As I write this, the 2019 MLB season is now underway.
But two notable free agent pitchers in the prime of their careers do not wear a big league uniform - Dallas Keuchel and Craig Kimbrel.
Keuchel, 31, won the AL Cy Young Award in 2015 and earned a World Series ring with the Houston Astros in 2017 while Kimbrel, who turns 31 in May, earned a World Series ring with the Boston Red Sox last year and enters 2019 with 333 career saves, 14th on the all-time MLB list.
For his part, Keuchel says he is waiting for the right offer. The Houston Astros, with whom Keuchel has spent his entire big league career, made him a qualifying offer of $17.9 million which he declined. Ditto for Kimbrel. Wherever they end up I suspect neither will make anything close to that kind of money.
Methinks that Kimbrel is more likely to be signed first as the Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers are interested and possibly the Washington Nationals. Speculation was that Keuchel would end up in a New York Yankees uniform, but that speculation went out the window when they signed Gio Gonzalez. Although if Gonzalez is ineffective or doesn't make the Yankees roster by the end of April, Keuchel could be an option.
Honestly, it would not surprise me if Kimbrel and Keuchel end up back where they started in Boston and in Houston. The Red Sox break spring training without a closer and unless someone steps up they will be knocking on Kimbrel's door very soon. The Astros have a first rate starting rotation, but injuries can pop up at anytime. If either Justin Verlander or Gerrit Cole went down, Keuchel is a very good insurance policy. But if Keuchel does return to Houston he will want a sweet deal. After all, the Astros just extended Verlander for $66 million through 2021. Keuchel won't get that kind of money, but he will want something comparable.
So it all comes down to money. If supply and demand can't meet then Keuchel and Kimbrel could spend 2019 off the pitching mound.
Thursday, March 28, 2019
Memo to Trump: Treason Is An Act Against The United States, Not The President of The United States
Last night, President Trump told Sean Hannity that the FBI had committed treason against him.
"It was treason, it was really treason," said Trump who went to say,"We can never allow these treasonous acts to happen to another president."
President Trump utters the word treason casually and willfully ignorant of its meaning. Here is our law regarding treason:
Whoever, owing allegiance to the United States, levies war against them or adheres to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort within the United States or elsewhere, is guilty of treason and shall suffer death, or shall be imprisoned not less than five years and fined under this title but not less than $10,000; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.
Allegiance is owed to the United States, not to the President of the United States. Period.
It isn't to say the FBI isn't above criticism. But the idea the FBI levied war against the United States or adhered to our enemies is absolute rubbish. If anything, Trump's adherence to Vladimir Putin is far closer to treason than anything the FBI has ever done.
The very idea that Trump would claim one of our own government agencies is engaging in treason should make us shudder as treason is still punishable by death. Under the circumstances, it would be more than reasonable to ask Trump if he believes those who he claims have committed treason should be put to death. If the answer is yes then America has got its Caesar and our Republic will soon fall.
"It was treason, it was really treason," said Trump who went to say,"We can never allow these treasonous acts to happen to another president."
President Trump utters the word treason casually and willfully ignorant of its meaning. Here is our law regarding treason:
Whoever, owing allegiance to the United States, levies war against them or adheres to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort within the United States or elsewhere, is guilty of treason and shall suffer death, or shall be imprisoned not less than five years and fined under this title but not less than $10,000; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.
Allegiance is owed to the United States, not to the President of the United States. Period.
It isn't to say the FBI isn't above criticism. But the idea the FBI levied war against the United States or adhered to our enemies is absolute rubbish. If anything, Trump's adherence to Vladimir Putin is far closer to treason than anything the FBI has ever done.
The very idea that Trump would claim one of our own government agencies is engaging in treason should make us shudder as treason is still punishable by death. Under the circumstances, it would be more than reasonable to ask Trump if he believes those who he claims have committed treason should be put to death. If the answer is yes then America has got its Caesar and our Republic will soon fall.
Dad Knew Kendrys Morales Would Be Traded...Just Not Before Opening Day
On Tuesday night, Dad and I were watching the Toronto Blue Jays play the Milwaukee Brewers in their final spring training game at Montreal's Olympic Stadium. With the Jays emphasizing young players like Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. and Bo Bichette, Dad predicted that both Kendrys Morales and Kevin Pillar would be wearing different uniforms in short order.
In Morales' case this would happen yesterday when the Jays traded him to the Oakland A's for minor league infielder Jesus Lopez and international pool money. The Cuban born Morales had spent the past two seasons with the Jays and in 130 games in 2018 hit .249 with 21 HR and 57 RBI. Morales, 35, has seen his offensive numbers decline over the past several seasons. Nevertheless, he does have some power and certainly would have been a nice pennant race pickup. But instead he is dealt the day before Opening Day.
So how far behind is Pillar? I suspect the Jays will wait until they bring up Vlad, Jr. who will begin the season at Triple-AAA Buffalo as he recovers from an oblique injury he sustained during spring training.
Although Morales was primarily a DH with the Jays, he can play first base and is expected to fill in for an injured Matt Olson. When Olson returns and assuming the A's are the playoff team they were a year ago, Morales can DH and be a valuable figure on the bench and in the clubhouse. Morales will be a free agent at the end of the season.
In Morales' case this would happen yesterday when the Jays traded him to the Oakland A's for minor league infielder Jesus Lopez and international pool money. The Cuban born Morales had spent the past two seasons with the Jays and in 130 games in 2018 hit .249 with 21 HR and 57 RBI. Morales, 35, has seen his offensive numbers decline over the past several seasons. Nevertheless, he does have some power and certainly would have been a nice pennant race pickup. But instead he is dealt the day before Opening Day.
So how far behind is Pillar? I suspect the Jays will wait until they bring up Vlad, Jr. who will begin the season at Triple-AAA Buffalo as he recovers from an oblique injury he sustained during spring training.
Although Morales was primarily a DH with the Jays, he can play first base and is expected to fill in for an injured Matt Olson. When Olson returns and assuming the A's are the playoff team they were a year ago, Morales can DH and be a valuable figure on the bench and in the clubhouse. Morales will be a free agent at the end of the season.
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
A Dreadful Evening With The Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel at an Upper West Side Synagogue
Dad and I spent the early part of the evening at Congregation Rodeph Sholom where we saw Daniel Shapiro (who served as U.S. Ambassador to Israel under President Obama) be interviewed by Yair Rosenberg of Tablet Magazine.
The theme of the evening was "The State of the Two-State Solution". But Rosenberg covered considerably more subjects. Rosenberg asked Shapiro questions about the recent protests in Gaza against Hamas, President Trump's recognition of Israeli annexation of the Golan Heights, the forthcoming Israeli elections, his relationship with Prime Minister Netanyahu and the state of the Democratic Party where it concerns Jews and Israel.
While the two covered a broad number of subjects, it left very little time for Q&A. Indeed, Rosenberg on two occasions said he had only more question only to ask yet another question. It didn't help matters that the audio was quite poor. Fortunately for myself, I got to pose my question. My question revolved around a tweet Shapiro composed last night regarding the two state solution:
If anyone tells you a negotiated two-state solution to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is impossible, here’s your answer. Leadership. The right leaders, at the right time, can surprise the world, surprise themselves, and make the impossible possible.
The theme of the evening was "The State of the Two-State Solution". But Rosenberg covered considerably more subjects. Rosenberg asked Shapiro questions about the recent protests in Gaza against Hamas, President Trump's recognition of Israeli annexation of the Golan Heights, the forthcoming Israeli elections, his relationship with Prime Minister Netanyahu and the state of the Democratic Party where it concerns Jews and Israel.
While the two covered a broad number of subjects, it left very little time for Q&A. Indeed, Rosenberg on two occasions said he had only more question only to ask yet another question. It didn't help matters that the audio was quite poor. Fortunately for myself, I got to pose my question. My question revolved around a tweet Shapiro composed last night regarding the two state solution:
If anyone tells you a negotiated two-state solution to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is impossible, here’s your answer. Leadership. The right leaders, at the right time, can surprise the world, surprise themselves, and make the impossible possible.
I quoted Shapiro's tweet and then reminded him that Mahmoud Abbas' four year term as President of the Palestinian Authority expired 10 years ago. I further reminded him that the Palestinian Authority today named a street in a West Bank village after a man who murdered a rabbi and an IDF sergeant in cold blood. With that, I asked, "If young Palestinians can expect to have streets named in their honor for killing Jews then where is this leadership of which you speak?"
As soon as Shapiro acknowledged that I had "legitimate" points I knew he was not going to answer my question. Shapiro said he wrote the tweet to mark the 40th anniversary of the Israel-Egypt peace treaty going into effect and proceeded to argue how inconceivable that was two years earlier. Apples and oranges. While acknowledging a two state solution was not possible under the leadership of the Palestinian Authority, Shapiro engaged in moral equivalence by claiming Israel's leadership wasn't prepared for a two state solution either. Had I the opportunity to rebut, I would have asked him to name a single Israeli street named after someone who had murdered a Palestinian. No matter. Shapiro said we had to hold out hope for a new generation of Israeli and Palestinian leadership. How such leadership would emerge from the Palestinian side when they are taught not to acknowledge the humanity of Jews he did not explain.
In the grand scheme of things, Shapiro came off as a condescending know it all who was wedded to a solution with no possibility in the foreseeable future. He was at his most insufferable when he claimed Israel was being turned into a "political football" but that it was "not happening on my side of the aisle." What Chutzpah!!! For all my problems with Republicans there isn't a Republican who is currently questioning the loyalty of Jews to the United States.
Needless to say, Dad was annoyed throughout the entire evening but kept himself in check. That is, until, when Shapiro said, "Israelis worship Trump like he's the Messiah." Dad quipped, "And Obama is the devil." He said it loudly enough to get a nice approving laugh. Dad only regretted not saying it louder.
While there were probably a significant number of those assembled while not thrilled with Trump don't remember the Obama years with fondness. But most were quite left-wing and scoffed when Netanyahu or Trump's name was mentioned. Aside from myself, most who posed questions were more critical of Israel than the Palestinians with the final questioner being unabashedly anti-Israel. Although I did not enjoy being surrounded by Trump supporters a few weeks back, with friends like these who need enemies? Let's just say it will be a lot more fun tomorrow night than it was tonight when I watch the Red Sox on Opening Day of the 2019 MLB season.
As soon as Shapiro acknowledged that I had "legitimate" points I knew he was not going to answer my question. Shapiro said he wrote the tweet to mark the 40th anniversary of the Israel-Egypt peace treaty going into effect and proceeded to argue how inconceivable that was two years earlier. Apples and oranges. While acknowledging a two state solution was not possible under the leadership of the Palestinian Authority, Shapiro engaged in moral equivalence by claiming Israel's leadership wasn't prepared for a two state solution either. Had I the opportunity to rebut, I would have asked him to name a single Israeli street named after someone who had murdered a Palestinian. No matter. Shapiro said we had to hold out hope for a new generation of Israeli and Palestinian leadership. How such leadership would emerge from the Palestinian side when they are taught not to acknowledge the humanity of Jews he did not explain.
