The Kansas City Royals have named Mike Matheny their new manager. Matheny succeeds Ned Yost who retired after nearly 10 seasons in the dugout. The former St. Louis Cardinals skipper has been viewed as a potential successor since joining the Royals late in 2018 as a special advisor to GM Dayton Moore.
Matheny managed the Cardinals from 2012 to the middle of the 2018 season when he was replaced by Mike Shildt. He had the unenviable task of succeeding Tony LaRussa after guiding the Cardinals to World Series titles in 2006 and 2011. The Cardinals did win three straight NL Central titles between 2013-2015 winning the NL pennant in 2013 before falling to the Boston Red Sox in six games. After failing to reach the post-season in 2016 and 2017, Matheny was fired after amid questionable game strategy and tensions with his players and tolerating hazing despite a ban on such activity in the collective agreement between MLB and the MLBPA.
Can Matheny learn from his mistakes be it in dealing with player personnel and in game decisions? The terms of Matheny's contract are unclear. How long a leash will he be given? Until I am clearer on those terms the jury is out as to whether Matheny will be a king or a fool.
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Bernie Wants To Give Israeli Military Aid to Hamas; What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
During a speech to the left-wing Jewish organization J Street over the weekend, Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders stated that a portion of military aid to Israel should be diverted to the Gaza Strip:
“My solution is, [to say] to Israel, if you want military aid, you’re going to have to fundamentally change your relationship to the people of Gaza. I would say that some of that $3.8 billion should go right now to humanitarian aid in Gaza.”
In other words, instead of our aid going to the Israel's military, Sanders thinks Hamas should get it.
This would be the same Hamas which this summer called upon Palestinians to kill Jews in America.
What could possibly go wrong?
Elizabeth Warren isn't that much more encouraging as she proposes tying future military aid to a settlement freeze:
"Right now, Netanyahu says he is going to take Israel in a direction of increasing settlements, [but] that does not move us in the direction of a two-state solution. It is the official policy of the United States of America to support a two-state solution, and if Israel is moving in the opposite direction, then everything is on the table. Everything is on the table."
This is utterly responsible of Warren when one considers that Israel is currently trying to form a government and Netanyahu might not very well be in the picture. It also disturbing to see that Warren finds nothing objectionable about the Palestinian Authority and doesn't tie their future aid to their support of terror, incitement of hatred against Jews and anti-LGBT measures. I guess double standards must be maintained.
Does this mean Joe Biden is the best hope for pro-Israel voters among Democrats? I still remember when then V-P Biden blasted Israel for so-called settlement construction in East Jerusalem back in 2010 even though the Obama Administration had not restricted building in Jerusalem and the area in question would never become part of a future of Palestinian state.
This leaves Trump. If only he didn't behave in such a lawless and a careless manner I would give his pro-Israel policies much stronger consideration. But Trump's abandonment of the Kurds in Syria does every bit as much to harm as Israel as do Bernie giving billions to Hamas.
This is what happens when you all your choices are a bunch of schmucks.
“My solution is, [to say] to Israel, if you want military aid, you’re going to have to fundamentally change your relationship to the people of Gaza. I would say that some of that $3.8 billion should go right now to humanitarian aid in Gaza.”
In other words, instead of our aid going to the Israel's military, Sanders thinks Hamas should get it.
This would be the same Hamas which this summer called upon Palestinians to kill Jews in America.
What could possibly go wrong?
Elizabeth Warren isn't that much more encouraging as she proposes tying future military aid to a settlement freeze:
"Right now, Netanyahu says he is going to take Israel in a direction of increasing settlements, [but] that does not move us in the direction of a two-state solution. It is the official policy of the United States of America to support a two-state solution, and if Israel is moving in the opposite direction, then everything is on the table. Everything is on the table."
This is utterly responsible of Warren when one considers that Israel is currently trying to form a government and Netanyahu might not very well be in the picture. It also disturbing to see that Warren finds nothing objectionable about the Palestinian Authority and doesn't tie their future aid to their support of terror, incitement of hatred against Jews and anti-LGBT measures. I guess double standards must be maintained.
Does this mean Joe Biden is the best hope for pro-Israel voters among Democrats? I still remember when then V-P Biden blasted Israel for so-called settlement construction in East Jerusalem back in 2010 even though the Obama Administration had not restricted building in Jerusalem and the area in question would never become part of a future of Palestinian state.
This leaves Trump. If only he didn't behave in such a lawless and a careless manner I would give his pro-Israel policies much stronger consideration. But Trump's abandonment of the Kurds in Syria does every bit as much to harm as Israel as do Bernie giving billions to Hamas.
This is what happens when you all your choices are a bunch of schmucks.
Ron Fairly, R.I.P.
Hours before Game 7 of the World Series, former MLB player and broadcaster Ron Fairly passed away. His cause of death is not known as of this writing. Fairly was 81.
Fairly made his big league debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1958 at the age of 19 only months after earning a College World Series ring at USC. He would earn three World Series rings with the Dodgers in 1959, 1963 and 1965. In the '65 Fall Classic against the Minnesota Twins, Fairly hit .379 with 2 HR and 6 RBIs, but World Series MVP honors would go to Sandy Koufax. Fairly split his time between the outfield and first base during his tenure with the Dodgers which concluded during the middle of the 1969 season when the Dodgers traded him to the expansion Montreal Expos for his former Dodger teammates Maury Wills and Manny Mota.
In 1973, while a member of the Expos, Fairly would earn his first All-Star Game selection. The Expos traded Fairly to the St. Louis Cardinals for two minor leaguers prior to the 1975 season. Late in the 1976 season, the Cardinals dealt Fairly to the Oakland A's. Fairly would soon return to yet another expansion team in Canada as the A's traded him to the Toronto Blue Jays. At the age of 38, Fairly would be the Blue Jays' lone representative on the AL All-Star Team as he hit a career high 19 home runs. Fairly would finish his playing career in 1978 in Southern California this time as a member of the California Angels. In 21 big league seasons, Fairly collected 1913 hits, a .266 lifetime batting average, 215 HR and 1044 RBI.
After his playing career, Fairly remained with the Angels as a broadcaster from 1979 to 1986 before joining the San Francisco Giants broadcast team in 1987. After a six year tenure, Fairly moved further north and broadcast games for the Seattle Mariners until 2006 although he did return to the booth for an extended period in 2011 and 2012 after the death of his longtime broadcast partner Dave Niehaus.
In all, Fairly spent nearly half a century in MLB. I think it is fair to say that Ron Fairly had a fairly good life. R.I.P.
Fairly made his big league debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1958 at the age of 19 only months after earning a College World Series ring at USC. He would earn three World Series rings with the Dodgers in 1959, 1963 and 1965. In the '65 Fall Classic against the Minnesota Twins, Fairly hit .379 with 2 HR and 6 RBIs, but World Series MVP honors would go to Sandy Koufax. Fairly split his time between the outfield and first base during his tenure with the Dodgers which concluded during the middle of the 1969 season when the Dodgers traded him to the expansion Montreal Expos for his former Dodger teammates Maury Wills and Manny Mota.
In 1973, while a member of the Expos, Fairly would earn his first All-Star Game selection. The Expos traded Fairly to the St. Louis Cardinals for two minor leaguers prior to the 1975 season. Late in the 1976 season, the Cardinals dealt Fairly to the Oakland A's. Fairly would soon return to yet another expansion team in Canada as the A's traded him to the Toronto Blue Jays. At the age of 38, Fairly would be the Blue Jays' lone representative on the AL All-Star Team as he hit a career high 19 home runs. Fairly would finish his playing career in 1978 in Southern California this time as a member of the California Angels. In 21 big league seasons, Fairly collected 1913 hits, a .266 lifetime batting average, 215 HR and 1044 RBI.
After his playing career, Fairly remained with the Angels as a broadcaster from 1979 to 1986 before joining the San Francisco Giants broadcast team in 1987. After a six year tenure, Fairly moved further north and broadcast games for the Seattle Mariners until 2006 although he did return to the booth for an extended period in 2011 and 2012 after the death of his longtime broadcast partner Dave Niehaus.
In all, Fairly spent nearly half a century in MLB. I think it is fair to say that Ron Fairly had a fairly good life. R.I.P.
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
D.C. Will Have a World Series Parade For The 1st Time Since 1924
The Washington Nationals defeated the Houston Astros 6-2 in Game 7 of the World Series to win their franchise's first championship. The Nationals' origins date back 50 years when they began as the Montreal Expos. This marks the first World Series in which the road team won every game.
Stephen Strasburg, who was the winning pitcher in Games 2 & 6, was named the World Series MVP. In 14.1 innings pitched, Strasburg allowed 4 runs on 12 hits striking out 14 while walking only three batters.
Washington, D.C. will have its first World Series parade since 1924 when the original Washington Senators bested the New York Giants in seven games.
On Memorial Day weekend, a World Series parade was the furthest thing from the minds of Nats fans. They were 19-31, 10 games back of the Philadelphia Phillies now featuring Bryce Harper and only 1.5 games ahead of the Miami Marlins.
Instead, the Nats went 74-38 to earn a NL Wild Card berth. They came from behind to defeat the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Wild Card game, came back from a 2-1 deficit against back to back NL champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS, swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLCS and defeated the heavily favored Houston Astros in the Fall Classic.
Facing elimination in both Games 6 & 7, the Nats came back from behind. In Game 6, Nationals shortstop Trea Turner was called out on a controversial interference call in the 7th inning which resulted the ejection of manager Dave Martinez. Anthony Rendon rose the occasion with a home run later in the inning and a two run double in the ninth.
Tonight, Zack Greinke was outduelling Max Scherzer who had been scratched from his start in Game 5 due to neck spasms. Scherzer gave up a solo HR to Yuli Gurriel in the 2nd and a RBI single to Carlos Correa in the fifth. Greinke entered the 7th with a 2-0 lead having allowed one hit. But Rendon rose to the occasion with a solo HR to cut the lead to 2-1. After issuing a walk to Juan Soto, Greinke was lifted in favor of Will Harris. On his very first pitch, Harris surrendered an opposite field off the foul pole to Howie Kendrick to give the Nats a 3-2 lead. This is the same Kendrick who hit a grand slam off Clayton Kershaw in the NLDS. Some thought Astros manager should have put in Gerrit Cole instead. But Kendrick could have just as easily homered off Cole as he did off Harris or for that matter Kershaw. Second guessing never goes out of style even if it lacks substance.
The Nats added a run in the 8th on a Soto single and two runs in the 9th on a single by Adam Eaton. Patrick Corbin pitched three scoreless innings in relief of Scherzer before giving way to Daniel Hudson. On July 13th, right before the All-Star Break, Dad and I saw Hudson earn a save at Yankee Stadium for the Toronto Blue Jays. No one in Yankee Stadium, least of all Hudson, thought Hudson would be on the mound in the 9th inning of Game 7 of the World Series. Eighteen days later, Hudson was traded to the Nats. Almost exactly three months later, Hudson got George Springer to pop out to second and struck out both Jose Altuve and Michael Brantley to give Washington a World Series trophy.
The Astros have nothing to be ashamed of. They won 107 games and came within a game of winning their second World Series title in three years. Chances are we have not heard the last of the Astros.
But the hour belongs to the Washington Nationals. Right now they are the best in baseball. And for at least a few days there will be good news in Washington, D.C.
Stephen Strasburg, who was the winning pitcher in Games 2 & 6, was named the World Series MVP. In 14.1 innings pitched, Strasburg allowed 4 runs on 12 hits striking out 14 while walking only three batters.
Washington, D.C. will have its first World Series parade since 1924 when the original Washington Senators bested the New York Giants in seven games.
On Memorial Day weekend, a World Series parade was the furthest thing from the minds of Nats fans. They were 19-31, 10 games back of the Philadelphia Phillies now featuring Bryce Harper and only 1.5 games ahead of the Miami Marlins.
Instead, the Nats went 74-38 to earn a NL Wild Card berth. They came from behind to defeat the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Wild Card game, came back from a 2-1 deficit against back to back NL champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS, swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLCS and defeated the heavily favored Houston Astros in the Fall Classic.
Facing elimination in both Games 6 & 7, the Nats came back from behind. In Game 6, Nationals shortstop Trea Turner was called out on a controversial interference call in the 7th inning which resulted the ejection of manager Dave Martinez. Anthony Rendon rose the occasion with a home run later in the inning and a two run double in the ninth.
Tonight, Zack Greinke was outduelling Max Scherzer who had been scratched from his start in Game 5 due to neck spasms. Scherzer gave up a solo HR to Yuli Gurriel in the 2nd and a RBI single to Carlos Correa in the fifth. Greinke entered the 7th with a 2-0 lead having allowed one hit. But Rendon rose to the occasion with a solo HR to cut the lead to 2-1. After issuing a walk to Juan Soto, Greinke was lifted in favor of Will Harris. On his very first pitch, Harris surrendered an opposite field off the foul pole to Howie Kendrick to give the Nats a 3-2 lead. This is the same Kendrick who hit a grand slam off Clayton Kershaw in the NLDS. Some thought Astros manager should have put in Gerrit Cole instead. But Kendrick could have just as easily homered off Cole as he did off Harris or for that matter Kershaw. Second guessing never goes out of style even if it lacks substance.
The Nats added a run in the 8th on a Soto single and two runs in the 9th on a single by Adam Eaton. Patrick Corbin pitched three scoreless innings in relief of Scherzer before giving way to Daniel Hudson. On July 13th, right before the All-Star Break, Dad and I saw Hudson earn a save at Yankee Stadium for the Toronto Blue Jays. No one in Yankee Stadium, least of all Hudson, thought Hudson would be on the mound in the 9th inning of Game 7 of the World Series. Eighteen days later, Hudson was traded to the Nats. Almost exactly three months later, Hudson got George Springer to pop out to second and struck out both Jose Altuve and Michael Brantley to give Washington a World Series trophy.
