Author: The Baseball Zealot

I found this and thought it was somewhat funny. 

Fark.com had a photoshop contest entitled “Theme:  If real world problems were handled by umpires…”

 

I’ve noticed that USA Today has made some slight changes in their format on their baseball web pages.  I should like it but as usual, I’m resistant to change. 

The change specifically is that they have rolled the box scores, the play-by-play, and summaries into one page.  Before, they just had box scores one after another.  They also spruced it up with a graphical format. 

The one thing I have appreciated about USA Today’s stats format is the ease of seeing current MLB stats.  They’re all on one page separated by teams for each league.  No unnecessary graphics. No need to click back and forth for each team.  Nice and simple.  The same could be said for the their box score page.  One simple text page full of box scores. 

I can get used to their new format and probably even grow to appreciate it. 

As long as they don’t feel the need to “modernize” their other stats pages similar to the other sports media’s web sites which I personally find less user-friendly. 

Also, since they updated their format on Thursday, their box scores haven’t been updated since.  Maybe they have a few bugs to work out.

I’m going to resist using the requisite “Gambler” references in my headline.  They’ve all been used.

There’s not a lot to say.  About the same time that one Ranger pitcher gets his sentence in court for his outburst against a fan, Kenny Rogers decides to take on a cameraman.  The cycle just continues with the Rangers pitching staff.  Their PR department must be working overtime.

I’m sure there will be those out there that will say that the cameraman had it coming.  Feh.  From all I heard, all the reporters and photographers, including the cameraman, were in their proper spot designated for media.  From the footage I saw, Rogers clearly came after the cameraman and most certainly had a bug up his butt.

For those who want to see a pitcher on a rampage, here is the link.

Update:  Rogers received a 20-game suspension.  He plans to appeal and will play during the appeal process.

 

On Tuesday, the Yankees blew their lead to the Orioles on a Brian Roberts’ walk-off homerun.  If you read ESPN’s article, you would have to read at least 3 paragraphs down before any mention of Rafael Palmeiro’s two record achievements that game. 

Such has been the career of Palmeiro the most unheralded player in this era.

Tuesday, Raffy’s 563 career homerun tied him with Reggie Jackson for 9th on the all-time list.  In addition, his two rbis passed Frank Robinson and he is now 15th all-time.  He now has 1813 rbis.

His stats are quite handsome yet how many people outside of us baseball fanatics know who he is?  He has remained pretty much unknown throughout his career.  Unless he is recognized from his Viagra ads.  And I won’t even go there.

But think of it.  He is only 37 homeruns away from the very coveted mark of 600.  As it is now, he has more homeruns than notable sluggers Mike Schmidt, Mickey Mantle and will most likely pass Harmon Killebrew this year (he needs 10 more).  He has more rbis than the aforementioned FRobbie, Cal Ripken, and Reggie Jackson.

As with most record holders, Raffy has done what he has done by virtue of his consistent play.  With the exception of the strike year 1994 and 1995 (143 games), he has played no less than 152 games every year since 1988.  Year in, year out, he has put out solid seasons yet never led the league in homers, slugging, or rbis.  In addition, he not won any MVP awards.  Yet, because of his consistent play, he leads all active players in hits, doubles, games and at-bats.  He was also second in total bases and third in homeruns.

Kudos to Rafael Palmeiro, the quiet superstar.