Comments on: Humble Pie http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/09/19/humble-pie/ Development site for Bronx Banter Blog's upcoming look and feel Sat, 18 May 2013 18:34:28 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2 By: randym77 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/09/19/humble-pie/#comment-215142 randym77 Sun, 20 Sep 2009 14:27:40 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=23990#comment-215142 [27] I think Guzman was brought up to be a pinch-runner. That frees Gardner to be the LIDR. [27] I think Guzman was brought up to be a pinch-runner. That frees Gardner to be the LIDR.

]]> By: weeping for brunnhilde http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/09/19/humble-pie/#comment-215141 weeping for brunnhilde Sun, 20 Sep 2009 01:37:53 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=23990#comment-215141 heh heh heh heh. heh heh heh heh.

]]> By: Sliced Bread http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/09/19/humble-pie/#comment-215140 Sliced Bread Sun, 20 Sep 2009 00:56:13 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=23990#comment-215140 [31] yeah, some sort of lottery would be the best idea. Fair enough, fair enough, they'd all assure me, and then the two who drew the shorter straws would stew about it, and me and the boy who "won" would end up feeling lousy. Heh. Nah, we'll work something out... at some point. [31] yeah, some sort of lottery would be the best idea. Fair enough, fair enough, they’d all assure me, and then the two who drew the shorter straws would stew about it, and me and the boy who “won” would end up feeling lousy. Heh. Nah, we’ll work something out… at some point.

]]> By: weeping for brunnhilde http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/09/19/humble-pie/#comment-215139 weeping for brunnhilde Sat, 19 Sep 2009 23:47:23 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=23990#comment-215139 [30] Thanks, Sliced, for the encouraging word. I must admit, my brain tells me that for Christ's sake, they're only 7! but my heart tells me, "What's wrong with you? I don't care if you miss the ball, but don't just stand around and let it pass right by you without so much as moving your feet! I try to convey a sense of urgency to them but try not to bark and fume. I want to make it clear that I have expectations of them without, of course, intimidating or demoralizing them. It's extremely taxing, mentally, to figure out where the line is with each player, over and over and over again. I do hope I (more or less) get it right. As to yourself, could you just draw lots or something, in the presence of all, to determine who goes first? I can imagine it would be hard to choose. I have two kids and it's a constant struggle simply trying to balance my attention between them on the mundane stuff. [30] Thanks, Sliced, for the encouraging word. I must admit, my brain tells me that for Christ’s sake, they’re only 7! but my heart tells me, “What’s wrong with you? I don’t care if you miss the ball, but don’t just stand around and let it pass right by you without so much as moving your feet!

I try to convey a sense of urgency to them but try not to bark and fume. I want to make it clear that I have expectations of them without, of course, intimidating or demoralizing them. It’s extremely taxing, mentally, to figure out where the line is with each player, over and over and over again. I do hope I (more or less) get it right.

As to yourself, could you just draw lots or something, in the presence of all, to determine who goes first? I can imagine it would be hard to choose. I have two kids and it’s a constant struggle simply trying to balance my attention between them on the mundane stuff.

]]> By: Sliced Bread http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/09/19/humble-pie/#comment-215138 Sliced Bread Sat, 19 Sep 2009 21:01:53 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=23990#comment-215138 [26] Good on your boy at 1b! and good on you for coaching! I haven't had the privilege yet. I keep putting it off because my sons all want me to coach their teams, and I'd feel bad choosing one of them over the others. Instead, I try to catch all three of their games (and as many practices as I can) as a proud spectator. I'd love to coach, and at some point I will. Gotta stop putting it off. I know they'll understand when it's not their turn. Anyway, you're right, weeping, coaching is a tremendous honor. As far as kids being hungry for the ball, and really understanding their games, it gets better every year. Be patient, and hang in there. Their skills improve so quickly year to year it's amazing. [23] and yeah, Raf, it's so much fun when things start to click for them -- and I'm not just talking about my kids. Throughout the years I've gotten to watch a so many of my sons' friends progress. I's fun to see the ones who were shy gain confidence, and the ones who were confident be humbled by the others who didn't get it at first. This evening, me, and my wife and kids, and even my in-laws are heading over to the football fields to watch my neighbor's son. He's 8 and plays a mean free safety. He's gonna love having a personal cheering section in the stands -- even though we cheer for 'em all. [26] Good on your boy at 1b! and good on you for coaching! I haven’t had the privilege yet. I keep putting it off because my sons all want me to coach their teams, and I’d feel bad choosing one of them over the others. Instead, I try to catch all three of their games (and as many practices as I can) as a proud spectator. I’d love to coach, and at some point I will. Gotta stop putting it off. I know they’ll understand when it’s not their turn. Anyway, you’re right, weeping, coaching is a tremendous honor. As far as kids being hungry for the ball, and really understanding their games, it gets better every year. Be patient, and hang in there. Their skills improve so quickly year to year it’s amazing.