In the grand scheme of things, Shapiro came off as a condescending know it all who was wedded to a solution with no possibility in the foreseeable future. He was at his most insufferable when he claimed Israel was being turned into a "political football" but that it was "not happening on my side of the aisle." What Chutzpah!!! For all my problems with Republicans there isn't a Republican who is currently questioning the loyalty of Jews to the United States.
Needless to say, Dad was annoyed throughout the entire evening but kept himself in check. That is, until, when Shapiro said, "Israelis worship Trump like he's the Messiah." Dad quipped, "And Obama is the devil." He said it loudly enough to get a nice approving laugh. Dad only regretted not saying it louder.
While there were probably a significant number of those assembled while not thrilled with Trump don't remember the Obama years with fondness. But most were quite left-wing and scoffed when Netanyahu or Trump's name was mentioned. Aside from myself, most who posed questions were more critical of Israel than the Palestinians with the final questioner being unabashedly anti-Israel. Although I did not enjoy being surrounded by Trump supporters a few weeks back, with friends like these who need enemies? Let's just say it will be a lot more fun tomorrow night than it was tonight when I watch the Red Sox on Opening Day of the 2019 MLB season.
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
NZ PM Ardern Must Condemn Mosque Leader Who Blamed Israel For Christchurch Attack
Anti-Semitism has reared its ugly head in New Zealand.
At an anti-racism rally in Auckland over the weekend, Ahmed Bhamji, chairman of the Mt Roskill Masjid E Umar - claimed Israel's Mossad was behind the terrorist attack at two mosques in Christchurch earlier this month.
"I really want to say one thing today. Do you think this guy was alone... I want to ask you - where did he get the funding from?" asked Bhamji, "I stand here and I say I have a very very strong suspicion that there's some group behind him and I am not afraid to say I feel Mossad is behind this."
A person at the rally shouted, "It's the truth. Israel is behind this. That's right!"
After the video was revealed, Bhamji showed no contrition. "Mossad is up to all these things," Bhamji said. "When I talk about Mossad, why should the Jews be upset about it? Give me an answer?"
Well, I'll give you answer Mr. Bhamji. When you say Mossad, you mean Jews.
Bhamji is willfully promoting hatred against Jews instead of placing responsibility where it belongs.
The question is what will New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern have to say about it.
Ardern has won rave reviews all over the world for her support of the country's Muslim community in their hour of need. But will she also send a clear message against anti-Semitism?
After all, Bhamji is no fringe figure. On its Facebook page, Mt Roskill Masjid proclaims itself to be the "busiest and biggest masjid in New Zealand."
It would show leadership if Ardern took Bhamji to task for his remarks and unambiguously condemned anti-Semitism. But I have a bad feeling that New Zealand's Left will be much like our own. Oh, Democrats will condemn anti-Semitism, but not Muslim anti-Semitism as we saw with Ilhan Omar this month.
Of course, it could be worse than that. Ardern might not say anything at all for fear of offending the Muslim community. Not all Muslims are anti-Semitic, but given that one of New Zealand's most prominent Muslims is then he can hardly be alone in his attitudes.
The ball is now in Ardern's court.
At an anti-racism rally in Auckland over the weekend, Ahmed Bhamji, chairman of the Mt Roskill Masjid E Umar - claimed Israel's Mossad was behind the terrorist attack at two mosques in Christchurch earlier this month.
"I really want to say one thing today. Do you think this guy was alone... I want to ask you - where did he get the funding from?" asked Bhamji, "I stand here and I say I have a very very strong suspicion that there's some group behind him and I am not afraid to say I feel Mossad is behind this."
A person at the rally shouted, "It's the truth. Israel is behind this. That's right!"
After the video was revealed, Bhamji showed no contrition. "Mossad is up to all these things," Bhamji said. "When I talk about Mossad, why should the Jews be upset about it? Give me an answer?"
Well, I'll give you answer Mr. Bhamji. When you say Mossad, you mean Jews.
Bhamji is willfully promoting hatred against Jews instead of placing responsibility where it belongs.
The question is what will New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern have to say about it.
Ardern has won rave reviews all over the world for her support of the country's Muslim community in their hour of need. But will she also send a clear message against anti-Semitism?
After all, Bhamji is no fringe figure. On its Facebook page, Mt Roskill Masjid proclaims itself to be the "busiest and biggest masjid in New Zealand."
It would show leadership if Ardern took Bhamji to task for his remarks and unambiguously condemned anti-Semitism. But I have a bad feeling that New Zealand's Left will be much like our own. Oh, Democrats will condemn anti-Semitism, but not Muslim anti-Semitism as we saw with Ilhan Omar this month.
Of course, it could be worse than that. Ardern might not say anything at all for fear of offending the Muslim community. Not all Muslims are anti-Semitic, but given that one of New Zealand's most prominent Muslims is then he can hardly be alone in his attitudes.
The ball is now in Ardern's court.
If AIPAC Didn't Invite Democratic Presidential Candidates Then Why Are So Many Boasting About Staying Away?
Over the weekend, I wrote about Democratic presidential candidates boycotting this week's AIPAC Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.
However, it appears that AIPAC never invited them. A unnamed source from AIPAC stated off the record, "Since 2008, we have only had presidential candidates speaking in actual election years."
Perhaps this is a face saving measure. But let us say this is true. If AIPAC didn't issue an invitation to any of the Democratic presidential candidates then why would they make a point of telling the world they weren't coming instead of simply saying they weren't invited in the first place?
It seems to me that among so-called progressive activists that AIPAC is the new NRA. If a Democratic presidential hopeful makes a point of saying they won't attend AIPAC then it enhances their street cred with The Left.
Well, let's see what happens at the 2020 AIPAC Conference. By that point, there won't be 14 candidates. Will whatever's left of the Democratic field stay way? It's pretty clear Bernie Sanders won't go since he didn't go in 2016. But what about the rest? If none of the Democratic candidates attend next year then we will have a party that has shunned both America's alliance with Israel, but the Jewish community at large. Democrats no doubt think this won't affect their vote in 2020 and it probably won't. But today's shunning can turn into tomorrow's shaming and ostracism and soon into vandalism and violence. The termites are chipping away.
However, it appears that AIPAC never invited them. A unnamed source from AIPAC stated off the record, "Since 2008, we have only had presidential candidates speaking in actual election years."
Perhaps this is a face saving measure. But let us say this is true. If AIPAC didn't issue an invitation to any of the Democratic presidential candidates then why would they make a point of telling the world they weren't coming instead of simply saying they weren't invited in the first place?
It seems to me that among so-called progressive activists that AIPAC is the new NRA. If a Democratic presidential hopeful makes a point of saying they won't attend AIPAC then it enhances their street cred with The Left.
Well, let's see what happens at the 2020 AIPAC Conference. By that point, there won't be 14 candidates. Will whatever's left of the Democratic field stay way? It's pretty clear Bernie Sanders won't go since he didn't go in 2016. But what about the rest? If none of the Democratic candidates attend next year then we will have a party that has shunned both America's alliance with Israel, but the Jewish community at large. Democrats no doubt think this won't affect their vote in 2020 and it probably won't. But today's shunning can turn into tomorrow's shaming and ostracism and soon into vandalism and violence. The termites are chipping away.
If Pelosi Thinks Anti-Semitism is Anti-American Then Why is Omar Still on The House Foreign Affairs Committee?
It is all well and good that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told AIPAC that "to be anti-Semitic is to be anti-American".
But if anti-Semitism is anti-American then why is Ilhan Omar still on the House Foreign Affairs Committee?
After all, less than three weeks ago, it was Pelosi who denied Omar harbored anti-Semitic sentiment when she questioned the loyalty of American Jews. "I don't think that the congresswoman perhaps appreciates the full weight of how it was heard by other people," said Pelosi, "Although I don't believe it was intended in an anti-Semitic way."
What exactly does Ilhan Omar have to say and do for Pelosi to arrive at the conclusion that she appreciates the full weight of her words and doesn't give a damn how it was heard by others? What does Omar have to say and do to convince Pelosi that she is an anti-Semite?
Omar clearly doesn't give a damn what Pelosi has to say. When Pelosi characterized the BDS movement as "a bigoted or dangerous ideologies masquerading as policy", Omar brushed off her criticism stating, "A condemnation for people that want to exercise their First Amendment rights is beneath any leader, and I hope that we find a better use of language when we are trying to speak as members of Congress that are sworn to protect the Constitution."
This is not the behavior of a Congresswoman who is ashamed of her words or contrite about them. These are the words of a Congresswoman who has been emboldened by her party's cowardice and whose "bigoted or dangerous ideologies" have been legitimized.
Your move, Madam Speaker.
But if anti-Semitism is anti-American then why is Ilhan Omar still on the House Foreign Affairs Committee?
After all, less than three weeks ago, it was Pelosi who denied Omar harbored anti-Semitic sentiment when she questioned the loyalty of American Jews. "I don't think that the congresswoman perhaps appreciates the full weight of how it was heard by other people," said Pelosi, "Although I don't believe it was intended in an anti-Semitic way."
What exactly does Ilhan Omar have to say and do for Pelosi to arrive at the conclusion that she appreciates the full weight of her words and doesn't give a damn how it was heard by others? What does Omar have to say and do to convince Pelosi that she is an anti-Semite?
Omar clearly doesn't give a damn what Pelosi has to say. When Pelosi characterized the BDS movement as "a bigoted or dangerous ideologies masquerading as policy", Omar brushed off her criticism stating, "A condemnation for people that want to exercise their First Amendment rights is beneath any leader, and I hope that we find a better use of language when we are trying to speak as members of Congress that are sworn to protect the Constitution."
This is not the behavior of a Congresswoman who is ashamed of her words or contrite about them. These are the words of a Congresswoman who has been emboldened by her party's cowardice and whose "bigoted or dangerous ideologies" have been legitimized.
Your move, Madam Speaker.
