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.

Can Mark McGuire make his way into the Hall of Fame?

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Former Cardinals player and season home-run record holder Mark McGuire is up for a spot in the Hall of Fame again this year. His numbers, especially his 1998 season home run record of 70 (soon to be broken in 2001 by Barry Bonds), seem like they could advance McGuire into the Hall of Fame, but his alleged use of steroids may keep him back.

In the 2007 vote, McGuire received only 23% of the needed 75% to advance into the Hall. So most say it will be no different this year because his innocence has not been proved.

If anything, his case has worsened. When being questioned by the committee investigating the allegations, McGuire continuously said he didn’t want to discuss the past. WHAT?

First of all, this made him see guilty as can be.
Secondly, he appeared arrogant.
Thirdly, that is the whole point of the investigation Mr. McGuire, to discuss YOUR past.

The Hall of Fame voters were not pleased, along with Congress who had to listen to McGuire say “I don’t want to discuss the past.” I just think there is no way McGuire is going to be invited into the Hall of Fame. It’s a shame with his amazing numbers, but there is also a chance he made the biggest no-no: using steroids.

I don’t think McGuire should be accepted into the Hall of Fame right now, or even be on the ballot this year, with the possibility he cheated by using steroids. I know there is the innocent until proven guilty concept, but to me, his words at his trial give me the guilty vibe (upon several other things like admitting to using an over-the-counter muscle enhancement and suddenly disappearing from baseball a few years after breaking the record).

Honestly, even if his trial ends and he is declared innocent, I think baseball fans still won’t want to see him in the Hall of Fame.

What does everyone else think? Should he be on the ballot now? If he’s declared innocent, does that change?

Glavine back with the Braves

Monday, November 19, 2007

Tom Glavine has just signed a one-year $8 million contract with his former team, the Atlanta Braves.

Glavine turned down $13 million with the Mets clearly indicating that he would rather play with his “home-team.” Home in the sense he played the majority of his career there and his wife and four children live in Atlanta.

Adding seasoned Glavine with the Braves’ pitchers John Smoltz and Tim Hudson will create a solid pitching rotation that I think will continuously provide wins. The Braves organization was looking for another pitcher who could provide regular quality innings, and I think they hit the jackpot.

Glavine has a career 303-199 record with just a 3.51 ERA. Glavine pitched with the Braves from 1987-2002, but has come full circle to return “home” to the Braves.

Although Glavine had a rough end of last years’ season, the Braves show full confidence in him and know that he will come through with a W. After all, he did complete at least 200 innings of 14 of the past16 seasons pitched.

Glavine is excited to get back close with his family and teammates whom he played so long with. Being a long-time Braves fan, I know fans will rejoice in having Glavine back. I know the first time he steps out on the mound at Turner Field wearing a Braves uniform again; fans will stand and cheer loudly at his return.

So Braves fans, dust off those Glavine shirts, you can wear them again!

Celebrate All Over Again With The Red Sox

Monday, November 12, 2007

Boston Red Sox fans or baseball fans in general, can now experience the wonderful moments from the season again. Major League Baseball and Shout Factory have produced a DVD that captures all the exciting moments from regular season and the post season all the way up until they won the championship.

The DVD is narrated by actor Matt Damon, Boston native and Red Sox fan that was itching to get the job.

The DVD will include moments like rookie Dustin Pedroia becoming the second player in history to lead off a World Series game 1 with a home run, amazing pitching of John Beckett, and the back-to-back-to-back homers in the American League Series.

The DVD will also feature some funnier moments of the Red Sox’ season like the famous gum prank done on Daisuke Matsuzaka moments before winning the championship and goofy dancing of pitcher Johnathan Papelbon to the song “I’m Shipping up to Boston.” It will also feature some interviews with players and coaches.

Red Sox fans, this DVD is supposed to be the best put out so far by MLB. It will be released November 27 for $19.99 and can be purchased online from MLB.

Torre Moves Across Nation

Friday, November 2, 2007

Joe Torre, who coached the powerful-high-payroll New York Yankees into the postseason 12 straight times, has left.

Baseball fans weren’t sure where he was going to go or even if he would get a job with another team…but of course he came out on top. Why wouldn’t he, he’s Joe Torre?

So Torre is the new coach of the LA Dodgers. He’ll be looking at a different ocean and in a different league (American to National now). Torre is fully convinced he will bring a world championship to LA.

Torre, the 8th all-time most winning manager with 2,067 wins, two-time manager of the year, and with four world championships, signed a three-year contract worth about $13 million.

The Yankees were known for big names and big salaries. Do you think Torre will bring that to the Dodgers or was that just a New York thing? I’m curious to how LA’s season will unfold…

Any predictions?

Can the Rockies Defeat One More Stat?

