In just under 11½ hours from now, 2019 comes to an end and with it the 2010's.
2019 marked my first full year in New York City. At this time a year ago, I had hoped to meet people. This has largely failed. Not for lack of trying though. I have gone out and attended several of the Democratic debates in a room full of strangers. I left each of those room as much of a stranger as when I entered them. Social engagement isn't an easy thing for me and never has been. Frankly, I am an acquired taste and most people don't have much patience when it comes to the cultivation of friendship. Complicating matters is family life, work and social standing or lack thereof.
But when I think of 2019 I will remember it as the year bowling became a part of my life. Most of my passions were developed during childhood (i.e. baseball, politics, reading, writing, 1960's and 1970's music and TV shows). The only other passion of mine that I developed in adulthood was swimming which happened during my first year of university nearly 30 years ago. As a man now in my late 40's, I find it remarkable that I have managed to develop a new interest at this stage of my life. This is a good thing.
It is a good thing because other areas of my life have taken a back seat and perhaps for the best. 2019 marks the first year I haven't had any articles published in a decade. Oh, I will certainly write about the things which matter to me here in this space. But I doubt I will have the opportunity to write about these things to a wider audience anytime soon. Although I submitted more than 50 articles for consideration, none of the publications saw fit to post them. I don't think my abilities as a writer have regressed. It's simply a case of no one being interested in anything I have to say. Combine this with Twitter seeing fit to ban me without explanation beyond "suspicious activity" (whatever that means), I cannot help but get the sense it would probably be better to engage in other endeavors where my efforts would be better appreciated.
Which brings me back to bowling. Let me start off by saying that I am a lousy bowler. Hopefully this will change in 2020. But for the moment my average is 68.8 (the average score is 77). Every once in a while I manage to hit 100. But after rolling a strike or a spare, I frequently hit a spell where I will throw four or five gutter balls in a row. Sometimes more. It's annoying, but it hasn't deterred me.
If nothing else, bowling has given me an opportunity to get to know New York City. Before pursuing this past time, I seldom ventured outside Manhattan. For the past several months I have taken numerous trips to Queens (Astoria Bowl, Bowl 360, Whitestone Lanes, Jib Lanes), Brooklyn (Shell Lanes) and the Bronx (Van Nest Lanes). I haven't bowled in Staten Island much less ever set foot there, but I may be attending a tournament at Raab's Country Lanes in January. Should this come to pass perhaps I will pick up some techniques that will help result in higher scores in 2020. Of course, there is no substitute for practice. When I lived in Boston, New Year's Day was spent at the Brattle Theater watching the Marx Brothers. Tomorrow, I plan to spend New Year's Day at Bowl 360 where I can bowl for two hours for only $20. It might result in some comedy but I am confident I will have the last laugh although I'm not sure when that will be.
Some of you will probably tell me I should get my own ball. This would be of help. But I think I'll buy bowling shoes before I buy a bowling ball. One of my problems is that I generally don't feel comfortable in the bowling shoes I rent. I just don't feel the right balance. And without the right balance it won't matter what kind of ball I buy. That and I'll save money on shoe rentals.
Usually I bowl alone although my Dad has accompanied a couple of times. This Saturday, however, I will be going to Shell Lanes with one of my work colleagues (and possibly Dad as well). Alas, it will be a one off occasion as he will soon be moving to North Carolina. We will keep in touch through Facebook (which is a far nicer neighborhood than Twitter), but it is no substitute for face to face interaction. Still, bowling is a social sport and I hope there will be more opportunity for it in 2020. On January 15th, I am scheduled to participate in my first ever bowling league - the Lousy Bowlers League at Bowlero Queens. I actually signed up for the league back in November but there was insufficient interest. Hopefully that won't be the case this time around.
There are, of course, other forms of bowling. Among them is duckpin bowling. You can do many things in New York City, but duckpin bowling isn't one of them. For this, I will have to take a Metro North train to Connecticut. Or perhaps I will take a Peter Pan bus up to Rhode Island visit to my former roommate Christopher Kain. Or perhaps I will go to Baltimore this summer and roll some duckpins before taking in an Orioles game at Camden Yards. John McGraw and Wilbert Robinson of the original Baltimore Orioles are reputed to have invented game. The evidence suggests otherwise but they certainly popularized it in Baltimore and throughout Maryland. Duckpin bowling's connection to baseball certainly peeks my interest. Both the bowl and pins are smaller. But unlike regular bowling (or tenpin bowling or big ball bowling if you prefer) there has never been a perfect game rolled in duckpin.
The same can be said for candlepin bowling. I actually tried that once when I worked in Lynn, Massachusetts back in 2002. But bowling didn't mean to me then what it means to me now. I have not set foot in Boston since leaving in September 2018. Perhaps a birthday trip back to Boston is in order. Should this come to pass then candlepin bowling will certainly be on the agenda. Of course, I have not set foot on Canadian soil since August 2014. Should I end my exile from my home and native land, I could go candlepin bowling if I am inclined towards a trip to Nova Scotia or New Brunswick. Although chances are I'd probably go somewhere in Ontario. In which case, a few games of five pin bowling (where a perfect game is 450 rather than 300) would be on the order paper. Closer to home, one can go lawn bowling in Central Park. Or as it is put in the Commonwealth, lawn bowls. There is fertile ground to be explored whatever lane I choose.
This isn't to say I won't be keeping an eye on politics. After all, it is 2020 and the presidential election will hover over much of the year like a dark cloud. Needless to say, I harbor few illusions. As much as I shudder at the thought of Trump's re-election and with it the erosion of American democracy most of the alternatives aren't any better. The thought of a President Biden, Warren, Sanders or Klobuchar doesn't fill me with joy much less confidence. While I like Pete Buttigieg, I don't think Democrats are smart enough to nominate him. To a critical mass of Demcorats there is no difference between being a billionaire or consorting with one.
Even if Buttigieg somehow beat the odds, won his party's nomination and defeated Trump things won't change that much. There might be a more honest man in the White House, but people will still live from paycheck to paycheck, the economy could turn south, Russia and China will continue to gain power and anti-Semitism could spread like wildfire across the United States despite the best of intentions resulting in a single term in office. If anti-Semitism can plague the city with the world's largest Jewish population it can spread anywhere. Anti-Semitism worries me more than anything else and I don't believe either political party has the courage to deal with the problem apart from either blaming the other party or by downplaying it altogether especially in the instances that white supremacists aren't responsible contra the claims of Rashida Tlaib. This is a matter that cannot be ignored and I must do my part, but this endeavor is unlikely to bring about a happy result.
Consequently, I shall go bowling as often as I can in 2020. Some might see it as an escape from reality. I view it as the pursuit of a more rewarding endeavor. Such rewards are good exercise, good company, good competition and an opportunity for exploration and learning. If I can improve my average and find a way to avoid the gutter then so much the better. For you see in politics one will always end up in the gutter. In bowling there is a chance to get out of the gutter and find your lane.
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Sunday, December 29, 2019
The Festival of Lights Was Marred By The Darkness of Anti-Semitism
Tonight marks the last night of Chanukah. Dad and I attended the lighting of the world's largest Menorah at Park Plaza as we did the first night. Over these past eight days, New York has become a haven for anti-Semitism with a litany of violent street attacks in Manhattan and Brooklyn culminating in last night's mass stabbing in Monsey. The Festival of Lights has become submerged in the darkness of anti-Semitism.
Sadly I do not believe the darkness will dissipate anytime soon. Oh, it might subside for a period and lull people into a false sense of security. But come Passover I think we will have another spike in violence against Jews. After all, it coincides with Easter and there are many who to this day blame Jews for the death of Jesus Christ including in the African-American and Latino communities. While there have been condemnation of these attacks the condemnations have avoiding condemning the anti-Semitism which now very publicly pervades these commmunities. The failure to do so only emboldens anti-Semitism in the African-American and Latino communities and guarantees further attacks. Alas some of this failure comes from the Jewish community itself. Unfortunately, there are a critical mass of Jews who would sooner see other Jews murdered than to be accused of racism. It could be said that today's progressive Jews are the Hellenic Jews of more than two Millennia ago.
If Chanukah and the miracle of eight nights of light is to mean anything then it is incumbent upon Jews not to recede in seclusion but to be bold in celebrating our traditions while giving no quarter to those who would harm us and those who would excuse such conduct (including fellow Jews). If we want to stop anti-Semitism then we must be embued with the spirit of the Maccabees and rebel until we emerge triumphant. Another miracle of light would surely help.
Saturday, December 28, 2019
Five Jews Stabbed at Rabbi's Home in Monsey, NY
Less than 72 hours ago, I wrote about how New York City has become increasingly unsafe for Jews as well as the escalation of these attacks since Chanukah began.
On Saturday night, an attack occurred at the home of a rabbi in Monsey, New York, a predominantly Orthodox Jewish hamlet about 35 miles north of New York City. An assailant entered the rabbi's home as the Menorah was about to be lit and stabbed five Jews with a machete. As of this writing there have been no fatalities and the assailant is in custody but has not been identified.
With only a few days remaining in 2019, I strongly suspect that these anti-Semitic attacks are but the tip of the iceberg. They will escalate and become more brazen in 2020 with many fatalities accompanied by dithering and hand-wringing followed by the mainstream social acceptance of anti-Semitism. I wish I could be more optimistic but every fiber of my being believes otherwise.
On Saturday night, an attack occurred at the home of a rabbi in Monsey, New York, a predominantly Orthodox Jewish hamlet about 35 miles north of New York City. An assailant entered the rabbi's home as the Menorah was about to be lit and stabbed five Jews with a machete. As of this writing there have been no fatalities and the assailant is in custody but has not been identified.
With only a few days remaining in 2019, I strongly suspect that these anti-Semitic attacks are but the tip of the iceberg. They will escalate and become more brazen in 2020 with many fatalities accompanied by dithering and hand-wringing followed by the mainstream social acceptance of anti-Semitism. I wish I could be more optimistic but every fiber of my being believes otherwise.
Thursday, December 26, 2019
If New York City Isn't Safe For Jews Then No Place Is
Just over 72 hours ago, an Orthodox Jewish man was assaulted in broad daylight on East 41st Street near Third Avenue by a Hispanic male from Miami who shouted "fuck you Jew" and "Jew bastard". The assailant has been charged with assault and a hate crime.
The incident took place less than a five minute walk from where I am sitting. The incident took place in an area I walk regularly during the lunch hour. I could have very easily been witness to such an incident. While I am not an Orthodox Jew, I could have very easily been the target of such an attack.
This was one of four anti-Semitic attacks, actually make that five which have taken place in New York City since the beginning of Chanukah including an attack on two young children in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn.
There has been a significant spike in anti-Semitic attacks in New York City in 2019, primarily in Brooklyn. There's a lot of talk of anti-Semitism having no place in New York City, but the attacks keep happening.
As much as I dislike President Trump, it would be foolish to cast blame upon him for anti-Semitic violence as many in the Jewish community have done. Unfortunately, it is easier for Jews with liberal and left-wing inclinations to blame Trump than it is to take to task the leadership of the African-American and Latino communities as many of those who have seen fit to assault Jews in New York City have come from these communities including the attack on the deli in Jersey City, New Jersey which claimed the lives of two Jews. Yes, the incident in question took place across the Hudson River, but many of the Jews who now reside in Jersey City migrated there from Brooklyn. It can be said that what happened in Jersey City took root right here in New York City.
Alas, but in holding other minority communities in account, many so-called progressive Jews don't want to risk being called racist even if it means more Jews get attacked, injured or even killed. There's nothing progressive about Jews not being able to go about their day without fear for our lives.
New York City is the home to more Jews than all of Israel. If Jews cannot live safely in New York City then no place is safe. It is incumbent upon New York City Jews to bring pressure to bear upon the city's elected leadership to put a stop to the violence. It is incumbent upon New York City Jews to bring pressure upon the African-American and Latino communities to condemn anti-Semitic violence within their communities and promote cross cultural acceptance. It is also incumbent upon New York City Jews not be intimidated because an attack on one Jew is an attack upon us all.
The incident took place less than a five minute walk from where I am sitting. The incident took place in an area I walk regularly during the lunch hour. I could have very easily been witness to such an incident. While I am not an Orthodox Jew, I could have very easily been the target of such an attack.
This was one of four anti-Semitic attacks, actually make that five which have taken place in New York City since the beginning of Chanukah including an attack on two young children in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn.
There has been a significant spike in anti-Semitic attacks in New York City in 2019, primarily in Brooklyn. There's a lot of talk of anti-Semitism having no place in New York City, but the attacks keep happening.
As much as I dislike President Trump, it would be foolish to cast blame upon him for anti-Semitic violence as many in the Jewish community have done. Unfortunately, it is easier for Jews with liberal and left-wing inclinations to blame Trump than it is to take to task the leadership of the African-American and Latino communities as many of those who have seen fit to assault Jews in New York City have come from these communities including the attack on the deli in Jersey City, New Jersey which claimed the lives of two Jews. Yes, the incident in question took place across the Hudson River, but many of the Jews who now reside in Jersey City migrated there from Brooklyn. It can be said that what happened in Jersey City took root right here in New York City.
Alas, but in holding other minority communities in account, many so-called progressive Jews don't want to risk being called racist even if it means more Jews get attacked, injured or even killed. There's nothing progressive about Jews not being able to go about their day without fear for our lives.
New York City is the home to more Jews than all of Israel. If Jews cannot live safely in New York City then no place is safe. It is incumbent upon New York City Jews to bring pressure to bear upon the city's elected leadership to put a stop to the violence. It is incumbent upon New York City Jews to bring pressure upon the African-American and Latino communities to condemn anti-Semitic violence within their communities and promote cross cultural acceptance. It is also incumbent upon New York City Jews not be intimidated because an attack on one Jew is an attack upon us all.
Wednesday, December 25, 2019
Encarnacion Will Fly The Parrot on The South Side of Chicago
The Chicago White Sox get better and better by the day. On Christmas Day they added DH Edwin Encarnacion to their ranks on a year deal worth $12 million with a player option for 2021. So the parrot will fly on the South Side of Chicago.
Encarnacion, who turns 37 on January 7th, split 2019 between the Seattle Mariners and the New York Yankees. Despite playing in only 109 games, Encarnacion slugged 34 HRs and 86 RBIs. Encarnacion has hit 30 or more HRs for eight straight seasons.
The White Sox lineup is stacked - Tim Anderson, Jose Abreu, Yoan Moncada, Eloy Jimenez who are joined by Yasmani Grandal, Nomar Mazara and now Encarnacion. Not to mention the additions of Dallas Keuchel and Gio Gonzalez to their starting rotation. And they still might not be done.
As it stands, the Chisox have to now be the favorite to win the AL Central in 2020. In which case, this pennant will be accompanied by a parrot.
Encarnacion, who turns 37 on January 7th, split 2019 between the Seattle Mariners and the New York Yankees. Despite playing in only 109 games, Encarnacion slugged 34 HRs and 86 RBIs. Encarnacion has hit 30 or more HRs for eight straight seasons.
