Looking in the world of baseball contract negotiations, Manny Ramirez is still team-less. In a related story, the Dodgers are not wit-less. Scott Boras feels that he knows more than anyone and he will get what he wants!
If this negotiation were like a hostage negotiation the person being held would be dead along with the hostage negotiatior and maybe a squirrel, named Jimmy. I know it's a tragedy when the squirrel was hit by the cop car, but he will always be remembered by his playful and curious nature. He leaves behind a family that will honor his spirit and love for life. This is how I really feel about it.
Look, during the playoffs the Dodgers knew, the baseball community knew and so did everyone standing near the TV knew, players were not coming back for 2009. The Dodgers had a lot of fat to trim and they did. Jeff Kent was not going to resign. Nomar was up for auction. Manny was surely expendible. Frank McCourt was working the numbers and why shouldn't he. He bought this team when they did spend on overpaid but little produced free agents and rookies. Nomo, Valdes, Hollandsworth, Ashley, Mondesi were taking roster spots and mainly salary.
Even in his statement McCourt sounds sarcastic about the threat of Ramirez leaving LA with big money and a big contract, “When his agent finds those ‘serious offers’ from other clubs, we’ll be happy to restart the negotiations.” He is calling your bluff Scott and he will win.
Manny did a great job boosting a Dodgers team that had the chance to take the pennant, but we all had a feeling it was temporary. His .396 average, 17 homers and 53 RBIs in the last two months of the season were huge pluses. However, Manny is going around demanding long term contracts from a team and a league unwilling to do so in this recession. Then he goes off bragging about getting an offer from the Yankees that never existed. As far as I'm concerned Scott Boras never talked to Cashman or the Evil Empire. He cried wolf and no one even bothered to check the sheep.
This is a first ballot Hall of Fame talent with a checkered personality, but his bat will still provided wins for any club. Though he needs to realize that it's not 2001 and he is not 28 anymore. He is in his thirties and needs to think about his bottom line. The Dodgers have no problem losing Manny. They got some kids in the farm system they showed off last year.
Now I want to take this time to talk directly to Manny:
"Manny, baby, I was a huge fan of you when you were with Kenny and Albert in the Cuyahoga. However I need you to wise up. Take the money. C'mon $25 Million is $24,085,000 more than I make in a year and I threw a no-hitter in Little League. TAKE THE MONEY!"
Batting fourth for the Dodgers is number 99, Rod Tidwell.
Friday, February 27, 2009
The Curious Case of Kurt Warner's Employment
Everyone is talking about Kurt Warner. He is this knight in shining armor to GM's. The funny thing is I don't know why.
Yes, he was the feel good story of the NFL and the Super Bowl. We all love the underdog; coming from Arena Football and your local grocery store, but we have to let that die.
The fact is Kurt Warner is not worth a lot of money. He not worth much. First off he is 38 years old this fall. That will not help you out, especially with the cap on most teams and a financial crisis hitting pro sports. Secondly he is not an overly successful QB. In all his pro career, he only has 5 winning seasons and only two of them featured more than 10 wins. Even then those years were in a dome and sunny Arizona. Though to counter when he traveled to the East Coast or heaven forbid a cold climate, he falls apart (see New England this year).
The time to act for Kurt Warner was like 7 years ago, when he was worth a damn. Now, I cannot see spending money on him, even if I am Minnesota. The economics and time are just not on his side. Granted he didn't win the big game, he should have walked away from football. Though he will never be a Hall of Famer (those stats are not impressive to the history of the game) he will be remembered in the same light as Rudy or Vince Papale.
Yes, he was the feel good story of the NFL and the Super Bowl. We all love the underdog; coming from Arena Football and your local grocery store, but we have to let that die.
The fact is Kurt Warner is not worth a lot of money. He not worth much. First off he is 38 years old this fall. That will not help you out, especially with the cap on most teams and a financial crisis hitting pro sports. Secondly he is not an overly successful QB. In all his pro career, he only has 5 winning seasons and only two of them featured more than 10 wins. Even then those years were in a dome and sunny Arizona. Though to counter when he traveled to the East Coast or heaven forbid a cold climate, he falls apart (see New England this year).
