HOF Ballot '15

Here's a soccer pic from spring season 2014. Cyrus scored his first goal here and had a handful that season. This past fall he scored more than ten! Today I asked him his favorite sport to play and he replied, "Soccer and baseball". We both go back to school tomorrow after a fun break. Soon it'll be the announcing of the HOF class of 2015. Too bad Gil Hodges, Minnie Minoso, or Dick Allen missed out. The Vet Committee seems mathematically impossible to some. Which leaves the BBWAA. I'd vote for up to ten: Pedro, Unit, Smoltz, Raines, Schilling, Mcgriff, Mattingly, Lee Smith, Trammell, and Mussina. According to 145 voters so far we'd get five in. I can't bring myself to wanting Piazza and Biggio in since it's widely believed they may have been among the PED users. As for the integrity of my ballot my TANGO score is 78. We shall see soon who the Hall lets in...

Debut

By far the highlight of the baseball season for me was watching Cyrus practice and play this past spring. Memories I will certainly never forget. He debuted with a big, wide swing while he improved his throwing and catching steadily. Each Saturday morning was a fun-filled family event. It all culminated in a festive BBQ. He will definitely need a new glove for next season. I can't wait!

Baseball Card Day 2014

 Somewhere amidst all of the winter storms, Cyrus and I took some time to open the first packs of baseball cards of the season. We are Topps snobs and don't settle for anything else. This year Cyrus donned one of my Expos caps and actually 'pulled' a Montreal card! It seems for the second year running the former Spos are a popular choice. As we stand on the precipice of another season I'm thinking the Rays and Dodgers have a great shot at the World Series. I was leaning towards St. Louis for the longest time but I think Mattingly might finally make it to the Fall Classic. The only time I correctly predicted both teams in the World Series was 1997, but I had the Tribe over the Marlins. Cyrus and I are watching the Dodgers vs. Padres (Crawford and Puig down on K's)  right now on the smartTV we bought the week before the Super Bowl. I refused to watch any spring training games. As for baseball played by us, it appears I'll be making my CT softball debut and Cyrus will be making his LL debut! So glad to have baseball back.

Super Bound Cy

For the second year in a row Santa has given Cyrus a jersey with his soon to be age on it. Last year Cyrus received a personalized #4 Baltimore Ravens jersey. We all know that with New Ro's Ray Rice they took it all. This year Cyrus rec'd a #5 Seattle Seahawks jersey. If they win it all this year it might be time to get Santa to put a little money where his mouth is on these predictions. The early returns from 2014 have been excellent despite bizarre weather. Cyrus and Juniper are like learning sponges. They love artwork, play doh and today they played Connect 4 and Operation for the first time. Of course they are both savvy with gadgets and Cyrus has been taking piano lessons. He wrote his own song and recently learned B.I.N.G.O. Shira met the mayor's wife and with much less importance I've stayed busy coaching b-ball. This past fall I had the chance to coach Cyrus in soccer. He really enjoyed it so much so that we had an indoor practice yesterday.These pictures only show how quickly time flies, so enjoy the days as they come and try your best to wonder.

Ringing In...

For someone who co-authored a second book on the Red Sox you would think I'd've spent more time blogging about them. Two trips to Fenway during a championship season sans family, but not a peep out of me. My whole crew did make it out to Citifield, and I can't wait for everyone to get a wee bit older for a fuller appreciation of the games. A) We will stay later than the fifth inning & B) the kids will be able to get from place to place on their own. The Mets-Tigers game was a nice treat. I thought we were seeing the eventual champs little did I know I had seen them already in New England. Baseball has really become a 365/24/7 deal with their own network and constant array of tweets. I've made it a point to introduce as many nephews as I can to games like strat-o-matic or Cadaco baseball, while I intermittently waver in enthusiasm for WIS. This year was the first since I was under ten that I didn't play a softball game. I might've even missed out on wiffleball. Hmmm. Can't let that happen in 2014. Honestly not a day goes by without thinking about baseball. Whether it's on a website, Baseball Digest, HBT, etc. Looking forward to more wild finishes and explaining the game to my two beautiful kids.

