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Sharpy, I got to thank you for taking all this time and trouble, you’re brilliant you really are, thank you so much and hey!! I’m not doing too bad here…lol…I got some of those right I think
Honestly, you’ve explained it so well and I shall print off all that to have with me at the next match.
The scoring, I can now see what happened there, I was so confused. I knew absolutely nothing about all this strikezone either, so now that chappie who I was about to pension off…lol..well he now has a purpose in life, so that’s brill!, if not very scientific – he does amuse me with his antics.
Talking of Arod, what you’ve just told me here, I can honestly say that if I never heard of him and watched last night for the first time, he was only on for a short while but when he hit that ball I thought he was the best batsman, head and shoulders above the others. That’s what I would have believed even if you hadn’t told me about him before. So I’m pleased in a way I can suss a good one out, so to speak…lol…I’m not surprised he’s so good and those stats confirm it. Incredible really, when you see it like that.
Gosh I am getting into this Sharpy…what have you done?…lol!
I think that’s it for now [big sigh from Sharpy..lol] but if I have a brainstorm that needs sorting I’ll get back to you again, meantime I’m letting you get on with more serious stuff for a while, and I’m happy with all this for now,
thanks a million
No problem Maggs…..and yes, you did get some of them right.
The Yanks score more runs than any other team, so if you like to see a lot of scoring and home runs, they are the team. Most baseball connesuers prefer low scoring games or ‘pitchers duel’s, but not me….although the Yanks also give up lots of runs, which is why the haven’t won the World Series since 2000. Hopefully, with our younger pitching staff this year, that might change…
As the batting line-up is more or less the same each day, it is the pitcher on the day who is more likely to determine the outcome of a game.
Also, a team needs a good ‘closer’ to pitch the 9th inning. We have Mariano Rivera (or Mo as we call him), who is one of the all-time greats, although he only has 2-3 years left….he used to make his baseball glove out of milk cartons when he was a kid growing up in Panama, so, he’s another success story.
In baseball, there is also a ‘Hall of Fame’, which is voted upon by baseball writers (shame they don’t have that in football, cricket etc)….it is not easy to get into as there are many requirements, but Arod, Jeter and Mo are definates.
Here is an example of Arod in action, but there isn’t a direct link….
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/multimed … &ym=200709
Go to where it shows the highlight on Sept 5 and click on where it says ‘A-Rod’s two homers’….and then ‘use original version’
I love it when the commentator says’ SEE YA’!!! lol
Here’s a couple of game winning Home runs again from Arod, as he answer’s his critics…
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/multimed … &ym=200704
Go to April 7, and click on ‘Arod’s walk off slam’
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/multimed … &ym=200704
Go to April 19th and click on ‘Arods walk-off HR’
Note that he was the last man hitting on both occasion, bottom of the 9th inning, 2 outs…..you’ll see in the April 19th game, most of the fans have gone home as the Yanks were trailing throughout the game…
Also, here is when Arod became the youngest player to hit 500 home runs…
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/multimed … &ym=200708
Go to Aug 4, and click on ‘A-Rod hits No.500
Whack!!!…….See Ya!….lol…brilliant Sharpy, I love it. This is the sort of man who will make it for me I think, it’s these Home Runs that get me going so far, finding all that quite exciting and I could understand the scoring there too and how they won the game.
Pity there aren’t a few more of them.It’s the quieter moments that I’ll have to learn to live with and also I think missing what’s going on elsewhere on the field, I found that hard to keep track of, just who was at what base etc. have to get adjusted to that.
I shall look out for Mo and I think I can see why a good pitcher is needed on the 9th.
Arod should be in the Hall of Fame already surely, with those stats.just to add, Arod must have introduced a heck of a lot of people to the sport these past few years, the way he plays, you can’t help but feel a bit involved.
They have a saying over there ‘all the chicks dig the home runs’…lol
The ‘See ya’ is kind of patented by Michael Kay, who is the Yankees commentator, think its copywrited or something, so no other announcer says it…..or there is a ‘understanding’ between commentators…lol
If we take the Sept 5 game….the first of Arod’s home run, no on was on base so that counts as 1 run, there is an icon on the top left of the screen which shows you whether there is anyone on base and if so where…the second home run, you can see that there is a runner on 3rd (Jeter) so that counts as 2 runs….also, what was amazing was he hit those 2 home runs in the same inning, so the yanks batted around….