The time to act for Kurt Warner was like 7 years ago, when he was worth a damn. Now, I cannot see spending money on him, even if I am Minnesota. The economics and time are just not on his side. Granted he didn't win the big game, he should have walked away from football. Though he will never be a Hall of Famer (those stats are not impressive to the history of the game) he will be remembered in the same light as Rudy or Vince Papale.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
OH NO HE DI'NT!
Interior (Sal's 401K Victor Bureau)
(Seth is typing on his computer, searching the Internet for Joe Namath pictures. He finds this photo and quickly opens up a browser and sends Sal Fasano the pic.)
Seth (With a worried look): Oh no, I hope he doesn't know.
(Pause)
(Phone Rings)
Seth (Picking up receiver): Hello?
Sal (through phone): What the F*CK!?! WHERE DID YOU FIND THIS!?!
Seth: Listen I found it on the Internet -
(Over the phone a huge crash is heard, its the sound of Sal throwing his computer out the window.)
Sal: WHO SAID HE COULD DO THAT!?! That's my 'Stache, nobody wears the FU-MANCHU, unless I, Salfonso Fasano APPROVES!
Seth: Sal, baby, it's not what it seems, he just grew it -
Sal: I DIDN'T APPROVE SH*T!!! I am going to cut that mother a new one! Then I'm going to eat his children!
Seth: Sal, you can't go back to jail again!
(Dial Tone)
Seth (turning to camera): Don't ever grow a Fu-Manchu with out his consent. (Points finger at camera.) GOT IT!
Sal Sez: You never grow it, unless I approve it. F*cking Joe Willie Namath!
Youth Sports Suck!
This morning on The John DiTullio Show, John had a legendary round table with local writers and sports anchors. The point of the visit was to talk about free agent picks for the Buffalo Bills. Somehow the conversation was sidetracked by callers complaining about their kids not getting enough coverage in town.
"Youth sports are not getting represented!"
"No one covers my kids games!"
"How come no one talks about youth hockey in Rochester!"
"GARBLE GARBLE GARBLE!"
Can I get a HAR-UMPH!
WHAM-TV sports anchor Mike Catalana neutralized the blaze of annoying calls by mentioning that local media only have enough time and resources to cover games. In fact due to our lack of top-tier major league team, we have a lot of high school and youth sports coverage.
Then like a wise sports writer he is, Scott Pitoniak laid out the wisdom. He pointed out that the problem lies in the parents. It could not have been spoken any better.
See the parents are the one's pushing for coverage. They push for the exclusives and the footage and the interviews. The athletes are out to play, especially in this market.
Let's be honest in Rochester, New York, there are very few, if any blue chip recruits who know the game of media and are playing it. That happens in LA, New York City or Chicago... not in market listed in the low 80's of over 180 markets.
The Roundtable of Flower City Journalism discussed the impact coaches have on young athletes and the parents damaging those coaches. Both writers of Sal's 401K have seen in our own lives.
I hate parents. I said it. I don't want to say it. At a high school level, especially in some communities, they use their kids athletic ability as currency to buy attention and admiration for their household. That kind of attitude cheapens kids and athletes out to play a simple game for fun. Sports are important to us... but they are not the end of the world.
Growing up, baseball was my sport. Basketball was okay, I could not play hockey, so nothing came close to baseball. My father loved baseball too and he was always supportive of things I participated in. Baseball was that great connector between my father and I where he would practice hours with me. He didn't do it out of hopes of getting a kid signed by a Major League team, but because I loved to play the game.
When I was in Little League, my team needed a coach. Parents noticed how my father always attended my games and was always there giving tips to kids on their mechanics (which they actually listened to). My father refused to be a head coach but rather an assistant coach. He did not want to deal with the responsibility of dealing with irate parents or playing politics. He coached because he loved me and the game.
I always remember what my dad did for my games. Playing at a private high school 45 minutes away from my home, my dad would drive an hour or more to catch my game. Then on the drive back we would talk. Not about what I did wrong and how I needed to make adjustments. No, never, it was always about what happened in the game and why did I do that. My father wanted to have me understand and strategize about the game, rather than tear down my playing. He knew that by high school, baseball was a sport I played in my spare time, to have fun.