Wild About 2013

This season I saw two games at Fenway and two games at CitiField. My family and I managed to catch 2012 Triple Crown winner and 2003 World Series winner Miguel Cabrera swat #42, but we missed Travis d'Arnaud launch his first career homer. During a trip to Boston Rit, Jon, and I caught Big Papi swat one into the stands. Right now I've got the Rangers-Rays play-in on the set as I dwell on another season go by. This year it was enjoyable to have many games on and have Cyrus fall asleep. At times he preferred to watch 'golf balls' but he was usually content to watch some baseball as long as we saw some Umi Zoomi or more recently 'Pup Control.' As always there were surprises and status quo. I didn't blog nearly as much as I should've considering I had my second book published so I'll try to make up during playoff baseball. Here are my thoughts on each team for the 2013 season...
Boston Red Sox (97-65) What a difference Bobby Valentine makes?! A memorable season for Bostonians from the appalling events of the Boston Marathon to Daniel Nava's homerun a week later to a return to the top of the AL East. Grand Theft Ellsbury led the majors in steals, while John Farrell resurrected Lester, Lackey, and Buchholz. Koji Uehara was a revelation as a closer and he made everyone forget the previous #19.

St. Louis Cardinals (97-65) Matt Carpenter's breakthrough season made second Albert Pujolsless season a success. The Cards haven't missed a beat or the playoffs since Pujol's departure. Yadier Molina was the first half team MVP as he builds on what I feel is a Hall of Fame type career.

Atlanta Braves (96-66) One Upton earned his paycheck, while the other was below the Mendoza line. But defense wins championships and Andrelton Simmons will most likely win his first of many Gold Gloves. Will they suffer the same fate as many of those 90s era Braves squads or will the city of Atlanta finally enjoy its second World Series championship.

Oakland Athletics (96-66) The 27th highest payroll proves that Billy Beane is at it again. Yoenis Cespedes best performance was at the Homerun Derby, but Bartolo Colon proved Cy worthy while avoiding more suspension time. Is a first World Series appearance since the Bash Brothers in the books or will my brother's heart be broken again?

Pittsburgh Pirates (94-68) The Buccos enjoyed their first winning season since I was in college with a Wild Card berth. While the Steelers are playing like the Pirates and the Pirates playing like The Family, Pittsburgh is once again a baseball town. Get the Shark tank ready as one of baseball's finest stadiums finally gets to host a playoff game.

Detroit Tigers (93-69) Arguably the best team in baseball with two(!?!?) Cy Young winners, two MVPs, and one Prince Fielder. But about that closer?!They were no-hit on the final day of the season, but are looking for the last hit and final say on the 2013 post-season.

Cleveland Indians (92-70) Swishaliscious and Giambino surface in 'Cleaveland' and everyone is all smiles. Okay, it helped that Terry Francona is in the dugout. The reward for such a fine season? A Wild Card game with the winner heading to Fenway.

Los Angeles (92-70) Don Mattingly went from nearly fired to manager of the year candidate. An historic summer run led by Cuban non-all-star Yasiel Puig had everyone loving LA as Kobe mended his Achilles. Will the curse of the Donbo continue in the World Series?

Texas Rangers & Tampa Bay Rays (91-71) Rays are up 3-1 right now. Rangers had a fine season minus Josh Hamilton. Yu Darvish struck out close to 300 hitters and most likely 100 Astros, but an early September collapse landed them in the play-in game. I've long stated the Rays were the best of the AL East, however they probably called up Wil Myers to late to prove my point.

Cincinnati Reds (90-72) A few weeks ago I picked the Red Machine to win it all based on the fact they have yet to have a great run yet. Plus I think Bronson Arroyo is the coolest ever and would love to see him match up against the Sox in the World Series. 1975 anyone?!?

