Joe Morgan, not quite the best liar

Last night on Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN Cliff Lee was throwing a gem. Getting deep into the game with a no-hitter still intact. Once he finally gave up the hit (never jinx a no-hitter by talking about it) Joe Morgan decided to invite all of the listeners into Grandpa M's story time. He began speaking of a Don Wilson's no-hitter in 1967.

He spoke of how in the 9th inning and two outs the great Hank Aaron stepped in with the thought of breaking up the no-no. Joe calls time and walks from second base up to the pitcher's mound and talks to Wilson. He tells him that it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to walk Hank. According to Joe, Don told him to shut the hell up and get back on second base. Wilson through three straight strikes passed Hammerin' Hank and the no-hitter was put in the history books.

So what's the problem? Well, Joe wasn't in the lineup that day. He was on the bench with injuries. So apparently he was living his life through Julio Gotay who played second that day. That or he didn't realize that people in the sports world have access to databases and can look up stuff before the 1990's and wanted to pull a fast one on America. What a dope!

Bryce Harper too good for High School

When we wrote the story a few days ago about teen phenom Bryce Harper we got a comment calling him a douche. That loyal reader may have been right on the money about him, or maybe just about his parents. The 16 year old will be skipping his junior and senior years at high school to attend a community college in his home state of Nevada. His father cites his need for a challenge as the main reason.

Now, while you read that I hope you realize that this is a 16 year old skipping two years of high school not college because of his talents. After his year at community college he would be draft eligible and all signs point to the Washington Natinals picking him with the number one pick again next year. Isn't that enough to stop him from skipping out on high school. Why would you want to be picked by the Gnats? But then again, it is very possible that they will be picking number 1 for years to come.

Anyways, Bryce who hit just over .600 as a sophomore would be missing out on important maturity and social skills by skipping on high school. Plus, I'm sure the kid has some friends? Sure, he won't get pitched to much but there are other things he can improve on. Like ummmm, defense,? I doubt the 16 year old is a polished catcher ready to play in the bigs defensively. Yes, this kid is an unbelievable talent but he and his family would be foolish to skip him through to community college. Don't they realize most teen phenoms don't turn out like Tiger Woods? In 6 years when he has arm trouble and can't hit a big league curveball he'll regret trading the high school diploma for a "high school equivalent". Or I'm completely wrong and this kid is ready now. I just think patience wouldn't hurt, maybe only help.

Joe Mauer quietly having remarkable season

When most people talk about Joe Mauer they understand he is one of the best catchers to play in recent memory. In his 6 years in the bigs he already has two batting titles. His career batting average is .322 and has only 250 strikeouts. Last year he was an All-Star, Silver Slugger, won a Golden Glove, and was 4th in the AL MVP voting. Still, with all these credentials I dont think he gets the credit he deserves. Just look at the year he is currently having.

Because of how catchers get a lot more days off due to the physical strain of the activity Mauer's 122 at-bats do not qualify him for the league leaders yet. As the year goes on this will of course change but this really does do his year a great injustice. Mauer is currently hitting at a .410 clip with 12 dingers (career high - 13) and only striking out 17 times. He also has an OPS of 1.292, which if were carried out for the rest of the year would be the 7th best mark of all-time (behind Bonds and Ruth a couple of times).

So how is he somewhat a forgotten superstar? Well for one he's a catcher that doesn't play everyday. Or, maybe he loses some fame because he isn't flashy. He is one of those guys who plays the game the right way, isn't loud or obnoxious, and doesn't get in trouble. Or, maybe its because he plays in boring Minnesota instead of New York, Philadelphia, or Chicago. Whatever the reason is it's not a good one.

As Joe matures as a baseball player and becomes more and more comfortable as a major league baseball player I think he could realistically be the next player to hit .400 in a season. I know we aren't even to the All-Star break yet but I'm not necessarily saying he will do it this year. With the style of play he posesses, he could honestly be the first player to hit over the milestone since Ted Williams hit .406 in 1941 one of these days.

Straight from the Web

Is none of the above not an option?



