October 7, 2004
Full count: another season in the books
As I write this, Derek Jeter has just scored on a shallow flyball to right and the Yankees have tied their Division Series with the Twins at 1-1. My workday flew by, today, listening to the Astros pound the Fucking Braves. The postseason is in full bloom, complete with the red-white and blue bunting. Plus, it's always donwright COOL having playoff games during the work week. I believe MLB is the only major sport that holds playoffs during the workDAY. The League Championships and the World Series move to primetime, but the first round is always a week of bliss.

It's also around this time of the year that baseball gets shunned for football. Now I'm a HUGE football fan, but there are several reason why baseball is a more endearing sport. This is just my opinion of course...but you are WRONG if you disagree.

1. Baseball has no instant replay. We've all seen it. A defensive back scoops up an apparent fumble or interception! He then runs 60 yards, untouched, into the endzone and the fans go nuts! But no...that REALLY didn't happen. The ballcarrier was down by contact, never had "posession", or was out of bounds. Sorry, but what you saw NEVER HAPPENED. When was the last time a homerun was negated, beause the hitter was out of the batter's box?!
2. Baseball has no yellow coupons. Similar to #1: Your favorite receiver has just broken off and caught a sensational 65 yard TD pass. Nope, penalty flag. Some fat guy held another fat guy on the play. What you just saw NEVER HAPPENED. When was the last time a 6-3 putout was wiped out because the shortstop moved before the ball was in play?
3. A baseball team plays 5-7 times a day. This is not to discount the effort put out by football players. Slamming your shoulders (but NOT your helmet, that's a fine) into a 340 lbs dude is tough work. But mentally, football players only have to get up for 20 games a year, if they're lucky. Baseball has a leisurely pace, but requires more mental concentration. 5-7 times a week for roughly 6 monhts (or 7 if you're lucky). Baseball makes you proud to have a job.
4. Baseball players are more accessible. Really, I can't remember the last time a football player came over to talk to fans and sign autographs before a game. Does this ever happen? Really...email me if you have proof.
5. Coors never did a Kid Rock commercial for baseball. This is key. Nobody ever "had to feel this". Although Coors DID do those homo-erotic "take me out to the barrrrr" commercials. In case you miss the homo-eroticism: those ads convey the message that women are just toys. The REAL thrill is hanging out with your gay friends, driving a Jeep and drinking shitty beer.
6. Old fuckers. Yes, football has its old fuckers, too. But they're not engrained in the modern game like baseball's old fuckers. When was the last time we saw Roger Staubach on a Cowboys sideline? Most of a baseball team's coaches are former players. Some old farts are even brought back for the ocassional "special instruction". Heck, in his final days, Ted Williams would still roll out to games and discuss hitting. You can't go to an Indians Spring Training game without bumping into Bob Feller. When does a former football player ever pop by his old club, unless money, job, or a promotion is involved?
7. Seating. Unless it's Yankee Stadium or Fenway Park, chances are you can actually GET TICKETS to your local baseball team. On the DAY OF THE GAME, even. Without getting your cornhole ripped open! Face value or less, too! As for those Yankees, Fenway and Wrigley games...if you look hard you can get tickets to those.

Yes, the Rockies are STILL a shitty organization. But now I'm not so embarassed having to work right next door to Coors Field Thanks to St. Louis, I no longer have to hear "Crazy Train" three times a game. I no longer have to see Walker go 2 for 3, his team lose 6-11 and hear him say "I got my hits, eh". Or see him stand at the plate with one out and a runner on third...and work a walk. Or see him sit below the right field scoreboard between innings, while the rest of his team is in the dugout.

Bitterness aside, it was simply time for Walker to advance his career. He's been in a cushy position since 1999 and hasn't had any real motivation. He'd become stagnant. The Rockies treated him like he was the John Elway of their team. He was given a free ride and was allowed to roam free. The team cut him so much slack it was pathetic. He was allowed to come and go as he pleased. This was a guy who missed an entire WEEK of the 2001 season to have a tooth pulled. Or take a few games off to go see an eye doctor. I guess in a way he was their Elway...only without the wins, stones, durability, toughness, championships, leadership ability, respect, impact and importance. I hope Walker remembers what it's like to play the game and helps out the Cardinals.

