Deadspin: major league baseball

No One Really Knows If The Angels-Yankees Game Will Be Played Tonight Or Not

Weed Against Speed — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 17:40:31 EDT

With a little more than two hours remaining before the scheduled first pitch, we're not sure if Game 2 of the ALCS between the Yankees and Angels will be played or not.

Although according to The New York Times baseball blog Bats, the game is still on.

As of 2:45 P.M., Major League Baseball said it was still hopeful of starting tonight's Yankees-Angels game on time. Although rain is in the forecast for Game 2 of the American League Championship Series, Pat Courtney, a spokesman for baseball, said the latest forecasts showed that the rain would be light. Of course, that forecast could change.

Given that 2:45 ET was some time ago and being the intrepid reporter that I am (Gary Gnu was my childhood hero), I went and checked out the current forecast on TheWeatherChannel.com, and its battalion of meteorologists have this as the current forecast for the evening:

Rain likely. Low 42F. Winds NNE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a half an inch.

90% chance of rain? Yowsers. So that means it is as likely it will rain tonight in the Bronx as it is this Crystal Skull-shaped bottle of vodka will be finished before I'm done writing today. Interesting.

One person who doesn't want to hear about the inclement weather is Times' columnist William C. Rhoden. And he believes that the weather isn't the only problem.

Major League Baseball faces two fundamental problems: weather and umpire accountability.

The weather is just part of the game, but umpiring has become an increasingly disturbing part of the game.

...

Welcome to winter ball in the fall, a result of too many days off in the postseason and the power of the networks, which have devised a schedule that will have major leaguers playing baseball in November.

But baseball's larger problem is the umpires. Their performance may be the same as it has always been, but the scrutiny is much greater.

Of course Rhoden isn't as worried about the weather as he is the umpiring. It's not like he's going to be at Yankee Stadium for the game. Rhoden and his wife already have movie tickets to go see Where The Wild Things Are tonight.

But don't worry. He'll still write a semi-competent column about the game anyway.

The Game Is On, for Now [Bats]
Weather May Affect Game, but Bad Calls Shouldn't [The New York Times]
(previously on Deadspin) William Rhoden's Wimbledon Coverage Didn't Garner Him Any New Fans

Curt Schilling Puts the Moves on Cindy McCain?

Clay Travis — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:00:11 EDT

Everyone knows that Curt Schilling loves John McCain. But can the Republican presidential nominee trust the Red Sox pitcher when it comes to something much more important than an election...his wife? At a recent charity event, Curt Schilling confused Cindy McCain with his wife and held hands with her. The Boston Herald has the the steamy details.

“We all got separated in this huge room with lots of people,” Mrs. S told the Track. “I walked ahead with (racing legend) Richard Petty while Curt stopped to sign autographs.

“So when he started to walk away, he grabbed Cindy’s hand. She didn’t seem to mind and went along with it,” said Shonda. “But when he realized what he was doing, he held up their hands and said, ‘Hey, Shonda, look at this!’ Suddenly, Richard grabbed my hand and I said, ‘Don’t worry, I’m being taken care of.’ ”

"She didn't seem to mind and went along with it?" Wait until he shows her his bloody sock.

Curt Schilling veers astray at raceway [Boston Herald]
Curt Schilling mistakes Cincy McCain for wife Shonda [You Been Blinded]

Mitch "Wild Thing" Williams Ringing The NASDAQ Opening Bell Tomorrow

Clay Travis — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:00:41 EDT

This is the most incongruous pairing of sports and the financial markets since Lenny Dykstra first emailed Jim Cramer. How did this happen? What in the world has the Wild Thing been up to since his baseball career ended? He started his own Wild Thing Southpaw Salsa. Well, of course he did. Mitch Williams—a Coen brothers character brought to life.

Anyone else think this bell-ringing gambit is a cruel strike aimed directly at the heart of Phillies fans? Yeah, thought so. Next week Joe Carter's ringing the bell at the NYSE.

Mitch Williams to ring Nasdaq stock market opening bell [CBS Marketwatch]

Mitch Williams ringing opening bell [Land of Dave Corzine]

Lawsuit Alleges Priest Molested Boy at 2005 White Sox Game

Clay Travis — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:00:15 EDT

The lawsuit was filed against the Chicago Archdiocese yesterday. The alleged molester, priest Daniel McCormick, has already been the subject of a lawsuit settled on behalf of the archdiocese last week. In that case 11 priests were sued by 16 children. The alleged molestation occured in August of 2005 which was, of course, the year the Chicago White Sox finally won a World Series.

