Junior's Baseball Beat

Alomar & Blyleven- HOF Class '11

2011-01-05T21:25:00.000-08:00

It's official, the writers have decided that Roberto Alomar & Bert Blyleven are going to be inducted into Cooperstown this summer. I must admit, that I am pretty disappointed in the choices this year. Please don't get me wrong, I think that they were both very good at their game, but it's the Hall of Fame, not the Hall of Good ! I know, Alomar is one of the best 2nd basemen to ever play the game, even if we ignore the alleged HIV transmission claims made against him. But really think about it and think about the legends that have preceedingly been inducted into the Hall over the past decades. Do these two REALLY muster up to having their bronze plaques hanging next to the all-time greats???

What about Lee Smith & Barry Larkin? I would have voted for them over Alomar and Blyleven...but what the heck do I know? I'm just a lowly baseball blogger, and not an all-mighty professional baseball writer. Congrats anyway to Alomar & Blyleven for getting in...I ask the question every year...when is it gonna be Pete's turn to get in?

Many Apologies, 2010 WS, HOF, & 40 DAYS...

2011-01-04T17:46:00.000-08:00

First off, let me offer many apologies to all of my faithful readers for not updating my blog since my trip to last year's AS Game. I have been super busy with starting my doctoral program at USC last August. Let's just say that it's NO JOKE. Once again, 1,000 pardons my friends. One of my New Year's resolutions is to update this blog much more frequently.

2010 was an amazing season, as you all know that I am a life long Giants fan, I was ecstatic. What a great bunch of guys on that SF squad. The torture is finally over, and it felt great seeing the Giants finally win one. I still am in shock and can't believe it! I even thought of growing a beard in support of the team, but my wife hates facial hair...oh well. Take that Dodger fans!!!

Tomorrow is the 2011 HOF class announcement...should be a good one! Who do you think will be announced???

Yep, only 40 more days until pitchers and catchers report. I'm getting excited already! I am already planning my trip to Arizona to check out the defending champs in Scottsdale this March. I can't wait.

2010 MLB All-Star Game

2010-06-03T19:57:00.000-07:00

A-yeah, yeah. I am so stoked...I just bought my tickets for the AS Game and HR Derby!!! I have never been to an AS Game or a WS Game, both of which I have planned to accomplish in my lifetime. Well, at least I can scratch one of those goals off my list. We are going to all of this year's events. The AS Game, HR Derby, Celebrity Softball Game, Futures Game, and Fanfest. Since we aren't traveling to any new ballparks this season, we have been saving up to go to this event of a lifetime! Since the AS Game is at our closest ballpark, we had to go. Stay tuned for my official post AS weekend review. "Today was a good day..."

Ken Griffey Jr.

2010-06-03T19:46:00.000-07:00

Talk about a sad day in baseball...Ken Griffey Jr. officially retired and sadly, I feel like a little part of my youth has died. The Kid has always been one of my favorite players of all time. I will miss his positive attitude, his big smiles, his backwards cap, his Nike ads, and his golden glove plays made in CF. I still have my unopened 1989 Upper Deck complete set that I have treasured since a teenager since it has his rookie card in it. This and my autographed Mantle ball are probably my most treasured baseball items. Unfortunately, Griffey Jr. had a bunch of injuries that really slowed down his career. He probably would have broken Aaron's all-time HR record. Nonetheless, Junior should be a first ballot Hall of Famer. Junior, you will be missed. Thanks for all of the great memories !!!

It's All For Charity

2010-04-18T18:42:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

On May8th, I will be doing a 31-mile bicycle ride called the Tour of Long Beach. It is a fundraiser event where all proceeds go to the Long Beach Miller Children's Hospital. It's for such a great cause! My goal is to raise at least $250.00. If you would like to donate money in support of my fundraising event, please visit: www.active.com/donate/millerchildrens10/KAllen277 For more information on the event and charity, visit their website at: http://www.longbeachbikefest.org/index.php?option=com_content&v...

Thank you, Junior

New York- Yankee Stadium Review

2010-03-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

Yankee Stadium

Year Built: 2009

Capacity: 52,325

Surface: Kentucky Blue Grass

Cost to Build:

$1.5 billion

Overall Grade: A

Return Someday: Yes

In 2009, professional sports most winning franchise got a new home, and they christened it by winning their 27th World Series Championship. The new Yankee Stadium, "the House that Jeter Built", is a very beautiful ballpark. It should be, after all, it is the most expensive stadium ($1.5 billion to build) the majors to build. The seating prices definitely are reflective of the stadium's cost to build...way too pricey! Even with all of the modern amenities and upgrades, I still prefer the old Yankee Stadium.The new stadium is really really nice, but it's just not Yankee Stadium to me. I felt like I was watching the Yankees on the road in a super nice ballpark. I miss the old 1923 stadium a lot. I also liked Citi Field better than the new Yankee Stadium, which is really hard for me to admit to. I'm sure the House that Jeter Built will eventually grow on me, but it will take some time. The new stadium comes complete with the Great Hall, where players of the past are honored. The stadium also has a Hard Rock Cafe, the NYY Steak House, a Lobel's Butcher Shop, Monument Park, a Steiner Sports memorabilia shop, the Yankees Museum, the largest video screen in sports, and Babe Ruth Plaza...just to name a few.

My favorite thing about the new stadium is the Yankees Museum. They display jerseys, autographed baseballs, WS Trophies, bats, etc... from former and current Yankees players. I really enjoyed the Babe Ruth display case. You can see the museum before the game or on the guided stadium tour. Save your money and avoid the Stadium tours. The Stadium tours aren't that great. You got to see a lot more in the old stadium. The only good things are seeing a less crowded Monument Park and the new Yankees Museum. Going into the Yankees dugout was cool too. No stops were made to the visitor's clubhouse or press boxes. It's really not worth the 20 bucks per person.The customer service at the New Stadium is far superior than that of the old Stadium. In addition, the food options are an enormous, much needed improvement from the latter. There are a lot of NYPD staffing the stadium as security, and they are actually really friendly for getting directions. Getting to the stadium is very easy via train. The Stadium is family friendly, and even visiting fan friendly. Just expect to pay an arm and a leg for some decent seats.

New York- Citi Field Review

2010-03-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

Citi Field

Year Built: 2009

Capacity: 41,800

Surface: Grass

Cost to Build:

$900 million

Overall Grade: A

Return Someday: Yes

"Meet the Mets, greet the Mets..." The other New York team, the Metropolitans (aka the Mets) opened up a fabulous new stadium in 2009. It is designed as a tribute to Ebbetts Field, former home of the Brooklyn Dodgers. The Mets pay homage to old time NY baseball with their ballpark, not just by the exterior design, but also with the Jaclie Robinson Rotunda. This area is completely dedicated to MLB's first black player, with quote from Jackie on the walls, to pictures and stats of him, and a huge 42 on the floor. The rotunda is definitely a must see. My only issue, is they pay tribute a little too much to the Dodgers and not nearly enough to the Mets, honestly, hardly any at all.

This is by far one of the nicest ballparks in the majors, and Citi Field is definitely a huge improvement over Shea Stadium. Believe it or not, I actually liked Citi Field better than the New Yankee Stadium. The ticket prices are by far more fan friendly than those in the Bronx. The fans were very friendly, as well as the staff of Citi. The ballpark food options are really good. The toppings/ condiment stations are the best that I have ever seen. The have onions, sauerkraut, jalapenos, ketchup, brown mustard, etc... Very cool setup. Another one of Junior's secrets, is to go to the main level up from the escalator and sign up as a designated driver. They will put a wrist band on you to get a free soda. They actually give you a big soda, not a dixie cup full of soda like some other parks do. See my pic below as proof !!!

The old Big Apple from Shea is on display in the stadium's public areas, and there is a new Big Apple beyond centerfield. Citi offers a lot of retail shopping options. Check out the Nike store before you buy anything in the main shops, they seemed to have nicer shirts and hats. Even though the Mets are always considered NY's "other team," kinda like the Clippers and Lakers relationship, the Mets definitely have a nicer place to call home. If you are in NYC, do yourself a favor, head over to Queens and hit a Mets game, you'll totally love the new ballpark and the fan atmosphere.

Los Angeles- Dodger Stadium Review

2010-03-15T13:25:00.001-07:00

Dodger Stadium

Year Built: 1962

Capacity: 56,000

Surface: Grass

Cost to Build:

$23 million

Overall Grade: C+

Return Someday: Yes

Dodger Stadium, baseball's largest seating capacity stadium and third oldest ballpark, is located in Chavez Ravine in the heart of Los Angeles. Let's face the facts...the Dodgers are and always have been LA's true team. Growing up in LA, this is where I attended my first ballgame as a kid, where I saw the Houston Astros against the Dodgers in 1985. I remember seeing the blue and orange seats, and thinking that the Dodger fans sat in the blue seats and only Astro fans sat in the orange seats. I remember as a kid, stopping the LAPD patrol cars that would drive down our street to get LAPD Dodger baseball cards from them. I love listening to Vin Scully on the radio or on TV. It's really cool that he has been the voice of the Dodgers since the 1950's. Vin is by far the best baseball broadcaster in the majors. His voice can be heard echoing throughout the stadium during a game, due to many fans traditionally bringing their am transistor radios to the game. "It's time for Dodger baseball..." It will be hard to imagine watching or listening to a Dodger game without him. The Dodgers have honored Vin by naming the Press Box after him. If you get to the stadium early, you can catch Fernando Valenzuela for an easy autograph outside of the Vin Scully Press Box, before he begins his Spanish radio broadcast of the game. The Dodgers have a lot of tradition. They have the history from their Brooklyn days with Jackie Robinson, to playing at the LA Coliseum, to Tommy Lasorda, to Koufax, to world famous Dodger Dogs, to Fernando-mania, to beachballs, to Kirk Gibson, and four WS championships...just to name a few.

With that said, this is a stadium review, not my walk down memory lane!!! So, putting aside my fond childhood memories, I am going to do my best to give Dodger Stadium an impartial review. Depending on what day of the week, your experience of the stadium can vary greatly. If you want the best overall experience, go to a weekday daytime game, if possible. It doesn't get very crowded, but most importantly, the typical Dodger fan knuckleheads aren't there. If you don't know what I am talking about, think of typical Raider fans, and bingo, there you have it. This is a must if you are looking to bring the kids or are trying to root for the visiting team. I strongly recommend NOT wearing any visiting team gear at all, unless you don't mind get messed with, and possibly assaulted. You can avoid the profanity, fights, and potential physical harm. I have seen fans get in fights and there was even a fellow Giants fan that got shot while I was at Dodger Stadium. At all costs, avoid the outfield pavilion seating, as this is where the trouble makers like to sit. If you must go to a weekend or weekday evening game, remember, the lower & pricier the seats are, the safer you will be. If you are looking for a good family weekend outing, either shell out the bucks for lower section seating or drive down the I-5 to Angel Stadium. As far as the stadium staff, they aren't very fan friendly at all. The could really use some customer service training, especially if you are sitting in the top deck section. The food has gotten much better over the years, but still has a ways to go. Try a world-famous Dodger Dog at the game. Make sure that you get a grilled Dodger Dog, they are much tastier, than the regular ones. The grilled dogs aren't sold everywhere, so you will have to hunt a little for them...trust me, they are worth it. One of Dodger Stadium's best kept secrets is the Stadium Club. This is a bar and restaurant that is open to the public before and after the game. It overlooks right field. If you want to eat there during the game time, you will need a special pass and reservations to get in. Season ticket holders are given a couple of these passes, so thanks to my buddies, Eddie & Robert, I have had the privilege to watch a game while dining in the Stadium Club. It is a really cool, high end type experience.

I would have rated Dodger Stadium a little higher if the fan factor wasn't such an issue, but at least you know what to expect, when you go to watch one of baseball's historic teams in Chavez Ravine.

Kansas City- Kauffman Stadium Review

2010-03-15T10:08:00.000-07:00

Kauffman Stadium

Year Built: 1973

Capacity: 39,000

Surface: Grass

Cost to Build:

$70 million

Overall Grade: A

Return Someday: Yes

Kauffman Stadium is now MLB's 6th oldest stadium, built in 1973 and received a $150 million renovation in 2009. It is located in the Truman Sports Complex, which also has the Kansas City Chiefs stadium adjacent to Kauffman. It is named after the Royals original owner, Ewin Kauffman. Kauffman Stadium has had it's historical moments over the years. It's first began on 5/15/1973, as only one month old, hosted Nolan Ryan's first of seven no-hitters. Kauffman also hosted it's only All-Star game during the inaugural season. Kauffman Stadium has hosted two World Series in 1980 & 1985.