Double plays are important too, basically this means getting 2 guys out in one play….Jeters a master at these…
Go to June 1, click on ‘Jeter’s flip starts DP’
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/multimed … &ym=200706
Also, here he makes a great defensive play
Go to June 29, click on ‘Jeter’s jump throw’
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/multimed … &ym=200706
All this talk about A-Rod, you might be surprised to know Jeter is my favourite player….he’s been a Yankee all his life, a true Yankee if you will…there was a play where he caught the ball by diving into the crowd…can’t find it at the moment….his head was bleeding after that, not only did he catch the ball, he wanted to continue playing that game….he’ll die for the team…
Players can only be considered into the Hall of Fame 5 years after they have retired…..then the writers have a vote….the mentioned 3 players are guarenteed going by what they have achieved already in their career….
Yes, Arod, he’s like Federer, Tiger Woods and maybe Kauto Star, in other words, we could be watching a future best player/horse ever….all the Jeters and Arod’s of this world have foundations and regularly take time off to teach and influence youngsters….wish the football ‘stars’ over here would do more….
thanks for these links Sharpy I’m really enjoying them, believe me. Yeah, he’s terrific, I hadn’t noticed all this before, I’ve been so concentrating on learning the ropes but now I can see how he operates. I had to view that 3 times, where he got 2 men out in one go…just brilliant. He reminds me somewhat, and I hope you don’t mind me making this comparison in tennis, with a young McEnroe or early Boris Becker – completely focused and on the ball, diving for anything and everything in complete self belief and control. At the top of their games when young I think they were like this, and he just reminded of them in a way here.
I can see why you like him, and I know I will too but, yes…you know what us females are like….lol!….home runs – that’s for us
love that saying by the way.Oh I didn’t realise about the Hall of Fame, so that’s good I would have expected nothing less from what I’ve seen so far.
See Ya!…love it, I shall have to remember this man.enjoying our conversations very much Sharpy, I’m learning so much here from you
Glad you’re liking the links Mar……yes, he’s a bit like McEnroe and Becker in terms of diving and trying so hard, but thats where the comparisons end….he’s a very calm character…lol
The Hall of Fame is very exclusive. Being an above average player doesn’t guarentee getting a place….. there is also an All-Star game each year in mid-July (half-way through the season). Fans get to vote for who they want to play in this game and vote for each position, i.e 1st base, 2nd base, catcher etc
Arod has been an All Star 11 times, Mo 9 times, Jeter 8 times….(Jeter missed out a bit early in his career because his position, Short Stop was very competitive…..none other then AROD used to get the vote ahead of him in most years) however, I forgot to mention this before, but Arod used to play in Jeters position throughout his career, up until 2004, when he joined the Yankees. Obviously, the Yanks can’t have 2 short stops, so Arod had to move over to 3rd base….yep, even he knows he has to do whatever he has to do to become a Yankee!! lol
Anyway, this year is especially special, because for the first time in 31 years (it would have been longer if it wasn’t for the fact that the Yankees will be moving to a new stadium in 2008) its going to be at Yankees Stadium. Its going to be shown on Channel 5, with all the build up, cermonies etc…..the stadium is going to shake when they introduce Jeter, Arod, Mo and maybe a few other Yanks (if they make the vote).
Also, they will no doubt show the history of the Yanks and past players, Monument Park etc….
Anyway, here’s another link. I understand it can be a bit quiet when we’re not batting, so here’s a fielding play to show you that it can also be quite exciting, by Melky Cabrera (little Melky is a rookie who graduated from the Yanks farm system) you often see banners from the crowd saying ‘Got Melk’??? lol….basically cause he’s little and young….ah, bless…lol….he was also going to be traded (along with a few of our younger players)last year for a top pitcher (Johan Santana, the best in baseball) from another team, but the deal fell through and Melky is still a Yankee….lucky Melky!! lol
Go to June 6, click on ‘Melky robs Manny’
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/multimed … &ym=200606
That was against the smelly sox……SWEET!!!! lol
Great catch!…brilliant stuff wasn’t it?…mind you that large glove they wear must help a little…but so athletic. What a pity to trade him… who does this Santana play for, that he’s the best pitcher about?
