Coast to coast pro baseball co
Coast to Coast: Pro Baseball Comes to Cocoa
Over on my other blog Space Coast Baseball, I posted this morning an article about the first professional minor league team in Brevard County, two decades before the Space Age and the area became known as the “Space Coast.”
No Angels relationship whatsoever, but if you enjoy minor league baseball history click here to read the article.
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John Lackey Memories
John Lackey pitches for Boise at
Salem-Keizer, August 20, 1999.
The first time I saw John Lackey pitch, it was billed as a matchup of top major league pitching prospects.
Lackey had been selected by the Angels in the second round of the June 1999 draft, their first round pick gone to Boston as compensation for signing Mo Vaughn.
Jerome Williams was chosen by the Giants with a supplemental first round pick.
Of the two, Williams was considered the better prospect. When their Top 10 prospect lists came out next winter, Baseball America had Williams ranked #4 on the Giants’ list. Lackey wasn’t ranked at all, although Lackey’s headshot appeared in the Angels review with the caption, “Good Stuff.”
There was good reason to rank Williams over Lackey. Jerome, drafted out of high school, had been a pitcher during his amateur days. BA analyst David Rawnsley wrote, “Williams might have the highest ceiling in the organization if he physically matures as the Giants think he will and maintains his extreme athleticism.” Lackey was a quarterback in high school, and played first base on the baseball team. He’d been drafted out of Grayson County College in Denison, Texas. The Vikings won the Junior College World Series that summer, and Lackey had been an important part of that team — hitting two homers as a first baseman.
But Lackey had started pitching too, exploiting that quarterback arm, learning the rudiments of pitching mechanics. Scout Kris Kline saw something he liked, and the Angels drafted the tall Texan despite his inexperience.
Lackey and Williams faced off on August 20, 1999 at Volcanoes Stadium in Keizer, Oregon, near Salem. The Giants’ affiliate was called the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes. I had friends who lived near Salem, and the Angels’ Short-A franchise back then was the Boise Hawks, so I timed a visit to see Boise face Salem-Keizer.
It was also the first time I met Tom Kotchman, who was managing the Hawks, but that’s a story for another time.
The Volcanoes triumphed that day. Lackey worked six innings, giving up seven runs (six earned) on eight hits, striking out four and walking five. Williams pitched four innings, allowing two runs on five hits.
John finished his first half-season of pro ball with a 4.98 ERA, 77 strikeouts and 50 walks in 81 1/3 innings. (For those into WHIP, his was 1.61.)
Lackey began 2000 at Low-A Cedar Rapids, but was so dominant (2.08 ERA in five starts) that he moved up in May to High-A Lake Elsinore and in August to Double-A Erie.
It was at Lake Elsinore that his teammates hung the nickname “Hank” on him.
A Jim Carrey film titled Me, Myself & Irene was popular in theaters that summer. Carrey’s character was a meek man named Charlie who was so abused that he developed a split personality named Hank who was violent and rude.
On his off days, “Lack” was the easiest going guy you’d ever meet. He was Charlie. But on pitching days, he was Hank, and you didn’t want to cross his path, much less try to strike up a conversation.
John was on the fast track to the big leagues. He began 2001 with the Double-A Arkansas Travelers. I went out to Little Rock in May to shoot photos, and recorded an interview with Lackey. Click here to listen to the May 13, 2001 interview. (Windows Media Player required.)
John Lackey pitching for the
Double-A Arkansas Travelers in May 2001, and the
Triple-A Salt Lake Stingers in July 2001.
Lackey was scheduled to return to Salt Lake in 2002. By then, he was ranked the Angels’ #3 prospect (behind Casey Kotchman and Bobby Jenks) by Baseball America. In March, I filmed footage at the Angels’ old minor league complex in Mesa, called Gene Autry Park (commonly known as “The GAP”), for an online documentary called A Day at the GAP. I filmed Lackey in a bullpen workout with his coaches, which is part of the documentary. Click here to watch the documentary. Windows Media Player and a broadband (cable modem, DSL) Internet connection required.
(It was my first attempt at a video documentary. I got better.)
In 2002, John made his major league debut in Arlington, Texas, near his hometown. He gave up a home run to Alex Rodriguez, but then he’s not alone in that category. By the end of the year, he was the starting pitcher for Game #7 of the World Series, leading the Angels to the title.