It's always fun to look back at mistakes people have made in sports over the years. This Sports Illustrated cover from 2006 is extremely interesting to look at. Adam Morrison's per game career averages (23.4 min, 2.4 reb, 1.6 ast, 8.7 pts) barely outweigh Redick's (14.4 min, 1.3 reb, 0.9 ast, 5.5 pts). I remember thinking that Morrison would be better but i thought he would at least matter in the NBA. What were we thinking? Atleast Redick's hair looks nice and gelled while riding pine on the bench.

Gregg Zaun has a SUPER COOL website

Gregg Zaun is a journeyman catcher. Never been a superstar anywhere and is now no more than a backup in Baltimore for Matt Wieters. But if you saw his website (www.greggzaun.com) you would think he were the greatest thing since sliced bread. Whether it is the opening graphic of Zorro cutting a Z in your computer screen or the action shots of him ripping opposite field bloop singles it doesn't matter. This website creates an image that is simply false plus he seems to have forgotten he plays for the Orioles with all the Blue Jays pictures everywhere. Check out the website, you'll think its funny as hell but make sure you bring your "Z-game" and join the Zaunbie Nation Fan Club. Crank the speakers for the Rush intro too.



Thanks to deadspin.com for the link.

DeAngelo Hall doesn't play for Madden ratings

DeAngelo Hall, fresh off signing a 72 million dollar contract with the high paying Skins is complaining. As a die-hard Redskin fan when i read this i was sure it was something with mini camp, playing time, coaching, or maybe even Mike Vick. Nooooooooooooooo, all that stuff is fine. He's pissed about his rating in the new Madden video game. It's dropped 25 points from last year after being cut from the Raiders. He's so mad he is actually thinking of pulling himself from the game. But don't worry fans, he wants everyone to know that it's "a good thing I don't play the game for Madden ratings". Well THANK GOD he doesn't. I'm pretty sure Dan Snyder and Jim Zorn didn't consult the Madden video game before they paid him that fat check. Snyder would never do that again after the trouble it got him in with acquiring T.J. Duckett and Brandon Lloyd.




Pirates players mad at management

Possibly the Pirates biggest star, Nate McLouth was dealt to Atlanta earlier this week for a couple minor league guys. This has caused quite the problem in the Pittsburgh clubhouse. Before this year started the team was under the impression that they were through with trading their stars for hopeful future stars and instead concentrating on winning now. They were excited on getting a good product and signing guys to long term deals while still growing in the minors and getting better.

With the news of this trade it is obvious that management is not to this step yet. The players' gripe is warranted. It has to be hard to concentrate on winning when every year they are rebuilding. Shipping out stars (Jason Bay, Jason Schmidt, Aramis Ramirez, Jon Lieber) for young, raw guys. If the Pirates ever want to win again they must learn to stop trading everyone away and keep guys around. Until then, they will continue to take one step forward and two steps backward. The three guys they got in the Atlanta trade may turn out to be superstars, but if precedence holds true they will be traded for a couple more hopefuls. Pittsburgh's lone disappointing team needs to catch up to the Steelers and Penguins quick. Fans are getting restless.

Through the Eyes of the Tribdog. Installment #2

Here with more TTEOTT, my god what a terrible acronym. Anyway, I'm back with more thoughts and rants about the recent sports world for your reading pleasure.

The Pittsburgh Penguins took games 3 and 4 at home in Mellon Arena in the Stanley Cup Finals. That officially makes this year's Stanley Cup Finals the only thing to leave Detroit and actually come back.

Ichiro keeps hitting. Shocker.

Kobe and the Lakers looked unstoppable in Game One of the NBA Finals. Orlando looked like Seton Hall with pinstripes.

Has anyone ever wondered why the Magic subtly change their uniforms every year besides myself and Mr. Z?

I hate when people bash the Finals because Lebron and Kobe aren't playing one another. Who cares? We get to watch Pietrus and Ariza. Yikes.

Congratulations to Randy Johnson. Not only did he manage to get his 300th victory (it probably shouldn't count seeing as how it was against the NatInals), he also managed to not shove a cameraman out of the way in doing so.