Baseball Card Day 2013

These photos are actually from February but I've been a really lame blogger this season. I guess the good news I've been busy with life and doing less documenting. Second book arrived in the spring of a successful school year. Afterwards, Cy and I thoroughly enjoyed another EWD summer. A very rewarding 2013 with more still to come!

How the Red Sox Explain New England Arrives!

Whenever we are at the bookstore and we track down copies of I Love the Red Sox, I Hate the Yankees Cyrus shouts out, "Your book!" And that never gets old. Well today our author copies of How the Red Sox Explain New England from Triumph Books arrived! Cyrus was positively excited! He wanted to "write" his book, so I gave him a copy which he proceeded to write in and sign. This will of course be a really cool keepsake. I'm so glad the kids are growing up in a world where writing a book is part of the routine. As for the 2013 Sox I hope they play well so when we go out on our book tour (which is shaping up to be fairly extensive) there is some excitement for the book. Right now it looks like Yanks and Sox might battle for 4th and 5th place. We're just hoping the Yankees suffer through a season the likes of which the Sox recently became too familiar with recently. Thank you to Jon Chattman who got me into writing books with my bro Rich. Jon also supplied me with chances to meet Leslie Feist and James Iha. Jon rocks! Thanks to Shira for coping with me at all stops. Juniper and Cyrus are lucky to spend their days with you! My family and friends have always been supportive and many of them can't wait to see this finished piece. Fenway Forever!

12/12/12

12/12/12 numerology the last time for another century

Cy Award

Best At What They Do Worst

New York Mets (74-88)
Toronto Blue Jays (73-89)
Kansas City Royals (72-90)
Miami Marlins and Boston Red Sox (69-93)
Cleveland Indians (68-94)
Minnesota Twins (66-96)
Colorado Rockies (64-98)
Chicago Cubs (61-101)
Houston Astros (55-107) Fifty-one seasons in the National League comes to a conclusion with second consecutive 100+ loss season.