This also gives the Rockies payroll flexibility and allows open arteries for their farm system. Without Walker's fat contract (and, in 2006, sans the contracts of Denny Neagle, Charles Johnson and Mike Hampton), the Rockies can commit to developing and signing their young talent. Without high priced talent clogging the field, guys like Chone Figgins won't have to be shipped out, again.

Oh by the way... Todd Helton, the Rockies' record book is now your own personal property. Good luck.

The 2004 Bucs: one more time for all time.
The Pirates took a step back in the win-loss tally this year, but made a few noticeable strides. As discussed on the ES-Board (yes, another plug), Jason Bay is the NL Rookie of the Year. Oliver Perez became the first Buc since Bob Veale to register 200+ striekouts. I'll be shocked if he's not the 2005 Opening Day Starter. Or 2006, 2007 and 2008 for that matter. The Brian Giles trade has turned out to be a good trade for both sides.

Craig Wilson's first season as a full-time starter would be graded as a "C". He put up decent numbers, but still showed a frustrating knack for not producing in key situations. Rob Mackowiak had some great moments, but he'll max out around 60-75 RBI's each year. He's not a long term answer in the outfield or at third. I like both of these guys, but I think that the 2004 season is the best it will ever get for either.

Jason Kendall returned to leadoff and finished in the top 10 in the batting race. Tike Redman bombed in the leadoff spot during the first half. Although Redman really picked it up in the second half, for the second straight year. I'm sure I'll be trumpetting him as my "fantasy sleeper pick", once again in 2005. Not saying that's good judgement on my part. Redman had one of my more memorable moments when I was at PNC Park in August. He made a spectacular diving catch, and I was floored when the fans gave him standing ovation.... they then repeated the feat when he came to bat in the next inning.

The rest of the Bucs' youth corps showed promise. If not for Jason Bay, Jose Castillo would have received alot of attention for his steady season at second base. Physically, Ty Wigginton appears to be a better fit for the Steelers, but at 25 he'll be counted on to produce in '05. Daryle Ward has a chance to return for another season. Ward was streaky, but his hot streaks were phenomenal. A 3-4-5-6 combo of Bay, Ward, Wilson, Wigginton would be nice.

I still believe Kip Wells and Josh Fogg can be consistent double-digit winners for the next 4 or 5 years. After a wretched April and May, Fogg really turned it around. Dave Williams and Jon Van Benschoten will probably be starters 4 and 5, next season. Ian Snell or Bobby Bradley could crack the rotation if injuries hinder the top 5. Unfortunately, Sean Burnett would've been #4, but he's undergoing Tommy John surgery and won't be ready until 2006 at the earliest. Ryan Vogelsong will most likely NOT be back as a starter. He'll be in the bullpen if he makes the team at all. As for the bullpen, Salomon Torres should be back to pitch another 397 games. Jose Mesa has a small chance of returning.. but who knows who the closer will be. I'd like to see Brian Meadows, John Grabow and Mike Johnston stick around. Lefty Mike Gonzalez might be converted to closer, should Mesa depart or a closer isn't signed.

Finally, Lloyd McClendon made some head-scratching moves throughout the season. Namely, sending pitch-hitter Abraham Nunez to the plate in late innings. I was pulling for Lloyd when he was brought on board, but I'm not comfortable with hs continued presence at the helm. I'd like to see Art Howe brought in, but the Pirates recently re-upped with Lloyd and crew for another year. However, Lloyd does gain points for wanting to tear Tony LaRussa's head off.

Barring a random World Series article or surprise book review, this is probably my last "baseball/Pirates" column until Spring Training. Can't wait to head down to Bradenton next March. I discovered jet-skiing last time...that ruled. I'm also planning a mid-June "SUPER-TOUR" to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC, New York (x2), Boston and Cooperstown. Sponsorships are accepted.

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