January 2009
Only a day away…
If you are wondering why I haven’t posted anything this week, it’s because this has been the worst week of my life to say the least. I usually tell you all everything, but I don’t feel comfortable discussing this on my blog (I should note that it’s nothing involving the law)…
Anyway, back to baseball…
So, tomorrow is the Super Bowl. I’m pulling for the Cardinals. Only because I think Kurt Warner is a great person (not to mention he carried my fantasy football team this year). I’m not emotionally invested in the game, but I like sports so it’s all good.
Recently, I heard on the radio that someone (I forget who, sorry) did a study and the sale of Viagra, and other like products, goes up drastically during the week leading up to the Super Bowl. Now, that’s all we need at Super Bowl parties… some of those commercials are getting very vulgar (especially the PETA commercial that was banned).
Any who… I decided to investigate. I’ve decided that it’s baseball players (the super stars) who are buying all the Viagra… I mean how else could A-Rod keep up with Madonna? haha totally kidding about all of that.
OH!! I just went to my mail box and guess what. Joe Torre sent me a nice invitation to his annual Super Bowl party. “BYOB” what a penny pincher… I thought it wasn’t about the money, Joe… good thing I don’t drink. I go every year, but this year should be interesting, what with A-Fraud, Golden child Jeter, Boorish Boomer, and the likes all getting together to watch football. Maybe they’ll take some Viagra before they get to the party… wait, that’s not what I mean…
I guess I’ve got to go play peace maker at this thing…
I hear Larry King will be there too… Brian Cashman hasn’t RSVP’d according to Joe.
FINAL WHISPER: But seriously, that would be some interesting party wouldn’t it?! What I would give to just be a fly on the wall
Baseball Nerdish as Always,
Brit
Former Yankee and oldest living former MLB player passed away.
It’s pretty evident from this blog that I’m a Yankees fan, but I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned that I am also a Duke Blue Devils fan. It’s not always popular to be a Duke fan, but neither is being a Yankees fan. The local paper in Charlotte had a great article in the paper about the passing of the oldest former MLB player (who played for the Yankees and was an All-American basketball player at Duke). I hope you’ll all go read the article… click here.
I just want to send my deepest sympathies to the Werber family and friends. I wasn’t alive to see Bill Werber in action, but I hear he was a pretty great base runner… once a Yankee always a Yankee.
Final Whisper: My favorite part of the story come from this quote: “I crossed home plate before Babe got to first base – he took those little mincing steps, you know. When Babe came in to the dugout, he sat on the bench beside me. He patted me on the head and said, ‘Son, you don’t have to run like that when the Babe hits one.’”
Baseball Nerdish as Always,
Brit
Well, that’s it. The end…
Today is moving day for the Yankees. At 7a.m. the Yankees began moving employees into their new offices at the New Yankee Stadium. So, with most of the staff in their new office and everything on schedule, is it time to officially stop calling the new stadium “New Yankee Stadium” and just saying “Yankee Stadium?” For me, I guess I’ll still be calling it New Yankee Stadium until I actually go to the new stadium this summer and realize that old Yankee Stadium is now just a pale shadow of it’s once jubilant self. Don’t get me wrong, I can’t wait to cozy up to the new stadium, but at the same time, I’m not willing to let go of the old stadium that I basically lived in during the summer. Pete Abraham has some great pictures up on his blog. Check it out here.
As for yesterday… sorry for not posting, I had a great idea for a blog, but I think it’s a bit overkill now. My power was out for most of the day and didn’t come back on until late last night. Central NC got its first bout of substantial snow since 2003 this past week. So, naturally, my power goes out. I passed the time by listening to my ipod. Anyway… the power is back on now.