I really enjoyed my 2006 trip to Kauffman, and I would like to take the opportunity to share with you a story about how I have received the "Royal treatment" by the Royal's organization. The Royals staff are truly a class act. We brought my parents on this road trip to see Johan's Twins against the Royals, and I had bought some nose bleed seats directly behind home plate. The height of the seating area above the field became too much for my lifetime Twins fan mother, due to her uneasiness with heights and we went to speak to the Royals customer service reps. They gladly swapped our tickets to bottom level seats right behind homeplate for no extra charge. This was a big-time upgrade. I have a lot of respect and gratitude of the Royals' staff for doing that for us. This wasn't the first time that I was given the "Royal treatment" by the Royals staff. When I was about 14 years old, I wrote to practically every baseball organization requesting my favorite players' autographs. The only team to respond back was the Royals. They sent me autographed pictures of George Brett, Bo Jackson, and Kevin Seitzer. I actually still have them. The stadium staff were the friendliest in MLB that we have encountered so far. The food options were pretty standard ballpark fare, the ballpark seating was very comfortable and the stadium's ambience was very pleasant. The fans were just as friendly as the Royals staff, even if you are sporting a visiting team's gear. A special THANK-YOU to the Royals organization. The other MLB organizations can definitely learn a thing or two of what I have dubbed as the "Royal treatment." I tip my Yankees cap to you and look forward to returning someday in the future.

All that and a bag of chips???

2010-03-11T17:55:00.000-08:00

What's the deal with Torii Hunter and his alleged racist remarks? Hunter was quoted by USA Today's Bob Nightengale (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/angels/2010-03-10-torii-hunter-comments_N.htm) making questionable remarks towards Latin ballplayers which stirred up a frenzy among the media and public. According to USA Today's website:

"Hunter, in discussing the dearth of African-American players in baseball, referred to Latin players as "imposters." He was trying to make the distinction between Latin players and American-born black players with the seven other members of the roundtable. After reading reactions to the story, Hunter looked up the definition of imposter in a dictionary.

"I'm not going to apologize," Hunter said in a telephone interview Wednesday afternoon. "I told the truth. I'm sorry if I used the wrong choice of words.

"It wasn't a racist word. I can't believe people take that as racism. Maybe it was the wrong word, but I do too much in the community to make this one word ruin anything."In Hunter's original comments, he said that people he knows "come up and say, 'Hey, what color is Vladimir Guerrero? Is he a black player?' I say, 'Come on, he's Dominican. He's not black.'"

He also said baseball prefers scouting and signing Latin players because they are willing to sign "for a bag of chips.""As African-American players, we have a theory that baseball can go get an imitator and pass them off as us. It's like they had to get some kind of dark faces, so they go to the Dominican or Venezuela because you can get them cheaper. It's like, 'Why should I get this kid from the South Side of Chicago and have Scott Boras represent him and pay him $5 million when you can get a Dominican guy for a bag of chips? I'm telling you, it's sad.""

I used to be a pretty big Torii fan from his MN days, but come on Torii, that was weak !!! You are better than that. You can't justify those comments, so just apologize for offending some people and let's move on from this circus. With Chapman's recent salary, you can buy a whole lot of Frito Lay!!!

PLAY BALL !!!

2010-03-10T19:37:00.001-08:00

Welcome to Baseballville!!! Yep, it's that time again my friends. It's Spring Training and I am pumped. I ordered MLB.TV to watch the games on my computer, and I even got the MLB At-Bat 2010 app for my iPhone to listen to the games when I am away from my computer. A special thanks to my awesome wifey for getting my those for my B-Day, so I can help feed my lifelong addiction. I have been watching the Spring Training games and I am so excited to see how this year will unfold. So far, I am very impressed with Stasburg and Chapman's Spring Training pitching performances. They are living up to their reps so far. I know it's early, and even some of you discount Spring Training performances labeling the games as "meaningless." But I love this game so much, that I appreciate all of the efforts from the WBC, Caribbean Series, and Spring Training.

With this posting, I am going to give my faithful readers my bold predictions, and highlight some of my plans for the season. First with my baseball plans. We will be going to AZ in a couple of weeks to check out two Cactus League games. Friars vs. Cubbies and Pads vs. Giants. Should be fun, just like every year that we've gone out there. If you've never been to a Spring Training game, do yourself a favor and go. Get the lawn seats and enjoy the warm sunshine watching some much needed hardball, after a cold baseball-less winter. I promise you that you will have a blast.

My good friend Rob, has season tix at Chavez Ravine, and he has offered an open ended invite for me to go to some games this season, as he generously always done so every year. I already told him that when the Reds or Nats are in town and either Chapman or Stasburg are on the mound, count me in. I saw Chapman pitch in San Diego last year for Team Cuba in the WBC, but he didn't pitch very well against the two-time WBC Champs, Team Japan. I predict that he will do pretty well this season. Time to enjoy a world famous Dodger Dog.

Since the 2010 All-Star Game is at the Big A, this summer, I am going to try to go, as long as the tix aren't outrageously expensive. I will at least try to go to the HR Derby, if anything else. I've never been to an All-Star game, nor a World Series game, both of which I hope to do sometime in my lifetime. We aren't really going on any baseball related vacations this summer, like we have the past 4 years, so I will definitely be using my online subscription to get my fix this year.

As far as my predictions go for the upcoming season, here's what I have come up with:

NL East- Phillies

NL Central- Cubs

NL West- Giants

NL Wild Card- Marlins

AL East- Yankees (of course !!!)

AL Central- Twins

AL West- Mariners

AL Wild Card- Tampa Bay

Initially I was leaning towards the Cardinals and Twins winning their respective divisions, but I'm not too sure with the Cards and Twinkies anymore, because of Pujols and Nathan having arm issues. If they miss the season from having surgery, their teams might not do too well, since they are crucial parts of their respective teams' overall success.

My friends, please keep in mind that historically, I have not been very successful with making pre-season predictions...so don't go running off to Vegas with them! Speaking of Vegas, while I was there a few weeks ago for my buddy's bachelor party, I made a couple of sports book bets on the AL and NL winners. Since I have never bet on sports in Vegas, I thought that I'd give it a shot for fun. I picked the Mariners and the Giants...we'll see what happens.

Last, I am even excited that I will be playing in my usual Fantasy Baseball League- I hope to repeat my success from last year, as Junior's Dynasty looks to actually win it all this year!

Regardless of how my predictions turn out, or how my Fantasy Team does, I am happy that baseball season is finally back. As I look onward to the 2010 season, as with every MLB fan, we all have one thing in common...HOPE for our team to win it all this year- as for me... # 28 here we come!!!

2010 Caribbean Series Starts TODAY!!!

2010-02-02T18:09:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's finally that time...time for the Serie del Caribe (Caribbean Series). Bring the heat, latino baseball style! I have been a fan of this championship tournament since 2005. I watch it religiously every year on TV, and this year it is being broadcasted once again on the MLB Network in English and also on ESPN Deportes in Spanish. If you've never watched it, give it a chance. The level of play is very exciting and the fans are extremely passionate. The series began in the 1940s and involves the champions from each of the Latin American winter leagues. The teams involved are Mexico, Puerto rico, Dominican Republic, and Venezuela. They rotate the location among the four countries every year. This year's contest is taking place in Venezuela. Next year will be in Puerto Rico- I hope to go to next year's tournament, as I have always wanted to go visit Puerto Rico, and mixing beisbol (baseball) while on vacation, would make it perfect. Check it out, I promise that you won't be disappointed !

Is it baseball season yet???

2010-01-30T22:53:00.000-08:00

"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring".
-Roger Hornsby

My trip to the ALCS game #4

2009-10-22T08:27:00.000-07:00

The Big A, a sea of red, rally monkey dolls, thundersticks, a monument to Nick Adenhart, bad umpiring calls, footlong italian sausages, Sabathia's strong 8 innings on 3 days rest, and more. We went to last night's ALCS game and it totally rocked! There were so many NY fans throughout the stadium, cheering on Jeter and the boys. The best was seeing most of the depressed Anaheim fans with their annoying thundersticks leave in the 7th inning when the score was 5-1. No rally monkey sightings at all last night. Tomorrow's game is now just a formality...To quote Ice Cube..."today was a good day."

Too bad Torre couldn't pull it off. It's kinda boring with the Phils in the WS again. Plus I was really hoping to go see the Yankees in a WS game at Dodger Stadium, since I've never been to a WS ever...stupid Dodgers!!!

Don't Follow Me to Vegas...

2009-10-12T16:22:00.000-07:00

Once again, please keep in mind that I have a really bad track record when it comes to making my predictions...so, please don't take my predictions to Vegas, because I know I certainly wouldn't. I just take my most educated guesses. I give that old college try...community college that is!!! But hey, like college football, it's October baseball, anything can happen! Just sit back and enjoy my friends! Happy Columbus Day everyone!

Post Season Predictions

2009-10-07T18:52:00.001-07:00

Here are my MLB post season predictions:

NLDS

Phillies beat the Rockies in 4 games

Cardinals beat the Dodgers in 5 games

ALDS

Yankees sweep the Twins

Angels beat the Red Sox in 4 games

NLCS

Cardinals beat the Phillies in 6 games

ALCS

Yankees beat the Angels in 5 games

WORLD SERIES

Yankees beat the Cardinals in 6 games to capture their 27th World Series Championship

Cleveland- Jacobs Field Review

2009-09-14T10:55:00.000-07:00

Jacobs Field

Year Built: 1994

Capacity: 43, 515

Surface: Grass

Cost to Build:

$175 million

Overall Grade: B-

Return Someday: Yes

Cleveland ROCKS!!! We went to the Jake in 2007, now called Progressive Field. It was one of the best family atmosphere's that we have seen in a ballpark. Jacobs Field was pretty cool to see. The franchise is one of the older teams in MLB and the fans show their constant devotion for this team. I actually have a lot of respect for this franchise and their devoted fans. The fans were friendly, the stadium workers were friendly, and the food options were good. The stadium is kinda bland looking. The seats were comfortable. The national anthem was sung by the Bare Naked Ladies rock group. Heritage Park was neat to see, as the Tribe honored their historical past. You could hear the drum beating in the crowd. It was a great midwest summer afternoon and the Indians won. I recommend checking out the Jake, if you've never been, and bring the kids!

Chicago- Wrigley Field Review

2009-09-14T10:32:00.000-07:00

Wrigley Field

Year Built: 1914

Capacity: 41, 118

Surface: Grass

Cost to Build:

$250,000

Overall Grade: A+

Return Someday: Yes

Go Cubs go...What can I say about Wrigley Field? Being in this ballpark actually brought a grown man to tears. I got really choked up in disbelief that I was actually in Wrigley Field. I am not ashamed of telling my readers that I got teary eyed. This is the 2nd oldest ballpark in the majors and I was actually there staring at the ivy covered outfield walls that I had only seen on WGN throughout my lifetime. Wow, what an experience.

Right before we walked into the ballpark, there was a statue of the late great broadcaster Harry Caray. There was a barber shop quartet singing and you could smell the Italian sausage and peppers being grilled up. Wrigleyville is the surrounding area and it is like a party atmosphere everywhere inside the stadium and outside. not to mention the cool rooftop bleachers on the houses across Addison Avenue.

The original wooden seats were really neat to see and pretty comfortable to sit in. The food was good. The stadium staff were very friendly, the ballpark had a nice family atmosphere. In addition, there were a lot of college aged kids just chillin' and looking to hook up with potential dates. This is history. If you've never been...GO!

Chicago- U.S. Cellular Field Review

2009-09-14T10:16:00.000-07:00

U.S. Cellular Field

Year Built: 1991

Capacity: 40, 615

Surface: Grass

Cost to Build:

$267 million

Overall Grade: C+

Return Someday: Maybe

I went to Chicago in 2007 and visited both MLB ballparks in the windy city. We took the train from our hotel to the southside of shy town to catch a White Sox game. Unfortunately our seats were in the upper level, which restricts you from traveling to see everything that it is in the lower levels. There is a secret to get to the lower levels if you dare. Just tell the ushers that deny you access that you want to go to the Majestic custom t-shirt shop, which is located on the bottom level. This worked, even though we weren't lying, because we got a couple of matching shirts to commemorate our trip, and we got to see the rest of the stadium. The stadium workers were friendly but not overly friendly. The food options were pretty standard. The stadium was pretty generic looking overall. I did like the pinwheels in the outfields that light up when the Sox hit a homer. There are statues of historic players on the main concorse that demonstrates the franchise's rich history. I even took a photo next to the original pudge's statue. Not sure if I would ever return someday, maybe if the Yankees were in town and I happened to be in Chicago.

Papi, Manny, A-Rod..who's next?

2009-07-31T08:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know that I haven't written a baseball related posting in a while... but with yesterday's news about Manny and Papi testing positive for steroids in 2003, I had to get this off my chest. WTF!?!? I am so close to walking away from this ridiculous circus of a game completely. Were all of the MLB stars from the last two decades on steroids? Are all of beloved players cheaters? Are all of the Dominican players on the juice? I am so sick of hearing about these players cheating. It's really disgusting to think of the past couple decades and all of the broken records that were treasured by baseball purists. And what's up with the ridiculous stupid fans continuing to cheer for these losers? Manny comes back and gets standing ovations by almost all of the fans, except my buddy Rob, at Chavez Ravine! Aren't these the same idiots that booed and vilified Bonds just a few years ago? So it's okay if he's on your team? Trust me as a Giants fan, I didn't cheer for Bonds. And to Bonds' credit, his name hasn't surfaced from the 2003 list, at least not yet. Even the idiots at Fenway were jumping on their feet cheering for Papi after his double and HR during yesterday's game...come on BoSox fans, you are smarter than that! These are the same morons that held up asterisks signs and booed Barry at Fenway in 2007 when I was there watching my beloved Giants (see the proof above). Even most of the fans of the Bronx Bombers still cheer for A-Roid...come on people, show some respect for the game and it's history. Do something that Papi, A-Rod, Manny, at whoever's next hasn't done...RESPECT the game and it's treasured records!