Arod is 3rd base, does he never cover Short Stop at all, his old position? maybe if Jeter got injured perhaps? who does it then? I’d like to see him do that just to compare in the same role.
I think I need to see some more action too from other teams at some point just to make a comparison. I know I’m seeing the best there is currently but later on I’ll be able to judge the merits of them better I think when seeing what the others can or cannot achieve. I want to see this Santana fella, maybe another day you can put up a link for me.
I shall definitely be watching that on Channel 5, I think I’ve got the bug…oh my god!!..lol…looks like I’m becoming a Yankee after all
off to bed, talk again soon Sharpy – don’t go away
well not too far.
Maggslol!!!!!!!!!… and you were such a wimp ‘hopper…I’m surprised at you
Dust yourself down Hopper and
get back in the chaff
The key it is my conclusion
was dropped just outside the reception
-it was possibly porked
but I am uncertain.Porked…. picked up by a person of large girth
not by reason of genes but unhappiness
at lost and miserable opportunity.Santana played for the Minnesota Twins (funnily enough, the team from yesterday) but this year, there were bids from many teams to get him. The Yankees were favourite, but the Twins wanted a bucketload of cash, PLUS Melky, PLUS Phillip Hughes (who is the best pitching prospect we’ve had for years) PLUS Adam Kennedy (again, one of the best pitching prospects we’ve ever had).
Anyway, we decided not to bother, which is why for the first time in years, we have a young pitching staff with great potential. Santana ended up being traded to the New York Mets…..good luck Santana…at least you can say you played in New York (just for the wrong team, lol)
They would never let Arod play Short Stop, not even for a game. The reason for this is mainly psychological and in a small way physical. If Jeter gets injured or is resting, the Yanks has a stand-in short stop.
It take months and months, even years, to learn to play a new position, let alone to play it at major league level (Arod learnt to play 3rd base in quick time and did make ‘rookie’ errors when he first started). If he switched, just for one game, he could make costly errors…..people like Melky, is known as a ‘utility’ player, because he can play at a good level (not brilliant, but good) at most positions and usually fills in when some of the players in the outfield (Right field, Centre Field, Left Field) are injured, or resting. Although he is getting better with more experience, he might gain a full time place in the future (a lot depends on how he contributes with the bat).
Also, the hottest story maybe ever took place last October. Arod’s contract finished and all through last season, it was a case of will he or won’t he re-sign? Every game, people kept mentioning it could be his last season as a Yankee. Anyway, to cut a very long story short, he opted out of his contract during the game Boston won to become World Champions…….Arod’s agent planned this and guess what? Not only did he piss off Boston and most of baseball, for his timing but his story got more coverage than Boston actually winning the World Series! lol
Bottom line was that this wasn’t his idea but his agent’s (has a reputation for spin and negotiation power). I was gutted……also, my brother-in-law had ordered a #13 Arod shirt from the US….I told him to burn it! lol….it was like being dumped by a girlfriend, I hated him for it, but would have taken him back in an instant…lol
Anyway, it was all very complicated, and headline news over in the States….eventually, after a month of media circus, he came out, spoke and gave his side of the story. He sacked his agent, went to the Yankees and said, ok, I want to stay a Yankee, I’ll even take a pay-cut…..attaboy Arod….you know it makes sense..lol….
Here is a link, which shows why I thought he would come back..This is the press conference following his 500th career home run (that ball he hit is worth tens of thousands of $$$$$). A couple of things to note. He kept talking about the ‘pinstripes’ (known throughout baseball as the Yankees uniform) and near the end of the conference, he talked about New York and ‘coming full circle, hopefully, there will be a happy ending for me’…..During his 3/4 years, he has had a love-hate relationship with the fans. A couple of seasons ago, he was booed by YANKEE fans….AT YANKEE STADIUM!! lol…Yes, the New York fans are very hard to please, but if you give them your all, they will worship you.
