First of all, Happy Opening Day (American Version) everyone. The best day of the year.
Second, last night Joe Morgan related a story in which President George W. Bush offered to buy the Texas Rangers and make him, Joe, the GM. Predicted record of this team: 59-103. Now Dennis Kucinich and Paul DePodesta -- that would be a model franchise! (Predicted record: 59-102 [final game rained out]).
Third, I promise to post more soon. Fremulon Ins., Inc. has not been immune from the recent credit crunch, and if my Pension Plan Monitoring abilities are not applied with 100% acuity, this firm could fold like the fraudulent house of cards we all know it really is. Thank you for your patience.
Fourth: does anyone else think the Dodgers hired Joe Torre because he's the only person who could bench Juan Pierre and not send the L.A. print media into complete hysterics?
Labels: fremulon insurance, joe morgan, juan pierre, opening day
My meeting was canceled. Here are a few (mostly) unsubstantiated quotes sent in by our loyal readers from opening day.
From Brian:
Last night on Baseball Tonight, John Kruk mentioned that he disagreed with the White Sox's in-game decision to remove Jose Contreras from the game in the 2nd inning because "if this was June or July, I could understand it, but this early in the season, he's got to get his work in."
At the time of Contreras's removal from the game, he had given up 7 ER in 1+ IP and thrown nearly 50 pitches. Kruk...wasn't given time to elaborate on how long he would have thrown his pitcher out there to continue getting hammered. But I thought his original point was just insane enough to email you.
It was, Brian. Thank you. Here's Luis:
Whoever is commentating on the Orioles@Twins game (Sounds like Steve Phillips, but I know it's not him.) just claimed that Morneau would not have been MVP if Jeter would have won the batting title. Apparently it was Morneau's ability to will Joe Mauer to go 2-4 on the last day that made [the BBWAA] vote for him.
The sad thing is, as stupid as that is to say, that announcer might be right. Because people care about the difference between .347 (Mauer) and .343 (Jeter) more than they care about 12.1 (Jeter's WARP3) and 8.6 (Justin Morneau's WARP3).
Here's one from Sam:
Mets-Cards, 2nd inning: “He’s like a little kid, trying to throw it all the way over [to first base]. And he almost always does it!”
Aww! You go get 'em, champ!
I'm going to assume that was Jon Miller. And finally, here's Greg, with a link to Crasnick column we never got around to attacking:
If nobody's actually sent this to you already, I'll be surprised, but it seems too perfect to pass up. To preview, the first two paragraphs include:David Eckstein had barely found a spot in his home for his World Series Most Valuable Player trophy when he laid claim to another title: America's "little buddy."
The diminutive St. Louis shortstop, who is to major league baseball what Pembroke Welsh Corgis are to the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, parlayed his boundless energy, lovable demeanor and .364 World Series batting average into a joyous winter romp. I'm imagining that might be the kind of thing you're looking for.
You are correct in that imagining.
Keep 'em coming, people. It's a long season.
Labels: david eckstein, gallimaufry, jerry crasnick, opening day
