Spring training is here! Yes! That means winter might be over soon ... maybe ... hopefully.
The Blue Jays pitchers and catchers reported on Wednesday, and the position players are trickling in. The off-season has been on the surface underwhelming without any big name additions, but that does not mean we can expect a repeat of last year’s disastrous season on the heels of two straight trip to the ALCS.
Let’s take a quick look at what the Jays have done:
Arrivals: Aledmys Diaz, Yangervis Solarte, Randal Grichuk, Curtis Granderson, Jaime Garcia
Departures: Jose Bautista, Dominic Leone, a bunch of really bad starting pitchers
Notable Spring Training Invitees: Al Alburquerque, John Axford, Craig Breslow
If there is one thing we learned last year, it is that depth matters. The Jays were decimated with injuries to various segments of the roster. They used fourteen starting pitchers last season (one year removed from using only seven .. SEVEN!), and Darwin Barney and Ryan Goins combined for over 800 plate appearances. Not a great strategy for a team competing for the post-season, especially when many of those starters sported ERAs north of 6.00.
The additions of Diaz and Solarte (and to a lesser extent Gift Ngoepe) give the Blue Jays some insulation up the middle which is paramount considering the fragility of Troy Tulowitzki and Devon Travis. As much as we would love to see both players play 140+ games, and get 500+ plate appearances, the stark reality is that the Blue Jays cannot seriously expect either player to reach those plateaus. Solarte and Diaz represent improvements over Barney and Goins, and while they may not be big splashes, both of these acquisitions addressed a major need for the club.
As far as addressing starting depth, the late addition of Garcia gives the Blue Jays five bona fide MLB starting pitchers, and, if healthy, one of the top rotations in the American League. Garcia isn’t Alex Cobb or Jake Arrieta, but he doesn’t have to be. The top four of Stroman, Sanchez, Estrada, and Happ can keep up with most other teams. Garcia is a fine number five starter who will eat some innings and hopefully give them a reasonable chance to win every fifth day. Adding that he is a lefty and had the fifth highest groundball rate in all of baseball last season makes him a fine addition to the back end of the rotation.
The addition of Garcia makes Joe Biagini’s situation much more interesting. He was pencilled in as the fifth starter, but the late addition of Garcia will change that. With Dominic Leone going to the Cardinals in the deal for Randal Grichuk, it may become more prudent to put Biagini back in the bullpen. I expect the Blue Jays will stretch him out in the spring and see what he can do as a starter. His fate will also undoubtedly be influenced by how well Axford, Alburquerque, and Breslow pitch. If any of those guys look like they can be effective in the bullpen then we may see Biagini in Buffalo to start the season as a starter.
The outfield is an interesting situation. Depth abounds with Grichuk, Granderson, Kevin Pillar, Steve Pearce, Ezequiel Carrera, Teoscar Hernandez, Anthony Alford, and Dalton Pompey all in the mix. As it stands right now, I would guess it will look something like Grichuk in right, Pillar in center, and a Pearce/Granderson platoon in left. Carrera could start with the Jays as the fifth outfielder, and Solarte could get some limited time there as well. As great as Hernandez and Alford have both looked with limited reps at the big league level, both will likely start the season in Buffalo for some seasoning, but either could easily take someone’s job at some point during the season. None of the projected starters have a history of injuries (with the possible exception of Pearce), but should there be any, the Blue Jays are in a good position to cover those.
Is anyone seeing a pattern here?
There are plenty of options on the infield as well. Diaz and Solarte as previously mentioned give the Jays insurance up the middle. Solarte can also spell Josh Donaldson at third. Justin Smoak will start at first with Pearce and (sigh) Morales able to step in. The one place the Jays have some uncertainty is behind the plate. Russ Martin is getting old, and catcher is the one position where the effects of age tend to be amplified. Luke Maile, while good defensively, leaves something to be desired as the backup catcher, and the Jays will likely be counting on him to catch at least 40-50 games this season. Danny Jansen and Reese Maguire will likely start in Buffalo and either could take Maile’s job if they perform well early in the season, but it would have been nice to see a MLB capable catcher backing up Martin.
The bullpen is another area where it would have been nice to see some more tangible improvements given that beyond Roberto Osuna, Ryan Tepera, and Aaron Loup, there not a lot of proven options. Even if Biagini ends up there as a multiple inning type guy, there are still a lot of unknowns. They are going to be counting on guys like Matt Dermody, Carlos Ramirez, Danny Barnes, or Tim Mayza, guys who have had some success in limited time. The good news is that finding bullpen guys can often be as easy as throwing a few guys into the fire, and seeing who can handle the heat. It also wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility to see one or two of Axford, Alburquerque, or Breslow contribute. Of all the places to simply roll the dice with what you have and hope for the best, the bullpen is probably the least perilous. A more reliable lefty like Tony Watson would have been nice, but cobbling together a bullpen isn’t terribly difficult over the course of a season.
So, to summarize, here’s how I project the Opening Day roster:
SP: Stroman, Sanchez, Estrada, Happ, Garcia
RP: Osuna, Tepera, Biagini, Loup, Breslow, Barnes, Ramirez
LF: Granderson/Pearce
CF: Pillar
RF: Grichuk
3B: Donaldson
SS: Tulowitzki
2B: Travis
1B: Smoak
C: Martin
DH: Morales
Bench: Solarte, Maile, Carrera
Although none of the additions jump out at you as being significant, I think the depth that has been added and the current talent puts the Jays in a position where they could compete for a wild card spot. Yes, there are a lot of ifs, probably the largest of which is the health of Aaron Sanchez. It isn’t hard to imagine that even 20 starts from a healthy Sanchez last season would have made a significant difference to the Blue Jays fate.
The other key I think is Devon Travis. Even though the Jays have insulated against another injury riddled season, Travis is one of the best hitters on this team when healthy. He has the potential to hit north of .300 and is really the only leadoff candidate that projects to be on the MLB roster.
