Taking a break from the division races for a day (Minnesota is half a game out, btw), I wanted to opine on ESPN and specifically, John Kruk. I'll admit it - I rarely if ever watch ESPN. If I want a recap of last night's baseball highlights, I tune into the MLB network. The biggest reason why I avoid the "Worldwide Leader" is because I just can't stomach the analysts on Baseball Tonight. Other than Peter Gammons, the show is chocked full of ex-players and general managers that add nothing of analytical value to the program.
John Kruk is the first person that comes to mind. As a player, Kruk was a portly "everyman" that got the most out of modest abilities. He worked hard and could turn on a fastball with the best of them. He epitomized the 1993 Phillies and their gritty, never-say-die attitude that led them to the NL pennant.
As an analyst, Kruk is dreadful. The man speaks as if his audience is a group of six-year-olds that have never been to a baseball game. If there is a bigger idiot working in front of a television camera today, I'd like to know who it is. No - it's not Tim McCarver. He's annoying, but far from stupid.
To cap it all off, Kruk, who's made millions in his career, apparently gets his hair done by New York Governor David Paterson. It looks as if someone place a freshly-killed muskrat on top of his skull. I'm not sure if Johnny is trying to impress the ladies, but someone needs to let him know that Alabama called and asked for it's mullet back.
Even Harold Reynolds knew enough to get the hell out of ESPN. Though he's also no genius, Reynolds acquits himself with a high-energy approach to his commentary. John Kruk delivers his commentary like he has a broom handle shoved up his ass.
If you can stomach ESPN's Baseball Tonight, more power to you. At least they reacquired Bobby Valentine, who has more brain power than the rest of the studio combined.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
A single game in the Central
As I write this, the Twins are poised to move within a single game of the AL Central lead by 11 o'clock tonight. Behind a Delmon Young grand slam, Minnesota leads Kansas City 5-0, while over in Detroit, the Tigers trail Jake Peavy and the ChiSox 8-0. Barring a tremendous comeback or two, the Central race is going to be baseball's focal point this weekend.
Still, the Twins will need to keep the pressure on and they face the Herculean task of upending Cy Young favorite Zack Greinke in one of the two remaining games. It's almost funny that these teams are in a dogfight for the right to face the powerhouse New York Yankees next week in one of the Division Series matchups. It's hard to figure who is more equipped to play New York as either team will be monumental underdogs. One good omen for the eventual winner is that Yankee ace C.C. Sabathia looks pedestrian tonight against the Rays. Keep in mind, C.C. has a history of lousy postseason performances.
We'll keep you posted.
Still, the Twins will need to keep the pressure on and they face the Herculean task of upending Cy Young favorite Zack Greinke in one of the two remaining games. It's almost funny that these teams are in a dogfight for the right to face the powerhouse New York Yankees next week in one of the Division Series matchups. It's hard to figure who is more equipped to play New York as either team will be monumental underdogs. One good omen for the eventual winner is that Yankee ace C.C. Sabathia looks pedestrian tonight against the Rays. Keep in mind, C.C. has a history of lousy postseason performances.
We'll keep you posted.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
2009's Most Disappointing Team
When you consider the teams expected to qualify for the postseason that fell short you would undoubtedly think of teams like the Mets, Rays and Cubs. Sure, they were all disappointments but one team had a division title within reach in the middle of the summer and slowly let the opportunity fall through their fingers.
The Chicago White Sox had - and have - arguably the most impressive collection of talent in the AL Central. Their pitching staff is deep, with ace John Danks paired with steady Mark Buehrle and youngster Gavin Floyd. Their bullpen is fairly good with strikeout artists Octavio Dotel and Matt Thornton setting up closer Bobby Jenks. The ChiSox' lineup was solid all year. Young thirdbaseman Gordan Beckham had a fantastic year and will likely be named Rookie of the Year. Many are already proclaiming Beckham to be the face of the franchise. Shortstop Alexei Ramirez had a fine year as did veterans Paul Konerko and Jermaine Dye. Even after trading away DH Jim Thome, the Sox could still push runs across. Right? Well, not exactly. The White Sox will finish the year among the most inept run-producing teams in the American League. Despite having a solid collection of offensive talent, the team did not score enough to win the required 90 games needed to win the Central.
In the end, Chicago could not hold off the vastly inferior Detroit Tigers. Perhaps Justin Verlander was another reason why; giving the Tigers a true ace that Chicago lacked. In that regard, the August trade for Jake Peavy may help close the gap for the South Siders in 2010. Peavy will take over as the ace of the White Sox staff and be the man responsible for fending off the Verlanders, Greinkes and Bakers of the division.
The Chicago White Sox had - and have - arguably the most impressive collection of talent in the AL Central. Their pitching staff is deep, with ace John Danks paired with steady Mark Buehrle and youngster Gavin Floyd. Their bullpen is fairly good with strikeout artists Octavio Dotel and Matt Thornton setting up closer Bobby Jenks. The ChiSox' lineup was solid all year. Young thirdbaseman Gordan Beckham had a fantastic year and will likely be named Rookie of the Year. Many are already proclaiming Beckham to be the face of the franchise. Shortstop Alexei Ramirez had a fine year as did veterans Paul Konerko and Jermaine Dye. Even after trading away DH Jim Thome, the Sox could still push runs across. Right? Well, not exactly. The White Sox will finish the year among the most inept run-producing teams in the American League. Despite having a solid collection of offensive talent, the team did not score enough to win the required 90 games needed to win the Central.
In the end, Chicago could not hold off the vastly inferior Detroit Tigers. Perhaps Justin Verlander was another reason why; giving the Tigers a true ace that Chicago lacked. In that regard, the August trade for Jake Peavy may help close the gap for the South Siders in 2010. Peavy will take over as the ace of the White Sox staff and be the man responsible for fending off the Verlanders, Greinkes and Bakers of the division.
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