After losing 95 games in 2018, few expected much of the Texas Rangers in 2019. However, at the end of June, the Rangers own the second berth in the AL Wild Card race. They did this on the strength of an 18-11 June despite missing top slugger Joey Gallo who was on the IL with an oblique strain and with Hunter Pence going on the IL with a groin pull. Pence, who played winter ball and signed a minor league contract with the Rangers. Batting nearly .300 with 15 HR and 48 RBI, Pence was elected the AL's starting DH for the All-Star Game. The Rangers have benefit with two strong starting pitchers in Mike Minor and Lance Lynn with Shawn Kelley taking the reins of the closer's role.
The Oakland A's are only a half game behind the Rangers in the AL Wild Card race with an equally strong 17-11 mark in June. But the Houston Astros remain atop the AL West with a 6.5 and 7 game lead on the Rangers and A's despite losing 9 of their final 13 games.
The Los Angeles Angels are treading water at just a game under .500 but still have a shot at the AL Wild Card. The same cannot be said of the Seattle Mariners who parted ways with both Jay Bruce and Edwin Encarnacion with more to follow and enter July 17.5 games back of the Astros.
The New York Yankees began June with 1.5 game lead over the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East. That lead has grown to 7 games. The Yankees finish the month winning 9 of their last 10 games including a two game sweep of the Boston Red Sox in London. After a strong April and May, the Rays stumbled with a 13-16 effort in June. However, the Rays still have the top spot in the AL Wild Card race. While the Red Sox were a respectable 15-12 they have gone from 8.5 to 11 games behind the Yankees. The Bosox still have a shot at the AL Wild Card but the Rangers, A's and the Cleveland Indians (more on them in a moment) will give them plenty of competition.
The Toronto Blue Jays (10-17) and Baltimore Orioles (6-22) are not in competition for the AL Wild Card. With Toronto basking in the glow of their first NBA title, Jays fans might be willing to overlook their struggles. O's fans, however, might very well have a team that is even worse than the team which went 47-115 in 2018. The O's end the month of June 30.5 games back of the Yankees in the AL East.
The Minnesota Twins retain a solid 8 game lead over the Cleveland Indians in the AL Central going 15-12 in June. However, a 17-9 effort in June by the Tribe has put the team within half a game of the second AL Wild Card berth. The Chicago White Sox, who at the end of May, were neck in neck with the Tribe have taken a step back with an 11-13 June. But the Chisox are in far better shape than both the Detroit Tigers (5-20) and the Kansas City Royals (10-17).
One division which changed significantly during June is the NL East. The Philadelphia Phillies began the month with a three game lead over the Atlanta Braves. But at month's end that three game lead has turned into a 5.5 game deficit as the Braves went an MLB best 20-8 while the Phillies went 11-16. Not to be overlooked are the Washington Nationals who began June with a 24-33 record, but are now over .500 with an 18-8 mark in June behind a resurgent Max Scherzer and Juan Soto finding his groove at the plate.
Unfortunately, the New York Mets have effectively fallen out of contention with a 10-18 June. On account of a horrible bullpen, the Mets went from 5 to 12 games back in the division. Mickey Callaway's use of the bullpen and an unpleasant incident with a Newsday reporter have put his job security in jeopardy with a year remaining on his contract. The problems of the last place Miami Marlins (owner of the worst record in the NL) pale in comparison.
The NL Central remains MLB's tightest division. At the beginning of June, five games separated first and last. At the end of June, that gap is only 5.5 games. The Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers are tied for first with the St. Louis Cardinals 3 games back at .500. While the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds are sub.500 they are only 5 and 5.5 games back respectively. Either team could be in first place by the All-Star Break. Although the Reds are in last place their team ERA of 3.69 is second in the NL only to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Dodgers remain the class of the NL with a a commanding 12 game lead over the Colorado Rockies with the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks at 13.5 and 14 games off the pace, respectively. The Rockies, Padres and D'Backs are all legitimate NL Wild Card contenders. With the San Francisco Giants 19.5 games back of the Dodgers how long will it be before longtime ace Madison Bumgarner is wearing a new uniform?
We are only a little over a week away from the All-Star Game in Cleveland. Can the Rays and Red Sox close the gap on the Yankees? Will the Red Sox, Tribe or A's dislodge the Rangers from the second AL Wild Card spot? Can the Nationals overtake the Phillies for second place in the NL East? Does anyone want to win the NL Central? Will the Dodgers still have a double digit lead in the NL West? We'll talk in a week.
Sunday, June 30, 2019
Thursday, June 27, 2019
Why Julian Castro's Breakout Performance in 1st Democratic Debate Doesn't Surprise Me
Last night marked the first of the two night Democratic presidential candidates debate and former HUD Secretary Julian Castro made the most of his opportunity with a breakout performance. This does not surprise me. Consider what I wrote when he formally entered the race in January:
Under the circumstances, I see Castro as the dark horse in this race. Given his Latin American heritage he could oppose President Trump's immigration policies in a way no one else can and perhaps steal some thunder from fellow Texan Beto O'Rourke.
As it turned out, this was Castro's plan all along & he went right after O'Rourke for opposing the repeal of Section 1325 of Title VIII regarding unlawful entry into the United States.
A case could also be made that Castro stole some of Elizabeth Warren's thunder as well. While Warren performed well, she met expectations. However, Castro exceeded them and made himself the talk of the debate.
It also didn't hurt that Castro came up with the viral line of the night, "Adios, Trump!!!" which is still trending on Twitter at this hour.
Of course, the question is can Castro sustain this momentum. After all, there is another debate tonight and we could easily be talking about Andrew Yang, Marianne Williamson or Eric Swalwell at this time tomorrow.
I suspect that people will give Castro a longer look. The thing that might work against Castro in the long run is that he has described himself as a "centrist" which is almost as dirty a word to leftists as the name Trump. Indeed, Bernie Sanders' supporters made a concerted effort to prevent Hillary Clinton from naming him as her running mate in 2016 citing his policy of selling mortgages to Wall Street during his tenure as HUD Secretary. I have a feeling that Bernie will be Castro's next target when they inevitably share a debate stage.
The bloodletting and reverie have only just begun.
Under the circumstances, I see Castro as the dark horse in this race. Given his Latin American heritage he could oppose President Trump's immigration policies in a way no one else can and perhaps steal some thunder from fellow Texan Beto O'Rourke.
As it turned out, this was Castro's plan all along & he went right after O'Rourke for opposing the repeal of Section 1325 of Title VIII regarding unlawful entry into the United States.
A case could also be made that Castro stole some of Elizabeth Warren's thunder as well. While Warren performed well, she met expectations. However, Castro exceeded them and made himself the talk of the debate.
It also didn't hurt that Castro came up with the viral line of the night, "Adios, Trump!!!" which is still trending on Twitter at this hour.
Of course, the question is can Castro sustain this momentum. After all, there is another debate tonight and we could easily be talking about Andrew Yang, Marianne Williamson or Eric Swalwell at this time tomorrow.
I suspect that people will give Castro a longer look. The thing that might work against Castro in the long run is that he has described himself as a "centrist" which is almost as dirty a word to leftists as the name Trump. Indeed, Bernie Sanders' supporters made a concerted effort to prevent Hillary Clinton from naming him as her running mate in 2016 citing his policy of selling mortgages to Wall Street during his tenure as HUD Secretary. I have a feeling that Bernie will be Castro's next target when they inevitably share a debate stage.
The bloodletting and reverie have only just begun.
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
AOC's Invocation of The Holocaust Re: Trump Admin's Treatment of Undocumented Migrants Is Unhelpful
There's no question the Trump Administration's treatment of undocumented migrants on the southern border has been cruel resulting in the deaths of six children in the custody of the U.S. Border Patrol.
But Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's likening the situation to the Holocaust simply isn't helpful. AOC took to Instagram last night and stated:
The United States is running concentration camps on our southern border and that is exactly what they are – they are concentration camps – and if that doesn’t bother you.
I want to talk to the people that are concerned enough with humanity to say that we should not — that ‘Never Again’ means something.
I don’t use those words lightly. I don’t use those words to just throw bombs. I use the word because that’s what an administration that creates concentration camps is. A presidency that creates concentration camps is fascist and it’s very difficult to say that.
I don't think it's difficult for her to say that at all. And now that's she said this I find it hard to take AOC's invocation of The Holocaust seriously when she is quick to defend anti-Semites like fellow freshman Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and U.K. Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn who create the kind of conditions where anti-Semitism is allowed to metastasize.
When reached for comment, the U.S. Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. referred to an essay written by Holocaust historian Edna Friedberg:
Careless Holocaust analogies may demonize, demean, and intimidate their targets. But there is a cost for all of us because they distract from the real issues challenging our society, because they shut down productive, thoughtful discourse. At a time when our country needs dialogue more than ever, it is especially dangerous to exploit the memory of the Holocaust as a rhetorical cudgel. We owe the survivors more than that. And we owe ourselves more than that.
Not only do AOC's comments distract from the matter at hand and shut down productive, thoughtful discourse, but they ensure that Trump's cruel border policies remain in place. Therefore AOC is part of the problem, not part of the solution.
But Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's likening the situation to the Holocaust simply isn't helpful. AOC took to Instagram last night and stated:
The United States is running concentration camps on our southern border and that is exactly what they are – they are concentration camps – and if that doesn’t bother you.
I want to talk to the people that are concerned enough with humanity to say that we should not — that ‘Never Again’ means something.
I don’t use those words lightly. I don’t use those words to just throw bombs. I use the word because that’s what an administration that creates concentration camps is. A presidency that creates concentration camps is fascist and it’s very difficult to say that.
I don't think it's difficult for her to say that at all. And now that's she said this I find it hard to take AOC's invocation of The Holocaust seriously when she is quick to defend anti-Semites like fellow freshman Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and U.K. Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn who create the kind of conditions where anti-Semitism is allowed to metastasize.
