I wish I had a way to calculate in real time how much he is getting paid for each pitch.  Like the first one is his full salary ... the second is half his salary ... and so on.  Let's see how long he lasts this season this game and see just how much Atlanta is actually paying him on a per pitch basis.  Hell, on a per STRIKE basis, even.

BASEBALL

Round Up

The Yankees took game number one yesterday, just as I had predicated. Joba Chamberlain was outstanding and pitched his best outing of the year, seven innings and no earned runs. He didn't get much run support though as the Yankees only scored one run in the entire game yesterday, this happened in the third on a grounder by Jason Giambi, to the left side of the infield, with the shift on which allowed a run to be scored. Although Kyle Farnsworth did not pitch well for his third of an inning in the eighth, Mariano Rivera shut the Sox down by getting out of a jam in the eighth ad sitting them down in order in the ninth. Saturday the Yankees need to score more runs if they want to take the second game of this series, with the Red Sox sending Tim Wakefield to the hill.

As for the Red Sox, they played will with the absence of Manny Ramirez, who was scratched from the lineup late yesterday afternoon, because of a sore knee. David Ortiz looked a little rusty in his first place appearance, Joba made him look foolish. In his next couple of at bats he made contact and looked better. There were two big stories for the Red Sox last night, one was Joba throwing up and in to Kevin Youkilis, nearly hitting him. Joba said after word that he was not trying to hit him, because it was a close game and he did not wasn't his team to lose, but Mike Lowell had other thoughts. He said that this has happened before this season, twice in New York and now twice in Boston and that he was trying to do it one purpose either way, the Yankees got the better of the at bat as the pitch Joba threw at him hit Youkilis's bat and then Job went on to strike him out. The other major story of the game last night was Mike Lowell's ejection. In the bottom of the ninth, Mike Lowell was rung up by the home plate umpire on a questionable outside corner call. Lowell was not pleased and gave the umpire everything he had, as the Red Sox faithful cheered him o. The umpire said multiple times that he was not going to throw him out, but after slamming his helmet to the ground the umpire changed his mind and threw him out. This could mean bad news for the Sox as Lowell, will most likely be suspended. I look for the Red Sox to take game number two in the series this afternoon at Fenway.

American League

As for the rest for the American League, we already know that the Yankees beat the Red Sox by the score of 1 to 0; Joba Chamberlain was the winning pitcher. Also the Rays beat the Royals last night by the score of 5 to 3, Edwin Jackson got the win. The Angels beat the Orioles by the score of 6 to 5, Joe Saunders was the winning pitcher in that one. The Blue Jays beat the Mariners, 5 to 4, the winning pitcher in that one was Jesse Carlson. Cliff Lee go this fourteenth win of the year last night was the Indians beat the Twins by the score of 5 to 4. The White Sox beat the Tigers six to five, the wining pitcher was D.J. Carrasco. The Rangers beat the Athletics 14 to 6, and Josh Hamilton got his hundredth RBI in that one the winning pitcher was Vincente Padilla.

National League

In the National League the Marlins beat the Cubs 3 to 2, the win goes to Justin Miller. The Mets beat the Cardinals, 7 to 2 the win in that one goes to Mike Pelfrey. The Braves beat the Phillies 8 to 2 Jair Jurrjens go the win in that game. The Brewers ended their eight game win streak yesterday as they were beat by the Astros by the score of 3 to 1 the win goes to Wandy Rodriguez. The Dodgers beat the Nationals yesterday, 3 to 2 the win goes to Chad Billingsley. Dan Haren got his tenth win of the year as the Diamondbacks beat the Giants 10 to 2. Also the Rockies beat the Reds by the score of 7 to 3 the win goes to Aaron Cook. The final score in the National League was that the Padres beat the Pirates by the score of 6 to 5, the win goes to Cha Seung Baek.

Earlier this season I read an article that Pittsburgh had scheduled over 70 promotion nights this season. ALmost every night for the enitre season the Pirates gave something away. Sports Business Journal reports that 111 cap days are scheduled across all MLB teams this season, 95 shirt giveaways, and 94 bobblehead nights at the stadium. Checking the attendance, we find no outliers in the winning is the only predictor for ticket sales theory, so are these giveaways worth it?

The short answer, no. At least not this many. If teams giveaway items a few times a week it devalues the effect of a promotional night, a simple supply and demand concept - saturate the market with product and demand will decrease because consumers can get the product whenever they want. Translate, more promotional nights removes the fan urgency to attend Cap Day or Bat Night because any time they show up its likely to be fill in the blank night. Besides the over saturation, the more giveaways, the more likely the giveaways become cheaper and less valuable to the fans. SBJ references "Jar Gripper Night" at Yankee Stadium, sure to have the throngs running.