The White Sox lineup is stacked - Tim Anderson, Jose Abreu, Yoan Moncada, Eloy Jimenez who are joined by Yasmani Grandal, Nomar Mazara and now Encarnacion. Not to mention the additions of Dallas Keuchel and Gio Gonzalez to their starting rotation. And they still might not be done.
As it stands, the Chisox have to now be the favorite to win the AL Central in 2020. In which case, this pennant will be accompanied by a parrot.
Twins Are Worse Off With Cron & Schoop Joining Tigers
A couple of days ago, C.J. Cron and Jonathan Schoop each signed one year contracts with the Detroit Tigers worth $6.1 million apiece.
In 2019 both Cron and Schoop were members of the Minnesota Twins who won the AL Central with a 100 win season and a MLB record 307 HRs. Cron and Schoop hit 48 of those HRs. When the Twins signed Cron and Schoop along with Nelson Cruz I knew they would win their division. Now that Cron and Schoop are gone I don't think the Twins will replicate that success. There were other players with better stats, but these are character guys and that's why the Tigers signed them. Oh, the Tigers won't contend in 2020, but Cron and Schoop can help mentor their young roster. Mind you, Cron and Schoop are still in their 20's (Cron turns 30 on January 5th) but have sufficient experience to take pressure off a team not accustomed to winning. But these benefits won't bear fruit in 2020.
With the Twins subtracting character guys, the Indians trading away their star players and the Tigers and Royals in rebuild mode the big beneficiary in the AL Central in 2020 will be the Chicago White Sox. Who knows? Maybe Cron and Schoop will be wearing White Sox uniforms before the season is over.
In 2019 both Cron and Schoop were members of the Minnesota Twins who won the AL Central with a 100 win season and a MLB record 307 HRs. Cron and Schoop hit 48 of those HRs. When the Twins signed Cron and Schoop along with Nelson Cruz I knew they would win their division. Now that Cron and Schoop are gone I don't think the Twins will replicate that success. There were other players with better stats, but these are character guys and that's why the Tigers signed them. Oh, the Tigers won't contend in 2020, but Cron and Schoop can help mentor their young roster. Mind you, Cron and Schoop are still in their 20's (Cron turns 30 on January 5th) but have sufficient experience to take pressure off a team not accustomed to winning. But these benefits won't bear fruit in 2020.
With the Twins subtracting character guys, the Indians trading away their star players and the Tigers and Royals in rebuild mode the big beneficiary in the AL Central in 2020 will be the Chicago White Sox. Who knows? Maybe Cron and Schoop will be wearing White Sox uniforms before the season is over.
Longtime Angel Calhoun Joins D'Backs
Outfielder Kole Calhoun, who spent his entire 8-year MLB career with the Los Angeles Angels, has signed a 2-year, $16 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks with a club option for 2022 worth $9 million.
In 152 games in 2019, Calhoun hit .232 with a career high 33 HR along with 74 RBIs on an Angels team that was mired in the sorrow of the sudden death of starting pitcher Tyler Skaggs. Calhoun, 32, is an Arizona native and should thrive in familiar surroundings.
He enters the 2020 season with a .249 batting average, 140 HR and 451 RBI along with a Gold Glove he earned in 2015. It is worth noting that Calhoun has almost as many strikeouts (862) as he does hits (884). But in the age of the home run there is no shame in striking out and Calhoun's strikeout totals did not give the D'Backs snake eyes.
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Mets Get Christmas Eve Present in Betances
New York Mets fans won't have to wait for Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve, the Mets longtime New York Yankees reliever Dellin Betances to a 1-year, $10.5 million contract. Incentives could increase the value of this deal up to $14.5 million. There are player and club options for 2021 and 2022.
A native of New York City, the Yankees drafted Betances out of high school in 2006 reaching the majors for cups of coffee in 2011 and 2013. Between 2014 and 2017, Betances emerged as one of MLB's premier set up men earning four straight AL All-Star Team appearances striking out 492 batters in only 306 2/3 innings pitched.
However, in 2019, a shoulder injury kept Betances off the mound until mid-September. Upon his return, Betances tore his Achilles' tendon. Given that the Yankees managed to win 103 games without Betances in their bullpen, the club felt no need to re-sign him. There was some thought Betances, 31, would reunite with Joe Girardi in Philadelphia, but he is close friends with new Mets manager Carlos Beltran.
The question is what Betances' role be in the Mets bullpen? Will he remain a set up man or be the new closer? It could be that Betances, Seth Lugo, Edwin Diaz and Jeurys Familia all compete for the job in spring training. It could also be a bullpen by committee.
Naturally there is a risk that Betances' shoulder and Achilles troubles could impede his progress. This is mitigated by Betances signing a one year deal as opposed to the four year commitment the Toronto Blue Jays have made to the oft injured Hyun-Jin Ryu. Whatever the risk, Mets fans will feel a lot more confident with Betances coming out of the pen to maintain Met leads in 2020.
A native of New York City, the Yankees drafted Betances out of high school in 2006 reaching the majors for cups of coffee in 2011 and 2013. Between 2014 and 2017, Betances emerged as one of MLB's premier set up men earning four straight AL All-Star Team appearances striking out 492 batters in only 306 2/3 innings pitched.
However, in 2019, a shoulder injury kept Betances off the mound until mid-September. Upon his return, Betances tore his Achilles' tendon. Given that the Yankees managed to win 103 games without Betances in their bullpen, the club felt no need to re-sign him. There was some thought Betances, 31, would reunite with Joe Girardi in Philadelphia, but he is close friends with new Mets manager Carlos Beltran.
The question is what Betances' role be in the Mets bullpen? Will he remain a set up man or be the new closer? It could be that Betances, Seth Lugo, Edwin Diaz and Jeurys Familia all compete for the job in spring training. It could also be a bullpen by committee.
Naturally there is a risk that Betances' shoulder and Achilles troubles could impede his progress. This is mitigated by Betances signing a one year deal as opposed to the four year commitment the Toronto Blue Jays have made to the oft injured Hyun-Jin Ryu. Whatever the risk, Mets fans will feel a lot more confident with Betances coming out of the pen to maintain Met leads in 2020.
Monday, December 23, 2019
Will The Blue Jays Ryu Their Decision?
The Toronto Blue Jays have signed pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu to a four year, $80 million contract. The South Korean southpaw had a career year with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2019 finishing runner up in NL Cy Young balloting to Jacob deGrom. Ryu, 32, went 14-5 with a NL leading 2.32 ERA in 29 starts.
Yet I question the wisdom of this contract which is the third largest in team history after Vernon Wells and Russell Martin. I question it because of Ryu's injury history. After two 14 win campaigns in 2013 and 2014, Ryu missed the entire 2015 season and nearly the entire 2016 season with a torn shoulder labrum. Ryu also missed significant other time in 2017 and 2018 due to groin and hamstring issues. Even this past season, Ryu had an IL stint as a sore neck forced him to miss two starts. Notwithstanding his outstanding 2019, the odds of Ryu not spending time on the IL while in a Jays uniform are slim to none. The Jays may come to Ryu this signing.
On the other hand, Toronto has added two other veteran starting pitchers - Chase Anderson whom they acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers and free agent pitcher Tanner Roark. A rotation of Ryu, Anderson, Roark and holdovers Trent Thornton and Jacob Waguespack will probably see the Jays win more than 67 games in 2020. If David Price returns to Canadian soil they could be a viable AL Wild Card pick. But I don't see Ryu as an ace.
Yet I question the wisdom of this contract which is the third largest in team history after Vernon Wells and Russell Martin. I question it because of Ryu's injury history. After two 14 win campaigns in 2013 and 2014, Ryu missed the entire 2015 season and nearly the entire 2016 season with a torn shoulder labrum. Ryu also missed significant other time in 2017 and 2018 due to groin and hamstring issues. Even this past season, Ryu had an IL stint as a sore neck forced him to miss two starts. Notwithstanding his outstanding 2019, the odds of Ryu not spending time on the IL while in a Jays uniform are slim to none. The Jays may come to Ryu this signing.
On the other hand, Toronto has added two other veteran starting pitchers - Chase Anderson whom they acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers and free agent pitcher Tanner Roark. A rotation of Ryu, Anderson, Roark and holdovers Trent Thornton and Jacob Waguespack will probably see the Jays win more than 67 games in 2020. If David Price returns to Canadian soil they could be a viable AL Wild Card pick. But I don't see Ryu as an ace.
Sunday, December 22, 2019
White Sox Add Southpaws Keuchel & Gonzalez
The Chicago White Sox have bolstered their starting rotation with the addition of two free agent southpaws - Dallas Keuchel & Gio Gonzalez.
Keuchel, who turns 32 on New Year's Day, signed a three year contract worth $55.5 million with an option for the 2024 season. In 19 starts for the Atlanta Braves in 2019, Keuchel went 8-8 with a 3.75 ERA. While far removed from his Cy Young campaign with the Houston Astros in 2015, Keuchel was a stabilizing force for the NL East champs. The Chisox are hoping Keuchel can do the same for them in 2020.
Gonzalez, 34, went 3-2 with a 3.50 ERA in 19 starts with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2019. He returned to the Brewers after a brief sojourn in the New York Yankees organization and helped the Brew Crew reach the post-season for a second straight season. Gonzalez will travel 90 minutes south for $5 million next season. The presence of Gonzalez and Keuchel not to mention catcher Yasmani Grandal should help Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez and Dylan Cease become one of the better starting rotations in the AL.
Keuchel, who turns 32 on New Year's Day, signed a three year contract worth $55.5 million with an option for the 2024 season. In 19 starts for the Atlanta Braves in 2019, Keuchel went 8-8 with a 3.75 ERA. While far removed from his Cy Young campaign with the Houston Astros in 2015, Keuchel was a stabilizing force for the NL East champs. The Chisox are hoping Keuchel can do the same for them in 2020.
Gonzalez, 34, went 3-2 with a 3.50 ERA in 19 starts with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2019. He returned to the Brewers after a brief sojourn in the New York Yankees organization and helped the Brew Crew reach the post-season for a second straight season. Gonzalez will travel 90 minutes south for $5 million next season. The presence of Gonzalez and Keuchel not to mention catcher Yasmani Grandal should help Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez and Dylan Cease become one of the better starting rotations in the AL.
Thursday, December 19, 2019
If Democrats Nominate Buttigieg I Will Vote For Him
Obviously this was very pro-Pete crowd so it might be hard to be objective about his performance. But as with the last debate Buttigieg was under fire more than any other candidate and once again demonstrated he could take a punch and then come back with a volley of counterpunches. This was best illustrated in his exchanges with both Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar.
Warren foolishly picked up the "Wall Street Pete" mantel and scolded Buttigieg for the fundraisers he had with wealthy donors including one right here on the Upoer West Side. Buttigieg skillfully reminded the audience that Warren had done fundraisers with wealthy donors during her Senate runs. He also made the compelling argument that Democrats were going to need a broad coalition to defeat Trump and engaging in purity tests that neither former President Obama, Nancy Pelosi or Warren could pass was counterproductive.
Klobuchar, still smarting from Buttigieg pointing out that Washington experience wasn't the only experience in the November debate, targeted Buttigieg throughout the debate. While Klobuchar landed some shots about Buttigieg's unsuccessful run for state office and the DNC Chairmanship those attacks made her look petty and desperate. It's understandable because for Klobuchar it's Iowa or go home. So she's pulling out all the stops. While she had a few witty moments many of her answers were long winded. By contrast Buttigieg comes across as calm, confident, even tempered and reasonable.
As for Joe Biden, pro-Pete or anti-Pete, the former Vice-President doesn't get any love. That doesn't mean Biden won't be nominated. But I suspect that he'll have the same problem as Hillary Clinton had. Democrats will stay home.
While many in the audience agreed with Bernie about health insurance companies and the pharmaceutical industry, he mentioned health care so often that it became a running joke. Tom Steyer had go away heat from the crowd. But Andrew Yang engenders a certain warmth because he has a genuine sense of humor about himself such as when he said, "You're probably still asking yourself, "What's this guy still doing on this debate stage?" Whatever goodwill Yang has earned will more likely translate into book sales than primary votes.
Given all the heat Buttigieg has taken over the past couple of months, I am convinced he is the only Democrat who can trade punches with Trump but get the better of him while keeping his dignity intact. With this said, if the Democratic Party is smart enough to nominate Pete Buttigieg then I will vote for him. But wisdom isn't one of the Democratic Party's strong suits.
Naturally the Buttigieg campaign was trying to recruit volunteers. The caveat is that one must register as a Democrat. I'm simply not prepared to do it. I left the NDP, the GOP and am in no mood to join another party. The Democratic Party's hostility to Israel turns me off and many of Buttigieg's supporters cheering Bernie's anti-Israel rhetoric makes me cautious about getting too close. At this point, I'd rather remain an independent, admire Buttigieg from afar and, should the time come, cast a ballot for him as a viable alternative to the now impeached Donald Trump.
Trudeau to Israel: Drop Dead!!! Canada Wants a Seat on The UN Security Council
As much as I am filled with contempt for President Trump who deserves to be removed from office, I have no affection for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trudeau's recently re-elected Liberal government has angered Canada's Jewish community by voting in favor of a UN resolution condemning Israel as an "occupying power" impeding "Palestinian self-determination". The resolution was forwarded by such beacons of human rights and enlightened thinking as North Korea and Zimbabwe.
Trudeau had the audacity to defend his decision while attending a menorah lighting on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. “I understand that many of you were alarmed by this decision," said Trudeau. "The government felt that it was important to reiterate its commitment to a two-states-for-two-peoples solution at a time when its prospects appear increasingly under threat.”
In so doing the Trudeau government saw fit to single out Israel for trying to defend itself from Palestinians who seek its demise without any mention of Palestinian violence or incitement to violence. What Trudeau didn't mention is that Canada is seeking a seat on the UN Security Council and is willing to tell an ally to drop dead to achieve that end. Ireland and Norway, countries long hostile to Israel, are also seeking UN Security Council seats.
But if Canada obtains a UN Security Council seat because of this vote against Israel then that tells you everything you need to know about the United Nations. It also tells me everything I need to know about Justin Trudeau.
Trudeau had the audacity to defend his decision while attending a menorah lighting on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. “I understand that many of you were alarmed by this decision," said Trudeau. "The government felt that it was important to reiterate its commitment to a two-states-for-two-peoples solution at a time when its prospects appear increasingly under threat.”
In so doing the Trudeau government saw fit to single out Israel for trying to defend itself from Palestinians who seek its demise without any mention of Palestinian violence or incitement to violence. What Trudeau didn't mention is that Canada is seeking a seat on the UN Security Council and is willing to tell an ally to drop dead to achieve that end. Ireland and Norway, countries long hostile to Israel, are also seeking UN Security Council seats.
But if Canada obtains a UN Security Council seat because of this vote against Israel then that tells you everything you need to know about the United Nations. It also tells me everything I need to know about Justin Trudeau.
Trump Will Wear Impeachment As a Badge of Honor
The House of Representatives impeached President Trump last night for abusing his power and obstructing Congress.
Under any other circumstances, impeachment would have weakened Trump's authority and hold on office. But the Senate has already acquitted Trump before the trial begins. This is a consequence of Mitch McConnell and the Republican majority turning the Senate from an independent body and co-equal branch of the federal government into an auxiliary of the White House. There is also a very good chance Trump will continue to abuse his power and engage in other conduct unbecoming a President. And Trump can tweet, "What are you gonna do about it? Impeach me?"