Overall I think the Jays did improve this off-season. They added some good depth players and addressed some of the problems that plagued the club last off-season. Most importantly, they were able to do so without moving any of their top prospects. The added MLB depth will only help the team going forward, especially considering the injury history of some of their key players. I still think a better option behind Russ Martin will go a long way, and one or two more reliable bullpen arms would help solidify the late innings, although the bullpen arms could very well materialize over the course of the season.
This is going to be a very interesting season for the Blue Jays. I think they will be in the mix for a wild card spot, but in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline it’s going to be interesting to see how much confidence the front office has in this group if the team is in the dreaded middle ground 5-8 games out of a wild card spot. Do they pull the chute and get ready for the coming of Bo and Vlad Jr., or do they try to add pieces and go for it? Here's hoping we don't have to find out because the Jays are solidly in a post-season position.
I’m ready, bring on baseball!
(well, I'm always ready)
Monday, February 19, 2018
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
The Drive to the Rink
Saturday
5:45am
The alarm goes off. My eyes spring open and I quickly reach across to the night table, grab my phone, and after three tries, manage to shut the alarm off. I slowly roll to my right, swing my legs over the edge of the bed, and sit up. After a deep breath I stand up and stretch my arms before slowly making my way across my room to start getting dressed.
5:52am
I’m in the elevator. Bundled up in anticipation of the frigid temperatures sure to continue from the past few days, I’m on my way to the parking garage where I will get into my car, containing my hockey gear, and head to the rink for an early morning game of shinny.
The feeling of regret in the back of my mind for agreeing to play so early on a Saturday is largely drowned out by the anticipation of strapping on the pads and stopping some pucks.
I get into my car, start it up, and roll out of the parking garage.
5:58am
The neighbourhood Tim Horton’s is almost invariably a bustling hub, especially on a Saturday morning. It is not unusual for the line to be out the door, but on this trip I’m too early. While probably not really necessary, the pre-game coffee has become part of the routine this season. Because my ice times are either late at night or early in the morning, that extra jolt has become an expected part of the process.
The lady that always seems to be working calls me to the counter and I order my large dark roast, one cream and one sugar, hand over some money, and not a minute later it is ready and I’m on my way out.
6:06am
I’m on the highway. It is nearly deserted. While a bit disorienting, it is also relaxing cruising down the freeway with only a handful of cars in front of me. There’s a strange sense of calm that is never present when faced with the usual bumper to bumper traffic. I can say that I enjoy the drive to the rink for the 7am skate on Saturdays.
6:32am
I arrive at the rink. It’s been a while since I’ve played here and for a moment I can’t remember which side of the building the entrance is on. Then I see my friend’s dad waiting for me and park next to the other cars on the west side of the arena. I hoist my bag on my right shoulder, grab my stick and pads with my left hand, pick up my coffee with the right, and find my way into the arena and the dressing room.
6:35am
I’m a bit late, but it’s okay. Over the years I’ve settled on aiming to arrive at the rink 30 minutes before hitting the ice. When I make it, I feel relieved. I feel like I have all the time in the world. I can take my time. When I don’t make it, I feel rushed, like I’m in the middle of a race. I only really need about ten minutes to get my gear on and get on the ice, but there is something about being there early, chatting with the guys, cracking jokes. It allows me to relax my mind before I play.
The usual dressing room banter is in full force when I sit down on an empty section of the bench on the left side of the narrow room. I mostly keep quiet since it has been a long time since I’ve played with these guys, most of whom I don’t fully recognize. I sip away at my coffee and slowly put my gear on. Jock. Knee pads. Pants. Left skate. Right skate. Left pad. Right pad. I stop there for a few minutes, lightly stretching out my hamstrings as I continue to listen to what’s going on around me.
6:52am
It seems like a long time has passed, but it’s only been a few minutes. The first few guys fully dressed grab their sticks and leave the room. It’s time. I put on the last of my equipment, chest protector, sweater, catching glove, blocker, mask, then grab my water bottle and stick, and head to the ice.
It’s a short walk, made a bit awkward by the flat blades of my goalie skates, but it’s a maneuver I’ve become pretty good at. As I approach the door I see there are six or seven guys and the other goalie skating around the ice. I get to the door, push off my right foot still on solid ground and glide onto the fresh ice on my left.
6:58am
Most of the guys are on the ice now, skating, shooting pucks, stretching. I’m finishing my skating drills along the boards on the far side of the rink just barely on my side of center. I’ve done two laps, tossed my water bottle on top of the net, and gone through my usual stretches. It’s all very ritualistic, but in the past few years I’ve purposely tried to alter the sequence just a little. It helps me to relax not thinking about doing everything in the same order and prevents me from getting uptight if the routine is somehow interrupted. Just get it done.
I start with a quick push to my left and quickly stop, then back to the right again. I repeat this five or six times, focusing on keeping my elbows tight to my body and altering my stance as little as possible as I move. That’s been the focus this season, keeping my arms tight to my body as I move. No goals through me I’ve been telling myself.
Then I angle out a little bit, take two C cuts backwards and butterfly slide to my right, again focusing on maintaining proper position with my arms and keeping my butterfly tight. I repeat it on the other side. I keep going until I’m satisfied, then get in the net.
7:06am
Warmups are done. The extra pucks have been tucked into the back of the net. The teams have been evened out. The extra guys are on the bench. It’s time to go.
I take one last gulp of water, turn to center ice, tap the shaft of my goalie stick against the crossbar then my right elbow, clap my blocker and catching glove together, skate to the top of my crease and fall into my ready stance. The puck is dropped and the game starts.
Any fatigue I felt at getting up early or driving to the rink is gone. Any wandering thoughts that were floating around in my head are gone. My focus is completely on the black rubber disc sliding along the ice and keeping it from entering the net behind me. I follow it with my eyes as it goes from stick to stick in the other end while leaning against the center of the crossbar, and then spring into action as soon as it crosses the centerline. Without any conscious thought my body moves to follow it around our zone, trying to stay square and on angle.