While teams have become creative and thoughtful, using gas and concession promotions to provide value for the customer, more teams should institute frequent buyer programs. Baseball games might not compare to selling coffee, but ticket departments can take that get 10th coffee free concept and apply it to games. If implemented successfully, the concept will bring more repeat customers, and build loyalty that one-time promotions fail to do.

Each buyer create an account online with the team, which they use to make purchases. Each ticket purchase credits their account with points. When the account reaches a certain point value fans can redeem the points for tickets. Teams can apply the usual game and seat location restrictions, but the program works like a frequent flyer program. Throw in an added-twist, assign different point values to different games. Coming to a game against the the Mariners is worth more points than a Yankees or Red Sox game since those teams will draw big crowds anyway. Build in the incentives to see the lesser teams by giving the customer value.

Taken a step further, following the frequent flyer model, allow fans to redeem points for other non-ticket prizes. One idea is to hold an after-season camp for kids and a dinner with the players for fans of all ages. Assign point values to each prize. Sell any remaining tickets after the season.

On the concession side, values meals are the current trend. For teams with a digital or wireless POP system, where users have accounts, give discounts out after purchases. Credit the account with coupons for each game they reach a pre-set spending level.

Finally, cut back the promotional giveaways. Revert to the days when Bat Day was special. Fans don't need to open their own Bobblehead museums, one a year, or a small series of at most three, is sufficient. Use the giveaways to appeal more to the kids, while creating value that adults and families can appreciate. Better value will lead to repeat customers. As teams move to fully digital systems, it opens the door for more cross-promotions with sponsors, such as gas vendors and retail outlets, because its easier to track than handing out paper vouchers.

Thanks

MancoSportscards.net

The lone run came on three consecutive two-out singles by Bobby Abreu, Alex Rodriguez, and Jason Giambi in the third inning. Frustrating, of course, for Josh Beckett, the Sox starter, because he delivered another solid performance against the teams' much hated rival, tossing 7 innings himself, allowiing 9 hits while striking out six . Though Ortiz was back in the lineup, the Sox offense was anything but dangerous. They were without the Yankee-killer, Manny Ramirez, who sat out because of a sore knee. It seemed, because of his absence, their offense was off kilter. Ortiz wasn't expected to do much, realistically, because this was his first game back in action since June, therefore putting the majority of the load onto the shoulders of Dustin Pedroia, Mike Lowell, Kevin Youkilis, and J.D. Drew. None of these prominent players produced, as seen in the score, as those four hitter combined to go 3-15 with 6 strikeouts. That's what doomed Boston in this contest because none of the other hitters have been, nor were, able to positively effect the team offensively, with the exception of Jed Lowrie, the shortstop, who had a single. Jacoby Ellsbury's average has declined drastically of late, as he now sits at .259 after another day at the plate. Jason Varitek and Coco Crisp, sitting at the bottom of the order for good reason, have been downright dreadful. Lowrie has been doing the best he can to get on base, but with the likes of Crisp, Varitek and Ellsbury batting behind him, he's not going to have a chance to score.

Now some credit should be given to Chamberlain, who fooled their hitters with a nasty assortment of to blow hitters away, but now the rest of his pitches are working in full force, including a devastating curveball, and a above average slider. He used each of his pitches to perfection, confusing the hitters by mixing up his repertoire during every at-bat, catching them off-guard and guessing, reasoning for his allowing just three singles.

The Sox only got a rally started after Chamberlain exited the game, against Kyle Farnsworth. He allowed a single to Lowrie, and with one out (of course Varitek wouldn't come up big) Crisp singled, to my surprise. My hopes that the Red Sox would actually conjure up a run were dashed when Mariano Rivera came in. He struck out Ellsbury with ease on three pitches, and forced Pedroia to weakly ground out to end the once promising threat.

To top the frustrating night off, Manny Delcarmen, Boston's reliever left with an injured arm (an injury that probably means damage to either the shoulder or the elbow, meaning he will be out for a while, I suspect, allowing Boston to go out and make another Eric Gagne-type trade for a washed up reliever).

With Ortiz back, hopefully Manny will come back for the second game of the series and restore order in the lineup and give them a much needed boost.

In a phone interview with Sports Illustrated, Bond's agent was quoted as saying, "I think Barry would be a perfect fit for them," said Jeff Borris, Bonds' agent, by phone. "He could make the difference between the Yankees going to the World Series or not making the playoffs at all. I anxiously await hearing from them.''