When reached for comment, the U.S. Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. referred to an essay written by Holocaust historian Edna Friedberg:
Careless Holocaust analogies may demonize, demean, and intimidate their targets. But there is a cost for all of us because they distract from the real issues challenging our society, because they shut down productive, thoughtful discourse. At a time when our country needs dialogue more than ever, it is especially dangerous to exploit the memory of the Holocaust as a rhetorical cudgel. We owe the survivors more than that. And we owe ourselves more than that.
Not only do AOC's comments distract from the matter at hand and shut down productive, thoughtful discourse, but they ensure that Trump's cruel border policies remain in place. Therefore AOC is part of the problem, not part of the solution.
Monday, June 17, 2019
Did Any Pro-Trumper Actually Read The Teen Vogue Article on Decriminalizing Sex Work?
In late April, Teen Vogue published an article by Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng who argued in favor of the decriminalization of sex work.
For some reason, it took a month and half for any pro-Trump conservative to find out this article existed. But boy are they mad now.
Mark Dice: "Why is a teen magazine promoting prostitution to their 13-year-old readers?"
Lila Rose: "Thousands of little girls are sexually exploited and trafficked every day by manipulative rapists & pimps and@teenvogue is telling them it’s like getting a job at a smoothie shop.
Teen Vogue is a sex trafficker’s best friend."
Lisa Boothe: "I can’t believe they would print this filth in a teenage magazine. I am terrified to have kids one day."
Mindy Robinson: "STOP SEXUALIZING OUR CHILDREN!!! Why is “Teen” Vogue even allowed to push pedophilia (sic) grooming bullsh*t like this?"
Carmine Sabia: "Teen Vogue telling teens that prostitution and pornography are fine career choices."
It is readily apparent by these quotes above that none of them actually looked beyond the headline and read the article. Well, for their edification, here is an excerpt:
So, what exactly is sex work? Not all sex workers engage in penetrative sex, though, undeniably, that is a big part of sex work. Sex-worker services between consenting adults may include companionship, intimacy, nonsexual role playing, dancing, escorting, and stripping. These roles are often pre-determined, and all parties should be comfortable with them. Many workers take on multiple roles with their clients, and some may get more physical while other interactions that may have started off as sexual could evolve into emotional and psychological bonding.
The clients who seek sex workers vary, and they’re not just men. The idea of purchasing intimacy and paying for the services can be affirming for many people who need human connection, friendship, and emotional support. Some people may have fantasies and kink preferences that they are able to fulfill with the services of a sex worker.
I find it interesting that as a medical doctor, I exchange payment in the form of money with people to provide them with advice and treatment for sex-related problems; therapy for sexual performance, counseling and therapy for relationship problems, and treatment of sexually transmitted infection. Isn't this basically sex work? I do not believe it is right or just that people who exchange sexual services for money are criminalized and I am not for what I do. Is a medical degree really the right measure of who is deserving of dignity, autonomy, safety in the work place, fair trade and freedom of employment? No. This should not be so. Those who engage in sex work deserve those things, too.
Now one might disagree with Dr. Mofokeng's point of view on whether sex work should be decriminalized, but the notion she is promoting sex trafficking, pedophilia or that anyone should be afraid to have children is just plain dishonest. If these pro-Trump conservatives honestly think that teenagers reading this article will suddenly become escorts clearly don't have a high opinion of young people in the first place. If they afraid of setting a bad example for children they ought to take a look at the behavior of the President they so worship and adore.
For some reason, it took a month and half for any pro-Trump conservative to find out this article existed. But boy are they mad now.
Mark Dice: "Why is a teen magazine promoting prostitution to their 13-year-old readers?"
Lila Rose: "Thousands of little girls are sexually exploited and trafficked every day by manipulative rapists & pimps and
Lisa Boothe: "I can’t believe they would print this filth in a teenage magazine. I am terrified to have kids one day."
Mindy Robinson: "STOP SEXUALIZING OUR CHILDREN!!! Why is “Teen” Vogue even allowed to push pedophilia (sic) grooming bullsh*t like this?"
Carmine Sabia: "Teen Vogue telling teens that prostitution and pornography are fine career choices."
It is readily apparent by these quotes above that none of them actually looked beyond the headline and read the article. Well, for their edification, here is an excerpt:
So, what exactly is sex work? Not all sex workers engage in penetrative sex, though, undeniably, that is a big part of sex work. Sex-worker services between consenting adults may include companionship, intimacy, nonsexual role playing, dancing, escorting, and stripping. These roles are often pre-determined, and all parties should be comfortable with them. Many workers take on multiple roles with their clients, and some may get more physical while other interactions that may have started off as sexual could evolve into emotional and psychological bonding.
The clients who seek sex workers vary, and they’re not just men. The idea of purchasing intimacy and paying for the services can be affirming for many people who need human connection, friendship, and emotional support. Some people may have fantasies and kink preferences that they are able to fulfill with the services of a sex worker.
I find it interesting that as a medical doctor, I exchange payment in the form of money with people to provide them with advice and treatment for sex-related problems; therapy for sexual performance, counseling and therapy for relationship problems, and treatment of sexually transmitted infection. Isn't this basically sex work? I do not believe it is right or just that people who exchange sexual services for money are criminalized and I am not for what I do. Is a medical degree really the right measure of who is deserving of dignity, autonomy, safety in the work place, fair trade and freedom of employment? No. This should not be so. Those who engage in sex work deserve those things, too.
Now one might disagree with Dr. Mofokeng's point of view on whether sex work should be decriminalized, but the notion she is promoting sex trafficking, pedophilia or that anyone should be afraid to have children is just plain dishonest. If these pro-Trump conservatives honestly think that teenagers reading this article will suddenly become escorts clearly don't have a high opinion of young people in the first place. If they afraid of setting a bad example for children they ought to take a look at the behavior of the President they so worship and adore.
Saturday, June 15, 2019
Yankees Acquire Encarnacion From Mariners
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the New York Yankees have acquired 1B-DH Edwin Encarnacion from the Seattle Mariners. The Yankees will send minor league pitching prospect Juan Then to Seattle. Encarnacion will arrive in the Bronx leading the AL with 21 home runs. Six days ago, Encarnacion belted his 400th career dinger.
Last December, Encarnacion was acquired by the Mariners in a trade with the Cleveland Indians for Carlos Santana. At the time of that trade, I wrote, "Do the Mariners plan on keeping Encarnacion or will they flip him for prospects the night before Christmas? At this point, the Mariners are sending mixed messages about 2019. In this sense, it is fitting that Mariners GM Jerry DiPoto pulled this deal off in a hospital bed."
The Mariners began this season 13-2, but are 17-41 since. Seattle decided to become sellers on June 2nd when they sent Jay Bruce to the Phillies. On that day I wrote, "With Bruce gone today how long will it be before Encarnacion finds himself toiling for another team?" It would take less than a fortnight and that has nothing to do with a video game.
Although the Yankees are only a 1/2 game out of first place in the AL East, the Bronx Bombers have lost 8 of their last 11 games. The Yankees' acquisition of Encarnacion comes only 48 hours after Kendrys Morales went on the IL due to a left calf strain. With Luke Voit ensconced at first base, the 36-year old Dominican native will primarily DH and will give the Yankees a lot more production than Morales who was hitting .177 with a home run and five RBI in 19 games following his acquisition from the Oakland A's on May 14th. With Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton just beginning their rehab, the Encarnacion trade is a timely one.
Encarnacion's contract runs through 2020, but the Yankees could opt to buy him out at the end of this season. The Yankees will be Encarnacion's fifth big league stop. In addition to the Mariners and Indians, Encarnacion spent the bulk of his career with the Cincinnati Reds and the Toronto Blue Jays.
Last December, Encarnacion was acquired by the Mariners in a trade with the Cleveland Indians for Carlos Santana. At the time of that trade, I wrote, "Do the Mariners plan on keeping Encarnacion or will they flip him for prospects the night before Christmas? At this point, the Mariners are sending mixed messages about 2019. In this sense, it is fitting that Mariners GM Jerry DiPoto pulled this deal off in a hospital bed."
The Mariners began this season 13-2, but are 17-41 since. Seattle decided to become sellers on June 2nd when they sent Jay Bruce to the Phillies. On that day I wrote, "With Bruce gone today how long will it be before Encarnacion finds himself toiling for another team?" It would take less than a fortnight and that has nothing to do with a video game.
Although the Yankees are only a 1/2 game out of first place in the AL East, the Bronx Bombers have lost 8 of their last 11 games. The Yankees' acquisition of Encarnacion comes only 48 hours after Kendrys Morales went on the IL due to a left calf strain. With Luke Voit ensconced at first base, the 36-year old Dominican native will primarily DH and will give the Yankees a lot more production than Morales who was hitting .177 with a home run and five RBI in 19 games following his acquisition from the Oakland A's on May 14th. With Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton just beginning their rehab, the Encarnacion trade is a timely one.
Encarnacion's contract runs through 2020, but the Yankees could opt to buy him out at the end of this season. The Yankees will be Encarnacion's fifth big league stop. In addition to the Mariners and Indians, Encarnacion spent the bulk of his career with the Cincinnati Reds and the Toronto Blue Jays.
Thursday, June 13, 2019
Toronto Raptors Win NBA Finals; 1st Canadian Team To Win a Championship Since 1993
The NBA Championship goes north of the border for the very first time. The Toronto Raptors defeated the Golden State Warriors 114-110 in Game 6 of the NBA Final. Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard earned the NBA Finals MVP. It's the second he won that honor having earned it with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014. Leonard was acquired from the Spurs last off-season.
It marks the first time a Canadian team has won a championship in the four major sports since the Toronto Blue Jays won the World Series in 1993. Earlier that year, the Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup and no Canadian team has won since. Needless to say, I am excluding the CFL from this equation.
