Baseball363

New blog post soon!

2011-11-18T22:55:00.000-05:00

One year since my last blog post!I wanted to write a new (proper) one tonight, but I did not give myself enough time, therefore I am writing this to hype the new (proper) blog post coming soon!

The Bullpen Gospels by Dirk Hayhurst - book review

2010-11-18T10:08:00.009-05:00

I was actually following Dirk Hayhurst on Twitter before I was aware he had a book out. I was following him for the reason that he was a member of the Blue Jays organisation. And then at some point I saw he had replied to someone who had praised his book. Naturally, this piqued my interest, seeing as he is still an active player.Given the title, I was expecting more of an inside look into the

I'm pictured on mlb.com!

2010-10-17T22:55:00.000-04:00

Okay, maybe not exactly mlb.com, but close enough! I am on the photo page for the April 14 Jays game against the White Sox. Apparently that game was a record low for attendance at a Jays game in SkyDome (I still call it that, not Rogers Centre!). The announced attendance was 10,610, however it felt more like an Expos game when they were in their lame duck years. Based on memory, I'd say no more

Simpsons MoneyBART episode review (Season 22 episode 3)

2010-10-17T19:35:00.004-04:00

I saw this episode when it aired, last Sunday, October 10, and thorougly enjoyed it. It just dawned on me, that I could post a review here, as I am in dire need of posts on this (very much still alive) blog.The Simpsons being my favourite all time show, even if I do not watch it very often anymore, save for new episodes when I have the chance.So of course, The Simpsons has countless baseball

MLB Player and prospect blogs

2010-07-28T03:49:00.003-04:00

If you are like me, chances are, you may be, if you are a baseball fan, you like hearing baseball from the perspective of the player. So in short, I am updating my player blogs that are hosted at mlblogs (the MLB blogging network). Oh, and shameless plug, I write occasionally a Jays one, at Blue Jays Outside the DomeAnyway, on with the player, and prospect blogs.David Ortiz (BOS)Reed Johnson (LAD

Former Montreal Expo Michael Barrett moves up to Triple-A Buffalo Bisons

2010-07-27T02:57:00.006-04:00

Earlier this month, I mentioned on Twitter how Michael Barrett was signed to a minor league contract by the New York Mets. In the article linked from the Twitter post, it said how we was expected to move up to Triple-A Buffalo after a few weeks. Well now he has.He played 15 games for the High-A Mets affiliate, St. Lucie Mets. In those 15 games, he batted .220, in 50 AB. His OBP was .278.In two

Andre Dawson, Hall of Famer

2010-07-20T00:10:00.006-04:00

Andre Dawson was about halfway through his time with the Expos when I was just being born in 1980. Point being, he was playing long before I started following baseball as much as I do now. However from what I have learned, and what his peers have said, he is more than a eligible to find his way into the Hall.Even though by edict of the Hall he'll be the second player -- following Gary Carter --

R.I.P. José Lima

2010-07-01T01:20:00.003-04:00

I was in Quebec City at the time. Away from most modern technology we take for granted today. Television was accessible at the time. I was able to see some of the Boston Philadelphia game. I noticed Big Papi David Ortiz had a RIP José on his hat. José Lima was the only person I could think of, but thought he was too young.I later found out it was indeed him. I did not know him personally, however

HR, Hitting Rehearsal?

2010-06-24T03:00:00.006-04:00

In case you have not heard, the "Brevard County Manatees rename 'BP' to 'hitting rehearsal' due to oil spill in Gulf".When I first head this I was thinking it was MLB league wide, and how it'll always be BP to me, among everyone really! Anyway, it is just the Brevard County Manatees, Milwaukee Brewers Single A Advance affiliate.I can definitely see the logic. Somewhat odd as they are not on the

What do Michael Jordan, Terry Francona and Ozzie Guillen have in common?

2010-05-11T22:59:00.006-04:00

In short, Terry Francona managed Michael Jordan during his brief baseball stint. Ozzie Guillen was with the White Sox, so he spent time with Michael Jordan during Spring Training.Michael Jordan played for the Birmingham Barons during the 1994 season. He played in 127 games, posting a .202 BA with 51 RBI, 51 BB, 30 SB (out of 48). Struck out 114 times out of 436 AB. He played in 119 games in the

Live Tweeting the Jays Home Opening Series!

2010-04-11T18:35:00.004-04:00

I'll be live tweeting during the first four Toronto home games! Their home opener id tomorrow night, first pitch scheduled for 7:20 EDT. The next three, all against the White Sox, are 7:07 EDT.Follow me @baseball363!This blog is still alive and well!

Cincinnati Reds 2010

2010-02-14T03:16:00.003-05:00

Aroldis Chapman has is now with the Reds organisation. The Cuban defector who has been clocked at upwards of 102mph. He signed for $30.25 million over the next six years, plus incentives, and he was given a $16.25 million signing bonus. Not bad.Orlando Cabrera has signed with the Reds.The Reds move into Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear, AZ, moving from the Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, FL. Joining

Vladimir Guerrero, Texas Ranger

2010-02-04T03:27:00.004-05:00

Vladimir Guerrero as of January 11 2010, is a Texas Ranger. He will be primarily be used as the DH. He will be used in the cleanup spot behind Josh Hamilton.Last year he only had two games in the outfield.Should be interesting to see how his offensive numbers will be since he does not have to worry about the outfield.The Rangers Ballpark in Arlington:

Polo Grounds in MLB 10 The Show!