When I was covering the Geneva Red Wings or covering the college teams, you see these kids who do love baseball. Though in reality they are working, its a job. Then they go out and play hard, pour their hearts into it. If they fail (something they cannot stand) they get a verbal lashing from parents. That's one thing I never saw or could imagine from my father.
It is clearly evident that I look up to my father. He taught me a lot of things; how to pitch, how to skate, change oil, roofing but most importantly how to be a real man and a real parent.
Sports are important... but they are not that important.
"Youth sports are not getting represented!"
"No one covers my kids games!"
"How come no one talks about youth hockey in Rochester!"
"GARBLE GARBLE GARBLE!"
Can I get a HAR-UMPH!
WHAM-TV sports anchor Mike Catalana neutralized the blaze of annoying calls by mentioning that local media only have enough time and resources to cover games. In fact due to our lack of top-tier major league team, we have a lot of high school and youth sports coverage.
Then like a wise sports writer he is, Scott Pitoniak laid out the wisdom. He pointed out that the problem lies in the parents. It could not have been spoken any better.
See the parents are the one's pushing for coverage. They push for the exclusives and the footage and the interviews. The athletes are out to play, especially in this market.
Let's be honest in Rochester, New York, there are very few, if any blue chip recruits who know the game of media and are playing it. That happens in LA, New York City or Chicago... not in market listed in the low 80's of over 180 markets.
The Roundtable of Flower City Journalism discussed the impact coaches have on young athletes and the parents damaging those coaches. Both writers of Sal's 401K have seen in our own lives.
I hate parents. I said it. I don't want to say it. At a high school level, especially in some communities, they use their kids athletic ability as currency to buy attention and admiration for their household. That kind of attitude cheapens kids and athletes out to play a simple game for fun. Sports are important to us... but they are not the end of the world.
Growing up, baseball was my sport. Basketball was okay, I could not play hockey, so nothing came close to baseball. My father loved baseball too and he was always supportive of things I participated in. Baseball was that great connector between my father and I where he would practice hours with me. He didn't do it out of hopes of getting a kid signed by a Major League team, but because I loved to play the game.
When I was in Little League, my team needed a coach. Parents noticed how my father always attended my games and was always there giving tips to kids on their mechanics (which they actually listened to). My father refused to be a head coach but rather an assistant coach. He did not want to deal with the responsibility of dealing with irate parents or playing politics. He coached because he loved me and the game.
I always remember what my dad did for my games. Playing at a private high school 45 minutes away from my home, my dad would drive an hour or more to catch my game. Then on the drive back we would talk. Not about what I did wrong and how I needed to make adjustments. No, never, it was always about what happened in the game and why did I do that. My father wanted to have me understand and strategize about the game, rather than tear down my playing. He knew that by high school, baseball was a sport I played in my spare time, to have fun.
When I was covering the Geneva Red Wings or covering the college teams, you see these kids who do love baseball. Though in reality they are working, its a job. Then they go out and play hard, pour their hearts into it. If they fail (something they cannot stand) they get a verbal lashing from parents. That's one thing I never saw or could imagine from my father.
It is clearly evident that I look up to my father. He taught me a lot of things; how to pitch, how to skate, change oil, roofing but most importantly how to be a real man and a real parent.
Sports are important... but they are not that important.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Solving the Hall of Fame Problem
Cooperstown, New York. The baseball Hall of Fame, the Mecca of the sport. The $27.5 Million dollar question: should steroid users be allowed past Saint Peter into baseball heaven.
Of course, St. Pete isn't a guy in a robe with a crown, he's a group of baseball writers who have no idea what to do about the Bondses, Clemenses and Palmieros of the world. Since I don't have a vote, I have some suggestions:
First, there are a few numbers (3000 hits, 200 wins, 500 home runs) that have, throughout history, guaranteed Hall of Fame bids, right? With the steroid era, Hall of Fame voters will just have to rethink the bar.
