I'm not surprised with the report by The New York Times which indicates the Trump White House plans to push out Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State and replace him with current CIA Director Mike Pompeo with Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton.
Tillerson sealed his fate the moment he wouldn't deny calling President Trump a moron. At the time, I predicted he would depart the Trump Administration by the end of this year. It is entirely possible that this is nothing more than a trial balloon designed to fake out the mainstream media, but Tillerson is living on borrowed time and every minute he has to spend working for that moron is going to be miserable.
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Not All Sexual Misconduct is Created Equal: Matt Lauer vs. Garrison Keillor
When I awoke this morning, I learned that NBC had fired Matt Lauer following allegations of sexual misconduct.
By this afternoon, Minnesota Public Radio had dismissed former Prairie Home Companion host Garrison Keillor following allegations of sexual misconduct.
Both men have now joined the list of men who have become persona non grata due to their alleged misbehavior. Yet their alleged misbehavior is far from the same. There is a hell of a difference between indecent exposure by multiple women and inadvertently touching a woman's back. Why is Keillor subject to the same punishment as Lauer? Is it because Keillor had the temerity to defend his fellow Minnesotan Al Franken in op-ed? Would this allegation have come to light had Keillor not commented on Franken's situation? If Keillor warrants discipline it should be because of his own behavior during the incident in question, not his views of the allegations against Franken or anyone else.
It will be interesting to see if there are further allegations against Keillor in the coming days. If none are forthcoming then I think a case can be made that Minnesota Public Radio has overreacted in a political environment of borderline hysteria. Putting a hand's on a woman's bare back simply doesn't rise to the level of forcible sexual assault.
By this afternoon, Minnesota Public Radio had dismissed former Prairie Home Companion host Garrison Keillor following allegations of sexual misconduct.
Both men have now joined the list of men who have become persona non grata due to their alleged misbehavior. Yet their alleged misbehavior is far from the same. There is a hell of a difference between indecent exposure by multiple women and inadvertently touching a woman's back. Why is Keillor subject to the same punishment as Lauer? Is it because Keillor had the temerity to defend his fellow Minnesotan Al Franken in op-ed? Would this allegation have come to light had Keillor not commented on Franken's situation? If Keillor warrants discipline it should be because of his own behavior during the incident in question, not his views of the allegations against Franken or anyone else.
It will be interesting to see if there are further allegations against Keillor in the coming days. If none are forthcoming then I think a case can be made that Minnesota Public Radio has overreacted in a political environment of borderline hysteria. Putting a hand's on a woman's bare back simply doesn't rise to the level of forcible sexual assault.
Monday, November 27, 2017
Why Did Trump Have To Bring Up Elizabeth Warren When Honoring Native American WWII Veterans?
Let me begin by saying that I don't think President Trump was making a racial slur when he used the term Pochahontas to describe Elizabeth Warren while honoring Navajo Code Talkers from the Second World War. In it of itself Pochahontas isn't derogatory. Warren's claim to being a Native American is dubious and it led to the nickname "Fauxchahontas" which is still a sore point for her.
But why is Trump bringing up Warren at all? Why can't Trump give people their due without making it about himself? This was their moment in the sun and Trump, true to form, ruined it.
But why is Trump bringing up Warren at all? Why can't Trump give people their due without making it about himself? This was their moment in the sun and Trump, true to form, ruined it.
Saturday, November 25, 2017
Is Trump Planning To Extend The Muslim Travel Ban to Egypt?
While President Trump did condemn the terrorist attack at the Sufi mosque in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula which claimed over 300 lives, he used the attack as an opportunity to promote both the Wall along the Mexican border and the Muslim travel ban:
Will be calling the President of Egypt in a short while to discuss the tragic terrorist attack, with so much loss of life. We have to get TOUGHER AND SMARTER than ever before, and we will. Need the WALL, need the BAN! God bless the people of Egypt.
What a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border has to do with a terrorist attack in Egypt isn't exactly clear. But at present the Muslim travel ban doesn't apply to Egypt. In light of this attack, is Trump planning to include Egypt in the ban? If this is the case then would this ban extend to the families of the 300 plus people who were murdered for praying?
Chances are Trump is tweeting out of his ass. Hopefully this is the case. Yet one can never discount the possibility that his tweets represent U.S. foreign policy in all its all case letter glory.
Will be calling the President of Egypt in a short while to discuss the tragic terrorist attack, with so much loss of life. We have to get TOUGHER AND SMARTER than ever before, and we will. Need the WALL, need the BAN! God bless the people of Egypt.
What a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border has to do with a terrorist attack in Egypt isn't exactly clear. But at present the Muslim travel ban doesn't apply to Egypt. In light of this attack, is Trump planning to include Egypt in the ban? If this is the case then would this ban extend to the families of the 300 plus people who were murdered for praying?
Chances are Trump is tweeting out of his ass. Hopefully this is the case. Yet one can never discount the possibility that his tweets represent U.S. foreign policy in all its all case letter glory.
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
Trump Comes To Roy Moore's Defense - What a Surprise
Following President Trump's condemnation of Senator Al Franken's inappropriate sexual conduct with LeeAnn Tweeden without comment on the more severe allegations against Alabama GOP Senate candidate Roy Moore of inappropriate sexual relations with minors, I wrote the following:
If Trump was going to condemn Moore he would have done so by now. The only reason I can see Trump condemning Moore is if he loses the special election on December 12th.
At this point, Trump will do one of two things. He will a) maintain his radio silence or b) Trump will come to Moore's defense and call his accusers liars. Both options speak volumes. By condemning Franken but not condemning Moore, Trump is telling us that sexual misconduct is acceptable behavior if you want to Make America Great Again. It is also an indication that Trump is unwilling to risk the possibility of his supporters turning on him.
At this point, Trump will do one of two things. He will a) maintain his radio silence or b) Trump will come to Moore's defense and call his accusers liars. Both options speak volumes. By condemning Franken but not condemning Moore, Trump is telling us that sexual misconduct is acceptable behavior if you want to Make America Great Again. It is also an indication that Trump is unwilling to risk the possibility of his supporters turning on him.
Today, Trump went with option b albeit somewhat tempered by his standards. Trump defended Moore by saying "he totally denies it." Well, longtime Detroit area Congressman John Conyers totally denies it too. I don't see Trump giving him the benefit of the doubt.
While it's true that Trump didn't direct any remarks to Moore's accusers let's not be surprised if that changes between now and December 12th. But Trump made his position clear stating, "We don’t need a liberal person in there, a Democrat, Jones. I’ve looked at his record. It’s terrible on crime. It’s terrible on the border. It’s terrible on the military.” Yes, how terrible of Jones to prosecute Klan members who bombed a church killing four African-American girls.
Or put another way, Trump is essentially saying that Moore may be a SOB, but he's our SOB. Of course, Democrats are doing much the same with Franken and Conyers. It's the kind of thing which makes people disgusted at politicians of all stripes. Or at least I would like to think it would. Because if it did we wouldn't have elected Trump to the White House.
David Cassidy, R.I.P.
Singer and actor David Cassidy passed away tonight at the age of 67. He was hospitalized on Saturday with multiple organ failure. Earlier this year, Cassidy announced he had been diagnosed with dementia and would retire as a performer.
The son of actors Jack Cassidy and Evelyn Ward, the younger Cassidy became an iconic figure in the early 1970's for his portrayal of Keith Partridge in The Partridge Family which ran on ABC from 1970-1974. He co-starred with his stepmother Shirley Jones and the two of them would have a monster hit "I Think I Love You". Cassidy would record several albums and become a popular concert attraction though this success was marred by the death of a fan at one of his concerts in London in 1974.
Cassidy would never return to this level of stardom though not for lack of trying. He did star in the original Broadway production of Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 1982, enjoyed a modest comeback in 1990 with the Top 40 hit "Lyin' to Myself" and starred in the short-lived ABC Family TV series Ruby & The Rockits in 2009.
