New White House Chief of Staff John Kelly's decision to fire White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci after only 10 days on the job has won wide praise. John Podhoretz proclaimed, "This is the day John Kelly became President."
Except that Kelly isn't President of the United States. Donald Trump is and he'll tell you. No, Kelly isn't going to accuse anyone of doing a Ron Jeremy impersonation let alone a felony. But sooner or later, Kelly is going to fall afoul in Trump's eyes. If Trump can publicly berate Jeff Sessions why wouldn't he do the same to Kelly?
Trump is a mendacious, mercurial miscreant. If Kelly doesn't do anything wrong, Trump will find something out of whole cloth. Trump will find ways to undermine his authority. After all, Trump blindsided Kelly on the Muslim travel ban. Why wouldn't he undermine him under the White House roof? I give Kelly six months tops in his new position.
Monday, July 31, 2017
Sonny Gray Goes To The Bronx, Yu Darvish Heading to L.A. & Other Trade Deadline Thoughts
There were three prominent starting pitchers on the trade market - Sonny Gray of the Oakland A's, Yu Darvish of the Texas Rangers and Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers.
Two out of these three pitchers have new addresses.
The A's traded Gray to the New York Yankees for three prospects including Dustin Fowler (the young outfielder who sustained a season ending injury in his MLB debut earlier this month). In 17 starts for the last place A's, Gray is 6-5 with a 3.43 ERA. Gray is the second starting pitcher the Yankees have added in the past few days. Over the weekend, the Yankees acquired Jaime Garcia from the Minnesota Twins. (Earlier this month, the Twins acquired Garcia from the Atlanta Braves). The Yankees now having a starting rotation of Masahiro Tanaka, C.C. Sabathia, Luis Severino, Gray, Garcia and possibly Jordan Montgomery if they go with a six man rotation. Of course, the Yankees shored up their offense and bullpen with the acquisition of Todd Frazier and David Robertson from the Chicago White Sox earlier this month. Gray, 27, will be part of the Yankees' plans for the foreseeable future as he doesn't hit free agency until 2020.
Then shortly after the 4 p.m. deadline, it was announced the Rangers traded Darvish to the Los Angeles Dodgers. As of this writing, it is not known who the Rangers got in return for Darvish. In 22 starts for Texas, Darvish is 6-9 with a 4.01 ERA. His ERA went up sharply after what proved to be his final Rangers start when he gave up 10 runs in 3 2/3 innings against the Miami Marlins last Wednesday. But maybe Darvish getting a new coat of Dodger blue will revitalize him. After all, the Dodgers are 38-6 since June 7th. If that doesn't revive him then nothing will. If it doesn't, Darvish hits the free agent market at season's end. The Dodgers also augmented their bullpen with a couple of Tonys (Tony Watson from the Pittsburgh Pirates and Tony Cingrani from the Cincinnati Reds).
Two years ago, the Toronto Blue Jays were buyers with the acquisition of Troy Tulowitzki and David Price. Today they are sellers sending reliever Joe Smith to the Cleveland Indians for his second stint with the club and Francisco Liriano to the Houston Astros.
The Washington Nationals strengthened their bullpen by acquiring Minnesota Twins closer Brandon Kintzler. Earlier this month, the Nats got Jimmy Doolittle and Ryan Madson from the A's. The Twins, who were contending for the AL Central until fading this month, have now become sellers as evidenced with giving up on Jaime Garcia after only a single start.
The Boston Red Sox obtained the services of relief pitcher Addison Reed. As I stated in a post a short time ago, Reed might not like his new address.
The Arizona Diamondbacks added relief pitcher David Hernandez from the Los Angeles Angels for his second stint in the desert as well as Oakland A's utility man Adam Rosales. Yesterday, their NL West rivals added catcher Jonathan Lucroy from the Texas Rangers.
The Detroit Tigers did trade a pitcher named Justin. But they traded the other Justin. The Chicago Cubs added relief pitcher Justin Wilson and catcher Alex Avila from the Motor City.
The Chicago White Sox did not make any moves today, but were plenty busy this month. Gone are Jose Quintana, Todd Frazier, David Robertson, Tommy Kahnle, Anthony Swarzak, Dan Jennings and, as of yesterday, Melky Cabrera who returns to the Kansas City Royals. Chisox fans won't see the fruit of these deals for several years to come. But when they do that fruit will taste great.
Of course, clubs can continue to make trades. But now other clubs can block deals by placing waiver claims. So don't expect Justin Verlander to leave Motown until after 2017.
So at the moment the big winners today are the Yankees and the Dodgers. Will today's triumph continue into October? If it does it will mark the first time in 36 years the Yankees and Dodgers have faced off in the World Series.
Two out of these three pitchers have new addresses.
The A's traded Gray to the New York Yankees for three prospects including Dustin Fowler (the young outfielder who sustained a season ending injury in his MLB debut earlier this month). In 17 starts for the last place A's, Gray is 6-5 with a 3.43 ERA. Gray is the second starting pitcher the Yankees have added in the past few days. Over the weekend, the Yankees acquired Jaime Garcia from the Minnesota Twins. (Earlier this month, the Twins acquired Garcia from the Atlanta Braves). The Yankees now having a starting rotation of Masahiro Tanaka, C.C. Sabathia, Luis Severino, Gray, Garcia and possibly Jordan Montgomery if they go with a six man rotation. Of course, the Yankees shored up their offense and bullpen with the acquisition of Todd Frazier and David Robertson from the Chicago White Sox earlier this month. Gray, 27, will be part of the Yankees' plans for the foreseeable future as he doesn't hit free agency until 2020.
Then shortly after the 4 p.m. deadline, it was announced the Rangers traded Darvish to the Los Angeles Dodgers. As of this writing, it is not known who the Rangers got in return for Darvish. In 22 starts for Texas, Darvish is 6-9 with a 4.01 ERA. His ERA went up sharply after what proved to be his final Rangers start when he gave up 10 runs in 3 2/3 innings against the Miami Marlins last Wednesday. But maybe Darvish getting a new coat of Dodger blue will revitalize him. After all, the Dodgers are 38-6 since June 7th. If that doesn't revive him then nothing will. If it doesn't, Darvish hits the free agent market at season's end. The Dodgers also augmented their bullpen with a couple of Tonys (Tony Watson from the Pittsburgh Pirates and Tony Cingrani from the Cincinnati Reds).
Two years ago, the Toronto Blue Jays were buyers with the acquisition of Troy Tulowitzki and David Price. Today they are sellers sending reliever Joe Smith to the Cleveland Indians for his second stint with the club and Francisco Liriano to the Houston Astros.
The Washington Nationals strengthened their bullpen by acquiring Minnesota Twins closer Brandon Kintzler. Earlier this month, the Nats got Jimmy Doolittle and Ryan Madson from the A's. The Twins, who were contending for the AL Central until fading this month, have now become sellers as evidenced with giving up on Jaime Garcia after only a single start.
