MLB Thread

[ebk57]

36 minutes ago, mojoween said:

Two questions -

is the temperature sub zero in Baltimore because everyone seems to have left already

and why are they playing "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" at Camden Yard?

It's so cold here, we have a fire going. In April.  Which is just wrong.  And it's supposed to be 80 on Monday... 

They play "Country Boy" at the stadium because.........  that's what they've always done.  John Denver came and sang in person for Game One of the '83 Series.  I don't know why it started, but it did.  They changed it up for a short time, but after some complaints, went back to it.  

Yay team!

[mojoween]

13 minutes ago, ebk57 said:

 

Yay team!

Ouch.

[Lantern7]

1 hour ago, mojoween said:

and why are they playing "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" at Camden Yard?

That isn't a standard at ballparks? The Mets used to play that all the time at Shea.

[King of Birds]

Quote

Well, life's on a farm is kinda laid back,
ain't much an old country boy like me can't hack.
It's early to rise, early in the sack thank God I'm a country boy.
Well, a simple kind of life never did me no harm,
raising me a family and working on the farm.
My days are all filled with an easy country charm, thank God I'm a country boy.
Well, I got me a fine wife, I got me old fiddle.
When the sun's coming up, I got cakes on the griddle.
And life ain't nothing but a funny, funny riddle, thank God I'm a country boy.

When the work's all done and the sun's setting low,
I pull out my fiddle and I rosin up the bow.
The kids are asleep so I keep it kinda low, thank God I'm a country boy.
I'd play Sally Gooding all day if I could,
but the lord and my wife wouldn't take it very good.
So I fiddle when I can and I work when I should, thank God I'm a country boy.
Well, I got me a fine wife, I got me old fiddle.
When the sun's coming up, I got cakes on the griddle.
And life ain't nothing but a funny, funny riddle, thank God I'm a country boy.

Now I'm not the O's fan, I've only picked up that they use the first part of the song. Do they go longer in the song sometimes???

Because the next part...

Quote

I wouldn't trade my life for diamonds or jewels,
I never was one of them money hungry fools.
I'd rather have my fiddle and my farming tools, thank God I'm a country boy.
Yeah, city folk driving in a black limousine,
a lotta sad people thinking that's-a mighty keen.
Son, let me tell you now exactly what I mean, thank God I'm a country boy.

MMMmm Hmmm. I'm just sayin' - that's all. Of course I cheer for a team that plays Neil Diamond and then a song about 1960s-era bad water, so what do I know?

@jennifer6973 : Three teams? WTH?  I understand the two-team theory of "The Red Sox, and whoever's playing the Yankees" but please enlighten us to your three-team theory of cheering. 

[mojoween]

It's kinda funny that right before Chase cocked his arm back to wildly throw to first base Michael said something like "it's hit to Headley, who's had a really good game" (and while the ball sails past first off into the night Kenny says it's Headley's second error so it can't have been too good of a night) and just before that Michael had mentioned that the Yanks and O's were two of four teams to have their bullpens not give up a run this season.  So really, I lay the entire blame for the loss right at Michael's feet.

[xaxat]

Things like that provide some of the most entertaining moments during baseball play by play. There was a spring training game where the announcer said that the guy at bat "isn't known for his power". So he smashed the next pitch into left field.

And then there is this.

ETA I finally got around to reading the article on minor league salaries. When it comes to owners vs players I always side with the players, so I wish them the best. I was surprised to find out that teams haven't entered the twentieth century in providing a training table with healthy food options for young athletes they hope to be paying millions of dollars a year in the future.

It seems like a no brainer ROI.

Edited April 8, 2017 by xaxat

[mojoween]

Sports Illustrated called Bartolo and Ichiro "benelovent baseball vampires" and if it were possible to fall desperately in love with words I would.

[jennifer6973]

12 hours ago, King of Birds said:

Now I'm not the O's fan, I've only picked up that they use the first part of the song. Do they go longer in the song sometimes???

Because the next part...

MMMmm Hmmm. I'm just sayin' - that's all. Of course I cheer for a team that plays Neil Diamond and then a song about 1960s-era bad water, so what do I know?

@jennifer6973 : Three teams? WTH?  I understand the two-team theory of "The Red Sox, and whoever's playing the Yankees" but please enlighten us to your three-team theory of cheering. 