On a personal note, I actually saw Cassidy perform in 2008 at a free summer concert in Boston sponsored by the now defunct Oldies 103.3. I'm sorry to say it was one of the worst concerts I ever attended. Most of the audience walked out on en masse due to the poor quality of the music and Cassidy's excessive banter between songs. I recall one concert goer say aloud, "I can't believe I liked this s*#t."
Cassidy's last few years have been rough ones. His alcoholism resulted in several DUI arrests prior to his dementia diagnosis earlier this year.
Under the circumstances, I'm sure most would prefer to remember David Cassidy at the height of his powers in 1970 when he sang "I Think I Love You". R.I.P.
The son of actors Jack Cassidy and Evelyn Ward, the younger Cassidy became an iconic figure in the early 1970's for his portrayal of Keith Partridge in The Partridge Family which ran on ABC from 1970-1974. He co-starred with his stepmother Shirley Jones and the two of them would have a monster hit "I Think I Love You". Cassidy would record several albums and become a popular concert attraction though this success was marred by the death of a fan at one of his concerts in London in 1974.
Cassidy would never return to this level of stardom though not for lack of trying. He did star in the original Broadway production of Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 1982, enjoyed a modest comeback in 1990 with the Top 40 hit "Lyin' to Myself" and starred in the short-lived ABC Family TV series Ruby & The Rockits in 2009.
On a personal note, I actually saw Cassidy perform in 2008 at a free summer concert in Boston sponsored by the now defunct Oldies 103.3. I'm sorry to say it was one of the worst concerts I ever attended. Most of the audience walked out on en masse due to the poor quality of the music and Cassidy's excessive banter between songs. I recall one concert goer say aloud, "I can't believe I liked this s*#t."
Cassidy's last few years have been rough ones. His alcoholism resulted in several DUI arrests prior to his dementia diagnosis earlier this year.
Under the circumstances, I'm sure most would prefer to remember David Cassidy at the height of his powers in 1970 when he sang "I Think I Love You". R.I.P.
The Euphoria in Zimbabwe Over Mugabe's Resignation Will Be Short-Lived
So Robert Mugabe has resigned after all.
And there is dancing in the streets of Harare.
But the euphoria will be short-lived.
Money is worthless, jobs are scarce and life is short. If bullets don't kill you then HIV will.
It's doubtful that Mugabe's probable successor Emmerson Mnangagwa will be any better. After all, Mnangagwa is responsible for many of the human rights atrocities carried out in Mugabe's name.
And there is dancing in the streets of Harare.
But the euphoria will be short-lived.
Money is worthless, jobs are scarce and life is short. If bullets don't kill you then HIV will.
It's doubtful that Mugabe's probable successor Emmerson Mnangagwa will be any better. After all, Mnangagwa is responsible for many of the human rights atrocities carried out in Mugabe's name.
Even if Mnangagwa was a benevolent sort Zimbabwe is so overwhelmed with poverty and misery it may take a century to get the country back where it was prior to the revolution. And that is an optimistic assessment.
I don't begrudge Zimbabweans celebrating in the streets. But the joy will not last for long.
I don't begrudge Zimbabweans celebrating in the streets. But the joy will not last for long.
Sunday, November 19, 2017
Of Course Mugabe Didn't Resign; He & His Wife Must Be Forced Out of Zimbabwe For Good
Count me as not surprised that Robert Mugabe did not announce his resignation in what was supposed to be his resignation speech.
After all this is a man who has ruled Zimbabwe since its independence in 1980 without any meaningful challenge to his authority (even during opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai's stint as prime minister).
Mugabe has had to answer to no one for 37 years. His wife Grace said in 2015 that her husband would rule until he is 100 years old. At 93, he will not cede power willingly or gracefully.
ZANU-PF, the political party Mugabe led until last week, has given him until noon tomorrow to resign or face impeachment.
I do not believe a resignation will be forthcoming and I don't think Mugabe would recognize his impeachment any more than he has recognized his house arrest.
The only peaceful way out for Mugabe is for him and his wife to be put on a plane and banished from Zimbabwe forever.
Of course, the question would be where they would end up. I can't imagine many countries wanting their presence. But if exile were to come to pass it would be somewhere on the African continent. South Africa is probably the first option, but perhaps Nigeria, Namibia, Angola or Ethiopia would be more viable. If worse comes to worse perhaps Beijing will welcome their longtime client.
The point is the only way for Robert Mugabe's rule of Zimbabwe to end is if he is no longer in Zimbabwe.
After all this is a man who has ruled Zimbabwe since its independence in 1980 without any meaningful challenge to his authority (even during opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai's stint as prime minister).
Mugabe has had to answer to no one for 37 years. His wife Grace said in 2015 that her husband would rule until he is 100 years old. At 93, he will not cede power willingly or gracefully.
ZANU-PF, the political party Mugabe led until last week, has given him until noon tomorrow to resign or face impeachment.
I do not believe a resignation will be forthcoming and I don't think Mugabe would recognize his impeachment any more than he has recognized his house arrest.
The only peaceful way out for Mugabe is for him and his wife to be put on a plane and banished from Zimbabwe forever.
Of course, the question would be where they would end up. I can't imagine many countries wanting their presence. But if exile were to come to pass it would be somewhere on the African continent. South Africa is probably the first option, but perhaps Nigeria, Namibia, Angola or Ethiopia would be more viable. If worse comes to worse perhaps Beijing will welcome their longtime client.
The point is the only way for Robert Mugabe's rule of Zimbabwe to end is if he is no longer in Zimbabwe.
Saturday, November 18, 2017
Malcolm Young, R.I.P.
Malcolm Young, the rhythm guitarist and principle co-writer for AC/DC, has died following a long battle with dementia. He was 64.
While he didn't have the same public profile as his younger brother Angus or lead singers Bon Scott and Brian Johnson, Young put the AC into the DC.
Young's illness began in 2010 and forced him out of the band altogether by 2014.
His death comes less than a month after that of his older brother George Young who was the group's original producer and previously a member of the 1960's pop group The Easybeats.
Malcolm Young spent four decades keeping us Thunderstruck. R.I.P.
While he didn't have the same public profile as his younger brother Angus or lead singers Bon Scott and Brian Johnson, Young put the AC into the DC.
Young's illness began in 2010 and forced him out of the band altogether by 2014.
His death comes less than a month after that of his older brother George Young who was the group's original producer and previously a member of the 1960's pop group The Easybeats.
Malcolm Young spent four decades keeping us Thunderstruck. R.I.P.
Friday, November 17, 2017
Trump Condemns Franken on Twitter For Sexual Misconduct; Don't Expect The Same For Roy Moore
Scarcely 12 hours after LA news anchor Leeann Tweeden accused Senator Al Franken of sexual misconduct during a 2006 USO Tour including posting a picture of Franken groping her breasts while she slept, President Trump took to Twitter to condemn Franken by referring to him as Frankenstien (sic) and chiding him for his hypocrisy in lecturing about sexual harassment and respect for women.
All of this would be fine if not for the fact that Trump has yet to comment on the sexual abuse allegations against Alabama Republican Senatorial candidate and ex-State Supreme Court justice Roy Moore. These allegations first came to light in The Washington Post more than a week ago. Couple that with Trump's own troubled past with sexual misconduct allegations. Trump is nothing if not brazen.
If Trump was going to condemn Moore he would have done so by now. The only reason I can see Trump condemning Moore is if he loses the special election on December 12th.
At this point, Trump will do one of two things. He will a) maintain his radio silence or b) Trump will come to Moore's defense and call his accusers liars. Both options speak volumes. By condemning Franken but not condemning Moore, Trump is telling us that sexual misconduct is acceptable behavior if you want to Make America Great Again. It is also an indication that Trump is unwilling to risk the possibility of his supporters turning on him.