Yet above all other considerations Trump is a man incapable of shame let alone self-reflection except only to gaze at his own image in wonder. Indeed, Trump is going to wear impeachment as a badge of honor and use it as a rallying cry as he did last night at a rally in Battle Creek, Michigan. There will be hundreds of rallies to follow between now and November 2020 and as long as people keep showing up to them and worshipping at his altar Trump has no reason to give ground. Nothing would make Trump happier than to be the first President to be impeached and than re-elected. For him, this would be even better than seeing his poll numbers rise after shooting someone on Fifth Avenue.
Sure Trump is taking heat for suggesting during the rally the late Michigan Congressman David Dingell is looking down in hell because his widow Debbie Dingell voted to impeach last night. But that heat won't be sustained. After all, he did the same with the late John McCain just this past June. This is Trump's standard operating procedure and most people are either desensitized to it or worse agree with the President's sentiments. Either way it is a sad commentary on our present state of affairs and things are only bound to get worse. And with that I wish America a pleasant good morning.
Under any other circumstances, impeachment would have weakened Trump's authority and hold on office. But the Senate has already acquitted Trump before the trial begins. This is a consequence of Mitch McConnell and the Republican majority turning the Senate from an independent body and co-equal branch of the federal government into an auxiliary of the White House. There is also a very good chance Trump will continue to abuse his power and engage in other conduct unbecoming a President. And Trump can tweet, "What are you gonna do about it? Impeach me?"
Yet above all other considerations Trump is a man incapable of shame let alone self-reflection except only to gaze at his own image in wonder. Indeed, Trump is going to wear impeachment as a badge of honor and use it as a rallying cry as he did last night at a rally in Battle Creek, Michigan. There will be hundreds of rallies to follow between now and November 2020 and as long as people keep showing up to them and worshipping at his altar Trump has no reason to give ground. Nothing would make Trump happier than to be the first President to be impeached and than re-elected. For him, this would be even better than seeing his poll numbers rise after shooting someone on Fifth Avenue.
Sure Trump is taking heat for suggesting during the rally the late Michigan Congressman David Dingell is looking down in hell because his widow Debbie Dingell voted to impeach last night. But that heat won't be sustained. After all, he did the same with the late John McCain just this past June. This is Trump's standard operating procedure and most people are either desensitized to it or worse agree with the President's sentiments. Either way it is a sad commentary on our present state of affairs and things are only bound to get worse. And with that I wish America a pleasant good morning.
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Five Observations of Trump's Letter to Pelosi
I have read the letter President Trump's wrote to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi yesterday as he faces imminent impeachment from the House of Representatives and would like to share five observations with you.
My first observation is that this letter could have been written by a child angry at his mother for denying him ice cream or angry at his teacher for giving him a bad mark. It could also be written by a child caught for stealing a cookie and claiming innocence despite all evidence to the contrary. (More on that shortly). In this case, the letter was written by a President of the United States preposterously claiming that the Speaker of the House of Representatives had no right to hold him to account for his conduct even though the Constitution states it is Congress' duty and purview to do so. Contrary to Trump's claim, Article II of the Constitution doesn't say he can do whatever he wants. Since Pelosi outmaneuvered him during the government shutdown earlier this year she is something of a maternal figure whom Trump cannot either please or manipulate. This frustrates Trump to no end.
My second observation is this letter is a reminder that we cannot accept anything Trump says at face value. If Trump had "a totally innocent conversation" with Ukrainian President Zelensky then why did the White House go to such great lengths to conceal its existence? Trump also falsely claims, "You know full well that Vice President Biden used his office and $1 billion dollars of U.S. aid money to coerce Ukraine into firing a prosecutor who was digging into the company paying his son millions of dollars." In point of fact, the Ukrainian prosecutor wasn't digging into Burisma Holdings let alone corruption of any kind.
Trump is also claiming he has been "deprived of basic Constitutional Due Process" adding, "More due process was afforded to those accused in the Salem Witch Trials." If that was true then Trump would have been hung long ago. Trump also claims this impeachment proceeding are intended "to overturn the will of the American people and nullify their votes" and "undo the election of 2016." Even Richard Nixon who won 49 out of 50 states in 1972 never tried this line of reasoning. In the event Trump were actually impeached and removed from office it would be Mike Pence who would be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States. Presumably Pence would continue Trump's policies which he so proudly boasted of in the letter to Pelosi. Last I checked Pence was on the ballot with Trump. So how would a President Pence undo the election of 2016? Unless, of course, Trump is planning to drop from Pence from the 2020 ballot. Trump is a man who plays for keeps and this is about keeping office and the constitution be damned. Trump doesn't want Mike Pence or anyone else not named Trump carrying out his aims and objectives and attaining his legacy for whatever that may be worth.
My third observation is that Trump is insinuating that anyone who votes for impeachment is a traitor. While Trump has used the word treason quite casually in his tweets, he does not use the word in the letter but he has used the word treason to describe the impeachment proceedings when on Twitter. What does it suggest when Trump characterizes the constitutional process of impeachment as "an illegal, partisan attempted coup"? He accuses Pelosi and Congress of "violating your oaths of office, you are breaking your allegiance to the Constitution, and you are declaring open war on American Democracy." Indeed, Trump goes further than that:
Any member of Congress who votes in support of impeachment - against every shred of truth, fact, evidence and legal principle - is showing how deeply they revile the voters and how truly they detest America's constitutional order. Our Founders feared the tribalization of partisan politics, and you are bringing their worst fears to life.
What Trump is really saying is that Congressman who votes for impeach is being disloyal to him. Trump cares nothing about the Constitution except to the extent that it ensures the preservation and enhancement of his authority. If anything is it Trump who, in the words of Alexander Hamilton in Federalist Paper #1 is "of those men who have overturned the liberties of republics, the greatest number have begun their career by paying an obsequious court to the people; commencing demagogues, and ending tyrants."
Which brings me to my fourth observation. Projection is a common behavior of a demagogue aspiring towards becoming a tyrant:
You are the ones interfering in America's elections. You are the ones subverting America's Democracy. You are the ones Obstructing Justice. You are the ones bringing pain and suffering to our Republic for your own selfish personal, political and partisan gain.
Let us be clear and unambiguous. Trump's supposedly totally innocent phone call with Ukrainian President Zelensky was undertaken only with selfish personal, political and partisan gain in mind. How did withholding $400 million in military aid already approved by Congress advance America's foreign policy interests? It did not. In view of this fact, who stood to gain making this aid conditional upon an announcement from a foreign head of state launching investigation into a man who just happened to be running for the office that Trump now holds? Only one person stood to gain the imposition of this condition - Donald J. Trump. True to form, Trump projects his "qualities" upon those who dare to challenge him in any way, shape or form.
My final observation is notwithstanding my four previous observations, there is a critical segment of the population that will eat Trump's bullshit, swallow and proclaim it was ice cream and want more. As long as Trump has this segment of the population behind him he will not only continue his illegal behavior, but it will get much worse for everyone including those who are now supporting him. I wish I could end on a more optimistic note, but it would be dishonest to do otherwise even if the House does impeach Trump. Because we already know what the Senate is going to do or, in this case, not going to do.
My first observation is that this letter could have been written by a child angry at his mother for denying him ice cream or angry at his teacher for giving him a bad mark. It could also be written by a child caught for stealing a cookie and claiming innocence despite all evidence to the contrary. (More on that shortly). In this case, the letter was written by a President of the United States preposterously claiming that the Speaker of the House of Representatives had no right to hold him to account for his conduct even though the Constitution states it is Congress' duty and purview to do so. Contrary to Trump's claim, Article II of the Constitution doesn't say he can do whatever he wants. Since Pelosi outmaneuvered him during the government shutdown earlier this year she is something of a maternal figure whom Trump cannot either please or manipulate. This frustrates Trump to no end.
My second observation is this letter is a reminder that we cannot accept anything Trump says at face value. If Trump had "a totally innocent conversation" with Ukrainian President Zelensky then why did the White House go to such great lengths to conceal its existence? Trump also falsely claims, "You know full well that Vice President Biden used his office and $1 billion dollars of U.S. aid money to coerce Ukraine into firing a prosecutor who was digging into the company paying his son millions of dollars." In point of fact, the Ukrainian prosecutor wasn't digging into Burisma Holdings let alone corruption of any kind.
Trump is also claiming he has been "deprived of basic Constitutional Due Process" adding, "More due process was afforded to those accused in the Salem Witch Trials." If that was true then Trump would have been hung long ago. Trump also claims this impeachment proceeding are intended "to overturn the will of the American people and nullify their votes" and "undo the election of 2016." Even Richard Nixon who won 49 out of 50 states in 1972 never tried this line of reasoning. In the event Trump were actually impeached and removed from office it would be Mike Pence who would be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States. Presumably Pence would continue Trump's policies which he so proudly boasted of in the letter to Pelosi. Last I checked Pence was on the ballot with Trump. So how would a President Pence undo the election of 2016? Unless, of course, Trump is planning to drop from Pence from the 2020 ballot. Trump is a man who plays for keeps and this is about keeping office and the constitution be damned. Trump doesn't want Mike Pence or anyone else not named Trump carrying out his aims and objectives and attaining his legacy for whatever that may be worth.
My third observation is that Trump is insinuating that anyone who votes for impeachment is a traitor. While Trump has used the word treason quite casually in his tweets, he does not use the word in the letter but he has used the word treason to describe the impeachment proceedings when on Twitter. What does it suggest when Trump characterizes the constitutional process of impeachment as "an illegal, partisan attempted coup"? He accuses Pelosi and Congress of "violating your oaths of office, you are breaking your allegiance to the Constitution, and you are declaring open war on American Democracy." Indeed, Trump goes further than that:
Any member of Congress who votes in support of impeachment - against every shred of truth, fact, evidence and legal principle - is showing how deeply they revile the voters and how truly they detest America's constitutional order. Our Founders feared the tribalization of partisan politics, and you are bringing their worst fears to life.
What Trump is really saying is that Congressman who votes for impeach is being disloyal to him. Trump cares nothing about the Constitution except to the extent that it ensures the preservation and enhancement of his authority. If anything is it Trump who, in the words of Alexander Hamilton in Federalist Paper #1 is "of those men who have overturned the liberties of republics, the greatest number have begun their career by paying an obsequious court to the people; commencing demagogues, and ending tyrants."
Which brings me to my fourth observation. Projection is a common behavior of a demagogue aspiring towards becoming a tyrant:
You are the ones interfering in America's elections. You are the ones subverting America's Democracy. You are the ones Obstructing Justice. You are the ones bringing pain and suffering to our Republic for your own selfish personal, political and partisan gain.
Let us be clear and unambiguous. Trump's supposedly totally innocent phone call with Ukrainian President Zelensky was undertaken only with selfish personal, political and partisan gain in mind. How did withholding $400 million in military aid already approved by Congress advance America's foreign policy interests? It did not. In view of this fact, who stood to gain making this aid conditional upon an announcement from a foreign head of state launching investigation into a man who just happened to be running for the office that Trump now holds? Only one person stood to gain the imposition of this condition - Donald J. Trump. True to form, Trump projects his "qualities" upon those who dare to challenge him in any way, shape or form.
My final observation is notwithstanding my four previous observations, there is a critical segment of the population that will eat Trump's bullshit, swallow and proclaim it was ice cream and want more. As long as Trump has this segment of the population behind him he will not only continue his illegal behavior, but it will get much worse for everyone including those who are now supporting him. I wish I could end on a more optimistic note, but it would be dishonest to do otherwise even if the House does impeach Trump. Because we already know what the Senate is going to do or, in this case, not going to do.
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Romine Gets Chance To Be Everyday Catcher With Tigers; Miley Joins Reds Starting Rotation
In less than two months, pitchers and catchers will be reporting to spring training. One pitcher and one catcher will be reporting to new clubs come February.
Austin Romine, who has spent his entire professional career with the New York Yankees, signed a one year, $4.15 million contract with the Detroit Tigers. Drafted in the second round by the Yankees in 2007, he made his big league debut in 2011 but a back injury forced him to miss most of the 2012 season. He became the Yankees back up catcher in 2013, but lost this position to John Ryan Murphy in 2014 and 2015. It wasn't until 2016 that Romine solidified his spot as the Yankees number two catcher first behind Brian McCann and then Gary Sanchez.
In 2020, Romine will be a number one catcher for the first time in his big league career as he must manage a pitching staff on a team that lost a MLB worst 114 games in 2019. It is curious that Romine will now be teammates with Miguel Cabrera with whom he got into a brawl in August 2017. Both men say they have got past the incident, but it will be interesting to see if there are any lingering problems and if Cabrera undermines Romine's standing with his pitching staff and the team. Should this happen can Romine, 31, make the most of his opportunity.
The Cincinnati Reds have strengthened their rotation with the addition of veteran southpaw Wade Miley. The 33-year old signed a two year deal worth $15 million. Unlike Romine, Miley is quite well travelled. The Reds become Miley's seventh big league club. After spending his first four seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Miley has spent the past five seasons with five clubs - Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, Baltimore Orioles, Milwaukee Brewers and Houston Astros. In 33 starts with the Astros in 2019, Miley went 14-6 with a 3.98 ERA. However, he struggled down the stretch posting an ERA of 8.69 in his final nine starts which prompted the Astros to leave him off their post-season roster.
When Miley signed with the Astros a year ago, I compared him to Charlie Morton. This might be a little bit off the mark. But he is a viable starter in the back end of a rotation and the Reds have a very good rotation with Sonny Gray, Trevor Bauer, Luis Castillo and Anthony DeSclafini. Best of all, Miley is reunited with pitching coach Derek Johnson with whom Miley developed a productive working relationship during his brief tenure with the Brewers down the stretch in 2018. Put ex-Brewer Mike Moustakas in the center of that lineup along with that deep rotation and you could have the next NL Central champion.
Austin Romine, who has spent his entire professional career with the New York Yankees, signed a one year, $4.15 million contract with the Detroit Tigers. Drafted in the second round by the Yankees in 2007, he made his big league debut in 2011 but a back injury forced him to miss most of the 2012 season. He became the Yankees back up catcher in 2013, but lost this position to John Ryan Murphy in 2014 and 2015. It wasn't until 2016 that Romine solidified his spot as the Yankees number two catcher first behind Brian McCann and then Gary Sanchez.
In 2020, Romine will be a number one catcher for the first time in his big league career as he must manage a pitching staff on a team that lost a MLB worst 114 games in 2019. It is curious that Romine will now be teammates with Miguel Cabrera with whom he got into a brawl in August 2017. Both men say they have got past the incident, but it will be interesting to see if there are any lingering problems and if Cabrera undermines Romine's standing with his pitching staff and the team. Should this happen can Romine, 31, make the most of his opportunity.