.Go to Aug 4, click on ‘Arod’s press conference’
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/multimed … &ym=200708
Arod also knew that there were only a handful of teams that could afford him (for instance, Tampa Bay Devil Rays combined salary, so that’s 40 or so players, doesn’t even double that of Arod’s, lol) and also, if he moved, what about his legacy? Arod, as with most baseball players do care about the traditions and history of the game. Here is a link, to show how the Yanks like to remember great achievements….Go to Aug 13, click on ‘Arod’s pregame ceremony.
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/multimed … &ym=200708
He doesn’t want to be remembered as a money man, who moved from team to team just to chase the yankee dollar (if you pardon the pun, LOL)
But by signing this new 10 year contract, he will go down in history as a Yankee great and have his number #13, along with the Babe, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Berra, Mantle, Maris, and his team mate Jeter, retired forever….and maybe he’ll get a plaque in Monument Park….On a lighter note, check this out….lol
http://youtube.com/watch?v=tq74z_icWY4
The bit where Jeter says ‘hey man, your kid sucks’…lol and ‘has he even seen a baseball before, was he brought up in Europe or something…’…classic…lol….and ‘don’t worry, if the police catch us, I’ll get Steinbrenner to pay them off again’…lol….Steinbrenner is the owner of the Yanks….
Totally agree, you might click with another team and so far we haven’t talked about anyone else, so there’s no comparison….as long as it not the Dirty stinking Sox…..please….lol….also, just before you have a look elsewhere…..have a look at this….
http://youtube.com/watch?v=hYK4pwKvXT0
How can you argue with the chairman of the board, ole blue eyes himself?? lol….just kidding, there’s a picture of Jeter diving into the crowd (as mentioned before)…I just like the song, that’s all………lol
Hi Sharpy,
Thanks for those links again and for another interesting and informative posting, well at least it is to an alien like me.
That Home Run 500 made me laugh a little when the easel fell over with one of his gifts on it..lol…how embarrassing for them all..I also thought the portraits whitened him a little, as he’s of Dominican origins he’s quite dark or tanned and the 2nd picture with him in a yellow shirt reminded me of a young William Shatner of Star Trek fame.As for the interview he came across as a pleasant enough chap but I see he’s not without personal controversy either and I could have done without his reference to the Good Lord so I think I’ll concentrate only on his abilities on the field.
He knows he’s good looking that’s for sure, very classically featured.That family show with Derek Jeter…lol…that shocked me little over something the daughter said about if she was 15 she would want to…you know what with him, I’m not sure that would pass the censor over here these days for it’s implications. He must have cringed.
"brought up in Europe"…yeah, I know what he means. He hit the nail on the head and I wonder how well known these players are outside of the US – maybe not so well.I see Arod and Jeter don’t get on these days then, you may have mentioned this before and I’ve been reading that Arod causes some disruption within the team. Anyway, that’s all a bit negative but I wasn’t totally convinced of ARod’s sincerity during the interview in relation to the Yankee fans, just something about it made me think he’s only there for the money, despite what you say about him not wanting to be remembered for chasing the dollar. I’m not so sure.
I can sort of understand the New Yorkers booing him, perhaps he’s a little too smug and aloof, I don’t know, but I see he was born in the city but I got the impression he isn’t that attached to the place.I note you’ve had your ups and downs with him too…lol…like a rocky marriage, but I love the way you make the team sound like your own
I must try see this Santana fella just out of curiosity Sharpy you understand, and I promise not to get involved with the Boston Red Sox – I think you’d hang me…lol….for now I best stick with just this one I think otherwise it’ll get too complicated and I really won’t know who is who.
I know my way around Denver Colorado, and Billings, Montana and I see they both have teams, Colorado Rockies and Billings Mustangs which is a rookie team [ooh I’m gettin’ good!]. If they ever get on the telly I might have a look, so I don’t think you need worry about my deserting.I too love Sinatra’s New York, very appropriate for your team and some great shots there. Great site isn’t it, the MLB one.
hello to gamble – nice to see you again old chap
Hi Maggs…..no one really knows for sure what’s going on….I remember watching all those Arod home runs, like the ones I sent to you and thinking ‘we won’t ever see this again, well, not Arod in a Yankee uniform anyway’……but, glad that is not the case now….I forgot about this one, 3 home runs in one game……with a Grand Slam thrown in just for good measure…lol
Go to April 26, click on ‘Arod’s huge night’.