The Raptors joined the NBA in 1995 along with the Vancouver Grizzlies (who moved to Memphis in 2000). The team has reached the post-season for six straight years and prior to this year were unable to get past LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers for three straight seasons. This would cost head coach Dwane Casey his job and was succeeded by assistant coach Nick Nurse. But this year LeBron went to the Lakers and he couldn't make them float. Meanwhile, Nurse helped the Raptors overcome adversity coming from behind in playoff series with the Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers and the Milwaukee Bucks and then had the daunting task of facing the Warriors, winner of three of the last four NBA Finals. Injuries to Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson hobbled the Warriors, but they never gave an inch until the final second.
The Raptors' triumph will be celebrated not only in Toronto, but all over Canada. As NBA Commissioner Adam Silver noted basketball was invented by a Canadian (Dr. James Naismith) and the very first NBA game took place in Canada. It has now come full circle. Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry and Marc Gasol will be as beloved in Thunder Bay, Truro and Trail, B.C. as they are in Toronto. The eyes of the NBA and all of basketball are now on Canada.
It marks the first time a Canadian team has won a championship in the four major sports since the Toronto Blue Jays won the World Series in 1993. Earlier that year, the Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup and no Canadian team has won since. Needless to say, I am excluding the CFL from this equation.
The Raptors joined the NBA in 1995 along with the Vancouver Grizzlies (who moved to Memphis in 2000). The team has reached the post-season for six straight years and prior to this year were unable to get past LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers for three straight seasons. This would cost head coach Dwane Casey his job and was succeeded by assistant coach Nick Nurse. But this year LeBron went to the Lakers and he couldn't make them float. Meanwhile, Nurse helped the Raptors overcome adversity coming from behind in playoff series with the Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers and the Milwaukee Bucks and then had the daunting task of facing the Warriors, winner of three of the last four NBA Finals. Injuries to Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson hobbled the Warriors, but they never gave an inch until the final second.
The Raptors' triumph will be celebrated not only in Toronto, but all over Canada. As NBA Commissioner Adam Silver noted basketball was invented by a Canadian (Dr. James Naismith) and the very first NBA game took place in Canada. It has now come full circle. Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry and Marc Gasol will be as beloved in Thunder Bay, Truro and Trail, B.C. as they are in Toronto. The eyes of the NBA and all of basketball are now on Canada.
Is Sarah Sanders Actually Leaving The White House This Time?
President Trump announced on Twitter that Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders will be leaving her position at the end of the month.
Trump tweeted, "After 3 1/2 years, our wonderful Sarah Huckabee Sanders will be leaving the White House at the end of the month and going home to the Great State of Arkansas."
Well, Trump has been President for less than 2 1/2 years. It just feels like five. To be charitable, Sanders began her association with Trump's presidential campaign in 2016. So he might be including the time before he was elected President.
Usually when Trump makes personnel announcements on Twitter they proceed on or ahead of schedule. But still this is Trump we're talking about. That and Sanders was supposed to depart the White House at the end of 2018. Indeed, that announcement was made a year ago today. So you'll forgive me if I'm a wee bit suspicious.
Then again, it's been more than three months since Sanders has actually held a press briefing (March 11th to be exact). So a case could be made that she checked out long ago.
I suspect Sanders stuck around as long as she has is because she is a very good liar, certainly better than her predecessor Sean Spicer. She was certainly willing to lie where it concerned Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey as she admitted when questioned by Robert Mueller's investigators. It's not everyone who with a straight face can say, "I can definitively say the president is not a liar, and I think it's frankly insulting that question would be asked," never mind claim God wanted Trump to become President.
But Sanders is hardly the only person willing to lie for Donald Trump. With Trump up for re-election and the Democratic debates set to begin later this month, there is every reason to believe that Sanders' successor will be an even bigger liar than her. That is a frightening thought.
Trump tweeted, "After 3 1/2 years, our wonderful Sarah Huckabee Sanders will be leaving the White House at the end of the month and going home to the Great State of Arkansas."
Well, Trump has been President for less than 2 1/2 years. It just feels like five. To be charitable, Sanders began her association with Trump's presidential campaign in 2016. So he might be including the time before he was elected President.
Usually when Trump makes personnel announcements on Twitter they proceed on or ahead of schedule. But still this is Trump we're talking about. That and Sanders was supposed to depart the White House at the end of 2018. Indeed, that announcement was made a year ago today. So you'll forgive me if I'm a wee bit suspicious.
Then again, it's been more than three months since Sanders has actually held a press briefing (March 11th to be exact). So a case could be made that she checked out long ago.
I suspect Sanders stuck around as long as she has is because she is a very good liar, certainly better than her predecessor Sean Spicer. She was certainly willing to lie where it concerned Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey as she admitted when questioned by Robert Mueller's investigators. It's not everyone who with a straight face can say, "I can definitively say the president is not a liar, and I think it's frankly insulting that question would be asked," never mind claim God wanted Trump to become President.
But Sanders is hardly the only person willing to lie for Donald Trump. With Trump up for re-election and the Democratic debates set to begin later this month, there is every reason to believe that Sanders' successor will be an even bigger liar than her. That is a frightening thought.
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
St. Louis Blues Win 1st Stanley Cup; No Parade in Boston
There won't be a parade in Boston.
After throwing parades for the Red Sox' 4th World Series title since 2004 and the New England Patriots' 6th Super Bowl title since 202, the Bruins would not earn their second parade since 2011 falling 4-1 to the St. Louis Blues in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup in front of their hometown fans at the TD Boston Garden.
It is the Blues' first Stanley Cup title in franchise history. What is so remarkable about this championship is this team was in last place in the Central Division of the Western Conference on January 3rd. There were two turning points in the Blues' path to the Stanley Cup. The first was firing head coach Mike Yeo and replacing him with Craig Berube on an interim basis. The second was Berube's decision to call up Jordan Binnington from the Blues' AHL affiliate in San Antonio and insert him as the starting goalie. The Blues got hot in late January embarking upon an 11-game winning streak while going 12-2 in February. They went 24-5-1 with Binnington in the net.
The Blues overcame the Winnipeg Jets, Dallas Stars and San Jose Sharks in the playoffs before meeting up with the Bruins.
An expansion era team, the Blues reached the Stanley Cup Final in their first three years of existence but were swept twice by the Montreal Canadiens and once by the Bruins as Bobby Orr flew through the air. From the 1980's through the early 2000's, the Blues were a perennial playoff contender but always a bridesmaid. After not making the post-season in five of six years during the 2000's, the Blues reached the post-season for six straight years this decade before missing out last year and seemed destined to miss yet again. Now the Blues are full of joy and so are the people of St. Louis as a city other than Boston gets to enjoy a parade for a change.
After throwing parades for the Red Sox' 4th World Series title since 2004 and the New England Patriots' 6th Super Bowl title since 202, the Bruins would not earn their second parade since 2011 falling 4-1 to the St. Louis Blues in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup in front of their hometown fans at the TD Boston Garden.
It is the Blues' first Stanley Cup title in franchise history. What is so remarkable about this championship is this team was in last place in the Central Division of the Western Conference on January 3rd. There were two turning points in the Blues' path to the Stanley Cup. The first was firing head coach Mike Yeo and replacing him with Craig Berube on an interim basis. The second was Berube's decision to call up Jordan Binnington from the Blues' AHL affiliate in San Antonio and insert him as the starting goalie. The Blues got hot in late January embarking upon an 11-game winning streak while going 12-2 in February. They went 24-5-1 with Binnington in the net.
The Blues overcame the Winnipeg Jets, Dallas Stars and San Jose Sharks in the playoffs before meeting up with the Bruins.
An expansion era team, the Blues reached the Stanley Cup Final in their first three years of existence but were swept twice by the Montreal Canadiens and once by the Bruins as Bobby Orr flew through the air. From the 1980's through the early 2000's, the Blues were a perennial playoff contender but always a bridesmaid. After not making the post-season in five of six years during the 2000's, the Blues reached the post-season for six straight years this decade before missing out last year and seemed destined to miss yet again. Now the Blues are full of joy and so are the people of St. Louis as a city other than Boston gets to enjoy a parade for a change.
Monday, June 10, 2019
Thoughts on The Helicopter Crash on 7th Avenue
Earlier this afternoon, a helicopter crashed atop of 787 7th Avenue off West 51st Street and then caught fire. Thus far it has claimed the life of the pilot. The building and several around it have been evacuated and the area has been closed off to traffic. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo rushed to the scene, but terrorism was quickly ruled out.
It has been raining today and may have been a factor in the accident. We shall see what the FAA has to say in the coming months.
I'm sure those who witnessed what happened could not help but think of 9/11. I thought of that, but I also thought of the October 2006 plane crash which claimed the life of New York Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle and his flight instructor when the single engine craft they were crashed into a residential building on East 72nd Street between York Avenue and the FDR.
It's a freaky thing, but it is the sort of thing that is not entirely unexpected in a city like New York. The thing about freak things is that one can never be prepared for them. In New York City, one has to be aware of one's surroundings. But if you look up too long, you might not see what's coming in front of you.
Then again, if I walk by 7th and West 51st tomorrow it will be like nothing ever happened.
With that being said, I hope no one else was injured in the accident.
It has been raining today and may have been a factor in the accident. We shall see what the FAA has to say in the coming months.
I'm sure those who witnessed what happened could not help but think of 9/11. I thought of that, but I also thought of the October 2006 plane crash which claimed the life of New York Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle and his flight instructor when the single engine craft they were crashed into a residential building on East 72nd Street between York Avenue and the FDR.
It's a freaky thing, but it is the sort of thing that is not entirely unexpected in a city like New York. The thing about freak things is that one can never be prepared for them. In New York City, one has to be aware of one's surroundings. But if you look up too long, you might not see what's coming in front of you.
Then again, if I walk by 7th and West 51st tomorrow it will be like nothing ever happened.
With that being said, I hope no one else was injured in the accident.
Sunday, June 9, 2019
A Thought for Big Papi
As a longtime Boston Red Sox fan who saw many of David Ortiz's exploits in person, my heart leapt into my throat when I learned he had been shot in his native Dominican Republic this evening.
