The New MLB Network

Posted on January 3, 2009 by mlblogsskiponsecond

I’ve been in baseball heaven all weekend! On January 1, 2009 the New MLB Network launched at 6pm. No more watching ESPN – waiting for the MLB news to finally cycle through! I can now get it all in one spot.

So far, I’ve enjoyed the programming that has aired. On the first night the new Hot Stove show debuted, followed by the 1956 World Series game 5, in which New York Yankee Don Larsen pitched a perfect game against the Brooklyn Dodgers. I’ve watched the 2004 World Series Film and the 2008 World Series games. Yes, I am in baseball heaven! I’m looking forward to the other shows that will air this week. Look for Ken Burn’s Baseball and the Prime 9.

This has been long overdue for the baseball fan. Thanks MLB for making it happen!

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MLB Network

Posted on December 30, 2008 by mlblogsskiponsecond

I see that the new MLB Network has already begun programming on Comcast. I’m excited! Right now they’re running informational programming explaining what we can can expect at 6 ET on January 1.

If you haven’t already checked, take a peek!

 

~Skip

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Internet Sensation Joe Beimel

Posted on December 16, 2008 by mlblogsskiponsecond

So far I feel as though things are shaping up for the 2009 campaign quite nicely. I’m happy with Brandon Inge at third, and as I mentioned in a previous post, I like our acquisition of Adam Everett at short. I’m not at all thrilled with Carlos Guillen out in left. I’d like to see a change made there. But, where would he go? The catcher, Laird is a smart choice. I’m still very concerned about pitching. Of course, without good pitching, we could end up back in last place. I can’t see Dontrelle Willis picking up a starting role with this club. I just can’t. Personally, I think he’s fizzled out and has had his 15 minutes. Nate is iffy, unless he can rebound and pitch with the stuff he’s had in the past. The addition of Jackson can be a good thing, but we still need middle relief and a closer who’s name isn’t Rodney.

Southpaw Joe Biemel, of late with the Dodgers, is a name that is currently out there. Reportedly, the Tigers are interested and a deal could be forthcoming. Beimel can be a closer, but I think his forte’ is as a set up man or as a situational reliever. Beimel would be a good pick-up, if a deal can be made.

Over the course of the 49 innings that he pitched, he compiled a W-L record of 5-1. He saw action in 71 games and has an ERA of 2.02. His WHIP is 1.45. One claim to fame, during his first two years with the Dodgers – he kept Barry Bonds to 1 – 16! He’s also an Internet sensation on You Tube! You would think that would account for something!

Seriously though, I’d like to see him as a Tiger!

 

~Skip

http://skiponsecond.blogspot.com/

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Baseball Hall Of Fame

Posted on December 4, 2008 by mlblogsskiponsecond

Among the names on this years Hall Of Fame ballot, are Jack Morris and Alan Trammell. I think both of these players are deserving of the nod. Why shouldn’t they be?

I just read a posted comment to one of the stories on the Detroit Free Press website that made me pause. I didn’t like what it suggested. The comment essentially said that if Morris or Tram were a player for the Yankee’s or the Red Sox, they would get stronger consideration.

I truly hope that’s not the case. But, I’m also not naive.

Nonetheless, the questions persist. Why haven’t these two deserving players been elected yet? I wish I knew the answer. But, taking a quick glance at their records should make anyone notice that there has been a huge oversight. It’s nothing less than an injustice that has been committed against these two.

The BBWAA are a good group of people. Smart people. I’m sure that they have given these players, as they have all players, the proper consideration due because of their accomplishments on the field. Although, I will say, if one of them has something, in particular, against them because they were a part of the Tiger’s organization, then that’s just plain wrong.

I’m having a hard time just knowing that two guys who should be there – aren’t. Look at what they were able to do during their baseball playing days.

Morris was the winningest pitcher of the 1980’s and he compiled 254 victories in the 549 games he appeared in. He ended his playing career in 1994 with a 3.90 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP.

