Hey All!!!!
While I was immersed in the NFL Draft over the last week, another fun week of Major League Baseball went by. Grand slams, a couple of shutouts and a straight steal of home plate highlighted this week's games. So let's get into the TWIB notes in the Longball League.
The San Pedro Sea Monkeys have taken over first place this week with another monster week from Albert Pujols. His start to this season is just simply incredible. He's got 7 homers to start the season, but he already has 25 RBIs!!! That's just a mind boggling stat. How mind boggling is it? Well, he's on pace for 231 RBI, that's 40 over the record of 191 set by Hack Wilson in 1930!
Odds are over the long season he won't keep up this pace, but it is sure fun to watch.
Dropping a notch down to second place this week are Vacuous Vipers. While the Sea Monkeys are relying on one big bat, the Vipers have best overall squad in the league. 3 points of production separates the three players on the squad. That kind of production will keep the Vipers in the hunt deep into September.
The SoCal Capuchins are sitting in third place, a good distance back from the league leaders. However, they are in a big fight to hold on to third place. Chase Utley's awakening along with the Adam Dunn's steady play has helped the Caps stay in the upper division. If Ryan Howard's bat would wake up then the Caps could make a serious run at the league lead.
Mark Teixeira's injury plagued start along with Josh Hamilton's slow April have combined to keep the Sierra Vista Coachwhips down in fourth place. Only Evan Longoria has been solid for the defending champs so far.
Deep down in fifth place sit the Invisible Hands. Josh Hamilton has been a key cause of problems for the Hands also. The Hands, like the Caps, need Ryan Howard to wake up soon. If Hamilton's problems continue, roster moves may be in order.
Speaking of roster moves, the Keen Koalas need some help immediately. Matt Holliday and David Wright have combined for 1 total home run this year. That won't get it done in the Longball League.
Baseball Card of the Week: 40 years ago, the New York Mets turned into the Amazin' Mets and shocked the baseball world with a win over the Baltimore Orioles in 1969 World Series. Key to the team's succes was the great pitiching of former USC Trojan, Tom Seaver. He's pictured here on his 1969 Topps card #480. Tom Terrific went 25-7 with a 2.21 ERA that year and won game 4 of the World Series, 2-1 behind a big home run from Don Clendenon. The game was played on the day your Commissioner turned 9 months old.
Trivia: This season an important durability record will be broken by catcher Ivan Rodriguez. Entering this season he only needs to catch in 54 games to break the all-time mark of 2,226 games behind the plate held by Carlton Fisk. Way to go, Pudge!
Until Next week folks, keep hitting 'em where they ain't.
-The Commisssioner
Monday, April 27, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Week 2
Hey All!!!!!
The second week of the season has come and with it came a lot of big scores around MLB. In the New Yankee Stadium, the Indians and the Yankees combined to hit 20 home runs in four games. That's the most homers ever hit in the first four days in a new ballpark. Let's look at the standings.
The Vacuous Vipers have jumped into first place behind the bats of Chase Utley and Justin Morneau. Evan Longoria was slowed down this week with a bad right foot that limited him to just DH duty, but the Vipers are the only team with all three players in double figures so far.
Sittng in second are the San Pedro Sea Monkeys. Phat Albert Pujols had a monster week for the Monkeys with 3 homers and 11 RBIs. The solid play of Hanley Ramirez has also helped the Monkeys stay in the upper division.
The SoCal Capuchins are tasting the rarefied air of third place this week. Mo Lenker's squad hasn't been this high in the standings since early last year. The Caps' big gun is Adam Dunn of the Nationals. The Nats are pretty bad, but he really swings the bat well.
For the first time in a long time, the Sierra Vista Coachwhips are in fourth place. There is a volatility to the standings in the early weeks of the season, but the 'Whips have to be concerned over the lack of production from Mark Teixeira.
The Invisible Hands find themselves in fifth place this week. However, Hands' bats came alive last week and if that continues they should not find themselves in fifth place for very long.
The Keen Koalas are down in last place again this week, but they did manage to get off the deck and put up a good week. There is still plenty of time for the KK's to make a run to the top.