Monday, March 25, 2019
My 2019 MLB Predictions
The 2019 MLB season has technically already commenced with the Seattle Mariners and Oakland A's playing two games last week in Tokyo in honor of Ichiro Suzuki who retired at the conclusion of the series. But the regular season gets underway in less than 72 hours and now is as good a time as any to put forward my annual predictions. Well, here it goes.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
AL East
Tampa Bay Rays
New York Yankees*
Boston Red Sox
Toronto Blue Jays
Baltimore Orioles
AL Central
Minnesota Twins
Cleveland Indians
Chicago White Sox
Kansas City Royals
Detroit Tigers
AL West
Houston Astros
Los Angeles Angels*
Oakland A's
Seattle Mariners
Texas Rangers
AL MVP - Aaron Judge, New York Yankees
AL Cy Young Award - Charlie Morton, Tampa Bay Rays
AL Rookie of the Year - Bo Bichette, Toronto Blue Jays
AL Manager of the Year - Rocco Baldelli, Minnesota Twins
AL Comeback Player of the Year - Matt Harvey, Los Angeles Angels
* - denotes AL Wild Card winners
NATIONAL LEAGUE
NL East
Atlanta Braves
New York Mets*
Philadelphia Phillies
Washington Nationals
Miami Marlins
NL Central
St. Louis Cardinals
Cincinnati Reds*
Milwaukee Brewers
Chicago Cubs
Pittsburgh Pirates
NL West
Colorado Rockies
Los Angeles Dodgers
San Diego Padres
Arizona Diamondbacks
San Francisco Giants
NL MVP - Yasiel Puig, Cincinnati Reds
NL Cy Young Award - Miles Mikolas, St. Louis Cardinals
NL Rookie of the Year - Fernando Tatis, Jr., San Diego Padres
NL Manager of the Year - David Bell, Cincinnati Reds
NL Comeback Player of the Year - Ruben Tejada, New York Mets
* - denotes NL Wild Card winners
POST-SEASON
AMERICAN LEAGUE
AL Wild Card Game - New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Angels (Winner: Angels)
ALDS (Best 3 out of 5) - Tampa Bay Rays vs. Los Angeles Angels (Winner: Rays in 4)
ALDS (Best 3 out of 5) - Minnesota Twins vs. Houston Astros (Winner: Twins in 5)
ALCS (Best 4 out of 7) - Minnesota Twins vs. Tampa Bay Rays (Winner: Twins in 6)
ALCS MVP - Ronald Torreyes, Minnesota Twins
NATIONAL LEAGUE
NL Wild Card Game - New York Mets vs. Cincinnati Reds (Winner: Mets)
NLDS (Best 3 out of 5) - New York Mets vs. Colorado Rockies (Winner: Mets in 3)
NLDS (Best 3 out of 5) - Atlanta Braves vs. St. Louis Cardinals (Winner: Cardinals in 4)
NLCS (Best 4 out of 7) - New York Mets vs. St. Louis Cardinals (Winner: Cardinals in 7)
NLCS MVP - Marcell Ozuna, St. Louis Cardinals
2019 WORLD SERIES (BEST 4 OUT OF 7)
Minnesota Twins vs. St. Louis Cardinals - Cardinals in 7
2019 World Series MVP - Paul Goldschmidt, St. Louis Cardinals
With that, I cannot wait for the first pitch on March 28th. Play ball.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
AL East
Tampa Bay Rays
New York Yankees*
Boston Red Sox
Toronto Blue Jays
Baltimore Orioles
AL Central
Minnesota Twins
Cleveland Indians
Chicago White Sox
Kansas City Royals
Detroit Tigers
AL West
Houston Astros
Los Angeles Angels*
Oakland A's
Seattle Mariners
Texas Rangers
AL MVP - Aaron Judge, New York Yankees
AL Cy Young Award - Charlie Morton, Tampa Bay Rays
AL Rookie of the Year - Bo Bichette, Toronto Blue Jays
AL Manager of the Year - Rocco Baldelli, Minnesota Twins
AL Comeback Player of the Year - Matt Harvey, Los Angeles Angels
* - denotes AL Wild Card winners
NATIONAL LEAGUE
NL East
Atlanta Braves
New York Mets*
Philadelphia Phillies
Washington Nationals
Miami Marlins
NL Central
St. Louis Cardinals
Cincinnati Reds*
Milwaukee Brewers
Chicago Cubs
Pittsburgh Pirates
NL West
Colorado Rockies
Los Angeles Dodgers
San Diego Padres
Arizona Diamondbacks
San Francisco Giants
NL MVP - Yasiel Puig, Cincinnati Reds
NL Cy Young Award - Miles Mikolas, St. Louis Cardinals
NL Rookie of the Year - Fernando Tatis, Jr., San Diego Padres
NL Manager of the Year - David Bell, Cincinnati Reds
NL Comeback Player of the Year - Ruben Tejada, New York Mets
* - denotes NL Wild Card winners
POST-SEASON
AMERICAN LEAGUE
AL Wild Card Game - New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Angels (Winner: Angels)
ALDS (Best 3 out of 5) - Tampa Bay Rays vs. Los Angeles Angels (Winner: Rays in 4)
ALDS (Best 3 out of 5) - Minnesota Twins vs. Houston Astros (Winner: Twins in 5)
ALCS (Best 4 out of 7) - Minnesota Twins vs. Tampa Bay Rays (Winner: Twins in 6)
ALCS MVP - Ronald Torreyes, Minnesota Twins
NATIONAL LEAGUE
NL Wild Card Game - New York Mets vs. Cincinnati Reds (Winner: Mets)
NLDS (Best 3 out of 5) - New York Mets vs. Colorado Rockies (Winner: Mets in 3)
NLDS (Best 3 out of 5) - Atlanta Braves vs. St. Louis Cardinals (Winner: Cardinals in 4)
NLCS (Best 4 out of 7) - New York Mets vs. St. Louis Cardinals (Winner: Cardinals in 7)
NLCS MVP - Marcell Ozuna, St. Louis Cardinals
2019 WORLD SERIES (BEST 4 OUT OF 7)
Minnesota Twins vs. St. Louis Cardinals - Cardinals in 7
2019 World Series MVP - Paul Goldschmidt, St. Louis Cardinals
With that, I cannot wait for the first pitch on March 28th. Play ball.
Scott Walker, R.I.P.
Scott Walker, a member of the 1960's rock group The Walker Brothers who went on to a successful solo career in Britain before embarking upon avant-garde music, has passed away. A cause of death has not been released. He was 76.
The Walker Brothers were not named Walker nor were they brothers. But Noah Engel (Scott Walker), John Maus (John Walker) and Gary Leeds (Gary Walker) represented something of a reverse British invasion as an American group making it big in the UK and during parts of 1965-1966 had a popularity which rivaled that of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Their biggest hit was "The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore" which charted on both sides of the Atlantic.
By 1967, Walker embarked upon a solo career recording Scott 1, Scott 2, Scott 3 and Scott 4 through 1970. These solo efforts had lush orchestral arrangements with a foreboding darkness beneath the surface. Walker was heavily influenced by Belgian singer Jacques Brel as demonstrated with "Jackie" while his own material would become prominent in later solo efforts as evidenced with "Angels of Ashes".
The Walker Brothers would reunite during the mid-1970's and took on a more folk-country rock style and would have a Top 10 hit in 1975 with a cover of Tom Rush's "No Regrets".
Walker began his change in musical direction in 1978 on the Walker Brothers' final album Nite Flites contributing several decidedly avant garde songs such as "The Electrician". Over the next forty years, Walker would release four solo albums - Climate of the Hunter (1984), Tilt (1995) The Drift (2006) and Bisch Bosch (2012) which would delve further into these experimentations which were often minimalist in nature. This stylistic change was described in The Guardian as "Andy Williams reinventing himself as Stockhausen." If you're not sure what I mean, here's Walker making a rare TV appearance on Jools Holland performing "Rosary" from Tilt.
Walker often worked on film scores in between his infrequent solo albums. His last work was composing the music for the soundtrack of the 2018 film Vox Lux starring Natalie Portman.
Scott Walker is one of the few musical artists of the 1960's who did not remain in that decade. It isn't that his contemporaries didn't try. Walker not only went down a different road, he had to build it from scratch. I leave you with Scott Walker in his own words from 2006 during an interview with the BBC's The Culture Show. R.I.P.
The Walker Brothers were not named Walker nor were they brothers. But Noah Engel (Scott Walker), John Maus (John Walker) and Gary Leeds (Gary Walker) represented something of a reverse British invasion as an American group making it big in the UK and during parts of 1965-1966 had a popularity which rivaled that of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Their biggest hit was "The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore" which charted on both sides of the Atlantic.
By 1967, Walker embarked upon a solo career recording Scott 1, Scott 2, Scott 3 and Scott 4 through 1970. These solo efforts had lush orchestral arrangements with a foreboding darkness beneath the surface. Walker was heavily influenced by Belgian singer Jacques Brel as demonstrated with "Jackie" while his own material would become prominent in later solo efforts as evidenced with "Angels of Ashes".
Walker began his change in musical direction in 1978 on the Walker Brothers' final album Nite Flites contributing several decidedly avant garde songs such as "The Electrician". Over the next forty years, Walker would release four solo albums - Climate of the Hunter (1984), Tilt (1995) The Drift (2006) and Bisch Bosch (2012) which would delve further into these experimentations which were often minimalist in nature. This stylistic change was described in The Guardian as "Andy Williams reinventing himself as Stockhausen." If you're not sure what I mean, here's Walker making a rare TV appearance on Jools Holland performing "Rosary" from Tilt.
Walker often worked on film scores in between his infrequent solo albums. His last work was composing the music for the soundtrack of the 2018 film Vox Lux starring Natalie Portman.
Scott Walker is one of the few musical artists of the 1960's who did not remain in that decade. It isn't that his contemporaries didn't try. Walker not only went down a different road, he had to build it from scratch. I leave you with Scott Walker in his own words from 2006 during an interview with the BBC's The Culture Show. R.I.P.
Friday, March 22, 2019
Democratic Presidential Hopefuls Boycott AIPAC (Or Somewhere Ilhan Omar is Smiling)
More than half of the declared Democratic presidential candidates have decided they will not be present at next week's annual conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in Washington, D.C. Bernie Sanders, Kamala Harris, Beto O'Rourke, Elizabeth Warren, Pete Buttigieg, Jay Inslee, Julian Castro and Kirsten Gillibrand have all indicated they will not be in attendance (while John Delaney is declining to attend due to a scheduling conflict). Other Democratic presidential hopefuls such as Kirsten Gillibrand, Amy Klobuchar and Cory Booker have not made any commitment one way or the other.
Sanders' decision not to attend comes as no surprise as he did not speak to the group during the 2016 campaign and was the only presidential candidate that year who was absent from the proceedings. The Vermont Senator, of course, has long been a critic of Israel. Nevertheless, as the only Jewish candidate in the race, it is a shame that he feels no affinity towards Israel given that much of the early Zionist movement was rooted in socialism.
Warren's decision to skip AIPAC all that surprising either. After all, she boycotted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's 2015 speech to a joint session of Congress and earlier this month publicly criticized Netanyahu after he was indicted on bribery and corruption charges. Ditto for O'Rourke who has been spending his time in New Hampshire bashing Netanyahu for "openly siding with racists." Netanyahu, who faces re-election next month, will be speaking at AIPAC.
However, Harris' decision to not to attend AIPAC is a disappointment. When Harris addressed AIPAC in 2017, she began her remarks by telling the audience her affinity for Israel went back to her childhood. "So having grown up in the Bay Area," said Harris, "I fondly remember those Jewish national fund boxes that we would use to collect donations to plant trees for Israel." It would seem these memories aren't so fond now.