So even the Curse of the Bambino wasn't strong enough to ward off the great cheaters of 2004 and 2007. What do we do, strip them of their WS titles? Put asterisks on everything achieved since 1989? No, that's not practical, but it is very very sad. I already once walked away from the game in 1994 due to the strike because I was disgusted by the players greed, but this is way worse...talk about greedy disgusting players! I didn't return to watching baseball until 2000, when my wife got me back into it. Who's next? Pujols, Howard, Ichiro, Vlady, Mo? I promise you all this...I will walk away from the game FOREVER if Derek Jeter, MLB's poster boy and fan hero, is ever found to have used steroids. I will keep my words and find a new past time. Maybe soccer or hell kite flying, why not?

2009 Comic Con

2009-07-27T13:12:00.000-07:00

We went to Comic Con in San Diego last weekend and had a blast. It was our first con, and if you've never been...GO! I know it sounds kinda geeky, but it was really a lot of fun. Check out some of our pics...

All-Star Game

2009-07-13T14:20:00.000-07:00

It's finally here...the 2009 All-Star game in baseball's most beautiful ballpark in St. Louis. I love the homerun derby. My prediction is Adrian Gonzales to win tonight HR derby contest. I have been to new Busch Stadium, and it is the best stadium that I have been to so far...I even like it better than AT&T Park. I will write my stadium review later on when I get to that part of the alphabet. Enjoy the festivities my friends!

Atlanta- Turner Field Review

2009-07-13T10:39:00.001-07:00

Turner Field

Year Built: 1996

Capacity: 50, 096

Surface: Grass

Cost to Build:

$209 million

Overall Grade: A

Return Someday: Yes

I apologize to my faithful readers that I haven't written a posting for quite a while, we spent a week in Atlanta, then went to Costa Rica. We were fortunate to visit Atlanta's famous Turner Field. What an experience! The stadium was originally constructed as the 85, 000 seat Olympic Centennial Stadium for the 1996 Summer Olympic games. Immediately afterwards, it became the new home to the Atlanta Braves after some modifications. The stadium's nickname is "the Ted", affectionately named after Atlanta business tycoon, and former Braves owner, Ted Turner. In the parking lot is the original outfield wall from Fulton County Stadium with te exact marking where Hank Aaron hit his 755th homer.

There were many bronze statues of former Braves greats like Hank Aaron in the front plaza o

utside the stadium. Once you enter, there is a huge photo of Hammerin' Hank's 755th homerun ball on the side of the stadium wall.

In the entry plaza, there is a Cartoon Network kid's zone with games and activities. The was a talented marching band playing a drumline outside which was really cool to see.

Since Atlanta is the home of Coca-Cola, there is a Coca-Cola area in the LF. They have these huge Coke bottle shaped chairs to sit in and Coke bottle cannons that shoots out smoke when a homerun is hit.

There is also a huge Coke bottle standing up that is made up of Braves jerseys, bats, and coke bottle plastic caps. The food options were really good. They had a nice restaurant that we dined in before the game. The menu was pretty much usual ballpark fare, but it was a great experience, nonetheless. We both had the pulled BBQ chicken sandwich with fries. The stadium staffwere very friendly...as they d

emonstrated that famous southern hospitality. This was pretty much universal throughout the city as well. It was a very humid day with the temperature at 94 degrees, which doesn't seem all that bad, but with the humidity, it was pretty brutal. I have never experienced humidity like this before in my life. Before the game, we took a tour of the stadium and the Braves Hall of Fame museum. Both were very interesting and historical. We got a free foam tomahawk to do "the chop." We never did "the chop" because we were actually rooting for the visiting team...luckily for us, the Yankees were in town! The Yankees won by the way. The fans were very friendly, showing their southern charm. The seats were very comfortable. Apparently Coca-Cola isn't the only company based out of Atlanta. Chik-Fila is a hometown favorite and they have a few Chik-Fila concession stands, but even better, they have a 25 foot tall cow standing up holding a sign and a wearing a Braves cap. He does the tomahawk chop with the crowd when they play the chop music. It was really cool seeing that.

We truly enjoyed our Turner Field visit, and would definitely go back if we were ever in the neighborhood. We also toured the World of Coca- Cola, CNN, Centennial Olympic Park, and the sweet Auburn neighborhood where we saw Martin Luther King Jr.'s birth house and his final resting place. If you've never been to Atlanta, Georgia, treat yourselves and make the trip. You won't be disappointed, I promise.

Boston- Fenway Park Review

2009-05-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

Fenway Park

Year Built: 1912

Capacity: 37, 400

Surface: Grass

Cost to Build: $650, 000

Overall Grade: A+

Return Someday: Yes

We took a baseball bus tour trip in 2007 on Diamond Baseball Tours (www.diamondbaseballtours.com). The tour took us to see games at Wrigley, PNC, New York, Cooperstown, Fenway, and Cleveland. It was totally worth it. We got to see a lot of ballparks on the east coast that we have never been to before. Check out their website for all of their trips available. I recommend this tour group, having had a great time on our trip.

Anyway, this week's stadium review is Fenway Park, the oldest stadium in the bigs, and my wife's favorite ballpark. Talk about baseball's great history!!! Part of the bus tour included a behind the scenes guided tour of the stadium. We got to go on top of the Green Monster ("Monsta"), touch the Pesky Pole, see all of Fenway's wonders, and sit in Ted Williams seat (the lone red seat in the right field bleachers- section 42, row 37, seat 21, siginifies where the longest measurable home run ever hit inside Fenway's 1934 configuration landed. Ted Williams hit the home run on June 9, 1946 which measured 502 feet. In between the tour and the game we had some time to kill, so we decided to tour the colonial city. We saw Paul Revere's trail, Quincey Market, Boston Common (the U.S.'s oldest public park), and of course the area surrounding Fenway. When we returned to Fenway for the game, the streets around the ballpark had been shut down and there were musicians, food and merchandise vendors, and people partying it up. It was like a Red Sox mardi gras. This was going on even stronger after the game. The surrounding bars and restaurants were pumping on Yawkey Way.

I was in for a real treat because my SF Giants were in town for some interleague action. Barry Zito was on the mound and ready to take on Big Papi and Manny.

As you can see we took some great photos at this game. I even have my Ted Williams with the orphan statue picture as my blog header. The food was good, the stadium staff were very friendly, and the Boston fans were actually pretty cool. I expected a bunch of obnoxious and rowdy fans, but it wasn't the case at all. It was hispanic heritage night and the Red Sox honored a couple of hispanic high school kids with college scholarships. We had decent seats in RF. The hot dog vendors in the stands actually carry the hot dog wieners in a separate hot box container from the buns and use tongs to remove the hot dog wiener and place them into the square bread-slice like bun. I have never seen the vendors assemble the hot dog for you in the stands before. The other Barry, Bonds...Barry Bonds, was taking his typical visiting stadium fans abuse with boos and chants. The Boston fans even were holding up asterisk signs up...pretty clever. I have never seen that at Dodger stadium before. It's probably safe to assume that the Boston fans are much more intelligent than those in LA. Anyway, there was a silent auction at the concord level which had Red Sox memorabilia to benefit the Jimmy Fund. In the 8th inning, as tradition holds it, the stadium played "Sweet Caroline" and the entire stadium sang along, just like in Fever Pitch. My wife even got a game used ball tossed to her from the Giants pitching staff from the bullpen. Unfortunately, the Giants lost 10-2, partly due to Pedroia having a 5 hit game with 5 RBIs. Hands down, Fenway has the best atmosphere of any ballpark that I have been to. If there is one ballpark out there that you haven't been to, go to Fenway, you surely won't be disappointed. I hope that the Red Sox never get a new stadium. It would be a real shame to lose this one, like we just lost the House That Ruth Built. We can't wait to go back again someday!!!

Anaheim- Angel Stadium Review

2009-05-04T11:43:00.000-07:00

Having been to 15 of 30 current MLB stadiums and a handful of MiLB, college, and spring training ballparks, I have decided to begin a series of review postings on the MLB stadiums that I have been to in my lifetime. My grading criteria includes: staff friendliness, food options, seat comfort, overall ambience, stadium appearance, and fan attitudes.I will begin with the Anaheim Angels and move on alphabetically according to geographical location. I will be going to Atlanta in June and the two new NY stadiums in September, so I will review those ballparks then.

ANGEL STADIUM

Year Built: 1966

Capacity: 45, 050

Surface: Grass

Cost to Build: $24 million/ $118 million renovations

Overall Grade: A-

Return Someday: Yes

I have been going to Angel Stadium since I was a kid and it was a multi-purpose stadium when the LA Rams were still in town. I've seen the Angels go from the California Angels to the Disney Anaheim Angels, to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. But nonetheless, I have always enjoyed going to the stadium. It has a very special place in my heart, because my parents used to take me and my brother to games here. The renovations that Disney did in 1997-1999 really made the Big A look great! I used to like the Angels as a team until they beat my beloved Giants in the 2002 World Series game 7. What a huge heartbreak loss that was for me. Anyway back to the stadium review.... great food varieties: Carl's Jr, Panda Express, typical ball park fare, roasted corn on the cob, mexican food, a Ruby's, and a Hooter's. YUMMY!!! The seats are very comfortable, the employees are very friendly and accommodating, it is a great family environment, the best in LA. Family fun is in the kids zone, and in the Nestle Family seating area, where there isn't any beer sold. They have a splash mountain looking rocky area in center field, where fireworks shoot out of after an Angels homer. Other notable landmarks are the two gigantic Angels hats in front of the stadium's main entrance and of course the iconic Big A in the parking lot. They have their 2002 WS Trophy proudly on display in the glass case by the stadium store. I hate walking by the store having that heartbreaking reminder. Even the nose bleed seats are nice...unlike their cross-town rivals. I would and am returning this season in July to see a game when the Yankees are in town. This stadium is right off the 5 freeway and it is very easy to get in and out of. For some reason, I always have a hard time finding my car after the games, but that's just me forgetting where I parked, not the stadium's fault. One time we walked the entire parking lot around the stadium after a game trying to find the car. Expect a good looking fan base, especially since it is the OC. The fans a mildly tempered. Don't be afraid to cheer for your visiting team while wearing your team's gear here.family environment, so bring the kids and enjoy the rally monkey's antics!

Arizona- Chase Field Review

2009-05-04T10:55:00.000-07:00

CHASE FIELD

Year Built: 1998

Capacity: 49, 033

Surface: Bull's Eye Burmuda

Cost to Build: $354 million

Overall Grade: B+

Return Someday: Yes

I was fortunate enough to attend a D-Backs home game last season with a bunch of my lifelong buddies. We were in Tempe for my friends Eddie's bachelor party. Since Manny and the Dodgers were in town, and all of my friends are Dodgers fans, we decided to go to the game. I was the only one of the group rooting for the home team, due to my hatred towards the Dodgers. The stadium in Phoenix was the site of the 2001 World Series, where the Diamondbacks beat the Yankees in a heartbreaking game 7. Chase Field was built in 1998 and has a retractable roof. The roof was closed when I was there. They have a TGI Friday's inside where you can dine and watch the game. The TGI Friday's has a bunch of memorabilia throughout on display with a bar and outdoor balcony seating to watch the game. It's definitely worth checking out. They are even open year round. I ate at the Fatburger inside the stadium, and it was awesome! I had the turkey cheeseburger and fries which was a greasy delight. There are so many different types of food places to eat like pizza, mexican, hotdogs, sandwiches, etc... It's definitely one of the more better stadium eats that I have been to. I was glad that the roof was closed, because it was in the high 90's outside that day, and it was very comfortable with the AC on inside the stadium. The seats seemed a little crammed, but then again, I was with a lot of friends that live large and fill in their seats well, so, I won't judge it that much. Chase Field is definitely a family-type atmosphere with a kids zone and they have their 2001 WS Trophy on display. The stadium staff was very friendly. The D-Backs fans were friendly and didn't give my friends a hard time for cheering for the visiting team and being decked out in Dodgers gear. Unfortunately, Man Ram and the boys in blue finished off the D-Backs, but a great time was had by all. I would definitely go back again!

I'm going to Hotlanta!!!

2009-04-23T10:01:00.000-07:00

I just found out that I get to go to Atlanta for a work conference in June. And the best part of it all, the Yankees are in town that week playing the Braves. I've never been to Atlanta, and I am definitely going to one of the night games at the famous Turner Field. Woohoo!!! Another ballpark to cross of my list. I will be at 18 out of 30 current stadiums...only 12 more to go, that is until they tear down some of the current ones and build new ones. Then I have to go to those too! Which isn't a bad thing at all. I love traveling to new ballparks!!!

I miss the WBC!!!