A perfect fit? Bonds hasn't played since last season right? Even if he has stayed in shape, the guy is 44 years old! Nobody wants bonds for any reason, they won't even pay him the league minimum - which is hilarious. The question is, Is Bonds' record really tainted? Nobody wants to pay him the league minimum to DH or even stand there in the batters box like a freakin retard (who is going to pitch to him anyway?).

The reassuring part is that Yankee officials were reported as saying, "Bonds would be an unlikely choice", and given his indictment and time away from the game, I couldn't agree with them more.

It's been a fun ride, but it's time for the Tigers to use a new closer. Tonight's loss to Chiacgo is unforgivable. I'll write more later, I'm too upset and frustrated right now.

Update

Todd Jones is a great guy. He's a Christian, and a man who demands respect. I'm on board with all that. Back in 2000, everyone loved him running in from the bullpen after he slammed its door. I emailed him before the start of the season and he actually took the time to email me back. I'll never forget that, and he'll always be one of my favorite Tigers.

But it's time for him to retire and spend that awesome one on one time with the family everyone talks about. The Tigers entered a very important three game series this weekend with the White Sox. We were five and a half games out of first place. A sweep would allow us to cut that to just two and half games and we virtually have a new season.

We were in control of this game tonight.We had a three run lead until a boneheaded error allowed the Sox to cut the deficit to just one run. So we enter the 9th inning, ahead by just one run and Jonesy allows a two run homer with two outs.

Game over, White Sox win, and we are now six and a half games out instead of four and a half. -insert sad face here-

Oh, and this. That sucks.

By not giving up much for these two polished players, the Yankees lineup gets better, and their bullpen gets a much needed arm. Nady was hitting .330 with 13 homers and 57 rbi's, a player that will help the Yankees as they needed a bat to replace Hideki Matsui (who will most likely be out for until late August, if not the rest of the season; by making this move, my inkling is that Matsui won't be around for the opening of the new Yankees Stadium). Marte was very solid in the Pirated bullpen, racking up 15 holds, 5 saves and a 3.47 ERA. Damaso will most likely be out their for the Yankees to get lefties out, or even as their 7th inning set-up man.

Their is valid reasoning for why the Pirates traded these two players, as the team has Andrew McCutchen, their top prospect waiting in the wings as the teams' right fielder for the future. Therefore they had no use for Nady, despite his great offensive season, long term. Marte was worth trading, like Nady, while his value couldn't be higher. This trade would be a good one if they got experienced players in return, not just potential.

Last year saw the surprising Power Pro franchise delivered to gamers the world over, and while it may have looked simple, for those craving a bit more than Wii Sports baseball, it delivered in spades, with in depth gameplay , and surprisingly deep game modes. Most of all though, the game was just plain fun. With its under sized characters and over sized bobble heads, many would have written it of as "kiddie", that is until they sat down and gave it a try. The wii version of MLB Power Pro's showed just why this franchise is king in Japan, and the 08 version looks to entrench this series even further into the Wii sports market.

Playing like a much refined RBI baseball perhaps, players bat by moving around a small swing indicator, and pitch by sliding a ball indicator, and field with the d-pad and face buttons of your Wii Classic Controller or PS2 pad acting as each base on the diamond. The game seems simplistic at first but as you play the complexity shines through. Throughout the game you will have to make decisions whilst playing such as giving up some of your hit area for a larger power swing, that give the game its depth. Annihilating a couple of batters in a couple of minutes is definately not unheard of in MLB Power Pro's and this allows you to have a fun, fast paced game that wont take hours to complete.

This year the two big new modes are the both of the RPG variety. One is a redone Success Mode with new storyline and characters. The end goal this time being to get your player to the major leagues, whereas last year it was just get the character to the minors.

The other new and exciting mode is called "MLB: Life" and should offer even more replayability on top of everything else. In MLB:Life mode you can either create a new character, or your character from Success Mode, or an existing player. You then set about to build your career from scratch and take part in everything a baseball player would do. Offering up to 20 years of your career, MLB:Life mode certainly looks set to offer some incredible variety. You'll need to interview with press, practice and gain skills to become a team starter, buy new homes and deck them out with workout equipment, videogame consoles, televisions, and the like, upgrade gear, purchase vehicles such as cars, trucks, vans, or even your own private jet, and work out contracts where you'll donate cash to charity whenever you perform well. Whatever it is you do between games, be it practice, social, team training, or hobbies such as chess, videogames, or movie-going will all effect your stats and performance. Games are played out with a mission-based design, so you'll play only your own at bats and clutch situations, with your own results affecting the team's win and loss record, as well as change their momentum as a whole.

Also included of course is a Season mode, offering 10 years of virtual gameplay. The developer has also said that you will be able to take your Success mode or MLB Life mode character into season mode as a part of your team.

