SubscribeArchive for July, 2009
RK on R&R
Taking a few days off to head down to our nation’s capital where I’ll be conventioning at the annual Society for American Baseball Research get-together.
JML update: Games of July 27
On the ups: Kevin Youkilis (Red Sox) was 1-4 with a walk and a run scored as Boston beat the Athletics, 8-3. On the downs: Ian Kinsler (Rangers) was hitless in four at bats, although Texas was the 5-2 winner over Detroit. Pareve: Ryan Braun (Brewers) had a great game — 3-4 with a walk, [...]
Caeser’s wife
This one is a toughie. Omar Minaya took time out in yesterday’s press conference announcing the firing of Tony Bernazard to point an accusing finger at NY Daily News sportswriter Adam Rubin. Aaccording to Minaya, Rubin had perhaps politicked (my phrase) for a player development job some time back and was therefore somewhat predisposed to [...]
Speaking of time flying
NFL training camps just opened. A couple of changes from last year: Our friend Lennie Friedman has retired. Defensive end Igor Olshansky left his original team, the San Diego Chargers, opting for free agency. He signed a four-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys in March for an estimated $18 million, with $8 million of it [...]
JML update: Weekend edition
Scott Feldman (Rangers) picked up his ninth win against three losses, tossing eight shutout innings as Texas downed Kansas City, 2-0, on Friday night. Feldman gave up just four hits and three walks. with two months-plus to go, he’s already established a career high in wins. Teammate Ian Kinsler inches closer to the 30/30 club. [...]
Maccabiah update
The games are over (my, that was fast). Ha’Aretz published this wrap-up following the closing ceremonies. Events such as these games and the Olympics are always full of off-beat and inspirational stories. So from JTA, this item: New beginning for three Maccabiah athletes SYDNEY, Australia (JTA) — The end of the Maccabiah Games signaled the [...]
JML update: Games of July 23
On the ups: This may seem an odd inclusion, but consider it a moral victory. In Mark Buehrle’s perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Gabe Kapler hit a monster shot that was kept in the ballpark by a great play by Dewayne Wise, who entered the game in the ninth inning as a defensive [...]
Overcoming Big Apple phobia
I don’t get into Manhattan much any more. Maybe it was all those years commuting into the city first from Brooklyn, then from northern New Jersey, for 20 years that killed the thrill for me. But once in awhile I make an exception. Like a couple months ago when I met Marty Appel for a [...]
JML update: Games of July 22
On the ups: John Grabow (Pirate) pitched a scoreless eighth inning, striking out won, as Pittsburgh beat Milwaukee 8-7 in a game that saw seven home runs hit (see Braun, below). Ian Kinsler (Rangers) hit his 23rd home run and swiped his 21st base following being hit by a pitch to lead off the game, [...]
Survey asks, “God Bless America” at ballgames: Fair or Foul?
Passing along this interesting email I received today. In light of recent developments, it’s especially timely. You may recall that “God Bless America” was written by Jewish composer Irving Berlin. Greetings. I am a doctoral candidate at Harvard University, currently working on a dissertation on the history of the song “God Bless America” and its [...]