The Red Sox are sending Big Papup to the eye doctor. Good luck with that. Maybe they'll help him see his toes.

Tony La Russa is suing Twitter over a fake page of his resemblance. I think baseball should sue La Russa for batting his pitchers 8th.

The last time the Browns had a competition at Quarterback, Derek Anderson lost. And Charlie Frye was traded after their first game. Something tells me Brady Quinn isn't too enthusiastic about this.

T.O can't find a house to rent in Buffalo. He also can't find humility in Buffalo.

On accent, human decency and intelligence alone, I think Larry the Cable Guy could drive in NASCAR.

In other news, I hate Larry the Cable Guy.

With a passion.

I love how no one thought someone like Robert Dozier would have an illegitimate SAT score.

Vince Young wants to be traded.

Vince Young does NOT want to be traded.

How embarrassing must it be to be a NFL Rookie of the Year and not be able to steal playing time from Kerry Collins? And what's even worse is not having it even suggested that you could. VY has fallen far. Miraculously, without fighting dogs.

Ric Bucher looks like Roger Goodell's kid brother.

The only thing better than watching Phil Jackson pretend to coach is watching Stan Van try really, really hard to get anyone to listen.

The little kid puppet in the Nike Kobe/Lebron commercials is nothing more than a rip-off of Spike Lee portraying Mars Blackmon in the classic Jordan commercials. The puppet also directed "Kobe Doin' Work". And named it.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that Bobby Cox isn't the guy who broke the news to Tom Glavine. Just a hunch.

Rex Ryan apparently isn't afraid of Bill Belichick. Who is? The guy is about 5'9 and doesn't even know how to dress himself.

I'll tell you one person Rex is afraid of.

His dad.

Last, but not least, I figured out all of sports most misleading stat.
Kobe's assist line.

Mulleted Maniac gets number 300

Randy Johnson collected win number 300 just a couple of minutes ago against the Nationals(maybe it shouldn't count as a win). This is a tribute to one of the greatest pitchers of all time. In his prime his slider was simply un-hittable. Sure he's played for many teams and had some confrontations with media but he is a great baseball player and should be honored and treated as so. Plus, who else could pull off a mullet like him?


He is second on the all time strikeout list (4,843) and has a career ERA of 3.29. In fact, him and Steve Carlton are the only left-handed pitchers to strike out more than 3,000. Randy is a good guy and deserves this honor. Everyone should remember this moment because with the ever changing MLB this may be the last 300 game winner we witness.

Welcome to the big leagues Vin

Dallas Braden conducts most enthusiastic "pie to the face" in the history of rookie hazing.

Bryce Harper, baseball's Lebron?

With talk of Stephen Strasburg still filling baseball fan's mouths, it is hard to justify another amateur phenom. But from what I have read, Mr. Harper is exactly that. Bryce Harper, a 6' 3", 205 lb, 16-year old catcher will grace the newest version of Sports Illustrated. People are saying this left handed hitter is can't miss talent.

He has already hit the longest home run on record in Tropicana field which traveled 502 feet. As a 16 year old! Bryce reportedly has the bat speed of Mark McGwire in his prime and quickness as well. He stole home from second base on wild pitches 6 times this season.

Many people are skeptical of such comparisons. Back in 1989, high school Jon Peters was on the cover of SI sporting his 51-0 high school record. Peters went on to do little to nothing in college because of arm troubles. I hope that this isn't Harper. He could be great for the struggling sport.


Here's the highlight video...its a little dragged out but if you watch it through you'll see some impressive stuff.



I know these "Where amazing happens" videos are a bit played out but check this home run out.

Steroids in the news again

Little known minor league player Justin Mallet has been suspended 100 games by the MLB for a failed drug test.

This is Mallet's second suspension as he was suspended for 50 games in 2006. This makes a problem look much worse showing that some players really just do not care and not even a huge suspension will get in their way of cheating.

Maybe a struggling minor leaguer like Mallet simply thinks that it is worth the risk to make it to the majors. I have heard many people say if you could promise them the money of a professional baseball player and the fame they would take steroids too. I don't agree with this but it is definitely an interesting point.