 

My dad is from Western Ohio so I root for the Reds, (and have been to 3 games at Riverfront where they won all 3), I grew up in the DC area (and now live in FL) so as a kid (and now) root for the Orioles, then when the Expos moved to DC and became the Nationals I started rooting for them also.  I also root for Red Sox (except when they are playing the O's) because NKOTB were from Boston.  I have a picture of me somewhere around here of me at a Reds game in a NKOTB shirt and a Red Sox hat.

[ebk57]

12 hours ago, King of Birds said:

Now I'm not the O's fan, I've only picked up that they use the first part of the song. Do they go longer in the song sometimes???

They do not go longer into the song because there's only so much time during the 7th inning stretch.  They even cut out some of the instrumentals for time constraints.  

[jennifer6973]

4 hours ago, mojoween said:

It's kinda funny that right before Chase cocked his arm back to wildly throw to first base Michael said something like "it's hit to Headley, who's had a really good game" (and while the ball sails past first off into the night Kenny says it's Headley's second error so it can't have been too good of a night) and just before that Michael had mentioned that the Yanks and O's were two of four teams to have their bullpens not give up a run this season.  So really, I lay the entire blame for the loss right at Michael's feet.

The O's commentators last night that Yankee booth had the windows closed just for Michael, I didn't the whole story of why, because I was in and out doing things, But Jim Palmer and I forget the other were get a right giggle out of it.

[xaxat]

13 minutes ago, jennifer6973 said:

and have been to 3 games at Riverfront where they won all 3

1.000 win percentage at Riverfront. A record that will never be broken!

[mojoween]

40 minutes ago, jennifer6973 said:

The O's commentators last night that Yankee booth had the windows closed just for Michael, I didn't the whole story of why, because I was in and out doing things, But Jim Palmer and I forget the other were get a right giggle out of it.

Michael tweeted before the game started that Kenny was nice enough to close the window for him so he didn't get pneumonia.  

[King of Birds]

The Reds, the O's, the Nats... and sometimes Boston because of NKOTB.   .... Okay.

[MyAimIsTrue]

I kind of like the logic of rooting for a team because a favorite band is from there.  In my case Liverpool would need a baseball team but I don't see that happening any time soon.  Perhaps someone will decide shag fly balls at Old Anfield instead?

[Mittengirl]

They used to play "Thank God I'm a country boy" in Detroit way back in the mid '70's.  Because, I guess, there are no songs that they could think of that would be more relevant in Motown.  Perhaps from an actual genre of music that originated there?

[mojoween]

1 hour ago, MyAimIsTrue said:

I kind of like the logic of rooting for a team because a favorite band is from there.  In my case Liverpool would need a baseball team but I don't see that happening any time soon.  Perhaps someone will decide shag fly balls at Old Anfield instead?

It can't be worse than choosing a team because you fall madly in love with one of the players and find them dreamy (not that I have done that in baseball {well sorta because Bobby Ojeda was SO CUTE}) (but I cannot say I haven't done that in football or college hoops).

[MVFrostsMyPie]

I gotta say, while I will never have anyone other than the Giants as my #1 team, I now find myself knowing far too much about all the happenings with the Rays because I have a google alert set for Matt Duffy and my Giants friends and I are still rooting for him (and still holding out hope someday our Duffman will be able to return to us. Maybe we'll even have a functioning bullpen again someday!).

[xaxat]

The Pirates now officially have the best between inning entertainment. They renovated their right field scoreboard and fans can now play a Super Mario like game in real life.

[attica]

Okay, this commercial for the YES announcers is pretty funny. "Everyone, manage expectations about Gary Sanchez..."  Most of those fellas look pretty good on the mats!

[jennifer6973]

In the grand scheme of things (this Phillies/Nats not noted) today was a good day- The Yankees lost.  I hope GS is okay, like I hope Trea Turner is okay.

[shoregirl]

I think the Phillies/Nats game is awesome! 12 runs is the most runs scored in first inning in  the Phillies 134 year history.  Fun fact none of those 12 runs were a result of a homerun.

[King of Birds]

3 hours ago, xaxat said:

The Pirates now officially have the best between inning entertainment. 

That looks exhausting. I'd need a beer and a dog or two after that much running around. 

All I want for April is for 25 healthy Red Sox players.

[jennifer6973]

All that Red Sox sickness sounds horrible, did none of them get a flu shot this off season. 