The Cincinnati Reds have strengthened their rotation with the addition of veteran southpaw Wade Miley. The 33-year old signed a two year deal worth $15 million. Unlike Romine, Miley is quite well travelled. The Reds become Miley's seventh big league club. After spending his first four seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Miley has spent the past five seasons with five clubs - Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, Baltimore Orioles, Milwaukee Brewers and Houston Astros. In 33 starts with the Astros in 2019, Miley went 14-6 with a 3.98 ERA. However, he struggled down the stretch posting an ERA of 8.69 in his final nine starts which prompted the Astros to leave him off their post-season roster.
When Miley signed with the Astros a year ago, I compared him to Charlie Morton. This might be a little bit off the mark. But he is a viable starter in the back end of a rotation and the Reds have a very good rotation with Sonny Gray, Trevor Bauer, Luis Castillo and Anthony DeSclafini. Best of all, Miley is reunited with pitching coach Derek Johnson with whom Miley developed a productive working relationship during his brief tenure with the Brewers down the stretch in 2018. Put ex-Brewer Mike Moustakas in the center of that lineup along with that deep rotation and you could have the next NL Central champion.
Belated Thoughts on New Pirates Manager Derek Shelton
Full disclosure. I swung and missed. I didn't know the Pittsburgh Pirates had hired Derek Shelton to be their new manager. The hiring took place the day before Thanksgiving.
When Ben Cherington succeeded Neal Huntington as the team's GM in mid-November, I thought he might bring former Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell aboard the Pirates ship. After all, Cherington earned a World Series ring with the Bosox in 2013 with Farrell at the helm. But Cherington stuck with Huntington's top choice.
If there is such a thing as a baseball lifer then Derek Shelton would be plucked straight out of central casting. His promising career as a catcher was cut short by an elbow injury during his all too brief tenure as a player in the New York Yankees organization where he played alongside Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter.
Shelton eventually became a minor league manager in the Yankees organization in the early 2000's managing the likes of Robinson Cano and Chien-Mien Wang. He moved onto the Cleveland Indians' organization in 2003 where he became a minor league hitting instructor. Shelton finally made his big league debut in 2005 when the Tribe named him their hitting coach. He remained in this role until he was lured away by the Tampa Bay Rays for the same role in 2010. The Rays dismissed Shelton after seven seasons, but he quickly found a role with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2017 as their quality control coach. Shelton spent the past two seasons in the Minnesota Twins dugout as the bench coach for two different managers - Paul Molitor and Rocco Baldelli. Before being hired by the Bucs, Shelton was given strong consideration by the New York Mets who ultimately opted for former Met great Carlos Beltran.
Shelton has a tall task ahead of him. He must commandeer a ship which sank under Clint Hurdle's watch in the second half and was full of mutiny and at least one rogue character who will likely spend time in the brig. What is unclear to me is the duration of Shelton's contract. I'm not sure how quickly the Bucs' brass expect Shelton to bring them a flag. But for Shelton it might very well be a case of sink or swim.
When Ben Cherington succeeded Neal Huntington as the team's GM in mid-November, I thought he might bring former Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell aboard the Pirates ship. After all, Cherington earned a World Series ring with the Bosox in 2013 with Farrell at the helm. But Cherington stuck with Huntington's top choice.
If there is such a thing as a baseball lifer then Derek Shelton would be plucked straight out of central casting. His promising career as a catcher was cut short by an elbow injury during his all too brief tenure as a player in the New York Yankees organization where he played alongside Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter.
Shelton eventually became a minor league manager in the Yankees organization in the early 2000's managing the likes of Robinson Cano and Chien-Mien Wang. He moved onto the Cleveland Indians' organization in 2003 where he became a minor league hitting instructor. Shelton finally made his big league debut in 2005 when the Tribe named him their hitting coach. He remained in this role until he was lured away by the Tampa Bay Rays for the same role in 2010. The Rays dismissed Shelton after seven seasons, but he quickly found a role with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2017 as their quality control coach. Shelton spent the past two seasons in the Minnesota Twins dugout as the bench coach for two different managers - Paul Molitor and Rocco Baldelli. Before being hired by the Bucs, Shelton was given strong consideration by the New York Mets who ultimately opted for former Met great Carlos Beltran.
Shelton has a tall task ahead of him. He must commandeer a ship which sank under Clint Hurdle's watch in the second half and was full of mutiny and at least one rogue character who will likely spend time in the brig. What is unclear to me is the duration of Shelton's contract. I'm not sure how quickly the Bucs' brass expect Shelton to bring them a flag. But for Shelton it might very well be a case of sink or swim.
Monday, December 16, 2019
Will Avisail Garcia Give Yelich Protection in Brewers Lineup?
Outfielder Avisail Garcia has signed a two year, $20 million contract with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Garcia had a resurgent year in 2019 in his lone season with the Tampa Bay Rays hitting a career high 20 HR along with .282 batting average and 72 RBI for the AL Wild Card winner. Originally a member of the Detroit Tigers who made his debut in 2012 when the team won the AL pennant, Garcia was traded to the Chisox during the 2013 trade deadline in the deal which involved Jake Peavy being sent to the Boston Red Sox.
The Venezuelan born Garcia would become an everyday player in 2015. His best season came in 2017 when he finished second in the AL in batting average (.330) to Jose Altuve with a career high 80 RBI and his first All-Star Game selection. But a hamstring injury in 2018 limited Garcia to 93 games with his average falling nearly 100 points to .236. Garcia became the odd man out on the South Side of Chicago with the signing of Cuban sensation Eloy Jimenez. But Garcia proved to be a $6 million bargain in St. Pete.
With Mike Moustakas departing for Cincinnati, Garcia will have the task of providing protection for Christian Yelich in the Brewers order. He doesn't quite have Moustakas' production but is proven hitter. Garcia also has a rifle of an arm in right field. This is a solid signing.
Garcia had a resurgent year in 2019 in his lone season with the Tampa Bay Rays hitting a career high 20 HR along with .282 batting average and 72 RBI for the AL Wild Card winner. Originally a member of the Detroit Tigers who made his debut in 2012 when the team won the AL pennant, Garcia was traded to the Chisox during the 2013 trade deadline in the deal which involved Jake Peavy being sent to the Boston Red Sox.
The Venezuelan born Garcia would become an everyday player in 2015. His best season came in 2017 when he finished second in the AL in batting average (.330) to Jose Altuve with a career high 80 RBI and his first All-Star Game selection. But a hamstring injury in 2018 limited Garcia to 93 games with his average falling nearly 100 points to .236. Garcia became the odd man out on the South Side of Chicago with the signing of Cuban sensation Eloy Jimenez. But Garcia proved to be a $6 million bargain in St. Pete.
With Mike Moustakas departing for Cincinnati, Garcia will have the task of providing protection for Christian Yelich in the Brewers order. He doesn't quite have Moustakas' production but is proven hitter. Garcia also has a rifle of an arm in right field. This is a solid signing.
Jack Scott Ought To Be Inducted Into The Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame
Singer-songwriter Jack Scott passed away of a heart attack earlier this month at the age of 83.
Born Giovanni Scafone in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, he across the Ambassador Bridge to nearby Detroit before his adolescence. Between 1958 and 1960, Scott had 9 Top 40 hits. Of those, four made the Top 10 of the Billboard charts - "My True Love", "Goodbye Baby", "What In The World's Come Over You" and "Burning Bridges".
Scott would have been a bigger star if he were more inclined to tour and more inclined to get into the gossip columns. He was content to stay in Detroit and raise his family. In the years that followed Scott's music faded from the airwaves although not in Canada where Canadian content rules guaranteed a spot for him on oldies radio. I got to hear his stuff on the long since defunct Oldies 1310 in Ottawa.
But he did influence several generations of musicians up to and including Robert Plant. If one is an influence on Robert Plant the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame should sit up and take notice.
If that doesn't then perhaps one of his handful of appearances on Dick Clark's American Bandstand might. R.I.P.
Born Giovanni Scafone in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, he across the Ambassador Bridge to nearby Detroit before his adolescence. Between 1958 and 1960, Scott had 9 Top 40 hits. Of those, four made the Top 10 of the Billboard charts - "My True Love", "Goodbye Baby", "What In The World's Come Over You" and "Burning Bridges".
Scott would have been a bigger star if he were more inclined to tour and more inclined to get into the gossip columns. He was content to stay in Detroit and raise his family. In the years that followed Scott's music faded from the airwaves although not in Canada where Canadian content rules guaranteed a spot for him on oldies radio. I got to hear his stuff on the long since defunct Oldies 1310 in Ottawa.
But he did influence several generations of musicians up to and including Robert Plant. If one is an influence on Robert Plant the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame should sit up and take notice.
If that doesn't then perhaps one of his handful of appearances on Dick Clark's American Bandstand might. R.I.P.
Sunday, December 15, 2019
Indians Trade Kluber to Texas; Bumgarner Signs 5-Yr Deal with D'Backs
Two premier pitchers will be pitching in new uniforms in 2020.
The Cleveland Indians have traded two time AL Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber to the Texas Rangers for outfielder Delino DeShields, Jr. and pitching prospect Emmanuel Clase. Kluber, 33, missed most of 2019 season after sustaining a fractured forearm on a line drive by Brian Anderson of the Miami Marlins on May 1st. In 7 starts last season, Kluber was 2-3 with a 5.80 ERA. Between 2014 and 2018, Kluber won 18 or more games four times, led the AL in complete games and shutouts thrice, led the AL in ERA in 2017, was named to 3 AL All-Star Teams and won the AL Cy Young in 2014 and 2017. In nine seasons with Cleveland, Kluber went 98-58 with a 3.16 ERA along with 1461 strikeouts in 208 appearances (203 starts). So the Rangers believe Kluber can add to those credentials.
Don't look now but the Rangers have a viable five man rotation. Kluber will be joined by holdovers Mike Minor and Lance Lynn plus free agents Kyle Gibson and Jordan Lyles. Who knows? Anthony Rendon might regret signing with the Angels.
As for the Indians, their team is being dismantled and they are getting much in return. DeShields is a serviceable player, but probably won't be in a Cleveland uniform for long. Clase has potential but if he's expected to fill Kluber's shoes then he is being set up to fail. Hopefully the Indians will get something more substantial when they deal Francisco Lindor.
The Arizona Diamondbacks boosted their starting rotation by signing Madison Bumgarner to a 5-year, $85 million contract. Unlike Kluber, Bumgarner has never won a Cy Young but he has three World Series rings on his pitching hand. Bumgarner, 30, has spent 11 seasons with the Giants. In 289 appearances (286 starts), Bumgarner went 119-92 with a 3.13 ERA along with 1794 strikeouts. The question remains if Bumgarner's best years are behind him. After being named to four consecutive NL All-Star teams between 2013-2016, MadBum has been mediocre. Although Bumgarner made 34 starts in 2019, he went a modest 9-9 with a 3.90 ERA. On the other hand, the D'Backs could give MadBum a new lease on life and could help them into the post-season. They didn't miss the playoffs by much in 2019 and could be a difference maker in 2020.
The Cleveland Indians have traded two time AL Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber to the Texas Rangers for outfielder Delino DeShields, Jr. and pitching prospect Emmanuel Clase. Kluber, 33, missed most of 2019 season after sustaining a fractured forearm on a line drive by Brian Anderson of the Miami Marlins on May 1st. In 7 starts last season, Kluber was 2-3 with a 5.80 ERA. Between 2014 and 2018, Kluber won 18 or more games four times, led the AL in complete games and shutouts thrice, led the AL in ERA in 2017, was named to 3 AL All-Star Teams and won the AL Cy Young in 2014 and 2017. In nine seasons with Cleveland, Kluber went 98-58 with a 3.16 ERA along with 1461 strikeouts in 208 appearances (203 starts). So the Rangers believe Kluber can add to those credentials.
Don't look now but the Rangers have a viable five man rotation. Kluber will be joined by holdovers Mike Minor and Lance Lynn plus free agents Kyle Gibson and Jordan Lyles. Who knows? Anthony Rendon might regret signing with the Angels.
As for the Indians, their team is being dismantled and they are getting much in return. DeShields is a serviceable player, but probably won't be in a Cleveland uniform for long. Clase has potential but if he's expected to fill Kluber's shoes then he is being set up to fail. Hopefully the Indians will get something more substantial when they deal Francisco Lindor.
The Arizona Diamondbacks boosted their starting rotation by signing Madison Bumgarner to a 5-year, $85 million contract. Unlike Kluber, Bumgarner has never won a Cy Young but he has three World Series rings on his pitching hand. Bumgarner, 30, has spent 11 seasons with the Giants. In 289 appearances (286 starts), Bumgarner went 119-92 with a 3.13 ERA along with 1794 strikeouts. The question remains if Bumgarner's best years are behind him. After being named to four consecutive NL All-Star teams between 2013-2016, MadBum has been mediocre. Although Bumgarner made 34 starts in 2019, he went a modest 9-9 with a 3.90 ERA. On the other hand, the D'Backs could give MadBum a new lease on life and could help them into the post-season. They didn't miss the playoffs by much in 2019 and could be a difference maker in 2020.
Friday, December 13, 2019
Danny Aiello, R.I.P.
I just found out that actor Danny Aiello passed away last night following a brief illness. He was 86.
Aiello's first onscreen appearance was in one of my favorite movies Bang the Drum Slowly which starred Michael Moriarity and Robert De Niro. A year later, he had a brief appearance in The Godfather, Part II as a hit man who uttered the immortal line, "Michael Corleone says hello."
But Aiello reached the height of his success in the 1980's appearing in films like Fort Apache The Bronx, Once Upon Time in America, Radio Days, Moonstruck and Spike Lee's Do The Right Thing for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He also appeared in the video for Madonna's "Papa Don't Preach".
Two years ago, I saw Aiello appear in the Time Warner Building along with the cast of the Broadway musical Home for the Holidays who did a showcase of their tunes. As it turned out, it would be his last acting credit. R.I.P.
Aiello's first onscreen appearance was in one of my favorite movies Bang the Drum Slowly which starred Michael Moriarity and Robert De Niro. A year later, he had a brief appearance in The Godfather, Part II as a hit man who uttered the immortal line, "Michael Corleone says hello."
But Aiello reached the height of his success in the 1980's appearing in films like Fort Apache The Bronx, Once Upon Time in America, Radio Days, Moonstruck and Spike Lee's Do The Right Thing for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He also appeared in the video for Madonna's "Papa Don't Preach".
Two years ago, I saw Aiello appear in the Time Warner Building along with the cast of the Broadway musical Home for the Holidays who did a showcase of their tunes. As it turned out, it would be his last acting credit. R.I.P.
Thursday, December 12, 2019
U.K. Voters Give Johnson's Tories Large Majority; Labour Leader Corbyn to Step Aside
I am so relieved that voters in the U.K. saw fit to give Boris Johnson's Tories a massive majority government. As of this writing, the Tories have won 358 seats compared to 202 for the Labour Party led by Jeremy Corbyn. The Tories have gained 50 seats while Labour has lost more than 70. The rebuke from the electorate is sufficient enough for Corbyn to announce he will not remain as party leader in the next election.
The main issue in the campaign, of course, was Brexit. Johnson wanted to get Brexit done while Corbyn's position was incoherent. Consequently traditional Labour voters in Northern England, the Midlands and Wales came out en masse in support of Johnson.
