tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2484762138483195409.post7244706779501168773..comments2023-12-15T07:22:02.492-05:00Comments on The Tao of Stieb: How can you love baseball and hate the All Star Game?Tao of Stiebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12459135109404905466noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2484762138483195409.post-75065271946147342112010-07-08T22:43:29.084-04:002010-07-08T22:43:29.084-04:00I imagine this post would have been completely dif...I imagine this post would have been completely different if one of the "deserving" Blue Jays hadn't made the All Star team.Marknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2484762138483195409.post-66825234105661645702010-07-08T16:08:01.576-04:002010-07-08T16:08:01.576-04:00Keith Law is such a little bitch. But he has gorge...Keith Law is such a little bitch. But he has gorgeous eyebrows and the palate of a Queen. Many nights I have dreamed about dinner with Keith at Sotto Sotto followed by shots of tequila off J.P Ricciardi's hairy chest.Gay Jays Fannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2484762138483195409.post-87902550562190239762010-07-07T11:50:39.764-04:002010-07-07T11:50:39.764-04:00McCown is overly fond of referring to the Pete Ros...McCown is overly fond of referring to the Pete Rose-Ray Fosse collision, to the point where I wonder if he thinks it's the only valid highlight in the entire history of the All-Star Game. Or if it's the only thing he chooses to remember.<br /><br />I'd prefer it if he didn't put so much emphasis on an a-hole move by an a-hole player.<br /><br />Another of McCown's hobby horses: that the ASG was such a big deal in the late '50s that they decided to have two of them.<br /><br />He's wrong on that one. The idea was to raise money for the player pension fund. And reaction was mixed.<br /><br />The second game in 1959 was played at the L.A. Coliseum. The Dodgers outdrew the rest of the National League by about 80 percent. But for this showcase event, in a stadium that could hold upwards of 90,000, only 55,000 went to the ASG.<br /><br />The next year, the second game was played at Yankee Stadium, with the added attraction of Willie Mays playing in New York for the first time since 1957. That one drew 38,000 customers. <br /><br />Counter to McCown's view, fan interest might actually have taken a hit in that era because of (a) too much of a good thing and (b) the commissioner taking the vote away from fans after the Cincinnati fiasco in '57.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2484762138483195409.post-54021145418985484732010-07-06T14:48:50.601-04:002010-07-06T14:48:50.601-04:00Sorry, Ack. I didn't mean to...what I mean is,...Sorry, Ack. I didn't mean to...what I mean is, well, I don't mean you're Lois. I guess that just leaves this <a href="http://www.asitecalledfred.com/comics101/images/2005/oct19/bizarro.jpg" rel="nofollow">guy</a>.Darren Priesthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04577092117174508443noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2484762138483195409.post-53402709244100110472010-07-06T13:26:51.014-04:002010-07-06T13:26:51.014-04:00Drew, even then, I don't buy the idea that a g...Drew, even then, I don't buy the idea that a guy completely dominating his peers at AA has no significance on his development. It doesn't mean he'll automatically be an ace someday, but it does mean that he's doing a pretty good job right now.Tyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11878921441543129555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2484762138483195409.post-73846269865593370132010-07-06T12:44:25.635-04:002010-07-06T12:44:25.635-04:00Sorry Keith, I'm not an ESPN Insider so I didn...Sorry Keith, I'm not an ESPN Insider so I didn't get to see your full quote on the no-no.dlbrowshttp://twitter.com/dlbrowsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2484762138483195409.post-70300823209657218032010-07-06T12:30:50.089-04:002010-07-06T12:30:50.089-04:00I think, in KLaw's defense, he meant the no-hi...I think, in KLaw's defense, he meant the no-hitter had no significance on his status as a prospect nor does it mean he's any more ready for the show than he was before. <br /><br />It means something to Drabek has a life event, but it doesn't alter his professional perception or career arc. <br /><br />Note: I'm an apologist.Drewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07271534213351978408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2484762138483195409.post-52234655517600270002010-07-06T08:23:58.384-04:002010-07-06T08:23:58.384-04:00There is not NO significance to a AA no-hitter. I ...There is not NO significance to a AA no-hitter. I agree that there is far less than either a no-hitter in the bigs or a full season of quality pitching (which is pretty obvious) but apart from not walking those guys what more could he have done? If that's not significant, what is???Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2484762138483195409.post-43947610918196692022010-07-06T01:14:34.310-04:002010-07-06T01:14:34.310-04:00I started watching baseball in 1983, with a great ...I started watching baseball in 1983, with a great deal of my focus on collecting stickers after every Little League Game (I swear I still have extra Claudell Washington ones if anyone wants to trade). The next year I got my first Bill James and I was good to go.<br /><br />Was Mario Soto the most underrated pitcher in the 1980s? Those were some crap Reds teams he was on and sadly he was done by the time the team as good.<br /><br />Good on KLaw for coming on here and defending himself. I wish other of his ilk would do the same.<br /><br />With the added confidence that Omar Infante now has, he's going to own the second half of the season.Team Scrappynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2484762138483195409.post-62611215158302445132010-07-06T01:09:26.828-04:002010-07-06T01:09:26.828-04:00Mario Soto's cleats mark the only time that Ma...Mario Soto's cleats mark the only time that Marge Schott favoured something black over something white.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2484762138483195409.post-55002170776955407992010-07-06T00:34:32.322-04:002010-07-06T00:34:32.322-04:00Re: Keith Law (real? fake? either way...):