Of course. liberals haven't exactly taken the high road. Their recent condemnation of former President Clinton would have been useful in 1998, or even in 2016. But liberals can redeem themselves if they make Franken fall on his sword. If they do that it will make Trump's silence or defense of Moore untenable.
All of this would be fine if not for the fact that Trump has yet to comment on the sexual abuse allegations against Alabama Republican Senatorial candidate and ex-State Supreme Court justice Roy Moore. These allegations first came to light in The Washington Post more than a week ago. Couple that with Trump's own troubled past with sexual misconduct allegations. Trump is nothing if not brazen.
If Trump was going to condemn Moore he would have done so by now. The only reason I can see Trump condemning Moore is if he loses the special election on December 12th.
At this point, Trump will do one of two things. He will a) maintain his radio silence or b) Trump will come to Moore's defense and call his accusers liars. Both options speak volumes. By condemning Franken but not condemning Moore, Trump is telling us that sexual misconduct is acceptable behavior if you want to Make America Great Again. It is also an indication that Trump is unwilling to risk the possibility of his supporters turning on him.
Of course. liberals haven't exactly taken the high road. Their recent condemnation of former President Clinton would have been useful in 1998, or even in 2016. But liberals can redeem themselves if they make Franken fall on his sword. If they do that it will make Trump's silence or defense of Moore untenable.
That Texas Sheriff Has No Business Arresting Trucker With Anti-Trump Sticker
Does Fort Bend County, Texas Sheriff Troy Nehls have nothing better to do with his time than to arrest a trucker with an anti-Trump sticker, post this information on Facebook and advocate she be charged with disorderly conduct?
Well, given that Nehls is planning to run for Congress then I suppose not.
The sticker read, "F*#k Trump, and f*#k you for voting for him."
It's not my style. The biggest mistake anti-Trump folks make is denigrating people who voted for him. If those who oppose Trump want him defeated then they will need a few of his supporters to change their minds. Stickers like that will only force Trump voters to dig in their heels and make the people who put them on their vehicles look unreasonable. That is unless the authorities see fit to turn them into martyrs.
I don't agree with the substance of the sticker, but Karen Fonseca has broken no law. The political views of Karen Fonseca aren't the business of the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Department or any other governmental entity in this country.
Well, given that Nehls is planning to run for Congress then I suppose not.
The sticker read, "F*#k Trump, and f*#k you for voting for him."
It's not my style. The biggest mistake anti-Trump folks make is denigrating people who voted for him. If those who oppose Trump want him defeated then they will need a few of his supporters to change their minds. Stickers like that will only force Trump voters to dig in their heels and make the people who put them on their vehicles look unreasonable. That is unless the authorities see fit to turn them into martyrs.
I don't agree with the substance of the sticker, but Karen Fonseca has broken no law. The political views of Karen Fonseca aren't the business of the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Department or any other governmental entity in this country.
Thursday, November 16, 2017
Altuve Routs Judge for AL MVP; Stanton Edges Votto for NL MVP
The final MLB awards have been announced.
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve, fresh off his World Series triumph, has won his first AL MVP earning 27 of 30 first place votes easily besting New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge (who had two first place votes) and Cleveland Indians infielder Jose Ramirez who earned one. Altuve led the AL in batting with a .346 average and also led the AL in hits with 204. The 5,6 Altuve also slugged 24 home runs and had 81 RBI.
While Altuve won the AL MVP decisively, the NL MVP vote was a photo finish. Miami Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton edged Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto by two votes to win his first NL MVP. Votto previously won the NL MVP in 2010. Stanton led the NL in home runs (59), RBI (132) and in slugging percentage (.631). No doubt this triumph is bittersweet for Marlins fans as Stanton is widely expected to be traded any day as new Marlins owner Derek Jeter begins to rebuild the franchise.
Altuve is 5,6 while Stanton is 6,6. Tonight both men stand tall. Baseball is a beautiful game.
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve, fresh off his World Series triumph, has won his first AL MVP earning 27 of 30 first place votes easily besting New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge (who had two first place votes) and Cleveland Indians infielder Jose Ramirez who earned one. Altuve led the AL in batting with a .346 average and also led the AL in hits with 204. The 5,6 Altuve also slugged 24 home runs and had 81 RBI.
While Altuve won the AL MVP decisively, the NL MVP vote was a photo finish. Miami Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton edged Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto by two votes to win his first NL MVP. Votto previously won the NL MVP in 2010. Stanton led the NL in home runs (59), RBI (132) and in slugging percentage (.631). No doubt this triumph is bittersweet for Marlins fans as Stanton is widely expected to be traded any day as new Marlins owner Derek Jeter begins to rebuild the franchise.
Altuve is 5,6 while Stanton is 6,6. Tonight both men stand tall. Baseball is a beautiful game.
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Kluber Wins His 2nd Cy Young; Scherzer Now Has Three
The BBWAA went to familiar terrain when it came this year's Cy Young Award in both leagues.
Cleveland Indians ace Corey Kluber won his second AL Cy Young having won previously in 2014. Kluber went 18-4 with a 2.25 ERA. His wins and ERA led the league. Kluber also fanned 265 batters. While Boston Red Sox ace Chris Sale had more than 300 strikeouts, Kluber finished the season stronger winning 11 of his final decisions.
Meanwhile, Max Scherzer has won back to back NL Cy Young Awards. The Washington Nationals' ace went 16-6 with a 2.51 ERA and led the NL in strikeouts with 268. Scherzer best his Nats' teammate Stephen Strasburg and three time NL Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw. Like Kershaw, Scherzer now has three Cy Youngs having won the AL Cy Young in 2013 while with the Detroit Tigers.
Of course, I'm sure both Kluber and Scherzer would trade their Cy Youngs for a World Series ring in the time it takes a fastball to hit the strike zone.
Cleveland Indians ace Corey Kluber won his second AL Cy Young having won previously in 2014. Kluber went 18-4 with a 2.25 ERA. His wins and ERA led the league. Kluber also fanned 265 batters. While Boston Red Sox ace Chris Sale had more than 300 strikeouts, Kluber finished the season stronger winning 11 of his final decisions.
Meanwhile, Max Scherzer has won back to back NL Cy Young Awards. The Washington Nationals' ace went 16-6 with a 2.51 ERA and led the NL in strikeouts with 268. Scherzer best his Nats' teammate Stephen Strasburg and three time NL Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw. Like Kershaw, Scherzer now has three Cy Youngs having won the AL Cy Young in 2013 while with the Detroit Tigers.
Of course, I'm sure both Kluber and Scherzer would trade their Cy Youngs for a World Series ring in the time it takes a fastball to hit the strike zone.
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Has Robert Mugabe Been Ousted From Power in Zimbabwe?
Has Robert Mugabe, who has led Zimbabwe since its independence in 1980, been finally ousted from power?
A military spokesman went on Zimbabwean state TV and effectively declared Mugabe and his wife Grace under house arrest while denying a coup was underway.
The crisis began last week when Mugabe fired his longtime confidante Emmerson Mnangagwa who has served Mugabe in various capacities going back to well before the fight for independence. Grace Mugabe, who is seeking to succeed her 93-year old husband, has been the driving force behind Mnangagwa's firing. Mnangagwa is believed to be in neighboring South Africa.
The sad truth is that really doesn't matter who is in power in Zimbabwe. Whether its Robert Mugabe, Grace Mugabe, Mnangagwa or anyone else, life in Zimbabwe is nasty, brutish and short. If the AIDS doesn't kill you then starvation will and if famine doesn't kill then political violence will.
This isn't to say a power struggle would improve things much. Indeed, it would only add to Zimbabwe's misery.
