to cool the earth one thousandth of one degree over the next century? Bjorn Lomborg has the answers.
I think I have the makings of a poem of my own.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Chris Henry, 1983-2009. R.I.P.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry has died of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Charlotte, North Carolina yesterday. He was 26.
Apparently, Henry was involved in what local authorities describe as a domestic dispute with his fiancé. Henry jumped on the flat bed of a truck driven by his fiance and then subsequently fell out of the truck. Whether this happened accidentally or was an act of vehicular homicide is not clear at this point.
Henry had a troubled past. He has had infractions with authority during both his collegiate and NFL career. Henry had been arrested on drug, weapons and assault charges. In fact, the Bengals had released him in April 2008 due to his ongoing problems. However, the team gave him a second chance and re-signed him four months later.
Until last night, Henry had not any other further off the field problems and appeared to have turned a corner. At the time of his death, Henry had been on the injured reserve list after breaking his forearm while making a catch during a game against the Baltimore Ravens last month.
The Bengals are currently leading the AFC North and are poised to make their first playoff appearance since 2005 and only their second since 1990. However, tragedies like this have a way of making it very difficult for teams to concentrate on sport and understandably so.
Apparently, Henry was involved in what local authorities describe as a domestic dispute with his fiancé. Henry jumped on the flat bed of a truck driven by his fiance and then subsequently fell out of the truck. Whether this happened accidentally or was an act of vehicular homicide is not clear at this point.
Henry had a troubled past. He has had infractions with authority during both his collegiate and NFL career. Henry had been arrested on drug, weapons and assault charges. In fact, the Bengals had released him in April 2008 due to his ongoing problems. However, the team gave him a second chance and re-signed him four months later.
Until last night, Henry had not any other further off the field problems and appeared to have turned a corner. At the time of his death, Henry had been on the injured reserve list after breaking his forearm while making a catch during a game against the Baltimore Ravens last month.
The Bengals are currently leading the AFC North and are poised to make their first playoff appearance since 2005 and only their second since 1990. However, tragedies like this have a way of making it very difficult for teams to concentrate on sport and understandably so.
Check Out My Defense of Palin in The Boston Phoenix
The Boston Phoenix today published my letter to the editor in defense of Sarah Palin.
Here is the editorial which prompted my reply.
Here is the editorial which prompted my reply.
Thoughts on Berlusconi
Joseph Lawler, the assistant managing editor of The American Spectator, has some thoughts on Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi who was attacked over the weekend and has been in the hospital ever since:
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is going to spend a fourth night in the hospital recovering from an attack by an assailant wielding a model of Milan Cathedral that left him with a broken nose and two chipped teeth. A hockey player with those injuries would get taped up in the locker room and be back out on the ice in five minutes. Is there more to Berlusconi's injuries that we're not being told?
Yes, there could be more to this story. On the other hand, how many 73-year olds are playing in the NHL?
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is going to spend a fourth night in the hospital recovering from an attack by an assailant wielding a model of Milan Cathedral that left him with a broken nose and two chipped teeth. A hockey player with those injuries would get taped up in the locker room and be back out on the ice in five minutes. Is there more to Berlusconi's injuries that we're not being told?
Yes, there could be more to this story. On the other hand, how many 73-year olds are playing in the NHL?
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
A Tale of Two Cy Youngs, Four Teams & Seven Prospects
A trade involving two AL Cy Young Award winners, four teams and seven prospects has been completed. This trade could have implications for years to come.
The Toronto Blue Jays traded pitcher Roy Halladay to the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies in turn traded pitcher Cliff Lee to the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners sent pitching prospects Phillipe Aumont and J.C. Ramirez as well as outfielder Tyson Gillies to the Phillies. The Phillies sent three minor leaguers - pitcher Kyle Drabek, catcher Travis d'Arnaud and outfielder Michael Taylor to the Blue Jays. The Blue Jays then dealt Taylor to the Oakland Athletics for third baseman Brett Wallace.
Got that?
The Phillies finally get the pitcher they wanted last summer. When then Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi dangled Halladay, the Phillies were keen on obtaining his services. But when Ricciardi began to oscilate the Phillies instead obtained 2008 AL Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee from the Cleveland Indians. Lee and the Phillies became NL champions while Halladay once again spent October at home.