Wherever you stand on the subject you must recognize that this is not good for the sport. Until Bud Selig can eliminate this steroid issue, all players are guilty until proven innocent. That is something all us fans could do without.

Mr. eXpert talks MLB Draft

One of the lesser known events in the sporting world these days is the Major League Baseball Draft. For the most part, few actually know who gets drafted where, their upsides, downsides and the intangibles that the players have. Comparing the MLB Draft to the NFL Draft is like comparing apples to elephants, that's how underexposed it truly is. I recently sat down with Mr. eXpert to go over some basic facts about the 2009 MLB Draft.

Trib- Why do you think the MLB Draft is so underexposed in today's world where seemingly everything in sports is overexposed?

Mr. eX- "I believe the MLB Draft is grossly underexposed because of the lack of instant gratification from a team's picks. Combine with that the fact that most people probably don't know anything about college baseball (the players, the teams and more importantly who the prospects are!), and it's obvious the result is little to no exposure."

Trib- Obviously the first pick of the draft will be Stephen Strasburg, the fireballer from San Diego State, but who do you see the Mariners taking with the 2nd overall pick?

Mr. eX- "I have had the pleasure of seeing this young man play in the last two College World Series, his name is Dustin Ackley from the University of North Carolina. While there are questions about his position in the pros (he currently plays 1st base), there are absolutely none about his bat. This kid will rake no matter where he plays. He's never batted under .400 in his three years at UNC."


Trib- Who would you consider your 'sleeper' pick for this upcoming draft class?

Mr. eX- "The player I have in mind is projected as a late first round or early second round pick, but I see him outperforming most players that will be drafted ahead of him. A.J. Pollock from Notre Dame is my favorite type of prospect, a speedy athlete who hits for contact. He will consistently get on base and routinely stretch out extra base hits. Also, his prowess on the basepath will help him steal bases almost at will. He accomplished the impressive feat of being All Big East as a third baseman and an outfielder in consecutive seasons. He's somewhat of a throwback-type player. Keep your eyes on him."

Trib- For those out there that don't understand the rules of the MLB Draft, why do some teams fail to sign their draft picks?

Mr. eX- "This is a situation we rarely see in other sports nowadays. The MLB has set guidelines for signing bonuses and guaranteed contracts for players drafted at a specific spot in the draft. While these rules aren't extremely strict, it's generally frowned upon for teams to exceed these contracts, because it affects every franchise involved. When there is a stalemate between a prospect and a franchise over money, some teams are content with letting the prospect play in the Independent League for a year, and still maintain a similar selection slot the following year. However, the teams do not retain the player's rights. J.D Drew (1997) is one of the better known players who refused to sign his original contract(Phillies) and ended up being drafted by another team(Cardinals)."

Trib- So when and where is the draft located? Will you offer analysis once the dust has cleared?

Mr. eX- "This year the draft takes place from June 9-11 at the MLB Network Studios in New York City. I hope to be back to evaluate the 2009 draft!"

if you have any questions or comments please feel free to post them

God-like Ramirez drops to 5th in All-star Voting

It looks as though the sane baseball fans have finally let their voice be heard. Manny Ramirez has dropped to 5th in the All-star voting for outfielders as more deserving Raul Ibanez has slipped into 2nd moving Beltran and Soriano to 3rd and 4th. Even Mike Cameron is only 100,000 votes back of Man-Ram. I don't know if it was Torre saying he shouldn't play or people just not being so stupid but whatever it is I'm happy. I have a feeling the MLB is too.

Nationals making move from joke to Raiders status

(si.com)

Now, let's get this out there. I hate the Nationals. But, even if i didn't I would be sure to make fun of them. Most people would remember them spelling "Natinals" on their jerseys earlier this year. They are at it again. This Memorial day it was Teddy Roosevelt bobble-head night. I guess they have to spread out the only two candidates for bobble head night (Dunn and Zimmerman) for the whole year so Teddy is a fill-in. Anyway, on the bobblehead they misspelled it "Rossevelt". A buddy recently told me that they misspelled it like that because Ross Detwiler was making the start. I'm not calling him a liar but if this is their excuse then that Gnats are even more ridiculous then i thought. I think that they made the mistake and that was their last second excuse. Doesn't anyone have spellcheck in that franchise? Or a brain?