Equally disappointing is Pete Buttigieg. Although he has not previously addressed AIPAC, the Mayor of South Bend visited Israel last year under the auspices of the American Jewish Committee's Project Interchange program. In an interview with AJC, Buttigieg said, “There’s a risk that support for Israel could come to be regarded as a partisan issue and I think that would be really unfortunate. One of the first things you realize when you get on the ground is that this is not a left vs. right issue — at least it shouldn’t be." However, in a recent interview with Esquire, Buttigieg was asked if there was a major national issue he had "completely changed his mind about." If you guessed Israel then unfortunately you would be right. Buttigieg questioned the compatibility of Israel being both a Jewish and a democratic state lamenting, "(N)o one can explain how you can have a democracy and a Jewish state at the same time unless there's a two-state solution. And some of these other things that just cannot continue the way they're going."
The presidential hopefuls have been urged to boycott the event by left-wing organizations such as Code Pink and MoveOn.org. Code Pink describes the AIPAC Conference as "a celebration of the most repressive elements of the Israeli state." Not to be outdone, MoveOn claims (without providing any supporting evidence), "AIPAC has … been known to peddle anti-Muslim and anti-Arab rhetoric while giving platforms to Islamophobes."
It is well worth noting that Code Pink supports the international BDS (Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions) campaign against Israel. Although MoveOn hasn't taken an official position on BDS, it does have a pro-BDS petition on its website which states, "Help Israel join the citizenry of the world; until she obeys International Law and stops her crimes against humanity we will join the BDS movement of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against Israel." If Code Pink & MoveOn can convince Democratic presidential hopefuls to boycott AIPAC then who can say they won't support BDS tomorrow?
Whatever the influence Code Pink and MoveOn have had on Democratic presidential aspirants, one cannot underestimate the role played by freshman Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar in these developments. In the space of a month, Omar went from apologizing for claiming AIPAC financially influences politicians to support Israel to half the Democratic presidential field refusing to attend an AIPAC event. The key turning point during this last month was when Democrats rallied to Omar after she questioned the loyalty of American Jews. This turning point was sparked by Omar's fellow freshman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Once AOC said jump, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said how high and watered down the anti-Semitism resolution. Meanwhile, several Democratic presidential candidates followed suit with both Warren and Harris incredulously claiming that criticism of Omar put her at risk of violence. Even Gillibrand, one of the only Democratic presidential hopefuls who criticized Omar by name, is steering clear of AIPAC. The Corbynization of the Democratic Party is well underway and somewhere Ilhan Omar is smiling.
While there might not be a Jexodus from the Democratic Party in the immediate future, by boycotting AIPAC and excusing anti-Semitic conduct by its elected officials, Democrats are ceding a bipartisan concern to the Republicans, especially President Trump. As odious as Trump's behavior has been since the day he descended the escalator at Trump Tower to his present obsession with the late Senator John McCain, the President has consistently defended and praised Israel while Democrats ostracize the Jewish state. Trump won't get the majority of the Jewish vote in 2020, but his words and actions won't go unnoticed either especially if Democrats go full Corbyn and begin to harass their Jewish members and drive them out of the party as has been done with Britain's Labour Party. And yes, President Trump will be speaking at AIPAC. Where will the rest of the Democratic presidential field be?
Why I Never Spent Much Time Writing About Mueller's Investigation
Although I have long been critical of President Trump, I scarcely ever mentioned Robert Mueller's now completed investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election campaign on this blog. Most of my commentary on the Mueller investigation was done on Twitter.
To the extent that I did comment on Mueller, it was to express the view that he would not see fit to indict Trump. Not because he was clean as a whistle mind you, but because of the 2000 DOJ Memo which advises against indicting sitting Presidents. Mueller is a cautious, prudent man and I couldn't see him disregarding this memo. While the details of his report are unknown (and should be released to the public), it is known that he will not seek any new indictments. All of which has Trump and his supporters jumping for joy for a man they believed was conducting a witch hunt.
This isn't to say that Congress won't conduct its own investigations and, of course, the DA's office in the Southern District of New York is pursuing its own investigation of Trump and other DAs could follow suit. But again my expectations here are modest.
The most likely way Trump's tenure at the White House ends will be at the ballot box in just under 20 months time. Obviously, there are no guarantees here. Trump could very well be re-elected. But the best verdict ought to come from the people.
To the extent that I did comment on Mueller, it was to express the view that he would not see fit to indict Trump. Not because he was clean as a whistle mind you, but because of the 2000 DOJ Memo which advises against indicting sitting Presidents. Mueller is a cautious, prudent man and I couldn't see him disregarding this memo. While the details of his report are unknown (and should be released to the public), it is known that he will not seek any new indictments. All of which has Trump and his supporters jumping for joy for a man they believed was conducting a witch hunt.
This isn't to say that Congress won't conduct its own investigations and, of course, the DA's office in the Southern District of New York is pursuing its own investigation of Trump and other DAs could follow suit. But again my expectations here are modest.
The most likely way Trump's tenure at the White House ends will be at the ballot box in just under 20 months time. Obviously, there are no guarantees here. Trump could very well be re-elected. But the best verdict ought to come from the people.
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Beto Bashes Bibi; Bye-Bye Beto
Less than a week into his presidential bid, Beto O'Rourke is now bashing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The former Texas Congressman has been campaigning in New Hampshire and has been claiming that Bibi is "openly siding with racists."
And here I had some hope for Beto where it concerned Israel.
Nope. Well, bye-bye Beto.
And the truth of the matter is that I don't think Beto believes it himself, but he sees where the wind is blowing in the Democratic Party and it is now in fashion to bash Israel or at the very least their leaders. Beto used this line when he was asked about "pro-Israel lobbyist money." The money in question is associated with J Street. Its founder once likened Israel to being a drunk driver. If the Left considers J Street a "pro-Israel lobbyist" then that tells me the Democratic Party is diving down the Jeremy Corbyn rabbit hole and Beto is joining the descent. He is playing a moral equivalence game where it concerns Bibi and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas:
(R)ight now we don’t have the best negotiating partners on either side: we have a prime minister in Israel who has openly sided with racists — who, in a previous election, warned that the Arabs were coming to the polls — and on the Palestinian side, you have an ineffectual leader, in Mahmoud Abbas, who has not been very effective in bringing his side to the table either.
And here I had some hope for Beto where it concerned Israel.
Nope. Well, bye-bye Beto.
And the truth of the matter is that I don't think Beto believes it himself, but he sees where the wind is blowing in the Democratic Party and it is now in fashion to bash Israel or at the very least their leaders. Beto used this line when he was asked about "pro-Israel lobbyist money." The money in question is associated with J Street. Its founder once likened Israel to being a drunk driver. If the Left considers J Street a "pro-Israel lobbyist" then that tells me the Democratic Party is diving down the Jeremy Corbyn rabbit hole and Beto is joining the descent. He is playing a moral equivalence game where it concerns Bibi and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas:
(R)ight now we don’t have the best negotiating partners on either side: we have a prime minister in Israel who has openly sided with racists — who, in a previous election, warned that the Arabs were coming to the polls — and on the Palestinian side, you have an ineffectual leader, in Mahmoud Abbas, who has not been very effective in bringing his side to the table either.
In less than three weeks, Israelis will be going to the polls. They and they alone will decide if they want to stick with Bibi or go with Gantz & Lapid. The same cannot be said for the Palestinian Authority where Mahmoud Abbas's four year term expired 10 years ago. And what of Gaza? Palestinians are actually taking to the streets and protesting against Hamas whose iron rule they've been under since 2007. Let's just say that Hamas isn't very responsive to their needs. Beto ought to put the pressure where it belongs not exert it to appease anti-Semites.
It isn't to say that Bibi isn't above criticism. But Beto is foolish for engaging in it. What if Bibi is re-elected next month? And what if Beto becomes the 46th President of the United States? He would begin relations with Bibi down one strike before stepping into the batter's box. How well did this strategy work for Obama? As Albert Einstein, a man who nearly became Israel's President, said, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result." Well, Obama was no Einstein and neither is Beto O'Rourke.
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Astros Extend Bregman For $100 Million
The Houston Astros have given third baseman Alex Bregman a five year, $100 million contract extension (some accounts say the term is six years).
Whatever the duration, Bregman will remain in an Astros uniform through the 2024 season. Bregman, who turns 25 on March 30th, earned a World Series ring in 2017 and had a breakthrough season in 2018 with a .286 batting average, 31 HR and 103 RBI and also led the AL in doubles with 51. He would earn his first AL All-Star Team selection and finished fifth in AL MVP balloting. His $100 million might look paltry next to Mike Trout's $430 million, but this is a big vote of confidence in Bregman. For a team with the likes of Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and George Springer, Bregman might be the very best of the bunch. He comes across as a natural born leader.
I fully realize that injuries or other misfortunes could befall Bregman. But it also might be the tip of the iceberg for a very special career. In which case, Bregman could become the first Jewish Hall of Famer since Sandy Koufax. If this comes to pass then his legend has only just begun.
Thoughts on The Woodstock 50th Anniversary Festival Lineup
The Woodstock 50th Anniversary Festival lineup was released today by festival organizer Michael Lang (who co-organized the original 1969 festival) which takes place between August 16-18 in Watkins Glen, New York.
Although the lineup is dominated by contemporary artists like The Killers, Miley Cyrus, Jay-Z, Halsey and Chance The Rapper, it was good to see several acts who appeared at the original Woodstock will be included in the proceedings. They include Santana (who will also appear at the 50th anniversary proceedings at Bethel Woods, the original site of Woodstock - more on that in the next paragraph), John Fogerty, John Sebastian, Melanie, David Crosby, Country Joe McDonald, The Dead and Company, Canned Heat and Hot Tuna (founded by Jefferson Airplane members Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady). Other vintage acts include Robert Plant and The Zombies. Who would have ever thought India.Arie and Country Joe McDonald would be on the same bill? While I wish there would be more vintage acts it's better than what I expected. If nothing else, it will give Millennials an opportunity to hear the musical acts that brought Woodstock to life 50 years ago.
Nevertheless, if I were to observe Woodstock's 50th anniversary it would probably be on Max Yasgur's farm. Woodstock just wouldn't be Woodstock anywhere else as was proven in 1999. Granted, the festivities at Bethel Woods are little less ambitious. Aside from Santana, Arlo Guthrie and Edgar Winter will be on hand along with the Doobie Brothers and Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band. There will also be a showing of Woodstock…The Movie. Nothing like seeing that film on location. This is far more likely to capture the spirit of the 1960's than what will likely be an East Coast version of Coachella.
On the other hand, one can visit Bethel Woods at any time. The odds of seeing Canned Heat and Melanie in the spotlight again are slim to none.
Now that I live in New York I cannot help but want to be a part of one of these experiences. But there are always logistics that get in the way. Perhaps some things are best experienced vicariously.
