August 2006
In search of a “Red” planet?
"The International Astronomical Union has voted to remove Pluto from the solar system–as a planet, that is.
It is now considered a "dwarf planet" because it has an oblong orbit that overlaps with Neptune’s orbit."
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Late word just in ….
The Reds, still desperate for relief help, have traded for the recently-DFAed Pluto.
Francona misses his chance …
Yes the Boston bullpen was incindiary again, but Terry Francona probably cost his club the game last night with his managing in the bottom of the 9th.
Ortiz led off with a hustling double. Now, hurray for Ortiz busting his tail and knowing how bad Bernie’s arm is in right, but I was dumb-founded to see him NOT being pinch-run for once he got to second. (and boo on Joe Morgan and Jon Miller for not mentioning it). I know Alex Gonzalez didn’t start the game due to back spasms, but was he unable to even pinch-run? How about a pitcher pinch-running?
Ramirez was (correctly) intentionally walked, bringing up Youkilis (who Miller and Morgan thankfully pointed out hadn’t laid down a sac bunt since the minors). Youkilis is an moderate flyball hitter (.63 G/F ratio this year), with only 10 GIDPs on the year, yet Francona has him bunt.
Now, let’s just say that Youkilis didn’t bunt … what other outcomes might have occurred?
a) 6-4-3 DP with Ortiz (or a better runner) ending up on 3rd with two out … not too likely, but not crushing either … a hit or passed ball/wild pitch still wins it.
b) a deep fly ball to right allowing Ortiz (or a better runner) to advance to 3rd with only 1 out … possible, as Youkilis has enough bat control and flyball tendencies to sky one to weak-armed Williams. Then you can win it on a sac fly or basehit.
c) a strikeout … well, Youkilis DOES strike out once every 5 ABs. Same impact as a failed sac bunt, except you still have Ortiz (or a better runner) on 2nd.
d) a basehit … any decent hit to the outfield should score against the Yankees’ weak arms (especially if Ortiz is pinchrun for).
But back to reality, the Yankees are prepped for a bunt. Ortiz, perhaps a bit winded after his hustle double, will need to hustle some more even if Youkilis make a good bunt.
Youkilis bunts the first pitch he sees, and Rivera pounces on it immediately and fires to third to easily get Ortiz. You’ve just given up an out, and momentum.
The rest of the inning plays out dramatically, but the damage was self-inflicted in that one AB.
OK, how many men REALLY want the tote bag?
You may remember the story of the man who sued the Angels for discriminating against men for offering tote bags to women for a Mother’s Day promotion …
http://diamondsareforhumor.mlblogs.com/diamonds_are_for_humor/2006/05/getting_in_touc.html
Well, not only was the suit NOT dismissed, it appears its going further up the legal ladder …
Judge allows discrimination suit to go to hearing
"A judge refused Thursday to dismiss a lawsuit that claimed the Angels discriminated against men by giving tote bags to only women during a Mother’s Day baseball game.
Instead, Orange County Superior Court Judge Jonathan Cannon set a procedural hearing for Aug. 30."
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Next, this yutz will sue the Angels seeking damages for emotional distress caused by their name change.
Its all child’s play …
Bobby Simmons, age 5, merely seeking an autograph during batting practice, finds himself being suited up for the inaugural "Umpire for a Day" promotion.
Is his best pitch the sky hook?
Randy Johnson has nothing on the Dodgers’ newest pitcher … The "Bigger Unit"
The Sausage Days of Summer
"Adios, Chorizo! . . .
We won’t see you again until the home opener next season.
Lost in the local and national hubbub over the introduction of a fifth Racing Sausage to the Klement’s lineup at Miller Park is the fact that Major League Baseball, which has authority over such merchandising and licensing matters, has put the Chorizo back in the freezer.
Baseball has strict rules for clubs that want to introduce a new mascot, uniform or logo change, and the Chorizo got caught up in the rules.
According to Susan Goodenow, an MLB spokesman, baseball wants to be sure that fans tie into new characters or promotions from a marketing and licensing standpoint.
She said baseball granted the Milwaukee Brewers a special dispensation allowing the character to participate in last Saturday’s Sausage Race as part of Cerveceros Day at Miller Park.
But for the Chorizo, it was one and done for 2006. And with it went a public relations campaign that got Klement’s and the Brewers national publicity."
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I have it on good authority that the Chorizo has actually been banned due to use of performance-enhancing drugs.
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