Initial reports indicated Big Papi had been shot in the leg during a robbery. However, video footage from an amusement center showed Ortiz being shot in the back. This was no robbery.
As of this writing, doctors have indicated that Ortiz is out of danger while local authorities also indicated that he is in stable condition.
Ortiz, 43, played 20 seasons in MLB first with the Minnesota Twins before joining the Red Sox in 2003. Big Papi earned 10 AL All-Star Team selections, seven Silver Slugger Awards, drove in 100 or more runs 10 times leading the AL in RBI twice, led the AL in walks twice, led the AL in HR with a Red Sox club record 54 dingers in 2006 and, of course, led the Red Sox to three World Series titles in 2004, 2007 and 2013. The 2013 season is also remembered for the Boston Marathon Bombing and how Big Papi used the F-word to rally the city.
Ortiz retired following the 2016 season with a .286 lifetime batting average, 541 HR and 1768 RBI and is eligible for election to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2022. More than any other player in Red Sox history, he was responsible from turning the franchise from that was cursed to won that has won more championships than any other teams this century. In a city that has seen many beloved sports figures from Bill Russell to Bobby Orr to Tom Brady, David Ortiz is the most beloved of them all.
Needless to say, Ortiz's shooting cast a pall on the joy of Boston Bruins fans after the Bruins forced a seventh game of the Stanley Cup against the St. Louis Blues. Fans watching Game 7 at the Garden will be rooting for the Bruins to win a championship, but they will be rooting for David Ortiz to live even more.
Initial reports indicated Big Papi had been shot in the leg during a robbery. However, video footage from an amusement center showed Ortiz being shot in the back. This was no robbery.
As of this writing, doctors have indicated that Ortiz is out of danger while local authorities also indicated that he is in stable condition.
Ortiz, 43, played 20 seasons in MLB first with the Minnesota Twins before joining the Red Sox in 2003. Big Papi earned 10 AL All-Star Team selections, seven Silver Slugger Awards, drove in 100 or more runs 10 times leading the AL in RBI twice, led the AL in walks twice, led the AL in HR with a Red Sox club record 54 dingers in 2006 and, of course, led the Red Sox to three World Series titles in 2004, 2007 and 2013. The 2013 season is also remembered for the Boston Marathon Bombing and how Big Papi used the F-word to rally the city.
Ortiz retired following the 2016 season with a .286 lifetime batting average, 541 HR and 1768 RBI and is eligible for election to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2022. More than any other player in Red Sox history, he was responsible from turning the franchise from that was cursed to won that has won more championships than any other teams this century. In a city that has seen many beloved sports figures from Bill Russell to Bobby Orr to Tom Brady, David Ortiz is the most beloved of them all.
Needless to say, Ortiz's shooting cast a pall on the joy of Boston Bruins fans after the Bruins forced a seventh game of the Stanley Cup against the St. Louis Blues. Fans watching Game 7 at the Garden will be rooting for the Bruins to win a championship, but they will be rooting for David Ortiz to live even more.
Saturday, June 8, 2019
Joey Alexander: An Old Soul in a Young Body
The vast majority of musicians I see in concert are in the autumn of their years. In recent months, I have seen my share of septuagenarians (The Monkees, Spinal Tap), octogenerians (Gordon Lightfoot) and nonagenarians (Tony Bennett).
This evening was a significant change of pace as my Dad and I went ventured down to the Blue Note Jazz Club in The Village to see 15-year old Joey Alexander play piano. The Indonesian born Alexander taught himself to play piano at the age of six and eventually came to the attention of Wynton Marsalis who invited him to play at Lincoln Center in 2014 and has been based in New York ever since. Like many people, I first became aware of Alexander during a 60 Minutes profile of him back in 2016.
Dad has sung his praises from quite some time. He tells people unfamiliar with Alexander that he has an old soul in a young body who has an innate collection with the likes of Dave Brubeck, Glenn Gould and Oscar Peterson. My father is hardly alone in his assessment as I overheard a gentleman at the table behind me say almost exactly the same thing.
Alexander, who turns 16 later this month, has already recorded four albums and has been thrice nominated for a Grammy Award. Despite these achievements, he retains a grace, a warmth and a humility which endears him to his audiences. Most of his selections this evening were his own compositions from his 2018 Eclipse. He was joined by Larry Grenadier on bass and Kendrick Scott on drums. Grenadier is a solid side man while Scott's playing occasionally drowned out Alexander's piano as if he were in competition with him rather than in collaboration. Scott, however, did make innovative use of the cymbals later in the evening. The trio was also joined for two songs by flautist Anne Drummond. While I enjoyed her presence as the flute is an underutilized instrument in jazz, Dad said the others in the audience were tuning her out.
Nevertheless, Dad was impressed with the proceedings and went as far as to say that musical history had been made. I don't know if I would go that far, but Alexander plays the piano and with an extraordinary intensity. His candle burns brightly and yet hasn't reached its full glow.
This evening was a significant change of pace as my Dad and I went ventured down to the Blue Note Jazz Club in The Village to see 15-year old Joey Alexander play piano. The Indonesian born Alexander taught himself to play piano at the age of six and eventually came to the attention of Wynton Marsalis who invited him to play at Lincoln Center in 2014 and has been based in New York ever since. Like many people, I first became aware of Alexander during a 60 Minutes profile of him back in 2016.
Dad has sung his praises from quite some time. He tells people unfamiliar with Alexander that he has an old soul in a young body who has an innate collection with the likes of Dave Brubeck, Glenn Gould and Oscar Peterson. My father is hardly alone in his assessment as I overheard a gentleman at the table behind me say almost exactly the same thing.
Alexander, who turns 16 later this month, has already recorded four albums and has been thrice nominated for a Grammy Award. Despite these achievements, he retains a grace, a warmth and a humility which endears him to his audiences. Most of his selections this evening were his own compositions from his 2018 Eclipse. He was joined by Larry Grenadier on bass and Kendrick Scott on drums. Grenadier is a solid side man while Scott's playing occasionally drowned out Alexander's piano as if he were in competition with him rather than in collaboration. Scott, however, did make innovative use of the cymbals later in the evening. The trio was also joined for two songs by flautist Anne Drummond. While I enjoyed her presence as the flute is an underutilized instrument in jazz, Dad said the others in the audience were tuning her out.
Nevertheless, Dad was impressed with the proceedings and went as far as to say that musical history had been made. I don't know if I would go that far, but Alexander plays the piano and with an extraordinary intensity. His candle burns brightly and yet hasn't reached its full glow.
Thursday, June 6, 2019
Keuchel Picks Braves Over Yankees
Dallas Keuchel is a free agent no more and gets to keep his beard. The 2015 AL Cy Young Award has chosen the Atlanta Braves over the New York Yankees signing a 1-year, $13 million contract with the defending NL East champions. Keuchel, 31, had spent his entire professional career with the Houston Astros and had rejected a qualifying offer of $17.9 million from the team in the off-season. His signing comes only 24 hours after reliever Craig Kimbrel signed a multi-year deal. Unlike Kimbrel, Keuchel will be a free agent yet again after the 2019 season and could end up repeating this process yet again in 2020.
For the moment, the veteran southpaw joins a Braves team which is currently two games back of the Philadelphia Phillies. The Braves have had strong seasons from rookie Mike Soroka and Max Fried with Julio Teheran eating innings in the middle of the rotation. However, both veterans Kevin Gausman and Mike Foltynewicz have struggled as both starters have ERAs over 6.00. Once Keuchel joins the team, either Gausman or Foltynewicz will join the bullpen. However, there is no word as when Keuchel will make his Braves debut. But when he does it might very well make the NL East the most exciting pennant race in MLB.
For the moment, the veteran southpaw joins a Braves team which is currently two games back of the Philadelphia Phillies. The Braves have had strong seasons from rookie Mike Soroka and Max Fried with Julio Teheran eating innings in the middle of the rotation. However, both veterans Kevin Gausman and Mike Foltynewicz have struggled as both starters have ERAs over 6.00. Once Keuchel joins the team, either Gausman or Foltynewicz will join the bullpen. However, there is no word as when Keuchel will make his Braves debut. But when he does it might very well make the NL East the most exciting pennant race in MLB.
D.C. Dyke March Organizers Ban Star of David Because It "Creates An Unsafe Space"
For all the absurdities of the Trump Administration, there are reasons why I cannot bring myself align myself with the political Left. Here is but the latest via The Forward:
A gay pride parade in Washington, D.C. has been criticized by Jewish and LGBTQ groups for banning Jewish and Israeli symbols from its Friday event.
The D.C. Dyke March is designed to include people of diverse races, religions and gender identities who feel excluded from the more mainstream Pride parade, organizers told The Washington Post.
The march will also ban “nationalist symbols,” including flags that represent what event organizer Yael Horowitz called “nations that have specific oppressive tendencies.”
“This includes Israeli flags, as well as flags that resemble Israeli flags, such as a pride flag with a Star of David in the middle,” march organizer Rae Gaines — who is herself Jewish and a member of the left-wing Jewish group IfNotNow — wrote via Facebook Messenger to would-be participant A.J. Campbell, the founder of the lesbian Jewish group Nice Jewish Girls.
American flags aren’t welcome either, but a Palestinian flag would be accepted, Gaines told the Forward.
“The issue [with the Jewish Pride flag] is where the Star of David is positioned in a way that looks like an Israeli flag, it creates an unsafe space,” she said. “It really is a shame that Israel took this symbol of Judaism and turned it into this nationalist symbol….I understand the Jewish pride flag is a symbol that a lot of Jews have come to embrace, but there are so many other Jewish symbols that we can use to express our Judaism, like a Star of David [on a necklace], like a yarmulke, a tallit.”
Let's see if I have this straight. A Star of David creates an unsafe space, but a Palestinian flag is welcome. Last I checked, identifying oneself as a member of the LGBTQ community is punishable by death in the Palestinian Authority. Lots of luck in organizing the Pride Parade in Ramallah.
