Results tagged ‘ Puerto Rico ’
I am Wearing Down – Team USA is Moving On
The late baseball games are taking their toll. I woke up this morning too tired to think let alone write. After you read this, you may think I am still too tired to think. Or, write. But, here is the latest in the World Baseball Classic.
Puerto Rico vs. USA
When Puerto Rico lost to Venezuela, my hope of both USA and Puerto Rico making it to the finals was crushed. So, I knew that no matter what happened in the Puerto Rican-USA rematch, I was not going to be completely happy.
Team USA recovered from the rout handed to them by Puerto Rico earlier in the tournament and made this game very tough, very close. In the end the normally rock-solid Puerto Rican bullpen faltered and allowed the USA to score two runs in the bottom of the ninth. The last was driven in by a walk-off single by third baseman, David Wright. USA wins 5-4.
There were a couple of nice defensive plays:
· Mark DeRosa dove to rob Carlos Beltran of a single
· Brian Roberts dove to snag a sharply hit ball. The momentum of the slide brought him up to his knees, where he made a good throw to first for the out.
There was one spectacular defensive play:
· This will be a highlight reel staple for years to come. Carlos Beltran tracked a Brian McCann would-be home run ball to the wall, made a perfectly timed leap and grabbed it.
So, a revitalized USA team moves on (which I am happy about), and a very, very good Puerto Rico team goes home (which I am sad about). I suppose I should be more excited to have Yadier Molina and Jose Oquendo back in the Cardinals camp. And, I will be. Tomorrow.
Next up, the USA, assured a spot in the finals, will play Venezuela (again) in the pool finals in what may be a wet, drawn out game.
Japan vs. Korea
This was the third meeting of these two teams. The first two games were split. One a rout by Japan. One a 1-0 victory for Korea. In this game, Korea took advantage of an error to get on the board in the first and never looked back. The Japanese offense never really got going against the excellent Korean pitching.
When Japan‘s boxscore shows the following for Ichiro Suzuki, you know they did not have a good day:
AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
4 0 0 1 0 0 3 .000
This 4-1 win guaranteed Korea a spot in the final round. Japan will face Cuba again in an elimination game. They met previously in the first game of Round Two, when Japan shutout Cuba 6-0. I will hate to see either of these great teams go home.
Don’t Forget to Pack Your Tambourine
Round Two World Baseball Classic action continues…
Korea vs. Mexico
In Sunday’s very late (10:00 pm Central) game, Korea defeated Mexico using a surprising weapon: the long ball. The three solo shots were surprising both because the game took place in the pitcher-friendly spacious confines of Petco Park in San Diego and because Korea is not know for their power.
Korea also used small ball, with two sacrifices and three stolen bases. Mexico seemed unable to get their offense going against the fine Korea pitching. Korea won 8-2.
In this World Baseball Classic, there are men playing for jobs. Reportedly, Ivan Rodriguez is headed to Houston. All are playing for pride and country. The Koreans are playing for something more.
In Korea, the government requires mandatory military service from all men that must be completed by the age of 30. However, military exemption has sometimes been granted to Olympians. The Korean government has not promised military exemption to the members of the 2009 Korean roster, but if Korea brings home the championship, such an exemption is likely.
Shin-Soo Choo, a 27-year-old prospect in the Cleveland Indians organization, has not yet completed his military service. Without the exemption, he will be forced to go back to Korea and spend a couple years in the military, and then try to resume his baseball career. The Cleveland Indians, with a significant investment in Choo, were probably the only major league club that said to a player, “Yes, please, go play in the WBC” in the hopes an exemption would be granted.
Venezuela vs. Puerto Rico
Monday night, these two Caribbean rivals met in Miami. The crowd was large, loud and rowdy. Forget “thundersticks”, these fans bring everything from drums and tambourines to pots and pans. One even had a stainless steel dog bowl that she was beating on with a spoon. While the American public seems rather blasé about the WBC, there is no doubt that other countries are taking this very seriously.
I so wishing I was at this game. I have a game bag I pack with all my essentials: camera, score sheet on a clipboard, pencils, sharpies, umbrella, tickets, cell phone, hot dog money, XM radio, and a jacket. I love the idea of slipping in my tambourine or even my spare dog bowl into my game bag.
Perhaps, there is something contagious about the crowd because I was riveted to the TV, feeling the weight of importance on every single pitch. And, pitching was the story of this game.
Puerto Rico’s Ian Snell was great, but a walk, a stolen base and a single got Venezuela on the board in the third inning. Amazingly, that would be all Venezuela would need, as their pitching staff, led by Felix Hernandez, shut down the Puerto Rican offensive machine.
Venezuela‘s Ramon Hernandez added a solo home run in the seventh inning that was debated for about ten minutes before being ruled a home run. That has to be the longest home run trot in history! At first, it ruled a triple. The umpires debated on the field, then disappeared into the tunnel to view the instant replay. The replays on TV clearly showed it to be a home run. Yet, we waited and waited. Finally, the umpires appeared and declared it a home run. As it turns out, the replay equipment was not working, so after a debate among themselves, they called it a home run.