But Corbyn did not inspire confidence with the way he handled the anti-Semitism which he allowed to fester in his party. Had Corbyn got the keys to Number 10 Downing there would have been a massive exodus of Jews from the U.K. Needless to say, British Jews are relieved at the size of Johnson's majority and will remain loyal Tory voters for years to come.
Although Corbyn will not lead Labour in the next election it is unclear when he will step down. Even if he does in short order many of his allies will still hold power in the party. In which case Corbyn's successor might be even worse on the question of anti-Semitism. In the event a more traditional Labour leader is selected the party will not easily regain the trust of Jewish voters.
Of course, Corbyn wasn't the only one who had a bad night. Liberal Democratic Party leader Jo Swinson lost her seat to the SNP. Conversely, the SNP nearly swept Scotland largely at Labour's expense earning 48 seats. Despite having a quarter of Labour's seats, the staunchly pro-EU SNP will be a bigger thorn in the side of Johnson with Nicola Sturgeon calling for a second independence referendum.
But right now Johnson is in the driver's seat which didn't appear to be the case as he fought off open Tory rebellion which included his brother within hours of becoming Prime Minister in July. He has come a long way. Leaving the EU is a risky proposition, but it's what Britain wants and Johnson now has the kind of authority that his predecessor Theresa May never had.
Even if Brexit was the main issue, I am heartened that U.K. voters overwhelmingly rejected Corbyn and the anti-Semitism which has flourished in the Labour Party.
The main issue in the campaign, of course, was Brexit. Johnson wanted to get Brexit done while Corbyn's position was incoherent. Consequently traditional Labour voters in Northern England, the Midlands and Wales came out en masse in support of Johnson.
But Corbyn did not inspire confidence with the way he handled the anti-Semitism which he allowed to fester in his party. Had Corbyn got the keys to Number 10 Downing there would have been a massive exodus of Jews from the U.K. Needless to say, British Jews are relieved at the size of Johnson's majority and will remain loyal Tory voters for years to come.
Although Corbyn will not lead Labour in the next election it is unclear when he will step down. Even if he does in short order many of his allies will still hold power in the party. In which case Corbyn's successor might be even worse on the question of anti-Semitism. In the event a more traditional Labour leader is selected the party will not easily regain the trust of Jewish voters.
Of course, Corbyn wasn't the only one who had a bad night. Liberal Democratic Party leader Jo Swinson lost her seat to the SNP. Conversely, the SNP nearly swept Scotland largely at Labour's expense earning 48 seats. Despite having a quarter of Labour's seats, the staunchly pro-EU SNP will be a bigger thorn in the side of Johnson with Nicola Sturgeon calling for a second independence referendum.
But right now Johnson is in the driver's seat which didn't appear to be the case as he fought off open Tory rebellion which included his brother within hours of becoming Prime Minister in July. He has come a long way. Leaving the EU is a risky proposition, but it's what Britain wants and Johnson now has the kind of authority that his predecessor Theresa May never had.
Even if Brexit was the main issue, I am heartened that U.K. voters overwhelmingly rejected Corbyn and the anti-Semitism which has flourished in the Labour Party.
Will Michael Wacha & Rick Porcello Help The Mets Starting Rotation?
The New York Mets have added two starting pitchers signing free agents Michael Wacha and Rick Porcello on one year deals. Wacha will earn a base salary of $3 million (incentives could push that up to $7 million) with Porcello earning $10 million.
Wacha has spent his entire professional career with the St. Louis Cardinals. A first round draft pick by the Cardinals in 2012, Wacha made his big league debut the following year and made a big splash by winning the 2013 NLCS MVP and pitching in the World Series. His best season came in 2015 when he won 17 games with a respectable 3.38 ERA and was named to the NL All-Star Team. But shoulder problems have impeded his progress. In 2019, Wacha struggled and was briefly sent to the bullpen. In 29 appearances (24 of them starts) Wacha went 6-7 with a 4.76 ERA. In seven seasons in St. Louis, Wacha went 59-39 with a 3.91 ERA over 165 appearances (151 starts). At 28, Wacha still has time on his side and perhaps a change of scenery is in order.
Porcello, who turns 31 on December 27th, already has 11 big league seasons under his belt - six in a Detroit Tigers uniform and the past five with the Boston Red Sox. There were a lot of ups and downs in Boston. In 2016, Porcello led the AL in wins with 22 and earned the AL Cy Young Award. But in 2017, Porcello led the AL in losses (17), hits (236) and home runs surrendered (38). Porcello won 17 games in 2018 en route to a World Series title, but in 2019 his ERA ballooned to a career worst 5.52 despite a winning record of 14-12. Unlike Wacha, Porcello has been durable starting at least 30 games in 9 of his 11 big league seasons. If nothing else, Porcello will give the Mets innings in 2020.
These moves give the Mets six potential starters. But unless new Mets manager Carlos Beltran plans on using a six man rotation one wonders if Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman or Steven Matz will be pitching elsewhere in 2020. Only back to back NL Cy Young Award winner Jacob de Grom is untouchable. Given Wacha's injury history and recent troubles one might be hesitant to make such a move now. Even if Porcello and Wacha exceed all expectations they could easily be gone in 2021. So parting with Syndergaard, Stroman or Matz before the beginning of the season wouldn't be prudent. But prudence isn't one of Brodie Van Wagenen's virtues.
Wacha has spent his entire professional career with the St. Louis Cardinals. A first round draft pick by the Cardinals in 2012, Wacha made his big league debut the following year and made a big splash by winning the 2013 NLCS MVP and pitching in the World Series. His best season came in 2015 when he won 17 games with a respectable 3.38 ERA and was named to the NL All-Star Team. But shoulder problems have impeded his progress. In 2019, Wacha struggled and was briefly sent to the bullpen. In 29 appearances (24 of them starts) Wacha went 6-7 with a 4.76 ERA. In seven seasons in St. Louis, Wacha went 59-39 with a 3.91 ERA over 165 appearances (151 starts). At 28, Wacha still has time on his side and perhaps a change of scenery is in order.
Porcello, who turns 31 on December 27th, already has 11 big league seasons under his belt - six in a Detroit Tigers uniform and the past five with the Boston Red Sox. There were a lot of ups and downs in Boston. In 2016, Porcello led the AL in wins with 22 and earned the AL Cy Young Award. But in 2017, Porcello led the AL in losses (17), hits (236) and home runs surrendered (38). Porcello won 17 games in 2018 en route to a World Series title, but in 2019 his ERA ballooned to a career worst 5.52 despite a winning record of 14-12. Unlike Wacha, Porcello has been durable starting at least 30 games in 9 of his 11 big league seasons. If nothing else, Porcello will give the Mets innings in 2020.
These moves give the Mets six potential starters. But unless new Mets manager Carlos Beltran plans on using a six man rotation one wonders if Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman or Steven Matz will be pitching elsewhere in 2020. Only back to back NL Cy Young Award winner Jacob de Grom is untouchable. Given Wacha's injury history and recent troubles one might be hesitant to make such a move now. Even if Porcello and Wacha exceed all expectations they could easily be gone in 2021. So parting with Syndergaard, Stroman or Matz before the beginning of the season wouldn't be prudent. But prudence isn't one of Brodie Van Wagenen's virtues.
Thoughts Upon Witnessing a Protest Against Pete Buttigieg on West 69th Street
Last night, on my way home from work, I picked up my clothing from a laundromat on West 69th Street. Across the street from the laundromat there were a couple of dozen people chanting. At first I thought they were saying, "Wall Street B". But this didn't make a lot of sense.
After I exited the laundromat, the chants became, "Hey hey!!! Ho ho!!! Wall Street Pete has got to go!!!" It was then that I realized they were protesting Pete Buttigieg and that he was appearing at the home of a wealthy Democratic Party donor for a fundraiser. I would later learn that Buttigieg was at the home of tech entrepreneur Kevin Ryan.
I also learned the protest was organized by New York Communities for Change, an organization which ostensibly advocates for low income communities of color. Although from what I could see across the street a majority of the small gathering was overwhelmingly white. Whatever their racial background of protesters they object to Buttigieg consorting with billionaires. Of course, there is a segment of Democratic Party supporters who believe the very existence of billionaires is immoral. But now that we know Bernie Sanders is a millionaire....well, they look the other way.
There is a certain irony in that an organization which is sympathetic to Bernie's anti-Wall Street agenda is angriest at the candidate with the smallest net worth. Buttigieg might have worked at McKinsey, but it didn't make him a millionaire. There a lot of people who work for large private sector corporations who don't become millionaires. Somehow I don't think targeting Buttigieg because he worked for a large corporation is going to resonate with the majority of American workers.
In which case this could help Buttigieg in the long run. Of course, people are free to protest Buttigieg, but the reasons for their protest and the manner in which they are protesting come across as silly and unreasonable. Trans people are going to have a hard time convincing people Buttigieg is transphobic. Black Lives Matter protesters are going to have a hard time convincing people Buttigieg is a racist. Should Buttigieg over come this kind of resistance and somehow win his party's nomination, it will be hard for Trump to convince people that Buttigieg is a socialist when the socialists call him Wall Street Pete. Most people don't hate billionaires and if given the chance would like to become one themselves.
Being the voice of reason has taken Pete Buttigieg further than anyone possibly expected. So long as Buttigieg remains the voice of reason in an age of irrationality then he has chance of going even further than he has already come so far.
After I exited the laundromat, the chants became, "Hey hey!!! Ho ho!!! Wall Street Pete has got to go!!!" It was then that I realized they were protesting Pete Buttigieg and that he was appearing at the home of a wealthy Democratic Party donor for a fundraiser. I would later learn that Buttigieg was at the home of tech entrepreneur Kevin Ryan.
I also learned the protest was organized by New York Communities for Change, an organization which ostensibly advocates for low income communities of color. Although from what I could see across the street a majority of the small gathering was overwhelmingly white. Whatever their racial background of protesters they object to Buttigieg consorting with billionaires. Of course, there is a segment of Democratic Party supporters who believe the very existence of billionaires is immoral. But now that we know Bernie Sanders is a millionaire....well, they look the other way.
There is a certain irony in that an organization which is sympathetic to Bernie's anti-Wall Street agenda is angriest at the candidate with the smallest net worth. Buttigieg might have worked at McKinsey, but it didn't make him a millionaire. There a lot of people who work for large private sector corporations who don't become millionaires. Somehow I don't think targeting Buttigieg because he worked for a large corporation is going to resonate with the majority of American workers.
In which case this could help Buttigieg in the long run. Of course, people are free to protest Buttigieg, but the reasons for their protest and the manner in which they are protesting come across as silly and unreasonable. Trans people are going to have a hard time convincing people Buttigieg is transphobic. Black Lives Matter protesters are going to have a hard time convincing people Buttigieg is a racist. Should Buttigieg over come this kind of resistance and somehow win his party's nomination, it will be hard for Trump to convince people that Buttigieg is a socialist when the socialists call him Wall Street Pete. Most people don't hate billionaires and if given the chance would like to become one themselves.
Being the voice of reason has taken Pete Buttigieg further than anyone possibly expected. So long as Buttigieg remains the voice of reason in an age of irrationality then he has chance of going even further than he has already come so far.
Rendon Joins Angels For 7 Years, $245 Million
Anthony Rendon, fresh off a World Series title with the Washington Nationals, is heading west. Last night, Rendon reportedly reached agreement with the Los Angeles Angels on a 7-year deal worth $245 million.
Rendon, 29, had the best year of his 7-year big league career in 2019. Aside from earning a World Series ring with the Nats, Rendon finished third in NL MVP balloting as he led the NL in RBIs (126) and doubles (44) while hitting a career high .319 and 34 HRs. He enters 2020 with a .290 lifetime batting average, 994 career hits with 136 HR and 546 RBIs.
Rendon gives the Angels a much needed shot in the arm and provides possible long term protection in the lineup for Mike Trout as Albert Pujols is nearing the end of his 10-year deal. Of course, the Angels will need to shore up their pitching (i.e. David Price, Madison Bumgarner or perhaps both) if they expect to have their first winning season in five years, but Rendon will certainly help boost the offense as well boost interest in the team in the short term.
This development has sorely disappointed the Angels' AL West rival Texas Rangers who were hoping the lure the Lone Star native to their organization. With Rendon heading to California, the Rangers are turning their attention to Josh Donaldson who had a resurgent season in 2019 with the Atlanta Braves. Although I wonder if the Nats won't try to convince Donaldson to succeed Rendon at third base.
As with any long term contract there is always a risk. The opportunity for injuries abound. Even if Rendon stays healthy he might have reached the pinnacle of his career in 2019 and simply might not thrive under the big lights of Los Angeles (okay it's Anaheim, but you get my point). For the moment though Rendon's ship has come in. The question now is will it set sail.
Rendon, 29, had the best year of his 7-year big league career in 2019. Aside from earning a World Series ring with the Nats, Rendon finished third in NL MVP balloting as he led the NL in RBIs (126) and doubles (44) while hitting a career high .319 and 34 HRs. He enters 2020 with a .290 lifetime batting average, 994 career hits with 136 HR and 546 RBIs.
Rendon gives the Angels a much needed shot in the arm and provides possible long term protection in the lineup for Mike Trout as Albert Pujols is nearing the end of his 10-year deal. Of course, the Angels will need to shore up their pitching (i.e. David Price, Madison Bumgarner or perhaps both) if they expect to have their first winning season in five years, but Rendon will certainly help boost the offense as well boost interest in the team in the short term.
This development has sorely disappointed the Angels' AL West rival Texas Rangers who were hoping the lure the Lone Star native to their organization. With Rendon heading to California, the Rangers are turning their attention to Josh Donaldson who had a resurgent season in 2019 with the Atlanta Braves. Although I wonder if the Nats won't try to convince Donaldson to succeed Rendon at third base.
As with any long term contract there is always a risk. The opportunity for injuries abound. Even if Rendon stays healthy he might have reached the pinnacle of his career in 2019 and simply might not thrive under the big lights of Los Angeles (okay it's Anaheim, but you get my point). For the moment though Rendon's ship has come in. The question now is will it set sail.
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
A Thought on Israel's Third Election In Less Than a Year
So Israel will be having its third election in a year with yet another vote scheduled for March 2, 2010. Two elections in April and September have not resulted in coalition governments for an array of reasons.
While taking three elections to determine the government of the day isn't optimal some perspective is in order. At least Israelis get to vote. The Palestinians haven't voted since 2006. That's going on 14 years folks. Mahmoud Abbas' term in office expired a decade ago, but he shows no signs of leaving office. I'd rather have too many elections than none at all.
While taking three elections to determine the government of the day isn't optimal some perspective is in order. At least Israelis get to vote. The Palestinians haven't voted since 2006. That's going on 14 years folks. Mahmoud Abbas' term in office expired a decade ago, but he shows no signs of leaving office. I'd rather have too many elections than none at all.
White Sox Acquisition of Nomar Mazara From Rangers Could Be Sleeper Trade of Off-Season
While the baseball world is justly focusing its attention of Gerrit Cole's $300 million plus deal with the New York Yankees, there is a trade that was made last night which got my attention.
The Texas Rangers have parted ways with outfielder Nomar Mazara sending him to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for minor league outfielder Steele Walker.