The Boston Red Sox obtained the services of relief pitcher Addison Reed. As I stated in a post a short time ago, Reed might not like his new address.
The Arizona Diamondbacks added relief pitcher David Hernandez from the Los Angeles Angels for his second stint in the desert as well as Oakland A's utility man Adam Rosales. Yesterday, their NL West rivals added catcher Jonathan Lucroy from the Texas Rangers.
The Detroit Tigers did trade a pitcher named Justin. But they traded the other Justin. The Chicago Cubs added relief pitcher Justin Wilson and catcher Alex Avila from the Motor City.
The Chicago White Sox did not make any moves today, but were plenty busy this month. Gone are Jose Quintana, Todd Frazier, David Robertson, Tommy Kahnle, Anthony Swarzak, Dan Jennings and, as of yesterday, Melky Cabrera who returns to the Kansas City Royals. Chisox fans won't see the fruit of these deals for several years to come. But when they do that fruit will taste great.
Of course, clubs can continue to make trades. But now other clubs can block deals by placing waiver claims. So don't expect Justin Verlander to leave Motown until after 2017.
So at the moment the big winners today are the Yankees and the Dodgers. Will today's triumph continue into October? If it does it will mark the first time in 36 years the Yankees and Dodgers have faced off in the World Series.
Why I Feel Sorry For Addison Reed
Earlier today, the New York Mets traded relief pitcher Addison Reed to the Boston Red Sox for three prospects.
I feel sorry for him.
On the surface, Reed got a reprieve. He has gone from a team 14 games out to a team half a game out with a Wild Card berth. Sure he'll go from closing to being Craig Kimbrel's set up man, but I'm sure he'll take it.
But I can't think of a more depressing place to play right now than Boston. Despite their place in the standings, the fans here are miserable. They call for manager John Farrell to be fired on a daily basis. There's a bad vibe in the clubhouse with David Price swearing at Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley.
With the New York Yankees having just acquired Sonny Gray, Red Sox Nation is going to say the Yankees got Sonny Gray and all we got is Addison Reed. If Reed comes in and gets hit hard in a couple of outings Red Sox Nation will run him out on a rail.
Yes, Reed just came from New York which doesn't exactly have a docile fan base and the Mets have had a truly disappointing 2017 after winning the NL pennant in 2015 and reaching the post-season last year. But Red Sox fans are insane. It doesn't matter if the team is in first place or reach the post-season. They don't think the team can get past the AL Wild Card game or the ALDS. Because Red Sox fans expect the team to go 162-0 and win the World Series; if they come up short of that then they can't enjoy it. Well, actually I think Red Sox fans aren't enjoying things unless things go wrong. Call it the joy of misery.
If the worse case scenario comes to pass for Reed, the silver lining is he will be a free agent after the season. He can escape Boston. Others won't have this luxury.
I feel sorry for him.
On the surface, Reed got a reprieve. He has gone from a team 14 games out to a team half a game out with a Wild Card berth. Sure he'll go from closing to being Craig Kimbrel's set up man, but I'm sure he'll take it.
But I can't think of a more depressing place to play right now than Boston. Despite their place in the standings, the fans here are miserable. They call for manager John Farrell to be fired on a daily basis. There's a bad vibe in the clubhouse with David Price swearing at Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley.
With the New York Yankees having just acquired Sonny Gray, Red Sox Nation is going to say the Yankees got Sonny Gray and all we got is Addison Reed. If Reed comes in and gets hit hard in a couple of outings Red Sox Nation will run him out on a rail.
Yes, Reed just came from New York which doesn't exactly have a docile fan base and the Mets have had a truly disappointing 2017 after winning the NL pennant in 2015 and reaching the post-season last year. But Red Sox fans are insane. It doesn't matter if the team is in first place or reach the post-season. They don't think the team can get past the AL Wild Card game or the ALDS. Because Red Sox fans expect the team to go 162-0 and win the World Series; if they come up short of that then they can't enjoy it. Well, actually I think Red Sox fans aren't enjoying things unless things go wrong. Call it the joy of misery.
If the worse case scenario comes to pass for Reed, the silver lining is he will be a free agent after the season. He can escape Boston. Others won't have this luxury.
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Adrian Beltre Gets 3,000th Hit
Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre became the 31st player in MLB history to collect 3,000 hits in his career. Beltre doubled off Baltimore Orioles southpaw Wade Miley this afternoon to join the exclusive club. Beltre is the first Dominican born player to reach the milestone and only the third third baseman to attain this total. The others were George Brett and Wade Boggs. This puts Beltre in some pretty damn good company.
It is fitting that Beltre got his 3,000th hit on the same day Jeff Bagwell, Ivan Rodriguez and Tim Raines got inducted into Cooperstown because that's where he'll be on the last Sunday of July in a few years from now depending on when he retires. He's hitting .307 at age 38 and may have a few more years of baseball to play. Who knows? Maybe we'll get to see his 4,000th hit.
It is fitting that Beltre got his 3,000th hit on the same day Jeff Bagwell, Ivan Rodriguez and Tim Raines got inducted into Cooperstown because that's where he'll be on the last Sunday of July in a few years from now depending on when he retires. He's hitting .307 at age 38 and may have a few more years of baseball to play. Who knows? Maybe we'll get to see his 4,000th hit.
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
Trump Calls McCain an American Hero - When He Needed His Vote
President Trump took to Twitter today to proclaim John McCain an American hero:
So great that John McCain is coming back to vote. Brave - American hero! Thank you John.
The President issued this proclamation exactly two years and one week to the date in which he declared that McCain was not a war hero:
"He is not a war hero. He's a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren't captured."
But when Trump needed to capture votes to begin the process of repealing Obamacare, McCain is now a hero.
It is only a matter of time before Trump will again cast McCain as anything but heroic.
Donald Trump wouldn't know a hero if his life were saved by one.
So great that John McCain is coming back to vote. Brave - American hero! Thank you John.
The President issued this proclamation exactly two years and one week to the date in which he declared that McCain was not a war hero:
"He is not a war hero. He's a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren't captured."
But when Trump needed to capture votes to begin the process of repealing Obamacare, McCain is now a hero.
It is only a matter of time before Trump will again cast McCain as anything but heroic.
Donald Trump wouldn't know a hero if his life were saved by one.
It's Donald Trump Who Has Taken a Very Weak Position on Hillary Clinton's Crimes
When Jeff Sessions became the first U.S. Senator to endorse Donald Trump, I'm sure he thought he would be immune from his Twitter tirades. Sessions is now paying the price for supporting Trump. President Trump's campaign against his own Attorney General continued today with this ditty:
Attorney General Jeff Sessions has taken a VERY weak position on Hillary Clinton crimes (where are E-mails & DNC server) & Intel leakers!