[ratgirlagogo]

On 4/8/2017 at 3:18 PM, Mittengirl said:

 

They used to play "Thank God I'm a country boy" in Detroit way back in the mid '70's.  Because, I guess, there are no songs that they could think of that would be more relevant in Motown.  Perhaps from an actual genre of music that originated there?

 

Things like this always puzzle me.  I feel like it took a lot of years before they started playing Blitzkrieg Bop for either the Mets or the Yankees, for example.  Surely it couldn't have been the expense of the music rights:)  Especially since the Ramones are one of the most famous bands to ever come out of Queens and Johnny Ramone was one of rock'n'roll's most famously fanatical baseball nuts (a Yankees fan).

Edited April 9, 2017 by ratgirlagogo

[MyAimIsTrue]

If it makes you feel better they play "Blitzkrieg Bop" at Orlando Solar Bears hockey games (we're the ECHL affiliate of Toronto.)  I'm probably the only one in the arena who knows the words but that's because I'm a Queens native with excellent taste in music!

[ebk57]

It was a beautiful day at the ballpark.

 

Weather-wise, anyway...

[King of Birds]

10 hours ago, jennifer6973 said:

All that Red Sox sickness sounds horrible, did none of them get a flu shot this off season. 

I follow a variety of journalists assigned to report on the Sox on twitter. (Of course.) From what I understand the team had their shots last fall. It started at the end of spring training- Mitch Moreland and three coaches got ill but were told to stay away. 

But, ya know, Mother Nature and all.

Pop Quiz hot-shots. Which story does NOT belong on the front page of MLB.com?

 

[ratgirlagogo]

1 hour ago, MyAimIsTrue said:

If it makes you feel better they play "Blitzkrieg Bop" at Orlando Solar Bears hockey games (we're the ECHL affiliate of Toronto.)  I'm probably the only one in the arena who knows the words but that's because I'm a Queens native with excellent taste in music!

Well clearly yes, you DO have excellent taste in music.  But my point was I believe this song didn't come into wide use until relatively recently - and one MIGHT have expected that the New York teams would have been early adopters. Since it would have been a piece of cake to get the actual BAND there on occasion, for one.

[MyAimIsTrue]

7 hours ago, King of Birds said:

Pop Quiz hot-shots. Which story does NOT belong on the front page of MLB.com?

 

 I can't decide if my hatred of Tebow is irrational or completely rational.

[mojoween]

^Rational!! I am fully onboard that it is a-ok.

11 hours ago, ebk57 said:

It was a beautiful day at the ballpark.

 

Weather-wise, anyway...

*whistling as I walk away*

[UYI]

The day is finally here. Opening Day at Wrigley Field, complete with the raising of the World Series Championship banner.

I will say that the Cubs playing the Brewers the last few days reminded me how much I love those sausages. That race looks so much fun. 

[rippleintime17]

On 4/8/2017 at 7:55 PM, MVFrostsMyPie said:

I gotta say, while I will never have anyone other than the Giants as my #1 team, I now find myself knowing far too much about all the happenings with the Rays because I have a google alert set for Matt Duffy and my Giants friends and I are still rooting for him (and still holding out hope someday our Duffman will be able to return to us. Maybe we'll even have a functioning bullpen again someday!).

Same! Matt was one of my favorite Giants from the day he came up (I actually went to his first game) and I felt totally blindsided when he was traded. I've been keeping up with the Rays as well and am hoping he's healthy enough to play soon, though I worry about that turf on his ailing feet.

It's a little crazy to feel like a win is a Big Win just seven games into the season but the Giants winning yesterday did feel big after an eventful first week where they wasted some pretty things (Belt hit a grand slam! And then another homer! And they still lost! And then Madison had another complete game loss! Stop doing that to him!). Glad they get to go into the home opener after a happy flight, away from a losing streak. Keep it together, bullpen! 

[jennifer6973]

12 hours ago, King of Birds said:

I follow a variety of journalists assigned to report on the Sox on twitter. (Of course.) From what I understand the team had their shots last fall. It started at the end of spring training- Mitch Moreland and three coaches got ill but were told to stay away. 

But, ya know, Mother Nature and all.

Pop Quiz hot-shots. Which story does NOT belong on the front page of MLB.com?

 

The one with the minor league player mentioned. of course (but then again I would prefer that Yankees' one to not be there)

 

re: Red Sox

I figure by the time the guys were told to stay away, the virus was already spreading in the club house, so it was way to late to be effective.

