A conversation about MLB, on the field, off the field.

Sunday, February 11, 2007

From the Basement Feb 11 07

http://ottawalynx.blogspot.com/ is posting daily Ottawa Lynx player profiles. This is useful considering we have a new affiliate in town this year and a whole raft of new players ( save for some 2nd tour of duty guys, Pedro Swann, Ron Calloway, Joey Hammond, who am I missing?) Nice work. Thanks to http://neatesager.blogspot.com/ for the link.

Thanks to Buster's blog for links to the below. http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?name=olney_buster#20070211

More phony moralism in MLB. The Red Sox are feigning concern over a beer ad airing in Japan which shows Dice K, are you ready? DRINKING BEER! They think this is sending a questionable message to the impressionable youngsters of Red Sox Nation. Evidently in part of the ad he is shown wearing a Red Sox uni, but in the portion of the ad where he is drinking beer he is shown in civvies. How's that for playing both sides of the fence? You get your brand exposure in the ad and simultaneoulsy claim the moral high ground. One more thing, the last time I was at Fenway it was ok to drink beer, in fact I recall they encouraged it. What sort of message is that sending to the youth of Red Sox Nation? Ok, one more thing, is there any signage at Fenway promoting beer?

There is serious talk that the Red Sox will open th 08 season in Japan. MLB is dead serious about growing the game in Asia. On the same note, Murray Chass reports that China is ready to start televising MLB.

Mr. Chass also reports some revealing numbers about recent trading in MLB. Trades are down from 56 at this point last offseason to 35. Mark Shapiro comments that it is a reflection of the economic health of teams, there is not as much salary dumping. Omar Minaya comments that teams are more motivated to keep their prospects.

Carl Everett is looking for a job.

Didn't know until today that the Cubs plan to give Neal Cotts an opportunity to start some games.

David Steele in the Baltimore Sun points out what a stark contrast it will be, the stage managing
of Bonds 756th in comparison to McGwire's 62nd. I hope Bonds hits #756 on the road just to hear and see the reaction. Sanctimonious asses.

Enough Buster stuff, randomly....

So much is made of everything happening off the field with Bonds, but when you get down to winning and losing, the Giants need Barry big time. It would be next to impossible to find a power hitter at this point in the season and the Giants have nobody else. What would the middle of their order look like without Bonds? Winn, Durham, Feliz? Ryan Klesko? The NL West is wide open, the Giants with Barry have as good a shot as anybody else.

I don't remember a pro athlete in my lifetime who alienated every sector of the game as completely as Bonds; teammates, media, PA, ownership, fans.

Why didn't Jason Giambi get crucified by the NY media over his grand jury testimony / admissions?

Who will win the Cubs shortstop job out of spring training, Ronny Cedeno or Cesar Isturis? My money is on Isturis.

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