The Astros have nothing to be ashamed of. They won 107 games and came within a game of winning their second World Series title in three years. Chances are we have not heard the last of the Astros.
But the hour belongs to the Washington Nationals. Right now they are the best in baseball. And for at least a few days there will be good news in Washington, D.C.
Let's Give The 1919 Cincinnati Reds Some Overdue Respect
With the 2019 World Series hours away from coming to its conclusion, I would like to take a moment and turn back the clock a century to 1919. It has been exactly 100 years since the infamous 1919 Black Sox World Series between the Chicago White Sox and the Cincinnati Reds during which eight members of the White Sox allegedly threw the Series after consorting with gamblers. I use the term allegedly because all eight members of the Chisox including Shoeless Joe Jackson were acquitted in a court of law. But notwithstanding that court verdict, Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis saw fit to ban them for life.
What gets lost in the retelling of this story is the Cincinnati Reds, the team that actually won the Series. They are essentially treated as an afterthought. The premise is had the White Sox played the series on the up and up they would have routed the Reds. I don't believe this is such a straightforward proposition.
It's true the White Sox won the 1917 World Series following a 100 win campaign. But in 1918, the Chisox fell to sixth place in the American League in a season shortened by WWI. This disappointing campaign prompted White Sox owner Charles Comiskey to fire manager Pants Rowland and replace him with Kid Gleason.
Although the White Sox got off to a 24-7 start under Gleason, they would swoon in June and were briefly overtaken in the AL standings by the upstart New York Yankees who were a year away from adding Babe Ruth to their lineup. The White Sox would reclaim first place for good on July 9th, but would face a late season challenge by the Cleveland Indians as the Chisox dropped 7 of their last 9 regular season games and finished only 3½ games ahead of a Tribe team that would win its first World Series the following year.
The Reds, like the Chisox, also had a new manager. The team hired Pat Moran who had guided the Philadelphia Phillies to their first NL pennant in 1915, but had been fired following a fifth place finish in 1918. Moran replaced future Hall of Fame pitcher Christy Mathewson who had been diagnosed with tuberculosis after being exposed to poisonous gas while in combat during WWI.
The Reds jumped out of the gate winning their first 7 games. They would spend a good part of the season locked in a race with John McGraw's New York Giants winners of five NL pennants and who had faced the White Sox in the 1917 World Series. The Reds would claim first place for good on July 31st and surged ahead of the Giants after a 22-8 August during which they enjoyed a 10 game winning streak. At one point, the Reds had an 11 game lead over the Giants and would finish the season 9 games ahead with 96 wins. Indeed, the Reds had 8 more wins than the White Sox.
The Reds were led by NL batting champion Ed Roush, Heinie Groh and former NL MVP Jake Daubert. Pitchers Dutch Ruether and Cuban sensation Dolf Luque would have breakout seasons while journeyman pitchers Hod Eller, Slim Sallee, Jimmy Ring and Ray Fisher had career years.
While it is frequently noted that Shoeless Joe Jackson's .375 average in the World Series was the best of any player on either team, it's not like the Reds were slouches. Reds outfielder Greasy Neal hit .357 during the Series. While Roush hit a subpar .214, he did drive in 7 runs - one more than Jackson. Reds rookie outfielder Pat Duncan's 8 RBIs were the highest total on either side. Eller had two complete game victories striking out 15 over 18 innings. But, of course, this is where the questions come in. How many would Eller have struck out if the White Sox were really trying? This question ignores the fact that Eller struck out 137 batters en route to 19 wins and 16 complete games in 1919.
I believe the main reason for the lack of respect for the 1919 Reds is that they didn't replicate their success. The Brooklyn Robins won the NL pennant in 1920 and McGraw's Giants won NL record four straight pennants between 1921 and 1924. The Reds finished third in '20, fell to sixth place in '21 but had back to back second place finishes in '22 and '23. Sadly, Moran died during spring training in 1924 from complications of Bright's Disease.
By the late 1920's, the Reds became ensconced in the NL's second division enduring 11 straight losing seasons between 1927 and 1937 including five last place finishes. The Reds would return to respectability when Bill McKechnie took over the club in 1938. McKechnie guided the Pittsburgh Pirates to a World Series title in 1925 and the St. Louis Cardinals to the NL pennant in 1928 and would do the same for the Reds leading them to back to back NL pennants in 1939 and 1940 and a World Series title in 1940 - 21 years after the Black Sox series. Three decades would pass before the NL was dominated by the Big Red Machine with back to back World Series titles in 1975 and 1976. Next year three decades will have passed since the Reds won their last World Series title in 1990.
Whether members of the Chicago White Sox threw the 1919 World Series or not, I believe the Cincinnati Reds would have prevailed. Baseball fans should give the 1919 Reds the respect they deserve.
What gets lost in the retelling of this story is the Cincinnati Reds, the team that actually won the Series. They are essentially treated as an afterthought. The premise is had the White Sox played the series on the up and up they would have routed the Reds. I don't believe this is such a straightforward proposition.
It's true the White Sox won the 1917 World Series following a 100 win campaign. But in 1918, the Chisox fell to sixth place in the American League in a season shortened by WWI. This disappointing campaign prompted White Sox owner Charles Comiskey to fire manager Pants Rowland and replace him with Kid Gleason.
Although the White Sox got off to a 24-7 start under Gleason, they would swoon in June and were briefly overtaken in the AL standings by the upstart New York Yankees who were a year away from adding Babe Ruth to their lineup. The White Sox would reclaim first place for good on July 9th, but would face a late season challenge by the Cleveland Indians as the Chisox dropped 7 of their last 9 regular season games and finished only 3½ games ahead of a Tribe team that would win its first World Series the following year.
The Reds, like the Chisox, also had a new manager. The team hired Pat Moran who had guided the Philadelphia Phillies to their first NL pennant in 1915, but had been fired following a fifth place finish in 1918. Moran replaced future Hall of Fame pitcher Christy Mathewson who had been diagnosed with tuberculosis after being exposed to poisonous gas while in combat during WWI.
The Reds jumped out of the gate winning their first 7 games. They would spend a good part of the season locked in a race with John McGraw's New York Giants winners of five NL pennants and who had faced the White Sox in the 1917 World Series. The Reds would claim first place for good on July 31st and surged ahead of the Giants after a 22-8 August during which they enjoyed a 10 game winning streak. At one point, the Reds had an 11 game lead over the Giants and would finish the season 9 games ahead with 96 wins. Indeed, the Reds had 8 more wins than the White Sox.
The Reds were led by NL batting champion Ed Roush, Heinie Groh and former NL MVP Jake Daubert. Pitchers Dutch Ruether and Cuban sensation Dolf Luque would have breakout seasons while journeyman pitchers Hod Eller, Slim Sallee, Jimmy Ring and Ray Fisher had career years.
While it is frequently noted that Shoeless Joe Jackson's .375 average in the World Series was the best of any player on either team, it's not like the Reds were slouches. Reds outfielder Greasy Neal hit .357 during the Series. While Roush hit a subpar .214, he did drive in 7 runs - one more than Jackson. Reds rookie outfielder Pat Duncan's 8 RBIs were the highest total on either side. Eller had two complete game victories striking out 15 over 18 innings. But, of course, this is where the questions come in. How many would Eller have struck out if the White Sox were really trying? This question ignores the fact that Eller struck out 137 batters en route to 19 wins and 16 complete games in 1919.
I believe the main reason for the lack of respect for the 1919 Reds is that they didn't replicate their success. The Brooklyn Robins won the NL pennant in 1920 and McGraw's Giants won NL record four straight pennants between 1921 and 1924. The Reds finished third in '20, fell to sixth place in '21 but had back to back second place finishes in '22 and '23. Sadly, Moran died during spring training in 1924 from complications of Bright's Disease.
By the late 1920's, the Reds became ensconced in the NL's second division enduring 11 straight losing seasons between 1927 and 1937 including five last place finishes. The Reds would return to respectability when Bill McKechnie took over the club in 1938. McKechnie guided the Pittsburgh Pirates to a World Series title in 1925 and the St. Louis Cardinals to the NL pennant in 1928 and would do the same for the Reds leading them to back to back NL pennants in 1939 and 1940 and a World Series title in 1940 - 21 years after the Black Sox series. Three decades would pass before the NL was dominated by the Big Red Machine with back to back World Series titles in 1975 and 1976. Next year three decades will have passed since the Reds won their last World Series title in 1990.
Whether members of the Chicago White Sox threw the 1919 World Series or not, I believe the Cincinnati Reds would have prevailed. Baseball fans should give the 1919 Reds the respect they deserve.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Maddon Returns to Angels as New Manager
Joe Maddon didn't spend much time on the unemployment line. Today he was named the new manager of the Los Angeles Angels succeeding Brad Ausmus who was terminated after one season. Maddon returns to the organization where he was employed for 31 seasons before being named manager of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2006. Maddon earned a World Series ring as a part of Mike Scioscia's staff in 2002.
Maddon's managerial resume is well known. He took the Rays to the AL pennant in 2008 and then guided the Chicago Cubs to their first World Series title in 108 years in 2016. After failing to reach the post-season this year amid a late season collapse, the Cubs opted not to bring Maddon back in favor of David Ross, one of his former players on the 2016 team. Only hours after the Cubs hired Ross, Maddon landed on his feet in familiar terrain.
Maddon has the unenviable task of managing in the AL West against the AL champion Houston Astros and an Oakland A's team which has earned back to back AL Wild Card berths. But if their is manager who can break the Astros-A's duopoly it would be Maddon.
If nothing else after the season the Angels had following the sudden death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs, they need a light touch and Maddon has the right kind of hands.
Maddon's managerial resume is well known. He took the Rays to the AL pennant in 2008 and then guided the Chicago Cubs to their first World Series title in 108 years in 2016. After failing to reach the post-season this year amid a late season collapse, the Cubs opted not to bring Maddon back in favor of David Ross, one of his former players on the 2016 team. Only hours after the Cubs hired Ross, Maddon landed on his feet in familiar terrain.
Maddon has the unenviable task of managing in the AL West against the AL champion Houston Astros and an Oakland A's team which has earned back to back AL Wild Card berths. But if their is manager who can break the Astros-A's duopoly it would be Maddon.
If nothing else after the season the Angels had following the sudden death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs, they need a light touch and Maddon has the right kind of hands.
Tingler To Be Named Padres New Manager
The San Diego Padres have reportedly Jayce Tingler their new manager succeeding Andy Green who managed the team for just under three seasons.
Like Green, Tingler is a first time big league manager. Tingler joins the Padres after spending the past 15 seasons in the Texas Rangers' organization as a minor league player, minor league manager, assistant general manager and eventually the big league coaching staff of both Jeff Banister and Chris Woodward. Under Woodward, Tingler was the Major League Development Field Co-ordinator. Tingler beat out former Rangers manager Ron Washington for the position.
While Washington took the Rangers to back to back AL pennants, Tingler is an unknown quantity. It remains to be seen if Manny Machado, Eric Hosmer, Fernando Tatis, Jr., Chris Paddack and Kirby Yates buy in to what Tingler has to sell. Tingler could be what the doctor ordered but for now the jury is out on this hire.
Like Green, Tingler is a first time big league manager. Tingler joins the Padres after spending the past 15 seasons in the Texas Rangers' organization as a minor league player, minor league manager, assistant general manager and eventually the big league coaching staff of both Jeff Banister and Chris Woodward. Under Woodward, Tingler was the Major League Development Field Co-ordinator. Tingler beat out former Rangers manager Ron Washington for the position.
While Washington took the Rangers to back to back AL pennants, Tingler is an unknown quantity. It remains to be seen if Manny Machado, Eric Hosmer, Fernando Tatis, Jr., Chris Paddack and Kirby Yates buy in to what Tingler has to sell. Tingler could be what the doctor ordered but for now the jury is out on this hire.
Phillies Hire Girardi As New Skipper
The Philadelphia Phillies have hired Joe Girardi as their new manager replacing Gabe Kapler who was dismissed after two disappointing seasons.
Girardi had been under consideration for the managerial position with the Chicago Cubs, but opted for internal candidate David Ross. The New York Mets were also considering Girardi but have not concluded their search.
This is Girardi's third big league managerial job. Girardi managed the Florida Marlins in 2006 and then managed the New York Yankees from 2008 through 2017 guiding the Yankees to a World Series title defeating none other than the Phillies. The Yankees also made post-season appearances under Girardi in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2017. Girardi enters 2020 with a managerial record of 988-794.
Girardi will reunite with reliever David Robertson who was limited to 7 appearances in 2019 due to injuries. The Phillies do have significant pitching woes which will need to be addressed and competing in a division with the Mets, Braves and NL champion Nationals will be a tall task. But Girardi has credentials and that is what the Phillies were seeking as they also considered Buck Showalter and Dusty Baker. But unlike Showalter and Baker, Girardi has a World Series ring.
Girardi had been under consideration for the managerial position with the Chicago Cubs, but opted for internal candidate David Ross. The New York Mets were also considering Girardi but have not concluded their search.
This is Girardi's third big league managerial job. Girardi managed the Florida Marlins in 2006 and then managed the New York Yankees from 2008 through 2017 guiding the Yankees to a World Series title defeating none other than the Phillies. The Yankees also made post-season appearances under Girardi in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2017. Girardi enters 2020 with a managerial record of 988-794.