[23] and yeah, Raf, it’s so much fun when things start to click for them — and I’m not just talking about my kids. Throughout the years I’ve gotten to watch a so many of my sons’ friends progress. I’s fun to see the ones who were shy gain confidence, and the ones who were confident be humbled by the others who didn’t get it at first.

This evening, me, and my wife and kids, and even my in-laws are heading over to the football fields to watch my neighbor’s son. He’s 8 and plays a mean free safety. He’s gonna love having a personal cheering section in the stands — even though we cheer for ‘em all.

]]> By: Horace Clarke Era http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/09/19/humble-pie/#comment-215137 Horace Clarke Era Sat, 19 Sep 2009 20:08:36 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=23990#comment-215137 Wow, the old timer wanders off a bit ... and everyone's agitated again. I think Cliff and a couple of others have it right here ... a dominant closer got beat by a bad pitch and a star player (one he'd handled well before). I can see no reason to walk Ichiro in that situation, Mo would probably have hated to do it, though it wouldn't have freaked me if they had. The 2 for 10 was probably a factor. Same with Molina ... we went through the Cervelli Lovefest awhile back and I thought we got rid of it. On the other hand, I WOULD have pinch hit for Molina in that late at-bat ... with a deep bench now, and Cervelli available, there's no need, 2 weeks left in season, to prop up Molina's batting confidence. Start the man, pinch hit for him. But the glory of a good cushion is that nothing feels as agitation worthy, and the best thing about the night, for me, was surely AJ. That was a very good start against a team playing fairly well. Next key: let Andy be all right, and throw well next start. Wow, the old timer wanders off a bit … and everyone’s agitated again. I think Cliff and a couple of others have it right here … a dominant closer got beat by a bad pitch and a star player (one he’d handled well before). I can see no reason to walk Ichiro in that situation, Mo would probably have hated to do it, though it wouldn’t have freaked me if they had. The 2 for 10 was probably a factor. Same with Molina … we went through the Cervelli Lovefest awhile back and I thought we got rid of it. On the other hand, I WOULD have pinch hit for Molina in that late at-bat … with a deep bench now, and Cervelli available, there’s no need, 2 weeks left in season, to prop up Molina’s batting confidence. Start the man, pinch hit for him.

But the glory of a good cushion is that nothing feels as agitation worthy, and the best thing about the night, for me, was surely AJ. That was a very good start against a team playing fairly well. Next key: let Andy be all right, and throw well next start.

]]> By: Diane Firstman http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/09/19/humble-pie/#comment-215136 Diane Firstman Sat, 19 Sep 2009 18:18:36 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=23990#comment-215136 [24] Gashouse Gorillas comes to mind ... :-) [24]

Gashouse Gorillas comes to mind … :-)

]]> By: Rich http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/09/19/humble-pie/#comment-215135 Rich Sat, 19 Sep 2009 18:02:26 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=23990#comment-215135 [24] Cash sort of implies that he brought up Guzman to be a defensive replacement. Alas. [24] Cash sort of implies that he brought up Guzman to be a defensive replacement. Alas.

]]> By: weeping for brunnhilde http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/09/19/humble-pie/#comment-215134 weeping for brunnhilde Sat, 19 Sep 2009 17:22:27 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=23990#comment-215134 [22] Bravo, Sliced! I know the feeling. My second grader had his first fall league game this morning and made several nice plays at first, including one where he ranged pretty far to his right, fielded cleanly, ran back to first to record the out. Textbook mechanics, footwork, etc. I was very proud. You're right, it is a joy to watch the kids. It's also kind of frustrating for me, though, as a coach. So many of them don't really want the ball, so when it's hit, everyone assumes someone else will get it, rather than hungering for any baseball within ten feet of themselves. One begins to wonder if they're just timid or if they really just don't want to be there. I try to stay patient, but it can be taxing to see such a dearth of enthusiasm and effort. All in all, though, it really is a joy and a privilege to get to work with the kids teaching them the sport that I love, so I try not to complain too much. [22] Bravo, Sliced! I know the feeling. My second grader had his first fall league game this morning and made several nice plays at first, including one where he ranged pretty far to his right, fielded cleanly, ran back to first to record the out. Textbook mechanics, footwork, etc. I was very proud.