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/multimed … &ym=200504
Anyway, we’ve talked a lot about the batting, Arod & Jeter, home runs etc, and you mentioned those ‘quieter’ moments that you may have to deal with…I too, used to think like that, however, when its our turn to pitch, its more ‘tense’ for me as opposed to being able to relax until its our turn to bat….anyway, here’s a few links to show you what potential we have in store in the pitching department.
Firstly, I mentioned Phillip Hughes, who was one of the best pitching prospects we’ve ever had. He came up last year, a YEAR earlier than anticipated due to so many injuries to our pitchers…..here he is pitching in Texas and even their commentators were impressed with him:
Go to May 1, click on ‘Hughes’ excellent start’
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/multimed … &ym=200705
Now we move on to Joba Chamberlain. Again, he came up towards the end of last year, a year earlier than anticipated. Unlike Hughes (who was a starting pitcher) Joba pitched the 7th or 8th inning basically as a bridge to get to Mo in the 9th….such was his impressive start, the Yankees wrapped him up in cotton wool and only allowed him to pitch on alternative days, to protect his arm. This was known as ‘The Joba Rule’. The whole idea was to give him the experience but to save him for this year, where along with Phillip Hughes, he would be a starting pitcher for the Yanks…
As mentioned before, Hughes was always the Yanks number one prospect, however, after Joba’s impressive displays, he became the number one and thus, he was an ‘untouchable’. We talked about the Santana trade and how we offered Melky Cabrera and Phillip Hughes…..they wanted Joba, we said no way jose…!! lol
BTW – Santana is the best pitcher is baseball, but like most team sports, one player doesn’t make a team a winning one….
Anyway, back to Joba….he is 22 years old, a Native American, he grew up in poverty, his dad is confined to a wheelchair and suffers from various illnesses including polio…..the boy is hungry for success….I think he’ll do it..:now you see banners and T-shirts with ‘Joba Rules’ everywhere..lol
Go to Aug 13, click on ‘Joba’s electric frame’
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/multimed … &ym=200708
That was his first start at Yankee’s stadium.
Below we see Joba in action, this time, his dad is in the crowd, watching his son for the first time as a Yankee:
Go to Sept 7, click on ‘Chamberlain blanks Royals’
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/multimed … &ym=200709
Again, we see Joba’s dad, this time, he see’s his son for the first time, pitching in The House that Ruth Built:
Go to Sept 23, click on ‘Chamberlain’s first save’
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/multimed … &ym=200709
Two contrasting styles, Hughes is methodical and calm, Joba is very animated and throws 100mph……these two along with Adam Kennedy are the future of the Yanks….
The Colorado Rookies made it to the World Series for the frist time this year, they got swept by them Dirty Sox, but it was a great achievement by them nevertheless, as they are a smallish club. Also, a lot of American’s have a American League team that they follow and a National League team….maybe to hedge their bets….lol
You mentioned NASN goes to too many commercial breaks, if you ever get a chance to watch Channel 5 baseball, there are lots of discussion and explainations, so you’ll get a chance to see other teams and players. The presenters are very good also. Jonathan Goode is funny, and most important of all, he can laugh at himself…..its cult viewing and very informative..
Yes I shall be looking at Channel 5 when I can, but I have to fight over it [football], but I’m really looking forward mostly to the 1st real match for the Yankees, I think by then I might understand it better – I really should..lol…I’ve started thinking about going to New York…oh my god my husband will think I’m nuts…but I’ve dragged him off to worse
Re Phil Hughes pitching
I’m not clear about this and please excuse my way of describing it.
Am I right in saying that the pitchers job is to avoid the strike zone?
He seemed to be aiming the ball low outside the zone making it difficult for the batsman to hit it – bit obvious I suppose but is this the object? it seems to be crucial and if I’m right then I’m beginning to understand it better, and why did the Catcher just walk off with the ball after the first shot in that sequence, was the match over then in fact? like the batsman must have got 3 strikes and out, that right?This umpire is confusing me as his motions are different to the fisty one the other night. [that sounds terrible…lol]
edit:
I’m just watching the NY Mets/Cleveland match and I think I’ve got that wrong. If the pitchers throw is within the strike zone and the batsman doesn’t hit it, then that’s a ‘strike’ – 3 of these and he’s out – have I got it?