I didn’t get to see the entire press conference for Jeff Kent, but I caught some of it on highlights and online. Gah, it was depressing! I’m not even a fan of the guy and I was getting emotional (not that I dislike him, I just never followed him or his teams). Jeff spoke about all the sacrifices he and his family have made over the years for his career and he admitted that he was just tired after 17 seasons. It really made me think of Derek Jeter. This will be Jeter’s 15th season in pinstripes (if you count 1995, when he played 15 games). That depresses me guys, to just think of Jeter not being at SS for the Yankees one day. I think I’d rather die (JUST KIDDING). It’s strange to think about… Listening to Jeff Kent also made me feel a bit selfish. It’s like, I know these players have families that they hardly see, but as long as they make me happy by playing baseball it’s ok (see that’s so selfish). Anyway, I wish Jeff a happy retirement.
Final Whisper: Is anyone going to the season home opener at (New) Yankee Stadium?
Baseball Nerdish as Always,
Brit
Giving up already?
The new year has come and gone and my first bit of temptation to break one of my new year’s resolutions manifested itself today. If you forgot my New Year’s resolutions, you can refresh your memory here.
No, I didn’t crack an A-Rod/Madonna joke, I went to the Yankees’ team website and saw this…
The one New Year resolution that I was actually serious about (or thought that I could stick with) was to “stand strong and not buy every single novelty first season patch, coin, dirt, etc.”
Now, I’m not a shoppaholic, although, I do enjoy a good shopping spree on the Don Edy Hardy website every once in a while… But, seriously, I’ve got to have this patch. Maybe I’ll buy a framed picture of the old stadium and the new one with the patch in the frame? OOO or maybe it will have the last season patch and the inaugural season patch too!!! For starters, maybe a tee shirt?
I’ve got to do something to control these urges, but every time I go to Yankees.com I’ll be face-to-face with my temptation. Help me out here guys! Should I just give in? At least it’s a cool looking logo. I feel sorry for Mets fanatics… they have to sport this thing for a year!
Hmm… I wonder how much dirt from the new stadium will cost? Maybe I can go on a tour of the new stadium and just scoop some up off the warning track like I did at the old one. While I’m at it, I’ll get me some grass too. I’ll have to bring a small pair of scissors with me to cut the grass… I don’t want to uproot any of the sod. Just kidding… I’m not going to do this, so please don’t arrest me if stealing dirt is a crime (I assume it is since they sale it).
On a different note (well sort of), the local radio station I listen to (107.9 WLKN) had their mid-day show on with Candy and Potter (a hilarious married couple). Candy and Potter brought up this story about a woman who went to rehab because she was addicted to Pop, Soda, Coke (what ever you like to call it). Then they had people call in and say what they need to go to rehab for. Well, I had to call in and share my Yankees addiction with the Charlotte Metro area. I usually don’t call in to stations, but it was just so true that I just had to.
Final Whisper: What are you all addicted to? Is it Yankees baseball like me?
Baseball Nerdish as Always,
Brit
Jeter For President
Today is an incredibly historic day in the USA. Later today, President – elect, Barack Obama will be sworn in and become President of the United States of America. Obama has worked as a community organizer, and practiced as a civil rights attorney before being elected to the Illinois senate. Obama has helped create legislation to control conventional weapons, promotes greater public accountability, and a slew of other great things. To learn more about President Obama click here.
History is in the making for the USA, so naturally, I’m thinking baseball… I wonder what Jackie Robinson, Larry Doby, Hank Thompson, and all the others would say about today’s inauguration. I’m sure they would have a huge smile on their face.
Race has always been an issue in America. From the day the Europeans landed in the New World, we’ve been concerned about race. Over the years one would think the racial antipathy would die down… I think we’ve made great strides, but we still have a long way to go.
Sure, we’ve had some great figures in the civil rights movement… Abe Lincoln, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Harriet Tubman, Frederic Douglas… the list goes on and on. But, the guys I think made the biggest impact on the civil rights movement are Jackie Robinson, Larry Doby, Hank Thompson, Minnie Minoso, Ernie Banks, and all the other athletes that broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball. I’ve always heard that baseball is the one sport that you can look at and tell what’s going on in America. Without these guys, who knows what would have happened in American history. I think we need to honor the first African – American baseball players just as much as we do civil rights leaders.