You’re right, it is a joy to watch the kids. It’s also kind of frustrating for me, though, as a coach. So many of them don’t really want the ball, so when it’s hit, everyone assumes someone else will get it, rather than hungering for any baseball within ten feet of themselves. One begins to wonder if they’re just timid or if they really just don’t want to be there. I try to stay patient, but it can be taxing to see such a dearth of enthusiasm and effort.

All in all, though, it really is a joy and a privilege to get to work with the kids teaching them the sport that I love, so I try not to complain too much.

]]> By: monkeypants http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/09/19/humble-pie/#comment-215133 monkeypants Sat, 19 Sep 2009 16:58:57 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=23990#comment-215133 [24] I have a hard time reconciling that statement with my memory of more than few games when the bench was one or two players deep, to make room for endless relief pitchers who were never to be used. [24] I have a hard time reconciling that statement with my memory of more than few games when the bench was one or two players deep, to make room for endless relief pitchers who were never to be used.

]]> By: ny2ca2dc http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/09/19/humble-pie/#comment-215132 ny2ca2dc Sat, 19 Sep 2009 16:26:42 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=23990#comment-215132 Did everyone see the following quote in <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/19/sports/baseball/19yankees.html?ref=baseball" rel="nofollow">T-Kep's article</a>? <blockquote>“Every placement you have on that roster is to serve a purpose,” Cashman said. “My job as G.M. is to give my manager every option so when Joe Girardi looks down his bench late in a game and he needs a stolen base, he’ll have that guy. If he needs <b>a big, hairy monster to slam the ball out of the park</b>, he’ll have that guy. If he needs a defensive replacement to help in the outfield or the infield, he’ll have that guy.”</blockquote> Pretty damn hilarious! Hinske isn't that hairy, though, is he? Maybe Kevin Millar can be had for the hairy monster role? Did everyone see the following quote in T-Kep’s article?

“Every placement you have on that roster is to serve a purpose,” Cashman said. “My job as G.M. is to give my manager every option so when Joe Girardi looks down his bench late in a game and he needs a stolen base, he’ll have that guy. If he needs a big, hairy monster to slam the ball out of the park, he’ll have that guy. If he needs a defensive replacement to help in the outfield or the infield, he’ll have that guy.”

Pretty damn hilarious!

Hinske isn’t that hairy, though, is he? Maybe Kevin Millar can be had for the hairy monster role?

]]> By: Raf http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/09/19/humble-pie/#comment-215131 Raf Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:35:06 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=23990#comment-215131 [22] Yes, yes it is a lot of fun watching kids play sports. Especially when they're at the stage where they've been playing for a while, and things click and they finally get it. [22] Yes, yes it is a lot of fun watching kids play sports. Especially when they’re at the stage where they’ve been playing for a while, and things click and they finally get it.

]]> By: Sliced Bread http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/09/19/humble-pie/#comment-215130 Sliced Bread Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:28:43 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=23990#comment-215130 Perfect headline, Cliff - and totally agree that Burnett's performance makes it easy to shake this one off. Completely off-topic, but along the same lines: One of my sons scored his first goal in soccer this morning. He's been playing for several years now, and is becoming a very good player. It wasn't one of those happenstance goals that chanced to glance off his foot. This was a deliberate shot, measured and executed perfectly off his left boot. He celebrated like a Brazilian pro. Arms up, completely stunned by his success, running fast and proud back to midfield. For a second I thought he might rip off his shirt. Anyway, 7 year olds are a joy to watch. His team lost by the score of something like 6-1, but we couldn't have come home happier, or prouder. There are definitely victories in defeat, and Burnett's performance is another great example of that. Perfect headline, Cliff – and totally agree that Burnett’s performance makes it easy to shake this one off.