But if anyone has taken a very weak position on Hillary Clinton's crimes, it is Trump. After all, it was Trump who told the world two weeks after he had been elected President that Hillary "had been through enough" and that his administration would not be pursuing any action against her.
If Trump truly believes Hillary has committed crimes then what is to stop him from directing Sessions to open up an investigation against her?
But this isn't about Hillary. At least not this time. This is about Sessions and his apparently unpardonable sin of recusing himself from the Russia investigation. Sessions is going to be in Trump's cross hairs until he resigns or if someone else causes the President greater offense. This is no way to govern.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions has taken a VERY weak position on Hillary Clinton crimes (where are E-mails & DNC server) & Intel leakers!
But if anyone has taken a very weak position on Hillary Clinton's crimes, it is Trump. After all, it was Trump who told the world two weeks after he had been elected President that Hillary "had been through enough" and that his administration would not be pursuing any action against her.
If Trump truly believes Hillary has committed crimes then what is to stop him from directing Sessions to open up an investigation against her?
But this isn't about Hillary. At least not this time. This is about Sessions and his apparently unpardonable sin of recusing himself from the Russia investigation. Sessions is going to be in Trump's cross hairs until he resigns or if someone else causes the President greater offense. This is no way to govern.
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Bobby Taylor, Tommy Chong's 1st Partner & The Man Who Discovered The Jackson 5, Dead at 83
Singer Bobby Taylor died in Hong Kong of cancer at the age of 83.
Taylor was the lead singer of the Motown group Bobby Taylor & The Vancouvers. Although they originally formed in San Francisco, they were discovered in Vancouver by Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard of The Supremes in the mid-1960's who brought them to the attention of Berry Gordy, Jr.. The Vancouvers included a guitar player and backup singer named Tommy Chong who would find later fame as one half of Cheech & Chong. Bobby Taylor & The Vancouvers' biggest hit was "Does Your Mama Know About Me?"
However, Taylor's most significant contribution to Motown wasn't one of his own songs, but his discovery of another Motown legend - The Jackson 5. The group was opening for Taylor in Chicago and he alerted Gordy, Jr. to their talent.
Taylor was the original producer for the Jackson 5 debut 1969 album Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5, but Gordy, Jr. objected to Taylor's production style of cover songs and took over production himself.
This would be the beginning of the end of Taylor's influence. Taylor auditioned to succeed David Ruffin as lead singer of The Temptations, but nothing came of it. Nor did any solo recordings for Motown & by 1973 his musical career was effectively over. A man of his talent and ear for other talent deserved a far better fate and place in the history of Motown Records. R.I.P.
Taylor was the lead singer of the Motown group Bobby Taylor & The Vancouvers. Although they originally formed in San Francisco, they were discovered in Vancouver by Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard of The Supremes in the mid-1960's who brought them to the attention of Berry Gordy, Jr.. The Vancouvers included a guitar player and backup singer named Tommy Chong who would find later fame as one half of Cheech & Chong. Bobby Taylor & The Vancouvers' biggest hit was "Does Your Mama Know About Me?"
Taylor was the original producer for the Jackson 5 debut 1969 album Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5, but Gordy, Jr. objected to Taylor's production style of cover songs and took over production himself.
This would be the beginning of the end of Taylor's influence. Taylor auditioned to succeed David Ruffin as lead singer of The Temptations, but nothing came of it. Nor did any solo recordings for Motown & by 1973 his musical career was effectively over. A man of his talent and ear for other talent deserved a far better fate and place in the history of Motown Records. R.I.P.
Friday, July 21, 2017
Spicer Just Isn't As Good a Liar as Huckabee Sanders
Six months ago today, Sean Spicer had his first press conference as White House Press Secretary which he spent blasting the press' coverage of President Trump's inauguration and the press in general.
Today, Spicer submitted his resignation.
Spicer's confrontational attitude and propensity for lies doomed him from the beginning. Melissa McCarthy's spot on portrayal of Spicer on SNL certainly didn't help matters. Nor did asserting Hitler didn't use chemical weapons while referring to concentration camps as "Holocaust Centers" back in April.
A month later, Sarah Huckabee Sanders made her debut at the podium while Spicer was on National Guard duty. She would make more appearances when Spicer assumed the duties of White House Communications Director when Mike Dubke abruptly resigned at the end of May. No doubt, Spicer wanted to move to that job permanently. But Trump opted for Anthony Scaramucci. This was the straw that broke the camel's back.
With Spicer's resignation, Huckabee Sanders was quickly named his successor. Although she is every bit as inclined to be confrontational with the press and every bit as dishonest as Spicer, she's just done it better - so far.
Today, Spicer submitted his resignation.
Spicer's confrontational attitude and propensity for lies doomed him from the beginning. Melissa McCarthy's spot on portrayal of Spicer on SNL certainly didn't help matters. Nor did asserting Hitler didn't use chemical weapons while referring to concentration camps as "Holocaust Centers" back in April.
A month later, Sarah Huckabee Sanders made her debut at the podium while Spicer was on National Guard duty. She would make more appearances when Spicer assumed the duties of White House Communications Director when Mike Dubke abruptly resigned at the end of May. No doubt, Spicer wanted to move to that job permanently. But Trump opted for Anthony Scaramucci. This was the straw that broke the camel's back.
With Spicer's resignation, Huckabee Sanders was quickly named his successor. Although she is every bit as inclined to be confrontational with the press and every bit as dishonest as Spicer, she's just done it better - so far.
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Trump Throws Sessions Under The Bus
I wonder if Jeff Sessions now regrets backing Donald Trump over Ted Cruz.
In an interview with The New York Times, Trump blasted Sessions for his decision to recuse himself from the investigation into Russia's involvement in the presidential election. “Sessions should have never recused himself, and if he was going to recuse himself, he should have told me before he took the job and I would have picked somebody else,” said Trump.
Presidents may disagree with their cabinet officials. But only Trump would publicly humiliate them. But now that Trump has thrown Sessions under the bus, he should be writing his resignation letter now.
Of course, if Sessions does resign who the hell is going to want to succeed him? Being a cabinet official for Trump is an utterly thankless job. You never know where to stand with your boss from one day to the next.
But when Trump says "if he was going to recuse himself, he should have told me before he took the job" does this mean that he actually discussed Sessions' meetings with the Russians and that Sessions gave him assurances he wouldn't recuse himself concerning any investigation?
Whether or not that conversation occurred, it demonstrates that Trump wants a cabinet full of yes men. He doesn't want people who ask questions. Trump wants people who ask how high when he tells them to jump. Who in the their right mind wants to make such a leap of faith?
In an interview with The New York Times, Trump blasted Sessions for his decision to recuse himself from the investigation into Russia's involvement in the presidential election. “Sessions should have never recused himself, and if he was going to recuse himself, he should have told me before he took the job and I would have picked somebody else,” said Trump.
Presidents may disagree with their cabinet officials. But only Trump would publicly humiliate them. But now that Trump has thrown Sessions under the bus, he should be writing his resignation letter now.