Although the lineup is dominated by contemporary artists like The Killers, Miley Cyrus, Jay-Z, Halsey and Chance The Rapper, it was good to see several acts who appeared at the original Woodstock will be included in the proceedings. They include Santana (who will also appear at the 50th anniversary proceedings at Bethel Woods, the original site of Woodstock - more on that in the next paragraph), John Fogerty, John Sebastian, Melanie, David Crosby, Country Joe McDonald, The Dead and Company, Canned Heat and Hot Tuna (founded by Jefferson Airplane members Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady). Other vintage acts include Robert Plant and The Zombies. Who would have ever thought India.Arie and Country Joe McDonald would be on the same bill? While I wish there would be more vintage acts it's better than what I expected. If nothing else, it will give Millennials an opportunity to hear the musical acts that brought Woodstock to life 50 years ago.
Nevertheless, if I were to observe Woodstock's 50th anniversary it would probably be on Max Yasgur's farm. Woodstock just wouldn't be Woodstock anywhere else as was proven in 1999. Granted, the festivities at Bethel Woods are little less ambitious. Aside from Santana, Arlo Guthrie and Edgar Winter will be on hand along with the Doobie Brothers and Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band. There will also be a showing of Woodstock…The Movie. Nothing like seeing that film on location. This is far more likely to capture the spirit of the 1960's than what will likely be an East Coast version of Coachella.
On the other hand, one can visit Bethel Woods at any time. The odds of seeing Canned Heat and Melanie in the spotlight again are slim to none.
Now that I live in New York I cannot help but want to be a part of one of these experiences. But there are always logistics that get in the way. Perhaps some things are best experienced vicariously.
End The Electoral College? Pete Buttigieg Got There Before Elizabeth Warren
Abolishing the electoral college is the buzz of today's news thanks to Elizabeth Warren's CNN Town Hall appearance last night.
But Warren isn't the first Democratic presidential hopeful to call for the abolition of electoral college. That distinction belongs to South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg who called for its end during an appearance on CBS This Morning in January. Buttigieg said, We've got to repair our democracy. The Electoral College needs to go, because it’s made our society less and less democratic."
Unfortunately for Buttigieg, Warren has the higher profile and now she's being hailed as the champion of electoral reform. This is the most positive coverage Warren has received in her campaign.
Hopefully Buttigieg will have a chance to share a debate stage with Warren and reclaim the idea as his own. But this is far from certain.
Unfortunately for Buttigieg, Warren has the higher profile and now she's being hailed as the champion of electoral reform. This is the most positive coverage Warren has received in her campaign.
Hopefully Buttigieg will have a chance to share a debate stage with Warren and reclaim the idea as his own. But this is far from certain.
Trump Hates McCain More Than He Loves America
For once in his life, President Trump told the truth.
He told the world how much he hates John McCain, a man who died in August.
After writing a series of tweets attacking the late Senator and GOP presidential candidate over the weekend, Trump was asked to explain himself at the White House. Sitting alongside newly elected Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, Trump said, "I was never a fan of John McCain and I never will be.”
And in telling the truth, President Trump has made it clear that he hates John McCain more than he loves America.
The fact that Trump hates McCain as much in death as he did when he was alive is quite telling. What can McCain do to Trump from beyond the grave? Yet Trump wastes no time in spitting on McCain's grave again and again. What kind of man does such a thing? Then again is such a person fit to be called a man?
As I have argued previously, conservatism died in the summer of 2015 when the Republican Party let Trump get away with saying McCain wasn't a hero. That was the summer conservatives decided to put Trump ahead of country. A pathological hatred of an American hero is one of the darkest legacies of Trumpism.
He told the world how much he hates John McCain, a man who died in August.
After writing a series of tweets attacking the late Senator and GOP presidential candidate over the weekend, Trump was asked to explain himself at the White House. Sitting alongside newly elected Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, Trump said, "I was never a fan of John McCain and I never will be.”
And in telling the truth, President Trump has made it clear that he hates John McCain more than he loves America.
The fact that Trump hates McCain as much in death as he did when he was alive is quite telling. What can McCain do to Trump from beyond the grave? Yet Trump wastes no time in spitting on McCain's grave again and again. What kind of man does such a thing? Then again is such a person fit to be called a man?
As I have argued previously, conservatism died in the summer of 2015 when the Republican Party let Trump get away with saying McCain wasn't a hero. That was the summer conservatives decided to put Trump ahead of country. A pathological hatred of an American hero is one of the darkest legacies of Trumpism.
Holy Mackerel!!! Trout Will Earn $430 Million With Angels Through 2030
Holy mackerel!!! With the ink barely dry on the free agent contracts of Manny Machado ($300 million over 10 years with the San Diego Padres) and Bryce Harper ($330 million over 13 years with the Philadelphia Phillies), Mike Trout has bested them both and didn't even have to change teams.
Trout and the Los Angeles Angels have reportedly agreed to a 12-year contract extension worth $430 million which will take the 27-year old superstar through the 2030 season. The new contract supplants the final two years of his six-year contract, $144 million contract which he signed prior to the 2015 season. Trout was due to be a free agent following the 2020 season.
The New Jersey native enters the 2019 season with 1,187 hits for a lifetime batting average of .307 with 240 HR and 648 RBI. Trout earned the AL MVP in 2014 and 2016 and has finished runner up in the AL MVP four times including this year when he was bested by Boston Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts. The only year Trout did not finish in the top three of AL MVP since 2012 was when he finished fourth in 2017.
The only area where Trout has fallen short has been in the post-season. The Angels have only reached the post-season once since Trout made his MLB debut in 2011. The Angels won the AL West in 2014, but Trout went 1 for 12 in the ALDS in which they were swept by the eventual AL champion Kansas City Royals. Undoubtedly, many will think he's made a mistake in remaining in Anaheim, but I have a feeling the Angels will emerge as one of MLB's biggest surprises in 2019. And if the Angels don't do this this year Trout will have the entire 2020's to get a World Series ring.
Trout and the Los Angeles Angels have reportedly agreed to a 12-year contract extension worth $430 million which will take the 27-year old superstar through the 2030 season. The new contract supplants the final two years of his six-year contract, $144 million contract which he signed prior to the 2015 season. Trout was due to be a free agent following the 2020 season.
The New Jersey native enters the 2019 season with 1,187 hits for a lifetime batting average of .307 with 240 HR and 648 RBI. Trout earned the AL MVP in 2014 and 2016 and has finished runner up in the AL MVP four times including this year when he was bested by Boston Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts. The only year Trout did not finish in the top three of AL MVP since 2012 was when he finished fourth in 2017.
The only area where Trout has fallen short has been in the post-season. The Angels have only reached the post-season once since Trout made his MLB debut in 2011. The Angels won the AL West in 2014, but Trout went 1 for 12 in the ALDS in which they were swept by the eventual AL champion Kansas City Royals. Undoubtedly, many will think he's made a mistake in remaining in Anaheim, but I have a feeling the Angels will emerge as one of MLB's biggest surprises in 2019. And if the Angels don't do this this year Trout will have the entire 2020's to get a World Series ring.
Monday, March 18, 2019
Carlos & Gio Gonzalez Sign Minor League Deals with Indians, Yankees
A couple of Gonzalezs are finally off the free agent market.
Over the weekend, free agent outfielder Carlos Gonzalez signed a minor league deal with the Cleveland Indians while earlier today free agent pitcher Gio Gonzalez agreed to minor league contract with the New York Yankees.
Gonzalez, popularly known as Car-Go, had spent the past 10 seasons with the Colorado Rockies after making his MLB debut with the Oakland A's in 2008. Car-Go won the NL batting title in 2010 and was a three time NL All-Star. As recently as 2016, Car-Go had a 100 RBI campaign with the Rockies. However, Car-Go's production has slipped over the past two seasons. In 132 games with Colorado in 2018, Car-Go batted .276 with 16 HR and 64 RBI. Respectable numbers, but a far cry from the 40 HR he hit in 2015. But the 33-year old Venezuelan born veteran will be a welcome presence in the Indians' clubhouse. If he doesn't make the big league club, he can opt out of his contract before the end of April.
As for the Yankees, Gio Gonzalez answers their prayers with a much needed starting pitcher given that Luis Severino is expected to be out at least until May with rotator cuff troubles not to mention the fact that C.C. Sabathia is suspended the first week of the season. Like Car-Go, Gonzalez began his MLB career with the A's in 2008 and earned an AL All-Star selection with the team in 2011. But the veteran southpaw spent the bulk of his career with the Washington Nationals beginning in 2012 when he won a career high 21 games and finished third in NL Cy Young balloting. His tenure in D.C. ended last August 31st when he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers where he became a key figure in surging them to the NL Central crown and within a game of the NL pennant. In 32 combined starts with the Nets and Brew Crew, Gonzalez went 10-11 with a 4.21 ERA. Those numbers were down from his 15-9 campaign in 2017 which along with a 2.96 ERA was good enough to finish sixth in NL Cy Young balloting. How the 33-year old stalwart only merited a minor league deal can only be explained by money. Like Car-Go, Gonzalez can opt out of his deal before the end of April should he not make the big league squad. But I suspect Gonzalez will be wearing Yankee pinstripes through October.
Over the weekend, free agent outfielder Carlos Gonzalez signed a minor league deal with the Cleveland Indians while earlier today free agent pitcher Gio Gonzalez agreed to minor league contract with the New York Yankees.
Gonzalez, popularly known as Car-Go, had spent the past 10 seasons with the Colorado Rockies after making his MLB debut with the Oakland A's in 2008. Car-Go won the NL batting title in 2010 and was a three time NL All-Star. As recently as 2016, Car-Go had a 100 RBI campaign with the Rockies. However, Car-Go's production has slipped over the past two seasons. In 132 games with Colorado in 2018, Car-Go batted .276 with 16 HR and 64 RBI. Respectable numbers, but a far cry from the 40 HR he hit in 2015. But the 33-year old Venezuelan born veteran will be a welcome presence in the Indians' clubhouse. If he doesn't make the big league club, he can opt out of his contract before the end of April.
As for the Yankees, Gio Gonzalez answers their prayers with a much needed starting pitcher given that Luis Severino is expected to be out at least until May with rotator cuff troubles not to mention the fact that C.C. Sabathia is suspended the first week of the season. Like Car-Go, Gonzalez began his MLB career with the A's in 2008 and earned an AL All-Star selection with the team in 2011. But the veteran southpaw spent the bulk of his career with the Washington Nationals beginning in 2012 when he won a career high 21 games and finished third in NL Cy Young balloting. His tenure in D.C. ended last August 31st when he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers where he became a key figure in surging them to the NL Central crown and within a game of the NL pennant. In 32 combined starts with the Nets and Brew Crew, Gonzalez went 10-11 with a 4.21 ERA. Those numbers were down from his 15-9 campaign in 2017 which along with a 2.96 ERA was good enough to finish sixth in NL Cy Young balloting. How the 33-year old stalwart only merited a minor league deal can only be explained by money. Like Car-Go, Gonzalez can opt out of his deal before the end of April should he not make the big league squad. But I suspect Gonzalez will be wearing Yankee pinstripes through October.