2010-01-08T02:10:00.011-05:00

I just read that MLB 10 The Show will feature Polo Grounds!As I finally have a PS3, I can catch up on baseball gaming (and gaming in general).I quite enjoyed MVP Baseball 2004 and 2005. I played them both on my PC. I still have them installed, 2004 being the final year of the Expos! So I have the ongoing career mode with the Expos! MVP Baseball 2005 was the last MLB baseball game EA made (they

NHL Winter Classic 2010 at Fenway Park

2009-12-23T20:54:00.007-05:00

This year's Winter Classic (hockey game played outdoors) is at Fenway Park. The Boston Bruins will host the Philadelphia Flyers.The Boston Bruins, founded in 1924, became the first American NHL team. They entered the league alongside the Montreal Maroons. The NHL having been founded November 26, 1917.The Philadelphia Flyers were founded much later, in 1967. They were part of the six team

Flight of the Molina's

2009-12-03T02:19:00.003-05:00

This post has been in my head for a while, so since it is the offseason, there is plenty of time for various posts.Oldest brother Bengie was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico (July 20, 1974), while José and Yadier were both born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico (José: June 5, 1975, Yadier: July 13, 1982). Making the older two, Bengie 35, and José 34, while younger brother Yadier is 27)I may as well just

Free Agent Frenzy/Hot Stove Report

2009-11-19T01:53:00.005-05:00

Quite a number of interesting free agents this off season. At least in my opinion.From the unfortunate World Series champions, Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui are free agents. Apparently only one witll stay. From what I understand Johnny Damon had a good year with the Yankees. I have liked him since the 2004 Red Sox, I also like Johnny as I base my batting stance somewhat off his! So I would not

Michael Barrett on "The Expos: Five years later" panel

2009-11-15T03:47:00.005-05:00

When I heard former Expo and current minor league free agent was going to be in town, I knew I had to be there.He was in town for the Concordia University Sports Journalism Workshop. This year's theme was Montreal: Major League City?I was planning on checking out all the events, but only ended up staying for the panel Michael Barrett was involved in, titled "The Expos: Five Years Later." The

Met Michael Barrett/on Twitter now.

2009-11-07T14:03:00.004-05:00

So I met Michael Barrett, very briefly, after the discussion panel titled "The Expos: Five years later" at the Concordia Sports Journalism Workshop. He seems like quite a nice down to earth guy. I'll post some pictures of the event, and video (before my battery died!) later.I'll also in the coming days write something up about it, although I cannot call myself a journalist, nor do I try, but in

Postseason 2009 Highlights

2009-11-05T01:12:00.002-05:00

With baseball over for another year, Major League Baseball anyway, might as well post a few postseason highlights.First one that comes to my mind is a play Willy Aybar made against the Yankees, on a high chopper, making the out bare handed to first base, a great play. I could not find the video highlight.Tonight, Pedro made a very nice play on what I believe was a check swing ground ball down to

The Greatest Catch in World Series History

2009-10-29T00:51:00.002-04:00

Bottom six, one out, Johnny Damon at the plate, Cliff Lee on the mound. Johnny Damon pops out softly to pitcher Cliff Lee. The greatest catch in World Series History!Seriously though, it was pretty funny how Cliff Lee caught it, very nonchalantly as one Tim McCarver put it. I wonder how the international feed described it. He made it look unbelievably easy, and that was a soft pop just barely to

Montreal Expos exposition

2009-10-20T00:43:00.003-04:00

Another better late than never post.So as the post states, if you are living in Montreal, you should head over to Sub-V (5666 Sherbrooke W.), as Denis Raby, Expo fan way longer than me, yet about the same age, created some interesting "wood burnings of 17 Expos stars". They are surprisingly well done, it was not apparent from a print image.I was there for the vernissage when it opened, and met

Former Expos in the 2009 Postseason

2009-10-20T00:30:00.000-04:00

A little late, but better late than never.Staring with the Angels who won in walk off fashion thanks to Jeff Mathis' double. Now the Angels are only down 2-1, whereas the Dodgers are down 3-1 with Jimmy Rollins' double. Of course Vladimir Guerrero is there, he hit a two run homer in the bottom of the sixth. Juan Rivera and Maicer Izturis are still there too.For the Phillies, Pedro Martinez is

Twins win!

2009-10-07T01:19:00.003-04:00

Well, that was some kinda ballgame. It felt like a game 7 of the World Series practically!I watched from the third inning on. I essentially turned on just before Detroit got on the board. The TBS announcers said how it is important to get a shut down inning after having scored runs. Well, that almost happened, if not for the Rick Porcello throwing error.An inning after Jason Kubel homered to cut

AL Central, Detroit or Minnesota?

2009-10-04T04:10:00.006-04:00

I have been closely watching the AL Central race, as I predicted Minnesota would make it into the postseason.They went 2-2 in a crucial four game series in Detroit from September 29 to October 1. It would have been September 28 to October 1, but the first game was postponed due to rain, and made up as a double header the next day.I said crucial, as going into that series they were 2 GB. Had they