Of course, if Sessions does resign who the hell is going to want to succeed him? Being a cabinet official for Trump is an utterly thankless job. You never know where to stand with your boss from one day to the next.
But when Trump says "if he was going to recuse himself, he should have told me before he took the job" does this mean that he actually discussed Sessions' meetings with the Russians and that Sessions gave him assurances he wouldn't recuse himself concerning any investigation?
Whether or not that conversation occurred, it demonstrates that Trump wants a cabinet full of yes men. He doesn't want people who ask questions. Trump wants people who ask how high when he tells them to jump. Who in the their right mind wants to make such a leap of faith?
A Thought for John McCain
Senator John McCain's surgical procedure, which delayed the ultimately doomed Obamacare repeal vote last week, turned out to be far more serious than thought. It was discovered that McCain has brain cancer and the tumor was removed.
McCain, who turns 81 next month, has the strongest of constitutions as his survival as a POW for six years in Vietnam attests.
Like many conservatives, I have had my occasional disagreements with McCain most notably when he saved Chuck Hagel's confirmation as President Obama's Secretary of Defense at the beginning of his second term.
But I have never hated McCain and have never been able to fathom the hatred many conservatives have for him. Conservative hatred for McCain was legitimized two summers ago when Donald Trump denigrated his service in Vietnam proclaiming, "I like people who weren't captured."
In retrospect, I should have quit The American Spectator when they spiked an article I wrote criticizing Trump's remarks. If criticizing McCain's valor wasn't out of bounds then what was? Nothing as it turned out.
To be frank, Donald Trump and conservatives who condoned his remarks aren't worthy to lick McCain's boots. They will never know the meaning of honor, sacrifice and putting the well-being of others ahead of themselves.
I hope John McCain returns to the Senate as soon as possible if for no other reasons to annoy his enemies.
McCain, who turns 81 next month, has the strongest of constitutions as his survival as a POW for six years in Vietnam attests.
Like many conservatives, I have had my occasional disagreements with McCain most notably when he saved Chuck Hagel's confirmation as President Obama's Secretary of Defense at the beginning of his second term.
But I have never hated McCain and have never been able to fathom the hatred many conservatives have for him. Conservative hatred for McCain was legitimized two summers ago when Donald Trump denigrated his service in Vietnam proclaiming, "I like people who weren't captured."
In retrospect, I should have quit The American Spectator when they spiked an article I wrote criticizing Trump's remarks. If criticizing McCain's valor wasn't out of bounds then what was? Nothing as it turned out.
To be frank, Donald Trump and conservatives who condoned his remarks aren't worthy to lick McCain's boots. They will never know the meaning of honor, sacrifice and putting the well-being of others ahead of themselves.
I hope John McCain returns to the Senate as soon as possible if for no other reasons to annoy his enemies.
Check Out My Amelia Earhart Article at National Review Online
Earlier today, I had my fourth article published at National Review Online this year. This time the subject was Amelia Earhart and our unhealthy obsession with conspiracy theories.
The article grew from this blog post I originally wrote on July 5th when a new photo purportedly showing Amelia, Fred Noonan and the Lockheed Electra surfaced. NRO was kind enough to acknowledge this blog at the end of the article.
The article grew from this blog post I originally wrote on July 5th when a new photo purportedly showing Amelia, Fred Noonan and the Lockheed Electra surfaced. NRO was kind enough to acknowledge this blog at the end of the article.
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Dodgers Win 10 in a Row -- Again (Are 30-4 Since June 7th)
For the second time in the space of a month, the Los Angeles Dodgers have won 10 games in a row. They won their 10th straight game with a 1-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox in an interleague game.
Since June 7th, the Dodgers have gone an astonishing 30-4. Their 65-29 record is the best in MLB and they currently own a 10.5 game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks. To put this into some perspective, entering play on June 7th, the Dodgers were 35-25 and were tied for second place in the NL West with the D'Backs as both were two games back of the Colorado Rockies.The Dodgers were very good prior to June 7th. Since June 7th, they are in a league of their own.
Of course, the Dodgers will come back down to earth. But short of an epic collapse, the Dodgers will win their fifth consecutive NL West title. Of course, they are hoping for much, much more than that in October. But right now the Dodgers are without dispute the best team in MLB.
Since June 7th, the Dodgers have gone an astonishing 30-4. Their 65-29 record is the best in MLB and they currently own a 10.5 game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks. To put this into some perspective, entering play on June 7th, the Dodgers were 35-25 and were tied for second place in the NL West with the D'Backs as both were two games back of the Colorado Rockies.The Dodgers were very good prior to June 7th. Since June 7th, they are in a league of their own.
Of course, the Dodgers will come back down to earth. But short of an epic collapse, the Dodgers will win their fifth consecutive NL West title. Of course, they are hoping for much, much more than that in October. But right now the Dodgers are without dispute the best team in MLB.
Thoughts on Carlos Correa's Injury Plus J.D. Martinez & Todd Frazier's New Addresses
It's best smooth sailing for the Houston Astros in 2017 as they lead the AL West by 16.5 games over the Seattle Mariners. But now they will be tested as their best player Carlos Correa will be out for six to eight weeks after tearing ligaments in his left thumb on a swing during Monday's game against the Mariners. Correa, 22, who won the AL Rookie of the Year in 2015 and was elected to his first All-Star Game as the starting shortstop, was hitting .320 with an OBP of .400 along with 20 home runs and 67 RBI.
Of course, the Astros have a deep lineup with the likes of George Springer, Jose Altuve, Carlos Beltran, Josh Reddick, Brian McCann and Marwin Gonzalez and the rest of the AL West has a steep mountain to climb. Still it will be interesting to see if the Astros' lead slips significantly when Correa returns to the club in September.
The trade deadline deals have now begun in earnest. The Detroit Tigers traded outfielder J.D. Martinez to the Arizona Diamondbacks for three minor league infielders. After three undistinguished seasons with the Astros, the Tigers took a chance on Martinez and turned his career around. In three and a half seasons, Martinez hit .300 with 99 HR and drove in 285 runs despite dealing with injuries both last season and in 2017. In 57 games with the Tigers this season, Martinez was batting .305 with 16 HR and 39 RBI.
Martinez could be exactly what the doctor ordered. Although the D'Backs are firmly ensconced for the top spot in the NL Wild Card, they have been struggling. Prior to the announcement of the trade, the D'Backs had lost a season high five in a row and had lost 8 of their last 9 games before trouncing the Cincinnati Reds tonight. Martinez will be a welcome addition to the middle of the order that consists of Paul Goldschmidt and Jake Lamb and will take pressure of A.J. Pollock who has struggled to produce despite a respectable .282 batting average. Getting Martinez is also a coup for the D'Backs' front office as he was being pursued by their NL West & Wild Card rival the Colorado Rockies. Martinez, who turns 30 next month, is a free agent at the end of the season.