The lawsuit claims McCormack molested the unnamed boy at Our Lady of the Westside School in September 2004 and again at a White Sox game in August 2005. Archdiocese spokeswoman Colleen Dolan said the lawsuit is "not a new case" of abuse. She said the lawsuit is the "finalization of a legal process on this particular case."

Remember back when you were a kid and it was cool to see nuns at baseball games? Well, that's still cool. Priests at White Sox games...not so much.

Family of alleged McCormack victim sues archdiocese [Chicago Sun-Times]
Priests and White Sox games may not mix well [Land of Dave Corzine]

New White Sox Danger: Shaving Cream Pies to the Face

Clay Travis — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:30:07 EDT

And you thought Ozzie Guillen was all the White Sox had to fear in the locker room. Backup catcher Toby Hall is recovering after Jermaine Dye blocked his attempted pie to the face. Does anyone ever wonder where all these pies come from in baseball locker rooms? How many times have you had extra pies sitting around at your work? Yet, in baseball stadiums they're everywhere. And it never gets old to hit someone in the face with one. We go to the Chicago Tribune blog for the details.

Backup catcher Toby Hall said his right shoulder was fine after teammate Jermaine Dye blocked his attempt at placing a shaving cream pie in his face during a post-game interview following the Sox's 13-5 win over Seattle.

Hall had his right shoulder wrapped in ice but assured reporters he didn't not re-injure his shoulder, which he separated in spring training of 2007.

Next thing you know group sex with the blow-up doll is going to be off limits too.

Close Shaves [Hardball: Chicago Sports Blog]
Shaving Cream Pies are Dangerous [Luol's Dong]

San Diego Padres Owner Loses Owner's Box After Wife Files For Divorce

Clay Travis — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:00:50 EDT

At least for April, May, June, and July. Which given the Padres start to the season was probably a blessing in disguise. Now John Moores is fighting to regain custody of the box. (Yeah, I know.) But his wife doesn't want to give up the box. (Ditto.) And the attorneys are up in arms trying to equitably distribute access to the box.

Effective July 28, John Moores "unilaterally excluded (Becky Moores) from utilizing the owner's box," according to a filing by Becky Moores' attorney, Sandra Morris. As a result, Becky Moores sought relief from the court July 30 for allocation of the box. Judge Lisa Foster denied that request because it was "not an emergency." A hearing on the matter was set for October.

October? I just hope they get this resolved before the playo...never mind. Bigger question, who gets the mandles?

Petco box is bone of contention [Sign on San Diego]

Honus Wagner Baseball Card Auctioned for $1.62 million

Clay Travis — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:15:21 EDT

Anyone who collected baseball cards is familiar with the Honus Wagner story. When the 1909 baseball card set was released Wagner demanded that his card be pulled and only 100 were made. Now only ten or so of those cards are still in existence and the card is the single most sought after by baseball card collectors. And, right now, if you're between the ages of 22-35 and you didn't collect baseball cards too, you're lying.We were all obsessed. Personally the 1989 Upper Deck set was my favorite.

Primarily because up to that point the cards were all pretty crappy. Then Upper Deck came along with their tantalizing holograms, great photos, and remarkably bold decision to make Ken Griffey Jr. the first card ever issued by the company. Anyway, no matter what anyone tells you I did not spend Sunday going through my 1989 set and sigh wistfully at the Chris Sabo card. Nope, didn't happen.

The winning bidder, John Rogers, has his own obsession with the Wagner card. Per Fox News:

Rogers has collected baseball cards since he was 6. When he was in the second grade, he said he cut out a copy of a Wagner card and carried it around in his pocket.
"Since I was 8 years old, I've hoped and dreamed that one day I'd be able to get one," Rogers said.

Which is ironic because, like everyone else, when I was 8 years old I wanted the Honus Wagner card, the 1952 Mickey Mantle rookie card, and the 1986 Michael Jordan Fleer rookie card in mint condition. Then I grew up and bought a house instead. I blame my mom. When I was eight, I told her I wanted to make a living owning a baseball card store. She shot that idea down in a hurry. "There's nothing more redneck you could ever do, Clay." Which, of course, wasn't true. Especially not in Nashville. But it impacted me. So now John Rogers is rich and got to buy the Honus Wager card because he followed his baseball card dreams and I'm writing a blog post about him. Thanks Mom, kicks dirt, thanks a lot.