Next spring, I was down on the minor league fields shooting photos when a big hand slapped me across the shoulders. “Hey Steve, whassup?!” It was Lack, acting as if nothing important had happened since the last time I’d seen him, but that was “Charlie.”
Once the kids reach the big leagues, we drift apart because we no longer travel in the same circles, and it was no different with John, but we would cross paths now and then.
The last time I saw him was in April, when he was on rehab assignment at Tempe Diablo for a forearm injury suffered during spring training. There was a lot less “Charlie” in John than years ago, because he’d grown up and become a multi-million dollar commodity. But he knew me and trusted me enough to let me follow him around with a camcorder, recording his bullpen session. Click here to watch the bullpen session. Windows Media Player and a broadband (cable modem, DSL) Internet connection required.
We talked a little afterwards. I knew free agency was in his future, and wanted to say goodbye if this was really goodbye, but held back because that was business and I didn’t want to let business get in the way of our relationship. So I left him to chat with Tom Gregorio, his catcher that day ten years ago in Keizer, who’s now the Angels’ minor league catching instructor.
Although I’d hoped he’d sign with the Angels, deep down I knew he’d probably go elsewhere. John is a competitor, a competitor among competitors, so I figured he’d be out there looking for the best dollar figure he could find, in the most challenging environment. My bet was on the hometown Texas Rangers, but they’re in financial turmoil so they didn’t enter the bidding.
For John’s personality, the Red Sox will do.
I’m sad to see him go, I hoped he’d retire an Angel, but that’s not how the business of baseball works.
So I’ll just say goodbye, Lack. Enjoy your new life.
Oh, and as for Jerome Williams … He was traded to the Cubs for LaTroy Hawkins in May 2005. After the Cubs, he was with the A’s, Nationals, Twins, independent ball, Dodgers, and the A’s again. He’s appeared in 76 major league games with a career ERA of 4.25. In 2009, he pitched for the A’s Triple-A franchise in Sacramento, posting a 5.58 ERA. Jerome was given his free agency at season’s end.
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From la to statesville to dall
From L.A. to Statesville to Dallas-Ft. Worth
Steve Hill, the collector who sent along the photos of Statesville Stadium, e-mailed the below scan of a March 1961 letter sent by Angels farm director Roland Hemond.
George Trautman was the president of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues from 1947 until his death in 1963.
The Angels had two minor league affiliates in 1961 — a Triple-A team in Dallas-Ft. Worth, and a Class D team in Statesville.
The letter indicates a $3,000 check was being sent to the NAPBL to cover $1,500 owed D-FW for their working agreement, and another $1,500 owed D-FW for spring training costs.
I can understand the spring training costs, because back then Dallas-Ft. Worth held its own independent spring training. Their 1961 spring training camp was in Riverside, as I documented in December 2008. Any Statesville players under contract probably went to Riverside before reporting to Statesville.
Why Statesville would owe D-FW $1,500 for a working agreement is beyond me. I’ve sent the document to Roland. Perhaps he can explain.
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It looks like the letter is being sent from the D-FW secretary, so isn’t it payments from D-FW to the Statesville club (maybe part of the agreement because Statesville were in effect a feeder team to D-FW?)
The letter is signed by Roland Hemond, who was the Angels’ farm and scouting director that year. That’s why it’s on Angels stationery. But in the signature block he used the title “Assistant Secretary” of the D-FW ballclub.
The $3,000 check was being sent to the NAPBL, which is the formal title for Minor League Baseball, the umbrella organization that controls minor league relations with Major League Baseball.
You raise an interesting point in that maybe the NAPBL viewed Statesville as a farm club for D-FW. The Rangers, technically, were independent. In 1961, they had players from the Angels and Phillies, as well as their own independently signed players.
But I still can’t fathom why Statesville would have to pay the NAPBL $1,500 for the privilege of a working agreement with D-FW.
Hopefully Roland can shed some light. I sent it to him asking for an explanation. He travels a lot as he’s asked to lecture all over the country, so it may be a while before I hear from him.
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Matsui signs with Angels…
As expected Hideki Matsui signed a one year $6.5 million contract with the Los Angeles and will now be the Angels everyday DH. Matsui leaving New York was expected and it ends a successful (at times disappointing) 6 year run for Matsui as a member of the Yankees. In Matsui the Angels will get a player that hits right handed as well as left handed pitching. Last season for the Yankees, Matsui belted 28 homers, and in the playoffs hit several key homeruns, including 3 in the World Series. Signing Matsui also means that Vladimir Guerrero’s stint with the Los Angeles is over and he will likely sign somewhere else.