This isn't the first time anti-Semitism has reared its ugly head in a Dyke March. Several Jews carrying rainbow flags with the Star of David were kicked out of Chicago's Dyke March in 2017 because, you guessed it, it “made people feel unsafe.”
Until the LGBTQ community gets over anti-Semitism I don't want to hear any lectures about the proposed Straight Pride Parade in Boston, silly as it may be. This is the far greater affront.
A gay pride parade in Washington, D.C. has been criticized by Jewish and LGBTQ groups for banning Jewish and Israeli symbols from its Friday event.
The D.C. Dyke March is designed to include people of diverse races, religions and gender identities who feel excluded from the more mainstream Pride parade, organizers told The Washington Post.
The march will also ban “nationalist symbols,” including flags that represent what event organizer Yael Horowitz called “nations that have specific oppressive tendencies.”
“This includes Israeli flags, as well as flags that resemble Israeli flags, such as a pride flag with a Star of David in the middle,” march organizer Rae Gaines — who is herself Jewish and a member of the left-wing Jewish group IfNotNow — wrote via Facebook Messenger to would-be participant A.J. Campbell, the founder of the lesbian Jewish group Nice Jewish Girls.
American flags aren’t welcome either, but a Palestinian flag would be accepted, Gaines told the Forward.
“The issue [with the Jewish Pride flag] is where the Star of David is positioned in a way that looks like an Israeli flag, it creates an unsafe space,” she said. “It really is a shame that Israel took this symbol of Judaism and turned it into this nationalist symbol….I understand the Jewish pride flag is a symbol that a lot of Jews have come to embrace, but there are so many other Jewish symbols that we can use to express our Judaism, like a Star of David [on a necklace], like a yarmulke, a tallit.”
Let's see if I have this straight. A Star of David creates an unsafe space, but a Palestinian flag is welcome. Last I checked, identifying oneself as a member of the LGBTQ community is punishable by death in the Palestinian Authority. Lots of luck in organizing the Pride Parade in Ramallah.
This isn't the first time anti-Semitism has reared its ugly head in a Dyke March. Several Jews carrying rainbow flags with the Star of David were kicked out of Chicago's Dyke March in 2017 because, you guessed it, it “made people feel unsafe.”
Until the LGBTQ community gets over anti-Semitism I don't want to hear any lectures about the proposed Straight Pride Parade in Boston, silly as it may be. This is the far greater affront.
Our Political Figures Trivialize D-Day
Today, of course, marks the 75th anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy in a battle which became popularly known as D-Day. Although the month long campaign resulted in the deaths of thousands of American, British and Canadian soldiers along with French civilians, it ultimately was the key turning point on the European front of WWII resulting in the defeat of Nazi Germany.
Naturally, when June 6th comes along politicians and public officials pay tribute to those who lost their lives, pay homage to those who survived and show gratitude for the freedom we have because of their bravery and sacrifice. This was perhaps best exemplified by President Reagan when he spoke on the 40th anniversary of D-Day in 1985 in what became known as "the boys of Pointe du Hoc" speech:
Forty summers have passed since the battle that you fought here. You were young the day you took these cliffs; some of you were hardly more than boys, with the deepest joys of life before you. Yet, you risked everything here. Why? Why did you do it? What impelled you to put aside the instinct for self-preservation and risk your lives to take these cliffs? What inspired all the men of the armies that met here? We look at you, and somehow we know the answer. It was faith and belief; it was loyalty and love.
The men of Normandy had faith that what they were doing was right, faith that they fought for all humanity, faith that a just God would grant them mercy on this beachhead or on the next. It was the deep knowledge -- and pray God we have not lost it -- that there is a profound, moral difference between the use of force for liberation and the use of force for conquest. You were here to liberate, not to conquer, and so you and those others did not doubt your cause. And you were right not to doubt.
You all knew that some things are worth dying for. One's country is worth dying for, and democracy is worth dying for, because it's the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man. All of you loved liberty. All of you were willing to fight tyranny, and you knew the people of your countries were behind you.
Most who survived D-Day have left this mortal coil. With the passage of time comes not only the loss of those who experienced D-Day first hand, but comes those who mark this occasion by seeking their own glory or that of false idols.
Yesterday, RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said Americans should commemorate D-Day by celebrating President Trump. “We are celebrating the anniversary, 75 years of D-Day,” McDaniel said. “This is the time where we should be celebrating our president, the great achievements of America, and I don’t think the American people like the constant negativity.”
Of course, the Left is no better. Democratic presidential aspirant Beto O'Rourke recently likened climate change activists to those who stormed the beaches of Normandy. As I wrote at the time, "When climate change activists go to work they never have to wonder if they will live to see another day." Scarcely 48 hours ago, fellow Democratic presidential hopeful Elizabeth Warren declared climate change was a bigger challenge than WWII. Greenhouse gasses should never be confused with the gasses deployed at Auschwitz.
As the years pass, I'm afraid the trivialization of D-Day is only going to get worse. While those who survived D-Day won't be around to hear this nonsense, I shudder to think how the legacy of D-Day will be misrepresented on its 100th anniversary in 2044.
Naturally, when June 6th comes along politicians and public officials pay tribute to those who lost their lives, pay homage to those who survived and show gratitude for the freedom we have because of their bravery and sacrifice. This was perhaps best exemplified by President Reagan when he spoke on the 40th anniversary of D-Day in 1985 in what became known as "the boys of Pointe du Hoc" speech:
Forty summers have passed since the battle that you fought here. You were young the day you took these cliffs; some of you were hardly more than boys, with the deepest joys of life before you. Yet, you risked everything here. Why? Why did you do it? What impelled you to put aside the instinct for self-preservation and risk your lives to take these cliffs? What inspired all the men of the armies that met here? We look at you, and somehow we know the answer. It was faith and belief; it was loyalty and love.
The men of Normandy had faith that what they were doing was right, faith that they fought for all humanity, faith that a just God would grant them mercy on this beachhead or on the next. It was the deep knowledge -- and pray God we have not lost it -- that there is a profound, moral difference between the use of force for liberation and the use of force for conquest. You were here to liberate, not to conquer, and so you and those others did not doubt your cause. And you were right not to doubt.
You all knew that some things are worth dying for. One's country is worth dying for, and democracy is worth dying for, because it's the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man. All of you loved liberty. All of you were willing to fight tyranny, and you knew the people of your countries were behind you.
Most who survived D-Day have left this mortal coil. With the passage of time comes not only the loss of those who experienced D-Day first hand, but comes those who mark this occasion by seeking their own glory or that of false idols.
Yesterday, RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said Americans should commemorate D-Day by celebrating President Trump. “We are celebrating the anniversary, 75 years of D-Day,” McDaniel said. “This is the time where we should be celebrating our president, the great achievements of America, and I don’t think the American people like the constant negativity.”
Of course, the Left is no better. Democratic presidential aspirant Beto O'Rourke recently likened climate change activists to those who stormed the beaches of Normandy. As I wrote at the time, "When climate change activists go to work they never have to wonder if they will live to see another day." Scarcely 48 hours ago, fellow Democratic presidential hopeful Elizabeth Warren declared climate change was a bigger challenge than WWII. Greenhouse gasses should never be confused with the gasses deployed at Auschwitz.
As the years pass, I'm afraid the trivialization of D-Day is only going to get worse. While those who survived D-Day won't be around to hear this nonsense, I shudder to think how the legacy of D-Day will be misrepresented on its 100th anniversary in 2044.
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
Kimbrel Signs 3-Year, $43 Million Deal with Cubs
Craig Kimbrel will pitch in 2019 after all. He has signed a three year, $43 million deal with the Chicago Cubs.
The agreement comes following the conclusion of the 2019 MLB Draft. Had Kimbrel signed with a team before today they would lose a draft pick to the Boston Red Sox as compensation. With that hurdle cleared, Kimbrel made the deal with the Cubs.
Kimbrel, who turned 31 last month, enters the 2019 season with 333 saves recorded over nine seasons with the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres and the Boston Red Sox. He is a 7-time All-Star who earned his first World Series last year with the Red Sox despite struggles during the post-season while enduring mocking from Mary Hart. Kimbrel declined a $17.9 million qualifying offer from the Red Sox on November 12, 2018. No one thought it would take more than six months for Kimbrel to sign with a new team.
Kimbrel finds himself in a good situation at Wrigley Field. The Cubs currently have a three game lead on the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central. However, the Cubs have lacked a lockdown closer. Steve Cishek currently leads the club with six saves (most recently tonight as the Cubs prevailed over the Colorado Rockies 9-8) while Pedro Strop has five. It isn't clear when Kimbrel will formally join the club as he must pass a physical.
But with Kimbrel now off the market, the question remains as to what uniform free agent starter Dallas Keuchel will wear. Keuchel, who has pitched his entire professional career with the Houston Astros, is reportedly weighing offers from both the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves.
The agreement comes following the conclusion of the 2019 MLB Draft. Had Kimbrel signed with a team before today they would lose a draft pick to the Boston Red Sox as compensation. With that hurdle cleared, Kimbrel made the deal with the Cubs.
Kimbrel, who turned 31 last month, enters the 2019 season with 333 saves recorded over nine seasons with the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres and the Boston Red Sox. He is a 7-time All-Star who earned his first World Series last year with the Red Sox despite struggles during the post-season while enduring mocking from Mary Hart. Kimbrel declined a $17.9 million qualifying offer from the Red Sox on November 12, 2018. No one thought it would take more than six months for Kimbrel to sign with a new team.
Kimbrel finds himself in a good situation at Wrigley Field. The Cubs currently have a three game lead on the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central. However, the Cubs have lacked a lockdown closer. Steve Cishek currently leads the club with six saves (most recently tonight as the Cubs prevailed over the Colorado Rockies 9-8) while Pedro Strop has five. It isn't clear when Kimbrel will formally join the club as he must pass a physical.
But with Kimbrel now off the market, the question remains as to what uniform free agent starter Dallas Keuchel will wear. Keuchel, who has pitched his entire professional career with the Houston Astros, is reportedly weighing offers from both the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves.