Arkansas man buys baseball card for $1.62 million [Fox News]

Padres Shortstop Khalil Greene Out For Season After Punching a Storage Chest

Clay Travis — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:00:24 EDT

Yep, he broke his left hand. Anyone who has ever punched a wall, a door, or any other inanimate object that hasn't actually done anything to you, is wincing right now. Because but for the puny amount of force your punch mustered, you too could have broken a bone in your hand and looked like an incredible tool. Instead, like his forebear Jesus, Khalil Greene is broken for your sins.

Sign on San Diego has the pertinent details:

Greene said the response was more in reaction to a difficult season than his throbbing shin. He is batting .213 with 10 home runs and 15 doubles.
"I don't know how to put into words the frustration level, how difficult this year has been," Greene said. "For me to do that, it's certainly not commonplace."

Well, at least Padres fans who are in the midst of a 42-67 last place season can take solace that Greene isn't racist against storage chests.

Greene's left hand is fractured [Sign on San Diego]
Padres Khalil Greene taken out by storage chest [SportsbyBrooks]

Ken Griffey, Jr. Tosses Throat Slash To Jeff Brantley

Clay Travis — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:00:24 EDT

We've officially seen everything now. Griffey was evidently upset by comments Reds announcer Jeff Brantley made regarding his contract. Why after twenty years of relative peace, Griffey is breaking out late 90's football moves to make his points is anyone's guess. I guess he could do the Icky Shuffle but afterwords he'd probably go on the 15-day DL.

Per the Dayton Daily News, here's the crux of the dispute:

Griffey is angry over different comments Brantley made and said one of them was, "He said I'm pouting because the Reds haven't picked up my option ($16 million) for next year. If I was that concerned about money I wouldn't have come here in the first place."

Brantley said he never said that and the subject wasn't broached until Brantley and Griffey sat down in the players dining room early Sunday, "And I think he's upset that I said something about the defense of the corner outfielders (Adam Dunn, Griffey)," said Brantley.

Call me old-fashioned but if the throat slash is involved, shouldn't the person you're signaling have some idea why you want him dead?

Griffey bristles at broadcaster's comments [Dayton Daily News]

Ken Griffey throws a throat slash towards Jeff Brantley's booth [Big League Stew]

Get Your Madonna Face For Sox-Yankees Rivalry

Clay Travis — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:30:40 EDT

As the Yanks and Sox prepare to do battle for the 8,038th time of the 2008 Major League Baseball season, there's a new wrinkle to the series. Or at the very least a wrinkled vagina. Yep, Madonna masks are coming to Fenway. At least if Red Sox fans get their wish.

Apologies for that scary photo. But, seriously, when did Madonna and WNBA-uber star Nancy Lieberman become twins. Remember when the book Sex came out back in 1992 and you and your friends all conspired to find a way to buy that book and then took turns hiding it under your bedsprings? Uh...me neither.

Get Your Madonna Face [Sox and Dawgs]

Bartman Spurns $25k Autograph Offer

Clay Travis — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:30:34 EDT

Putting a quick end to the will he or won't he autograph spectacle, Steve Bartman is not going to appear at the National Sports Collectors Convention in Rosemont, Illinois. Interestingly, Bartman issued the response through his friend Frank Murtha. Meaning that Bartman himself remains hidden away in a covert chamber somewhere. Where he no doubt continues to listen to his walkman and play Dungeons and Dragons.

Seriously, who has been advising Bartman on his PR moves? He could have put this thing to rest years ago. Instead, the Bartman watch continues.

Bartman turns down $25,000 offer to sign photo of infamous play [ESPN]

Steve Bartman Offered $25k for a Single Autograph

Clay Travis — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:30:28 EDT

Reclusive Cubs anti-christ Steve Bartman has incentive to come out into the light of day thanks to a $25k autograph offer from a sports collectors show. According to the Orlando Sentinel this would be the most ever paid to a living person for a single autograph. What exactly does Bartman need to do?

To collect the cash, all Bartman has to do is show up at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill., at 1 p.m. on July 31, prove his identity and sign a photograph of the infamous play. It will then be auctioned on the Web site with the proceeds going to a Chicago-based charity, according to a news release for the publicity stunt event.