If Major League Baseball ruled the world and we had to elect a baseball player as president, I wonder who America would vote in…
Maybe Ken Griffey Jr…
Curt Schilling seems to enjoy the political scene on his blog
What about Big Papi, I might consider voting for him…
Grady Sizemore?
Derek Jeter would win the women voter demographic for sure… In fact, he’s got my vote.
FINAL Whisper: I will not be in DC today for the inauguration, but I’m working on a plan to get out of class today to enjoy all the inauguration day festivities from my home. We’ll see how that works out.
Baseball Nerdish as Always,
Brit
Fighting for “The Franchise”
Pitching, Pitching, Pitching. That was Brian Cashman’s off season mantra. We came, we saw, we conquered the free agent pitchers market. We nabbed the best pitcher on the market. Sure, we spent a lot of money, but we upgraded and made moves that are perceived to bring the World Championship back to the Bronx. I’d like to use this forum as a way to plead my case for the Yankees’ prospects; namely, Phil Hughes. Ok, so you all have probably guessed by now, Phil Hughes is my favorite Yankee, so this may be bias, but so is everything else on the blogosphere.
So, last night on A Show of Their Own, we got into the argument of prospects or free agents/trades. I don’t consider one option better than the other. It all depends on the players involved. I’m emotionally attached to 25 men! I really want Ian Kennedy, Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, Austin Jackson, Brett Gardner, Melky Cabrera, Robbie Cano, Phil Coke, et al to succeed in pinstripes. They are great guys that we’ve (I guess I should say the Yankees and not we, since I’m not working for the Yankees… yet) developed in our farm system. OK, Phil and Ian went 0-8 together last year, but they shouldn’t have even been up in the majors. YES, Phil had some moments of greatness in 2007, but he was only 21 at the time and he hadn’t matured as a pitcher completely. The fact of the matter is that IPK and “The Franchise” were rushed through the minors. Phil was pitching hurt for the majority of the 2008 season AND he couldn’t see at night. HELLO… I announced on my old blog that Phil was hurt and couldn’t see before the news came out (except I diagnosed him with a strained oblique rather than a broken rib), but if I could see that (all the way in NC) why couldn’t Joe Girardi, or a trainer? Phil needs to take some of the blame too, I suppose. He should have told someone he was hurt, but that comes with maturity as a pitcher.
I think Phil is a great pitcher. Obviously the Yankees feel the same way or they wouldn’t have by passed Johan Santana and all the other deals that flew their way. In 2008, Phil changed his mechanics (that worked so well for him in 2007) subconsciously to compensate for his injury. It happens… Phil worked his problems out this fall with the Peoria Javelins. I think this will be a comeback year for him and IPK. I’m so sick of people dismissing players after one bad year. Everyone hates Cano, Melky, IPK, Phil, EVERYONE… people are actually starting to hate DEREK JETER of all people. Geez, lose some range and you’re just crap in some fans’ eyes. I know I get impatient with players during games, but I think we should all take a moment to remember that these guys are YOUNG. They still have some maturing and growing to do.
All that being said, I don’t know what I want to happen… The Yankees play the Braves in July, I’ll be at all three games. I’m going to Cleveland to see the Yankees and I’ll be at Yankee stadium too… so, I want Phil to be in the majors flourishing, because that’s what is right for him. But, for selfish reasons I want him to be with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre during May 12-15. Why? Because Scranton will be in Charlotte to play the Charlotte Knights. I go every year to see Scranton play Charlotte. I’ve made friends at the stadium with guys who work there… they always tell me how to get autographs and find the visitors. If Phil’s with Scranton then I’ll have a better chance at meeting him (which is my new goal in life, sorry Grady).
So, that’s my big dilemma…
Final Whisper: Don’t give up on our young guys. They just need time to get adjusted and realize their potential. They’ll be fine!