Girardi will reunite with reliever David Robertson who was limited to 7 appearances in 2019 due to injuries. The Phillies do have significant pitching woes which will need to be addressed and competing in a division with the Mets, Braves and NL champion Nationals will be a tall task. But Girardi has credentials and that is what the Phillies were seeking as they also considered Buck Showalter and Dusty Baker. But unlike Showalter and Baker, Girardi has a World Series ring.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Cubs Reportedly Hire David Ross as New Manager
The Chicago Cubs have reportedly hired David Ross to be the team's new manager. A formal announcement is expected to be made tomorrow. He would succeed Joe Maddon with whom the Cubs parted ways after five seasons after failing to make the post-season. During Maddon's tenure, the Cubs its first World Series in 108 years in 2016 and Ross was an integral member.
Ross, 42, spent 15 seasons as a backup catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds, Boston Red Sox (twice), Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs. He earned two World Series rings with the Red Sox and Cubs in 2013 and 2016, respectively. Ross is remembered for his Game 7 home run off then Indians reliever Andrew Miller.
After earning his second ring, Ross retired and went on to greater fame as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars in 2017. Ross also worked as a special assistant to Cubs President Theo Epstein and appeared as a color commentator for ESPN.
While Ross has never managed at any level, he is widely respected for his knowledge of the game and has close ties to the players remaining from the 2016 championship team including Jon Lester, Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant. The question is whether the Cubs will return to their winning ways under Ross or if he will be viewed as a holdover from the previous regime. It will be interesting to see how long Ross gets to dance this time.
Ross, 42, spent 15 seasons as a backup catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds, Boston Red Sox (twice), Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs. He earned two World Series rings with the Red Sox and Cubs in 2013 and 2016, respectively. Ross is remembered for his Game 7 home run off then Indians reliever Andrew Miller.
After earning his second ring, Ross retired and went on to greater fame as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars in 2017. Ross also worked as a special assistant to Cubs President Theo Epstein and appeared as a color commentator for ESPN.
While Ross has never managed at any level, he is widely respected for his knowledge of the game and has close ties to the players remaining from the 2016 championship team including Jon Lester, Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant. The question is whether the Cubs will return to their winning ways under Ross or if he will be viewed as a holdover from the previous regime. It will be interesting to see how long Ross gets to dance this time.
Monday, October 21, 2019
Trudeau's Liberals Survive, But Tories Win Popular Vote
Despite his interference in the SNC-Lavalin case & numerous images of blackface, Justin Trudeau will remain at 24 Sussex Drive.
Although falling short of a majority government, as of this writing, the Liberals won 156 seats tonight. The Conservatives led by Andrew Scheer finished ahead of the Liberals in the popular vote (34% to 32%) they only managed to win 121 seats failing to break through in Ontario and Quebec.
In Quebec, the separatist Bloc Québécois surged to 32 seats under new leader Yves-Francois Blanchet. Many of those seats came at the expense of the NDP. Quebec's electorate simply could not except a Sikh leader. Notwithstanding this setback, the NDP under Jagmeet Singh did win 25 seats amid a late surge in the polls.
Green Party leader Elizabeth May was re-elected and her party won two other seats although it is expected that she will resign as leader in the coming days. The People's Party of Canada led by former Tory cabinet minister Maxime Bernier lost his Quebec seat, did not win any other seats only earning 1.6% of the popular vote.
It appears that Jody Wilson-Raybould, the center of the SNC-Lavalin scandal and key to costing Trudeau's another majority, has been elected as an Independent in her Vancouver area constituency. But the Liberals remain in power even if they must work more closely with the opposition parties.
This is an election Justin Trudeau ought to have lost. What we have learned today is that Canadian voters are more concerned that Andrew Scheer is an American citizen than the fact that Trudeau broke the law. We also learned that wearing blackface is acceptable as long as you're committed to gender parity, talk about climate change and get Barack Obama's endorsement. As for Scheer, he might have won the popular vote but it might not be enough to save his job. SMH.
Although falling short of a majority government, as of this writing, the Liberals won 156 seats tonight. The Conservatives led by Andrew Scheer finished ahead of the Liberals in the popular vote (34% to 32%) they only managed to win 121 seats failing to break through in Ontario and Quebec.
In Quebec, the separatist Bloc Québécois surged to 32 seats under new leader Yves-Francois Blanchet. Many of those seats came at the expense of the NDP. Quebec's electorate simply could not except a Sikh leader. Notwithstanding this setback, the NDP under Jagmeet Singh did win 25 seats amid a late surge in the polls.
Green Party leader Elizabeth May was re-elected and her party won two other seats although it is expected that she will resign as leader in the coming days. The People's Party of Canada led by former Tory cabinet minister Maxime Bernier lost his Quebec seat, did not win any other seats only earning 1.6% of the popular vote.
It appears that Jody Wilson-Raybould, the center of the SNC-Lavalin scandal and key to costing Trudeau's another majority, has been elected as an Independent in her Vancouver area constituency. But the Liberals remain in power even if they must work more closely with the opposition parties.
This is an election Justin Trudeau ought to have lost. What we have learned today is that Canadian voters are more concerned that Andrew Scheer is an American citizen than the fact that Trudeau broke the law. We also learned that wearing blackface is acceptable as long as you're committed to gender parity, talk about climate change and get Barack Obama's endorsement. As for Scheer, he might have won the popular vote but it might not be enough to save his job. SMH.
There's Nothing Phony About The Emoluments Clause
President Trump, smarting over having to reverse course on hosting next year's G-7 Summit at Doral, railed against the "this phony emoluments clause."
The Emoluments Clause is anything but phony. Consider how the conservative Heritage Foundation describes its origins:
Similarly, the Framers intended the Emoluments Clause to protect the republican character of American political institutions. "One of the weak sides of republics, among their numerous advantages, is that they afford too easy an inlet to foreign corruption." The Federalist No. 22 (Alexander Hamilton). The delegates at the Constitutional Convention specifically designed the clause as an antidote to potentially corrupting foreign practices of a kind that the Framers had observed during the period of the Confederation. Louis XVI had the custom of presenting expensive gifts to departing ministers who had signed treaties with France, including American diplomats. In 1780, the King gave Arthur Lee a portrait of the King set in diamonds above a gold snuff box; and in 1785, he gave Benjamin Franklin a similar miniature portrait, also set in diamonds. Likewise, the King of Spain presented John Jay (during negotiations with Spain) with the gift of a horse. All these gifts were reported to Congress, which in each case accorded permission to the recipients to accept them. Wary, however, of the possibility that such gestures might unduly influence American officials in their dealings with foreign states, the Framers institutionalized the practice of requiring the consent of Congress before one could accept "any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from...[a] foreign State."
Trump has foreign corruption from an inlet to a vast ocean. An ocean which has swept the Heritage Foundation. One would think a truly conservative organization would condemn Trump for expecting tributes from foreign governments and accepting the same in return. But these days the Heritage Foundation wants to help Trump drain the swamp. Instead they have become a part of it.
So of course Trump calls the emoluments clause phony. How else would one expect a man who brags that the Constitution says he can do whatever he wants as President to behave? The question is how American voters will behave in a year from now.
The Emoluments Clause is anything but phony. Consider how the conservative Heritage Foundation describes its origins:
Similarly, the Framers intended the Emoluments Clause to protect the republican character of American political institutions. "One of the weak sides of republics, among their numerous advantages, is that they afford too easy an inlet to foreign corruption." The Federalist No. 22 (Alexander Hamilton). The delegates at the Constitutional Convention specifically designed the clause as an antidote to potentially corrupting foreign practices of a kind that the Framers had observed during the period of the Confederation. Louis XVI had the custom of presenting expensive gifts to departing ministers who had signed treaties with France, including American diplomats. In 1780, the King gave Arthur Lee a portrait of the King set in diamonds above a gold snuff box; and in 1785, he gave Benjamin Franklin a similar miniature portrait, also set in diamonds. Likewise, the King of Spain presented John Jay (during negotiations with Spain) with the gift of a horse. All these gifts were reported to Congress, which in each case accorded permission to the recipients to accept them. Wary, however, of the possibility that such gestures might unduly influence American officials in their dealings with foreign states, the Framers institutionalized the practice of requiring the consent of Congress before one could accept "any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from...[a] foreign State."
Trump has foreign corruption from an inlet to a vast ocean. An ocean which has swept the Heritage Foundation. One would think a truly conservative organization would condemn Trump for expecting tributes from foreign governments and accepting the same in return. But these days the Heritage Foundation wants to help Trump drain the swamp. Instead they have become a part of it.
So of course Trump calls the emoluments clause phony. How else would one expect a man who brags that the Constitution says he can do whatever he wants as President to behave? The question is how American voters will behave in a year from now.
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Altuve Walk Off HR Gives Astros 2nd AL Pennant in 3 Years
Jose Altuve is the man of the hour in Houston. The diminutive second baseman hit a walk off 2 run HR off Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman in Game 6 of the ALCS to give the Astros their 2nd AL pennant in three years.
The victory did not come easy for the Astros. After taking a 3-0 lead in the 1st on a three run HR by Yuli Gurriel, the Yankees chipped away on a single by Gary Sanchez in the 2nd and a solo HR by Gio Urshela in the 4th. The Astros took a 4-2 lead in the 6th on a fielder's choice by Alex Bregman. But with one out in the 9th, D.J. LeMahieu hit a game tying HR off Astros' closer Roberto Osuna.
But the Astros did not panic even after Chapman struck out Martin Maldonado and got Josh Reddick to pop out to third. George Springer worked a walk and then Altuve did his magic. Altuve, who was the 2017 AL MVP, earned the 2019 ALCS MVP. Altuve went 8 for 23 (.348) with 2 HR and 3 RBIs.
The Astros will host the Washington Nationals in the 2019 World Series beginning Tuesday night. Given the Nats will have had a one week layoff, I'm picking the Astros in six.
The victory did not come easy for the Astros. After taking a 3-0 lead in the 1st on a three run HR by Yuli Gurriel, the Yankees chipped away on a single by Gary Sanchez in the 2nd and a solo HR by Gio Urshela in the 4th. The Astros took a 4-2 lead in the 6th on a fielder's choice by Alex Bregman. But with one out in the 9th, D.J. LeMahieu hit a game tying HR off Astros' closer Roberto Osuna.
But the Astros did not panic even after Chapman struck out Martin Maldonado and got Josh Reddick to pop out to third. George Springer worked a walk and then Altuve did his magic. Altuve, who was the 2017 AL MVP, earned the 2019 ALCS MVP. Altuve went 8 for 23 (.348) with 2 HR and 3 RBIs.
The Astros will host the Washington Nationals in the 2019 World Series beginning Tuesday night. Given the Nats will have had a one week layoff, I'm picking the Astros in six.
Friday, October 18, 2019
So Obama Endorsed The Guy Who Wore Blackface
On Wednesday, former President Barack Obama took to Twitter to endorse the re-election of Justin Trudeau's Liberal government.
Obama tweeted, "I was proud to work with Justin Trudeau as President. He's a hard-working, effective leader who takes on big issues like climate change. The world needs his progressive leadership now, and I hope our neighbors to the north support him for another term."
So yes, Obama just endorsed the guy who wore blackface.
Let that sink in.
I know this is an overused cliché, but it is apt.
Obama claims that Trudeau takes on big issues like climate change. Trudeau takes it on by expanding oil pipelines.
Given the dubious basis of Obama's endorsement, the only reason I can think as to why Obama publicly endorsed Trudeau is because he thinks Trudeau is going to lose on Monday and so does Trudeau.
Perhaps J.J. McCullough of The Washington Post summed it up best when he lamented that Obama "has elected to shatter precedent and spend his considerable capital as a statesman on a cause as frivolous as Trudeau."
Obama tweeted, "I was proud to work with Justin Trudeau as President. He's a hard-working, effective leader who takes on big issues like climate change. The world needs his progressive leadership now, and I hope our neighbors to the north support him for another term."
So yes, Obama just endorsed the guy who wore blackface.
Let that sink in.
I know this is an overused cliché, but it is apt.
Obama claims that Trudeau takes on big issues like climate change. Trudeau takes it on by expanding oil pipelines.
Given the dubious basis of Obama's endorsement, the only reason I can think as to why Obama publicly endorsed Trudeau is because he thinks Trudeau is going to lose on Monday and so does Trudeau.
Perhaps J.J. McCullough of The Washington Post summed it up best when he lamented that Obama "has elected to shatter precedent and spend his considerable capital as a statesman on a cause as frivolous as Trudeau."
Thursday, October 17, 2019
This Is Not a Great Day for The Kurds -- Again
After Vice-President Pence announced a ceasefire in Syria, President Trump proclaimed it was a great day for the Kurds.
It is not a great day for the Kurds. Again.
The ceasefire will last five days. The Turks aren't going anywhere. And the Kurds have been asked to surrender to Turkey. Meanwhile, ISIS runs amok.
This will give the Turks just enough time to regroup and resume a mass slaughter.
President Trump might as well have said there will be peace in our time.
It is not a great day for the Kurds. Again.
The ceasefire will last five days. The Turks aren't going anywhere. And the Kurds have been asked to surrender to Turkey. Meanwhile, ISIS runs amok.
This will give the Turks just enough time to regroup and resume a mass slaughter.
President Trump might as well have said there will be peace in our time.
Mulvaney on The Trump-Ukraine Affair: There's Quid Pro Quo; Now Get Over It
White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney had quite the day. After announcing next year's G-7 Summit would take place on President Trump's Doral property outside Miami, he acknowledged the Trump Administration withheld military aid to Ukraine unless it opened investigations into Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton:
I have news for everybody: Get over it. There's going to be political influence in foreign policy. That is going to happen. Elections have consequences, and foreign policy is going to change from the Obama administration to the Trump administration.
So there was quid pro quo after all.
Foreign policy does not involve exerting influence. American Presidents call for the release of political prisoners, free and fair elections, a free press, an independent judiciary and other democratic reforms. Foreign policy does not involve refusing to meet the democratically elected leader of a foreign country unless they investigate President Trump's political opponents.
