Continuing to Catch Tales...

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

So I originally created this blog for my media writing class, but I've enjoyed it and decided to jump on the bandwagon for good.

After several days of trying to decide what to name this blog when I first created it (a close second was a Simpler Shade of Happy followed by numerous other ideas my creative brother came up with), I chose Catching Tales because for class, I picked to write about baseball news stories.

So Catching Tales, named after one of my favorite musicians, jazz pianist Jamie Cullum's album title, captured the idea I was seeking.

Now, I'm going to continue using this title, but with a little different twist.

Catching Tales: trying to understand and share "tales" that are constantly around me that draw my heart-filled interest. Anything I hear or see that sparks my curiosity, from news stories, sermons, music lyrics, Bible studies, or even just conversations with friends.

Wish me luck!

Barry Bonds pleads not guilty

Friday, December 7, 2007

Career Home run king* Barry Bonds pleaded not guilty to four counts of perjury and one count of obstruction of justice for supposedly lying about the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

There is no date for a trial, but a status hearing was scheduled for Feb. 7, my birthday! How exciting. Bonds’ lawyer says his client is confident in his decision and that the justice system will bring a good outcome.

Even as Bonds left the court room building, he waved and signed autographs for waiting fans.

The case against Bonds has lasted four years, including the arrest of Bonds’ personal trainer for refusing to testify against Bonds. And it seems like it could continue another four years...Will a decision ever be made? And what will happen to his new records, will they be banished or saved?

The Giants have already notified Bonds that they will not consider bringing him back for a 16th season as a Giant.

Do you think anyone else will want to sign him? Yes, he may bring in fans because of his previous records, but does he have anything left? Or he may end up bringing in more “boo-ers” or non-fans because of his allegations.

I'm not sure any other team is going to pick him up. Certianly if one did, it would be an American League team choosing him as a designated batter. But I don't think anyone is even going to do that.

Any thoughts?

*Assuming he is innocent of his alleged steriod use, if he's guilty, I'm stripping that title away from him.

A-Rod earning more than ever?

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Alex Rodriguez, A-Rod, and the New York Yankees agreed to a record $275 million 10-year contract. A-Rod is on his way to possibly break Barry Bonds recent record of career home run record. As long as he keeps hitting homers and getting closer to that record, A-Rod could earn millions more.

It seems like some inside work was done for A-Rods contract amount to go up. Basically, A-Rod opted out of his last 3 seasons of his $252 million 10-year contract, but the Yankees would not increase it. Then, A-Rod contacted his friend who just happened to work with a wealth management company in which the Yankees have a close relationship with. She made some phone calls, the Yankees and A-Rod started talking and the proposal is underway. (Click the title of this blog to find out more).

The increase in pay is not official yet and still has to be looked over carefully in order to abide by sticky MLB rules.

Shame on A-Rod for thinking his $252 million paycheck isn’t enough. That’s $25.2 million a year. Did he really just ask for more? I know he’s talented and on his way to be a record-breaker, but that’s ridiculously selfish.

Now I just think less of A-Rod than I did before, I didn’t think much of him before.