Edited April 10, 2017 by jennifer6973

[Silver Raven]

Former Atlanta player Otis Nixon has gone missing, and police are searching for him.

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/news/otis-nixon-former-braves-outfielder-missing-014842860.html
 

[MyAimIsTrue]

I heard about Otis Nixon over the weekend.  He was a fun player to watch, an integral part of the worst to first 1991 season, and seemingly a nice guy but he battled some demons and I hope this has a happy ending.

[smittykins]

I hope he's found safe.

[whisper]Six perfect innings for Michael Pineda[/whisper]

#jinx

ETA:  See, I told you I'm a jinx!

Edited April 10, 2017 by smittykins

[mojoween]

Of COURSE it's Evan Longoria.  I HATE that guy.  *shakes fist at the universe*

[King of Birds]

Come on. You know the rules for no-hitters in progress. YOU SAY NOTHING.  No "whispers" - just "Hey something happening in this game." You uttered the words "perfect innings."   "You know what'd be perfect? A game that doesn't go extra innings" is even pushing it. 

PS- Yeah here's where I have to agree with mojoween. Frickin Longoria. 

PS2- Rules for no-hitters.

Edited April 10, 2017 by King of Birds

[ebk57]

So really...one of the few days I'm home "working" from my couch...and this is the game that has to be on MLBN?? 

I can't stand Michael Kay...  and yet, it's still on my TV.  Go figure.  I guess Yankee baseball is better than no baseball - barely.  ;-) 

[Lantern7]

At least you don't have to listen to John Sterling. He's really not that good an announcer, especially in a medium where one can get away with "IT IS HIGH! IT IS FAR!!!" all the damn time.

I'll have to remember to watch ESPN tonight. Cubs raise their banner! And they hand out the hardware on Wednesday. From what I heard, each ring has 108 diamonds.

[rippleintime17]

Dammit, Buster Posey was just beaned in the head with a 93mph pitch and left the game. Be ok, Buster! 

[Lantern7]

On ‎4‎/‎8‎/‎2017 at 11:49 AM, mojoween said:

Sports Illustrated called Bartolo and Ichiro "benelovent baseball vampires" and if it were possible to fall desperately in love with words I would.

I read that. What does that make R.A. Dickey? Or are knuckleballers never considered ancient because their arms are equivalent to pitchers in their mid-30s?

[UYI]

3 hours ago, Lantern7 said:

At least you don't have to listen to John Sterling. He's really not that good an announcer, especially in a medium where one can get away with "IT IS HIGH! IT IS FAR!!!" all the damn time.

I'll have to remember to watch ESPN tonight. Cubs raise their banner! And they hand out the hardware on Wednesday. From what I heard, each ring has 108 diamonds.

Everyone's better than Hawk Harrelson.

The weather in Chicago is delaying the ceremonies and game right now, so the Nats game is being shown in its place until they're ready. I am a Cubs fan first and foremost, but being from Maryland (I grew up around 2 hours from DC, but being born in Indiana I gravitated towards the Cubs despite this early on) I have a soft spot for the Nats and O's. I'm Team Switzerland when it comes to those two teams. :)

[mojoween]

I guess Mother Nature's not a Cubs fan. 

Eh, you waited 109 years for a banner ceremony, what's a few more hours.

[Lantern7]

Didn't the first night game at Wrigley get postponed?

[basiltherat]

Watching Cubs rain delay on ESPN -- who the hell is this commentator idiot with the frizzy man-bun, the frizzy beard and no damn hair on top of his head?  Sorry, Millenials,  but I HATE beards that look like p&bic  hair!

[mojoween]

That is Dallas Braden, resident crybaby.

[theatremouse]

3 hours ago, Lantern7 said:

I read that. What does that make R.A. Dickey? Or are knuckleballers never considered ancient because their arms are equivalent to pitchers in their mid-30s?

Pretty much. It is normal for knucklers to pitch til they're 50. So he'd need to be 60 to hit vampire-status.

[UYI]

The ceremony itself was awesome, but the fact that it didn't end in a closeup of the World Series Championship banner--the BIG one, after raising four--was a VERY anticlimactic moment to an otherwise great event. I envy everyone there in person who got to see it up without a camera cutting away.

Rizzo raising the trophy on the field was GREAT, though.

[mojoween]

Syndergaard rolling away on the Phanatics pilfered wheels is adorable.  I saw a gif on Twitter so I cannot link but it's so cute if you find it.