Today, Mick Mulvaney basically told America and the rest of the world, 'We're corrupt and what the hell are you going to do about it?'
I believe you can add another count to the impeachment charges.
I have news for everybody: Get over it. There's going to be political influence in foreign policy. That is going to happen. Elections have consequences, and foreign policy is going to change from the Obama administration to the Trump administration.
So there was quid pro quo after all.
Foreign policy does not involve exerting influence. American Presidents call for the release of political prisoners, free and fair elections, a free press, an independent judiciary and other democratic reforms. Foreign policy does not involve refusing to meet the democratically elected leader of a foreign country unless they investigate President Trump's political opponents.
Today, Mick Mulvaney basically told America and the rest of the world, 'We're corrupt and what the hell are you going to do about it?'
I believe you can add another count to the impeachment charges.
Trump Hosting the G-7 at Doral is an Impeachable Offense
White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney has announced that next year's G-7 Summit will take place at Doral, President Trump's golf resort outside of Miami. A property from which he earned $76 million last year.
Last I checked, the Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution states:
No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.
By holding the G-7 at his golf resort, President Trump is effectively expecting emoluments from six foreign governments. And Congress hasn't given its consent.
Of course, this isn't the first time nonsense like this has happened. The U.S. Air Force has stayed at Trump's properties during refueling stops in Scotland. Last month, while in Ireland, Vice President Pence stayed at a Trump property 180 miles from Dublin where his meetings were scheduled to take place.
The bottom line is that President Trump is profiting from the presidency. This is something the Founding Fathers never intended. It is up to Congress to stop it from continuing.
Last I checked, the Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution states:
No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.
By holding the G-7 at his golf resort, President Trump is effectively expecting emoluments from six foreign governments. And Congress hasn't given its consent.
Of course, this isn't the first time nonsense like this has happened. The U.S. Air Force has stayed at Trump's properties during refueling stops in Scotland. Last month, while in Ireland, Vice President Pence stayed at a Trump property 180 miles from Dublin where his meetings were scheduled to take place.
The bottom line is that President Trump is profiting from the presidency. This is something the Founding Fathers never intended. It is up to Congress to stop it from continuing.
Elijah Cummings, R.I.P.
Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings passed away this morning. Cummings, who had served in Congress since 1996, has had health problems in recent years and had been away from Capitol Hill since last month. He was 68.
Less than three months ago, Cummings was a target of President Trump's tweeter fingers. In his capacity as Chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, Cummings would have been a key figure in the forthcoming impeachment hearings against President Trump. During his tenure, he sought the release of Trump's tax returns and was a strong critic of Trump's child detention policies at the southern border. On this last point, Trump saw fit to claim that conditions in Cummings' district were worse than on the southern border. Trump characterized Cummings' district as "a disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess" and that "no human being would want to live there." Of course, many people do live in Maryland's 7th District and majority of these people are African-American. Trump's criticism of Cummings and the district he represented was undeniably racially motivated.
But it was also motivated by the fact that Cummings was doing his job. The best tribute Congress can give to Cummings is exercise its powers derived to it in the Constitution and proceed with impeachment proceedings against a President who is unworthy of his office. R.I.P.
Less than three months ago, Cummings was a target of President Trump's tweeter fingers. In his capacity as Chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, Cummings would have been a key figure in the forthcoming impeachment hearings against President Trump. During his tenure, he sought the release of Trump's tax returns and was a strong critic of Trump's child detention policies at the southern border. On this last point, Trump saw fit to claim that conditions in Cummings' district were worse than on the southern border. Trump characterized Cummings' district as "a disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess" and that "no human being would want to live there." Of course, many people do live in Maryland's 7th District and majority of these people are African-American. Trump's criticism of Cummings and the district he represented was undeniably racially motivated.
But it was also motivated by the fact that Cummings was doing his job. The best tribute Congress can give to Cummings is exercise its powers derived to it in the Constitution and proceed with impeachment proceedings against a President who is unworthy of his office. R.I.P.
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Four Observations About AOC, Omar & Tlaib's Endorsement of Bernie
During last night's debate, news broke that Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez would be endorsing Bernie Sanders and would be appearing with him during a rally this Saturday in Queens. Two of AOC's fellow "Squad" members - Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib - will also endorse Bernie. Ayanna Pressley, the fourth member of "The Squad", hasn't made an endorsement but given that she is from Massachusetts it would be a shock if she didn't endorse Elizabeth Warren. Here are four observations of these endorsements.
First, these endorsements mean Bernie is all in. Scarcely two weeks removed from a heart attack and heart surgery, there have been questions as to whether Bernie's campaign would continue. If Bernie's vigorous debate performance last night didn't answer that question this certainly does. AOC, Omar and Tlaib aren't going to put their names and prestige towards a candidate who isn't going anywhere.
Second, this is bad news for Elizabeth Warren. I honestly thought AOC would endorse Warren. This means to so-called progressive vote won't coalesce around Warren. AOC, Omar and Tlaib have enough sway to take votes which might have otherwise gone to Warren to come Bernie's way.
Third, this is much needed good news for Joe Biden. A split in the so-called progressive vote will help Biden. That is if Biden doesn't completely implode. Should that implosion come to pass then Pete Buttigieg will be the beneficiary. But if Biden holds his own then AOC, Omar and Tlaib will have done him a very big favor although I'm sure this isn't their intention.
Fourth, I believe the three (especially Omar and Tlaib) are endorsing Bernie to neutralize ongoing accusations of anti-Semitism. By endorsing Bernie, they can ask, 'If I'm an anti-Semite then why would I endorse a Jew to be President of the United States?' It's a smart political play. Under the circumstances, it would perhaps be best to challenge their endorsements in view of the fact that Bernie does not support BDS - a movement which advocates the dissolution of Israel and has engaged in overt acts of anti-Semitism. In other words, notwithstanding their support of a Jewish candidate for the White House, they still support a political movement which is by its very being anti-Semitic and have themselves made anti-Semitic statements. AOC, Omar and Tlaib's endorsement Bernie is much about political cover as it is about any genuine support they have for him and his policies.
First, these endorsements mean Bernie is all in. Scarcely two weeks removed from a heart attack and heart surgery, there have been questions as to whether Bernie's campaign would continue. If Bernie's vigorous debate performance last night didn't answer that question this certainly does. AOC, Omar and Tlaib aren't going to put their names and prestige towards a candidate who isn't going anywhere.
Second, this is bad news for Elizabeth Warren. I honestly thought AOC would endorse Warren. This means to so-called progressive vote won't coalesce around Warren. AOC, Omar and Tlaib have enough sway to take votes which might have otherwise gone to Warren to come Bernie's way.
Third, this is much needed good news for Joe Biden. A split in the so-called progressive vote will help Biden. That is if Biden doesn't completely implode. Should that implosion come to pass then Pete Buttigieg will be the beneficiary. But if Biden holds his own then AOC, Omar and Tlaib will have done him a very big favor although I'm sure this isn't their intention.
Fourth, I believe the three (especially Omar and Tlaib) are endorsing Bernie to neutralize ongoing accusations of anti-Semitism. By endorsing Bernie, they can ask, 'If I'm an anti-Semite then why would I endorse a Jew to be President of the United States?' It's a smart political play. Under the circumstances, it would perhaps be best to challenge their endorsements in view of the fact that Bernie does not support BDS - a movement which advocates the dissolution of Israel and has engaged in overt acts of anti-Semitism. In other words, notwithstanding their support of a Jewish candidate for the White House, they still support a political movement which is by its very being anti-Semitic and have themselves made anti-Semitic statements. AOC, Omar and Tlaib's endorsement Bernie is much about political cover as it is about any genuine support they have for him and his policies.
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Nationals Win 1st NL Pennant; 1st WS in DC Since 1933
The Washington Nationals defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 7-4 in Game 4 of the NLCS to win their first NL pennant. The franchise began as the Montreal Expos in 1969 before moving to D.C. in 2005.
It is the first time a World Series game will be played in the nation's capital since 1933 when the Senators fell to the New York Giants in five games.
The Nats overwhelmed the Cardinals with Anibal Sanchez taking a no-hitter into the 8th inning in Game 1 and Max Scherzer taking a no-no into the 7th. Stephen Strasburg struck out 12 in 7 scoreless innings in Game 3 with Patrick Corbin fanning a dozen over 5 innings tonight.
Washington appeared to have wrapped it up in the 1st inning when they scored 7 runs off Cardinals starter Dakota Hudson. A dropped ball by second baseman Kolten Wong and a ball falling in front of Cardinals RF Jose Martinez added insult to injury.
However, the Cardinals got back into the game on a solo HR by Yadier Molina in the 4th adding three runs in the 5th on a double by Martinez. The Cardinals loaded the bases in the 8th and brought the go ahead run to the plate. Nats fans were momentarily jarred when second baseman Brian Dozier bobbled the ball. But he recovered and threw out pinch hitter Matt Carpenter to end the threat.
Howie Kendrick, a 14-year veteran who enjoyed his best season since 2011, earned NLCS MVP going 5 for 15 with 4 doubles and 4 RBIs.
The only bad news in all of this is that the Nats will have to wait a week for the World Series. At this point, they don't know if they'll be traveling to Houston or New York. The Houston Astros currently hold a 2-1 lead over the New York Yankees in the ALCS.
But in the grand scheme of things, the Nats will gladly wait. Prior to Memorial Day Weekend, the Nats were 19-31 trailing the Philadelphia Phillies featuring ex-Nat Bryce Harper by 10 games and only 1.5 games ahead of the last place Miami Marlins. The Nats went 74-38 the rest of the way to earn a NL Wild Card berth. The Nats came from behind to defeat the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Wild Card game, came from behind to defeat the back to back NL champion Los Angeles Dodgers before sweeping St. Louis. And now they get to play in the franchise's first World Series. It just goes to show triumph can come out of disaster.
Under other circumstances this World Series would have been played in Montreal. I can only hope the presence of the Washington Nationals will add further momentum towards the restoration of the Montreal Expos. For a change there will be something good coming out of Washington, D.C.
It is the first time a World Series game will be played in the nation's capital since 1933 when the Senators fell to the New York Giants in five games.
The Nats overwhelmed the Cardinals with Anibal Sanchez taking a no-hitter into the 8th inning in Game 1 and Max Scherzer taking a no-no into the 7th. Stephen Strasburg struck out 12 in 7 scoreless innings in Game 3 with Patrick Corbin fanning a dozen over 5 innings tonight.
Washington appeared to have wrapped it up in the 1st inning when they scored 7 runs off Cardinals starter Dakota Hudson. A dropped ball by second baseman Kolten Wong and a ball falling in front of Cardinals RF Jose Martinez added insult to injury.
However, the Cardinals got back into the game on a solo HR by Yadier Molina in the 4th adding three runs in the 5th on a double by Martinez. The Cardinals loaded the bases in the 8th and brought the go ahead run to the plate. Nats fans were momentarily jarred when second baseman Brian Dozier bobbled the ball. But he recovered and threw out pinch hitter Matt Carpenter to end the threat.
Howie Kendrick, a 14-year veteran who enjoyed his best season since 2011, earned NLCS MVP going 5 for 15 with 4 doubles and 4 RBIs.
The only bad news in all of this is that the Nats will have to wait a week for the World Series. At this point, they don't know if they'll be traveling to Houston or New York. The Houston Astros currently hold a 2-1 lead over the New York Yankees in the ALCS.
But in the grand scheme of things, the Nats will gladly wait. Prior to Memorial Day Weekend, the Nats were 19-31 trailing the Philadelphia Phillies featuring ex-Nat Bryce Harper by 10 games and only 1.5 games ahead of the last place Miami Marlins. The Nats went 74-38 the rest of the way to earn a NL Wild Card berth. The Nats came from behind to defeat the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Wild Card game, came from behind to defeat the back to back NL champion Los Angeles Dodgers before sweeping St. Louis. And now they get to play in the franchise's first World Series. It just goes to show triumph can come out of disaster.
Under other circumstances this World Series would have been played in Montreal. I can only hope the presence of the Washington Nationals will add further momentum towards the restoration of the Montreal Expos. For a change there will be something good coming out of Washington, D.C.
Friday, October 11, 2019
Anibal Sanchez is No Longer An Afterthought
When discussing the Washington Nationals' starting pitching the discussion invariably centers primarily on the duo of Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg and to a lesser extent Patrick Corbin. But veteran pitcher Anibal Sanchez was an afterthought even when named the Game 1 starter in the NLCS against the St. Louis Cardinals.
After tonight, however, Anibal Sanchez is no longer an afterthought. Sanchez threw 7 2/3 innings of no-hit ball against the Cardinals en route to a 2-0 win to take an early lead in the NLCS. The only hit Sanchez allowed was to pinch hitter Jose Martinez. Sean Doolittle retired the final four hitters. The Nats' offense was confined to a double by catcher Yan Gomes in the 2nd and a single by NLDS hero Howie Kendrick in the 7th.
But the story of the night is Sanchez who has truly experienced a renaissance. In 2013, Sanchez led the AL in ERA (2.57) with the Detroit Tigers. But by 2015 Sanchez led the AL in home runs while recording an ERA of 4.99. In 2016 and 2017, Sanchez logged an ERA of 5.87 and 6.41, respectively. His career appeared over. Sanchez, however, had other ideas.
The Atlanta Braves gave him a shot in 2018 and his ERA fell to 2.83 with the NL East champs. This earned him a two year deal with the Nats. Although his ERA went up a run to 3.85, his 11 wins were his most since 2013. At 35, Sanchez might not be an ace. But if continues to pitch at this level he could earn himself a most unexpected NLCS MVP trophy.