For weeks, there had been speculation that the Boston Red Sox were trying to get third baseman Todd Frazier from the Chicago White Sox. This speculation only increased after the Red Sox designated Pablo Sandoval for assignment last week. However, Frazier will be playing in Yankee pinstripes for the rest of 2017. The Chisox dealt Frazier, closer David Robertson and reliever Tommy Kahnle for the struggling Tyler Clippard and three minor league prospects, most notably outfielder Blake Rutherford.
Although Frazier is batting only .207, he does have 16 HR and 44 RBI. Chase Headley simply isn't supplying the offensive production necessary with only 4 HR and 36 RBI in 83 games for the Yankees this season. Headley's days in the Bronx are very likely numbered. The Yankees also get an old friend in Robertson who spent five seasons as Mariano Rivera's set up man before having the unenviable task of succeeding him in 2014 when he saved 39 games. Robertson then signed a four year deal with the Chisox prior to the 2015 season and has saved 84 games on the South Side. But with the Chisox in last place in the AL Central, he has been limited to 13 saves. And that's where he'll probably stay as he will likely serve as Aroldis Chapman's eighth inning set up man and take the pressure of the struggling Dellin Bettances. But if Chapman falters, Robertson can step into the breach.
As for the White Sox, they continue to collect prospects (as they did when they dealt pitcher Jose Quintana to their crosstown rival Cubs last week) while Clippard gets an opportunity to regain his sanity and not be a top trending topic on Twitter. Clippard was 1-5 with a 4.95 ERA in 40 appearances for the Yankees this season. But the White Sox aren't thinking of 2017. They're thinking 2020.
So where does this leave the Red Sox? It appears they will go with the triumvirate of Deven Marrero, Tzu-Wei Lin and the now healthy Brock Holt at third base. Holt's return over the weekend is probably what convinced Red Sox President Dave Dombrowski not to pursue Frazier. But the Red Sox do need another bat. If not Frazier then whom? The plot thickens and may thicken until 4 p.m. EST on July 31st.
Of course, the Astros have a deep lineup with the likes of George Springer, Jose Altuve, Carlos Beltran, Josh Reddick, Brian McCann and Marwin Gonzalez and the rest of the AL West has a steep mountain to climb. Still it will be interesting to see if the Astros' lead slips significantly when Correa returns to the club in September.
The trade deadline deals have now begun in earnest. The Detroit Tigers traded outfielder J.D. Martinez to the Arizona Diamondbacks for three minor league infielders. After three undistinguished seasons with the Astros, the Tigers took a chance on Martinez and turned his career around. In three and a half seasons, Martinez hit .300 with 99 HR and drove in 285 runs despite dealing with injuries both last season and in 2017. In 57 games with the Tigers this season, Martinez was batting .305 with 16 HR and 39 RBI.
Martinez could be exactly what the doctor ordered. Although the D'Backs are firmly ensconced for the top spot in the NL Wild Card, they have been struggling. Prior to the announcement of the trade, the D'Backs had lost a season high five in a row and had lost 8 of their last 9 games before trouncing the Cincinnati Reds tonight. Martinez will be a welcome addition to the middle of the order that consists of Paul Goldschmidt and Jake Lamb and will take pressure of A.J. Pollock who has struggled to produce despite a respectable .282 batting average. Getting Martinez is also a coup for the D'Backs' front office as he was being pursued by their NL West & Wild Card rival the Colorado Rockies. Martinez, who turns 30 next month, is a free agent at the end of the season.
For weeks, there had been speculation that the Boston Red Sox were trying to get third baseman Todd Frazier from the Chicago White Sox. This speculation only increased after the Red Sox designated Pablo Sandoval for assignment last week. However, Frazier will be playing in Yankee pinstripes for the rest of 2017. The Chisox dealt Frazier, closer David Robertson and reliever Tommy Kahnle for the struggling Tyler Clippard and three minor league prospects, most notably outfielder Blake Rutherford.
Although Frazier is batting only .207, he does have 16 HR and 44 RBI. Chase Headley simply isn't supplying the offensive production necessary with only 4 HR and 36 RBI in 83 games for the Yankees this season. Headley's days in the Bronx are very likely numbered. The Yankees also get an old friend in Robertson who spent five seasons as Mariano Rivera's set up man before having the unenviable task of succeeding him in 2014 when he saved 39 games. Robertson then signed a four year deal with the Chisox prior to the 2015 season and has saved 84 games on the South Side. But with the Chisox in last place in the AL Central, he has been limited to 13 saves. And that's where he'll probably stay as he will likely serve as Aroldis Chapman's eighth inning set up man and take the pressure of the struggling Dellin Bettances. But if Chapman falters, Robertson can step into the breach.
As for the White Sox, they continue to collect prospects (as they did when they dealt pitcher Jose Quintana to their crosstown rival Cubs last week) while Clippard gets an opportunity to regain his sanity and not be a top trending topic on Twitter. Clippard was 1-5 with a 4.95 ERA in 40 appearances for the Yankees this season. But the White Sox aren't thinking of 2017. They're thinking 2020.
So where does this leave the Red Sox? It appears they will go with the triumvirate of Deven Marrero, Tzu-Wei Lin and the now healthy Brock Holt at third base. Holt's return over the weekend is probably what convinced Red Sox President Dave Dombrowski not to pursue Frazier. But the Red Sox do need another bat. If not Frazier then whom? The plot thickens and may thicken until 4 p.m. EST on July 31st.
Sunday, July 16, 2017
Martin Landau, R.I.P.
Actor Martin Landau passed away suddenly yesterday after being hospitalized for an undisclosed illness. He was 89.
Landau's acting career spanned more than six decades. Some of his early TV credits include Maverick, Rawhide, Johnny Staccato, The Twilight Zone and Bonanza. Landau also appeared in the Alfred Hitchcock classic North by Northwest with Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint and James Mason.
But Landau would not become a household name until 1966 when he along with his wife Barbara Bain were part of the original cast of Mission: Impossible playing Rollin Hand, a master of disguise.
His career would slow down after he & Bain left Mission: Impossible in 1969. Although he would turn in a memorable performance playing twin murderers in a 1973 episode of Columbo. Landau and Bain would star in the mid-1970's British sci-fi TV series Space:1999.
Landau's career would enjoy a career renaissance in the late 1980's when he was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor in 1988 and 1989 with performances in Tucker: A Man & His Dream and Woody Allen's Crimes and Misdemeanors. He would receive his third Best Supporting Actor nomination and first and only Oscar for his portrayal of Bela Lugosi in Tim Burton's 1994 film Ed Wood.
In the 2000's, Landau would have recurring roles in TV shows like Without a Trace and Entourage and would also appear in the 2015 big screen version of the latter show. At the time of his death, Landau had started work on a film called Nate & Al with Richard Dreyfuss.