Well, the Cubs are in first place and locked in a tough divisional challenge. Maybe it's time for forgiveness? Bartman should go ahead and be a gamer. Hell, why not be a mensch and auction off the walkman too?

Paging Steve Bartman! Company offers infamous Chicago Cubs fan $25,000 for a single autograph [Orlando Sentinel]
Bartman offered $25k for his Herbie Hancock [Out of Right Field]

Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins Remix "Take Me Out To the Ballgame"

Clay Travis — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:05:24 EDT

Don't underestimate the work done by Rollins here. He's providing the beat in that way somebody in sixth grade always would, by banging on a desk. His knuckles have to be sore by the end of the song but you can't even tell. That's heart.

Anyway, not that you care, but this is evidently associated with some stupid promotion that major league baseball was running.

Ryan Howard and J-Roll- "Take me out to the ballgame" (Remix) [The Fightins']

Man Loses Phillies-Brewers Bet and Goes Homeless For a Week

Clay Travis — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:45:40 EDT

Two D.C. area men bet over which team would finish with more wins in 2007, the Phillies or the Brewers. The Phillies finished with more wins. As a result, Chris Jollay, a 36 year old Brewers fan, lost and lived as a homeless man for a week.

Luckily, D.C. news WUSA-9 is all over it:

According to the bet, Jollay was allowed to carry one bag of items. Christman approved all of the items. Jollay says, he carried 12 power bars and 100-calorie snacks, a disposable camera, $20 dollars, contact lens, a marker and pen, and a bottle of Jack Daniels.

"I brought a big bottle of that, just to pass the time. Especially when it was cold...made the nights go faster."

What could Jollay have won if the Brewers had finished with more wins than the Phillies? Per WUSA 9: "I would have gotten to move in with [Christman's] wife. She'd have to cook me dinner and I'd go to her slumber parties and [Christman would] move into my place," Jollay says.

Touche.

Local man loses bet and goes homeless [WUSA 9]
Jollay goes homeless [Steve Heckman Online]
Brewers fan loses bet; forced to go homeless [SportsbyBrooks]

Babe Ruth's Teammate Speaks: 100-Year-Old Bill Werber

Clay Travis — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:15:19 EDT

And Bill Werber brings some strong trash talk. Specifically he refers to current players as "a grubby-looking bunch of caterwaulers." A caterwauler? According to dictionary.com that's the sound a cat makes when it's in heat. So, yeah, I can see that. Werber tells stories about playing cards against Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig on the train. And he even gives some advice Babe Ruth shared with him after Ruth hit a homerun. Per NBC,

"I said to myself, 'Well, I'll show these Yankees how I can run,'" Werber said. "So I ran around second base at high speed – I knew it was a home run – and I ran around third base, and when Babe came in, he patted me on the head and he said, 'You don't need to run fast like that when The Babe hits one.'"

The Babe and his teammates will never die. At least not yet.

Babe's Old Teammate No Fan of "Grubby" Ballplayers [MSNBC]

Dontrelle Is Injured, Fat

KOGOD — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Dontrelle Willis lasted all of 14 pitches before leaving with a hyper-extended knee, but he was just as shitty before the injury. The high-kicking lefty couldn''t seem to get his kick all the way up, which the Baseball Tonight crew was quick to attribute to his physique, which can only be described as "bloggeresque" However the beleaguered Tigers bullpen stifled the Chicago White Sox, to the tune of one run allowed over 8+ innings. Aquilino Lopez picked up the relief win over Jose Contreras behind four strikeouts in as many innings. Mags knocked in two run in Detroit's 5-2 victory.

• Your 2008 NL Champions. The Arizona Diamondbacks, my pick to win the NL pennant (currently 8/1) improved to 8-2 behind another dominant performance from Brandon Webb (3-0 2.14) while Jeff Francis (0-2 9.53) continued his inevitable regression. Justin Upton continues to punish me for drafting him in only one fantasy draft. He hit his fourth homer of the year produced two RBI. And I promise not to mention fantasy baseball again. Kyle Lohse Rulez!1! Sorry.

• Red Sox Nation is inconsolable! I might hate the Yankees, but I do enjoy a good Red Sox loss. Chien Ming Wang rode his dominating sinker all the way to a two-hitter and a win in the first of 19 contests between the league's two most insufferable teams.