Well, Ricciardi got the axe and his assistant Alex Anthopoulos took over as GM. He got the job done. Anthopoulos not only dealt Halladay but got several blue chip prospects in return. Kyle Drabek was the Phillies top minor league prospect and Phillies GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. did not want to let him go. But if the Jays are going to give up the best pitcher then the Phillies needed to give up their top pitching prospect.
If the name sounds familiar it is because his father Doug Drabek was a top flight pitcher in the 1980s and 1990s. Drabek won the NL Cy Young Award with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1990. I would not be surprised if Drabek is in the Jays starting rotation by mid-season. Drabek, d'Arnaud and Wallace could become central figures with the Blue Jays in the new decade. Wallace is Rookie of the Year material while d'Arnaud is being groomed to become the Blue Jays number one catcher with ex-Royal John Buck being a transitional figure behind the plate.
In addition to obtaining Halladay, the Phillies also received prospects from the Mariners. The most impressive of them is Phillipe Aumont. The Quebec native opened eyes while pitchng for Canada in the World Baseball Classic last spring. If Brad Lidge pitches like he did in 2009 instead of 2008 and Ryan Madson can't answer the bell then it's not inconceivable that Aumont could become the Phillies closer sometime in 2010.
In Cliff Lee, the Mariners have a left hook to compliment Felix Hernandez's powerful right arm. With the Angels losing their ace John Lackey to Boston one can make the case the Mariners might be the favorite to win the AL West in 2010.
Yet as good as Lee is Halladay has been better over his career. He has won 148 games in 12 big league seasons. Halladay won the AL Cy Young Award in 2003 and has led the AL in complete games four of the last five seasons. Halladay is one of the few pitchers who strikes fear in the hearts of major league hitters and baseball fans alike. Although the Boston Red Sox have generally fared well against Halladay his presence evokes awe and respect in Red Sox Nation. Anytime Halladay was scheduled to pitch against the Sox the general consensus was, "Oh f#*k, we've lost." The same could be said for Yankees fans. Both teams and their fans are glad that Halladay is out of the AL East. It should be noted that Halladay was given a contract extension worth $60 million and will be signed with the Phillies through 2013.
This is a trade that appears to be beneficial to all parties. If it is it will be mother of all trades.
The Toronto Blue Jays traded pitcher Roy Halladay to the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies in turn traded pitcher Cliff Lee to the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners sent pitching prospects Phillipe Aumont and J.C. Ramirez as well as outfielder Tyson Gillies to the Phillies. The Phillies sent three minor leaguers - pitcher Kyle Drabek, catcher Travis d'Arnaud and outfielder Michael Taylor to the Blue Jays. The Blue Jays then dealt Taylor to the Oakland Athletics for third baseman Brett Wallace.
Got that?
The Phillies finally get the pitcher they wanted last summer. When then Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi dangled Halladay, the Phillies were keen on obtaining his services. But when Ricciardi began to oscilate the Phillies instead obtained 2008 AL Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee from the Cleveland Indians. Lee and the Phillies became NL champions while Halladay once again spent October at home.
Well, Ricciardi got the axe and his assistant Alex Anthopoulos took over as GM. He got the job done. Anthopoulos not only dealt Halladay but got several blue chip prospects in return. Kyle Drabek was the Phillies top minor league prospect and Phillies GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. did not want to let him go. But if the Jays are going to give up the best pitcher then the Phillies needed to give up their top pitching prospect.
If the name sounds familiar it is because his father Doug Drabek was a top flight pitcher in the 1980s and 1990s. Drabek won the NL Cy Young Award with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1990. I would not be surprised if Drabek is in the Jays starting rotation by mid-season. Drabek, d'Arnaud and Wallace could become central figures with the Blue Jays in the new decade. Wallace is Rookie of the Year material while d'Arnaud is being groomed to become the Blue Jays number one catcher with ex-Royal John Buck being a transitional figure behind the plate.
In addition to obtaining Halladay, the Phillies also received prospects from the Mariners. The most impressive of them is Phillipe Aumont. The Quebec native opened eyes while pitchng for Canada in the World Baseball Classic last spring. If Brad Lidge pitches like he did in 2009 instead of 2008 and Ryan Madson can't answer the bell then it's not inconceivable that Aumont could become the Phillies closer sometime in 2010.
In Cliff Lee, the Mariners have a left hook to compliment Felix Hernandez's powerful right arm. With the Angels losing their ace John Lackey to Boston one can make the case the Mariners might be the favorite to win the AL West in 2010.