Here is a clip of Landau and Bain singing on a 1970 episode of The Andy Williams Show. R.I.P.
Landau's acting career spanned more than six decades. Some of his early TV credits include Maverick, Rawhide, Johnny Staccato, The Twilight Zone and Bonanza. Landau also appeared in the Alfred Hitchcock classic North by Northwest with Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint and James Mason.
But Landau would not become a household name until 1966 when he along with his wife Barbara Bain were part of the original cast of Mission: Impossible playing Rollin Hand, a master of disguise.
His career would slow down after he & Bain left Mission: Impossible in 1969. Although he would turn in a memorable performance playing twin murderers in a 1973 episode of Columbo. Landau and Bain would star in the mid-1970's British sci-fi TV series Space:1999.
Landau's career would enjoy a career renaissance in the late 1980's when he was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor in 1988 and 1989 with performances in Tucker: A Man & His Dream and Woody Allen's Crimes and Misdemeanors. He would receive his third Best Supporting Actor nomination and first and only Oscar for his portrayal of Bela Lugosi in Tim Burton's 1994 film Ed Wood.
In the 2000's, Landau would have recurring roles in TV shows like Without a Trace and Entourage and would also appear in the 2015 big screen version of the latter show. At the time of his death, Landau had started work on a film called Nate & Al with Richard Dreyfuss.
Here is a clip of Landau and Bain singing on a 1970 episode of The Andy Williams Show. R.I.P.
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Guest of Honor (For Liu Xiabo)
In honor of Liu Xiabo, the Chinese dissident who died in captivity today, I present a poem I wrote after he was bestowed with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010 called "Guest of Honor (For Liu Xiabo)". It is worth remembering that Liu was honored a year after President Obama.
How do you hold a dinner
In honor of a man
Who for lack of a better word
Has been detained
And will be unable to attend
He won't be there
For the cured reindeer
And smoked duck
That will be enjoyed
By visiting dignitaries
He won't be there
For all the kind words
To be uttered by complete strangers
He won't be there
To hear calls for his immediate release
He won't be there
To be forgotten
Until next year's recipient is announced
Well, at least the proceedings
Will be an improvement over last year
When the guest of honor
Could only talk about himself
What could the committee
Have been thinking?
How do you hold a dinner
In honor of a man
Who for lack of a better word
Has been detained
And will be unable to attend
He won't be there
For the cured reindeer
And smoked duck
That will be enjoyed
By visiting dignitaries
He won't be there
For all the kind words
To be uttered by complete strangers
He won't be there
To hear calls for his immediate release
He won't be there
To be forgotten
Until next year's recipient is announced
Well, at least the proceedings
Will be an improvement over last year
When the guest of honor
Could only talk about himself
What could the committee
Have been thinking?
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
2017 MLB All-Star Game: Great Game, Awful Broadcast
The 2017 MLB All-Star Game has just concluded and was one of the very best. The AL won its fifth consecutive game, but it took 10 innings. In the first extra inning affair since 2008, Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano led off with a home run off Chicago Cubs closer Wade Davis to give the AL a 2-1 win. The AL and NL are now even in All-Star Game wins.
But what an absolutely awful broadcast by FOX.
I couldn't stand it when Alex Rodriguez interviewed Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado and Cincinnati Reds shortstop Zack Cozart on the diamond in between innings.
I couldn't stand it when Ken Rosenthal and Tom Verducci each asked questions of Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and Colorado Rockies center fielder Charlie Blackmon as they went up to the plate. I told my Dad, "Maybe they'll talk to them in between pitches during their at bat."
Well, it didn't quite happen like that, but it happened. During the fourth inning, Joe Buck spoke with Houston Astros left fielder George Springer and Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper as they played the outfield. I wish someone had told Buck to stop.
But the Buck doesn't stop. With that interview, FOX eliminated the boundary between the broadcast and the game. The actual game on the field in secondary to the show on the air. It's kind of like what Johnny Carson's nephew Jeff Sotzing told me recently in the context of today's late night talk shows. There's so much pressure to get ratings every second there is no room to be natural, spontaneous or, heaven forbid, quiet.
FOX, with MLB's blessing, is basically telling us the game isn't interesting enough on its own so we must have non-stop bells and whistles. I just want FOX (and for that matter ESPN) just to get out of the way and let us enjoy the game in peace. Vin Scully knew how to do it. If MLB, FOX and ESPN are willing to pay homage to Scully then why not take a few pages from the book he wrote so well?
Unfortunately, those lessons won't be learned and I suspect FOX will repeat these shenanigans during the World Series and next year's All-Star Game in Washington, D.C. God help us and God help the U.S.A.
But what an absolutely awful broadcast by FOX.
I couldn't stand it when Alex Rodriguez interviewed Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado and Cincinnati Reds shortstop Zack Cozart on the diamond in between innings.
I couldn't stand it when Ken Rosenthal and Tom Verducci each asked questions of Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and Colorado Rockies center fielder Charlie Blackmon as they went up to the plate. I told my Dad, "Maybe they'll talk to them in between pitches during their at bat."
Well, it didn't quite happen like that, but it happened. During the fourth inning, Joe Buck spoke with Houston Astros left fielder George Springer and Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper as they played the outfield. I wish someone had told Buck to stop.
But the Buck doesn't stop. With that interview, FOX eliminated the boundary between the broadcast and the game. The actual game on the field in secondary to the show on the air. It's kind of like what Johnny Carson's nephew Jeff Sotzing told me recently in the context of today's late night talk shows. There's so much pressure to get ratings every second there is no room to be natural, spontaneous or, heaven forbid, quiet.
FOX, with MLB's blessing, is basically telling us the game isn't interesting enough on its own so we must have non-stop bells and whistles. I just want FOX (and for that matter ESPN) just to get out of the way and let us enjoy the game in peace. Vin Scully knew how to do it. If MLB, FOX and ESPN are willing to pay homage to Scully then why not take a few pages from the book he wrote so well?
Unfortunately, those lessons won't be learned and I suspect FOX will repeat these shenanigans during the World Series and next year's All-Star Game in Washington, D.C. God help us and God help the U.S.A.
Monday, July 10, 2017
MLB All-Star Break Notes: Dodgers Now Own MLB's Best Record
While most eyes were on the Home Run Derby and New York Yankees rookie Aaron Judge's dominance of the event, my attention is focused on the Los Angeles Dodgers who end the first half of the 2017 season having won six in a row and 9 of their last 10 games. Their 61-29 record is now the best in MLB. At the beginning of July, the Dodgers' lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies in the NL West was 3.5 and 5.5 games, respectively. This lead has now grown to 7.5 and 9.5 games, respectively as both the D'Backs and Rockies have struggled with Arizona losing 7 of their last 10 games. Notwithstanding their recent struggles both the D'Backs and Rockies would earn NL Wild Card berths if the season ended today. The San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants look at the D'Backs and Rockies with wonder as they are 22 and 27 games back of the Dodgers, respectively. Indeed, outside of each division leader no other team in the NL has a winning record.