Not Good Enough for 2nd Wild Card

When the world comes to an end all that will be left alive will be cockroaches and cardinals. The St. Louis Cardinals survived over the Braves with help of an infield fly and overcame a 6-0 Game 5 deficit in Washington. They will face the Giants who were down 0-2 and traveling to Cincy for three games. Welcome to the 2012 playoffs!?! LaRussa and Pujols, overratted? Tim Lincecum, middle reliever? In the AL, the Rangers season came to an abrupt end. All five LDS series went five games. The Orioles out un-hit the Yankees and joined the A's on the sidelines watching the Yanks-Tigers in the ALCS. Yanks got vintage CC not the "Fat Elvis" variety they had grown used to since mid-2011. The last three World Champs are still alive so naturally I'll be pulling for Prince Fielder and the Detroit Tigers. As for the ten best non-playoff teams of 2012, here goes...
Tampa Bay Rays (90-72) Teams are beginning to emulate their thrifty roster building style. However, too much pitching and not enough hitting is still not good enough for a playoff berth. Too much missed time for Evan Longoria (just 273 PA's). David Price has a strong shot at Cy Young (20-5, 2.56 ERA) but closer Fernando Rodney had the lowest ERA (0.60) for a pitcher with 50 IP minimum. Loaded with arms, likely to contend again in 2013. MVP- Price.
LA Angels (89-73) If Mike Trout had started in April, he'd probably be the MVP and the Angels wouldv'e made the playoffs. Trout's astronomical numbers (129 runs, 30 HRs, 49 SBs, and unbelievable catches) have many calling for him to be AL MVP. Is Albert Pujols still on this team? MVP-Trout.
LA Dodgers (86-76) Don Mattingly remains ringless, but Josh Beckett has to be easier to deal with than the McCourts. With A-Rod being benched in AL playoffs, I can't help but think he'll end up with Magic's Dodgers. MVP- Clayton Kershaw (14-9, 229 K's, 2.53 ERA, 1.02 WHIP)
Chicago White Sox (85-77) Will Robin Ventura and Mike Matheny spark a new managerial trend? Recently retired players with little manager experience at the helm. Chisox led ALCS most of the season behind rebound years by Adam Dunn and Alex Rios. Phillip Humber tossed a perfect game in April and was in the pen by September. Ahh those fickle baseball gods. Youkilis followed Carlton Fisk in changing from Red to White Sox. Paul Konerko, Hall of Famer? MVP- Alex Rios (.304, 25 HRs, 23 SBs)
Milwaukee Brewers (83-79) Ryan Braun avoided 50 game suspension and produced even better season (.319, 41 HRs, 112 RBI, 30 SBs), but Brew Crew didn't get on-track until late August. After trading away Zach Greinke the Brewers went on a 25-7 tear to pull within games of second wild card. Teams will seriously consider trade deadline from this point on as second WC is closer than  most thought. Whatever happened to Tony Plush? MVP- Braun.
Philadelphia Phillies (81-81) Injuries to Roy Halladay, Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard derail playoff hopes early. Trades of Joe Blanton, Hunter Pence, and Shane Victorino signal white flag way too early. Juan Pierre slaps 121 more hits, and Cliff Lee takes forever to get first win. Carlos Ruiz bats .325, but J-Roll drops to .250. MVP- Cole Hamels (17-6, 1.12 WHIP, 216 K's)
Arizona Diamondbacks (81-81) Did I even watch an inning of the D'backs play this season? I couldn't tell you anything off the top of my head and I'm too tired to look it up. MVP- Not Justin Upton like I thought it would be.
Pittsburgh Pirates (79-83) 20th consecutive losing streak becomes a reality in putrid final weeks. Andrew McCutchen emerges as a true star (.327, 31 HRs, 20 SBs) and AJ Burnett wins 16 games. MVP-McCutch
San Diego Padres (76-86) Okay I looked it up...we'll say Wade Miley was the D'backs MVP at 16-10. I did know that the Pads Chase Headley had a monster season. He was the NL player of the month in August and September as San Diego battled to respectability. MVP- Headley (64 XBH, 115 RBI)
Seattle Mariners (75-87) A`part of two no-hitters and one perfect game in the same season. One no-hitter by committee and perfecto by King Felix. Personally, Ackley and Montero killed me in Fantasy, but at least I knew not to take Chone Figgins (.181) MVP- Felix Hernandez (13-9, 1.14 WHIP, 223 K's)