As a Yankee fan, it is tough for me to see Matsui leave. His bat in that lineup is going to be hard to replace. However the Yankees needed to free up the DH slot in the lineup and decided to part ways with the Series MVP. Overall it is a bittersweet day. Although Matsui will not play in New York next season, I’m glad he is staying in the Majors because he has been a model player in America.
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Washington Nationals
After the Nats moved to Washington in 2005, they have had trouble with a couple of things.
1. Winning Games
2. Signing Free Agents
Well, they are begining to fix problem number 2, which in best case cenario, will fix number 1.
So far this offseason the nats have signed RHP Jason Marquis, C Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez, and RHP Matt Capps. On top of that they signed RHP Eddie Guardado and INF Eric Bruntlet to minor league deals with invitations to the MLB Spring Traing. All of these aquisitions are pointing in the direction of success.
Pudge will be sharing playing time with Jesus Flores, Capps will most likely be the closer, Marquis will be a #1 or #2 starter. (Fighting for the #1 spot with John Lahnan and later in the season perhaps Steven Strasburg)
Another interesting fact is the teams Jason Marquis has played on and the success they’ve had.
Atlanta Braves 2000-2003 Each year placing first in NL East
St. Louis Cardinals 2004-2006 Went to WS in ‘04 (lost) and ‘06 (won); won 100+ games twice
Chicago Cubs 2007-2008 Won NL Centeral each year
Colorado Rockies 2009 Had one of the best comebacks in MLB history and won their division
Do you see a pattern here? Since he broak into the league in 2000, he has NEVER missed the playoffs and won it all once. He can’t lose. An interesting thought.
Could the 2010 Nationals do the same as the New York Mets did over 40 years ago and be the next cinderella team. Only time will tell.
Washington Nationals 2010 Prediction 88-74 2nd in National League East; Wild Card Winner
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Washington Nationals
After the Nats moved to Washington in 2005, they have had trouble with a couple of things.
1. Winning Games
2. Signing Free Agents
Well, they are begining to fix problem number 2, which in best case cenario, will fix number 1.
So far this offseason the nats have signed RHP Jason Marquis, C Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez, and RHP Matt Capps. On top of that they signed RHP Eddie Guardado and INF Eric Bruntlet to minor league deals with invitations to the MLB Spring Traing. All of these aquisitions are pointing in the direction of success.
Pudge will be sharing playing time with Jesus Flores, Capps will most likely be the closer, Marquis will be a #1 or #2 starter. (Fighting for the #1 spot with John Lahnan and later in the season perhaps Steven Strasburg)
Another interesting fact is the teams Jason Marquis has played on and the success they’ve had.
Atlanta Braves 2000-2003 Each year placing first in NL East
St. Louis Cardinals 2004-2006 Went to WS in ‘04 (lost) and ‘06 (won); won 100+ games twice
Chicago Cubs 2007-2008 Won NL Centeral each year
Colorado Rockies 2009 Had one of the best comebacks in MLB history and won their division
Do you see a pattern here? Since he broak into the league in 2000, he has NEVER missed the playoffs and won it all once. He can’t lose. An interesting thought.
Could the 2010 Nationals do the same as the New York Mets did over 40 years ago and be the next cinderella team. Only time will tell.
Washington Nationals 2010 Prediction 88-74 2nd in National League East; Wild Card Winner
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Washington Nationals
After the Nats moved to Washington in 2005, they have had trouble with a couple of things.
1. Winning Games
2. Signing Free Agents
Well, they are begining to fix problem number 2, which in best case cenario, will fix number 1.
So far this offseason the nats have signed RHP Jason Marquis, C Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez, and RHP Matt Capps. On top of that they signed RHP Eddie Guardado and INF Eric Bruntlet to minor league deals with invitations to the MLB Spring Traing. All of these aquisitions are pointing in the direction of success.
Pudge will be sharing playing time with Jesus Flores, Capps will most likely be the closer, Marquis will be a #1 or #2 starter. (Fighting for the #1 spot with John Lahnan and later in the season perhaps Steven Strasburg)
Another interesting fact is the teams Jason Marquis has played on and the success they’ve had.