Venezuela‘s win ensures them a spot in the finals, while Puerto Rico and USA will battle for the other spot. In the rematch between the USA and Puerto Rico, we will find out what Team USA is made of. Can they rebound from their drumming by Puerto Rico in the first round?
Cuba vs. Mexico
Another 10:00 pm game at Petco Park. These are killing me. Well, actually, this one killed Mexico, as it was an elimination game.
Cuba prevailed 7-4 in this match-up. Mexico‘s success or lack can largely be judged by how first baseman Adrian Gonzalez hits. In his home park, Gonzalez only got on with a walk. Not good for Mexico. Mexico’s Cantu and Presichi both contributed solo homers, but in the end Cuba put up seven runs on eleven hits.
With the embargo against Cuba, you may wonder how do the Cubans get to play on American soil? They agree to donate any winnings to charity. These are lowest paid players in this classic, and they are only allowed to play for national pride, not prize money. Am I the only one that thinks the foreign policy against Cuba is outdated? Can we please be the “bigger” country and kiss and make up with our neighbor?
Mexico goes home. Mexican left-handed reliever, Dennys Reyes, will head to Cardinals camp in Florida, where I hope Dave Duncan can whip him into game form. In an elimination game on the 18th, Cuba will go on to face the loser of the St. Patrick’s Day game between Japan and Korea
Baseball in a Football Stadium – The WBC Continues
The World Baseball Classic continued today in Miami with Round 2 action. Can you believe they are playing the WBC in a football stadium? Dolphins Stadium is no place for a baseball classic. What is wrong with Minute Maid Park? I would so be there, if it were in Houston.
Venezuela vs. Kingdom of the Netherlands
In this game, both teams did what they do best. The Netherlands pitched well and played good defense. Offensively, the put the ball in play, took advantage of errors and managed to eke out a run. Worth noting: they are starting to hit the ball better. Their grounders found gaps and holes today. They had six hits, but only one run.
Venezuela also pitched well, but they also had two errors. They did not hit often, but they hit big. The difference in this game was three BIG hits: Two home runs and a triple. When the Netherlands put runners on in the eighth to rally, Venezuela brought in K-Rod to shut the door. He did, and Venezuela won 3-1.
However, how amazing is it that the Netherlands has kept all of their games close? Everybody thought it was a fluke when they beat the Dominicans for the first time, but nobody is thinking that now. This is a very good “team”, with “team” being the key word. They play well together. I do not see them making it to the next round, because they need a little more offense, but they are a force to be reckoned with.
USA vs. Puerto Rico
I expected this game to be high and tight. Instead, it was low and away. From the beginning until the abrupt end, Puerto Rico dominated this game. They did everything right. They had five innings of dominant starting pitching from Javier Vasquez, giving up the lone USA run. In his last inning, he threw a hook to Mark DeRosa for a called strike three that looked the ball had been suddenly sucked out of orbit and sent crashing to the earth. If it had been in a movie, it would have looked phony. DeRosa appeared upset that he did not swing, but it did not matter. That pitch was virtually un-hittable.
Puerto Rico hit USA‘s starting pitcher, Jake Peavy, and they hit him hard. By the end of the second inning, Puerto Rico was up 6-0 on six hits (including a double and home run), two walks and a sac fly. Puerto Rico was aggressive on the bases, taking an extra one any time they could.
Defensively, Puerto Rico was solid. After watching, second baseman, Felipe Lopez take more than his fair share of grounders (there were five 4-3 putouts), I may have under estimated Lopez last year when he was with the Cardinals. He looked good on the field, and he got a dinger and a double at the plate.
Carlos Beltran. Wow. I was reminded of why I was so upset when the Royals traded him. He had two singles, a walk, a home run, a stolen base and two RBI’s. Ivan “give-this-guy-a-job” Rodriguez had another good game going three for four with two doubles. Actually, every Puerto Rican hitter had at least a run or an RBI.
I am looking at my scoresheet, trying to think of something positive to say about Team USA‘s performance. I can only come up with Brian McCann who got a single and a RBI double off of Vasquez, the pitcher he usually catches. Seems he can find Vasquez’s pitches with both his glove and his bat.
Puerto Rico scored four in the seventh off Matt Thornton to invoke the mercy rule, winning 11-1. I did not see that one coming. I knew Puerto Rico had lots of great players and really seemed to gel as a team. I thought they could possibly beat Team USA, but not dominate them.
It will be interesting to see if Team USA can bounce back from this devastating loss. They will get their shot at the Netherlands tomorrow. Puerto Rico is emerging as the team to beat, if only because no one has done it yet. On Monday, Puerto Rico will meet a Caribbean rival, Venezuela. In San Diego, Round 2 action will also kick off tomorrow with Japan vs. Cuba and Mexico vs. Korea.
The Caribbean Cruises
Two Caribbean teams cruised past their opponents to ensure themselves top seating in the next round of the WBC. Next port of call: Miami.
One Caribbean team guaranteed themselves a spot in the next round, but they have one more stop before sailing on to San Diego.