Baseball Card of the Week: It was another tough week for baseball with the tragic death of Mark "The Bird" Fidrych. Here's a look at the Fidrych card from the Topps Fan Favorites set of 2003. Fidrych's incredible rookie campaign was one for the ages. In 1976, he won 19 games. No other rookie had ever won more in the major leagues. However, it was his antics on the mound that captured America's attention. He talked to the ball, manicured the mound between innings, and showed a genuine love for the game. He died tragically in an accident on his farm in Massachusetts. He was only 54. We'll miss you, Bird.
Trvia: The Los Angeles Dodgers Orlando Hudson hit for the cycle last week v. the San Francisco Giants. He was the first Dodger to hit for the cycle since Wes Parker in 1970. Dodger announcer Vin Scully was at the mic for both games.
Until next week folks, keep hitting 'em where they ain't!!!!!
-The Commissioner
The second week of the season has come and with it came a lot of big scores around MLB. In the New Yankee Stadium, the Indians and the Yankees combined to hit 20 home runs in four games. That's the most homers ever hit in the first four days in a new ballpark. Let's look at the standings.
The Vacuous Vipers have jumped into first place behind the bats of Chase Utley and Justin Morneau. Evan Longoria was slowed down this week with a bad right foot that limited him to just DH duty, but the Vipers are the only team with all three players in double figures so far.
Sittng in second are the San Pedro Sea Monkeys. Phat Albert Pujols had a monster week for the Monkeys with 3 homers and 11 RBIs. The solid play of Hanley Ramirez has also helped the Monkeys stay in the upper division.
The SoCal Capuchins are tasting the rarefied air of third place this week. Mo Lenker's squad hasn't been this high in the standings since early last year. The Caps' big gun is Adam Dunn of the Nationals. The Nats are pretty bad, but he really swings the bat well.
For the first time in a long time, the Sierra Vista Coachwhips are in fourth place. There is a volatility to the standings in the early weeks of the season, but the 'Whips have to be concerned over the lack of production from Mark Teixeira.
The Invisible Hands find themselves in fifth place this week. However, Hands' bats came alive last week and if that continues they should not find themselves in fifth place for very long.
The Keen Koalas are down in last place again this week, but they did manage to get off the deck and put up a good week. There is still plenty of time for the KK's to make a run to the top.
Baseball Card of the Week: It was another tough week for baseball with the tragic death of Mark "The Bird" Fidrych. Here's a look at the Fidrych card from the Topps Fan Favorites set of 2003. Fidrych's incredible rookie campaign was one for the ages. In 1976, he won 19 games. No other rookie had ever won more in the major leagues. However, it was his antics on the mound that captured America's attention. He talked to the ball, manicured the mound between innings, and showed a genuine love for the game. He died tragically in an accident on his farm in Massachusetts. He was only 54. We'll miss you, Bird.
Trvia: The Los Angeles Dodgers Orlando Hudson hit for the cycle last week v. the San Francisco Giants. He was the first Dodger to hit for the cycle since Wes Parker in 1970. Dodger announcer Vin Scully was at the mic for both games.
Until next week folks, keep hitting 'em where they ain't!!!!!
-The Commissioner
Monday, April 13, 2009
Hey All!!!!
The season has begun and the joy I feel has been tempered by the tragic death of Angels young pitcher Nick Adenhart. It was a horrible thing to hear about last Thursday. It was another senseless act by a drunk driver. All I can say is that my condolences go out to Nick's family and I hope the drunk driver spends the rest of his life in jail. Now, on to more pleasant things.
In this first week of the season I see that the Sierra Vista Coachwhips are picking up where they left off as they sit on top of the standings with 25 points. Evan Longoria's monster week along with a good week from Josh Hamilton has set the pace for the 'Whips.
Hot on the 'Whips heels in second place are the Vacuous Vipers. This is Lu's team and after last year's last place effort it is good to see her squad off to a good start in 2009.
In third place sits The Commissioner's team, the San Pedro Sea Monkeys. My big hitter for the week was the Marlins' Hanley Ramirez. The Florida Marlins are a young team with some big bat potential. Don't be surprised if they are in the thick of the NL East race this year.