Atlanta Braves 2000-2003 Each year placing first in NL East
St. Louis Cardinals 2004-2006 Went to WS in ‘04 (lost) and ‘06 (won); won 100+ games twice
Chicago Cubs 2007-2008 Won NL Centeral each year
Colorado Rockies 2009 Had one of the best comebacks in MLB history and won their division
Do you see a pattern here? Since he broak into the league in 2000, he has NEVER missed the playoffs and won it all once. He can’t lose. An interesting thought.
Could the 2010 Nationals do the same as the New York Mets did over 40 years ago and be the next cinderella team. Only time will tell.
Washington Nationals 2010 Prediction 88-74 2nd in National League East; Wild Card Winner
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Now The Fun Begins
I was wondering when
the Red Sox would start to stir.
The slumbering team from Boston wasn’t
about to stay quiet forever (not counting Boof
Bonser). So what if their Lowell deal seemed
stalled and their overtures to Bay were rejected?
We knew they wouldn’t spend this off-season
sitting around talking about the good old
days.
So they got Lackey for five years. He’s a
good pitcher and he’ll make their rotation
stronger and it sounds like the perfect signing.
But I never did like Big John and now the
“B” on his cap will make the rivalry
that much more intense. Besides, he was destined
to wear red for the rest of his career.
The Sox also made a deal with Mike Cameron, whom
the Yankees talked about acquiring last year and
the year before that but never did. The
37-year-old outfielder is said to be a terrific
guy in the clubhouse, but is he really an upgrade
over Bay in left?
I guess we’ll find out this spring when
the two teams face off to open the 2010 season. If
tradition continues, they’ll kick our butts
the first couple of times around and we’ll
kick theirs later in the year and it’ll be
another fight to the finish. But if you ask me,
the team to watch will be the Mariners. What have
they been smoking?
Sure, the Phillies put the Halladay saga to rest
and the Angels picked up Godzilla, but the
Mariners, having already signed Figgins, ended up
with Cliff Lee. I mean, seriously. The AL West
just got a whole lot more interesting. Of course,
while all this was happening today, US Weekly
reported that A-Rod and Kate had broken up. Talk
about a kick in the gut. I not only went to see
her movie over the weekend but gave her the
She-Fan Award for Best Girlfriend! How could she?
How could they?
Speaking of movies, I escaped all the baseball
news this afternoon and went to see “The
Blind Side.” I’m not a football fan,
but this true story, based on Michael Lewis’
book, was inspiring and Sandra Bullock was
terrific. If you haven’t seen it already,
it’s worth a look.
31 Comments
Hey Jane -
A mutual friend and high school classmate of yours (initials ST) from back home (I was a year or 2 behind) told me about you a year or so ago and I started following your Yankee writing casually than but in the revelry of no. 27 and the advent of Twitter, I am now reading you daily.
Thanks — its wonderful.
Bill
Hi Jane. I never really liked Lackey either so I think he is a perfect fit for Boston. The Red Sox rotation is going to be intimidating next year. I am wondering when Cashman is going to sign our fourth guy. Bummed about Matsui going to the Angels, but I guess I knew deep in my heart that his days as a Yankee were done. Good luck to him and I am glad he got his ring finally. Also I was kind of upset about A-Rod and Kate. I hope their break-up was not bitter.
Its amazing, you close your eyes for a minute and next thing you know, you woke up in a different galaxy. Their was little movement yesterday, you watch some monday night football and all hell breaks loose in baseball.
Lackey to the Sox, wonderful. This guy is an animal. I like him (I know you don’t), but this guy is an animal and would be a perfect offset to Swishers personality.
Matsui is an Angel. Well it was back and forth on if I wanted him back or not. I guess there is no need to worry about that any longer. Don’t forget to pick up your WS Ring Mr. Matsui on your way out.
Cameron to the Red Sox as well. I was never crazy about him and was thankful the Yanks didn’t get him when the buzz was buzzing last year.
Looks like Halladay is going to the Phils. And the Phils are giving up Lee in the process. HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Lee was the only pitcher to win a game (2) in the World Series. So what if he said he’s going to test the free agent market next year. You just took the possiblility of a killer 1-2 punch out of the equation.
What else did I miss? Oh the A-Hud thing. They didn’t break up. Its just a hollywood stunt to get everyone to stop asking her about A-Rod. At least thats what I’m telling myself.
Jane, as always, a pleasure.