Just re reading what you told me on an earlier message.
so many balls seem to be outside the strike zone.Why did they jeer him so, he got an injury didn’t he? bit mean.
Re Joba Chamberlain
Great throw to 1st base wasn’t it when the ball bounced in front of him and he got control and threw it, and the batsman was run out.
However, on the 3rd take in this sequence why did that batsman run to 1st base after the ball bounced, it was described as overbase and the catcher then threw it to 1st base and he was easily out, presumably he had no choice but to run?
I think I’ve only just realised that the Catcher is a team mate of the Pitcher, I had been thinking they were on opposing teams. It’s that darn umpire standing behind gets me all confused.
This is a good introduction to pitching for me, I’m really pleased about this.What is a sacrifice bunt? I read it somewhere.
"Joba pitched the 7th or 8th inning basically as a bridge to get to Mo in the 9th"..
I don’t get this either. What do you mean exactly – …a bridge to get to Mo in the 9th??re Arod’s Home Runs
Oh fantastic, this is what I like to see….but do you think it’s partly to do with poor pitching? I noticed the pitcher didn’t seem as good, I don’t know, like it played into his hands, except for that last one when it was pitched low and he still whacked it, I thought that was the best because the ball was dropping.I’m doing my Baseball A-levels after this Sharpy..lol
Re Phil Hughes pitching
I’m not clear about this and please excuse my way of describing it.
Am I right in saying that the pitchers job is to avoid the strike zone?
He seemed to be aiming the ball low outside the zone making it difficult for the batsman to hit it – bit obvious I suppose but is this the object? it seems to be crucial and if I’m right then I’m beginning to understand it better, and why did the Catcher just walk off with the ball after the first shot in that sequence, was the match over then in fact? like the batsman must have got 3 strikes and out, that right?You’re right Maggs. Like cricket, the bowler or pitcher in this case doesn’t always target the wicket/strikezone. If you look at the count, which was 1-2 at the time, Hughes had the advantage with 2 strikes already. Therefore, he kept the ball low hoping the batter would swing and miss (which counts as a strike) and he did. If he would have aimed for the strikezone, the chances are, unless it was a great pitch, the hitter had a better chance of hitting the ball. If on the other hand the batter decided not to swing, that pitch would have a ‘ball’ (cause it was low and not in the strike zone), therefore the count would have been 2-2. Just read your edit….if the batsman doesn’t swing and the pitch is in the zone, yes, thats a strike.
Normally, a pitcher will go for the strikezone early against a batsman, to try and gain advantage on the count.
Why did he swing? Maybe the ball looked like it was going straight for the strikezone but curved or dipped at the last moment.
Some hitters like to hit low balls, others like high ones, this is where the ‘scouting report’ comes in. Basically, each team has scouts and they spend all their time watching other teams in action and make notes of their pitchers and hitters (what a tough job hey? lol). Therefore, the pitcher has already been briefed about each player of the opposing team and what they like to hit (or not like to hit).
The catcher (Posada) and Hughes were walking off because there were already 2 outs and they just got the 3rd out. Therefore, it was the Yanks turn to bat…
This umpire is confusing me as his motions are different to the fisty one the other night. [that sounds terrible…lol]
Why did they jeer him so, he got an injury didn’t he? bit mean.
Some of the crowd weren’t aware to the extent of the injury. In fact, this was in Texas and some of the people who jeered were Texas fans because their team were down and had no chance of winning anyway, so they wanted to see a no-hitter. At the time, he threw 7 innings of no-hit baseball. He was on course to throw a ‘no-hitter’. A no-hitter is only second to the ‘perfect game’
A no-hitter is when a pitcher throws 9 innings without being hit once.
A perfect game is when a pitcher throws 9 innings without being hit, or giving up a walk, therefore, no one gets on base in 9 innings, 27 up, 27 down. Only 3 Yankees have acheived this, so you can imagine how hard it is to do.
