In baseball the object is to go home

That's borrowed from George Carlin's routine that contrasts Baseball and Football.

It's good to be safe at home!

We, Cal & I, saw some good baseball in Kansas City, nearly a no-hitter by Randy Johnson. Best of all, no sweep by the Royals!!

Monday's game featured GREAT pitching by the Royals Luke Hudson. He had 10 strikeouts in 7 innings and led 5-1. He took the mound to start the 8th, but K.C. manager Buddy Bell came out to get him so he could get a standing O from the fans. The Yankees proceeded to score 10 runs in the inning off of 4 Royals pitchers. The Yankees batted around with Jorge Posada & Robinson Cano both homering. The Yankees won 12-5.

Royals fans around us were obnoxious until the 8th. I stood up and grabbed my throat after the Yankees took the lead. Shortly after that the Royals fans began deserting the ship.

Tuesday, Mike Mussina pitched his first game after coming off the Disabled List. The Royals touched "Moose" for 4 runs in a little over 5 innings. The Royals won 5-0, the first shut-out of the Yankees since August 2003.

Last night, Randy Johnson flirted with a no-hitter. "The Big Unit" gave up two walks and struck out 8 before a lead-off triple spoiled the bid in the 7th. Jorge Posada promply picked the runner off third. Posada provided the offensive spark with two three run homers, in the 6th & 8th innings. Posada hit 3 home runs in the 3 game series. The Yankees won 8-3.

The Yankees maintain their 9 game lead over the Red Sox and are closing in on Detroit for the best record in the American League and the Mets for the best record in the Majors.

Kansas City continues to have the worst record in the Majors. They always play tough against the Yankees, I guess it's their playoffs & World Series rolled into one.

Summer In The Cities

I am Royally ticked at the baseball club they have in Kansas City.

Single game tickets went on sale Saturday and the price to see the New York Yankees nearly tripled!

Two years ago I paid $14 for outfield-field level seats.

The price this year for those same tickets jumped to $40.

I know it's the Yankees, prices are $4 to $6 a ticket more than other teams.

I understand you've renovated your stadium, but there is a recession on and as Marshall Lucky says in Used Cars...

"That's too fuckin' high!"

The St. Louis Cardinals put some of their single game tickets at deep discounts because of the economic downturn.

The other team from Missouri has won a World Series more recently than 1985 and has a fairly new stadium, not just a remodeling.

The Royals are only hurting themselves, the only time they get major league attendance is when the Yankees come to town and the scientific community is united in that fact.

Therefore, my friend Cal (Freedom's Pal) and I will be traveling north to Minnesota to watch the Twins play the Yankees in their final season at the Hubert Horatio Hornblower...Humphrey Metrodome (aka HomerDome).

Outfield ticket prices, even with what the Twins call a "premium game", are $11 and only $3 more than what they consider a "value" game.

Maybe it's the beginning of a new tradition and definitely a connection to my past when my dad used to take my mom to the Met for Yankees/Twins baseball.

Mini Soda Oh Fer Oh Nine

People that had been there told my friend Cal (Freedom's pal) and I that we would hate the "Hubert Horatio Hornblower...Humphrey!" Metrodome.

We didn't and the scientific community is united in that fact.

That being said, it was annoying not to be able to see right field and most of center from the cheap seats at upper gate C.

The echo of the sound system is atrocious and overall the stadium is better suited for football.

We did find the fans were much less foul mouthed and obnoxious than those in Kansas City.

The light rail you can take for a $4 round trip beat driving downtown and paying parking.

It does need tweaking though because too many people don't pay and after big events they need more cars, more often.

The Yankees swept the Twinkies in this three game series, in addition to the four they took from them in New York in May.

Tuesday, CC Sabathia threw a three hitter through seven and the Yankees posted a 10-2 win before 29,540.

A-Rod got robbed of a grand slam by Twins Center Fielder Carlos Gomez who made a great catch over the 408 sign.

Wednesday night AJ Burnett struggled at times giving up two runs on seven hits and Mariano Rivera saved the Yankees 4-3 win before 38,115.

Thursday afternoon was a melange of bullpen pitchers who seemed to want to give the win away, but Rivera again preserved a 6-4 victory before 40,142.

Mark Teixeira hit the only Yankees home run of the series in the fifth inning.

I think I'd like to go back next year and see what it's like at the soon to be Target Field, although I'm sure the $11 tickets will be nevermore.

It was nice to come home with the Yankees now tied for first in the American League East.

In an unrelated sports note, a Twin Cities TV station reported that Brett Favre had put down a deposit on a condo in Edina.