Completely off-topic, but along the same lines:

One of my sons scored his first goal in soccer this morning. He’s been playing for several years now, and is becoming a very good player. It wasn’t one of those happenstance goals that chanced to glance off his foot. This was a deliberate shot, measured and executed perfectly off his left boot. He celebrated like a Brazilian pro. Arms up, completely stunned by his success, running fast and proud back to midfield. For a second I thought he might rip off his shirt. Anyway, 7 year olds are a joy to watch. His team lost by the score of something like 6-1, but we couldn’t have come home happier, or prouder. There are definitely victories in defeat, and Burnett’s performance is another great example of that.

]]> By: seamus http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/09/19/humble-pie/#comment-215129 seamus Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:19:48 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=23990#comment-215129 [9] aye thanks matey! [9] aye thanks matey!

]]> By: Raf http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/09/19/humble-pie/#comment-215128 Raf Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:18:22 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=23990#comment-215128 [19] I guess no one saw the 2-10 career vs Rivera... [19] I guess no one saw the 2-10 career vs Rivera…

]]> By: randym77 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/09/19/humble-pie/#comment-215127 randym77 Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:55:27 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=23990#comment-215127 [17] I don't have a problem with pitching to Ichiro. According to <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/07/science/07diam.html" rel="nofollow">statistical analysis</a>, IBBs don't make sense, since even the best player is more likely to make an out than get on base. Just didn't work out for us this time. [17] I don’t have a problem with pitching to Ichiro. According to statistical analysis, IBBs don’t make sense, since even the best player is more likely to make an out than get on base.

Just didn’t work out for us this time.

]]> By: RagingTartabull http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/09/19/humble-pie/#comment-215126 RagingTartabull Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:47:22 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=23990#comment-215126 [17] my bad, the PSM# is at 3, I thought it went down to 2 after the Angels win. 2 is also the number of career hits Ichiro had against Mo going into the 9th last night...just sayin' [17] my bad, the PSM# is at 3, I thought it went down to 2 after the Angels win.

2 is also the number of career hits Ichiro had against Mo going into the 9th last night…just sayin’

]]> By: RagingTartabull http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/09/19/humble-pie/#comment-215125 RagingTartabull Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:34:35 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=23990#comment-215125 so I fell asleep going into the bottom of the 9th last night...feeling pretty safe. My biggest concern last night was getting a big start out of AJ...no complaints there; especially considering the Magic Number for the PS is now at 2, any masochists with visions of the '07 Mets dancing in their heads can probably let it go. As for the pitching to Ichiro, I love how to so many people putting the winning run on base in the person of one of the best base runners of all time is such a no-brainer. Could you have walked him there? Sure. Would I have? I'd like to think I would've. But it's anything but an open-and-shut case. But as we all know, this is obviously a team that has a 5.5 game lead for best record and 94 wins in the bank all in spite of Girardi...obviously. so I fell asleep going into the bottom of the 9th last night…feeling pretty safe.

My biggest concern last night was getting a big start out of AJ…no complaints there; especially considering the Magic Number for the PS is now at 2, any masochists with visions of the ’07 Mets dancing in their heads can probably let it go.

As for the pitching to Ichiro, I love how to so many people putting the winning run on base in the person of one of the best base runners of all time is such a no-brainer.

Could you have walked him there? Sure. Would I have? I’d like to think I would’ve. But it’s anything but an open-and-shut case. But as we all know, this is obviously a team that has a 5.5 game lead for best record and 94 wins in the bank all in spite of Girardi…obviously.

]]> By: Rich http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/09/19/humble-pie/#comment-215124 Rich Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:19:50 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=23990#comment-215124 [15] If you're lowering his ERA, I don't think it's working. The larger point is that I always believe that taking pitches to get a starter out of a game as early as possible is the best strategy. Not playing, or at least pinch hitting for, Molina, and the Guzman/Swisher substitution could have mooted it. [15] If you’re lowering his ERA, I don’t think it’s working.

The larger point is that I always believe that taking pitches to get a starter out of a game as early as possible is the best strategy.

Not playing, or at least pinch hitting for, Molina, and the Guzman/Swisher substitution could have mooted it.

]]> By: randym77 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/09/19/humble-pie/#comment-215123 randym77 Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:06:41 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=23990#comment-215123 [14] I dunno. He's a good pitcher, and they got 8 hits off him. And the Yanks were't losing until the end, so it's hard to say the strategy wasn't working. [14] I dunno. He’s a good pitcher, and they got 8 hits off him. And the Yanks were’t losing until the end, so it’s hard to say the strategy wasn’t working.

]]>