Yet as good as Lee is Halladay has been better over his career. He has won 148 games in 12 big league seasons. Halladay won the AL Cy Young Award in 2003 and has led the AL in complete games four of the last five seasons. Halladay is one of the few pitchers who strikes fear in the hearts of major league hitters and baseball fans alike. Although the Boston Red Sox have generally fared well against Halladay his presence evokes awe and respect in Red Sox Nation. Anytime Halladay was scheduled to pitch against the Sox the general consensus was, "Oh f#*k, we've lost." The same could be said for Yankees fans. Both teams and their fans are glad that Halladay is out of the AL East. It should be noted that Halladay was given a contract extension worth $60 million and will be signed with the Phillies through 2013.
This is a trade that appears to be beneficial to all parties. If it is it will be mother of all trades.
Why Won't Obama Pressure The Palestinians?
The PLO has endorsed Mahmoud Abbas' decision to extend his presidency and delay Palestinian elections indefinitely. It has also refused to return to the negotiating table with Israel until all settlement construction is frozen.
The Palestinians, of course, are making this demand of Israel because President Obama has pressured Prime Minister Netanyahu over it. Last month, Obama characterized settlement construction as "dangerous." A week later, Netanyahu announced a partial settlement freeze. But give the Palestinians an inch and they'll take a mile.
But why should Israel go to the bargaining table and negotiate the terms of a Palestinian state when the Palestinians don't have their act together. If President Obama is imposing pre-conditions on Israel he must impose pre-conditions on the Palestinians. Otherwise, Obama is rewarding the Palestinians for their inability to have regular elections.
It must be remembered that one of Obama's rationales for imposing a deadline for the surge in Afghanistan is to not give President Karzai a blank check. But by bringing no pressure to bear against the Palestinians, President Obama has effectively given the Palestinians a blank check to act in bad faith and behave as badly as they want.
The Palestinians, of course, are making this demand of Israel because President Obama has pressured Prime Minister Netanyahu over it. Last month, Obama characterized settlement construction as "dangerous." A week later, Netanyahu announced a partial settlement freeze. But give the Palestinians an inch and they'll take a mile.
But why should Israel go to the bargaining table and negotiate the terms of a Palestinian state when the Palestinians don't have their act together. If President Obama is imposing pre-conditions on Israel he must impose pre-conditions on the Palestinians. Otherwise, Obama is rewarding the Palestinians for their inability to have regular elections.
It must be remembered that one of Obama's rationales for imposing a deadline for the surge in Afghanistan is to not give President Karzai a blank check. But by bringing no pressure to bear against the Palestinians, President Obama has effectively given the Palestinians a blank check to act in bad faith and behave as badly as they want.
Red Sox Add Lackey & Cameron
The Boston Red Sox will be holding press conferences today to introduce two free agent signings.
Pitcher John Lackey has signed a five-year, $82.5 million contract with the Sox (identical to what A.J. Burnett got with the Yankees last year.) Veteran outfielder Mike Cameron has also signed a two-year deal worth $15.5 million.
Lackey has pitched his entire major league career with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. In eight seasons with the Halos, Lackey won 101 games. His best season was in 2007 when he went 19-9 with a league leading 3.01 ERA. Lackey has vast experience pitching in the post-season. He won Game 7 of the 2002 World Series and has appeared in the post-season with the Angels five more times including this past season.
Yet I have mixed feelings about this deal. It is interesting that the Red Sox were unwilling to give their best offensive player Jason Bay $75 million over five years but are willing to give $82.5 million over five years to a good pitcher but not a great pitcher. Lackey thinks he's an ace but he's not one. He will be number three in the starting rotation behind Josh Beckett and Jon Lester.
What concerns me is that Lackey began both the 2008 and 2009 seasons on the DL due to arm trouble. To be fair, Lackey has pitched reasonably well when healthy. He went 12-5 in '08 and 11-8 in '09. But he also started fewer than 30 games and pitched less than 200 innings. That might work for the Sox in 2010 but suppose they lose Beckett to free agency after this season. Lackey will be expected to pick up the slack. It's unclear to me if Lackey can pitch 200 innings year after year.
Lackey also hasn't pitched well in Fenway Park. Granted, he did take a no-hitter into the 9th inning in 2008 but that has been the exception rather than the rule. That's not to say that Lackey can't make adjustments but it could prove to be a difficult first season for him here. But Red Sox Nation expects results. If Lackey doesn't deliver immediately that could present a problem for his long term future.