Baseball Nerdish as Always,
Brit
Revelation
On Saturday I had a revelation of sorts. The day started out like any other, the alarm clock went off at 5am… I got up, went to work out, went to the tanning bed (because I’m the whitest shade of a white person and I decided to do something about it), got dressed and went to my little 5 year old cousin’s basketball game. I don’t think I’ve mentioned this before, but my family is crazy close. We’re a southern family in every sense of the expression. My mom has 2 older sisters. 1 is married and the other is not. I’m an only child and my aunt has 3 children all older than me. So… every Sunday we go to church, a Southern Baptist church no less. Then we alternate going to one of the “sisters” homes for dinner (which is lunch for all you who don’t speak Southern). We have 4 grandchildren in the family, we also have 5 great grandchildren who’s ages range from 1 to 6. The young-ins (as we Southerners like to call them…) are just now getting to the age were they play organized sports. Organized team sports have always been big in my family. I was a softball player, basketball player, golfer, and cheerleader all throughout my childhood and in high school. I don’t mind saying I rocked either… softball is obviously my favorite sport and I would have played in college if it wasn’t for the torn rotator cuff (that was beyond repair ) I suffered in 11th grade. Anyway… This is all beside the point I’m trying to make…
My 5 year old cousin, Si, is playing basketball for the first time. He’s playing in the church league called Upward. They have all ages playing all kinds of sports. During half time they get all the athletes to come to the middle of the court for a short 10 -15 minute devotional. It’s great. These kids get to enjoy the competitive nature of games in a respectful way while they praise the lord. Usually I get mad when score isn’t being taken… you know the old “everyone’s a winner” adage. But seeing these kids play just made me happy. I’m not a emotional person, but I was moved during the game. It was so refreshing to see people (albeit short people) playing basketball and not caring who was winning or who was the all star of the team. My cousin Si is the nicest kid you’ll ever meet. I swear he’s going to be THE point guard for Duke when he grows up… he’s so selfless. He would dribble a little then pass it off to a teammate. He didn’t need all the attention on him. He was content to pass the ball to a teammate who he knew would make the shot. Now, I’m not saying he doesn’t like attention… He knew the ENTIRE family was at his game (as always) and when he did take a shot and made the basket, he knew right where we all were and looked up at us to see if we saw what great thing he just did. It was so cute.
I guess this blog isn’t really about the Yankees per say, just more of a personal revelation about sports. I think if today’s athletes would have had such a program to play in we would all be a lot better off. We wouldn’t have players getting arrested for drugs, dog fights, bar fights, or shooting themselves in the leg. No steroids… We wouldn’t have players who walk by adoring kids without putting their cell phone down. We wouldn’t have these athletes who think they are above the law, above the fans, or anyone else. I’m not saying competitiveness is bad, lord knows I’m more competitive than the average person, I’m just saying it would be different. I think everything would be a lot different if we would all accept the Lord as our savior. I hope this doesn’t offend anyone or turn you away from my blog. I’m not trying to judge people, I just needed to put this all out there.
I look at players like Phil Hughes who I always see praying on the mound and it brings me peace. Actually in a round about way, Phil Hughes brought this perspective to light for me… I read his blog at yard barker and he always shares the music he’s listening to. He listens to some Christian rock bands and I started listening to them just to see what the band was like and along with my preacher’s message today, I was just really moved (I don’t know PeeJ’s religious beliefs, but this is what I’ve got out of reading his blog). I’ve been saved for several years now, but I was very young at the time, so it’s sort of in one ear and out the other. I think today was a great day to rededicate my life to God and find peace within myself and not let “the haters” bring me down. I’ve had a lot of haters in my life (for reasons I don’t care to share), but it’s nice to know God’s on my side.
It’s funny how you can love sports for one reason and then something happens and it changes your life in another way. So, I want to thank all the players like Phil Hughes, Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, Andy Phillips, and so on… Even though these guys are just going about their business, they are witnessing to the millions of people who watch them just by taking a second to say a short prayer on the field. That’s great.
Again, I don’t want to offend anyone, but this is my blog, and this is my life. I felt the need to share this with you all and maybe this will open someone’s eyes to the lord. I know I live in the bible belt, but I don’t mean to shove it down your throat… again, this is my opinion and I know we all have different views and religious beliefs and that’s fine. Diversity is great.