After tonight, however, Anibal Sanchez is no longer an afterthought. Sanchez threw 7 2/3 innings of no-hit ball against the Cardinals en route to a 2-0 win to take an early lead in the NLCS. The only hit Sanchez allowed was to pinch hitter Jose Martinez. Sean Doolittle retired the final four hitters. The Nats' offense was confined to a double by catcher Yan Gomes in the 2nd and a single by NLDS hero Howie Kendrick in the 7th.
But the story of the night is Sanchez who has truly experienced a renaissance. In 2013, Sanchez led the AL in ERA (2.57) with the Detroit Tigers. But by 2015 Sanchez led the AL in home runs while recording an ERA of 4.99. In 2016 and 2017, Sanchez logged an ERA of 5.87 and 6.41, respectively. His career appeared over. Sanchez, however, had other ideas.
The Atlanta Braves gave him a shot in 2018 and his ERA fell to 2.83 with the NL East champs. This earned him a two year deal with the Nats. Although his ERA went up a run to 3.85, his 11 wins were his most since 2013. At 35, Sanchez might not be an ace. But if continues to pitch at this level he could earn himself a most unexpected NLCS MVP trophy.
Turkey's Attack Against U.S. Special Forces is on Trump's Head
Only days after President Trump gave Turkish President Erdogan his blessing to enter Syria to fight Kurds who supported U.S. efforts against ISIS, the Turkish military attacked approximately 100 U.S. Special Forces who were in the Kurdish controlled city of Kobani. The attack is being treated as an accident and no casualties are being reported as of this writing.
If there are casualties then it is on Trump's head. But even if this attack results in no casualties it was entirely avoidable. Had Trump not said how high when Erdogan said jump then U.S. Special Forces would never have been placed in this sort of danger. But this is the kind of garbage which happens after American Presidents make decisions to move troops after phone calls with authoritarian leaders without talking with our military's top leaders. For shame.
If there are casualties then it is on Trump's head. But even if this attack results in no casualties it was entirely avoidable. Had Trump not said how high when Erdogan said jump then U.S. Special Forces would never have been placed in this sort of danger. But this is the kind of garbage which happens after American Presidents make decisions to move troops after phone calls with authoritarian leaders without talking with our military's top leaders. For shame.
Thursday, October 10, 2019
Astros Best Rays in 5; Face Yankees in Rematch of 2017 ALCS
The Houston Astros defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 6-1 in Game 5 of the ALDS. They will advance to the ALCS facing the New York Yankees in a 2017 rematch. The Astros bested the Yankees in seven games and went on to win their first World Series title.
The Astros scored four runs in the 1st inning with Jose Altuve and Yuri Gurriel earning RBI singles with likely AL MVP Alex Bregman hitting a 2 run double. Rays starter Tyler Glasnow settled down along with seven relievers including 2018 AL Cy Young winner Blake Snell who allowed only one hit and one walk over the next seven innings.
Unfortunately the Rays once again couldn't do much against possible 2019 AL Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole. After striking out 15 batters in Game 2, Cole fanned 10 batters over 8 innings surrendering only a solo HR to Eric Sogard in the 2nd.
To make matters worse, Rays manager Kevin Cash went to the well once too often as Rays closer Emilio Pagan gave up back to back HRs to Michael Brantley and Jose Altuve in the 8th.
But give the Rays credit. They forced a fifth game after being down 0-2 in the ALDS. Not bad for a team with MLB's lowest payroll.
Despite the Rays' best efforts, the Astros are heading to their third straight ALCS which begins Saturday night.
The Astros scored four runs in the 1st inning with Jose Altuve and Yuri Gurriel earning RBI singles with likely AL MVP Alex Bregman hitting a 2 run double. Rays starter Tyler Glasnow settled down along with seven relievers including 2018 AL Cy Young winner Blake Snell who allowed only one hit and one walk over the next seven innings.
Unfortunately the Rays once again couldn't do much against possible 2019 AL Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole. After striking out 15 batters in Game 2, Cole fanned 10 batters over 8 innings surrendering only a solo HR to Eric Sogard in the 2nd.
To make matters worse, Rays manager Kevin Cash went to the well once too often as Rays closer Emilio Pagan gave up back to back HRs to Michael Brantley and Jose Altuve in the 8th.
But give the Rays credit. They forced a fifth game after being down 0-2 in the ALDS. Not bad for a team with MLB's lowest payroll.
Despite the Rays' best efforts, the Astros are heading to their third straight ALCS which begins Saturday night.
Phillies Fire Kapler After Two Seasons; Will Dusty Wathan Finally Get His Chance?
The Philadelphia Phillies have fired manager Gabe Kapler amid yet another disappointing season.
Like former New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway, Kapler was fired with one year remaining on his contract. In this case, it was owner John Middleton who overruled GM Matt Klentak. Expected by many to win the NL East with the addition of Bryce Harper as well as Andrew McCutchen and Jean Segura, the Phillies finished third with a .500 record, 16 games back of the Atlanta Braves. Despite their increase in payroll, the Phillies had only a one more win than they did over the 2018 season.
The Phillies did get off to a good start and were leading the NL East through June 9th, but then lost 10 of 12 games. By the end of June they were 5.5 games back of the Braves who hit their stride during this same period. The Phillies finished the season losing 9 of their final 12 games including five straight losses to the Washington Nationals who didn't suffer with the absence of Harper. Indeed, tomorrow night they begin the NLCS in St. Louis while the Phillies scramble for new leadership.
Former Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon is the Phillies' top choice and the team hopes his ties to his native Pennsylvania will sway him. However, Maddon prefers southern California and interviewed for the Los Angeles Angels job, an organization with whom he spent 31 years before he became manager of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2006. And if the Angels don't pan out there's always the spot in San Diego.
Perhaps the Phillies should take a page from the Braves book and hire internally with someone who has paid their dues. Third base coach Dusty Wathan was spared the axe. Prior to joining Kapler's staff, Wathan had been a minor league manager in the Phillies' system since 2008 and was a finalist when the Phillies hired Kapler after the 2017 season. Wathan is the Phillies' Brian Snitker. Forget yesterday's 13-1 shellacking in the Game 5 of the NLDS. Snitker has guided the Braves to back to back NL East pennants. This is something that shouldn't be lost on the Phillies. But with the desire to hire a big name there's a very good chance it will.
Like former New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway, Kapler was fired with one year remaining on his contract. In this case, it was owner John Middleton who overruled GM Matt Klentak. Expected by many to win the NL East with the addition of Bryce Harper as well as Andrew McCutchen and Jean Segura, the Phillies finished third with a .500 record, 16 games back of the Atlanta Braves. Despite their increase in payroll, the Phillies had only a one more win than they did over the 2018 season.
The Phillies did get off to a good start and were leading the NL East through June 9th, but then lost 10 of 12 games. By the end of June they were 5.5 games back of the Braves who hit their stride during this same period. The Phillies finished the season losing 9 of their final 12 games including five straight losses to the Washington Nationals who didn't suffer with the absence of Harper. Indeed, tomorrow night they begin the NLCS in St. Louis while the Phillies scramble for new leadership.
Former Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon is the Phillies' top choice and the team hopes his ties to his native Pennsylvania will sway him. However, Maddon prefers southern California and interviewed for the Los Angeles Angels job, an organization with whom he spent 31 years before he became manager of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2006. And if the Angels don't pan out there's always the spot in San Diego.
Perhaps the Phillies should take a page from the Braves book and hire internally with someone who has paid their dues. Third base coach Dusty Wathan was spared the axe. Prior to joining Kapler's staff, Wathan had been a minor league manager in the Phillies' system since 2008 and was a finalist when the Phillies hired Kapler after the 2017 season. Wathan is the Phillies' Brian Snitker. Forget yesterday's 13-1 shellacking in the Game 5 of the NLDS. Snitker has guided the Braves to back to back NL East pennants. This is something that shouldn't be lost on the Phillies. But with the desire to hire a big name there's a very good chance it will.
Trump Says Kurds Didn't Help Us at Normandy; Neither Did Turkey
Yesterday, President Trump defended his decision to abandon the Kurds because, amongst other reasons, "they didn't help us with Normandy."
Trump was citing a Townhall.com column written by Kurt Schlichter who made this argument in defense of Trump's abandonment:
The Kurds helped destroy ISIS, true. It’s also true that the Kurds would have fought ISIS anyway, since the psycho caliphate was right next door. Let’s be honest – the Kurds didn’t show up for us at Normandy or Inchon or Khe Sanh or Kandahar.
But neither did the Turks show up at Normandy. Only Canada and Britain fought alongside us on D-Day. That really narrows down the field. So, on the basis of Schlichter's argument, we shouldn't be acceding to President Erdogan's demand that we leave Syria so that he might run roughshod over the Kurds.
Needless to say, Schlichter's argument is disingenuous as is Trump's justification of it. But there is an essence to it. What Trump and Schlichter are essentially telling the Kurds and anyone else who fights alongside us, "Thanks for helping us defeat ISIS. We owe you nothing. You're on your own suckers."
With this attitude, the Kurds and others will seek aid and comfort from China and Russia. In which case, Trump will soon find that alliances aren't so easy.
Trump was citing a Townhall.com column written by Kurt Schlichter who made this argument in defense of Trump's abandonment:
The Kurds helped destroy ISIS, true. It’s also true that the Kurds would have fought ISIS anyway, since the psycho caliphate was right next door. Let’s be honest – the Kurds didn’t show up for us at Normandy or Inchon or Khe Sanh or Kandahar.
But neither did the Turks show up at Normandy. Only Canada and Britain fought alongside us on D-Day. That really narrows down the field. So, on the basis of Schlichter's argument, we shouldn't be acceding to President Erdogan's demand that we leave Syria so that he might run roughshod over the Kurds.
Needless to say, Schlichter's argument is disingenuous as is Trump's justification of it. But there is an essence to it. What Trump and Schlichter are essentially telling the Kurds and anyone else who fights alongside us, "Thanks for helping us defeat ISIS. We owe you nothing. You're on your own suckers."
With this attitude, the Kurds and others will seek aid and comfort from China and Russia. In which case, Trump will soon find that alliances aren't so easy.
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Nationals Stun Dodgers to Advance to NLCS
The Washington Nationals have stunned the Los Angeles Dodgers to advance to the NLCS by winning Game 5 of the NLDS 7-3 in 10 innings at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers had a 3-1 lead into the 8th inning on the strength of home runs by Max Muncy and Kike Hernandez. Things took a turn for the worse for the Nats when catcher Kurt Suzuki had to leave the game after a pitch which hit his wrist ricocheted to his face. After Walker Buehler pitched 6 2/3 innings, Clayton Kershaw was brought in to face Adam Eaton who he struck out. But in the 8th, Kershaw gave up back to back home runs to Anthony Rendon and Juan Soto to tie the game.
Dodgers manager opted to use Joe Kelly instead of closer Kenley Jansen. This worked fine in the 9th, but not in the 10th. Howie Kendrick, who had committed his second error of the NLDS in the 3rd inning and had also committed a critical base running gaffe earlier in the series, became a Nationals hero when he hit a grand slam home run to give the Nationals a 7-3 lead. Jansen was left to mop up.
Meanwhile, the much maligned Sean Doolittle retired the Dodgers in order denying them a chance to win a third straight NL pennant. The Nationals will play in their first NLCS since 1981 when they were the Montreal Expos. That year, the Expos lost to the Dodgers courtesy of a pinch hit HR by Rick Monday. But that was way back when. In 48 hours, they will be in St. Louis to face the Cardinals in the NLCS.
The Dodgers had a 3-1 lead into the 8th inning on the strength of home runs by Max Muncy and Kike Hernandez. Things took a turn for the worse for the Nats when catcher Kurt Suzuki had to leave the game after a pitch which hit his wrist ricocheted to his face. After Walker Buehler pitched 6 2/3 innings, Clayton Kershaw was brought in to face Adam Eaton who he struck out. But in the 8th, Kershaw gave up back to back home runs to Anthony Rendon and Juan Soto to tie the game.
Dodgers manager opted to use Joe Kelly instead of closer Kenley Jansen. This worked fine in the 9th, but not in the 10th. Howie Kendrick, who had committed his second error of the NLDS in the 3rd inning and had also committed a critical base running gaffe earlier in the series, became a Nationals hero when he hit a grand slam home run to give the Nationals a 7-3 lead. Jansen was left to mop up.
Meanwhile, the much maligned Sean Doolittle retired the Dodgers in order denying them a chance to win a third straight NL pennant. The Nationals will play in their first NLCS since 1981 when they were the Montreal Expos. That year, the Expos lost to the Dodgers courtesy of a pinch hit HR by Rick Monday. But that was way back when. In 48 hours, they will be in St. Louis to face the Cardinals in the NLCS.
Brian McCann Had a Good Career But He Won't Go to Cooperstown
After the Atlanta Braves were eliminated from the NLDS today, catcher Brian McCann announced his retirement after 15 seasons.
McCann, a Georgia native, was drafted by the Braves in the 2nd round of the 2002 MLB draft. He made his big league debut in 2005. Between 2006 and 2013, McCann made the NL All-Star Team seven times earning the All-Star Game MVP in 2010. After three seasons with the New York Yankees, McCann earned a World Series ring with the Houston Astros in 2017 before returning to the Braves this year. McCann also won the Silver Slugger six times. He finishes his career with a lifetime batting average of .262 with 282 HR and 1018 RBIs in 1755 games.
The MLB Network thinks McCann has a shot at Cooperstown. There's no question he had a good career. But so too did Lance Parrish. He also earned 6 Silver Sluggers, was named to eight All-Star Teams (7 in the AL & once in the NL) and earned a World Series ring with the Detroit Tigers in 1984.
Parrish finished his career with a lifetime batting average of .252 with 324 HR and 1070 RBI in 1988 games. Despite these credentials, Parrish received 1.7% of the BBWAA vote in his only year on the Hall of Fame ballot in 2001.