Through the eyes of the Tribdog

Due to a recent knee injury I have alot of time on my hands. Actually, I always have alot of time on my hands. Here are some musings on the sports world recently:

Is there a Dwight Howard puppet to be revealed soon? Personally I would go with Hedo. My God is he ugly.

The Nuggets hot run came to a screetching halt much to my chagrin. Oh well, maybe next year they can manage less than 3 technical fouls per playoff game. Still love the Birdman though. Duh.

Why is Magic Johnson on TV? Other than to publicize Lamoron Odom?

How terrible is Big Papup? Good riddance. Here's to hoping he ends up with the 4 Home Runs that he's on pace to hit.

The Men's NCAA baseball tournament started this week. Does anyone care? Talk about an event that only gets TV time because of lack of sporting events worth a damn on TV around this time.

The Women's Softball College World Series started this week. See above.

The first two games of the Stanley Cup Finals will be back to back on Saturday and Sunday. Sucks for the players, coaches, trainers and seafood wholesalers in Detroit. Doesn't suck for the NHL and NBC however, primetime is what the sport has to have to promote this thing. Even if it is taxing for most involved.

Rachel Alexandra won't run in the Belmont Stakes. Shocker. In other news, this is the worst horse racing year in recent memory.

Calipari? In trouble? Nah, he wouldnt...

Derrick Rose may not be able to pass the SAT, but he sure can make Rondo look like crap.

It was nice knowing you, Blake Griffin.

Got to see pitching phenom Stephen Strasburg face two batters today (it was apparently important enough to interrupt Sportscenter). I noticed two things. Great fastball first of all. Secondly, great neck jerk when he watched the second batter launch one into the stratosphere. Buster Olney says that the Nationals know he gives up mad homers. Still beats the hell out of anyone they have now.

I feel like the throwback "Where Amazing Happens" commercials could have more variations. And how is Jordan's jumper versus Utah not one of them? Cmon.

Can't wait to see Game 6 of the Magic/Cavs series. If Cleveland loses, ESPN may shut down.

How come Jesus and Mickey Mouse don't get voted into the MLB All Star Game?

How long until they change the French Open to the Rafa Open?

Mad Love,
Tribdog

O's show they may be turning the corner

Highly renowned catcher, Matt Wieters makes his pro debut tomorrow for the Orioles. Fantasy league owners around the world are finally releasing a sigh of relief that he will finally be getting them some points. Wieters, ranked as the top prospect (ahead of 08 playoff's star David Price) on ESPN.com was the Orioles first pick in the 07 draft. I think the O's made this move a bit sooner than they wanted because they are currently getting no production from fellow catchers Gregg Zaun and Chad Moeller.

Rookie Jason Berken started his first game two days ago and collected a win. Highly regarded righty David Hernandez will start tonight for the O's making his debut. He went 3-1 with a sub 3 ERA at AAA-Norfolk this year.

With Wieters on his way up and other rookies thriving it got me thinking of other top prospects that should be close. Brandon Snyder, a rule 5 eligible player this year, is absolutely mashing the ball at AA-Bowie (.356 BA, 9HR, 37 RBI) and could soon be up as either DH or 1B with Ty Wigginton doing little at the plate in DH action.

If all 4 of these guys live up to the potential the Orioles could be quite the formidable unit for years to come. They have already locked down stars RF Nick Markakis and 2B Brian Roberts with long term deals. Rookie Nolan Reimold (walk-off home run yesterday) looks like he could be the real deal in LF and young Adam Jones is playing at an all-star caliber in CF.

If 25 year-old SS, Robert Andino can improve at the plate he could possibly be an everyday player on this ball club for years to come because of his tremendous defense. So then the only hole would be at 3B. Although Melvin Mora is still getting the job done his years are numbered. With a few more pitchers (can never have too many) and a young 3B I see the O's returning to their 90's form where they were a threat year in year out. They ahve finally learned to do it from the minors up. Be patient O's fans. Your time will come

Who's outta here?