Sunday, March 17, 2019
Beto Compares Climate Changes Activists to D-Day Soldiers
When Beto O'Rourke entered the 2020 Democratic race, I indicated I was open to listening to what he had to say. However, comparing climate change activists to American soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day doesn't help:
The current president says he doesn’t believe in climate change…how could we, who used to be the indispensable nation, be the only country that has removed itself from any obligation to work with anyone on perhaps the most pressing problem? If you think about our leadership, those who proceeded us, right. Those who were on the beaches in Normandy, those who faced an existential threat to Western democracy and our way of life, they showed us the way.
The current president says he doesn’t believe in climate change…how could we, who used to be the indispensable nation, be the only country that has removed itself from any obligation to work with anyone on perhaps the most pressing problem? If you think about our leadership, those who proceeded us, right. Those who were on the beaches in Normandy, those who faced an existential threat to Western democracy and our way of life, they showed us the way.
Even if one disagrees with President Trump on the question of climate change, the idea that climate change activists bear any resemblance to what our soldiers endured on D-Day is sheer foolishness. More than 6,600 U.S. soldiers died on D-Day. This is more than died in the entire Iraq War.
Needless to say, when climate change activists go to work they never have to wonder if they will live to see another day. Beto O'Rourke is going to have to do much better than this if he wants my vote. Strike one.
Saturday, March 16, 2019
Trump Won't Let McCain Rest in Peace
Fans of President Trump love the fact that "he fights".
Well, it's easy to fight a man who is dead and cannot defend himself.
How else do you explain this tweet directed at John McCain?
Spreading the fake and totally discredited Dossier “is unfortunately a very dark stain against John McCain.” Ken Starr, Former Independent Counsel. He had far worse “stains” than this, including thumbs down on repeal and replace after years of campaigning to repeal and replace!
McCain's daughter Meghan, however, is very much alive and responded with a tweet of her own:
No one will ever love you the way they loved my father.... I wish I had been given more Saturday’s with him. Maybe spend yours with your family instead of on twitter obsessing over mine?
Well, it's easy to fight a man who is dead and cannot defend himself.
How else do you explain this tweet directed at John McCain?
Spreading the fake and totally discredited Dossier “is unfortunately a very dark stain against John McCain.” Ken Starr, Former Independent Counsel. He had far worse “stains” than this, including thumbs down on repeal and replace after years of campaigning to repeal and replace!
McCain's daughter Meghan, however, is very much alive and responded with a tweet of her own:
No one will ever love you the way they loved my father.... I wish I had been given more Saturday’s with him. Maybe spend yours with your family instead of on twitter obsessing over mine?
I would ask this of him, "Have you no decency, sir? Why can't you let John McCain rest in peace?"
Friday, March 15, 2019
No, Chelsea Clinton Isn't Responsible For The Christchurch Mosque Massacre
During a vigil this evening at NYU to mourn the deaths of 49 Muslims slaughtered at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, a student named Lween Dweik confronted Chelsea Clinton accusing her of being responsible for the attack.
Yes, you heard that right.
Dweik, who was sporting a shirt in support of Bernie Sanders, made this claim on the basis of Clinton's criticism last month of Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar for a series of anti-Semitic tweets. Clinton's remarks were critical in persuading Omar to issue an apology (albeit an insincere one).
Clinton, pregnant with her third child, was confronted by Dweik who stated:
This right here is the result of a massacre stoked by people like you and the words that you put out into the world. And I want you to know that and I want you to feel that deeply - 49 people died because of the rhetoric you put out there.
For her part, Clinton apologized to Dweik which only seemed to anger her and her friends. A male student shouted, "What does "I'm sorry you feel that way" mean? What does that mean?"
Clinton need not have apologized to these clowns for anything because she had absolutely nothing to do with their deaths. The notion that Clinton's criticism of Omar caused the deaths of 49 Muslims half way around the world is a load of fatuous nonsense. Congresswoman Omar is not above criticism and doesn't have license to engage in the defamation of American Jews. At no point did the man responsible for this terrorist attack claim inspiration from the words of Chelsea Clinton (President Trump, however, is another matter).
The most frightening thing of all is that the Lween Dweiks of the world are going to be in charge in the not too distant future. I fear that Dweik and her ilk will make the likes of Omar and AOC look reasonable by comparison. The present state of affairs certainly doesn't inspire my confidence. But there was a time when I would have looked to the future and said, "Things will get better." I have reached the age where I no longer think that way. There have always been fools and we have been able to survive them. But I'm not sure how much longer that will be.
Yes, you heard that right.
Dweik, who was sporting a shirt in support of Bernie Sanders, made this claim on the basis of Clinton's criticism last month of Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar for a series of anti-Semitic tweets. Clinton's remarks were critical in persuading Omar to issue an apology (albeit an insincere one).
Clinton, pregnant with her third child, was confronted by Dweik who stated:
This right here is the result of a massacre stoked by people like you and the words that you put out into the world. And I want you to know that and I want you to feel that deeply - 49 people died because of the rhetoric you put out there.
For her part, Clinton apologized to Dweik which only seemed to anger her and her friends. A male student shouted, "What does "I'm sorry you feel that way" mean? What does that mean?"
Clinton need not have apologized to these clowns for anything because she had absolutely nothing to do with their deaths. The notion that Clinton's criticism of Omar caused the deaths of 49 Muslims half way around the world is a load of fatuous nonsense. Congresswoman Omar is not above criticism and doesn't have license to engage in the defamation of American Jews. At no point did the man responsible for this terrorist attack claim inspiration from the words of Chelsea Clinton (President Trump, however, is another matter).
The most frightening thing of all is that the Lween Dweiks of the world are going to be in charge in the not too distant future. I fear that Dweik and her ilk will make the likes of Omar and AOC look reasonable by comparison. The present state of affairs certainly doesn't inspire my confidence. But there was a time when I would have looked to the future and said, "Things will get better." I have reached the age where I no longer think that way. There have always been fools and we have been able to survive them. But I'm not sure how much longer that will be.
Thursday, March 14, 2019
Thoughts on The Massacres at Two Mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand - UPDATE
A gunman (possibly more) opened fire on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand during Friday prayers and recorded the ghastly massacre on a Facebook feed. One local new source states 9 worshippers have been killed, but another source puts the death toll at "over 27". At least one offender is in police custody who is believed to be a 28-year old Australian man named Brenton Tarrant who evidently published a manifesto on Twitter with white supremacist sympathies.
The attack brings to mind the shooting which claimed six lives at the Islamic Cultural Centre in Quebec City in January 2017 and the ramming outside the Finsbury Park Mosque in London in June 2017. Naturally there will be an increased spotlight on Islamophobia and not without justification. However, Muslims are not the only faith who have been killed while in prayer in recent years. Just ask the Sikh community in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, American Methodist Episcopals in Charleston, South Carolina, Baptists in Sutherland Springs, Texas and the Jewish community in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. School shootings and workplace shooting have become common enough. I hope there aren't a similar escalation in church shootings. If people aren't safe at school, at the workplace or at our houses of worship, then where are we safe?
I do fear that when Muslim public figures such as Ilhan Omar make anti-Semitic statements that her defenders will point to this attack and claim her critics are endangering her. Indeed, both Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris have argued that these criticism could lead to her Omar being a target of violence. Those who criticize Omar's anti-Semitism have nothing to do with these acts of evil and her defenders should know better. Omar should be held accountable for her words. But this accountability must take place by way of ballot, not bullet.
With that said, this was a deliberate and detailed plan to target the Muslim community in New Zealand and to galvanize the Muslim world at large with the hopes of sewing further distrust and sparking further violence. No religion should live in fear of such violence. But such violence is a reality. The best we can do is offer comfort and sympathy in the short term and practice respect and tolerance in the long term. Such things are far more easily said than done, but this must be done if we wish to live in a world where we can co-exist and learn to how to agree to disagree. R.I.P.
UPDATE: As of this writing, 49 people have been killed in this terrorist attack. One person has been charged with murder and two are in custody in relation to this act.
The attack brings to mind the shooting which claimed six lives at the Islamic Cultural Centre in Quebec City in January 2017 and the ramming outside the Finsbury Park Mosque in London in June 2017. Naturally there will be an increased spotlight on Islamophobia and not without justification. However, Muslims are not the only faith who have been killed while in prayer in recent years. Just ask the Sikh community in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, American Methodist Episcopals in Charleston, South Carolina, Baptists in Sutherland Springs, Texas and the Jewish community in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. School shootings and workplace shooting have become common enough. I hope there aren't a similar escalation in church shootings. If people aren't safe at school, at the workplace or at our houses of worship, then where are we safe?
I do fear that when Muslim public figures such as Ilhan Omar make anti-Semitic statements that her defenders will point to this attack and claim her critics are endangering her. Indeed, both Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris have argued that these criticism could lead to her Omar being a target of violence. Those who criticize Omar's anti-Semitism have nothing to do with these acts of evil and her defenders should know better. Omar should be held accountable for her words. But this accountability must take place by way of ballot, not bullet.
With that said, this was a deliberate and detailed plan to target the Muslim community in New Zealand and to galvanize the Muslim world at large with the hopes of sewing further distrust and sparking further violence. No religion should live in fear of such violence. But such violence is a reality. The best we can do is offer comfort and sympathy in the short term and practice respect and tolerance in the long term. Such things are far more easily said than done, but this must be done if we wish to live in a world where we can co-exist and learn to how to agree to disagree. R.I.P.
UPDATE: As of this writing, 49 people have been killed in this terrorist attack. One person has been charged with murder and two are in custody in relation to this act.
Ben Sasse Chooses Trump Over The Constitution
Ben Sasse wasn't the only Republican Senator who declined to block President Trump's National Emergency Order at the southern border, but his vote was the most disappointing of all the Republican votes. Even more so than Thom Tillis who voted with Trump despite writing an op-ed in The Washington Post opposing the measure as it would “justify providing the executive with more ways to bypass Congress.”
Sasse's support for Trump is far more disappointing because I wrote his name in for President on my ballot in 2016:
With the election four weeks from today, I have decided I will write in Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse and Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker. They are the first GOP Senator & Governor to publicly rebuke Donald Trump, respectively. This has earned Sasse a rebuke from his own party and could cost him his Senate seat down the road. There's something to be said for someone who takes a stand regardless of whether it will be popular or not.
While Baker has no national ambitions, as a Bay State resident, I shall surely vote for his re-election as Governor in 2018 it will be interesting to see what Sasse does in the next few years. But for the moment they stand as honorable men and in that spirit I shall write in their names on my ballot on November 8th.
Sasse's support for Trump is far more disappointing because I wrote his name in for President on my ballot in 2016:
With the election four weeks from today, I have decided I will write in Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse and Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker. They are the first GOP Senator & Governor to publicly rebuke Donald Trump, respectively. This has earned Sasse a rebuke from his own party and could cost him his Senate seat down the road. There's something to be said for someone who takes a stand regardless of whether it will be popular or not.