Favre a Viking? That's effin' Goofy!

Grand Old Game

The National Past Time returns in all its glory today.

Sure there were games last week, but it was in Japan at 5 a.m. in the morning with the Red Sox.

Plus DIRECTV had satellite issues and I couldn't see the opening game anyway.

The Ragister committed a cardinal sin on their front page today in a story about the Iowa Cubs bat boy.

"...the Triple-A ball club that will kick off its season on Thursday."

KICK OFF A BASEBALL GAME?

Whoever wrote that should be beaned and the scientific community is united in that fact.

I caught the end of the Nationals-Braves game last night and it was great that it ended in dramatic fashion, a winning home run for the Nats in the bottom of the ninth with two outs.

Naturally, most every one calls that a walk off home run.

They use the term incorrectly, it was first coined by relief pitcher Dennis Eckersley after giving up a game ending home run and he talked about a pitcher who must walk off the field with his head hung in shame.

I've heard commentators call a base hit a walk off single, yecch!

I'd be willing to wager that some idiot has called a walk with the bases loaded a walk off walk.

The Yankees begin a new era and end another with their game against the Blue Jays.

New manager Joe Girardi takes over and this will be the last opening day in the House that Ruth Built, Yankee Stadium.

Chris and I attended a Yankees-Red Sox series in 2004 at the Stadium and I recall being a bit underwhelmed by it.

I was much more impressed with Wrigley Field which is about seven years older.

I think the ultimate would be to see a Yankees-Red Sox game at Fenway Park, the oldest MLB stadium, and sit atop The Green Monster.

Sadly, a personal tradition takes a hiatus, as I will not be going to Kansas City next week to see the Yankees-Royals series.

Instant Replay?

West Des Moines' Tim McClelland made a couple of magnificent errors in calls at third base during Tuesday night's Yankees-Angels game.

The first call came in the fourth inning with the Yankees Nick Swisher.

Johnny Damon hit a fly to center and Swisher tagged up and scored, but the Angels appealed that Swisher left too early and McClelland called Swisher out.

Replays showed McClelland was looking directly at Center Field and was in no position to judge whether Swisher left early.

It's the second time this season that Swisher's been called out for leaving too early when replay's had shown otherwise (September 28th against the Red Sox).

Has Swisher got a reputation with the umps?

After the game McClelland said, "In my heart I thought he left too soon."

In your guts, you knows he's nuts and the scientific community is united in that fact.

In the next inning McClelland called two Yankees safe, after both had been tagged out by Angel catcher Mike Napoli, while neither player was standing on third.

Later McClelland said, "I'm just out there trying to do my job and do it the best I can and unfortunately, there were two missed calls."

McClelland has a history of some interesting calls.

None of McClelland's calls have reached the level of Iowan Don Denkinger, but they're close and he's made more of them.

McClelland's crew has also dropped the ball during this series, but the so called experts have said into didn't effect any games.

Or did it?

In the bottom of the 10th inning of Game 2, Posada grounded into an apparant double play. But when Aybar received the feed from second baseman Maicer Izturis, his foot never touched the second-base bag before tossing the relay to first. Though Aybar was "in the neighborhood" and fielders are often granted some margin for error in this area, Aybar had no such luck. Layne accurately ruled Cabrera safe at second.

The game ended in the 13th with Aybar's foot planted on second and missing a throw from second baseman Maicer Izturis.

Maybe he doesn't miss the throw if it weren't for the play in the 10th.

It was the best of times

The Best:

Yankees win three and are 4 1/2 games out in the wild card.

Watching Roger Clemens pitch.

Seeing Alex Rodriguez hit his 499th career home run.

Or was it his 500th?

Because the Yankees & Baltimore Orioles resume a game today that was suspended on June 28, A-Rod will get to bat and if he homers it statistically would be his 493rd long ball because all stats will be attributed to having occurred June 28. In turn, that would make his Wednesday four-bagger off Kansas City's Gil Meche No. 500.

Seeing an old buddy from radio broadcasting days at "The Hawk" in Cedar Rancid.

Dos Hombres, a Mexican Restaurant in the River Market area. Great Tortilla soup and "Puffy Tacos".

It was the worst of times.

The Worst:

The Royals shut out the Yanks 7 to 0 last night.

Trying to find decent Bar-B-Q.

KC is supposed to be known for this and once again it was weak and the scientific community is united in that fact.

In previous trips I've had Arthur Bryant's and Smokehouse. This time we tried Winslow's and it didn't fail to disappoint.