Kingdom of the Netherlands vs. Puerto Rico
This final game of the Pool D should have been between the Dominicans and Puerto Rico, but it was not. Although the story of David (the Netherlands) defeating Goliath (the Dominicans) is compelling, I was a little disappointed the Dominicans never faced Puerto Rico in this tournament. Or, maybe I was just afraid the hot Netherlands would come up with another upset.
I need not to have worried. The Netherlands seemed to fizzle as Puerto Rico handed them a 5-0 shutout. The Puerto Rican win was very much a team effort. Starting pitcher Jonathan Sanchez pitched 4 fine innings, giving up two hits, one walk and striking out four. Not bad from a pitcher that might only be considered the Giants fourth or fifth starter, but when your rotation has three Cy Young winners, it’s hard to break into the top three.
The fine bullpen finished the job. Manager Jose Oquendo used the 4-0 and 5-0 lead to give several relief pitchers some work.
One RBI a piece goes to Beltran, Rios, Rodriguez, Soto and Cora. Only one extra base hit: a triple by Rios. The Netherlands did have a different catcher behind the plate tonight, Sidney de Jong. The Puerto Ricans took advantage of two pitches that got away from de Jong and a missed popped fly. The regular Netherlands catcher, Kenley Jansen, has been stellar behind the plate.
Venezuela vs. USA
In earlier tournament action, Team USA handed Venezuela a decisive loss. In the final game of Pool C, Venezuela got their revenge fueled by a couple of Blancos.
Centerfielder, Gregor Blanco had a three for five day at the plate, including a double, a triple and one RBI. Catcher, Henry Blanco, went three for four with a solo home run that initially put Venezuela on the board. However, Henry Blanco’s biggest play of the day came in the 9th inning.
Down two runs, Team USA‘s Jimmy Rollins gets on with a walk. Dustin Pedroia files out (could it have been that pitch the Playstation claims he can’t hit?). Derek Jeter reaches on an error. So, the tying run is on with one out. With Kevin Youkillis batting, Jeter and Rollins attempt a double steal. Blanco guns down Jeter at second. The wind in Team USA‘s sails just died. The next pitch caught Youkillis swinging at strike three, and it was all over with. Venezuela wins 5-3.
Mexico vs. Australia
Earlier in the tournament Australia handed Mexico a huge loss. Tonight, Mexico returned the favor, very efficiently, in only six innings, winning 16-1.
From Mexico, the Hairston brothers, the Gonzalez brothers and two guys named Ojeda that are not brothers put together a big night. Oh yeah, Karim Garcia went 4 for 4 with 4 RBI’s, too. Two Jorge’s (Cantu and Vazquez) also contributed to the RBI totals.
The Australians seemed to throw every pitcher they had at Mexico, but could not contain their bats. Mexico only needed two pitchers: Jorge Campillo and Rodrigo Lopez
Australia is going back down under, while Mexico will be moving on. They will face a tough Cuban team tonight to determine who will face Japan or Korea in the next round.
Round 2, Pool 2: Miami
In Pool 2, the Venezuelans will face the Netherlands. No one is taking the Netherlands for granted any more, despite the face that Puerto Rico beat them twice, neither game was a rout. I am looking forward to seeing the match-up of both team’s fine pitching.
Also, in Pool 2, Puerto Rico and Team USA will meet. I was rather hoping they would not meet for a while, so I would not have to pick between my country and the team with my favorite Cardinal. With the way, Oquendo has the catchers paired with starting pitchers, it is likely that Yadier Molina will not see action against Team USA. That could help.
I know I am supposed to cheer for Team USA, but there is not a player on Team USA that I feel any type of attachment to. No one from my team or my backup team is playing for Team USA. From my backup backup team, there is Jeter, but the Yankees are my backup backup team because I like to watch Jose Molina behind the plate. Who, of course, is Puerto Rican. I swear, all roads lead to San Juan.
The best I can do is hope for a really close, well played game, where I will neither be completely satisfied by the win nor completely devastated by the loss. Fortunately, this is not an elimination game. Do not judge me too harshly, Puerto Ricans are Americans, too.
A Hair off the Dog
A few days ago, I wrote about going on a baseball bender when I saw how much baseball there was to see over the weekend. I mentioned that I might have a baseball hangover this morning. They say that the best cure for a hangover is the “hair off the dog that bit you”, so the best thing for a baseball hangover had to be a little more baseball.
Fortunately, Korea and Japan were already playing in the Pool A finals of the World Baseball Classic when my alarm went off this morning. So, I turned on the TV and took my medicine.
Korea vs. Japan
Japan humiliated Korea in their first match up. Korea had their revenge today. Korea plated one run in the fourth, and it was all they needed. Both Korea and Japan will advance to the next round, where they will face the top teams from Pool B (Cuba, Mexico, South Africa and Australia).
Just a couple of aesthetic notes: I love the way the Japanese fans sing to their batter. Also, Japan‘s black batting helmets with the matte finish look tough. Nice change from the shiny ones we usually see.
Canada vs. Italy
This game was going on at the same time as the game between Puerto Rico and Netherlands. I had one of the TV and one on my computer. Very hard to keep track of both, and I admit a bias toward watching the Puerto Rican game.