Granted, Parrish had exactly 1,000 more at bats than McCann. Had McCann got these 1,000 at bats he could have probably eclipsed Parrish's home run totals. But I doubt there would be any more All-Star appearances or Silver Sluggers in his future. McCann's best days as a player were behind him.
Even you argue that McCann did more than Parrish over a shorter career span what puts Parrish ahead of McCann is his three Gold Gloves. But if that couldn't move 2% of the nation's baseball writers to vote for him I suspect McCann's numbers won't garner 2% of BBWAA support come 2025.
But if McCann does somehow make his way to Cooperstown one would hope this would move the Veterans Committee to give Parrish a second look.
McCann, a Georgia native, was drafted by the Braves in the 2nd round of the 2002 MLB draft. He made his big league debut in 2005. Between 2006 and 2013, McCann made the NL All-Star Team seven times earning the All-Star Game MVP in 2010. After three seasons with the New York Yankees, McCann earned a World Series ring with the Houston Astros in 2017 before returning to the Braves this year. McCann also won the Silver Slugger six times. He finishes his career with a lifetime batting average of .262 with 282 HR and 1018 RBIs in 1755 games.
The MLB Network thinks McCann has a shot at Cooperstown. There's no question he had a good career. But so too did Lance Parrish. He also earned 6 Silver Sluggers, was named to eight All-Star Teams (7 in the AL & once in the NL) and earned a World Series ring with the Detroit Tigers in 1984.
Parrish finished his career with a lifetime batting average of .252 with 324 HR and 1070 RBI in 1988 games. Despite these credentials, Parrish received 1.7% of the BBWAA vote in his only year on the Hall of Fame ballot in 2001.
Granted, Parrish had exactly 1,000 more at bats than McCann. Had McCann got these 1,000 at bats he could have probably eclipsed Parrish's home run totals. But I doubt there would be any more All-Star appearances or Silver Sluggers in his future. McCann's best days as a player were behind him.
Even you argue that McCann did more than Parrish over a shorter career span what puts Parrish ahead of McCann is his three Gold Gloves. But if that couldn't move 2% of the nation's baseball writers to vote for him I suspect McCann's numbers won't garner 2% of BBWAA support come 2025.
But if McCann does somehow make his way to Cooperstown one would hope this would move the Veterans Committee to give Parrish a second look.
Cardinals Rout Braves to Advance to NLCS
The St. Louis Cardinals advanced to the NLCS with a decisive 13-1 victory in Game 5 of the NLDS. The Cardinals scored an astounding 10 runs in the 1st inning stunning the crowd at Sun Trust Field in Atlanta.
In a year where more home runs were hit than in any other season, none of the Cardinals 13 runs came by the long ball. Most of the damage was on doubles by Tommy Edman, Dexter Fowler and Kolten Wong not to mention a key error by Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman. The lone home run in the game was hit by Atlanta Braves third baseman Josh Donaldson.
This marks the Cardinals' first NLCS appearance since 2014 when they were bested by the San Francisco Giants. Who they face and where they will travel remains an uncertainty. At this hour, the Washington Nationals and the Los Angeles Dodgers are playing Game 5 of their NLDS. As of this writing, the Dodgers are leading 3-0 in the middle of the fifth. All that is certain is that the Cardinals have a game to play on Friday night.
In a year where more home runs were hit than in any other season, none of the Cardinals 13 runs came by the long ball. Most of the damage was on doubles by Tommy Edman, Dexter Fowler and Kolten Wong not to mention a key error by Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman. The lone home run in the game was hit by Atlanta Braves third baseman Josh Donaldson.
This marks the Cardinals' first NLCS appearance since 2014 when they were bested by the San Francisco Giants. Who they face and where they will travel remains an uncertainty. At this hour, the Washington Nationals and the Los Angeles Dodgers are playing Game 5 of their NLDS. As of this writing, the Dodgers are leading 3-0 in the middle of the fifth. All that is certain is that the Cardinals have a game to play on Friday night.
Monday, October 7, 2019
Yankees Dominance of The Twins Continues
The New York Yankees continue to be the bete-noire of the Minnesota Twins as they defeated them 5-1 to sweep the ALDS. The Twins had plenty of opportunities but spectacular plays by D.J. LeMahieu, Gleyber Torres, Aaron Judge and Didi Gregorius killed Twin rallies throughout the night. Despite winning 101 games this season, the Twins were outscored 23-7 in the three games.
This marks the sixth time the Yankees have dispatched the Twins in the post-season in this century. Prior to tonight the Yankees bested the Twins in the 2003 ALDS, 2004 ALDS, 2009 ALDS, 2010 ALDS and the 2017 AL Wild Card Game. Could it be that the Twins are the new Red Sox?
The Yankees will face either the Houston Astros or the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALCS starting on Saturday. The Astros currently have a 2-1 lead in their ALDS. Houston could clinch tomorrow night or Tampa Bay could force a fifth and deciding game on Thursday.
This marks the sixth time the Yankees have dispatched the Twins in the post-season in this century. Prior to tonight the Yankees bested the Twins in the 2003 ALDS, 2004 ALDS, 2009 ALDS, 2010 ALDS and the 2017 AL Wild Card Game. Could it be that the Twins are the new Red Sox?
The Yankees will face either the Houston Astros or the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALCS starting on Saturday. The Astros currently have a 2-1 lead in their ALDS. Houston could clinch tomorrow night or Tampa Bay could force a fifth and deciding game on Thursday.
Trump to The Kurds: Drop Dead
When President Trump announced that he had ordered the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria and given the green light to Turkey to invade, he was basically telling the Kurds to drop dead.
Trump's decision has earned him rare Republican condemnation from the likes of Lindsey Graham, Marcio Rubio, Nikki Haley and Liz Cheney. Of course, we'll see how firm their condemnation actually is when Trump decides to counterpunch.
But as far as Trump is concerned ISIS has been defeated, he did it all on his own and the Kurds can go to hell.
Yet it raises a very simple question. If ISIS has been defeated then why does Turkey need to go into Syria at all?
This simple question produces a very simply answer. Because Turkey wants to kill Kurds and President Trump is going to let President Erdogan do it because he thinks he can. That and they had a lovely phone call.
If he allows this to come to pass then no one in their rights minds is going to align with us as long as Trump is in office. No one in the Middle East has been more loyal to the United States to the Kurds and this is the thanks they get. When the Kurds finally say no thanks we cannot blame them one bit.
Trump's decision has earned him rare Republican condemnation from the likes of Lindsey Graham, Marcio Rubio, Nikki Haley and Liz Cheney. Of course, we'll see how firm their condemnation actually is when Trump decides to counterpunch.
But as far as Trump is concerned ISIS has been defeated, he did it all on his own and the Kurds can go to hell.
Yet it raises a very simple question. If ISIS has been defeated then why does Turkey need to go into Syria at all?
This simple question produces a very simply answer. Because Turkey wants to kill Kurds and President Trump is going to let President Erdogan do it because he thinks he can. That and they had a lovely phone call.
If he allows this to come to pass then no one in their rights minds is going to align with us as long as Trump is in office. No one in the Middle East has been more loyal to the United States to the Kurds and this is the thanks they get. When the Kurds finally say no thanks we cannot blame them one bit.
What Do Trump's Lawyers Mean When They Say Releasing His Tax Returns Would Cause Him "Irreparable Harm"?
A federal judge has ordered President Trump to turn over 8 years of tax returns to the Manhattan D.A. in relation to funds Trump and his company paid to his former attorney Michael Cohen relating to hush money he gave to porn star Stormy Daniels to conceal their liaison.
Trump's attorneys had sought to block the subpoena in part because releasing Trump's tax returns would cause him "irreparable harm."
This is an astonishing statement. This is not coming from Trump's adversaries. It is coming from Trump's own attorneys who are charged to look out for their client's best legal interests.
What sort of "irreparable harm" are Trump's attorneys referencing?
In order for Trump to be caused "irreparable harm" then he must have engaged in illegal conduct or directed others to do so on his behalf and this illegal conduct must be sufficient enough to warrant a) his removal from office, b) the shuttering of his businesses and c) his imprisonment.
Needless to say, Trump's attorneys will move Heaven and Earth to ensure these tax returns never get released to the Manhattan D.A. nor anyone else. After all, it was back in May that Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin refused to comply with a House Ways and Means Committee subpoena to turn over six years worth of Trump's tax returns.
Whoever the Democrats nominate to oppose him next year ought to ask him in the debate, "Your own attorneys say releasing your tax returns would cause you "irreparable harm"? What do you have to hide?"
Until that time this is job for our news media. You know, the folks Trump calls "an enemy of the people."
Trump's attorneys had sought to block the subpoena in part because releasing Trump's tax returns would cause him "irreparable harm."
This is an astonishing statement. This is not coming from Trump's adversaries. It is coming from Trump's own attorneys who are charged to look out for their client's best legal interests.
What sort of "irreparable harm" are Trump's attorneys referencing?
In order for Trump to be caused "irreparable harm" then he must have engaged in illegal conduct or directed others to do so on his behalf and this illegal conduct must be sufficient enough to warrant a) his removal from office, b) the shuttering of his businesses and c) his imprisonment.
Needless to say, Trump's attorneys will move Heaven and Earth to ensure these tax returns never get released to the Manhattan D.A. nor anyone else. After all, it was back in May that Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin refused to comply with a House Ways and Means Committee subpoena to turn over six years worth of Trump's tax returns.
Whoever the Democrats nominate to oppose him next year ought to ask him in the debate, "Your own attorneys say releasing your tax returns would cause you "irreparable harm"? What do you have to hide?"
Until that time this is job for our news media. You know, the folks Trump calls "an enemy of the people."
Sunday, October 6, 2019
Ginger Baker, R.I.P.
Drummer Peter Edward Baker, better known to the world as Ginger Baker, passed away following a lengthy illness. He was 80.
Baker took up the drums as a teenager under the tutelage of big band jazz drummer Phil Seaman. Although Baker preferred jazz, he joined Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated replacing Charlie Watts who had joined The Rolling Stones. It was while with Blues Incorporated he met Jack Bruce and took an instant dislike to him and the feeling was mutual. Despite this disdain, Baker and Bruce's collaboration would continue into the Graham Bond Organisation and eventually with Eric Clapton in Cream.
After Cream's dissolution in 1968, Baker became part of Clapton and Steve Winwood's short lived Blind Faith. Baker then briefly led his own band Ginger Baker's Air Force. Despite his enormous talent, a nasty heroin habit and an even nastier personality.
Since the early 1970's, Baker has devoted most of his musical energies into traditional African drumming living for extended periods in Nigeria and in South Africa. From time to time, Baker would drum for bands like Hawkwind, Atomic Rooster and Masters of Reality. In late 2005 and early 2006, Baker reunited with Bruce and Clapton for a series of concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall and NYC's Madison Square Garden.
In the final decade of his life, Baker was the subject of the 2012 documentary "Beware of Mr. Baker" and would tour North America with Ginger Baker's Jazz Confusion in 2013 which released the album "Why?" in 2014. Heart disease would force him off the road for good in 2016.
Though Baker thought little of rock 'n roll he will be forever remembered as the man who invented the drum solo with the instrumental "Toad". R.I.P.
Baker took up the drums as a teenager under the tutelage of big band jazz drummer Phil Seaman. Although Baker preferred jazz, he joined Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated replacing Charlie Watts who had joined The Rolling Stones. It was while with Blues Incorporated he met Jack Bruce and took an instant dislike to him and the feeling was mutual. Despite this disdain, Baker and Bruce's collaboration would continue into the Graham Bond Organisation and eventually with Eric Clapton in Cream.
After Cream's dissolution in 1968, Baker became part of Clapton and Steve Winwood's short lived Blind Faith. Baker then briefly led his own band Ginger Baker's Air Force. Despite his enormous talent, a nasty heroin habit and an even nastier personality.
Since the early 1970's, Baker has devoted most of his musical energies into traditional African drumming living for extended periods in Nigeria and in South Africa. From time to time, Baker would drum for bands like Hawkwind, Atomic Rooster and Masters of Reality. In late 2005 and early 2006, Baker reunited with Bruce and Clapton for a series of concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall and NYC's Madison Square Garden.
In the final decade of his life, Baker was the subject of the 2012 documentary "Beware of Mr. Baker" and would tour North America with Ginger Baker's Jazz Confusion in 2013 which released the album "Why?" in 2014. Heart disease would force him off the road for good in 2016.
Though Baker thought little of rock 'n roll he will be forever remembered as the man who invented the drum solo with the instrumental "Toad". R.I.P.
Friday, October 4, 2019
Diahann Carroll, R.I.P.
Actress, singer, dancer and model Diahann Carroll has passed away following a long battle with cancer. She was 84.
The Bronx born Carroll first came to national attention in 1954 as part of the all black cast in Carmen Jones. Five years later, Carroll appeared in the onscreen version of Porgy & Bess. In 1962, Carroll became the first African-American actress to win a Tony Award for Best Actress in No Strings co-starring Richard Kiley.
Six years later, Carroll became the first African-American woman to have a lead in a major TV show Julia which aired on ABC for three seasons through 1971. Carroll would earn an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in Claudine. Carroll also hosted a short lived variety show on CBS in the summer of 1976.
Following a hiatus from show business in the early 1980's, Carroll was cast on Dynasty in 1984 as Dominique Deveraux, a rival to Joan Collins' Alexis Colby. At the time Carroll said she wanted "to be the first black bitch on TV."
In recent years, Carroll played recurring characters on shows like A Different World and Grey's Anatomy. She was also part of the cast of the USA Network show White Collar. On a personal note, I quite enjoyed this show and it was clear the level of respect her co-stars had for her in every scene.
I leave you with Carroll singing "Someone to Watch Over Me." R.I.P.