Moneyball 2: First Place for a Day

When the Washington Nationals rolled into Citifield on Opening Week, many people thought it was a team on the rise. I figured at least playoff contention for one of the two Wild Card spots that were now available. I told my nephews if they want to root for a team that will be good to them until college go with the Nats. The season went even better than any prognosticator planned...98 wins later and the NL East Crown resting on the caps of the nation's capital. Here are the playoff team listed in order of wins and losses with last post season appearance in parentheses.
98-64 Washington Nationals (NL EAST champs, 1981)- D.C.'s first playoff appearance since 1933. The former Montreal Expos controversially shut down Stephen Strasburg, but we have enough arms to do some post season damage. A quarter century after manager Davey Johnson managed teenage phenom Doc Gooden, he gets a chance for act II with Bryce Harper (22 Hrs/18 SBs). Adam LaRoche paces the offense with 33 Hrs/100 RBI, Ryan Zimmerman (25) and Ian Desmond (25) round out the 20+ homer club. Team MVP- Gio Gonzalez (21-8, 2.89 ERA)
97-65 Cincinnati Reds (NL WEST champs,2010)- Dusty Baker's Red Machine played even better without Joey Votto who missed over 50 games. The acquisition of Mat Latos, the emergence of Johnny Cueto, the no-hitter of Homer Bailey, and the reliability of Bronson Arroyo prove this will be a team to contend with especially with the Nasty Boys 2.0 at the end of the game. Team MVP- Aroldis Chapman (38 SVs, 15.3 K/9)
95-67 New York Yankees (AL EAST champs, 2011)-Only two regulars under 30, Cano and Russell Martin, and they are both 29. Here's hoping this team finally gets old. Yankee haters across the nation hope No Mo in the playoffs finally catches up to them. Team MVP-Derek Jeter (38 years old, 216 hits)
94-68 San Francisco Giants (NL WEST champs, 2010)- Melky Cabrera (.346) led the league in hitting until he didn't. Buster Posey (.336, 24 HRs, 103 RBI) will surely pick up Comeback Player of the Year and most likely win NL MVP. The Melk Man delivered the home field advantage to the NL, but Tim Lincecum will have to get off the roller coaster in order to return the team to the playoffs. Matt Cain (perfect game) is clearly the ace of the Giants staff. Team MVP- Posey
94-68 Oakland Athletics (AL WEST champs, 2006)- GM Billy Beane who looked like he was decimating roster in order to move team to San Jose was just hoarding arms. Rookie starters accounted for 50 wins. The A's who trailed the Rangers by 13 games on June 30th, swept Texas on the final weekend to land themselves in first place on the only day that mattered. Red Sox castoff Josh Reddick added a nice boost to offense. Team MVP- Yoenis Cespedes (.292, 23 HRs, 82 RBI)
94-68 Atlanta Braves (NL Wild Card, 2010)- You just knew that Kris Medlen's streak of 20+ starts with Braves winning was coming to an end in the playoffs. Chipper Jones exited in a classy fashin by refusing to make the last out. The switch-hitting great batted .287 as the Braves completed last seasons unfinished business by making it back to the playoffs. It's too bad Chipper didn't have closer Craig Kimbrel as a teammate on those 90s Braves otherwise he'd retire with more than one ring. Team MVP- Kimbrel (42 saves, 16.7 K/9)
93-69 Texas Rangers (AL Wild Card, 2011) What will fans remember most about Josh Hamilton's 2012 season? His four home run game or his misplayed fly ball that most likely cost the Rangers the AL West. Adrian Beltre (36 HRs, 102 RBI) had another monster season away from Fenway, and Michael Young reached career hit 2230. Yu Darvish went 15-9, but Neftali Feliz only started seven games. Team MVP- Josh Hamilton (43 HRs, 128 RBI, .930 OPS)
93-69 Baltimore Orioles (AL Wild Card, 1997)- Buck Showalter knows rebuilding. A team that people continue to discount despite improbable extra innings win streak (16.) No regular batted over .300 and no batter reached 100 RBI. However, Chris Davis (33) and Adam Jones (32) powered the team to 214 homers. Matt Wieters led a team that used 12 starting pitchers. The true stars of the team...the bullpen. Team MVP- Jim Johnson (51 saves)
88-74 Detroit Tigers (AL Central, 2011)- Prince Fielder knows MVPs. He batted behind Ryan Braun last year and Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera this year. Cabrera earned the first Triple Crown since Yaz in '67 by producing a .season for the ages (330, 44 HRs, 139 RBI.)   Last seasons MVP/ CY Young winner Justin Verlander went 17-8 with 6 CGs and 239 strikeouts. This team has two stud hitters, an ace, and a reliable closer. Now that they are past the scrappy White Sox they could do some serious damage in the playoffs. Team MVP- Cabrera
88-74 St. Louis Cardinals (NL Wild Card, 2011) No Pujols, no problem. No Larussa either. Maybe those guys are overrated?! Mike Matheny guides the team to the playoffs and reaches the NLDS with help of the infield fly rule. Team MVP Kyle Lohse (16-3, 2.86 ERA)