The Dominican born Mazara had spent his entire four year big league career with the Rangers driving in 101 runs in 2017. A late season oblique injury diminished his power numbers in 2019 as he hit .268 with 19 HR and 66 RBI.
At least one member of the White Sox will be happy to see join the squad. His fellow countryman Reynaldo Lopez surrendered a 505 foot HR to Mazara on June 21st. In the year of the HR, it was the longest in MLB last season.
I think the Rangers gave up on Mazara far too soon. He is only 24 after all and hasn't reached the peak of his career. I think Mazara is going to see a lot of good pitches in a lineup that includes Jose Abreu, Eloy Jimenez, Yoan Moncada and Tim Anderson. The Yankees might have made the biggest splash with signing Cole, but the White Sox might very well have made the sleeper deal of the season. Mazara could be the missing piece which puts the Chisox into the post-season for the first time since 2008.
The Texas Rangers have parted ways with outfielder Nomar Mazara sending him to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for minor league outfielder Steele Walker.
The Dominican born Mazara had spent his entire four year big league career with the Rangers driving in 101 runs in 2017. A late season oblique injury diminished his power numbers in 2019 as he hit .268 with 19 HR and 66 RBI.
At least one member of the White Sox will be happy to see join the squad. His fellow countryman Reynaldo Lopez surrendered a 505 foot HR to Mazara on June 21st. In the year of the HR, it was the longest in MLB last season.
I think the Rangers gave up on Mazara far too soon. He is only 24 after all and hasn't reached the peak of his career. I think Mazara is going to see a lot of good pitches in a lineup that includes Jose Abreu, Eloy Jimenez, Yoan Moncada and Tim Anderson. The Yankees might have made the biggest splash with signing Cole, but the White Sox might very well have made the sleeper deal of the season. Mazara could be the missing piece which puts the Chisox into the post-season for the first time since 2008.
The Jersey City Kosher Deli Attack Shows Anti-Semitism Has No Color
Yesterday afternoon three people along with a police officer were killed in a battle with two gunmen at a kosher deli in Jersey City, New Jersey. Two of the three civilians killed were Jewish.
The two perpetrators were also eventually killed. They were identified as David Anderson and Francine Graham. Anderson was a devotee of the Black Hebrew Israelite movement who believe they are the true descendants of the Israelites and consider Jews to be impostors.
In recent years, approximately 100 Hasidic Jewish families have moved to Jersey City from Brooklyn where rents have skyrocketed. These families have settled into a predominantly African-American neighborhood of Greenville. No doubt that this exacerbated Anderson's hatred which he and his accomplice then escalated into violence.
Because the suspects are African-American, I wonder if the significance of the act will be downplayed in comparison to attacks carried out by white supremacists most notably against synagogues in Pittsburgh and in Poway, California. As of this writing, officials in Jersey City will not characterize this attack as anti-Semitic or even as a hate crime. Had the perpetrators been white supremacists would Jersey City officials have displayed any hesitation in characterizing this act as anti-Semitic? I think we all know the answer to that question.
The Jersey City Kosher Deli attack demonstrates that anti-Semitism is a hatred that has no color. Anti-Semitism is anti-Semitism. Period.
The two perpetrators were also eventually killed. They were identified as David Anderson and Francine Graham. Anderson was a devotee of the Black Hebrew Israelite movement who believe they are the true descendants of the Israelites and consider Jews to be impostors.
In recent years, approximately 100 Hasidic Jewish families have moved to Jersey City from Brooklyn where rents have skyrocketed. These families have settled into a predominantly African-American neighborhood of Greenville. No doubt that this exacerbated Anderson's hatred which he and his accomplice then escalated into violence.
Because the suspects are African-American, I wonder if the significance of the act will be downplayed in comparison to attacks carried out by white supremacists most notably against synagogues in Pittsburgh and in Poway, California. As of this writing, officials in Jersey City will not characterize this attack as anti-Semitic or even as a hate crime. Had the perpetrators been white supremacists would Jersey City officials have displayed any hesitation in characterizing this act as anti-Semitic? I think we all know the answer to that question.
The Jersey City Kosher Deli attack demonstrates that anti-Semitism is a hatred that has no color. Anti-Semitism is anti-Semitism. Period.
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Yankees Finally Land Gerrit Cole For $324 Million Over 9 Years
Gerrit Cole has reportedly signed with the New York Yankees for $324 million over nine seasons. That would be $36 million a season.
For the Yankees it is third time the charm. The Yankees have long sought Cole having made him their first round draft pick in 2008. However Cole opted to attend UCLA. Two years ago the Pittsburgh Pirates put him on the market but made a deal with the Houston Astros. In 2019, Cole went 20-5 and led the AL in ERA (2.50) and strikeouts (326) finishing runner up to teammate Justin Verlander in AL Cy Young balloting.
Cole's signing comes only 24 hours after Stephen Strasburg re-signed with the Washington Nationals for $245 million over 7 seasons. That's $35 million per annum. For 24 hours Strasburg was the highest paid pitcher in baseball. Cole has eclipsed him. But Strasburg will get a World Series ring.
It's a long contract, but Cole is 29 and could be for the Yankees in the 2020's what the recently retired C.C. Sabathia was to the Yankees in the 2009 World Series and the 2010's. Sabathia signed with the Yankees when he was 28. Could Cole be as durable? Perhaps. Or perhaps six pitches into his Yankees debut Cole will tear his UCL and require Tommy John surgery. A far fetched scenario perhaps but what happens if Samson has to cut his hair? But for the moment the addition of Cole now makes the Yankees the prohibitive favorite to win the 2020 World Series.
Still there are no guarantees. Cole has an opt out provision in his contract following the 2024 season which I expect he would exercise if the Yankees fail to win the World Series in the next five years. But at this hour Yankees fans are over the moon.
For the Yankees it is third time the charm. The Yankees have long sought Cole having made him their first round draft pick in 2008. However Cole opted to attend UCLA. Two years ago the Pittsburgh Pirates put him on the market but made a deal with the Houston Astros. In 2019, Cole went 20-5 and led the AL in ERA (2.50) and strikeouts (326) finishing runner up to teammate Justin Verlander in AL Cy Young balloting.
Cole's signing comes only 24 hours after Stephen Strasburg re-signed with the Washington Nationals for $245 million over 7 seasons. That's $35 million per annum. For 24 hours Strasburg was the highest paid pitcher in baseball. Cole has eclipsed him. But Strasburg will get a World Series ring.
It's a long contract, but Cole is 29 and could be for the Yankees in the 2020's what the recently retired C.C. Sabathia was to the Yankees in the 2009 World Series and the 2010's. Sabathia signed with the Yankees when he was 28. Could Cole be as durable? Perhaps. Or perhaps six pitches into his Yankees debut Cole will tear his UCL and require Tommy John surgery. A far fetched scenario perhaps but what happens if Samson has to cut his hair? But for the moment the addition of Cole now makes the Yankees the prohibitive favorite to win the 2020 World Series.
Still there are no guarantees. Cole has an opt out provision in his contract following the 2024 season which I expect he would exercise if the Yankees fail to win the World Series in the next five years. But at this hour Yankees fans are over the moon.
Didi Reunites With Girardi in Philly
After spending five seasons with the New York Yankees, Sir Didi Gregorius is going down I-95 South to Philadelphia to reunite with former Yankees manager Joe Girardi. The Dutch born Gregorius has signed a one year contract with the Phillies worth $14 million.
Gregorius, 29, played in only 82 games after recovering from Tommy John surgery due to injuries sustained during the 2018 ALDS. Although Gregorius hit 16 HR and 61 RBI he batted only .238. In August and September, Gregorius hit only .201 though he hit 8 HR with 31 RBI during this period.
While Gregorius seamlessly succeeded soon to be Hall of Famer Derek Jeter at shortstop, the Yankees have committed to moving Gleyber Torres from second to short. This gives something for Didi to prove in 2020 and I think he will be equal to the task. Should Didi has a big season in Philly it could earn him a huge free agent contract for the 2021 season and beyond. Who knows? He could end up returning to the Bronx.
While Gregorius seamlessly succeeded soon to be Hall of Famer Derek Jeter at shortstop, the Yankees have committed to moving Gleyber Torres from second to short. This gives something for Didi to prove in 2020 and I think he will be equal to the task. Should Didi has a big season in Philly it could earn him a huge free agent contract for the 2021 season and beyond. Who knows? He could end up returning to the Bronx.
Marie Fredriksson, R.I.P. (With a Thought For Lianne)
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Marie Fredriksson, one half of the Swedish pop duo Roxette, after a long battle with cancer at the age of 61.
Roxette had a string of hits in the late 1980's and early 1990's on both sides of the Atlantic ("The Look", "Dressed for Success", "Listen To Your Heart", "It Must Have Been Love" and "Joyride") much of which owed to Fredriksson's powerful voice and distinctive short platinum blonde hair. While I cannot say it's the type of music I typically listened to it does work on the dance floor and their songs have become a staple of soft rock radio.
The reason Fredriksson's passing saddens me is because Roxette was my former roommate Lianne's favorite band. We shared an apartment in Boston near the Berklee School of Music for a year. She got so much joy out of their music and even followed them on their European tour in the fall of 2001 right after she moved out. Lianne managed to snag a picture of herself with Fredriksson while she was performing.
As it turned out, Lianne picked the right time to follow Roxette on tour because Fredriksson was diagnosed with brain cancer the following year and took a lengthy hiatus from music. Fortunately, Fredriksson recovered sufficiently to resurrect Roxette in 2009. Although the group did not regain its former success, three albums and several tours would follow during the 2010's before Fredriksson's health forced her to retreat from music altogether in 2016 leaving her musical partner Per Gessle to carry the band's banner.
I can only begin to imagine what Lianne is feeling right now. No doubt Fredriksson represented good times. But those good times are over now. Good memories might remain but one cannot live in the past. Unfortunately, the future brings uncertainty and good times are not guaranteed.
But it must be kept in mind that Marie Fredriksson lived with a terminal disease for nearly 20 years and made as much as she could of the time she had left. Perhaps this will bring Lianne some measure of solace in her sadness. R.I.P.
Roxette had a string of hits in the late 1980's and early 1990's on both sides of the Atlantic ("The Look", "Dressed for Success", "Listen To Your Heart", "It Must Have Been Love" and "Joyride") much of which owed to Fredriksson's powerful voice and distinctive short platinum blonde hair. While I cannot say it's the type of music I typically listened to it does work on the dance floor and their songs have become a staple of soft rock radio.
The reason Fredriksson's passing saddens me is because Roxette was my former roommate Lianne's favorite band. We shared an apartment in Boston near the Berklee School of Music for a year. She got so much joy out of their music and even followed them on their European tour in the fall of 2001 right after she moved out. Lianne managed to snag a picture of herself with Fredriksson while she was performing.
As it turned out, Lianne picked the right time to follow Roxette on tour because Fredriksson was diagnosed with brain cancer the following year and took a lengthy hiatus from music. Fortunately, Fredriksson recovered sufficiently to resurrect Roxette in 2009. Although the group did not regain its former success, three albums and several tours would follow during the 2010's before Fredriksson's health forced her to retreat from music altogether in 2016 leaving her musical partner Per Gessle to carry the band's banner.
I can only begin to imagine what Lianne is feeling right now. No doubt Fredriksson represented good times. But those good times are over now. Good memories might remain but one cannot live in the past. Unfortunately, the future brings uncertainty and good times are not guaranteed.
But it must be kept in mind that Marie Fredriksson lived with a terminal disease for nearly 20 years and made as much as she could of the time she had left. Perhaps this will bring Lianne some measure of solace in her sadness. R.I.P.
Trump Committed Impeachable Offenses But Won't Be Impeached
Two articles of impeachment have been announced against President Trump by members of the House Democratic leadership. The first article of impeachment concerns Trump making previously approved military aid and a White House meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky conditional upon the Ukrainian government announcing investigations into Joe Biden as well as the conspiracy theory that Ukraine rather than Russia interfered in the 2016 election. The second article of impeachment concerns Trump's defiance of House subpoenas for documents and Congressional testimony to various committees.
These are very narrow and specific articles. I believe a case could be made that an article of impeachment can be brought for violations of the Emoluments clause through President Trump's use of his properties to conduct government business. But Democrats have declined to go down this road and are sticking to Trump's dealings with Ukraine.
In many ways, I believe Trump's emolument violations are far more easily understood by the general public. Trump used public office for private gain. His abortive attempt to have the G-7 at Doral is only the tip of the iceberg. Where does the White House begin and the Trump organization end? Given how egregiously Trump violated the Emoluments clause, I think Democrats should have added at least one more article of impeachment. Democrats are only going to get one bite at this apple.
However, based on what is in the public domain concerning Trump's dealings with the Ukrainian government, I do believe he has committed impeachable offenses and that the House will refer these matters to the Senate. But I also believe Senate Republicans will be impervious to these facts and acquit him. In so doing, Senate Republicans will give carte blanche to President Trump to, as he once put it, "do whatever I want". In which case, we will be speeding our way towards authoritarianism.
In which case, the only way Trump won't be able to do whatever he wants on the road to an authoritarian state is if he is defeated next November. It is possible he will be significantly weakened during 2020. It would also help if Democrats nominate a viable candidate who can go toe to toe with him and present a viable alternative. Yet this is far from assured. Can you say Elizabeth Warren or Bernie Sanders?
In one respect, being impeached could very well strengthen Trump. In an era of victimhood, there is no one better at the playing the victim than Trump. It's a crock, but it is an act which has resonated with enough of the electorate to propel Trump into the White House and very possibly keep him there. And as long as the unemployment rate is at 3.5% or below voters are going to be very reluctant to vote Trump out of office even they don't like or agree with everything he has done. As long as people have jobs and can pay their mortgages most aren't going to give a damn if Trump illegally withheld military aid from a country across an ocean they cannot find on a map.
As for the future of American democracy, this is an abstract concept to most people. People are going to credit President Trump for a good economy even though he has very little to do with it or for that matter any other President. The economy has going good since the end of 2010. Most of that time Obama was President. Obama had little to do with it, but he reaped the benefit. The same will hold true for Trump. If people associate Trump with their personal prosperity then chances are they won't care that much if Trump usurps power and abuses his authority even if it means curtailments on freedom and limits on liberty.
But if Trump isn't held to account for his actions it is only a matter of time before freedom of speech, freedom of the press and free elections become a thing of the past. Mind you this isn't only applicable to Trump, but to his successors whatever their banner. If Republicans put Trump over country then there could come a day where we will take to the streets to demand the most basic of freedoms and might have to fight a war to regain what we should have never lost. Kind of like what is going on in Ukraine now.
These are very narrow and specific articles. I believe a case could be made that an article of impeachment can be brought for violations of the Emoluments clause through President Trump's use of his properties to conduct government business. But Democrats have declined to go down this road and are sticking to Trump's dealings with Ukraine.
In many ways, I believe Trump's emolument violations are far more easily understood by the general public. Trump used public office for private gain. His abortive attempt to have the G-7 at Doral is only the tip of the iceberg. Where does the White House begin and the Trump organization end? Given how egregiously Trump violated the Emoluments clause, I think Democrats should have added at least one more article of impeachment. Democrats are only going to get one bite at this apple.