But Zimbabweans are a resourceful people. They have to be. Moffat Makuto, a man I consider my mentor, saw the revolution first hand and also saw what it has become. Nevertheless, he is one of the most optimistic men I have ever met and many of his countrymen share his spirit and those who remain in Zimbabwe have somehow found a way to live in the midst of daily danger and death.
Of course, it will take decades for Zimbabwe to get back half way where it was before the revolution. In a country where things are bad there is a very good chance things are about to get much worse.
A military spokesman went on Zimbabwean state TV and effectively declared Mugabe and his wife Grace under house arrest while denying a coup was underway.
The crisis began last week when Mugabe fired his longtime confidante Emmerson Mnangagwa who has served Mugabe in various capacities going back to well before the fight for independence. Grace Mugabe, who is seeking to succeed her 93-year old husband, has been the driving force behind Mnangagwa's firing. Mnangagwa is believed to be in neighboring South Africa.
The sad truth is that really doesn't matter who is in power in Zimbabwe. Whether its Robert Mugabe, Grace Mugabe, Mnangagwa or anyone else, life in Zimbabwe is nasty, brutish and short. If the AIDS doesn't kill you then starvation will and if famine doesn't kill then political violence will.
This isn't to say a power struggle would improve things much. Indeed, it would only add to Zimbabwe's misery.
But Zimbabweans are a resourceful people. They have to be. Moffat Makuto, a man I consider my mentor, saw the revolution first hand and also saw what it has become. Nevertheless, he is one of the most optimistic men I have ever met and many of his countrymen share his spirit and those who remain in Zimbabwe have somehow found a way to live in the midst of daily danger and death.
Of course, it will take decades for Zimbabwe to get back half way where it was before the revolution. In a country where things are bad there is a very good chance things are about to get much worse.
Molitor & Lovullo Named AL & NL Managers of the Year
I think few will object to the selection of Minnesota Twins manager Paul Molitor and Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo as AL & NL Managers of the Year, respectively. The Twins and D'Backs were the most improved teams in their respective leagues.
Molitor has demonstrated resilience in Minnesota going from nearly earning an AL Wild Card berth in 2015 to losing 103 games last year to earning that AL Wild Card spot. What is particularly remarkable is that the Twins played their best ball after dealing away closer Brandon Kintzler to the Washington Nationals and sending Jaime Garcia to the Yankees after only one start with the Twins after acquiring him from Atlanta. Molitor saw to it that the Twins didn't give up and they thrived.
Lovullo's turn around of the D'Backs is even more remarkable in his first full year as a manager. Of course, Lovullo cut his teeth as an acting manager with the Boston Red Sox in 2015 when John Farrell was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins' Lymphoma and many in Red Sox Nation wished he had remained in that capacity. So few here were surprised the D'Backs went as far as they did in 2017. This achievement has to be particularly satisfying for Lovullo. Unlike Molitor who reached the Hall of Fame as a player, Lovullo was a can't miss prospect who missed. But Lovullo found his calling as a manager and he has only just begun.
Molitor has demonstrated resilience in Minnesota going from nearly earning an AL Wild Card berth in 2015 to losing 103 games last year to earning that AL Wild Card spot. What is particularly remarkable is that the Twins played their best ball after dealing away closer Brandon Kintzler to the Washington Nationals and sending Jaime Garcia to the Yankees after only one start with the Twins after acquiring him from Atlanta. Molitor saw to it that the Twins didn't give up and they thrived.
Lovullo's turn around of the D'Backs is even more remarkable in his first full year as a manager. Of course, Lovullo cut his teeth as an acting manager with the Boston Red Sox in 2015 when John Farrell was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins' Lymphoma and many in Red Sox Nation wished he had remained in that capacity. So few here were surprised the D'Backs went as far as they did in 2017. This achievement has to be particularly satisfying for Lovullo. Unlike Molitor who reached the Hall of Fame as a player, Lovullo was a can't miss prospect who missed. But Lovullo found his calling as a manager and he has only just begun.
Will Dustin Pedroia Join Bobby Doerr in Cooperstown?
The passing of Bobby Doerr, who was baseball's oldest living player and Hall of Famer at the age 99, makes me think of the man currently playing second base for the Boston Red Sox.
To be precise, will Dustin Pedroia one day join Doerr in the Cooperstown. Doerr was granted entry into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1986 through the Veterans' Committee.
Doerr's career ended somewhat prematurely due to a back injury at the age of 33 at the end of the 1951 season. He collected 2,042 hits for a .288 lifetime batting average with 223 HR and 1247 RBI along with 9 AL All-Star team selections.
Pedroia turned 34 this past August and has now played 12 big league seasons compared to 14 with Doerr. Entering 2018, Pedroia has collected 1,802 hits for a lifetime batting average of .300 with 140 HR and 724 RBI. Petey has been selected to four AL All-Star Teams and his earned three Gold Gloves for his defensive work.
Doerr certainly has a big edge in production. He drove in 100 or more runs six times in his career while Pedroia has never had a 100 RBI season. But Petey does have an AL MVP under his belt and two World Series rings. If Petey were to retire today he would be a borderline case much like Doerr. But Pedroia does have an outside shot at collecting 3,000 hits. But given Petey's propensity for injury I doubt he will get there. But if he maintains a .300 average, gets around 2,500 hits and wins another Gold Glove and a World Series ring then I think he would supplant Doerr as the greatest second baseman in Red Sox history and it would be hard to keep Pedroia out of Cooperstown. He wouldn't be a first ballot Hall of Famer, but I don't think it would take the Veterans Committee to put him in.
To be precise, will Dustin Pedroia one day join Doerr in the Cooperstown. Doerr was granted entry into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1986 through the Veterans' Committee.
Doerr's career ended somewhat prematurely due to a back injury at the age of 33 at the end of the 1951 season. He collected 2,042 hits for a .288 lifetime batting average with 223 HR and 1247 RBI along with 9 AL All-Star team selections.
Pedroia turned 34 this past August and has now played 12 big league seasons compared to 14 with Doerr. Entering 2018, Pedroia has collected 1,802 hits for a lifetime batting average of .300 with 140 HR and 724 RBI. Petey has been selected to four AL All-Star Teams and his earned three Gold Gloves for his defensive work.
Doerr certainly has a big edge in production. He drove in 100 or more runs six times in his career while Pedroia has never had a 100 RBI season. But Petey does have an AL MVP under his belt and two World Series rings. If Petey were to retire today he would be a borderline case much like Doerr. But Pedroia does have an outside shot at collecting 3,000 hits. But given Petey's propensity for injury I doubt he will get there. But if he maintains a .300 average, gets around 2,500 hits and wins another Gold Glove and a World Series ring then I think he would supplant Doerr as the greatest second baseman in Red Sox history and it would be hard to keep Pedroia out of Cooperstown. He wouldn't be a first ballot Hall of Famer, but I don't think it would take the Veterans Committee to put him in.
Bobby Doerr, R.I.P.
Bobby Doerr, a Hall of Fame second baseman who spent his entire 14-year big league career with the Boston Red Sox, passed away yesterday. At 99, Doerr was both the oldest living MLB player and oldest living Hall of Famer. Those distinctions now belong Chuck Stevens who played with the St. Louis Browns in the 1940's and St. Louis Cardinals legendary player, coach and manager Red Schoendienst.
Doerr was certainly the best second baseman in the AL during the 1940's and might well have been in the 1950's if a back injury didn't force his retirement following the 1951 season. He finished his career with 2,042 hits for a .288 lifetime batting average with 223 home runs and 1,247 RBIs. There were no Gold Gloves in those days but he likely would have had a bushel full. Doerr was named to 9 AL All-Star Teams.