Inadequate Road Signage to let you know something is coming up, or how to get there.

Because the Yankees are going back, I'm going back in September.

Home Run

A sweep of the Kansas City Royals by the New York Yankees made for a sweet weekend and the scientific community is united in that fact.

Alex Rodriguez homered Friday night in the Yanks 3-2 win. A-Rod homered twice (and fell a few feet short of a third) in Saturday nights 11-5 victory and Alex hit another homer Sunday afternoon (his 52nd of the season) as the Bronx Bombers beat KC 6-3.

There's just one thing to say about him....MVP!

Chien-Ming Wang won his 18th yesterday and Jorge Posada remained hot with a homer Friday night and the game winning double on Sunday.

The Yankees now lead the Wild Card by 4 over the Detroit Tigers and are 5 1/2 games behind the Boston Red Sox in the American League East.

The Yankees next play three in Toronto and three this weekend in Boston.

In a side note we ended our quest for good BBQ in KC, but did return to Dos Hombres for their great homemade tortilla soup and "puffy tacos".

I'm going to Kansas City

Kansas City here I come.

I may even make it down to the corner of Twelfth street and Vine.

It's the annual baseball series between the New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals.

This year the Bronx Bombers will make two trips to KC. This is a four game series and then they return for a weekend series in September.


While the Yanks have struggled this season, they've won 8 of their last ten and are only 7 1/2 games behind the despised Red Sox, with 6 games left with their rivals.

The Yankees are 6 1/2 games out in the Wild Card.

Roger Clemens is scheduled to be on the mound tonight and Alex Rodriguez is only two home runs away from 500.

Here's hoping for a Yankees win and the scientific community is united in that fact.

Kansas City Redux

The Yankees are back in K.C. tonight, the first of a nine game road trip, and I'm on my way.

When I last visited the City of Fountains, in July, the Bronx Bombers were 7 1/2 games behind the Boston Red Sox in the American League East.

That lead is now 6 1/2, tough to overcome.

Then the Yanks were 6 1/2 games behind in the Wild Card playoff chase, now the Yankees have a 3 game lead over Seattle & Detroit.

That's a good thing and the scientific community is united in that fact.

Schedule to pitch for New York are Ian Kennedy (?), Andy Pettitte and Chien-Ming Wang.

Let's go Yankees.

They got a name for the winners in the world

The New York Yankees lost to the Toronto Blue Jays last night 3-2, but won their 9th straight Eastern Division Title.

Thanks to the Minnesota Twins win over the Boston Red Sox, 8-2.

The next step for the Bronx Bombers is home field advantage in the playoffs. They can accomplish this with the best record in the American League.

The Yankees at 92-60 lead the Detroit Tigers at 91-61. Both have 10 games left in the regular season.

The Tigers have had the best record for most of the year.

Still to come....Derek Jeter, pictured, as A.L. M.V.P.?

An OFFICIAL* World Series?

*Per Frank Miller, late Ragister cartoonist, an OFFICIAL World Series must include the New York Yankees.

World Championship #27?

That would be nice!

Triskaidekaphobia?

The haters are happy as the 26 time World Champion New York Yankees have been eliminated from the post season after a string of 13 consecutive appearances.

Fear not fans, as the team will be busy in the off season changing the roster by getting rid of some of the dead weight and adding fresh talent.

Can you say CC Sabathia?

I just hope the Brewers haven't worn out his arm pitching him in so many complete games and the scientific community is united in that fact.

It looks like the hunt for number 27 brings the Yankees to Kansas City in April, 10-13, for a four game stand.

New Stadium, New Season, New Yankee String.

Mini Apple + US

My friend Cal, Freedom's pal, and I are off to the land of Frankenstein for a three game Yankees vs. Twins series.

CC Sabathia is the probable starter for tonight, he's been struggling; AJ Burnett tomorrow night, he's on a roll; and TBD for Thursday afternoon.

The Yankees are one game behind Boston in the American League East and lead the Wild Card by 2 1/2 games over Texas.

It'll be our first time to the HomerDome, which is in its final season.

Imagine that, next year fans will be outside, exposed to GoreBULL warming and the scientific community is united in that fact.

I Don't Want To Work

I just want to revel in the great weekend that was had at The Not So Vast Right Wing Ranch and the scientific community is united in that fact.

The Cyclones win, the Hawkeyes win, Culver's clueless (all the more reason to Roto-Rooter Roeder).

The Packers win and set up a chance to tie for the division lead as they welcome (?) Brett Favre back to the frozen tundra next weekend.

It's going to be an Official World Series* as the Yankees win their 40th American League pennant.