2009-04-17T21:19:00.000-07:00

Man I miss the WBC!!! The new season has been kind of drab so far. I was excited about today's first Yankees win at home, and I enjoy that my NL wild card prediction, the Marlins are doing really really well, as in the best team in MLB right now well. Going from the WBC to April's regular season games is like running full speed for a marathon, then going down to a jog for a few miles. The excitement, the fans, the pride, and the flags are missed. I know that this will change as the season gets going and starts to really heat up, but it's difficult to think that I will have to wait 4 years from now to see the next tourney. I wish that it was every other year...oh well, needless to say, I had a blast watching the games in person and on tv. I got some nice souvenirs (photos, a few t-shirts, an autographed team Italy ball, a game used ball from Venezuelan pitcher- Hernandez, and a custom Italia BP jersey). As you can tell, I love the WBC and can't wait until 2013 !

Some bloggers like Sully "demands" that fans like me have forgotten about the '09 WBC and think that we came to some realization that the tourney was only "spring training" and "meaningless." If only they watched some of the tourney's play, they would realize that it's a very meaningful thing that Bud Selig created to promote the game of baseball to the world. They would have probably enjoyed the high level of play that 15 of 16 teams displayed in honoring their countries. It's sad to think that people are that close-minded to not even give the WBC chance. They probably wouldn't like watching the Caribbean Series either, because it's not part of the 162 game regular season. I only hope that people give it a chance in 2013. I promise that they won't be disappointed in what they see!

Ahh it's Yankee Stadium again

2009-04-17T16:40:00.000-07:00

The ghosts from 161st and River must have finally strolled across the street to the new stadium because it was just like the good old days today in the Bombers first win in their new home. It was a tied game in the bottom of the 8th and Mr. November, Derek Jeter, laid down on a fastball to go yard for the Yanks 5th RF homer of the day. Half an inning later, the Sandman, Mo Rivera, entered that game to close it out. It was a great day in Bronx baseball, especially since the day before the Yankees got spanked by Cleveland in their home opener. Let's hope that this is a sign of what's to come the rest of the season!

Blowouts!!!

2009-04-13T19:12:00.000-07:00

Okay my friends....what's with the crappy blowouts today??? The Yankees are losing 15-5 in the 8th inning right now to TB. Also, I went to the Dodgers home opener today versus the Giants. The Blue Crew beat the Giants 11-1, handing their Bay Area rivals their 4th straight loss. Big Unit pitched horribly. He gave up 7 runs total (6 runs in the bottom of the 5th). It was cool going to Chavez Ravine for the Dodgers' Opening Day with my friends Robert and Moon. We had a great time watching the opening festivities, seeing the 1981 WS trophy on display, seeing Tommy Lasorda, Fernando Valenzuela, Manny being Manny, and Vin Scully throwing out the first pitch. Their was a B-52 Stealth Bomber fly over the stadium with fireworks, doves being released, and fans in high hopes for their team who had a heartbreaking loss last season in the NLCS. Not to mention seeing Orlando Hudson hit for the cycle. He is only the 2nd LA Dodger in history to do it. The last was in 1970...way to go O-Dog!!! It was cool seeing to potential Hall of Famers face each other (Manny vs. Randy Johnson). I only wish that the final game outcome was completely different...oh well, it's going to be a long season!

Opening Day is Finally Here!!!

2009-04-05T11:53:00.000-07:00

My friends, it's finally here, only a few hours away. The best day of the year, Opening Day...a fresh start, a new beginning, a new hope, everyone's record is equal. MLB has decided to continue with it's Opening Day patriotic themed ceremonies, which is always very fitting since it's America's favorite past time! You can't get more American than baseball. I LOVE BASEBALL!!!

So before today's games begin, I am making my predictions for this year (just don't go to Vegas with them, considering my predictions track record). I am pretty confident with these picks this year.

East- Yankees

Central- Indians

West- Angels

Wildcard- Red Sox

East- Mets

Central- Cubs

West- Dodgers

Wildcard- Marlins

World Series

Yankees beat Cubs in 6 games to capture their 27th title in their history.

New Yankee Stadium

2009-04-03T16:29:00.001-07:00

Well peops, it's official. The first game is being played in baseball's new cathedral. It just started and Jeter led off for the Yankees with a double. This gives him the last Yankees at bat in the old stadium and the first Yankees at bat in the new park. Pretty cool...I am so excited about the new season starting in two days. The new stadium looks beautiful. It better be, due to it's billion dollar price tag! For free, MLB.com is showing all of this weekends NY home games for the Mets and Yankees to show off the new stadiums in NYC. I can't wait to go back this September to see both stadiums first hand. I just bought our Yankees tickets online last week and our behind the scenes tour tickets of the Stadium. I haven't bought our Mets tix yet, they haven't gone on sale yet...not really sure what the hold up is over in Queens, but Opening Day is only 2 days away...hmmm? From what I have seen so far by watching the game vs. the Cubbies is that the friese and monument park are still a part of the Yankee stadium tradition. the big change is the huge Sony scoreboard screen in CF...wow, it's gotta be the biggest one in the Majors! Have a great baseball viewing weekend my friends!

WBC Finals...Japan Wins Again!!!

2009-03-24T20:54:00.000-07:00

Nippon, nippon!!! That's what the fans of the stadium's minority were chanting (including us), unfortunately we kept getting drowned out by the Korean faithfuls! My wife (who's a Japanese girl at heart) made a really cool ninja/Nippon sign and I was wearing my Yomiuri Giants cap as we were rooting for team Japan to repeat their WBC title. This was by far the best WBC game that I have ever seen...it is even one of the best baseball games that I have attended. The Korean fans were intense with their drums, flags, powder blue thunder sticks, and uniform Korean chants throughout the entire stadium. This was definitely the most respectful group of fans that I have ever seen at Dodger Stadium. There weren't any of the usual fights among fans breaking out and no disrespectful behavior at all. Just a group of 55,000 fans pulling for their teams and having a great time. The Hollywood celebs were even out, as we saw Dodger season ticket holder faithful, Alyssa Milano taking pics with her Japanese fans.

Talk about two pure fundamentally sound teams, giving it all. After 10 exciting innings, Ichiro led Japan to the repeat WBC title. Why Korea didn't pitch around Ichiro is still puzzling, but hey, it worked in Japan's favor, and backfired on Korea. This game had it all...small ball, strategy, Ichiro, stolen bases, great pitching, and even Yu Darvish. This is the closest thing that I will have to attending a WS game 7 and an Olympics game. We got to see the opening and closing ceremonies, the medal ceremonies, the trophy presentation by Bud Selig, and Dice-K receiving the WBC MVP award. Even Tommy Lasorda and Fernando Valenzuela made appearances by throwing out the first pitches. It was cool hanging with my friends that I've had since junior high school, Robert and Cyrus (Dodger season tix holders), at the game who were sitting a few sections over from us. This game displayed the total essence and spirit of what the World Baseball Classic stands for. What a perfect finish to our 2009 WBC journey!!! Hey, Team USA, take note, this is what it's all about. This is baseball at it's purest, finest form. I applaud teams Korea and Japan for showing the world their finely tuned game of baseball. What perfection. This was the best way for the WBC tourney to wind down, proving to all of it's critics that the WBC is necessary for the game. Thank you WBC for giving us a truly great baseball adventure...we can't wait for 2013!!!

What went wrong for Team USA in the '09 WBC?

2009-03-22T20:30:00.001-07:00

After tonight's disappointing 9-4 loss against Japan, I decided to write about what went wrong for the US team in this year's WBC. First of all, many of the

best American players turned down their offers to play in the tourney. Whereas, their foreign born counterparts did not, unless they were injured. Next, the Americans treated the WBC as spring training games, playing half-ass. Where all of the other 15 teams did not. The other 15 contending teams played for their country by giving 110%. Davey Johnson showed that he was a terrible manager by playing the games as if they were spring training. What happened to "the team comes first" mentality that he preached before the tourney started? He kept in Peavey and Oswalt during their starts way too long, when they were getting blown out, because he said they need to get their work in...this basically lost the game to Japan tonight. In addition, Johnson batted Evan Longoria, a righty vs. a righty with the winds blowing in from RF with available runner on third. Instead he should have kept Shane Victorino, a lefty in the game to take the at bat. Johnson batted Longoria because he felt bad that Longoria travelled all the way from FL two days ago and needed to have an at-bat in the WBC for his troubles. What's up with Dunn not hustling for the looper into RF tonight? His old lazy ass needs to retire. Another big reason was having Adam Dunn starting in RF and even 1st base throughout the tournament...why not have Granderson in CF and Victorino in RF, and use Dunn as a PH as needed. Hey Davey, this was an international tournament against the world's best, not an all-star game! Like I said before, if the American players knew that they were going to play in the WBC ahead of time, they should have started training for it back in December/ January. This was obvious with all of the US injuries and fielding errors in the WBC. Why didn't the other teams endure as many injuries to their MLB players? PREPARATION, IS THE ANSWER, MY FRIENDS. I am tired of people making excuses for the US team, saying that since they have MLB players, they don't want to risk injury by playing their hardest and that they weren't in game shape to begin with...uh, what about all of the other 15 teams that had MLB players on them? Did the Dominican Republic give those excuses for their early departure? No, they did not. Did Puerto Rico or Venezuela give those excuses...No way! I am embarrassed at my country's WBC performance. They really didn't deserve to beat Puerto Rico to go to the semis. I wonder what would have happened if PR had deservingly beat the US in Miami...hmmm? Yes, the US did better than their '06 performance, but this is our game...our national past time, and we should be in the finals every time this tournament happens. What a huge disappointment. Especially when you hear Chipper Jones making ignorant statements about Toronto being a cow town. Uh...Toronto is a cow town??? Funny, I didn't see anything like that during our week in Toronto. It was like a mini NYC or Chi-Town. Toronto proudly touts the title of the world's most multi-cultural city. Talk about an ignorant redneck! This type of arrogance and ignorance portrayed by an American is a huge reason why the US is disliked internationally. Chipper Jones shouldn't have been on the team to begin with. At 3B, it should have been Wright and Longoria. Jones shouldn't have been able to even speak...it only makes the rest of us look bad to the rest of the world. I am so disappointed and once again embarrassed at USAs performance in the WBC. I guess I will be rooting for Ichiro and team Japan at Dodger Stadium tomorrow night to repeat their WBC title against they very strong gold medal winning team Korea. News to team USA...it's no longer our sport, and you don't automatically deserve to win just because you are American MLB All-Stars! Maybe we should use a team full of AAA minor leaguers in 2013...I'm sure that they would treat the WBC tourney with the same pride and respect that it receives internationally.

2009 WBC- San Diego

2009-03-17T20:53:00.000-07:00

As promised, here are the deets on our trip down to San Diego last Sunday to watch Cuba vs. Japan. Since it is only a 2 hour drive to San Diego from LA, we thought, why not? So we went doen to my wife's home town and watched a second round WBC game at Petco Park. It was a 2006 WBC Finals rematch between two of the world's best baseball teams. Dice-K was on the hill for Japan, which was cool to see him pitching for Japan and not the BoSox! It was really amazing on how many Japanese and Cubans filled the stands. There were definitely some Cubans wanting revenge from there team's loss three years ago. We were sitting in a section of almost all Japanese fans. We joined in and cheered on Ichiro and his country mates with the fans in our section. I even wore my Yomiuri Giants cap to the game. Dice-K was awesome, and Japan won the contest 6-0. The noise from the fans was continuous with chanting, waving flags, holding signs, and the thundersticks. We had a great time. If this isn't a reason for the WBC, I don't know what is. The international spirit of the game was definitely there among the players and the fans!

2009 WBC- Toronto trip- Part III

2009-03-17T13:10:00.000-07:00

First, I apologize to my blog friends that I haven't followed up on my Toronto WBC trip...I am still getting over my Canadian cold. Anyway, since I am home sick from work today, I thought that I would wrap up the Toronto WBC postings. Like I said, we had a blast...we got to see team USA's all-star dream team, led by my favorite player, Derek Jeter. Overall USA did okay in the tournament. They hammered team Venezuela in their first meeting, but the last game of Pool C, the US played very poorly...as if they didn't care. They already secured their 2nd round spot, so this game was to determine who would have the top seed of Pool C.

This seems to be a common issue with team USA in contrast to the other 15 teams that were/are in the '09 WBC. To most of the non-USA players, winning this tournament for their home country is much more important than winning a World Series for a city that they have no affiliation with other than a paycheck. I truly wish that the U.S. players felt the same way as their foreign counter parts. Like Ichiro said in '06, winning the '06 WBC is the most important day in his baseball career. Why can't others feel that way? It is shameful for the Americans not to feel that way. If they want to treat it like Spring Training games, then they should have been training and practicing since January if they wanted to participate, that way they can give

110% for their team, country, and fans. Believe it or not Team USA, but their are a lot of fans out there, like us that really care about the WBC and want to feel a true sense of national pride that doesn't come with the 26 World Series championships, but with seeing your country win for their people. Have a safe and fun St. Patty's day everyone! And PLEASE don't drink and drive!