While Baker has no national ambitions, as a Bay State resident, I shall surely vote for his re-election as Governor in 2018 it will be interesting to see what Sasse does in the next few years. But for the moment they stand as honorable men and in that spirit I shall write in their names on my ballot on November 8th.
Well, Sasse is up for re-election next year and has now decided to toe the line. None of this guarantees there won't be a primary challenge against him. But Sasse has decided to give Trump powers he ought not have and the Constitution be damned. Sasse has decided to give a President he purportedly thinks a fool more powers to exercise his foolishness. Sasse has also decided to live on his knees instead of dying standing up. I don't regret voting for Sasse in 2016. But in light of today's vote I will not vote for him again should he seek higher office in the future. (The same cannot be said for Baker whom I did not vote for last fall, but only because I moved out of Massachusetts).
Of course, Democrats would have no qualms doing the same if a future Democratic President were to utilize emergency powers to implement broad gun control measures. Democrats who swore by the Constitution today will swear at it tomorrow.
But for today I reserve my profound disappointment with Ben Sasse. Shame on you.
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Will Beto Be a Good Bet For Democrats in 2020?
According to KTSM-TV, the local NBC affiliate in El Paso, Texas, former Congressman Beto O'Rourke will throw his hat into the Democratic Party race for the White House tomorrow morning.
Speculation about a presidential run has abounded since O'Rourke narrowly lost last November's Senate race to Ted Cruz.
The question is whether Beto will be a good bet for Democrats in 2020. One on hand, if he couldn't beat Ted Cruz in Texas then how can he beat Donald Trump in the rest of the country? On the other hand, Cruz ought to have won that race by 30 points and instead only bested Beto by three points and got Democrats elected to other state wide offices. Beto is a force that has only begun to find his strength.
Of course, it's one thing for Beto to be competing against Cruz. It's entirely another matter if he's competing against Kamala Harris or Elizabeth Warren. O'Rourke faces the danger of being labelled "a white male" which is fast becoming the kiss of death in the Democratic Party. It could be worse though. He could be an "old white male" which is going to be Joe Biden's burden and to a lesser extent Bernie Sanders (although his standing as a socialist offsets this somewhat).
At this point, as with most of the Democratic field, I am open to listening to what Beto has to say. He has shown the capacity to grow as was the case where it concerns Israel. After voting against funding for the Iron Dome missile system in 2014 he has since shown greater understanding of what Israel faces. He is no Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib or AOC. Their constituency has grown and pressure might be brought to bear not to cross the freshman triumvirate. It spooked Nancy Pelosi. But O'Rourke has star power of his own and that might be sufficient to withstand that pressure.
With that said, our last two Presidents can be said to have "star power" and look where it has got us. Things do come in threes.
Speculation about a presidential run has abounded since O'Rourke narrowly lost last November's Senate race to Ted Cruz.
The question is whether Beto will be a good bet for Democrats in 2020. One on hand, if he couldn't beat Ted Cruz in Texas then how can he beat Donald Trump in the rest of the country? On the other hand, Cruz ought to have won that race by 30 points and instead only bested Beto by three points and got Democrats elected to other state wide offices. Beto is a force that has only begun to find his strength.
Of course, it's one thing for Beto to be competing against Cruz. It's entirely another matter if he's competing against Kamala Harris or Elizabeth Warren. O'Rourke faces the danger of being labelled "a white male" which is fast becoming the kiss of death in the Democratic Party. It could be worse though. He could be an "old white male" which is going to be Joe Biden's burden and to a lesser extent Bernie Sanders (although his standing as a socialist offsets this somewhat).
At this point, as with most of the Democratic field, I am open to listening to what Beto has to say. He has shown the capacity to grow as was the case where it concerns Israel. After voting against funding for the Iron Dome missile system in 2014 he has since shown greater understanding of what Israel faces. He is no Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib or AOC. Their constituency has grown and pressure might be brought to bear not to cross the freshman triumvirate. It spooked Nancy Pelosi. But O'Rourke has star power of his own and that might be sufficient to withstand that pressure.
With that said, our last two Presidents can be said to have "star power" and look where it has got us. Things do come in threes.
Bernie Sanders' Deputy Press Secretary Questions Loyalty of American Jews While Defending Omar
Belén Sisa, the Deputy Press Secretary for Bernie Sanders' 2020 election bid, had to issue an apology yesterday after questioning the loyalty of American Jews while defending Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar from accusations of anti-Semitism in a Facebook thread. From Politico:
A Jew from Sisa's home state of Arizona pointed out the history of the "dual allegiance" slur in the Facebook thread — from the hangings of Jews in ancient Persia to the 1492 purge of Jews in Spain to Nazi Germany.
Sisa’s response: “This is a serious question: do you not think that the American government and American Jewish community has a dual allegiance to the state of Israel? I’m asking not to rule out the history of this issue, but in the context in which this was said by Ilhan.”
Another person on her Facebook then asked: “do you think Bernie Sanders has dual loyalty?” Sisa replied: “I think I would probably have to ask him? But his comments make me believe other wise as he has been very blunt on where he stands.” She then shared links to articles on Sanders’ recent reaction to Omar’s comments.
It must be remembered that in excusing Omar's behavior last week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi argued, “I don’t think that the congresswoman is perhaps appreciative of the full weight of how it was heard by other people, although I don’t believe it was intended in any anti-Semitic way.” Well, not only did Omar know exactly what she was saying but Sisa understood what she meant "in the context in which this was said by Ilhan."
Indeed, the extent of this is revealed in how Sisa responded to the question of Sanders' dual loyalty. In order for Sanders not to be perceived to have dual loyalty to Israel from a member of his own staff it is necessary for him to denounce Israel. This isn't to say that Sanders isn't sincere in his views. I have no doubt that he is. But for those who support Sanders, Omar, AOC and a host of other leftists, Jews must prove their loyalty to America by denouncing Israel. This is a most dangerous state of affairs.
Israel is an ally of the United States in the same way that Canada, Great Britain, Mexico, Japan and a host of other countries are. There is nothing wrong with Americans, Jewish or not, in admiring Israel in this way. And as the world's only Jewish state, there is also nothing incompatible about American Jews admiring Israel and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
But there will be always be those who question the loyalty of Jews. When that someone is a member of Congress who sit on the House Foreign Relations Committee, these views can have consequences. One of the consequences is for Democrats to deny Congresswoman Omar means what she says in the face of those who understood what she said all too well. It is the sort of environment in which anti-Semitism can flourish and grow like the cancer that it is.
A Jew from Sisa's home state of Arizona pointed out the history of the "dual allegiance" slur in the Facebook thread — from the hangings of Jews in ancient Persia to the 1492 purge of Jews in Spain to Nazi Germany.
Sisa’s response: “This is a serious question: do you not think that the American government and American Jewish community has a dual allegiance to the state of Israel? I’m asking not to rule out the history of this issue, but in the context in which this was said by Ilhan.”
Another person on her Facebook then asked: “do you think Bernie Sanders has dual loyalty?” Sisa replied: “I think I would probably have to ask him? But his comments make me believe other wise as he has been very blunt on where he stands.” She then shared links to articles on Sanders’ recent reaction to Omar’s comments.
It must be remembered that in excusing Omar's behavior last week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi argued, “I don’t think that the congresswoman is perhaps appreciative of the full weight of how it was heard by other people, although I don’t believe it was intended in any anti-Semitic way.” Well, not only did Omar know exactly what she was saying but Sisa understood what she meant "in the context in which this was said by Ilhan."
Indeed, the extent of this is revealed in how Sisa responded to the question of Sanders' dual loyalty. In order for Sanders not to be perceived to have dual loyalty to Israel from a member of his own staff it is necessary for him to denounce Israel. This isn't to say that Sanders isn't sincere in his views. I have no doubt that he is. But for those who support Sanders, Omar, AOC and a host of other leftists, Jews must prove their loyalty to America by denouncing Israel. This is a most dangerous state of affairs.
Israel is an ally of the United States in the same way that Canada, Great Britain, Mexico, Japan and a host of other countries are. There is nothing wrong with Americans, Jewish or not, in admiring Israel in this way. And as the world's only Jewish state, there is also nothing incompatible about American Jews admiring Israel and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
But there will be always be those who question the loyalty of Jews. When that someone is a member of Congress who sit on the House Foreign Relations Committee, these views can have consequences. One of the consequences is for Democrats to deny Congresswoman Omar means what she says in the face of those who understood what she said all too well. It is the sort of environment in which anti-Semitism can flourish and grow like the cancer that it is.
Monday, March 11, 2019
Hal Blaine, R.I.P.
Hal Blaine, the prolific session drummer who was part of the Wrecking Crew of studio musicians on some of the greatest rock 'n roll records put to vinyl, has passed away at the age of 90.
His passing was not a surprise as Nancy Sinatra tweeted several days ago that Blaine "was in the fight of his life."
Blaine cut his musical teeth in jazz with Dizzy Gillespie's big band, but his passion would soon turn to rock 'n roll and would find himself in demand as a session player throughout the 1960's and 1970's. Blaine estimated that he played drums on more than 6,000 songs. Here are but a dozen of the songs on which Blaine played drums:
"Be My Baby" - The Ronettes
"Surf City" - Jan & Dean
"This Diamond Ring" - Gary Lewis & The Playboys
"Mr. Tambourine Man" - The Byrds
"These Boots Are Made For Walking'" - Nancy Sinatra
"Monday, Monday" - The Mamas & The Papas
"Good Vibrations" - The Beach Boys
"Dizzy" - Tommy Roe
"Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In" - The Fifth Dimension
"Bridge Over Troubled Water" - Simon & Garfunkel
"Close To You" - The Carpenters
"Calypso" - John Denver
This but scarcely scratches the surface. You could drive from New York to California and back listening to nothing to records that Blaine played on and have more than enough for another trip. Blaine's drumming wasn't dazzling, but he knew how to punctuate a song. Case in point - "Let's Live For Today" by The Grass Roots. Listen to the end of the bridge right before the final chorus and you'll know exactly of what I speak. R.I.P.
His passing was not a surprise as Nancy Sinatra tweeted several days ago that Blaine "was in the fight of his life."
Blaine cut his musical teeth in jazz with Dizzy Gillespie's big band, but his passion would soon turn to rock 'n roll and would find himself in demand as a session player throughout the 1960's and 1970's. Blaine estimated that he played drums on more than 6,000 songs. Here are but a dozen of the songs on which Blaine played drums:
"Be My Baby" - The Ronettes
"Surf City" - Jan & Dean
"This Diamond Ring" - Gary Lewis & The Playboys
"Mr. Tambourine Man" - The Byrds
"These Boots Are Made For Walking'" - Nancy Sinatra
"Monday, Monday" - The Mamas & The Papas
"Good Vibrations" - The Beach Boys
"Dizzy" - Tommy Roe
"Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In" - The Fifth Dimension
"Bridge Over Troubled Water" - Simon & Garfunkel
"Close To You" - The Carpenters
"Calypso" - John Denver
This but scarcely scratches the surface. You could drive from New York to California and back listening to nothing to records that Blaine played on and have more than enough for another trip. Blaine's drumming wasn't dazzling, but he knew how to punctuate a song. Case in point - "Let's Live For Today" by The Grass Roots. Listen to the end of the bridge right before the final chorus and you'll know exactly of what I speak. R.I.P.
