As the great game of baseball is nearing its first two months it is time to hit on some of the important goings on in the game currently; from the highs, to the lows. So like a 3-0 count for Albert Pujols, we got the green light so let us swing away. Let's play pepper.
- The Sizzlin' Cincinnati Redlegs: I never thought that I would be writing something with the words "first place" and "Reds" in the same entry but alas, I am. Are they the class of the NL? I don't want to go too far with this but at 23-16 they are atop the Central with a .5 game lead over the Cardinals. To watch them play ball, it is easy to appreciate and love after watching the mediocrity and insolence they displayed the past decade. Gone are the lineups of Alex Ochoa, David Ross, Todd Walker, Brandon Larsen, Edwin Encarnacion, Austin Kearns, Corey Patterson and Darnell McDonald. They have been supplanted by Gomes, Bruce, Votto, Phillips, Rolen, Cabrera and Hernandez.
The pitching? 3 CG's in one week, 8-1 their last 11 starts and a bullpen that has been rested and is able to come out and put people away. Mike Leake has taken the pitching staff by the horns and is the unsung leader of the staff with his outstanding outings this year after not pitching 1 inning of pro ball before this season. Utterly amazing. Can they keep it up? Ask me in August. Their depth in the minor leagues has me a little concerned if anyone should get hurt, but I am enjoying this now while I can. With Cincinnati sports, you never know when the rug will get pulled out from under you.
- On the opposite end of the spectrum sit the Red Sox, who are 8.5 games back of the Rays in the AL East. Big Papi is wearing out his welcome with his horrific plate appearances and what happened to Josh Beckett? The darling of Bristol is enduring some tough times and their last loss with Papelbon giving it up really had to hurt. Somewhere in Boston, the fans have to realize they won't be going to the postseason this year, with the Rays off to a hot start, coupled with the Yankees steady play and the surprising Blue Jays. Boston will be sitting at home come the postseason.
- Want a microcosim of what is wrong in the sporting world today? Look no close than Hanley Ramirez and his display of "athleticism" Monday night in Florida. Yes, I know that he got hit by a foul ball in the ankle earlier in the game but that was no excuse for his defensive display that would have made Manny Ramirez look like Ozzie Smith. He took a pathetic swipe to get the ball, then did his best Olindo Mare impression with a boot of the ball towards the outfield. However, he doesn't run; he merely jaunts to the ball like he is admiring the patterns cut into the grass, gets the ball and throws it in. Did it matter in the long run of the game; no. Florida was out of it by that point, but it shows a troubling trend in sports. A majority of the younger players show little if any heart and determination and seem to just be playing for the Sportscenter highlights and and millions of dollars.
I have felt the same type of frustration watching Brandon Phillips, albeit he is far superior on the defensive side of the field. Phillips won't run out or hustle out grounders and Dusty has spoken to him about it, yet there is no real difference. The worst part of it all was Hanley's response to his benching, basically saying manager Fredi Gonzalez has no idea what it is like to play the game since he never played before in the majors. Wow, nice response and good way to show respect to your manager, pal.
Gonzalez had the best comeback, saying how Hanley is right that he never played in the majors, but he does know HOW to play the game. That is great quotation right there. Way to get him, Fredi. Hanley probably won't take anything from this (even though he was forced/guilted/whatever into apologizing today) but it is great to see a manager putting his star in his place. It illustrates the sheer immaturity and diva complex inhibited by many young major leaguers today. Gone are the players with the mentality of Pete Rose, Barry Larkin, Cal Ripken Jr. and Derek Jeter. I guess the stadium isn't the only empty thing around when the Marlins play games; Hanley's passion bucket is as well.
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