However, based on what is in the public domain concerning Trump's dealings with the Ukrainian government, I do believe he has committed impeachable offenses and that the House will refer these matters to the Senate. But I also believe Senate Republicans will be impervious to these facts and acquit him. In so doing, Senate Republicans will give carte blanche to President Trump to, as he once put it, "do whatever I want". In which case, we will be speeding our way towards authoritarianism.
In which case, the only way Trump won't be able to do whatever he wants on the road to an authoritarian state is if he is defeated next November. It is possible he will be significantly weakened during 2020. It would also help if Democrats nominate a viable candidate who can go toe to toe with him and present a viable alternative. Yet this is far from assured. Can you say Elizabeth Warren or Bernie Sanders?
In one respect, being impeached could very well strengthen Trump. In an era of victimhood, there is no one better at the playing the victim than Trump. It's a crock, but it is an act which has resonated with enough of the electorate to propel Trump into the White House and very possibly keep him there. And as long as the unemployment rate is at 3.5% or below voters are going to be very reluctant to vote Trump out of office even they don't like or agree with everything he has done. As long as people have jobs and can pay their mortgages most aren't going to give a damn if Trump illegally withheld military aid from a country across an ocean they cannot find on a map.
As for the future of American democracy, this is an abstract concept to most people. People are going to credit President Trump for a good economy even though he has very little to do with it or for that matter any other President. The economy has going good since the end of 2010. Most of that time Obama was President. Obama had little to do with it, but he reaped the benefit. The same will hold true for Trump. If people associate Trump with their personal prosperity then chances are they won't care that much if Trump usurps power and abuses his authority even if it means curtailments on freedom and limits on liberty.
But if Trump isn't held to account for his actions it is only a matter of time before freedom of speech, freedom of the press and free elections become a thing of the past. Mind you this isn't only applicable to Trump, but to his successors whatever their banner. If Republicans put Trump over country then there could come a day where we will take to the streets to demand the most basic of freedoms and might have to fight a war to regain what we should have never lost. Kind of like what is going on in Ukraine now.
Sunday, December 8, 2019
Marvin Miller & Ted Simmons Finally Make Baseball Hall of Fame
The Modern Baseball Era Committee announced that Marvin Miller, Executive Director of the Major League Baseball Players Association from 1966-1982, and former St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers catcher Ted Simmons will join the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2020. Miller and Simmons earned 12 and 13 votes, respectively, from the 16 member committee.
Miller's induction is long overdue. If not for Miller there would be no free agency and the reserve clause remained intact. Miller's work benefitted not only baseball, but athletes from all other team professional sports (NFL, NBA and NHL). The key to the success of the MLBPA was the player solidarity brought about by Miller's trade union experience with the United Steelworkers of America.
This honor is bittersweet as it is a posthumous one. Miller died in 2012 at the age of 95. Prior to today, Miller had been rejected for Cooperstown consideration going back to 2003. Many of those who were on the Veterans Committee were some of Miller's former adversaries who ended up on the short end of confrontations with him. Some grudges are never forgotten much less forgiven. For his part, Miller wanted no part of Cooperstown and neither do his children. Assuming his children don't induct them then who will? I'm sure most of those on the Hall of Fame stage would volunteer in a heartbeat.
Ted Simmons would surely be among those volunteers. But he has his own career to talk about. Simmons, 70, spent 21 seasons in MLB. The bulk of them were spent with the Cardinals. After cups of coffee with the team in 1968, 1969 and 1970, Simmons became the team's everyday catcher in 1971 when Joe Torre moved to third base. In an era where Johnny Bench dominated behind the plate, Simmons was named to 7 NL All-Star Teams. He would add an AL All-Star Team selection and a World Series appearance with the Milwaukee Brewers against his old club. Simmons finished his career in 1988 with 2,472 hits, a .285 lifetime batting average (he hit .300 or better seven times), 248 HR and 1389 RBI. To this day, Simmons ranks second all time among catchers in hits, doubles and RBIs. Yet Simmons got only 3.7% on the BBWAA ballot in 1994. This induction is 25 years overdue
In a way, it is fitting that Miller and Simmons are being inducted together. In Miller's 1990 book A Whole New Ballgame, Miller praised Simmons for asking him tough questions when he visited the Cardinals in spring training. Simmons' questions helped keep Miller on his feet and made him a better negotiator. In time, Simmons would become one of Miller's must trusted allies in their battle with MLB owners.
Miller and Simmons will most likely be joined by Derek Jeter in the Class of 2020. The results of the BBWAA ballot will be announced on January 21st.
Miller's induction is long overdue. If not for Miller there would be no free agency and the reserve clause remained intact. Miller's work benefitted not only baseball, but athletes from all other team professional sports (NFL, NBA and NHL). The key to the success of the MLBPA was the player solidarity brought about by Miller's trade union experience with the United Steelworkers of America.
This honor is bittersweet as it is a posthumous one. Miller died in 2012 at the age of 95. Prior to today, Miller had been rejected for Cooperstown consideration going back to 2003. Many of those who were on the Veterans Committee were some of Miller's former adversaries who ended up on the short end of confrontations with him. Some grudges are never forgotten much less forgiven. For his part, Miller wanted no part of Cooperstown and neither do his children. Assuming his children don't induct them then who will? I'm sure most of those on the Hall of Fame stage would volunteer in a heartbeat.
Ted Simmons would surely be among those volunteers. But he has his own career to talk about. Simmons, 70, spent 21 seasons in MLB. The bulk of them were spent with the Cardinals. After cups of coffee with the team in 1968, 1969 and 1970, Simmons became the team's everyday catcher in 1971 when Joe Torre moved to third base. In an era where Johnny Bench dominated behind the plate, Simmons was named to 7 NL All-Star Teams. He would add an AL All-Star Team selection and a World Series appearance with the Milwaukee Brewers against his old club. Simmons finished his career in 1988 with 2,472 hits, a .285 lifetime batting average (he hit .300 or better seven times), 248 HR and 1389 RBI. To this day, Simmons ranks second all time among catchers in hits, doubles and RBIs. Yet Simmons got only 3.7% on the BBWAA ballot in 1994. This induction is 25 years overdue
In a way, it is fitting that Miller and Simmons are being inducted together. In Miller's 1990 book A Whole New Ballgame, Miller praised Simmons for asking him tough questions when he visited the Cardinals in spring training. Simmons' questions helped keep Miller on his feet and made him a better negotiator. In time, Simmons would become one of Miller's must trusted allies in their battle with MLB owners.
Miller and Simmons will most likely be joined by Derek Jeter in the Class of 2020. The results of the BBWAA ballot will be announced on January 21st.
Friday, December 6, 2019
Whatever You Do Please Don't Call Cory Booker Well Spoken
Former New York City Mayor and 2020 presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg has expressed "regret" for referring to rival presidential aspirant and former Newark Mayor Cory Booker as "well spoken". Booker claimed he was "taken aback" by Bloomberg's compliment. Here is exactly what Bloomberg said about Booker in an interview with the CBS Morning News:
Cory Booker endorsed me a number of times. And I endorsed Cory Booker a number of times. He's very well-spoken. He's got some good ideas. It would be better the more diverse any group is.
Good Lord!!!
Next thing you know there will be a lynch mob organized because Bloomberg said Booker had good ideas.
This is nothing more than sheer desperation on the part of Booker. His campaign is flailing and he is desperate to get on the debate stage. So when in doubt play the race card. Booker's claims of being taken aback are completely disingenuous. But Booker is running for President and if assassinating a man's character is what it takes to get there then so be it.
Let me try to inject some reason here. Pete Buttigieg has been described as "well-spoken". By this logic, if referring to a black man as well spoken is racist then is referring to a gay man as well spoken homophobic?
When it is all said and done the big winner here is President Trump because he can point to a Democratic Party overcome by political correctness, identity politics and a culture where activists make accusations of racism or at the very least racial insensitivity as instinctively is breathing, eating and sleeping. So whatever you do please don't call Cory Booker well spoken or dare pay him any other compliment. If Democrats insist on mass marketing this formula then they will guarantee Trump's re-election, impeachment or no impeachment.
Cory Booker endorsed me a number of times. And I endorsed Cory Booker a number of times. He's very well-spoken. He's got some good ideas. It would be better the more diverse any group is.
Good Lord!!!
Next thing you know there will be a lynch mob organized because Bloomberg said Booker had good ideas.
This is nothing more than sheer desperation on the part of Booker. His campaign is flailing and he is desperate to get on the debate stage. So when in doubt play the race card. Booker's claims of being taken aback are completely disingenuous. But Booker is running for President and if assassinating a man's character is what it takes to get there then so be it.
Let me try to inject some reason here. Pete Buttigieg has been described as "well-spoken". By this logic, if referring to a black man as well spoken is racist then is referring to a gay man as well spoken homophobic?
When it is all said and done the big winner here is President Trump because he can point to a Democratic Party overcome by political correctness, identity politics and a culture where activists make accusations of racism or at the very least racial insensitivity as instinctively is breathing, eating and sleeping. So whatever you do please don't call Cory Booker well spoken or dare pay him any other compliment. If Democrats insist on mass marketing this formula then they will guarantee Trump's re-election, impeachment or no impeachment.
Thursday, December 5, 2019
Mets Acquire Marisnick From Astros
A day after it was announced that Steve Cohen was putting in a bid to purchase majority control of the New York Mets from the Wilpons, the Mets have acquired outfielder Jake Marisnick from the Houston Astros.
Originally drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2009, Marisnick was traded to the Miami Marlins in 2012 as part of the infamous deal involving Mark Buehrle and Joses Reyes. Marisnick made his big league debut with the Marlins in 2013 before being traded to the Astros during the 2014 trade deadline. Since 2015, Marisnick has been a semi-regular in the lineup often coming in the game for late inning defense. He does have occasional power slamming 16 HR during the Astros' World Series championship season in 2017. In 2019, Marisnick batted .233 with 10 HR and 34 RBI in 120 games. But his strength is his outfield defense.
Marisnick, 28, made headlines this season shortly before the All-Star Break during a home plate collision with then Los Angeles Angels catcher Jonathan Lucroy who sustained a concussion and a broken nose. MLB suspended Marisnick for two games for the incident. For their part, the Angels plunked Marisnick in a game nine days later. Neither Marisnick nor the Astros retaliated. Hopefully the incident was an aberration.
No doubt new Mets manager Carlos Beltran wanted Marisnick on his team as the two were teammates in Houston in their glory year of 2017. Marisnick will likely play the same role he did in Houston as a fourth outfielder. Having a World Series winner on the roster should be a help to the Mets in 2020, but whether it will be enough to compete with the Braves, Nationals and Phillies in the NL East remains to be seen.
Originally drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2009, Marisnick was traded to the Miami Marlins in 2012 as part of the infamous deal involving Mark Buehrle and Joses Reyes. Marisnick made his big league debut with the Marlins in 2013 before being traded to the Astros during the 2014 trade deadline. Since 2015, Marisnick has been a semi-regular in the lineup often coming in the game for late inning defense. He does have occasional power slamming 16 HR during the Astros' World Series championship season in 2017. In 2019, Marisnick batted .233 with 10 HR and 34 RBI in 120 games. But his strength is his outfield defense.
Marisnick, 28, made headlines this season shortly before the All-Star Break during a home plate collision with then Los Angeles Angels catcher Jonathan Lucroy who sustained a concussion and a broken nose. MLB suspended Marisnick for two games for the incident. For their part, the Angels plunked Marisnick in a game nine days later. Neither Marisnick nor the Astros retaliated. Hopefully the incident was an aberration.
No doubt new Mets manager Carlos Beltran wanted Marisnick on his team as the two were teammates in Houston in their glory year of 2017. Marisnick will likely play the same role he did in Houston as a fourth outfielder. Having a World Series winner on the roster should be a help to the Mets in 2020, but whether it will be enough to compete with the Braves, Nationals and Phillies in the NL East remains to be seen.
Democrats More Concerned With Color Than Character & Content
With the abrupt departure of Kamala Harris and Cory Booker, Julian Castro, Tulsi Gabbard and Andrew Yang much less Deval Patrick not likely to make this month's debate stage there has been much consternation within the Democratic Party about an all white Democratic debate including the obligatory Twitter hashtag #DebatesSoWhite.
Edward-Isaac Dovere of The Atlantic asks, "How did we go from a debate stage early last summer that was the most diverse in history to a race where all the leading candidates are white?" This is how he answers his question:
Democrats still haven’t gotten past their obsession with winning back the white working-class voters who defected to Trump after dripping away from Democrats for years. Because Hillary Clinton lost the last election by only a few hundred thousand votes total in three states—Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania—Democrats can prevail, or so this theory goes, by winning back those voters. And to do that, the party needs to pick someone “electable”—which is to say, “white.”
Aside from the fact that Dovere doesn't really argue why Democrats shouldn't be obsessed from recapturing Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, the argument is predicated on the assumption that minority voters will support minority candidates. African-American voters strongly support Joe Biden because they know his heart. This is not something which can be casually dismissed. I mean Patrick's late entry into the race didn't exactly cause dancing in the streets.
Al Sharpton can bemoan the lack of diversity on the Democratic debate stage all he wants, but I didn't exactly seem him jump on Harris' bandwagon after he met with her this past February. Last I checked, the triumvirate of AOC, Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib are supporting Bernie Sanders. I don't recall any great outcry that they didn't endorse Harris or any other candidate of color. Of course, there were political reasons for them to endorse Bernie. As I've previously argued their endorsement of a Jewish candidate is a means by which to negate accusations of anti-Semitism.
What this consternation tells me is that the Democratic Party is more interested in color than in character and content. So long as identity politics consumes Democrats it will only help President Trump in the long run, impeachment or no impeachment.
Edward-Isaac Dovere of The Atlantic asks, "How did we go from a debate stage early last summer that was the most diverse in history to a race where all the leading candidates are white?" This is how he answers his question:
Democrats still haven’t gotten past their obsession with winning back the white working-class voters who defected to Trump after dripping away from Democrats for years. Because Hillary Clinton lost the last election by only a few hundred thousand votes total in three states—Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania—Democrats can prevail, or so this theory goes, by winning back those voters. And to do that, the party needs to pick someone “electable”—which is to say, “white.”
Aside from the fact that Dovere doesn't really argue why Democrats shouldn't be obsessed from recapturing Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, the argument is predicated on the assumption that minority voters will support minority candidates. African-American voters strongly support Joe Biden because they know his heart. This is not something which can be casually dismissed. I mean Patrick's late entry into the race didn't exactly cause dancing in the streets.
Al Sharpton can bemoan the lack of diversity on the Democratic debate stage all he wants, but I didn't exactly seem him jump on Harris' bandwagon after he met with her this past February. Last I checked, the triumvirate of AOC, Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib are supporting Bernie Sanders. I don't recall any great outcry that they didn't endorse Harris or any other candidate of color. Of course, there were political reasons for them to endorse Bernie. As I've previously argued their endorsement of a Jewish candidate is a means by which to negate accusations of anti-Semitism.
What this consternation tells me is that the Democratic Party is more interested in color than in character and content. So long as identity politics consumes Democrats it will only help President Trump in the long run, impeachment or no impeachment.