Of course, Doerr never got to be a part of a World Series winner though he played in the 1946 Fall Classic against the Cardinals and was also part of Dick Willliams' coaching staff with the Impossible Dream Team of 1967 who also fell to the Redbirds in seven games. Doerr is credited for converting Carl Yastrzemski into the power hitter who would win the Triple Crown that year. However, Doerr would resign from the Red Sox coaching staff in protest of Williams' firing in the middle of the 1969 season. Doerr would be the inaugural hitting coach for the Toronto Blue Jays serving in that role from 1977 to 1981.
Doerr was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee in 1986. Later that year, the team would retire his number. He was the third Red Sox player to be so honored after Ted Williams and Joe Cronin.
I strongly recommend David Halberstam's Teammates which documents Ted Williams' last days with Dom DiMaggio, Johnny Pesky and Doerr. Unfortunately, Doerr's wife was ailing and he could not make the pilgrimage down to Florida to see The Splendid Splinter. Doerr would be the quartet's last surviving member as Pesky passed away in 2012 not long after the two appeared at the 100th anniversary commemoration of Fenway Park.
Above is Doerr's Hall of Fame acceptance speech.
Monday, November 13, 2017
Why I Hope The Red Sox Won't Trade for Giancarlo Stanton
The biggest off-season story in MLB will be where Giancarlo Stanton, the man likely to be named NL MVP, will play in 2018.
Stanton, who has played his entire 8-year MLB career with the Miami Marlins, will very likely have a different address as new owner Derek Jeter puts the team through yet another rebuild. At this point, there are four possible destinations for Stanton - the Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants and the Boston Red Sox.
I know that Red Sox owners John Henry and Tom Werner have long coveted Stanton. But I hope they don't acquire him.
So why shouldn't the Red Sox, a team who finished last in the AL in home runs, not want to acquire a player who hit 59 home runs in 2017?
For starters, I doubt he will ever approach those numbers again. Stanton is injury prone. Four times in his eight year career, Stanton has missed 35 or more games due to injury. Mind you Stanton just turned 28. Imagine what will happen once his body starts to turn on him.
To get Stanton, the Red Sox would have to give up the farm and then some. In addition to their top prospects, the Sox would probably have to trade the likes of Andrew Benintendi, Rafael Devers or Mookie Betts possibly even a David Price or a Craig Kimbrel. Now I don't deny that Stanton brings much to the table, but I don't think he would make the Red Sox a better team.
I think he would be a better fit in either St. Louis or San Francisco. In Busch Stadium, Stanton could be another Albert Pujols. He would also bolster the Giants although I don't think they have much to offer the Marlins. Can't see Philly working out too well. Methinks he and Gabe Kapler would clash. But who doesn't clash with Kapler? I have a feeling we'll see another team in the mix. My guess would be the New York Mets. He'd be a nice fit there.
But I don't think he would be a fit in Boston. Getting Stanton strikes me as too much of a quick fix. The Red Sox need fine tuning rather than a major overhaul. But if the Red Sox can fire John Farrell despite winning a World Series title along with back to back AL East titles then I think pretty much no one is untouchable with the possible exception of Chris Sale.
Wherever Stanton ends up the one team that is guaranteed to be better will be the Marlins. I always thought the $325 million contract they gave to Stanton in 2014 hung around them like an albatross. They effectively put all their eggs in one basket. To me, the Marlins trading Stanton away is like when the Seattle Mariners dealt away Randy Johnson and Ken Griffey, Jr. For the price of one player, the Mariners could afford three or four quality players a la Bret Boone, John Olerud and Mike Cameron and win 116 games. That would surely happen if they got Mookie Betts, Rafael Devers and David Price from the Red Sox.
Stanton, who has played his entire 8-year MLB career with the Miami Marlins, will very likely have a different address as new owner Derek Jeter puts the team through yet another rebuild. At this point, there are four possible destinations for Stanton - the Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants and the Boston Red Sox.
I know that Red Sox owners John Henry and Tom Werner have long coveted Stanton. But I hope they don't acquire him.
So why shouldn't the Red Sox, a team who finished last in the AL in home runs, not want to acquire a player who hit 59 home runs in 2017?
For starters, I doubt he will ever approach those numbers again. Stanton is injury prone. Four times in his eight year career, Stanton has missed 35 or more games due to injury. Mind you Stanton just turned 28. Imagine what will happen once his body starts to turn on him.
To get Stanton, the Red Sox would have to give up the farm and then some. In addition to their top prospects, the Sox would probably have to trade the likes of Andrew Benintendi, Rafael Devers or Mookie Betts possibly even a David Price or a Craig Kimbrel. Now I don't deny that Stanton brings much to the table, but I don't think he would make the Red Sox a better team.
I think he would be a better fit in either St. Louis or San Francisco. In Busch Stadium, Stanton could be another Albert Pujols. He would also bolster the Giants although I don't think they have much to offer the Marlins. Can't see Philly working out too well. Methinks he and Gabe Kapler would clash. But who doesn't clash with Kapler? I have a feeling we'll see another team in the mix. My guess would be the New York Mets. He'd be a nice fit there.
But I don't think he would be a fit in Boston. Getting Stanton strikes me as too much of a quick fix. The Red Sox need fine tuning rather than a major overhaul. But if the Red Sox can fire John Farrell despite winning a World Series title along with back to back AL East titles then I think pretty much no one is untouchable with the possible exception of Chris Sale.
Wherever Stanton ends up the one team that is guaranteed to be better will be the Marlins. I always thought the $325 million contract they gave to Stanton in 2014 hung around them like an albatross. They effectively put all their eggs in one basket. To me, the Marlins trading Stanton away is like when the Seattle Mariners dealt away Randy Johnson and Ken Griffey, Jr. For the price of one player, the Mariners could afford three or four quality players a la Bret Boone, John Olerud and Mike Cameron and win 116 games. That would surely happen if they got Mookie Betts, Rafael Devers and David Price from the Red Sox.
Aaron Judge & Cody Bellinger Could Be The Greatest Rookies of The Year in MLB History
As widely expected both Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger were unanimously named AL & NL Rookies of the Year.
Judge, of course, hit a MLB rookie record 52 home runs for the New York Yankees along with hitting .284 and driving in 114 runs. On the other side of the country, Bellinger supplanted Adrian Gonzalez at first base and led the Los Angeles Dodgers to the best record in MLB blasting 39 HRs with 97 RBI.
The question going forward is whether Judge and Bellinger will be the greatest rookies of the year in MLB history.
This is the first time both rookies of the year were chosen unanimously since 1997 when Nomar Garciaparra and Scott Rolen won the honors in the AL and NL, respectively. Rolen has a chance of getting into Cooperstown, but Garciaparra was never the same after injuring his wrist late in his tenure with the Red Sox.
There are only two sets of rookies of the year that have entered the Hall of Fame. In 1967, Rod Carew and Tom Seaver won AL and NL Rookie of the Year honors and became first ballot Hall of Famers. In 1977, Eddie Murray and Andre Dawson won AL and NL Rookie of the Year honors and would find their way to Cooperstown. Eventually we shall add the rookie class of 2001 with Ichiro Suzuki and Albert Pujols. I know that there are those who don't consider Ichiro a rookie after playing seven years of ball in Japan. But Ichiro is the exception rather than the rule where it concerns Japanese players, especially position players. So I have no objection to Ichiro winning those honors.
Yet with all these great players, Judge and Bellinger could outclass them all. Of course this requires them not to slump or get injured. It's a tall order, but with their talent it is certainly possible. We shall find the answer in 10-15 years time.
Judge, of course, hit a MLB rookie record 52 home runs for the New York Yankees along with hitting .284 and driving in 114 runs. On the other side of the country, Bellinger supplanted Adrian Gonzalez at first base and led the Los Angeles Dodgers to the best record in MLB blasting 39 HRs with 97 RBI.
The question going forward is whether Judge and Bellinger will be the greatest rookies of the year in MLB history.