2009 WBC- Toronto trip- Part II

2009-03-14T11:59:00.000-07:00

My friends, I took a bunch of pics on our trip, and yesterday's post was just a small taste of what our sweet trip was all about. Unfortunately, I caught a cold on the last day of our trip and have been fighting it ever since. I think I got sick from walking about 10 blocks in 50 mph gusts of icy Lake Ontario wind. We walked to Wayne Gretzky's restaurant on Wednesday before the game. It is not far from the Rogers Centre, but we kept getting a lot of terrible directions from the locals...I wonder if it was because we were totally decked out in our team USA gear from head to toe...hmmm? Anyway, I had a BBQ chicken sandwich and fries at Gretzky's, and it was by far the best meal that I had on the entire trip! I love their Heinz ketchup. I know what you are thinking, Heinz ketchup!? What's the big deal, Junior? The Canadian Heinz has liquified sugar in it instead of vinegar...so it is sweeter. I actually really prefer the Canadian ketchup over the stuff that we get here in the U.S. I even bought a bottle to bring back home with me. I know, it's weird, but if you are ever in Canada, try the ketchup, and then judge me. I have a huge sweet tooth. My wife doesn't, so she prefers the American ketchup. It's all about personal taste preferences. The address to Gretzky's is 99 Blue Jays Way, and they burn the number 99 into the hamburger buns to honor the Great One's jersey number. Okay, back to baseball...

(I'm not sure what happened to the font up there, and I can't figure out how to fix it)

It was so crazy on how many Venezuelan fans packed into the Roger's Centre to support their fellow country people. Their were very loud, with their unified chants and whistles, along with their red, blue, and yellow flags every where. I'd have to say that they showed the most country pride out of all of the fans, even the hometown Canadians. The best game that we saw was Italy's elimination of Canada in game 4 of the series. Both teams having lost one game each and

were facing elimination and the underdog, team Italy won. I was supporting the Italians due to my proud heritage. It was really cool seeing future Hall of Famer/ former Dodger & Mets catcher, Mike Piazza as Italy's hitting coach. Unfortunately, we were unable to get Mike's autograph on our ball. Oh well, Mike is still one of my all-time favorite players. (BTW, the Dodgers always seem to have really good catchers: Campenella, Scoscia, LoDuca, Piazza, and now Martin). I thought that the Italian team were all Italian- Americans, but there were actually some players from Italy on the team. My favorite Italian player was the right fielder, Mario Chiarini, who made some web gem defensive plays. On one play, he made a sweet diving catch and broke his belt in the process. Mario is definitely a gamer! While getting our ball autographed by Italian players, a couple of them only spoke Italian, which took me by surprise, but they were all really cool and willing to sign the ball. If I ever go back to Italy, I might try to check out a game over there to compare it to our version. After their victory, team Italy celebrated on the field as if they just won the World Series. It was their biggest victory of the tournament, as they were unfortunately eliminated the next day 10-1 by Venezuela. My friends, I will write more about our trip in tomorrow's posting, because I am starting to feel really runned down. We are actually driving down from LA to San Diego tomorrow to watch Japan vs. Cuba, so hopefully I will being feeling better. I will have even more WBC adventures to post on here. I will continue with the Toronto trip, as there is still a lot to cover, then I will post the San Diego stuff, so stay thirsty my friends!

2009 WBC- Toronto trip- Part I

2009-03-13T13:44:00.001-07:00

So we are back from our trip to Toronto! Although it was extremely freezing cold with icy rain and snow, we had a blast! The wind gusts from Lake Ontario were brutal. The Rogers Centre (aka- Skydome) was great. The food was very disappointing...only pizza, hot dogs, popcorn, and nachos- typical ballpark food from about 15 years ago, but Toronto needs to get with the times. Maybe I am a bit spoiled, but I like a lot of variety, especially since we were there for all six games of the '09 WBC Pool C. (In case you are wondering, the best food that I've had at a ballpark was in Pittsburgh). Aside from the food, the ballpark is pretty nice...we were really happy that it was a dome, considering the weather.

One thing that the Rogers Centre had that I've never seen before is baseball card vending machines! That's right, baseball card vending machines. They had all different years and makes of card packs. I bought a 1989 pack of Donruss cards, hoping to find a Junior rookie card, but no luck. It was cool getting a Don Mattingly card and a Warren Spahn puzzle piece. I

used to have that completed puzzle framed on my bedroom wall when I was a kid...I wonder what happened to that?

We got a team autographed ball by team Italy, a game used ball tossed to my wife from Venezuelan pitcher, Hernandez, and met Frank Catalonotto.

We saw some really great baseball played. The first game was USA vs. Canada. The US beat their northern neighbors 6-5. Throughout our week in Toronto, we saw USA, Canada, Italy, and Venezuela battle it out. The final results, USA and Venezuela advanced to the next round. We were lucky enough to go up to the top of the CN Tower (the Space needle looking building next to the Rogers Centre). It is the second tallest building in the world, after the new tower in Dubai. We went to the Hockey Hall of Fame, ate at Wayne Gretzky's restaurant, and truly enjoyed the Canadians' hospitality. We would like to go back, but next time in the summer, when it is much warmer.

'09 World Baseball Classic Predictions

2009-02-27T12:37:00.000-08:00

Okay, for those faithful blog readers of mine, you already know that I really suck at making predictions...but that doesn't stop me from making them. The WBC begins in one week and I am very excited to be able to go up to Toronto to watch all of the Round 1 Pool C games. We also got tickets to the finals at Dodger Stadium...I couldn't pass that one up, especially since it is in our backyard this year. So here are my WBC predictions:

Round 1

Pool A- Winner- Japan

Pool A- Runner Up- Korea

Pool B- Winner- Cuba

Pool B- Runner Up- Mexico

Pool C- Winner- USA

Pool C- Runner Up- Venezuela

Pool D- Winner- Dominican Republic

Pool D- Runner Up- Puerto Rico

Round 2

Pool 1- Winner- Cuba

Pool 1- Runner Up- Japan

Pool 2- Winner- USA

Pool 2- Runner Up- Dominican Republic

Semi-Finals

Semi 1- Winner- Japan

Semi 2- Winner- USA

Finals

2009 WBC Champions- USA

Life is All Good Again

2009-02-21T22:40:00.000-08:00

Baseball season is almost upon us, with spring training games starting in only 3 days! Soon the weather will start warming up, the grass will be nice and green, and the crack of the bat will be heard all over this country. My alma mater, Long Beach State, had their first game of the NCAA season today against USC. Unfortunately the Dirtbags lost 4-0 to the Trojans in front of a record-breaking crowd; selling out Blair Field, weeks ago. We will be dusting off our passports and heading up to the "Great White North" in two weeks, to watch a week of the World Baseball Classic in Toronto. Should be very cold, but we will definitely have a great time...I can't wait! Last, one of my childhood heroes, Ken Griffey Jr., is heading back to Seattle. Junior signed a one-year deal with the M's. Life is definitely all good again!

Miggy Tejada is in trouble

2009-02-11T12:44:00.000-08:00

The MLB off-season soap opera continues with the drama with our good old tempermental friend, Miguel Tejada. Miggy has pled guilty to lying to Congress. He could face up to one year in jail for this crime. Maybe while he is locked up for a year, he will remember how old he really is!

A-Rod admits it!!!

2009-02-09T12:37:00.000-08:00

Well baseball fans, Alex Rodriguez admitted to using steroids while playing for Texas. He may be a cheater, but at least he's not as big of a liar like Bonds and Clemens are. I have to give A-Rod some props for coming clean on it. I respect that. Shame on A-Rod for taking the steroids! But being a youngster on Texas around Canseco and Palmeiro taking them would be hard not to succumb to peer pressure. I am proud that Alex manned up and came forward...this is a overall positive thing for the team itself. It should be less of a media circus at Spring Training for the Yankees. Don't get me wrong, I am 100% against cheating and using steroids. It absolutely sickens me, like it should any baseball fan, that anyone would even think of using performance-enhancing substances to gain an edge in our past-time, especially when the sacred records are being broken. I think that all of these players that have cheated using steroids are big pieces of crap! I applaud them admitting their mistakes, but they need to be held accountable for their cheating...like not being allowed into the Hall of Fame. If they let cheaters into the Hall, then for Pete's sake, let Pete Rose in NOW!!! Gambling vs. steroids, what is worse? I will still be booing A-Fraud at the Yankee games with everyone else. Check out the Yahoo story on it:

NEW YORK – Alex Rodriguez admitted Monday that he used performance-enhancing drugs from 2001-03, saying he did so because of the pressures of being baseball's highest-paid player.

"When I arrived in Texas in 2001, I felt an enormous amount of pressure. I felt like I had all the weight of the world on top of me and I needed to perform, and perform at a high level every day," the New York Yankees star said in an interview with ESPN that was broadcast Monday shortly after it was recorded.

His admission came two days after Sports Illustrated reported he tested positive for steroids in 2003, one of 104 players who tested positive during baseball's survey testing, which wasn't subject to discipline and was supposed to remain anonymous.

"And I did take a banned substance and, you know, for that I'm very sorry and deeply regretful. And although it was the culture back then and Major League Baseball overall was very — I just feel that — You know, I'm just sorry. I'm sorry for that time. I'm sorry to fans. I'm sorry for my fans in Texas. It wasn't until then that I ever thought about substance of any kind, and since then I've proved to myself and to everyone that I don't need any of that."

The 33-year-old All-Star third baseman was regarded by many in baseball as the most likely to break Bonds' record of 762. He's already 12th on the career list with 553 homers, 209 behind Bonds.

Rodriguez hit 52, 57 and 47 homers in his three seasons with the Rangers, winning the first of three AL MVP awards during his final season with Texas, where he received a $252 million, 10-year contract in December 2000.

"Back then it was a different culture. It was very loose. I was young. I was stupid," Rodriguez said. "I was naive, and I wanted to prove to everyone that, you know, I was worth, you know — and being one of the greatest players of all time."

He joined Jason Giambi and Andy Pettitte among All-Star players who have confessed to using performance-enhancing drugs. Many other players have denied any use.

Barry Bonds, a seven-time MVP, is to go on trial next month on charges he lied when he told a grand jury in 2003 that he never knowingly used performance-enhancing drugs.

Roger Clemens, a seven-time AL Cy Young Award winner, is under investigation by a federal grand jury which is trying to determine whether he lied when he told a congressional committee last year that he never used steroids and human growth hormone.

In his 2008 book, "Vindicated: Big Names, Big Liars, and The Battle to Save Baseball," Jose Cansecoclaimed he introduced Rodriguez to a steroids dealer. Canseco, who has admitted using steroids, subsequently said he had no knowledge of any drug use by Rodriguez.

"They are looking in the wrong places," Canseco said in a text message to The Associated Press. "This is a 25-year cover-up. The true criminals are Gene Orza, (union head) Donald Fehr and (commissioner) Bud (Selig). Investigate them, and you will have all the answers."

SI said that Orza, the union's chief operating officer, tipped off three players in September 2004 that they would be tested. Orza has repeatedly denied that he tipped off players, saying he merely reminded them late in the season that if they had not yet been tested, baseball's drug agreement required them to be tested by the end of the regular season.

Orza, who has been widely criticized by media since the SI report, said in an e-mail to The Associated Press that he doesn't care what the media says.

"I know the facts," Orza wrote.

Rodriguez said Orza told him in August or September 2004 about the list of names that had been seized by federal investigators.

"He said there's a government list. There's 104 players in it. You might or might not have tested positive," Rodriguez said.

SI.com reported Rodriguez tested positive for Primobolan and testosterone.

"It was such a loosey-goosey era. I'm guilty for a lot of things. I'm guilty for being negligent, naive, not asking all the right questions," Rodriguez said. "And to be quite honest, I don't know exactly what substance I was guilty of using."

Monday's ESPN interview directly contradicted a December 2007 interview with CBS's "60 Minutes," when Rodriguez said, "No" when asked whether he's ever used steroids, human growth hormone or any other performance-enhancing substance.

On Friday, Rodriguez is still expected to attend an event at the University of Miami, which is renaming itsbaseball field in his honor.

He gave $3.9 million to the school in 2003, the largest gift ever to the Hurricanes' baseball program and money that provided much of the resources needed for renovating the existing on-campus stadium. In return, the baseball complex will be called Mark Light Field at Alex Rodriguez Park.

Despite the scandal, the facility will continue to bear Rodriguez's name, a university official said Monday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the matter's sensitive nature.

Miami baseball players and coaches were not available for comment, spokesman Mark Pray said.

et tu A-Rod?

2009-02-07T15:51:00.001-08:00

So A-FRAUD really is a fraud and a cheater! According to SI and ESPN, Alex tested positive for 'roids in '03, while playing for Texas when he won the AL MVP and HR titles. Not only did he cheat on his wife, now he has been found out to have cheated at work, both of which I consider sacred grounds:

marriage and baseball.

This really says a lot about his character. He has had such a tough time with the NY fans accepting him,

now imagine how the fans and media are going to tear him up. He has never gotten Jeter-esque love in NY and face it, he

never ever will. After Bonds broke Aaron's HR record, everyone in the media and baseball world were saying that A-Rod will be baseball's savior from the steroid tarnished era. Everyone said that he would be the next HR champion without having hit any with steroids...I guess they were wrong big time! It just really sucks that the pure records of Mays, Ruth, and Aaron are being broken by immoral, unscrupulous A-holes. Even with all of this crap going on

over the last 20 years, we, the fans, still love the game for what it is...not what it has become- and we will always be there. The game would be better off without Bonds, Clemens, and A-Rod. We need more Jeters out there that play the game with 110% all of the time without any cheating or ego trips...yet another reason why he is MLBs poster child. Next time I am at a Yankee game, I will be booing Gay-Rod along with everyone else in the stands (home and away fans). NY has been a better team without him anyway!