One other fun aspect of the game is if you have a saved Mii on your system you can bring them into the Wii Remote mode of the game, which is basically Exhibition mode with Wii Remote functionality, and play with them right away. This is great news for those of you who like playing with your Miis' in a variety of games and it should fit in well with the feel of Power Pros.

Overall MLB Power Pros 08 is shaping up to once again offer Wii owning sports gamers the chance to engross themselves for hundreds of hours in their virtual MLB careers, whilst still catering to the pick up and play market. MLB Power Pros 08 is set for release on Wii, DS & PS2 later in the year, and you can view the trailer here.

1. Johnny Bench - 1967-1983 (CIN)  14 time all-star (including 13 years in a row), 10 time Gold Glove winner (all in a row), 2 time World Series champ with the Reds (MVP once) and a 2 time National League MVP.  That alone should be enough, but he also hit 389 home runs and had 1,376 RBIs.  Bench was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989 with over 96% of the vote.

2. Yogi Berra - 1946-1965 (NYY, NYM)  Berra appeared in 15 straight all-star games, has 10 World Series rings and is a 3 time American League MVP.  Yogi was certainly an offensive contributor as well, belting 358 home runs and driving in 1,430 RBIs.  He is behind Bench though because Bench was also a great defensive catcher, as evidenced by the Gold Gloves.  Berra is a class of '72 Hall of Famer.

3. Carlton Fisk - 1969-1993 (BOS, CHW)  Fisk retired with 376 home runs and 1,330 ribbies.  He also caught 2,226 career games, more than any other player in history.  Carlton was an 11 time all-star and was the AL rookie of the year in 1972.  Quick fact, he is the last catcher to lead a league in triples; he had 9 in 1972.  He is a member of the 2000 Hall of Fame class.

4. Gary Carter - 1974-1992 (MON, NYM, SF, LAD, MON)  Throughout his career, Carter was a premier catcher in the National League.  He consistently produced for the Expos and Mets and added a veteran presence when he played on the West coast.  He was an 11 time all-star and earned MVP honors for the game twice.  Gary also hit over 300 home runs and 1,200 RBIs.  Carter was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003.

5. Micky Cochrane - 1925-1937 (PHI, DET)  Cochrane was forced to retire in 1937, with a career .320 average, after being hit in the head by a pitch that nearly killed him.  Before his career ended, Micky hit 119 home runs and accounted for 832 RBIs.  He won 2 World Series with the (Philadelphia) A's and added another title with the Tigers.  Cochrane was also a 2 time MVP and was elected to the Hall in 1947.

6. Bill Dickey - 1928-1946 (NYY)  Dickey won 8 World Series championships with the Yankees in his 18 year career.  In 10 of his first 11 full seasons, Dickey had an average of at least .300, and ended his career with an .313 average and over 200 homers.  In addition to his 8 rings, Bill also was an 11 time all-star selection.  Dickey was a 1954 selection to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

7. Mike Piazza - 1992-2007 (LAD, FLA, NYM, SD, OAK)  Piazza is considered by many to be the best hitting catcher of all time.  Had his defense been as good as his hitting, he would be ranked higher.  However, 427 home runs, 1,335 RBI's and a lifetime .308 average aren't too shabby.  A 12 time all-star, Mike also earned rookie of the year honors in 1993 and has won 10 Silver Sluggers.

8. Roy Campanella - 1948-1957 (BRK)  Campanella's illustrious career was cut short when he was paralyzed in a 1958 car accident.  Roy first played in the Negro League at the age of 15 and when he joined the Dodgers in '48, he became good friends with Jackie Robinson.  He proceeded to hit 242 home runs in his short career along with 3 NL MVP awards.  He played in 8 all-star games.  Campy was voted into the Hall of Fame in 1969.

9. Ray Schalk - 1912-1929 (CHW, NYG)  Schalk was a spectacular defensive catcher who had surprising speed on the bases as well.  He set a catcher's record of 30 stolen bases in 1916 that stood for 77 years.  Although Schalk only hit 11 home runs, he compiled 1,345 hits and almost 600 ribbies.  He had 177 stolen bases.  Schalk was also one of the honest players in the 1919 Black Sox scandal and was eventually elected to the Hall of fame in 1955.

10. Ivan Rodriguez - 1991-present (TEX, FLA, DET)  Rodriguez has only missed 3 all-star games since 1992.  In addition, he has been the recipient of 13 Gold Gloves and 7 Silver Sluggers, showing his ability in the field and the batter's box.  Ivan was the 1999 AL MVP.  He currently has 293 home runs and 1,214 RBI's.  Pudge will also have over 2,600 hits by this end of this season.