I do know this: Canada had lots of runners that they could not bring home. Eleven runners left on base. There have been other upsets: Netherlands over the Dominicans and Australia over Mexico. But, this might be the biggest because it eliminates Canada. The Italians will advance to face the Venezuelans once again.
Puerto Rico vs. Netherlands
For an awfully long time in the game, it appeared that the Netherlands would continue their role as spoiler and upset the Puerto Ricans. In their home country. In a 1-0 game. The humiliation would have been unbearable.
The Netherlands eked in a run and pitched seven shut-out innings. Pudge Rodriguez, who had a huge 4-4 game on Saturday, served as DH, and except for a single, the Netherlands pitching had him looking very uncomfortable at the plate.
I will admit I was very frustrated during this game. OK, fine. I became that angry, shouting fan that I so dislike. They sent Bernie Williams from second on a single. I have nothing against being aggressive, but bless his heart, he was dead before he rounded third. Then, there was the wild pitch, and Aviles at 3rd did not go. He could have been in the dugout drinking Gatorade before the catcher tracked down the ball. Instead, he joined the long list of runners stranded. Perhaps, Puerto Rican Manager and St. Louis Cardinals Third Base Coach, Jose Oquendo should have been coaching third, rather like a minor league manager.
I have no problem with small ball and bunting the runners over, but when Oquendo asked Yadier Molina to bunt with a runner at 2nd, I disagreed with the decision. Even though, I could see the point, I loudly disagreed. The bunt was botched. Enough said.
I disagreed even louder when he asked Pudge Rodriquez to bunt. How often do you think Pudge has been asked to bunt? Not a lot, since he is a good hitter. Let him swing away and play to his strengths instead of having him waste two strikes trying to get a bunt down
I should have been more grateful for these debacles, because they set up one of the most beautiful things I have seen in this tournament.
Many of the highlights of this Classic have come from the catchers. Catching runners stealing, pick-offs, blocking wild pitches, clutch hitting, power hitting and even base stealing. This game was no exception. Enter: Gold Glove Catcher, St. Louis Cardinal, proud Puerto Rican, clutch hitter and my personal favorite, Yadier Molina.
First, (because defense comes first with catchers) Molina had a beautiful strike ‘em out, throw ‘em out double-play to end the seventh inning. The throw was perfection!
Next, in the eighth inning, the Netherlands pitching finally started to crack, walking the bases loaded. With one out, Molina comes to the plate, and drives the second pitch down the 3rd base line for a double, scoring two. This not only puts the Puerto Ricans on the board, but it puts them ahead.
I shouted so loud, my dogs left the room. Not the angry shouting of earlier, but joyous shouting. A giant “YES!” I watched all weekend as various catchers had great games, and I enjoyed every single one, but I wanted MY catcher to have a great game, and he did! Yadi “Clutch” Molina strikes again.
Jesus Feliciano drove in one insurance run, and the Puerto Ricans held on to the 3-1 lead in the ninth to win it. The Netherlands will face the Dominican Republic once again. Puerto Rico will wait to play the winner of that game.
Mexico vs. South Africa
After being blown away by the Australians, Mexico needed to have a win. Not just to stay alive, but to salvage their pride. They got one.
To the credit of the South Africans they managed to stay with in striking distance for much of the game. South African 2B, Gift Ngoepe hit back-to-back triples in his first two at-bats. On his third at bat, he was asked to bunt. What is the deal with asking the hot slugger to bunt? This was the third bunt attempt of the day that I questioned. And, the third one that failed.
I am sure there is some baseball bible that lists the Ten Commandments for when a bunt is called for, based on outs, score and runners on base. I do not know these “rules”. And, if tonight was any indication, I do not think knowing them helps.
In the seventh, Mexico took advantage of a walked in run and a throwing error that scored two. Adrian Gonzalez drove a nail into South Africa‘s coffin with a three-run homer in the eighth. Mexico got the decisive victory they needed, winning 14-3, eliminated South Africa from the tournament. Mexico will go on to face the loser of the game between Cuba and Australia.
MLB 2K9
My copy of the video game, MLB 2K9, arrived yesterday. I only played for a short time, but as with most PS2 games, I was pretty horrible. Adam Wainwright and I were starting to get the hang of pitching, and my fielders were starting to get to the ball although they have to stop and think which button they need to hit to throw. Oh wait, that’s me.
However, I can not figure out how to get the batters to swing the bat. It has something to do with the joysticks because every once in a while I could get one to swing, then I would try the same thing on the next pitch and my batter would just stand there. I know, I am a retard. Anyone know how to hit the ball?
There is a two page list of commands, but no where does it tell you how to swing. It does tell you how to bunt, but we all know how I feel about that.
Photo Credits: Getty Images/Al Bello
My Own March Madness
Wow! With a full day of Spring Training and World Baseball Classic action, it was like March Madness, my way. Just think I get to do it all again tomorrow. Life is sweet! Or, la vita dolce! Or, la vida es dulce!
There were so many surprises:
Surprise #1: All on my own, with no mechanical intervention, I inexplicably woke up at 5:00 am. Bizarre. When I checked the time, I realized that the game between Japan and Korea was underway. So, I flipped on the TV and watched. Feel free to question my sanity. I know I do.