Venezuela wins!!!

2009-02-07T15:14:00.000-08:00

Well it's official, Venezuela captured the '09 Serie del Caribe championship. They solidified their title with yesterday's win vs. Mexico. Congrats Venezuela...enjoy it now because you won't win the '09 WBC.

Caribbean Series 2009- Update

2009-02-05T16:51:00.000-08:00

Damn, what's up with Venezuela? They are undefeated so far with a 4-0 record. Unfortunately, Puerto Rico is going into tonight's game winless against a strong Mexican team who has only lost one game so far. Adrian Gonzales from the Padres is en fuego!!! He hit 3 homers in last night's slugfest against the DR. He almost hit 4. It looks like Venezuela will be the winner of the 2009 Serie Del Caribe due to their winning record. The team with the best record wins the series. There is a championship game played only if there is a tie with records, which could happen if Venezuela loses a game and Mexico wins their next 3 games. It's been one of the most entertaining series that I've seen, since I started watching it 3 years ago. If you haven't watched any of the action, put on MLB Network and enjoy some great baseball.

Caribbean Series 2009- Day 2

2009-02-03T18:51:00.000-08:00

Wow, this really has been exciting. Having the day off from work yesterday, I was fortunate enough to watch both games. The first game was between Venezuela and DR. It turned out to be a true pitchers dual, with Venezuela winning the contest. The second game last night was between Mexico and Puerto Rico. Mexico ended up winning 3 to 2. In today's earlier game, my Puerto Rican favorite team lost to the Dominican Republic in a close action packed game...at least the highlights looked like it. I was at work so I missed this one. I am currently watching the battle of the unbeatens Mexico vs. Venezuela game. It's a bummer the PR lost their first two games, but I am just glad that they were here this year. It just wasn't the same last year without PR. Hopefully Panama and Cuba will return to the tourney in the near future to add to the excitement.

Caribbean Series 2009- Starts Today!!!

2009-02-02T09:24:00.000-08:00

Yes friends, it's that time again for beisbol in the tropics...the Caribbean Series! La Serie del Caribe starts today!!! This year it is being held in Mexicali, Mexico, just right across the border from Calexico, CA. It should be action packed with some of Latin America's best talent. I am predicting my favorite latin team, Puerto Rico, to win it all this year, as I do every year. I can't wait to watch the games on the MLB channel from the safety of my couch. We were going to take a trip down to Mexicali to watch a couple of games, but considering the recent dangers that Mexico presents, we decided to steer clear of any potential problems. The druglords have taken over the country and there are daily kidnappings and beheadings going on throughout the country, especially in the border towns. The U.S. State Dept. has issued a travel advisory for U.S. citizens and have put Mexico on the same travel list as Iraq and other dangerous places in the world. Regardless, I will once again enjoy watching the Serie on TV. Next year it should be in Venezuela and the year after (2011), back in PR. We might start saving up now to check it out live in February 2011 from Puerto Rico where it's much safer to travel to and we don't have to exchange our dollars for pesos.

Top Italian American Players of All-time

2009-02-02T08:44:00.000-08:00

Italian Americans have a rich history of excellence in baseball over the years. As a tribute to my pisanos, here's my list of the top Italian American baseball players of all-time by

position:

STARTING PITCHERS

Johnny Antonelli
Sal Maglie
Vic Raschi
Kevin Tapani
Tom Candiotti
Jeff Fassero
Dave Giusti
Frank Viola
John Smoltz
John Montefusco
Pete Falcone
Barry Zito

RELIEF PITCHERS

John Franco
Rick Botallico
Joe Sambito
Don Mossi
Dave Righetti
Ralph Branca

CATCHERS

Ernie Lombardi
Mike Piazza
Yogi Berra
Roy Campanella
John Romano
Joe Girardi

FIRST BASEMEN

Dolph Camilli
Phil Cavarretta
Joe Pepitone
Frank Torre
Jason Giambi

SECOND BASEMEN

Tony Lazzerri
Craig Biggio
Billy Martin
Steve Sax
Tony Cuccinello
Mark Lemke

SHORTSTOPS

Phil Rizzuto
Rico Petrocelli
Gary Di Sarcina
Larry Bowa
Frank Crosetti
Rich Aurilia

THIRD BASEMEN

Ron Santo
Joe Torre
Frank Malzone
Sal Bando
Ken Caminiti
Robin Ventura
Mike Pagliarulo
Gary Gaetti

OUTFIELDERS

Joe DiMaggio
Dom DiMaggio
Rocky Colavito
Carl Furillo
Tony Conigliaro
Dave Pasqua
Lee Mazilli
Jack Clark
Tito Francona
Pete Incaviglia
Sam Mele
Bernie Carbo

MANAGERS

Tom LaSorda
Tony LaRussa
Joe Torre
Bobby Valentine
Mike Scoscia

COACHES

Leo Mazzone
Sal Varreale
Joe Ferguson

Jeter the thief

2009-01-31T15:34:00.001-08:00

Well the Yankee captain finally revealed what it was that he was going to steal that he was hinting all season. Fans speculated all season as to what DJ would steal from Yankee Stadium...someone even suggested that he steal "the bat." I don't think his house in FL would accommodate it. Jeter took home Joe D's famously quoted sign from the locker room tunnel. I think that it is a really cool collectible for Derek to keep. Great choice Jeter!!!

The new MLB Network rocks!

2009-01-25T17:46:00.000-08:00

I have to say that I am totally digging the new MLB Network on cable. I really like Harold Reynolds analyses and have been a fan of his when he used to do Sunday night baseball on ESPN with John Kruk. It's really cool to relive some of the previous games. I just watched the coverage of the 2001 season, and last week I watched Don Larsen's perfect game in the '56 WS complete with Vin Scully's commentary, along with the old Gillette commercials. Vin's the best of all time, I might be a little biased, growing up in Dodgertown, but I don't think that that many people would argue against me. It will be really cool to be able to watch the WBC in English this time on the MLB Network. I was forced to watch most of it in Spanish on ESPN Deportes in '06 and needed my wife to help me out with some of the translations, especially when the announcers would speak at a machine gun rapid fire pace. Their coverage on the individual stadiums are great to watch. After G4, this is my second favorite cable channel. I can't wait to see what they do during the season. Also, Hazel's not to bad on the eyes either!

Times are Changing

2009-01-24T18:14:00.000-08:00

Smoltz is now on the BoSox and Glavine might be close to signing with the Nats...Gone are the days of the great rotation in Hotlanta! Glavine left and seeing him as a Met was a little weird, but not as weird as seeing Smotlz in a Braves uniform. I'd like to see Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltzy go back to ATL for at least one more run.

Okay, so maybe I am somewhat sentimental but after seeing former Beach star Giambi go back to Oakland, made me miss the good old days a little. I am glad to see the power of the 'stache leave NY, because he didn't really do a whole lot for the team. Teixiera is a huge improvement at 1B. At least the Cubbies are being sold to a life long Cub fan who will keep the team going and not sell off the name of the stadium, keeping it called Wrigely Field.

One thing that hasn't seemed to have changed is Man Ram's ego...he and Boras are starting to tick off McCourt by not taking their offer seriously and waiting for something better. The Mets might be looking at making an offer, but nobody seems to want to dish out more money than what he is worth. It's really just a matter of time when we he really starts being Manny again and poisons his new club, like he did in Boston. He should just take LA's offer and not hold out for more, just look at where baseball's other 3 ring circus, Barry Bonds, has been last year...sitting on his couch. No one is worth the media circus and head aches that come along with these two. Look at Boston, they are much better off now with Bay in LF.

HAPPY 2009 !

2009-01-01T10:35:00.000-08:00

HAVE A SAFE AND WONDERFUL 2009 EVERYONE!!!

Big Unit goes home

2008-12-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

Well, there he goes again, keeping with tradition, getting another old dude to fill the team with! But alas my fellow black and orange fans...the Bay Area native still has it in him. It's only an 1 year/$8 million deal. If Bochy is smart, he will put Randy Johnson in the pen as their closer. He should last longer by throwing 1 maybe 2 innings in the games that they are winning...based on last season, it shouldn't be very often. Hopefully that turns around this season. Especially since he had two recent back surgeries. We saw him pitch last season in Tempe during spring training and he was lights out against the Angels. I have to say that I am very excited about this move. This is the first move that the Gigantes have made in a very long time that I am actually excited about. Lincecum, Cain, Lowry, Zito, and Sanchez in the rotation and Big Unit closing it out at baseball's best address...not bad, except for #4. Now if they could sign some decent bats during the off-season to give some offense for Unit to come in for a save opportunity.

What economic woes?

2008-12-24T10:11:00.000-08:00

I guess the economic woes haven't hit the New York Yankees. At least they don't act like it has with signing Teixeira, Sabathia, and Burnett to long FAT contracts. Steinbrenner is spending money like there's no tomorrow. With low sales on the new cathedral's luxury boxes and they just got hit with a huge $27 million luxury tax by MLB this week, it is surprising that they can still keep going like this! Conversely, they are offering 25 cent bleacher seats for their first two exhibition games at the new ballpark...how generous of Steinbrenner to go back to the 1923 bleacher seat price of a quarter, just in time for Christmas! They are making it really affordable to anyone, even those fans living in Washington Heights. But once the season gets started, those same seats will go for $2500 leaving the average joe to get priced out and have to watch the games on YES and MY 9 at home. I guess the Steinbrenners need to keep those prices consistently high to make their payroll...not to mention they will sell a crap load of new CC, AJ, and Teixeira jerseys wit their new Yankee Stadium inaugural season patches. They have to pay their big contracts and their end of the mostly publicly funded new stadium some how. Teixeira will be a big improvement at first base replacing Giambi. Hopefully they will get Andy Pettite on board for next season...he shouldn't cost too much money, in comparison. I'm calling it now, the Yankees win the '09 WS, ending their 9 year drought.

The Designated Hitter

2008-12-15T18:16:00.000-08:00

The National League (aka, the "inferior league" as I like to call it) should wise up and go with having a DH...not such a popular idea with the purists, but it's time for the NL to get with the times. The American League began using the designated hitter position on Opening Day 1973. The theory itself was developed much earlier and historians have found an instance where Connie Mack made a case for the position in 1906. In 1928 National League President (1918-1934) John Heydler wanted to bring the DH to the senior circuit in an attempt to speed up the game, but the idea was rejected during the Winter Meetings. Two early attempts that failed, but on Opening Day 1973, Ron Blomberg of the New York Yankees became the first designated hitter in the history of baseball starting a three-year experiment that has lasted more than twenty-five years. The DH provides the fans a better game by watching the best pitchers vs. the best hitters throughout the game.

I will give my top ten reasons why having the DH is best for the game of baseball:

10.) It keeps the game exciting for fans by having another power hitter in the lineup.

9.) It extends the careers of great hitters (like Tony Gwynn, Frank Thomas, and Paul Molitor) who can't manage the wear and tear of the long season due to age.

8.) Once the pitchers get to the Bigs, they suck at hitting and base running- (Chien Ming Wang)

7.) All of the top contenders have them. (BoSox, NYY, ANA)

6.) What's better? A sac bunt or a mile-long blast into the upper deck by Harold Baines.

5.) The DH is used in most professional leagues around the world and in all NCAA games.

4.) The DH position is used for injury recovering players to help get in game shape.

3.) The DH position is used to give players a partial day-off, giving them some rest while the other team is batting.

2.) The DH removes the "easy out" that a batting pitcher provides.

1.) Big Papi...need I say more?

Top 10 Reasons Why Derek Jeter is MLB's Poster Boy...

2008-12-14T14:27:00.000-08:00

I'm tired of all of these Jeter-haters out there, so I created this list to demonstrate DJ's accomplishments. He is what all MLB players should aspire to be. He has class, and gives a 110% in every game...he plays the game the Yankee way.

These are the top 10 reasons why everyone should give the Yankee Captain respect:

10.) Drafted by NY out of high school in 1992, he never needed to play college ball.

9.)He has spent his entire career with the Yankees, starting in 1995 when he was 20 years old.

8.) In 2000, he became the only player to win both the All-Star Game MVP and the World Series MVP in the same year.

7.) He is a 9 time All-Star shortstop.

6.) He won the AL Rookie of the Year in 1995.

5.) He has won 3 Silver Slugger Awards.

4.) He is a three time Gold Glove Award Winner (the most recent award was in 2006).

3.) He has been in the top seven in the AL in both hits and runs scored for nine of the past 10 years.

2.) His .317 career batting average through the 2007 season ranks him with the 5th highe

st lifetime batting average of all active baseball players.

1.) Derek tied "Iron Horse" Lou Gehrig for the most hits at Yankee Stadium (1,269) with a homerun off TB pitcher David Price on 9/14/08 (that's the game we were at). Two days later, on 9/16/08, he went on to break the record off of the Chi Sox pitcher Gavin Floyd. A record that will never be broken, since Yankee Stadium is no more, and it will not carry over to the new stadium.