Sitting in fourth are the Invisible Hands. Ryan Howard's slow start has not helped this squad at all. However, it should be a good week for Howard as the Phightin' Phillies do play a series at winless Washington this week.
The SoCal Caps are occupying the fifth slot with subpar efforts from both Chase Utley and Ryan Howard. Funny to think that the only home run this team hit this week was from Mo's third player, Adam Dunn of the Nationals.
There is no way to sugarcoat this one, the Keen Koalas have gotten off to a rotten start. This team didn't register a single home run all week. This team can only go up from here.
Baseball Card of the Week: Yes, that's Hank Aaron's brother on that 1971 Topps card. It's good to give a little nod to The Hammer's brother. Tommie hit a total of 13 home runs in the major leagues. He also got to do a rare thing. He played his entire career on the same team with his brother. That's pretty cool.
Trivia: The Texas Rangers Josh Hamilton was intenionally walked with the bases loaded last year. It happened when Tampa Bay Rays were up 7-3 on the Rangers with the sacks full and two out in the top of the ninth. The Rays went on to win the game 7-4 when the next batter, Marlon Byrd was struck out by reliever Dan Wheeler. It was only the fifth time on MLB history that a man was given an intentional walk with the bases loaded. Heck, it was only the second time in 107 years in the American League. It is a rarely used strategy, but in all five times it has been done, the team giving up the intentional pass has won the game.
Until next week, keep hittin 'em where they ain't!!!!
-The Commissioner
The season has begun and the joy I feel has been tempered by the tragic death of Angels young pitcher Nick Adenhart. It was a horrible thing to hear about last Thursday. It was another senseless act by a drunk driver. All I can say is that my condolences go out to Nick's family and I hope the drunk driver spends the rest of his life in jail. Now, on to more pleasant things.
In this first week of the season I see that the Sierra Vista Coachwhips are picking up where they left off as they sit on top of the standings with 25 points. Evan Longoria's monster week along with a good week from Josh Hamilton has set the pace for the 'Whips.
Hot on the 'Whips heels in second place are the Vacuous Vipers. This is Lu's team and after last year's last place effort it is good to see her squad off to a good start in 2009.
In third place sits The Commissioner's team, the San Pedro Sea Monkeys. My big hitter for the week was the Marlins' Hanley Ramirez. The Florida Marlins are a young team with some big bat potential. Don't be surprised if they are in the thick of the NL East race this year.
Sitting in fourth are the Invisible Hands. Ryan Howard's slow start has not helped this squad at all. However, it should be a good week for Howard as the Phightin' Phillies do play a series at winless Washington this week.
The SoCal Caps are occupying the fifth slot with subpar efforts from both Chase Utley and Ryan Howard. Funny to think that the only home run this team hit this week was from Mo's third player, Adam Dunn of the Nationals.
There is no way to sugarcoat this one, the Keen Koalas have gotten off to a rotten start. This team didn't register a single home run all week. This team can only go up from here.
Baseball Card of the Week: Yes, that's Hank Aaron's brother on that 1971 Topps card. It's good to give a little nod to The Hammer's brother. Tommie hit a total of 13 home runs in the major leagues. He also got to do a rare thing. He played his entire career on the same team with his brother. That's pretty cool.
Trivia: The Texas Rangers Josh Hamilton was intenionally walked with the bases loaded last year. It happened when Tampa Bay Rays were up 7-3 on the Rangers with the sacks full and two out in the top of the ninth. The Rays went on to win the game 7-4 when the next batter, Marlon Byrd was struck out by reliever Dan Wheeler. It was only the fifth time on MLB history that a man was given an intentional walk with the bases loaded. Heck, it was only the second time in 107 years in the American League. It is a rarely used strategy, but in all five times it has been done, the team giving up the intentional pass has won the game.
Until next week, keep hittin 'em where they ain't!!!!
-The Commissioner
Saturday, April 4, 2009
The Grapefruit and Cactus leagues have all wound down, fifth starters have been found, and every team still has a shot at the pennant. Yes folks, it's Opening Day!!!!!