~Mike
http://evilempire.mlblogs.com
I really hate the idea of giving up Lee…why can’t we keep both? Ugh. And then I read the A-Rod news and it is official; the world is coming to an end! ;o) LOL
Jenn
http://philliesphollowers.mlblogs.com/
Yes, Lackey will make the Sox rotation that
much stronger, but I didn’t think he’d
make a good addition to our clubhouse and so
I’m not unhappy about that signing. Hallady
to the Phillies? OK with me - that means we just
have to worry about him during interleague play (1
game at most) and maybe in the post season.
Hadn’t heard about A-Rod and Kate. Too bad -
and after her She-Fan award, too! But let’s
take a moment to thank Matsui for all the
thrilla’s in The Bronx, and for helping us
finally bring back the WS trophy to where it
belongs. Good luck in LA, Hideki.
Jane
Sandra Bullock WAS terrific! That was her “Erin Brokovich” moment and I expect the folks at the Oscars to side with me. As for the Red Sox. Meh. Still gonna be a slugfest in the AL East…and the Mariners? Good for them! The West is winnable. They might as well try to make a run.
–Jeff
http://redstatebluestate.mlblogs.com/
http://mtrredstatebluestate.com
So where do we send the sympathy cards? A-Rod or K-Hud?? Oh, wait, if they are broken up then she should lose the nickname. But if they didn’t really break up and they wed, does she become K-Hud-Rod? Okay, enough of that.
It seems strange to let the W.S. MVP walk but I really think it was right for the team. And Lackey seems like a real nutjob - perfect to join Papsmear. Halladay to the N.L. makes me happy…we’ll just have to make him look bad in the post season. I think Philly gave up too much for him but we’ll see what happens.
Whooo…Mike the Freak is right…you
turn around, and all hell breaks loose in beisbol.
Goodbye Godzilla…we will miss ya, but once
we signed Grandy, I knew that either he or Johnny
D (maybe both) were gone. Like Aaron Boone,
we’ll always remember “the last”
as the best…
Lackey…nope, never
liked him either…get to see him & hate
him all the more now, kind of like Mr. Bloody
Sock…hope he doesn’t develop Mr.
BS’s mouth (or success) too…and now
they have unbelievable pitching depth…which
they may use in offers to upgrade their
lineup…depressing but not worth the worry in
December. Still admiring our own prizes from
‘09, thank you…
Comments on That
Movie. CAN’T WAIT to see it. Seems to
deserve all the raves it’s getting. We hear
a LOT about Ohr the player here, as he’s a
good young O-lineman for the Baltimore Ravens.
What an awesome story. Nice to see that it’s
as big a box office hit as it is a quality film;
we all can use some true inspiration in our real
lives these days…
What a morning. First I read that we have lost our beloved Matsui and then I read that Kate and Alex are splitsville. That was just a summer romance anyway and the hotter the sex that faster it burns out. But the Hideki break up is painful. I hate the Angels even more.
Laurie
Hi, Bill. So glad ST (are we talking about Steve Tatti?) told you about my addiction to all things Yankees and that you’ve been enjoying the blog and my tweets! Also glad you left a comment so you can join the party. We’re a great community here. Welcome.
When IS Cashman going to sign our 4th/5th guy, cheshirecat? Good question. He said pitching was a priority, so he needs to get moving before everybody’s taken. I knew Matsui was a goner so I wasn’t that upset about it - except that he’ll make the Angels that much tougher. He’s a big upgrade over the ailing and aging Vlad. I hope A-Rod isn’t too sad. We need him to find a new girlfriend by spring training so he’s “in a good place” again.
Mike, interesting idea about A-Rod and Kate’s breakup being a publicity stunt while she’s out promoting her movie. But I had the feeling it was over when she said on Letterman, “It was a fun summer” - like it was a fling that was over. The big one yesterday for me was Cliff Lee. If the Phillies were moving him, why couldn’t they move him to the Bronx????
Jenn, I don’t blame you for not liking the idea of giving up Lee. You would have had two aces and been unbeatable! But Halladay is such a dream pitcher. You’ll be so happy to have him.
Yes, let’s take a moment to thank Matsui for his years of service to us, ladyjane. He deserves our gratitude. He was a total pro - always polite, always hardworking, always giving his best even when he was hurt. I wish him the best with the Angels and hope he’s happy there, just like Abreu seems to be.
I thought the exact same thing about Sandra Bullock, Jeff: It was her Erin Brokovich moment. She played the same type of character who steals the show with her femininity and smart mouth. Loved it.