As the Red Sox learned this season you can never have enough starting pitching. But is signing John Lackey really worth losing Jason Bay? What if Bay signs with the Yankees?
The addition of Mike Cameron will soften the blow of losing Bay. Cameron isn't the offensive force that Bay is but he is an upgrade defensively. He has mostly played centerfield and has won three Gold Gloves for his outfield work. But with Jacoby Ellsbury in center, Cameron will play left field.
Cameron does turn 37 next month. But he is in excellent shape. He could be to the Sox in 2010 what Raul Ibanez was to the Phillies in 2009. Although Cameron has a modest .250 lifetime batting average and he strikes out a lot he consistently hits 20-25 home runs a season and drives in between 75-85 runs. Cameron once hit four home runs in a game while a member of the Seattle Mariners back in 2002. In 15 big league seasons, Cameron has played for the Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Seattle Mariners, New York Mets, San Diego Padres and the Milwaukee Brewers.
Still, I wish the Sox had made a more vigorous effort to re-sign Bay. It could come back to haunt us if he ends up wearing Yankee pinstripes.
Pitcher John Lackey has signed a five-year, $82.5 million contract with the Sox (identical to what A.J. Burnett got with the Yankees last year.) Veteran outfielder Mike Cameron has also signed a two-year deal worth $15.5 million.
Lackey has pitched his entire major league career with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. In eight seasons with the Halos, Lackey won 101 games. His best season was in 2007 when he went 19-9 with a league leading 3.01 ERA. Lackey has vast experience pitching in the post-season. He won Game 7 of the 2002 World Series and has appeared in the post-season with the Angels five more times including this past season.
Yet I have mixed feelings about this deal. It is interesting that the Red Sox were unwilling to give their best offensive player Jason Bay $75 million over five years but are willing to give $82.5 million over five years to a good pitcher but not a great pitcher. Lackey thinks he's an ace but he's not one. He will be number three in the starting rotation behind Josh Beckett and Jon Lester.
What concerns me is that Lackey began both the 2008 and 2009 seasons on the DL due to arm trouble. To be fair, Lackey has pitched reasonably well when healthy. He went 12-5 in '08 and 11-8 in '09. But he also started fewer than 30 games and pitched less than 200 innings. That might work for the Sox in 2010 but suppose they lose Beckett to free agency after this season. Lackey will be expected to pick up the slack. It's unclear to me if Lackey can pitch 200 innings year after year.
Lackey also hasn't pitched well in Fenway Park. Granted, he did take a no-hitter into the 9th inning in 2008 but that has been the exception rather than the rule. That's not to say that Lackey can't make adjustments but it could prove to be a difficult first season for him here. But Red Sox Nation expects results. If Lackey doesn't deliver immediately that could present a problem for his long term future.
As the Red Sox learned this season you can never have enough starting pitching. But is signing John Lackey really worth losing Jason Bay? What if Bay signs with the Yankees?
The addition of Mike Cameron will soften the blow of losing Bay. Cameron isn't the offensive force that Bay is but he is an upgrade defensively. He has mostly played centerfield and has won three Gold Gloves for his outfield work. But with Jacoby Ellsbury in center, Cameron will play left field.
Cameron does turn 37 next month. But he is in excellent shape. He could be to the Sox in 2010 what Raul Ibanez was to the Phillies in 2009. Although Cameron has a modest .250 lifetime batting average and he strikes out a lot he consistently hits 20-25 home runs a season and drives in between 75-85 runs. Cameron once hit four home runs in a game while a member of the Seattle Mariners back in 2002. In 15 big league seasons, Cameron has played for the Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Seattle Mariners, New York Mets, San Diego Padres and the Milwaukee Brewers.
Still, I wish the Sox had made a more vigorous effort to re-sign Bay. It could come back to haunt us if he ends up wearing Yankee pinstripes.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Oral Roberts, 1918-2009. R.I.P.
Televangelist Oral Roberts has died from complications of pneumonia. He was 91.
Roberts was a pioneer when it came to mixing religion with television. He was amongst the first ministers to take the pulpit to the airwaves in the mid-1950s. In the 1960's, Roberts would establish a university in his home state of Oklahoma bearing his name.
He was known for preaching the "prosperity gospel." This holds that the Lord will reward those who give money in his name. It was Roberts as much as anyone else who reinforced the stereotype of the minister asking his viewers to send in money. Indeed, it was this very "prosperity gospel" that would see his ministry lose influence in the late 1980s.