I will now end every blog I write with a Chuck Norris joke, here it is...

Chuck Norris CAN believe it's not butter.

Well, there it is, the greatest catchers ever and a Chuck Norris joke.  What more could you ask for?

During a first inning brawl/melee, Peoria pitcher Julio Castillo launched a ball at an opposing player and ended up hitting a fan who was hospitalized. This player's major league baseball career is over before it even began. He should never play again, I have never seen anything has disgusting as this in all my years of being a sports fan.

This makes the Ron Artest incident with the Pacers a few years ago (where he climbed into the stands  during a game)  look like a peace rally. Castillo hurled a fastball upwards of 100mph, it ended up hitting and hospitalizing a fan. You can see him launch it with full knowledge of what he was doing, with a deadly calm force and intention; it is very obvious. Seriously man I am not just trying to stir controversy, this is just horrible. A 100mph fastball is a deadly weapon. He should be charged with attempted murder.

Note to the fan who got hit and the fan's family, call a lawyer and get Castillo and the midwest league for everything they are worth. Well Castillo is probably not worth much, considering he'll never play baseball again. Or at least he shouldn't anways, how disgusting and horrible. Makes me sick. Prosecute the man, sue him, and ban him for life. PERIOD.

First off, let's congratulate the Golden State Warriors for re-signing the new face of their Franchise, Mr. Monta Ellis. Baron who? Mr. Ellis just got one of the highest raises in NBA history, making about $770,000 last year to making over $11 million next year.

Now let's hope the Warriors can re-sign Andris Biedrins as well. He wants money, and the Warriors are the only team who can give him the money, maybe roughly in the 6-year, $48 million range. However, sources said that some Russian teams are offering him more. Andris Biedrins, please don't pull a Josh Childress.

Happy 44th Birthday to our favorite ex-Giant Barry Bonds. He turned 44 yesterday, and his birthday present was FREEDOM, at least for now. The Giants celebrated for him with Matt Cain throwing a complete game 4-hit shutout, and the Giants beating the Nationals 1-0, proving that the Giants don't need Bonds' steroid-injected homers, if only it was for a couple games against one of the worst teams in baseball. With the Giants being the 4th worst team in baseball, they're able to sweep the ABSOLUTE worst teams, the Washington Nationals. The others, the San Diego Padres and the Seattle Mariners. Congratulations Giants, you're not the worst team...yet.

Jimmy Rollins, the reigning NL MVP, the Alameda, CA native. What's he doing on this blog? I put him here today because I believe he had the best excuse yesterday for making to his baseball game on time.

The Phillies are in a 3-team battle with the New York Mets and the Florida Marlins for 1st place in the NL East. Every game counts from now on. Rollins wasn't in the lineup because he was stuck in traffic. Way to take one for the team, Jimmy. I guess if you're the MVP, you can do whatever you want. That's why your team lost. That's why you get a ball in your face.

This coming Sunday, the San Jose Sabercats will once again become Arena Bowl Champions in Arena Bowl XXII. 4th time in 7 years or something like that. They're unstoppable. It doesn't matter who their opponents are. So don't forget, Sunday. Watch it, or don't, it doesn't matter. We already know the results. I'm too lazy to look up the time, or channel. Too bad.

L.A. Sparks vs. Detroit Shock in an all-out brawl. You women are crazy. Who do you think you are? First you dunk, now you fight. What's going on?! And suspensions? Slow down, WNBA, 4 entire games? That's ridiculous. Ron Artest only got suspended for like the entire season, but man, that's 4 HUUUUUUUUGE games here for what's her name from the Detroit Shock!! I am definitely SHOCKED!!!

That about does it for our Friday Sports Roundup. Peace out and have a safe weekend!

Bill "Spaceman" Lee, graduate from the University of Southern California, was a popular MLB pitcher. As a charismatic pitcher for the Boston Red Sox and Montreal Expos, Lee had 3 consecutive 17-win seasons, made the 1973 All-Star team, and pitched in the 1975 World Series. Spaceman was a finesse lefty who threw a variety of off-speed pitches, including the ‘Space Ball.’ He is being inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame on November 7, 2008.

Spaceman Lee is a true global advocate of the game. He was the first ballplayer ever to play in the Soviet Union, Red China and Cuba. He is a baseball purist and strong supporter of the traditions of the game. Lee is opposed to the designated hitter rule, polyester uniforms, and AstroTurf.

A reporter once asked Bill Lee if he preferred AstroTurf to grass. Lee replied, "I don't know, I've never smoked AstroTurf

Lee earned his nickname "Spaceman" because of his openness on his drug use. He regularly sprinkled pot on his pre-game organic pancakes for good luck. He ate health food and practiced yoga. He claimed his marijuana use made him immune to bus fumes while jogging to work at Fenway Park.