This is the first time both rookies of the year were chosen unanimously since 1997 when Nomar Garciaparra and Scott Rolen won the honors in the AL and NL, respectively. Rolen has a chance of getting into Cooperstown, but Garciaparra was never the same after injuring his wrist late in his tenure with the Red Sox.
There are only two sets of rookies of the year that have entered the Hall of Fame. In 1967, Rod Carew and Tom Seaver won AL and NL Rookie of the Year honors and became first ballot Hall of Famers. In 1977, Eddie Murray and Andre Dawson won AL and NL Rookie of the Year honors and would find their way to Cooperstown. Eventually we shall add the rookie class of 2001 with Ichiro Suzuki and Albert Pujols. I know that there are those who don't consider Ichiro a rookie after playing seven years of ball in Japan. But Ichiro is the exception rather than the rule where it concerns Japanese players, especially position players. So I have no objection to Ichiro winning those honors.
Yet with all these great players, Judge and Bellinger could outclass them all. Of course this requires them not to slump or get injured. It's a tall order, but with their talent it is certainly possible. We shall find the answer in 10-15 years time.
Carlos Beltran in Cooperstown Won't Be a Can of Corn to Center
It comes as little surprise that Carlos Beltran has announced his retirement after attaining his first World Series ring with the Houston Astros to cap off a 20-year MLB career.
There are a lot of people who peg Beltran as a future Hall of Famer. He is certainly not without credentials. Beltran collected 2,725 hits for a .279 lifetime batting average with 435 career home runs and 1587 RBI along with 9 All-Star appearances and three Gold Gloves.
But cracking Cooperstown as a center fielder is no easy feat. Even Joe DiMaggio didn't get in on the first try. In fact, The Yankee Clipper didn't get in until his fourth appearance on the BBWAA ballot.
Consider some of Beltran's contemporaries. His fellow Puerto Rican Bernie Williams doesn't have Beltran's power numbers (287 HR and 1257 RBI) but he nearly finished with a .300 lifetime batting average (.297) and won four Gold Gloves along with 5 All-Star appearances. After getting 9.6% of the BBWAA vote in 2012, he fell off the ballot altogether in 2013 after garnering only 3.3% of the vote. Like Williams, Jim Edmonds doesn't have Beltran's power numbers (393 HR and 1199 RBI) but his 8 Gold Gloves only counted for 2.5% of the BBWAA vote in 2016.
In 2018 both Andruw Jones and Johnny Damon appear on the BBWAA ballot for the first time. Damon has 200 fewer home runs than Beltran but has 44 more career hits. Although Jones has fewer than 2,000 hits, he finished with 434 home runs - one less than Beltran. Jones also earned 10 Gold Gloves. Ye it wouldn't shock me if neither Damon or Jones get less than 5% of the vote.
Of course, Carlos Beltran will not appear on the BBWAA ballot until 2023. How Beltran does will depend in part on who he is stacked up against. It does help that Beltran played a good chunk of his career during the so-called Steroids Era and never fell under suspicion. So while fresh off his World Series win many people today see Beltran as a Hall of Famer as memories of the Astros' triumph fades and deep into the second term of a Trump Administration, his candidacy for Cooperstown might not be so obvious in a little over five years from now.
There are a lot of people who peg Beltran as a future Hall of Famer. He is certainly not without credentials. Beltran collected 2,725 hits for a .279 lifetime batting average with 435 career home runs and 1587 RBI along with 9 All-Star appearances and three Gold Gloves.
But cracking Cooperstown as a center fielder is no easy feat. Even Joe DiMaggio didn't get in on the first try. In fact, The Yankee Clipper didn't get in until his fourth appearance on the BBWAA ballot.
Consider some of Beltran's contemporaries. His fellow Puerto Rican Bernie Williams doesn't have Beltran's power numbers (287 HR and 1257 RBI) but he nearly finished with a .300 lifetime batting average (.297) and won four Gold Gloves along with 5 All-Star appearances. After getting 9.6% of the BBWAA vote in 2012, he fell off the ballot altogether in 2013 after garnering only 3.3% of the vote. Like Williams, Jim Edmonds doesn't have Beltran's power numbers (393 HR and 1199 RBI) but his 8 Gold Gloves only counted for 2.5% of the BBWAA vote in 2016.
In 2018 both Andruw Jones and Johnny Damon appear on the BBWAA ballot for the first time. Damon has 200 fewer home runs than Beltran but has 44 more career hits. Although Jones has fewer than 2,000 hits, he finished with 434 home runs - one less than Beltran. Jones also earned 10 Gold Gloves. Ye it wouldn't shock me if neither Damon or Jones get less than 5% of the vote.
Of course, Carlos Beltran will not appear on the BBWAA ballot until 2023. How Beltran does will depend in part on who he is stacked up against. It does help that Beltran played a good chunk of his career during the so-called Steroids Era and never fell under suspicion. So while fresh off his World Series win many people today see Beltran as a Hall of Famer as memories of the Astros' triumph fades and deep into the second term of a Trump Administration, his candidacy for Cooperstown might not be so obvious in a little over five years from now.
Saturday, November 11, 2017
Roy Halladay Should Be Inducted Into The Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018
The other day I made the case at NRO that the Baseball Writers' Association of America should waive the waiting period and induct Roy Halladay into Cooperstown in 2018.
You can read that article here.
You can read that article here.
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
The Election of Donald Trump One Year Later
At this exact hour a year ago the polls closed in the 2016 presidential election. It would not be until the following morning that Americans learned we had elected Donald Trump to become our 45th President. Many wish we could go back to bed and wake up from this nightmare. Of course, it was going to be a nightmare as we were given the choice of two poisons and we had to pick one.
Unfortunately, we picked the poison which spread faster. We have a President who berates our friends and bends over backwards for our adversaries, implements policies such as the Muslim travel ban without bothering to let his Cabinet in on it, establishes a moral equivalence between the media and ISIS, calls white supremacists "fine people" and makes unfounded accusations of being wiretapped by former President Obama.
And where is all the winning?
No wonder New Jersey elected a Democrat Governor. No wonder Virginia elected a Democrat Governor and possibly a Democrat controlled House of Delegates. Don't be shocked if in one year's time the Democrats take control of both Houses of Congress. Trump may very well do the the Republican Party what President Obama did to the Democrats during his two terms in office.
Of course, if that is the case then there's a very good chance Trump will be re-elected in three years time. Whatever his obvious shortcomings, the man does inspire loyalty. His supporters perceive Trump is fighting for them even when it isn't clear what exactly he's fighting for. If Democrats want to break that loyalty then they have to stop treating Trump voters as the enemy and ask them if they are winning.
Unfortunately, we picked the poison which spread faster. We have a President who berates our friends and bends over backwards for our adversaries, implements policies such as the Muslim travel ban without bothering to let his Cabinet in on it, establishes a moral equivalence between the media and ISIS, calls white supremacists "fine people" and makes unfounded accusations of being wiretapped by former President Obama.
And where is all the winning?
No wonder New Jersey elected a Democrat Governor. No wonder Virginia elected a Democrat Governor and possibly a Democrat controlled House of Delegates. Don't be shocked if in one year's time the Democrats take control of both Houses of Congress. Trump may very well do the the Republican Party what President Obama did to the Democrats during his two terms in office.
Of course, if that is the case then there's a very good chance Trump will be re-elected in three years time. Whatever his obvious shortcomings, the man does inspire loyalty. His supporters perceive Trump is fighting for them even when it isn't clear what exactly he's fighting for. If Democrats want to break that loyalty then they have to stop treating Trump voters as the enemy and ask them if they are winning.
Paul Buckmaster, R.I.P.
Cellist and string arranger Paul Buckmaster has passed away at the age of 71. His cause of death is not known at this time.