The Bronx born Carroll first came to national attention in 1954 as part of the all black cast in Carmen Jones. Five years later, Carroll appeared in the onscreen version of Porgy & Bess. In 1962, Carroll became the first African-American actress to win a Tony Award for Best Actress in No Strings co-starring Richard Kiley.
Six years later, Carroll became the first African-American woman to have a lead in a major TV show Julia which aired on ABC for three seasons through 1971. Carroll would earn an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in Claudine. Carroll also hosted a short lived variety show on CBS in the summer of 1976.
Following a hiatus from show business in the early 1980's, Carroll was cast on Dynasty in 1984 as Dominique Deveraux, a rival to Joan Collins' Alexis Colby. At the time Carroll said she wanted "to be the first black bitch on TV."
In recent years, Carroll played recurring characters on shows like A Different World and Grey's Anatomy. She was also part of the cast of the USA Network show White Collar. On a personal note, I quite enjoyed this show and it was clear the level of respect her co-stars had for her in every scene.
I leave you with Carroll singing "Someone to Watch Over Me." R.I.P.
Will Gabbard Target Warren In The Next Democratic Debate?
I wasn't planning this month's Democratic Debate because I enjoy doing sane things like watching the ALCS. But in light of the fact that Tulsi Gabbard will be on the debate stage, I might at least keep an eye on things.
Notably absent from last month's Democratic Debate in Houston was Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard who did not qualify for the debate because she did not meet the polling threshold.
In July's debate in Detroit, Gabbard eviscerated Kamala Harris' record as California Attorney General resulting in a drop in the polls from which she has not recovered.
So who will Gabbard target in Westerville, Ohio?
My bet is on Elizabeth Warren who has surged into frontrunner status. At least one Democratic strategist agrees telling Politico, "If I were preparing for this debate with one of the other candidates, especially if I was Elizabeth Warren, I would be very wary of Tulsi Gabbard now being back on the stage.”
As with Harris, Gabbard has been telegraphing her punches towards Warren criticizing her readiness to be President. The question is whether Warren will be prepared for Gabbard unlike Harris who seemed to be completely caught off guard. Will Warren make the mistake of underestimating Gabbard? Or will Warren counterpunch by bringing up Gabbard's claim the Mueller Report found that Trump had engaged in "no collusion" or her being an apologist for Bashar Assad once claiming he is not an enemy of the United States? If Warren counterpunches it will be interesting to see if Gabbard can take punishment as well as dish it out.
Of course, Harris has a long memory of her own. No doubt Harris will be eager to seek a measure of revenge against Gabbard and that could potentially nullify any effects of any attack she launches against Warren. The downside for Harris is that going after a candidate in the single digits will make her look small and undermine her argument that she is a "top-tier candidate". But Harris might have arrived at the conclusion that she has no chance of winning the nomination and has nothing left to lose. It will be interesting to see how Gabbard handles Harris when she goes on offense.
Or perhaps another lower tier candidate will go after Gabbard. Perhaps someone like Julian Castro who has shown himself to be something of an attack dog during the debates. If Castro does this and neutralizes Gabbard it could be the sort of thing which Warren rewards with a vice-presidential nomination.
Speaking of being vice-presidential nominees, perhaps Gabbard is aiming for the same with Biden. Even when she has been critical of Biden as with his vote in favor of the Iraq War, she has been gentle in her criticism. Should Gabbard deal a body blow against Warren during the debate it would most certainly benefit Biden.
Yet Bernie Sanders could also benefit. Although I have questioned the wisdom of his participation in this month's debate only days removed from heart surgery, his presence will be a feel good story. And if Gabbard does damage Warren and Bernie exceeds expectations in the debate then a lot of her supporters could gravitate towards the ideologically similar Senator from Vermont. Let us also remember that Gabbard supported Bernie's presidential bid in 2016 even quitting the DNC to do so. So he will undoubtedly be spared her wrath.
Should Gabbard go after Warren on what will she focus? Methinks Gabbard would focus on what has always been Warren's greatest weakness - her claims of Native American ancestry. For all her attention to detail, when it comes to explaining her vacillation between identifying as white and Native American and back to white, Warren doesn't seem to have a plan for that. Gabbard could make Warren pay the price for it.
Notably absent from last month's Democratic Debate in Houston was Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard who did not qualify for the debate because she did not meet the polling threshold.
In July's debate in Detroit, Gabbard eviscerated Kamala Harris' record as California Attorney General resulting in a drop in the polls from which she has not recovered.
So who will Gabbard target in Westerville, Ohio?
My bet is on Elizabeth Warren who has surged into frontrunner status. At least one Democratic strategist agrees telling Politico, "If I were preparing for this debate with one of the other candidates, especially if I was Elizabeth Warren, I would be very wary of Tulsi Gabbard now being back on the stage.”
As with Harris, Gabbard has been telegraphing her punches towards Warren criticizing her readiness to be President. The question is whether Warren will be prepared for Gabbard unlike Harris who seemed to be completely caught off guard. Will Warren make the mistake of underestimating Gabbard? Or will Warren counterpunch by bringing up Gabbard's claim the Mueller Report found that Trump had engaged in "no collusion" or her being an apologist for Bashar Assad once claiming he is not an enemy of the United States? If Warren counterpunches it will be interesting to see if Gabbard can take punishment as well as dish it out.
Of course, Harris has a long memory of her own. No doubt Harris will be eager to seek a measure of revenge against Gabbard and that could potentially nullify any effects of any attack she launches against Warren. The downside for Harris is that going after a candidate in the single digits will make her look small and undermine her argument that she is a "top-tier candidate". But Harris might have arrived at the conclusion that she has no chance of winning the nomination and has nothing left to lose. It will be interesting to see how Gabbard handles Harris when she goes on offense.
Or perhaps another lower tier candidate will go after Gabbard. Perhaps someone like Julian Castro who has shown himself to be something of an attack dog during the debates. If Castro does this and neutralizes Gabbard it could be the sort of thing which Warren rewards with a vice-presidential nomination.
Speaking of being vice-presidential nominees, perhaps Gabbard is aiming for the same with Biden. Even when she has been critical of Biden as with his vote in favor of the Iraq War, she has been gentle in her criticism. Should Gabbard deal a body blow against Warren during the debate it would most certainly benefit Biden.
Yet Bernie Sanders could also benefit. Although I have questioned the wisdom of his participation in this month's debate only days removed from heart surgery, his presence will be a feel good story. And if Gabbard does damage Warren and Bernie exceeds expectations in the debate then a lot of her supporters could gravitate towards the ideologically similar Senator from Vermont. Let us also remember that Gabbard supported Bernie's presidential bid in 2016 even quitting the DNC to do so. So he will undoubtedly be spared her wrath.
Should Gabbard go after Warren on what will she focus? Methinks Gabbard would focus on what has always been Warren's greatest weakness - her claims of Native American ancestry. For all her attention to detail, when it comes to explaining her vacillation between identifying as white and Native American and back to white, Warren doesn't seem to have a plan for that. Gabbard could make Warren pay the price for it.
Thursday, October 3, 2019
Is It Wise For Bernie to Participate in This Month's Democratic Debate?
Yesterday, I wrote about Bernie Sanders' political future in light of his heart procedure:
I suspect that Sanders will return to the campaign trail. But how long will it be? Mick Jagger was in full dance mode six weeks removed from his heart valve operation earlier this year. At 76, he appears not to have missed a step. But six weeks off the campaign trail would be an eternity. Will he miss this month's debate. Or even the debate in November?
Well, his wife Jane has announced that he will be participating in this month's debate which takes place on October 15th.
Should Bernie make it to the debate stage and perform to his usual standards, it could erase doubts about his health and viability. If nothing else it would be a feel good story.
But I wonder about the wisdom of these plans. I can't help but think that Bernie is rushing back before he's made a full recovery. Again, I think of my Dad. He couldn't open a door two weeks removed from his heart surgery. Now Bernie is planning to fly to Ohio and participate in a three hour debate.
I have a feeling Bernie won't make this debate even if his recovery is a speedy one. Participating in a debate less than a fortnight removed from heart surgery could complicate things.
When it comes right down to it does Bernie Sanders want to be President of the United States more than life itself?
I suspect that Sanders will return to the campaign trail. But how long will it be? Mick Jagger was in full dance mode six weeks removed from his heart valve operation earlier this year. At 76, he appears not to have missed a step. But six weeks off the campaign trail would be an eternity. Will he miss this month's debate. Or even the debate in November?
Well, his wife Jane has announced that he will be participating in this month's debate which takes place on October 15th.
Should Bernie make it to the debate stage and perform to his usual standards, it could erase doubts about his health and viability. If nothing else it would be a feel good story.
But I wonder about the wisdom of these plans. I can't help but think that Bernie is rushing back before he's made a full recovery. Again, I think of my Dad. He couldn't open a door two weeks removed from his heart surgery. Now Bernie is planning to fly to Ohio and participate in a three hour debate.
I have a feeling Bernie won't make this debate even if his recovery is a speedy one. Participating in a debate less than a fortnight removed from heart surgery could complicate things.
When it comes right down to it does Bernie Sanders want to be President of the United States more than life itself?
Trump Trusts China to Investigate Biden, But Not on Trade With The U.S.
Amidst an impeachment inquiry in which President Trump is accused of calling upon a foreign government to investigate a political rival, the President of the United States not only reiterated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky investigate Joe Biden but also called upon Chinese President Xi Jinping to do the same.
Mind you this is the same country which Trump has repeatedly insisted is "ripping us off" on trade and has levied a series of tariffs. But suddenly he trusts a totalitarian state to conduct an impartial investigation of an American citizen, a trust he doesn't extend to the FBI.
There seems to be a quid pro quo here. Trump proclaimed, "I have a lot of options on China. If they do not do what we want, we have tremendous power.” Well, it would seem Trump wants China to do one thing in particular.
So what happens if China opens an investigation to Biden? Do the tariffs disappear? Or would they be delayed or perhaps reduced? The possibility cannot be ruled out. In which case, Trump is committing impeachable offenses out in the open.
While one can argue there is an appearance of impropriety concerning Hunter Biden's business interests vis a vis his father, President Trump is the last person who is in any position to lecture Joe Biden about anything. After all, Trump has never divested his business interests and neither have his children. If Hunter Biden's business activities in China have the appearance of impropriety then what of the business activities of Ivanka Trump in the People's Republic? The First Daughter has had numerous patents approved by the Chinese government including for voting machines.
The chutzpah grows by the day and is going to get much worse before it can possibly get better.
Mind you this is the same country which Trump has repeatedly insisted is "ripping us off" on trade and has levied a series of tariffs. But suddenly he trusts a totalitarian state to conduct an impartial investigation of an American citizen, a trust he doesn't extend to the FBI.
There seems to be a quid pro quo here. Trump proclaimed, "I have a lot of options on China. If they do not do what we want, we have tremendous power.” Well, it would seem Trump wants China to do one thing in particular.
So what happens if China opens an investigation to Biden? Do the tariffs disappear? Or would they be delayed or perhaps reduced? The possibility cannot be ruled out. In which case, Trump is committing impeachable offenses out in the open.
While one can argue there is an appearance of impropriety concerning Hunter Biden's business interests vis a vis his father, President Trump is the last person who is in any position to lecture Joe Biden about anything. After all, Trump has never divested his business interests and neither have his children. If Hunter Biden's business activities in China have the appearance of impropriety then what of the business activities of Ivanka Trump in the People's Republic? The First Daughter has had numerous patents approved by the Chinese government including for voting machines.
The chutzpah grows by the day and is going to get much worse before it can possibly get better.
Mets Fire Mickey Callaway; Who Will Want To Take This Job?
The New York Mets finished the 2019 season with a respectable 86-76 record and were in contention for a NL Wild Card spot until the final week of September.
It wasn't good enough - at least where Mickey Callaway was concerned.
With a year remaining on his contract, the Mets have kicked Callaway to the curb.
Pete Alonso's MLB rookie record of 53 home runs and a likely Cy Young campaign by Jacob de Grom did not compensate for a woeful bullpen which blew 28 saves in the eyes of Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen.
I suspect nothing short of a World Series trophy would have been enough. Callaway, after all, was hired by Van Wagenen's predecessor Sandy Alderson. After a 9-4 start, Callaway was in danger of losing his job by mid-May after an 11-21 stretch. Callaway was not Van Wagenen's man and Van Wagenen made sure that everyone else knew it. It did not help there were reports that Van Wagenen was making managerial decisions from the comfort of his home.
The Mets got much better after the All-Star Break. At one point, the team won 15 out of 16 games and had a 46-26 record in the second half and even managed to sweep the NL East champion Atlanta Braves in the final three games of the season including an extra innings, walk off home run from Dominic Smith on the final day of the season. Although the Mets season ended triumphantly, Callaway's future remained in doubt and the boom was lowered today.
Who the hell is going to want to manage the Mets? I'm sure the Mets are interested in Joe Maddon, but if Van Wagenen and Fred Wilpon are making out the lineup then Maddon will want no part of the situation. Will the Mets stay in house and offer the job to an experienced hand like bench coach Jim Riggleman or even pitching coach Phil Regan? Or will the Mets go outside the organization and hire someone with no managerial experience like Raul Ibanez? Or could they bring former Met Carlos Beltran back as their new skipper?
I suspect the Mets will hire someone outside the organization who is relatively unknown and someone grateful to take any big league managerial job even if it means their authority is limited. It could work wonders or it could mean the Mets take a big step backwards in 2020. If it is the latter, Mets fans might begin to look fondly at Mickey Callaway.
Under the circumstances, I don't think Callaway will get another chance to manage in the big leagues. He will probably return as a pitching coach, a role at which he excelled while with the Cleveland Indians. Or perhaps he will go the route of Terry Collins and manage in Japan and come back and manage the Mets to a NL pennant. Stranger things have happened. This is the Mets we are talking about after all.