I remember back in 1987 when Roberts told the nation that the Lord would be "calling him home" if he didn't raise $8 million within 60 days. Although Roberts managed to avoid the sex scandals that plagued Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart all of these events happened over the course of 18 months. It was Roberts' desperate plea that began a strong public backlash against TV evangelists.
Two decades later his son Richard Roberts would be forced to resign as President of Oral Roberts University due allegations of use of donor funds for personal use. To be fair most of the lawsuits against the younger Roberts have been dismissed. But the damage has been done and some of it was self inflicted.
There is no doubt that Roberts leaves behind some good works. But the Evangelicals I know don't think much of Roberts' opulence and prefer to serve the Lord in other ways.
Roberts was a pioneer when it came to mixing religion with television. He was amongst the first ministers to take the pulpit to the airwaves in the mid-1950s. In the 1960's, Roberts would establish a university in his home state of Oklahoma bearing his name.
He was known for preaching the "prosperity gospel." This holds that the Lord will reward those who give money in his name. It was Roberts as much as anyone else who reinforced the stereotype of the minister asking his viewers to send in money. Indeed, it was this very "prosperity gospel" that would see his ministry lose influence in the late 1980s.
I remember back in 1987 when Roberts told the nation that the Lord would be "calling him home" if he didn't raise $8 million within 60 days. Although Roberts managed to avoid the sex scandals that plagued Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart all of these events happened over the course of 18 months. It was Roberts' desperate plea that began a strong public backlash against TV evangelists.
Two decades later his son Richard Roberts would be forced to resign as President of Oral Roberts University due allegations of use of donor funds for personal use. To be fair most of the lawsuits against the younger Roberts have been dismissed. But the damage has been done and some of it was self inflicted.
There is no doubt that Roberts leaves behind some good works. But the Evangelicals I know don't think much of Roberts' opulence and prefer to serve the Lord in other ways.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Godzilla Goes West
Hideki Matsui has signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim worth approximately $6.5 million.
Matsui had played the last seven seasons for the New York Yankees culminating with the 2009 World Series MVP. During the 2009 Fall Classic, Matsui went 8 for 13 with 3 home runs and 8 RBI. Six of those RBI came during the clincher in Game 6. What a way to end his career with the Yankees.
Matsui will replace Vladimir Guerrero as the Angels' DH in 2010. He will also be reunited with former Yankees teammate Bobby Abreu who joined the club prior to this season.
Prior to signing with the Yankees before the 2003 season, Matsui was a superstar in Japan with the Yoimiuri Giants. In ten seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball, he was a three time MVP of the Japanese Central League where he earned the nickname "Godzilla" for his prodigious power.
I think one of the reasons the 35-year-old Matsui signed with the Angels is because he will go head to head with the division rival Seattle Mariners led by Ichiro Suzuki Whereas the Yankees would play the Mariners half a dozen times a season, the Angels play the Mariners three times as much. Matsui and Ichiro are considered Japan's two great baseball icons and are noted for their contrasting hitting styles and personalities. The fact they will play against each other with greater frequency only will add to that rivalry especially if the AL West in 2010 is a fight between the Angels and the Mariners.
Matsui had played the last seven seasons for the New York Yankees culminating with the 2009 World Series MVP. During the 2009 Fall Classic, Matsui went 8 for 13 with 3 home runs and 8 RBI. Six of those RBI came during the clincher in Game 6. What a way to end his career with the Yankees.
Matsui will replace Vladimir Guerrero as the Angels' DH in 2010. He will also be reunited with former Yankees teammate Bobby Abreu who joined the club prior to this season.
Prior to signing with the Yankees before the 2003 season, Matsui was a superstar in Japan with the Yoimiuri Giants. In ten seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball, he was a three time MVP of the Japanese Central League where he earned the nickname "Godzilla" for his prodigious power.
I think one of the reasons the 35-year-old Matsui signed with the Angels is because he will go head to head with the division rival Seattle Mariners led by Ichiro Suzuki Whereas the Yankees would play the Mariners half a dozen times a season, the Angels play the Mariners three times as much. Matsui and Ichiro are considered Japan's two great baseball icons and are noted for their contrasting hitting styles and personalities. The fact they will play against each other with greater frequency only will add to that rivalry especially if the AL West in 2010 is a fight between the Angels and the Mariners.
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