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Game four of the World Series is tonight with the Red Sox leading the series 3-0. If the Red Sox win tonight, they win it all.

The Red Sox have beaten the Rockies 2-1, 13-1, 10-5. Clearly, the Red Sox offense is beating, almost humiliating, the Rockies pitching.

Have the Rockies made it to the World Series by luck? Did they just somehow win the right amount of games at the end of the season and slip in the World Series?

Twenty-two teams have taken 3-0 leads in the World Series and all have gone to win the championship. Only three teams have avoided the sweep by winning game 4, but all ended up losing.

The Red Sox aren’t celebrating yet and the Rockies aren’t giving up yet.

So, can Colorado, the team that won 21 of their last 22 games and the team that swept their opponents in the first two postseason series, come back and win this series or has it just been luck?

They have overcome quite a lot this season, especially October, but is it enough to push them towards the championship?

What does everyone else think?

Come on Rockies, be the first to come back and win the World Series while losing 3-0.

Sox vs. Rox

Monday, October 22, 2007

The World Series is here: The Colorado Rockies against the Boston Red Sox.

The entire baseball season comes down to these next seven games.

The Rockies have overcome several statistics by winning 21 of their last 22 games. However, the Red Sox have also overcome by becoming only the 11th team to battle back and win a series where they were losing it 3-1 in a best of seven series.

Both teams are pumped and recognize the opponents’ solid abilities.

So, which team will continue winning and take the title of World Champions?
Time will tell and play begins on Wednesday, Oct. 24 at 8pm on FOX. Don’t miss it.

Also, for every stolen base in the World Series, Taco Bell is giving a free taco to every American. See these details of when and how to get those free tacos!

Rockies in first World Series ever

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

The Colorado Rockies swept the Arizona D-Backs in the fight for the National League title and a ticket to the World Series. The Rockies came out fighting and won the series 4-0.

Although Colorado was only four games above .500 on Sept. 15, the Rockies have won 21 of their last 22 games. The Rockies even had a playoff game against the Padres for the Wild Card spot for just the chance to play in the playoffs, a game they won in the bottom of the 13th inning. Clearly the odds are for the Rockies.

This team is definitely not finished playing yet.

Fans, announcers, and sports journalists thought it was impossible for the Rockies to have come this far with such ease. But this team is on a roll and I don’t think anyone can stop them now.

Check out the statistics the Rockies have overcome (along with dodging bottles thrown on the field from angry D-back fans):
-The fifth team in the last 70 years to go 21-1 in any part of the season.
-The first team to do that in the middle of October.
-The second team in history to sweep it first two postseason series.
-The fifth team of all time to make it from last place one season to World Series the next.
-The sixth team in history to fall nine games under .500 and come back to make it to the World Series.
-The first team ever to find itself two games out of a playoff spot with only two games to play and somehow survive and make it to the World Series.

So watch out Indians or Red Sox, these Rockies are solid and they aren’t giving up.

Yanks creamed by Indians?

Friday, October 5, 2007

Playoffs are here! The first meeting of the Cleveland Indians and New York Indians seemed predictable. Most think the Yankees will without a doubt beat the Indians, an unlikely team to even make it to the postseason.

The Yankees haven’t even lost a game to the Indians during the regular season, why would the now?

However, game surprised all baseball fans. The Yankees took a beating from the Indians and lost 13-2. Both teams had their aces on the mound. The Indians had C.C. Sabathia against Yankees veteran Chien-Ming Wang who struggled from the start of the game.

Despite all the statistics, Carmona, along with some great offense, won the first game of five.

Here’s the biggie: The Yankees payroll is about $200 million and the Indians’ only cost about $61.6 million. Despite the fact that the Yankees have some “big-name” players (including Derek Jeter and A-Rod) with some big money, the Indians played some old-fashioned ball and beat them.

The Indians weren’t scared of the names, statistics, or payroll. They went out there playing hard and came out winning.

Good job Indians. Show us fans and other teams it's not all about the money.

Mets Stumble Out of Playoffs and Phillies Slide In

Sunday, September 30, 2007

With ace-veteran Glavine on the mound, the Mets thought they would win and at least tie the Phillies in the National League East division for a chance at playoffs.

The Mets and Phillies began the last day of the regular season tied in the East division, both fighting for the chance to make the playoffs.

Earlier in the season, the Mets were seven games ahead of the Phillies and no one thought they could loose. But the Mets went downhill, big-time.

The Mets went through a slump their last 17 games winning only 5 and losing 12 while the Phillies caught up and went 13 and 3 in its final 16.

So, when the Mets lost Sunday 8-1 to the Marlins and the Phillies beat the Nationals 6-1, the Phillies earned a spot in the playoffs representing the East division.

The Phillies haven’t earned a spot in the playoffs since 1993, but their hard work paid off this year.

