WBC Finals...Japan Wins Again!!!

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!!

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?

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!!!

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

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

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!!!

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

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

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!

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

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 !

HAVE A SAFE AND WONDERFUL 2009 EVERYONE!!!

Big Unit goes home

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?

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

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...

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

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

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!!!