Morris was also an All Star 5 times, and an MVP in 1991. He pitched in 4 World Series and is a two time Babe Ruth award winner.

Six time All Star, Alan Trammell, is a three time Silver Slugger award winner. Trammell also won a Gold Glove at short four times. When his playing career ended, he held a .285 batting average. Occasional speculation has been that the lower BA might be his Kryptonite. But, let’s face it, everything else, is absolutely Hall material.

Trammell has been eligible since 2002. Morris since 2001. It’s time for one of them to get in, isn’t it?

Please feel free to call me a believer in these two because they are former Tigers. I’d have to say, I agree with you, that it’s true. It’s a lot of the reason why I’m absolutely adamant that one or both of them get in. You won’t find me slinking away from that. I’m unabashedly a Detroit Tiger fan.

But, other than that, they have both had stellar careers, in a Detroit Tigers uniform or not. Don’t forget, Jack Morris played for the Twins and Blue Jays, and ended his career with the Indians. It doesn’t change the way I feel.

I’m really hoping that one of them will get in this year. What about you? What do you think?

~Skip

http://skiponsecond.blogspot.com/

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AL Cy Young Winner

Posted on November 13, 2008 by mlblogsskiponsecond

 

No surprises here in the announcement of Cliff Lee as the 2008 Cy young Award winner. I think he was a shoe – in for this award from the start. As you’ll recall, he had an awful season in 2007. This year, however, was a different story! Lee compiled a 22 – 3 W/L record with a 2.54 ERA. Regular readers will know that I am a huge fan of the WHIP statistic. Lee’s was 1.11. That’s nothing short of amazing! He struck out 170 and allowed only 34 walks this season. The Baseball Writers Association Of America gave him 24 out of 28 first place votes. Runner – up Roy Halladay, of the Blue Jays, had four first place votes. He was followed by Angel’s closer Francisco Rodriguez.

 

~Skip

http://skiponsecond.blogspot.com/

 

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The Hutch Award

Posted on November 11, 2008 by mlblogsskiponsecond

Jon Lester of the Boston Red Sox was awarded the 2008 Hutch Award. Lester, a cancer survivor, threw a no hitter against the Royals on May 19Th.

The Hutch Award, named after the former Detroit Tiger’s pitcher and manager, is given to the player who displays honor, courage and dedication.
Fred Hutchinson was with the Tiger’s organization for 16 years. In 1953, he managed a young rookie by the name of Al Kaline, a recipient himself of the Hutch award in 1969. Another Tiger to earn the honor was John Hiller in 1973. Former Tiger’s first baseman, Sean Casey, received the award in 1999 while with the Cincinnati Reds.
Fred Hutchinson died of cancer at the age of 45 on November 12, 1964.
 
~Skip
 
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Off – Season Classics!

Posted on November 4, 2008 by mlblogsskiponsecond

Besides the election, of course, all of the talk around here concerns the Allen Iverson trade from Denver to the Detroit Pistons. I’m sorry to see Chauncey and McDyess go, other than than that, the Iverson move is a helluva deal for us! It looks like Dumars is REALLY trying to make it work. I’m glad.

Lately, I’ve been debating about what things I should post during the off – season. Typically, I’ll take a week or two away from anything baseball. Then afterwards, I’m usually finding something baseball related to get me through to April. I just purchased a couple of classic baseball broadcasts. Most likely, I’ll comment on them at some point. One is the 1941 All Star game in Detroit at Briggs Stadium. The other is the 7th game of the 1968 World Series in St Louis. Coming from an era where games were rarely televised, and radio was the only source you had to get a game, I have developed an epicure’s appreciation of these broadcasts. Someone who enjoys reading, may enjoy an occasional drink from Shakespeare’s literary cup. I gravitate toward the old time games! And, when I listen, sometimes the game itself will take a backseat to the descriptions of the announcer.