No, I ...Re: Keith Law (real? fake? either way...):<br /><br />No, I wasn't being serious about you hating baseball -- that's obviously not even close to the truth -- but I'm well aware of the difference between cynicism and criticism, and I meant it when I referred to the former. I generally find your criticism to be well-founded, but it's a bit grating to listen to someone who automatically assumes everybody else is an idiot (even if that is the case more often than not). To be specific, I was mostly referring to the tendency to look down upon those who still enjoy the game as fans -- especially, God forbid, fans of any one particular team -- with the apparent assumption that doing so somehow precludes one from being well-informed or intelligent. I'm not sure if that's the intended message or attitude, but that's how it all comes across to me.Tyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11878921441543129555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2484762138483195409.post-29601097461260767292010-07-05T20:32:46.238-04:002010-07-05T20:32:46.238-04:00Yeah, I would plead guilty to that charge, Drew. I...Yeah, I would plead guilty to that charge, Drew. I realize Klaw is probably a nice enough guy and nobody is going to hire an analyst to say, "Well, ya never know..."<br /><br />It just seems like since 1993-ish the Jays are always struggling with attendance and most of the national voices on the issue can't wait to dance on their grave. People can shit all over the Leafs because they are firmly entrenched and will never struggle with attendance or whispers of them re-locating. The Jays are a different matter. Sometimes I wish the national sports media would light a proverbial candle instead of constantly cursing the darkness.<br /><br />Now if you'll excuse me, I am going to put on Antony and the Johnsons and hang myself in the attic.Darren Priesthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04577092117174508443noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2484762138483195409.post-36967359283678397012010-07-05T19:42:00.190-04:002010-07-05T19:42:00.190-04:00Darren I think you're taking KLaw's critic...Darren I think you're taking KLaw's criticism of the Jays a little personally. \<br /><br />He "shits on" every team and ever move he doesn't agree with. The fans of every team think he has it out for them and all the their players. <br /><br />Remember, he's in show business more than anything.Drewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07271534213351978408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2484762138483195409.post-36082883653126140592010-07-05T18:47:19.585-04:002010-07-05T18:47:19.585-04:00In any sport, but especially baseball, assuming th...In any sport, but especially baseball, assuming the worst is going to make you right most of the time. Even Manny in 2004 "only" hit a HR every 13 ABs. I could have said, "I guarantee Manny will never hit a home run this at-bat" and I would have been right over 94% of the time. I would probably also have a "B" shaped scar in the back of my head.<br /><br />Going on radio to shit on the Jays is nothing to be proud of. Who are the Jays' most prominent cheerleaders? They are few and far between it seems.Darren Priesthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04577092117174508443noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2484762138483195409.post-78175306238606035312010-07-05T18:38:24.424-04:002010-07-05T18:38:24.424-04:00P.S. What Tao said.P.S. What Tao said.SPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15861389212599241745noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2484762138483195409.post-22198336768667684842010-07-05T18:29:03.318-04:002010-07-05T18:29:03.318-04:00Re: KLaw's Cynicism (actual name of a team in ...Re: KLaw's Cynicism (actual name of a team in Tao's roto league), no one has the right to claim you don't love the game but it's obvious you're just a cynical personal in general. Snark is a spice that should be used sparingly, after which it becomes overwhelming. Your Twitter feed, chats, and radio appearances are filled with borderline rude discourse and cynicism. I remember a radio appearance you did for a Philly station about Howard's contract. You were arguing and talking down to a guy who wasn't even taking a side (btw, I agreed with your points). That type of stuff gets tiring and cringe-inducing fast.SPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15861389212599241745noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2484762138483195409.post-17006321447432190182010-07-05T17:27:40.721-04:002010-07-05T17:27:40.721-04:00Beauty post, dude! Loved it. I especially like tha...Beauty post, dude! Loved it. I especially like that you took some much-deserved shots at KLaw. That guy is a douche bag who makes it more painfully obvious with every appearance that he just doesn't want to say a single positive thing about the organization that saw no reason to keep him. They might as well call him up to expound on some girl in high school who wouldn't give him a hand-job.