Isn’t it funny how we feel invested in A-Rod and Kate, Diane? LOL. It’s as if she broke up with us! Well, as I said above, I hope he finds someone new. He doesn’t strike me as a guy who can be alone for five minutes. I think Philly gave up a lot for Halladay but I guess we’ll find out. I’m just glad he’s out of the American League.
That’s right, Dave. You must see Ohr all the time with the Ravens. As I was watching the movie I had to keep reminding myself it was a true story and that good things do happen to good people. It’s quite an uplift.
The Matsui breakup is way more painful, Laurie. Just not unexpected. I hope Cashman is working on getting us another pitcher AND getting us a DH - whether that means bringing Damon back or finding another bat. And please don’t let him get Vladimir Guerrero. I have no interest in swapping DHs with the Angels.
Hey, Jane — guess I read the postings too
quickly (again) today…how neat that another
‘mate is “signing in,” Welcome
Aboard!! — and I do heartily agree with your
guess as to the identity of
‘ST’…
Okay, enuf inside
trivia stuff & blather. Here’s some
“Know The Enemy” trivia for
ya…that ancient newspaper headline that you
dug up for the Sawx…can you (or anyone else)
hazard a guess as to What Year it was? Remember,
there’s ONLY 7 POSSIBILITIES (heh-heh-heh),
and I think you can confidently eliminate the last
two…I’m quite certain that I know,
having made Sherlock-like observations and
deductions, Dr. Watson (BTW, looking forward to
that movie too, when it comes out…think
it’ll be any good?)
I’m glad we don’t have Lackey. I just don’t like the guy. Wish we could have tried for Lee.
I’m sorry Matsui left, though I do think it was best for the team. He was always classy. LA will be easier for him to get back to Japan, so at least he gets some compensation. I’ll miss him. Just think how easy it will be for him to move his wife to LA, he can fold her up and put her in an envelope!
My sincere hope is that Cashman has some deal going on that we don’t know about (what? he didn’t tell us first!?!??!) that had to wait until all this other stuff went on.
Melissa
It sounds like we’re all on the same page about Lackey, Melissa. Matsui too. Who wouldn’t wish him well? He was such a class act as a Yankee. And yeah, his piece-of-paper-wife will be that much closer to Japan. LOL. I sure hope you’re right and Cashman is doing his waiting-in-the-weeds thing. I’m ready in case he wants to throw some exciting news at us.
I’m looking forward to the Sherlock Holmes movie too, Dave. Robert Downey Jr makes every movie better. I haven’t read any advance reviews on it though.
You and your tick tock, Renegade! You make me nervous! LOL. But that’s my concern - that Cashman will keep window shopping while all the good sale items are already gone!
Jane,
The Boys to the North had been a bit
quiet before blasting a few quick fire deals out
before the holidays.
I remember reading a few
blog posts where people were wondering if Theo
Epstein might have had the Swine Flu and not been
making deals to keep other from getting the
flu.
But the Red Sox came out of the chute
fast yesterday and grabbed two players off the Hot
Stove sales shelf.
Time for Cashman to stop
his window shopping and either grab Ben Sheets
before Texas comes in and rips him from his
hands…..
Tick….Tock….Tick….Tock….
Rays Renegade
http://raysrenegade.mlblogs.com
Lackey to me has al;ways been overrated.
You’re right, he was destined to wear red
for the rest of his career. I wish he had gone to
the Mets, but I’m not afraid of Lackey. We
beat him in the playoffs and we’ll beat him
again. As for Cameron, good for him. I’ve
never had a beef with him, I just think Boston
should have more faith in Jacoby Ellsbury.
http://martelli.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/12/wha
t-if-this-became-red-sox-yapping.html
I agree completely on the Seattle Mariners if
they get Bay…watch out.
My sister
watched “The Blind Side” and was very
impressed…she also said that it was as good
as the new twilight movie (but in a different
way.)
I know you’re tore up that the
Astros signed JASON MICHAELS. Yep, he was on
everybody’s radar. I’m going around to
all the blogs and rubbing it in. 
http://stonebutch99.mlblogs.com
Jane,
I am not sure if you saw it last
night, but Kate Hudson was on Jimmy Fallon’s
show last night and was fantastic.
You can
guess they both did not talk baseball, but they
did talk about their time during the filming of
“Almost Famous”
I thought of you
while I was watching it.