After retiring in 1982, Spaceman ran for President of the United States. He campaigned on the slogan

"No guns. No butter. Both can kill".

 

Lee was the cadet on the Canadian Political Rhinoceros Party ticket, but unfortunately he failed to appear on any state ballot.

Spaceman Lee’s passion for life and baseball helped spread the game outside North America. His honesty, intelligence, and humanity helped spread the game to a large population of people who had no interest in baseball at all. Below is a glimpse into Spaceman.

On Drug Testing
"The other day they asked me about mandatory drug testing. I said I believed in drug testing a long time ago. All through the sixties I tested everything."

On Lefties
“You have two hemispheres in your brain - a left and a right side. The left side controls the right side of your body and right controls the left half. It's a fact. Therefore, left-handers are the only people in their right minds”

On Competition
"Hell, if KY jelly went off the market, the whole California Angels pitching staff would be out of baseball."

On manager Don Zimmer
“The designated gerbil”

Putting things in perspective
“I think about the cosmic snowball theory. A few million years from now the sun will burn out and lose its gravitational pull. The earth will turn into a giant snowball and be hurled through space. When that happens it won't matter if I get this guy out."

On the Hall of Fame
"Only when I am dead. I want to go in face down so they can kiss my ass."

In 2003, filmmakers Brett Rapkin and Josh Dixon joined Lee on a trip to Cuba.

Three quick observations for you all from my POV as a BoSox fan:

First, the Joba experiment has worked out much better than I ever anticipated.  Despite the completely messed up way that Chamberlain was handled by the Yankees, Joba's transition to a starting role has been almost without bumps.  Now, they're counting on him in one of the biggest spots of the season.  Will he crack?  I don't think so.  At least, I don't think Chamberlain will under perform until the end of the season when he's worn down, if at all.

That said, the whole Joba thing doesn't worry me much.  In fact, I think the Yankees did Red Sox Nation a favor by converting Joba.  Let's say he pitches a lights out game tonight and gets the Yankees that all important first game victory at Fenway.  So what?  Joba is one and done.  The Red Sox won't have to face him again.  When he was a reliever, he might have had an impact in all three games.  As it stands now, the Sox just have to deal with him once.  I'll take my chances facing him once when he has to be out there for many innings at a time versus having to face him for short spurts everyday.  And that's why I still think The Yankees made a mistake pulling him out of the bullpen.

Finally, the Yankees piss me off and scare me because for the last two years they've reminded me of a James Bond movie.  I'm much too lazy to actually look up the movie or get the dialogue exactly right, but the scene I'm thinking of goes like this...

James Bond is tied down on a table.  He's on his back and his legs are spread apart and restrained.  Bond's enemy (the usual megalomaniac, evil, lunatic) has a laser beam started and charting a path toward Bond's cherished family jewels.  Bond asks the villain "do you expect me to talk?".  The villain replies "no, Mr. Bond, I expect you to die".  Then, of course, Bond doesn't.

For the last two seasons, the Yankees have started out like Bond.  Seemingly done and about to die.  But, only then, they don't.  If I wasn't a Red Sox fan I guess I'd admire it.  Posada's been hurt as has much of the rotation they started the year with.  Yet, there they are still in the thick of it. 

Last year, I was pretty sure the Yankees were finished.  I could see Torre getting fired and the dynasty ending.  And then they made the playoffs.  While they did fire Joe Torre, it seems like replacement Joe Girardi is using Torre's script from last season.  Once again, the Yankees are rising from the almost dead.

You have to give them credit.  Unless, you are a Red Sox fan like me.

The last five years have been a great time for me baseball-wise.  Suddenly, the culture in Sox Nation has changed from how will we blow this to we'll come through in the clutch.  I've seen the Red Sox win two world series titles after I resigned myself to possibly dying without seeing that happen even once.

I'd like to see a third that includes a total collapse by the New York Yankees.

Is that too much to ask, Mr. Bond?

If Minnesota had the option to bring back one player from the past, Ron Coomer would be near the top of that list.

Although Coomer is the epitome of an average infielder, he hit .308/.352/.509 against southpaws over the course of his nine-year career. His overall batting line is less glamorous: .274/.313/.421, but Coomer had the privilege of ushering in the great Koskie era at third base.

Coomer was born in Crest Hill, IL, but attended Taft Junior College in California. He was drafted in the 14th round of the 1987 supplementary draft by the Oakland Athletics, where he began a long, tedious nine-year journey through three organizations.