Surprise #2: Japan dominated Korea. Game called in the seventh on account of the “please, have some mercy and don’t make me blow my whole bullpen in the first round” rule. I thought this would be a tight game, but it got away from Korea in the first, and they continued to fall behind.
Surprise #3: The Netherlands beat the Dominican Republic. Or, as the jerseys say, “The Nederlands beat Dominicana”. Did anyone predict this? I do not think so. The Netherlands jumped out to an early lead taking advantage of Domincan errors, and they managed to hold on. The Netherlands were considered a non-issue in this tournament, but they made themselves an issue today.
Surprise #4: The USA vs. Canada game did not go into extra innings. This was great game. I really thought Canada was going to come back and tie it in the ninth, but the Americans held on.
Surprise #5: Pudge Rodriquez stole a base in the matchup between Panama and Puerto Rico. It’s just not something you see catchers do very often. The pick-off throw came over to first, he took off for second and made it. This is a man looking for a job, and today he made a strong case that he deserves one. (See more later)
Surprise #6: Bobby Abreu is doubled off at third. He made it there in plenty of time. Did the turn-and-look toward home. Thought the play was over and walked back to the base. In a heads up play by the Italians, the shortstop, Nick Punto, cuts off the throw from right fielder, Mario Chiarini. Then, he throws to the pitcher, Mark DiFelice who is covering 3rd and tags Abreu out. Abreu was very angry with himself, but made up for with a two RBI single in the next inning.
What I loved:
From the Toyoko games: SPEED. So, much speed. The runners are always running. On a ground ball, it looks like someone hit the fast forward button for the infielders. I thought the slowed down instant replay even looked fast.
Netherlands vs. Dominican Republic: In the ninth, the Netherlands are clinging to a one run lead and need two outs. Dangerous Dominican hitters are capable of stealing the win with just a couple swings of the bat. Then, if I were keeping a scorecard, the sweetest letters in baseball would have appeared. Fine, they are only sweet if you love great catching as I do. The letters are “CS”. In this case “CS” would be followed by “2-5″. Or, as MLB At-Bat said:
“With Hanley Ramirez batting, Willy Traveras caught stealing 3rd base, catcher Kenley Jansen to third baseman Yurendell de Caster”
I do not know this Kenley Jansen. The WBC website says he is part of the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. I do know this: It was a sweet throw, working around a right-handed batter, and I suspect we might all know him someday.
USA vs. Canada: This was just a great, hard fought game. So many great plays. There was a great “CS” play in this game, where Russell Martin caught Jimmy Rollins trying to take second. I cheered, and then I remembered that Martin was playing for Canada, and I was supposed to be cheering for USA. Oops. So, to make up for it, I will mention that USA’s catcher Brian McCann had a great day at the plate with a homer and sac fly, adding up to a three RBI day.
Puerto Rico vs. Panama: Even if I was not someone who always notices the catcher, Puerto Rico‘s catcher would have been impossible to miss. Ivan “Pudge” Rodriquez had an amazing day at the plate. Two home runs, one double, one single, one walk, one stolen base and a grand total of four RBI’s. In addition, he caught a shutout. His agent’s phone should be hot tonight.
Venezuela vs. Italy: Italia seemed to have it in for Bobby Abreu. They hit him with a pitch, doubled him off third (see above) and robbed him of an extra base hit. The rob was spectacular. Abreu smacked a ball to the gap in right-center. At least it was a gap. There was no Italian outfielder on my TV screen. Suddenly, right-fielder, Mario Chiarini enters the screen, flying through the air, making the grab and breaking his belt in two when he comes in for a landing on the turf.
Also, to continue the theme of great catching moments, Venezuelan catcher, Ramon Hernandez sent a textbook, on the money, perfect throw down to second base to “CS” Frank Cataianotto. It was a beautiful throw…low, just barely to the 1st base side of 2nd, where the momentum of the throw hitting the second baseman’s glove seems to push the glove right into the runner, catching him just before he touches the bag. So sweet.
St. Louis Cardinals
And, oh yeah, the Cardinals won their spring training game against the Houston Astros today. After being so hard on Joel Pineiro last week, I should make a point to say that he had a fabulous outing today. He pitched four scoreless innings, giving up only one hit. In the best way possible, he did not look like a fifth starter at all.
Actually, 99% of the news coming out of the Cardinals camp has been very positive. 25-man roster spots will be hard to come by in April, and a number of young players are making a strong case for why they should get a spot.
I listened to Mike Shannon and John Rooney’s broadcast for the first time this spring. So, nice to hear those familiar voices.
Time to get some rest. Tomorrow is another big day!
Do You Have a Backup Team?
Sorry, I have been offline for a week or so. I hate it when work gets in the way of blogging, but unfortunately “work” is how I pay for baseball tickets, MLB Network, XM Radio, Gameday Audio, MLB.TV, high speed internet, Cardinals gear and baseball road trips. Otherwise, why would a job matter?