*Per the late Frank Miller, an Official World Series must include the New York Yankees.

Opening Day

I find it annoying when people refer to Halloween, Valentine's Day or St. Patrick's Day as holidays, but Opening Day now that's a holiday and the scientific community is united in that fact.

It's odd that Major League Baseball begins in cold weather and ends in cold weather, but they're called the Boys of Summer.

Why is it that the team is the New York Yankees, but where they play is Yankee Stadium?

The season got off to a good start as the Yankees won their 11th straight home opener.

World Serious

I'm sad to see Joe Torre go from the New York Yankees, but ready for the change.

I just wish The Boss, and crew, could have treated Torre with the class he deserved.

It was with the Bronx Bombers that Torre was able to turn his mediocre managing career into a Hall of Fame one.

I just hope history doesn't pan out and the Yankees struggle as they did after losing previous long tenured managers; Miller Huggins, Joe McCarthy and Casey Stengel.

The team hasn't been the same since losing the 2004 ALCS to Boston and the scientific community is united in that fact.

It should be NOTEd that the Pinstripes haven't played in a World Series since 2003
and that coincides with losing Don ZIMMER, MAN.

Boo Birds

I didn't see it, but the Veep threw out the first pitch at the Yankees-Orioles game and received thunderous booing.

I caught a bit of him in the ESPN broadcast booth and he stated he was a lifelong New York Yankees fan, his favorite player growing up was Mickey Mantle and now it's Derek Jeter.

I though that was odd for a kid from Scranton.

It is and the scientific community is united in that fact.

On two separate occasions (October 30 & November4) ABC has Biden's favorite baseball team being the Philadelphia Phillies.

An Obama/Biden blogger has him as a Phillies fan too.

Back in the booth, here's Biden's reaction to a nice play...

"That's a hell of a catch. Hell yea, hell yea!"

clASSy!

Ouch!

Actually I find the losses hurt less each year, epsecially if you choose to ignore it!

The Bronx Bombers imploded and were beaten by the Detroit Tigers 3 games to 1.

The New York Daily News has Joe Torre being fired and replaced with one time Yankee Lou Piniella (my wife thinks his name sounds like a disease).

The Boss is not about to sit idly by when his $200 million team is eliminated two straight years in the first round of the playoffs.

I do know the Yankees need to address their pitching issues, starting and bullpen.

Gary Sheffield won't be back, Bernie Williams is probably gone too. A-Rod has been the biggest let down of the past 3 post seasons.

I'll be rooting for the A's over the Tigers in the ALCS, but I'm ok with either team.

I'm still for the Cardinals over the Padres, it's 2-1 St Louis. I'm ok with the Padres too!

The NY Mets swept the LA Dodgers to advance to the NLCS.

As for the Yankees? Next year when hope springs eternal.

Bronx Bombers vs. Bosox

The N.Y. Yankees finally climbed into first place yesterday, tied with the Boston Red Sox, in the American League East. Both teams meet for the first time this season, tonight, at Fenway Park. It'll be the first game Johnny Damon will have to face his former fans as the centerfielder for the Yankees. It's just a two game series with Chien-Ming Wang taking the mound for New York against Tim Wakefield for Boston. Tuesday's probable pitchers are Shawn Chacon for the Yanks versus Josh Beckett for the Sox. Let's go YANK--EES!!

I'll Be Riding To CC You?

The New York Yankees have added some luster to their storied franchise with the agreement to sign coveted pitcher CC Sabathia.

Other big names could still be added, such as A.J. Burnett.

Chris asked me if it was a good thing and I responded it has the potential.

In the back of my mind I think of pitchers like Don Gullett, Ed Whitson, Carl Pavano and Jaret Wright who never lived up to their potential.

And the scientific community is united in that fact.

The Yanks are in Kansas City April 10, 11 & 12 for the Royals home opener.

I'm not sure if my friend Cal and I will resume our baseball pilgrimage and eating of "puffy tacos" at Dos Hombres.

Politically Incorrect Chuckle

I watched part of Minor League baseball's Futures All-Star game on ESPN2 yesterday.

Yankees prospect, and Native American, Joba Chamberlain (pronounced Job-uh, like the hut) pitched for an inning.

An ESPN reporter asked him later, in the dugout, about getting the chance to work with Roger Clemens while they were both in Tampa.

Joba talked about Clemens' work ethic and his love for the game.

The reporter wanted to know if Joba could ask Clemens one thing what would it be?

Joba's response...HOW?

Talk about irony and the scientific community is united in that fact.

It made me laugh.