7:11am
We’re about five minutes in, and it has quickly become very clear that I need to speed up a bit. My usual Thursday game doesn’t move quite this fast. After a second goal on a rebound that I was a bit slow reacting to, it’s painfully obvious.
“I can't cheat, not even a little” I tell myself. “I gotta be ready as quickly as I can and I need to react as quickly as I can.”
It’s been a while since I’ve played in a game this fast. But I know I can do it.
7:29am
I’m almost halfway. I’ve settled in with some good saves and proper plays on routine shots. I’m starting to remember some of the tendencies. The guy in the old Leafs jersey who’s not quite as good with the puck as he thinks he is. The guy who can skate like the wind. The guy with the quick release on his shot. I start remembering and it reassures me a bit.
7:48am
The game is nearly done. Tired defenseman are half a second slower while the guy who hasn’t scored yet is half a second faster and a bit more tenacious. The chances are a bit more frequent, but I hang in there. Someone yells out the score after a goal on a broken down play. I’m not really interested. When I walked into the rink my main goal was to not hurt myself. I’m about five minutes away from reaching that.
I’ve made some good saves. I’ve had a couple of goals I’d like back. But after I had adjusted to the speed of the game I felt like I played pretty well.
8:04am
I trudge through the narrow dressing room back to my spot. My mask and gloves come off immediately followed quickly by my sweater and chest protector. I arrange them in my bag and sit down.
The trash talk begins: reminders of missed scoring opportunities and accusations of goondom after an inadvertent trip, all in jest. I sit quietly and smile.
I go back over the game in my head quickly and reassure myself that I had a good game. I feel good.
Sometimes I don’t have good games. I don’t like the feeling I get after those games, but as I’ve gotten older I’ve learned to accept that those games are going to happen. I don’t let them get to me like I used to.
I stretch out my legs a bit, then start taking off my equipment: left pad, right pad, left skate, right skate, pants, knee pads, jock. I drink some water and stretch a bit more before getting dressed. Some of the guys linger for a bit, but I take off once I’m ready after a chorus of “Hey man, thanks for coming out” rings through the room.
8:22am
I’m on the road again, this time retracing my path and heading home. The highway is still pretty deserted. The sun isn’t quite up yet. My thoughts again turn to why. Why on earth would I get up so early to play hockey? There’s the practical reason. It’s great exercise, but I can get exercise any number of ways. Why hockey? Is it because I’ve always played hockey? Nah, that’s not it, not quite.
Is it the challenge? The mental challenge of staying focused on a black puck? The physical challenge of making the correct movements with many different parts of my body to be in position to make the save? The challenge of overcoming that tiny, but ever present fear that the next shot might find a chink in the armor and hurt? There are few things that challenge me the way goaltending challenges me. Few things challenge me as completely as goaltending challenges me.
Yep, I think that’s it. That’s why I get up at 5:45am and drive to the rink.
5:45am
The alarm goes off. My eyes spring open and I quickly reach across to the night table, grab my phone, and after three tries, manage to shut the alarm off. I slowly roll to my right, swing my legs over the edge of the bed, and sit up. After a deep breath I stand up and stretch my arms before slowly making my way across my room to start getting dressed.
5:52am
I’m in the elevator. Bundled up in anticipation of the frigid temperatures sure to continue from the past few days, I’m on my way to the parking garage where I will get into my car, containing my hockey gear, and head to the rink for an early morning game of shinny.
The feeling of regret in the back of my mind for agreeing to play so early on a Saturday is largely drowned out by the anticipation of strapping on the pads and stopping some pucks.
I get into my car, start it up, and roll out of the parking garage.
5:58am
The neighbourhood Tim Horton’s is almost invariably a bustling hub, especially on a Saturday morning. It is not unusual for the line to be out the door, but on this trip I’m too early. While probably not really necessary, the pre-game coffee has become part of the routine this season. Because my ice times are either late at night or early in the morning, that extra jolt has become an expected part of the process.
The lady that always seems to be working calls me to the counter and I order my large dark roast, one cream and one sugar, hand over some money, and not a minute later it is ready and I’m on my way out.
6:06am
I’m on the highway. It is nearly deserted. While a bit disorienting, it is also relaxing cruising down the freeway with only a handful of cars in front of me. There’s a strange sense of calm that is never present when faced with the usual bumper to bumper traffic. I can say that I enjoy the drive to the rink for the 7am skate on Saturdays.
6:32am
I arrive at the rink. It’s been a while since I’ve played here and for a moment I can’t remember which side of the building the entrance is on. Then I see my friend’s dad waiting for me and park next to the other cars on the west side of the arena. I hoist my bag on my right shoulder, grab my stick and pads with my left hand, pick up my coffee with the right, and find my way into the arena and the dressing room.
6:35am
I’m a bit late, but it’s okay. Over the years I’ve settled on aiming to arrive at the rink 30 minutes before hitting the ice. When I make it, I feel relieved. I feel like I have all the time in the world. I can take my time. When I don’t make it, I feel rushed, like I’m in the middle of a race. I only really need about ten minutes to get my gear on and get on the ice, but there is something about being there early, chatting with the guys, cracking jokes. It allows me to relax my mind before I play.
The usual dressing room banter is in full force when I sit down on an empty section of the bench on the left side of the narrow room. I mostly keep quiet since it has been a long time since I’ve played with these guys, most of whom I don’t fully recognize. I sip away at my coffee and slowly put my gear on. Jock. Knee pads. Pants. Left skate. Right skate. Left pad. Right pad. I stop there for a few minutes, lightly stretching out my hamstrings as I continue to listen to what’s going on around me.
6:52am
It seems like a long time has passed, but it’s only been a few minutes. The first few guys fully dressed grab their sticks and leave the room. It’s time. I put on the last of my equipment, chest protector, sweater, catching glove, blocker, mask, then grab my water bottle and stick, and head to the ice.