Rays Renegade
http://raysrenegade.mlblogs.com
You are certainly right, Jane, that the
sleeping giant has indeed awakened. We have mixed
reactions to Lackey, as we know he is a VERY good
pitcher. He has always struck us in much of RSN as
a crybaby and a whiner, though, and we are
wondering how long it will take over the course of
the 5 years for that side of Lackey to resurface.
We’ll see–if he can get on the good
side of RSN for a change, he should be very good
for us, and we will embrace him.
We are not
entirely thrilled with the Mike Cameron signing,
as we see him and Jeremy Hermida platooning in LF
to cover for J-Bay’s absence. We don’t
see him taking the place of Ellsbury at
all–he should be a fixture with us for a
long time. If not, we’ll know the giant has
fallen back to sleep…
Hi Jane,
Hi Jane,
Hi Jane,
Hi Jane,
Hi Jane,
Hi Jane,
Hi Jane,
I think Boston has plenty of faith in Ellsbury, A.J. I’m assuming they’ll use Cameron in left to fill the void of Bay. As for Lackey, he’s a good pitcher but not so much at Fenway. Maybe they’ll restrict him to away games!
Yup, Austin. If the Mariners end up with Bay,
they’ll be locked and loaded and that
division will be mighty interesting. You should
check out “The Blind Side.” I bet
you’d like it. Jason Michaels? I’m
jumping up and down about that signing. 
I didn’t see Kate on Jimmy Fallon’s show, Renegade. (You stay up later than I do, I guess!) She’s really been out there promoting “Nine.” I thought she’d get a Golden Globe nomination today but no dice.
You must be feeling better about Theo, greg. Yesterday was full of action for Red Sox fans. I was surprised the Sox gave Lackey five years, since they seem not to like multi-year contracts, but he was the best free agent pitcher available. Maybe he’ll shed the crybaby attitude once he sees it’s not cool with everybody.
Harold, it looks like you’re trying to leave a comment. Sorry you’re having difficulties today. I hope you get through so we can see what you have to say.
So were we with Lackey, Jane, so were we. A
five-year deal is not usually in Theo’s way
of thinking, let alone for a pitcher. We are
feeling BETTER, but not great. Lowell’s deal
nearly falling through is helping. But we are
still waiting for another shoe to drop.
Take
care, Jane.
So you think Lowell’s deal will fall through, greg? I heard the Sox were looking at Beltre to play third. And maybe Gonzalez to come over from the Padres?
Reports are that the Lowell deal–at least to the Rangers–will fall through. We’ll see, but it would make us very happy. Partly because of Lowell himself, but partly because many of us think this was the wrong deal. I would not be surprised to see Lowell traded, as we are pursuing Adrian Gonzalez, and Lowell wants to play every day (and I think he will be happiest elsewhere for that reason). But this was the wrong deal. And if we get “stuck” with Lowell, many of us will not be disappointed.
Yes, Beltre could end up being our 3B, but I have my doubts, as his offensive numbers were off last year, and what we really want is another bat. We’ll see!
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Marks, Part 2
John Lackey
On December 5, I published a column titled “Marks” which dared to suggest that baseball owners expolit naive fans by encouraging their mythological beliefs towards their team in order to extract money from them.
For my trouble, I was called a liar, a “pompous ***,” and various other insults on fan boards, although no one attempted to actually prove that what I wrote was wrong. They seemed to be more offended that I told the truth. Heavens.
Orange County Register columnist Jeff Miller picked up the theme in today’s edition. Citing online fans who’ve labelled John Lackey a “traitor” for having the audacity to accept a better offer, Miller called them “idiots” and dismissed them as a “vocal minority.”
It amazes that there are still fans clinging to the decayed notion of loyalty in sports, as if the games other people play are about anything other than business.
Folks, loyalty in pro sports died about the time kids stopped putting baseball cards in their bicycle spokes.
Near the end of the article, Miller adds:
Calling Lackey a traitor is juvenile and comical, which explains why most of this nonsense is unfolding on the Internet, a place where farting is considered a second language.
The Internet has given a public voice to people who never had one in the past. That’s a great thing, especially in an era where giant corporations try to control what we think and hear. But it also means that clueless self-centered people no longer have to stand on street corners to rant and rave.
We didn’t pay attention to those people when they stood on street corners. It should be the same on the Internet.
According to media reports, the Angels are about to sign Yankees DH Hideki Matsui to a one-year deal for $6.5 million.
You could frame this week’s transactions as a three-way trade.