The new numbers should be 200, nine-and-three-eighths and three. A player should have less than 200 pounds of pure muscle, have a hat size under nine-and-three-eighths and shouldn't be able to pull any more than three airplanes with their teeth.
OK if not that, the Hall should consider building a new wing in Cooperstown. Maybe the one closest to a back alley and most shaped like a syringe.
Here's a blue print: As you walked in, there would be a statue of Bud Selig standing next to Big Mac and Sosa, all three with gleaming smiles and dollar-sign eyeballs. Behind glass and well lit are Barry Bonds before-and-after photos and before-and-after hats. The Hall won't be able to get a hold Bonds's 73rd or 756th home run balls because, well, upon landing, both baseballs exploded like water balloons. You see, cork and leather weaken when leaving and reentering the earth's atmosphere.
As you get to the plunger part of the syringe-shaped wing, Alex Rodriguez's note cards, Tic Tacs and a photo of him and Peter Gammons hugging. There next to it is the first base bag Palmerio stepped on after his 3000th hit. Well, whats left of it anyway.
Cooperstown can even hire Jose Canseco as a tour guide. Alright, maybe not. That should be Selig or Tom Hicks job, they'd know more.
Upon exiting the needle part of the steroid wing in Cooperstown, visitors will be able to enjoy the All-Anti-Steroid team. Some will, some won't get a statue in the actual Hall, but credit is due for out-performing the Supermen and doing it, as Bob Costas said, "all natural."
Catcher: Brad Ausmus - The only guy in the state of Texas who couldn't hit home runs. But you could always count on Ausmus to hold 'em at first, never allowing more than 10 passed balls or more than 50 stolen bases.
First Base: John Olerud - Wore the same size helmet in the field for 17 seasons. Olerud walked 259 more times than struck out and won three gold gloves.
Second Base: Craig Biggio - Holding my breath, crossing my fingers and knocking on wood here. It's hard to argue with over 3,000 hits, 414 stolen bases and eight seasons over 100 runs though.
Third Base: Scott Rolen - Had a swing and glove straight out of Hornsby's days. He hit between 21 and 34 home runs for nine straight seasons. Rolen also won seven gold gloves.
Shortstop: Omar Vizquel - I'm guessing the juice doesn't help with sacrifice bunts. Vizquel is the active leader with 239. In 2000, he made just three errors in 156 games.
Rightfield: Ichiro Suzuki - All-time single-season hits leader. Rookie of the Year. Most Valuable Player. Eight straight gold gloves and All-Star appearances. Five-foot-nine-inches, 160 pounds, enough said.
Centerfield: Kenny Lofton - The ultimate leadoff hitter. He is the active leader in stolen bases, including 75 in 1996. Lofton has four gold gloves, seven All-Star games and a .299 career batting average....and somehow, with 130 home runs, his name never appeared in a Canseco publication.
Leftfield: Garrett Anderson - Played over 100 games every season of his career. Had career highs of 201 hits, 56 doubles, 123 runs batted in and only struck out over 100 times once. If you want to be paranoid, Anderson had one season over 30 home runs....hopefully the ball was just hanging up in the smog that year.
Starting pitcher: Gred Maddux - It isn't easy to win four straight Cy Young awards throwing 85 miles per hour and looking more like a calculus professor than a pitcher, but Maddux did it.
Reliver: Mariano Rivera - A few blips (2001 World Series and 2004 ALCS) but he'll likely go down as the best closer ever, despite often being blown down by brisk winds.
Honorable mention: Bernie Williams, Placido Polanco, David Cone, Trevor Hoffman, David Eckstein, every backup catcher, pinch runner and knuckle-baller pitcher ever, Juan Pierre and Jamie Moyer.
Of course, St. Pete isn't a guy in a robe with a crown, he's a group of baseball writers who have no idea what to do about the Bondses, Clemenses and Palmieros of the world. Since I don't have a vote, I have some suggestions:
First, there are a few numbers (3000 hits, 200 wins, 500 home runs) that have, throughout history, guaranteed Hall of Fame bids, right? With the steroid era, Hall of Fame voters will just have to rethink the bar.