It’s a short walk, made a bit awkward by the flat blades of my goalie skates, but it’s a maneuver I’ve become pretty good at. As I approach the door I see there are six or seven guys and the other goalie skating around the ice. I get to the door, push off my right foot still on solid ground and glide onto the fresh ice on my left.
6:58am
Most of the guys are on the ice now, skating, shooting pucks, stretching. I’m finishing my skating drills along the boards on the far side of the rink just barely on my side of center. I’ve done two laps, tossed my water bottle on top of the net, and gone through my usual stretches. It’s all very ritualistic, but in the past few years I’ve purposely tried to alter the sequence just a little. It helps me to relax not thinking about doing everything in the same order and prevents me from getting uptight if the routine is somehow interrupted. Just get it done.
I start with a quick push to my left and quickly stop, then back to the right again. I repeat this five or six times, focusing on keeping my elbows tight to my body and altering my stance as little as possible as I move. That’s been the focus this season, keeping my arms tight to my body as I move. No goals through me I’ve been telling myself.
Then I angle out a little bit, take two C cuts backwards and butterfly slide to my right, again focusing on maintaining proper position with my arms and keeping my butterfly tight. I repeat it on the other side. I keep going until I’m satisfied, then get in the net.
7:06am
Warmups are done. The extra pucks have been tucked into the back of the net. The teams have been evened out. The extra guys are on the bench. It’s time to go.
I take one last gulp of water, turn to center ice, tap the shaft of my goalie stick against the crossbar then my right elbow, clap my blocker and catching glove together, skate to the top of my crease and fall into my ready stance. The puck is dropped and the game starts.
Any fatigue I felt at getting up early or driving to the rink is gone. Any wandering thoughts that were floating around in my head are gone. My focus is completely on the black rubber disc sliding along the ice and keeping it from entering the net behind me. I follow it with my eyes as it goes from stick to stick in the other end while leaning against the center of the crossbar, and then spring into action as soon as it crosses the centerline. Without any conscious thought my body moves to follow it around our zone, trying to stay square and on angle.
7:11am
We’re about five minutes in, and it has quickly become very clear that I need to speed up a bit. My usual Thursday game doesn’t move quite this fast. After a second goal on a rebound that I was a bit slow reacting to, it’s painfully obvious.
“I can't cheat, not even a little” I tell myself. “I gotta be ready as quickly as I can and I need to react as quickly as I can.”
It’s been a while since I’ve played in a game this fast. But I know I can do it.
7:29am
I’m almost halfway. I’ve settled in with some good saves and proper plays on routine shots. I’m starting to remember some of the tendencies. The guy in the old Leafs jersey who’s not quite as good with the puck as he thinks he is. The guy who can skate like the wind. The guy with the quick release on his shot. I start remembering and it reassures me a bit.
7:48am
The game is nearly done. Tired defenseman are half a second slower while the guy who hasn’t scored yet is half a second faster and a bit more tenacious. The chances are a bit more frequent, but I hang in there. Someone yells out the score after a goal on a broken down play. I’m not really interested. When I walked into the rink my main goal was to not hurt myself. I’m about five minutes away from reaching that.
I’ve made some good saves. I’ve had a couple of goals I’d like back. But after I had adjusted to the speed of the game I felt like I played pretty well.
8:04am
I trudge through the narrow dressing room back to my spot. My mask and gloves come off immediately followed quickly by my sweater and chest protector. I arrange them in my bag and sit down.
The trash talk begins: reminders of missed scoring opportunities and accusations of goondom after an inadvertent trip, all in jest. I sit quietly and smile.
I go back over the game in my head quickly and reassure myself that I had a good game. I feel good.
Sometimes I don’t have good games. I don’t like the feeling I get after those games, but as I’ve gotten older I’ve learned to accept that those games are going to happen. I don’t let them get to me like I used to.
I stretch out my legs a bit, then start taking off my equipment: left pad, right pad, left skate, right skate, pants, knee pads, jock. I drink some water and stretch a bit more before getting dressed. Some of the guys linger for a bit, but I take off once I’m ready after a chorus of “Hey man, thanks for coming out” rings through the room.
8:22am
I’m on the road again, this time retracing my path and heading home. The highway is still pretty deserted. The sun isn’t quite up yet. My thoughts again turn to why. Why on earth would I get up so early to play hockey? There’s the practical reason. It’s great exercise, but I can get exercise any number of ways. Why hockey? Is it because I’ve always played hockey? Nah, that’s not it, not quite.
Is it the challenge? The mental challenge of staying focused on a black puck? The physical challenge of making the correct movements with many different parts of my body to be in position to make the save? The challenge of overcoming that tiny, but ever present fear that the next shot might find a chink in the armor and hurt? There are few things that challenge me the way goaltending challenges me. Few things challenge me as completely as goaltending challenges me.
Yep, I think that’s it. That’s why I get up at 5:45am and drive to the rink.
Thursday, July 14, 2016
Timmy
I'm a few days late on this, but, what a bittersweet day for the NBA on Monday. The Big Fun(damental), my basketball idol, Tim Duncan announced
his retirement from the NBA.
I was probably about 13, a big, awkward aspiring power forward who could rebound like a boss and little else. It was during the 8th grade when I had finally managed to crack the school team that I discovered Tim while he was playing college ball at Wake Forest. I was captivated by him, his dominant and fundamentally sound low post game, his defense, even his signature bankshot from the wing. I watched every Wake Forest game I could find that season. He was the player I tried to emulate as best I could. He was the player I wanted to be.
Then everyone else started growing, I stopped, and before I knew it I was a combo guard that couldn't dribble or shoot the ball. So I tried to be more like Jason Kidd, I ended up being more like Charles Barkley and, well, my playing days kinda stagnated for a while. I learned to shoot and dribble just in time for intermurals in university and ever since I've played here and there where I could. Even though I've become more of a perimeter playmaker, defense first, spot up shooter type of player, I still get a bit excited when it turns out I'm one of the two biggest guys on the team.