Although I am a Braves fan and disappointed that they did not make it to the playoffs, it sure makes me happy that the Phillies took advantage of the Mets’ slacking off to win the division.

Octoberfest is here! There is one more spot up for grabs: San Diego Padres and Colorado Rockies are fighting in a one-game battle for the National Leauge Wild Card spot...

Fans or Nonfans Decide on Bonds' 756 Homerun Ball

Friday, September 21, 2007

Whether you love or hate Barry Bonds, you can decide what happens to his “treasured” 756th homerun ball. Whether you think he did steriods which influenced his ability or whether you think he's innocent until proven guilty, you're in charge.

Matt Murphy, the man who endured kicking and shoving to get Bonds’ ball at the game, sold the ball to clothing designer Marc Ecko for $752,467. Ecko is letting fans now choose what happens to the ball, which he says now belongs to everyone.

Here are the choices:
A. Bestow It: Give the Ball to the Hall of Fame
B. Brand It: Put an asterisk on the ball with a branding iron and give it to the Hall of Fame.
C. Banish It: Put the ball on a rocket and launch it into outer space.

Ecko thinks baseball is about imagination, imagining hitting the big home run ball or making the game saving catch.

I totally agree, baseball is all about hopes and dreams that start with little kids playing tee-ball on a dusty field continuing to their first walk out onto the Big League field surrounded by 40,000 screaming fans hoping you make your dreams come true too.

Join all baseball fans and be a part of how this piece of history is remembered. So, it’s time for fans to figure out what’s going to happen to this ball. The only way to vote is at Ecko’s site.

Thome Soon Joining Exclusive Club

Friday, September 14, 2007

White Sox player Jim Thome is one homer away from joining the exclusive 500 homerun club. He would be only the 23rd player to reach 500.

Unlike Barry Bonds who said good luck and good riddance to the fan that caught his 756^th homerun ball, Thome has a special proposal for the fan that catches his. He won’t reveal the special surprise until Friday, September 14 when his team plays the Anaheim Angels.

Thome wants to deliver the 500^th homerun ball with his dad to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Thome’s unselfish attitude and love of baseball shows through how he wants this moment to be remembered. I think many baseball players would want to keep this record ball (which there is nothing wrong with), but Thome has the entire game of baseball in mind.

I’m sure no baseball fan will miss this moment. Usually, any televised baseball games will place another screen to show the all of Thome’s at bats until he hits it. You don’t want to miss it; it’s going to be special.

Swing away Thome, I’m rooting for you!

*Update* Thome hit No. 500 on September 16, in the bottom of the ninth against the LA Angels to give the White Sox a 9-7 victory at Cellular field, ironically, on Jim Thome Bobblehead Day.

Atlanta Braves Pumped Enough for Playoffs?

Thursday, September 6, 2007

The Atlanta Braves were one out away from losing their fifth game of the past six against their two top rivals, the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies.

However, Braves’ Matt Diaz had something different planned. With the Braves down 8-6, Braves’ Jeff Francoeur and Martin Prado raced to beat infield hits and get on base. Yunel Escobar then walked to load the bases for Diaz.

Diaz took a big swing and landed it just out of reach of Phillies outfielder Chris Robertson. Francoeur and Prado easily scored and Escobar sprinted home to beat the throw to home making the score Braves-9 Phillies-8.

As the Braves pulled out this important win I heard the announcer say, “Braves win! Braves win!” This sounded exactly like the announcer screaming the famous “Braves win” seven times during the1992 National League Championship Series when Braves’ Sid Bream was rounding third and just barely slid in safe sending the Braves to the World Series. It gave me goosebumps to hear it again.

After Escobar got up from home plate he was greeted with pushing and high-fives by the entire Braves team. After congratulating the runners, the team tackled Diaz, thrilled with the win.

The excitement shown by all Braves players while trampling, and hopefully not injuring, Matt Diaz will ignite a fire within the Braves. This much needed win (to stay even remotely close to participating in the playoffs) is key in the rest of the season’s games.

I think the Braves are going to pull this one out. This win is just what the Braves needed to pump up the team to get excited and serious about the next few series.

Of course it takes more than just excitement to win games and make the playoffs. But baseball is just as mental as physical. With the mindset and memory of Wednesday afternoon’s excitement and win, the Braves may have a more “conquering” and “optimistic” attitude that could lead them to win the majority of the upcoming series.

Both the Phillies and the Braves players and coaches were in disbelief that the Braves could overcome 5-0 and 8-2 leads that the Phillies had over the Braves during Wednesday’s game.

Why should anyone doubt that the Braves could overcome being behind the Mets by seven games for the National League East division or coming back from being five-and-a-half games back for the National League Wild Card?

I certainly believe they can do it.

Whether you consider yourself a baseball fan or not, this winning moment is still exciting.