In Defense of Steve Blass
While racism is a stain that will always be with us, it seems there are some people who insist on using the scarlet letter for the sake of doing so or in complete ignorance.
Enter longtime Pittsburgh Pirates broadcaster Steve Blass. During last night's game between the Pirates and Atlanta Braves, Ronald Acuna, Jr. was plunked by Pirates pitcher Steve Brault. Blass commented, “Yeah, I was getting ready to say, you know, with a young player doing all that stuff and all the jewelry and all the stuff. Back in the day, I’m not saying it’s right or wrong...” After his colleague Greg Brown had suggested the pitch was thrown on purpose, Blass said, “No, I’m not suggesting that. That’s why I qualified it, back in the day.” After Acuna, Jr. stared back at Brault, Blass said, “Give it a rest. Think he’s trying to throw at you?”
Adam Bittner of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote, "Criticism was swift and severe, with many interpreting the exchange as a clear implication that if Acuña wasn’t struck on purpose, he deserved to be because of his jewelry and “stuff,” whatever that’s supposed to mean. Some even suggested that the comments carried racial overtones." The sports blog Awful Announcing accused Blass of engaging in dog-whistling.
No way. Blass pitched 10 seasons in the bigs, all in Pittsburgh and was teammates and close friends with the likes of Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell, Dock Ellis and Al Oliver among others. If Blass has disdain towards Acuna, Jr. it is generational, not racial. Indeed, Pittsburgh sports personality Colin Dunlap noted Blass made similar criticisms of Bryce Harper. Former Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Dorin Dickerson (who is African-American) has scoffed at the notion that Blass' intent was racist.
Speaking of generational, I would venture to guess that a vast majority of the people who are accusing Blass of racism had no idea he pitched much less knew he was part of baseball's most multiracial team in the late 1960's and early 1970's. Blass was deeply affected by Clemente's death and it has long been suggested that the event caused Blass to lose the ability to throw strikes and prematurely end his career. It would be nice if people of a certain age engaged in diligence and opened up a book once in awhile. Kindles don't count.
Blass will be retiring at the end of the 2019 season. Social justice warriors masquerading as sportswriters ought to have better things to do.
Enter longtime Pittsburgh Pirates broadcaster Steve Blass. During last night's game between the Pirates and Atlanta Braves, Ronald Acuna, Jr. was plunked by Pirates pitcher Steve Brault. Blass commented, “Yeah, I was getting ready to say, you know, with a young player doing all that stuff and all the jewelry and all the stuff. Back in the day, I’m not saying it’s right or wrong...” After his colleague Greg Brown had suggested the pitch was thrown on purpose, Blass said, “No, I’m not suggesting that. That’s why I qualified it, back in the day.” After Acuna, Jr. stared back at Brault, Blass said, “Give it a rest. Think he’s trying to throw at you?”
Adam Bittner of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote, "Criticism was swift and severe, with many interpreting the exchange as a clear implication that if Acuña wasn’t struck on purpose, he deserved to be because of his jewelry and “stuff,” whatever that’s supposed to mean. Some even suggested that the comments carried racial overtones." The sports blog Awful Announcing accused Blass of engaging in dog-whistling.
No way. Blass pitched 10 seasons in the bigs, all in Pittsburgh and was teammates and close friends with the likes of Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell, Dock Ellis and Al Oliver among others. If Blass has disdain towards Acuna, Jr. it is generational, not racial. Indeed, Pittsburgh sports personality Colin Dunlap noted Blass made similar criticisms of Bryce Harper. Former Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Dorin Dickerson (who is African-American) has scoffed at the notion that Blass' intent was racist.
Speaking of generational, I would venture to guess that a vast majority of the people who are accusing Blass of racism had no idea he pitched much less knew he was part of baseball's most multiracial team in the late 1960's and early 1970's. Blass was deeply affected by Clemente's death and it has long been suggested that the event caused Blass to lose the ability to throw strikes and prematurely end his career. It would be nice if people of a certain age engaged in diligence and opened up a book once in awhile. Kindles don't count.
Blass will be retiring at the end of the 2019 season. Social justice warriors masquerading as sportswriters ought to have better things to do.
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
Phillies Lose McCutchen For Season; Is Alex Gordon an Option?
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Andrew McCutchen will miss the remainder of the 2019 season after tearing his ACL during Monday night's game against the San Diego Padres.
The longtime Pittsburgh Pirate and 2013 NL MVP signed a three year, $50 million contract with the Phillies this past off-season after splitting the 2018 season with the San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees. In 59 games with the Phillies this season, McCutchen was hitting. 256 with 10 HR and 29 RBI. He also had a .378 OBP and was leading the NL in walks with 43 at the time of his injury.
McCutchen, 32, becomes the second Phillies outfielder the team needs to replace. Last week, Odubel Herrera was suspended for a domestic violence incident and may never return to the team. The Phillies then acquired veteran outfielder Jay Bruce from the Seattle Mariners over the weekend.
So what are the Phillies to do?
From where I sit their best option would be to try to make a deal for Kansas City Royals outfielder Alex Gordon. McCutchen primarily played left field this season and Gordon has won six Gold Gloves for his work in left field.
In addition to his defense, the Phillies would also get a player having a comeback season at the plate. In 57 games with the last place Royals, Gordon is hitting .281 with 9 HR and 38 RBI along with a OBP of .367. This after having three straight seasons hitting under .250.
Gordon, 35, has been with the Royals his entire professional career and was their top draft pick in 2005. He was an integral part of their back to back AL pennant winning teams in 2014 and 2015 earning a World Series ring in 2015. Gordon is signed through the end of this season, but there is a mutual option for 2020.
Given Gordon's offensive resurgence and the fact the Royals are destined to finish in the cellar of the AL Central for a third straight year, the time has come for Gordon and the Royals to go their separate ways. The Phillies have a need for a left fielder, have money to spend and have prospects that would get a chance to play in Kansas City. If this isn't a win-win then I don't know what is.
Above all else, the Phillies would get a player who has been through the post-season rigmarole and has been to the top of the mountain. Currently, starting pitcher Jake Arrieta is the only member of the Phillies roster who has a World Series ring on his resume. The Phillies need an everyday player with this credential and Alex Gordon fills that credential.
Can anyone tell me why the Phillies shouldn't make this deal?
The longtime Pittsburgh Pirate and 2013 NL MVP signed a three year, $50 million contract with the Phillies this past off-season after splitting the 2018 season with the San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees. In 59 games with the Phillies this season, McCutchen was hitting. 256 with 10 HR and 29 RBI. He also had a .378 OBP and was leading the NL in walks with 43 at the time of his injury.
McCutchen, 32, becomes the second Phillies outfielder the team needs to replace. Last week, Odubel Herrera was suspended for a domestic violence incident and may never return to the team. The Phillies then acquired veteran outfielder Jay Bruce from the Seattle Mariners over the weekend.
So what are the Phillies to do?
From where I sit their best option would be to try to make a deal for Kansas City Royals outfielder Alex Gordon. McCutchen primarily played left field this season and Gordon has won six Gold Gloves for his work in left field.
In addition to his defense, the Phillies would also get a player having a comeback season at the plate. In 57 games with the last place Royals, Gordon is hitting .281 with 9 HR and 38 RBI along with a OBP of .367. This after having three straight seasons hitting under .250.
Gordon, 35, has been with the Royals his entire professional career and was their top draft pick in 2005. He was an integral part of their back to back AL pennant winning teams in 2014 and 2015 earning a World Series ring in 2015. Gordon is signed through the end of this season, but there is a mutual option for 2020.
Given Gordon's offensive resurgence and the fact the Royals are destined to finish in the cellar of the AL Central for a third straight year, the time has come for Gordon and the Royals to go their separate ways. The Phillies have a need for a left fielder, have money to spend and have prospects that would get a chance to play in Kansas City. If this isn't a win-win then I don't know what is.
Above all else, the Phillies would get a player who has been through the post-season rigmarole and has been to the top of the mountain. Currently, starting pitcher Jake Arrieta is the only member of the Phillies roster who has a World Series ring on his resume. The Phillies need an everyday player with this credential and Alex Gordon fills that credential.
Can anyone tell me why the Phillies shouldn't make this deal?
Former UK PM & Labour Leader Blair Condemns Corbyn for Anti-Semitism
During an appearance yesterday at a panel discussion at Bar Ilan University in Tel Aviv, former British Prime Minister and Labour Party leader Tony Blair denounced current Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn for anti-Semitism.
To be frank, this anti-Semitism row, it’s a shameful thing. If you told me, not merely back in May 1997, but at any point in the next 10 years, that the party I led for 13 years would have a problem with anti-Semitism, I would literally not have credited it, or believed it, and yet it is, and it’s there today.
Blair, who resided at 10 Downing Street from 1997 to 2007, also said that when he established the Equality and Human Rights Commission he "never dreamed it would be investigating the Labour Party."
As for Corbyn, Blair said, “Some of the remarks are not explicable in any other way, I’m afraid, and that is sad. Does he think he is? No, he doesn’t think he is at all.”
That's quite the rebuke. Not that it will matter much though. Blair is fairly persona non grata even among those in Labour pre-Corbyn who consider him a war criminal for the U.K.'s participation in the War in Iraq. So I doubt it will push Labour into pushing out Corbyn. The only thing that could push Corbyn out is if their polling shows the new Conservative Leader trouncing Labour in a general election.
Nevertheless, it should give pause when a man who was the most successful leader of the Labour Party says the man currently at the helm is an anti-Semite.
To be frank, this anti-Semitism row, it’s a shameful thing. If you told me, not merely back in May 1997, but at any point in the next 10 years, that the party I led for 13 years would have a problem with anti-Semitism, I would literally not have credited it, or believed it, and yet it is, and it’s there today.
Blair, who resided at 10 Downing Street from 1997 to 2007, also said that when he established the Equality and Human Rights Commission he "never dreamed it would be investigating the Labour Party."