After three average years in Oakland's organization, Coomer was released on Aug. 1, 1990. After five-and-a-half months of wondering how to spell "unemployment," he was finally signed by his hometown team—the Chicago White Sox—in mid-March of 1991.

Coomer struggled in his first year within the White Sox's organization. He was immediately placed in AA Birmingham and hit .255/.330/.406 as a 25-year old in 1991.

The next year he was promoted to AAA Vancouver, but struggled. In 1993, he spent half the year in AA Birmingham before reinstating himself in Vancouver.

After the 1993 season, Coomer was involved in a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers for Isidro Marquez, a minor-league journeyman pitcher. He spent two years in AAA Albuquerque, where he batted over .322 both years. He was suddenly a top prospect, but at the age of 28, his time was running out.

In 1995, he was the key part of a trade with the Minnesota Twins. The Dodgers traded Coomer and three others for two young starting pitchers: Kevin Tapani and Mark Guthridge. As soon as he arrived in Minnesota, he was placed in the major leagues.

Coomer split time with Scottie Leius and Dave Hollins at third and Scott Stahoviak at first during 1995 and 1996. He wasn't used regularly in either of those years, but hit a solid .296/.340/.511 in 1996.

After the 1995 season, Leius was granted free agency and three months later, he signed with Boston. Dave Hollins took over the duties at third base in 1996, but was traded mid-season to the Seattle Mariners for David Ortiz.

With a vacant third base, Coomer smelt his opportunity.

Jeff Reboulet and Todd Walker formed a platoon at third for the remainder of the 1996 season, while Coomer mainly filled in for Stahoviak at first.

After the 1996 season, Coomer became a major-league starter for the first time in his life. Reboulet was granted free agency and Walker moved to a backup role. Young Chuck Knoblauch became the starter at second base and Coomer assumed duties at the left corner of the infield.

From 1997 to 2000, Coomer played over 100 games a season and consistently hit over .260. He provided a great bat against lefties and was perfect for the third-base role because of his great glove.

At the end of the 2000 season, though, Coomer was 33-years old. He was still hitting the ball very well, so after he was granted free agency, he decided not to hang up the cleats quite yet.

Minnesota didn't want him because of the emergence of a certain Corey Koskie. In fact, Coomer was losing playing time to Koskie. In his last year as a Twin, 2000, Koskie started the majority of the games at third and Coomer was shifted to first base.

Just 21 days after being granted free agency, Coomer signed a contract with the Chicago Cubs. He was signed as a third baseman and hit .261/.316/.390 in his one and only year with a professional team in Chicago, and was again granted free agency.

Nearing his 35th birthday, Coomer took a long hard look at the mirror and eventually decided to continue playing baseball. He signed a one-year deal with the New York Yankees in 2002, as a reserve third baseman. He started 26 games for the Yankees at third and was yet again faced with the choice of a lifetime.

One more year?

He decided to play one more year of professional baseball. He returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers and played mainly first base. Coomer's offensive production dipped to .240/.299/.368 and after that year he retired from baseball for good.

He provided analysis for Twins games on Fox Sports North for a time after his retirement.

Coomer was a vital element for the Minnesota Twins. He was the bridge between Scottie Leius and Corey Koskie, both of whom are legendary Twins third basemen.

He was, as said above, the epitome of an average player. He put up decent numbers for many years, was noticeably better against left-handed pitchers, but considerably worse in September and October.

The bottom line is that Coomer was a solid middle-of-the-order bat that could be counted on for a clutch hit or to draw a walk. Coomer's nine years in the minors were a very long stretch and they provide a great story of perseverance and determination.

He is a key part of the history of the Minnesota Twins and should not be forgotten in between Leius and Koskie.

BASEBALL

Round Up

The Red Sox play host to the Yankees this weekend, and this may be the series that determines the outcome of the AL east. If the Yankees sweep they move into second place ahead of the Red Sox and possibly move into first place depending on the outcome of the Rays Royals series. If the Reed Sox sweep they will most likely put the Yankees out of contention of wining the AL east, unless there is a big let down in Tampa Bay.  The Rays lost night to the Royals, which allows the Red Sox, with a win tonight, to move back into first place in the AL east.

The Red Sox will also gain a big piece of their team and ultimately their lineup, David Ortiz. He says he plans to be in the lineup for all three games this weekend. Even though we do not know what his production will be like, we do know that he will energize the whole team, just because of his presence in the clubhouse. The Yankees will send Joba Chamberlain to the hill tonight in his first real crucial game as a starter, if he ca give them five or six solid innings, so that the Yankees have the lead when he comes out. I like their chances to take game one.