As a youngster, I admired Tim's basketball skills. His defense, his shot blocking ability, his low post game that few could contain. I admired his accolades on the court, and the fact he is unquestionably one of the greatest basketball players of all time. On top of that is his longevity. He played 19 seasons and retired when he was 40 years old, unheard of for an NBA player, much less a 7 footer. When I broke out my Duncan jersey Monday, I quickly realized that there was no way I could wear it, it was at least two sizes too big. Just goes to show you how long he's been in the league. That jersey once fit pretty well, and it's been a long, long time since I was fat (hard to believe, but I was).
As I got older, I grew to admire the things that truly make Tim great. His selflessness, his unwavering desire to put the team first and do what ever he needed to do in order to win. I admired the way that he led by example, and the fact that he did all of this with a quiet dignity that we may never see again.
There was a story I remembered reading a few years ago that resurfaced on Monday that not only sums up the kind of player Tim was, but the kind of person he was. It comes from Etan Thomas and goes something like this:
"Here is my Tim Duncan story.
So we're playing the Spurs and I get the ball in the post. I inside pivot and sweep to the middle for my jump hook and he blocks it. So as we are running down the court, he says to me, 'That was a good move, but you have to get more into my body so you can either draw the foul or I can't block it.'
So I didn't know if he was talking noise or what so just kind of looked at him confused and said, 'OK'. Then, a few plays later I did it again - got more into his body and he couldn't block it. I missed the shot and he looked at me and said 'Much better,' and kept playing. I remember calling my boy Zee Chilton and telling him this story lol. Tim Duncan is honestly one of the nicest guys in the NBA and one of the best power forwards ever. Respect."
I remember being absolutely dumbfounded when I read this. Giving tips in the heat of competition, to someone you are trying to beat? It is one of those things I think only Tim would do. I can't begin to imagine just how great it must have been to play alongside Tim if he was giving tips to a young opponent as the game is going on. This story is absolutely amazing, and I'm sure there all kinds of others like it.
There was nothing flashy about Tim Duncan or the way he played. He just went and played the game. There was no farewell circus and no big presser to announce it. I'm sure nobody was surprised. Just a statement released by the Spurs as he quietly and fittingly moved on to life after basketball in true Tim Duncan fashion.
So long Timmy, the basketball world will surely miss you.
-matt
I was probably about 13, a big, awkward aspiring power forward who could rebound like a boss and little else. It was during the 8th grade when I had finally managed to crack the school team that I discovered Tim while he was playing college ball at Wake Forest. I was captivated by him, his dominant and fundamentally sound low post game, his defense, even his signature bankshot from the wing. I watched every Wake Forest game I could find that season. He was the player I tried to emulate as best I could. He was the player I wanted to be.
Then everyone else started growing, I stopped, and before I knew it I was a combo guard that couldn't dribble or shoot the ball. So I tried to be more like Jason Kidd, I ended up being more like Charles Barkley and, well, my playing days kinda stagnated for a while. I learned to shoot and dribble just in time for intermurals in university and ever since I've played here and there where I could. Even though I've become more of a perimeter playmaker, defense first, spot up shooter type of player, I still get a bit excited when it turns out I'm one of the two biggest guys on the team.
As a youngster, I admired Tim's basketball skills. His defense, his shot blocking ability, his low post game that few could contain. I admired his accolades on the court, and the fact he is unquestionably one of the greatest basketball players of all time. On top of that is his longevity. He played 19 seasons and retired when he was 40 years old, unheard of for an NBA player, much less a 7 footer. When I broke out my Duncan jersey Monday, I quickly realized that there was no way I could wear it, it was at least two sizes too big. Just goes to show you how long he's been in the league. That jersey once fit pretty well, and it's been a long, long time since I was fat (hard to believe, but I was).
As I got older, I grew to admire the things that truly make Tim great. His selflessness, his unwavering desire to put the team first and do what ever he needed to do in order to win. I admired the way that he led by example, and the fact that he did all of this with a quiet dignity that we may never see again.
There was a story I remembered reading a few years ago that resurfaced on Monday that not only sums up the kind of player Tim was, but the kind of person he was. It comes from Etan Thomas and goes something like this:
"Here is my Tim Duncan story.
So we're playing the Spurs and I get the ball in the post. I inside pivot and sweep to the middle for my jump hook and he blocks it. So as we are running down the court, he says to me, 'That was a good move, but you have to get more into my body so you can either draw the foul or I can't block it.'
So I didn't know if he was talking noise or what so just kind of looked at him confused and said, 'OK'. Then, a few plays later I did it again - got more into his body and he couldn't block it. I missed the shot and he looked at me and said 'Much better,' and kept playing. I remember calling my boy Zee Chilton and telling him this story lol. Tim Duncan is honestly one of the nicest guys in the NBA and one of the best power forwards ever. Respect."
I remember being absolutely dumbfounded when I read this. Giving tips in the heat of competition, to someone you are trying to beat? It is one of those things I think only Tim would do. I can't begin to imagine just how great it must have been to play alongside Tim if he was giving tips to a young opponent as the game is going on. This story is absolutely amazing, and I'm sure there all kinds of others like it.
There was nothing flashy about Tim Duncan or the way he played. He just went and played the game. There was no farewell circus and no big presser to announce it. I'm sure nobody was surprised. Just a statement released by the Spurs as he quietly and fittingly moved on to life after basketball in true Tim Duncan fashion.
So long Timmy, the basketball world will surely miss you.
-matt
Saturday, April 9, 2016
Second and Third Thoughts on Slides
During the postseason, I and many others wrote about takeout slides after Chase Utley broke Ruben Tejada's leg. It became a pretty hot topic around baseball. MLB, wisely, sought to protect its players from serious injury and changed the rules governing slides at seconds during double play attempts. On paper it sounded reasonable.
It didn't take long before it turned into something of a nightmare.