Due to various technical difficulties, I have been unable to either hear or watch a Cardinals Spring Training game live. I did see two in replay. Two radio broadcast have been scratched. It’s been frustrating.
I made a roadtrip to Kansas City this weekend to see family. Unfortunately, no Cardinals game was on my XM Radio during my six-hour drives. So, I actually listened to “another” team play (while I checked the Cardinals play-by-play on my phone). This led me to wonder, “Do other fans have a backup team?”
Yes, a backup team. If you do not have one, then this will sound like sacrilege. A backup team is a team you watch or casually follow when you need a baseball fix, and your actual team is not playing.
Some might see this as being unfaithful. Rather like having a regular girlfriend and a backup girl that you call when your girlfriend is out of town. That seems a little shady, but this arrangement can work as long as you are honest about it and both girls know the deal. It also helps if the girls have a backup boy. Always good to have a backup boy. Not that I would know. Have to find a main boy first.
However, I see the backup team as being more like a backup catcher. It is the only position with a true backup. Sure, you have backup infielders and backup outfielders, but they are never listed as “centerfielder” or “first base”. They typically can play in at least two positions. You have a long reliever, but he is never listed as a backup starter. But, every team has a backup catcher because there is no way your number one catcher can play 162 games.
The backup team is the same as a backup catcher. If you are truly a psycho crazy baseball freak of a fan, there is no way any one team can completely satisfy you.
What makes for a good backup team? First, they have to compliment your main team. Maybe, you live in Texas and love the Rangers. A good backup team might be the Braves. Your team is in the AL, your backup is in the NL (no conflict of interest there). They typically play in different time zones, which is very important. Your backup team should not be playing when your first team is playing. It defeats the purpose.
Or, maybe your favorite player left for another team, and you just have to check on him once in a while. For example, I cannot imagine, Kaybee not sneaking a peek at Trevor Hoffman at least a few times this season. However, I will only be seeing Aaron Miles being a Cub when they are playing the Cardinals.
Possibly, you are a displaced fan. Say, you love your hometown Royals, but you are living in L.A. and you cannot escape the Dodgers.
Or, suppose you are a Cardinals fan (as you well should be), what makes for a good backup team? Ideally, it should either be an east coast or west coast team. Any division rival should not be a backup team. Although an enemy of an enemy can be your friend, if you are in the same division, eventually an enemy is simply an enemy.
Maybe, I have said this. Maybe, I have not. But, my favorite Cardinal is catcher,Yadier Molina. I love great catching, and Yadier is a joy to watch behind the plate. His hitting is not always flashy, but it is often clutch, which is even better. He is my kind of player and much of the reason I love the Cardinals.
So, if Yadier Molina is your favorite player and you love great catching, it is only natural that you would be curious about his two brothers who are also Major League catchers. Conveniently, one plays on the east coast (Jose for the Yankees) and one plays on the west coast (Bengie for the Giants). So, rather innocently I stumbled on my backup team and my backup backup team.
In the regular season, a Yankees game often starts before the Cardinals game. Sometimes, I take a peek to see if Jose Molina is catching. If so, I watch until the Cardinals game starts. Other than maybe his family, I am probably the only person that watches the Yankees because the backup catcher is starting. Nothing against Posado, but he is not a Molina.
The Giants are even better. Typically, their game is just getting started when the Cardinals game is over. Last season, I often crawled in bed, put on the Giants game and watched until I fell asleep. The games are late, and I must get up early to go to work. Usually, the first pitching change does me in, but I get to see Bengie who is fabulous behind the plate and has the power I would love to see Yadier grow into.
It is fun to compare the brothers. Defensively, they are all solid. Great game calling. Great plate blocking. Guns for arms. Right now, Bengie is the best hitter. He has both average and some power. Jose does not have the average, but when he gets a hold of one, it goes. I love, love, love the fact that he has the last home run in Yankee Stadium. Such a great moment in the sun for a guy who has given his life to the game. At the plate, Yadier gets better each year. He hit over .300 last year. Looking at his brothers, I expect a little more power is coming.
So, my backup team is the San Francisco Giants and my backup backup team is the New York Yankees. Just in case, the “girlfriend vs. backup girlfriend” analogy applies I am coming clean and being honest to make it right. I say, “St. Louis Cardinals, you are the love of my life, but when you are not playing, I will watch the Giants and sometimes the Yankees. It does not mean I love you any less. Sometimes, it even makes me love you more.”
I posted an article a while back about choosing between team and country for the World Baseball Classic. The comments I received told me emphatically that despite the fact that Puerto Rico is a U.S. Territory and would possibly have more Cardinals than any other participant in the Classic, I should root for my country, Team USA.
Now, Puerto Rico has the only 40-man roster Cardinal (Yadier Molina). Not just any Cardinal, but my favorite. Plus, Cardinal coach, Jose Oquendo is managing the team.
On top of that, after watching the Caribbean Series in February, I will not lie: There is something very, very compelling about Caribbean ball. The passion with which they play is incredible and gripping.
Despite an obvious facination with Puerto Rican baseball, I will be a patriot. I will cheer for Team USA. But, just know….I will be keeping an eye on Puerto Rico. They are definitely my backup team.