American League

With the Red Sox and Yankees both off yesterday, the American League scores will start with the rays as they lost to the Royals by the score of 4 to 2; the win goes to Gil Meche. The Blue Jays and Orioles played two games yesterday and the Blue Jays won both of them. In the first one the Blue Jays won by the score of 5 to 1.  A.J. Burnett got the win in that one. In the second game they won again by the score of 7 to 1, and Roy Halladay got the win. Those were the only games last night in the American league, but look for a full slot tonight as almost every team takes the field.

National League

As for the National League the Mets beat the Phillies by the score of 3 to 1, and the win goes to Aaron Heilman. This win increases the Mets' lead I the NL East. Matt Cain pitched a four hit complete game for the Giants as they beat the Nationals by the score of 1 to 0. The Cubs get a much needed win against the Marlins as they win by the score of 6 to 3, and Carlos Zambrano got the win in that one. Ryan Bruan's home run in the top of the ninth propels the Brewers by the Cardinals, 4 to 3, which gives them the sweep and their eighth straight win. Eric Gagne got the win. The final score in the National League last night was that the Pirates beat the Padres by the score 9 to 1; the win goes to Yosla Herrera.

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Yankees Eye Barry Bonds At High-Level Meetings

AP | July 24, 2008 07:38 PM

Co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner acknowledged he'd mention Bonds, the indicted home run king who became a free agent when the San Francisco Giants did not bring him back.

"I'll mention it. We'll cover everything," Steinbrenner said before the meetings began. "No stone will be left unturned."

Grumpy Guy ain’t a baseball fan. But I respect it, and I do like to see the Yankees lose. Why should I care if I’m not a baseball fan? I don’t know. It’s like watching the Lakers lose. I just like it, that’s all. Something tells me that Yankee fans would welcome Bonds with open arms. A lot of heat has been taken off Bonds since the Roger Clemens steroid revelations. All of the sudden Steroids isn’t as a big a deal as when it was all about Bonds. I wonder why that is? Just kidding, I know exactly why that is.

If Yankee fans can forgive Andy Pettit for taking steroids, and ratting out their beloved Roger, then why would they give a shit about Barry Bonds joining the team, especially if he can actually help them win a World Series.

Just when you think you can get sick of Manny, his gravitational pull brings you right back in. He maybe quite the headache to deal with, but come on, can you possibly ever get sick of his stories ? Today’s tale comes from Portfolio.com:

I once asked a prominent relief pitcher to describe the most idiotic thing he had witnessed in the big leagues. "That's easy," he said, and launched into the story of a former teammate—an All-Star outfielder—who refused to use toilet paper. A clubhouse attendant supplied the player with a daily ration of hand towels, which, when soiled, would be flushed.

One afternoon the reliever came in from batting practice to find the locker room awash in frantic maintenance workers. When he asked a plumber what all the fuss was about, he was told that a washcloth-clogged toilet had overflowed and was threatening to submerge the bathroom stalls. "Of all the dumb stuff I've seen that particular outfielder do," the stopper told me, "that was the dumbest."

That particular outfielder was, of course, Manny Ramirez.

Brought to you by: Zippanut

This has to be the worst chant in baseball. The Yankees Sucks chant was good in 2003 and in the 2004 seasons.  That was when the rivalry was strong and the players hated each other, now the chant itself sucks.  Its getting to a point when it is almost embarrassing. You watch road games and you can hear the Sox fans chanting it when the Yankees are losing. News flash the Yankees don't suck, they've made the playoffs 13 years in a row.  Don't get me wrong I hate the Yankees with a passion, but there comes a point when enough is enough. You have to respect a team that makes a run like that but do not have to like them. The chant has to come to an end its stupid and it takes away from the game.  The Fans should get into the pitchers head and start chanting there name like we did to Roger Clemens and chased after 3 innings in the playoffs in 2003. Fat Joba is starting tonight, so get in his head and chant JOBA  until he lets up 5 runs in an inning tonight.  He hasn't started in Fenway before so give him a warm welcome and mess with his head. The main thing is, stop the Yankees Sucks Chant because it holds no meaning anymore. 

Gay Rod left his lip gloss at Madonna's apartment!!!

Zippa

The faint chance that Barry Bonds was going to come back and play this year for the Yankees is all but officially over. There was talk that the Yanks would consider bring in the man with the worlds largest head, but that talk has now cooled according to the Daily News:

Barry Bonds was briefly discussed when Yankee officials gathered Thursday to brainstorm ways to improve the team, but the Yanks "aren't ready to jump on that," according to a baseball official familiar with the team's thinking.

In other news, former Atlanta Falcon Jamal Anderson gets loaded.