In the Blue Jays third game of the season, they were down 3-2 in the top of the 9th. They loaded the bases with one out when Edwin Encarnacion hit a bouncer to third. Even Longoria backed up, took the big hop and fired to second. Logan Forsythe took the throw, stepped to the infield side of second, and turned to fire to first with Jose Bautista bearing down on him. As Bautista slid towards the base, Forsythe uncorked a wild throw that one hopped first after Encarnacion was already across the base, and ended up in the Rays' dugout. The tying run scored on the play, and with the ball out of play, Josh Donaldson who started on second was awarded home. That put the Jays up 4-3 with runners on 2nd and 3rd and two out.
But wait. The Rays challenged the play.
Oh shit, I thought, was Bautista's slide legal? Was this going to be the first time we see someone called out on the new slide rule? Is it going to cost the Blue Jays a chance at winning the game?
In real time, I thought the slide was good, but as soon as they showed the replay from the first base camera I suspected there was going to be trouble as it was clear that Bautista, almost certainly intentionally, stuck his left arm out and made contact with Forsythe's leg.
As I suspected, the call on the field was overturned, and both Bautista and Encarnacion were called out on interference. Game over, 3-2 Rays.
This brings me to my second thought on takeout slides: WHAT THE FUCK? How can you call him out on that? He barely touched him!
I have to admit that had this not prevented the Blue Jays from taking the lead and possibly winning the game, my reaction likely would have been tempered. After some objective thought and looking more carefully at the explanation later given by MLB, I realized and accepted that the call was correct according to the new rules, and even under the old ones. Last year you could barrel roll into a fielder, but I don't think you could stick your arm out.
Just when the backlash died down a few days later, it happened again. Not just the new slide rule being called, but a game ending because of it. The Astros were trailing the Brewers 6-4 in the top of the 9th with one out and threatening to score. On a ground ball up the middle, Colby Rasmus slid well past second base as the Brewers got the force at second, with no attempt to throw to first. The umpire immediately called both him and Jose Altuve out on runner's interference. The Astros challenged, the call was upheld, and the game ended.
Twice. In the first week of the season. Games ended on the so-called Chase Utley rule. Could it have been any worse?
And so here we are, in the midst of a minor crisis. How do they fix this? Do they change it? Do they scrap the new rule entirely and just call the old ones (which they generally didn't)?
For those who are unaware, here is the now infamous Rule 6.01(j):
(j) (7.14) Sliding to Bases on Double Play Attempts
If a runner does not engage in a bona fide slide, and initiates (or attempts to make) contact with the fielder for the purpose of breaking up a double play, he should be called for interference under this Rule 6.01. A “bona fide slide” for purposes of Rule 6.01 occurs when the runner:
(1) begins his slide (i.e., makes contact with the ground) before reaching the base;
(2) is able and attempts to reach the base with his hand or foot;
(3) is able and attempts to remain on the base (except home plate) after completion of the slide; and
(4) slides within reach of the base without changing his pathway for the purpose of initiating contact with a fielder.
This brings me to my third thought on takeout slides that was very much like my first: if the player is theoretically trying to get to the base before the throw, then MAKE them get to the base. I think the new rule above is good, but the part about remaining on the base, to me anyway, is unnecessary and is the root of the problem. I don't really have a problem with runners sliding past the base as long as they touch it first. In doing that, they risk being tagged out if the fielder drops the ball, so I don't really see a problem with it as long as the other criteria outlined are met.
An alternative is to go to the unwritten softball rule in leagues where sliding is permitted which is to slide straight into the base. I think there is merit in this because the predictable path of the runner makes it easy for middle infielders to avoid contact and easy for the umpires to judge if the runner is intentionally trying to interfere with the fielder turning the double play. This is also in line with my theory that if the runner is trying to get to the base before the throw, then they should actually touch the base.
I doubt MLB will get to this point any time soon. I think there is an appetite to maintain at least some possibility of preserving one of the few physical confrontations possible on the baseball field, but who knows. Maybe the rules will become so murky and difficult to judge that they have to go with what I think is the simplest solution to the problem.
And problems with new rules isn't really new. When MLB introduced new rules attempting to curb collisions on plays at home plate, there were problems with it initially. After the uproar from players and fans and reporters, MLB made the necessary adjustments and clarifications, and the players eventually adjusted.
Two games were prematurely ended on this rule, and MLB is going to have to do something about it. Whether it be changing the rule or simply providing a clearer explanation of what is and isn't a bona fide slide, it is going to be interesting in the next few days to see what happens.
-matt
It didn't take long before it turned into something of a nightmare.
In the Blue Jays third game of the season, they were down 3-2 in the top of the 9th. They loaded the bases with one out when Edwin Encarnacion hit a bouncer to third. Even Longoria backed up, took the big hop and fired to second. Logan Forsythe took the throw, stepped to the infield side of second, and turned to fire to first with Jose Bautista bearing down on him. As Bautista slid towards the base, Forsythe uncorked a wild throw that one hopped first after Encarnacion was already across the base, and ended up in the Rays' dugout. The tying run scored on the play, and with the ball out of play, Josh Donaldson who started on second was awarded home. That put the Jays up 4-3 with runners on 2nd and 3rd and two out.
But wait. The Rays challenged the play.
Oh shit, I thought, was Bautista's slide legal? Was this going to be the first time we see someone called out on the new slide rule? Is it going to cost the Blue Jays a chance at winning the game?
In real time, I thought the slide was good, but as soon as they showed the replay from the first base camera I suspected there was going to be trouble as it was clear that Bautista, almost certainly intentionally, stuck his left arm out and made contact with Forsythe's leg.
As I suspected, the call on the field was overturned, and both Bautista and Encarnacion were called out on interference. Game over, 3-2 Rays.
This brings me to my second thought on takeout slides: WHAT THE FUCK? How can you call him out on that? He barely touched him!