Spring Training – Week One
Ah, spring! A time of hope and renewal, where anything is possible and the sky is the limit.
Good News
So much good news has filtered out of the St. Louis Cardinals camp in Jupiter, Florida! Adam Wainwright looked good in live batting practices. So, did a HEALTHY Chris Carpenter. Of course, when pitchers look too good in live BP, I worry that there’s something wrong with our hitting. It’s only the first week, so maybe, I worry too much.
The Cardinals also made it through the first week without a player logging a season ending injury. Woo-hoo! The two pitchers (Mitchell Boggs and Matthew Scherer) that experienced soreness early in the week are healing nicely.
Redbird Migratory Paths
Two former redbirds have roosted in the Tampa Bay Rays camp: Adam Kennedy and Jason Isringhausen. If the Rays repeat this year, they may both look at their last rocky days in St. Louis as a blessing in disguise. Seeing Izzy not in a Cardinals uniform is beyond weird. As the all-time Cardinals saves leader, he has earned his place in Cardinals history. It is “unfortunate” (a word Tony LaRussa used) that Izzy could not finish his career with a strong year in St. Louis.
Cooler Heads Did Not Prevail
The controversy of the week involved Jose Oquendo, Cardinals Third-Base Coach and Manager of Team Puerto Rico, not choosing Joel Pineiro for Team Puerto Rico’s starting rotation. For Team Puerto Rico, the starters will be Javier Vazquez (Braves), Ian Snell (Pirates) and Jonathan Sanchez (Giants). Looking at last year’s numbers, I could not see a clear cut reason why these pitchers, except for Vazquez, were picked over Pineiro:
Javier Vazquez 12-16, 4.67 ERA, 61 BB, 200 K’s 208.1 IP
Ian Snell 7-12, 5.42 ERA, 89 BB, 135 K’s 164.1 IP
Jonathan Sanchez, 9-12, 5.01 ERA, 75 BB, 157 K’s 158.0 IP
Joel Pineiro 7-7, 5.15 ERA, 35 BB, 81 K’s 148.2 IP
Joel Pineiro did pitch well in the 2006 WBC (2.08 ERA, 4 BB, 5 K’s, 8.2 IP). So, perhaps there is another reason. The manner in which Pineiro took the news, venting his displeasure to reporters, claiming he was “disrespected”, and giving in to his emotions made me wonder if Oquendo’s pick had more to do with temperament than performance. Pineiro is an emotional player, and when things start to go badly in a game, his emotions can get in the way.
Or, perhaps it was Pineiro’s mindset. Maybe because he and Oquendo are teammates and he started in the in the 2006 WBC, he thought he was a lock for the rotation. He already purchased tickets for his family to the WBC. He thought Oquendo was joking when he first suggested that Pineiro would be in the bullpen rather than the rotation. Did Pineiro take too much for granted?
Coaches typically do not appreciate players who assume too much. One of the few starts I got in all my years of playing basketball came when the coach overheard some of the starters use the word “indispensable” in regard to their value to the team. Of course, after about five minutes of my stinking up the court, they were in and I was back on the bench where I belonged. Still, we learned a valuable lesson. Work hard. Be ready. Assume nothing.
In the end, it is Jose Oquendo’s team and his decision. Pineiro has every right to feel “disrespected” or disappointed or upset, but it is not cool to unleash those emotions outside the clubhouse and express your displeasure with your coach to the media. If he wants to be respected, then he should know that his comments made him look like a spoiled, petulant child rather than a man worthy of respect that he insists he is due.
Crash Davis School of Clichés
This would not have been a controversy at all, if Pineiro had spent some time in Bull Durham’s “Crash Davis School of Clichés”.
You remember the scene that went something like this:
Crash Davis: It’s time to work on your interviews.
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh: My interviews? What do I gotta do?
Crash Davis: You’re gonna have to learn your clichés. You’re gonna have to study them, you’re gonna have to know them. They’re your friends. Write this down: “We gotta play it one day at a time.”
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh: Got to play… it’s pretty boring.
Crash Davis: ‘Course it’s boring, that’s the point. Write it down
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh: (Writing) …one day at a time
Crash Davis: I’m just happy to be here. Hope I can help the ballclub. I know. Write it down. I just want to give it my best shot and the good Lord willing, things will work out.
Following Crash’s guidelines of “boring is good”, I tried to rework Pineiro’s statements.
Original Statement: “[Oquendo] said if I went, it was going to be in the bullpen. Everybody knows that’s not my role. I was very disappointed, very heartbroken…I felt disrespected. I mean, everybody knows there’s only been two pitchers in Puerto Rico which has 8-10 years [as a] consistent starter, which is Javier Vasquez and myself….everybody knows if I go out there as a bullpen guy, I’m going to get setback here…if I would have been there as a starter, it would have been my normal exhibition game starts…But, after I was informed that I was not going to be a starter, I was not happy about that.“
Boring Statement: “Oquendo said he had a spot for me in the bullpen, but not as a starter. If I went as a starter, I could prepare for the season the same as I would here. Unfortunately, I can’t do that pitching out of the bullpen, so I made the tough decision to stay here, work hard and be ready to go in April. I am disappointed that I will not be representing my country in the WBC, but Puerto Rico has other great pitchers to take my place. And, I’m happy to be here. I hope I can help the ballclub. I want to give this season my best shot and the good Lord willing, things will work out. Instead of playing in big games this spring, we’ll be playing in big games in October.