Because this was only Hughes 3rd Major League start, it was unheard off, to be so close to throwing a no-hitter.
Re Joba Chamberlain
Great throw to 1st base wasn’t it when the ball bounced in front of him and he got control and threw it, and the batsman was run out.
However, on the 3rd take in this sequence why did that batsman run to 1st base after the ball bounced, it was described as overbase and the catcher then threw it to 1st base and he was easily out, presumably he had no choice but to run?
I think I’ve only just realised that the Catcher is a team mate of the Pitcher, I had been thinking they were on opposing teams. It’s that darn umpire standing behind gets me all confused.
This is a good introduction to pitching for me, I’m really pleased about this.Yes, right again (you are getting this baseball lark, lol) The batsman already had 2 strikes against him, but he catched didn’t catch the ball….the hitter swung and missed, so it was his 3rd strike….it was just formalities, he had to run to 1st base, but he was out easily (catcher threw to 1st base).
The catcher puts up signs using his fingers when he’s crouching down ready to take a pitch. He is indicating where he wants the pitcher to throw and what type of pitch to use. In a way, the catcher is the conductor….unless of course, you are an established pitcher, in which case, but have a say in how and where they want the pitches to be thrown.
A lot of cat and mouse goes on…..
What is a sacrifice bunt? I read it somewhere.
This is getting technical now Maggs….a bit like the off-side rule…lol
A sacrifice bunt or sac bunt, is used to advance runners to the next base. For example, it is a close game and the score is close, or tied, a hitter gets on 1st base, no outs. The next hitter wants to get his team mate to 2nd base so they have more chance of scoring. He would therefore not swing at the pitch but just put his bat on the ball so he kills the ball dead….the likely scenario is he would be thrown out at 1st base, but his team mate would have moved to 2nd base. Therefore, it is now 1 out, but they now have a runner on 2nd base. He ‘sacrificed’ himself and gave up an out to advance a runner. I’ll find an example somewhere and post it later…
Also, if in the same scenario, a runner is at 1st base with no outs, and the next batter isn’t that great, a sac bunt would normally be applied. Because the chances are he will not hit anyway, they might as well get something from his at-bat. Therefore, you will hardly ever see an Arod or Jeter sac bunt….only in extreme circumstances like a tied game in the 9th inning…
"Joba pitched the 7th or 8th inning basically as a bridge to get to Mo in the 9th"..
I don’t get this either. What do you mean exactly – …a bridge to get to Mo in the 9th??In an ideal world, a starting pitcher would pitch brilliantly and as he begins to tire, he can pass the ball to his closer in the 9th inning to close out and win the game. A closer is not used if his team are losing, no point to ‘save’ a game when they can’t win. Anyway, as this is not always the case as the starting pitcher may only go 5-7 innings (he might have pitched too many balls already or is being hit, left, right and centre by the opposing team) you need to call on your ‘bullpen’ or relievers.
They are vital to any team. These are the guys who have to pitch the end innings and what I mean by Joba being a bridge to get to Mo…
Mo is our closer and pitches the 9th inning if we are leading (sometimes he would pitch the 8th and 9th depending on how important the game was) so for instance, if we were leading a game and our starting pitcher goes out of the game in the 7th inning, Joba would come in and hopefully pitch one or two innings without giving up our lead and hand the ball to Mo in the 9th.
re Arod’s Home Runs
Oh fantastic, this is what I like to see….but do you think it’s partly to do with poor pitching? I noticed the pitcher didn’t seem as good, I don’t know, like it played into his hands, except for that last one when it was pitched low and he still whacked it, I thought that was the best because the ball was dropping.The guy pitching was Bartolo Colon. Guess what? He won the ‘Cy Young’ award THAT year, 2005(Pitcher of the Year in the American League). He normally is unhitable which is why Arod’s performace was truly remarkable…..the hitters equivilent is the MVP (Most Valuable Player) although pitchers can win this too…..Arod has won it 3 times, twice as a Yankee……you might recall in one of the clips I sent you, when Arod hit 2 home runs in the same inning, Michael Kay said ‘MVP indeed’….well, that game was nearing the end of the season and the voting was about to start on the years MVP.