I have to admit that had this not prevented the Blue Jays from taking the lead and possibly winning the game, my reaction likely would have been tempered. After some objective thought and looking more carefully at the explanation later given by MLB, I realized and accepted that the call was correct according to the new rules, and even under the old ones. Last year you could barrel roll into a fielder, but I don't think you could stick your arm out.
Just when the backlash died down a few days later, it happened again. Not just the new slide rule being called, but a game ending because of it. The Astros were trailing the Brewers 6-4 in the top of the 9th with one out and threatening to score. On a ground ball up the middle, Colby Rasmus slid well past second base as the Brewers got the force at second, with no attempt to throw to first. The umpire immediately called both him and Jose Altuve out on runner's interference. The Astros challenged, the call was upheld, and the game ended.
Twice. In the first week of the season. Games ended on the so-called Chase Utley rule. Could it have been any worse?
And so here we are, in the midst of a minor crisis. How do they fix this? Do they change it? Do they scrap the new rule entirely and just call the old ones (which they generally didn't)?
For those who are unaware, here is the now infamous Rule 6.01(j):
(j) (7.14) Sliding to Bases on Double Play Attempts
If a runner does not engage in a bona fide slide, and initiates (or attempts to make) contact with the fielder for the purpose of breaking up a double play, he should be called for interference under this Rule 6.01. A “bona fide slide” for purposes of Rule 6.01 occurs when the runner:
(1) begins his slide (i.e., makes contact with the ground) before reaching the base;
(2) is able and attempts to reach the base with his hand or foot;
(3) is able and attempts to remain on the base (except home plate) after completion of the slide; and
(4) slides within reach of the base without changing his pathway for the purpose of initiating contact with a fielder.
This brings me to my third thought on takeout slides that was very much like my first: if the player is theoretically trying to get to the base before the throw, then MAKE them get to the base. I think the new rule above is good, but the part about remaining on the base, to me anyway, is unnecessary and is the root of the problem. I don't really have a problem with runners sliding past the base as long as they touch it first. In doing that, they risk being tagged out if the fielder drops the ball, so I don't really see a problem with it as long as the other criteria outlined are met.
An alternative is to go to the unwritten softball rule in leagues where sliding is permitted which is to slide straight into the base. I think there is merit in this because the predictable path of the runner makes it easy for middle infielders to avoid contact and easy for the umpires to judge if the runner is intentionally trying to interfere with the fielder turning the double play. This is also in line with my theory that if the runner is trying to get to the base before the throw, then they should actually touch the base.
I doubt MLB will get to this point any time soon. I think there is an appetite to maintain at least some possibility of preserving one of the few physical confrontations possible on the baseball field, but who knows. Maybe the rules will become so murky and difficult to judge that they have to go with what I think is the simplest solution to the problem.
And problems with new rules isn't really new. When MLB introduced new rules attempting to curb collisions on plays at home plate, there were problems with it initially. After the uproar from players and fans and reporters, MLB made the necessary adjustments and clarifications, and the players eventually adjusted.
Two games were prematurely ended on this rule, and MLB is going to have to do something about it. Whether it be changing the rule or simply providing a clearer explanation of what is and isn't a bona fide slide, it is going to be interesting in the next few days to see what happens.
-matt
Thursday, March 3, 2016
A New Way to Use Your Head
Now here's one I never thought I would see, someone using their head to block a dunk. It happened, sort of. Jameel McKay of the Iowa State Cyclones, which had already victimized Oklahoma St with a few vicious dunks, cut across the lane past one defender and looked ready to throw down a dunk over the help defender Anthony Allen who was late getting over.
Now I must say, I love this play, it's hilarious, but I do have a few questions:
1. How in the hell is that not goaltending (which was not called by the referees, play continued. No, I'm not making this up)?
2. If it is not goaltending, how in the hell is it not a blocked shot (the Allen was not credited with a block)?
Hey, considering how this college basketball season has gone down, I can't say the weirdness of this play surprises me all that much. It's actually quite fitting.
-matt
Now I must say, I love this play, it's hilarious, but I do have a few questions:
1. How in the hell is that not goaltending (which was not called by the referees, play continued. No, I'm not making this up)?
2. If it is not goaltending, how in the hell is it not a blocked shot (the Allen was not credited with a block)?
Hey, considering how this college basketball season has gone down, I can't say the weirdness of this play surprises me all that much. It's actually quite fitting.
-matt
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Blue Jays Spring Training Day One: The Circus Has Arrived!
Pitchers and catchers report. Music to my ears.
Well, kind of. Generally speaking it means spring is getting close, but not quite there yet. It's kind of a tease. Is it really exciting hearing about how great R.A. Dickey felt after playing catch with Josh Thole? No. Is it really that exciting watching videos of Marcus Stroman doing PFP? No. All the first day of spring training really means is that baseball is almost around the corner.
Well, not this year. There was a lot more to Day One this time around than the flood of photos on twitter of every single one of the Blue Jays pitchers throwing 25 pitches off the mound at about 60% effort. A full blown circus broke out when some reporters decided it was a good idea to ask Jose Bautista about his contract status.
Bautista stated that he and his representatives gave the Blue Jays management, in no uncertain terms, exactly the contract length and money that would be required for him to sign an extension with the Blue Jays, and that those numbers were not negotiable. He went on to state that this meeting took place roughly two weeks ago, presumably when Bautista was in Toronto for the NBA All-Star Game, and that he had not spoken to management about it since. He talked about home town discounts, and budgets, and basically took aim at ownership, challenging them to meet his terms.
In essence, he gave them an ultimatum.
Now I would like to say that even though I've never really liked Bautista as a player, mostly due to his childish antics every time he is called out on strikes and his seemingly arrogant attitude, I do have a lot of respect not only for his skills on the field (if I had a cannon for an arm like his ...) but also because of his smarts on and off the field. He's very involved in the player's union, and when you think about all the endorsement money he's bringing in, it's obvious he is smart and has surrounded himself with smart people. He knows the game and more importantly he knows the business. I have no problem with a smart guy like him sitting down and crunching some numbers, figuring out precisely what he believes he is worth, and I have no doubt that he consulted with people who could corroborate his conclusions. This could be his only chance to go to free agency, so I don't blame him for a second for trying to maximize his return. I don't have a problem with him taking those numbers to Blue Jays management and saying take it or leave it.