Of course, if he said that, there would be no controversy, and what would I write about? This may all work out for the best for Pineiro. He was both injured last year and not particularly sharp. His hold on the fifth spot in the Cardinals rotation is tenuous at best. He should be hearing the footsteps of capable young arms gaining on him, ready to take his spot.
In one of his statements he said, “I felt, I’m a veteran guy. I’ve been around long enough to know that I should be there representing my country. I deserve that respect. That’s the way I look at it.” A sense of entitlement, does not typically get one the respect they feel they deserve. Actions do. If he wins a dozen games, gets his ERA under 4.0 and learns how to control his emotions so he can pitch himself out of a jam, then he will have my respect, the respect of his teammates, and, I dare say, Oquendo’s too.
Serie Del Carib – The Finale
On Friday, Venezuela, with a 5-0 record, won the 2009 Caribbean Series. So, on the last day of the series, only bragging rights were on the line.
Venezuela played for a perfect record.
Puerto Rico played for the right to say they were the only team to beat the Champion.
Mexico played for the home country crowd and to finish above .500.
The Dominican Republic played for their 2nd win, to beat the #2 team in the series and to end on a win.
Who won the bragging rights?
Puerto Rico vs. Venezuela
The Puerto Rican Leones de Ponce finally threw the monkey off their back on Friday, winning their not only the first game of this series, but their first game in the Caribbean Series since 1982. Now, with the series ending, they seem to be on a roll. The Leones scored 9 runs total in the first five games. In this last game, they scored nine runs in one inning.
The Venezuela team came into this series with the least amount of rest. So, maybe it was fatigue. Or maybe, having the series bagged dulled their edge. Whatever it was, their performance in this final game was flat. Puerto Rico won 9-1.
However, the whole atmosphere of the game seemed relaxed and fun. And, why not? Both teams were walking away with something, a championship for Venezuela and a second win for Puerto Rico.
Mexico vs. Dominican Republic
Coming into the Caribbean Series, the Dominican Republic was the favorite to win, but they fell short in close games. In the final game, the Dominicans showed off their power, with two home runs, to win over Mexico 5-3.
In the Mexican lineup, Adrian Gonzales was missing and his brother Edger was DH’ing. One of treats of this series has been watching these two brothers team up on the right side of the infield and in the lineup.
Finale
Watching the Caribbean World Series has on one hand been a treat, like a warm sunny winter day. On the other hand, it made me hungry for baseball season, kind of like how eating one potato chip makes you want the whole bag.
Also, I’m thinking some year a little trip to the Caribbean Series would be a fabulous vacation: warm weather, sunshine, beaches and baseball. That is my personal heaven. I probably will not make it to Margarita, Venezuela next year, even though it sounds like my kind of place. But, some year I will be in the stands of the Serie Del Caribe singing, dancing and yelling the only five Spanish words I know: Queso! Taco! Cerveza, por favor! Gracias! Wow, that’s six!
The Caribbean Series is Over but Not Over – Day Five
Two more games will be played, but they will not impact the winner of the series crown.
That was decided on Day Five.
On Friday night, Venezuela continued their winning streak defeating Mexico 5-3 and winning the Caribbean Series title. When the teams took the field, Mexico was the only other team still in contention for the championship.
On their previous meeting, the game went scoreless until the bottom of the 11th, when Venezuelan, Hector Giminez hit a solo shot to end the game. Mexico played another 12 inning game against Puerto Rico on Thursday. All the games in this series have been close and sometimes long, hard fought battles. So, even though Venezuela came in with a perfect record, they by no means had the title in the bag.
The mostly Mexican crowd was loud. Very, very loud. Music, horns, thunder sticks, shouting, clapping. In the bottom of the ninth, the fans were shouting (in Spanish of course), “Yes, we can.”
In answer to the cheers, the Mexican team did score one run and brought the tying run to the plate. However, the Venezuelan righty reliever, Francisco Butto, shut the door, recording his fourth save in four games, the most in Caribbean Series history. The Venezuelans celebrated to the sound of the song, “We are the Champions!”
In the matinee game, the Dominican Republic faced the Puerto Ricans. At the start, the Dominicans only had one win in the series, while the Puerto Ricans were looking for their first. One at a time, Puerto Rico put up three runs, while their pitching staff shut down the Dominicans, winning their first game of the series 3-0.
In the final day of this six game series, Puerto Rico will face Venezuela. Puerto Rico can not prevent Venezuela from winning the series, but a win will give them bragging rights for beating the winner of the series. Venezuela is no longer playing for a championship but a perfect record. In the late game, Mexico will face the Dominican Republic. Mexico will be playing for their hometown crowd, while the Dominicans are hungry for one more win.
The final games will not be played for trophies or titles, but for the things these countries seem to place great value on: Pride, fun and the love of this great game.
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