Opening Day. What a term!!!!! It brings a wonderful feeling to me that is born of the many things that I love about baseball. I dig Opening Day for the big reasons. One big reason being that the 162 game marathon of a season is back in my life like an old friend that I can start back up with like we never parted. The other big reason is that I really want to watch my Angels make another run at the World Series. However, I really dig baseball for the little reasons.
I dig little reasons like the sqeeze play, infield fly rule and rally caps. I also like Dot races, sausage races and Twingo. I like hearing Rory Markas saying "Just another Halo victory!", about 100 times a year. I like hearing out of town voices like Bob Uecker, Harry Kalas, and Jon Miller. I like the slider, hangin' curve, knucklle ball, and the split-finger fastball. I like Rally Monkeys, stoplight dogs, and parking attendants that say "en-yoy." I like the feel of a new cap, checking the out of town scoreboard, and the thrill of opening a new pack of baseball cards. I like watching Baseball Tonight, the All-Star Game, and a day game at Wrigley Field. I like clean singles, seeing-eye singles, gorks, flares, and ringing doubles off the wall in left-center. I like pocket balls, at 'em balls and line shots to the gap. I dig dingers, big flys, and walk-off blasts. I could on go, but I think you get my point. I like the game for the big and the little reasons. I hope you do too.
Here's a bit of trivia for the week. 19 years ago, Frankin Stubbs did what only 7 other men have done in Major League history. He played an entire nine inning game at first base without recording a single putout. He did it as a member of the Houston Astros on July 25, 1990. The Astros beat the Braves 5-1 in front of 9,492 fans at Atlanta's old Fulton County Stadium. Both teams were about 20 games out of first place at the time. The closest Stubbs came to making a putout in the game was when he fielded a grounder hit to him in the seventh inning. However, instead of running to first base and recording the putout unassisited, he flipped the ball to pitcher Danny Darwin who covered the bag and recorded the putout. Weird, huh?
Next Week: Initial League Standings and more Trivia!!!!! Have a good week folks and remember to hit 'em where they ain't.
Opening Day. What a term!!!!! It brings a wonderful feeling to me that is born of the many things that I love about baseball. I dig Opening Day for the big reasons. One big reason being that the 162 game marathon of a season is back in my life like an old friend that I can start back up with like we never parted. The other big reason is that I really want to watch my Angels make another run at the World Series. However, I really dig baseball for the little reasons.
I dig little reasons like the sqeeze play, infield fly rule and rally caps. I also like Dot races, sausage races and Twingo. I like hearing Rory Markas saying "Just another Halo victory!", about 100 times a year. I like hearing out of town voices like Bob Uecker, Harry Kalas, and Jon Miller. I like the slider, hangin' curve, knucklle ball, and the split-finger fastball. I like Rally Monkeys, stoplight dogs, and parking attendants that say "en-yoy." I like the feel of a new cap, checking the out of town scoreboard, and the thrill of opening a new pack of baseball cards. I like watching Baseball Tonight, the All-Star Game, and a day game at Wrigley Field. I like clean singles, seeing-eye singles, gorks, flares, and ringing doubles off the wall in left-center. I like pocket balls, at 'em balls and line shots to the gap. I dig dingers, big flys, and walk-off blasts. I could on go, but I think you get my point. I like the game for the big and the little reasons. I hope you do too.
Here's a bit of trivia for the week. 19 years ago, Frankin Stubbs did what only 7 other men have done in Major League history. He played an entire nine inning game at first base without recording a single putout. He did it as a member of the Houston Astros on July 25, 1990. The Astros beat the Braves 5-1 in front of 9,492 fans at Atlanta's old Fulton County Stadium. Both teams were about 20 games out of first place at the time. The closest Stubbs came to making a putout in the game was when he fielded a grounder hit to him in the seventh inning. However, instead of running to first base and recording the putout unassisited, he flipped the ball to pitcher Danny Darwin who covered the bag and recorded the putout. Weird, huh?
Next Week: Initial League Standings and more Trivia!!!!! Have a good week folks and remember to hit 'em where they ain't.
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