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Today Was a Good Day To Be a Starting Pitcher (Hamels, Wheeler & Bundy)
While Monday was a good day to be a second baseman, today was a good day to be a starting pitcher.
A trio of starting pitchers have found new teams for 2020 and perhaps beyond.
After not being given a qualifying offer by the Chicago Cubs, Cole Hamels signed a one year, $18 million contract with the Atlanta Braves. Although the Braves have won back to back NL East titles, Hamels gives Atlanta's rotation a veteran presence. Hamels, who turns 36 later this month, went 7-7 with a 3.81 ERA in 27 starts for the Cubs in 2019. Although Hamels has 14 seasons under his belt, he did manage to strikeout 143 batters in 141 2/3 innings pitched. The longtime lefty enters 2020 with 2558 strikeouts and certainly has a chance to reach 3000 strikeouts which would punch his ticket to Cooperstown.
Meanwhile, New York Mets fans would probably like to punch Zack Wheeler about now. Wheeler has reportedly signed a 5-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies worth $118 million. In 2019, Wheeler struck out a career high 195 batters in 195 1/3 innings pitched while going 11-8 with a 3.96 ERA in 31 starts with the Mets. In five seasons with the Mets, Wheeler went 44-38 with a 3.77 ERA in 126 career starts. Wheeler missed both the 2015 and the 2016 seasons due to Tommy John surgery. Of course, the Mets won the NL pennant in 2015 and won the NL East in 2016. It is worth noting the Mets originally acquired Wheeler during the 2011 season from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for Carlos Beltran. Wheeler came this close to being managed by the guy for whom he was traded. While Wheeler, 29, has stayed healthy and has been serviceable it's not clear to me that he warranted that kind of contract. If the Phillies view Wheeler as the middle of the rotation pitcher then that's realistic. But if they view as the ace of the staff then they are in a lot of trouble.
I do wonder what kind of expectations the Los Angeles Angels have for Dylan Bundy whom they've acquired from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for four minor league pitchers. Bundy, who turned 27 last month, was the team's top draft pick in 2011 and reached the majors the following year at the age of 19. Like Wheeler, Bundy underwent Tommy John surgery but has been healthy the past several seasons. Unfortunately, Bundy's results have far more modest. In 30 starts with the O's in 2019, Bundy went 7-14 with a 4.79 ERA. In 2018, Bundy led the AL in losses (18) and home runs surrendered (41). Overall, in parts of five seasons with Baltimore, Bundy has gone 38-45 with a 4.67 ERA in 127 appearances of which 103 have been starts. Part of this can be attributed to being on a team that has lost 100 or more games in back to back seasons. But Bundy has underachieved. The silver lining is that his strikeout totals are good as he fanned 162 batters in 161 2/3 inning pitched. If the Angels land the likes of Gerrit Cole or Stephen Strasburg, the pressure will be considerably lessened on Bundy. In which case there is a chance that Bundy could be the kind of pitcher with the Angels he never could be in Baltimore. Best case scenario is that a change of scenery does for him what it did for Jake Arrieta five years ago.
A trio of starting pitchers have found new teams for 2020 and perhaps beyond.
After not being given a qualifying offer by the Chicago Cubs, Cole Hamels signed a one year, $18 million contract with the Atlanta Braves. Although the Braves have won back to back NL East titles, Hamels gives Atlanta's rotation a veteran presence. Hamels, who turns 36 later this month, went 7-7 with a 3.81 ERA in 27 starts for the Cubs in 2019. Although Hamels has 14 seasons under his belt, he did manage to strikeout 143 batters in 141 2/3 innings pitched. The longtime lefty enters 2020 with 2558 strikeouts and certainly has a chance to reach 3000 strikeouts which would punch his ticket to Cooperstown.
Meanwhile, New York Mets fans would probably like to punch Zack Wheeler about now. Wheeler has reportedly signed a 5-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies worth $118 million. In 2019, Wheeler struck out a career high 195 batters in 195 1/3 innings pitched while going 11-8 with a 3.96 ERA in 31 starts with the Mets. In five seasons with the Mets, Wheeler went 44-38 with a 3.77 ERA in 126 career starts. Wheeler missed both the 2015 and the 2016 seasons due to Tommy John surgery. Of course, the Mets won the NL pennant in 2015 and won the NL East in 2016. It is worth noting the Mets originally acquired Wheeler during the 2011 season from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for Carlos Beltran. Wheeler came this close to being managed by the guy for whom he was traded. While Wheeler, 29, has stayed healthy and has been serviceable it's not clear to me that he warranted that kind of contract. If the Phillies view Wheeler as the middle of the rotation pitcher then that's realistic. But if they view as the ace of the staff then they are in a lot of trouble.
I do wonder what kind of expectations the Los Angeles Angels have for Dylan Bundy whom they've acquired from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for four minor league pitchers. Bundy, who turned 27 last month, was the team's top draft pick in 2011 and reached the majors the following year at the age of 19. Like Wheeler, Bundy underwent Tommy John surgery but has been healthy the past several seasons. Unfortunately, Bundy's results have far more modest. In 30 starts with the O's in 2019, Bundy went 7-14 with a 4.79 ERA. In 2018, Bundy led the AL in losses (18) and home runs surrendered (41). Overall, in parts of five seasons with Baltimore, Bundy has gone 38-45 with a 4.67 ERA in 127 appearances of which 103 have been starts. Part of this can be attributed to being on a team that has lost 100 or more games in back to back seasons. But Bundy has underachieved. The silver lining is that his strikeout totals are good as he fanned 162 batters in 161 2/3 inning pitched. If the Angels land the likes of Gerrit Cole or Stephen Strasburg, the pressure will be considerably lessened on Bundy. In which case there is a chance that Bundy could be the kind of pitcher with the Angels he never could be in Baltimore. Best case scenario is that a change of scenery does for him what it did for Jake Arrieta five years ago.
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Kamala Harris' Campaign Was Never The Same After Tulsi Gabbard
When Kamala Harris announced her White House bid in January, I declared that she was Donald Trump's biggest challenger.
Today, after 10½ months in the race, Harris has ended her bid. The announcement comes only days after a New York Times article revealed a campaign in complete chaos and in deep division.
While history will show that Harris dropped out of the race at the beginning of December, her campaign ended at the end of July when she had no effective response to Tulsi Gabbard's barrage against her record as California Attorney General during the Democratic debate in Detroit even though Gabbard had been attacking her record as well as her treatment of Joe Biden in the weeks leading up to the debate. The moment Harris couldn't rebut Gabbard her campaign lost its raison d'être.
She rode high in June against Biden, but was shot down by Gabbard in July. If nothing else, Harris peaked too soon.
At this point, Harris' best bet is to return to the Senate and get her groove back during Senate impeachment proceedings against Trump.
Today, after 10½ months in the race, Harris has ended her bid. The announcement comes only days after a New York Times article revealed a campaign in complete chaos and in deep division.
While history will show that Harris dropped out of the race at the beginning of December, her campaign ended at the end of July when she had no effective response to Tulsi Gabbard's barrage against her record as California Attorney General during the Democratic debate in Detroit even though Gabbard had been attacking her record as well as her treatment of Joe Biden in the weeks leading up to the debate. The moment Harris couldn't rebut Gabbard her campaign lost its raison d'être.
She rode high in June against Biden, but was shot down by Gabbard in July. If nothing else, Harris peaked too soon.
At this point, Harris' best bet is to return to the Senate and get her groove back during Senate impeachment proceedings against Trump.
Monday, December 2, 2019
A Big Day For Second Basemen (Moustakas, Profar & Villar)
Today was a good day to be a second baseman as Mike Moustakas, Jurickson Profar and Jonathan Villar all have new teams in 2020.
Moustakas has reportedly signed a four year, $64 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds after spending the past year and a half with their NL Central rival Milwaukee Brewers. In 2019, Moustakas earned his first NL All-Star Team selection (he was twice selected to the AL All-Star Team while with the Kansas City Royals in 2015 and 2017) blasting 35 HR and driving in 87 runs in 143 games. While Moustakas, 31, has spent the majority of his career at third base, he played 47 games at second base and will play that position in Cincinbati so long as Eugenio Suarez and his 48 HRs are at the hot corner. I believe Moustakas will be sorely missed in Milwaukee as he provided protection to Christian Yelich and stepped in the breach when Yelich sustained a season ending broken kneecap en route to a NL Wild Card berth. Perhaps Moustakas is the missing ingredient to help the Reds reach the post-season for the first time since 2012.
The San Diego Padres haven't seen post-season action since 2006 much less had a winning season since 2010. Could the acquisition of Jurickson Profar from the Oakland A's end those streaks? The Padres acquired Profar for catcher Josh Allen and a player to be named later. After several injury plagued seasons with the Texas Rangers, Profar hit 20 HR for them in 2018 and hit another 20 for Oakland in 2019 although he only batted .218. The upside is that the Curaçao native is only 26 and could prove the missing piece in an infield consisting of Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis, Jr. and Eric Hosmer. If nothing else the Padres are stronger up the middle.
One of the few bright spots for the Baltimore Orioles in 2019 was Jonathan Villar who played in all 162 games hitting a career high 24 HR and 74 RBI with 40 stolen bases to boot. But the O's opted not to tender him a contract and traded him to the Miami Marlins for minor league pitcher Easton Lucas. I don't know if Villar will replicate those power stats, but a return to the NL could see an uptick in his stolen bases as he did lead the NL in stolen bases in 2016 with 62 while with the Brewers. At 28, Villar will be an ideal lead off hitter for the Marlins while a solid presence at second base.
Moustakas has reportedly signed a four year, $64 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds after spending the past year and a half with their NL Central rival Milwaukee Brewers. In 2019, Moustakas earned his first NL All-Star Team selection (he was twice selected to the AL All-Star Team while with the Kansas City Royals in 2015 and 2017) blasting 35 HR and driving in 87 runs in 143 games. While Moustakas, 31, has spent the majority of his career at third base, he played 47 games at second base and will play that position in Cincinbati so long as Eugenio Suarez and his 48 HRs are at the hot corner. I believe Moustakas will be sorely missed in Milwaukee as he provided protection to Christian Yelich and stepped in the breach when Yelich sustained a season ending broken kneecap en route to a NL Wild Card berth. Perhaps Moustakas is the missing ingredient to help the Reds reach the post-season for the first time since 2012.
The San Diego Padres haven't seen post-season action since 2006 much less had a winning season since 2010. Could the acquisition of Jurickson Profar from the Oakland A's end those streaks? The Padres acquired Profar for catcher Josh Allen and a player to be named later. After several injury plagued seasons with the Texas Rangers, Profar hit 20 HR for them in 2018 and hit another 20 for Oakland in 2019 although he only batted .218. The upside is that the Curaçao native is only 26 and could prove the missing piece in an infield consisting of Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis, Jr. and Eric Hosmer. If nothing else the Padres are stronger up the middle.
One of the few bright spots for the Baltimore Orioles in 2019 was Jonathan Villar who played in all 162 games hitting a career high 24 HR and 74 RBI with 40 stolen bases to boot. But the O's opted not to tender him a contract and traded him to the Miami Marlins for minor league pitcher Easton Lucas. I don't know if Villar will replicate those power stats, but a return to the NL could see an uptick in his stolen bases as he did lead the NL in stolen bases in 2016 with 62 while with the Brewers. At 28, Villar will be an ideal lead off hitter for the Marlins while a solid presence at second base.
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
A Question for Rick Perry: How Did Trump Go From Being a False Prophet to Being Chosen by God?
If there is anybody in the Trump Administration, past or present, who disappoints me above everybody else it would be Energy Secretary Rick Perry. Even more so than former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley.
Perry's comment that Trump was "sent by God" to be President is neither shocking nor surprising. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders have made similar comments. But it is utterly dismaying given Perry's warnings about Trump during his all too brief presidential bid in 2015.
The former Texas Governor is perhaps best remembered for calling Trump "a cancer on conservatism" which he added "must be clearly diagnosed, excised and discarded.” Conservatives have not only been unwilling to make a diagnosis, but have let the cancer spread.
But Perry also described Trump as "a false prophet" and lambasted him when he declared he could not recall an occasion when he sought forgiveness from God. Perry said, “A man too arrogant, too self-absorbed, to seek God’s forgiveness is precisely the type of leader John Adams prayed would never occupy the White House.” Well, John Adams worst nightmare has been realized. Trump hasn't sought forgiveness from God or anyone else and no one within his inner circle would dare tell him such a thing least of all Rick Perry who received his 30 pieces of silver long, long ago.
That Perry also said that Barack Obama was ordained by God to be President doesn't mitigate his hypocrisy in the least. This is a man who after all referred to Obama as President Zero during his first White House bid in 2011. While Perry might have had legitimate policy differences with Obama he certainly never characterized him as man sent by God when he held the highest office in the land. The generosity Perry has for Obama now didn't exist when he wanted his job.
Of course, it could be the case that Perry will say anything depending on what his needs are at the moment. He isn't the first politician to do such a thing and he is far from the last. If that is the case then it only reinforces the well worn skepticism the public has of elected officials. Still, to go from describing someone as "a false prophet" to a man "sent by God to do great things" is a stretch beyond all elasticity.
Most disturbing of all is that the Rick Perry of 2015 was absolutely right about Donald Trump. The fact that Perry and so many other Republicans could be so easily purchased demonstrates not only a lack of principles and values but a complete and utter lack of faith.
Perry's comment that Trump was "sent by God" to be President is neither shocking nor surprising. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders have made similar comments. But it is utterly dismaying given Perry's warnings about Trump during his all too brief presidential bid in 2015.
The former Texas Governor is perhaps best remembered for calling Trump "a cancer on conservatism" which he added "must be clearly diagnosed, excised and discarded.” Conservatives have not only been unwilling to make a diagnosis, but have let the cancer spread.
But Perry also described Trump as "a false prophet" and lambasted him when he declared he could not recall an occasion when he sought forgiveness from God. Perry said, “A man too arrogant, too self-absorbed, to seek God’s forgiveness is precisely the type of leader John Adams prayed would never occupy the White House.” Well, John Adams worst nightmare has been realized. Trump hasn't sought forgiveness from God or anyone else and no one within his inner circle would dare tell him such a thing least of all Rick Perry who received his 30 pieces of silver long, long ago.
That Perry also said that Barack Obama was ordained by God to be President doesn't mitigate his hypocrisy in the least. This is a man who after all referred to Obama as President Zero during his first White House bid in 2011. While Perry might have had legitimate policy differences with Obama he certainly never characterized him as man sent by God when he held the highest office in the land. The generosity Perry has for Obama now didn't exist when he wanted his job.
Of course, it could be the case that Perry will say anything depending on what his needs are at the moment. He isn't the first politician to do such a thing and he is far from the last. If that is the case then it only reinforces the well worn skepticism the public has of elected officials. Still, to go from describing someone as "a false prophet" to a man "sent by God to do great things" is a stretch beyond all elasticity.
Most disturbing of all is that the Rick Perry of 2015 was absolutely right about Donald Trump. The fact that Perry and so many other Republicans could be so easily purchased demonstrates not only a lack of principles and values but a complete and utter lack of faith.
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