For instance, I have the September 1934 complete game broadcast of the Tigers and the Yankees at Navin Field in Detroit. Tigers announcer Ty Tyson mentioned during the game that “new bleachers were being erected on Cherry Street.” Well, the addition of these bleachers would close Cherry Street at Trumbull, thus marking the beginning of construction that would eventually create Tiger Stadium. Listening, it was as though I had traveled in time and witnessed the event itself! I know it’s kind of weird, but it’s how I am. Then, when I visited the Tiger Stadium site over the summer, one of the things I had to do was get a picture of that corner, mostly to remind myself in a tangible way that “I was there.” Even if it was only in my imagination!

Then, obviously there is the game itself, especially if it’s good. So, I’m going to listen to a couple of those games this winter and immerse myself in them. I’ll listen to them like a young boy who is hearing his heroes play for the first time, but I’ll take notes like a grown man who appreciates and cares about all of the little details that can be brought back to life. Also, I’ll gain some historical insight into a world that wasn’t mine, but one that will allow me to sneak a peek! Then, I can say I was there!

 

~Skip

http://skiponsecond.blogspot.com/

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Tigers Moves

Posted on October 30, 2008 by mlblogsskiponsecond

The Detroit Tigers have made a couple of moves as the off-season in baseball is officially underway.

They have declined the option on Edgar Renteria and re-hired Jeff Jones as the bullpen coach. I’m perplexed. I’d like to hear the explanation behind that one. You may recall when Jones and Hernandez were let go, the Tigers said they would keep Jones in the organization, but in another capacity. Curious move.

Additionally, they have outrighted the contracts of Gary Glover and Dane Sardinha to Toledo.

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Phillies Win

Posted on October 30, 2008 by mlblogsskiponsecond

The Philadelphia Phillie’s are the World Series champions! Philadelphia beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4 – 3 at Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia.

It’s their first World Series win since 1980!

Series MVP is Cole Hamels! Congratulations!!
 
~Skip
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World Series Game 5 ~ Part 2

Posted on October 29, 2008 by mlblogsskiponsecond

So is it the movies imitating life, or life imitating the movies? It kind of sounds like one of those 2 – night movie events on Fox. Doesn’t it?

For the first time in the history of the Fall Classic, a game has been suspended. It’s kind of interesting when you think about it. It’s the World Series this week. Next week, it’ll be an historic presidential election.

Now, I’ve always heard that these kinds of things only happen in 3’s. So, what’s next? Will it be a Tampa Bay comeback tonight leading to the Rays eventually taking the series? That would be historic on a number of levels, especially considering that they are down 3 – 1. Plus, it would be their first ever championship in the history of their franchise.

Or, will it be Philadelphia’s time to make history?

Whichever way it goes, game 5 will be picked up where it was left off, in the bottom of the sixth.

Many of my discussions today have mostly centered around the question of, “who will pitch for the Phillies?” Here’s what I think…

When we last left our dynamic duo… Cole Hamels was about to step into the batters box.

If this game had been played yesterday, he may have have a pinch hitter bat for him. With the game being played tonight, I’m not so sure.

If I were the Phillies and I had but a couple of innings left to play… and I wanted to win in front of the home folks, I’d roll out Hamels for one more inning. He’s had a day of rest. He could do it. I think he had thrown something like 75 pitches Monday night. There’s still a little room left in the fridge. I also think that he’s their best hope. And then, if he begins to look tired, yank him, and put in Brad Lidge.

If the Rays want to live to see game 6, they should let Grant Balfour pitch the rest of the inning and then go with David Price.

Anyway that you look at this, it’s going to be historic.

Due to a 30 minute Barack Obama message being aired tonight, MLB will hold off the first pitch until around 8:37 ET.

* With the season ending soon, I want you to know that I will be updating frequently with Hot Stove information. That’s always fun to follow. Of course, the Tigers are looking to fill some key holes which I’ll be posting about. Plus, I’ll post other things during the off season that I hope you’ll find interesting. Check back often, subscribe to the RSS feed so you don’t miss a post and feel free to comment. It’s baseball. It’s the Tigers. It’s worth talking about!

~Skip

http://skiponsecond.blogspot.com/

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