As for Corbyn, Blair said, “Some of the remarks are not explicable in any other way, I’m afraid, and that is sad. Does he think he is? No, he doesn’t think he is at all.”
That's quite the rebuke. Not that it will matter much though. Blair is fairly persona non grata even among those in Labour pre-Corbyn who consider him a war criminal for the U.K.'s participation in the War in Iraq. So I doubt it will push Labour into pushing out Corbyn. The only thing that could push Corbyn out is if their polling shows the new Conservative Leader trouncing Labour in a general election.
Nevertheless, it should give pause when a man who was the most successful leader of the Labour Party says the man currently at the helm is an anti-Semite.
It's Been 30 Years Since Tiananmen Square & China Is More Powerful Than Ever
It was 30 years ago today, the Chinese Red Army brutally destroyed the '89 Democracy Movement which had been taken root in Beijing's Tiananmen Square and peacefully protested the Communist regime for seven weeks.
Three decades later, the Chinese Communists are more powerful than ever, no mention is made of Tiananmen Square in mainland China much less the events which led to massacre of June 4, 1989. The West certainly bears some responsibility as it seeks to curry favor with China which has become an economic and military powerhouse and eagerly imports its good even as China steals intellectual property conceived and developed in the West.
Needless to say, apart from lip service, there will be no pressure brought to bear upon China from the West. Oh, President Trump may impose tariffs, but these do more harm to America than they do to China. In all honesty, Trump greatly admires China. He certainly yearns for the sort of power. When he spoke at a GOP fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago in March 2018, Trump praised Chinese President Xin Jinping on becoming president for life:
He’s now president for life. President for life. No, he’s great. And look, he was able to do that. I think it’s great. Maybe we’ll have to give that a shot some day.
In an article I wrote for NRO, I argued "such views ought to be anathema to any American president." I elaborated upon this thought:
Could you imagine President Reagan praising the Soviet political system before Gorbachev embarked upon glasnost and perestroika? Trump’s remarks should have also been anathema to all Americans. Frankly, the Republican audience ought to have jeered Trump the moment he entertained any notion of becoming president for life. The fact that they didn’t signals not only the fundamental change which has taken place within the Republican party in the Trump era, but an abandonment of the principles set out in the United States Constitution.
Trump's praise for authoritarianism should hardly come as a surprise. The year after Tiananmen Square, Trump told Playboy:
When the students poured into Tiananmen Square, the Chinese government almost blew it. Then they were vicious, they were horrible, but they put it down with strength. That shows you the power of strength. Our country is right now perceived as weak.
If the President of the United States thinks the Chinese Communists "almost blew it" by not killing democracy activists sooner then don't expect Chinese Communists to change their behavior anytime soon.
The only way things in China will change would be with the emergence of another pro-democracy movement. Chances are such a movement would be put down more swiftly and violently than was the case in Tiananmen Square 30 years ago today. But if they don't try again then who will?
Three decades later, the Chinese Communists are more powerful than ever, no mention is made of Tiananmen Square in mainland China much less the events which led to massacre of June 4, 1989. The West certainly bears some responsibility as it seeks to curry favor with China which has become an economic and military powerhouse and eagerly imports its good even as China steals intellectual property conceived and developed in the West.
Needless to say, apart from lip service, there will be no pressure brought to bear upon China from the West. Oh, President Trump may impose tariffs, but these do more harm to America than they do to China. In all honesty, Trump greatly admires China. He certainly yearns for the sort of power. When he spoke at a GOP fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago in March 2018, Trump praised Chinese President Xin Jinping on becoming president for life:
He’s now president for life. President for life. No, he’s great. And look, he was able to do that. I think it’s great. Maybe we’ll have to give that a shot some day.
In an article I wrote for NRO, I argued "such views ought to be anathema to any American president." I elaborated upon this thought:
Could you imagine President Reagan praising the Soviet political system before Gorbachev embarked upon glasnost and perestroika? Trump’s remarks should have also been anathema to all Americans. Frankly, the Republican audience ought to have jeered Trump the moment he entertained any notion of becoming president for life. The fact that they didn’t signals not only the fundamental change which has taken place within the Republican party in the Trump era, but an abandonment of the principles set out in the United States Constitution.
Trump's praise for authoritarianism should hardly come as a surprise. The year after Tiananmen Square, Trump told Playboy:
When the students poured into Tiananmen Square, the Chinese government almost blew it. Then they were vicious, they were horrible, but they put it down with strength. That shows you the power of strength. Our country is right now perceived as weak.
If the President of the United States thinks the Chinese Communists "almost blew it" by not killing democracy activists sooner then don't expect Chinese Communists to change their behavior anytime soon.
The only way things in China will change would be with the emergence of another pro-democracy movement. Chances are such a movement would be put down more swiftly and violently than was the case in Tiananmen Square 30 years ago today. But if they don't try again then who will?
Monday, June 3, 2019
Ron Darling Set to Return to Mets Broadcast Booth Tomorrow Night
Some good news for the New York Mets. Some good news for baseball. Some better news for Ron Darling.
The former Mets pitcher and longtime broadcaster issued a statement this morning indicating his thyroid cancer has been stabilized and his doctors have given him the all clear to return to the broadcast booth. He will rejoin Gary Cohen and former Mets teammate Keith Hernandez at Citi Field to call tomorrow night's game against the San Francisco Giants.
Darling, who turns 59 in August, took a leave of absence in mid-April after a mass was discovered in his chest. He had expected to be back in May, but those plans were thwarted when Darling learned his diagnosis.
Finally, Mets fans will have something to cheer about this season.
The former Mets pitcher and longtime broadcaster issued a statement this morning indicating his thyroid cancer has been stabilized and his doctors have given him the all clear to return to the broadcast booth. He will rejoin Gary Cohen and former Mets teammate Keith Hernandez at Citi Field to call tomorrow night's game against the San Francisco Giants.
Darling, who turns 59 in August, took a leave of absence in mid-April after a mass was discovered in his chest. He had expected to be back in May, but those plans were thwarted when Darling learned his diagnosis.
Finally, Mets fans will have something to cheer about this season.
Sunday, June 2, 2019
Mariners Trade Jay Bruce to the Phillies
Yesterday morning I wrote the following about the Seattle Mariners' reversal of fortune:
But most puzzling of all has been the Seattle Mariners. They began the season 13-2 and by the end of April, the Mariners were only a 1/2 game back of Houston. They are now 14 games back and in last place. Not only did the Mariners go 7-21 in May, but are 12-23 since April 11th. This might be a rebuilding year after all and Edwin Encarnacion and Jay Bruce may soon find themselves in other uniforms.
But most puzzling of all has been the Seattle Mariners. They began the season 13-2 and by the end of April, the Mariners were only a 1/2 game back of Houston. They are now 14 games back and in last place. Not only did the Mariners go 7-21 in May, but are 12-23 since April 11th. This might be a rebuilding year after all and Edwin Encarnacion and Jay Bruce may soon find themselves in other uniforms.
Today, Jay Bruce is in a Philadelphia Phillies uniform. The Phillies acquired him for minor league infielder Jake Scheiner. Although Bruce only batted .212 in 47 games with the Mariners, he did display power slamming 14 HR and 28 RBI. Bruce is expected to play in the outfield in light of the banishment of Odubel Herrera following his recent arrest for domestic violence. Bruce, 32, will make his Phillies debut tomorrow night in San Diego for a three game series with the Padres. Philadelphia will be Bruce's fifth big league stop. He spent the bulk of his career with the Cincinnati Reds, has had two tours of duties with the New York Mets and a brief stint with the Cleveland Indians before joining Seattle this season. The Phillies currently have a 1.5 game lead over the Atlanta Braves in the NL East.
With Bruce gone today how long will it be before Encarnacion finds himself toiling for another team?
Saturday, June 1, 2019
MLB Notes for May: Twins Build a Double Digit Lead in AL Central
At the outset of the 2019 MLB season, I predicted the Minnesota Twins would win the AL Central and also win the AL pennant.
At the end of April, the Twins were 17-10 and led the Cleveland Indians, the winner of the last three AL Central titles, by 1.5 games. One month later, the Twins lead both the Tribe and the Chicago White Sox by 10.5 games. The Twins went 21-7 in the month of May. They have done it primarily with the long ball leading the AL with 106 home runs. Four of their players - C.J. Cron, Jonathan Schoop, Eddie Rosario and Max Kepler are in double digits in home runs. The Twins also have three 7-game winners in Jose Berrios, Jake Odorizzi and Martin Perez.
Meanwhile, the Indians end May a game under .500. The Tribe misses their ace Corey Kluber while they are at near the bottom of nearly all offensive categories. The Chisox have an identical record to the Tribe, but they are on cloud nine. They end May having won five in a row and 7 out of their last 10 games. At 7-1 with a 2.85 ERA, Lucas Giolito is making a case to start the All-Star Game while Tim Anderson and Yoan Moncada are on their way to having career years with Jose Abreu enjoying a resurgence. Don't be surprised if the White Sox compete for a AL Wild Card berth.
The same cannot be said of the Detroit Tigers who after hovering around .500 in March/April went 9-18 in May with a 9-game losing streak. Miguel Cabrera isn't the player he once was and his supporting cast isn't ready for prime time. The Kansas City Royals are replicating their 2018 season, but with Whit Merrifield, Billy Hamilton and offensive renewal from Alex Gordon they are least losing competitively.
While no one expected the Twins to be leading the AL Central by 10.5 games at the end of May, I think nearly everyone expected the Houston Astros to be leading the AL West by 8.5 games over the Oakland A's and Texas Rangers at the beginning of June. What makes this all the more remarkable is that Jose Altuve, George Springer and Carlos Correa are currently on the IL. It remains to be seen how long they can sustain it and if the A's, Rangers and even the Los Angeles Angels (currently 10.5 games back) can make up ground in June. But most puzzling of all has been the Seattle Mariners. They began the season 13-2 and by the end of April, the Mariners were only a 1/2 game back of Houston. They are now 14 games back and in last place. Not only did the Mariners go 7-21 in May, but are 12-23 since April 11th. This might be a rebuilding year after all and Edwin Encarnacion and Jay Bruce may soon find themselves in other uniforms.