Just a Bit Outside

The Milwaukee Brewers are just 1.5 games out of the second Wild Card spot. Last night 12 of 15 games had some kind of playoff implication. The new format is definately keeoing teams in the pennant chase much longer. Today, we met up with my parents for a street fair and a visit to the book store. Dad bought me a Spaceman Lee book last week and I started reading tonight. We are hopeful to chat with Bill for our next book. Speaking of baseball characters, Bob Uecker was mentioned in the new SI. Three of his fourteen homers came against Hall of Famers. Here is the complete list of his homers:
9/30/62 Braves vs. Pirates Diomedes Olivo
9/1/64 Cardinals vs. Braves Denny Lemaster
5/5/65 Cardinals vs. Giants Gaylord Perry
7/24/65 Cardinals vs. Dodgers Sandy Koufax
4/29/66 Phillies vs. Cubs Fergie Jenkins
4/30/66 Phillies vs. Cubs Ken Holtzman
5/30/66 Phillies vs. Mets Dave Eielers
6/3/66 Phillies vs. Giants Ray Sadecki
7/7/66 Phillies vs. Mets Rob Gardner
7/10/66 Phillies vs. Cubs Dick Ellsworth
7/16/66 Phillies vs. Giants Ray Sadecki
6/21/67 Braves vs. Giants Ron Herbal
7/23/67 Braves vs. Cardinals Hal Woodeshick
8/11/67 Braves vs. Astros Wade Blasingame

Ice Age 22

The trip to Boston and the Red Sox season didn't go as planned, but what ever does? Cyrus had more than a blast at camp and Juniper just keeps growing and growing. Shira took Cyrus to his first day of school last week and we just marvel at all the milestones they reach. Jon and I have been busy putting our 2nd Red Sox book together as we look to another post season without them. However, you've got to hand it to Bud Selig on the additon of the 2nd wild card. The surging Brewers are only 2.5 out at 75-72. The Phils even hit a highwater mark on their wretched season and are a big streak away from getting into the post season. in the AL, the Orioles just won't go away. Most kids in college don't realize how good the O's once were, but their improbable 14-game extra inning win streak is starting to make believers. As for the Yanks, they remain homer happy and high paid; yet they have the same record as the lowest salaried team in all of baseball the Oakland A's at 84-63...Moneyball 2.0 anyone?!?

How the Red Sox Explain New England

I Can Use This At Camp

Camp has been on Cyrus' mind as Juniper hits the six month mark. Can't believe our daughter is half a year old?!? As for Cyrus, yesterday he asked if we can go swimming at camp and he then proceeded to "swim" on the kitchen floor. Today I bought him a mitt and the first words out of his mouth with a huge smile and mitt on were, "I can play with this at camp". I won't forget that big grin on his face anytime soon.

The Future Is Now

"First in War, First in Peace, First in the NL East" That's what SI declared this week. As I write this Bryce Harper just grounded out to the pitcher in his MLB debut with Stephen Strasburg on the mound. I recently told my nephews to become Washington National fans because they will be solid the next decade. Most think they are a year ahead of schedule with their first place squad. It's still early but they've got some nasty pitching, as they near 10th anniversary they are building something special.

Sox Perfect, Sox Imperfect

Cyrus watched his first perfect game ever! Chisox Phillip Humber pitched the 21st Perfect game in MLB history (and 7th no-no by an ex-Met). While it was the fourth one to take place in Cyrus' lifetime, it's the first one he caught any of the action. As the game turned to the action in Seattle, the Bosox had a 9-0 lead over the Yanks. However the final score of that one was 15-9 as the Bombers went for two touchdowns to leave the Bosox at "rock bottom". In other pitcher related news...49-year old Jamie Moyer became the oldest pitcher to ever win a game, and Brewers prospect Wily Peralta just began his career. Bartolo Colon threw 38 consecutive strikes while Roy Halladay walked three batters in a row for the first time in his career.

Over-40 League

Well I'm officially old enough to play in the Over-40 softball league and I celebrated by not making it down to NY for our season opener. It was raining all day and Rit reassured me that we had enough players. Looking forward to playing in nicer and clearer weather with Cyrus there to watch. Last Friday we had our book signing at Bobby V's! Despite Bosox loss (and continued losing streak) it was great to speak to some members of Red Sox Nation about our book. There was a family who came to celebrate a birthday and we were thrilled to see that those who came saw our article in the CT newspapers!