Buckmaster's string arrangements appear on some of the most popular songs of the 1970's including David Bowie's "Space Oddity","Without You" by Harry Nilsson, "You're So Vain" and "Haven't Got Time For The Pain" by Carly Simon. Perhaps his most notable collaboration was with Elton John arranging four of his best selling early albums Elton John, Tumbleweed Collection, Madman Across The Water and Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player.
Buckmaster also worked with the likes of The Rolling Stones, Leonard Cohen, Shawn Phillips, Celine Dion, The Counting Crows, Dwight Yoakam, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Bon Jovi, Kenny Rogers, Guns 'n Roses, Taylor Swift, Goo Goo Dolls, Heart and Idina Menzel.
I leave you with Carly Simon's "Haven't Got Time For The Pain". Buckmaster's arrangements become prominent at its conclusion. R.I.P.
Buckmaster's string arrangements appear on some of the most popular songs of the 1970's including David Bowie's "Space Oddity","Without You" by Harry Nilsson, "You're So Vain" and "Haven't Got Time For The Pain" by Carly Simon. Perhaps his most notable collaboration was with Elton John arranging four of his best selling early albums Elton John, Tumbleweed Collection, Madman Across The Water and Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player.
Buckmaster also worked with the likes of The Rolling Stones, Leonard Cohen, Shawn Phillips, Celine Dion, The Counting Crows, Dwight Yoakam, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Bon Jovi, Kenny Rogers, Guns 'n Roses, Taylor Swift, Goo Goo Dolls, Heart and Idina Menzel.
I leave you with Carly Simon's "Haven't Got Time For The Pain". Buckmaster's arrangements become prominent at its conclusion. R.I.P.
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Rick Stelmaszek, R.I.P.
As it turns out Roy Halladay wasn't the only one lost to the baseball world.
Rick Stelmaszek, who served five different managers as a bullpen coach for the Minnesota Twins from 1981 to 2012, died yesterday following a near year long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 69.
After an undistinguished career as a catcher with the Washington Senators/Texas Rangers, California Angels and Chicago Cubs in the early 1970's, Stelmaszek joined the Twins organization as a minor league player in 1978 with the Single A Wisconsin Rapids which he would later manage until being promoted to the big league coaching staff.
His 32-year tenure as a coach is the third longest in MLB history. Only Manny Mota who served with the Los Angeles Dodgers for 33 years and Nick Altrock who served with the Washington Senators for 42 years remained with their organizations longer. Stelmaszek earned two World Series rings with the Twins in 1987 and 1991.
Nicknamed "Stelly", he threw out the first pitch at Target Field on Opening Day this past season. He would make his last public appearance during the summer when the team honored the 1987 World Series champion Twins. R.I.P.
Rick Stelmaszek, who served five different managers as a bullpen coach for the Minnesota Twins from 1981 to 2012, died yesterday following a near year long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 69.
After an undistinguished career as a catcher with the Washington Senators/Texas Rangers, California Angels and Chicago Cubs in the early 1970's, Stelmaszek joined the Twins organization as a minor league player in 1978 with the Single A Wisconsin Rapids which he would later manage until being promoted to the big league coaching staff.
His 32-year tenure as a coach is the third longest in MLB history. Only Manny Mota who served with the Los Angeles Dodgers for 33 years and Nick Altrock who served with the Washington Senators for 42 years remained with their organizations longer. Stelmaszek earned two World Series rings with the Twins in 1987 and 1991.
Roy Halladay, R.I.P.
Moments ago, the MLB Network announced the death of former MLB pitcher Roy Halladay. His plane crashed in the Gulf of Mexico this afternoon. Halladay was 40. He leaves behind a wife and two children.
Halladay pitched in bigs from 1998 through 2013 with the Toronto Blue Jays and the Philadelphia Phillies.
Nicknamed "Doc", he was a first round draft pick with the Jays in 1995 and arrived in the bigs in 1998 and in his second big league start came within an out of throwing a no-hitter. Halladay would soon struggle and after posting an ERA of 10.64 in 2000 was sent down all the way to single-A to relearn how to pitch. With the help of Mel Queen (along with Yankees legend Mariano Rivera teaching him the cutter), Halladay returned and was arguably the best pitcher in MLB during the 2000's.
Between 2002 and 2011, Halladay won two Cy Young Awards (one with the AL in 2003 and one in the NL in 2010), was in the top five in Cy Young balloting six times, was named to eight All-Star Teams (six in the AL and two in the NL), led the league in complete games six times (4 in the AL, twice in the NL) and led the league in innings pitched four times (twice each in the AL and NL).
During his first season with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2010 he threw a perfect game and threw a no-hitter in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Cincinnati Reds. When he threw that no-hitter in the NLDS he became the first pitcher to throw a no-hitter in the post-season since Don Larsen in the 1956 World Series and the first pitcher to throw two no-hitters in the same season since Nolan Ryan in 1973.
Halladay sustained a shoulder injury in 2012 diminishing his effectiveness and retired following the 2013 season. He finished his career with a record of 203-105 with an ERA of 3.38 and struck out 2,117 batters.
On a personal note, I got to see him pitch at Fenway Park. I also remember announcing his no-hitter at the Cantab Lounge in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Even non-baseball fans understood the magnitude of what Halladay had done. I can't think of an opposing pitcher Red Sox fans feared and respected more than Halladay. The same is true of his teammates and his opponents.
Halladay will be eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019. In light of today's events, I believe he will be elected on the first ballot. Whenever Halladay is inducted, it will be a shame that he won't be there to enjoy it.
But we can always enjoy that final out of that no-hitter. R.I.P.
Halladay pitched in bigs from 1998 through 2013 with the Toronto Blue Jays and the Philadelphia Phillies.
Nicknamed "Doc", he was a first round draft pick with the Jays in 1995 and arrived in the bigs in 1998 and in his second big league start came within an out of throwing a no-hitter. Halladay would soon struggle and after posting an ERA of 10.64 in 2000 was sent down all the way to single-A to relearn how to pitch. With the help of Mel Queen (along with Yankees legend Mariano Rivera teaching him the cutter), Halladay returned and was arguably the best pitcher in MLB during the 2000's.
Between 2002 and 2011, Halladay won two Cy Young Awards (one with the AL in 2003 and one in the NL in 2010), was in the top five in Cy Young balloting six times, was named to eight All-Star Teams (six in the AL and two in the NL), led the league in complete games six times (4 in the AL, twice in the NL) and led the league in innings pitched four times (twice each in the AL and NL).
During his first season with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2010 he threw a perfect game and threw a no-hitter in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Cincinnati Reds. When he threw that no-hitter in the NLDS he became the first pitcher to throw a no-hitter in the post-season since Don Larsen in the 1956 World Series and the first pitcher to throw two no-hitters in the same season since Nolan Ryan in 1973.
Halladay sustained a shoulder injury in 2012 diminishing his effectiveness and retired following the 2013 season. He finished his career with a record of 203-105 with an ERA of 3.38 and struck out 2,117 batters.
On a personal note, I got to see him pitch at Fenway Park. I also remember announcing his no-hitter at the Cantab Lounge in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Even non-baseball fans understood the magnitude of what Halladay had done. I can't think of an opposing pitcher Red Sox fans feared and respected more than Halladay. The same is true of his teammates and his opponents.
Halladay will be eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019. In light of today's events, I believe he will be elected on the first ballot. Whenever Halladay is inducted, it will be a shame that he won't be there to enjoy it.
But we can always enjoy that final out of that no-hitter. R.I.P.
Sunday, November 5, 2017
Thoughts on The Church Massacre in Sutherland Springs, Texas - UPDATE
At least 27 people have been killed in a massacre at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, a small town east of San Antonio. Among those killed was the Minister's 14-year old daughter. More than 30 people were injured. Given that there are fewer than 400 people who live in that community this is going to be a wound felt for decades to come.
When I learned about this heinous act I thought of the gun attacks on the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin which claimed six lives in August 2012 as well as the massacre at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina which claimed the lives of nine people in June 2015. Today's attack represents the worst attack on a house of worship in this country's history.