In the NL Central, only the Milwaukee Brewers have a winning record as they enjoy a 5.5 game lead over both the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals. At the beginning of the month, the Brewers lead the Cubs and Cards by 2 and 3.5 games, respectively. The Brewers have won 8 of their last 10 games. But unlike the NL West, only 9.5 games separates the Brewers from the last place Cincinnati Reds while the Pittsburgh Pirates are seven games back. A good week by either of these teams put them back in the race.
To put this into perspective consider the NL East where the Washington Nationals enjoy a 9.5 game lead over the Atlanta Braves. The Braves cannot quite get to the .500 mark, but don't write them off nor for that matter the Miami Marlins who have won six of their last nine games to pull within 10.5 games of the Nats. The New York Mets have taken a step backwards since the beginning of July losing five of their last seven to fall from 9.5 to 12 games off the pace. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies continue to own MLB's worst record at 29-58 losing two out of every three games they play. The Phillies are on pace to lose 108 games which would be their worst season since 1945.
Four years ago, the Houston Astros lost 111 games. At the All-Star Break in 2017, their 60-29 record is the best in the AL and only half a game back of the Dodgers for the best overall record in MLB finishing the half with seven win in their past 10 games. The Astros lead both the Los Angeles Angels and Texas Rangers by 16.5 games in the AL West. At the beginning of July, the Astros led the Angels by 13.5 games and the Seattle Mariners by 14 games. The Mariners are now 17.5 games back while the Oakland A's went from 18.5 to 21 games back of the Astros in less than two weeks. The Angels, Rangers and Mariners still have a shot at the AL Wild Card, but they are fading fast.
The AL Central remains a stable three team race with the Cleveland Indians leading the Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals by 2.5 and 3 games, respectively. At the beginning of the month, the Tribe led the the Twins and Royals by 2 and 3 games, respectively. Similar to the NL Central, only 9 games separate the Indians from the last place Chicago White Sox. A good week by the Chisox or the Detroit Tigers get them back into the race. If the Tigers surge will Brad Ausmus still be calling the shots?
The Boston Red Sox enjoy a 3.5 game lead over both the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East. The Yankees have lost six of their last games while the Rays took 3 out of 4 games from the Red Sox in the final series before the All-Star Break. If the season were to end today both the Yankees and Rays would earn AL Wild Card berths. But if there is a team that has a chance to surge in the second half in the AL it is Tampa. The Baltimore Orioles continue to falter losing 7 of their last 10 games, but the Toronto Blue Jays remain mired in the cellar.
The second half of the season commences Friday. Tomorrow night though all eyes will be on Miami as they host MLB's 88th All-Star Game. It will be the first All-Star Game since the ill-fated tied game in 2002 in which the winner will not determine home field advantage for the World Series. The AL has won the last four contests. Since 1983, the AL is 24-10-1 in these contests.
In the NL Central, only the Milwaukee Brewers have a winning record as they enjoy a 5.5 game lead over both the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals. At the beginning of the month, the Brewers lead the Cubs and Cards by 2 and 3.5 games, respectively. The Brewers have won 8 of their last 10 games. But unlike the NL West, only 9.5 games separates the Brewers from the last place Cincinnati Reds while the Pittsburgh Pirates are seven games back. A good week by either of these teams put them back in the race.
To put this into perspective consider the NL East where the Washington Nationals enjoy a 9.5 game lead over the Atlanta Braves. The Braves cannot quite get to the .500 mark, but don't write them off nor for that matter the Miami Marlins who have won six of their last nine games to pull within 10.5 games of the Nats. The New York Mets have taken a step backwards since the beginning of July losing five of their last seven to fall from 9.5 to 12 games off the pace. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies continue to own MLB's worst record at 29-58 losing two out of every three games they play. The Phillies are on pace to lose 108 games which would be their worst season since 1945.
Four years ago, the Houston Astros lost 111 games. At the All-Star Break in 2017, their 60-29 record is the best in the AL and only half a game back of the Dodgers for the best overall record in MLB finishing the half with seven win in their past 10 games. The Astros lead both the Los Angeles Angels and Texas Rangers by 16.5 games in the AL West. At the beginning of July, the Astros led the Angels by 13.5 games and the Seattle Mariners by 14 games. The Mariners are now 17.5 games back while the Oakland A's went from 18.5 to 21 games back of the Astros in less than two weeks. The Angels, Rangers and Mariners still have a shot at the AL Wild Card, but they are fading fast.
The AL Central remains a stable three team race with the Cleveland Indians leading the Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals by 2.5 and 3 games, respectively. At the beginning of the month, the Tribe led the the Twins and Royals by 2 and 3 games, respectively. Similar to the NL Central, only 9 games separate the Indians from the last place Chicago White Sox. A good week by the Chisox or the Detroit Tigers get them back into the race. If the Tigers surge will Brad Ausmus still be calling the shots?
The Boston Red Sox enjoy a 3.5 game lead over both the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East. The Yankees have lost six of their last games while the Rays took 3 out of 4 games from the Red Sox in the final series before the All-Star Break. If the season were to end today both the Yankees and Rays would earn AL Wild Card berths. But if there is a team that has a chance to surge in the second half in the AL it is Tampa. The Baltimore Orioles continue to falter losing 7 of their last 10 games, but the Toronto Blue Jays remain mired in the cellar.
The second half of the season commences Friday. Tomorrow night though all eyes will be on Miami as they host MLB's 88th All-Star Game. It will be the first All-Star Game since the ill-fated tied game in 2002 in which the winner will not determine home field advantage for the World Series. The AL has won the last four contests. Since 1983, the AL is 24-10-1 in these contests.
Sunday, July 9, 2017
Conservatives Easily Fooled by Trump's Warsaw Speech
It never ceases to amaze me that President Trump can tweet his foolishness, but then reads one well written speech off a teleprompter and conservatives compare him to President Reagan.
One after one, writers for NRO were falling all over themselves in gushing praise of Trump's speech - Deroy Murdock, Rich Lowry, Matthew Continetti, David French, Michael Brendan Dougherty, John O'Sullivan, Jonah Goldberg and their entire editorial board.
These conservatives are easily fooled. I am not.
It's hard for me to take Trump seriously as a defender of Western civilization when he consistently denigrates the United States while praising dictators as he did when he excused Vladimir Putin's killing of journalists when he said America does a lot of killing too. Let us also remember that after Turkish President Erdogan crushed a coup a year ago it was Trump who said, "When the world looks at how bad the United States is, and then we go and talk about civil liberties, I don’t think we’re a very good messenger." So how is Trump a very good messenger when it comes to defending Western Civilization? He is just as steeped in moral equivalence as President Obama.
It is only a matter of time when without the safety of a teleprompter that Trump will once again denigrate America while praising the virtues of authoritarianism and totalitarianism. And conservatives won't bat an eyelash.