The new numbers should be 200, nine-and-three-eighths and three. A player should have less than 200 pounds of pure muscle, have a hat size under nine-and-three-eighths and shouldn't be able to pull any more than three airplanes with their teeth.
OK if not that, the Hall should consider building a new wing in Cooperstown. Maybe the one closest to a back alley and most shaped like a syringe.
Here's a blue print: As you walked in, there would be a statue of Bud Selig standing next to Big Mac and Sosa, all three with gleaming smiles and dollar-sign eyeballs. Behind glass and well lit are Barry Bonds before-and-after photos and before-and-after hats. The Hall won't be able to get a hold Bonds's 73rd or 756th home run balls because, well, upon landing, both baseballs exploded like water balloons. You see, cork and leather weaken when leaving and reentering the earth's atmosphere.
As you get to the plunger part of the syringe-shaped wing, Alex Rodriguez's note cards, Tic Tacs and a photo of him and Peter Gammons hugging. There next to it is the first base bag Palmerio stepped on after his 3000th hit. Well, whats left of it anyway.
Cooperstown can even hire Jose Canseco as a tour guide. Alright, maybe not. That should be Selig or Tom Hicks job, they'd know more.
Upon exiting the needle part of the steroid wing in Cooperstown, visitors will be able to enjoy the All-Anti-Steroid team. Some will, some won't get a statue in the actual Hall, but credit is due for out-performing the Supermen and doing it, as Bob Costas said, "all natural."
Catcher: Brad Ausmus - The only guy in the state of Texas who couldn't hit home runs. But you could always count on Ausmus to hold 'em at first, never allowing more than 10 passed balls or more than 50 stolen bases.
First Base: John Olerud - Wore the same size helmet in the field for 17 seasons. Olerud walked 259 more times than struck out and won three gold gloves.
Second Base: Craig Biggio - Holding my breath, crossing my fingers and knocking on wood here. It's hard to argue with over 3,000 hits, 414 stolen bases and eight seasons over 100 runs though.
Third Base: Scott Rolen - Had a swing and glove straight out of Hornsby's days. He hit between 21 and 34 home runs for nine straight seasons. Rolen also won seven gold gloves.
Shortstop: Omar Vizquel - I'm guessing the juice doesn't help with sacrifice bunts. Vizquel is the active leader with 239. In 2000, he made just three errors in 156 games.
Rightfield: Ichiro Suzuki - All-time single-season hits leader. Rookie of the Year. Most Valuable Player. Eight straight gold gloves and All-Star appearances. Five-foot-nine-inches, 160 pounds, enough said.
Centerfield: Kenny Lofton - The ultimate leadoff hitter. He is the active leader in stolen bases, including 75 in 1996. Lofton has four gold gloves, seven All-Star games and a .299 career batting average....and somehow, with 130 home runs, his name never appeared in a Canseco publication.
Leftfield: Garrett Anderson - Played over 100 games every season of his career. Had career highs of 201 hits, 56 doubles, 123 runs batted in and only struck out over 100 times once. If you want to be paranoid, Anderson had one season over 30 home runs....hopefully the ball was just hanging up in the smog that year.
Starting pitcher: Gred Maddux - It isn't easy to win four straight Cy Young awards throwing 85 miles per hour and looking more like a calculus professor than a pitcher, but Maddux did it.
Reliver: Mariano Rivera - A few blips (2001 World Series and 2004 ALCS) but he'll likely go down as the best closer ever, despite often being blown down by brisk winds.
Honorable mention: Bernie Williams, Placido Polanco, David Cone, Trevor Hoffman, David Eckstein, every backup catcher, pinch runner and knuckle-baller pitcher ever, Juan Pierre and Jamie Moyer.
The Anti-Steroid team will be there to remind us why we still watch. Because David Eckstein won World Series MVP, because Ichiro gunned Terrance Long at third and because no matter what steroid you use, Maddux's change was still unhittable.
The steroid wing will allow roiders to still be in the Hall of Fame so as not to be forgotten. It will give finality and closure for those of us who will always feel betrayed Major League Baseball.
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