What if I said that the Angels traded John Lackey to the Boston Red Sox, got Hideki Matsui from the Yankees in return, and the Red Sox threw in $76 million to the Angels spread over the next five years?
Because that’s basically what just happened.
Lackey reportedly will sign a five-year contract with Boston worth $82.5 million.
That’s $82.5 million the Angels won’t be paying him.
That’s $82.5 million the Angels can spend elsewhere.
So tell me why this is a bad deal.
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Yup Matsui is an Angel and Lackey is a Red Sox. Everything goes wrong for the Yankees today…
Vig
http://yankeeholics.mlblogs.com
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The Land of Misfit ToysLast night on Facebook I was whining
about how I hate this time of the year. All
the fake and compelled niceness, the Xmas
Gift-Giving “Tax” inherent with
marriage, blowhard Christians getting their
panties in a wad about the perfectly valid
abbreviation of Xmas (look it up you
knowledge-averse idjits, you might learn
something), and the frantic shopping mob street
traffic that forces me to avoid Hulen Street in
Foat Wuth from Black Friday to Xmas Day, virtually
cutting off part of civilization from me in
December. Most of all though, I loathe the
fact that my regular TV watching schedule is in
disarray until mid-to-late January because of this
contrived, smarmy-a$s holiday. No new
episodes of House, Big Bang Theory, Sons of
Anarchy…just reruns and idiotic Xmas
specials. Blech.
Mr. Lung over at RSBS suggested I relieve my TV doldrums by tuning into MLB Network to (presumably) enjoy this year’s “Hot Stove” festivities. I certainly appreciated the suggestion, but I had to remind him that my fandom resides here in the Land of Misfit Toys, a.k.a. Arlington, TX and the Texas Rangers. The “Hot Stove” here in Arlington is like watching Harry Potter and his spoiled cousin Dudley open presents at Christmas: Dudley always get the shiny red firetruck with the 1.93 ERA while Harry gets some worn out Sox and a frayed, one-eyed Teddy Bear with shoulder problems.
This year is no different. The same old preamble that always seems to accompany any Rangers acquisition is once again ringing through the halls of Rangerdom: “If [insert misfit toy here] can get/stay healthy, then…”. This year’s misfit toy acquisitions are Rich Harden and tentatively, Mike Lowell. If Harden can get/stay healthy, then he will most defiinitely be an upgrade over Kevin Millwood as our numero uno starter. If Mike Lowell’s thumb and hip are ok, then he’ll be that right-handed bat we so desperately need to bolster Josh Hamilton, assuming of course, Hamilton is able to get/stay healthy.
However, and, hopefully, the Ranger’s Gimp Express is on it’s final run and help is on the way in the form of prospective new owner Chuck Greenberg. He’s supposed to be a real “baseball guy” with (again, hopefully) deep pockets. The Greenberg ownership group also includes Nolan Ryan, who will stay on as President and keep the club moving in the right direction.
If this ownership change happens soon enough, perhaps we’ll be unwrapping shiny red firetrucks here in Arlington by opening day. If not, I’ll just kick the sh!t out of Harry Potter, steal his wand, and belt out a Redbirdus-Extractus spell, instantly swiping Pujols, Yadi, Carpenter, and Wainwright from Mr. Lung’s beloved Cardinals.
:^)
– Jonestein
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Man, Jonestein, I feel for ya. I mean, it’s been a long time since the Cardinals have been in such disarray in the front office, but it seems like every team goes through this cycle (even the Yankees did in the late 80s/early 90s); still, the Rangers have been going through it, well, forever it seems. Hope it ends for ya soon. And if you wanna make some extra cash I suggest selling t-shirts that read “Gimp Express”. You’ll make millions!
–Jeff
http://redstatebluestate.mlblogs.com/
http://mtrredstatebluestate.com
I have a hard time watching MLB network sometimes. The Phils do get some coverage, but they certainly seem to spend most of their time on a select few. Then again, maybe it is because I can never find the channel because it is in the 700’s…LOL
Jenn
http://philliesphollowers.mlblogs.com/
Sounds like somebody needs a hug? LOL
Well it will be nice if your new boy has deep pockets. I remember when the wal-mart guru dude bought the Royals and told everyone that he’s got money to spend. Well you see where that got them.
Chin up lil buckaroo, according to my stats, there are 30 teams tied for first right now.
Thanks for not harry pottering my yankees away……..
~Mike
http://evilempire.mlblogs.com
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