I’m doing my Baseball A-levels after this Sharpy..lol
You’re doing great Maggs…..you’re getting it faster than my brother-in-law did, and he had the benefits of dvd’s and me talking him through it….lol
lol…oh dear poor Bartolo Colon, I had him down as a beginner!!…yeah I’m doing great Sharpy [not]
….thanks anyway for all the above, I’m going to run that off to keep as lots of good info there.I understood that sac bunt better than I can the offside rule Sharpy
I like this umpire in the match tonight I’m just watching. He points his finger to the right to indicate a strike and gives the ball and strike scores as he goes along, like if it’s 3-2 he’ll put his hands up 3 fingers one hand 2 on the other. I like that.
I’ve had to turn the sound off on NASN, they just put me off completely, I can’t understand what they’re waffling on about and I like to study the mechanics.
Can you do me a small favour Sharpy between now and over the weekend, it’ll help me a lot.
Formulate say 10 questions for me to answer, from what you’ve told me so far, on any aspect. It’ll make me refer to notes and previous posts and I think it’ll help sink in better, as next week we’ve got Cheltenham and I shall have to give this a rest for a bit, let it all ferment and chew it over so to speak, and I’m sure you’ve got better things to be doing but I really appreciate your tolerance here.If I get 3 right I’ll be happy. Use the correct language no dumbing down.
Be great if you could do this, but if you’re off somewhere no bother at all, it can wait. No problem at all Maggs…..I’ve done my bit for Cheltenham and all the baseball talk is a way of relaxing and getting away from all that ‘studying’…lol…studying form, yeah right….lol…..I’m just doing a bit of ‘studying’ (my, I’m a hard working soul, lol) for tomorrow’s racing. With the possible rain forecast for next week, I might have to revise my Cheltenham selections…..
Oh yeah, before I forget, the difference between the AL (American League) and NL (National League) is:
1 – The Amercian League has better teams (cause the Yanks are in it, LOL) No, but if you look at the past winners of the World Series and more importantly, the month were they play inter-league, the AL always win more games.
2 – This is the important bit. In a NL game, the pitcher has to bat, usually in the last spot (9th). Therefore, there is more bunting in NL games.
In the AL, the pitcher doesn’t bat so there is a DH (Designated Hitter) who just hits but doesn’t field. Some teams have a permanent DH, the Yanks usual DH is Jason Giambi, but sometimes he plays 1st base so if one of his team mates needed a rest and then someone else becomes the DH (or the person taking the rest, i.e no fielding today, just hitting).
If its an inter-league game, like the one you’re watching today, it depends on the home team. As Cleveland is the home team today, the pitcher doesn’t bat.
I know, some announcers can be off putting. I watch the games on mlb.tv, whenever we play away, we have to put up with their announcers, so lots of bias going on….I’m sure other fans say the same regarding our announcer Michael ‘See ya’ Kay..lol
Ok, I’ll do a few questions, which will come up shortly….a kind of mock exam….lol
We’ve covered a lot of stuff, having looked back, we’ve covered the basic rules, some strategic play, the structure of teams and a LOT about the 26 times world champions..lol…
Anyway, here are 10 questions which we should have covered, its a combination of the above:
1 – Whats a ‘Walk’?
2 – The Yankee’s uniform is known as?
3 – How many runs are scored when a ‘grand slam’ is hit?
4 – Arod bats 4th, whats that known as?
5 – There are several pitchers who are neither starting pitchers or a closer and pitch in the latter stages of a game, what are they known as?
6 – Whats an RBI?
7 – What batting average would be considered a good average in the Major Leagues?
8 – Jeter plays at Short Stop. Which two positions is he in between in the field?
9 – We talked about the ‘count’? What would be a ‘full count’. For example, they start at 0-0, and the next sequence is either 1-0 or 0-1…what is the maximum?
10 – If the count is 2-2 and the hitter fouls of the next pitch. What is the count then?Whilst typing these questions, I realised there are so much we have yet to cover, like ‘Whats a hit and run’?, ‘Whats a sac fly’? ‘What’s a squeeze play’?? ‘Whats a relay throw’?
I’m sure we’ll get to that, but one step at a time…
Good luck Maggs…I’ll have my marking pen ready….lol
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