After 11 Years in Baltimore, Adam Jones Signs With D'Backs
Outfielder Adam Jones, who has spent the past 11 seasons with the Baltimore Orioles, has a new home. The 33-year old outfielder has signed a one year, $3 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Jones began his professional career with the Seattle Mariners, but was traded to the Orioles prior to the 2008 season for pitcher Erik Bedard in one of the most lopsided trades in MLB history. While Bedard only won 15 games over parts of three injury plagued seasons, Jones became among the best players to ever wear an O's uniform.
Although Jones' production was down during the O's 115 loss season in 2018, he collected 1781 hits for a .279 batting average with 263 HR and 866 RBI over the past 11 seasons with five AL All-Star appearances and four Gold Gloves for his play in center field.
Including his brief tenure with the Mariners, Jones enters the 2019 season with 1813 hits. Provided he stays healthy, he does have an outside shot at 3,000 career hits. For now he joins a team that isn't expected to do much in 2019 and he might very well be on the move again after this season, if not sooner. But Jones offers a veteran presence to a younger team which has seen the departures of Paul Goldschmidt, AJ Pollock and Patrick Corbin and faces many challenges. Jones can help the team through that and in the process give himself a new lease on life.
Jones began his professional career with the Seattle Mariners, but was traded to the Orioles prior to the 2008 season for pitcher Erik Bedard in one of the most lopsided trades in MLB history. While Bedard only won 15 games over parts of three injury plagued seasons, Jones became among the best players to ever wear an O's uniform.
Although Jones' production was down during the O's 115 loss season in 2018, he collected 1781 hits for a .279 batting average with 263 HR and 866 RBI over the past 11 seasons with five AL All-Star appearances and four Gold Gloves for his play in center field.
Including his brief tenure with the Mariners, Jones enters the 2019 season with 1813 hits. Provided he stays healthy, he does have an outside shot at 3,000 career hits. For now he joins a team that isn't expected to do much in 2019 and he might very well be on the move again after this season, if not sooner. But Jones offers a veteran presence to a younger team which has seen the departures of Paul Goldschmidt, AJ Pollock and Patrick Corbin and faces many challenges. Jones can help the team through that and in the process give himself a new lease on life.
I'm Going To Give Pete Buttigieg a Good, Long Look For 2020
Pete Buttigieg, the 37-year old openly gay mayor of South Bend, Indiana and longshot 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, has earned huge praise for his performance at the CNN Town Hall broadcast yesterday from SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas.
The highlight of Buttigieg's night came when he was asked if his fellow Hoosier, Vice-President Mike Pence, would be an improvement over President Trump. Buttigieg indicated that he did not believe Pence was personally corrupt but then threw out this money shot. "How could he allow himself to become the cheerleader of the porn star presidency?” He added, “Is it that he stopped believing in Scripture when he started believing Donald Trump? I don't know.”
That last sentence resonated with me tremendously. This could be asked of a lot of Christian conservatives. As talk radio host and former Trump supporter Joe Walsh described of the Conservative Political Action Committee earlier this month:
Heard up on stage at#CPAC this morning: "President Trump is smarter, more decisive, & more compassionate than Jesus Christ himself!"
The crowd roared. They smiled. They cheered. They got down on their knees and bowed. I was told a few women even fainted with glee.
Of course, one needn't be an Evangelical to worship at the altar of Trump. The President was practically deified when I was in a room of Jewish Trump supporters last month. Of course, it was this very kind of worship which prompted me to end my relationship with The American Spectator and begin this blog in August 2016 when publisher Bob Tyrrell told me he would not permit any criticism of Trump. That conservatives, whatever their religious background, with supposedly deep convictions could submit to easily to a con man like Trump speaks very little of their values.
At the same time, Buttigieg has also been critical of Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. While Buttigieg has not commented on her most recent anti-Semitism controversy, he did reject her comparison of Israel to Iran while appearing on The View in January. “People like me get strung up in Iran,” said Buttigieg, “So, the idea that what’s going on is equivalent is just wrong.”
Buttigieg formed an exploratory committee for the White House on January 23rd and has not formally entered the race. But last night's performance ensures he is running. While he will undoubtedly come under further scrutiny, at the moment, given my recent disappointment in Kamala Harris and my skepticism of Amy Klobuchar, I'm going to give Buttigieg a good, long look for 2020.
But first I'm going to have to learn how to pronounce his name.
The highlight of Buttigieg's night came when he was asked if his fellow Hoosier, Vice-President Mike Pence, would be an improvement over President Trump. Buttigieg indicated that he did not believe Pence was personally corrupt but then threw out this money shot. "How could he allow himself to become the cheerleader of the porn star presidency?” He added, “Is it that he stopped believing in Scripture when he started believing Donald Trump? I don't know.”
That last sentence resonated with me tremendously. This could be asked of a lot of Christian conservatives. As talk radio host and former Trump supporter Joe Walsh described of the Conservative Political Action Committee earlier this month:
Heard up on stage at
Of course, one needn't be an Evangelical to worship at the altar of Trump. The President was practically deified when I was in a room of Jewish Trump supporters last month. Of course, it was this very kind of worship which prompted me to end my relationship with The American Spectator and begin this blog in August 2016 when publisher Bob Tyrrell told me he would not permit any criticism of Trump. That conservatives, whatever their religious background, with supposedly deep convictions could submit to easily to a con man like Trump speaks very little of their values.
At the same time, Buttigieg has also been critical of Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. While Buttigieg has not commented on her most recent anti-Semitism controversy, he did reject her comparison of Israel to Iran while appearing on The View in January. “People like me get strung up in Iran,” said Buttigieg, “So, the idea that what’s going on is equivalent is just wrong.”
Buttigieg formed an exploratory committee for the White House on January 23rd and has not formally entered the race. But last night's performance ensures he is running. While he will undoubtedly come under further scrutiny, at the moment, given my recent disappointment in Kamala Harris and my skepticism of Amy Klobuchar, I'm going to give Buttigieg a good, long look for 2020.
But first I'm going to have to learn how to pronounce his name.
Sunday, March 10, 2019
Klobuchar Parts Company With Omar Over Anti-Semitic Remarks
During an appearance at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas yesterday, Minnesota Senator and 2020 Democratic presidential hopeful Amy Klobuchar was critical of her fellow Minnesotan Ilhan Omar's anti-Semitic remarks which questioned the loyalty of American Jews. Klobuchar argued, "I believe you can be true to your country and advocate for another country, whether it is Israel or Canada or Ethiopia.”
While Klobuchar's remarks aren't nearly as strong as those of her 2020 rival Kirsten Gillibrand they are certainly better than those of Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris. They are also certainly significant given that Klobuchar is taking aim at a member of her state's congressional delegation.
But when Klobuchar cannot draw a fraction of the audience Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez drew at SXSW then what Klobuchar says probably won't matter very much. I'm sure Klobuchar would like to throw a binder at AOC right about now.
While Klobuchar's remarks aren't nearly as strong as those of her 2020 rival Kirsten Gillibrand they are certainly better than those of Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris. They are also certainly significant given that Klobuchar is taking aim at a member of her state's congressional delegation.
But when Klobuchar cannot draw a fraction of the audience Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez drew at SXSW then what Klobuchar says probably won't matter very much. I'm sure Klobuchar would like to throw a binder at AOC right about now.
Saturday, March 9, 2019
More Good Times With The Monkees
Tonight, I attended my first concert in nearly two years on Saturday night when I ventured to NYC's Beacon Theatre to see The Monkees. I hadn't initially planned on going as I had seen them in Boston in May 2016. But the death of Peter Tork last month prompted me to reconsider. It would also present likely the one and only opportunity to see Mike Nesmith (who was absent during most of their 2016 tour) perform in person.
Billed as the Mike & Micky Show, the evening began with the audience singing "Happy Birthday" to Micky Dolenz who turned 74 yesterday. Dolenz, who was decked out in a black hat and black overcoat, was delighted at the tribute and undoubtedly still happy to be performing at his age. The same could be said for the 76-year old Nesmith who underwent quadruple bypass heart surgery last year.
The first half of their set featured Monkees' classics such as "Last Train to Clarksville", "A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You" and "Pleasant Valley Sunday". Dolenz's vocals shined on the Carole King penned "The Porpoise Song" which was the theme of Head, the's group ill-fated movie with Jack Nicholson. After Dolenz asked the audience if they had ever seen Head, he asked, "Could you tell me what it is about?" too much laughter. Another highlight of the first set was "Birth of an Accidental Hipster" which was co-written by Paul Weller and Noel Gallagher from their 2016 album Good Times!
The Monkees paid tribute to Tork first by performing "For Pete's Sake" (the closing theme of The Monkees TV show during its second season). Then at the conclusion of the first set, Dolenz, Nesmith and the rest of the band left the stage and we were treated to a video of Tork singing The Mills Brothers' "'Til Then". It wasn't clear if the video was recorded during the Good Times! sessions or if he recorded it knowing he didn't have much time left. Whatever the case, it gave the audience
The second set was primarily an acoustic, country rock set which is more in line with Nesmith's musical leanings and also helped bring out his voice which is not nearly as strong as Dolenz's on songs like "Papa Gene's Blues", "Joanne", "Me & Magdalena" (written by Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie) and "Auntie's Municipal Court." Nesmith sang "Joanne" (which was his only hit with the short-lived country rock outfit The First National Band) at the behest of MSNBC's Brian Williams because it was his wife's favorite song. As it turned out, Williams' wife couldn't come to the show, but Nesmith sang it anyway.
In some ways, this show was more low key than the 2016 Boston show. During that show, all the songs were played with TV clips from The Monkees. This was cut down considerably. Also gone was the shawl that Dolenz wore when he performed "Randy Scouse Git". But this meant more attention was paid to the music. It was also something of a family affair with Nesmith's son Christian on lead guitar and Dolenz's younger sister Coco on backup vocals.
The Monkees ended strong with "I'm Not Your Stepping Stone", "Daydream Believer" and "What Am Doin' Hangin' 'Round?" before the band left the stage with the exception of Nesmith who feigned confusion. Nesmith then began "Listen To The Band" on his own before the rest of the band joined in. The good times came to an end with "I'm a Believer".
The audience left the theater delighted with the quality of the music many of whom like myself had never seen Nesmith perform having distanced himself from the group until the death of Davy Jones in 2012.
With half the group now gone the chances to see The Monkees live diminish with every year. The Monkees conclude their U.S. tour next weekend, but will travel to Australia and New Zealand for some dates in June. If you have the chance to see The Monkees, please take it. You'll be glad you did.
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