Honorable mention of accomplishments that didn't make the top ten list:

- 4 time World Series winner.

- He is only one of two MLB players sponsored by Michael Jordan (The other is Andruw Jones).

- He represented Team USA as the starting shortstop in the WBC in '06 (batting .450)including the upcoming '09 tournament.

- Has dated: Mariah Carey, Miss Universe Lara Dutta, Jordana Brewster, Brazilian supermodel Adriana Lima, Jessica Biel, Vanessa Minillo, and Minka Kelly. Not to mention rumored to have dated Jessica Alba, Scarlett Johanson, and Tyra Banks...what a PIMP !!!

- Appeared on SNL.

- He has been on the Simpsons and Sesame Street.

- He is part owner of three 24 Hour Fitness clubs in NYC.

- My wife, along with most red blooded American women think "he's so wonderful."

CC and K Rod to NYC and Jeter's USA

2008-12-13T08:59:00.000-08:00

Okay, so it's cool that the Yankees signed CC, but I don't agree with such a lengthy contract...7 years!? Did the Steinbrenners not learn anything from the Zito debacle? The only difference is that Sabathia is in his prime and Barry was past his prime when the deals were signed. If my last name was Steinbrenner, I would have offered a 3 year/ 65 mil., or maybe a 4 year 80 million dollar contract. I like it that the Bombers got Burnett from TOR for 5 years. That will be a great rotation with CC, Burnett, Wang, Pettite, and Joba. Wow!!! Maybe a championship during their first year in their new stadium...The House that Jeter Built. The Yanks won't have to worry as much about ANA because they just lost K-Rod to the Mets...take that Scoscia!

Speaking of the Prince of New York and MLB's poster boy, DJ just announced that he will return as the starting SS for Team USA in the WBC...I think that the US will go to the finals at Chavez Ravine and not embarrass themselves like they did in the '06 WBC. Especially since they won't have the Big Choke, Madonna's boy toy at third taking up space. The US born A-Rod announced that he will play for the DR this time, a decision that he struggled with 3 years ago. I would like to see David Wright at the hot corner for the US, giving a much improved IF left side. I know that the DR is always a power house, but come-on...Alou is managing??? Lame!!! And no Vlad Guerrero again. I don't think that they will go much past the 2nd round this time.

Even my pisan, Tommy Lasorda, will be involved...serving as the '09 WBC's Ambassador...that's pretty cool! I like the US's manager's choice this year, Davey Johnson, is much improvement over Buck Martinez. Johnson led the US Olympic team to bronze in Beijing a few months ago and is a proven leader. It would only be better if Torre was managing the team, but Johnson is a great choice! Buck just needs to stick with doing TV commentary and leave the managing to the experts. I can't wait for Toronto and hopefully I can catch a game at Chavez Ravine in the finals. Keep your ears to ground my friends!

So long Senor Vizquel

2008-12-05T11:13:00.000-08:00

The Giants just signed Edgar Rentaria to play short, which solidifies that the aren't going to resign the Venezualan legend Omar Vizquel. The future hall of famer played for the Giants for 5 years and even though he's 41 years old, he still can bring a solid gold glove to the short stop position...I would suspect that someone will sign him, and be very lucky to do so. Omar will truly be missed, he was my favorite Giant player, since JT Snow retired a few years back.

I'm not sure if Sabbean made that great of a decision, replacing one old guy for another at short stop. I would have kept Vizquel for a couple of more seasons and tried to get a homegrown youngster from the farm system. Sabbean really makes some dumb decisions, like the ludicrous Zito contract and keeping the Bonds' circus going for way too long. Not to mention getting lame ass Bochy as the manager...they should have got Bud Black instead. But I think his worst mistake was trading away Liriano and Nathan to the Twins. I'm surprised that he hasn't tried to ship Lincecum off for some lame ass wash up. Really, getting Rich Aurillia back? Sabbean sure likes collecting old dudes! He makes it difficult to stay a Giants fan. Take some management lessons from Steinbrenner for Pete's sake!!!

Baseball's Best Address

2008-11-20T11:36:00.000-08:00

So we took a little trip up to the Bay Area and I decided to squeeze in a tour of AT&T Park. In my opinion, it is the second nicest ballpark in the majors that I have visited. (The first being Busch Stadium in STL). It was pretty cool going into the locker room, press boxes, dugouts, etc... There were a group of minor leaguers practicing while we we there.

The best part was seeing the huge orange banner outside the front of the park in Willie Mays Plaza congratulating Tim Lincecum for being the 2008 NL Cy Young Award winner. Tim is only the second Giant ever to win the prestigious award.

After the tour, I had some SF traditional garlic fries at

Gordon Biersch about half a mile from the stadium...who can

go to AT&T Park and not have the garlic fries? And since the concession stands weren't open due to the off season, I had to get my fix somewhere!

After a belly full of delicious garlic fries, I treated myself to a clearance priced authentic BP jersey from the Giants Dugout Store, that I have been wanting since spring training 2004! Speaking of shopping, Gina got a sweet new coat & scarf at the Gap and trust me, she looks super hot in them. I love giving gifts to myself and the wifey, especially since I can be confident that it is truly appreciated. Nothing worse than giving gifts to people that don't express any gratitude or even acknowledge it at all. We also did the tourist thing and went sight seeing to the newly renovated California Academy of Sciences, Fisherman's Wharf, and the world famous prison known as "the Rock" on Alcatraz island. We ate at some really good places: we had crab and corn chowder in sourdough bread bowls at fisherman's wharf, hot fudge sundaes at Ghiradelli square, and we ate a very pricey but delicious meal at Morton's in Union Square. We even had a chance to go ice skating in the outdoor rink next to our hotel, the Hyatt, at the Embarcadero Center. That was a lot of fun, since it as the first time that I strapped on the the ice skates since I stopped playing hockey 4 years ago. Needless to say, we had a blast in SF...we pretty much always do have a great time when we go up there, it's one of my favorite vacations places in the world, especially when you put all of their politics aside.

This was my best trip to SF, since I was 15 when my parents took me there to see a Giants game at the Stick as a junior high school graduation gift. It was a very cold Sunday on July 29th in 1990, where my parents bought me a sweet Giants hoodie at the game so I wouldn't freeze to death, while I watched Scotty Garrelts pitch a one hitter versus Chris Sabo's Reds. The Giants won the game 4-0. My friends, I am sharing with you one of my most treasured childhood memories. I will always remember that weekend of continuos MC Hammer playing in the car, my dad getting lost in Oak town, eating a Giant dog, wearing split Giants/A's caps, seeing one of my childhood heroes, Will "the Thrill" Clark, play in person, and going to an A's game to see the juiced up bash brothers in action. Glad that the Giants have a more climate friendly stadium for the fans now, playing their home games at "baseball's best address."

2009 WBC

2008-11-11T19:03:00.000-08:00

We just booked our tickets and travel to watch the 2009 World Baseball Classic in the Great White North! We are going to see the 1st round of the WBC at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Canada. I can't wait to see team USA battle Italy, Canada, and Venezuela in the 1st round Pool C group. Hopefully Jeter's team USA does much better than they did in the 2006 Inaugural WBC...I'd like to see them play in the finals at Dodger Stadium. The competition is going to be fierce, as Korea went undefeated to take the gold in the Beijing Olympics, Japan is looking to win back to back titles, and Cuba is predicted to have an even better team than what they did in the Olympics and in the '06 WBC Finals losing to Japan. Don't expect the DR to suck as bad as they did in the '06 WBC either. Either way...it's all about the Red, White, and Blue...Stars and Stripes forever...USA, USA, USA!!!

I suck

2008-10-31T12:45:00.001-07:00

Man I suck at making predictions...if any of you readers are betting people, it's probably safe to say that you will win a lot of money if your bets are completely opposite of my predictions! Oh well, the Phils are the '08 WS Champs, their first title since 1980. So, now it's officially the off-season, but it should be pretty interesting with all of the big name free agents floating around in the market. I will be watching all of the action like a hawk...stay thirsty my friends!

2008 World Series Prediction

2008-10-20T13:54:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it's somewhat of a boring World Series with the Phillies and the Rays. So here's my prediction...Rays win in 6 games over the Phillies to earn their first title in their history.

Phillies vs. Rays???

2008-10-14T20:50:00.000-07:00

WTF!?!? Good thing that I'm not a betting man! Every prediction that I have made so far were totally wrong...at least the way it looks so far with both the Phils and the Rays up 3 games to 1.

New Playoff Predictions

2008-10-07T15:24:00.000-07:00

My friends, so I made the same lame predictions as all of the so-called "experts." Now I am making my new predictions, after tonight's Red Sox defeat of baseball's 101 win team...

NLDS

Dodgers beat the Phillies in 6 games

ALDS

Red Sox beat the Rays in 5 games

World Series

Red Sox beat the Dodgers in 6 games

Wild, Wild, Playoffs

2008-10-06T12:28:00.000-07:00

Hello my friends. Wow, the playoffs are full of twists and turns, not to mention, upsets! Torre led the Dodgers with a sweep of the NL's best by using his post-season magic. Thats the same magic that he used for 11 years as the Yankees skipper, now LA gets a real chance at a WS run on their 20 year anniversary of their last WS win and their 50th anniversary since moving from NY. Next stops for Torre are the pesky Phillies in the NLDS. Steinbrenner, why did you piss him off and let him go?

Now, the Red Sox are on the verge of eliminating the 100 win season Angels from the playoffs again for 5 years in a row! I can't wait to see Papi and Company destroy the Angels tonight to move on to face the Tampa in the ALDS.

My predictions were way off...but I am excited regardless to see the playoffs and the series. I love this time of the year. I want to cheer for Torre, but it's so hard to root for the Dodgers. So I am going for a Philly & Boston world series.

PLAYOFFS!!!

2008-10-01T13:49:00.000-07:00

It's that time, where the weather starts to cool, the leaves start to turn orange and baseball heats up. Time for the playoffs! Time for my predictions:

NLDS:

Cubs beat the Dodgers in 4 games.

Phillies beat Milwaukee in 4 games.

ALDS:

Angels beat the Red Sox in 5 games.

Rays sweep the White Sox.

NLCS:

Cubs beat the Phillies in 6 games.

ALCS:

Angels beat the Rays in 5 games.

WS:

Cubs beat the Angels in 7 games to break their 100 losing streak.

Mets Lose It...Again!

2008-09-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

That's all folks...for the NY Mets. Unfortunately they blew it again for the 2nd year straight by falling apart at the last minute to miss the playoffs. Now who's to blame this year? They don't have Willie Randolph to use as their scape goat this time. Maybe the problem isn't with the manager at all, but with Omar Minaya...and he's getting a fat contract renewal after this season! Go figure that one out. Shea goodbye to the Mets again this year and hopefully they can do better in their new ballpark, Citi Field, in 2009. Until then, Mr. Met will have to watch the mediocre Dodgers, Brewers, and Phillies struggle against the Cubbies in the inferior league's playoffs. Lou Pinella's Cubs will be the NL champs, and hopefully break their 100 year drought from their last WS win in 1908.

On the flip side, the AL playoffs seem a little more interesting with the Rays, Angels, BoSox, and either the ChiSox or Twinkies will be heating up October. Hopefully the Twins will beat out the southsiders for the AL Central...I really can't stand the loud mouth Ozzie and the cheating, cry baby AJ to see in the playoffs this year. It would be a nice treat to see the Twins in the playoffs, especially since they had low expectations placed upon them after losing Johan and Torii. The AL champs will be, the 2002 WS champs, the LA Angels of Anaheim.

Since my Yankees aren't in the playoffs for the first time in 13 years, man Joe Torre sure is missed, my playoff team this year will be the Chicago Cubs. I believe! The fans, the organization, and historical Wrigley Field deserves this, and what a fitting time to win it on their 100 year anniversary of their last WS win.

Last, I went to the San Gennaro Feast in LA today for the very first time, I can't be more disappointed. I loved my San Gennaro experience two weeks ago in Little Italy, NYC, and thought it'd be cool to do a comparison. The LA copy version of the event was so small in size with only a handful of vendors, maybe 100 yards in length in total...whereas, the original eastcoast version had dozens of vendors that went on for blocks, covering the entire span of the Little Italy community. Also, the pizza sucked at the LA event...LA has so much more to learn about food, and celebrating the Italian American culture. Keep trying Jimmy Kimmel, hopefully, you and Adam Corolla will get it right someday.

Farewell Yankee Stadium!