The problem I have is his going to the media. Yes, some reporter asked the question, but he didn't have to give all the gory details about what had transpired between himself and management. He easily could have given the cliche "We talked about an extension and had a very good discussion about it, but we aren't really close to anything right now" (you know, the answer that no one wants to hear), but he didn't, he chose to get right into details. Remember how I said Bautista is very smart? That was not a mistake on his part. We can't be certain of his motives, but from my perspective as a fan it seems to me like he's trying to cast ownership as the bad guy here.
I'm 100% convinced that if management met his demands (whatever they may be) tomorrow, he would sign a contract, but I'm also certain that those demands are not something the Blue Jays are going to jump at. I'm sure Bautista knows this, afterall he has been with this organization for a long time and knows how they operate. So now, at season's end, he can shrug his shoulders, say to the fans "Hey I tried. I told management what they needed to do and they chose not to do it", and waltz off into unrestricted free agency where you know someone is going to give him the 5 year $125-$150 million contract I suspect he is looking for, emphasis on suspect. I don't know what he asked for, and I won't pretend, that's just what I think he probably asked for.
And it's working. Peruse message boards, twitter, comment sections and you'll see scores of fans screaming "PAY THE MAN!!!". Like I said, he's a smart guy.
Oh, and then later in the day there was the trade for Jay Bruce that got everyone all riled up and debating about whether he was actually an upgrade over Michael Saunders, only to have the trade fall through. Yeah, that one was kind of weird.
All in all, it was a very eventful and bizarre opening day to Spring Training. I wonder if it's a sign of things to come.
-matt
Well, kind of. Generally speaking it means spring is getting close, but not quite there yet. It's kind of a tease. Is it really exciting hearing about how great R.A. Dickey felt after playing catch with Josh Thole? No. Is it really that exciting watching videos of Marcus Stroman doing PFP? No. All the first day of spring training really means is that baseball is almost around the corner.
Well, not this year. There was a lot more to Day One this time around than the flood of photos on twitter of every single one of the Blue Jays pitchers throwing 25 pitches off the mound at about 60% effort. A full blown circus broke out when some reporters decided it was a good idea to ask Jose Bautista about his contract status.
Bautista stated that he and his representatives gave the Blue Jays management, in no uncertain terms, exactly the contract length and money that would be required for him to sign an extension with the Blue Jays, and that those numbers were not negotiable. He went on to state that this meeting took place roughly two weeks ago, presumably when Bautista was in Toronto for the NBA All-Star Game, and that he had not spoken to management about it since. He talked about home town discounts, and budgets, and basically took aim at ownership, challenging them to meet his terms.
In essence, he gave them an ultimatum.
Now I would like to say that even though I've never really liked Bautista as a player, mostly due to his childish antics every time he is called out on strikes and his seemingly arrogant attitude, I do have a lot of respect not only for his skills on the field (if I had a cannon for an arm like his ...) but also because of his smarts on and off the field. He's very involved in the player's union, and when you think about all the endorsement money he's bringing in, it's obvious he is smart and has surrounded himself with smart people. He knows the game and more importantly he knows the business. I have no problem with a smart guy like him sitting down and crunching some numbers, figuring out precisely what he believes he is worth, and I have no doubt that he consulted with people who could corroborate his conclusions. This could be his only chance to go to free agency, so I don't blame him for a second for trying to maximize his return. I don't have a problem with him taking those numbers to Blue Jays management and saying take it or leave it.
The problem I have is his going to the media. Yes, some reporter asked the question, but he didn't have to give all the gory details about what had transpired between himself and management. He easily could have given the cliche "We talked about an extension and had a very good discussion about it, but we aren't really close to anything right now" (you know, the answer that no one wants to hear), but he didn't, he chose to get right into details. Remember how I said Bautista is very smart? That was not a mistake on his part. We can't be certain of his motives, but from my perspective as a fan it seems to me like he's trying to cast ownership as the bad guy here.
I'm 100% convinced that if management met his demands (whatever they may be) tomorrow, he would sign a contract, but I'm also certain that those demands are not something the Blue Jays are going to jump at. I'm sure Bautista knows this, afterall he has been with this organization for a long time and knows how they operate. So now, at season's end, he can shrug his shoulders, say to the fans "Hey I tried. I told management what they needed to do and they chose not to do it", and waltz off into unrestricted free agency where you know someone is going to give him the 5 year $125-$150 million contract I suspect he is looking for, emphasis on suspect. I don't know what he asked for, and I won't pretend, that's just what I think he probably asked for.
And it's working. Peruse message boards, twitter, comment sections and you'll see scores of fans screaming "PAY THE MAN!!!". Like I said, he's a smart guy.
Oh, and then later in the day there was the trade for Jay Bruce that got everyone all riled up and debating about whether he was actually an upgrade over Michael Saunders, only to have the trade fall through. Yeah, that one was kind of weird.
All in all, it was a very eventful and bizarre opening day to Spring Training. I wonder if it's a sign of things to come.
-matt
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Oooooooof Award: Joseph Blandisi
I've seen some rather hilarious dives in the NHL, but this is the best one I've seen in a while. It comes courtesy of the New Jersey Devil's Joseph Blandisi who did this after being slashed in the back of the leg:
The amazing thing about this dive is it contains everything. He jumps in the air. He throws his head back. He lays on the ice for a few seconds as though he had been shot.
I give it a 10/10. Well done Joseph, you have earned yourself an...
Oooooooof
View post on imgur.com
The amazing thing about this dive is it contains everything. He jumps in the air. He throws his head back. He lays on the ice for a few seconds as though he had been shot.
I give it a 10/10. Well done Joseph, you have earned yourself an...
Oooooooof
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