FINAL Whisper: I have a blog about baseball coming up tomorrow, I promise! I’ll “Plead my case for The Franchise.” Enjoy the music!
Baseball Nerdish as Always,
Brit
Tweet Tweet
Just wanted to let you all know that I’m now on Twitter. To follow me on Twitter visit this site.
Also, “A Show of Their Own” is now on Twitter. To follow the show click here.
Tonight on “A Show of Their Own” we’ll be talking to Eric Marinbach. Eric has been featured in ESPN the Magazine for this extensive bobble head collection (900+ bobbles strong). Also, the show has moved from Monday nights to Sunday nights… so I hope you all will tune in tonight at 9 EST. To listen to the show click here.
Final Whisper: After the show tonight I’ll post a new blog. I had a revelation today and I want to share.
Baseball Nerdish as Always,
Brit
We Can Work It Out
Anger… is not a great thing. Obviously I need to take a few anger management classes… Have you ever blogged about something then came back the next day and felt terrible for writing the anger – filled blog? Well, I have. I must say I was mad at Carl Pavano yesterday and my emotions may have got the worst of me. Sometimes I forget that it’s “just a game.” Baseball means a lot to me, especially Yankees baseball. I still feel that Carl Pavano should have worked his problems out man-to-man with Mr. Torre, but I shouldn’t have attacked him like I did. Everyone knows I adore Mr. Torre… I think I was trying to take up for him without really thinking things through. I assume Carl is a nice dude who just had a hard few years with the Yankees. I don’t wish any harm or bad things on Carl.
FINAL WHISPER: Carl, I hope you will accept my apology, but if you don’t I understand. Good luck in Cleveland and try to pitch to guys so they can hit the ball to CF. Grady Sizemore needs to be on television more often.
Baseball Nerdish as Always,
Brit
A gnat in the nose = 60-day DL
Oh boy… I usually don’t like to say mean things about Yankees/Former-Yankees, but I could not let this slide. Carl Pavano is now a Cleveland Indian. I don’t hate the Cleveland Indians or their gnats, in fact… Cleveland is the home of one of my favorite players as you all know. I feel bad for Mark Shapiro, Eric Wedge, Victor Martinez, and all the other Indians. Why would the Indians willingly bring this guy into their clubhouse? They must be insane! Recently, Pavano realized he was no longer a Yankee and therefore could talk crap because he doesn’t have to deal with the ramifications on a daily basis. Sorry to inform you Carl, but the Yankees and Indians meet up quite a few times this year and you will get the royal jerk treatment in Yankee Stadium (as you deserve).
Carl told reporters of his Yankees experience: “When you’re down, you expect your organization to pick you up, not kick you when you’re down. I’ve had to pick myself up quite a few times in the last four years.”
I have several responses to this…
1. You are not the only player who has ever been told they have to work their way back into the rotation. Do you see Phil Hughes or Ian Kennedy acting foolishly like you? NOPE! Get over yourself… you’re not Derek Jeter for crying out loud… you’re not even a Shelley Duncan as far as I’m concerned! At least Shelley contributes to the team when he’s up in some fashion be it long bombs or crazy-hard high fives all you do, Carl, is sit on your butt and collect $.
2. Don’t be a jerk. If you had a problem Carl, you should have done the civilized thing like Kyle Farnsworth and stated your feelings and point-of-view while you were with the team so you and Mr. Torre could work things out. Obviously, Kyle should have spoken with Mr. Torre in private rather than to the media, but still… Torre new how he felt. You can’t keep your feelings bottled up man!
3. Don’t hate on the Yankees just because you didn’t become the savior of the Yankees rotation like you wished. It’s not their fault you sucked once you got to NY.
4. Don’t get hurt packing your bags for Cleveland… oh and I hope a gnat doesn’t fly up your nose and choke you sending you to the 60-day DL this year…
FINAL WHISPER:
Dear Carl,
So long sucker… Best Wishes.
Baseball Nerdish As Always
Brit
Brittany L. Morgan
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