The assailant is dead, but it is not clear whether the shooter was killed by authorities or took his own life nor has he been identified as of this writing.
Naturally there are questions.
Was the assailant a stranger to the congregation as was the case in Oak Creek and at Mother Emanuel? Or was the assailant a former member of the church?
Ana Cabrera of CNN noted the attack took place on the 8th anniversary of the Fort Hood shooting. Was this an act of Islamic terrorism against infidels? We are only five days removed from the ISIS attack in New York City near the WTC.
Or was this another Las Vegas shooting where the motive might never ever be known?
Regardless of the reason we are already hearing demands for gun control even though the identity of the killer is not known much less how he obtained his weapons.
All we do is this yet another bad day in America.
UPDATE: I am watching a press conference on CNN featuring Texas Governor Greg Abbott. He indicates there are 26 fatalities. The Governor did not identify the shooter and authorities indicate he cannot be conclusively identified. According to The Daily Beast, however, the shooter is Devin Patrick Kelley, a former Air Force veteran. Twitter is speculating that Kelley is a white nationalist, a Muslim convert and a member of Antifa. At this point, none of this has been substantiated and might very well be wrong. We shall see.
When I learned about this heinous act I thought of the gun attacks on the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin which claimed six lives in August 2012 as well as the massacre at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina which claimed the lives of nine people in June 2015. Today's attack represents the worst attack on a house of worship in this country's history.
The assailant is dead, but it is not clear whether the shooter was killed by authorities or took his own life nor has he been identified as of this writing.
Naturally there are questions.
Was the assailant a stranger to the congregation as was the case in Oak Creek and at Mother Emanuel? Or was the assailant a former member of the church?
Ana Cabrera of CNN noted the attack took place on the 8th anniversary of the Fort Hood shooting. Was this an act of Islamic terrorism against infidels? We are only five days removed from the ISIS attack in New York City near the WTC.
Or was this another Las Vegas shooting where the motive might never ever be known?
Regardless of the reason we are already hearing demands for gun control even though the identity of the killer is not known much less how he obtained his weapons.
All we do is this yet another bad day in America.
UPDATE: I am watching a press conference on CNN featuring Texas Governor Greg Abbott. He indicates there are 26 fatalities. The Governor did not identify the shooter and authorities indicate he cannot be conclusively identified. According to The Daily Beast, however, the shooter is Devin Patrick Kelley, a former Air Force veteran. Twitter is speculating that Kelley is a white nationalist, a Muslim convert and a member of Antifa. At this point, none of this has been substantiated and might very well be wrong. We shall see.
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Astros Win 1st World Series Title & Houston Gets a Well-Deserved Parade
The Houston Astros defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-1 in Game 7 of the 2017 World Series to win their first ever championship since the team was established in 1962 when they were known as the Houston Colts-45s.
Unlike Games 2 & 5 in which the Astros had to comeback from repeated deficits, the Astros were in charge all the way. The Astros got to Dodgers starter Yu Darvish immediately as George Springer led off with a double and scored on a throwing error by Dodgers' first baseman Cody Bellinger. The Astros would score a second run on a RBI ground out by Jose Altuve.
The Astros continued their attack in the 2nd inning on a RBI ground out by starting pitcher Lance McCullers, Jr. with a three run HR by Springer to put the nail in the coffin. It was Springer's 5th HR of the World Series and homered in four consecutive Fall Classic games. Not surprisingly Springer was named World Series MVP. It is fitting when you consider the 2014 Sports Illustrated cover story which declared the Astros would win the 2017 World Series. And who was on the cover? None other George Springer.
But even Springer couldn't top Carlos Correa who proposed marriage (and was accepted of course).
The Dodgers weren't without opportunities. Brandon Morrow, Clayton Kershaw, Kenley Jansen and Alex Wood kept the Astros scoreless for 7.1 IP with Kershaw pitching four of those innings. Morrow actually pitched in all 7 games becoming the first pitcher to accomplish the feat since the late Darrold Knowles with the Oakland A's in 1973. They kept the Dodgers in the game.
Unfortunately for the Dodgers they left runners on base. Eleven to be exact. They scored their only run on a PH single by Andre Ethier who is in his 13th year in a Dodgers uniform. The Dodgers were held in bay by Charlie Morton who pitched 4.1 IP of solid relief to earn the win. Not bad for a guy who blew out his knee in his only appearance with the Philadelphia Phillies last year.
If there was ever a city that deserved a parade it is Houston. With numerous residents without a home and possessions following Hurricane Harvey, the Astros were the perfect respite for this disaster.
Dodgers fans are no doubt disappointed with the outcome with this World Series, but it was a win for baseball. With the drama surrounding both Games 2 & 5, this Fall Classic made new fans in a way no other World Series in recent memory has done even including the Chicago Cubs' triumph a year ago. There are thousands, if not millions who have a newfound appreciation for this game and will look forward to what will unfold in 2018 and beyond. As for the Dodgers there's a good chance they'll back very soon.
But for now a hearty congratulations to the Houston Astros be it their homegrown talent like Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and Marwin Gonzalez and to veteran newcomers Brian McCann, Carlos Beltran and, of course, Justin Verlander. Keeping it all together was Astros manager A.J. Hinch winning his first World Series title as a manager. For tonight, Houston has no problem.
Unlike Games 2 & 5 in which the Astros had to comeback from repeated deficits, the Astros were in charge all the way. The Astros got to Dodgers starter Yu Darvish immediately as George Springer led off with a double and scored on a throwing error by Dodgers' first baseman Cody Bellinger. The Astros would score a second run on a RBI ground out by Jose Altuve.
The Astros continued their attack in the 2nd inning on a RBI ground out by starting pitcher Lance McCullers, Jr. with a three run HR by Springer to put the nail in the coffin. It was Springer's 5th HR of the World Series and homered in four consecutive Fall Classic games. Not surprisingly Springer was named World Series MVP. It is fitting when you consider the 2014 Sports Illustrated cover story which declared the Astros would win the 2017 World Series. And who was on the cover? None other George Springer.
But even Springer couldn't top Carlos Correa who proposed marriage (and was accepted of course).
The Dodgers weren't without opportunities. Brandon Morrow, Clayton Kershaw, Kenley Jansen and Alex Wood kept the Astros scoreless for 7.1 IP with Kershaw pitching four of those innings. Morrow actually pitched in all 7 games becoming the first pitcher to accomplish the feat since the late Darrold Knowles with the Oakland A's in 1973. They kept the Dodgers in the game.
Unfortunately for the Dodgers they left runners on base. Eleven to be exact. They scored their only run on a PH single by Andre Ethier who is in his 13th year in a Dodgers uniform. The Dodgers were held in bay by Charlie Morton who pitched 4.1 IP of solid relief to earn the win. Not bad for a guy who blew out his knee in his only appearance with the Philadelphia Phillies last year.
If there was ever a city that deserved a parade it is Houston. With numerous residents without a home and possessions following Hurricane Harvey, the Astros were the perfect respite for this disaster.
Dodgers fans are no doubt disappointed with the outcome with this World Series, but it was a win for baseball. With the drama surrounding both Games 2 & 5, this Fall Classic made new fans in a way no other World Series in recent memory has done even including the Chicago Cubs' triumph a year ago. There are thousands, if not millions who have a newfound appreciation for this game and will look forward to what will unfold in 2018 and beyond. As for the Dodgers there's a good chance they'll back very soon.
But for now a hearty congratulations to the Houston Astros be it their homegrown talent like Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and Marwin Gonzalez and to veteran newcomers Brian McCann, Carlos Beltran and, of course, Justin Verlander. Keeping it all together was Astros manager A.J. Hinch winning his first World Series title as a manager. For tonight, Houston has no problem.
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