Monday Night Notes
I dunno why, perhaps the mountain of snow that continues to haunt my life, but I have some trouble getting excited for the new season. This is evidenced in my lack of posting, but I tip my hat to the other, more prolific writers and I will strive to write more frequently.
Dustin McGowan has been moved to the bullpen and will probably start the season on the DL as he is out of options. The poor dude is properly screwed due to his diabetes, as the disease effects the musculoskeletal system, which includes the joints, the tendons, the ligaments and muscles, all the fun things that help you pitch. It also does a number on how quickly one heals. It makes me sad.
Not making me sad is Brett Lawrie, who is having a very sunny spring. Lawrie has gone .370 (10-for-27) with two home runs and five RBIs. And Gregor Chisolm, of MLB.com reports: "The 21-year-old has started double plays with throws to second -- one of the toughest plays for a third baseman -- with relative ease. The area where he still needs to improve is his ability to properly attack slow grounders."
I did a little research into why slow grounders are tough for 3rd basemen and here is why: To avoid being decapitated by hard line drives from righties, the 3rd baseman will play back to allow for a bit of reaction time. If the batter rolls over the ball, creating the slow roller, the player has a long run in and an awkward throw across his body. Scott Rolen has it down, as does Longoria and ARod. ARod's move also features a grand jeté. It's especially impressive when he wears his tutu.
Surprising no one, Gregg Zaun, after announcing his retirement from baseball, is going to join Sportsnet as a baseball analyst. His relaxed approach, his insight and the "spot Zaun's teeth" game that amused during his postseason analysis for the network should be welcome additions to the regular season.
Baseball is huge in Japan, so of course the devastating earthquake has had an effect on the game. I found it interesting and was impressed that the Yankees forked over $100,000 to the relief effort. Maybe it was in tribute to Hideki Matsui. The Athletics, the Padres and the Mariners have decided to donate the proceeds from their respective Japanese Heritage nights. Boston, though they have 3 Japanese players on their roster, have so far not followed suit. Dice-K, as of Friday, couldn't find his obaasan.
If you ever are in attendance at a Mariners' game in Toronto, watch the Japanese fans that show up for Ichiro. They used to sit in left field seats for Yankee games, with flags and signs to cheer on Matsui. They are endearingly enthusiastic.
勇気
Dustin McGowan has been moved to the bullpen and will probably start the season on the DL as he is out of options. The poor dude is properly screwed due to his diabetes, as the disease effects the musculoskeletal system, which includes the joints, the tendons, the ligaments and muscles, all the fun things that help you pitch. It also does a number on how quickly one heals. It makes me sad.
Not making me sad is Brett Lawrie, who is having a very sunny spring. Lawrie has gone .370 (10-for-27) with two home runs and five RBIs. And Gregor Chisolm, of MLB.com reports: "The 21-year-old has started double plays with throws to second -- one of the toughest plays for a third baseman -- with relative ease. The area where he still needs to improve is his ability to properly attack slow grounders."
I did a little research into why slow grounders are tough for 3rd basemen and here is why: To avoid being decapitated by hard line drives from righties, the 3rd baseman will play back to allow for a bit of reaction time. If the batter rolls over the ball, creating the slow roller, the player has a long run in and an awkward throw across his body. Scott Rolen has it down, as does Longoria and ARod. ARod's move also features a grand jeté. It's especially impressive when he wears his tutu.
Surprising no one, Gregg Zaun, after announcing his retirement from baseball, is going to join Sportsnet as a baseball analyst. His relaxed approach, his insight and the "spot Zaun's teeth" game that amused during his postseason analysis for the network should be welcome additions to the regular season.
Baseball is huge in Japan, so of course the devastating earthquake has had an effect on the game. I found it interesting and was impressed that the Yankees forked over $100,000 to the relief effort. Maybe it was in tribute to Hideki Matsui. The Athletics, the Padres and the Mariners have decided to donate the proceeds from their respective Japanese Heritage nights. Boston, though they have 3 Japanese players on their roster, have so far not followed suit. Dice-K, as of Friday, couldn't find his obaasan.
If you ever are in attendance at a Mariners' game in Toronto, watch the Japanese fans that show up for Ichiro. They used to sit in left field seats for Yankee games, with flags and signs to cheer on Matsui. They are endearingly enthusiastic.
勇気