2008-09-22T13:17:00.000-07:00

It's finally over...I can't believe that the world's most famous sports venue is finally gone! The final game played in "The House That Ruth Built" occurred yesterday, and it was a very emotional event for all. I got choked up by just watching the pre-game festivities, game, and post-game event. Seeing Jeter give his speech as the captain after the game, and the Yankees making a lap around the stadium to honor the fans was done in the typical classy perfection expected of the Yankees. Hearing all of the fans, former players, and celebs give their memories of the Stadium was a very moving event. I was very impressed on the great job that ESPN did on the entire day's coverage of the event, in addition, it was a nice touch that ESPN allowed the hometown YES network Yankees broadcaster to do the 7th inning play-by-play. Babe Ruth hit the first homer in the Stadium's debut in 1923 and Jose Molina hit the last homer in 2008. It saddens me to think that the existing stadium will be gone forever, with all of the history it's had. That's a hard act to follow for the new Yankee stadium. Just think, baseball's history existed in the 85 year life-span of Yankee stadium. Next time that I go back to NY, hopefully next summer, Yankee stadium will be completely gone and turned into youth baseball fields. Too bad the existing stadium couldn't be kept standing as a museum/ tourist attraction, just as the Colosseum still stands in Rome. Yankee stadium is America's colosseum and should be honored as much. Unfortunately, I have only been able to attend games in Yankee stadium twice in my lifetime, but conversely, God blessed me to be able to see Yankee stadium in person, not only once, but twice in my lifetime. Many people do not even get the opportunity to see it once, except for on TV, which doesn't give you the same feel. Yankee stadium, you will truly be missed and always loved by those who got to know you in their lifetimes. At least we have our pictures and fond memories to allow you to live on!

NYC Trip '08

2008-09-16T14:58:00.000-07:00

Well, we just got back to Cali from the Big Apple and we had a blast! I hated to come back. It was the best trip we have ever taken, in my opinion. We went to Ground Zero on 9/11, saw all of the sites (Empire State Bldg, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Times Square, etc...), not to mention going to a couple of ball games (one at Shea and the other at Yankee Stadium). I have never felt more American than I did on that trip. We stayed in Queens, not too far from Shea and would take the buses and trains everywhere. We even had an extended stay on 125th Street (Harlem) when the 4 was evacuated due to a sick passenger, and had to wait about 40 minutes for another train to come. We became very familiar with the 7 train and the Q48 bus during our week long stay. The cops in NYC are actually friendly when you ask them for directions.

The timing of our trip was perfect...we went to Little Italy and the San Gennaro Feast was going on. Talk about feeling a huge appreciation for my Italian American pride and the Italian American community of NYC. The pizza, baked ziti and cannolis were the best that we had ever tasted!

We got to see monument park during our behind the scenes tour of the Stadium. Talk about an amazing and historical place.

The new stadium was almost complete right next door to the House that Ruth Built. Same for Citi Field was almost done next to Shea. Both of these will open for use next season, and the old stadiums sadly would be torn down.

We had really pimp seats at Yankee Stadium...we were right behind the Yankees dugout, 5 rows from the field.

We got to see Jeter tie Gehrig's all-time Yankee Stadium hit record, A-Rod hit a grand slam, Giambi hit a homer, and Mariano Rivera came into the game with Enter Sandman blaring over the house PA system to close the came out. The Yanks beat TB 8-4.

We can't wait to go back again next year to see the new stadiums!

2008 WS Prediction

2008-09-06T13:33:00.000-07:00

Okay, I making my 2008 World Series Preditiction a little early this year, but I am confident on who the contenders will be...Cubs vs. Angels- with the Cubs winning in 6 games! I think that they will finally break their curse.

Exciting Times...

2008-09-04T17:55:00.000-07:00

I know that it's been a while since my last posting...it's been pretty hectic around here. Had a great weekend in AZ for Eddie's bachelor party. Saw the D-Backs lose to LA, Man Ram hit 2 homers out! We also got to see the AZ Cards lose to Denver in a preseason game in last year's Superbowl site. The USA men's Olympic baseball team ended up beating Japan for the bronze medal, where the incredible undefeated Korea team won gold over Cuba.

Now it's almost that time...for our trip to NYC! We are going to see a final Shea Stadium game with the Mets playing Hotlanta and if that wasn't enough, we get to see Jeter and the Bombers versus the red hot Rays from some really pimp seats in the final season of House That Ruth Built. We've been planning this BIG trip for over a year, and I can't believe that it's finally here.

Stay tuned kids, same bat-time, same bat-channel...

USA gets 3rd seed!

2008-08-20T10:17:00.000-07:00

Team USA did it! They beat Japan 4-2 in 11 innings to clinch the third seed in the semi-final round in Beijing. The U.S. will play the defending champions, Cuba, tomorrow in the semi-final round. Cuba is 6-1 in the Olympics and the U.S. has a record of 5-2. The unbeaten 7-0 Korea team is the top seed, and will face the fourth seeded 4-3 Japanese team. The two winners of the semi-finals will advance to the finals to play in the gold medal game, and the two semi-finals losers will duke it out in the finals for the bronze.

This should be an exciting finale of Olympic baseball, unless the IOC changes their mind in the future to keep baseball and softball in the olympic games. But unfortunately, the outlook isn't good for the London games in 2012, as the IOC stated that the sports of baseball and softball aren't international enough. They said that they are too American...maybe the sports just aren't European enough to appeal the French lead IOC members! Why not get rid of ping pong or diving...they look too Chinese! Baseball looks pretty international with the strong, pasionate Asian and Latin countries to me, but I must be crazy to disagree with Jacque and the IOC!

USA Is Hanging Tough

2008-08-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

Talk about wild...Looking more like an ice hockey game than a baseball game...Team USA and China were beating each other up in their match up in yesterday's game, where the U.S. won 9 to 1. There were a couple of hard home plate collisions by the U.S. into the Chinese catcher, and a retalitory head hunting bean ball by China. With today's win versus Chinese Taipei, the U.S. only has Japan left before the semi-finals take place. U.S. is tied with Japan with 4 wins and 2 loses a piece. Japan routed China in today's game 10-0. South Korea seems unstopable with a perfect 6-0 record and Cuba has only lost one game (to Korea 7-4) giving them a record of 5-1. The competition remains fierce, but I have faith in our boys that they will pull off a medal...hopefully gold, but even a bronze would make me proud of our team!

WTF!? USA loses to Korea?

2008-08-13T18:10:00.000-07:00

Team USA was upset yesterday by South Korea in their first game of the Olympics. South Korea scored 2 runs in the ninth to win 8 to 7. The Americans need to really step it up a notch because their schedule gets even tougher, with Cuba and Japan on the horizon. Hopefully this was a HUGE wakeup call for the U.S., because this is their last chance for an Olympic medal ever, unless the IOC changes their mind.
Here's the U.S. baseball team's Olympic schedule:

Aug 13 vs. Korea L, 7-8
Aug 13 vs. Netherlands 10:30 p.m.
Aug 14 vs. Cuba 11:30 p.m.
Aug 15 vs. Canada 10:30 p.m.
Aug 18 vs. China 7:00 a.m.
Aug 19 vs. Chinese Taipei 7:00 a.m.
Aug 20 vs. Japan 7:00 a.m.
Aug 22 Olympic Semifinals
Aug 23 Olympic Medal Round

Wild Wild NL West...

2008-08-11T16:42:00.000-07:00

Just when things were really heating up in the NL West race, the D-Backs went out and got Adam Dunn from Cincy...his bat makes the desert snakes even more unstoppable in the chase for the NL West Division crown. I hope that the great Giants of Nor Cal can make a run and catch up, but if they don't it's cool, just as long as LA doesn't make the playoffs either. The Giants don't really have enough depth to make the playoffs, especially now that they have to compete with an even stronger D-Backs team...none the less, it's gonna be an intersting rest of the season!

2009 Serie Del Caribe

2008-08-08T16:22:00.000-07:00

The international baseball scene just keeps heating up, with the recent announcement of the location of the 2009 Carribean Series...it's going to be in Mexicali, Mexico in February. That's right, just right across the border from Calexico, CA! We are definitely not going to miss this one, as I have been a fan of the Serie for the past couple of years watching them on ESPN Deportes in 2007 in Puerto Rico and in 2008 in the Dominican Republic. If you aren't familiar with this tourney, it currently consists of 4 carribean country teams: Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Mexico, and my fav Puerto Rico. Panama and Cuba have participated in the past, but haven't been active in recent years. Due to financial reasons, Puerto Rico did not compete this year, but they should be back in full force in '09. (Note: Domenican Republic had 2 teams in the '08 tourney due to no Puerto Rico team). We will be there live and in person this time to shout out "sientate!" at the batters when they strike out...instead of yelling it out in our living room at the TV. The latin baseball games appear to be like a huge party in the stands with loud music, hot women dancing around on top of the dugouts, funny looking mascots cutting up, and a lot of whistles and cow bells in the crowd. It will be much different than what I am used to seeing at games here in the good 'ol US of A. It should be a pretty cool experience and will get me ready for the WBC, which starts a month after.

Return of Gojira

2008-08-08T12:44:00.000-07:00

Great news...the great hero of Yakyu, Hideki "Godzilla" Matsui, began taking BP and a running program yesterday to rehab his knee. The Yankees should have his much needed bat back in LF or at DH just in time for their push to make the playoffs!

Speaking of Gojira (that's Japanese for Godzilla), my best friend and I are going to Little Tokyo in dowtown LA tomorrow to buy a Godzilla DVD or two to add to my collection and then it's off to enjoy a nice hot tasty bowl of ramen at a noodle house in J-Town! I'm very excited to go, because I haven't had a good bowl of ramen in years, and it'll be the wifey's first time having it. Some of my co-workers highly recommended a spot for us to go, so hopefully it'll be a good one. I'll let you know how it turns out in tomorrow's blog posting.

Just keep on keepin' on...

World Baseball Classic '09

2008-08-06T20:57:00.000-07:00

I'm already getting excited. It's almost that time again...the World Baseball Classic is coming back to a ballpark near you in March 2009. That's right, it's a year early this time, but who cares, the world's best will be competting on the international stage! We had a blast at the 2006 WBC at Angel Stadium. There's even some added excitement with new venues for this year...Mexico City, Toronto, Miami, and the finals are going to be held at Dodger Stadium. The repeat venue locations will be in San Juan, PR, San Diego, and Tokyo, Japan. This is like the World Cup, but better because it's baseball. Let's hope that Jeter and Team USA will do better this go around. They played very poorly, embarrassing themselves in the Inaugural WBC in '06...I mean for Pete's sake, it's our national pasttime! The competition will be fierce with the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and the '06 WBC Champs Japan going for the title. We will be at Chavez Ravine cheering on our beloved US team chanting USA, USA, USA!!!

Speaking of USA on the international baseball scene, the US Olympic Team has high expectations to win the Gold! Let's root on our boys while they compete in the last baseball olympic competetion over in Red China. Hopefully they won't come back with black lung disease or food poisoning!

Manny

2008-08-03T14:50:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I went to the game last night with my wife and good life long friend, who has Dodger season tix up in the "Blue Heaven" section...thank again Bertie for inviting us! I have to admit, after seing Manny again in person (the last time was at Fenway in '07) I am a Manny fan. I mean, how can you not be? Even if you don't agree with his off-field antics that he subjected the BoSox managment to, he has got to be one of the most colorful and exciting players to watch and cheer for. It is way easier for me to cheer for him now that he is out of the Al East. But seeing how the LA fans embraced him right from the get go and there were so many people adorning brand new Man Ram player tees, it was pretty cool. I wish that I could get a high five from him, but he couldn't possible reach me up in the top deck area. Manny was even playing some decent defense in the outfield. The Dodgers pretty much won the game last night because of Manny's bomb that he launched into the LF Pavillion...he will definitely help them into the playoffs this season. ..I just wish that he'd hurry up and change his jersey number!

Number 99?

2008-08-01T15:24:00.000-07:00

Wait a minute...there's only ONE number 99 in LA. The Great One, Wayne Gretzky! What's Man Ram thinking picking that sacred LA number?! Is he trying to tell us that he is the Great One? Hardly! He couldn't even hold Gretzky's jock strap. There he goes, already pissing some LA peops off, or at least he's pissed me off with that arrogant move.

Man Ram in LA!!!

2008-07-31T15:12:00.000-07:00

Wow, there have been some huge moves in the past couple of days as the trade deadline is here...Griffey to the Chi Sox and now Manny to LA!

Junior finally has the chance to get a WS ring...not if the Angels keep it going the way they have. But he has at least a better chance than with the Reds.

Coletti must really want to win...it's been 20 years since the boys in blue have won their last WS. But Man Ram? Yes, he's a pretty sweet addition, but can the classiest, most talented manager, Joe Torre tame him? Everyone knows he has had his antics, as my better half says it best, calling him a "loose cannon." The 2004 WS MVP finally pushed Boston to just dump him off onto the Dodgers for an unbalanced deal. I hope that the Dodgers don't allow his bad behavior to continue by making excuses like Boston saying "oh that's just Manny being Manny." It's like when I was a kid and my lil' bro would copy everything that I did and said, and my Italian mom would make the excuse for him saying "that's just how he learns." Will Manny bleed Dodger blue if he chokes and tackles Tommy Lasorda? I guess if the Dodgers acquired Milton Bradley a few years back and onto now another loose cannon...they won't mind his antics too much. Good luck LA! If he plays ball the way he is capable without any Manny being Manny BS, it very well could be a freeway World Series. The Bo Sox are probably better off with Jason Bay in LF, less of a hitter, but less babysitting issues too!

Keep your ear to the ground...

Welcome

2008-07-28T17:25:00.000-07:00

This is my first blog entry...so I'd like to thank you for taking the time to check my blog site out. I will post more, as I learn how to use this site.