I know I gave some incredible dap the other day to J.R. Smith for having the best celebrations in professional sports, but as for ejections, it gets no better than Carlos Zambrano. See for yourself...

The Ejection



The Unceremonious Killing of the Gatorade Machine
(Starts at about 0:15)



Mad props to youtube's boczar86 and fsn for the videos

Man-Ram doing great in All-star voting

Manny Ramirez, the worst defensive player in the game and possibly biggest Bush-leaguer is 4th in the initial all-star voting. Manny is of course serving a 50 game suspension for a failed drug test. He tested positive for a women's fertility drug, which is used by many steroid users to restart cycles. Word is they worked and that he's also having twin boys. He hasn't thought of names for the little tikes yet. But seriously, how is this dope in 4th for all-star voting. A guy has even made a website in support (http://www.voteformanny.blogspot.com/)

The three players he is trailing are Ryan Braun, Alfonso Soriano, and Carlos Beltran. If this guy makes it in it will be horrible for the sport. Really showing that fans don't give two shits about the steroid issue that is ruining the integrity of the game. I know that the Phillies play in a verryyyyyyy hitter friendly field but look at Raul Ibanez' stats (.347 BA, 17HR, 44 RBI) and tell me that isn't more impressive then Manny's 50 game suspension and cheating. He's a joke.

Canseco's Career after Baseball continues to be an Embarrassment

Remember Jose Canseco? Of course you do. He's the moron who wants all the credit for the steroid scandal in the MLB. He's the former outfielder who let a ball hit off his head and go over the fence for a homer. He's the former home run hitter who weighed about 300 pounds and insisted on wearing size Medium jerseys. Well, now he's the jackass who lost an MMA fight to a 7'2" Korean in 77 seconds.

This guy is so desperate for cash that he even boxed Danny Bonaduce. You know, that small little ginger. Guess what, he didn't even win. They tied! Jose is a joke. I would be ecstatic if he never appeared in the news again. What the video below.... its a riot.

My Beef with the Baseball Shift

I recently attended an O's vs. Gnats game and was reminded of one of the most aggravating things in Major League Baseball. I am talking about the shift that teams play for left-handed pull hitters. This is the case when the third baseman plays where the shortstop usually would, shortstop moves to play right of second base and the second baseman plays in shallow right field. This of course leaves the left field line wide open. If this defense were played against Ichiro he would hit .500 every year. So why does this bug me so much? Here's why.

For one thing, in order for the batter to hit into the shift your pitcher must work on the inside half of the plate. This plays into power hitters hands. It's easier to hit home runs to the pull side.

But, the most aggravating part of this is the hitters obvious problem with fundamental baseball. Can't these guys get their hands on Tom Emanski's instructional videos? If they would just stop being so cocky and take some time during BP and work on drag bunting down the third baseline their batting averages wouldsky rocket. Even, Mo Vaughn could beat out a bunt for a base hit with not third baseman close to the line. Even attempting this once would require the team to shift back to a normal defense and re-open the normal gaps these players would love to spray the ball in.

What about even concentrating on driving the ball the other way? These ballplayers are strong enough to drive a ball the other way even if its not on the outer half. This was made obvious when I saw Ryan Zimmerman drive an inside fastball over the right-center field wall Friday night. Why not use this same approach and spray the ball to left field? Pitchers make mistakes, you can get a pitch to handle.

Players need to go back to fundamental baseball. It would be a good thing for the kids that look up to them so much to learn from.

A-rod's secret to success

Since his return from a strain of his labia minora A-rod has 7 dingers in only 15 games (49 ab's). What is the secret to his powerful sucess? Massages from middle-aged shirtless men of course. Why didn't I think of that?

Jason Giambi: The man, the myth, the legend

Just a few hours ago baseball god, Jason Giambi cracked his 400th career home run. Let's take this time to celebrate a great career on and off the field and with or without mass amounts of roids. One can only hope that an event like this will prompt that dirty stache to come back into play.