Results tagged ‘ Jeff Passan ’
That’s Embarassing
So it appears that Puerto Rico beat, er DESTROYED, the U.S.A. in the WBC last night, 11-1. Tats right folks, we lost by 10 runs thereby invoking the “Mercy Rule” and ending the game in seven innings. I haven’t seen the mercy rule come into play since AAA Little League baseball when I was 10– very sad.
The unfortunate thing in all of this is Team USA is now on the ropes. Another loss not only sends the team packing, but I think it could be a major blow to the World Baseball Classic in the biggest baseball nation in the world. This could be the second straight second-round exit for the Americans, the supposedly best team in the world, and lead to our fans thinking even less of the WBC than we already do. Hopefully the players, and coaches, will take this problem seriously and not treat tonights game like any old spring training game.
The failure of the U.S.A. to put its best product on the field led to the demise of Olympic baseball. Failure to put out the best effort (we already know some of the best players aren’t playing) will lead to history repeating itself in the WBC.
Other Takes:
Jeff Passan calls out Johnson for worrying about pitch count versus performance in not pulling Peavy.
Amy Nelson gives a good recap of last nights emotion and what lays ahead against the Netherlands.
Side Notes:
Congrats to the Trojans on winning the PAC-10.
T.J. Simers chims in on Boston’s obsession with Manny. All I’ve heard for two weeks from my Red Sox fans is how horrible Ramirez is– last time I checked he was a major piece in two World Series victories.
While I am not a Padres fan, I do like the Umpire camp they are putting on for local Marines. The Pad’s have always been great at reaching out to our men and women in uniform.
Mannywood Returns
Well, it looks like its finally over and Manny is back with the Dodgers. Interesting thing is it appears the deal is the same one made by the dodgers back on February 25th. After the battle of press releases finally died down it looks like cooler heads prevailed.
At the time I did like Frank McCourts initial reaction to the whole deferred payments issue and the negotiating against ourselves. He did however seem to drag on with all his moaning so much that he started to look like an insolent child. He put himself in a bad spot where he would either a.) lose the best right handed hitter in the game or b.) eat crow and look bad. Thankfully he took b… and he will recover from it as he continues to learn the game.
This signing makes the Dodgers the favorite in the West. I think the National League is so weak right now that anyone who gets into the playoffs can make the World Series, so we have a shot! If the Dodgers are smart they’ll add an arm before the Trade Deadline and be able to make a real run.
From all over:
Jeff Passan is his usual self saying Manny and the Dodgers deserve each other.
Dodgers.com has a timeline of negotiations online.
Sportsnation likes the deal for the Dodgers– Except Boston Fans!
Page 2 always has something to add.
And my PTI favorite, Bill Plaschke, gives a lesson in leverage
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