<br /><br />I've said it before and I'll say it again: Tao's got talent. Too bad he's stuck on a desk at the Daily Planet playing second fiddle to some chick named Lois and constantly having to put up with that closet case assistant, Jimmy.Darren Priesthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04577092117174508443noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2484762138483195409.post-67039243802660945682010-07-05T16:33:37.404-04:002010-07-05T16:33:37.404-04:00Wow. A KLaw response on a Tao of Steib post. Way t...Wow. A KLaw response on a Tao of Steib post. Way to go and cool.<br /><br />But I disagree with him. I've been watching All Star games every year for almost fifty years. They are always the same. Lots of changes, lots of guys getting in games. Some of the old stars did stay in the game longer because there was no DH and the pitcher's spot allowed a lesser god to pinch hit. But other than that, nothing really has changed. And do you really want to miss the best players in baseball (except for a few missing due to selection errors) all collected in one place?<br /><br />WTG, Tao. Great post.William J. Taskerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02313204947130235560noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2484762138483195409.post-30598745022869549902010-07-05T16:10:10.976-04:002010-07-05T16:10:10.976-04:00I agree with K-Law, he isn't that cranky or cy...I agree with K-Law, he isn't that cranky or cynical. I would say he only measure in at around 0.4 Wilners.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2484762138483195409.post-37466435711030057202010-07-05T15:51:55.997-04:002010-07-05T15:51:55.997-04:00dlbrows: Nice misquote. My actual response to a re...dlbrows: Nice misquote. My actual response to a request for "thoughts" on the no-hitter: "Great for the kid, but if you're asking for significance, there is none."Keith Lawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02099157607978191239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2484762138483195409.post-74311684786239845722010-07-05T15:50:38.368-04:002010-07-05T15:50:38.368-04:00I can tell you where I was when Fred Lynn hit that...I can tell you where I was when Fred Lynn hit that home run. That was a great game to watch as a young (10 years old) fan.<br /><br />But today's ASG doesn't resemble the old one, with the giant rosters, the everybody-has-to-play mentality, and the resulting short appearances for marquee names. Keeping the starters in the game longer, with a smaller bench and fewer than 13 pitchers, would make it a much better game for the fans.<br /><br />I said on that appearance with McCown that I love the Futures Game, which is an undercovered event as part of All-Star Weekend. The ASG itself, to me, is only a little better than the Home Run Derby, although I don't watch either. That Tuesday was usually a day for me to hit the Cape Cod League, but this year I'm rolling off a redeye that morning so it'll be a day for me to do things like drink coffee.<br /><br />Ty, you can't be even 10% serious with that remark. Criticism isn't the same as cynicism, for one thing, and for another, I think all the prospects I've talked up one way or another is strong evidence of how much I love baseball.Keith Lawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02099157607978191239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2484762138483195409.post-18293931272883751042010-07-05T15:11:10.542-04:002010-07-05T15:11:10.542-04:00Agreed, 100%. I liked Joe Posnanski's observat...Agreed, 100%. I liked <a href="http://joeposnanski.com/JoeBlog/2010/07/04/all-star-game-talk-from-south-africa/" rel="nofollow">Joe Posnanski's</a> observation that most of the complaints arise out of the fact that everyone has different ideas of what the ASG is supposed to be, and MLB has little choice but to try to do a little bit of everything. It seems to piss people off when they can only get things 20-50% of their way, and not 100%.LJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14814296430036230106noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2484762138483195409.post-71750007402897865392010-07-05T14:36:16.838-04:002010-07-05T14:36:16.838-04:00And, at the risk of sounding like I'm contradi...And, at the risk of sounding like I'm contradicting myself here, I'd also note that once they get between the lines, no one dogs the All Star Game. It's way serious.<br /><br />You might disagree with who was chosen, but for the most part, you're seeing the best against the best for most of the game.Tao of Stiebhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12459135109404905466noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2484762138483195409.post-24591274576584427042010-07-05T14:34:44.187-04:002010-07-05T14:34:44.187-04:00Also, with each passing year I'm becoming more...Also, with each passing year I'm becoming more and more convinced that Keith Law actually hates baseball. Unfiltered cynicism is such a horseshit trait to build your persona around.Tyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11878921441543129555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2484762138483195409.post-26644122008428344132010-07-05T14:30:50.418-04:002010-07-05T14:30:50.418-04:00Awesome. I couldn't possibly agree more. It se...Awesome. I couldn't possibly agree more. It seems like every year in the ASG there's at least a few "HOLY COW!" moments, and I'll be the first to admit how cool it feels to see Mariano Rivera coming on to close out a game for the team I'm actually cheering for once a year. Throw in a chance to see a few Jays show off for the rest of the baseball world, and it's a welcome break from the regular season. <br /><br />Remember back in 2006 when Vernon nailed a runner at the plate with a perfect throw from center field, setting up a late-inning comeback win for the AL with Troy Glaus scoring the go-ahead run? That was fucking awesome.Tyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11878921441543129555noreply@blogger.com