Month: May 2005

Life is Good

Just got back from the Cell where the White Sox completed a sweep of the Kansas City Royals with a 2-1 win. While the Northsiders lost another heartbreaker to the Milwaukee Brewers which completed their series in which they were swept. Ozzie Guillen, the Town Clown, as some baseball “experts” refer to him, didn’t panic … Continue reading “Life is Good”

Just got back from the Cell where the White Sox completed a sweep of the Kansas City Royals with a 2-1 win. While the Northsiders lost another heartbreaker to the Milwaukee Brewers which completed their series in which they were swept. Ozzie Guillen, the Town Clown, as some baseball “experts” refer to him, didn’t panic when his team couldn’t get anything going against young phenom Zack Greinke. He stuck with his team, which has had the lead in every game this year, and watched KC young relievers walk in the tying & go ahead runs. And then stayed with his closer Shingo Takatsu, who was shaky, but got the job done in the 9th. While Dusty Baker, baseball genius, not in my book, couldn’t stay awake long enough to motion for his pitcher to put Carlos Lee on with first base open and the winning run on 2nd. Of course Lee singled home the game winner. I don’t know which is sweeter, the White Sox winning, the Cubs losing, or the babes at the Cell on a hot hot hot Cinco de Mayo. HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO BABY!!!

Illini Split Four Game Series with Penn State

A little catch-up work in regards to the Illini Baseball. They had a four game series over the weekend with Penn State. Friday, Brian Blomquist pitched a complete game but it wasn’t enough as PSU came back to win 3-2. Saturday was a different day as the Illini had their hitting shoes on. They won … Continue reading “Illini Split Four Game Series with Penn State”

i.gif A little catch-up work in regards to the Illini Baseball.

They had a four game series over the weekend with Penn State. Friday, Brian Blomquist pitched a complete game but it wasn’t enough as PSU came back to win 3-2.

Saturday was a different day as the Illini had their hitting shoes on. They won both games (6-3 and 6-4). Kudos to catcher Chris Robinson who had the game winning hit in both games.

Sunday, the Nittany Lions worked some revenge and managed a series tie by defeating the Illini 9-1. PSU starter Sean Stidfole pitched a complete game allowing only an unearned run.

Despite the series tie, Illinois remains in first in the Big Ten, two games ahead of the Minnesota Gophers.

Big Ten Standings

It’s Anaheim, Ok?

Put this in the “Whatever” Dept. Lawmakers in California voted to force the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to put a disclaimer on all LA Angels’ tickets sold in Anaheim that clarifies the team plays in Anaheim not Los Angeles. Assemblyman Tom Umberg was quoted: “This product contains no Los Angeles” How’s that state budget … Continue reading “It’s Anaheim, Ok?”

Put this in the “Whatever” Dept.

Lawmakers in California voted to force the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to put a disclaimer on all LA Angels’ tickets sold in Anaheim that clarifies the team plays in Anaheim not Los Angeles.

Assemblyman Tom Umberg was quoted:

“This product contains no Los Angeles”

How’s that state budget comin’, guys?

5/3 Linescore of the Day

Carlos Delgado, Florida Marlins 3 for 4, 2 2B, HR, 3 runs, 4 rbi Delgado has got to be one of the most underrated players in the MLB. Year in, year out, he puts up good numbers. He hits for power, average and isn’t afraid to take a walk.

Carlos Delgado, Florida Marlins
3 for 4, 2 2B, HR, 3 runs, 4 rbi

Delgado has got to be one of the most underrated players in the MLB. Year in, year out, he puts up good numbers. He hits for power, average and isn’t afraid to take a walk.

Sunday’s Sox-Tigers Game

While up in Chicago, I had the great opportunity to attend the White Sox game against the Tigers. Thanks go to my friend, Tyler who secured the ticket and acted as host and guide for the day. We entered US Celluar Field about 20 minutes before game time and things were looking pretty dreary. It … Continue reading “Sunday’s Sox-Tigers Game”

While up in Chicago, I had the great opportunity to attend the White Sox game against the Tigers. Thanks go to my friend, Tyler who secured the ticket and acted as host and guide for the day.

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We entered US Celluar Field about 20 minutes before game time and things were looking pretty dreary. It was a bit cool and it was drizzling rain. Tyler and I took cover in the concourse.

Finally, it was 2:05pm, gametime but no sign of the game starting. The grounds crew rolled out the tarp on part of the basepaths between second and third but stopped there as if waiting for further instructions.

Finally, three things happened at once…

Over the PA system, we heard Frank Sinatra’s Chicago- My Kind Of Town.

The Sun came out.

and the crowd broke out into a big roar.

The Tigers never really stood a chance with the way Jon Garland was pitching. He came into the game 4-0 and fresh off a 4-hit shutout against the A’s. He showed no signs of slowing down. He ended up pitching another 4-hit shutout to extend his record to 5-0.

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This is Joe Crede up to bat. He drove in the first run of the game with a sac fly.

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We were 6 rows up along the line near rightfield. As a result, Timo Perez was a fan favorite of those sitting around us. After he hit his 2-run homer in the 7th, he became even more popular.

“Timo!! Timo!!” Everyone was trying to elicit a reaction from Timo. Finally, between pitches, he raised his hand and acknowledged his fans.

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This guy here was a real work of art. When the Sox were up, he spent the whole time riding rightfielder Bobby Higginson and riding him real hard. I mean this guy’s language would make a sailor blush.

It got me to thinking… what if I went to this guy’s workplace and stood right next to him and yelled at him all day. Just saying…

It is interesting that he would be yelling at Bobby Higginson of all players. Higgy was batting .090 with 1 rbi for the year.

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Another interesting transpiration of the game was the near brawl that took place. Garland threw a pitch that went behind Rondell White. White took offense at that and took a few steps toward Garland and the benches emptied. No punches were thrown but White was booed quite loudly the next time he was up.

Seems to me that everyone (pitchers,batters, teammates, managers, fans) gets a little too defensive when it comes to the HBP question. Then again, I haven’t had a ball come at me at 80-90mph.

It didn’t rain once the game started (though it was slightly chilly) and the good guys won. US Celluar is a top notch park. The only downside as Tyler noted, is that as good as the Sox are doing, their fan base is just isn’t there. That was noticeable as there were many empty seats. As a Cub fan, I’m not used to that. With the Cubs, first place or last, winning or losing, they always pack Wrigley Field.

Anyway, a good time was had. Thanks again to Tyler!!

-TBZ

Rookie Watch- Chien-Ming Wang

Yankee Chien-Ming Wang didn’t get a win in his first career start but it’s not for trying. Wang gave up only 2 runs in 7 innings against the Blue Jays on Sunday. Unfortunately for Wang, reliever Tom Gordon gave up a run to tie the game, taking the win away from him. Nevertheless, Wang pitched … Continue reading “Rookie Watch- Chien-Ming Wang”

Yankee Chien-Ming Wang didn’t get a win in his first career start but it’s not for trying. Wang gave up only 2 runs in 7 innings against the Blue Jays on Sunday.

Unfortunately for Wang, reliever Tom Gordon gave up a run to tie the game, taking the win away from him. Nevertheless, Wang pitched a great game, allowing 6 hits and 2 walks. Interestingly, he struck out no one.

I’m putting him on my Rookie Watch.