The New York Yankees are still missing Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge, Dellin Betances, Didi Gregorius while Miguel Andujar is done for the season. But Gio Urshela has filled in for Andujar admirably while D.J. LeMahieu is showing the Bronx why he is an everyday player. The Bronx Bombers ended April 1.5 games back of the Tampa Bay Rays, but after a 20-7 May they are now 1.5 games ahead of the Rays. Tampa currently has a hold on the first AL Wild Card berth and with Austin Meadows emerging as an early AL MVP candidate it is unlikely they will let that go unless it is to regain top spot in the AL East.
The Boston Red Sox were much better in May going 16-11 following a 13-17 March & April. Since April 17th, the Bosox have gone 23-15. But they are 8.5 games back of the Yankees and with ace Chris Sale 1-7 they are unlikely to close that gap no matter how many 10 plus strikeout games he has under his belt. The Toronto Blue Jays end May having lost four in a row, 8 of their last 10 with a 7-21 showing in May. But with second generation rookies Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. and Cavan Biggio putting on a show and with the Raptors in the NBA Finals, losing is tolerable. All the Baltimore Orioles can hope for is to lose less than 115 games this season.
The most competitive division in MLB is the NL Central with the Chicago Cubs leading the Milwaukee Brewers by a half game. Both the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals are playing .500 ball and are only 3.5 games off the pace (although the Cardinals stumbled with a 9-16 mark in May). Even the last place Cincinnati Reds are only five games back of the Cubs. Their team ERA of 3.71 is the second best in the NL.
The only team in the NL with a better team ERA is the Los Angeles Dodgers. Vying for their seventh consecutive NL West title, the Dodgers have a 8.5 game lead over the San Diego Padres. Much of the credit for their league leading 3.56 ERA can be laid at the arm of South Korean southpaw Hyun-Jin Ryu who enters June with a 1.48 ERA along with an 8-1 record. Cody Bellinger is leading the NL in hitting with a .379 batting average and is tied for the lead in RBI with Josh Bell of the Pittsburgh Pirates both of whom have 52. His 20 home runs are second only to reigning NL MVP Christian Yelich who has 21.
So the question is who will finish in second in the NL West. In that department, the Padres only have a half game lead over the Colorado Rockies who after a mediocre 13-17 March and April finished May with six straight wins and victories in 8 of their last 10 games. Much of the Rockies' recent success has come at the expense of the Arizona Diamondbacks who have lost five in a row and 7 of their last 10 games to fall under .500 at 28-30. The Bruce Bochy Farewell Tour isn't faring so well with the Giants having lost 8 of their last 10 games and struggling to score runs.
What was touted as a four team race in the NL East is currently a two team tango with the Philadelphia Phillies leading the defending divisional champion Atlanta Braves by three games. Both the New York Mets and Washington Nationals are at a crossroads. Less than two weeks ago, the Mets were on the verge of firing manager Mickey Callaway. The Mets finished May winning 8 of their last 12 games. Despite being only five games back of the Phillies, speculation abounds about who will replace Callaway.
The Nats are in far worse shape despite a starting rotation of Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and Patrick Corbin they are 9 games back of the Phillies. Their bullpen is atrocious and trade rumors have begun to abound for the likes of Anthony Rendon. The Nats haven't been the same since they fired Dusty Baker at the end of the 2017 season. For awhile there it looked like the Nats would trade places with the last place Miami Marlins. They didn't, but the Marlins 11-15 record in May was more impressive than the 12-17 posted in D.C.
So how will things stand at the end of June? Will the Twins still have a double digit lead in the AL Central? Can the Astros survive without Altuve, Springer and Correa? Can the Red Sox compete with the Yankees and Rays? Will the Mets fire Callaway? Could the Reds move from worst to first in the NL Central? Can anyone stop the Dodgers? See you on Canada Day.
At the end of April, the Twins were 17-10 and led the Cleveland Indians, the winner of the last three AL Central titles, by 1.5 games. One month later, the Twins lead both the Tribe and the Chicago White Sox by 10.5 games. The Twins went 21-7 in the month of May. They have done it primarily with the long ball leading the AL with 106 home runs. Four of their players - C.J. Cron, Jonathan Schoop, Eddie Rosario and Max Kepler are in double digits in home runs. The Twins also have three 7-game winners in Jose Berrios, Jake Odorizzi and Martin Perez.
Meanwhile, the Indians end May a game under .500. The Tribe misses their ace Corey Kluber while they are at near the bottom of nearly all offensive categories. The Chisox have an identical record to the Tribe, but they are on cloud nine. They end May having won five in a row and 7 out of their last 10 games. At 7-1 with a 2.85 ERA, Lucas Giolito is making a case to start the All-Star Game while Tim Anderson and Yoan Moncada are on their way to having career years with Jose Abreu enjoying a resurgence. Don't be surprised if the White Sox compete for a AL Wild Card berth.
The same cannot be said of the Detroit Tigers who after hovering around .500 in March/April went 9-18 in May with a 9-game losing streak. Miguel Cabrera isn't the player he once was and his supporting cast isn't ready for prime time. The Kansas City Royals are replicating their 2018 season, but with Whit Merrifield, Billy Hamilton and offensive renewal from Alex Gordon they are least losing competitively.
While no one expected the Twins to be leading the AL Central by 10.5 games at the end of May, I think nearly everyone expected the Houston Astros to be leading the AL West by 8.5 games over the Oakland A's and Texas Rangers at the beginning of June. What makes this all the more remarkable is that Jose Altuve, George Springer and Carlos Correa are currently on the IL. It remains to be seen how long they can sustain it and if the A's, Rangers and even the Los Angeles Angels (currently 10.5 games back) can make up ground in June. But most puzzling of all has been the Seattle Mariners. They began the season 13-2 and by the end of April, the Mariners were only a 1/2 game back of Houston. They are now 14 games back and in last place. Not only did the Mariners go 7-21 in May, but are 12-23 since April 11th. This might be a rebuilding year after all and Edwin Encarnacion and Jay Bruce may soon find themselves in other uniforms.
The New York Yankees are still missing Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge, Dellin Betances, Didi Gregorius while Miguel Andujar is done for the season. But Gio Urshela has filled in for Andujar admirably while D.J. LeMahieu is showing the Bronx why he is an everyday player. The Bronx Bombers ended April 1.5 games back of the Tampa Bay Rays, but after a 20-7 May they are now 1.5 games ahead of the Rays. Tampa currently has a hold on the first AL Wild Card berth and with Austin Meadows emerging as an early AL MVP candidate it is unlikely they will let that go unless it is to regain top spot in the AL East.
The Boston Red Sox were much better in May going 16-11 following a 13-17 March & April. Since April 17th, the Bosox have gone 23-15. But they are 8.5 games back of the Yankees and with ace Chris Sale 1-7 they are unlikely to close that gap no matter how many 10 plus strikeout games he has under his belt. The Toronto Blue Jays end May having lost four in a row, 8 of their last 10 with a 7-21 showing in May. But with second generation rookies Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. and Cavan Biggio putting on a show and with the Raptors in the NBA Finals, losing is tolerable. All the Baltimore Orioles can hope for is to lose less than 115 games this season.
The most competitive division in MLB is the NL Central with the Chicago Cubs leading the Milwaukee Brewers by a half game. Both the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals are playing .500 ball and are only 3.5 games off the pace (although the Cardinals stumbled with a 9-16 mark in May). Even the last place Cincinnati Reds are only five games back of the Cubs. Their team ERA of 3.71 is the second best in the NL.
The only team in the NL with a better team ERA is the Los Angeles Dodgers. Vying for their seventh consecutive NL West title, the Dodgers have a 8.5 game lead over the San Diego Padres. Much of the credit for their league leading 3.56 ERA can be laid at the arm of South Korean southpaw Hyun-Jin Ryu who enters June with a 1.48 ERA along with an 8-1 record. Cody Bellinger is leading the NL in hitting with a .379 batting average and is tied for the lead in RBI with Josh Bell of the Pittsburgh Pirates both of whom have 52. His 20 home runs are second only to reigning NL MVP Christian Yelich who has 21.
So the question is who will finish in second in the NL West. In that department, the Padres only have a half game lead over the Colorado Rockies who after a mediocre 13-17 March and April finished May with six straight wins and victories in 8 of their last 10 games. Much of the Rockies' recent success has come at the expense of the Arizona Diamondbacks who have lost five in a row and 7 of their last 10 games to fall under .500 at 28-30. The Bruce Bochy Farewell Tour isn't faring so well with the Giants having lost 8 of their last 10 games and struggling to score runs.
What was touted as a four team race in the NL East is currently a two team tango with the Philadelphia Phillies leading the defending divisional champion Atlanta Braves by three games. Both the New York Mets and Washington Nationals are at a crossroads. Less than two weeks ago, the Mets were on the verge of firing manager Mickey Callaway. The Mets finished May winning 8 of their last 12 games. Despite being only five games back of the Phillies, speculation abounds about who will replace Callaway.
The Nats are in far worse shape despite a starting rotation of Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and Patrick Corbin they are 9 games back of the Phillies. Their bullpen is atrocious and trade rumors have begun to abound for the likes of Anthony Rendon. The Nats haven't been the same since they fired Dusty Baker at the end of the 2017 season. For awhile there it looked like the Nats would trade places with the last place Miami Marlins. They didn't, but the Marlins 11-15 record in May was more impressive than the 12-17 posted in D.C.
So how will things stand at the end of June? Will the Twins still have a double digit lead in the AL Central? Can the Astros survive without Altuve, Springer and Correa? Can the Red Sox compete with the Yankees and Rays? Will the Mets fire Callaway? Could the Reds move from worst to first in the NL Central? Can anyone stop the Dodgers? See you on Canada Day.
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