One after one, writers for NRO were falling all over themselves in gushing praise of Trump's speech - Deroy Murdock, Rich Lowry, Matthew Continetti, David French, Michael Brendan Dougherty, John O'Sullivan, Jonah Goldberg and their entire editorial board.
These conservatives are easily fooled. I am not.
It's hard for me to take Trump seriously as a defender of Western civilization when he consistently denigrates the United States while praising dictators as he did when he excused Vladimir Putin's killing of journalists when he said America does a lot of killing too. Let us also remember that after Turkish President Erdogan crushed a coup a year ago it was Trump who said, "When the world looks at how bad the United States is, and then we go and talk about civil liberties, I don’t think we’re a very good messenger." So how is Trump a very good messenger when it comes to defending Western Civilization? He is just as steeped in moral equivalence as President Obama.
It is only a matter of time when without the safety of a teleprompter that Trump will once again denigrate America while praising the virtues of authoritarianism and totalitarianism. And conservatives won't bat an eyelash.
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Why I Don't Think They've Found Amelia Earhart
The History Channel is set to air a documentary on Sunday called Amelia Earhart: The Lost Evidence which renews the claim first advanced by the late CBS journalist Fred Goerner more than 50 years ago that Earhart and her navigator were captured by the Japanese.
The centerpiece of this claim is a photo found in the National Archives purportedly showing Earhart, Noonan and the Lockheed Electra on a Japanese dock.
I am not convinced.
As Mary Lovell, one of Earhart's biographers, pointed out in her book The Sound of Wings if Earhart and Noonan were captured by the Japanese then why did they keep that a secret? The Japanese were, after all, master propagandists.
Besides it wasn't so long ago that Earhart and Noonan were supposed to have crash landed on Gardner Island. In March 2012, at a press conference attended by none other than Hillary Clinton, the State Department announced federal funding for a renewed search of Gardner Island based on photographic evidence taken three months after Earhart and Noonan disappeared purportedly showing a part of the Lockheed Electra was protruding out of the water.
So what happened to Earhart and Noonan?
I think the simplest explanation is the most plausible. Namely the "crash and sank" theory from Elgen and Marie Long. Earhart and Noonan were supposed to land at Howland Island to refuel. It was a dot in the ocean they couldn't find and ran out of fuel before they could find it. They crashed and have resided at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean 16,000 feet below for the past 80 years. No, Earhart and Noonan haven't been found, but it doesn't mean they aren't there.
And as for that photograph? We only see the back of a woman's head. Who can say that woman wasn't native Japanese?
Saturday, July 1, 2017
A Thought for Jim Bouton
When I saw Ball Four trending on Twitter earlier today, I had a bad feeling.
While I was relieved to find out that Jim Bouton had not died (and participating at the Society of American Baseball Research's annual convention in NYC this weekend), I was saddened to learn that he has a brain disease that limits his cognitive functions including his ability to write. The condition, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, came about as a result of complications from two strokes Bouton, now 78, suffered five years ago. The disease is linked to dementia.
Aside from being saddened to learn that Bouton is having these health problems, I am saddened these health problems have robbed him of his ability to write. More than any other Ball Four inspired me to become a writer or at least try to make a go of it. Ball Four also helped me understand my place in the world as an outsider and how to make the best of that role. I don't always succeed, but I shudder to think what my life would be like if I hadn't read Ball Four in the eighth grade. Ball Four did for me what The Communist Manifesto did for George Bernard Shaw in the Reading Room of the British Museum - it turned his life upside down. I had the opportunity to tell Bouton this when I met him at the Boston Public Library in the summer of 2003.
Under the circumstances, I have reason to doubt he remembers. If nothing else this post will serve as a reminder to Jim Bouton as to what he has meant to me and what he will always mean to me.
While I was relieved to find out that Jim Bouton had not died (and participating at the Society of American Baseball Research's annual convention in NYC this weekend), I was saddened to learn that he has a brain disease that limits his cognitive functions including his ability to write. The condition, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, came about as a result of complications from two strokes Bouton, now 78, suffered five years ago. The disease is linked to dementia.
Aside from being saddened to learn that Bouton is having these health problems, I am saddened these health problems have robbed him of his ability to write. More than any other Ball Four inspired me to become a writer or at least try to make a go of it. Ball Four also helped me understand my place in the world as an outsider and how to make the best of that role. I don't always succeed, but I shudder to think what my life would be like if I hadn't read Ball Four in the eighth grade. Ball Four did for me what The Communist Manifesto did for George Bernard Shaw in the Reading Room of the British Museum - it turned his life upside down. I had the opportunity to tell Bouton this when I met him at the Boston Public Library in the summer of 2003.
Under the circumstances, I have reason to doubt he remembers. If nothing else this post will serve as a reminder to Jim Bouton as to what he has meant to me and what he will always mean to me.
I Had Hoped To Be in Canada Today
Today marks the 150th anniversary of Canada's independence.
I was born and raised in Canada, but have lived in the U.S. for more than 17 years. It was my hope to be up there for the occasion, but it was not to be. I shan't get into the details. In any case, I will be spending the week in New York with my Dad. "Not a bad back up plan," Dad quipped last night.
Well, Canada will surely be there next year.
Canada doesn't get its due on the world stage and tends to get overlooked by the U.S. This causes considerable resentment towards America much of which goes too far for my liking. It breeds an unbecoming smugness.
Nevertheless there is a quiet and calm in Canada that I generally don't find here and it is something I miss. But America is my home now. I'll just have to wait another year for that quiet and calm. Next year in Ottawa. Or perhaps Rimouski.
But I can enjoy the occasional bag of ketchup flavored potato chips. Perhaps I will order Canadian Bacon for brunch.
I wish I were up there be in Ottawa, Toronto or Thunder Bay. Wherever you are North of the Border, I hope you have a day full of peace, order and good government accompanied with a dose of Molson Canadian.
I was born and raised in Canada, but have lived in the U.S. for more than 17 years. It was my hope to be up there for the occasion, but it was not to be. I shan't get into the details. In any case, I will be spending the week in New York with my Dad. "Not a bad back up plan," Dad quipped last night.
Well, Canada will surely be there next year.
Canada doesn't get its due on the world stage and tends to get overlooked by the U.S. This causes considerable resentment towards America much of which goes too far for my liking. It breeds an unbecoming smugness.
Nevertheless there is a quiet and calm in Canada that I generally don't find here and it is something I miss. But America is my home now. I'll just have to wait another year for that quiet and calm. Next year in Ottawa. Or perhaps Rimouski.
But I can enjoy the occasional bag of ketchup flavored potato chips. Perhaps I will order Canadian Bacon for brunch.
I wish I were up there be in Ottawa, Toronto or Thunder Bay. Wherever you are North of the Border, I hope you have a day full of peace, order and good government accompanied with a dose of Molson Canadian.
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