It wasn't good enough - at least where Mickey Callaway was concerned.
With a year remaining on his contract, the Mets have kicked Callaway to the curb.
Pete Alonso's MLB rookie record of 53 home runs and a likely Cy Young campaign by Jacob de Grom did not compensate for a woeful bullpen which blew 28 saves in the eyes of Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen.
I suspect nothing short of a World Series trophy would have been enough. Callaway, after all, was hired by Van Wagenen's predecessor Sandy Alderson. After a 9-4 start, Callaway was in danger of losing his job by mid-May after an 11-21 stretch. Callaway was not Van Wagenen's man and Van Wagenen made sure that everyone else knew it. It did not help there were reports that Van Wagenen was making managerial decisions from the comfort of his home.
The Mets got much better after the All-Star Break. At one point, the team won 15 out of 16 games and had a 46-26 record in the second half and even managed to sweep the NL East champion Atlanta Braves in the final three games of the season including an extra innings, walk off home run from Dominic Smith on the final day of the season. Although the Mets season ended triumphantly, Callaway's future remained in doubt and the boom was lowered today.
Who the hell is going to want to manage the Mets? I'm sure the Mets are interested in Joe Maddon, but if Van Wagenen and Fred Wilpon are making out the lineup then Maddon will want no part of the situation. Will the Mets stay in house and offer the job to an experienced hand like bench coach Jim Riggleman or even pitching coach Phil Regan? Or will the Mets go outside the organization and hire someone with no managerial experience like Raul Ibanez? Or could they bring former Met Carlos Beltran back as their new skipper?
I suspect the Mets will hire someone outside the organization who is relatively unknown and someone grateful to take any big league managerial job even if it means their authority is limited. It could work wonders or it could mean the Mets take a big step backwards in 2020. If it is the latter, Mets fans might begin to look fondly at Mickey Callaway.
Under the circumstances, I don't think Callaway will get another chance to manage in the big leagues. He will probably return as a pitching coach, a role at which he excelled while with the Cleveland Indians. Or perhaps he will go the route of Terry Collins and manage in Japan and come back and manage the Mets to a NL pennant. Stranger things have happened. This is the Mets we are talking about after all.
Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Rays Shine in AL Wild Card; Will Face Astros in ALDS
The Tampa Bay Rays won the AL Wild Card game 5-1 once again putting the Oakland A's on the short end of the stick.
The Rays took the lead on the first batter of the game as Yandy Diaz took Sean Manaea deep quickly quieting the Oakland crowd. Manaea gave up a 2-run HR to Avisail Garcia in the 2nd and another solo shot to Diaz which prompted his exit in the 3rd. Tommy Pham homered off Yusmeiro Petit in the 6th.
Rays starter Charlie Morton didn't have his best stuff as none of his five innings were clean. But Morton got out of a bases loaded jam in the 1st and got inning ending double plays in the 2nd and the 5th. The only run Morton surrendered was an unearned run driven in via a sacrifice fly. Morton and relievers Diego Castillo, Nick Anderson and Emilio Pagan limited the A's to 8 hits - all singles. The A's actually outhit the Rays, but what counts are runs.
The Rays advance to the ALDS against the Houston Astros beginning Friday. The Astros are heavily favored, but they won't be taking the Rays lightly. The Rays won the season series 4-3. I think they will win this series as well.
The Rays took the lead on the first batter of the game as Yandy Diaz took Sean Manaea deep quickly quieting the Oakland crowd. Manaea gave up a 2-run HR to Avisail Garcia in the 2nd and another solo shot to Diaz which prompted his exit in the 3rd. Tommy Pham homered off Yusmeiro Petit in the 6th.
Rays starter Charlie Morton didn't have his best stuff as none of his five innings were clean. But Morton got out of a bases loaded jam in the 1st and got inning ending double plays in the 2nd and the 5th. The only run Morton surrendered was an unearned run driven in via a sacrifice fly. Morton and relievers Diego Castillo, Nick Anderson and Emilio Pagan limited the A's to 8 hits - all singles. The A's actually outhit the Rays, but what counts are runs.
The Rays advance to the ALDS against the Houston Astros beginning Friday. The Astros are heavily favored, but they won't be taking the Rays lightly. The Rays won the season series 4-3. I think they will win this series as well.
Could We Please Retire The Phrase "Changing The Culture"?
How many of you out there have heard of the phrase "changing the culture"?
How many of you out there are absolutely annoyed by it?
I've heard this phrase uttered in various workplace settings for many years. But where I've heard it must often deployed is in sports, particularly baseball.
A couple of nights ago, I was watching a panel discussion on SNY about the 2019 New York Mets. The phrase "changing the culture" must have been uttered 20 times in five minutes. Every time my Dad would hear the phrase he would go "ding".
From where I sit, unless one is describing the composition of yogurt, the phrase "changing the culture" is utterly devoid of meaning. It is yet the latest in a very long line of meaningless buzz words.
Consider this headline from Forbes concerning the recently fired Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon.
Joe Maddon Will Forever Be Remembered For Changing Cubs' Culture
Nonsense!!!
Joe Maddon will forever be remembered for guiding the Cubs to their first World Series title in 108 years.
Did Maddon get fired because the culture had changed for the worse? Or did he get fired because the Cubs lost 9 games in a row last month and failed to make the playoffs?
How many of you out there are absolutely annoyed by it?
I've heard this phrase uttered in various workplace settings for many years. But where I've heard it must often deployed is in sports, particularly baseball.
A couple of nights ago, I was watching a panel discussion on SNY about the 2019 New York Mets. The phrase "changing the culture" must have been uttered 20 times in five minutes. Every time my Dad would hear the phrase he would go "ding".
From where I sit, unless one is describing the composition of yogurt, the phrase "changing the culture" is utterly devoid of meaning. It is yet the latest in a very long line of meaningless buzz words.
Consider this headline from Forbes concerning the recently fired Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon.
Joe Maddon Will Forever Be Remembered For Changing Cubs' Culture
Nonsense!!!
Joe Maddon will forever be remembered for guiding the Cubs to their first World Series title in 108 years.
Did Maddon get fired because the culture had changed for the worse? Or did he get fired because the Cubs lost 9 games in a row last month and failed to make the playoffs?
Will Bernie Sanders' Heart Procedure End His Campaign?
Bernie Sanders has canceled all campaign events until further notice after undergoing a procedure placing a stent into his heart after complaining of chest pains following a rally last night in South Carolina.
Needless to say, I hope he makes a full recovery. When I heard the news I thought of my Dad's own emergency quadruple bypass surgery which took place five years ago this month. My Dad leads a very active life. He walks at least 10,000 steps nearly every day and goes to the gym regularly. Hell, he made mincemeat out of me at bowling on my birthday last month and he hadn't bowled in at least 20 years. My Dad is about as active a 78-year old as there is out there.
But my Dad isn't running for President at age 78. Bernie Sanders is.
The amount of travel required for a presidential candidate is extraordinary. A typical day can involve trips to multiple states. And these trips are not recreational in nature. There are speeches, meetings with donors and supporters, media appearances. Candidates often rely on fast food and very little sleep. When one is elected President of the United States all of that accelerates into the realm of overseas travel.
Chances are that Sanders will make a full recovery. But even if he does questions will linger
over his health. His main rivals aren't that much younger. Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren are 76 and 70, respectively. But neither have had any kind of significant health problems.
I suspect that Sanders will return to the campaign trail. But how long will it be? Mick Jagger was in full dance mode six weeks removed from his heart valve operation earlier this year. At 76, he appears not to have missed a step. But six weeks off the campaign trail would be an eternity. Will he miss this month's debate. Or even the debate in November? I suspect that Elizabeth Warren, who has been full surge mode since the late spring, will pick up a great deal of Sanders' support. While many Democrats would be delighted to see Bernie back on the campaign trail this delight wouldn't translate into votes.
If Sanders chooses to end his presidential campaign then the Democratic Party nomination would be Warren's to lose.
Needless to say, I hope he makes a full recovery. When I heard the news I thought of my Dad's own emergency quadruple bypass surgery which took place five years ago this month. My Dad leads a very active life. He walks at least 10,000 steps nearly every day and goes to the gym regularly. Hell, he made mincemeat out of me at bowling on my birthday last month and he hadn't bowled in at least 20 years. My Dad is about as active a 78-year old as there is out there.
But my Dad isn't running for President at age 78. Bernie Sanders is.
The amount of travel required for a presidential candidate is extraordinary. A typical day can involve trips to multiple states. And these trips are not recreational in nature. There are speeches, meetings with donors and supporters, media appearances. Candidates often rely on fast food and very little sleep. When one is elected President of the United States all of that accelerates into the realm of overseas travel.
Chances are that Sanders will make a full recovery. But even if he does questions will linger
over his health. His main rivals aren't that much younger. Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren are 76 and 70, respectively. But neither have had any kind of significant health problems.
I suspect that Sanders will return to the campaign trail. But how long will it be? Mick Jagger was in full dance mode six weeks removed from his heart valve operation earlier this year. At 76, he appears not to have missed a step. But six weeks off the campaign trail would be an eternity. Will he miss this month's debate. Or even the debate in November? I suspect that Elizabeth Warren, who has been full surge mode since the late spring, will pick up a great deal of Sanders' support. While many Democrats would be delighted to see Bernie back on the campaign trail this delight wouldn't translate into votes.
If Sanders chooses to end his presidential campaign then the Democratic Party nomination would be Warren's to lose.
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
Nationals Win NL Wild Card; Will Face Dodgers in NLDS
The Washington Nationals defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 to win the NL Wild Card game. The Nats advance to the NLDS where they will face two time NL champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
Things did not look good for the Nats early on. Nats ace Max Scherzer got into trouble right away giving up a 2-run HR in the 1st to Brewers catcher Yasmani Grandal. Eric Thames took Scherzer deep in the 2nd inning to give the Brew Crew a 3-0 lead.
Scherzer managed to settle down after giving the team five innings. But Brewers pitching was equal to the task for the first seven innings. Brandon Woodruff, Brian Suter and Drew Pomeranz only gave up one run (a solo HR by Trea Turner in the 3rd).
But Brewers closer Josh Hader was another matter when he entered the game in the 8th. Hader was very wild and overamped. Although he struck out Victor Robles, he plunked pinch hitter Michael A. Taylor (although Brewers manager Craig Counsell unsuccessfully challenged the call). After striking out Turner, pinch hitter Ryan Zimmerman hit a broken bat single. Hader loaded the bases with a walk to NL MVP candidate Anthony Rendon.
Up stepped Juan Soto. He hit a single which would have normally driven in one run. But Brewers rookie right fielder Trent Grisham misplayed the ball scoring two runs and giving the Nats a 4-3 lead. Soto didn't mind a bit being tagged out at second base. Twenty minutes before the 20-year old Soto got into the batter's box, the Nats' season appeared over.
Nats manager opted to pitch Daniel Hudson instead of Sean Doolittle to close the game. After striking out Thames, Hudson surrendered a single to Lorenzo Cain. The former Blue Jays reliever regrouped and got Orlando Arcia to pop out to catcher Kurt Suzuki before Ben Gamel flied out to Robles to secure the NL Wild Card.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the winning pitcher Stephen Strasburg. In his very first big league relief appearance, Strasburg pitched three scoreless innings striking out four while giving up only two hits.
It will be interesting how the use of Scherzer and Strasburg tonight will affect their performance against the Dodgers. Are they just getting warmed up or will they hit a wall in Chavez Ravine? The Nats could not advance in the NLDS four times between 2012 and 2017. But for the moment the Washington Nationals are triumphant.
The 2019 MLB post-season is off to a rousing start. Tomorrow night the AL Wild Card game takes place between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Oakland A's.
Things did not look good for the Nats early on. Nats ace Max Scherzer got into trouble right away giving up a 2-run HR in the 1st to Brewers catcher Yasmani Grandal. Eric Thames took Scherzer deep in the 2nd inning to give the Brew Crew a 3-0 lead.
Scherzer managed to settle down after giving the team five innings. But Brewers pitching was equal to the task for the first seven innings. Brandon Woodruff, Brian Suter and Drew Pomeranz only gave up one run (a solo HR by Trea Turner in the 3rd).
But Brewers closer Josh Hader was another matter when he entered the game in the 8th. Hader was very wild and overamped. Although he struck out Victor Robles, he plunked pinch hitter Michael A. Taylor (although Brewers manager Craig Counsell unsuccessfully challenged the call). After striking out Turner, pinch hitter Ryan Zimmerman hit a broken bat single. Hader loaded the bases with a walk to NL MVP candidate Anthony Rendon.
Up stepped Juan Soto. He hit a single which would have normally driven in one run. But Brewers rookie right fielder Trent Grisham misplayed the ball scoring two runs and giving the Nats a 4-3 lead. Soto didn't mind a bit being tagged out at second base. Twenty minutes before the 20-year old Soto got into the batter's box, the Nats' season appeared over.
Nats manager opted to pitch Daniel Hudson instead of Sean Doolittle to close the game. After striking out Thames, Hudson surrendered a single to Lorenzo Cain. The former Blue Jays reliever regrouped and got Orlando Arcia to pop out to catcher Kurt Suzuki before Ben Gamel flied out to Robles to secure the NL Wild Card.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the winning pitcher Stephen Strasburg. In his very first big league relief appearance, Strasburg pitched three scoreless innings striking out four while giving up only two hits.
It will be interesting how the use of Scherzer and Strasburg tonight will affect their performance against the Dodgers. Are they just getting warmed up or will they hit a wall in Chavez Ravine? The Nats could not advance in the NLDS four times between 2012 and 2017. But for the moment the Washington Nationals are triumphant.
The 2019 MLB post-season is off to a rousing start. Tomorrow night the AL Wild Card game takes place between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Oakland A's.
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